The 27th Owu National Convention held in Iwo, Osun State brought together crème-de-la-creme of Owu indigenes for two days. TUNDE BUSARI reports the thrills and frills of the gathering.

Though arriving behind schedule, the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo last Saturday made it to Iwo, Osun state where the Royal Union of Owu People (RUOP) was holding its 27 Owu National Convention at the Kings Riverside Holiday Resort along Ibadan road.

Alongside traditional rulers as well as prominent sons and daughters of Owu extraction, Obasanjo demonstrated solidarity with his root adorning the uniform Ankara fabrics and missing freely with all in attendance.There was, however, apprehension on his likely absence, a situation which gave way for optimism when the news that his chopper had landed on the field of Baptist High School, Iwo leaked.

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Following the breaking news, the whole hall was in frenzy looking forward to see Obasanjo in their midst. And by the time he arrived into the waiting hands of the royal fathers led by the Chairman, Supreme Council of Owu Obas, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, it was a charged hall that ushered him to his seat on the high platform.

The previous Friday,December 7, 2018, the Iwo Central Mosque had played host to the special thanksgiving arranged by the union, an event that announced the presence of Owu people drawn from five states of the federation and in the diaspora in Iwo. Good and affordable hotels in the town were immediate beneficiaries as tens of visitors needed to pass a night in the town.

As the jummat service was rounded off, the visitors went straight to the business with the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union holding its meeting, which was presided over by the Chairman of Supreme Council of Owu Obas, the Olowu of Owu Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama.

At the end of the session where far-reaching issues were debated, the NEC rose and ratified another two-year tenure for the president of the union, Major General Ekundayo Opaleye (rtd) led executive, which was severally described as effective and result-oriented.

Oba Makama was excited by the outcome of the NEC meeting pointing it out that the conduct of the meeting attested to the sophistication and civilization of the Owu people. The monarch said one good turn deserves another, hence the ratification of the executive new tenure.

“As a journalist, I expect you to also find out why the exco was given another term. In plain language, it is evidence of their stewardship as one who should be encouraged to pilot the plane owing to the commitment and leadership quality demonstrated by the president.

“I am, therefore, congratulating him and other members of his team. I am urging them to take the union to higher height we expect from them. You can go and ask others about how they had carried out their duties to further confirm my remark on them. We are blessed in Owu, and this is one of the evidences,” he said.

Among the resolutions reached at the NEC meeting included seeking support for the government to conduct credible and peaceful general elections in 2019. The meeting urged Owu people to participate actively in politics based on respective choice of political parties. The meeting promised to remain a socio-cultural body which is not tied to any political party. The NEC also congratulated the new Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola and urged him to live up to his pre-election promises to the electorate. They also promised the support of the union to the government. Also, the meeting challenged the Owus to encourage their wives to engage in arts and crafts with a view to empowering them against the current economy.

The success of the NEC meeting was celebrated at the Gala Night that stretched till the dawn of the following day. During the fun-filled gathering, the atmosphere brought out the beauty of the existing unity among Owu people. It was a complete relaxation moment dancing to live band and series of cultural performances including exhibition of art and craft made by Owu women.

Before the Saturday session commenced the people had converged on Almaroma Baptist Church, Hospital road, Iwo for another thanksgiving during which the officiating minister was said to have drawn a comparism between the Owus and the Jews.

It was learnt that the Olowu Kuta complemented the minister of God by telling the church that an Owu son approved the Bowen University owned by the Baptist. The revelation was said to have received applause and laughter among the congregation.

After the thanksgiving the train moved back to the Kings Riverside Holiday Resort, the frontage of which had then became a beehive of economic and cultural activities with retailers doing their business and exhibition going on simultaneously.

Obasanjo was the proverbial big masquerade which takes last dance because soon after he left the podium, the programme was rounded off. However, he did not leave without dropping a political message, which earned him loud ovation. He did not particularly campaign for any candidate but told the electorate to review the last three years first before they cast their votes atthe next elections.

“Whoever says the last three years and half years are good years for him economically needs to be asked on the secret which is not in public domain. Secondly, each state should look carefully before you leap so that we don’t leap before we look. God did not make Nigeria a failed nation. The people in power make it so. But enough is enough. A word is enough for the wise. I am not going to be a part of what is not good again,” he stated.

Before he dropped his political words, Obasanjo had earlier tendered apology to the large and attentive audience over his lateness to the event, explaining his trip to Delta State from where he flew to Iwo. He further said that he was being expected in Iperu, Ogun State after which he would jet out to Egypt in the night. The former president acknowledged the art works shown to him by Owu women and advised their menfolk to give them needed support to expand their vocations as a fight against poverty.

General Opaleye, in his speech, appreciated the commitment shown by the Owu people and asked them not to rest on their oars, adding that the union still had a long journey to tread in order to achieve the aim of the founding father. He also appreciated the attendance by Obasanjo despite a plausible reason to miss it.

Going down memory lane, the former governor of Ondo State during the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, traced the origin of the union to the late Balogun of Owu Kingdom, Chief Akin Olugbade who had the vision to reunite Owu people after the 1821-1826 war that dispersed them from their homestead.

“He then identified some Owu sons and daughters under the chairmanship of Chief Afolabi Fadairo who was the then Oganla of Owu, Abeokuta. Chief Akin Olugbade went to most Yoruba nation and invited some notable Owu sons and daughters to a dinner at Gateway Hotel, Abeokuta in 1986. After that dinner, not much was heard about this union because for over 13 years, there was no Oba Olowu in Abeokuta,” He said.

He recalled that Obasanjo in 1992 felt that Olugbade effort should not be wasted and came up with a lunch in his Ota Farm where he was said to have raised some pertinent issues on Owu people.

“At that lunch I remember a tentative meeting was followed. The following Owu leaders were present at that luncheon; Dr Onaolapo Soleye, Prince Bola Ajibola, Mr Doja Adewolu, Alhaji M. Ola Yusuf, Arc Wale Adisa Odeleye. Alhaji M. Ola Yusuf took it upon himself to move round the Owu settlements and carry out the plan to bring the Owu people under one umbrella,” Opaleye said.

The origin of the Owus, unlike other historical accounts, raises no serious argument as Nigerian Tribune findings have revealed that one Ajibosin, a grandson of Oduduwa was the progenitor of the Owus having received his crown from Oduduwa right from his childhood.

Ajibosin, a son of Oduduwa’s daughter called Iyunade, was said to have always cried on the lap of his grandfather whenever a crown was placed on his head and removed. He would only stop when the crown was returned to his head. Oduduwa, thus, decreed that Ajibosi should be made king at his adulthood.

That directive was strictly respected, resulting in Ajibosin relocating to a place below the Niger. His father, Obatala, was reputed for his cotton farm, hence the Ajimosin named ‘Omo Olowu’ (Son of cotton farmer).

In the words of the Olori Igbimo Apomu, Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, Olufemi Osanyinjobi, “Ajibosin was to inherit a large chunk of the cotton farm which formed the bedrock of his original Owu Kingdom at the fringe of the Nupe country. Ajibosi’s new nickname after he relocated accompanied by six iwarefas to his father’s hometown among the Nupes in response to is being the son of Baba Olowu, the cotton farmer.”

The Owus would later settle in Orile Owu, Osun State. The 1821-1826 war, however, dealt a devastating blow to the people as they were forced to disperse and find settlement in different parts of Yorubaland. Today, the Owu towns and communities are located in five South west states including Kwara and Benin Republic.

Some of the towns include: Orile Owu, Owu Kuta, Owu Ibadan, Owu Igbotele, Owu Isin, Owu Ijebu, Owu Obaloyan, Owu Ikosi, Owu Oke Ode, Owu Okeya Ipo, Owu Ileogbo, Telemu, Erunmu, Owu Epe, Owu Mosafejo, Owu Obaloyan, Owu Ilemowu, Owu Gbawojo, Olowu Iji, Owu Ile, Owu Mushin, Owu Igboye, Owu Oke Ode, Owu Ajaawa, Owu Ifo,Owu Ogbaagbaa, Owu Ilobu, Owu Modakeke, OwuEpe Ijesa, Owu Ifo, Owu Gbongan, among others.

As a result of their population, they have produced men and women who had distinguished themselves in public and corporate service over the years. They include Obasanjo, former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Bola Ajibola, former Minister of Finance, Dr Onaolapo Soleye, Retired judge, Bola Babalakin, former Governor of Ondo State, Brigadier-General Ekundayo Opaleye, the late Chief Akin Olugbade, former minister in the late General Abacha regime, Chief Wole Oyelese, former Secretary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade among others.

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What informed the visit by the Awori traditional rulers from Lagos and Ogun states to Ile-Ife?

The reason is very simple. The visit was a return to the root. It was home coming of sorts, and it was memorable in all respect.

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How can you describe your experience during the visit?

As I just said, it was a memorable visit reconnecting with our root. I want to believe you know that Ogunfunminire was one of the children of Okanbi. Ogunfunminire was the father of all the Aworis, which goes to say we are direct descendants of Oduduwa. Describing the visit is not important to me as the significance of it. For the first time, I could see where my forefathers emanated from. The Ooni conducted us round the family compound of Ogunfunminire. We also saw the well he used to draw water for domestic use. We saw where so many things took place. It was an emotional experience seeing those historical sites with which Ogunfunminire was connected before he migrated to Lagos.

What lessons have you derived in the trajectory of Ogunfunminire?

His life and journey to found Lagos meant he had a vision because Lagos was and is still  wealth. He saw the wealth and migrated to site. Unfortunately, generations he left behind have not been able to actualise his vision. In Lagos of today, the Aworis are in the majority yet they have not produced a governor for the state. The state is our land but we don’t have economic power. I continue to think on why we are this disadvantaged. Because we lack economic power, political power also eludes us. And it is unfortunate despite the fact that we were the early settlers. While I was interrogating my mind on the likely causes of the problem, I asked myself if the problem is even not a curse. Is it a curse that we are both economically and politically backward? I am disturbed, and that is the truth of the matter. I am seriously disturbed just like every other Awori leader should.

What do you think is the solution to this identified problem?

The solution is in us as the Aworis. I realised  that we don’t like one another. Hatred defines our relationship. We are our own greatest enemies. Even among traditional rulers, there is no genuine love. We like to fight one another over land matter. Land which should be our asset has been turned to a curse now as brothers decide to fight over it. For us to fight this economic and political backwardness, we need to bury the hatchet and come together to speak in one voice. Our differences have been what is being exploited to ride roughshod over us. But there is end in sight if we decide to say a good bye to the past and embrace new future. It is not impossible

You also visited the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbduRasheedAkanbi. What was your mission?

My visit to Iwo followed the same mission for which I had earlier visited other traditional rulers. I felt that we should seriously begin efforts towards a more united Yoruba nation. I was in the Oluwo’s palace, and found him pleasant like others I had visited. I first visited the Ooni, later, the Alaafin, the Orangun. I have also visited the Osolo of Isolo and other Awori traditional rulers. I enjoy doing these visits, and I will not stop doing them because the visits are to achieve a purpose. As a matter of fact, it is my resolve to do the visit every year.

Can you say your first visit to the Ooni propelled other Awori traditional rulers to visit Ile-Ife this time?

I would not say specifically. But I know that they may have also realised the need to return to where we all came from. It was a historic return to our origin. The Ooni is our brother and he played that role well during the visit. Everybody left in happiness.

Coming from academic environment to the palace, aren’t you missing the classroom?

There is no doubting that fact, and it is natural that one would miss where one is coming from. Let me put it in right perspective. I was coming from classroom where I was dealing with academic works and students. But I am now dealing with all sorts of people. Because of this, I would say it is a bit challenging. It was uninteresting too at  the initial stage. But in the final analysis, it is a worthy sacrifice answering the call of my people to lead them as traditional ruler. And my resolve is to take the people out of where they were before I came to the throne. My resolve is to take them away from terrible economic and environmental condition to which they had long been subjected. And I have started to actualise my resolve to change the situation of my people.

Can we say the ongoing economic and security summit is one of what you meant?

Yes. It is good that you witnessed it and probably saw the paper presentations. Don’t forget where I came from. As an academic of my status, you should not be surprised that such a summit is taking place. That is how it is done in civilised world. The summit is a problem-solving ground where problems are identified and solutions preferred. And that was what we saw in the hall today.

Are you satisfied with the turnout and general organisation of the summit?

It is good that you were there. Whatever I tell you can be verified by yourself. I am pleased with the quality of papers we had. It showed that we had started on a good note. Subsequent editions would always be improvement over previous edition. I am happy for those who honoured us, including those who came to receive awards. I am happy that former Attorney General of the federation, Prince Bola Ajibola also came personally to receive his award. His presence added more value to the summit.

There are many industries in your town. How impactful are these industries on the people of your town?

Ota is an industrial town with functional industries everywhere. These industries are making it, that is why they keep expanding here. But in terms of their impacts on the people of my town, it is disappointing news.

Can you expatiate on this?

It is disappointing in the sense that non-indigenes dominate the workforce of these industries. Our sons and daughters working there are very few. At management level of many of the industries, you scarcely find Ota indigenes. That is one of the issues which the summit has also addressed.

Whose fault is this problem?

To be honest, our people share from the blame. No employer would give his job to the unwilling. Because we have not been serious with our lives; because we have been seen selling land and not seen in intellectual engagements, we lost the employment opportunities in these industries. In fact, some successful Awori indigenes don’t like to identify with their Awori brothers and sisters. In fact, I was one of those people. My friend, Kayode Opeifa, was surprised when he later knew that I was an Awori after a long time of our relationship. We saw the identity as a stigma. But things have begun to change now. My coming to the throne has changed it. Eminent indigenes are now coming to associate with their root now. I want my brothers and sisters to take the advantage now and change their worldview.

What do you have in place to change them from their old ways to productive citizens?

Already there is Foundation For Economic and Development Imitative (FECODEIN) in place. The vision is to lay foundation for the youth to be successful. We have spoken with investors to join us in this empowerment scheme. Credit would be given out with little interest, and we are also going to share useful information with the beneficiaries; information on how to grow and develop their vocations.

What is the state of security in Ota given the peculiarity of your youths?

I can say that we enjoy relative peace with the efforts of the police, the Navy and civil defence corps. The Area Commander who represented the commissioner of Police has been hardworking. The DPOs and other senior security agencies are cooperative in providing stable security to the town. You can see people going about their normal businesses in the market and elsewhere. That is a sign of the peace we enjoy.

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Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi  Foundation(AYFF) has committed another N8,9million to pay for the registration of  250 Senior Secondary School Students drawn from all the 70  public secondary schools in Ijesaland  for 2018/19 West African Examination(WAEC) examinations. Last year, not less than 100 students  from different public   schools in  the six Local government areas  in Ijesaland  benefited from the scheme.

At the official  presentation of the cheques held in Ilesa  recently the founder/ chairman of the foundation  announced another annual  N100,000  tertiary education scholarship scheme for 10 best students of the 100 beneficiaries of the last year WAEC education supportive scheme, who secured admission into university, or polytechnic, whether federal, or state institutions.

According to him, the scheme would commence in the first quarter of 2019,saying that the beneficiaries would enjoy the facility annually throughout their academic duration if they maintain excellence.

From all indications, The development has raised the entire people of Ijesaland’s hope in their educational pursuits.

The  sincerity of purpose of  the foundation to its education endowment scheme  and  its  commitment to   youth empowerment  in Osun State informed the songs of praises  dedicated to Chief Fasuyi  from different quarters in the land during the event

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Osun State, Mr Sunday Olajide  affirmed   that Asiwaju Yinka  Fasuyi Foundation( AYFF) education support  Scheme programme  has improved West  Africa  Senior Secondary  Certificate Examination  registration in the state since his commitment to education development in the state  some years ago.

According to the State Ministry of Education, the scheme is    timely assistance and  appreciated  because he said  government needed   the support of the society in the provision of quality education. H              “The state government presented the 250 students, evenly selected from all the public secondary schools in Ijesaland based on their  performances in the last unified examinations conducted for all the  senior secondary schools in the state by the government, for the award  as requested  AYFF management. “ It is therefore heartwarming and encouraging  to find individuals and corporate organisations as  Fasuyi Foundation, deeply committed  to the delivery of functional education in the state,” the state ministry declared.

Admiring the unique gesture of Chief Fasuyi  to the Ijesa communities, Adimula of Iferawara, His Royal Majesty, Oba  Ezekiel  Adeniyi  Owolola and his counterpart from  Esa Oke , Oba Adeyemi  Adediran described Chief Fasuyi as  a  renowned   ambassador of Ijesaland in all ramifications.

According to them, God  specially gave  Chief Fasuyi to the entire Ijesaland and he is an  an ambassador of note to Ijesa land and his impact in the land in terms of financial support and skill developments cut across all the  indigenes.

Speaking in the same vein, the chairman of the occasion, Professor  Oye Ibidapo – Obe,  expressed optimism  that the  contributions   of   Chief Fasuyi  to education and economic advancement process of Ijesaland  would restore the land to its Pre- eminence position of  leaders in education, commerce and other sectors in Nigeria.

He described Chief Fasuyi  as a visionary man  whose way of giving back to the society should be emulated by other distinguished people in the land. “ He has set a pace for others in the society to follow. I want to appeal to each and everyone of us  individually and collectively to  pick and fund one or two  of the areas of needs in our land. My appeal also goes to all the Ijesa indigenes home and abroad to join Chief Fasuyi  in his proposed Ijesa strategic development agenda. Let us come together to develop our emerging children” he said.

Representatives of  All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools,  Osun State,(   ANCOPSS) at the occasion, Comrade Sunday Adepoju from Atakumosa  High School with some other principals Pastor Festus Adagunodo, Ilesa Grammar School and Mr Mayowa Oluropo of Apoti High school, unanimously  declared Chief Fasuyi  as a fellow Nigerian  to be reckoned  with in Ijesaland.

According to them, they found it difficult to believe that there is still  someone like him, who gives  without expecting  any reward in return in this an age  where nothing goes for free, or has no political undertone.

“ The school  principals  have under studied the person of Chief Fishy  and we have discovered that he lives by his name; as a Forthright  in everything he does, addicted to giving, supernaturally gifted, Yoked to give to the poor, and has ability  to inspire others. That is the meaning of Fasuyi   of our  time.

“  His education supportive programmes have been a blessing to our  communities  at large. It is  sad to note that there is poverty in the land and many parents could not  pay their children’s WAEC registration fees in the past years. In view of this, we have been having  high percentage of students dropping out of school for lack of money to register for WAEC  examinations. It is that bad  in this environment.  Right now, there is a school in the community that only  two  students have paid for  2019 WAEC registration fees  out of  50 students in the that school.

“Here is someone  in this country, who  has volunteered to pay for 250 students not from his town alone but,  drawn from all Ijesa land. Moreover,  he  employed Mathematics and English teachers for willing students across the six local government areas  in  IJesaland. This singular effort has increased the academic performance since it started. It is our prayers that God will blessing him and raise more hands to support the education of needy in the land,”  Mr Oluropo said.

His closed friends  Mr Bosun Owoeye(an Engineer)  and honorable Odunayo Ategbero disclosed that Chief Fasuyi’ Philanthropy gesture grew up with him, it  started from his secondary school days. So, by establishing  a foundation of this nature he has just cemented the spirit of giving endowed in him by God.

“  Chief  Fasuyi is developing  future leaders  for this country through his empowerment and scholarship scheme foundation. His scheme is laudable and timely at this austere life. While some rich people are giving money for party and political promotion, Asiwayu is looking at  how every child will further their education. Indeed, Chief Fasuyi is pioneering a course, developing indelible path for economic and education advancement in Osun State, a pace setter for incoming generation to follow. We are praying more of this kind of Asiwaju in this land,” Honorable Odunayo  said.

Some of the parents who spoke with Nigerian Tribune Mrs Oludare Ibikunle,, Mrs Damilola  Faniyi and Mrs  Funmike Ogunjobi, attested to the fact that the emergence of  Yinka Fasuyi foundation has turned   their  lives  around.

According to them, large numbers  of them could not  pay the fees  which they said led many of their children to drop  from  school, despite the fact that some of these are children are brilliant. “So, Having someone to pay for our children it is  a rare privilege which they said they  would not  hold with levity. God will bless Chief Fasuyi the more,” they said

Also acknowledged the good gesture of Chief Fasuyi on the occasion was  Rt-Rev. Samuel Egbebunmi, the Bishop of Ilesa South West Dioceses admitted that the people of Ijesa land should thank God  for a  visionary leader with heart of giving like Fasuyi  in the land.  “WE are praying for people like him who will forester unity in the land.

Chief Yinka Fasuyi, in his  address  confirmed that a total of 350 students had benefited from the  WAEC fees scholarship scheme since it started in 2017.  He reiterated the foundation commitment, as non – governmental, non- political organization, but a social responsibility initiative to empower youth and residents across Ijesaland by providing them with the requisite skills, knowledge  and support needed to live a highly productive life.

He said the foundation increased the  beneficiaries of WAEC  examination fees scholarship  from 100 students last year to 250 students this year  to cover all the  public secondary schools in Ijesaland in response to request from several communities that were left out last year.

He disclosed  further that from 2019 the foundation would introduce tertiary education scholarship scheme where 10 best students of the  100 beneficiaries of 2017/2018 AYFF WAEC examination fee scholarship, who have secured admission into University or polytechnic, be it federal or state, will be given N100,000 annually. “ The money   will continually be made available to those who commit to excellence in their educational pursuits through out their  education programmes.

Some of the beneficiaries of the awards, Miss Mary Ogunjobi from Atakumosa High School  and her counterpart from  Iesa Government High School, Faniyi  Damilola  stated that the Chief Fasuyi foundation gesture would remain indelible in their mind. They also promised to put in   their best in the coming WAEC examination to justify the cost. “ We have learnt how to give back to the  society, as Chief Fasuyi has set the pace for us to follow.

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You successfully hosted the 27th Owu National Congress. What was responsible for the feat?

There is no need to flog the dead horse again. We give glory to God for the outcome of the convention. Where is support, there is nothing one cannot achieve. I received support of members of the union and achieved the result.

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What did the presence of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo mean to the outcome of the convention?

We should better don’t go back to that too. Chief Obasanjo has on many occasions proved that he is a leadership template for those who desire to become leaders. He came behind the schedule and apologized and participated actively. Other prominent personalities of Owu extraction also witnessed it, and I appreciate all of them.

What is your take on certain campaign against Nigerian Military’s counter-insurgency?

Since 2009, Northeast Nigeria has been the scene of an armed conflict between an insurgent movement Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awatiwal- Jihad, popularly known as Boko Haram and the Nigerian Military with serious purported violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law from both sides. Boko Haram has killed thousands of civilians, abducted thousands of women, girls and boys; many of whom have been forcibly recruited as child soldiers or subjected to forced marriages and s3xual slavery. On the other hand,  International Media and Civil Societies had purported, and continue to  allege the Nigerian Military of committing extra-judicial killings, mass  arbitrary arrests detentions, torture and other ill-treatment against the  Boko Haram terrorists. The questions arising from these claims and counter-claims are whose abuse? Whose blame? And whose pain?

To your understanding, what is Human Rights talked about?

Human rights are mostly traced to the stoics. As the founder of the stoic school of thought, Zeno propounded the theory of Natural Law, under which human beings were supposed to have natural rights. Like the Stoics, the ancient Greek city states also provide a glimpse of  human rights in the form of Isogoria, (meaning freedom of speech), and  Isonomia (with the meaning: equality before the law) coupled with  Isotamia (which basically refers to equal respect for all). Therefore, the concept of just and unjust had always existed throughout the civilizations and formed the very essence of what IS to be regarded human right in today’s world. It should be noted, however, that the concern with human rights in the world today stems from the perception widely shared with Rouseau that, “man, though born free,’ is everywhere in chains”. With globalization, increasing awareness, coupled with the preoccupation on how best to safeguard them from rampant violations, have made the term ‘human rights’ a song sung by almost everybody. Yet the contradiction, hypocrisy, inconsistency, confusion, misinterpretation, absurdity, and plain stupidity that pervade notions of human rights are not only disturbingly worrisome but also telling. For instance, while the western  industrial world tend to define it in terms of political and civil liberties (especially the domestication of liberal democratic ideals),’ third world  nations seem to focus on the basic needs of food and shelter as a prerequisite for human dignity and, eventually, civil rights.

What is extra-Judicial killing?

This is a concept naturally associated to the illegal killing of an individual or group of individuals without adequate recourse to the provision of the law. I t is a phenomenon that undermines the very essence of fundamental human right of every living being. Mostly, extra-judicial killing is not only associated with a convicted offender, an innocent suspect can end being a victim. It could be perpetrated by the state or its machinery against the people, and vice versa. In, military operations, it could also be. perpetrated by the military against the insurgents or enemies of the state or saboteurs or an innocent civilian. It is however difficult in most military operations like counter-insurgency to determine when the killing of an insurgent or a terrorist becomes an extra-judicial killing on the battlefield. Again, can we then be fair to label the killing’ of a terrorist who again attempted to kill or wreak havoc in custody by military personnel on the ground of self-defense? This and many more questions, cases and peculiarities are some of the reasons why the concept of extra-judicial killing is a complex and’ highly contested phenomenon.

Can you expatiate on what you call the international community and the politics of double-standards?

The politics of continuous shifting of the goal post as to what actually constitutes human rights abuse or extra-judicial killing by the internationally community, most especially the Western world poses a. severe danger to the national imageries as well as the developing world’s capacity to root out and contain acts capable of undermining their sovereign existence. The continued bashing and labeling of the Nigerian government and Military as condolers of human rights abuses continues to make mockery of our intelligence as a nation. Placing the responsibility to determine what is and what is not human right abuses in the hands of a few states had sold out the collective conscience of the international community. I am only attempting to bring to bear the consequences of this action, considering the psychological effects of continued labeling of the Nigerian.

What do you mean by psychological effect?

Military as human rights violators will only provide more momentum and inspiration to the Boko Haram insurgents while dampening the morale of our committed soldiers. Thus, only one ‘entity is billed to emerge the Victor, viz, the Boko Haram if this campaign continues unabated, and consequently result into the defeat of not only the Nigerian military but the entire Nigerian state, its people, and even the international community given the spill-over effect of terrorism. I am of the view that the real abused in the on-going counter-insurgency are the Nigerian military personnel, the people and the government. This is arising from the fact that most times, the labeling of the Government as being inefficient, the military as being violators, are usually biased and turned out to nothing but half-truths. How do we reconcile the recent Saudi’s attacks in Yemen without any form of protest or labeling from the West against such acts? In fact, through Intifada, Israel has dramatically increased the use of extra-judicial executions in its struggle against the Palestinians, killing a total of 150 people within three and a half years. Side-stepping the crucial legal dimension of Israel’s policy of extra-judicial executions, which has been employed in the Occupied Territories and abroad for at least 30 years, is currently being challenged in the Israeli High Court of Justice. Expectedly, Israel’s policy of targeted killings has met with considerable controversy but not the continued bashing and labeling the developed world had meted out to countries like Nigeria(Gross, 2006). In the same vein, the Yemen attack by the United States of America (USA) and the ‘targeted killings’ by Israeli forces is yet to be castigated by human rights NGOs and some UN bodies as extrajudicial executions. The developed world must therefore realise the failure of the Nigerian State to succeed in the ongoing counter-insurgency is the failure of the entire international community because no aspect of the international community will be spared of the spill-over effects of such failures should it happen. The US and other developed countries must therefore support the Nigerian state to achieve her anti-terrorism agenda and quest for success in the ongoing counter-insurgency.

Does the report by Amnesty International reflect the true picture of the situation report in the field of operation of Nigeria army?

The submission by Amnesty international to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the Nigeria Army is destabilizing; injurious and defamatory. To say the Nigeria Army is guilty of murder pursuant to article 8 (2)(c)(i); torture, cruelty, outrages upon personal dignity and intentionally directing attacks against civilians just exposed how far away from reality the ICC is. Till date, the ICC which is quick and very proactive to highlight and prosecute crime against humanity in Third world countries lost its voice over the wrong invasion of Iraq in 2003 for search and deactivation of weapon of mass destruction which is yet to be found. This invasion of Iraq left many Iraqis dead and Iraq plundered. The Amnesty International/ICC till date is yet to find its voice of the continuous occupation and provocation of Palestinians in Gaza by Israel. The Amnesty international/ICC till date is yet to declare either the military or government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia guilty of war crimes against humanity with its actions on Yemen which, according to United Nations and other sources, has it that from March 2015 to December 2017, 8,670-13,600 people have been killed in Yemen, including more than 5,200 civilians, as well as estimates of more than 50,000 dead as a result of ongoing famine due to the war. I implore all Nigerians irrespective of political affiliations or convictions to come together and resist this cheap blackmail against our Army. At this critical time in our nation’s history, I consider it mischievous and malicious the timing of the release of the said report, and the usual double standard of the so called Amnesty International is demoralizing our patriotic Army. We were thrown into mourning some weeks ago, when our soldiers were slaughtered by insurgents. This resulted in low morale among troops, and one must acknowledge efforts put in place by the present administration and previous ones in motivating the Army.

What then do you think should happen?

I believe the only way to go is for Nigerians in a rare show of patriotism is to reject this assertion and keep supporting the ongoing efforts of the present government through the Army is protecting the integrity and sanctity of our sovereignty.

The post Nigeria Army deserves praise on Boko Haram —Oba Makama appeared first on Tribune Online.

The recent kidnap of three members of staff of the Federal Medical Centre, and a member of the state owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, both in Owo,  Ondo state in Amurin community, along the Akure /Owo road,  after their close of work road penultimate week, climaxed to what the people of the state referee to as the height of criminality in the state.

FG slashes NHF loans to 7 per cent

Within the last one month, no fewer than twelve people have been abducted in about three or four kidnap incidents, while millions of Naira had exchanged hands as payment for ransom with every victims having ugly tales to tell while in the captives of their abductors.

Most travellers, especially traders who regularly ply this road usually embark on a prayer and fasting session before embarking on any journey on the road. Travelers have identified about four or five major spots on the Owo / Ikare Akoko road as being the most deadly. This is one of the reasons the state government embarked on the reconstruction of the road, even though a federal road, to serve as palliative measure to ensure free vehicular movement on this road.

But to the chagrin of the residents of the state, the kidnappers relocated to the Akure/ Owo axis of the road, operating on the road unhindered even with the presence of security operatives in the road. The last incident where the hoodlums in police uniform,  took over the road, stopping vehicles, shooting sporadically and randomly  picking their victim while some of the victims were shot and injured during the process.

An eye witness told Nigerian Tribune that at least four people were abducted by the armed men who are wielding dangerous weapons, such as cutlass, axes, knives and guns. He said “the men who are armed with dangerous weapons stopped vehicles and started ordering passengers out of the vehicles and started kidnapping passengers in any of the vehicles that caught their fancy.”

The source who escaped being kidnapped after being dragged to the bush, said the suspected hoodlums who are of Fulani origin operated without fear and explained that one Mr. Taiwo Akinyemi, a Non-Teaching Staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic was ordered to embarked from an official car while some medical staff from FMC, including a pregnant medical doctor, who were on their way to Akure after the day’s job were also abducted.

The kidnappers wasted no time in demanding for ransom some few hours after their victims were whisked away. The pregnant medical doctor was released the second day but not without paying for her freedom. However the other victims also regained their freedom after payment of ransom ranging from N3m to N5m, but the RUGIPO staff, Taiwo Akinyemi, never survived the trauma as he was found dead in a farm six days after his abduction.

The killing of Akinyemi by the kidnappers however threw the academic community into mourning while the the staff, students, lecturers and management of the institution protested over the gruesome murder of one of them, as they moved round the school in possession as a mark of respect for the death of the deceased.

Academic activities were paralysed and the second semester which was billed to commence last Monday was suspended.

While addressing journalist over the death of Akinyemi, the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of  Nigerian Polytechnic (SSANIP)  RUGIPO chapter,  Mr Chris Olowolade, described the death of father of three as sad and unfortunate. He explained that the union had entered into negotiation with the kidnappers in order to secure his release but said “we lost him to the kidnappers and we received his corpse yesterday.

“The kidnappers placed a ransom of N100m on him which nobody can afford but they reduced it to N7m after two days and later grudgingly asked us to come with N.5m. The money was taken to them and the person who took the money was directed by the kidnappers where he should drop the money. They asked him to stop, reverse and move just to confirm if he was the actual person bringing the money

“But after some hours they called that the man bringing the money should come back to the spot that they couldn’t see the money, only to be called by the Rector yesterday evening to go and identify a corpse.

“We rushed to the morgue and discovered it was Akinyemi’s corpse. He was tied to a stick with his clothes and left his remains in the bush. The body was recovered by the police and deposited at the morgue, it show he was badly maltreated before he was killed.”

The state governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, also suspended all official assignments and rushed to the school to commiserate with the academic community. Akeredolu described the death of the Akinyemi as unfortunate and uncalled for.

The governor explained that the efforts of the state government and the security operatives in rescuing the deceased.

Akeredolu lamented that “it is unfortunate that the man couldn’t return home alive. The incident happened some five minutes after I passed the place and I had to deploy some security men in my convoy to the place to rescue the victims”

The governor assured that the state government would be committed to the security of lives and property saying he has directed the security operatives in the state to increase road patrol to curb the activities of the hoodlums on the roads.

He said, “these kidnappers have become more daring and desperate, this is because we are moving towards festive period but the state police command have assured that they will not limit their operation to stop and search only but they will also increase the road patrol”

He called on the people of the state to inform police about any strange movement or people in their community and said “community policing and investigation can be done by the people of the community because police cannot be everywhere.

“I am assuring you on behalf of this government that this government will do its best to ensure this will be last case of kidnap to be recorded in this state and the perpetrators will be brought to book”

Apart from the recent abduction, it will be recalled that some gunmen along Oba Akoko town in Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state kidnapped five members of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) in the state.

The victims included the Senatorial candidate for the Ondo North senatorial district of the state, Hon. Jide Ipinsagba,  the State Chairman of the party,  Bisi Ogungbemi and three other members of the party were under captives for almost a week.

The family of the four victims however parted with N15m as ransom while they explained the harrowing experience which they were subjected to. Ipinsagba while narrating his ordeal, described the four days spent in the den of the kidnappers as horrible saying that they were made to live like animals in the forest. He explained that they were forced to trek for over four hours in the jungle before getting to the kidnappers den, and said “ they fed us with garri and water for about three days while we were forced to sleep on the bare floor in the cold”.

Condemnation have been trailing the act of kidnapping in the state,  the foremost socio political group,  Afenifere, in one of its meeting lamented over the continued rate of kidnap in South west region, especially Ondo state

Afenifere said “the continuous criminal activities of armed herdsmen in the South West as evident in the kidnapping of six Ondo indigenes on November 14 as they were returning from Akure to Ikare Akoko.The people who were kidnapped at Ago Ajayi, a farm settlement between Ose and Ikare  in Akokoland  included five men a woman in two cars.

“They were released after three days in captivity after being subjected to life threatening experiences and ransom paid. Their abductors made them to view the horror of decapitated bodies of their previously Killed victims as they wielded AK 47 rifles.

“These unhinged security challenges continue to daily show that the country’s security architecture has collapsed under the crushing weight of unitary arrangement that concentrate  the country’s Security apparatus only in the hands of the Federal government and we cannot continue without decentralizing the police for proper security at state levels.”

Most residents who spoke with Nigerian Tribune laid the blame at the doorsteps of the Federal and State government. A resident of Ago Ajayi in Oba Akoko urged the Federal Government to take fundamental steps to address the root causes of kidnapping and other crimes by dealing with the high unemployment level in the country.

Also showing concerns over the incessant cases kidnapping of citizens in Owo and environs, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owo branch, declared that no lawyer from its branch shall henceforth defend anybody that is alleged of kidnapping.

The association disclosed this while protesting against the incessant kidnapping in the axis which has become money spinning venture.

The NBA Chairman in Owo, Alhaji Tajudeen Olutope Ahmed, who led members of the association on a protest on major streets of Owo lamented that no routes was longer safe for commuters in the area, said the government had failed in its responsibility of providing security to citizens.

“The kidnappings ad infinitum in Owo and her environs, which one of our member was once a victim is an indication of total collapse of security in Owo and the triumph of kidnapping and armed gangsters.

“It is on this note that we hereby invite the Government of Ondo State and that of the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on kidnapping on Owo roads and that of the entire federation,” he said.

While calling on the police to be alive to its responsibility we, Ahmed  said the NBA is worried and disturbed that the police could not give a correct account of the citizens that were kidnapped recently on the Owo-Akure road and said “we therefore call on the police authorities to wake up to the present security challenge in Owo.

“This is not the time to slumber. It is not the time to be supine as well. Police must, as a matter of necessity be alert to the security situation in Owo and her environs. To this end, we suggest that the idea of mounting police checking points, which are nothing but avenues to rake bribes from commuters, should be reviewed.

“Constant police patrol of the roads should be embarked upon. In this way police will be able to foil any attempt by the men of under worlds from showcasing their daredevil skills on the roads,” he said.

The Chairman of Owo NBA however  advocated that government should henceforth pay ransom on behalf of abductors with the security votes saying “ we  demand that the Government of Ondo State and that of Owo Local Government should henceforth settles whatever ransom that might be demanded from any victim of kidnapping on Owo roads.

“This can be payable from the security votes of the chief executives. Security votes are not meant to be put in pockets of chief executives. We learnt that the Rufus Giwa staff was killed because the money for his ransom was not raised on time after all other victims were freed”.

Some residents who spoke with Nigerian Tribune called on government to put an end to the activities of kidnappers in the state.

A teacher turned farmer, Mr. Moses Olubadejo, said “the government should ensure that the Nigeria Police Force and other crime fighting agencies are adequately funded, trained and equipped with modern crime-fighting facilities to deal with crime.

“Most of these criminals move about with sophisticated weapons and apart from this, government should try and fix all our roads. These hoodlums usually take advantage of the bad portions on the road to perpetrate this crime.”

A legal practitioner, Barrister Hafees Hassan called on the state government to introduce stiffer punishment for perpetrators of the offence. According to him, “Nigeria must strengthen its laws for combating crime if it truly wants to fight and reduce kidnapping. Efforts must be made to ensure greater efficiency in the operations of the law to achieve greater impact.

A community leader from Uso, Adeogun Adetula, called for synergy between the security agents and the community leaders across the state. He said the people of the community have a great role to play in keeping criminals at bay.

However,  worried by the rising cases of kidnapping in the state, the State Police Command has cleared several hideouts of kidnappers around the North senatorial district of the state in a ‘sting’ operation.

The operation which was led by the State Commissioner of Police, Gbenga Adeyanju, and the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Security Matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, as part of efforts to ensure the security of lives and property in the state and to flush out kidnappers in the state.

Adeyanju who vowed to rid the state of criminals said periodic exercise would be carried out by the police from the state. The Police Commissioner disclosed that no arrest was made during the sting operation, but said the command has put necessary measures in place to checkmate activities of criminals on the road.

Similar exercise was carried out by men of the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, at the Akoko axis of the state , arresting seven suspected kidnappers.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Femi Joseph, who described the killing of the kidnapped staff of RUGIPO, as unfortunate, saying the command has put some measure in place to make kidnapping a thing of the past in the state.

Joseph while speaking on the effort of the state police said men of the state police command have been deployed to be patrolling roads within the state, especially during the yuletide period. He said “we have resolved to increase our manpower on our roads with more patrol to reduce the activities of these criminals to the barest minimum

He enjoined the people of the state to be more security conscious and report strange faces or movement to the police. He urged members of the public to always provide the command with useful information that would lead to the arrest of criminals.

“I can assure you that justice will be done and the search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“We will make no distinction between the kidnappers who committed this act and those who harbour them.” Joseph said.

The post Expressway of terror: Travellers in dread as kidnappers return to Akoko/Owo-Akure/Owo highway appeared first on Tribune Online.

Can you take us down memory lane on how you emerged as the Onirolu of Irolu Remo?

It was sometimes in 1990 after the demise of my predecessor; there was a letter from the Ministry of Local Government (Ogun State) that it was the turn of Agbelesebiogun to produce a candidate so my family met and a date was set for the selection. Two names were mentioned; my name and that of my co-contestant. I think I got over 270 votes while my co-contestant got about 14. The two names were referred to the kingmakers because it is the kingmakers that make a king. The kingmakers were unanimous in their decision on me.  Although at the initial stage I did not like to be an Oba but what can I do if my community says I am needed? If it were to be nowadays when people are so anxious, one would just rush to the ministry to commence the process but I allowed the process to take its course. About four to five months later, my third wife came from Abuja and inquired from me about how far we had gone with the process. I told her I had not gone to anywhere. Later, we discovered from the file that there was a petition. The governor wondered why I did not do a follow up and that was how we started the court case.

The man that petitioned was a lone plaintiff. His family members were not in it with him. Several months after, before the judgment date – about two weeks to the judgment date – the plaintiff died. When we got to the court on the judgment date, the plaintiff’s lawyer told the judge that he could not give the judgment because his client had died and that he would like to come up with a substitute. The judge replied that he had already prepared his judgment. So, the judgment was given in my favour.

The lawyer went to Abeokuta division and complained. Every one of us was told to report at Abeokuta. The judge was Justice Shomolu. The case started all over again and in the end, the judgment was in my favour. Even before we headed to Abeokuta, the ministry had approved my nomination and on September 6, 1992, I was installed but that did not stop us from going ahead with the court.

After the judgment at Abeokuta, they proceeded to Appeal Court in Ibadan. In the end, the appellate court said the first judge should have allowed the lawyer to come up with a substitute before the judgment. They referred us back to Shagamu to start all over again. At the time, I was advised to change my lawyer, a very quiet and simple man. So, I had to change my lawyer. The new lawyer told me that everything would be deliberated on motions. There were motions and counter-motions with about four to five rulings. Their substitutes started dying one after the other.

They had three substitutes and when the last one died, my co-contestant, who is the financier of the court case that is against my nomination, said he should be allowed to come in as a substitute. I then informed my lawyer that the man was my co-contestant who almost did not have any vote when we were nominated and referred to the kingsmakers. I said since that time, he never raised any complaints that he was cheated or not. Mind you, the man who wrote the petition was not my co-contestant. So, the judge said that my co-contestant had no right to come in as substitute, stating that if he had been cheated since 1990, why was he just coming out after two years?  Mind you, I had been given the staff of office all along. The court matter was for legal validation.

Before ascending the throne, what were you doing?

I was born a Muslim but I attended Irolu Wesley School. I left the school in 1956 after which my father took me to one of my cousins in Ibadan who was a manager at UAC along Gbagi Road. I tried to secure a job, but because I had a short stature, four feet tall, I was not given a job. So, my cousin established a shop where UAC goods were sold. I and one Mr. Daudu were managing the shop. He started paying me 1 pound ten shillings, that was about 3 naira and it was a lot of money then. I made sure I did not spend more than 10 shillings invariably saving 1 pound. I was the one who used to lodge the shop’s proceeds at National Bank at Ogunpa. One fateful day, after being through with transaction at the bank, a man beckoned at me to show him the way to Dugbe Market. As a small boy who moved around freely and being conversant with Ibadan, I gave him the direction with ease. So, the man said I had done him a huge favour and thanked me.  He asked if I had six pence, I told him yes. He told me to give him the six pence and go buy an envelope, which I did. He picked up a stone and started hitting the envelope containing the six pence and at the same time saying BBWA (British Bank of West Africa). On opening the envelope, it was filled with currency of those days which we had cocoa printed on it. He asked what do you see? I said money.  He asked where I was coming from, so I explained that I usually came to the bank to lodge money everyday.  Then he asked, what about the money with you? I said I had lodged in everything. He said that I could become rich, but all I had to do was to make new money from the one I intended lodging. He said I would go lodge the new money into the bank while we would now share the money I intended lodging equally. So we agreed to be meeting at Kingsway.

While we parted ways, as soon as I was approaching the shop, I noticed the man was trailing me. When he realized I saw him, he just walked away so I became restless. I did not tell anybody. At midnight when I was fast asleep, I saw myself with the man where we discussed. My mind was telling me this man was a magician. If the money we planned to make should vanish while in the bank, who was I going to hold? Then I woke up. This happened when 419 fraudsters were not pronounced, this happened in late 1957. I started evading him until I left Ibadan.  In mid 1958, my father took me to another cousin. He was a manager at Kingsway, Broad Street on Lagos Island. He was living at Clifford Street, now Muritala Way. He shared the same compound with Chief Shonibare; I lived with him there. Late 1958, I was invited for interview with Kingsway though, I was still the same stature so I was unable to get the job. While staying with my cousin, I was not happy with myself until one day, my cousin called me. He said he noticed I was home-sick and I said that was true after which I had to go back to my father.   Until 1960, my father took me again to one of our town’s man, Chief Abati Olanrewaju, who was working with ECN. I was staying with him at Ebutemeta. Immediately I got to his place, he took me to ECN at Broad Street for an interview but still, I did not get the job. So, I was just at home doing nothing and this was not pleasant to me.  There was a man we lived together; he was a driver to one man who had a singlet factory. I was very useful to this driver. I washed his clothes and ran errands for him. One day, the man called me and asked if I was not bothered just sitting at home. I told him I was bothered. He asked if I could do the job of an assistant bus conductor and I said yes. At least, that would take me out of home. He took me to a man who was running a contract bus with LMTS. So, I joined them. Our route was Oyingbo- Apapa road. My seniors told me that I would be the first to alight from the bus to give others passage to come out. As a novice, I did not know much about the job. So, when we got to Oyingbo, one of my seniors just told me to come out first for others.  I jumped out of the moving bus and tumbled like two times with bruises all over my body. We bought a bottle of Izal to clean up the bruises.  I reported back for work the fourth day when I was getting better. Not long after, the LMTS bus changed to ticketing and with ticketing, assistant bus conductor was no longer necessary. I started working with someone at Elias bus stop and I was okay with the man until very early 1966, the man I was staying with told me to follow him to office. When we got to there, he told someone to take me to the District Manager of ECN (Electricity Corporation of Nigeria), a European. The European interviewed me and said they would give me a job as Bills Distributor. He asked if I had a bicycle, I said no but I said I would buy one that day. Immediately, I came with the bicycle that I bought for 7 pounds, I started the job. I was still with the job in 1973, the year I travelled to Mecca. When I returned from Mecca, ECN planned on restructuring and sent some staff on training but I was not part of them. When they returned from training, I saw the way they were preparing bills. I learnt how to prepare bills from them and before you know it I had started preparing bills.

One day, one of our commercial managers saw me preparing bills and asked why I was the one doing it. I said I knew how to do it. Then, he said he was going to recommend me for promotion, I was on level 3 then. He said my position would have to change from bill distributor to meter reader. I was given double promotion to level 5. The European I was working with was not happy because he recommended level 8 but they said promotions were not given in such manner. The European said all he believed was efficiency. Not long after, I was given acting level 6. And, as God would have it, I was a sectional head with 50 staff under my supervision.

However, in 1976, towards Christmas, while thinking about my new year resolution, it occurred to me that I had to put in my resignation. After I disengaged with NEPA, I moved to my own house at Ketu and started my own business by supplying electrical materials and appliances. I was known at the Federal Ministry of Works. I was doing my personal business when I was called to occupy the throne.

What is the significance of this 80th  birthday to you?

The birthday means a lot to me. First, I have to thank God for sparing my life to be hail and hearty to witness the birthday. My 80th birthday is for thanking my God.

You have been on the throne since 1992; what are the achievements you have recorded?

I would not say much but we thank God. In 1993, we were able to establish a community bank that transformed to micro finance bank. We have a police station. We have started building a befitting palace. When l was launching a book, I promised that the proceeds would be used for building a palace for Irolu.  We thank God, we have started that. Most of the NYSC members that were posted here do not have lodges that is comfortable to live in, so I started constructing a corpers’ lodge. It will be commissioned this December.

What were the challenges you faced as an Oba and how did you surmount them?

As a man of God, I do not carry burdens around. Challenges normally come but God has told us that he has power over everything. Not a leaf has fallen down without the permission of God.

As a Muslim, how do you relate with your subjects who are of other faith?

It is said in the Bible, give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar and unto God what belongs to God. As human beings, we look at the face while God looks at the heart. God almighty knows who serves Him in truth. What you are telling me is what you are telling me; I do not see your mind. I treat everyone as same irrespective of their faith.

What does your community want from government?

I believe that we are part of the country and the government knows the right thing to do. They should not wait until when we start crying before they come to our aid. There is a road from Ilisan to Ago Iwoye under construction; it is on course, but we don’t know the completion time.

What message do you have for sons and daughters of Irolu?

I am appealing to them to come and develop home.  There is no place like home.

The post I jumped out of a moving bus, tumbled and sustained bruises —Oba Adeyiga appeared first on Tribune Online.

Those, who had dismissed the report that the trio of the Olofa of Ofa, Oba MuftauGbadamosi, the Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba SaheedElegushi and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba AdewaleAjayi, would attend the Iwo Day 2018, were caught unawares by the presence of the traditional rulers in the town penultimate Saturday.

That turnout of the royal fathers, to the people of the town, was additional credit to the report sheet of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, who could not hide his excitement at the solidarity shown to him by the three monarchs from Kwara, Lagos and Ogun States.

To further show his happy mood, Oba Akanbi caused Oba Elegushi to have a pleasure ride on a horse with both receiving applause of the Iwo people and acknowledging the reception. The highly elated Elegushi said he had never stepped the soil of Iwo in his over 40 years, expressing gratitude to the reception which Iwo people extended to him in the company of his host, Oba Akanbi.

Oba Elegushi further remarked that he could not have missed the Iwo Day having shared some important things in common with the Oluwo since they met. He added that he had looked forward to the day after he received the invite to be royal guest to Oba Akanbi, pointing out that his visit was not only eye opener to him but also demonstration of unity among Yoruba traditional rulers.

“It is a great pleasure coming down to Iwo, the domain of my friend, the Oluwo, a traditional ruler who is difficult to ignore. Since my arrival, it has been fun being with him. His hospitality reflects his outward disposition. You can see me walking the same way he walks. He is a 21st century monarch and loved by his people going by the way we are being received on the road. This is not going to be my last visit here, God willing. My entourage too here are also impressed being in Iwo for Iwo Day,” he said.

Going by the size of the traffic on the former IDC Primary School, Araromi, which hosted the event, Iwo Day has grown to annual festival which sons and daughters of the town always look forward to.  The crowd was unbelievably large that the security agencies deployed to the venue were confronted with hard choice in controlling the people.

On the field of the newly upgraded primary, social clubs as well as trade unions were seated under respective canopies in their uniform fabrics. Cultural performances also held amidst cheers.

Important personalities from different walks of life graced the occasion. The Osun State governorship aspirant under the umbrella of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Akin Ogunbiyi was in attendance as well as others, including Senator Mudashiru Hussein who represented the Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Former aide to the immediate past Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Debo Badru, Former Director of Bureau for Communication in the state, Alhaji Semiu Okanlawon and Osun West Senatorial District candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adelere Oriolowo and others.

The quite entertaining atmosphere, however, changed when a delegate led by the former Secretary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti arrived the field in a bus. Adeoti was governorship candidate for the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in September elections.

His arrival ignited his supporters who had long waited for him on the field. They burst into thunderous chorus of ‘Sheuu’ as the luxury bus made it to the venue. The comperes of the programme had to suspend the proceeding to allow the return of normalcy.

Dressed in uniform Ankara fabric, Adeoti, in company of House of Representatives candidate, Oluomo Sunday Akere, Senate candidate, Omoba Dotun Babayemi and other ADP candidates in the next general elections, went to the spot where the Oluwo and other traditional rulers were seated. They filled in line paying homage to the riyal fathers amidst the deafening noise from the field.

The near chaotic situation on the field put the comperes under unbearable pressure as they were repeatedly shouting on top of their voice for calm.

While that was going on, suddenly, the Oluwo rose from his seat and was immediately followed by the Olofa, the Elegushi and the Akarigbo, all of whom headed to their respective vehicles.

Though it was tough for the security operatives to clear the road for their vehicles due to the intimidating crowd, the traditional rulers were driven in convoy from the venue to the Palace of the Oluwo about a kilometre away.

In his usual way on such occasion perhaps to further test his popularity, the Oluwo stood in his open roof white jeep while the slow motion to the palace lasted.

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Asked on the reason for his action, Oba Akanbi’s said he could not wait until the event was turned to political gathering, pointing out that leaving the venue was the best way to save him and the town of likely embarrassment before his guests some of whom came to Iwo for the first time.

“I stand by my action because I am the father of all the politicians in the town. I am in a position to smell danger when danger is lurking. The dust coming from the field was too much for us under the pavilion. I saw my guests covering their noses, which is not good. There is no host that would want his guests to return to their towns with regret. What I did was and still is in order,” he said.

The unexpected departure of the traditional rulers, it was learnt, took shine off the rest of the programme, as it was revealed that some of the prospective donors to the town development fund also left.

A community leader, who gave his name simply as Hadiat, lamented at the outcome of the event, especially the untimely exit of the Oluwo and his guests, saying it was not a good mark for the image of the town. The retired public servant, said sign of the incident had been seen few days to the event when, according to him, news filtered out that the Oluwo might not attend the Iwo Day.

He recalled that the 2017 edition of Iwo Day was also surrounded in controversy until the day when the Oluwo eventually brought the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan to witness the ceremony.

“I think it is high time we realized that the king is the head of his town, and he must be given that honour. There is no doubt that Kabiyesi is popular in the town although everybody can not like him. It is our duty to support him in whatever he wants to do for the town. Turning Iwo Day to political arena is not right but Kabiyesi should not have left midway, after all he is the father of the town,” he opined.

A youth mobilizer, Yusuf Ola Gold called on the people of Iwo to eschew politics of retrogression for the overall interest of the town. OlaGold also regretted the incident but added that he was more concerned about the fund that would have accrued into Iwo development project on that day.

“The Oba Elegushi I know would not leave that field without dropping good money for the development project. The Olofa too is known for his philanthropy, which means the Oluwo was careful in inviting the three traditional rulers for the event. May God make us to see reason why development of Iwo would be given high priority than politics,” he stated.

At exclusive reception held inside the palace, the Oluwo applauded all his invited guests, aside the Olofa, Elegushi and Akarigbo, wishing them safe journey back to their respective destinations.

The post In Iwo, traditional rulers, others unite for peace, prosperity appeared first on Tribune Online.

Despite the distance and other challenges on the journey to the Anlugbua forest, Nigerian Tribune correspondent made it to the shrine where the Olowu of Kuta, Oba AdekunleOyeludeMakama led his subjects to perform rites to his progenitor, Akindele popularly known as Anlugbua, a great warrior in his era.

Indeed, the rites were performed by the Chief Priest, who doubles as the ArabaAwo of Kuta, Chief FatunmiseEjibolu. That youthful Ejibolu, it was revealed, stood in for Pa OlodundeAyodele, who could no longer perform the duty as a result of old age.

However, Ejibolu effectively filled the vacuum, which could have been created as he conducted the activities in the shrine to the satisfaction of Oba Makama, who could not but acknowledged him during the Post-rite reception in the palace. Live ram and dog in addition to pounded yam and draw soup made up the items for the sacrifice at the shrine.

According to Ejibolu, each item was significant to Anlugbua, especially pounded yam, declaring that none of the items should be left out during the rites as a matter of obligation. Persons who wear certain tribal marks called keke are forbidden from entering Anlugbua’s shrine.

“They (the items) are what Anlugbua requested for to bring to the shrine, and we have always adhered strictly to the directive in order not to invite his wrath. I can say his wrath actually led to this festival after a group of his drunken children tried to test his power and all got killed by Anlugbua. So, taking all the items to the shrine is sacrosanct and part and parcel of us,” he stated.

Soon after the rites were performed, return journey back to town commenced immediately with drummers and hunters leading the traditional ruler out of the grove. Oba Makama who wore a clone-shaped crown that covers his face, endured the distance on feet after which he was welcomed back to town by groups of town’s women who had waited for his appearance in the premises of Kuta Community High School.

It was Yoruba culture at its best as the broom-wielding old and young women, some of whom tied their babies at back, surged to Oba Makama and treated him to variety of traditional songs, which inspired the monarch to do some royal dance.

Security operatives consisting the conventional policemen and civil defence personnel and local vigilance group took position among the crowd in their official uniform to maintain law and order. Their presence was an effective deterrence as a pocket of seemingly delinquent youths sighted among the crowd, read the body language well and checked themselves from going against the law.

Evidence of the tight security was that no incident of pickpocket or theft or clash was recorded throughout the festival. “You should understand that Kabiyesi is well exposed to know better what a large crowd of people could cause the security. Even before festival, I know him as a security conscious traditional ruler. He knows the importance of security. That is why this town enjoys peace. You can see that our eyes are all over everybody.

“Our presence means a risk to anyone who plans to misbehave. I can tell you that no incident will be recorded here at the end of the day because everybody is being monitored closely including you,” a policeman, who did not want his name in print, told our correspondent at Kuta Community High School.

Oba Makama, sandwiched by the crowd, eventually made it to his palace where already awaiting him were invited guests from far and near including a traditional ruler of a neighbouring Ile-Ogbo, Oba AdetoyeseAgbaje.

Sign of his arrival was the singing women who in unison danced into the expansive palace premises to the delight of all including some traditional chiefs, all of whom decked in white lace topped with Agbada made from Adire fabric. Just few minutes afterwards, Oba Makama entered and was received with loud chorus of K-a-b-i-y-e-s-i  ooo and heavy drum.

Remarkably, what was pure cultural gathering was blended with modernity with a live band performing in the palace among other touches that gave the festival an image of social function. The spectacle was as if all the kids in the town emptied themselves into the palace. They were everywhere with some sitting on bare floor to feed their eyes and record into their memories how 2018 edition of the Anlugbua festival drew crowd of dignitaries to their town.

Seated at the frontage of his palace, Oba Makama was complemented by Oba Agbaje, both of whom were acknowledging homage being paid them by different groups of people, starting by the traditional chiefs. The chiefs in their uniform attires prostrated before the royal fathers and offered prayers after which they rose and returned to their seats.

One after the other, other groups and individuals also took their turn to show their loyalty to the Olowu, who was responding with his soft smile and white horse tail in his hand. The Olowu declared that there was no going back in his mission to elevate the Anlugba festival to acceptable tourist product in the class of the famous OsunOsogbo festival annually held in August in the Osun State capital and which draws appreciable number of both local and foreign tourists to the town.

He revealed his efforts in that regard stating that he had commissioned a tourism consultancy company based in Lagos to come up with a package that would turn his dream to reality. Oba Makama said he had since come to the realization that Nigeria need to develop its tourism potentials scattered in its landscape in order to survive the unpredictable performance of oil in world market.

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He argued that any country which still relies on Oil revenue is living in the past given the fact that all economic indices on ground do not favour oil boom in the nearest future, stressing that diversification of economy is the in-thing now among serious-minded countries, urging Nigeria not to be left behind.

“So, development of tourism subsector is something government should look into. The era of paying only lip service to it is gone. We need to rise quickly and tap these resources with which we are blessed by God. Though Osun State Government has officially listed Anlugbua as one of tourists’ sites to be developed, I have gone for the company which packages the Osun Osogbo and which also now packages the Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife to expand Anlugbua Festival too.

“I am looking forward to see the new Governor, Gboyega Oyetola implementing what is on the list. I want to see my town also hosting many tourists and reaping from commercial advantage therein. Anlugbua is our cultural heritage. It is our history, the history of the founder of the town,” he said.

Oba Makama would later walk to the dance floor in company of his royal guests where they danced to the music of a Lagos-based female musician called Kafaya Singer.

In his remark, the Olu of Ile-Ogbo called on the Yorubas to draw a line between culture and religion, applauding his host, the Olowu of Kuta for the success recorded at the festival. Oba Agbaje also corroborated that tourism potentials in Yorubaland, for instance, are enough to turn the fortune of the geo-political zone around. He, therefore, called on relevant authorities to rise up and take the advantage.

“I am happy to be here to celebrate this festival with my friend, Oba Makama. Apart from the fact that our towns share border, we have a good work relationship as peace-loving royal fathers and good example to our subjects. The two towns have always live in peace with each other. I am wishing Oba Makama many successful Anlugbua festivals,” he said.

The Babalaje of Osogbo, Chief Dele Ajisafe also extolled the virtue of Oba Makama whom he described as pleasant and approachable, also wishing him happy celebration.

To the Sobaloju of Kuta, Chief OyelayoSanni, 67, Anlugbua Festival is a festival that connects the present with past of the town. The retired Headmaster said the festival holds a promise for the development of the town in in the area of tourism.

The post Anlugbua festival, communal rebirth for growth appeared first on Tribune Online.

For residents of Owakuduru community beside Epe Garage in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun state, life as a property owner is one filled with perpetual fear as their houses continue to break and collapse like pack of cards as water from a gully charts its course deep into the communities.

For them, it has been over a decade of teeth gnashing and perpetual fear as what started as a normal surface erosion over 20 years ago has bow developed into a deep gully which has systematically cutting up the community and is bringing down homes on its way and taking lives in the process.

10 adults have been said to have died from the development with over 28 casualties recorded. And according to residents, the figure is the official one as many other deaths that are not direct have been recorded while many children have also been casualties and the statistics continue to rise.

The community leader at Owakuduru,  Alhaji Adesanwo Masika, told Nigerian Tribune that the shock of losing their homes have led to the death of many home owners, adding that he has also been a victim as he lost his 10 bedroom boys quarters to the rampaging gully.

And for the people of the community, though the trouble is much during the rainy season when the gully becomes a big river sweeping away properties, livestock and anything in its path, the dry season also has its threat as many houses just breaks up suddenly as an onset of collapse.

Indeed, no one especially the older residents knew the fate that would befall them in 1986 when diverted water from other communities started running through Owakuduru and started washing the road surfaces.

“This started in 1986 but then it was just a minor issue that only gave little discomfort of water running down the streets but the trouble started gradually in 2002 when what was a mere erosion began to become deep, eating deep into the ground and creeping further into the community; it wasn’t only getting bigger, longer and deeper, it began to take down homes in its path as it forged a way for itself, what used to be an erosion path is now a gully making us homeless and making us live in fear as no one knows what will happen next,” Alhaji Masika told Nigerian Tribune.

Their fear may not be unfounded as another resident, a middle aged woman who spoke with Nigerian Tribune and identified herself simply as Malomo stated that unlike in other communities where you sleep and expect to wake up in the morning as a home owner, you sleep in Owakuduru knowing you may wake up handicapped from a collapsed building or as a homeless person who lost part of her home or everything in the night.

According to her, the day time is not exempted as you may go out and come home to meet a house that had fallen in your absence. “Some were sleeping in the night when their buildings collapsed, leading to injuries and death. Life here is filled with expectations of the worst and fear of being a casualty anytime,” Malomo said.

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Alhaji Masika also supported the claim when he said, “many lost their homes while sleeping while many have fallen into that gully unexpectedly. We all try and work together as a community and sometimes when we notice that a house is about give way to the gully, we cut out part of it that is vulnerable but this has not helped much as it is usually a temporary relief, after cutting off, we often still lose the homes.

“The boys quarters of my house and the attached are gone and as you can see, the one-storey main building is being threatened day-by-day and this is the only house I have left on the surface of earth. You can aloso see that I am old already, my health will suffer if this house collapses, I may not survive the shock. There was a couple who we had to cut part of their house to save it from the gully but few days later, the remaining also gave way to the gully, they developed stroke and died, that is what life has become in our community,” Alhaji Masika said.

And speaking on the cause of the problem, Alhaji Masika stated that it is caused by diversion of water. “It is caused by diversion of water that led to erosion; it is just like the whole water in Ijebu Ode is diverted here, from areas like Okolurugba and Mowo Eleran, their water runs through Owokodoro community.

“This gully you are seeing here was just low-level erosion ten years ago; it was tiny and no one thought it could turn to a life-threatening menace. It was just a shallow path created by water but today, it has killed more than seven property owners while others died of hypertension when the erosion walloped their buildings,” he stated.

Speaking on the efforts made to arrest the situation, he stated that, “this issue is a big one now that needs immediate professional approach else the whole community may be wiped of when the rain comes. We have been shouting for help for years even before this became this deadly, we never kept quiet; the Osoba government saw this then and channelled it to Ondo road but subsequent governments haven’t done anything in spite of the fact that we have been calling for help though Governor Gbenga Daniel during his tenure also came to inspect but nothing was done till he left.

“Government should come to our aid before the rain will come and all houses will be wiped off, even now that there is no rain, we have no respite as houses continue to break off. We need help before this community will cease to exist.

Also speaking on efforts made by the community to arrest the situation, Pastor Kunle Fajoye, a resident of Owakuduru who is also the proprietor of Varsity Children Academy had a lot to say. The man whose school was a victim of the gully, having lost his administrative offices said there is no relevant authority that the community has not visited or petitioned in the last 10 years to no avail.

“We have visited many people, even traditional rulers to call their attention to our ordeal but nothing came out of it. We have been protesting to the Governor’s office in Abeokuta since year 2008 and series of political office holders have visited us in solidarity while many have come to inspect, yet, nothing is heard from them after the visit.

“Three different Ogun State Commissioners for Works and Environment have been here but we are still in the dilemma. We are still appealing to government to come to our aid as there is nothing we can do as a community, this is beyond us,” he stated.

At Owakuduru community, life is still a perpetual mixture of dread, apprehension and expectation of loss.

“As far as we are concerned, we have been eradicated from the map of Ogun State; we even petitioned the ecological office of in the presidency from Abuja down to this place eight years ago, the gully was not this deep and threatening then, look at my school, half of the school is gone; we are losing our investments; we didn’t build on waterways, we got government approval for this building.

“We take this reckless abandonment as a declaration of war against us by government elected to make lives meaningful to us; we are dying, ten landlords and 18 others have lost their lives in one way or the other to this miserable gully,” he said.

He appealed to the media to come to their aide, saying very expressly that the people of Owakuduru have lost hope in government. The educationist said, “you people in the media are our last hope, please have mercy on us, help us expose our suffering and ordeal to the world. The people of Owakuduru are suffering. We are being killed and most miserably, our properties are being destroyed.” Fajoye said, regretting that he was born as a Nigerian.

Though the people of Owakuduru claim their community is domiciled in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, the council said the community is not part of their constituency. In his reaction to the Nigerian Tribune, the Executive Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local government Area, Arc. Ola Oduwole stated that he is not aware of any problem or challenges affecting the people going on in Owakuduru community, adding that you can only solve a problem that you know about.

He however added the community under discussion is not even part of his constituency. “I don’t know anything going on in that community; you can’t fix what you do not know and this is the first time I am hearing anything about a challenge facing the community.

“Also, Owakuduru is not under Ijebu Ode local government Area, it is under Yemoji Local Council Development Area, that is not under me. So I cannot say anything about this,” he stated.

Though the residents still see themselves as being part of the Ijebu Ode Local Government, they expressed the opinion that the problem they have is too big for any local government to handle. “I do not think there’s something a local government can do in this regard, it is the state government that should come around and see this as a serious problem,” one of the residents stated.

The post Gully of devastation: It’s death, losses for Ogun community appeared first on Tribune Online.

How has your experience been since you settled here in Ibadan, generally referred to as one of the cultural centers of the South-West?

My first time in the South-West was in 1975. I came on holiday as a secondary school student to my uncle’s place in Lagos, and from 1975 till my graduation I always visited Lagos. At one time, I think that was in 1979, when the Lagos-Ibadan expressway was first opened, I drove through with my uncle. I’ve lived in various parts of Lagos but since I came to Ibadan in 1986, I found a very ambient environment, good environment to sojourn and survive, the most peaceful, the most wonderful. I can’t live in Lagos again. I go to Lagos, do business and come back to Ibadan. Since 1986, it’s been exciting staying here in Ibadan and I can’t tell you I won’t leave Ibadan unless I’m retiring from work.

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How would you describe the Igbo community here in Ibadan and South-West in general?

Ibadan has afforded the Ibo man here a very peaceful environment to thrive and I say that to the glory of God. Since 1986, I have never seen an inter-tribal clash between the Igbos and the Yorubas unlike what you have found in some other parts of Nigeria. And this is because of their nature. They have the ability to accommodate various ethnic nationalities. Since I have been in Ibadan, I’ve seen many Olubadans and they have had very peaceful co-existence and relationship with the Igbos. I’ve passed through many governors. I came here during the military era and I saw through so many military governors and we have always had a peaceful environment to thrive in our little businesses. And so Ibadan has been a peaceful place not just to the Igbos but to everybody that comes to this place. The Igbos keyed into that and so it’s been a wonderful thing.

How do you feel when you hear people make statements that tend to divide us based on tribal sentiments?

It’s been a very painful experience. My wife lived in Maiduguri for 18 years. In 1993, I went to Maiduguri to pack her property down to the South and we got married in 1994. In my earlier days in Ibadan, my work took me to every part of the Northern states. I could drive anybody from Ilela in the farthest of Sokoto to Baga in Maiduguri in Borno State. I’ve worked in those environments because of the nature of my job. I was working with a consulting firm that had a lot of relationship with the World Bank and so I was moving around the World Bank projects throughout the Northern states of Nigeria and also down South. So I’m a true Nigerian. I can tell you that the beating of drums of tribal sentiments is not new. Sorry to say it; I saw it coming. Before, in the North, I could park my car on the road when I got tired in the night and collapse the seat and sleep till morning and nobody would touch you but you can’t try that now. The Hausas were very welcoming. You can knock on a door in the middle of the night and they would open it without aggression. Where we got it wrong I do not know but Nigeria was a very peaceful place to thrive.

Considering your position, what are you doing in your capacity or intend to do to foster a harmonious relationship between the diverse ethnic nationalities here in the South-West?

Before being unanimously elected as the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Oyo State, I had toured virtually all the towns within Oyo State, speaking to Igbo people, getting their feelings about their existence and relationship with people around. I found that it’s been very cordial and peaceful. I think in all the towns in Oyo State where the Igbos thrive and do their business there has been a wonderful relationship between us and the Yorubas and I’m going to make sure that this relationship continues. When I started my civil engineering experience here in Oyo State, I was sent to Okeho to supervise a work. I spent about a year within Okeho. I got to know everybody, relating with the community. I have gone round to see that the Igbos were living in harmony. Anybody saying anything contrary is not speaking about the relationship between the Igbos and the host communities here in Oyo State and that is what I want to promote. I virtually live in Ogbomoso. I am part and parcel of the place and there is nobody of substance that I have not met within Ogbomoso community. I have found peace and good relationship. We like our relationship so far with the people of Oyo State and I’m going to extend it beyond what it is today.

How do you intend to foster the relationship between the Igbo community in Oyo and in other parts of the South-West? And what are your plans to bring in development to the Igbo community?

There is an existing relationship between the Ohaneze Ndigbo in all the states and we call it the South-West executive council of Ohaneze Ndigbo and we have been able to come together in the South West. Most recently, we were in Akure to celebrate Igbo cultural day. All the South West executive members were there including the national executives. The president-general of Ohaneze and the vice president worldwide were there and other eminent members of Ohaneze worldwide. It was a perfect setting. Anybody who was there would have seen the harmony that exists between the host community of Ondo State and the Igbos. We are extending the same here in Oyo State.

Could you speak about the process that brought you up as the president of Ohaneze in Oyo State?

You start with your relationship with your immediate community. My community here, Item Development Association, we have a formidable union here in Oyo State. And from there you move to the state. We have Abia state development association where I served as the vice president for four years before considering myself for the position of the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo. I have tested the ground from the community level through the state level to what we might call a national level at the state where I aspired to be the president of the Ohaneze Ndigbo in Oyo State. But the process that brought me in had the backing of the Ohaneze worldwide with headquarters in Enugu and that is very important. It was the leadership of Ohaneze worldwide that started the process when they collapsed all other contending associations and unions and established a caretaker committee that was able to harmonize the existence of Ndigbo as a body up until 2018 when they came in May. They said their next coming would be to conduct elections to bring out a new leadership that is nurtured by them. You had to pick up a form with a sum of money. Each position had different amount from the others. We all got our forms and filled them. We were screened. There were minimum qualifications for various offices; so you had to bring in original certificates and credentials to show. They did all that. I have the video. Even though I came out unopposed at the end of the day they still insisted that I be voted for and at the end of the day we were issued certificates of return.

The Igbos take their cultures seriously. Your host community also has its culture. How do you intend to bring a perfect interplay between these various cultures?

The Yorubas have a saying that no matter how big your eye balls are, you cannot see the land more than the owner of the land. What that presupposes is that whatever culture we want to exhibit, whatever we want to do must be done in such a way that we still respect the culture of our host community. I take exception to having a kingdom inside a kingdom. It is an aberration. It is an insult to the constituted authorities of the land. I will not be party to that. I will want to respect the culture and the traditions of the host communities. Whatever we want to do, we must seek audience with the Olubadan of Ibadan land. If we are doing it in Ogbomoso, we must seek audience with the Soun of Ogbomoso. Whatever we do in terms of tradition, we must be under the existing authority of the owners of the land.

The post How S/West afforded the Igbo man opportunities to thrive – Okorie appeared first on Tribune Online.

Having distributed newspapers for different media organisations with a success story before you expanded your entrepreneurial interest to other areas, how do you describe the media?

I hope you won’t accuse me of bias because your question is taking me back to the beginning of my business career after I had stopped teaching. I had a good relationship with the media, apart from the fact that the media provided my source of livelihood. The media back then and now had a good number of my friends who still keep in touch till date. I can say that the media is key in nation-building and general development of every society.

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How do we get informed of the goings on around us and in other parts of the world without the media? I can say with confidence that the media is part of the development we have attained in this country. With this explanation, you would understand that I appreciate the role they play in the society. But I must add that some people are all out to tarnish the image of the media. These are those who claim to be reporters but who are not who they claim. Regulating bodies of the media need to work on this before these people do damage to the good and hardworking reporters.

You seemed to have kept a low profile in the recent past. What informed this?

I want to ask you of when I kept high profile. May be, I don’t get what you mean by low profile. I have always maintained my natural profile since I came to the throne. I don’t make noise or make myself visible everywhere and every time. That is the way I lived my life long before I became the traditional ruler. I love modest life. Even among other traditional rulers, you would hardly notice me except for the crown and other paraphernalia of royalty you see in me. I love a free life where I can do my things in my own way without attracting public attention. But this is not saying that I am absolutely anonymous. No! With my height and dress code, it will be difficult to ignore me among other traditional rulers. Even if I don’t wear crown, you would just notice my presence. To God be the glory.

But there was news that you were ill. How true was the news?

I should not ask of your source because I know that law of your profession does not permit you to disclose your source. But I am happy that you asked the question. Being ill is a natural thing. That I am a traditional ruler does not mean I am no longer human being. Inasmuch as human being can fall it, there is no exception. To God be the glory. It was an experience that further attested to the supremacy of God over human beings.

How do you mean by this submission, kabiyesi?

What I mean is that I further understood and indeed appreciated the power of God over His creature. I am one of his creatures and I saw His power over me. A lot of misinformation spread in the town during that time. But God eventually proved that He is God, the maker of life. He is the one who gives life and takes life as it pleases Him. I am thanking Him for what He did over my condition because it was a different experience. It was an experience one should not have always. At the end of the experience, God showed that whoever is not yet due to go will not leave this world. Again, I am showing my appreciation for supporting me throughout the time. There is nothing compared with good health. It is true that when health is lost everything is lost. I am using this opportunity to advise our people in position of authorities, especially traditional rulers, to take good care of their health. If you consider our workload attending different meetings from morning till evening, you would realise that we need regular medical check-up. I am saying this because I appreciate what good health is better after my brief experience.

The name of your town was in the news last year during the governorship elections. One of your sons contested and put up a good performance that surprised those who did not know him as a politician. How would you react to the effect of this on your town?

The wish and prayer of every traditional ruler is to have children they would be proud of. Dr Ogunbiyi has made me proud, and I must say it to the world. His entry into politics was truly a surprise to many but I knew he would make impact despite that. Thank God the whole world saw how the process went, the whole world saw that he was not and still is not a pushover, regardless of the situation. He proved that good name and hard work can open such a door. It is true that an Oba should not be seen to be partisan. I agree with that principle because we are fathers to all politicians. But to say the truth is tell you that no traditional ruler would not be happy with his son who is doing well and being supported by the masses of the people. His politics is not a do-or-die thing as you can see how the whole thing went. He is an example of the kind of politics we should encourage our politicians to play for peaceful coexistence.

As a traditional ruler, is unity of Yoruba realistic?

I don’t believe there anything that is not possible. What is important is determination to do things. As regard Yoruba unity, which is somehow elusive, I don’t want to say it is not possible. The only thing I understand about us which makes us looks complex is our level of education. Western education has given us too much exposure to different influences which are counter-productive to us. For instance, some elements of our culture are suffering now because of these foreign influences. It is difficult for the kids to prostrate and kneel down before their parents. The irony of it is that some parents too don’t even encourage their children to do it. This is quite unfortunate in the true sense of it. The Indians, the Chinese, the Japanese and Germans are developing today because they adhere strictly with their culture and tradition. This sad aspect is very important if we are serious to achieve growth for our ethnic group.

How united are the traditional rulers going by your observation?

I think I should not dwell into that seriously because it is a sensitive issue. What I think we should do at this point in time is to work towards more cohesion among us. There is nothing at stake for us to struggle for. God has favoured us with the position we hold in our respective domain. What elese do we want? We should all know that there is a supreme being who oversees all of us. This has always been my guide at all time because it is the reality of life. Where are our ancestors today? They have all long gone. But what they did during their lifetime is what we make reference to today. We are also going to be referred to in past tense one day. We should all embrace one another and enjoy our lives within our means.

The post Our culture suffers because of foreign influence —Oba Agbaje appeared first on Tribune Online.

For indigenes of Iganna town, both home and in the Diaspora, Saturday, December 29, 2018 was one that would not be forgiven in a hurry or when issues of development of the community comes up; aside the usual celebration that trail the end of the year festivities, the convergence of the sons and daughters of Iganna and the residents of the community from far and wide for a summit was an event that will linger in the peoples’ memories.

The people converged at the Iganna Township Hall, Oja-Oba Iganna for the eighth annual summit of the town hosted by the Iganna Patriots under the chairmanship of Justice Olabisi Ige JCA. The summit had participants from various divides, cutting across all community stakeholders led by the chairman of Iganna Local Council Development Area; the Sabiganna of Iganna, Oba Saliu Oyemonla Azeez, the Sabiganna-in-Council led by Bada of Iganna Land, Council of Traditional Rulers comprising Baales within Iganna Land and President, Iganna Grade A Customary Court, A.A. Olapade Adeolu.

Others include the Chairman  Iganna Community Council, Christian community led by Rev’d Adelabu, the CAN Chairman, Iganna Zone and Revd S.O. Olakunle; Muslim Community led by Chief Imam of Iganna Land Alhaji Hamzat Zurakat,  Area Commander Nigerian Police, Iganna Area Command,  Immigration officer-Aisnni Pual CS/Nigeria Immigration service, Iganna Border Patrol, Oyo State Command, and Iganna land Community Leaders all over 240 people.

The summit themed, “Iganna land security, safety and justice system:  setting a strategic collaborative agenda for the stakeholders” had deliberations on crime control and safety measures within the local community: the concept of community policing, effective dispensation of justice, a panacea for a peaceful co-existence among the locals, boarder security management, a measure for boarder community security and traditional mechanism for alternative dispute resolution: a response to internal conflict among the locals.

The summit was to provide a platform for all stakeholders to work together in identifying justice, safety and security concerns in the community and devise solutions to tackle these problems which include crime, terrorism, conflict and human right abuses.

The agenda focused on local community safety, justice and security with the overall objective of exploring the difficulties, possibilities and modalities for enhancing the role of the stakeholders in setting up an effective and efficient security, safety and justice system.

The summit noted that the entire world, the Nigeria society and Iganna Kingdom by extension are facing large scale insecurity and monumental challenges of unsafe society and perceived abuses of human right by security agencies especially issues of complaint of injustice which they attributed to absence or inadequacy of collaboration among the stakeholders.

It was highlighted that to achieve a secured, safe and just society, there is need to develop capabilities in the institutional, regulatory and human relation/communication and technical areas as well as the capacity to mobilize and extract resources to develop key security, safety and justice institutions.

Participants at the summit pointed that insecurity, injustice and unsafe society are practically instigated by mass unemployment especially among the youth; breakdown of public utilities which do not provide platforms for self-employment like farming, artisans and micro and medium enterprises; environment and climate changes; poverty; break down in family ties and units; youth restlessness and juvenile delinquencies and lack of fear of God.

Further noted that not enough attention seems to be devoted to addressing these areas and therefore call for synergy or collaboration among all the stakeholders in providing lasting solutions to the endemic security, safety and justice challenges.

It was stated that bridging the gaps among key institutions like court, law enforcements, local council and traditional institutions and religious institutions as well as residents will enable them communicate, collaborate and work together to build safer, more caring communities and also to equip and empower the locals with a view to create an enabling environment and platform which can adequately strengthen security, safety and justice system to effectively secure Nigeria society including Iganna Kingdom for socio-economic gains:

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It was advocated that forming a strategic synergy among the identified stakeholders will necessarily create a sustainable system for resolving any form of conflict and dispute arising from daily interaction among the residents of Iganna kingdom and in this regard, stakeholders must position and prioritise fortification of government institutions in order to serve society effectively by recruiting competent and professional, practitioners, providing training and development opportunities and according them a supportive work environment.

At the end of the summit, participants agreed that competent, transformational and visionary stakeholders largely accounts for the phenomenal security, safety and justice system that Iganna land and by extension Nigeria society deserves, adding that in contrast with the situation at hand, stakeholders are constrained by the lack of well-developed collaborative and coordinated efforts and is thus unable to develop the level of leadership capacity needed to champion a well-secured, safe and just community.

It affirmed that current and emerging stakeholders should endeavour to inculcate and imbibe a purposeful collaboration and leadership style and encourages fruitful and positive relationships with the institutions of the state for a secured, safe and just society and proposed a joint action committee comprising representative of each of the stakeholder as relevant to Iganna land.

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As part of its efforts to ensure the is restructuring of structures in Nigeria, the six states that make up South-Western Nigeria; Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun and Lagos have continued to work together and take steps towards the calls for restructuring under the aegis of Yoruba Koya Leadership and Training Foundation, known as Yoruba Koya Movement. And the latest in the group’s effort is a tour of all Houses of Assembly in Yoruba Land to seek for the support of Yoruba parliamentarians to back restructuring.

The tour embarked upon by the group is focused on sensitising all elected Yoruba parliamentarians on why the restructuring of Nigeria’s political, economic and social structures must be implemented now for the sake of the generation yet unborn.

The first point of call was the Lagos State House of Assembly where the group led by led an Elder Statesman, Dr. Amos Arogundade Akingba and the group’s Convener, Otunba Deji Osibogun supported by Prof Banji Akintoye, Senator Tokunbo Ogunbanjo, Dr Tola Adeniyi, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu and backed by the Alaafin of Oyo and  Aare Afe Babalola  spoke with the Lagos lawmakers and lobbied them to support restructuring. The group in addition presented the assembly four copies of the proposed Nigerian constitution written by Voice of Reason for consideration.

Also on the delegation to Lagos Parliament were renowned Lawyer, Otunba Alaba Shonibare, scion of former Western region Minister, Omogbonjuola Osuntokun, Chief Kayode Osuntokun, the Asiwaju of Yoruba Community in California, United States, Otunba Tilewa Osifeso, Erudite University Don, Professor Tunde Fatunde, National Director of Organization and Publicity of the group, Mr. Maxwell Adeyemi Adeleye, Youth Coordinator of the group in Lagos State, Comrade Ayodeji Adebayo among others.

After the Lagos visit, Yoruba Koya has finalised plans to visit other Houses of Assembly in the following order; Ogun and Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo respectively.

The Yoruba Koya delegation was ably received by the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who is also the current Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assemblies of Nigeria, supported by the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun, Chairman, House Committee on Constitution and Judiciary, Hon. Mrs Funmilayo Tejuosho, Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Mr. Tunde Jafonjo among others.

In his remarks, the Convener of the Yoruba Koya Movement, Otunba Deji Osibogun appealed to Obasa to use his office as the leader of all Speakers in Nigeria to lobby his colleagues in Yoruba Land and other like-minds to back restructuring.

Also in his opening remarks, Dr. Akingba who spoke in Yoruba language decried the changing societal norms, values, culture and tradition linking the defect to cultural adjustments, language pollution and other effects of imported cultures and condemned the infrastructural abandonments and dwindling development across all Yoruba states in the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

The ex-NADECO chieftain explained that the faulty constitution in operation within the country has done more harm than good since it is merely an extension of amended military decree, emphasising the need to revamp Yoruba race starting from her ideology, culture and norms to having a workable national constitution that favours every ethnicity in place.

“The current constitution in operation within the country is faulty and there is the urgent need for us to return to the people’s constitution of 1957 even before the best hands can function well in public offices they are elected to serve,” he stated.

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Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa while speaking stated that unless the 1999 constitution of Nigeria is revisited and the political, economic and social structures of the country sanctimoniously and patriotically restructured, the development of Nigeria may be a dream that will never be achieved, adding that all the 40 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have passed resolutions backing restructuring of Nigeria times without number.

He said that without proper restructuring, values reorientation and entrenchment of culture and tradition, the country Nigeria will continue to retrogress.

“Contrary to the perception of people, I am a pro-restructuring comrade. I am 100 per cent in support of restructuring of Nigeria. I stand for a new people’s constitution drafted and written by the people. I have been supporting this struggle since I emerged as Speaker and I will continue to do so. Lagos State House of Assembly under my leadership has passed resolutions time without number calling for the restructuring of Nigeria. We at the state House of Assembly cannot initiate it but there’s no way the process can be completed without our input.

“I assure the good people of Yoruba Land and Nigerians that we in Lagos State parliament support restructuring. Unless this country is restructured, the quagmires facing us as a nation will continue to boom like wave of ocean. A new constitution that will address injustice, inequality and under-development militating against our country is the solution, irrespective of the quality of leaders we elect as president or governor.

“However, I want to appeal to elders here today to join hands to ensure that the Youths in Yoruba Land exhibit the core values of Omoluabi that we are known for. Today, may young people in Yoruba Land cannot speak Yoruba language. Our children don’t know proverbs; our culture is being jettisoned for foreign cultures which if not curbed, will not augur well for us as a nation. Finland has one of the best educational policies in the world; they achieved everything by introducing teaching in mother’s tongue which is now lacking in Nigeria.

“We as a parliament have made it mandatory for all public and private schools in Lagos State to teach Yoruba as a subject. In Lagos parliament, we conduct our sitting every Wednesday in Yoruba Language. I beg all parents of Yoruba descent to sure that our culture and traditions are not eroded and killed,” he stated.

In his own remarks, another Elder Statesman, Chief Dr. Tola Adeniyi stated that the purpose of the visit to Lagos parliament was to discuss and chart a strategic way out and proactive approach towards synergizing the past efforts of the Six State Assemblies in the South-West Geo-Political Zone towards Nigeria restructuring and constitutional restoration.

Adeniyi, who is the Akirogun of Yorubaland added that restructuring will be beneficial to the country for a formidable national structure.

Also, the Chairman of a policy think-tank of Yoruba group, Voice of Reason (VOR), Dr. Olufemi Adegoke said the current Nigerian Constitution is a product of the military oligarchy, adding that the country is just postponing the evil day if the law is not abrogated now.

Four copies of the proposed Nigerian Constitution written by the Voice of Reason (VOR) and a paper titled “Yoruba Nation in a Restructured Nigerian Federation” was presented to Obasa and his colleagues at the event.

Speaking on the tour, the National Director of Organisation and Publicity, Mr Maxwell Adeyemi Adeleye, stated that there is a need for the Yoruba nation to rise up to its responsibility of ensuring sustainable development for its people, adding that the group is united in the fight against bad governance in all the six states in South-Western Nigeria and the strongly rejects the current infrastructure decadence and poor economic growth in Yoruba land as a result of bad governance.

“Yoruba nation deserves much more in the current national politics in our country and we must all rise to this occasion by supporting both the economic and political restructuring of Nigeria, through a more transparent and accountable governance, especially in our region. We cannot continue like this and expect any positive change,” he explained.

And as the Yoruba Koya movement continues its tour of Houses of Assemblies to further its cause, there is a call for all South-West people to join the campaign to demand for restructuring.

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How did you feel hearing the controversy about the Osun statue allegedly sold off?

I think you don’t need to be told how I would feel on such issue. As my position in the town requires, such an issue is not a good development because Osogbo is long known as a town which promotes Yoruba cultural heritage. Do you think, the late German Ulli Bier decided to settle down in Osogbo for nothing? He came and saw attitude of Osogbo to its culture and embraced it. Apart from the annual Osun Osogbo festival, all other cultural festivals are held here the way they were held in the days of our ancestors. Do you also think the UNESCO didn’t have a reason to give the Osun grove official recognition among tourists’ destinations in the world? All these are telling you the position of Osogbo in international cultural promotion. So, it is not a good news story that the same Osun is being talked about in that way.

If you are disturbed as you just said, sir, you ought to have sought an audience with the Ataoja, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji over the matter because his name is involved. Did you?

You are right. As the Araba, I should not ignore the matter and act as if nothing happens. I went to the palace and held a meeting with the Ataoja. That meeting ended up throwing light on the matter.

What did the traditional ruler tell you during the meeting?

I would not want to divulge the details of our discussion in this medium. When you are in my position, you should know what to say and when to say it. I don’t think this is the right time to divulge the details.

In few words, did he confirm the allegation or refute it?

Kabiyesi said there was no truth in the allegation. He said nobody sold the statue to anyone in Togo.

Why then was his name linked with the allegation?

All I can say is that Kabiyesi told me that there is no iota of truth in the allegation.

Did you carry out your own finding as your position requires?

My position as the Araba does not require me to work at cross-purposes with the Ataoja.

How do you mean and what are the functions of the Araba?

The Araba administers the town with traditional ruler. He is cultural and spiritual adviser to traditional ruler. For instance, when there is drought or any natural disaster in the town, traditional rulers send for the Araba who would find out the cause of the problem and solution to the problem. If there is need, Araba would assemble his fellow Ifa priests and give directive and also supervise the  rites to perform to end the problem.

Osun Osogbo is about eight months away,don’t you think this incident would have an effect on it?

No, Osun Osogbo festival is now an international festival which foreign tourists look forward to attend every year. I don’t think this issue would remove anything from that standard. At the same time, we won’t allow it to go further to the extent of the fear you just raised.

How are you going to do that to stem the tide before the controversy do damage to the image of the festival?

Thank you, the elders of the town have waded into it now.

Are you one of the elders?

I was not a member before now. But the leader of the council, the Asiwaju of Osogbo, Pa Hammed Omidiran has brought me into the council.

Why do you think he brought you into the council?

He is in the best position to answer that question. But once your question is about my thinking, it could be because of my position as the Araba.

 What are the efforts the council is making?

The efforts we are making are not for the public now. What is matter to us is result, and we are going to get the result sooner than expected.

Don’t you think that telling us the efforts would douse the tension generated by the issue?

I don’t think there is any tension over the matter. But if there is tension because of the social media factor, we are already making efforts to douse the tension.

Is the council talking to all involved in the allegation or conducting investigation into the matter?

When we are done with the assignment we give to ourselves, the public will get to know.

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Did Ataoja tell you why he allegedly ejected the Iya Osun from the palace premises where she lived?

Ataoja told me that he did not eject the Iya Osun from the palace premises. He said there was no reason for him to eject the Iya Osun.

But Iya Osun is no more in the palace. Can you shed more light on this?

Kabiyesi said Iya Osun had no issue with him. He said it was the son of Iya Osun he sanctioned over certain attitude which is not right. He said after the sanction was issued, Iya Osun then said, if her son was ejected, she considered it as her own ejection. That was what happened, according to Kabiyesi, and I have no reason to doubt him.

Is it true that you have relocated to Ibadan?

(Laughing) Why would I relocate to Ibadan when I am the Araba of Osogboland? I am right here in Osogbo. What happens is that I have a small structure which I just completed at Elebu area in Ibadan. The place will save me hotel bill I used to incur. The residence will serve as my contact place for my clients in Ibadan and environs. I can tell you that I have more clients in Ibadan. So they deserve to have more access to me.

How would you assess the role of the media on the controversy?

Let me say the media is playing its own role as public watchdog. But I am not comfortable with the way social media is used to spread unsubstantiated news. I did not plan to speak on this matter because I don’t want the social media to misinterpret whatever I would say. I want the media to try as much as possible to find out fact from all angles to their stories. This will give all stakeholders free hearing.

I observe you have a reserved seat in Osun grove during the festival, what role does that confer on you?

Your observation is right. That section is reserved for the Araba and his members. The role we perform as you could observe is to pray for the Ataoja and also for the whole town.

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Going by your profile, especially your upscale life in the US, you were expected to have lost touch with Yoruba culture. But reverse is the case. What is responsible for this?

There is nothing more than my belief in preserving the value of our culture. My exposure to different cultures outside Nigeria has taught me that we are blessed with one of the best cultures which is respected by other people. More of this was seen during our trip to Brazil last year with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. One thing which I do which many have still not understood is my return to the way of commemorating anniversaries according to how it was done in the days of our forefathers. I celebrated my third year coronation anniversary. I will also celebrate the fifth year; then seven, 14 and 21. That is how Yoruba celebrate anniversary.

In other words, there is no celebration in November this year when you will clock four years.

Of course, I am going to mark it but celebration is 2020.

You were outside the country in August last year during Isese Day. How did you feel missing that important cultural day?

What took me out of the town should be considered first to know how exactly I felt. I must tell you, in all honesty, that I had my mind here. I was in London for the purpose of my medical check. And health is wealth. The festival was well conducted. When I returned, I still hosted people.

What is the update on your palace under construction?

The update is that we have reached advanced stage of construction. What is left basically now is the interior works, which, you would agree with me, are also a major work. But our target for completion is March or April.

How are you going to commission it?

Of course, it is going to be done openly; it is going to involve other activities like giving chieftaincy titles and other events.

What is the cost of not completing the palace?

There is no cost other than we are working round the clock to ensure it is completed as we have projected. And I have no doubt on my mind on the deadline.

Some traditional rulers in Lagos State, for instance, visited Ile-Ife to reconnect with their root. How do you see this development?

Once Yoruba History says we are all from Ile-Ife, there is nothing about such visit unless you smell politics or what looks like politics in the visit. Ile-Ife is the cradle of Yoruba race, meaning we are all entitled to go there. I can go there too any time I feel like visiting my root. As a matter of fact, our family compound is known as Ilare Quarters, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi knows. What I am saying is that there is no big deal in visiting Ile-Ife inasmuch as it is the root of all of us. Last year, the Ooni travelled to Brazil, and I was part of his entourage. The Ajero of Ijero delivered the message that the Ooni wanted me to be on that trip. I spoke with the Oba of Lagos, Oba Akiolu about it, and he offered prayer.

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You have the famous state Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in your domain. What impact does this police unit have on security of your town?

Apart from the state CID at Panti Street, there are other two Divisional Headquarters at Adekunle and Sabo. What this presence means is security consciousness of the people. My domain can be rightly called a micro Nigeria, in terms of assemblage of cross section of ethnic groups from different parts of the country. One of the side effects of this is pressure on security. But I can say that the presence of the police units is serving deterrence purpose. A mention of ‘Panti’ alone would make a potential trouble maker to quickly think twice knowing the proximity of the state CID to him. I think, it is serving a good purpose.

You told me how you came to Nigeria purposely to look after your mother. How was your relationship with her during your adolescence age?

Your question is like you are asking me to write a big book. There is no way to capture my relationship with my mother as being cordial, very cordial. Let me just give you an instance to back my claim. When I was in elementary school, there was none of my teachers who did not know my mother or whom my mother did not know. She was always coming to the school during break time to see me. She would bring along fruits like pine apple. So there was no way I would misbehave in school without her knowing through my teachers. The relationship was such cordial, and we took it till I became adult.

Did that relationship have any impact in your later years as adult?

That relationship became part of my life such that when I was in the US, I was always in the schools of my children to the extent that their teachers also knew me very well. There is something that may interest you in this. One of my children’s teachers was always looking forward to receive my note. She confessed that she loved my handwriting. I was always in the school. In fact, at a point, I volunteered to help them out in their Information Technology issue. I was enjoying every bit of it as a father who must show love to the growing of his children. And I think my children also appreciated it and showed it to me too.

What advice do you have for parents who probably don’t live up to that standard expectation?

I always tell them that they are the role model to their children before any other person. But in a situation that father returns home late and mother is also busy in the market, the children will suffer normal parental care. What happens in this circumstance is that the poor children become vulnerable and get attracted to peer influence, which may not be of their interest. A lot of things are wrong with the way some parents handle matters concerning their children. If things are right with parental care, there won’t be many youths being used as political thugs. Their parents would have trained them to know the evil in being a thug for parents of other children. The situation in the country now means that if you have the resources to have six children, have four to be able to take a good care of them. I don’t compromise welfare of the innocent children we bring to the world.

Then you must be worried by the state of unemployment and its effect on the youth?

I am worried that our youths are not gainfully employed. This, on its own, is a security risk to the society. Honestly, I sympathise with those youths who are chasing just few jobs. It is no more news that many are produced by many universities we have on yearly basis. The question is: ‘Where are the works for them?’ We have to accept the fact that economic recession is a global thing, meaning that everyone is affected. But I have made it clear at different fora that the situation is not the end of the world. Our youths should even use it as opportunity to think out of the box to do something better for themselves. For instance, there is a form which I supervise on vocational training. It is a measure to teach our youths different vocations to do something elese for themselves instead of waiting for the employment that is not there.

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Yoruba leadership is always divided. When is the leadership going to be united and have a common front to really drive home the position and interest of the geopolitical zone?

The issue is of concern to many of the elders and leaders in Yorubaland. If you observe the body language of late, you will see some form of unity. That was why when Bode George called a meeting at MUSON Centre, most people attended because we saw the issue beyond party line. There are two major problems that I see in the process of uniting Yorubaland and without fear or favour, the two major obstacles to proper unification of Yorubaland are Obasanjo and Tinubu, I am sorry to say this because they are my friends but the two of them are always thinking about themselves not Yorubaland. Obasanjo portends to love a real Nigeria, is it the real Nigeria that he ruled for eight years that could not make him as head of state or a permanent secretary of the Ministry of Roads and Transport think that the road to Ota should be tarred just like Buhari’s town is now being dualised. If Daura can be dualised and finished in no time, why in eight years was Obasanjo not able to do the same for his own town? It is because Obasanjo’s concept of a nation is not the same concept held by Gwarzo, Buhari, Babangida, Abdulsaalami, Gowon and Danjuma. So, if he could not deliver that little bit because he did not want to be seen as being tribalistic and Buhari enjoys in three years what Obasanjo could not enjoy in his own town in eight years then, he was only thinking about himself. What Ahmed Tinubu is after is his political empire. This is just my honest appeal because of all the efforts that have been going on, if we are almost 80 per cent successful, Obasanjo will bring it down to 30 per cent, if we are almost 90 per cent successful, Tinubu will bring it to 20 per cent. We learnt from history that those who abandoned the course of the Yoruba race and substituted it with their self interest faced the wrath of the Yoruba and the sacred land of Yoruba. So, in terms of unity, we will do our best.

Is there a convergence now?

There is a convergence. The convergence is presently considering a central document that is the Yoruba position on the way forward for Nigeria because certainly the 2019 election is not the way forward, it is just an accepted constitutional arrangement which, if care is not taken, might not even take us to the Promised Land.

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Insecurity is a major challenge in the country, what is Yoruba KO’YA and other Yoruba groups doing to curb the excesses of the Fulani herdsmen in their land?

What the elders use to eat moinmoin is always under the leaves. Those who are terrorising us know they are terrorising us and they know that we don’t like it. We may not have shown how we don’t like the fact that they are terrorising us but we are begging them because we can’t win in their courts. They have arrested so many and released them. How can you go and rustle a farm in Oyo, they put you in prison custody in Oyo and somebody called  from Abuja that the case  should be transferred to Abuja? Is it that same person you want to go and report to? They have stood security on its head. The governors who collect security votes but are not able to defend their people in the rural areas, what are they using the money for? They showed a movie of less than two minutes attack of a fortified police post manned by two policemen by over ten northern terrorists, those were not Fulani herdsmen and that is the interesting twist about this whole thing. What we are finding now is no longer Fulani herdsmen but cultured trained assassins, kidnappers and rough necks. They are using the funds from kidnapping to buy more arms and ammunition.

We have had some respite of these attacks even in the Middle Belt, but there are fears that after 2019 elections, we might likely have resurgence. What is your take on this?

When this insurgence came up, there were so many activities, kudos to the Aare Ona Kakanfo, Gani Adams and others. People rose up and systematically beat them back, but in a situation where you are using private funds and a governor is earning N800 million as security fund and he is not spending it? Only buying vehicles that will stay in the city centre, not setting up telecommunication network in rural areas, and so on, of course, such attacks are likely to come back. As a matter of fact, they are back. I am using this opportunity to tell our people, especially those living in border towns, to be vigilant. Most of the attacks are not being reported as they should, that is why people thought it had subsided, it has not. Many innocent travellers have fallen victims of these attacks. Let us be very vigilant especially this season that we are in.

What is your view about the statement credited to the wife of the president that two people have hijacked her husband’s government?

I think we should just replace Muhammadu with Aisha; she will be a better president than her husband. She is more honest. She comes out to speak the truth. She said her husband was captured two, three years ago, we didn’t believe it. She was talking about 15 million Nigerians’ votes that are being controlled by two men. They put her in purdah too long. She is not covering her face; she has opened her eyes like they have done in Saudi Arabia where women can now drive. She is an epitome of womanhood. What she has done by coming out in public to challenge the two people is commendable. So, why won’t they say the president is cloned. That is cloning. What she said was that these two people are the ones that cloned her husband. It is the same Buhari but he has been cloned by the two people the wife was talking about.

The post Those who abandoned cause of the Yoruba race faced the wrath of the sacred land of Yoruba —Deji Osibogun appeared first on Tribune Online.

For five days, the otherwise serene community of Aramoko Ekiti was at a standstill.  Residents and indigenes of the town  were on hand to welcome  visitors, especially  culture and  tourism enthusiasts,  who had come  from both within and outside the country to witness the best of  the community’s culture, foods and games on display at  the second edition of  Aramoko Cultural Heritage Festival (ARAHFEST) held recently in the community.

The annual cultural festival has been a display of the contemporary and traditional carnival of the people, mixed with music fiesta and other side attractions like beauty pageantry and traditional wrestling.

Before the commencement of the festival, the organisers had assured residents, and visitors alike, that the second edition would be a vast improvement on the previous one held in the community in 2017.

For instance, the five-day programme started with a lecture delivered by a foremost professor of History, Ishola Olomola, who spoke on ‘The Place of Aramoko in the History of Yoruba Race’. The university teacher corroborated the declaration of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, that Aramoko’s place in Yoruba history would  never be overlooked.

Early last year, Oba Ogunwusi, oversaw a colourful reunion ceremony that brought together Ajero of Ijero, Orangun of Ila and Alara of Aramoko. At the event, which was held at the palace of Alara of Aramoko, Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi, the Ooni reiterated the fact that Alara, Ajero and Orangun of Ila were brothers from Ooni’s palace, who left  the ancient town, many centuries ago, to settle where they are today.

“Alara, Ajero and Orangun are brothers, who shared same parents. As I speak, they still have their rooms in Ife palace. Immediately I was installed and I saw the record in the palace, I resolved in my mind to visit them and charge them not to allow modern civilization keep  them away from their traditional commitments in Ooni’s palace.

“Many youths of today, who hear Ifa priests and those who play traditional roles in Yoruba home videos, evoke power in the name of Alara, Ajero and Orangun, but don’t know where it all started because of little or no effort to consolidate the relationship,” the ooni had said.

At the ARAHFEST lecture, Prof. Olomola not only confirmed this, but told Alara to keep the tempo as a foremost Yoruba traditional ruler. He described Aramoko Ekiti as a unique town in Yoruba land that needed to be more popular than it presently is.

To this end, the scholar commended Aramoko Development Association for instituting the carnival, adding that it would further boost the relationship among the Yoruba and help Aramoko to maintain its status in  the comity of towns and cities that make up the Yoruba nation.  While calling on Aramoko indigenes home and abroad to key into the event, Olomola pointed out that a community not in tune with its  culture had lost its identity.

In the afternoon of the first day of the one-week carnival, representatives of various quarters in Aramoko took part in traditional games of Ayo Olopon, Aarin and Okoto. The four quarters that participated were: Oke Oja, Isasa, Anaye and Isao.

At the end, Isasa came first in Arin game, followed by Isao, Oke Oja and Anaye. The table however turned in favour of Isao during the Ayo Olopon game as it came first, while Oke Oja, Anaye and Isasa took second, third and fourth positions respectively. The event was held at Aramoko Civic Centre.

Traditional foods and drinks exhibition and  traditional wrestling were held at Saint Stephen’s Primary School, Ijero Road, Aramoko Ekiti, on the second day.  It was an opportunity again  for the four quarters to show their culinary skills, as they prepared varieties of local and traditional foods and displayed them inside the stand of each of the quarters.

For tourists and natives, it was a moment of excitement as the array of foods paraded sent strong signals to all that Nigerians were fast moving away from their origin. The jurors, who were saddled with the responsibility of inspecting the food and award marks during the cooking competition admitted that the community had what Nigeria could market to the international community.

• Garba Shehu can not tell me where to campaign ― Ortom

Olabode Ayodele, from Isasa quarters and Olabisi Ajayi from Isao, who participated in the wrestling and cooking competitions respectively, spoke glowingly on their take-away from the two competitions.

“When the idea was first mooted, it sounded unusual to me because we were used to watching modern wrestling on television.  Therefore, I thought the local version was dead but as the competition gathered momentum, my mind went to my days in primary and secondary schools and my skill in wrestling resurfaced. I told our quarter’s trainer of my intention to participate. Today, as I did Isasa Quarters proud, I can only thank ADA for coming up with this and appeal to Aramoko people, home and abroad to join hands with the development association,” Ayodele stated.

For Olabisi Ajayi, her involvement in the cooking competition had further opened her eyes to some ancient foods, noting that  the cooking aspect was a good training platform for Aramoko ladies and visitors.

“Though born and bred in Aramoko, there are many of the foods cooked here today that I have not seen in my life. I’m sure if any woman goes home to prepare any of the ancient food for her hubby, their marriage will be more solidified. What we see here has defeated the argument that the Yoruba have no varieties like our Igbo brothers and sisters,” Ajayi said.

Though Saturday turned out to be the climax of  the festival,  traditional and modern carnivals of Thursday and Friday were beautiful jamborees that opened up the entire town. It was a celebration of colours, costumes and dances.

A leading light of Yoruba theatre industry, 80 year-old Ayo Ogunshina, popularly known as ‘Papalolo’ of the old Jesters International, who spoke to journalists after the carnival, described it as a re-awakening event for lovers of Yoruba culture.

“I have not seen it this good in any town in Yoruba nation. Successfully, Aramoko people have set the pace by taking modern and traditional carnival a notch higher. Here, culture and tradition have simply mixed with glamour,” Papalolo said.

Another juror, Pa Peter Fatomilola, also a household name in Nollywood, while appreciating the organisers, called on government and corporate bodies to support Aramoko so that the carnival can be sustained.

“Aramoko is lucky to have someone like Prof. Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, the former Artistic Director of Abuja carnival as ARAHFEST Technical Director. In the last three days, I have witnessed what I have not seen anywhere in Nigeria. As a stakeholder in the Arts and Culture industry, I know it is capital intensive and that is why I’m calling on Federal and State Ministry of Information to partner the community and use ARAHFEST to showcase Nigeria. It is also my belief that the carnival can serve as a good platform for top players in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods sector of the economy to reposition their products,” he said.

Aside the carnivals, which involved all the quarters, various communities like the Igedes, the Igbos and the Hausas,  resident in Aramoko also displayed their cultures as they paid homage to Oba Adeyemi during the ground finale.

As it happened last year, when an ‘A’ class musical jamboree was used to usher in the new Miss Aramoko, top Nigerian Artists also entertained guests at this year’s edition.

Another interesting part of the carnival was the process that led to the emergence of 24 year-old Oluwatobiloba Adeniran as the new Miss Aramoko. Beautiful Tobiloba, an undergraduate participated in 2017 but didn’t clinch the crown.

“After my last year’s participation, I took SWOT analysis of all that happened during the competition, from camping to the day of the show and took note of my weak points. With determination, coupled with experience, I entered for this year’s edition and Lo and behold! I emerged winner. It was a moment of joy and I appreciated the orgnisers and congratulate my other eight contestants.’

As Miss Aramoko, Tobiloba won the first prize of a landed property and N20, 000 monthly allowances that would be paid for 12 months, while the first and second runners up in the exercise also went home with a deep freezer and fridge respectively.

Speaking at the grand finale, Oba Adeyemi, the ADA President, Dr. Aladeloye, and the Carnival Director, Prof. Ojo Bakare, all echoed the fact that the community wanted to use the event to celebrate the rich culture of the Yoruba people, thereby setting the pace in the South West.

As happened last year when Gombe State Governor, a former Accountant General of the federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Damkwabo was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Atunluse of Aramoko Kingdom, this year, two prominent individuals, Otunba Olalekan Akinyele and Asiwaju Oyedeji Olajubu were honoured with the chieftaincy titles of the Atayese and the Akorewolu of Aramoko Kingdom respectively.

The post ARAHFEST 2018: Taking culture, tradition a notch higher appeared first on Tribune Online.

The idea to organise the maiden edition of Isale Eko Day by the aboriginal inhabitants of the city recently was seen as a way of rekindling such history in the consciousness of the public. Though Lagos is seen as no man’s land, the people of Isale Eko went into the archives at the maiden edition of their day to bring out their rich historical heritage and let it be known that there are people who are aborigines in Lagos

The event, held at the City Hall, on Lagos Island, according to the organisers, was meant to promote oneness, cohesion and integration among the indigenes. The social event was graced by virtually all the prominent Isale Eko indigenes including their younger generations, displaying their culture in terms of food, drinks and music.

In attendance were the Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Akiolu 1, who was represented by his wives, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Okunnu; an engineer, Mr Layi Ajayi Bembe; members Of The Isale Eko Descendants Union, among others.

While addressing the indigenes, a prominent Isale Eko indigene,  Mr Femi Okunnu, said that the reason for the Day was to promote the spirit of oneness and cooperation among the younger generation of Isale Eko indigenes, intimating them of its cultural values and the need to participate in the politics of the state.

“Isale Eko Day is to bring the sons and daughters of Isale Eko together. It is a re-union. First of all, to know what is Isale Eko. Most of the children don’t know where Isale Eko is. So, they are all here to rejoice among themselves. As you can see, people are watching the culture of Isale Eko. Lagos is the heart of Nigeria and if the heart goes, what is left?” the legal luminary stated.

He also described the event as a wake-up call to indigenes of the area, to be more participatory in the politics of the state.

“We are not involved in the political sector of Lagos. We are using this celebration to remind ourselves to be part and parcel of Lagos politics, the way our fathers were then. My advice to Lagos indigenes is to become politically aware and join whichever party they want to join, whichever party they believe in its philosophy and programme.

“We are not saying join this party or that party. We are not saying this is good and that is bad. We are saying get out and express yourselves; get out and be part of politics in Nigeria. That is the only way we can impact the society positively,” Okunnu said.

Speaking on the historical importance of the community, the legal luminary said Isale Eko started as a small fishing territory, populated by the Aworis and the land-owner families, the white cap chiefs,  called Idejos.

“Oniru, for example, owns the present Victoria Island, which was compulsorily acquired by the colonial government in the 50s and they paid them compensation.

“Before then, Apapa was acquired by the colonial government almost 90 years ago and the Oluwas were given compensation. Now, there are other parts of Lagos owned by the Idejos. They were the first settlers there and thereafter other people came to settle in Lagos,” he narrated.

He explained that Lagos is a blend of different ethnic groups-the Idejos and the Benin people, adding that “In fact, the Benin people gave Lagos its Oba. Before then, the Nupes, Tapas also settled in Lagos. I have Nupe blood in me, as I speak to you here.

“We also have the Ijebus, the Egbas, the Oyos, the Ekitis, settling here. The returned slaves also came to settle in Lagos — the Saros, The Brazilians. So, Lagos is composed of varieties of people in the country,” he stated.

He explained further that: “the Isale Eko is largely of Benin origin — Idu Ishagbe, Idumota, Idumagbo and Idu Itafa. Idu in Benin means area. That shows the Benin influence here. That is why we say all the Obas in Lagos have Benin blood.”

Okunnu emphasized on Eyo as central to the people of Isale Eko, adding that  his great grandfather was the head of Eyo Alakete Pupa, adding that the concept of Eyo was built around  friendship and love.

Playing up the role of Lagos as the heart of Nigeria, Okunnu said that that Lagos used to be the heartbeat of the nation’s politics, until the early 50s; since all Nigerian politicians lived in Lagos, then.

“Lagos haboured people like Nnamdi Azikiwe of Igbo origin, who later became the first elected member of the Legislative Council in 1946 under the Richards Constitution. So, Lagos was the centre of Nigerian politics,” he said.

• Court arraigns 3 suspects for murder, stealing, child trafficking in Ebonyi

Another prominent Isale Eko indigene,  Layi Bembe, charged Isale Eko indigenes to take what belongs to them politically. “We are not stopping any Isale Eko indigene from being a politician. The fact is that politics is a very tough game. You could be in power today. If you don’t use it well, somebody else will come and take it over from you. To me, I won’t stop any indigene from delving into politics as long as he realises that he is there to serve his people and not his pocket,” he stated.

He lamented the situation where indigenes of the state are being marginalised by non-indigenes, with political power. “Those who think they are marginalising Lagos and its indigenes are only digging their graves, because people can see what they are doing. People knew who they were the first time they came to Lagos, how they were accepted and how they are now betraying the indigenes of Lagos.

“They are going to pay for it if not in our generation but in the generations to come. After all, we didn’t bring anything to this world, and we are not taking anything back. If they like, they should acquire the whole of Lagos. One day, they will leave it and the truth will come out,” Layi Bembe stated.

He explained that Lagos is the first in the southern part of Nigeria, noting that Lagos was a colony of Britain until Richards Constitution was drawn. Also giving a brief history of the people of Isale Eko, he said that Isale Eko is principally occupied by the  Aworis and the Benins, hence the Benin dialect’s influence on some communities’ names, such as: Idu Shogbon, Idu Shagbe and others, in Lagos.

Speaking also, the General Secretary, Isale Eko Descendants Union, Dr. Noah Lawal Junaid, said the union had awarded  scholarships to 125 beneficiaries from 1979 till date across state’s secondary and tertiary schools.

The union, which was originally known as Isale Eko Scholarship Fund Committee, was established after the appointment of Professor Teslim Olawale Elias as the Chief Justice of Nigeria in 1972.

The General Secretary said that the main objective of the union was to award academic bursaries and scholarships to indigent sons and daughters of Isale Eko who desired further education.

He added that the union also promotes quality healthcare through funding and management of clinics within the locality.

Dr Junaid explained that the association purchases, leases and acquires land, buildings or tenements in the name of the group  to fund some of the its projects.

Junaid stated that the union was an apolitical, charitable and sociocultural association, with the vision to make Isale Eko descendants a united, highly-educated, resourceful, well-informed, wealthy and prosperous people.

The post Pomp, ceremony as Isale Eko relieves history appeared first on Tribune Online.

In almost every street of most Nigerian towns and cities, beggars are a common sight while their population keeps growing geometrically every other day with mentally and physically disabled individuals including street urchins engaging in street begging.

5 sober prophetic predictions for 2019

In Akure, the Ondo State capital, street begging has evolved in another dimension with the presence of some underage children from the northern parts of the country who graduated from street begging to washing windscreen of cars in traffic and making a living out of this.

The business of washing windshields of vehicles in traffic has become quite unusual with motorists beginning to worry. It is common to find able bodied young individuals set up petty trading business with the money accrued from the wind shield washing.

The number of these able bodied however keep growing  with school age children   turning the only functioning traffic light in the Ondo State capital, along the popular Oba-Adesida road, to a source of livelihood while begging for money from motorists. The irony of it all is that the boys never for once try to seek the consent of the motorists before starting to wash the windscreen. Initially, only young boys from the northern part of country engaged in this washing business but Nigerian Tribune noticed that some young boys from other ethnic extractions have joined in this.

Nigerian Tribune got to the popular junction around 7:30 am where these boys usually converge every morning and spoke with one of the boys. 17-year-old Ahmed Aliyu, from Kano, Kano State, disclosed that he left home to make ends meet after humiliation from his father who tagged him “lazy bone” after dropping out of school at age 10. He said he joined a truck heading to Lagos without his parents’ knowledge but had to stop in Akure, after meeting some young boys also from Kano who informed him that Akure was peaceful.

“I am 17 years old from a polygamous home. I dropped out of school in primary four. My father always accused me of being jobless and threatened to send me packing from his house. One day, I informed my mother about my journey, even though she did not approve. I was determined to leave and in January last year, I joined a travelling truck without even knowing where it was headed.

“I slept in different shops for over a month in Akure before I saw people doing this job. I discussed with them and later joined them. I do not know anybody here, but I have rented a room apartment around Sabo area now from what I get here. As soon as I make enough money, I will go home to see my parents,” he said.

Also, another 10 year old boy, Moshood Alinko who claimed to be from Sokoto State, said he is the first born of his mother. He said they had to leave home because of his father’s uncaring attitude considering the harem of wives that his father kept.

According to him, he had to get into the business so as to help his mother and siblings financially. He explained that his younger sister, Azezat is at home down with malaria fever and his mother was in need to get drugs worth N3,000 for her treatment.

“My mother persuaded me to resume work early so as to get some money for the drugs. My mother has only N1,000 and my sister is seriously sick. I need to help her, because my father is far away in Sokoto and we need to take care of her. We came to Akure in 2013, but I started this job eight months ago to help my mother. I normally make between N1,000 and N1,500 daily, if the market is good, but we have become so many here now and the business is no longer becoming lucrative and attractive like when I started.

“Whenever my mother is financially buoyant, I will quit the job, because it is dangerous to continue to stay in traffic under rain and shine. I want to get back to school like my mates,” he stated.

For 16-years-old Adamu Isiyaku, the time is ripe to quit the job and think of doing better. He said “at times, we clean windscreens and motorists will not give us anything. This set of people usually promise to come back, but they won’t, though some of them are very nice to us; they sometimes give us more than expected.”

When advised to learn one vocation or trade, he asked “if you will pay for it, or who will pay for it?  I came to this town from Kano without the consent of my parents. I ran away from home because I was left to fend for myself.”

However, Nigerian Tribune noticed that the young boys were becoming more aggressive in carrying out their cleaning. This according to one of them was attributed to the increasing number of young boys interested in the job. It was also observed that young boys from Akure and south-west states have joined their Hausa counterparts in carrying out car  windshield cleaning.

A trader along the area, Joseph Ndubusi, said the young boys should be flushed out of the streets noting that “these children will grow up soon to become untrained and un-trainable young men and become burden to the society. We should look into the future and stop breeding future criminals. We should stop endangering the nation’s security.”

Ndubisi said the boys could turn violent if no one attends to their needs. He called on government and other stakeholders to contribute positively to their lives in order to tame the menace before it goes beyond control, urging them to extend their humanitarian service to them.

A food vendor, Mrs Ajike Ayeni, also advocated the removal of the children from the streets. She said most of them patronise her food canteen and sometimes eat on credit but saluted their faithfulness in coming back to pay whenever they had money.

She likened the development to the Almajari situation in the northern part of the country saying “If we fail to act fast enough, if we don’t fashion out policies to tackle the problem of leaving our kids to work on the streets at this tender age, we will all pay dearly. No part of Nigeria is immune from the imminent danger.”

Our correspondent however visited, the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, where an official of the ministry who spoke under the condition of anonymity said by law, underage children ought to be in school and under parental care.

He said the ministry noticed the activities of these underage last year and planned to take them off the streets but said the exit of the commissioner in charge of the ministry delayed the exercise, saying some of the boys could be rehabilitated.

“A lot of things do happen causing less than 18 years old to be on the streets. Some are orphans, some were abandoned, some left home on their own, in addition to other reasons, and they just end up being on the streets.

“As they are they may be prone to vices, for the fact that they are on the streets. They can easily be influenced by people with shady characters. That portends serious danger to the society.”

He said the ministry sometimes moves round periodically to mop the streets. He said that any under age children they see will be taken to the Correctional Home under the ministry along Ondo road in Akure .

“We have a remand home for people like that, including those who have been reported at home for trouble making or have engaged in crimes. We cannot take them to prison because they are under aged, but from the court, they will give the custody of that person to the ministry.

“There should be permanent measures by all of us, not the government alone. Religious bodies, nongovernmental organizations and philanthropists must collaborate to curb the menace. Most of these things are caused by the breakdown of family values and structures. If a family is intact, if the structure is strong, you will rarely see anybody of that age on the streets.”

He advised parents to only have the children they can take care of. “If you are not ready to take care of a child, do not bother to bring such child to the world, because parenting goes beyond just giving birth to a child. It is a whole lot of work. Parents must try as much as possible to live up to their responsibilities. These include children’s well-being in terms of education, health, mental and spiritual growth,” he advised.

The post Influx of beggars, street urchins worries Akure residents appeared first on Tribune Online.

Idogun, Olode, Ilero, Olokuta, Aloba, Aba Alfa, Aba Ayo, Koloko, Adeyadi, Falade, Oberan, Fayomi and Buremo: these names are communities under Egbeda Local Government of Oyo State. They are ancestral settlementslocated off Ibadan-Iwo road and accessed through Erunmu junction on the highway.

These communities share one thing in common. The feature is a medical facility known as Idogun Model Primary Health Care Centre, which serviced the dwellers of the rural communities. In 2008 or thereabout, the joy of the people knew no bounds when the medical centre was built and about 15 trucks brought equipment to the site.

However, last Wednesday, January 9, 2019, tragedy, in company of agonies, paid unscheduled visit and torched the facility, thereby reducing the equipment, including furniture,roof and the whole premise to ashes.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the Health Care Centre was facilitated by the magnanimity of a former member of the House of Representatives, Festus AdewaleAdegoke, an indigene of Idogun, who was then representingEgbeda/OnaAra Federal Constituency in the national assembly.

Adegoke was said to have invested all his contacts in the lower chamber in ensuring that his people back home benefited from the federal government primary health policy aimed at improving the wellbeing of rural communities across the nation as dividend of democracy.

The fire which started at five in the evening expectedly destabilized the communities with panicky residents making frantic efforts to put it out before it exploded. But the intensity of the inferno, apparently aided by the current dry season,was beyond their control, leaving them as helpless spectatorsprofusely gnashing their teeth at the raging fire.

When the day grew old and darkness descended, the bewildered people departed for their different homeswhere they continued to share and spread the sad tale with those who could not make it to the scene.

Our correspondent’s visit to the remains of the medical centre was an eye opener of sorts with the level of destruction found. Although a first look at the entrance of the hospital some metres away only showed a common vandalized and abandoned building silently crying for rescue, a step into the gate revealed a completely razed multi-billion Naira project.

Further inspection of the male and female wards, laboratory and offices left him speechless as nothing was spared except surprisingly few plastics containing expired drugs and patients’ cards and sheet of papers. The solar energy installation, which was supplying round the clock electricity to the hospital, was not also spared among other casualties of the angry flame.

It was learnt that sometime in 2016, only mother luck, vigilance and timely response of the people saved the hospital when a light fire struck. But being a market day when the axis had appreciable human traffic, the situation was put under control.

“If the 2016 incident had occurred in another day or in the night, the hospital would not have escaped then. But people rose to the occasion and quickly extinguished it. Since then there was no sign that another fire incident would be recorded, a community leader, whose farm is just a stone throw to the hospital, Elder Oyekanmi Onikorede, remarked.

The outspoken man was somehow emotional while giving account of the accident, saying that the proximity of the hospital to his farm afforded him opportunity to witness the fire and efforts made to prevent further spread.

Onikorede confirmed that the fire did not stop until the following day because, according to him, there was no fire service facility around to fight the conflagration. The 60-year-old expressed doubt in fire service vehicle reaching the scene on time to stop the fire, pointing out that the deplorable state of road that connects the communities with Erunmu is an albatross for such attempt.

Fire service vehicle, he stated, can be functional and effective only on good roads, adding that “what we have here as roads would even force fire service official to turn back.”

Mr Wole Akintominde another residents, also expressed same frustration and said the communities seem to be living on the other side of the world, in terms of accessing basic infrastructural amenities. The 47-year-old agonised that the fire incident had robbed the communities the only government presence they feel.

“With this fire now, there is nothing we can call government attention in these communities. Even though we are not always sick because we eat natural foods and take our herbs regularly, the presence of the hospital has served as government presence among us,” he said.

The communities’ headache now is the cause of the fire with a view to preventing future occurrence in other areas. While the matter is a subject of conjecture and suspicion, there appears to be a consensus focus on one source.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, some of the villagers pointed accusing fingers to a gang suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, whom the respondents, alleged to have penchant for indiscriminately setting bush and farmlands on fire.

“They claim that burn grass always aid growth of new grass to feed their cows. They may be behind this hospital fire. I am not saying the hospital was their target. But we know that fire naturally is uncontrollable the moment is set. I am sure they are not also happy that the fire had spread to the hospital but they can’t come to the public to confess,” an agitated farmer, who claimed to have twice been a victim of the herdsmen, said.

Further findings revealed that long before the fire incident, the Idogun Model Health Care Centre had been condemned to total disuse on account of what some villagers described as bad politics, a reason necessitating their indifference to the ongoing campaign by political parties.

It was alleged that the hospital did not function more than two years after commissioning. Specifically, when a Medical Doctor in charge named as Dr Alawode retired, no serious work was being done in the hospital.

Although some nurses, it was further revealed, used to visit the medical facility but their mode of operation was not better than skeletal service as they allegedly reported late in the morning and left few hours later.

“To say the truth is to tell you that the hospital is one of government wastages. What is the essence of an hospital that is not put into full use despite the fact that all equipment needed are available. The place had long been abandoned. It was freely vandalised, especially after the security guards had stopped to work there because they were not paid any salary,” the community leader said.

Corroborating him was one of the security guards, Mr Muniru Lawal, who said he volunteered to secure the hospital to demonstrate his excitement at the project for the communities. The 77-year old said he worked alongside one Ejaoje, both of whom worked for two years with no pay.

“We just suffered for nothing in that hospital. We used to resume work at six in the evening and leave at six in the morning under terrible condition. Yet we were happy that we had such a facility in our communities. I can still work there even at my advanced age if the government is serious. We want them to repair it and put it back to use,” he said.

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