The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Olubadan plotting to deny me stool

    Olubadan plotting to deny me stool

    • Ladoja sues Makinde, others

    Former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja has sued Governor Seyi Makinde, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, and others, at the Oyo State High Court, over the elevation and coronation of his fellow members of the Olubadan-in-Council.

     Of the 11 council members, 10 were crowned kings last weekend, but Ladoja rejected the process.

    While Oba Balogun is the 1st defendant, the 10 elevated Obas are 2nd to 11th defendants, Governor Makinde is the 12th and the Attorney-General is the 13th defendant.

    Ladoja, in his prayers before the court, accused Oba Balogun of plotting to stop him from becoming the Olubadan. He also said elevating the High Chiefs to Obas contravened the Oyo State of Nigeria Gazette No. 03 Vol. 47 of February 11, 2022. It was also against the tenor of judgment in M/317/2017 – High Chief (Senator) Rashidi Ladoja Vs the Governor of Oyo State and Others delivered on November 19, 2019.

    Ladoja, among others prayers, wants the court to make a declaration that ‘traditionally, only the Olubadan of Ibadanland can be crowned in Ibadanland; that the Olubadan is lacking in power to unilaterally elevate the 10 High Chiefs to the status of ‘’His Royal Majesty’ in Ibadanland without the approval of the 12th defendant.

    “That the High Chiefs, now elevated to status of ‘His Royal Majesty’, can no longer vie for the Olubadan throne as they are no longer Chiefs of the Olubadan; an order restraining the defendants from preventing the claimant (Ladoja) from ascending Olubadan thronewhen it is his turn’.

    Read Also: Ladoja absent, as Olubadan crowns 10 Ibadan High Chiefs

    According to Ladoja, only the Olubadan of Ibadanland is permitted to wear a crown, while other chiefs are identified with their beads because the Olubadan is the only king known to Ibadanland. He further noted that it is not within the purview of the Olubadan to elevate any of the High Chiefs, or any member of the Olubadan-in-Council, to the status of ‘His Royal Majesty’.

    According to him, when the Olubadan started the idea of elevating the High Chiefs, he told him he lacks the power, and that the procedure of becoming a king in Ibadanland is to start from Mogaji, and then rise to either Balogun of Ibadanland land or Otun Olubadan.

    Ladoja added: “If there is a vacancy to be occupied by either the Balogun or Olubadan line, upon nomination by the Otun Olubadan or Balogun of Ibadanland, and the concurrence of other High Chiefs, the name of the either Balogun or Olubadan line selected will be sent to the governor for approval. If assented to, the said Balogun or Olubadan Line becomes the next Olubadan.

    “Instead of the Olubadan to follow the known tradition of Ibadanland, he unilaterally called for indication of interest of any of the High Chiefs or members of Olubadan-in-Council willing to wear beaded crown to signify interest.

     “At no point did I signify interest to become His Royal Majesty or wear a crown, but I started hearing in the media that I would be crowned on July 7, 2023, when I didn’t consent to the untraditional act masterminded by the Olubadan.

    “The entire Ibadanland is the domain of Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the elevation will segregate Ibadanland and cause disharmony. The Imperial Majesty that the Olubadan is appointing would be a royal father without domain.

     “In order to stop this illegal act, I have written a letter, dated July 4, 2023, to the Olubadan. It is only the court that can protect the tradition of Ibadanland from being bastardised.”

  • US-based doctor faults compulsory NYSC scheme

    US-based doctor faults compulsory NYSC scheme

    NigeriaN-born doctor in United States, Charles Oladare yesterday threatened to sue the Federal Government if it fails to amend the National Youth Service Corps Act (NYSC Act) to make the scheme voluntary, within 30 days.

    Oladare, convener and national coordinator of Social Rehabilitation Grouppe and Support Initiative, argued compulsory participation in the scheme amounts to forced labour and servitude.

    This, he said, erodes Nigerians’ fundamental right to free choice of employmentin sections 34 (1) (b)&(c) and 42 of the Constitution and articles IV and XXIII of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    Read Also: NYSC relocates Plateau camp to Du

    The 34- year-old toxicologist said he graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in 2012 but abstained from participating in the scheme on grounds of morality, belief and conscience.

    Oladare, in a July 11 ‘Notice of intention to sue,’ to President Bola Tinubu by his lawyer, C.A. Mishael, of Mishael and Partners,  is seeking the repeal of sections 12 and 13 of NYSC Act which made participation compulsory.

    He said he copied Senate and House of Representatives.

    The All Progressives Congress  (APC) member urged President Tinubu to “respectfully use your good offices to cause a bill to be sent to National Assembly for the purpose, if not of jettisoning the NYSC Act, then to strike down sections 12 and 13, which make participation in the scheme compulsory and therefore a criminal offence not to participate.”

  • NHIA chief gets inducted to UK Faculty of public health

    NHIA chief gets inducted to UK Faculty of public health

    DIRECTOR-General of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Prof. Mohammed Sambo, has been inducted into United Kingdom Faculty of Public Health as a Fellow Through Distinction.

    He was inducted in a ceremony at Royal College of Physicians in London. The event witnessed induction of eminent personalities into various categories of honour, including Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

    A Fellow Through Distinction is the highest honour bestowed on an individual who is active in the academia, a recognition of those who have made contributions in public health through leadership, research and presentation of concepts at national and international levels.

    Read Also: NHIA seeks novel financing for health insurance

    Sambo, according to a statement by Head of Media and Public Relations at NHIA, Emmanuel Ononokpono, has been head of Community Medicine and deputy dean of Faculty of Medicine at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and provost of  College of Medicine, Kaduna State University (KASU).

    He is credited with raising the indices of health insurance in Nigeria under his watch as chief executive officer of NHIA in the last four years. He has over 70 publications.

    Speaking at the reception, an elated Sambo said the honour was in recognition of efforts being made by NHIA to accelerate the drive towards attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), adding that it serves as a personal  inspiration to fire on all cylinders for the improvement of Nigeria’s health insurance system.

  • Why census is central to development, by UNFPA Rep

    Why census is central to development, by UNFPA Rep

    As the world marks population day, United Nations Population Fund’s  (UNFPA) Country Representative in Somalia, Niyi Ojuolape, has stressed the usefulness of population count to human development.

    Ojuolape, in a statement  linked importance of population, poverty and the girl child.

    He said:“Population count is central to human development. Among others, it determines how many persons live in the country, and helps government decide how to distribute funds and assistance to states and localities…”

    He added recognising the usefulness of population and demographic data to map and address inequalities, and harness it, are crucial.

    Read Also: How N200 billion was spent for census in nine years – NPC

    Ojuolape said “on an encouraging note, a wave of population and housing censuses has swept through Africa in the last five years. Egypt and Algeria held population censuses in 2017 and 2018. Kenya did in 2019, Rwanda in 2022. Ghana conducted its sixth in 2021, and in Nigeria, talks about a 2023 census are on.”

    Ojuolape hinted that as Somalia grapples with climate-related challenges and displacement, the proposed census will enhance preventive and mitigation responses from government and international relief efforts.

    He said the census will create conditions for the girl-child to thrive, and bring awareness to what keep girls out of school as well as limit their ability to make decisions on their health and sexual and reproductive lives.

  • Woman, 69, declared missing

    Woman, 69, declared missing

    SIXTY-nine year-old Mrs. Sikirat Adedoyin is missing.

       She was said to have left her 43, Omoboriowo Street, Governor’s Road, Ikotun,Lagos home, on June 15.

    According to a relation, she was going to a mosque close to her house, and has not been seen since.

    The matter has been reported at Ikotun Police station.

    She is yet to return as of the time of this publication.

    The public is enjoined to help with information. Her family can be reached on 08130486331,08127179864 ,08131150168.

  • Alli-Balogun Foundation for inauguration today

    Alli-Balogun Foundation for inauguration today

    ALL is set for the launch of the Alli-Balogun Memorial Foundation in Lagos today.

    The Alli-Balogun Dynasty will also hold a 90th-anniversary special prayer session to celebrate the passage of its progenitor, Sheikh Makanjuola Alli-Balogun.

    Popularly known as Alli Oloko, he died on July 13, 1933, aged 103.

    The celebration of life and times of the legend whose wealth traversed generations will hold at the Yoruba Tennis Club, Onikan, at 11 am. 

    A statement by his great-great grandchildren, Alhaja Lateefah Yoyinsola Aderemi-Makanjuola and Dr. Gbolahan Alli-Balogun said the launch of the Foundation and the 90th-anniversary remembrance are to honour the legacy of a man whose name has continued to resonate in Lagos and beyond, having touched so many lives in his lifetime, even after 90 years of his transition.

    The statement noted that the Alli-Balogun Residuary Trust Fund is being rebranded as the Alli-Balogun Memorial Foundation, drawing from his life of service and philanthropy; and by extension reflecting his passion and reflexes on societal matters.

    Read Also: FAME Foundation partners French Embassy to empower youths through sports

    The statement said the Foundation will focus on three interventions: education, community service and inter-religious harmony. 

    The Foundation will also organise an annual memorial lecture to be led by scholars of national and international recognition.

    Reputed to be one of the wealthiest Lagosians of his era, the legendary Alli-Balogun was also deeply religious. 

    His Mosque, Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque, a stone’s throw from the Central Mosque on Victoria Street, now Nnamdi Azikiwe Street on Lagos Island, considered a Lagos monument, is an architectural masterpiece, built at a cost of £10,000; which he commissioned in 1925 and handed out to the Lagos Community, is still standing tall having stood the test of time.

    Alli-Balogun also channelled his resources into supporting the Lagos Central Mosque as well as other mosques in Lagos and Ejirin. 

    He funded native institutions like the Glover Memorial Hall, the Industrial and Commercial Bank, the Young Ansar-Ud-Deen Schools and many others.

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  • Diplomacy Wall of Fame offers fresh hope for athletes , says Odegbami

    Diplomacy Wall of Fame offers fresh hope for athletes , says Odegbami

    A former international and football legend, Chief Segun Odegbami, has showered praises on Air Peace its proposed unveiling of the Diplomacy Wall of Fame initiative unveiled in Lagos on July 28.

    Odegbami said it was thoughtful that the organization remembered former -athletes who made the nation proud in their prime, adding that it was a fresh hope for many facing different challenges in various aspects in life.

    At a brief event, the CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, said arrangements have been concluded to bestow honours on some of the forgotten former national athletes.

    The 1976 Olympics team athletes who were recalled at the eve of the games due to apartheid in South Africa and the 1980 African Nations Cup winning team players are the beneficiaries.

    The former athletes apart from being the ambassadors of Air Peace will enjoy free flights of the airline 12 times to and from in one year and also one international flight plus a cash reward on July 28.

    Read Also: Odegbami, Dare, Izamoje bags Fellowship at NIS Convocation

    Odegbami however said the decision to write the names of all these athletes in gold would mark a turn-around in the lives of many of them and future retired athletes.

    The former Eagles captain said: “This is a very good initiative. It is very great to recall that the 1976 Olympics team did not win any medal but they are being honoured now for their patriotism. It was open for us then to decide to compete as individuals but there was a collective decision to respect the stand of Nigeria by boycotting the Games.”

    He added: “I recalled the then Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, provided a brand new DC 10 aircraft to take us back to Nigeria. Let me also mention that there were great athletes in that contingent. The football team defeated host Canada 3-0 in a pre-event friendly and we were all in high spirits. There were great boxers like Davidson Andeh and Obisia Nwakpa in the team as well.

    “In the future, I expect more corporate organisations to emulate Air Peace by coming up with initiative that will put smiles on the faces of former athletes.”

  • West Ham keen on signing Iwobi

    West Ham keen on signing Iwobi

    West Ham United have registered an interest in signing Alex Iwobi, who has been told that he can leave Everton during the summer transfer window.

    That is according to a report from Football Transfers, which suggests that Jordan Pickford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have also been informed that they can depart.

    Alex Iwobi has had a turbulent time at Goodison Park. For much of his spell, it had appeared that the Toffees had seriously overpaid when they gave Arsenal £35 million for the Nigeria international.

    However, over the last couple of years, Iwobi has stepped up and often stood out. He has particularly shone when he has the opportunity to drive forward with the ball.

    But with Everton needing to sell before they can buy this summer, Iwobi is one of the players who has been told he can leave the Toffees, according to Football Transfers.

    Read Also: Everton urged to keep Alex Iwobi

    And the report suggested that West Ham have now registered an interest in signing Iwobi.

    West Ham are looking for the signings that are going to help take their side forward ahead of their Europa League return.

    Obviously, it appears that they are set to lose Declan Rice. But the money his sale will bring in does give the Hammers the opportunity to move forward.

    Iwobi could be a decent signing. He has been ‘exceptional‘ at times over the last couple of years for Everton.

    Much will depend on what sort of asking price Sean Dyche’s side set. But having told him that he can leave, they do not appear to necessarily be in the strongest position.

    And if the Toffees struggle to attract bids for other players, perhaps they will set a price West Ham are willing to look at.

  • Aruna retains 18th in WTT Rankings

    Aruna retains 18th in WTT Rankings

    World Table Tennis (WTT) yesterday released its monthly ranking with Nigeria’s sensation Aruna Quadri retaining his 18th spot in the July ranking as he was previously occupied in last month’s ranking.

    After a decent outing in the WTT Durban series, Aruna missed the WTT Contender ,Lagos event due to club commitments in Russia but competed in recently concluded WTT Star Contender Ljubljana, in Slovenia where he got to the quarter final last weekend.

    According to the ranking released, the Nigerian still maintained his top spot as African number one.

    Aruna garnered 1240 points to be among the best 20 table tennis players in the World.

    Read Also: Aruna faces Hong Kong star at WTT Star Contender Ljubljana

    Chinese trio of Fan Zhendong, Wang Chuqn and Ma Long occupied the top three spots in the World.

    Meanwhile, Aruna Quadri would still continue to relish his quarter final finish in the just concluded Men’s WTT Star Contender, Ljubljana, Slovenia where he was eliminated 3-0 by world number one, Chinese’s Fan Zhendong.

    After receiving a bye, Aruna began his campaign with a 3-1 win against 49th ranked Hongkong’s Wong Chun-Ting in the round of 32 and his best outing was the 3-2 victory over world number 11, Chinese’s Lin Yun Ju in the round of 16.

    His close quarter final loss to Zhendong who eventually won the competition will no doubt help Aruna to look forward to the remaining part of the season with optimism.

  • Naija Super 8: Lobi Stars beat Akwa United to top Group B

    Naija Super 8: Lobi Stars beat Akwa United to top Group B

    Lobi Stars yesterday defeated Akwa United 2-0 in their last Naija Super 8 Group B encounter at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos as they qualified for the semi-finals as group winners.

    The Makurdi side topped the group with seven points from three games, while Akwa United finished second with six points.

    Lobi Stars started the game knowing that a draw would be enough to qualify while Akwa United had already booked a semi-final slot with two wins from two matches.

    But 15 minutes into the game, a cross from the right side found its way to Joseph Atule gave Lobi Stars the lead. The winger doubled Lobi Stars’ lead eight minutes later after he was put through on goal to slot past the goalkeeper.

    Atule’s movement proved difficult to handle for the Akwa United defence, and he almost bagged a first half hat-trick when his left footed shot narrowly missed the top corner. Gift Elkanah then produced a good save to deny Lobi Stars a third goal in the 42nd minute.

    In his post -match interview, Lobi Stars coach, Bala Abubakar, said his team now plays with hunger and character, adding that they would be ready for any opponent in the semi-finals.

    Read Also: Rivers United’s Onoja, Madu target victory against Lobi Stars

    “Lobi Stars is still a work in progress,” he said.“ We have changed the mentality of the players and our performance in this tournament shows we are on track.

    “ What Lobi Stars needed was to have a style, character, adequate preparation for matches and winning mentality. That is why you are seeing a different Lobi Stars in this tournament. We will be ready to face any team that qualifies for the semi-finals,” he added.

    After losing top spot in the group, Akwa United coach, Fatai Osho said the objective was to give room for other players to perform.

    He said: “We were torn between qualifying as group leader or achieving our objective of giving players room to showcase what they can do. Now everybody in the team has played. The semi-finals will not be a tea party. It will be a lot of work and we will do our best.”

    In the other group match, Rivers United beat Yobe Desert Stars 1-0 to take third spot in the group with Kazie Enyinnaya scoring the winner in the 25th minute of the match. Rivers United finished the match with ten men after one of their players received a straight red card in the 87th minute.

    The other two semi-final slots will be decided today when Sporting Lagos and Katsina United face each other in the final Group A match, starting at 4:30pm.

    Katsina United currently sir top of the table on goal difference with four points from two games.

    Sporting Lagos are second with four points from two games. Remo Stars are third with four points from three matches, while Enyimba have been eliminated from the competition after losing two of their three matches.

    Naija Super 8 is organised by Flykite Productions in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria and sponsors, MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi and Custodian Assurance.