Category: Opinion

We read with interest Dr. Olatunji Dare’s comments on the stand of the Bayelsa State government to curb rumour-mongering as a serious social issue in the state. In his March 26 column, he reviewed the recent establishment of a committee by the state government to manage public information in which he expressed reservations about the possibility of curtailing freedom of expression by such development. With a bill soon to be sent to the state House of Assembly for a law punishing rumour-mongers, the columnist went as far as comparing such a law with anti-press laws in draconian colonial and military eras. We disagree with his position.

Essentially, Dare’s treatment of the inter-related issues in the scope and implication of the proposed law vis-à-vis rumour-mongering is fundamentally misplaced in conception, an outright oversimplification, and of course the fear of draconian tendency is not true.

The intention of the state government is to have in place functional structures where information can be easily accessed by members of the public as well as quickly disseminating information on current issues of public concern to the people, detailing what is true or false, thereby nipping in the bud such dangerous information capable of causing disaffection and indeed reducing the incidence of blatant misinformation among the people. The idea is to avoid the bureaucracy in the ministries but have many centres so localized that you can easily find out the truth about anything relating to the government and the public. Here, people can contact or meet officials for quick response to whatever may be their concern or interest on the flow of information, including any rumour that may also affect the interest of an individual or organization in the state. This is important because of the pervasive nature of rumour-mongering among the people with inherent social crisis if not curtailed or addressed so frontally. What Dare failed to note is the peculiar nature of the society where such falsehood is politically motivated to create pure mischief and blackmail which could be dangerous to proper functioning of the government and socio-economic activities in the state.

To this extent, it becomes imperative for a responsible government to find a legal means to deter such misbehavior which in all intents and purposes is inimical not only to individuals but indeed the government saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property. Agreed, peace and tranquility and orderly conduct of the society is threatened when there is deliberate peddling of such terrible rumours that border on criminality. Thus government must respond by spelling out what constitutes a decent citizenship and why it is not a right to engage in conscious actions to create social crisis and looking at the strategic position of Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta, then taking legal means to have stability is a legitimate action of any serious government. This is what the state government has done and will continue to impress it on the people to be law abiding as responsible stakeholders in the current mission of restoring Bayelsa State to its deserved glory in leadership and development.

Yet, it has to be understood that we are in a democracy where the rule of law is critical. So the Bayelsa State government does not intend to make the proposed law a draconian one but a law to correct social misbehavior and enhance peace and stability in line with the freedom of Information Act and the consolidation of the law. Enforcing the proposed law will therefore have much to do with recreating our values via education as the people will have a better understanding and appreciation of the power of information and why rumour-mongering is not in the best interest of anyone, least the government. For instance, people will find it unprofitable to wake up one day and begin spreading the rumour that the state government had been sacked by a court in Port Harcourt and in the process causing panic among the people in their numbers lamenting the future of the restoration programme of the Dickson administration. This kind of insensitive jungle behavior has serious implication for the mood and temperament of the people, with consequences if not well managed.

We further draw Dare’s attention to the composition of the State Public Information Management Committee which is largely of eminent journalists chosen for their integrity and credibility not only in their individual and professional lives but also to give credence to the good intentions of the state government. By this gesture, then rail-roading the law for ulterior motive is ruled out. Of course, its implementation will also be guided by such patriotic mind to have enlightened citizenry that are not encumbered by political manipulations but rather conscious of where we are coming from and amends we must make for a prosperous future. Instead of reverting to the locust years of the recent past, we have to move forward. These are the issues we must understand to clear our minds of any distortions. Peculiar circumstances in any political or social formation will invariably demand some clear-headed answers but to the extent that such ameliorating mechanisms conform with the basic ethics of leadership and constitutionalism. We believe we are on track for a saner society that is focused and determined to make a difference.

We draw further corollary to the Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) which we have all appreciated as a necessary component in our democracy. Nigerians are already clamouring for greater application of this law among journalists by doing more of investigative reporting and we sincerely believe this is the way forward. But as much as the journalists will have to do their investigations, this has to be within the confines of the law by strictly doing stories based on facts as a canon of the noble journalism profession. Thus anyone who writes falsehood under the guise of FoIA is subject to punishment by the same law because truth had been sacrificed. In similar vein, we can see a variant of this law as applicable to the proposed law in Bayelsa State that will alert an individual or organization to the need to say what is true otherwise you are a problem to the state with serious concern and possible sanction.

The last two points in the column we need to address are Dare’s query on the contents of the rumour or propaganda and his doubts about the efficacy of the proposed law. We can boldly say that not only are the contents of such rumour spurious and ill-informed, they constitute nuisance to the sanity of the society. They are inimical to peace and progress and must be checked forthwith. Importantly, the innuendos contained in the concluding paragraphs have no relationship or semblance in Bayelsa State where accountability is taken seriously and institutions of government strengthened to perform their duties for the greater good of the people of the state. Yet if Dare is contemptuous of the proposed law or its workability, he should at least acknowledge the pace of development in Bayelsa State in the last one year even as we are poised to do much more and indeed make the proposed law work to the dismay of doubting Thomases. We can always make a difference.

• Akono, Chairman Bayelsa State NUJ sent this piece from Yenagoa.

Lagos is a paradox in many respects. It is the state with the smallest land mass in the country and yet the one with the highest population. Over the years, its growth has been phenomenal, both demographically and spatially. From a population of about 25,000 in 1866, Lagos reached 665,000 by 1963, covering 69.9 (km2). It became over 10 million in 1995 thus attaining, by UN definition, the status of a mega-city. It is projected to become the third largest mega-city in the world by 2015 (UNCHS, 1996). Its population is presently about 21 million according to the State Bureau of Statistics. Lagos is currently estimated to be the fifth largest city in the world. But interestingly, almost half of the state’s limited landmass is covered by water, a situation that makes land a very scarce and highly coveted commodity.

Its huge population and limited landmass have brought a huge pressure on the state as its sheer human population puts serious pressure on infrastructure in the state. For instance, the number of heavy duty vehicles that ply Lagos roads on a daily basis is more than those that ply roads across the country in a month. This is aside the number of pupils and students from other states that attend Lagos public schools in addition to patients that visit its hospitals on a regular basis. Consequently, the state spends more on infrastructural upgrading and provision of other basic life necessities than any state in the country.

Despite being relatively hospitable, the state, like all other governments world-wide, has a set budget designed to aid implementation of its programmes and activities based on available resources. In the health sector, Lagos State, without discrimination provides free health care services and drugs for Nigerians in Lagos from ages 0-12 and 60 and above. Free ante-natal care is also provided for pregnant women. These services are available at healthcare centres that transverse the state with additional Eko Free Health Mission which is carried out at intervals by the Ministry of Health to take care of the people by offering test and treatments on eye care, blood pressure, diabetes , dental care, etc.

Aside from the pressure on infrastructure, the growing population equally complicates urban development. In an attempt to live in Lagos at all cost, in view of its several fascinating offers, many people live in disorderly manner as well as in disorganized settlements that make nonsense of the state’s urban planning. Before long, most of these settlements become slums that constitute serious socio-economic threats to the state. It is in quick response to this that the government has been making conscious efforts to achieve infrastructural development and environmental renewal, initiating several programmes to reverse the ugly trend that could cause us all the Lagos that we so love dearly. Given the earlier absence of any strategic vision to manage the urban environment, government should be commended for making new efforts.

One way through which government is trying to promote a new Lagos is to engage in a passionate drive to attract foreign investors to participate in the infrastructural and urban renewal drive in sectors such as transportation, roads, waste management, water provision, power, tourism, property development and establishment of bus assembly plants. Essentially, the project involves providing infrastructure, mass housing and tourism, as well as developing the adjoining town of Badagry and linking it to the rest of the state with a modern transportation system.

Other notable features of government’s current effort in turning around the lot of the state include beautification and landscaping projects across the state: loops, medians along highways, setbacks and development of recreational parks in identified locations, construction of new roads and a light rail system , construction of jetties and development of more water routes to facilitate marine transportation, construction of housing units, reconstruction and expansion of the Lagos-Badagry expressway into a 10-lane conduit with a light rail, a trans-regional route to link Nigeria and neighbouring countries, the inauguration of the Eko Atlantic City among others.

In view of the on- going efforts of the state government to make Lagos a better, safer and more prosperous place to live, it is essential that those who have chosen the city as their business as well residential hub should be more passionate, caring and friendly when it comes to protecting and preserving its environmental aesthetic values. Considering its strategic position in socio-economic prosperity of the country, we need to treat Lagos like a beautiful bride whose beauty and pride must be kept intact. It is by doing this, that we all would get the best out of our Lagos.

Undoubtedly, a renewed commitment to the preservation of Lagos represents a major way forward for the socio-economic renewal of the country. For one, Lagos is home to about 2,000 industrial complexes, 10,000 commercial ventures and 22 industrial estates. It contributes 30% to the nation’s GDP and is the leading contributor to the non-oil sector GDP (2011 statistics). It accounts for over 60% of Nigeria’s industrial and commercial activities; 70% of national maritime cargo freight, over 80% of international aviation traffic and over 50% of Nigeria’s energy consumption.

All the banks in the country are not only located in Lagos, but actually have their headquarters in the state, while over 40 per cent of telephone subscribers’ base networks are also in Lagos. Aside from this, Lagos consumes about 45 percent of the petroleum products in the country. Similarly, the state accounts for 20.2 percent of Nigeria’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 50.7 percent of non-oil GDP.

Also, the two seaports in Lagos account for 70 percent of the sea trade in the country while the two electricity distribution companies Eko and Ikeja Districts account for 50 percent of PHCN’s transmission power. Similarly, about 80 percent of international air travels arrive in and depart from Lagos. Equally, Lagos is a private sector-driven economy. Therefore, growth in Lagos would have spiral effect on Nigeria as a whole.

Equally worthy of note is that, there is hardly any part of the country that is not represented in Lagos. Progress in Lagos reflects in parts of the country, because people who live in Lagos make their money here and go to their states to invest same. All these point to Lagos as the economic nerve centre of the country. So, if Nigeria is to be rated as one of the major players in the emerging markets, Lagos truly holds the key.

It is, therefore, imperative that we embrace positive attitudinal change with regards to our handling of the environment which offers us unlimited possibilities for economic development and advancement. It is, for instance, unacceptable that spare parts traders at the popular Ladipo market, Mushin, should always wait for the state government to use the full weight of the law before they comply with simple environmental regulations. Same goes for our driving culture. The saner we make the roads to be, the better for us all. Despite its many geographical constraints, we could all live happily in Lagos if only we respect and abide by the rules and laws of the land.

• Ibirogba is Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State

Nigeria is in a season of violence – bombing, kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual sacrifice, economic and political insecurity, corruption, and spiritual enterprise. A couple of weeks ago, within 24 hours in different parts of the country, 164 were feared dead in Niger Delta boat mishap, 55 in Kogi boat mishap, 38 in boat mishap in Rivers state and over 60 others in bomb explosion in Kano.

The history and litany of violence in Nigeria especially after the colonial slavery, inter-tribal wars, the 1914 amalgamation, 1966 civil war and many others is littered with too much blood. Beginning from October 19, 1986, a harvest of bomb blast continues to spread. In 1994, the sporadic violence around the villages in Jos under a climate of ethnic, social, and religious tensions left over 2000 dead. Nigeria’s violent history continued into the 21st century with the February 2000 and September 2001 slaughter of thousands in Kaduna over the introduction of Shari’ah law, and a spree of church and mosque destructions and burnings in Jos respectively. It is on record that in November 2008, disputed local elections triggered clashes between Muslim and Christian youth in Jos. Hundreds died. In April 2011, riots following the controversial election of Christian President Goodluck Jonathan killed an estimated 800 people. Thousands more have died in 2012 since Boko Haram militants urged Christians to leave the north. The bomb explosion near a church in Kaduna on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012 is among the Boko Haram’s violent jihad against Christians that pushed the country into seventh place in annual rankings of the countries implicated by terrorism by the Global Terrorism Index.

The Anglican Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev Dr Benjamin Kwashi provides a first hand experience and information about some causes of violence in Nigeria. According to Archbishop Kwashi ‘what seems to be a recurring decimal is that over time, those who have in past used violence to settle political issues, economic issues, social matters, inter-tribal disagreement, or any issue for that matter, now continue to use that same path of violence and cover it up with religion.’ Professor Toyin Falola explained this leadership manipulative behaviour as the chief causes behind the major cases of violence in 1980s, and 90s, including the Maitatsine, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, and Katsina riots. The problem is that Nigeria is at the risk of professionalism and careerism that dominates its politics and leadership and this continues to poison the prospect of real representation in leadership, thereby threatening the promises of godliness and democratic government. The honourable elites are behaving dishonourably, milking the system especially the oil money to the tune of 48 trillion naira in the past 12 years, and promoting corruption for their personal gain while public anger grows. Without any sign of repentance and accountability, plans on how to remove the fuel subsidy and how to spend over 100 million dollars on the Centenary city plan are going on regardless of mass youth unemployment and lack of social amenities. Indeed, oppression can make a saint mad in Nigeria. In developed countries, government functions as the agent of the people, in Nigeria the people are treated as the agent of the government, hence millions of our youth becomes idle hands ready to be hired and used to settle political and economic issues, and religious disagreements.

Nigeria is gradually becoming a spiritual and political lost Eden, but the Good News is that there is a Cross that can break the ‘it’s never been this bad before’ syndrome over the affairs of the nation. In church history, the cross has functioned in violent ways. Constantine’s vision of the cross at the eve of the battle at the Milvian Bridge in the fourth century was for military power and control. The Crusaders in the Middle Ages, the Conquistadors in the 15th and 16th centuries have used the Cross as an excuse also for military power and forms of violence. However, the Cross is primarily a symbol that brings hope for the forgiveness of sins and possibility of a new life to those whose hearts have been moved to encounter Jesus Christ. The theology behind the Cross is about grace, giving, self-sacrifice rather than killing or taking others as captives. The cross is an assurance that in the midst of violence and destruction, God is in control over the affairs of Nigeria. While love moved Jesus Christ to be lifted up and to die on the Cross, then raising him up in resurrection, hatred through corruption, bad and greedy leadership, and violence is moving thousands to die in Nigeria. Sin leaves a stain. If Nigeria is to overcome its season of violence and move on after shedding the blood of innocent souls, we need to participate in an act of cleansing. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the Cross is the act of reconciliation between man and God. The major reason behind the violence and corruption in Nigeria is that many are blind and unable to recognize God’s holy place in creation, fall, and redemption. Nigeria’s soil is polluted with too much blood and the nation can only be restored through contact with something holy and clean. This is the message behind the Cross upon which Jesus Christ died and the starting point for the unity and healing of the land (Heb. 2:17).

The Cross in a season of violence points to the power of forgiveness that ‘takes control away from the oppressor and give power back to the victim who can then release the oppressor.’ Rev Tom Stuckey, a former, President of British Methodism explained that the cross shows that justice comes before power. According to him, the message of the Cross ‘reveals humankind’s obsession with power … oppressive dictatorships, unaccountable hierarchical institutions and faceless bureaucracies.’ The Cross in a season of violence is telling Nigerians that, just as Judas destroyed himself, every dragon and powers behind the violence – Boko Haram, corruption, and kidnappings in Nigeria ‘will ultimately destroy themselves through their own self-aggrandizement.’ The Cross is devoid of arrogance, but a startling display of love and hope that, in the midst of dark corruption, frames our existence with new meaning. Nigeria is a nation where people do irreparable damage to themselves, and to others, in the struggle to get rich or climb to the top, even in the church. Nigeria is like Judas, where people, especially the leadership embrace the darkness of nothingness and self/national destruct. Judas’ whole life was based on illusion, love of money, a loss of sense of self-worth and points towards the path of hell. The message of the Cross points to the new tree of life – not a tree of violence or death, a precious fountain, free for all, a healing stream that flows from Calvary’s mountain for the healing of a corrupt nation overwhelmed with violence. To the church, the Cross in a season of violence represents the pattern of the Christian life, discipleship, crucifixion of self will, and the willingness for moral and spiritual reorientation as the evidence of God’s touch of grace rather than the present celebrity and personality culture. The church must stop exchanging the shame, weakness, and foolishness of the Cross for material and human glory. The Cross which points to a sense of hope in a season of violence calls for watching and waiting in prayer, hoping and trusting until Nigeria reaches the golden strand. The gate of hell will not prevail over Nigeria. Happy Easter.

• Very Rev Dr Okegbile lectures at Methodist Theological Institute, Sagamu.

MS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos is the first secondary school to be established in Nigeria. It was established in 1859.

Methodist Boys’ High School Lagos was established in 1878, Methodist Girls’ High School Yaba in 1879, Baptist Academy Lagos in 1885, Hope Waddel Training Institute in Calabar in 1895, Saint Annes School, Molete, Ibadan in 1896, Etinan Institute, Etinan in Akwa-Ibom state in 1902, Methodist School, Oron in 1903, Kings College, Lagos (FLOREAT) in 1909, Saint John’s School Bida in 1904, Abeokuta Grammar School in 1908, Alhuda College Zaria in 1910, Eko Boys High School Lagos in 1913, Ibadan Grammar School (Deo Et Patriae) in 1913, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School (Non nobis Domine) in 1913, Government Secondary School, Ilorin in 1914, Government College Katsina-Ala was established in 1914, Murtala Muhammed College in Yola in 1920, Barewa College in Zaria in 1922, Methodist College Uzuakoli in 1923, Government College, Ibadan in 1927, Government College Umuahia in 1927, Queens College Lagos in 1927, Aggrey Memorial College, Arochukwu in 1931, Saint Gregory’s College, Obalende (Pro Fide Et Scientia)in Lagos in 1928, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, in 1932, Saint Theresa’s College in Ibadan in 1932 and Christ the King College, Onitsha in 1933.

Christ School Ado-Ekiti (Christus Victor) was established in 1933, Ilesha Grammar School (Ehuwa Omoluwabi) founded in 1934, Saint Patrick’s College in Calabar,1934, Dennis Memorial College Onitsha in 1935, Holy Rosary College in Enugu in 1935, Government Secondary School, Owerri in 1935,Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo in 1935, Edo College, Benin in 1937, Ibadan Boys High School in 1938, Offa Grammar School, 1943, Government College Ughelli in 1945, Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, 1946, Imade College Owo, 1946, Emmanuel College Owerri,1947, Hussey College Warri in 1947, Victory College Ikare in 1947, Stella Mary’s College, Port-Harcourt in 1948, Aquinas College, Akure (Integratis) in 1951, Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure in 1953, Gboluji Grammar in Ile-Oluji in 1954, Saint Finbarrs College in 1956, Igbo-Elerin Grammar School, Ibadan in 1957, Olofin Anglican Grammar School Idanre (illuminatio In-rupe) 1957, Edo Boys High School Benin in 1960, Government Comprehensive School, Port-Harcourt in 1962, Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro in 1963, International School, Ibadan in 1963, Federal Government College Ido-Ani in 1977 and Vivian Fowler College in 1991.

All these institutions, thousands of them which cannot be mentioned in this article for lack of space, all have history behind their establishments by communities, governments, religious bodies and individuals including Lagos City College, Yaba, Lagos established by Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe on January 3, 1963 and Titcombe College, Egbe founded by Reverend Tommy Titcombe on behalf of Sudan Interior Mission on January 26, 1951.

I am sure that our secondary school experience must have shaped our lives either personally or collectively. And in the words of Sesan Ogunro, an ex-student of Christ School Ado-Ekiti, whom I agree with when he said, “Christ School to me was the University of life, it taught me all I need to make it in life, how to laugh in the face of hardship and lack, how to be positively competitive, how to be a friend before having a friend, how to trust and love Jesus Christ as our cornerstone and more importantly how to handle success with humility. These were the lessons that prepared me for life”.

The subject matter is the first secondary to be established in the present Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta and Edo states, that is- Ondo Boys High School in 1919.

In 1917, the then Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Jimekun worried about the absence of secondary school in the town and the ordeal which his subjects experienced in sending their children outside Ondo for secondary school education, set up a six man planning committee in collaboration with Canon Moses Craig Akinpelu Adeyemi for the establishment of a secondary school in Ondo. Members of the planning committee were Chief Logbosere Cornelius Awosika (Secretary/Treasurer), Chief Lomafe Olatunji Awosika, Daniel Rogers, Chief Seriki Akinrosotu, Chief G.O. Fajiye and Mr. J.O. Akinwotu all late. In 1918, the committee recommended the establishment of Ondo Boys High School and Canon Adeyemi who later married Miss Elizabeth Modupeola Okuseinde, became the first principal of the school. That is why today a College of Education which I understand is now a university is named after Canon Adeyemi.

Not only had the Christians contributed to the Education in Ondo. The Moslems also did. For Islam arrived in Ondo in 1888 through Alfa Abubakar Ajao who made his son Alhaji Habeeb Ajao, the first Chief Imam of Ondo Kingdom in 1885. In 1942, the late Seriki of Ondo, Alhaji Saheed Tugbobo Fawehinmi donated five acres of land for the establishment of the first Muslim Secondary School in Ondo in 1942. The Present Seriki of Ondo State Alhaji Khaleel Fawehinmi is the grandson of Saheed Tugbobo.

The Establishment of Ondo Boys High School in 1918 gave the Ondos a window of opportunity to advance in commerce, agriculture and education.

Who are the Ondos? They occupy part of the present Ondo Central Senatorial District. Most of them are farmers producing cocoa, rubber and timber.

The Ondos, Ile-Olujis and the Idanres speak identical dialect. Traditional political authority is vested in the King (the Osemawe), who is generally considered the spiritual and political head of the Ondos. He heads the Council of senior chiefs called Eghae; these are (Lisa, Jomu, Odunwo, Sesare, Adaja, and Odofin) who with him make up what is considered a cabinet, referred to in other Yoruba towns as Iwarefa. The Obaship is hereditary, and currently, three ruling families are recognised to produce candidates, one after the other. These are: Okuta, Foyi, and Leyo. The coral beads worn on their wrists and ankles as well as the big drum “ugbaji” which they and a few Ekule Chiefs are entitled to beat during ceremonies distinguish the Eghae.

At first the Ondos were not keen on public service; they were more interested in commerce where they excel but at the urging of the late Osemawe of Ondo, Dr. Festus Adesanoye who was Federal Permanent Secretary as far back as 1963, Professor Olu Akinkugbe and others, their interest in public service grew and so were the opportunities.

As a result of their link to education as far back as 1919 and with two universities and over 34 secondary schools, coupled with their hard work and foresight, the Ondos have produced eminent sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers.

If I may mention at the risk offending many, they include Bishop D.O. Awosika, the first Primate of the Anglican Communion Bishop Omotayo Olufosoye (1907-1992), late General Adesujo Ademulegun (1923-1966), Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), the present Osemawe, Dr. Victor Kiladejo, Chief Alex Akinyele, Chief Gbenga Akinnawo, Captain Fola Akintotu, Professor Olu Adegoke, Sunny Ade, Ope and Jimi Bademosi, Sandoye Fadojutimi, Kole and Gbenga Ademulegun, Yele Ogundipe, Bode Betiku, Feyi Famutimi, Ronke Akinsete and her dad, Dr. E.O. Akinsete, Chief Dayo Duyile, Raheem Ayo Akinkotu, Seye Ladapo, Kunle Bolodeoku, Fusi Adefusika, Mrs. Omobolanle Johnson (nee Akinnola), Engineer Akinyinka Akinnola, Mrs. Yewande Zaccheus (nee Akinnola), Mrs. Aarinola Kola-Daisi (nee Akinnola), Jise Akinmurele, Abbas Akinwande, the Akinboboyes, the Awosikas, the Ladapos and many more too numerous to mention.

But one name that stands out is Chief Oreoluwa Ilemobayo Akinnola, who answered the final call recently. He was the Mayegun of Ondo in 1978, Lotin of Ondo in 1984 and the Lisa in 1992. Tall, big and dark; he was a vibrant human being. His hobby was courting friendship and he courted the friendship of so many including mine, President Olusegun Obasanjo, Segun Agagu, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, Chief Subomi Balogun, General T.Y. Danjuma, Chief Pius Olu Akinyelure, Chief Igbinedion (the Esama of Benin), Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Chief Kunle Ojora, Chief Olu Falae, the Ooni of Ife, Kabiyesi Oba Okunnade Sijuade, the Deji of Oyemekun, Oba Biyi Adesida, General Abubakar Abdusalam, General Ibrahim Babangida and so many more.

May his soul rest in peace.

• Teniola, s former director at the Presidency lives in Lagos.