The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Council organises training for staff

    The Head of Administration, Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State, Prince Adegbola Olujobi, has advised revenue collectors to be civil.

    Olujobi, who spoke at the two-day training organised for the members of junior staff in the council, said the training was aimed at acquainting them with civil service rules and norms.

    He stressed that the programme was in conformity with the directive and policy of the local government service commission, which specifies a quarterly and regular training and re-training of members of the junior staff of every local government in order to maximise productivity.

    Olujobi also reiterated that elements of patience, persuasion and lobbying are essential in achieving the desired results of improved revenue profile of the council which will enable the council to meet the ever-increasing social demands of the people.

    He revealed that the council has maintained its motivational and incentive-based strategies, as panacea to boost productivity and output of members of staff. He promised to provide the enabling environment that will promote greater efficiency and productivity.

    He said as part of measures to create comfortable working environment for workers of the local government, the council has concluded plans to move relevant departments and personnel to the newly constructed complex within the local government premises.

    Present at the programme were Deputy Secretary, Hon. Oyewuwo, other members of the transition committee and the Human Resource Officer, Mr Victor Alivide, among others.

  • For the love of their alma mater

    For the love of their alma mater

    They left school 25 years ago. Yet, memories of Government College Surulere, Lagos still linger in their memories. Longing to go back and see how the school has fared all these years, they discovered it lacks some necessary infrastructure.

    Worried by the development, the ’92 set of the college quickly mobilised its members on the Whatsapp platform where many of the old boys at home and in the Diaspora had a forum to discuss the well-being of their alma mater.

    On January 28, they sent delegates to the school on a fact-finding mission as directed by the National President of its Old Boys’ Association, Niyi Aromolaran.

    Following the unsavoury report by the delegates, the group, in conjunction with the social intervention imitative-Lend a Hand-of the national body, visited the school. Mindful of the infrastructure deficit in the school, which invariably affects teaching and learning, members of the ’92 set presented some items to some of the students. A total of 141 students benefitted from the gesture.

    Each Senior Secondary three (SS3) student was presented with beautiful desk and chair on which to sit and write their West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations. The junior secondary school students (JSS) were given three white marker boards and markers; 66 pieces of Prada rubber sandals for some of the students; the drum set was refurbished and the students were treated to a feast.

    At the ceremony, there was laughter, dance, excitement and refreshment for both staff and students.

    In an address to the students, the set’s coordinators Lekan Adesanya and Opeoluwa Adeshoye hoped that the presentation will spur them to perform better than their predecessors.

    The old students also said there were many things they would have done differently better if they had made some conscious effort to realise their dreams.

    “If we had known, we would have paid more attention in class. Back then, we thought we were smarter than our teachers. Instead of paying attention to what they were teaching us, some of us flunked class to listen to mindless music and hang around with wrong friends. We thought we were smart, but how wrong we were. Don’t make the mistakes we made. Pay attention in class and listen to your teachers.

    “We would have read more books. The motto of this institution is Knowledge is Light. You don’t get knowledge from playing truancy, you don’t get it from fighting, but you get it from reading. Readers are leaders. If you don’t read, you can’t lead. Read books that will make you dream and make you great.

    “We would have discovered our purpose of life on time. It took time for some of us to find out what we wanted to do with our lives. We played and wasted time when we were supposed to be focused on our future. Don’t let that happen to you. Find out what you want to do with your life and start pursuing it now. We are available for mentoring and guide to help you find your way,” Mr. Adesanya said.

  • Allocation-for-salary: Will it benefit Oyo workers?

    Allocation-for-salary: Will it benefit Oyo workers?

    Labour has reached an agreement with Oyo State Government that the total monthly allocations be devoted to salary payment.Workers are excited; government is also at peace. BISI OLADELE looks at the possible threats to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

    When organised labour issued a seven-day ultimatum to Oyo State  Government last March 29 over salary arrears, it set the stage for a possible showdown over the matter.

    The ultimatum was issued in Ibadan the state capital, by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC).

    The NLC Chairman, Comrade Waheed Olojede, announced the ultimatum at a press briefing,  warning that government workers would down tools if the government fails to dialogue with them within the given period.

    He said the unions had considered the prevailing condition of workers and pensioners, who were being owed five months salaries then and the government’s alleged failure to accede to previous requests.

    Olojede said the situation had pauperised workers, adding that their productivity, diligence and commitment would be hinged on how they are treated.

    “If government fails to meet the leadership of the labour movement in the state, we may not be able to guarantee continued industrial peace beyond the stipulated time,” he said.

    But while sympathising with workers, the government, in a quick response, decried the ultimatum, saying it ran contrary to last year’s agreement signed by both parties on how salaries would be paid.

    A statement by Mr Yomi Layinka, the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, said: “To say the least, the unfortunate situation (of inability to pay salaries) foisted on the country by the dwindling accruals from oil, the country’s major source of revenue, is a major concern to all and it is highly regrettable.

    “While the government empathises with workers and pensioners over the attendant inability to pay salaries and other emoluments as it usually did in the past, we solicit continued understanding of labour over the matter.

    “Meanwhile, it is important to note that leadership of the labour unions and the state government have had a very robust understanding on this matter long before now, following which an agreement was signed on the modality for the payment of salaries as finances are available.

    “Indeed, the options of reduced salaries and reduction in an otherwise bloated workforce were considered but deferred in concession to the workers; instead a staggered salary payment strategy was proposed by labour and acceded to by government.

    “To this end, it was agreed that about 90 per cent of income accruing from the state’s monthly allocation from the Federation Account should be dedicated to the workers while the remaining 10 per cent would be deployed to the running of other aspects of governance.

    “Till date, the state government has not reneged on the letter and spirit of that agreement.  The ultimatum issued by labour is, therefore, not only surprising but also unnecessary and uncalled for in the prevailing circumstance.”

    The following day, the two parties met to iron out their differences.

    After the meeting, the leader of the government team, Mr Olalekan Alli, explained that both parties were already reaching a truce, adding that labour leaders had apologised for acting in ways that breached last year’s agreement.

    Alli, who is a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), advised labour leaders to refrain from threats and ultimatum that run against the spirit and letter of the agreement to use about 90 per cent of federal allocation accruing to the state for salaries.

    Alli said: “At the meeting (on Friday) the state government re-affirmed its compliance with the subsisting agreement with labour whereby 90 per cent of allocation from the Federation Account is devoted to payment of salaries and wages of workers on monthly basis.

    “The government also observed that the present conduct of labour was at variance and in total disregard for due process, labour law and practice. In view of the foregoing, the government believes that labour is being insensitive and confrontational.

    “However, the labour leaders denied the allegations and apologised accordingly. It further assured the government of its co-operation and maintenance of industrial harmony in the state.”

    The former SSG said the apology has been accepted by the government and the governor has consequently directed that the subsisting agreement be adhered to pending the exploration by the government and labour of further avenues to improve the revenue of the state.

    Alli added that the Friday meeting reached a consensus that the 10-month old agreement between labour and government subsists and that the government had no intention of reneging on any term of the said agreement.

    In the spirit of collective responsibility, he stated that both parties also agreed to collaborate and evolve ways of blocking all financial leakages in the system with a view to jacking up the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state.

    “That all financial leakages need to be jointly and urgently plugged by employing strategies including elimination of ghost workers from the salary bill of our workers as well as identification, arrest and prosecution of fraudsters within the system.

    “That a more positive and creative disposition is critical for turning around these times of adversity. It was resolved that all concerned should have learnt some lessons after this brief period of unnecessary and avoidable altercation,” the former SSG said.

    But the meeting could not placate workers. They insisted on meeting with the governor before the expiration of the ultimatum.

    Ajimobi finally joined them on Thursday for a final meeting during which a review of the former agreement was undertaken. The new agreement that evolved from the meeting ceded 100 per cent of the state’s federal allocation to payment of workers’ salaries.

    The state government, however, declined request by the labour leaders that the IGR also be used to complement the federal allocation where there is a shortfall.

    But the governor agreed to the setting up of the Joint Revenue Mobilisation Committee which will draw membership from both labour and government. The committee is to identify areas of wastages and plug them with a view to increasing the state’s IGR.

    It was further agreed that incremental difference in the future would be shared by both the government and labour to shore up funds for salaries.

    The committee is to be supervised by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

    It was also agreed that the MoU would be reviewed time and again as situation demands.

    Addressing reporters on the outcome of the meeting, Olojede said: “In our critical review, we discovered that devoting 90 per cent of Federal Government allocation to payment of salaries could not stand the test of time, because salaries kept running into arrears. We then agreed that henceforth, the entire 100 per cent of whatever comes from Abuja as federal allocation would be spent to pay workers salaries.”

    The new deal has been hailed by workers, according to Olojede as it raised their hope of getting salaries more regularly.

    The labour leader also revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had offered states with salary issues a moratorium of 20 years, meaning that deductions from allocations of those states would be stopped or reduced to the minimum to allow them a lease of life for the moment.

     

  • Eze Ndigbo congratulates Tinubu

    Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu has congratulated former Governor  Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 64th birthday anniversary.

    Addressing reporters at the Lagos State Igbo Community Centre, 17/19, Nwachukwu Drive, Okota, Lagos, Eze Nwachukwu described Asiwaju Tinubu as a quintessential leader whose contributions towards the growth and development of the country and the advancement of the cause of humanity cannot be quantified.

    Tracing Asiwaju’s socio-economic and political contributions to the well-being of humankind, Eze Nwachukwu said: “Asiwaju Tinubu exhibited his love for people when he was Lagos State governor from 1999 to 2007. He  evolved policies and programmes that were people-friendly.

    Portraying  him as a lover of humankind and a detribalised man, Eze Nwachukwu noted that in the history of political development in Nigeria and the Southwest in particular, Asiwaju Tinubu’s name would be written in gold. He was the first governor in Nigeria  to appoint a non-indigene into his cabinet.

    “Tinubu believes in the oneness of Nigeria. Once he discovers that you are good and can  contribute to the enhancement of the society, he works with you, not minding the person’s religious and ethnic backgrounds.

    “This great man of history was the first governor in Nigeria to appoint an Igbo man into his cabinet and assigned to him a very important and sensitive portfolio.

    “That proves that Asiwaju is a detribalised man and a great lover of Ndigbo.”

    On his political prowess, Eze Nwachukwu noted that Tinubu is a great political strategist, adding that but for Tinubu’s political sagacity, the country would have continued to be under the misrule of previous administration.

    He said: “It took the political wisdom and strategy of Tinubu to galvanise forces to dethrone a ruling party and entrench the current administration that has all it takes to take the country out of the woods. But for Tinubu’s political leadership, the administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would still be in power.”

     

  • Ex-Army officer empowers women with N3.2m

    A retired Colonel in the Nigerian Army, Sunday Akinola has disbursed over N3.2 million to 67 women drawn from various quarters of his hometown, Ikere-Ekiti under a programme tagged “Women Poverty Alleviation Initiative.”

    Speaking at the inauguration of the scheme, Akinola, who explained that the gesture might continue throughout his lifetime, said the beneficiaries were not to pay back the sum of N50, 000

    disbursed to each of them.

    He encouraged them to make judicious use of the fund as it would boost his morale in expanding the programme this year.

    Akinola, who said the beneficiaries were expected to form a co-operative society through which they could build strong capital base for possible expansion of their businesses, noted that the scheme, which he said was in honour of his late father, Chief Akinola Oisa, would go a long way in turning around the economies of the womenfolk in the community.

    “This is the first phase of the programme; we hope to establish a co-operative society in memory of the late High Chief Akinola Oisa where a high percentage of Ikere women could draw from a trust fund from Wema Bank as loans to do their businesses,” he said.

    Delivering a keynote address at the event, the Ogoga of lkere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado thanked the donor for the gesture, noting that he was impressed by the swell of positive developments being championed by prominent indigenes of the community since his ascendancy to the throne.

    He praised Akinola for keeping the fame of his late father who he noted died several years ago in the memories of the people of the community.

     

  • Cleric to Buhari: recover all looted funds

    Cleric to Buhari: recover all looted funds

    The Federal Government has been urged to fulfil its pledge of recovering stolen funds from past public office holders and other influential Nigerians.

    The Bishop of Owo Diocese, Methodist Church, Nigeria, Rev. Solomon Adegbite, who gave the advice at the Bishops’ Synod held in Ondo State,  advocated amnesty for those who returned their loots on their own volition.

    Delivering his address at the 28th Synod of the Diocese held at Methodist Church, Nigeria, Oke-Owo, Ondo State, he said the nation’s laws should be curative/transformative rather than punitive.

    Rev. Adegbite called for quick dispensation of justice, stressing that the case of suspects awaiting trials for years was not a good development.

    The church leader praised the efforts of the Federal Government in diversifying the economy, stressing that the moves should be followed up with action rather than rhetoric.

    He also praised the Federal Government for granting the bailout funds to majority of the states, describing it as laudable, even as he urged benefiting states to ensure the money is used for the purpose it was meant.

    While calling on political office holders to imbibe the culture of prudent management of resources, Rev. Adegbite condemned the spate at which herdsmen attack innocent citizens in virtually all the states of the federation.

    He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sustain the ongoing anti-corruption crusade devoid of witch-hunting of perceived political opponents, saying the campaign should not be selective.

    The Bishop advised the present administration to ensure equity and fairness in all its dealings, adding that the secular nature of Nigeria should be respected.

    Delegates for the Synod came from various circuits, sections and special areas within Owo Diocese. Bishop Adegbite presided over the Synod.

     

  • Club donates hospital, school facilities to Ogun community

    Club donates hospital, school facilities to Ogun community

    The District 404-B Governor of International Association of Lions Club, Mrs Idowu Omolola Anobili, has handed over items donated by the Region 7 and 8 of the Club to primary health care centres at Ifo and Ota Ward II Annex.

    Apart from the handover of these health centres, she also inaugurated 13 blocks of toilet at St James Primary School, Ota, as well as donation of bakery equipment to graduating students of skills acquisition and empowerment programme sponsored by the Club in Ado-Odo/Ota and Ifo local government areas of Ogun State.

    She also visited the skills acquisition centres built by the Club at Ewupe in Ado-Odo/Ota where residents of the areas would receive trainings on different skills.

    Mrs Anobili was at these places to perform one of the Club’s yearly programmes, ‘District Governor’s Visitation’, and to fulfill her promises of making life better for the less-privileged in the society during her tenure.

    The event featured singing and dancing by residents of the community, especially the patients, expectant mothers in the hospitals, the graduating students and their parents.

    Speaking at the events, Mrs Anobili said the gesture was to sustain the humanitarian services which are the priority and mission of the Club.

    According to her, Lions Club was established to mobilise and empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding. These, she said, have made the Club attain the global leader in community and humanitarian services.

    She said the Club has been partnering with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in campaigning against measles and other deadly diseases, donating to hospitals and empowering youths among others were to make life better for the less-privilege and society at large.

    Mrs Anobili urges the legitimate members to continue to make the humanitarian services their priority by focusing on a wide variety of service projects that would meet the international goals of the Club as well as the needs of their local communities.

    She appealed to them to ensure they deploy their talents to work for the improvement of their communities and the larger society.

    The Matron, Primary Health Care Centre, Olose, Ifo, Mrs Comfort Ojodu, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the Club for the gesture. She also said the gesture would go a long way in enhancing the well-being of the hospitals.

    She urged governments, clubs, political stalwarts, corporate organisations and individuals to assist in tackling infrastructure problems facing primary health care centres across the country.

    The major problems, she said included equipment, electricity, water, beds and chairs.

    She said it’s an awkward situation to use candles or lanterns to assist women when in labour rooms in the hospitals.

    She appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to assist in sinking borehole systems, power generating sets and modern technology equipment.

     

     

     

  • 19 benefit from group’s dental defects makeover

    19 benefit from group’s dental defects makeover

    Five of the 19 beneficiaries of Project Smile have certain things in common:  dental flaws and defects. Destiny smiled on them through the Project Smile, a corporate social initiative of Smile360 Dental Specialists. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA writes on how the programme is transforming people’s lives.

    Project Smile is a social initiative that identifies individuals with dental flaws and defects who would want their defects corrected but are handicapped financial.

    Designed to engage individuals through a contest, the initiative encourages response to its eight-week call for entry campaign. The candidates are subjected to various stages of screening and shortlisted for the final clinical evaluation. Finally, three winners are determined in three main categories-severe, moderate or mild. The goal of the initiative is to transform 500 people with a smile makeover by the 10th season. In all, 19 people have emerged.

    For a 36-year-old civil servant, Mrs Funmilayo Olufa who had an accident and lost all her teeth in the process and developed a severity of dental flaw, life was never the same again. She lost her confidence. According to her, she regained her confidence after undergoing the Smile makeover.

    Before the Smile makeover, Funmi’ lost her looks but few stages into the Smile makeover, her friends could recognise her. She recalled: “A friend and long-time classmate of mine that I lost contact with some 15 years ago saw me at a bus stop and shouted my name. I was happy she could recognise me because some couldn’t before the Smile makeover. I am so happy that though the Smile makeover is yet to be completed, the positive effects on me are tremendous. Regaining my confidence is the best part of my transformation story thus far.”

    Chichi Anosike, sole beneficiary, Project Smile maiden edition in 2011 had an accident that damaged her dentition and seriously affected her facial expression. She heard about the Project Smile and was requested to write why she thinks she needed a Smile makeover. She had completed her Smile makeover and today she says with confidence, “I can flick off a dazzling smile easily without being conscious of it.” She thanked Project Smile and Smile360 for restoring her dentition.

    A 24-year-old creative writer, Adelekan Tayo, said whenever he talked to people, they are ever conscious of his teeth. And he always feels dejected as a man. He was always worried and perplexed. He got to know about the Project Smile through listening to the jingle on a broadcast station.

    According to Tayo, he reluctantly put in an entry, thinking that it couldn’t be true. When he was selected through a credible screening done by an independent panel, he said he couldn’t believe it. Going through the Smile makeover, he was delighted, aware that it was what he had always desired.

    “The project is not about reconstructing the dentition alone but also building on the psychological confidence. I did not pay a dime. The members of staff are wonderful. It is a life-changing experience. It is a wonderful initiative,” he stated.

    Mobola Abodunrin, 31-year-old Marketing/Brand Manager said: “As an image maker in a communication firm, having an over-protruding gum and teeth could be worrisome. That is always the focus of attention when I am interacting with people. I became an introvert inadvertently because I was disturbed emotionally.”

    Mobola heard about the Project Smile through a friend and put in an entry. She was lucky to be selected and just going through the Smile makeover, she is already experiencing a turn-around. When Mobola was on the braces, some people actually thought it was for cosmetics reasons and complimented her equally. “I like your rocks,” they would say.

    Mobola said: “I corrected their impressions I told them that it was part of medical procedures. And now I am gaining more confidence than before. People do admire me wearing the braces. I don’t receive curious looks or comments again. Though I am not through with the Smile makeover, the stages I had gone through have already changed my life and psychology. I knew I needed the Smile makeover but could not afford same. For this, I am grateful to Project Smile.”

    For 22-year-old Dumebi Olanne; a final year student of Mass Communication at Babcock University, it was a real life changing experience; having gone through some stages of Smile makeover. Being born with bad dentition, she had lived an hermit life. She loved surfing the net and one day, she stumbled on Smile360 Project.

    Her mother encouraged her to put in an application. She did and was shortlisted but no sponsor was there for her. As she made to depart the venue, a participant saw her dejection and wouldn’t allow her to go with that look. The participant sponsored her for the Smile makeover and today, Dumebi smiles more, talks more and is looking forward to a more prosperous life as a budding lady.

    Dr Amy B. Traore-Shumbusho is the founder of Smile360 Dental Specialist, Ikoyi Lagos.

    Explaining the rationale behind her effort, Dr Amy, as she is fondly called, said the ability to change people’s lives with a great smile is powerful and a privilege.

    Recounting some of the achievements of the initiative in the past three seasons in view of the goal and mission set out to give great smiles since the commencement of the project in 2011.  Dr Traore-Shumbusho said the last three seasons of Project Smile has achieved remarkable success with a record of 19 beneficiaries most of whom are still undergoing their dental corrective surgery and treatment.

    “As we joined all dental stakeholders and the general public to mark this year’s World Oral Health Day, (WOHD) there is no better time to pause and recount our successes than this momentous period in the dental world. The World Oral Health Day has always been epochal in launching each season of the Project Smile Initiative.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Council chief reels off achievements

    The Executive Secretary Eti Osa Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Afeez Badiru, has attributed the success so far recorded by his team to resilience and his clearly-defined visions.

    Leading other members of the executive committee, management staff and other political stakeholders in the council in a pre-inauguration inspection of all the projects the council has executed, Alhaji Badiru said he accepted the responsibility of leadership with the aim of re-engineering virtually all sectors of the council’s economy, provide an enabling environment for the citizens to thrive; particularly in the area of economic well-being and healthy lifestyle.

    Enumerating his achievements, the council chief said major roads in the council area such as Ogombo Road, Babajide Okunnusi Avenue, Ademola Street and Harmony Street both in Langbasa, have been graded while drainage system have been constructed in erosion-prone roads such as Shola Imole and Busola Dalemo as well as rehabilitation and interlocking stones done in Badore Road and the council secretariat at Sangotedo. Also, a new transformer was installed at Owode, Langbasa.

    Also, a new primary health care centre was established at Alayande to take off pressure from the one at Sangotedo while all primary health care centres in Ado and Ajah that had hitherto been vandalised have been reconstructed.

    Also, to make the learning environment more conducive, hundred units of desks and benches were provided for Olomu Primary School as well as fencing and construction of gate at Langbasa Addo Primary School.

    Appreciating the efforts of the Executive Secretary and his team, a resident of the council, Princess Alayande congratulated them on their achievements so far, stressing that all projects carried out are those that have impacted on the lives of everybody in the council. She prayed that God should continue to empower the Executive Secretary to enable him to take the council to another level of development.

     

  • Battle for Ikere-Ekiti’s soul

    Battle for Ikere-Ekiti’s soul

    The battle for the soul of Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State is not abating. The Ogoga, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu, and the Olukere, Oba Ganiyu Ayodele Obasoyin, have been quarelling over who is the ancient town’s real monarch. Now, a  third force has joined the fray. The descendants of Prince Aladeselu, believed to have founded the community, are claiming that the land belongs to their ancestor. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

    As the royal rivalry between the Ogoga and the Olukere over the ownership of Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State rages, the Aladeselu family is claiming that neither of the two owns the community. The community, they claimed belong to their ancestor, Prince Aladeselu.

    The family said Aladeselu founded Ikere-Ekiti around the 11th Century after migrating from Benin Kingdom and settled at Ereja in the Odo Oja area of the town. The family said he was the one that admitted the Ogoga and the Olukere into the community.

    At a briefing in Ikere-Ekiti, the family spokesman, Mr. Isaiah Akinwumi, said some significant historical objects and artefacts located in three quarters of the town belonged to Aladeselu and represent his symbols of authority.

    Akinwumi said these objects and artefacts, located in Odo Oja, Oke’kere and Uro authenticated Aladeselu as the “founder and owner” of Ikere-Ekiti.

    Conducting reporters round the sites of the traditional monuments, Akinwumi said the family is not taking sides with any of the two contending parties but fighting not to be marginalised in the community.

    Some of the historical monuments shown to reporters at Odo Oja included the Esi Aboba, believed to be the foundation of Ikere; the Ege, a fountain which has mystical powers to control flooding; the Erepupu and the Ogun Ajohan where the king is presented to the people after enthronement.

    Others are the Aladeselu seat of power also in Odo Oja, the Esi, the first monument for peace of the land located in the three quarters of Odo Oja, Oke’kere and Uro.

    Akinwumi further explained that after Ogoga migrated from Benin and arrived at Ikere after a brief stopover in Akure, he subsequently settled down in the community with the permission of Aladeselu.

    The town has been engulfed by tension over battle for supremacy between the reigning Ogoga, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu and the Olukere, Oba Ganiyu Ayodele Obasoyin.

    The immediate cause of the crisis was the affirmation of the Ogoga by Governor Ayo Fayose as the only recognised monarch and paramount ruler of Ikere Kingdom during the inauguration of a new palace on January 23.

    The statement made by Fayose, through his deputy, Kolapo Olusola, an indigene of the community, drew the ire of Olukere who claimed that his throne was the first in Ikere and would not tolerate any attempt to relegate his stool.

    The crisis reached a crescendo about a month ago when there was a riot in the town by some youths who accused Fayose of pulling down the billboard of Olukere installed at Odo Oja area of the community.

    Billboards of the Ogoga, including the one showing the picture of Fayose presenting him with the staff of office was vandalised by irate youths.

    Olukere, who later addressed a press conference, claimed that he is the son of Oduduwa and brought his crown from Ile-Ife. He said “the landlord would not bow before a tenant.”

    He stressed that the Ekiti State government’s website confirms him as a king, saying the website recognises the fact that Ikere has two kings who exist side-by-side and receive monthly stipends from government.

    Olukere said the monthly allowance due to his palace had been stopped since 1989. He demanded that he be presented with his staff of office, having undergone all traditional rites of ascension.

    But the Aladeselus don’t want to be drawn into the supremacy battle between Ogoga and Olukere but insist that the land belongs to their patriarch and that the two rivals were admitted into the community by Prince Aladeselu at one time or the other in the history of Ikere.

    The family also presented what it believes as the “authentic history” of Ikere which it believes would help douse the tension generated by the Olukere–Ogoga face-off.

    Giving an explanation on the origin of Ikere and the importance of Aladeselu as the “founder and owner” of the land, Akinwumi explained that the most prominent traditional festival celebrated by locals, the Olosunta “serves as a mark of traditional honour and respect to Aladeselu.

    Akinwumi said: “The only traditional festival in Ikere-Ekiti before Olosunta Festival is called Orisa-Ogido, and it belongs to Prince Aladeselu. Up to date, all the Ogogas and chiefs pay their traditional homage to the Aladeselu’s historic stool (seat of power) at Ereja.

    “No Ogoga or any chief can be installed in Ikere without paying homage to the Aladeselu stool at Ereja. The Aladeselu stool was the seat where Aladeselu used to sit in his lifetime and after his death, his son, Arasegun, who became the first Agbayan in Ikere, also sat on the throne in his lifetime. The same with all the subsequent Agbayans.

    “Oloje, who later changed his name to Olukere, also pays yearly homage to the Aladeselu stool and dances round it during the Olosunta Festival, as a mark of traditional honour and respect to Aladeselu as the founder of Ikere-Ekiti.

    “The historical monuments and artifacts are paid the well-deserved homage, because, it is traditionally believed that the powers and spirits behind them, help to conserve peace and progress and also guarantee protection within Ikere and its environs, especially during times of wars and calamities.

    “According to history, several years after Prince Aladeselu had founded Ikere-Ekiti, one Prince Ogoniga (now called Ogoga), arrived in Ikere from Benin, passing through Akure, where he stayed briefly with the then Deji of Akure, who happened to be a kinsman and a Benin Prince.

    “History had it that Ogoga left Benin together with his immediate family and other retinue of aides and servants in his entourage. It is also in history that Ogoga left Benin with his crown and other paraphernalia. Ogoga later proceeded from Akure to the place called Agamo.

    “One day, while at Agamo, Ogoga went on hunting expedition when he killed an elephant. While Ogoga was tracing the elephant, he noticed a smoke far ahead and decided to trace the smoke which he eventually traced to Ikere where he met Prince Aladeselu fully on ground.

    “After the duo interacted, they discovered that they were kinsmen way back in Benin. Aladeselu thereafter assisted Ogoga to recover the dead elephant. Afterwards, Ogoga, as a mark of appreciation, gave Aladeselu, the ivory and other vital parts of the elephant’s meat and bones, some of which are preserved till date.

    “Ogoga subsequently settled down in Ikere with the permission of Aladeselu who ordered that Ogoga should stay with Arasegun at Erepupu, while Aladeselu remained at Ereja.

    “Ogoga stayed with Arasegun for seven years at Erepupu, during which Aladeselu appointed Ogoga to be in charge of the administration, while Aladeselu remained the head and leader of the then small community, now Ikere-Ekiti.

    “As time rolled by and in fulfilment of destiny, Aladeselu further upgraded the status of Ogoga by enthroning him as the first Oba in Ikere-Ekiti. This is in line with an earlier oracular prediction to Aladeselu that a certain prince from Benin is coming to Ikere with his crown and would be crowned as the first Oba in Ikere.

    “Arasegun, son of Aladeselu, then became the first Agbayan in Ikere-Ekiti. Agbayan traditionally means ‘the elder chooses first’ and that chieftaincy was so powerful that Ogoga always deferred to him on all matters.

    “Agbayan was akin to Prime Minister, while Ogoga was akin to the President in Ikere political system, till date. Only the Aladeselu family exclusively performs the traditional role of installing all Ogogas, including the incumbent.

    “Many years later after Ogoga had been crowned as Oba, one Oloje (now called Olukere), herbalist, came from Ise Ekiti to Ikere-Ekiti. Oloje was said to have suffered incessant molestation and attack from wild animals as a result of which he begged Aladeselu for protection, which was granted. Aladeselu ordered Oloje to stay at a place called Igbo-Arosi in Ikere.

    “However, Oloje did not stay long at Igbo-Arosi because of the terrain of the area, as a result of which Oloje lost his three children. Aladeselu therefore sympathetically relocated Oloje to Ugbo-Agbe where the present Olukere compound is situated.

    “History has it that while at Ugbo-Agbe, Oloje saw a termite hill, dug it and captured the termite queen/king (called Olu-Ikan) which he symbolically presented to Aladeselu. Aladeselu was excited and therefore gave Oloje the title of Oluloje.

    “In the olden days, it was customary to consult Ifa Oracle, on the need to regularly make sacrifices to appease the gods, so the community would continue to enjoy peace and progress.