Residents of Zone 1 Community Development Association (CDA) of Estate Phase 3 in Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area of Lagos State have appealed to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to rescue them from menacing flood.
The cause of the fearsome flood, according to them, was illegal construction and diversion of erosion from other communities to the estate. They maintained that time and again, rain floods deal a heavy blow on members of the estate. But it is the resultant floods that made the people cry out most, because whatever pours down from the heavens finds no other outlet than the road to the estate. This is so because water erosion from other areas are channelled to this forsaken area
•Some of the flooded houses
Investigation revealed that another cause of the flood is the blockage of the underground drainage by refuse which prevents free flow of the erosion.
But for what could be perceived as neglect on the parts of local and state governments, the estate would have been a very exciting and bubbly community; far from it. Any wonder members of this forgotten area are gnashing their teeth.
The residents are going through hell as the flood is a huge threat to their lives and properties. They stated that if Lagos State Government fails to respond quickly, the inhabitants may experience an epidemic or may be totally dislodged by the flood.
The affected streets are Odubanjo, Alamu Olaleye, Ovwigboyoma, Kajola, Oluwakemi, Ogunmeru and Otunba Oladokun.
When Southwest Report visited the area, the suffering of the residents was striking.. Some of the residents were seen draining the flood off their houses with pumping machines, while some have finally relocated their families to other areas.
Most of the houses in the area have been submerged by the flood. Some appeared weak and dilapidated, even as weeds have taken over some of the houses. If care is not taken, some of the buildings may collapse and may result in the death of innocent people.
In their innocence, some children were seen playing; unaware of the impending risks. Some of them between the ages of three and10 years do not go to school for fear of the flood. It may not be out of place if some residents ardently pray that rain should stop falling, at least, with the estate.
Despite the efforts of the owner of a mortuary in the area to save it from the erosion, the menacing flood still pulled down the hospital’s wall. The residents expressed the fear that there might be epidemic because some of the corpses in the mortuary might be affected by the flood.
A landlord in the area, Mr Obafemi Ogunmeru, said the community has been battling with the situation for over 10 years now; saying the situation got worse last year when the owner of the mortuary single-handedly constructed a thick concrete wall to prevent erosion from destroying his property, even as he re-directed the direction of the flood to another area; an action, he said, is adversely affecting other people currently.
“We are unhappy about the nauseating situation we have found ourselves in. It would be nice if government could even carry out a palliative measure to save the troubled residents.
“When it rains, the erosion is so heavy so much so that it had once carried away a car parked along the road. We have made several representations at Alausa and Ministry of the Environment among other authorities, yet we have been neglected as if we are not part of the system.
“Anybody that comes to this area will cry for us. How can we be living in slum? Some houses have been swept away and some others erosion has laid bare their foundations.
According to Ogunmeru, several letters have been written to Lagos State Secretariat and Alimosho Local Government Area concerning the issue. Till today nothing has been done.
“We have written series of letters to both the local and state governments concerning the horrid nature of the estate. Since we began writing to the authorities concerned the issue, no help has come our way. It seems we are not part of humanity.
“It also seems our offence is our being part of Lagos State. We are looking forward to the time when another state will be moved by our pitiable situation and come to negotiate with the Lagos State government to adopt our community,” he said sarcastically.”
Another landlord, Chief Michael Offe said he has become frustrated as the Lagos State Government failed to address the problem over the years.
He said every resident of the estate is frustrated so much so that they have agreed not to pay for land use again if the government continues to neglect them.
Chief Offe appealed to Governor Ambode to visit the area in order to appreciate their pains and agony.
He also urged the governor to direct the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to stop the burning of tyres in the area and to asphalt the road leading to the dump site to avoid their unending inhalation of dust.
The abduction of the Regent of Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State has created tension in the university community. DAMISI OJO reports.
The bubbling university community of Akungba-Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government of Ondo State has, in the past few days, remained in the news. This was occasioned by the kidnap of the Regent of the town, Princess Oluwatoyin Omosowon.
Since the incident occurred along Owo-Ose-Ikare-Akoko Road, the Princess’ whereabouts is yet to be known by her kinsmen, despite frantic efforts by security agents to secure her release.
The development has, no doubt, affected the peace in the town, as several spiritual and traditional means have been deployed to ensure the release of the Regent alive from her captors.
As at press time, there has not been any inkling on how to secure her release, as her whereabouts remains unknown to her people.
The community has been embroiled in tension and anxiety as a result of the development. All social and commercial activities in the ancient town have since been paralysed.
The atmosphere in the town is unpleasant and several meetings were held on daily basis to discuss how to ensure the release of the regent. Traditional Chiefs in the town, who met on daily basis since the abduction of their regent, have also turned the palace to a ghost of itself. They prevent traditional activities from holding at the palace.
As a result of the ugly development, the community has declared a seven-day fasting and prayer to be observed by all Christians and Muslims in the town, while special inter-denominational prayers will also be held daily for the release of the regent.
Besides, traditionalists in the town were said to have commenced rituals to appease the gods and seek their wrath on her captors. The rituals, according to findings, are done at night while special prayers are held during the day.
According to a community leader in the town, who is also the Seriki of Akoko land, Chief Ade Awesu, the fasting and prayers, which had begun are to be observed by all the youth and adults, saying “we believe in the efficacy of prayers and we are sure that, with the prayers and fasting, our Regent will be released.”
Also, the Chief Imam of Akungba-Akoko, Alhaji Shittu Arikewuyo, who spoke on behalf of the Muslims, appealed to security agents to assist in the release of Princess Omosowon, just as he called on all indigenes of the town to be committed to the fasting and prayers declared by the religious leaders.
Venerable Olu Akerele of the Anglican Communion said Christians in the town would continue to pray until the regent is released.
His words: “We have faith as Christians. We believe there is nothing impossible for our God to do. So, we are sure that the Regent and others abducted with her will be released before the end of the seven-day fasting and prayer.”
Already, the abductors of Princess Omosowon have demanded a ransom of N20 million, but the community was reluctant to pay the ransom as the leaders believe the ransom was too high, and expect that the current fasting and prayers embarked upon will expedite the release of the Regent.
Although it was learnt that the community leaders, including traditional chiefs will meet with the family of the Regent to discuss issues concerning the Regent’s abduction, it was not certain whether or not the community would pay the ransom after the meeting with the Omosowon’s family.
The State Police Command has stressed that it was not advisable for the Regent’s family to pay the N20 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
It assured that the woman would soon be released through relentless efforts of the police.
A source in the town stated a meeting will be held in Lagos where the Regent was residing with members of her family before she was installed a Regent about two years ago, following the death of the Regent’s father, Oba Adekanye Omosowon, who was the traditional ruler of the town.
Princess Omosowon, a 45-year-old woman and a successful Lagos-based business tycoon before she was called upon to be made a Regent by the kingmakers of Akungba-Akoko in line with the tradition and norm of the town, was installed the Regent of Akungba-Akoko in 2013, and her installation followed due process and traditions.
The Regent was abducted while returning from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) where she had gone with some of her aides to attend a public function. She was kidnapped by unknown gunmen along Akure/Akungba-Akoko Expressway the same spot where a Catholic Priest, Rev Father Onyeka and his brother; Obi were killed recently by armed bandits.
Also abducted alongside Princess Omosowon, were a senior official of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and one other aide of the regent, while her driver narrowly escaped after he had been mercilessly beaten by the abductors.
The development has also led to the closure of the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) located in the community. This, according to the management of the university, was to avoid breakdown of law and order by students.
It was learnt that the regent had, in April, during a religious programme in the town announced her resolve to install a new traditional ruler for the town, and therefore directed the kingmakers and High Chiefs in the town to commence the search for a new traditional ruler to take over from her.
This development, it was gathered, arouse the interest of some individuals in the ruling houses in the town who are interested in the throne. The action, it was also gathered, was praised by all indigenes of the town both at home and in the Diasporas.
The recent abduction of the Regent has, however, opened the town to heavy security presence, as police detectives have commenced the search for the Regent.
The search team was led by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Isaac Eke who assured that the abducted Regent would be released with the efforts of the security agents already deployed to the town.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State Police Command, Mr Wole Ogodo said Mr. Eke had led senior police detectives to Akungba -Akoko to ensure the release of the regent and her two aides, reiterating the police commitment to the timely and safe release of the Regent.
He assured that the police would ensure release of those kidnapped, adding that the command swung into action immediately the incident was reported to it. He thereby appealed to the people to remain calm and peaceful.
The Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos Prof. Innocent Ujah has expressed discontent at the rate at which street children increase in recent times, even as he maintained that the trend has become worrisome.
Prof. Ujah spoke at this year’s symposium organised by his institute to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration. He noted that the number of street children was on the increase despite best national, regional and global efforts to ensure their well-being.
The theme of this year’s celebration was “The Burden of Street Children in Nigeria” which was anchored by the Maternal, Reproductive and Child Health Research Group of NIMR.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the number of working children in Nigeria that are under the age of 14 is estimated at 15 million. The tedious jobs that children are involved in are particularly disquieting. They include street vendors, beggars, car washers, and shoe shiners. Others work as apprentice mechanics, hairdressers and bus conductors while a large number work as domestic servants and farm hands.
Prof. Ujah represented by the Head, NIMR Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Research Group, Dr. Nkiruka Odunukwe said: “Street children fall within this category. They are found in every city worldwide. They are most neglected, even victimised sometimes by the society which ought to protect and care for them. They lack basic services such as education, health and shelter, which should be their fundamental rights. Unfortunately, these basic needs are taken for granted by various governments and organisations.
“As a research organisation, the onus is on this institute to carry out a nation-wide research to determine the magnitude of street children, the predisposing factors, and suggest informed policy guideline for the three tiers of government as well as philanthropists that would address the menace in a bid to reduce the burden.”
Head of the Research Group, Dr. Oliver Ezechi said many street children have ended up as drug addicts and other crimes. He said the symposium was to educate school children on the dangers of such vices and the need to stay away from crime.
In her lecture entitled “Burden of Street Children”, one of the resource people, Dr. Agatha David said though street children are visible, they are most invisible. “Study conducted in Enugu, Ibadan and Kaduna showed that more female children are more on the streets than male children. In Enugu, about 414 were discovered, 1,959 children were discovered in Kaduna and 1,931 were discovered in Ibadan. “The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) finding indicates that girls start working at an earlier age than boys, particularly in the rural areas. They also suffer the triple burden of housework, school work and work out of home whether paid or unpaid. One of the most common practices is the use of children as child domestic helps, especially girls.”
Continuing, she said: “Major causes of child labour are widespread poverty, rapid urbanisation, breakdown in extended family affiliations, high rates of school dropout and lack of enforcement of legal instruments meant to protect children. “Traditionally, children have worked with their families, but today children are forced to work for their own survival and that of their families. The money earned by child family members has become a significant part of poor families’ income.
“These children suffer from fatigue, irregular attendance at school, lack of comprehension and motivation, improper socialisation, exposure to risk of sexual abuse and high probability of being involved in crimes.”
Administrator, Ayobo Transit Home, Ms Patience Ifejuna shared her experience in rehabilitating street children.
She said: “Most are lost because of lack of funding to pursue the causal factors or in some cases give them good treatment for their impaired health. I will appeal to the government to commit more money into the issue of research and rehabilitation of street children.”
The kingship crisis rocking Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State over the vacant Ogoga throne has assumed another dimension. One of the royal families, Olokunwolu, is protesting its exclusion from the selection. The family also maintains that Ikere-Ekiti has only two ruling houses and not three as believed in some quarters. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.
The struggle over who becomes the next Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti in Ekiti State among the community’s Ruling Houses and Royal Families is becoming more interesting by the day, as the various gladiators and their camps are deploying every arsenal in their armoury to win the coveted throne.
The throne became vacant on August 22, last year following the demise of its last occupant, Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye from the Akayejo Ruling House after reigning for 43 years; having been installed on August 22, 1971.
His daughter, Princess Ayooye Adegboye-Oyinlola, is currently holding fort as Regent pending the selection, installation and coronation of a new Ogoga which is expected to come from another Ruling House.
A section of the kingmakers had selected Samuel Adejimi Adu as the Ogoga-elect but his selection did not go down well with the princes and princesses of the Ikere Kingdom (the Omo Owas).
Attempts to fill the vacant stool have been marred by crisis of confidence, accusations and counter-accusations among interested parties in the kingship rumble.
There seems to be no let-up in the simmering crisis as the Olokunwolu Royal Family of the Agirilala Ruling House has cried foul over the selection process, complaining of unlawful disqualification of its candidate, Adegbola O. Afuye and the exclusion of the head of the family from the process of selection and filling of the vacant stool.
The other two Royal Families in the Agirilala Ruling House are the Fasuba Royal Family and the Agunsoye Royal Family.
In a petition to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi, dated March 9 this year, the Olokunwolu Family insisted that the process which produced Adu violated the extant Chieftaincy Law and the Ikere tradition.
The Family is demanding a fresh, transparent and all-inclusive selection process which will be acceptable to all and guarantee the needed peace and tranquillity which will enable the next Ogoga to have a successful reign.
The petition signed by the family’s lawyer, Mike Okere, was copied to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Yemi Owoseni; Secretary to Ikere Local Government, Wale Olanipekun and the Sao of Ikere who doubles as the Head of Kingmakers, Chief James Omotoso.
The petition reads: “After a critical assessment of episode of filling the vacant stool of the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti as carried out by kingmakers between March 3 and 4 of this year wherein a candidate emerged fraudulently, steps and procedures adopted were clearly seen to be faulty thereby making the outcome of the whole exercise unacceptable to all candidates and various families involved especially, the Olokunwolu Family.
“The followings remain our areas of disagreement:
.That from the approved Chieftaincy Declaration for the Ogoga Chieftaincy, the Kingmakers erred in law by collectively, without cognisance to the provisions as stated in the White Paper, disqualified candidate(s) based on principles and guidelines not within the contemplation of the approved Chieftaincy Declaration and any other law and provision in existence.
. That the Kingmakers erred by failing to present ALL candidates before the Ifa Oracle for consultation, and or, for election as provided for, especially after the primary condition of Ifa Oracle must have been fulfilled.
. That the Kingmakers erred by failing to invite all heads of families of each branch of the Agirilala Ruling House to witness the process of appointment of a successor in accordance with the provision as stated in Section F, Paragraph F of the White Paper on Morgan Chieftaincy Review Commission of 1982.
“From the above stated facts, it will be in the general interest of the government of Ekiti State to see that the selfish agenda and interest of the few do not take precedent and dominion over the entire wish of the people of Ikere Ekiti.
“The Kingmakers have exhibited the willful desire to be unpatriotic and partisan (an attitude least expected from those entrusted with custody of Ikere tradition) to the extent of adopting an unpopular way and manner to rewrite the traditional history of Ikere Ekiti as it pertains to the throne of Ogoga.
“We therefore, urge you sir, to use your good offices to intervene in the process to the benefit of the good people of Ikere Ekiti by calling for a fresh process which will be acceptable to all and consequently guarantee peace and tranquillity which will enable the next Ogoga to have a successful reign.”
Contrary to the position of the Omo Owas that there are three Ruling Houses in Ikere, the Olokunwolu Family also insisted that there are only two Ruling Houses based on a plethora of authorities, including a Court of Appeal judgment, the White Paper on Morgan Chieftaincy Review Commission released on July 30, 1981, Extracts of Intelligence Report of 1933 by N.A.C. Weir, the then Assistant District Officer, Ikere District of Ekiti Division of Ondo Province, the Recommendations of the Chieftaincy Committee of Ekiti State Council of Obas, among others.
According to the Certified True Copy of the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, delivered on Monday, September 28, 1992, with Appeal Number CA/B/276/90, the appeal filed by Gabriel Jegede representing the Agirilala Ruling House was allowed to the effect that the two Ruling Houses allowed by law to produce candidates for the throne of Ogoga are the Akayejo Ruling House and the Agirilala Ruling House.
Chief Samuel Adetifa (the Akapinsa and Head of all Princes to the Ogoga Chieftaincy and representative of Agabaola and Ogbenuote Ruling Houses to the Ogoga Chieftaincy) had dragged Jegede to an Ikere Ekiti High Court presided over by Justice R.O. Fawehinmi.
The High Court ruled in favour of Adetifa on November 3, 1988 in a suit which also had the Governor of Old Ondo State, Secretary of the then Ekiti South Local Government, Ikere, Jegede and Chief Ebenezer Giwa (representing members of Fakanbi branch of Agirilala Ruling House) as Defendants.
Dissatisfied with the judgment of the Ikere High Court judgment, both Jegede and Giwa proceeded to the Court of Appeal, Benin which allowed their appeal and set aside the verdict of the lower court and placed a judicial seal on the prayers of the Appellants that the two Ruling Houses eligible to field candidates for the Ogoga royal seat are Akayejo and Agirilala.
The Appeal Court verdict still subsists as it was not subjected to legal scrutiny at the Supreme Court.
The counsel to the family at the time was Owolabi Afuye but he died before the case was concluded at the Appeal Court in Benin.
The case was continued and won by a lawyer in his chamber who is also an Ikere indigene, Isaiah Olufemi Akeju, who is currently a Justice of the Court of Appeal (JCA).
The Enrolment of Order containing verdict obtained by our reporter reads: “Upon reading the record of appeal herein and after hearing S. F .Fajobi Esq Counsel for the 5th Defendant/Appellant, O. Fagbe, Director of Civil Litigation, Ondo State Counsel for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Appellants A.O. Akanle Esq of Counsel for the Plaintiff/Respondent.
“It is ordered that the appeal be and is hereby allowed and Respondent’s action before the Lower Court is struck out, No order as to costs.”
According to the White Paper on Morgan Chieftaincy Review Commission on the Ogoga Chieftaincy Declaration, it was clearly stated at Chapter 49 that: “Government accepts the Commission’s recommendations as contained at Page 19 of Volume IV of its Report.
“The approved Chieftaincy Declaration for the Ogoga Chieftaincy shall be as set out hereunder: A. Number of Ruling Houses-Two, B. Names of Ruling Houses-1. Akayejo 2. Agirilala.”
According to the Extracts of Intelligence Report of 1933 by Mr. N.A.C.Weir, on Page 112 under the sub-heading: The Appointment and Election of the Ogoga, the two branches of the royal family that take their turn to find suitable men for the post are: (1) THE AGIRILALA and (2) THE AKAYEJO.
The last document on the number of the eligible ruling Houses was a Memorandum of Understanding brokered by the Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs and Ikere Local Government on January 22, this year.
The MoU was signed by principal members of the Agirilala Ruling House; the Kingmakers, Wale Olanipekun who is the Secretary to Ikere Local Government; Olabanji Alabi, who is the Administrative Secretary, Chieftaincy Department, Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs and Owoseni Ajayi, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
The document reads in part: “This Memorandum of Understanding is made today, the 22nd of January, 2015 between the Agirilala Ruling House of Ikere Ekiti and the Government of Ekiti State on the nomination and selection of candidate to the throne of Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti.
“Whereas, there are two ruling houses in Ikere Ekiti entitled to the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti Chieftaincy stool;
“Whereas, the two Ruling Houses recognised by the Government White Paper are: AKAYEJO Ruling House and AGIRILALA Ruling House.;
“Whereas, the last ruling house was Akayejo Ruling House and the next ruling House in turn to present the next Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti is the Agirilala Ruling House.;
“Whereas all the stakeholders to the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti Chieftaincy Stool have agreed to install the next Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti in accordance with the Government White Paper on the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti and Ikere Ekiti Native Law and Custom.
“Whereas parties have agreed to register the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti Chieftaincy Declaration after the installation of a new Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti;
“Annexed herewith are the particulars of the respective branches of Agirilala Ruling House of Ogoga Chieftaincy in Ikere Ekiti.”
The families in the Agirilala Ruling House were accordingly briefed on the Memorandum and were represented at the briefing by Omolayo Afuye (Olokunwolu); Ezekiel Fatuki (Fasuba) and Oluwadare Adu (Agunsoye).
Members of the Olokunwolu Family wondered how some interest groups are claiming that there are three ruling houses in Ikere when documentary evidences showed that they are two in number as the Kingmakers also signed the MoU to the effect that the two Ruling Houses eligible to field candidates for the purpose of selecting a new Ogoga are Agirilala and Akayejo.
Meanwhile, scores of angry women trooped out on Saturday in the town to protest what they called an attempt to impose a candidate, Samuel Adejimi Adu, as the new Ogoga.
The women, who chanted war songs, marched from Uro Quarters to register their grievances with one of the high chiefs of the town and a kingmaker, Chief Sapetu.
The protesters were angry that the tradition of using the Ifa Oracle to select a new king is being allegedly eroded by the kingmakers.
•Women of Ikere during their protest round the town against the alleged plan to impose Mr. Jimi Adu as the next Ogoga of Ikere.
The protesting women are also opposed to an alleged directive of the state government that the kingmakers should conduct an election among themselves to determine the new Ogoga of Ikere.
They held up traffic for some hours and condemned an attempt by powerful interest groups who don’t belong to any of the royal families to influence the selection process of the new Ogoga.
One of the protesting women who declined to give her name said: “We are not happy with the way they are going about filling the vacant throne of Ogoga. Can you imagine, they are turning it to an election matter?
“This is not an election process where people cast ballots; it is the Ifa Oracle that determines who becomes the Ogoga in line with the tradition of our town and not for kingmakers to be voting.
“That is the way it is done since the foundation of our community and if such an exercise is reduced to voting, there is tendency for those who are voting to favour the highest bidder and that is what we are against.
“We want our kingmakers to follow tradition and if tradition is not followed, the community may not witness peace. It is the Ifa Oracle we want and not an election by kingmakers because this is not a political office; it is a traditional royal seat.”
Some youths in the community had, on Thursday, staged their own protest over what they called attempts by some prominent indigenes of the town, in collaboration with the government to impose a new Ogoga of Ikere.
The youth disrupted economic activities at the Oja Oba (King’s Market) during their protest.
Their protest lasted till late in the day with residents gripped with panic as they moved from one place to another with some of them wielding weapons.
They also harassed motorists and commuters passing through the town from Ado-Ekiti, the state capital and Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The situation was later brought under control by the police, Ikere Division.
Governor Ayo Fayose had, on Thursday, summoned a meeting of all ruling houses and royal families at the Government House where he expressed the concern of his administration on the crisis rocking Ikere on the Ogoga Stool.
Fayose appealed to the parties in the kingship crisis to maintain peace that would guarantee a peaceful succession to the Ogoga throne.
The die is cast on the Ogoga of Ikere throne as the town is on edge and tension is reaching a boiling point.
The town needs peace for it to develop and occupy its place of pride in Ekiti State.
In about two months, six commercial motorcyclists have been murdered in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. They are allegedly killed by criminals who posed as customers, OSEHEYE OKWUOFU reports.
Of late, no fewer than six motorcycle operators popularly called okada riders have allegedly been killed by criminals who camouflage as customers. This is a recent phenomenon since the introduction of commercial motorcycle popularly known as okada as one of the means of transportation in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Many people prefer boarding it to commercial buses and taxis. Their reason for its preference is its ability to ply narrow spaces, beat traffic and fastness. Added to these reasons is the joy of cool breeze that calms the nerves, especially during hot weather.
Notwithstanding its high rate of accidents, young and old see okada business as quick source of daily income, until recently when the operators became fear struck over the killings of members by armed men who thrive on okada theft.
Dotted many roads in the city are shocking discoveries of lifeless bodies, with severed limbs or heads in some cases.
A recent case was the discovery of a headless body in cold blood at Bembo Apata and a lifeless body with severed limbs at Bakatari areas of Ibadan. The two were commercial motor cycle operators who lost their okada and precious lives to robbers who boarded the motorcycles only to snatch them from the owners after killing them.
According to Mr. Taiwo Adisa, a commercial motorcycle operator who was at the scene of the discovery of the headless body at Bembo, Apata area of Ibadan, the victim was murdered in the early morning of the fateful day by his passenger who robbed him of his motorcycle and other belongings.
The victim, identified as a mechanic, used his okada to make brisk money early in the morning before going to his workshop.
“We saw him in his pool of blood there with cuts all over his body. The head was not there but some of his friends who are also okada operators were able to identify him through the clothes he wore.
“The okada has been snatched from him and maybe in the cause of struggling with his attacker and of course, knowing that if he escapes, he could identify him, the ‘passenger’ killed him. We have witnessed many cases like that when the passenger would suddenly turn to a robber and made away with the okada. And if the okada operator is lucky, he escapes unhurt, but if not, he might lose both his life and the okada.
“The case involving the mechanic was very pathetic and shocking as it is unfortunate. In fact, our union has recently alerted members to be vigilant by not taking passengers to secluded places and deserted and quiet roads. We have a long list of cases of okada theft and killings.
It is so frightening now that some operators are considering leaving the business as a result of fear of their dear lives,” Adisa said.
The police as at the time of filing this report have no clue on the gruesome killings and theft.
At Apata Police Station where the case was being handled, the police said investigation into the murder was ongoing.
A police officer at the station who confided with this reporter said the body has since been deposited at the state hospital mortuary, Ring Road, Ibadan.
•Agaba
The murder of Job Agaba, 31, on April 20, this year at Iyana Adeaga between Ilupeju and Orile areas of Ibadan is still fresh in the minds of residents of Bakatari. His dead body was sighted in a bush by a team of searchers at 7:00 p.m. the next day.
Our correspondent learnt that four other okada operators narrowly escaped death on the same spot where Agaba was murdered. They lost their motor cycles to the robbers.
Agaba, a native of Adiko in Obi Local Government Area of Benue State was described as a gentle and a loving husband who got married two months before he was mauled down by his assailants who made away with his okada.
Daniel, a younger brother to Job narrated how his deceased brother left home and never returned.
“He used to ply Apata to Omi Adio to Bakatari route. He left home early morning of April 20, this year to work with his okada which was not up to two weeks when he bought it. We were all happy that morning, his wife, I and other members of the family had a good time. By 6:00 p.m., the time he usually returns from work, he was not at home.
“So, his wife started feeling unsettled and by 8:00 p.m. after all attempts to get him through his phone failed, we knew something has happened to him because it is not in his character to stay out late without calling his wife. That night, we could not sleep. We were busy contacting his friends, town’s people in Ibadan and some close friends. The wife could not sleep throughout the night even though people around were consoling and assuring her that nothing bad happened to her husband.
•Agaba’s father
“The next day, a search party went out looking for him. It was around 7:00 p.m. when they told us that his body was found at Adeaga area of Bakatari. We were shattered by the news and till now we cannot compose ourselves,” he said.
Since the case was reported at Apata Police Station, no arrest has been made in connection with the murder.
The robbers have been described as a threat to the communities. A traditional ruler of the community, Balogun Olomi of Omi, Chief Mukaila Adebayo admitted that some reports have been lodged about the activities of the criminals who specialise in robbing and killing innocent people in the area. He listed the killing of Agaba and other three okada theft.
“ I even heard that the deceased has been taken to his home town for burial. We got other two reports at Omi Adio and one at Bakatari where these people snatched okada from their owners. We have been educating okada operators to be vigilant and report any suspicious individual immediately to the police,” he said.
The traditional ruler of Bakatari, the Olu of Bakatari, Chief Yekini Ajagbe Ayodele urged law enforcement agents to mount surveillance on the areas where the cases were reported.
On the part of the community, the traditional ruler explained that a monitoring team has been raised in addition to a vigilance group to track down the perpetrators of the heinous crime and ensure that they bring the killers of Agaba to justice.
He noted other pockets of cases of okada snatching and continued assaults on the operators.
We are not happy with the activities of these criminals; we want to sleep with our two eyes closed. We have asked people to help keep vigil at the scene where the criminals hide to commit this crime. We want to support the police as they make effort to flush out the perpetrators and ensure that the areas are safe for our people,” the traditional ruler said.
As the people and the police collaborate to thwart the plan of the criminals, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Adekunle Ajisebutu assured the communities that all those involved in criminal activities would not go unpunished.
Woman leader of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaja Sola Oyedele, has urged Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari to enable him to succeed in moving the country forward.
Speaking to reporters in her Lagos residence while hosting some of the party’s dignitaries to mark the victory of the APC at both state and national level, she said the Buhari administration would succeed if Nigerians give him unflinching support, even as she said it will enable the President to take the country to greater height.
According to her, Nigeria is lucky to have someone such as Buhari as their President, saying the APC administration at both levels will bring development to the country.
She called on Nigerians to join hands with Buhari-led administration to succeed, adding that the APC will take Nigeria to the Promised Land.
Alhaja Oyedele urged President Buhari to ensure unity, peace and harmony in the country. According to her, he should regard all Nigerians as one irrespective of their political and religious affiliations.
“He should not discriminate against any part of the country, no matter the political party, religion, or the ethnic group they come from.
This, according to her, would promote the country’s economic growth and job opportunity.
She also advised the President to ensure that federal roads across the country are rehabilitated, especially federal roads that traversed Lagos State which successive administrations abandoned.
Lagos State, she said, is one of the largest cities in Africa as well as economic capital of West African sub-region.
She also urged the President to empower women and ensure they take part in his government. According to her, women are honest and easy to control. Their motherly disposition will bring sanity to the society if they are part of decision-making process.
She also advised Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to build on and consolidate former Governor Fashola’s achievements.
Oba of Lagos Rilwanu Akiolu has showered his blessing on Igbo in Lagos.
He spoke in his palace when he received some Igbo leaders at a victory palace to mark the victory of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
The party was held to commemorate Ambode’s swearing-in, which held earlier that day at the Tafawa Balewa Square.
High Chief Azubuike Ekwerekwu (Obosi) quoted the Oba as, among other thing, praying for the success of the Igbo in Lagos at the event in the presence of titled chiefs. Different ethnic groups and religious leaders were also present. Oba Akiolu began pouring blessings upon the Igbo. He said: “They said I hate the Igbo, as a royal father, I’m mandated by oath to show love to every person irrespective of the state or nation you come from; but what I’m saying is that they should not exceed their limit. As the Oba of Lagos, irrespective of my position, I have my limit and will never exceed it.
“Truly, Lagos belongs to all, but it has origin and owners. Therefore, what will not be acceptable to you, please do not do it in Lagos State.
“Ndigbo, it shall be well with you, and your childrens’ children, the fertile land of Lagos shall continue to bless you.
“You shall grow old, you shall not bury your children; instead your children shall bury you at old age. Most importantly, we shall live with love and in peace as one people without a separate country, but only one nation Nigeria.”
Immediately after Oba Akiolu’s prayers, the crowd, including Ndieze Igbo, their titled chiefs and the Lagos State white cap chiefs went into dancing.
The Igbo monarchs were ushered into the Oba’s living room where they were treated to different kinds of foods and drinks.
The leader of the delegation, Chief Ekwerekwu (Obosi) who is an Igbo stakeholder and All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, said by the Oba’s statement, it is glaring that he never hated the Igbo.
He added: “Kabiyesi is a philanthropist who has feelings for the downtrodden. He stands by his words and never pretends. And according to him, Kabiyesi has been helpful to so many Igbo in different areas, including himself.
A Celestial Cleric, Senior Evangelist Aderemi Lawal has urged Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his fight against Boko Haram.
He admonished Christians to support him with prayers, adding that President Buhari has a good intention to rebuild Nigeria, even as he needs prayers.
The Shepard, who is in charge of Celestial Church of Christ, Jesu Durotimi Agbofeti, Apata Ibadan, made the call during a monthly prayer session held in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
He assured Nigerians that the nation would witness positive change during the Buhari administration, even as he advised them to be patient with him.
The cleric said for the promises of God to manifest in Nigeria, Christians should assist the President with prayers for divine wisdom and knowledge.
“It is through divine wisdom that President Buhari would choose competent and God-fearing people for his cabinet. It is through the divine knowledge that the new administration would formulate and implement good policies that would transform all the sectors of the economy. He needs our prayers, especially in his quest to end the menace of Boko Haram. This is not the time to fight based on ethnicity or religious sentiments but time to support government in fighting Boko Haram and corruption. We voted for President Buhari because we know he is competent.
“Prayer remains the only spiritual weapon that will enhance the needed change Nigerians are clamouring for. All should endeavour to call upon God to take control,” he said..
Evangelist Lawal urged religious bodies to organise special prayers periodically for the success of the new administration.
They came out in their droves; those who had one eye challenge or the other. They had been living in pains for years with partial sight. They were those who had cataract or partially blind. They wished the programme would be a weekly affair as they benefitted from the free eye programme organised by the Rotary Club of Palmgroove, Lagos.
•Some of the beneficiaries of the programme
The beneficiaries could not believe that their health challenges could be treated free and their sights restored. It was a reality that stood not within the prospect of belief.
For 10 days, more than 700 residents of Lagos had the benefit of enjoying free eye screening and cataract surgeries that cost N45 million. The Rotary Club embarked on the project in partnership with Indo Eye Care Foundation; Lagos State’s Ministry of Health, Ogun State Ministry of Health and the Indian Community.
Being the first of its kind, many residents trooped out to the General Hospital, Marina, venue of the event, to get their eyes screened. Critical cases were referred for surgery.
The theme of this year’s programme was “Vision for Nigeria.”
In a chat with reporters, the team leader of the Rotary Eye Institute of India, Mr. Yogesh Naik said either old age or hereditary problems could cause cataract. He added that it could result from environmental issues; even as he said malnutrition, deficiency of vitamins, food habits and excess consumption of alcohol are some of the causes of the ailment.
He note that each surgery costs as much as 200 dollars, but the club’s passion for the well-being of the people informed their bringing in specialists from India to carry out the programme free.
The beneficiaries, who sang, danced and jubilated, praised members of the club for their kind gesture. They went home smiling, even though their eyes were bandaged.
Over 20,000 people have benefited from the project since its inception in 2005. Last year, it didn’t hold because of the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease.
The District Governor of Rotary 9110, Dr. Dele Balogun, commended the Rotary Club of Palmgroove for going out of their way to make people comfortable.
Dr Balogun told our correspondent that a cataract surgery per eye costs about N200, 000 in a private hospital.
To many of the Indian volunteers, it has become a passion to save lives. The community expressed optimism that the gesture will be a yearly event.
President of the Club, Ramesh Biswal, said the project begans three months ahead of time, to enable the team to screen up to 500 patients on Saturdays for a week. They patients were screened for HIV, Hepatitis B; blood pressure and for other ailments to ensure that they are fit to undergo the operation.
“We never sent anyone back. What we have is 100 per cent result and 100 per cent success. We perform surgeries on patients from three 90 years old. The children, who were operated upon were well prepared and groomed to be confident for the operation,” he said.
About 3,000 eye glasses were recommended and given to patients during the exercise. Those who were operated upon were thereafter referred to the nearest hospital’s ophthalmologist government where all their questions will be answered.
So far, members of the club have donated 200 pints of their blood to the Lagos State Government and Nigerian Red Cross Society. Also, 50, 000 artificial limbs and white canes were donated to those who cannot see.
Naik, who also doubles as the Secretary of the Eye Institute said yearly, he takes 20 days off from duty to monitor activities and help promote care for the eye.
He also stated that the Indian Community, with the support of the Lagos State Government, has been given a piece of land close to the airport to build a world-class eye hospital for Nigerians at little or no cost.
The hospital, which he said will be comprehensive, will be ready in the next one-and-a-half years.
He lamented that there were no good eye clinics in the country and the few available have become a profit-making venture.
He called on wealthy individuals, corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations to help in ensuring that people’s well-being is taken care of.
Worried by the political misfortune the people of Badagry Division experienced in the just-concluded general elections during which a candidate of the now-opposition party; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won, youths of the division have pledged to close all ranks to enable them to enhance the division’s political fortunes in the coming years.
In the circumstances, thousands of youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Badagry Division, under the aegis of Glorious Badagry Division Movement (GBDM) have held prayer for the well–being of the party and its leadership. The prayers were organised for God’s guidance and protection of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Akinwnmi Ambode; the Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Idiat Adebule and leaders of the party across the country.
The youth, drawn from 10 local government areas of Badagry Division of the party converged on Ojo Town Hall, Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos, for this year’s prayer session.
Apart from prayers for the leaders of the party and for the party to succeed in its leadership role in the country, the youth used the session to appraise the socio-political situation in the division with a view to making amends.
Rev. Canon Samuel Amho, who led the prayers stressed that Nigeria, especially the youth, should pray for their leaders, for “God to control their hearts’’. He sought God’s intercession for the APC government. He also advised Nigerians against hasty criticism of actions of government, saying it was too early to make certain unhealthy and destructive criticisms. They need our unceasing prayers to succeed.
The youth prayed for divine guidance to enable our leaders to make right decisions that will bring positive change and relief to the people.
They also prayed for peace, asking God to intervene against Boko Haram insurgency.
•Akanbi (right) with one of the youth
The convener of prayer conference, Comrade Saheed Akanbi, said the prayer session aimed at bringing like political minds together after successful general elections and to appraise how people of Badagry fared during the just-concluded general elections in terms of their efforts, successes, losses and areas that need to be improved upon. It also an opportunity to pray for our party, leaders and our own sister, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State Mrs. Adebule for spiritual direction and understanding. He said any society that neglects its youths would have a bleak future.
“We believe prayers are important in the life of any organisation for its progress. We want to carry youths along in anything we do as the future is theirs.” he said.
The State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adebule who was represented by Mr. Emmanuel Kappo commended the youth for the laudable programme which she said would be a reference point in Badagry Division. She reminded the youth that the future belongs to them.
In her message entitled “Towards a Formidable, United and Glorious Progressivism in Badagry Division,’’ she described the youth as leaders of tomorrow. “The youth are the future of any country. Therefore, if they are given proper foundation, development and opportunities, they will be capable of turning the adversity of the country into prosperity
“On the other hand, any country that fells to accord good education to the youth prepares to ruin its expectations in terms of progress and development.
“Since our youths have decided to organise this kind of prayer summit, elders have to support them in order to excel; knowing the importance of prayer in our daily life and nation-building.”
She further said it was important to hand over President Buhari’s and Governor Ambode’s administrations to God so that their steps would be guided by the Almighty.
