The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • I’ve learnt my lessons—deposed Deji of Akure

    I’ve learnt my lessons—deposed Deji of Akure

    The deposed Deji of Akure, Oluwadare Adepoju Adesina has spoken of the big lesson his removal from the throne has taught him even as he exonerated Governor Olusegun Mimiko from the process leading to his dethronement on June 10, 2010.

    Reflecting on the events that led to his dethronement, the former Deji said all the allegations leveled against him were exaggerated, noting that the incident is now history and he has learnt his lesson. He linked his trauma to an Abuja-based politician from Ondo State who used his clout and connections in government and security circles to force him out of the throne.

    Adesina who spoke to The Nation from his London base said Mimiko as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the state did the normal thing at that particular time to save his government from embarrassment.

    According to him: “All the allegations leveled against me that I assaulted my late wife publicly were false and exaggerated.

    “What actually happened was that because of the particular ailment being suffered by Olori Bolanle then which deprived her from living with me in the palace, I went to her apartment which I was paying for to warn her against some wrong doings.

    “However, she instructed her family members to pounce on me and vandalise my car, this incident has now become part of history and have learnt my lesson”.

    He noted that “the hands of Governor Mimiko were tight to overlook the allegations against me then because of external pressures from those powerful Abuja politicians who hail from Ondo State.”

    The deposed Akure monarch pleaded for the reversion of the order, stressing that since the deposition did not emanate from the court, it is within the volition of the state government.

    He recalled that similar incidents had happened in the state in the past, noting that his travail was destined by God to widen his knowledge about life.

    Adesina also denied the rumours that he would remove some chiefs suspected to have backed his dethronement if reinstated, stressing that he would intensify efforts to ensure unity among the chiefs and residents for the development of Akure and Ondo State.

    His words: “The ugly incident was so unfortunate considering my support to the success story of Governor Mimiko right from the April 14, 2007 election till he got his mandate in 2009”.

    The spokesman of Osupa Ruling House where the deposed Oba hails from, Prince Dapo Adesina described the death of Oba Adesida as a rude shock.

    According to him, the late monarch did his best and would be missed mostly by Akure people.

    One thing that was unique about the late Deji The Nation gathered was that he never worshipped traditional gods throughout his three year reign, Even though he happened to be the custodian of Akure custom and tradition and lover of Yoruba tradition and culture.

    Sources said he never opposed the performance of traditional rites whenever there was need for it. Oba Adesida was said to be willing to give whatever was required but he would not submit himself to worship idols.

    Speaking on the deposition of the former Deji and the relationship of the Osupa Ruling House with the government, Prince Adesina maintained that the ruling house would never hold anybody responsible for the deposed Deji, stressing that the relationship between Governor Mimiko and Osupa Ruling House remains cordial.

    Adesina appreciated God for protecting the deposed Deji during the time he was confined for nine months, while commending Akure people for their solidarity.

     

  • Ekunsanmi’s installation as Olofin of Irele illegal says Lebi’s lawyer

    Ekunsanmi’s installation as Olofin of Irele illegal says Lebi’s lawyer

    The court deposed Olofun of Irele Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Claudius Olarewaju Lebi has described as illegal the installation of his opponent Oba Bamidele Ekunsanmi Opetusi (III), as the new Olofun deepening the crisis that is rocking the kingdom over the Obaship tussle.

    Lebi, who spoke through one of his counsels, Barrister Olumide Ogunje said it was constitutionally wrong for the Opetusi’s family to install a new monarch when the case is still pending at the Appeal Court.

    He noted that Oba Lebi, through his lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has filed an appeal at the Akure division of the Appellate Court challenging the 2010 Okitipupa Court ruling which sacked him.

    According to him, the hearing of the matter has been fixed for January 27, 2014, adding that Oba Lebi has two pending applications.

    He explained that the monarch filed applications for stay of execution and extension of time within which to file additional records which were erroneously omitted by registry of Okitipupa High Court.

    His words: “We were aware of their coming to the community to install new monarch on November 30. Immediately, we petitioned the Commissioner of Police. They were invited to Akure but refused to show up. The Opetusi group later ran to Oshogbo where they got the backing of the AIG. They came into the community where they performed a day traditional rite for the man and in Yoruba land this is not done. They went to the streets and started attacking some of our boys. The Police Commissioner is looking for them.

    ”Since they caused this crisis, they are nowhere to be found in the community. What we saw was reports on pages of newspapers and congratulatory adverts. Even, the installed monarch has fled the town because he is not accepted by the people. He is not recognised by the government because there is still a pending case in the law court. We have challenged the lower court ruling and the case will come up early next year. Why are they in a rush if not because they know the Appeal Court will not favour them.”

     

  • Reprieve as speed breakers’ flood volatile Ita-Ogbolu community

    The violence that erupted in Ita Ogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State recently following incessant killings of the residents by hit and run drivers who ply the Akure-Ado Ekiti highway that passes through the ancient town has yielded positive results.

    Barely 72 hours after the protest, men of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) have moved in to build speed breakers on the highway to check excessive speeding by motorists.

    The protest, it was learnt started around 7pm that Tuesday when a middle aged woman  was knocked down 48 hours after two persons were killed in a similar situation in the same community.

    The death of the woman reportedly prompted the irate villagers to mobilise themselves and blocked the highway. Ita-Ogbolu boiled for almost three days, even the police and other security agencies were helpless.

    The protest hindered movement of vehicles especially heavy trucks which were stranded for days. The protesters were said to have made bonfires and used heavy logs of wood to barricade the road, insisting that it would not be reopened until government constructs speed breakers.

    Many motorists and travellers slept overnight in their vehicles as the road was completely blocked. Many diverted to Igbara-Odo-Ilawe-Igbara-Oke-Akure road which was like the biblical Israelites journey.

    Even efforts by the men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies to calm the situation were futile.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) , Mr Wole Ogodo said the police team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) arrived the town  around 9pm and left by 2am the following day. They tried all they could do to pacify the protesters, but the irate youths remained adamant.

    He said after all the pleadings were resisted by the protesters, the police could not do anything other than to persuade the motorists to take alternative routes to either Ado Ekiti or Akure.

    The police spokesman said, “we left the town after 2:00am the following day, the people dug deep holes across the road, they set fire on every portion of the road. All our pleas to them fell on their deaf ears.

    “A whole DCP was there, the Area Commander was there, and other officers, yet we could not do anything. The only thing we did was to appeal to the road users to take alternative routes,” he added.

    Policemen were seen directing motorists to use alternatives routes, while heavy trucks parked on long stretch of the road side.

    The traditional ruler of the community, Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu was said to have fled the palace to prevent being attacked.

    Also, all efforts by the council chairman, Olu Aderuku and lawmaker representing the constituency in the state House of Assembly, Akindele Adeniyi to pacify the aggrieved youths were abortive.

    However, because of the heat generated by the skirmishes, within the next 72 hours, authorities of FERMA quickly built over 40 bumps to check excessive speeding of motorists and other road users.

    The bumps are so close and thick, but nobody could complain again on the swift action taken against the situation that had led to the loss of  many innocent souls.

    Within Ita-Ogbolu community alone, road users particularly motorists must now spend close to 30 minutes because of the newly constructed speed humps, instead of the two minutes normally used in running through the town which had resulted into unexpected deaths of many people by hit and run drivers.

     

  • Lawmaker connects with constituents

    Lawmaker connects with constituents

    Hundreds of appreciative residents of Ikorodu 1 constituency trooped to the Ikorodu Town Hall in Lagos on Wednesday, December 4, 2013, as their representative in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade gave his mid-term account of stewardship.

    Giving account of his stewardship in the past two years, Agunbiade, who was elected to the House in 2007 and re-elected in 2011 for a second term said he has been able to impact on the lives of his constituents in several ways.

    According to him, “in the area of representation I have made direct and indirect impact on the lives of Ikorodu people, providing employment opportunities, empowering women and youths, providing interest free loan for small scale businesses, giving youths opportunity of learning ICT free, intervening in the collapsed state of Ikorodu roads and making sure that I  did not only call the attention of necessary authorities to urgently fix them but also engaged in direct advocacy to see to the fixing of the roads.

    “I have also contributed in uplifting the educational standard through schools rehabilitation, rewarding academic excellence and assisting youths to secure admission on merit. I have made impact also in the area of provision of borehole water, facilitating electrification and educating electorate on government policies like my public discourse on Road Traffic Law,” he said.

    As a lawmaker, Agunbiade said he has participated and contributed to legislative proceedings significantly “and this has been acknowledged by various honours and awards”, and he is also an advocate of legislative development in the country.

    “I have a record of consistent attendance and contributory participation at the sittings of the House of Assembly. I have raised issues, moved and supported motions and participated in debates on affairs of the state and the welfare of the people I represent,” Agunbiade maintained.

    He reminded the people of the bad state of many roads in the area in the past, but which has now changed due to his persistence in telling the state government about the plight of his people in the area of roads.

    “We intervened in the area of roads rehabilitation through the Minister of Works and Commissioner for Works in Lagos State. Many roads are being fixed currently,” he said. To crown it, the on-going Mile 12-Ikorodu Road, he maintained, is a product of his constant pressure on the state government to make the road more motorable for the people.

    Elaborating more on his achievements in the past two years, Agunbiade said that he has been able to sink five boreholes in different areas in the constituency and rehabilitated four within the last two years apart from the ones he did in his first term in office. “I have facilitated the clearing of two major canals also”.

    On education, Agunbiade said he has graduated a total of 1,378 youths in ICT in the past five editions of the programme while another set of 138 just graduated and he usually gives out a computer set each to the best three graduating students every year. “I have done best brain contest for students in both public and private schools in my constituency and given winners and all participating schools awards to promote academic excellence.”

    The lawmaker expressed regret that over 60 per cent of petitions (to the Assembly) in respect of violent disputes on land matters are from  Ikorodu, thanking God for the  amicable resolution of these matters which has averted further violence and blooding-letting.

    Expressing sadness over the issue of land speculators popularly called ‘Ajagungbales’, which he said has given Ikorodu a bad name in the state he said: “Aside from private bills I co-sponsored, I have made good my promise to get the state take a practical step on the problems of “Ajagungbales” which has given Ikorodu a severely bad name within and outside the state. As I speak with you, I have with the support and encouragement of Hon. Bayo Oshinowo, (Chairman, House Committee on Lands) initiated a private member bill to protect landed properties in Lagos State; criminalise and penalise activities of “Ajagungbales”, their sponsors and collaborators with imprisonment. The bill has gone through the 1st and 2nd reading and now at the committee stage awaiting public hearing.

    “Also, as it relates to land matters, I have as a legislator but substantially with the assistance of the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly and other members, persuaded the suspension of demolition of over 500 houses at Odo-Nla; another 400 at Aribila; over 300 houses at Oke-Arubi and almost 400 at Parafa.”

    While thanking God for the journey so far,  Agunbiade, recalled that he facilitated employment for 16 people both in public and private sectors while also facilitating medical treatment for three people; two on eye surgery and one for kidney related problem.

    In furtherance of his desire to assist his people, the lawmaker gave out interest free loan ranging from N25,000 to N50,000 to traders and some party members at the programme, this being the third edition of the exercise.

    He said, “We have influenced loans for the constituents through banks and today 50 market women will get N50,000 each without interest as I have paid the interest, 117 members of the party would be going home with cheques of N25,000 each as loans.

    According to him, with the assistance of the Deputy Governor of the State, the Permanent Secretary and staff of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), he was able to facilitate the vocational training of over 650 people comprising women and youths in the constituency.

    The training, he said was in different vocations ranging from hair dressing, soap making, cake confectionaries, balloon and decoration, hat making and others.

    “These women were drawn from all the nooks and crannies of the constituency and nominated by CDAs, religious bodies, distinguished personalities, party leaders, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the constituency. They were certified by the ministry and I gave out N10,000 to each of the best 50 beneficiaries as encouragement,” he said.

    The lawmaker also reminded the people of his various electrification projects apart from the provision of adequate security for the people with the support of the law enforcement agents in the area.

    “You don’t need to wait for election period to do things for your people, the first year I was elected, I did the first edition of the loan programme. I am just trying to give back to my constituency because to whom much is given, much is expected. We don’t collect constituency allowance, none of us get such to do projects, we only collect our salaries and imprest.”

    According to him, his motivation is the need to give back to the people. “I want to make impact in the lives of the people,” he emphasised.

    In his speech, interim chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Hon. Dele Ajomale commended Agunbiade for his activities since he got to the Assembly. He recalled that it was Agunbiade that saved the party from embarrassment in the area in 2007, when they almost lost to the opposition parties.

    Present at the event were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Power and Political Bureau, Hon. Musiliu Folami, Cardinal James Odumbaku, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Leader of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Ajibayo Adeyeye, wife of Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Olori Muibat Oyefusi, party chieftains, politicians, students, market women and residents of the town.

  • Police parade guard who stole church’s N13m

    A 35-year old security guard, Mr Pius Edward, has been paraded by the Oyo State Police Command for stealing N13 million from the office of the Bishop of an Anglican Church in Ibadan, the state capital, where he worked.

    He was paraded recently along with his wife, Fausat, and his mother in-law.

    The state’s Police Commissioner, Mr Mohammed Indabawa, explained that the suspect burgled the Bishop’s office where the huge sum was kept and thereafter fled to a hotel in Okada village in Ogun State where he lodged with his family with the assistance of an immigration officer attached to Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service.

    The police boss said the immigration officer, whose name he did not disclose, was fully aware of the source of the money, assisted Edward and his family to procure travelling documents to Dubai.

    But the suspect, during investigation, was arrested at Idi-Iroko border town in Ogun State. When searched, a cash sum of N656,000 and $2,300 were recovered from him.

    Other items recovered from him, according to the police boss, are a black Honda Accord saloon car and a blue Mitsubushi Gallant saloon car. Both were unregistered.

    While speaking with The Nation, the suspect confessed to the crime, saying he was propelled by the devil.

    But Edward dismissed police claim on the amount stolen, saying he stole only N2.5 million though he agreed that the cars and some hard currencies were recovered from him.

    “The money I stole is not up to N13 million as being claimed by the police. I only stole N2.5 million from the Bishop’s office. I immediately fled to my mother in-law in Ogun State with my wife.  My wife and mother in-law did not know anything about the money. I did not even tell my wife about it. My mother in-law warned me to return the money when I told her I stole the money. I did not even tell her the exact amount; I told her it was just N300,000”, he said.

    Also paraded by the police were five persons arrested in connection with the cultivation of Indian hemp. About 458 bags of the illegal substance were recovered from them.

    The drugs were loaded in three buses and one Volvo car when the police stormed the farm located at Eleja village along Akanran in Ona Ara Local Government Area of the state and apprehended them.

    Indabawa gave the names of the suspect arrested as Stephen Osanwe, Peter Frank, John Ugoh, Macauley Akanno and George Elvis.

     

  • Oyo govt sets up SME for 300 youths

    Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, has disclosed that his administration has created small businesses for over 300 youths across the state.

    He disclosed this at a workshop, commencing the coordination of operators of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in the state to enable them access necessary assistance from the government.

    The governor also laid bare his plan for SME operators who attended the workshop in large number. It was held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, the state capital.

    According to him, his administration set up businesses for the youth who were selected from the 33 local government areas of the state after thorough trainings in vocations such as printing, barbing, hairdressing and computing. He said the programme was part of the youth empowerment project of his administration.

    The youth empowerment, he said, was undertaken by the Ministry of Youths and Sports and the state’s Agency for Youths Development.

    He recalled that unlike similar efforts where beneficiaries were just trained in a shoddy manner and given a token start-up capital that is not enough to defray the cost of shop rent alone, the government camped the beneficiaries at different locations where they were thoroughly trained in certain vocations. After the training, they were offered all necessary equipment and enough money to rent shops with signage paid for.

    The governor said his dream is to transform the economy of the state through SMEs so that more people will be empowered to create wealth.

    He told the cheering SME operators that his administration would transform the small scale industrial estate located at Iyaganku in Ibadan from next year. He added that an amount of money has been earmarked to assist operators and would-be operators that are serious about running sustainable businesses.

    Ajimobi emphasised that his administration embarked on urban renewal across the state to stimulate economic development, pointing out that investors were already coming to Oyo State based on the success of the efforts.

    He enjoined the SME operators to cooperate with the government by producing quality products and services that will keep customers coming back.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Industry, Applied Science and Technology, Mr Adedapo Lam-Adesina, also called on the SME operators to register their businesses and liaise with relevant units of the ministry to access opportunities and assistance offered by the government. He said the current administration was determined to support the growth of SMEs because it is the life wire of any growing economy.

    Adesina also disclosed that several trainings have been lined up for operators in the state and enjoined them to avail themselves of the opportunity.

    Representatives of banks also addressed the gathering. They educated the operators on their various products through which they can access loans easily.

     

  • Ondo business tycoon now market women president

    Ondo business tycoon now market women president

    A renowned Akure business woman, Mrs Ruth Olowookere (a.k.a Madam Do-Good) has been installed the new President of National Association of Traders and Market Leaders Council of Nigeria (NAMLCN).

    In addition, Madam Do-Good has also been conferred with the chieftaincy title of Erelu of Iyaloja of Nigeria by the Owa of Idanre Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Aroloye.

    The Ologboosere of Idanre, High Chief Olagundoye Olurankise who decorated her on behalf of the monarch said she was picked among millions of Nigerian market women due to her impact on the development of the country.

    According to Olurankise, “Olowookere has been supportive and also contributing her own quota to the economy of the country. She was chosen because she has been doing laudable things to mankind and very humble, respectful, diligent and hardworking.

    ”My advice for her is that she should continue to do good as she had been doing. We appreciate her (and) that is why she was recommended for Kabiyesi and Owa in Council gave her the title”.

    At her installation as NAMLCN’s president in Akure, the Ondo State capital, National Secretary of the association, Alhaji Idowu Alonge described Mrs Olwoookere as a hardworking person, who had connected with some international bodies in order to elevate the market women and men in the country.

    Alonge said, “We installed her as our President because she is highly connected, diligent, humble and educated. You   know in Nigeria, you must be educated in order to strive. Madam Olowookere is educated and we believe she is the best person to speak on behalf of us, the market women and men.

    “As the President of Market Women and Traders, she is expected to travel round the 36 states including Abuja, to ensure the welfare of her members and speak to the Governors if necessary (on their behalf). We are not politicians, we always support the government in power.”

    Olowookere thanked all market women and men in the country for reposing confidence in her as their President.

    She noted that her recent trip to Columbus has fast-tracked assistance for NAMLCN members from international bodies.

    Olowookere said, “as a business woman, I have been in business for years but today, I am giving a certificate to manage the whole world, not Nigeria alone because recently I travelled to Columbus to attend the Commonwealth meeting with women from other countries. So we held a meeting there and everybody discussed what she had in mind.

    “I told them that I want to work for my country, Nigeria, that they should please help all market women and men and they asked us to go and look for a guarantor that they are ready to give us a lot of money to help the traders and market women if we have a guarantor.

    ”I told them that I will guarantee that. I will call all our members and NGO to help Nigerians. So, they ordered me to go back to Nigeria and begin to group them, enlighten them. They are ready to assist us the money with little interest.

    ”Today, (December 13,) we will be joining some groups partially that will be giving out money to the traders and market women. We are starting from Ondo State. Very soon, Ondo State Market women will laugh.  We are also orientating the women that they should not put themselves in the position of begging the government to help them.

    “Government is an entity and if we can put ourselves together we are an entity too. We should be able to generate funds in order to move forward our businesses and how to train our children in our country. In this programme, there is no government input”.

  • Experts make case for the physically challenged

    Experts make case for the physically challenged

    An expert in Special Education in the Department of Education University of Ibadan Prof. Abiola Ademokoya has said that special consideration should be given to disadvantaged individuals in the society, even as he advocated fair treatment for those with disabilities.

    He spoke at a seminar organised by Hope and Life for Disabled Persons Foundation in Lagos. The seminar was in commemoration of the United Nations Organisation World Disability Day.

    Speaking on the theme “Break Barriers, Open Doors, Create an Inclusive Society,” Prof. Ademokoya said an inclusive society is such that has zero-tolerance for discrimination against persons with disability; even as he disclosed that it translates to a society that provides equal opportunities both for its able-bodied and disabled people.

    He said Nigeria is a segregated society whose constitution creates no special opportunity for the physically-challenged.

    “Nigeria is a class-conscious and class-segregated society. The Nigerian constitution begins with ‘we the people’. This assumes that all citizens, with or without reference to abilities or disabilities, shall enjoy equal rights and privileges enshrined in the same constitution.

    “Likewise, the Nigerian National Policy on Education 2008 stated that Nigeria, through education, shall create an egalitarian society where everyone shall enjoy equal opportunities, disabilities notwithstanding. These are statements that have failed woefully to translate into realities,” he said.

    Continuing, he said Nigerian traditional religions and cultures have extant hostility towards the disabled; intolerance for birth or rearing children with disabilities, indifference to socialisation with or marrying persons with disabilities and hatred for working with or for persons with disabilities.

    Ademokoya further noted that the education system in Nigeria is “characterised by separatist tendencies which recognises special schools and general schools, poor funding for special schools, low social status for special education and special education teachers.

    “The information programmes and facilities are planned and provided for normal persons with little or no considerations for persons with disabilities. There is lack of interpreters for persons with hearing impairment in many social, religious and public functions, even as there is lack of brail newspaper or public information outlets for Nigerians with visual impairment and restricted mobility and block access to public building.”

    Proffering solution to the ugly situation, Prof. Ademokoya opined that for the country to be equitable and just to the disabled people, government must sincerely evolve policies and programmes that are disabled-friendly. She should also show more commitment in the implementation of every promise made for the well-being of people with disabilities.

    He added that the disabled people should also stand up for their rights, even as he said able-bodied individuals should whole heartedly support the less-privileged persons.

    In a chat with South-West Report, President of the foundation Mr. Biodun Elugbajo advocated for creation of a ministry that would cater for persons with disabilities.

    “If that bill (Persons with Disability Bill) is passed into law, the disabled people would have certain rights they would enjoy. Such rights, he said, include right to employment, right to quality education and right to well-being.

    “We deserve very special rights. Above all, government alone cannot cater for the needs of the disabled people. Majority of us are from poor homes but there is glory in us. That is why Hope Foundation is trying to bring out that great potential in us.”

    Pastor Solomon Odemona, President Education Reformers’ Association of Nigeria (RAN); a body that comprises educators who revamp the degenerating system of education said: “In an inclusive education, we are not doing fine because of the pronounced segregation on the disabled persons.

    “Having an inclusive education within a formal school may not be too possible because naturally children will segregate against them. What we can do is to ensure that we create a special school for them. We must do that with a sense of responsibility; knowing that it wasn’t their fault and that they are not, in any way, second-rated.

    “It is very unfortunate that in Nigeria today, we are so conscious of money. No proprietors or investors would want to put his or her money in a special school. Maybe the only option is for government to intervene. Individuals need to be enlightened so that they can also see the values inherent in making them feel a sense of belonging. We don’t have enough. Looking at the number of disabled people in the society, we really do not have many schools to accommodate them.”

  • ‘We can function well in society’

    ‘We can function well in society’

    Disability is not a disease. We only have a challenge that made us disabled”.

    These were the words of a disabled person on a wheel chair; a broadcaster with Lagos Television, Folasade Salimoni.

    She spoke during a day programme for persons living with disabilities. It was organised by Disability Policy Advocacy Initiative (DPAI) and held at Knightbridge Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos.

    It was a gathering for persons with disabilities who are talented in arts, culture and entertainment.

    Constance ogedengbe sulimoni

    The initiative is aimed at building capacity for the persons with disability and breaking the barrier between them and the able ones.

    The disabled persons shared their joy in the area of their talents including; singing, comedy, broadcasting, dancing, production and several others.

    Salimoni said; “It is time for the society to start recognising that persons with disability have potentials and we can function well in any sector of the society.

    “Our disability does not limit us in any way; we are like every other person. It’s only that the state of the economy makes our disability more challenging”.

    She said that it is crucial for the government to recognise their personality first, before their disability.”Make our environment conducive; include us in every strata of the society and we will function well or even do better than the able ones”, Salimoni said.

    Another disabled person on a wheel chair, who is a singer, Oshilim Constance a.k.a Losy02 said her music career is in-born and that she desires to have international recognition even with her disability.

    Kayode Ogedengbe is blind but a singer. He said he has passion for music and that he is determined to satisfy his audience in music and also face the business side of it.

    A blind comedian, who identified himself as Femi said that his disability was no barrier to what he is doing nothing that he aims for the top and that he has never felt intimidated because he believes in himself.

    The Chairman of the empowerment and entertainment of DPAI, Mrs Pretty Ogboma urged the disabled persons to put themselves together and bring out something good out of their lives.

    A Social inclusion expert of DPAI, Mrs Emmanuella Akinola urged them to discover their talent saying that that is what the world will appreciate.

    Mr Dare Dipo in his presentation told the disabled persons to take away that disability from their mind. He said; “Do what you have to do, do it skilfully, you will affect the society and the world will appreciate you.

    “Let your disability encourage you to perform better than the able ones and desire to be celebrated for your achievement and not for your disability”, Mr Dipo.

    Mr Ola Akinola in his presentation also urged the persons with disability to put in extra effort in whatever they do.

  • I’m the real Olofun of Irele Kingdom, says Oba Ekunsanmi

    I’m the real Olofun of Irele Kingdom, says Oba Ekunsanmi

    Amid controversy over the stool of Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State being hotly contested by two ruling houses – Oyelusi and Opetusi – and following the sacking of Oba Claudius Olanrewaju Lebi by a High Court, LEKE AKEREDOLU spoke with one of the claimants to the throne, Oba Bamidele Augustine Ekunsanmi who says he is the town authentic monarch

    Background

    I am Oba (Dr) Bamidele Augustine Ekunsanmi, the Opetusi (III), the Olofun of Irele Kingdom. I attended United Grammar School in Irele from January 1973 to 1977. Thereafter, I attended the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for medical studies. I later proceeded to United States for Residency Training, specialising in Internal Medicine, a sub-specialisation in medical oncology with fellowship training at Howard University in USA. As at now, I am a Doctor of Medicine and fellow of American College of Institution. I am the medical director and the president of the Premier Clinic School in the United States of America.

    I just answered the call of my people to ascend the throne of my forefathers.

    The institution of the Olofun of Irele Kingdom was conferred on me on November 30.

    There is a controversy over the throne of Olofun of Irele Kingdom as the embattled Oba Olanrewaju Lebi is still laying claim to the throne, saying he has not been deposed. What do you have to say on this?

    The only controversy is the insistence of the deposed Oba to remain on the throne and the connivance of the government system that will have to abet and aid him in that process. One thing is very clear the judgment was straightforward, clear and unambiguous. There is no controversy about it that I should be the next king of Irele. And that was why my people put me on the throne after all the traditional rites were completed. Like I said, the only controversy is the insistence and the connivance of the system we have in place which is apparently ready to abet and aid an illegality.

    But, Oba Lebi said he has appealed to the High Court ruling that removed him, why don’t you wait for the Court of Appeal’s ruling before you are crowned as the king?

    Lebi does not have a substantive appeal and all he has in court are charades of delay tactics which have been going on for the past three years. The initial appeal and stay of execution were dismissed. There is nothing right now as of the day we ascended the throne that stops us from doing it. There was no judgment or order from the court stopping us from doing it. There was nothing in the court or order from the court that the Opetusi’s family should not ascend the throne. The only order we have was that we should go and ascend the throne and we have done so.

    But the state government is yet to recognise you as the new Olofun, why?

    The state government will recognise us because I know they have conscience. I know the state governor, he is my friend, he is a good friend and I know he will follow his conscience. Playing politics with the tradition of the people can only last for sometime but not forever. We have been on this struggle for 20 years and here we are.

    But the embattled Oba still has some of the High Chiefs on his side?

    Mr. Lebi installed those people, they are his cronies. Mr. Lebi should be fighting for the Jomu of Irele Kingdom, not the Olofun. The Jomu is a High Chief in Irele but they are not entitled to the Olofun’s throne.

    Can you shed more light on this?

    When our forebearer, Ajana left Ugbo, he came with the Olofun’s crown, the Orubamekun and Jagboju followed. It was Jagboju who gave the throne to Opetusi, who is the first son of Oyelusi and if you read the judgment, the judge was very clear; the other children of Oyelusi are not entitled to this throne. The reason Opetusi got to this throne was because of his gallantry and his ability to protect the kingdom when it was almost gone. He protected the king, kept him for three months and as a reward, the Jagboju of Irele pleaded with them to let Opetusi rule them. That was how our royal family was born. And commission of enquiries like what the judge said, are null and void because they are ineffective and corrupted but the history cannot be changed.

    What is the significance of your emergence?

    The significance of the emergence of Oba Bamidele Ekunsanmi, the Opetusi (III), is both symbolic and timely as it has helped to put paid to the concocted and charade called Oyelusi. The emergence of Oba Ekunsanmi is to restore the Opetusi’s dynasty. You see, it was in the early 1990s that this problem started during the military administration. He had some influence on them. They gave staff of office to somebody who is not entitled to get it but they regretted it. Some of them are privately doing so even up till today. Thank God for civilian regime and the court system that has sanitised the system in spite of the commissions (of enquiry) that were falsified, trying to change history over night but the people are in support of us this time and they want us to make progress.

    What is your relationship with the people in Irele community?

    Irele people love me. On my installation day, thousands of people trooped to the streets to welcome me, singing and dancing. You see, my people have been maligned and oppressed for so long but at the installation, they were happy and ecstatic as their hope restored. One could see joy on their faces until hooligans engaged in violence later that night.

    Your opponent said the Olofun’s crown you wore was fake?

    They are the fake ones, because they are not entitled to any crown. We are the children of Opetusi and we held our father’s crown to our head and we got it. The crown the deposed Oba was wearing was the fake crown. If there was anything fake.

    What is your plan to develop Irele community?

    When my people called me five years ago, for three years, I said I was not coming because I was too busy. But after I learnt enough of our history and got educated enough from all the High Chiefs, only a bastard will refuse the call to come and ascend his father’s throne under the circumstance and that was why I came. I have plans for the town. We are going to make sure Irele has all the things that are due to a local government of that size and population. We need infrastructure, good roads and we are going to bring investors both within and outside Nigeria to come and invest in our economy. We have a lot of natural resources in our local government, we have waterways, we have a lot of minerals and we have the manpower, these people are hardworking people, you need to see them. Even looking at them, see the way they have acted all these years, you will know that they have a lot of energy in them we have a lot to benefit from them. We are going to invest in Irele, invest in the people and we are going to use all our energy to bring investment to that place.

    What is your advice to your subjects?

    My advice for them is to remain calm, they should stop destroying property. I am urging them to allow peace to reign. I am the King of Irele Kingdom and I want the people to join me in moving the community forward, particularly, members of Oyelusi family should support me as I rule the community.