The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Cleric urges end to corruption

    The Diocese of Ido-Ani, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in Ondo State has decried what it called the ‘pervasive’ corruption in Nigeria, even as it called for total eradication of the menace.

    However, the church praised the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in tackling the problem.

    In a statement at the 2nd session of the third Synod of the Diocese held at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Ido-ani in Ose Local Government Area, Rt. Rev Ezekiel Dahunsi also condemned the ‘worsening’ state of security, rampant kidnapping and incessant attacks of

    farmers by herdsmen.

    According to the Synod, the Federal Government should step up action aimed at stemming the tide. It also urged the government to expedite action in revitalising the agricultural sector.

    It supported the efforts of various Christian groups towards restoring the teaching of Christian Religious Studies in the secondary school curriculum.

    Besides, the Synod faulted the attacks on innocent Christians in Southern Kaduna, urging both the state and Federal Government to bring perpetrators to book in order to avert re-occurrence.

    It also urged Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to govern the state with the fear of God and provide good governance for every citizen without discrimination.

    On workers’ welfare, the church implored Akeredolu who is also an Anglican communicant to prioritise payment of salaries and pensions, explorations of bitumen for development of the state and creation of employment opportunities.

    The Synod advised the state government to focus more on agriculture as an agrarian state to provide food security and employment opportunities.

    It prayed for the total recovery of President Buhari to enable him to serve the nation diligently.

    Dignitaries from within and outside the state attended the Synod session hosted by Venerable Gbenga Oniye of the Lagos West Diocese.

    The sermon at the thanksgiving service was delivered by the Bishop of Ogbomoso Diocese, Oyo State with the theme “Prepare to Meet Your God”.

    The next year Synod of the Diocese will be hosted by the family of Mr and Mrs Femi Bayode of the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Ido-Ani.

  • NGO donates education materials to pupils

    The Octagon Initiatives (TOI), a non-governmental, non-profit making organisation (NGO) has donated educational materials to no fewer than 80 pupils from different schools in Lagos and Ogun states.

    The programme tagged “back to school support” which held in Ado-Odo/Ota area of Ogun State, was aimed at giving support to children of widows and widowers.

    The educational materials donated to the pupils were syllabuses, textbooks, writing materials, uniforms, sandals and cash for school fees.

    Speaking at the event, the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organisation, Mr Tunji Egbewunmi, said he organised the event as part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibilities to the society.   He said widows and their children suffer a lot after the death of the family’s breadwinners.

    Egbewunmi said the society cannot be free from criminality if widows and their children continue to be neglected.

    He added that the organisation’s support was a demonstration of love and belief that children are not only valuable and priceless assets to the family but also to the society and the nation.

    He urged Nigerians to make deliberate efforts in showing love and care to widows and their children to ensure their moral, social, physical and academic well-being.

    “Doing this” Egbewunmi said, “would enable the children to achieve their potential as it will make the society be free from hardship, poverty, criminality and other social vices which result from unwholesome attitudes of the neglected who may be described as the wretched of the earth.”

    Also speaking, the Director, Planning and Strategy, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Mr Olalekan Ogunjobi, said the future of any nation depends on how well it invested in human capital development.

    He said children are special gifts from God and assets to the society, adding that their success in life determines the greatness of a nation.  He appealed to the widows to ensure they support their children to enable them to achieve their potential despite the hardship they go through.

    He also appealed to the children to be of good character, take their education serious and shun all forms of indiscipline that can tarnish their image which may prevent them from achieving their goals in life.

    The recipients and their parents praised the organisers of the programme, even as they prayed that God should bless them in order to render more helps to the less-privileged people.

    While receiving the gifts for her child, one of the widows Mrs Adeola Moore narrated how she had suffered in the course of the upbringing of her three children. She said the situation became unbearable as she and her children were abandoned by her husband’s family since his death eight years ago.

    She thanked the founder of the NGO for his assistance to the less-privileged people, especially the orphans, widows and their children.

    She appealed to the government and other well-meaning Nigerians to always empower widows to enable them to take care of their children.

    Another widow, Mrs Adijat Akinola said her husband’s family summoned her to a meeting barely three months after the death of her husband and said she should take over the responsibility of the upbringing of her four children.

    She said no one among members of her husband’s family had assisted her since her husband died.

    Mrs Akinola commended the NGO for the gesture, saying she was happy that she has been relieved of the burden of training one of her children.

    She appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the NGO, even as she urged government to enact a law in favour of widows and their children.

     

  • Hard times await faulty ‘pure water’ producers

    Hard times await faulty ‘pure water’ producers

    Lagos sachet water manufacturers have been having a good time. HANNAH OJO writes that, sequel to a publication in The Nation on the dangers of contaminated sachet water brands; the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC) has warned that it will raid faulty water service providers from  October 1

    Sachet water brands manufacturers who fail to comply with set standards for potable water production laid down by the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC) will soon have their plants shut down, The Nation learnt.

    The Executive-Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Mr Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi, broke the news in his office in Alausa, Ikeja during an exclusive chat with The Nation.

    The development is sequel to a two-part investigation on contaminated sachet water brands in Lagos published in The Nation on August 19 and September 2.

    During the investigation, 30 samples of sachet water were randomly selected across various districts of the state. The water samples, selected between the months of May and August this year, were contracted to the University of Lagos Consult Limited for a laboratory test.

    The physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of each sample were examined by a registered public analyst and chartered chemist from the Chemistry Department of the University of Lagos. The laboratory tests returned 15 faulted samples which showed presence of contaminants such as pathogenic coliforms, high microbial loads and acidity.

    Mr Abdullahi, who commended the report which he described as positive, said the state has zero-tolerance for water service providers who do not meet the hygiene status and safety parameters set for producers of potable water.

    “We have taken some water producers to court in the past. We have shut down the facilities of many, including prominent table water brands. We’ll start another raid from Sunday, October 1 and we shall prosecute defaulters who fail to comply with the laid down standards. Our officers are already going round and we are set for action,” he said.

    Abdullahi, who hinted on a stakeholders’ meeting to be convened soon to address challenges experienced by providers of water service also revealed that the agency would be collaborating with the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) to fish out sachet water brands with fake addresses and registration numbers.

    A copy of the Investigative report was pasted on the LSWRC’s notice board in Alausa when the reporter visited.

    In a related development, Mrs. Clementina Ativie, the National President, Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) told The Nation that members of the association, led by the Lagos State chapter President, Alhaji Yisa Adeoye commenced an inspection of sachet water factories after the report was published.

    “At the moment, we have covered 20 zones and visited over 1,000 ‘pure water’ factories. We are checking each factory to examine the standard of their environment and to know if they have complied with the laid down rules and regulations with regard to hygiene. The visit was aimed at identifying genuine water producers and to ensure that citizens are not fed with poison.

    “We are also working towards ensuring that all water producers subject their water samples to a laboratory test at least three times in a year to examine the chemical and physical parameters”, she said.

    Ativie, who also revealed that the association would soon launch a coded symbol and number which would be used to fight fake water producers in the industry, stated that members of the association will not tolerate extortion from any quarter.

    Social media reactions, which trailed the publication of the story also suggested that the investigation should be extended to producers of bottled water and water service producers outside Lagos State.

    Ms Anu Onasanya, posted on twitter that factories with contaminated samples should be shut down by the government till their process can be revamped and vetted by the Ministry of Health.

     

    At risk of diseases and terminal illnesses

     

    Experts have maintained that besides water-borne diseases such as typhoid, diarrhea, cholera and hepatitis which people could contact by drinking contaminated packaged water, it can also expose the body to carcinogenic agents.

    The Nation learnt that the carcinogenic agents find their way into human body when the polythene bag used in packaging the water is of low quality and discharges dangerous agents into the water while being exposed to sunlight or stored in an unwholesome condition.

    Findings revealed that the drive for profit often makes many manufacturers of sachet water patronise low-quality polythene bags, which causes dissolution of chemical into the water.

    Interpreting the health implications of the contaminants found in the tested water samples, Mr Oluwole Adedeji, a Professor of Chemical Pathology at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), stated that low pH in water represents acidity.

    “pH is the concentration of hydrogen iron which represents acidity. The neutral pH is seven. Anything below seven is acidic. Anything above seven is basic and denotes alkalinity,” he said.

    The consultant also described the odour as a product of metabolism which shows some form of decay with grave implications for the human body if ingested through contaminated water.

    On the health implications of coliforms and other forms of pathogenic bacteria, he maintained that the coliform count in potable water should not go beyond a certain percentage.

    “Our intestines have what is called the resident coliform. But when immunity is reduced, they become a problem; adding more from outside means exposing the body to higher risks of toxic effects, especially when a person is stressed.

    “Most of these bags have pores. They have holes which may not be visible to the human eye, which allow some elements in the environment to diffuse gradually into the water. The chemicals can be very carcinogenic,” Prof Adedeji said as he connects poorly packaged sachet water with cancer and other terminal illnesses associated with the lungs, liver and the heart.

    Although there are strident measures laid down by regulatory agencies such as the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission; enforcement of these standards is not often adhered to, findings have revealed.

    With the acute water shortage in Lagos State owing to the inability of the state’s water corporation to supply potable water to majority of the residents, there is a high reliance on sachet water as a means of potable water by over 70 per cent of the citizens.

    In a twitter poll conducted by the reporter on potable water source for Lagos residents, 44 per cent of respondents chose sachet water as their source of potable water while 39 per cent chose boreholes.

    Another 12 per cent decided on bottled water and the lowest vote stands at six per cent, representing those who source potable water from the Lagos State Water Corporation.

    Majority of producers of sachet water interviewed by The Nation source their water from boreholes.

     

  • Free HIV screening for NURTW members

    Free HIV screening for NURTW members

    The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has commenced a study on HIV prevalence among the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State.

    Commenting at the inauguration ceremony of the programme at the Ojota New Garage, the Principal Investigator of NIMR, Dr. A. Z. Musa stated that the programme was aimed at identifying the level of prevalence and associated risk factors of HIV among road transport workers.

    She explained that Lagos State has been maintaining the Integrated Behavioural Biological Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) over the years but wants a specific prevalence survey among the members of the NURTW.

    According to her, the different branches and units were compressed into 10 clusters for easy operation. She added that the survey would be carried out in the three Senatorial districts of Lagos Central, West and East to achieve the mission of the programme.

    Dr. Oluseyi Temowo, the Chief Executive Officer of LSACA said it was good to collaborate with NIMR on a study such as the NURTW HIV prevalence study because of the track records of NIMR over the years.

    He believed that the survey would help the agency to have adequate data on HIV prevalence among members of the NURTW. He stressed the importance Governor Akinwunmi Ambode placed on the group, hence the need for the study among them.

    Responding on behalf of members of the NURTW, Mr. Francis Olasanwoye praised the Lagos State government for considering their members for HIV programme, even as he suggested that HIV screening exercise should be carried out for their members every six months. He also said the health programme should be expanded to include other health challenges such as eye screening and dispensing of required eye glasses.

     

     

  • Stay away from Agboona Hill, Ekiti warns residents

    Stay away from Agboona Hill, Ekiti warns residents

    The Ekiti State Government has advised residents of Oke Agboona in Okemesi Ekiti to stay at least 300 metres away from the Agboona Hill to avoid being victims of “soil creep”.

    The Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola who led a delegation to the area on Saturday at the instance of Governor Ayodele Fayose to have an on-the-spot assessment of the havoc wreaked by the creep on Thursday, said the government will prevent a re-occurrence of the disaster.

    The Deputy Governor, together with the residents,  trekked to the base of the Agboona Hill.

    Properties worth millions of naira were swept away by the creep in the early hours of Thursday, after three days of downpour in the ancient town of Okemesi Ekiti.

    Soil Creep, according to Wikipedia “is the slow downward progression of rock and soil down a low grade slope; it can also refer to slow deformation of such materials as a result of prolonged pressure and stress”.

    Prof. Kolapo Olusola, who congratulated the Owa Ooye of Okemesi Ekiti, Oba Michael Gbadebo Adedeji and the entire people of Okemesi on the fact that no life was lost as a result of the disaster, promised that the government will hold a meeting with the Kabiyesi and stakeholders in Okemesi Ekiti on how to minimise the effect in the future.

    “Governor Fayose sent us here to commiserate with residents whose properties were destroyed by this large magnitude soil creep. There will be a meeting with stakeholders on how to mitigate its effects if the natural phenomenon occurs again in the future.

    “Experts have said there is likelihood of a re-occurrence, though it’s painful that properties were lost and relocating is not expected to be easy, we need to adhere to their advice that we stay 300 metres away from the hill. Far beyond rituals and sacrifices, we have to adhere to professional advice; obedience is better than sacrifice”, Olusola said.

    The delegation later visited the Owa Ooye of Okemesi Ekiti,” Oba Adedeji in his palace where the Deputy Governor delivered the governor’s message. He stressed government’s desire to do all it can to prevent loss of lives and properties.

    “We have observed that there is need for extensive drainage to allow water gushing out of the rock have a passage in a way that will not do any damage to the community. We trust God that despite paucity of fund, something will be done”, he added.

    Expressing his gratitude to Governor Fayose for his prompt response and deeming it fit to send such powerful delegation, Oba Adedeji praised the team for its thoroughness in assessing the damage caused by the disaster, saying he has no doubt that what befell Oke Agboona in form of a disaster will turn out to be a source of infrastructural blessing to Okemesi.

    The Owa Ooye, who noted that people were already alluding spirituality to the creep, begged the governor to help expand the base of the hill (Eleyinmi).

  • 500 receive empowerment tools in Osun

    500 receive empowerment tools in Osun

    More than 500 people have been empowered by a member representing the  Ila State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Clement Kayode Akanni.

    The empowerment programme, according to the lawmaker, has been on for the past two years. He said the programme was being carried out as part of the efforts to fulfil his electioneering campaign promises and to impact positively on the lives of the beneficiaries.

    Apart from other items for distribution to support the beneficiaries in their trades, the lawmaker also constructed a 150-seater multi-million naira library for the people.

    Addressing the crowd that converged on Igbominibi City Hall,  Ila-Orangun, Akanni said the programme was part of his constituency projects aimed at bringing dividends of democracy to people at the grassroots.

    The lawmaker noted that the beneficiaries were selected based on their need and state of their economy irrespective of their political affiliations and associations. He added that he has distributed power generating sets, sewing machines, dryers, vulcanising machines, grinding machines to more than 150 artisans to enhance their trade.

    During the event, 150 bags of rice were distributed to some selected people according to their needs.

    Also distributed were eleven mini-buses to some drivers to reduce the rate of employment just as 42 farmers were given farming tools. Funds were also provided for 220 traders to boost their trade and businesses while 175 widows received cash donations.

    Akanni maintained that the present administration had made people the centre piece hence, the need for all political functionaries to complement efforts of government to improve social well- being of the people. He urged people of his constituency to support the Rauf Aregbesola administration in its quest to reposition the state for socio-economic development.

    Some of the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and happiness to the lawmaker, praying that God should continue to enrich his pocket.

    Seyi Ayeni, who was sponsored to learn barbing, said the lawmaker has helped him to fulfil his ambition in life. The beneficiary, who had spent one-and-half years barbing before graduation, said Akanni paid for both the learning bills and tools.

    Another beneficiary, Miss Jamiu Zainab, expressed her gratitude to the lawmaker for impacting positively on her life. She explained that her dream had been to be independently buoyant without looking for white collar jobs, saying she wouldn’t have attained it if not for the help of Akani.

     

  • Osun holds callisthenics competition for schools

    The Osun State government will  hold callisthenics competition for primary and secondary school students. The sport was introduced into the state school system by Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

    Briefing reporters in Osogbo, the state capital on the event, Mr. Yaya Ademola, one of the team leaders revealed that the history of engaging Osun State youths in calisthenics display will not be complete without mentioning the immense role played by Governor Rauf Aregbesola who decided to introduce and engaged thousands of students of secondary schools in athletic fitness and youth leadership programmes. The aim was to enable them to cope with various challenges of life as they grow up.

    Ademola noted that since the introduction of callisthenics in public schools, performances at various anniversary celebrations had been restricted to about 15,000 pupils from schools in Osogbo and Olorunda local government areas, adding that the approved template gives opportunity to selected public schools in all the nine federal constituencies as well as interested private schools to participate.

    According to him, participation is voluntary. “The government will only be responsible for the training and competitions which will hold in two stages, at the senatorial level among teams representing federal constituencies and at the state level between the first-place teams at the senatorial level competition.

    “In addition to trophies, plaques, medals and certificates for the participants, prize monies of N1,000,000; N750,000 and N500,000 will be won by the first, second and third place teams respectively at the senatorial level competition.

    “By November this year, the 1st team in each of the senatorial level will compete for N2, 000,000; N1, 000,000 and N750, 000 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively. The prize monies will be used by the authorities of the combined participating and the host schools for the development of their sporting facilities and activities,” he said.

    He further said as the state anniversary is fast approaching, where the students will put up a superlative performance, all hands are on deck to prepare the teams for the celebration.

    “Callisthenic is very flexible. It all depends on creativity. At our levels, displays take two levels, field composition and background display. Activities at the federal constituencies to the senatorial competitions are only based on the field compositions.

    At the state level on the anniversary day, a background display consisting of rows of pupils seated in a gallery at Osogbo Township Stadium will be forming captions of different words and patterns, speaking to the competing teams in the main bowl.

    “The background will not be competing. It will only add flavour and glamour to complement the competing teams and entertain the audience. At another level, the field composition could also play background role to form different words and captions. Display can involve from a few dozen up to thousands of persons exercising in unison.

    “Callisthenic takes away pupils from average and below families away from harmful and out-of-school vile engagements into joyful and healthy activities, especially in the absence of other healthy exercises in our schools.

    “It teaches discipline, co-operation and teamwork. It conditions the pupils to be physically and mentally sound. It brings participants from various backgrounds and orientation together in a happy atmosphere” he said.

    Ademola noted that “the target is to institutionalise callisthenics into our schools curriculum as an integral part of processes to mould a complete new man/woman that is imbibed with tools he or she needs for daily application of life such that he or she will be completely educated in soul, mind and vision.

    “Group Calisthenics endow the participants with acute sense of precision and organisational competence. Without unison and accuracy, the outcome of their efforts will not be plausible. Participants imbibe all the elements that make up a disciplined life; promptness and punctuality.

    “Should a dozen participants be late to training, not to mention being absent, the entire training for other participants is endangered.

    “Co-operation, team-work and unity of purpose is at the heart of the calisthenics arts and is imbibed as healthy, life-changing virtues by participants through the course of their training. Calisthenics is the only single extra-curriculum activity that infuses in participants the desired ethical contents of all-round education,” he said.

     

  • ‘Traditional institution is vital to development’

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has said traditional institution is a critical segment in the nation’s quest for egalitarian society. He said traditional rulers always work towards creating opportunities for socio-economic development of their communities.

    The Governor stated this at the official installation and presentation of staff of office to Oba Olusegun Oludolapo Ogunye (Ilufemiloye Koko 1), as the new Ojotumoro of Abigi Kingdom.

    He was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko. The event was held at Abigi Comprehensive Grammar School, Abigi in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

    Police and other security agents were present to ensure security of people and their properties. Traditional rulers, political stalwarts, dignitaries, family members and well-wishers who dressed gorgeously from across the country were present to rejoice with the Kabiyesi.

    Governor Amosun congratulated the people of Abigi on maintaining peace and tranquillity during the interregnum, adding that their patience had led to the successful completion of events leading to the official installation of the oba.

    “Kabiyesi, to whom much is given, much is expected. I enjoin you to collaborate with other obas within Ijebu Traditional Council and mobilise your subjects for effective discharge of their civic and social responsibilities such as prompt payment of taxes and other levies, ensure peaceful co-existence with others in order to maintain law and order,” Amosun said.

    Speaking at the event, the Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona,  who was represented by the Dagbure of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya, advised the new monarch to use his wealth of experience as a legal practitioner to transform the community, even as he urged him to put tradition first in the scheme of things in order to have a successful reign.

    In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area Hon. Femi Onanuga, described the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration as people-oriented, adding that the governor’s massive rural development agenda had ensured that dividends of democracy reached every nook and cranny of the state.

    In his speech, Oba Ogunye pledged to serve his people with fear of God, assuring that his tenure would usher in massive development. He urged all sons and daughters of the community at home and in the Diaspora to join hands with him to move the community forward.

  • NGO calls for unity at inauguration

    NGO calls for unity at inauguration

    A non-partisan, non-governmental organisation (NGO) known as the League of Anambra Professionals in Lagos (LAP) has said Nigeria will be better if all citizens embrace the spirit of unity which is necessary towards achieving the much-needed socio-economic and political greatness.

    The founding President of the association, Mr Ndi Onuekwusi stated this during the inauguration of the newly elected Central Executive Council at its Surulere, Lagos State secretariat. He also said every Nigerian, especially those indigenous to Anambra State, should be committed towards rebuilding the society through the harnessing of her rich intellectual and material resources.

    The executives inaugurated at the occasion included the President, Mr. Chijioke Okoli (SAN); Vice-President, Chief Elizabeth Jibunoh; General Secretary, Mr. Ben Okafor; Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Joe Nwokedi, a lawyer and Financial Secretary, Mr. Magnus Ekwunife.

    Others were Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emeka Nwadioke, a lawyer; Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Kasie Abone; Treasurer, Ms. Stella Ozojiofor and Assistant Treasurer, Nkiru Ifekwem.

    Ex-officio members are Mr. Willie Nzewi, Mr. Chike Nwegbe and Mr Katia Ekesi. They all are past presidents of the organisation.

    Sir Nnamdi Nwigwe, Mr. Joe Anatune, Mr. K. O. P. Odidika and Mr. Obidi Alajuronye were co-opted into the executive by the President.

    Performing the swearing-in ceremony, the founding President of the association, Mr Onuekwusi urged them to live up to the spirit of the organisation which is to rebuild Igbo land and help in the economic and social growth of their host state for the benefit of future generations.

    Not to rebuild the society for its future generation, he added, would amount to an act of gross irresponsibility. “There will be no future without a functional Igbo land and Nigeria as a whole”, he added.

    Speaking further Onuekwusi said: “We have come back to run the race we began. There may be some hiccups but we will keep on. The organisation is blessed with people who are intellectually sound. I believe that Okoli will succeed,” he said.

    Continuing he said: “What is most critical is to understand the spirit of the organisation which is sacrifice.”

    Onuekwusi, who reposed high confidence in Mr. Okoli’s leadership ability, said the task before him and his team requires a combination of strength of mind and character to succeed. He advised him not to be distracted but to deploy his enormous experience towards achieving the desired goals.

    Earlier in his speech, the immediate past president, Mr. Nzewi described the seamless transition of power from his executive to Okoli’s team as ‘joyous’. Praising Onuekwusi for his contributions, Nzewi said looking at the organisation’s journey so far, it was clear it was divinely ordained as a platform to achieve the desired change not only in Igbo land but also in Lagos and Nigeria in general.

    “There is something divine about LAP. Despite its challenges, it waxed stronger. It is very strong in the minds of the people. It has evolved over time,” he said.

    Advising the executives, Nzewi urged them to bear in mind that serving people is a thankless job. “Thank you is from the Almighty.”

    In his acceptance speech, Okoli said: “There is huge enthusiasm about what we can achieve. What is involved to achieve the objectives of the organisation is tremendous. It is because we are busy in our world that charlatans have taken us to where we find ourselves today. I hope to deploy my intellect to the running of the organisation.”

    He implored his team to reinvent themselves in terms of the vision of the organisation to provide leadership as well show the light to society.

    Speaking further he said: “Igbo society is in an existential threat. No society can sustain itself in a situation like this.”

    Admitting that the task ahead is enormous, Okoli expressed confidence that with single mindedness, his team would surely succeed.

    “The task ahead is difficult but if we succeed in moving the organisation to the next level, we will look back and be happy with ourselves. I believe with single mindedness, the sky will be our footstool. We won’t fail. In the unlikely event that we fail, it would not be for lack of trial,” he said.

  • Kudos for Ajimobi amid furore over 32 Ibadan obas

    Kudos for Ajimobi amid furore over 32 Ibadan obas

    The Oyo State government has crowned 21 of the 32 obas that were elevated from baales. The exercise was sequel to the recommendations of the committee that reviewed the 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Laws. YINKA ADENIRAN writes that a group, the Authentic Ibadan Mogajis (AIM), has opposed the exercise but a faction of the Mogajis under the aegis of the Ibadan Council of Recognised Mogajis (ICRM) ispraising Governor Ajimobi for  the exercise.

    To say that the House of Ibadan Mogajis (family heads) is divided over the review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Laws that resulted in the emergence of 32 obas for the ancient city is to put the matter mildly.

    No doubt, the division may not end anytime soon as two groups have emerged. One group supports the exercise while the other opposes it.

    While a group, which is larger in number, is supporting the decision and even hailing the Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration for the review, another group is displeased.

    Yet, a large number of the Mogajis have decided to remain on neither side of the divide. As at the last count, no fewer than 63 Mogajis (family heads) have declared that the chieftaincy reform as carried out by the governor  was done in good faith and it has brought elevation to the Olubadan of Ibadan land, the Olubadan-in-Council, Baales and the people of Ibadan land.

    The group, which operates under the aegis of the Ibadan Council of Recognised Mogajis, after a meeting which held at Mapo Hall, revealed that its existence had been since the time of their forefathers and as such recognised by the Olubadan-in-Council, the Olubadan and also participate regularly at every Ibadan traditional events, including Oke Badan, Egungun and OseMeji festivals which are paramount in Ibadan land under the leadership of the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

    Not done, to further exact its legitimacy, members of the group maintained that they would attend any function  concerning Olubadan,  as recognised Mogajis and legitimate sons of Olubadan.

    But another group has remained faithful to its solidarity with those kicking against the crowning of the new kings.

    The anti-new obas group known as Authentic Ibadan Mogajis (AIM) were not only angry at the development but also vowed to ensure that the decision is reversed. But only four Mogajis seem to be known in this group. However, what they seem to lack in number, they  have in tenacity as the group has instituted legal actions against the governor and the new crowned obas.

    While the Ibadan Council of Recognised Mogajis (ICRM) is being led by the duo of Mogaji Ariyori, Oja Oke Ado, Alhaji Asimiyu Ariyori and the Mogaji ElegbaOwo, Alhaji Isiaka Elegbaowo, its Chairman and Secretary the Authentic Ibadan Mogajis are being led by Mogaji Olawale Akinsola (Akinsola Compound, Opopo Labiran), Mogaji Abbas Oloko (Oloko Compound, Kobomoje) and Mogaji  Adegbola Adeniran (Alaase Compound, Alafara Olubadan).

    Although the ICRM dissociated itself from the opposition group and all its activites which it described as “using the misunderstanding on the Ibadan Chieftaincy Reform as an opportunity to portray themselves as authentic Mogajis and thereby causing distraction”, neither group has accused the other of not being a title holder or true shon of the shoil.

     

    The History behind the Mogaji title

     

    The “Mogaji” title is the bedrock and the fulcrum of the Ibadan traditional system, the very foundation on which the superstructure of the system is expected to rest–from the peace, progress and patriotic contributions of every Ibadan household to the sustenance of a system that becomes the envy of other areas of Yoruba land. In real terms, it is a distinctive and recognised traditional title in Ibadan land which connotes the first grade in the hierarchy of Ibadan chiefs.

    Historically, the Mogajis were military leaders and their authority extended to tribute areas in the countryside. Today, Mogajis, who live in town, control family lands in the rural districts and they derive income from the sale of family assets and tributes.

    As family heads who, by automatic and successive promotion, they become members of the Olubadan-in-Council and who eventually become Olubadan if they live long enough. They are the ones closest to the grassroots. They usually reside in their domains or visit there regularly to conduct customary and family issues. They are usually appointed Mogajis based on age and availability to serve.

    But recently, many families are beginning to consider education, wealth and gravitas in selecting their Mogajis.

    As it were, the Mogajis of the town are superior to the village heads whom they appoint. A recognised Mogaji may be followed and obeyed by several thousand people in the town and the rural districts.

    Ibadan boasts a unique traditional system of governance which stands the city out in Yoruba land and this has often made people wonder why Ibadan monarchs always ascend the throne at a very old age. The system is based on simple but democratic and rotational basis in which even when a ruler is still alive, the successor to the throne is already known. The most important thing for any contender is that he must, first of all, emerge as the “Mogaji” or head of his compound (Agbo Ile) and from that point, he is gradually promoted.

    Though the process takes a very long time, it is the pride of every Ibadan indigene to become the Olubadan and it is a height many look towards.

     

    The grouse of the Mogajis

     

    The genesis of the disagreement of the Mogajis on the policy may not be unconnected with their views on the reviews and how it seems to have promoted some Baales above the Mogajis, who were traditionally superior to them.

    Recall that, out of the 32  newly promoted obas, 21 baales were promoted. But, according to sources, the idea of elevating the Baales predates the current governor and the Olubadan.

    The original proponents had cited the lean beaded crowns in the Olubadan entourage whenever he was at a function that other Obas like the Awujale, Ooni and Oba of Lagos attended. Those Obas often came with other “lesser” beaded crowned Obas who, by traditional and official protocol, were accorded more respect than the Baales even though they ruled over similar or even smaller communities. These “lesser” Obas arrived with police orderlies, the staff of office, drummers and other appurtenances of obaship and the Baales had to rise to their feet and remain standing until Kabiyesi was seated.

    But in actual fact, whether they were elevated to the position of Obas or not, the Baales would never have been eligible for the Olubadan throne at all. So, elevating them to obas seemed a reasonable idea to most people, except, perhaps, the Authentic Ibadan Mogajis group and Olubadan who seem not satisfied with the arrangement.

    More so, it does not also change the fact that only the Mogajis get promoted to join the race to the Olubadan stool through promotion in order to join the Olubadan-in-Council.

    Uninterestingly, the explanation that the Baales that were promoted from the outskirts of the town that never had mogajis and who were subdued by ancient Ibadan warriors were obviously not satisfactory to calm frayed nerves.

     

    The disagreements and the stands

     

    The Ibadan Council of Recognised Mogajis, with the larger number of the mogajis behind it, after a recent meeting, said: “We are not part of any rancour; we are not interested in any crisis in Ibadan or a divided Ibadan. We want united Ibadan and we are interested in the development of Ibadan land as well as that of our leaders.

    The Chieftaincy reform was done in good faith and it brought elevation to our father, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, the Olubadan-in-Council, Baales and the entire people of Ibadan land.

    “We want to assure the people of Ibadan land that since the reform was done in a right way, we solemnly support the governor. We are telling the government that they have our backing on the recent elevation of our father, the Olubadan of Ibadan land and our former high chiefs. We are interested in the elevation of our leaders but if the government engages in activities that belittle our leaders, we will not support it.

    “We want the understanding of the people as we do not want the four dissidents, the so-called Mogajis to destabilise the peace in Ibadan land as well as misinform the people. Anybody that is a traditional Mogaji in Ibadan will be among us. We do not want a crisis in Ibadan and we are appealing to the four Mogajis, who are calling themselves Authentic Mogajis to desist from activities that can cause disharmony in the city.

    “We are not politicians; we are traditional chiefs of the city. They (the four mogajis) are politicians and that is why they cannot be with us. We wonder why four people will be more than us? We, therefore, implore the government, our father, Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, the newly created Obas-in-Council and elders in Ibadan land to come together for the progress and development of Ibadan land.”

    But the Authentic Ibadan Mogajis will not hide their fears nor shy away from the fact that they are against the review. A former deputy governor of the state who is also a Mogaji, Hazeem Gbolarunmi, after a recent solidarity visit to the Olubadan said the group had no issue whatsoever with the governor as a person but his policy and decision on the matter of the chieftaincy review.

    He noted that even if there would be any review, it should be a decision of the members of the council of chiefs and who would send same to the governor for ratification and approval.

    He said: “We are here to greet the Olubadan of Ibadan land and at the same time to pay a solidarity visit to him. The purpose is to inform the government that we wanted to be heard and to be seen that they should maintain the status quo.

    “What we want is that they should go back to what used to be in the selection of chiefs in the Olubadan Chieftaincy Laws. How they used to do it in the past is that if anything would change at all, all the members of Council of Chiefs would be the ones to sit and then say what they wanted as review and amendment.

    “There is no one that says the Olubadan should walk around alone, and everyone knows that it would add glamour and honour but even if we must do it, it should be the council of chiefs. They are the ones that would say this is how they want to review the declaration of 1959 and then take it to the government for approval.”