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Tag: Ago-Iwoye

  • Lectures in full swing at OOU

    The Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, campus has come alive with activities after the suspension of the ASUU strike. The school, during the three-month nation wide strike  embarked upon by ASUU, was like a ghost town. Students are now beaming with smile to their various lecture rooms as academic activities have resumed fully on all the university campuses at Ayetoro, Ibogun and Sagamu.

    The university, in its bid to hit the ground running, called for an emergency Senate meeting on February 12, 2019, adjusted the Academic Calendar for the 2018/2019 session and directed the commencement of lectures where it stopped before the strike action. Affected in the newly adjusted calendar are fresh students’ orientation activities, which began on February 25 to March 1, 2019 while their matriculation will come up on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

    To ascertain that lecturers are already teaching, the university management team divided themselves into groups and paid unscheduled visits to the various campuses and lecture rooms. This is despite the fact that the Harmattan Semester examination has been rescheduled to commence on April 23, 2019 through to May 10 2019, in line with the readjusted University Academic Calendar for 2018/2019 session.

    Going round the campuses, it was evident that lectures are in full swing, the university library, the heart of any university, is a bee hive of activities. Students were seen at the popular motion ground typing and making photocopies to update their notes and academic records. The university and the community are both alive witnessing academic and economic revival activities on and off the various campuses.

  • Woman dies in Ogun shrine, police arrest priest, father

    The police in Ogun have arrested an Ayelala priest over the death of a 25-year-old woman, Idowu Ogunkoya at his shrine.

    Also arrested was the victim’s father, Temitayo Ogunkoya, said to have taken her to the shrine to be delivered of witchcraft.

    The incident occurred on Sunday at Ojuolota, Ijesha Road in Ago-Iwoye.

    It was gathered that the priest, Lekan Olukolu was apprehended following a complaint at Ago-Iwoye Police Division by the deceased’s fiancée Lucky Oghenetega.

    Ogunkoya, it was gathered, was taken to the shrine by her parents to be “delivered of witchcraft.”

    Oghenetega, it was gathered, told the police that the priest shaved the deceased’s hair and gave her a liquid substance to drink.

    Read Also: Buhari to inaugurate $250m brewery in Ogun

    “She slumped and died immediately after consuming the liquid substance,” Oghenetega stated.

    According to police spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), detectives were led to the shrine where the priest and the woman’s father, Temitayo Ogunkoya were arrested.

    He said: “The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered that the case be transferred to homicide section, State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for proper investigation.

    “The CP warned members of the public to desist from primitive and barbaric ways of dealing with matters, especially issues concerning human lives. The command will not tolerate such archaic practices, capable of terminating innocent people’s life unnecessarily.”

  • SAN canvases for more funding of science education

    The Science Association of Nigeria (SAN) has called for increase funding of science and technology by government at all levels for the technological advancement of the country.

    President of the association Prof Mojo Bakare-Odunola said in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital while briefing reporters on the postponement of SAN’s annual conference scheduled hold between 24th and 28th of this month in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

    Prof Bakare-Odunola said “the development of any nation depends on how much funding is available for education and research. That is why we have been harping on increase in funding of education. If government can increase funding of science and technology then the development of the country is guaranteed.”

    SAN President opposed the use of indigenous languages in the teaching of science and technology.

    Said she: “I will not subscribe to the teaching of science an education in indigenous languages because if we want to internationalise by not dealing with science and technology at the local level then it is better it is being taught in English rather than indigenous languages.

    “Actually SAN is doing a lot to draw attention to the importance of science and technology education for our secondary school students especially those that the brains to go into it are not discouraged.

    “The problem that discourages people from sciences is because of the compulsory nature of mathematics. And most students are afraid of offering mathematics. But you find maths in science; there is maths in chemistry, physics, and a bit of maths in biology if you go to genetics.

    “Because of that people are scared of going into sciences. Even in the secondary schools the art students after their lecture have the remaining day free but the science students will still be on for practical. This tediousness makes people to be generally scared of the mathematical aspect of science.”

  • Naira sells at N440-N445 per dollar

    Naira sells at N440-N445 per dollar

    The Naira on Monday continued to extend its gains against the dollar at the parallel market, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The Nigerian currency exchanged at N440 (buying rate) and N445 (Selling rate) to a dollar, from N445/N450 it traded on Friday, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N530 and N465.

    At the Bureau De Change (BDC) window, the Naira exchanged at N398 (buying rate) and N400 (selling rate), while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N545 and N480.

    Trading at the interbank market showed that the Naira closed at N307.50 to a dollar.

    Traders at the market said they were happy with the level of liquidity but appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to sustain it to further reduce the gap between the official and parallel market rates.

    Meanwhile, Prof. Sherifdeen Tella, a Senior Economist at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun, has said that injecting dollars into the interbank market by the CBN is not sustainable.

    “I don’t think that injecting dollars into the interbank market is a permanent solution to the challenges at the FOREX market.

    “It is only a temporary measure,’’ Tella said

    The don, who noted that speculators were the major drivers of volatility in the FOREX market, said that the CBN should change the colours of the N1000 and N500 notes to force them to bring out the currencies in their coffers.

    Tella called for a reduction in the benchmark interest rate by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the CBN, to enable startups to borrow money to finance their businesses.

     

  • How Nigeria can overcome recession – Economist

    An economist and former Vice – Chancellor, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun state, Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella, has advised Nigeria to start producing goods consumed locally by Nigerians as a way out the recessiom buffeting the country.

    Tella, who is a lecturer at the state – owned Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, also said the governments and Nigerians should go into agriculture to make food available and affotdable.

    He explained that these measures when applied would not only stimulate the economy to create jobs, more industries, markets and income but also facilitate its quick recovery from prevailing doldrum.

    According to the don, there may be respite insight for the nation if Nigeria continue import heavily, the goods being consumed locally and at a great drain to the foreign exchange.

     

  • Ago-Iwoye and I at 70

    It longer matters whether I go by the date two of my uncles gave as my date of birth or by the date my great mother gave. I can confirm that I am now a septuagenarian. My uncles the late Chief Ade Osunneye and the late Mr Mojeed Mago Ogunjobi were both insistent that I was born May 29, 1943 before they both left Ago-Iwoye for Lagos January 1944. My illiterate but extremely brilliant mother said she was delivered of a baby boy by the Olori of Oba Osiyemi, who was a staff nurse and pregnant, after the Ebumawe had ascended the throne in 1944, and by her authenticated calculation, I was born May 29 1945!

    As Nigerians celebrate Nigeria’s so-called Democracy Day this May 29, and the man of the hour takes over the baton from Jonathan, I will be celebrating Ago-Iwoye the city that nurtured me from cradle to adolescence, hence this piece in commemoration of my official 70th birthday is dedicated to Olodumare, my incomparable parents and the city of my birth.

    The article written in 2009 is hereby reproduced fort your reading pleasure.

    Ago-Iwoye beckoned to me that she must show herself to the world through my pen. It was a result of the ‘swellings’ which my head received last Thursday at the public presentation of ABA SAHEED a Literary Portrait of Tola Adeniyi which Eddie Ayo-Ojo authored. Speaker after speaker spoke of courage, of boldness, of one being outspoken, fearless and daring. As they poured those encomiums on me being the subject of the gathering, Ago-Iwoye whispered to me that I should tell the world that those attributes were not original to Aba Saheed, but that they indeed belonged to her, being the town that raised Saheed. Ago-Iwoye, for those who may not know that it is the first university town in Ogun State, is the town with the largest expanse of land in Ogun State, and perhaps one of the largest territories in Nigeria. For example, Isamuro, one of the eight towns that make up Ago Iwoye metropolis has over 40 villages with 40 Baales.

    Ago-Iwoye shares boundaries with Remo Kingdom to the South  West and North West, while it also shares the border in the North with Oyo State beyond Mamu, which is another Ago-Iwoye settlement. A warrior town with a lot of history behind its exploits, Ago Iwoye boasts the unparalleled role it played in the Ijebu wars against the British invaders up till 1893.

    It is a town reputed for its great courage and fearlessness. It is little wonder that Ago-Iwoye featured prominently in the Action Group days of the immortal Awo. In fact, the chief personal security commander for the late sage, Dauda Odumuyiwa, alias Dauda Tinko was an Ago-Iwoye indigene. So also was his successor Bros Oroyinyin.

    Ogberegede and the man known as Ejonto a corruption of AG-on-top were both stalwarts of Ago Iwoye origin. These were men who could defend whatever cause they strongly believed in even with their lives. The beauty in these persons’ doggedness was that an average Ago-Iwoye indigene would defend whatever need be defended, not on the basis of pecuniary considerations; highly principled people, they would go extra mile in defence of justice, fairness and equity.

    If an Ago-Iwoye indigene ran into a situation where an underdog is being trampled upon, he will instantly make the fight his own fight. So, while encomiums were being heaped on the celebrant last Thursday, Ago-Iwoye was quick to draw attention to Justice Dolapo Akinsanya, who was one of the great children of hers physically present at the occasion. Justice Dolapo Akinsanya was the awesomely fearless woman who, against all odds, and at the credible threat to her life put her entire family in the way of danger by declaring without mincing words that the Ernest Shonekan’s Interim Government was illegal. So final was her judgement that the case was never appealed before General Sard Abacha gave the administration a jackboot! And of course Akinsanya was merely acting true to character; for her father the late Professor Emeritus Sanya Onabamiro had waged a similar one-man-suicide squad war against guineworm.

    Before Onabamiro’s time, guineaworm had ravaged the entire South-west landscape with heaviest casualities drawn from Ijebuland. Onabamiro came, saw, and conquered. Ago-Iwoye also boasts early exposure to western education producing teachers before the close of the 19th century who would travel as far afield as Ekitiland and Ondoland to spread the gospel of ABC. Ago-Iwoye also embraced the Arabic education such that as early as 1880’s, indigenes of Ago-Iwoye had kissed the peak of Mount Arafat and returned to nurse beards that could compete favourably with my friend Yemi Farounbi’s. In character and learning therefore, Ago-Iwoye did not lag behind, such that by 1954, the community had mobilised resources to found a secondary school, and years later several other high schools emerged. It was the monarch of Ago-Iwoye, the Ebumawe, Oba David Maloniti Osiyemi as Secretary of Western Region House of Obas and Chiefs who wrote the letter of recommendation that gave the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo the town’s right to a beaded crown! Ago-Iwoye has historically been an agrarian community, but going in-hand-in-hand with farming had such preoccupations as blacksmithing, masonry, goldsmithing, and manufacturing of light arms and weaponry.

    They first African Methodist bishop, the Very Reverend M.O. Dada came from the womb of Ago-Iwoye, while the first chair of the first television broadcasting station in Africa, the Reverend T.T. Solar was fed from the milk of Ago-Iwoye woman. There was a generation that requires celebrating if and whenever Ago-Iwoye is being discussed; that is the legendary Oban bade Age Group, what is known in Ijebu as Regberegbe. That was the group Kiniwun Onibudo Agbolaya bi aara ChiefObafemi Awolowo belonged to. The last of them should be knocking at the gate of 100 now. Chief S Akin Osuntoye, Chief JG Kuye, Chief Ashiru Oshinuga, and others whose names I cannot easily recall, gave Ago-Iwoye her study in courage and fearlessness.

    These individuals were very sociable, extremely industrious, very hardworking, very forthright, and hugely successful in their various fields of human endeavour. They were the shinning stars in Ago-Iwoye at the time Aba Saheed was being moulded into a teenager and later into early manhood.

    If therefore any Ago-Iwoye child exhibited heroism, commitment to industry, fearlessness and outspokenness, the credit for these laudable attributes should go to the Ago-Iwoye fertile grounds which incubated and nurtured those traits.; Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye a direct beneficiary of the Obangbade age group because his father, my Dad’s uncle belonged in that age grade, my aburo Otunba, Alex Olugbenga Onabanjo, Dr Bayo Yusuf, the Olori Omooba, the ever white Soyewo, the Banjokos, the Sipes, the Bakares, the Olootos, the Osunneyes, the Obajimis, the Ogungbes, the Odugboses, the Fagbamilas, the Odumosus, the Aroworamimos, the Parakoyis and the entire Onihale clan, the Odufotes, the Taiwos, the Magos, the Adeseguns, the Olowojoyemeji clan and Omooba Adekoya otherwise known as Attacker, the Epoyuns and an inexhaustible list of achievers in that town all owe whatever they are today to the soil of Ago-Iwoye.

    Luckily the tradition is being maintained and upgraded. And with the advent of a tantalisingly handsome monarch, urbane, stylish, well educated, very sociable and immensely popular and extremely courageous and bold, the city of Ago-Iwoye can assure herself of more celebrations of her children.

  • Ogun shuts varsity over threat to peace

    Ogun shuts varsity over threat to peace

    To forestall a breakdown of law and order, the Ogun State Government has ordered the closure of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye.

    The government also advised all parents whose wards are students of the university to call them to order, as the government will not tolerate any act capable of disturbing the peace being enjoyed by the people of the State.

    In a statement signed by Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, Secretary to State Government, it said that the decision to close the university was taken in the overall interest of peace and order, as the students of the university have continued to issue threats, while rejecting all entreaties and concessions made by the government on their various demands concerning the recently announced reduction of school fees.

    After extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, the state government on August 12 announced reductions in the school fees by 61 percent in all the 10 state-owned tertiary institutions.

    The government also abolished the indigene/non-indigene dichotomy in the school fees regime and announced the 2014-2015 academic session as commencement period for the policy.

    However, while students in nine of the ten institutions commended the government for its decisions, OOU students insisted that the new school fees regime should take effect from the 2013/2014 academic session and that the fees should be further reduced.

    The students premised their position on the fact that they are currently running the 2013-2014 academic session which will end in January.

    OOU students subsequently staged a violent demonstration in Abeokuta, the state capital on August 15 until the personal intervention of the governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, which restored normalcy.

    But intelligence report available to the state government later has it that student leaders of the institution were alleged to have sent text messages around  urging their colleagues ‘to get ready for action’.

    Security reports indicated that because the students are allegedly acting under external influence, no concession made by the state government will be satisfactory to them.

    “Consequently, we have no option than to order the immediate closure of all the campuses of Olabisi Onabanjo University to protect the students and other residents of the state and their property. We urge all parents to impress on their wards the need to maintain peace in the interest of all”, Adeoluwa stated.

     

  • A town’s rich history

    A town’s rich history

    Book review

    Title: Ago-Iwoye Origin, Growth & City Status. 1510-2010
    Author: Senator Jubril Martin Kuye
    Reviewer: Chief Babatunde Fadun

    Publisher: Crown Venture Publishers

    Ago Iwoye is a remarkable city in Ijebu and Remo parts of Nigeria. What marks it out is not its spatial size or the quantum of its population but the high level of education of its people. They are one of the very first groups in Nigeria to embrace Western education.

    These facts and more are comprehensively and lucidly explained by one of the most distinguished and celebrated sons of Ago Iwoye, Senator Jubril Martins Kuye (JMK) in this 16-Chapter book of 240 pages. Kuye is a two-time minster of the Federal Republic and the Asiwaju of Ago-Iwoye.

    The author is of noble parentage (in Ago-Iwoye) being a grandson of Alase Osikolade Osibule, the first Chairman of Ago-Iwoye Native Court (1911-32) and the Supreme Head of Alawori Community. His father, JG Kuye (1907-1974) was twice elected councillor in colonial Ago-Iwoye Town Council (1940-45) and (1952-55). His mother, Alimat Aderonke Kuye, was a princess of Ijebu-Ode, being a granddaughter of Awujale Fesengbuwa 1790-1819. Kuye is the first indigene of Ago-Iwoye to graduate in Economics Sociology and Politics almost fifty years ago from the University of Ibadan and in 1983 he obtained a Masters Degree from the prestigious Harvard Business School in Economics and Investment. With such a sound academic background, little wonder that the book is written in an academically stimulating style.

    In the first two chapters, the author examines some of the various theories on the origin of the Yoruba and rejected outright that which suggests that Oduduwa was from Mecca.

    He accepts the proposition that the Yoruba emigrated from either the present day Southern Sudan (Egypt) or from somewhere in the Horn of Africa.

    He submits that Ijebu Kingdom had existed in Sudan called Owodaiye (corrupted to WADDAI). North of OWODAIYE was a Yoruba Kingdom of NUBIA also in Southern Sudan. Both Ijebu and Yoruba empires of OWODAIYE and NUBIA were pushed into extinction by Arab imperialism in the Middle East and Sudan about 6B.C.

    The author argued further that the emigration from NUBIA & OWODAIYE to present day Yoruba Land was not in one single movement. The first group to arrive Ile-Ife (from NUBIA) was led by Iwade, centuries before Oduduwa. Hence in classical Yoruba, the word IWASE denotes antiquity e.g Igba Iwase (time immemorial).

    Another proposition considered by the author is that Oduduwa was an indigene of Ife and later became the Supreme Ruler of the territory. Olu-Iwa, probably leading his team of emigrants from Owodaiye reached Ile-Ife, and, with the permission of Oduduwa, settled and farmed there.

    The author states that the two leaders lived together peacefully. When it was clear to Olu-Iwa that Oduduwa had fully established himself as the Supreme Ruler, Olu-Iwa decided to move on in search of a kingdom to rule. But he gave Oduduwa a parting gift-his only daughter, Igborowo, was presented to Oduduwa as wife. Olu-Iwa left with some of his people and eventually settled at Ode-Ijebu (not Ijebu-Ode) as in Ode-Remo, Ode Aiye, Ode-Itsekiri. Thus Olu-Iwa was the first Ruler of Ijebu Ode. Igborowo begat Awujate who later became the third Ruler of Ode Ijebu after ousting Owa-Oshin, the second Ruler.

    The original name of Ago-Iwoye is Orile-Iwoye or Wojaiye and the first Ruler or King is Prince Kehinde Akingbade, with the title Ebumawe. That, the author posits, was around 1515AD. Oba Akingbade was a direct son of Oduduwa. At that time multiple births such as twins or triplets were seen as Evil or harbingers of misfortune and as such the children were instantly killed.

    After the birth of the twins (One body & one girl) their mother was assisted to escape from Oduduwa’s palace and she left with some palace aides and relatives. They settled at a village near Ondo called Idoko where the twins were brought up to maturity.

    The female was named Adebela Taiwo (Osemawe) and the male was Kehinde Akingbade (Ebumawe). The female soon married in Idoko and, having been tutored about her royal status, was installed as the ruler of Ondo Kingdom (Ode Ondo) with the title Osemawe. She advised her twin brother, Kehinde, to move further afield to find a kingdom of his to rule.

    Kehinde left with an entourage that included their mother, Olu-Ojam, who died shortly after they left Idoko at a spot near Ondo. The place was named Ile-Oluji meaning in Ondo dialect the place where Olu-Oja slept and did not wake up.

    Prince Akingbade wandered for several years with his team until they reached Ijebu Forest territory where they met descendants, relatives and servants of the Awujale. Prince Akingbade first settle at Isamuro where three of his close associates died suddenly from Evil Spirits. The Prince decided to stay for a few years to recover from the shock and see how things would turn out, i.e. Wooju Aiye or watch and see.

    The place was later named Wojaiye. Prince Akingbade then moved to Orile Ibipe where the people readily accepted him as their Oba. About 1515AD, Prince Akingbade was installed as the first Ebumawe or Orile-Iwoye or Wojaiye. It is clear from the foregoing that the Ebumawe or Wojaiye or Orile Iwoye is a direct son of Oduduwa and that the first Osemawe of Ode Ondo is a woman (Adewale Taiwo) otherwise known as Pupupu. She reigned from 1510-1529.

    The kingdom of Wojaiye was made up of five communities, with each community having a Head Chief who had allegiance to the Ebumawe. It was a confederal system and it ran smoothly for almost three centuries under seven kings, the last being Ebumawe Adan bi Ide Loorun i.e (One that shines like silver in the sun).

    The peaceful and successful administration of Wojaiye or Orile Iwoye kingdom was suddenly destroyed by the Egba in 1831.

    Having been dislodged from Ibadan by the combined forces of Ijebu, Ife and Oyo, the Egba felt very insecure in their new abode, Abeokuta. This sense of insecurity was heightened by the attacks on them by the Dahomey from the west, Remo on the east and Awori Iganmode from the South. They decided to take the battle to the enemy’s camp under the command of Generalissimo Lisabi.

    Bu unfortunately, they erroneously regarded Orile-Iwoye or Wojaiye kingdom as part of Remo villages that had always attacked Egba settlements.

    The military strategy employed to defeat Orile Iwoye was deceit and it worked effectively. The Egba sent an emissary to Obaruwa of Isamuro that they wanted to pay a courtesy visit to Wojaiye. Obaruwa of Isamuro was elated and instructed his people to prepare a grand reception for the Egba visitors. On the appointed day, Egba soldiers in full battle gear, moved their troops onto the defenceless and unsuspecting Isamuro people and massacred them on a large scale. Instead of receiving visitors, Isamuro received a bloody defeat and humiliation from the Egba. That was the sudden and tragic end of Akingbade’s Wojaiye kingdom in 1831.

    After the humiliating defeat, the five communities of Wojaiye or Orile-Iwoye moved to a new War Camp or Ago with the immediate purpose of planning a revenge attack on the Egba.

    All the five communities of Wojaiye i.e Isamuro, Ibipe, Odosinusi, Imosu and Imere and even Awori and Idode that were not part of Wojaiye’s kingdom teamed up in their new settlement (Ago-Iwoye). The head chief of each community was the Balogun and all of them regarded Balogun Meleki as their leader. Thus Balogun Meleki from Igan Township was the first political and military leader of the New (Republican) Ago-Iwoye.

    The advent of Islam, Christianity and the extension of British colonial rule to Ijebu territory all had a significant impact on the New Ago-Iwoye. The first mission school in Ago-Iwoye is the Wesley Primary School, established in 1893, and the Anglican Mission School followed later. The author, quoting J.O. Ajibola, said school enrolment was poor in the early stages of the schools. On page 109, he said: “Annual enrolment was below 20 for several years. Those who went to school had money tucked into their school uniform pockets as an inducement for them to keep coming”. By 1913, many homes in the different quarters of Ago-Iwoye had produced educated citizens though they were largely pastors and teachers. The first grammar school in Ago-Iwoye was established in 1954 and this was an eye opener to a wider world of opportunities for the children of the educated elite. By the 1940s, the first set of university graduates had arrived. Rev T.T Solatu BD Hons MA, BD (Hons) 1942; the very first Ago-Iwoye University Graduate J.O. Ajibola LLB was the first Ago-Iwoye lawyer 1942. Brig Gen Babafemi Ogundipe was commissioned into the Nigeria Army in 1943 as was the de fact. deputy to Gen. Ironsi by the time of the first military coup in 1966. Dr S.D Onabamiro, a world renowned parasitologist obtained a Doctorate in 1951. His daughter, Mrs Dolapo Akinsanya, is Ago-Iwoye’s first High court Judge. On page 171, the author observed that Ago-Iwoye is yet to produce a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN. This is surprising to this reporter too but we must be reminded that the contribution of Justice Dolapo Akinsanya has done a lot to put the name of Ago-Iwoye in the Hall of Fame in Nigerian Jurisprudence. She gave that landmark judgment that declared the Interim National Government null and void and thereby became the first High Court Judge (Indigene of Ago-Iwoye) to declare illegal a sitting Federal Government of Nigeria. The judgment paved the way for Abacha to overthrow the interim.

    Ago-Iwoye’s educated elite are highly dedicated to the progress of their town. They formed Iwoye Progress Union and used it as a platform for the town’s development. Their key achievements are: (1) the agitation for the re-instatement of the Ebumawe throne that had been put in abeyance with the collapse of Wojaiye or Orile Iwoye kingdom in the Isamuso war in 1831. By 1932 under the dynamic and dedicated leadership of J.O. Ajibola, the colonial government approved the restoration of Ebumawe throne to Ago-Iwoye after an interregnum of 101 years. Ebumawe Akandiri Adenugba was crowned on October 24, 1932.

    The IPU also agitated for and got the colonial government to give Ago Iwoye a town council in 1935, much earlier than Ijebu Ode (1938) and Ijebu Igbo (1940).

    The author concludes the book by raising 10 points which he believes will make for lasting unity in Ago-Iwoye. These include the recognition of the Eyiri lineage as being eligible for the throne of Ebumawe. Secondly he makes a strong case for the elevation of the seven Heads of quarters in Ago-Iwoye into full-fledged beaded crown Obas as is currently done in Abeokuta and Sagamu. The book reflects the passion of the author for the place of his birth, and from what this reporter witnessed on the day of the book launch his people appreciate his contribution and high sense of patriotism. That is why he richly deserves the title of Asiwaju of Ago-Iwoye. As an Awori man from Igbesa, Ota – Ado-Odo axis, I must express my utter surprise to learn from this book that there is another Awori in Iwoye. There should be a liaison between the two groups.

    In conclusion, I observe that the book is well researched and a substantial contribution to the inadequate knowledge on the origin of the Yoruba. It is also a goldmine of information on the origin, growth and development of Ago-Iwoye since 1515AD.

    The reader will enjoy its flowing but standard language typical of the colloquial eloquence of the author. A hard cover edition is recommended to enhance the shelf-life of the book.

    •Chief Fadun is a political associate of Sen. Jubril Martins Kuye.

  • Matriarch of the Ogungbes goes home

    Matriarch of the Ogungbes goes home

    OTUNBA Letticia Onojoke Ogungbe, the late Iya Ijo of Methodist Cathedral Church, Imere, Ago-Iwoye, was committed to mother earth recently. The funeral service was held at the Methodist Cathedral Church, Imere, Ago-Iwoye. She is survived by children and grandchildren, among whom are Chief Mrs. Moji Dokpesi, wife of Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, founder and chairman, Africa Independent Television (AIT); ace broadcaster and music label executive, Kenny Ogungbe and his twin brother, Taiwo; popular TV personality, Idowu Ogungbe; label executive and artiste manager, Taiye Ogungbe; gospel music sensation, Kenny Saint Best.