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Tag: Akure

  • The short but memorable reign of Oba Adebiyi Adesida, the late Deji of Akure (2010-2013)

    The short but memorable reign of Oba Adebiyi Adesida, the late Deji of Akure (2010-2013)

    Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida (Afunbiowo 11), the late Deji of Akure who joined his ancestors last Sunday, was one of the few monarchs of the ancient kingdom whose reign was short. Damisi Ojo recalls his three-year reign and the memorable times

    Sunday October 20,2010 to many people was just like yesterday when the Deji of Akure,Oba Adebiyi Adegboye Adesida (Afunbiowo11) who joined his ancestors last Sunday was presented with his staff and instrument of office by Governor Olusegun Mimiko amid wide jubilation and ecstasies.

    No wonder, his sudden death according to the Sao of Akureland, High Chief Moses Adebayo was an embarrassment and rude shock to Akure people and many non indigenes.

    In the history of rulership in Akure, the Ondo State capital, late Oba Adebiyi Adesida was one of the few monarchs whose reign were short lived.

    He was on the throne for only three years and two months.

    Late Oba Adesida according to palace sources died shortly after he complained of a slight fever and passed on before medics could reach him.

    His installation as Deji was prompted by the dethronement of his predecessor, Oba Oludare Adepoju Adesina by the state government for allegedly assaulting his wife in public glare. Oba Adesida from Ojijigogun royal house was the 46th Deji of Akure.

    According to historical records, the institution of Obaship in Akure kingdom was said to have been established by Asodeboyede, who was also known as “Ajapada”.

    He was said to be a son of Ekun, who was one of the sons of Oduduwa, the legendary progenitor of the Yoruba race. Asodeboyede, the first Deji, who ruled from 1150 to 1180, was married to Eyesorun.

    Immediately after the passage of Oba Adesida, all shops and central Erekesan market near Deji’s palace were closed down. The market will remain closed for seven days in accordance with the tradition, in honour of the late monarch.

    Business activities in the whole Akure have also been paralysed as all shops and business outlets have been shut down, as the people continue to mourn the passage of the Deji. Businesses have been counting their losses since last Sunday when Oba Adesida joined his ancestors.

    During the coronation of the late Deji Oba Adebiyi  Adesida Afunbiowo 11 on September 20,2010,Akure was agog. Nobody predicted a short lived reign for the monarch on that memorable day which also coincided with his 60th Birthday.

    As early as 8.00 a.m eminent dignitaries from all walks of life particularly Akure indigenes, princes and princesses of Akure royal hood both at home and in diaspora radiated in joy as they decked in various beautiful attires and ‘Aso Ebi”.

    It was a day when the rich culture of Akure was on display with various traditional groups and drummers outshining themselves.

    In spite of heavy down pour that delayed that occasion, the excited guests defied the rain which lasted for over five hours. Observers said that it was a sign of blessing to the community.

    The expansive palace ground where the coronation took place was filled to the brim with people dancing and exchanging pleasantries under the massive canopies erected for the event.

    The journey to the throne began on August II, 2010 when he was selected by majority of the kingmakers and was presented with his certificate and Staff of Office the subsequent day by Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

    At his installation, late Oba Adesida, apparently in a bid to reassure his people that the customs and tradition of the land were duly followed in his choice as their new king said: “My selection followed Akure traditional royal hood’s due procedures, the selection was done by kingmakers within the three lineages of Adesida, Faturoti and Arosoye .

    “I was selected after all traditional procedures (were complied with); my name was forwarded to the state government through Akure south Local Council leading to my installation”.

    After all traditional rites spanning two weeks then, Oba Adesida was crowned alongside his first daughter, Dr. Adetutu Adesida – Ojei  who may become the Regent of Akure from now on going by the tradition.

    The late monarch during his coronation promised to re-shape the bastardized tradition of Akure, partner with the government to realize the vision of Akure becoming a true millennium City like Washington DC, New York and others.

    He said he would eradicate hooliganism and ensure total development of the ancient community.

    Governor Mimiko while presenting the staff and instrument of office to the departed monarch described the selection of Oba Adesida as God –ordained, urging the people of Akure Kingdom to rally round him in moving the community forward.

    According to him, the present administration would continue to develop the town as a reference point of the whole state.

    The mammoth crowd at the ceremony were treated to sumptuous meal and assorted drinks mostly supplied by the International Breweries (IB) PLC Ilesa in Osun State.

    Even,the king of Juju music, Otunba Sunday Adeniyi    Adegeye (a.k.a. Sunny Ade) and his boys were at the band stand to entertain guests apart from other Local musicians.

    Among the dignitaries at the occasion were Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Leader of Afenifere, Chief Michael Ade  Ojo, Chairman Elizade Nigeria Ltd Chief Bola Akingbade, then Marketing Director, MTN, Members of the State  Executive

    Council, State Lawmakers, Mr. Olu Makinde, a veteran Journalist, Dr. Rotimi Adelola Secretary to the state Government, (SSG), Akure SouthLocal Government Chairman, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi and Mr. Ayo Ogunmoyero.

    The late Akure monarch was born in 1950 to the royal family of Adesida, he was a graduate of University of Ibadan and an industrialist. Oba Adesida was married to Olori Monisola and blessed with four children.

  • Peace returns to Akure as communities sign agreement

    Peace returns to Akure as communities sign agreement

    Warring youths of Akure and Isolo in Ondo State have signed a peace pact with the state government.

    On Tuesday, the youths clashed over the funeral rites of the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, Afunbiowo 11, who joined his ancestors on Sunday.

    Akure youths invaded Isolo, ordering residents to shut their markets as part of the funeral rites, but they were resisted by Isolo youths, who said their community should not be affected.

    Things turned bloody between the youths and many of them were injured.

    The Regent of Isolo, Princess Adebusola Oluwatuyi, and some Akure chiefs were yesterday at a peace meeting chaired by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bamiduro Dada.

    Representatives of both communities agreed to allow peace reign.

    It was learnt that after Isolo people presented their case and cited historical instances to support it, the government agreed that normal business activities should continue there, but said as a sign of respect for the Deji, they should move their market five electric poles away from the Central Mosque and Democracy Park.

    Yesterday Isolo residents went about their activities peacefully and the Akure side went on with the funeral rites for the monarch.

    Around 3pm, Dada and his entourage visited the trouble zone to ascertain that all was well.

    Dada expressed happiness with the “high level of maturity” displayed by both communities after signing the peace pact and urged them to continue to live in peace. Also yesterday, the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) sent its condolences to the late Oba Adesida’s family, Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the people of the state.

    It said: “We commiserate with you on the painful loss of an illustrious son of Oduduwa, who, by deeds, left indelible marks in the sands of time. As a peace loving first class Oba, he will be missed by his people and royal colleagues.”

  • Youths clash in Akure over Deji’s funeral rites

    •Mimiko, Akeredolu mourn monarch

    THE peace in Akure, the Ondo State capital, was disrupted yesterday by a clash between some youths over the funeral rites for the Deji, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, Afunbiowo 11, who joined his ancestors on Sunday.

    The clash was between youths in Akure and those in Isolo, a community in Akure, which has a distinct culture and traditional ruler, the Osolo of Isolo.

    The trouble started around 10am when some youths from Akure invaded Isolo, forcing people to close their shops.

    As part of the funeral rites for the late monarch, markets and shops in Akure are expected to be shut for seven days.

    It was learnt that the Regent of Isolo and her chiefs directed that shops in the area should not be closed.

    While forcing residents to close their shops, it was gathered, Akure youths attacked some shop owners and looted their wares.

    They were resisted by Isolo youths, who said their community should not be affected by the Deji’s funeral rites.

    The youths attacked themselves with cutlasses, axes, bottles and other weapons. Many of them were injured.

    The police restored peace.

    Police spokesman Wole Ogodo said the command deployed its men in the area to restore normalcy.

    Also yesterday, Governor Olusegun Mimiko; his wife, Olukemi; and top government officials visited the family and chiefs of the late Oba Adesida.

    They were received at the palace by the widow, Olori Mojisola, and members of the Adesida family.

    A gloomy looking Mimiko said the late Oba Adesida’s reign was short but eventful, adding that the monarch would be remembered for his zeal to transform the state.

    On behalf of the family, Prince Adejare Adesida thanked the governor for his love for the late monarch and assured him of their prayers for the success of his administration.

    The candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the last Ondo governorship election, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), commiserated with the government and people of the state on Oba Adesida’s demise.

    In a statement, Akeredolu said: “I send this condolence message to the Governor and people of Ondo State and the Lisa of Akure on the demise of Oba Adesida. I learnt with deep emotion the sad news of the demise of the great Deji, who was a friend. May God have mercy on his soul.

    “On this sad occasion, I express my sincere condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the late Oba Adesida, who was a patriot with strong commitment to the sacred values of the traditional institution.

    “May the Almighty console his family and reward him for his service to the people of Akure and Ondo State.”

  • Boko Haram chased me out of Kano – Akure onions seller

    Boko Haram chased me out of Kano – Akure onions seller

    The Boko Haram insurgency in the northern part of the country has put paid to the marriage plans of a 27-year-old apprentice spare parts trader in Kano. He ran away from the terrorists, leaving behind his 21-year old fiancée.

     

    Sabiu Garba is living a world of nostalgia. All his life, until the Boko Haram insurgency, he had lived in Kano. He never believed that any situation could make him leave his beloved town. He had even proposed to marry his heart throb, Asibi soon. He was just a few months away from being married to the love of his life Asibi when he hurriedly fled Kano one night and headed for the southern part of the country early last year.

    The Kano-born young man said: “I never thought I would leave my beloved city and state Kano for any state in the country because I was doing well as a trainee in the vehicle spare parts business.”

    But leave, he had to. Garba was afraid that the several bombings unleashed on some parts of the North, particularly the city of Kano by the Boko Haram terrorists could endanger his life. With no particular destination in mind, Garba boarded a goods truck heading to Lagos without telling Asibi or any of her relations. He later found himself in Akure, Ondo State capital where he has been living ever since.

    The attacks by the dreaded Islamic militant group have led to the death of many innocent people, particularly southerners who reside in northern states, even as many, like Garba, have also been displaced from their homes after properties had been destroyed.

    Garba, who currently sells onions in wheel barrow in Akure said: “For many weeks before I fled Kano in 2012, I could not go out because of fear of Boko Haram’s attacks.” He lamented that the situation prevented him from getting married to Asibi, his proposed wife.

    Garba is popularly known in Akure as “Garba Jeki.” This depicts the name on his wheel barrow which indicates his name and the town he hails from.

    On why he chose to sojourn in Akure, the young man said: “Ondo State, particularly Akure, is one of the most peaceful places in Nigeria.”

    According to him, he has been able to move round the city to sell his wares, which he gladly said is thriving.

    He said that on a good day, he makes as much as N4,000.

    Our correspondent sought to know whether Garba knew anybody in Akure before settling in the town, he said: ”I didn’t know anybody before and when I came to Akure. I used to sleep inside the market until I met an Hausa man, to whom I narrated my plight. He later took me to where he was residing.”

    Continuing, he said: “Initially when Boko Haram started their operation in Kano State, I thought security operatives would be able to curb their activities. But, all proved abortive as they continued to bomb and kill innocent people. I quickly escaped from them and ran to Akure.

    “The most painful part of this attack is that my wedding ceremony to Asibi was just few months ahead, and due to the continuous bombing, I didn’t have a choice than to run for my life because it is only the living that can marry.

    ”I don’t know if Asibi would have married another man because I could not inform her when I was leaving Kano because I left with a tomatoes-laden night truck that was going to Lagos.”

     

  • Akure FGGC completes N18m hostel

    Akure FGGC completes N18m hostel

    The Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Akure, Ondo State has completed the construction of a new hostel worth N18.5million as part of its capital projects.

    Besides, the institution dissolved its new executive committee and fixed fresh election into various offices for January next year.

    The principal of the college, Mrs F.N. Ejikeme, who spoke at the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting in Akure, said to accomplish the mission of admitting their wards into the college, there should be good judgment, devotion, hard work, resilience, self confidence and sense of purpose.

    He said the Federal Ministry of Education had given permanent status to 10 casual teachers employed by the school PTA, stressing that the new employees are awaiting redeployment.

    She said: “The college is still in need of teaching and non-teaching staff especially in the kitchen, security section, manual labour and some core school subjects.”

    The principal said power distribution and supply had improved in the college, in addition to all the classrooms and dormitories that are now well lit.

    She urged pupils to use the opportunity before them by working hard for higher performances.

    “The college has also taken delivery of a 300KVA transformer previously promised by the Senator representing Central Senatorial District, Ayo Akinyelure,” Ejikeme added.

    The principal urged parents to provide white plastic chairs, over head tanks, rehabilitation of senior dining hall, provision of doors and locks to classrooms and construction of blocks of classrooms, among others.

    She said pupils were expected to obtain acceptable passing scores in at least eight subjects, including English Language and Mathematics in order to get promoted to the next class.

    The PTA chairman, Mr Rotimi Okeowo, listed many achievements recorded by the administration including the completion of the new hostel project and recruitment of PTA Ad-hoc staff with regular payment of their bills, among others.

    He urged parents to make meaningful contributions to the development of the college for more benefit.

     

     

    Okeowo also enjoined parents to be punctual at meetings to facilitate development in the school and Ondo State at large.

     

  • Stakeholders to Jonathan: there must be ‘no-go’ areas

    Stakeholders to Jonathan: there must be ‘no-go’ areas

    The Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference flagged off consultations with stakeholders in Akure, the Ondo State capital, last weekend. BISI OLADELE, who captured the thrills and frills of the forum, reports that the Yoruba, other ethnic groups and stakeholders made emotional presentations and insisted that ethnic nationalities must discuss the basis for peaceful co-existence.

    It was an emotional session in Akure, the capital of Ondo State. The various groups and individuals presented and submitted their memoranda for the proposed national conference with passion. The time was exerpt for the ethnic leaders, groups, community leaders, professionals, students, women and politicians to address the national question.

    At 11.30 a.m, the Babafunke Ajasin Auditorium Akure was filled to capacity. In spite of the perceived short notice, the interest groups managed to prepare their positions. At the end of the meeting, the committee had a good idea of public feeling.

    Presentations were made by interest groups, including the Afenifere, the Pro-National Conference Organisation (PRONACO), the Afenifere Renewal Group, the Yoruba Unity Forum, the Arogbo Ijaw Community, Ijaw Study Group, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and the constitutional lawyer, Dr Tunji Abayomi.

    The groups were different, but their demands were similar. They include lack of restriction on subjects to be discussed at the conference, discussion of the terms of engagement, opposition to subjecting the outcome of the conference to the National Assembly and true federalism.

    The programme commenced at exactly 2.35 p.m, shortly after committee members arrived at the venue. It had been slated for 1.30 p.m, but stakeholders waited patiently. About 90 per cent of participants were, however, groups and individuals from Ondo State.

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko saluted President Jonathan’s courage for creating the platform for Nigerians to discuss their future.

    He described it as “the right step in the right direction,” pointing out that the outcome of the confab would provide the framework for a new Nigeria.

    The Chairman of the committee, Dr Okunrohunmu, urged participants to restrict their presentations to the terms of reference. They are the structure of the national conference, it’s composition, mode of selecting candidates, it’s size and what should form the agenda of the talk shop. Each group or individual was given five minutes to make presentations.

    The Movement for National Reformation set the tone for the discussion. The group proposed that the structure of the conference should be based on ethnic nationalities. According to the group, each nationality should be allowed to determine whether it will stay or leave Nigeria. It emphasised that representations of the nationalities should be equal.

    The Yoruba socio-political group, the Afenifere, also submitted its proposals. Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who represented the group, reeled out facts to support claims that Nigeria is a mere geographical location in desperate need of a confab to negotiate its continued existence. He cited several examples and references to confirm that the belief cuts across the geo-political zones.

    Afenifere proposed a sovereign conference, but which will not hurt the existing sovereign government. The group said that sovereignty belongs to the people, hence, outcome of the conference should not be tampered with by the Federal Government.

    “We insist on a national conference with sovereign power, with regard to the implementation of the decisions of the conference. Only a referendum should be conducted.” Adebanjo said.

    The group also insisted that the nationality question is the most important subject to be discussed at the confab. Afenifere said the conference should be peopled by ethnic nationalities, the civil society, students, labour, women and professional groups, adding that delegates should emerge through election.

    To Afenifere, delegates should be 700. Each of the six ego-political zones should produce 100 while the remaining 100 should be representatives of professional and other groups. It wants the conference to sit for only six months.

    The group also said that the outcome of the conference should be subjected to a referendum and be approved by the Presidency after which it would be sent to the National Assembly.

    The Yoruba Unity Forum, proposed that political parties should not play any role in selecting, appointing or electing delegates. It also proposed that delegates should be representatives of nationalities from the same zone.

    The Forum recommended a manageable size that is representative of the stakeholders. It proposed 400 delegates, with 91 per cent allotted to ethnic nationalities and the rest allocated to other interest groups.

    On the legal framework for the confab, the Forum suggested that the President should initiate an executive bill to the National Assembly for legitimising the conference.

    The group also suggested that the outcome of the conference should be subjected to a referendum and later sent to the National Assembly for ratification as the new constitution.

    The group’s position was read by Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu on behalf of Bishop Gbonigi.

    In its own proposal, PRONACO suggested. But the group said that 600 delegates each nationality to hold a conference to select their delegates and discuss their presentations at the confab.

    The group also suggested that the outcome of the conference to be the new working document for Nigeria.

    The Ondo State Chapter of the ARG expressed fear that the conference may be another jamboree like the previous ones whose outcomes were not applied in solving the nation’s problems.

    However, the group proposed that the committee should ensure that politics does not override the aim of the conference.

    “Let it be discussed whether Nigeria is one and, if the country still wants to be one and on what terms? People who want to pull out of Nigeria should be given an opportunity to express themselves without fear,” it group said.

    The group also recommended true representation, in cases of clusters of ethnic groups in the same local government, adding that resolutions at the conference should be acceptable to the majority of Nigerians. It also urged the committee to make use of the report of the Justice Uwais committee on electoral reform and other relevant reports.

    For the Arogbo Ijaw Community and Ijaw Study Group, which believe that the country is “recklessly sliding down the precipice,” the prediction in 2015 should be averted. “Hence this conference is good. This conference will lay a solid foundation for the crumbling edifice,” the group said.

    They proposed that the conference should be composed entirely by ethnic nationalities because each has distinct history, values, hopes and aspirations. The two group described the nationalities as the real federating units, lamenting that they never had the opportunity to discuss their terms of engagement. “Ijaw would have opted for their sovereign nation, if given the opportunity,” they said.

    In its memorandum, the groups want all ethnic nationalities to bring all issues and their positions up for discussion, emphasizing that the outcome should form the basis for the continued relationship of the various nationalities. “The National Assembly, as presently constituted, is part of the Nigerian fraud. The outcome cannot go to them. Sovereignty belongs to the people,” they insisted.

    They also proposed that the conference should wind up towards the end of the tenure of the current administration, saying the new constitution must be the basis for the 2015 election.

    “There must be ‘no-go’ area. Every issue shall be discussed, including the desire by any nationality to opt out.”

    Other groups that made presentations at the forum included the Atayese, National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) Ondo State Chapter, youths organisations, the Ondo Roundtable, Irele Ikale Ethnic Nationality and the Ilaje Development Forum.

    The constitutional lawyer, Dr Tunji Abayomi, said the outcome should not be subjected to the NAtional Assembly because the lawmaking organ derived its sovereignty from the people they represent. According to him, it will be illogical for representatives to tamper with the will of the people.

    He also said that the conference should not be restricted on the subjects to be discussed adding that ethnic representation should be de-emphasised. He suggested the emergence of delegates through both election and representation for a balance.

    “We have enough ethnic emotion. We should not aggravate it. The better option is election and representation for a balance.

    “National Assembly is an agent of people. People have the sovereignty,” he said.

    He also argued that the current constitution lacks 10 validating factors, which the conference must correct.

    At the forum were traditional rulers, including the Deji of Akure; Oba Adesida Afunbiowo, Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, the Olugbo of Ugboland; Oba Obateru Akinruntan, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Ologbegi – all in Ondo State.

    Others are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the last year election in Ondo State, Mr Olusola Oke, Senator Meroyi and the Secretary, Yoruba Unity Forum, Dr Kunle Olajide.

  • ANA calls for report submission

    As the yearly Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) convention draws nearer, its National Executive has called on the beneficiaries of the Yusuf Ali Reading Campaign Funds to submit their reports.

    The report, according to a statement by ANA President, Prof Remi Raji, should contain the nature of their activities, indicating the schools involved in the Outreach, the specific outcomes as well as the challenges, photos, videos and other media exposures.

    “All activities are expected to end by October 25. All reports should be sent October 31, for appropriate coordination, before the Convention in Akure,”

     

  • Four remanded for allegedly killing cop

    An Akure Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday remanded four men in prison for allegedly killing a police corporal, Edema Omoniyi.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Bukola Kuye, who did not take the plea of the accused, said they should be kept behind bars pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    The accused -Olowodagba Tosin, 21; Abbah Michael, 19; Ameh John, 21; and Adeniyi Friday, 27 – are facing charges of conspiracy, robbery and murder.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Pelumi Adejuwon had told the court that the accused killed Omoniyi and robbed him of his unregistered Honda motorcycle valued at N120,000 on Aug. 31at Bolorunduro on Akure-Ondo road at 9.00 p.m.

    He alleged that the first three accused stole Omoniyi’s Techno mobile phone valued at N10, 000, while the fourth accused received the stolen motorcycle.

    According to Adejuwon, the offences contravene Section 6, 1(2), (a) and (b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004 and Section 427 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused were not represented by any counsel at Wednesday’s proceedings.

    The case was adjourned to Nov.14.

  • New PDP Southwest faction meets in Akure

    The Abubakar Baraje-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest has held a meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    Sources said the meeting was held at the weekend, with some aggrieved leaders, including former National Assembly members, in attendance.

    A source, who was at the meeting held at a popular hotel in Ijapo, said two key members of the past State Executive members of Ekiti State attended the meeting. Six former members of the National Assembly members, nine former members of the State House of Assembly and nine leaders of the party spread across the three senatorial districts of the state were also said to be in support of the new PDP.

    The source said a former principal officer of the House of Assembly was the rallying point of the group.

  • Deji of Akure returns from America

    •’I’m alive and well’

    The Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, yesterday arrived in the country aboard a Delta Airlines flight, which landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Oba Adesida, who was accompanied by his Olori, Mojisola, said he is alive and well.

    Dispelling rumours of his death, he said Africans believe anyone rumoured to be dead while he is alive would live long.

    Speaking with reporters at the airport, the Deji said he travelled to the United States (U.S.) to inaugurate the Oyemekun chapter in Atlanta.

    He said: “I am happy to be back home. I travelled to Atlanta to inaugurate some Ondo indigenes association in the Diaspora and urged them to contribute to the state’s development.

    “I was surprised by the rumour. It is bad to wish anybody dead. Our people say any traditional ruler rumoured to be dead would live long. I pray to live long.”

    One of the monarch’s brothers, Dr. Lanre, who accompanied him on the trip, said: “The rumour is the handiwork of his detractors. You can see that he is alive. You just spoke with him. The Deji will continue to carry on with his work as a leader.”