The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Alaafin

  • Alaafin consoles Awo’s children, relations

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi II, has urged Yoruba people to rededicate themselves to the unity, peace and progress of Yorubaland  in order to honour Mama HID Awolowo in death.

    In a statement issued yesterday, the monarch said God in His infinite mercy  made  Chief HID Awolowo outlive her husband by as many as twenty eight years, three clear years more than half of the years they were married.

    The statement  further said: “One big lesson for all mortals in all of this is the fact of Allah’s greatness and sovereignty. If Mama had died twenty eight years ago, man would have been predicting God: If Mama had died immediately after her husband, what would have become of the legacy, family and estate of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    “God’s thoughts are indeed higher and nobler than the thoughts of man and His ways different from Man’s.

    “My thoughts and prayers go out to the children, family members and indeed friends and associates of the Obafemi Awolowo family on the passing on of the matriarch, Mama Awolowo, as they mourn the death of a truly remarkable woman of substance.

    “What is remarkable about the life and times of Mrs. HID Awolowo was her uncanny ability to remain relevant and on the front page of national consciousness despite the huge and intimidating stature of her husband.

    “The enduring legacy of the life of Mrs. Awolowo is in her industry, unshakeable faith in God and what she had to have won the admiration, adoration, love, respect and importantly, trust of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was well known for his puritanical outlook.”

  • Alaafin: my son is a graduate

    Alaafin: my son is a graduate

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has said his son, Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, did not forge any certificate.

    He spoke yesterday when the younger Adeyemi, a member of the House of Representatives, gave NECO forms to 100 indigent students.

    The monarch said: “My son studied geology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He graduated with a second class upper degree.

    “In the 12 years that I served as the chancellor of the University of Sokoto, 120 indigenes, who were non-relatives, benefited from my personal scholarship annually.

    “Several other people both within and outside Oyo had benefited from my sponsorship to study at various universities, notably University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Ibadan. None of these beneficiaries thought it wise to show appreciation till today.

    “So, if I can do this for others, how can I abandon my own children without educating them?’’

  • Alaafin praises Ajimobi

    Alaafin praises Ajimobi

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has described Governor Abiola Ajimobi as a man committed to the wellbeing of the people.

    The monarch spoke at the grand finale of the Oranyan festival in Oyo town.

    He said the governor’s devotion made the free medical services possible.

    The monarch said his desire to ensure that the annual festival was not a cultural jamboree led to the  free medicare mission, which was sponsored by two indigenes living in the US, Bode and Aanu Esuola.

    Oba Adeyemi said their company, Community Dentistry on Wheels, donated a $300,000 mobile hospital and organised three-day free medical services.

    He said: “After a visit to the USA to assess the facilities, I met with the governor to discuss the matter and solicited his support.

    ‘’What amazed me was his sincerity of purpose in providing all the needed logistics, including accommodation, feeding, mobility and security.

    “The governor was so excited that gave N4million to support the Oranyan festival.’’

  • Alaafin brokers peace in warring Oyo community

    Alaafin brokers peace in warring Oyo community

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has warned traditional chiefs against neglect of their communities’ heritage in the name of orthodox religion, especially on the selection of new kings.

    He said any attempt to circumvent the age-long traditions and consign the legacies of their forefathers to the dustbin of history rather than preserving and recognising such would lead to crises and disharmony.

    The monarch gave the warning in his palace when members of Edu Royal family from Ago-Are community in the Atisbo local government area of Oyo State paid him a courtesy visit.

    For some time now, the community had been engulfed in crises following what members of the royal family, youths and other interest groups described as “neglect of age-long tradition for orthodox religion by the kingmakers in the selection of successor to the vacant stool.”

    The late community head, Aare of Ago Are, Oba Jubril Oyesiji Oladoke, joined his ancestors in May this year after about 39 years on the stool.

    The paramount ruler, who is the consenting authority to the choice of traditional head in the community, noted that whatever steps to be taken by both the ruling Edu house and the kingmakers to select a new monarch should not only be made public as required by the law, all candidates must also be treated equally, while the process must strictly conform with the age-long tradition of the community.

    Oba Adeyemi commended the royal family for their maturity in handling the dispute and the decision to call for a new selection process based on the age-long tradition of Ifa divination.

     

  • Alaafin charges leadership to always exhibit moral courage

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba [Dr] Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 has said the true answer to  national grief is that leadership must have moral courage, and possess superior moral qualities necessary for proper guardianship of a human society.

    He said past style of cowardly leadership are not based on the courage of convictions, and the promotion of a visionary ideas about the future greatness, as well as improvement in the total physical and moral condition of society.

    According to him, ”we have a society without discipline and higher goals to pursue other than personal desires, and in which therefore, everyone who has the chance subjects the larger interest of the society as a whole to grief. This brings us to the principle upon which the moral system of a future Nigeria should be established.

    Alaafin  also called for critical appraisal of the loss of important and essential values that may be traditional and old but are highly cherished.

    These, according to the monarch include the concern for brotherhood and neighbourhood which  are now lost to the process of achieving the material world.

    Oba Adeyemi stated this today while fielding questions from reporters in his palace..

    Alaafin pointed out that character is more important than the vigour of body and keenness of  the intellect, adding that It is the soil on which all else must grow or else nothing can come into fruition.

    ‘’People must be faithful to their word, respect mutual obligations and be kind to one another and place the welfare of others above personal gains. Unity and progress of the country will continue to be threatened until core values that should promote law and order, respect for elders, sanctity of human lives, brotherliness, honesty and tolerance are appreciated and adhered to’’

    Alaafin also stressed the need for reassessment of the values of Yoruba cultures, in order to  preserve them from extinction.

    Said he,‘’Oral traditions , for instance, have been operationally defined to include formal historical accounts recited by professionals or those handed down from one generation to another, as informal narratives of past events within orally-literate societies. Within the contrast of the rapid changes in techniques and methods of African historiography, oral traditions are increasingly no longer mere adjuncts to written documents.

    They are no longer looked upon as mere enrichment or compliments to archival materials.’’

    Alaafin however  lamented that ‘’What do we have today, our children take solace in Western-oriented  cultures and music to the detriment, if not near extinction of our rich and incomparable praise poetry and other delightful traditional music. Hip hop and other meaningless foreign music are now order of the day in the name of globalization. Rarely will you find Yoruba sons and daughters appreciating praise poetry of their ancestral lineages.’

  • Alaafin gets kudos for promoting heritage

    Alaafin gets kudos for promoting heritage

    An estate property expert, Chief Olufemi Ajeniya, has hailed the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, for protecting and promoting the Yoruba cultural heritage.

    Ajeniya, who chairs Dejofas Nigeria Limited spoke yesterday when he visited the monarch in Oyo.

    He was accompanied by the Royal Ambassador to Alaafin, Aare Ayandotun Ayanlakin and his aides, Mr Patrick Avoseh and Mr. Shoremekun Akorede.

    The visitor said the monarch has to protected and promoted the Yoruba cultural identity and preserved its heritage.

    “The Alaafin’s palace remains the emblem of the Yoruba and the monarch the custodian of Yoruba culture, tradition and artefacts.

    “Alaafin is the most respected and that is why I have come here to receive his royal blessing because I am planning to invest in this town and build a housing estate.”

  • Alaafin slams foreign scholars on African traditions

    Alaafin slams foreign scholars on African traditions

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has described as affront, impression by some foreign scholars that traditional Africans were incapable of rational thinking, but possessed ‘primitive mentality which was characterised by mystical participation.

    Oba Adeyemi stated this at the installation of Barrister Wale Adeoye, as the Bobagunwa  of Akinmorin in the Afijio Local Government area of Oyo  State.

    The paramount ruler said the idea and structure of human society for traditional Africans, are essentially part of a world-view that is fundamentally holistic, sacred and highly integrated.

    ‘’Human community, therefore, has its full meaning and significance within the transcendental centre of ultimate meaning. Hence, the belief in ancestors and the supernatural order, in addition to its inherent religious import, provides traditional African groups a useful over-arching system that helps people organise reality and impose divine authority and sanction to their life.’’

    According to him, traditional Africans, like their counterparts in other parts of the world, are acutely aware of the distinction between the physically living (men and women of flesh and blood who constitute the actual visible community), and ancestral spirits and other supersensible beings who belong to the invisible order. It would be wrong therefore, to conclude from the fore-going explanation of the myth,

    ‘’The sense of community and humane living are highly cherished values of traditional African life. This statement remains true in spite of the apparent disarray in the experience of modern politics and brutal internecine wars in many parts of the Continent. For traditional Africans, the community is basically sacred, rather than secular, and surrounded by several religious forms and symbols.’’

    It is an essential article of belief in African traditional religions, Alaafin asserted that a fundamental delicate balance and equilibrium exist in the universe, between the visible world and the invisible one.

    ‘’The Creator, Olodumare among the Yoruba or Chukwu among the Igbo, created everything that exists and set everything in its place. Traditional Africans basically view the universe as comprising basically two realms; the visible and the invisible realms. They grasp the cosmos as a three-tiered structure, consisting of the heaven above, the physical world and the world beneath. Each of these is inhabited by different categories of beings. The Creator and a host of spirit beings, including arch divinities inhabit the heaven above, other divinities, ancestors, and myriads of unnamed spirits dwell in the world beneath, while human beings occupy the physical earth. Human beings may be less powerful, but their world is the centre and the focus of attention. It belongs to human beings as sensible beings to maintain the delicate balance in the universe. This is what assures the happiness and prosperity of individuals and the community.’’ The monarch said.

    Harmonious living, Oba Adeyemi argued, is clearly a pivotal value, adding that African traditional religions, which have been rightly referred to as the womb of the people’s culture, plays a key role in the realisation of this all-important value among every traditional African group.

    ‘’Traditional Africans hold the ancestors as the closest link the physically living have with the spirit world. “The living-dead are bilingual; they speak the language of men, with whom they lived until ‘recently’, and they speak the language of the spirits and of God…They are the ‘spirits’ with which African peoples are most concerned: it is through the living-dead that the spirit world becomes personal to men. They are still part of their human families, and people have personal memories of them. From early childhood through adolescence to full adulthood, the traditional African is formed to hold tenaciously to the belief in the ancestors, to reverence them as powerful and benevolent members of the community, although not in a physical but rather mystical sense. Ancestors are held up as models to be copied in the effort to strictly adhere, preserve and transmit the traditions and norms of the community. The African is psychologically, fully equipped and motivated to promote the delicate balance and equilibrium believed to exist in the universe through ensuring harmony in his relationship with the invisible world and among members of the community’’

    Extolling the virtues of Barrister Adeoye, Alaafin described him as an ‘’epitome of trust, diligence and dedication to justice, whose contributions imparts impressively in the society.’’

    He said the legal practitioner has not only proven to be erudite, but his passion for the down-trodden and zero- tolerance for deception remains source of inspiration

     

  • Alaafin advises politicians

    Alaafin advises politicians

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has advised politicians to shun the win-at-all cost mentality.

    He gave the advice yesterday when thousands of residents and All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters, led by his son, Adeniyi, visited him.

    Adeniyi won the House of Representatives seat for Oyo Federal Constituency.

    He scored 38,514 to defeat the incumbent, Mudasiru Akinlabi, of the Labour Party, who polled 19,338.

    The monarch said: ‘’Nigeria is a country with diverse ethnic groups and corrugated political views ranging from the individual perspective to the political parties. What is really wrong with the electioneering process is the desire to be in power at all costs.

    “The starting point is credible rules and system before attitudinal changes from the politicians. This is because where the rules give too many loopholes they make it easier for bad politicians to exploit the situation, so the starting point is that there must be strong electoral laws. And such laws must be strictly enforced.”

     

  • Alaafin’s ‘chief guard’ joins octogenarian club

    Alaafin’s ‘chief guard’ joins octogenarian club

    The Sagbua Alaafin of Oyo, Chief Adebayo Makinde, marked his 80th birthday with a thanksgiving service at the First Baptist Church, Ikeja, reports JOSEPH JIBUEZE. 

    At 80, Chief Adebayo Makinde, the Sagbua Alaafin of Oyo, is still very strong. Apart from a few grey hairs, he walks straight. When he talks, his voice does not shake. He also moves about without a walking stick.

    What is the secret of his good health? He attributed this to living a simple life, eating only twice a day and not eating once it is past 6pm, and exercising daily, including cycling, walking and stretching.

    Most importantly, Makinde believes life is in God’s hands. “It’s God who gives good health. I live a simple life apart from being a strong believer in God through Christ,” Makinde said.

    Having attained the age of 80, Makinde wanted a quiet thanksgiving service in his church, without fanfare. But his children would not have it. To them, their father had done so much for them, and the least they could do was honour him with a befitting birthday party. And so it was.

    From the handicapped, widows and orphans, testimonies abound about Makinde’s caring and selfless nature. He believes in the aphorism: “givers never lack”. To many, his life is worth celebrating.

    A thanksgiving service was held at the First Baptist Church in Ikeja. Although it was a Saturday, the street and adjoining crescents were lined with assorted cars.

    Their owners, gaily dressed men and women, all headed to the church, also known as the “Prevailers’ Sanctuary”. The church was filled to the brim.

    A “worship in praises” was held, followed by a processional hymn, prayer of thanksgiving, Bible readings, choir ministration and a sermon by the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Supo Ayokunle.

    The preacher said it is not many people that live up to 80 after going “through thick and thin.” “So, we’re celebrating not only the goodness of God, but His mercies,” he said.

    He said just as God led His people the Israelites out of danger, He would continue to safeguard His worshippers from bad leadership.

    “We don’t have sensible leaders who value Nigerians. It’s like giving leadership to someone who has been discharged from a psychiatric hospital.

    “A majority of those leading us are psychiatric patients – impossible people. Do they know who we are? How can leaders behave like animals in the midst of men? How can they embezzle so much?

    “Our God knows what we’re passing through. Our life will be sustained by our attitude and our cheerfulness.

    “Enemies will not see the road as you escape. God will make a difficult journey easier. The Lord that turned Chief Makinde’s poverty to greatness will bless the rest of us,” he said, to a loud chorus of amen.

    Reception followed at the Balmoral Event Centre in Ikeja. The beautifully decorated hall was classy, draped all round with hanging grey linen.

    Chairs were covered with orange cloth, while the tables, each numbered, wore white overlays. Neon lights blinked. There was a lot to eat and drink as gorgeously dressed men and women, mostly in red headgear, danced to the Messiah Band tune. A member of the 19-man team of organisers, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, a lawyer, was the master of ceremony. His lively handling of the event gave it colour.

    The celebrator’s friend, Prince Tunde Ponle, who chaired the event, describing the day as special. He praised the family for honouring Makinde in his lifetime. He wished him a longer life.

    “We’re still going to enjoy this man for a long, long time to come,” he said.

    Ponle thanked Makinde, for influencing his life positively, a sentiment re-echoed by several people who showered praises on the octogenarian.

    “The celebrant is my mentor. I’ve always looked up to him and wish to be like him. He’s humble; he’s humorous; he laughs. He has managed his wives as if he’s managing half a wife,” he said.

    Wishing Makinde longer life and good health, Ponle said: “We want to see you celebrate 90. We want you to go beyond 90. We’re all here to rejoice. Congratulations and many happy returns,” he said.

    Other guests also paid tributes to Makinde. Rev Amos Omorisimi described him as an embodiment of hardwork and a man who has great passion for others and always ready to help in times of need.

    “Truly, you’re a gift to the world and a blessing to this generation,” the cleric said.

    Makinde’s wife, Wemimo, called him “a father in a million”, adding: “You are a wonderful husband, my mentor, my spiritual adviser and micro-financier.”

    His second wife, Adedoyin, said of her “darling husband”: “Our monthly food allowance always includes provision for unforeseen guests…your pharmacy has become a lifeline to many who cannot afford to pay for their healthcare.”

    A former Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia, Chief M.O. Ogunmola, recalled that Makinde has kept a single personal driver for over 30 years. “He is a very tolerant man,” he said.

    Makinde said he was excited to witness the honour done to him by his children, some of who schooled and live in Canada, Europe and America, while still alive.

    “I feel great. I didn’t expect anything like this, but I thank God. And I thank my children who organised this event.

    “At 80, that I’m able to see a thing like this alive – there is nothing greater than that. To be alive and witness all that people have said about me, I feel great; I’m happy.”

    On how he is prepared to face challenges that may come with old age, Makinde said no difficulties in life would be greater than what he had survived in his lifetime.

    “What other challenge will I have? I was almost crippled at one time, but God healed me. So there’s no other challenge I can face that can be greater than that.

    “That’s why I’m very happy now and celebrating God in my life. There are not many people who are as fortunate as I am to pass through difficult periods and come out stronger.

    “If they tell you I’m 80, with the way I look and the way I move, you cannot believe it. I thank God.”

    His advice to the youth is: “First be honest in all you do. Second, hold fast to God. There’s nothing God cannot do for you. No matter the problem or the challenges, God is able to solve it for you.”

    Makinde, born in Lagos on January 14, 1935, attended the Baptist Academy and obtained the best result among his classmates in 1955.

    He subsequently obtained a diploma in Pharmacy and began his career at Kingsway Chemists, a subsidiary of UAC.

    Makinde later set up the defunct Jollitters Industries. He has been running Sata Pharmacy Limited since it was established in August 2007.

    A philantropist and former President of the Rotary Club of Ogba, Makinde is fondly called “Sagbua of the Century,” having been the first Sagbua Alaafin of Oyo in modern times (since 1982). In the makeup of the government of the Alaafin, the Sagbua is a senior member or officer of the ‘military’ arm.

  • Alaafin gives monarchs N5m

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, yesterday gave  N5million to traditional rulers from Oyo and Oke-ogun.

    He said the gesture was to reduce the effects of the dwindling allocations to the local governments, which oversees the affairs of traditional rulers.

    Oba Adeyemi said: “Considering the roles of traditional rulers in nation building and maintenance of peace and tranquility, they deserve to be supported. They have families and other relations to cater for.

    “During the lifetime of the late Aare Musulumi, he cared for the monarchs and accorded them their status. After his death, no other person had thought it wise to follow suit. This necessitated my decision to provide succour for the obas.”