The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Alaafin

  • Yoruba descendants honour Alaafin

    National Association of Yoruba Descendants in South Africa has appointed the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, as its grand patron. Some months ago, the association also conferred an award of The Most Cultural and Prestigious African Monarch on the paramount ruler.

    In a statement by the association’s spokesperson, Dr.Olsola Agbeniyi said the associations’ members owe their origin as a people and descendants to Oduduwa.

    It stated that there is ardent need to promote their cultural identity, and more than ever before think of sustaining their culture, especially language, and ass well passing them to generations yet unborn.

    The association also commended the Alaafin for opening Nigeria and Africa, as a continent to the world in a way that has never done in the past, adding that through this effort, the world has come to realise that Africa is no longer a dark continent.

    ‘’The paramount ruler’s untiring efforts towards promotion of our culture and sressing need for Africans to re-write their history themselves and begin systematic documentation of what they have in the name of cultural property deserve to be applauded and supported by every right thinking African.’’

    One of the objectives of the association, according to the statement is to have a Yoruba house and school in Pretoria.

    Daughter of the paramount ruler, Princess Folasade Arewa Adeyemi represented his father at the inauguration of the association’s new executive committee held in Johannesburg.

  • Alaafin stops Alao-Akala

    Alaafin stops Alao-Akala

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, at the last minute cancelled yesterday’s scheduled visit of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala to his palace.

    In a letter to Alao-Akala yesterday morning, Oba Adeyemi said since the planned visit was for political purposes, there was need to ensure adequate security.

    He said since Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who is the state’s chief security officer, is presently out of the state, security arrangements could not be made.

    The Alaafin said the visit would have to be re-scheduled to a time when adequate security would be in place.

  • Alaafin, others laud Oyo Assembly

    Alaafin, others laud Oyo Assembly

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has commended the Oyo State House of Assembly for the passage of Vigilante Group of Nigeria’s bill (VGN) into law.

    The paramount monarch gave the remarks on Saturday while reacting to the passage of the VGN bill by the lawmakers.

    Oba Adeyemi had been consistent in appealing to both the National and State Assemblies for recognition of VGN through appropriate legislation and funding from Federal, State and Local Governments in order to stem the tide of criminal activities in the country.

    VGN, which has 30,000 members in Oyo State, and 4.5million across the country, was established as a nationwide security outfit by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua to curb crime and other social vices.

    Oba Adeyemi stated that in recent times, the state of insecurity in the country had reached an alarming proportion, adding, “A religious sect, Boko Haram, uses highly sophisticated and offensive weapons to unleash terror on defenseless citizens. They have no regard for sanctity of human lives. Thousands of innocent lives have been exterminated, with properties valued at billions of naira lost to frightening acts of terrorism. Even policemen and other security agencies were not spared in the criminal onslaught.”

    Alaafin, who is one of the National Patrons of VGN, noted that since the emergence of VGN in Oyo State, the security outfit has discharged its duties creditably.

    Also speaking to The Nation on telephone, the Commandant-General of VGN, Usman Muhamad Jahun, described the decision of the Oyo State House of Assembly as a welcome development. He urged the National Assembly to expedite action in providing legal backing to the organisation for effective service delivery.

    In another development, the National Economic Council (NEC) has urged the federal government to incorporate the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) as a national security outfit, and adequately fund to enhance its operations.

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who spoke to newsmen at the end of NEC meeting chaired by the Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, in Abuja said in view of emerging criminal activities in the country, there is an urgent need for effective community policing which will not replace the regular form of policing.

     

  • Alaafin charges politicians on dedication to service

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has advised politicians to deemphasise on worldly acquisition in order to serve the people conscientiously.

    The traditional ruler gave the advice on Saturday while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after a special service held at the First Baptist Church, Isokun, Oyo, to commemorate the 80th birthday celebration of a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Samuel Akinola Ojebode.

    The monarch who lamented the attitude of most Nigerians who swear on the Holy Quran and the Bible while being inaugurated into office but later renege on their promises to the electorate.

    He added, “It is a matter for regret that most politicians that are responsible for managing the country’s resources lack the sense of accountability. Fraud, embezzlement and corruption have almost virtually been institutionalised in the country.”

    Speaking about the celebrator, Oba Adeyemi further said, “This good name which is rare to find among most politicians in the country is what we are celebrating today. Chief Ojebode is a gentleman with redoubtable character who exhibited the characteristics of great men of history who have made indelible marks in the areas of rural transformation and youth development. He is a shining example, whose virtues must be emulated by the younger generation.”

     

  • Oyo residents celebrate Alaafin at 75

    Oyo residents celebrate Alaafin at 75

    It was double celebration yesterday, as residents of Oyo town celebrated the Eid-el-Kabir festival and the 75th birthday of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111.

    Residents, both young and old, danced round major streets in a carnival-like procession, praising God for giving their monarch long life, good health, knowledge and wisdom to lead them.

    Extolling the ruler’s virtues, they said his visionary leadership had brought tremendous development to the town and its environs.

    They sang songs in support of the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration and the Caretaker Chairman of Atiba Local Government, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is the Alaafin’s son.

    They said Ajimobi was providing good governance and hailed Adeyemi’s “commitment” to rural transformation.

    The celebration was rounded off at the palace, where the Alaafin thanked the people for their support and cooperation.

    Oba Adeyemi entertained the people by dancing to the beats of the talking drums.

    At the event were members of the House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu; Senator Ayo Adeseun (Oyo Central District); traditional rulers and religious leaders.

     

  • Alaafin to honour Yuguda

    THE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, will in the month of November, honour the Governor of Bauchi State, Mallam Isa Yuguda, with a chieftaincy title of Obasayero of Oyo Empire.

    The Royal Ambassador to the Alaafin, Aare Ayandotun Ayanlakin, disclosed this in a media chat in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    Giving the rationale for Alaafin’s decision to honour the governor, Ayanlakin said it was based on the passionate love for the culture and tradition of Yorubaland and the pleasantness displayed towards Yoruba indigenes by the governor that earned him the honour.

    He added, “The Alaafin of Oyo has found in Governor Yuguda a burning passion for the continued vibrancy of the Youruba culture, which he admires so much and has through deeds and acts embraced and espoused.

    “Apart from the fact that Governor Yuguda married a Yoruba woman of virtue, he has engaged some sizeable number of Yoruba indigenes at personal and official capacity and also being one of the few Fulani –Hausas who are committed members of the Yoruba Club.”

    Aare Ayanlakin, who is the Chairman, Logistics Committee for the ceremony, revealed further, “The date of the conferment is being kept secret, but I am assuring you that it will take place in the month of November 2013.”

  • Alaafin gets award

    Alaafin gets award

    THE Yoruba in South Africa have honoured the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, with The Most Influential Cultural Monarch in Africa.

    The Egbe Omo Yoruba event, which took place at Soweto, South Africa, was an affirmation of Alaafin’s commitment to the revival of African culture, and the unity of the Yoruba across the globe.

    The organiser of the event, who is also the co-ordinator of Egbe Omo Oduduwa and owner of renowned cultural centre in South Africa, Fictom Institute, Peju Ismail, described the Alaafin as “a legend, pathfinder, upright and selfless monarch whose contributions at ensuring the continuity of collective historical facts which were seriously upset by colonial and neo-colonial presence is second to none.‘’

    According to Ismail, “the wisdom in Alaafin’s advocacy is that sound education and proper enlightenment would generate positive actions and attitudes, thus ensuring the preservation of the value of our common heritage. These days, apart from fiery speeches at UNESCO fora or other international assemblies, those who claimed to be custodians of African culture are hardly able to hide their ignorance or their superficial knowledge of the ancestral heritage.’’

    She added that it was through the Alaafin’s courage, bold steps and sincerity of purpose that Yorubas in Diaspora are able to trace their roots.

    “We Yoruba not only in South Africa but worldwide are really grateful for the wonderful job our inestimable royal father is doing. Alaafin is our pride and we look unto him as a mentor.

    “Despite reforms experienced since independence by the quasi-totality systems of formal education inhertited from the colonial masters by different nations, and though serious efforts have been made to diminish the most ridiculous or unproductive positions of the former systems vis-à-vis real African cultural values, we must know that we are still far from harmonious integration of our cultural heritage in the framework, methods and official programme’’

    Responding after receiving the award on behalf of her father, Alaafin’s eldest daughter, Princess Arewa Folasade Adeyemi thanked the Egbe Omo Oduduwa in South Africa for the worthy honour conferred on him.

    Oba Adeyemi said: “I will not only keep up but sustain the tempo of the struggle for African cultural renaissance. One sure way of generating interest in the protection of African people’s material and non-material heritage is by raising its value, ensuring as large a spread as possible through promotion and awareness. Now is the time for Africa to begin a head count and systematic documentation of her cultural properties which should be properly documented.” The paramount ruler noted that these great cultural materials across Africa put together today, belong to Africa and to humanity collectively.”

     

  • Group praises Ooni, Alaafin

    THE World Christian Council Association has expressed joy at the return of peace to the relationship between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Olubuse Sijuwade and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

    In a statement by the chairman of the group, Primate Ayoola Omonigbehin it said:

    “We consider the enduring peace between these reverred fathers a plus to the unity among the Yoruba. Oduduwa descendants here and everywhere will continue to be grateful to them and wish them long and proeperous reigns”.

     

  • Alaafin counsels police on native intelligence

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, has urged the police to employ ‘native intelligence services to effectively tackle critical security challenges confronting the country.’

    Oba Adeyemi stated this when a monitoring team from the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, led by Mr. Patrick Agbambu, visited in his palace.

    The mission of the team was to find out from security stakeholders how the current IG is faring.

    Alaafin affirmed that the security of any country is critical to its development and economic prosperity.

    He said: “Nigeria is not the only country facing security challenges today. The fundamental thing is how you deal with these challenges.

    “We can sustain national security operations or options by using native intelligence- gathering as a response to national security threat.”

    The paramount ruler pointed out that the Old Oyo Empire lasted 60years because of effective native internal security.

    “It is important for government to take a holistic view on information gathering as a system for addressing insecurity. “

  • Ajimobi, CJ, Alaafin, others visit ailing NUJ officials

    •ACN condoles with NUJ

    OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; the Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Bolajoko Adeniji and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III yesterday visited the ailing Oyo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the National Treasurer, Comrade Gbenga Opadotun and Alhaja Fatimah Abdulkareem at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

    The Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Chief Sharafadeen Alli and the company’s Group Managing Directo, Mr. Adebayo Jimoh also visited the journalists.

    Opadotun and Abdulkareem were among the 10 survivors of last Friday’s motor accident in Osun State in which three other journalists died.

    The journalists were returning from an official assignment at their national secretariat in Abuja when their vehicle crashed near Osu in Osun State.

    Ajimobi, who was represented by Deputy Governor Moses Alake-Adeyemo, condoled with Oyo NUJ.

    The governor requested for the best of medical treatment for the survivors and restated the commitment of his administration to foot the medical bills of the duo.

    The Alaafin was represented by the Basorun of Oyo and other members of Oyomesi, including the Caretaker Chairmen of Oyo West and Atiba, Soji Ojoawo and Prince Akeem Adeyemi.

    Alli, Jimoh and other management workers of the company presented a letter of condolence to the NUJ Chairman, assisted by his Secretary, Comrade Rotimi Babalola.

    Executive Council members of the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Comrade Ayobami Ajayi, also visited the survivors.

    The defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State condoled with the NUJ on the death of its members.

    In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Dauda Kolawole, the party’s Chairman, Chief Akin Oke (JP), described the incident as shocking.

    The party expressed appreciation to the medical personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the police and officials ofn the Oyo, Osun and Lagos States’ Governmrnts for their support.

    “These actions in a way subtly soothe our wounds,” it said.