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Tag: Awujale

  • I trust Buhari, says Awujale

    I trust Buhari, says Awujale

    The paramount ruler of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has said he has confidence and trust in the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen Muhammadu Buhari.

    The monarch said if elected he will end corruption, nepotism, and injustice.

    He decried the situation in the country, saying in his 55 years reign he has never witnessed the level of corruption going on at the moment.

    Awujale, who spoke when the APC presidential campaign train visited his palace, said he is optimistic that the dream of the founding fathers can be achieved under Buhari.

    The octogenarian said he was attracted to the APC candidate because of his loyalty, courage and selfishness.

    “I have trust and confidence in Gen Buhari because of his antecedents. I believe that under him, Nigeria can lay a solid foundation.

    “I am optimistic that under him, this country will flourish again. I have confidence that our electoral values will be strengthened and it will be devoid of any form of rigging. I know corruption will be a thing of the past. Nepotism and injustice will also be things of the past.

    “These and many other things are the things that attracted him to me after all, I am not an Hausa man. I am a Yoruba man but the truth must be told.

    “I am a Nigerian who loves truth, justice, and everything that is good. Therefore General, we can only pray for you that God will help you.

    I have known him for long and I know his character. I love anyone who has such character. I have affection for them.”

  • Awujale, FRSC seek road users cooperation as December approaches

    Awujale, FRSC seek road users cooperation as December approaches

    The paramount ruler of Ijebu, Dr Sikiru Adetona, and the Southwest  Assistant Corps Marshal, Godwin Ogagaoghene, have sought the support of road users in the area.

    They emphasised the importance of such cooporation as the festive period is fast approaching.

    They spoke during a courtesy visit of the newly elevated Federal Road Safety Corps boss to the palace of the Awujale, in Ijebu Ode.

    The Awujale described the effort of the commission to reduce crashes as a ‘formidable tools’, urging them to keep the goodwill.

    Awujale, urged the commission to engage in sensitizing public in public senitiation, through radio and television jingles on the importance of the scheme.

    Ogagaoghene, reacting to the Awujale’s inquisition on why the FRSC couldn’t exploit the radio in its road safety sensitisation campaigns, said they were already working on the prospect.

    “We do use the radio medium to reach out to our public already but we are looking to explore expansion opportunities in that avenue.

    “We know that the radio is more accessible to road users and can reach a larger audience, especially motorists on the road.

    “This is why we are already looking into ways to exploit the medium extensively.

    “We hope to perfect our arrangements on this before the year ends as we remain committed in our drive to make our roads safer.

    The FRSC boss then implored motorists on the need to be safety conscious while on the roads especially during the feared ‘ember’ months.

    “We have kept on saying that ember months are not different from any of the other months just that within these months we have an increase in vehicular traffic as a result of the holidays.

    “Motorists must ensure that before they put their vehicles on the road they must plan their journey adequately.

    “They must ensure that their vehicles meet the minimum safety standards. Their tyres must have the right pressure, headlights and other lights must be in good condition as well as the brakes.

    “They must also use their seatbelts at all times and drive with consideration for other road users because doing this reduces the risks of crashes”.

    Ogagaoghene said in his commitment to zero tolerance for traffic offences, he had implemented the Special Intervention Patrol policy of the FRSC.

    He said his men be  executed for up to 20 hours deadly to survey the highways from Lagos to Ibadan and Sagamu to Ore to check for traffic offenders who would not be spared punishment if caught.

    Ogagaoghene said the need for logistics could never be over-emphasised on the government as well as stakeholders to provide corps with patrol vehicles.

    “The job of safeguarding our roads is enormous which the FRSC cannot handle alone.

    “We are reaching out to all our stakeholders, those who have been helping in one way or the other to continue supporting us,” he said.

     

  • Adenuga shines at Awujale’s 80th birthday

    Adenuga shines at Awujale’s 80th birthday

    The 80th birthday of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Adetona, will go down in history as one of the most classy and well attended events in Nigeria in many years. The longest serving Ijebu monarch joined the class of octogenarians penultimate Saturday and the ceremony proved to be worthy of the efforts that awere put into its preparations.

    The birthday was marked with a week-long programme that started with a thanksgiving service and ended with a luncheon party at the expansive Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode. The event was another opportunity for the world to see the affinity shared by the Awujale and Dr. Mike Adenuga. Not only did Globacom ban‎ner and logo adorn the whole of Ijebu-Ode, the Globacom boss also took his seat very close to the Awujale.

    Not one to overlook kind gestures, especially one coming from Adenuga, Oba Adetona was full of praises for the Globacom boss, telling the gathering that he (Adenuga) was the most generous Nigerian.

  • Four governors, Sultan, Awujale to open biggest mosque in south west

    Four governors, Sultan, Awujale to open biggest mosque in south west

    THE Sultan of Sokoto and President- General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, will tomorrow lead Governors Ibikunle Amosun; Abiola Ajimobi ; Rauf Aregbesola and Babatunde Raji Fashola of Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Lagos respectively, to the opening of the New Aiyepe Central Mosque, reputed to be the biggest mosque in the south west region. The gigantic edifice is situated in Ijebu- Aiyepe along Odogbolu road in Ogun State. Oba Awujale, the President General, Ogun State Muslim Council, will chair the ceremony, while erudite scholar Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello and NSCIA Secretary-General will deliver the lecture and keynote address. A statement signed by the Chairman of Aiyepe Muslim Community, Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, described the mosque as one of the biggest in the country. Oyefeso said it is built on a land area of 30,000 square metres with the main mosque covering 6,400 square metres and ablution centre on 850 square metres. The over 5,000 capacity mosque, according to Oyefeso, is worth two billion naira. The prayer area covered 2,700 square metres, with four minarets, one of which is 30 metres long with 64 windows. Oyefeso said the New Aiyepe Central Mosque is fully air conditioned and has close circuit televisions (CCTVs). Among the guests expected at the event are: the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari; Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land, Alhaji Azeez Alao- Arisekola and Baba Adinni of Ososa, Alhaji Sulaimon Adebola Adegunwa. Others are; Chairman/CEO Merit Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Chief G.K Sadiq; MD/CEO Staco Insurance Plc, Alhaji Shakiru Oyefeso; Chairman Odogbolu Local Government, Alhaji Ahmed Shittu; Iya Sunnah of Ogun State and Arowose Adinni of Aiyepe, Alhaja Kuburat Adebisi Shittu; Sheikh Rabiu Abdul Malik Adebayo; Alhaji Adebayo Owoyemi among others.

  • I didn’t beg anyone to withdraw suit against Awujale, says cleric

    I didn’t beg anyone to withdraw suit against Awujale, says cleric

    The Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Alhaji Abdur Rasak Salaudeen, has denied begging Mr. Lateef Owoyemi to withdraw the name of the Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, from the suit instituted against Otunba Subomi Balogun by some members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

    The suit is before an Ogun State High Court, sitting in Ijebu-Ode.

    Alhaji Salaudeen gave Owoyemi seven days to apologise or “face further action”.

    This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Secretary of the Chief Imam-in-Council, Ijebu-Ode Central Mosque, Alhaji Hameed Akorede.

    Owoyemi, a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN), in a statement signed by Prince Olasupo Oduwole on his behalf, said he included the Awujale in the suit because he wanted a judicial declaration stopping him (Oba Adetona) from recognising or dealing with Balogun as the head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House.

    Owoyemi said: “Following the intervention of several respected community leaders of Ijebuland, especially Alhaji Salaudeen and the Ijebu-Ode Council of Olori Itun (heads of the 39 quarters and wards that constitute Ijebu-Ode), I filed a notice of discontinuance of our action against Oba Adetona and brought same to the notice of the palace”.

    Alhaji Salaudeen said: “I refute the claim that I intervened in the above subject matter. Owoyemi should know that what he did is an abomination and contrary to the culture, ancient custom and tradition of Ijebu.

    “As the Chief Imam of Ijebuland and the Wakeel Musulumi of Ogun State, under whose leadership Owoyemi stands as a member of the Ummah, I sounded him a stern warning that what he had done shall have a repercussion on him and his family in the future.

    “I reminded Owoyemi that Oba Adetona, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland and President-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council, should be held in the highest esteem.”

    Alhaji Salaudeen said given this background, it was out of place for Owoyemi to say he was begged to discontinue the suit against Oba Adetona.

  • Oba Adetona hale and hearty

    Oba Adetona hale and hearty

    Contrary to earlier reports, there was no sign of illness in the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, when Celeb Watch met him on the occasion of Otunba Subomi Balogun’s Annual Prayers of Thanksgiving penultimate Tuesday. Looking hale, hearty and cheerful at the event which took place at the Otunba Tuwase Court, Oba Adetona was seen sharing lively banters with the host.

    The Kabiyesi, who sat beside former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was very active throughout the programme. All the high chiefs present at the event took turns to pay homage to the paramount ruler of Ijebuland, who in turn cheerfully extended royal wishes to them. Even the visually impaired would see that the Kabiyesi was in high spirits.

    There were rumours about a month ago to the effect that Oba Adetona had been under the weather for some time. The rumour mongers even speculated that he had been a guest at a popular hospital on Victoria Island, Lagos, and that his latest trip out of the country was inspired by an urgent need for medical attention.

  • Jonathan, Hayatou, Awujale, others hail Adenuga at 60

    Jonathan, Hayatou, Awujale, others hail Adenuga at 60

    President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with Globacom Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., on his 60th birthday.

    Adenuga, one of Africa’s frontline businessmen, was born on April 29, 1953.

    He was recently conferred with Nigeria’s second highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), for his contribution to the nation’s growth.

    Jonathan said Adenuga is celebrating 60 years of great achievements and described him as “diligent, committed, patriotic and selfless”.

    He said: “You are celebrating 60 years of a remarkable life filled with monumental achievements in entrepreneurship, philanthropy and dedicated service to God and country.

    “On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I join your family, friends, protégés and well-wishers in thanking God for your exemplary life. It is my prayer that the Almighty God will continue to bless you with robust health and enduring happiness.”

    The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, described Adenuga as “a prized asset to the country”.

    He said the businessman has created jobs for thousands of people.

    President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Issa Hayatou said Adenuga has not only affected Africa positively through his business accomplishments, but has also been the pillar of sports in the continent.

    Hayatou said: “I wish you a happy birthday. You are a pillar of African football. You are a grand sponsor of the CAF, as well as Nigerian and Ghanaian national football teams. May God protect you and give you good health to continue to grow your business and help grow African football, Ghanaian football and Nigerian football.”

    Publisher of Ovation Mr. Dele Momodu and a former Managing Director of Sun Mr. Mike Awoyinfa, in their columns, hailed Adenuga for his resilience, business acumen, outstanding achievements and exemplary humility.

  • Awujale: let’s restructure

    The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has said only a re-ordering of the country’s faulty structure and devolution of power to the constituent parts will guarantee “quality governance, equity and justice”.

    Oba Adetona spoke at the Senate’s Peoples’ Public Session on the Review of the 1999 Constitution organised by the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Adegbenga Kaka, in Ijebu Ode.

    He urged Nigerians, who believe in the on-going efforts towards restructuring via constitutional amendment, to pray and be vigilant.

    According to him, the growing unemployment rate, injustice, robbery, violence and poverty show that all is not well with the Nigerian system.

    The monarch, who reiterated the imperative of creating more states, including Ijebu state, recalled with regret that the head of the defunct Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo had opportunity to act on the issue but failed to do so.

    Oba Adetona said: “When we all get back home, let’s start to pray over this issue so that this exercise would not end up like the ones we have had in the past.

    “ I want you all to know that this fire that they have ignited, if they say that they want to put it out, they are only joking. I believe we should promote honesty because it is only honesty that can bring about good governance.”

    Kaka said: “Our demand for a state of our own is historical, jand overdue. Demands for state creation have endured and proponents hinge their demands on the need for equity, justice and speedy development.”

     

  • Those who wished me dead need God`s forgiveness—Awujale

    Those who wished me dead need God`s forgiveness—Awujale

    Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, on Friday said those who rumoured his death while he was on medical trip abroad should ask God for forgiveness.

    Oba Adetona, who stated this during his Eid-el-Kabir message at Idobi praying ground in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, said despite the rumour, God saved his life.

    It would be recalled that Adetona was flown abroad in June for medical treatment and returned on Oct. 22 to Ijebu-Ode.

    During his sojourn abroad, there was rumour of his death.

    The Awujale said he wondered why people were in hurry for him to die before his time.

    Adetona, who explained that he was rushed abroad after he fell in his residence in Lagos, said the prayers of those who loved him saved his life.

    “Many people spread the news of my death while I was abroad for medical treatment, but I thank God that I am alive.

    “I wonder why people are in a hurry for me to die. Those who spread the news should go and ask God for forgiveness.

    “It is only God that can determine when a man will die. Moreover, I don’t fear death because death is a debt that everybody must pay.

    “I thank God that I am hale and healthy“.

    On the forthcoming Ojude-Ode festival, Awujale said it would be the best ever celebrated.

    Oba Adetona added that Senate President, David mark would be the special guest of honour.

    Earlier in his message, Alhaji Abdulrasak Salaudeen, the deputy Chief Imam of Ijebu-Ode central mosque, appealed to government to improve health care delivery in the country.

    Salaudeen said that most of the hospitals in the country were in bad shape with no modern equipment to work with and attributed it as the reason for mass exodus of people abroad for treatment.

    The Imam also urged government to create jobs for the youth and improve security in the country.

    Also speaking, Mr Rasak Daddah, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode local government, said the people of Ijebuland were happy that the Oba was alive to celebrate sallah with them.

    “Awujale is a symbol of authority and culture for the Ijebus and for the country at large and we are happy that he came back from his medical trip. (NAN)

  • Awujale to Fed Govt: fix hospitals

    The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, yesterday returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom (UK), where he had gone for medical check up.

    The Awujale flew in aboard a chartered Bombardier Challenger aircraft. He arrived at a private terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, around 5pm.

    The monarch was received by traditional leaders, prominent Ijebu chiefs and politicians.

    Speaking with reporters, Adetona urged the Federal Government to fix health facilities in Nigeria.

    He said he would not have travelled abroad, if there were standard facilities at home.

    Adetona said: “The federal and state governments should overhaul medical facilities in Nigeria. This is very important. If government had done that, there would have been no need for me to seek medical help abroad.

    “This is one key area I think government must consider deeply, because it affects all of us.”

    He said this year’s Ojude Oba Festival will be better than previous ones.

    Among prominent persons at the airport were former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Senator Gbenga Kaka and the Chairman, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Otunba Subomi Balogun.