This is what happens when death row becomes a place of life. A full-page congratulatory communication published in THISDAY on February 27 was a remarkable reminder that Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, better known as Rev. King, has not been hanged despite a Supreme Court ruling.
Under the banner, “Congratulations to our Daddy G. O.”, the communication began: “We the entire members of St. Faith Women (The Daughters of the Kingdom of God) heartily rejoice with our lovely Daddy G.O. His Holiness, The Most Honourable Dr. Rev. King, Founder/General Overseer of CPA Church Worldwide on the occasion of his birthday which comes up today, Sunday the 26th day of February 2017.” This happened because King has not been hanged.
The advertisers continued: “Daddy, you are the light of the world. A nation without you is in total darkness. Daddy, you are a wonderful counselor, prince of peace, a great deliverer, our redeemer, a hope for the down-trodden. You have proven to us beyond reasonable doubt that truly salvation belongeth unto the Lord and your blessing is upon your people.” This happened because King has not been hanged.
Things happen when a death row convict is still alive a year after what was supposed to be the final judicial pronouncement on his case. More things were said about King in the advert space: “Widows, widowers, barren, the sorrowful have found joy, freedom, salvation from you. You alone singlehandedly taught us how to live a holy and righteous life. Barren in our midst have conceived and are mothers in their respective homes. You have delivered so many of us from inability to get married. So many of us whom you delivered from mammy-water group, ogbanje group, witches and wizards groups are happy today because we located you. Some of us who were bound with chains, feathers, shackles, handcuffs, spiritual iron belt of Satan, etc. have been freed from our respective prisons where Satan kept us for decades. Today, we are enjoying our freedom.”
Perhaps not unexpectedly, the promoters got more enthusiastic as the promotion progressed. They said: “Era of poverty, suffer-suffer have become a thing of the past in our lives. So many of us you healed from cancers, fallopian tube blockages, moving objects, bleeding, HIV/AIDS, barrenness, fibroid, etc. are blessed to have met with our maker face to face.” This deification of King happened because he has not been hanged.
What followed was straight out of the realm of unreality: “Daddy, it has been proven beyond measure that you are 100% innocent of the conspiracy levelled against you. So many hidden truths have been exposed according to your messages. No amount of gossips, scandals, hatred, can deter us from following you.” This attempted revision of reality happened because King has not been hanged.
How did King become a death row prisoner? King’s trial began at the Lagos High Court in Ikeja on September 26, 2006. The cruel cleric was accused of the murder of a member of his church, Ann Uzoh, and attempted murder of five other members. He was said to have set the deceased and the others ablaze after bathing them with petrol for alleged immoral behaviour.
Uzoh died from her burns on August 2, 2006, 11 days after the savagery. The trial judge, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole (now a Justice of the Court of Appeal), who delivered his judgement on January 11, 2007, found King guilty and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment for attempted murder. In addition, King got a death sentence for murder. The Court of Appeal backed the death sentence. The Supreme Court, by its supreme judgement on February 26, 2016, supported the supreme sentence of death by hanging.
Murderers are penalised not only for murder; they are also penalised so that others may not become murderers. It is thought-provoking that a report said: “During the first church service after the Supreme Court verdict at the Lagos headquarters at Ajao Estate, Pastor Ifeanyi King, who preached, said: “Our G. O. (General Overseer), the Most Holiness, Rev. King, is coming back. He said he would come back and we believe the words of his mouth. We believe his report that he is coming back. Everything happening now we know is the handiwork of witches and wizards. Soon a new story will emerge.”
Perhaps a new story is emerging, considering the content of the communication to mark King’s latest birthday on February 26. Indeed, King’s promoters need to clarify their claim: “it has been proven beyond measure that you are 100% innocent of the conspiracy levelled against you.”
Curiously, King may live longer than his death sentence intended because, according to a report quoting a Prisons spokesman, there are no fewer than 1,639 inmates awaiting execution. This overpopulation is inexcusable. As long as the death penalty is accommodated by the country’s justice system, there is no justification for keeping condemned convicts waiting. It is unclear how long these death row convicts have been waiting; it is anti-justice for the political authorities to perpetuate their wait.
It is complex enough to arrive at a death decision, and the complexity should not be further complicated by last-minute indecision when it comes to executing the decision. If judges are able to reach a death decision without the interference of extra-judicial considerations, the political authorities should be able to carry out the decision without the hindrance of extra-legal thoughts.
If murder is the ultimate crime and death is the ultimate punishment, then ultimate crime deserves ultimate punishment. It is important to bring closure to this human drama of inhumanity. The longer King is allowed to live after the ultimate judicial decision, the longer it will take to close the murder case.
It is interesting that King’s promoters called him “The man of the moment, every moment and the final moment.” They said emphatically in the birthday communication: “KING FOREVER! LIVE FOREVER!” But it is well known that no man lives forever, particularly a man on death row; and King’s promoters should know that.
What’s the point of a death sentence that is not put into effect? What happened because King has not been hanged could happen again. More things could happen because King has not been hanged. Why has King not been hanged?
Tag: birthday
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Rev King: Birthday on death row
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Buhari honest, incorruptible leader, says Shagari
Former President Shehu Shagari has urged Nigerians and the international community to support President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration, saying he was an honest, incorruptible and detribalised leader.
Shagari, who clocked 92 on Saturday, said that the president was doggedly fighting corruption to sanitise governance in the country and therefore, needed the prayers and support of all Nigerians.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that Buhari was a true nationalist whose penchant for Nigeria’s socio-economic development was unparalleled.
He said that the president was striving to salvage the country from the hands of anti-Nigeria forces, and appealed to Nigerians to continue to pray for leaders at all levels ”rather than cursing them’’.
”Buhari is also intensifying efforts to truly diversify the economy by taking attention away from heavy dependence on oil revenue,”
the former president said.He expressed satisfaction with the efforts so far made by the present administration to improve the security situation in Nigeria and urged the government not to relent.
Meanwhile, Captain Bala Shagari (retd), eldest son of the former president, has described his father as “humble and disciplined,” saying they were proud of him.
He said that the family was grateful to God for the life of their father, adding that it was a blessing that he had lived to 92 years and was still strong.
”We must show gratitude to Almighty Allah for his longevity. Our father is an invaluable blessing from God; he is free with us
and always provides wisdom and guidance to us.” He is never greedy and he is a person who never solicits for anything or position, only gets it purely on merit,” Shagari added. (NAN)
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Betty Irabor prepares for 60th birthday
Come March 25, the entire high society will be standing in line to give it up to quintessential beauty queen, Betty Irabor, as she waltzes with effortless grace into the diamond age of 60. The ageless woman has achieved what few people have been able to do, and she maintains such a level of respect among her peers that most celebrities can only dream of. Indeed, the stylish woman behind Genevieve Magazine- a fashion and lifestyle publication- is someone adored by many from both upper and lower strata of society. In just over a decade after the stunning mother of two launched Genevieve, it has quickly become the magazine of choice for the latest fashion tips and lifestyle advice. Like fine wine that only gets better with age, Betty Irabor’s profile continues to increase in leaps and bounds, in no small part due to her endearing nature and selfless commitment to humanitarian causes. Since 2005, her Genevieve Foundation has taken on the arduous task of battling cancer through the annual Pink Ball fundraiser. The not-insignificant proceeds generated each year are used to sponsor cancer patients for high-quality treatments.
Betty has an appreciable following on social media, where she regularly drops advice on contemporary lifestyle, social and relationship issues. Her husband of 34 years, Sonny Irabor, is a household name in the broadcast/entertainment industry.
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Buhari’s wife distributes food items to FCT hospitals to mark birthday
Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has distributed foodstuffs and baby kits to nursing mothers and patients in some hospitals in the FCT as part of a goodwill to mark her birthday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a delegation sent by the wife of the President visited the Asokoro, Garki, Wuse, and Maitama District Hospitals.
Mrs Buhari, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant (Administration), Dr Hajo Sani, on Friday in Abuja, said the gesture was an expression of kindness to the less privileged in the society.
“This is not the first time Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, is celebrating her birthday.
“I remember we had a similar event in the orphanage where she presented a humanitarian gift to orphans in Karu.
“As you are all aware, today is her birthday and we are also glad and most importantly, that whoever we give this gift, they are very excited, happy and wish her excellency many happy returns.’’
The wife of the President also prayed God to heal the patients and to cater for their families.
While receiving the delegation from Mrs Buhari, the Medical Director of Maitama District Hospital, Dr Adetoun Sotimehin, expressed her appreciation for the kind gesture and wished Mrs Buhari a happy birthday.
Some of the patients, who spoke with NAN during the visit, expressed their happiness for the kind gesture of the President’s wife.
Also speaking, Mrs Ummi Abbas, who is one of the nursing mothers at the Garki Hospital, expressed thanks to Mrs Buhari for the gifts and prayed God to grant the President Muhammadu Buhari administration the wisdom and capacity to succeed.
Similarly, Mrs Olofintuji Akinseye, expressed appreciation to the wife of the President for the kind gesture and prayed God to grant her long life. (NAN)
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Actress Omotola’s family celebrates daughter’s birthday
With several separations and divorces among Nollywood celebrities, legendary actress, model and singer, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde still has her beautiful family intact. The 39-year-old actress, who made her debut on screen in 1995 with the movie, ‘Venom of Justice’, is the mother of two sons; Michael and M.J Ekeinde, two daughters; Princess and Meraiah Ekeinde and her husband, Captain Mathew Ekeinde.
The couple who got married in 1996 and had their first child in 1997 have not had any form of controversy, as husband and children have supported the career of the actress.
One of the celebratory moments in the family happened on Tuesday February 7, when the second daughter of the house, Meraiah Ekeinde marked her birthday. The stunning teenager who shares the same birthday with her mother took to her Instagram page to congratulate herself.
Omotola, also called Omo-Sexy is a recipient of many awards including the Pan African Best Actress Award 2012, Film Actress ICON 2012, Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts Award (BEFFTA) and the Ebony Vanguard Award 2013. The actress has done well for herself by proving that she is not just a distinguished actress but also a good home-keeper
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Son’s death casts pall on Stella Oduah’s birthday
Former Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, clocked 54 on Thursday. In times past, this would have been cause for massive celebration. Courses would have been prepared, costly wines imported, musicians booked for performances and expensive attires ordered. But this year, it was as quiet as a sermon session in the home of the Anambra senator whose tenure as a minister in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government was enmeshed in controversy.
Since the senator lost her son, Master Maxwell Toritseju Chinedu Otoromi, last August, the usually rambunctious senator has had a change of demeanour. Gone are the vivacity, boisterousness and self-assuredness of the old times. These days, she looks wan as she wears her grief on her sleeves.
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Olori Aramide Elegushi marks 40th birthday
A few days ago, Olori Aramide Sekinat Elegushi was the cynosure of all eyes as she marked her 40th birthday at the palace of the Ikate monarch in Lagos. The beautiful wife of Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III) was ushered into her new age with a prayer session followed by a small party for the invited guests later that day.
The stylish royal mother of three will however throw a proper birthday bash in a few weeks’ time. The event is highly anticipated and guests are already booking their black and white garbs in accordance with the dress code for the occasion.
Interestingly, Olori Aramide’s heartthrob, Oba Saheed Elegushi, is also 40, having reached the landmark age in April this year. The couple, who got married 14 years ago, met as undergraduates at the University of Lagos and their love is still waxing strong after all the years.
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Tayo Ayeni gets set for 55th birthday celebration
Tayo Ayeni is a man who has been having it easy these days. Not only is he the proud owner of a thriving car dealership, things are also looking up for him both physically and on the domestic front. These days, he looks as fit as a fiddle, and those who have met him would tell you his happiness at recently coming into possession of his multi-million mansion on Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos.
News making the rounds is that the Chief Executive Officer of Skymitt Motors is getting set to host a massive celebration around the Christmas period. Unlike the frequent gatherings where he shows the goodness of his heart by catering to the poor and the needy, the upcoming event is meant to celebrate his 55th birthday. To this end, he has been pulling all the stops to ensure the event proceeds with the maximum of pomp and fanfare.
Although the event is still a month away, it is no surprise to those in the know that the Ilesha-born dude is planning for it many days ahead. His record for meticulousness and long-term planning is what has brought him the huge success he now enjoys.
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Chike Ike gets G-Wagon for birthday
Hollywood actress, Chika Ike, who recently celebrated her 31st birthday, has bought for herself, a birthday gift of a brand new G-wagon.
Ike, who just launched the ‘African Diva reality TV show, is one of the Nigerian thespians known to celebrate material possessions on the social media.
She has been hugely criticised by fans, most of who see her as a spendthrift , as she would, following her vacations abroad, display wares bought at top designer shops.
Chika Ike is a UN Ambassador, Refugee Ambassador for Displaced Persons, brand ambassador of Bullet Energy drink and founder of the Chika Ike Foundation.
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Dayo Bush set for father’s 80th birthday
As one moves from the inexperience of youth to the sable maturity of age, life transforms from quest for excitement on the fast lane to a school where lessons are dispensed to the younger generation. From the life of Otunba Bushura Alebiosu, who recently turned 80, is a plethora of lessonsthe importance of hard work, the need for passion and diligence in one’s callings, the benefits of constant self-development and the power of love.
The prominent politician, who holds two chieftaincy titles in Ijebuland, has proved his mettle in various capacities throughout his storied life. The father of former House of Representatives member, Dayo Bush, and his wife Ekundayo, the Otunba Fuwagbuyi of Ijebuland, are well respected in traditional circles.
In a display of rare, undying love, the Otunba Gbelegbuwa of Ijebuland, whose 80th birth day this year coincided with his sojourn abroad, has decided to hold the celebrations in December alongside the celebration of his wife’s 70th birthday. Otunba Alebiosu, fondly called Bush from a contraction of his first name, is the first Vice-Chairman of the Ijebu Council of Otunbas. The upcoming birthday party is sure to attract his fellow chiefs and other prominent personalities.