The Nation Newspaper

Tag: coronation

  • Itsekiri prepare for new Olu of Warri’s coronation

    The Itsekiri ethnic nation on Friday ended the mourning period declared for their late monarch, Olu Ogiame Atuwatse II.

    The burial rites ended in the early hours of Friday with the symbolic destruction of his ‘coffin house’ (Uli-oku) at Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people.

    It was gathered that with the conclusion of the 14-day rite, the ethnic nation has now put away the traditional mourning garb, comprising red/black sash worn by chiefs and other relics of the morning.

    Ogiame Atuwatse II died in early September and the official announcement of his demise was made at Ode-Itsekiri on the 19th of that month, after which his younger brother, Prince Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko was announced as his successor.

    During the mourning period declared by the traditional council, members of the ethnic group were forbidden from celebrating, singing and dancing; women were asked to show their grief by wearing their apparels and wrapper inside-out or upside down.

    Friday’s conclusion of the burial rites ended with the chant of ‘Ogborikuro’, urging the uninitiated to vacate the burial scene for the last rite.

    Checks at the palace, on Friday, revealed that the black/red ribbons that adorned the walls and buildings have been removed, signifying the end of the mourning.

    While declaring the beginning of the mourning period on November 10, Chief Yahya Pessu, who is the Ojomo of Warri Kingdom and most senior member of the Olu Advisory Council, had disclosed that the coronation of Atuwatse’s successor would be on December 12, 2015, beginning with a boat regatta on the Warri River.

    The burial rites of the late monarch spanned a 14-day period and witnessed various cultural dances and displays by the various branches, communities and sub-clans of the tightly knitted ethnic group.

    Meanwhile, the successful participation of the Olu-designate, Omoba Ikenwoli Godfrey Emiko, has paved the way for his coronation.

    Presbyterian Church cautions on Biafra, conference report

    The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to immediately set the machinery in motion to resolve alleged marginalization and neglect of the South-East.

    This, the church said a communiqué at the end its  General Assembly Executive Committee (GAEC) held in Calabar, Cross River State, is necessary  to stem the rising tide of pro-Biafra agitations in the country.

    The Church described the  agitations as a serious threat to the unity of Nigeria and also   pleaded with  the agitators to give peace a chance in the overall interest of the country.

    It   said the recent acknowledgement by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that the worst problem plaguing the people of the South-East geo-political zone was the failed network of roads underscored the neglect by the Federal Government of the South-East zone in terms of developmental projects.

    The church urged the government to take advantage of the present dry season to repair the roads and also improve on other modes of transport in the country such as the waterways and railways as a good transport system would stimulate socio-economic activities and help to grow the economy.

    It also stressed the urgent need for the implementation of the report of the 2014 National Conference, which it said addressed a wide range of problems that beset the nation, such as resource control, the equitable distribution of power among the component groups, national security, the secular status of Nigeria, the frequency of religious crises, the reduction of the cost of governance and the rising menace of Fulani herdsmen attacks among others.

    On the current spate of petroleum products scarcity in parts of the country, especially at this time of the approaching Christmas season, the Church said that it was unfortunate that Nigerians were experiencing petroleum products scarcity in a country rated as one of the largest producers of petroleum in the world.

     

  • Buhari, Osinbajo, others for Ooni’s coronation

    Buhari, Osinbajo, others for Ooni’s coronation

    •Public holiday Dec 7

    president Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara are expected at the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the 51st Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

    The over one week event will climax next Monday with the presentation of staff of office  by Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

    Addressing a pre-coronation briefing at the palace yesterday, the monarch’s elder brother, Prince Adegboyega, said invites have been sent to 27 governors, members of the National Assembly and other dignitaries.

    He said: “There will be a coronation carnival round the town today.  Tomorrow, there will be artistes’ coronation day.

    “On Thursday, there will be traditional worshippers’ day. A Jumat service will hold on Friday. Also on that day, there will be a youth carnival and fashion parade.

    “A football match between Ajiroba FC and Shooting Stars of Ibadan is scheduled for Saturday.

    “On Sunday, there will be an interdenominational service at Enuwa Square and inauguration of Ife Resorts.

    “The grand finale is on Monday with the presentation of staff of office.

    “The programme will be rounded off on December 13 with a thanksgiving service at St. Saviour Anglican Church, Ayegbaju, Ile-Ife.”

    The Chairman, Publicity Committee, Biyi Odunlade, said December 7 has been declared a public holiday to allow residents participate in the programme.

    According to Odunlade, the event will be historic.

     

  • Court vacates order restraining Ayangburen’s Coronation

    Court vacates order restraining Ayangburen’s Coronation

    An Ikeja High Court has vacated an order of interim injunction restraining the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode from performing the coronation ceremony of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi.

    The Court upon listening to the unanimous application of all the Counsel to the effect that the matter be further adjourned until a date after vacation to ensure all pending applications is argued together, was of the view that the earlier adjourned date of October 6 2015 be vacated accordingly.

    The counsel for the claimant also prayed the court for an extension of the interim order of injunction earlier granted until after the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

    Having listened to all counsels, the Judge, Hon. Justice Olabisi Ogungbesan in her ruling refused to grant an extension to an earlier order dated August 14, 2015 in which she granted an interim injunction.

    She said the order of interim injunction was for a period of seven (7) days by effluxion of time automatically lapses on Friday 21st August, 2015 following upon which the said order of injunction will thereby stand vacated accordingly.

    It is on record that Hon. Justice Ogungbesan had earlier found merit in the ex-parte application of one Odupitan Eniola seeking an order of interim injunction restraining the Lagos State Government or its agents from performing the coronation ceremony on Saturday, August 15.

    In a motion on notice, the Lagos State Government, had sought to quash the earlier order of interim injunction made by the court, halting the coronation ceremony, be set aside for an order dismissing the suit to be made on grounds of constituting an abuse of the court process.

     

  • Memorable coronation for Emir of Kano

    Memorable coronation for Emir of Kano

    Everything you expected in a grand coronation was there. The guns boomed. The trumpets sounded. The large crowd surged and hummed as palace courtiers displayed their colourful, royal gear. At the appropriate time, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II was crowned as Sarkin Kano. KOLADE ADEYEMI reports

    It was a day of royalty. Kings and queens were present, attended to by courtiers. A 21-gun salute sent the message far beyond the Coronation Hall built for the occasion by Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Dignitaries from diverse places surrounded the new Sarkin Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi as his Staff of Office was presented to him and he was proclaimed Emir of Kano.

    The Emir was clad in unmistakable red and white regalia topped off with golden embroidery. On his feet were ostrich-black shoes. On his face were dark goggles hemmed in by a green-white-green turban.

    The Emir was led into the Coronation Hall by the Shamaki and other royal guards in the company of high-ranking chiefs in the Emirate Council. His entourage came in at 10:10. Governor  Kwankwaso and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III were there.

    The coronation started at about 10.50am. The Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zaharadeen administered the Oath of Office. The Emir vowed to uphold the tenets of Islam and the rich cultural heritage of the Kano kingdom. Thereafter, he was decorated with traditional regalia by the Madakin Kano, Alhaji Yusuf Nabahani Ibrahim who was supported by the Makaman Kano, Sarkin Bai Kano and Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta Kano.

    Items presented to the new Emir by the kingmakers included a sword, spear, knife, bow and arrow. The presentation lasted 10 minutes. The decoration was heralded by cheers and shouts of joy, as the large crowd chorused Allah Akbar.

    Governor Kwankwaso presented the new Emir with the Staff of Office. This was followed by the traditional 21-gun salute signifying  the authority of his royal office.

    In his address during the traditional rites, the Madakin Kano, Alhaji Yusuf Chigari who chairs the kingmakers committee, thanked God for sparing the life of the Emir and members of the Emirate council to witness the coronation of the 57th Emir of Kano. He prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, and also that God will grant the new Emir the grace to lead his people in truth and wisdom.

    As the Madakin completed his prayers, the kingmakers, District Heads and the Tambari, Kakaaki, Algaita, Kidan Sara, came in turns to pay homage to the Emir. Elated, Sarki Muhammad Sanusi II thanked Allah for making it possible for him to witness the memorable day. He said the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero spent 51 years, a height which no Emir in Kano had ever attained and prayed for God to bless his soul and give the living the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. He also prayed that Allah will give him the wisdom to lead the people of Kano in peace and harmony. He said his appointment would strengthen his resolve to discharge his obligations creditably, stressing that God in His infinite wisdom and will, is the one who gives power to whom he so wishes and expressed appreciation to all those who were responsible for his appointment as the new Emir of Kano. He also promised to do his best to protect Islam, give advice where necessary and promote the welfare of his people.

    Kwankwaso described the appointment of Malam Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano as a collective judgment of the people.  He said the selection process that led to the appointment of the Emir was rigorous, painstaking and fair.

    Kwankwaso said that the late Alhaji Ado Bayero firmly stood against injustice and persecution, adding that Kano greatly missed a rare gem.

    His words: “His Highness’ appointment was justified owing to the widespread acceptance from Kano community and [beyond].  The Emir is a highly knowledgeable person, a seasoned technocrat of international repute and an administrator par excellence. He has also distinguished himself as an outstanding religious scholar that is quite conversant with the dynamics of our time.

    “Let me use this opportunity to underscore some of the various accomplishments we have been able to achieve in the last three and a half years or so. We began by improving our internal revenue base from N400 million to about N2billion. We also avoided frivolous expenditures by MDA’s and cut recurrent expenditures, saving up to N500 million monthly.  We have passed legislations ranging from the ban on street begging, street hawking and stray animals on our streets. We have also implemented policies and social reform programmes like the mass wedding programme, house numbering and street naming exercise and other empo-werment initiatives anchored by the Community Reorientation Committee (CRC) and our 26 manpower development institutes like the Reformatory, Corporate Security, Sports, Hospitality and Tourism etc. So far over 360 thousand women and youth have benefitted from these programmes.

    “Furthermore, we established 44 garment industries, one in each of the LGA of the state and to give our young entrepreneurs access to finance; we established 37 micro-finance banks in 37 Local Government Areas. We also made available a N6 billion soft loan scheme, where the state government provided N3 billion while the Central Bank, Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry provided N3 billion. It is worthy to mention that our Emir Muhammad Sanusi II was instrumental in the actualization of these loan schemes.”

    Former Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Alfa Wali described the coronation as special and historic, stating that he was very happy  to have witnessed it. Alhaji Wali described the new Emir as a principled, honest and dedicated person who has the welfare of his people in his heart. He said Sarki Sanusi 11 is a peacemaker and a leader who has the fear of God.

    Mr. Jumoke Fadibus, a representative of the Oshemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor  Okulade John described Emir Sanusi II as a straight-forward and hardworking  man who has really contributed his quota to the development of the banking industry.

    “I wish him long life on the throne and predict he is going to spend 50 years on this throne in good health,” he said.

    The 89-year-old Sarki Bai Kano, Alhaji Murtar Adnan, said the coronation of Emir Sanusi II remained the happiest moment of his life. He added tha the selection of the new Emir was done in good faith and  that he was eminently suitable and qualified for the position.

    “I congratulate the Emir on his coronation as the 57th Emir on the throne in Kano. We started from 1977 right from school of basic studies. We graduated in 1981 from Ahmadu Bello University. We have been family friends since then. He is an amiable person. He is a person that can never get lost in a crowd as he always stands out.

    Dignitaries at the occasion included former Head of State and Presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Governors, Adams Oshiemole (Edo), Ahmed Abdulfatai (Kwara), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe), Abdullaziz Yari (Zamfara), Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers), Ramalan Yero (Kaduna), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Kashim Shetima (Borno), President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Aminu Dandata, Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar 11 who was the father of the day, Senator Saminu Turaki, Senator Olusola Bukola Saraki, Emirs, traditional rulers, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps.

    The event was wrapped up with the commissioning of the multi-million naira Coronation Hall 2015 by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar II and a beautiful Durbar staged at Kofar Kudu, Emir’s Palace in honour of the coronation of the new Emir. The Nation reports the event was smooth and successful as security agencies were able to provide adequate security both at Government House and the Emir’s Palace.

  • Oyo: It is coronation for Ajimobi

    Oyo: It is coronation for Ajimobi

    In Oyo State, the governorship race is no more a matter of conjecture. Unlike Amosun,  his Ogun State counterpart, Governor Abiola Ajimobi has  rivals at the primaries. But, the aspirants, Adebayo Shittu, a lawyer, former lawmaker and Commissioner for Justice, and Dr. Ayo Adesina, are not perceived as a formidable challenger. His support base, according to watchers, is thin. His structure is also weak. Besides, Shittu lacks a formidable financial muscle. Many party stalwarts have described him as a loyal  paper weight politician. A source said that he entered the race, following the sentiment against the governor in some quarters that he has not done well. Reflecting on this perception, a zonal officer of the party, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “Bayo Shittu is like a spoiler in the race. I tell you that he will not get up to 10 votes at the primaries.” However, Shittu, in a chat with reporters in Lagos, said that “Oyo APC needs a fresh blood to win.” He explained that, despite the control of “party power” by the governor, many indigenes have an axe to grind with him over his alleged politics of exclusion.

    Ajimobi has been endorsed by individuals, groups and associations. APC chieftain and former deputy governor Iyiola Oyedokun, who noted that the governor has the right to seek re-nomination, said that “he has tried his best.” He alluded to the urban renewal programme, which has given Ibadan, the state capital, a face lift, and the construction and rehabilitation of roads. “Every government has its own focus. Anybody that goes into government must have a focus. Ajimobi has focused on some areas,” he added.

    Ajimobi will emerge as the flag bearer because he wields enormous influence in the chapter. But, the political family is under stress. This has implications for the general election. Few months ago, Senators Olufemi Lanlehin and Ayo Adeseun left the ruling party. Lanlehin is joining forces with former Governor Rashidi Ladoja’s Accord Party (AP). Adeseun is teaming up with the PDP. Therefore, while it will be easy for the governor to get the ticket, he has a major battle to fight at the general election.

    Many stakeholders have said that the two challengers-Dr Adesina,son of the late Alhaji Lam Adesina, and Shittu, are courageous politicians.

    Adesina is based in the United Kingdom. He is unknown in Oyo State politics, unlike his late father. He does not have a formidable structure.

    Shittu has been a politician since the Second Republic. He was a member of the old Oyo State House of Assembly, representing Saki, his home town. He was also a commissioner in the Ladoja Administration between 2003 and 2007.He contested the governorship election on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011 and lost to Ajimobi. The performance was woeful. He joined the APC at its inception.

    The odds against Shittu are many.

    He hails from Oke-Ogun and his political structure is not look strong enough to win the ticket. Major political parties are interested in fielding Ibadan indigenes. To them, Ibadan has a high voting population.

    The odds favour Ajimobi, owing to his experience and political standing. He became a senator under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 2003. He was the governorship candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2007. Many believed that he won the 2007 poll. Ajimobi wields the power of incumbency. he is also a performing governor. Despite the fact that some party chieftains have issues with him in some areas, Ajimobi will pick the ticket.

  • Monarch celebrates coronation

    Today, Ibeju Land in Lagos State will host dignitaries from all walks of life as the Onibeju of Ibeju Land, Oba Rafiu Olusegun Salami, who was enthroned five years ago by the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, celebrates his anniversary.

    Five years gone, Oba Salami said he had cause to give glory to the Almighty because under his leadership, the land has witnessed “tremendous infrastructural development”, which gave him a measure of fulfillment as a royal father.

    Speaking to The Nation yesterday in his palace, Oba Salami thanked Tinubu for having the love of the kingdom at heart. Describing the National Leader of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as a great man, the monarch said he had personal reasons to appreciate Tinubu’s efforts in the development of the town.

    While thanking Governor Babatunde Fashola for bringing investors and creating jobs for the youth in the town, Oba Salami said: “If I have to compare Ibeju Lekki five years ago when I ascended the throne with what I see today, I will give glory to God and thank His Excellency, Babatunde Fashola. I lack words to describe him at the moment.”

    “Today, this kingdom boasts the presence of Eleganza conglomerates, which are building no fewer than six industries in our land. There is also the Lekki Free Trade Zone undergoing construction here too.

    “Other industrialists are equally moving in. And we believe, very soon, that airport and seaport of international standard will be established here as well.”

    The monarch extended invitation to would-be investors to create more jobs, saying Ibeju-Lekki does not identify with crisis of Omo onile (land speculators). The king assured his subjects and chiefs that the influx of investors won’t affect the general wellbeing of the people, stating that everybody would benefit in terms of improved commerce and employment to the youth.

    The royal father said that despite his achievements, there were still challenges especially in the area of social amenities. He said the influx of people to the town was becoming overwhelming, as he called on the Lagos State government to do more to bring amenities to the area.

    On how he had maintained peace in his domain, Oba Salami said: “If you are with God, you will have peace of mind. I do justice to my subjects and I must say that King David in the Bible inspired me to do justice to all.”

    He appreciated political leaders in the kingdom, among who included the chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Hon. Kemi Surakat and former Health Commissioner, Dr Tola Kasali.

    Part of today’s ceremony will be the commissioning of the new Oba’s palace, which was built by Ibeju-Lekki Local Government.