The Nation Newspaper

Tag: history

  • History students mourn ‘amiable’ HOD

    History students mourn ‘amiable’ HOD

    It was a moment of grief at the Department of History and Strategic Studies in the Faculty of Arts of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), last Monday. Students gathered to mourn the department’s head, Prof Michael Ogbeidi, who died on February 25 after a protracted illness.

    Clad in black, the students held a candlelight procession round the campus in honour of the late Head of Department (HOD). They turned out in large number for the procession, which started at 7pm. They moved round the school, chanting dirges. Some of them wept as they paid tributes to the deceased.

    The late Prof Ogbeidi took ill last year. He resumed this year after he recovered. Weeks after, he took ill again and died.

    In tears, many students spoke on his “kindness” and “fatherly care” towards them. Deborah Emmanuel, a 200-Level student said: “I received the news of Prof Ogbeidi’s death with shock. At first, I thought it was a hoax. When I learnt it was true, I broke down in tears and wept uncontrollably. He was a nice man. I can’t forget the favour he did to me while I was in my first year. He helped me with the signing of my course form. I would miss his words of encouragement, too. He always made us believe nothing is impossible as long as we are determined.”

    Razak Aminu, also in 200-Level, described him as a “lovable father” and “easygoing teacher”. His death, Razak said, has left a vacuum that may not be filled in the department. He said: “We never saw it coming. He was an easygoing lecturer and a mentor to all students. We will miss him dearly. He talked to us as a lovable father and we will miss his word of encouragement.”

    Suleiman Oluwatosin, a 400-Level student, said the deceased taught Business History and he was supposed to have his lecture on the day the procession was held.

    “I am sad, because we have lost a fine lecturer. In fact, today (procession day) is supposed to be the time of his lecture. He postponed the lecture because he took ill. We will miss him.”

    The procession ended with  prayers at the front of Faculty of Arts. Students sang dirges as they gathered their candles around the picture of the deceased before leaving for their hostels.

  • Anambra documents its history

    Determined to preserve its rich history for posterity, the Anambra State government will in the coming days present a comprehensive photo-history book of the state showcasing its glory, writes WALE AJETUNMOBI

    The book is entitled “Anambra Light of the Nation: A Compendium”. It was sanctioned by the Anambra State government as part of its 25th Anniversary, which was marked in the last quarter of last year. It is designed to celebrate the state’s rich history, cultural heritage, enterprising spirit and exploits of it’s people, arts and craft, food and lifestyle, as well as its iconic personalities, past and present leaders and traditional institutions.

    Deputy Governor Nkem Okeke, who chairs the anniversary committee, said: “Twenty five years in the life of a people or state is a remarkable milestone. As a people, Ndi Anambra have overtime, proven to be special breeds who have excelled in whatever field they find themselves.

    “We are particularly known to be industrious, resilient, creative, courageous and hardworking. All these are evident in the ingenuity of our people and the outstanding successes they have recorded both at home and in the diaspora.

    “So, we thought that documenting these great exploits of our people and Anambra’s history in a book form, would invoke a sense of pride in Ndi Anambra for generations to come, because a people without history will most likely face a blurry future.

    “So, as part of our 25 years anniversary , we thought it wise to take a bold step in recording these success stories of our state, as an entity , as well as the glorious impacts of our people in shaping the history and socio-political economy of Nigeria.

    “We also intend to use the Compendium to showcase our rich cultural heritage, God-given natural endowments and unique tourism potentials, as you know, tourism everywhere in the world is a big revenue earner, therefore, highlighting our numerous tourism potentials

    in this manner would help in drawing the attention  of the world, especially, potential investors to this sector in our state. In essence, the Anambra state compendium will tell you all you need to know about Anambra and Ndi Anambra.”

    Speaking on the reasons behind the compendium, Chief Emeka Okonkwo, the Coordinator, Anambra@25, said: “Our dear state Anambra is the land of several firsts in different fields and its people have contributed in many ways in shaping the history of Nigeria, but one of the greatest problems we have is that the history of Anambra and the numerous great exploits of our people  are not well documented for people, especially the future generation, to appreciate.”

    Okonkwo stated, “Take for instance the great strides of pioneer transporters such as Ekenedilichukwu or the unequalled business acumen  of the late billionaire, Sir. Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu and several others whose lives were tales of integrity, hard work, enterprise  and unblemished characters that are worthy of emulation.”

    Throwing more light on the project, he  went further to state that the compendium would be  an “authentic referral material on Anambra that is devoid of partisan politics as it seeks to give a factual and accurate information of Anambra’s 179 communities, early civilisation, government structures, past and present leaders, traditional festivals and religions”. He added, saying, “the book would also highlight our beacons, who have placed Anambra on the global map as well as our icons that have made Anambra proud at the national stage.”

    A synopsis of a section of the book, ‘Our Enterprises’, made public by the publishers, read in part: “Anambra State is easily the state with the highest number of billionaires in Nigeria…this is not surprising considering the well-known commercial, industrial and enterprising nature of Ndi Anambra. And it is marketed by Great Source Investment, run by an indigene of Anambra state, who also played a key role in the anniversary events last year.

    “Right from the colonial era, Ndi Anambra have continued to excel in Industries, trade and commerce. The achievements and exploits of Ndi Anambra’s forebears such as Sir Louis Philip Odimegwu Ojukwu are legendary.”, the synopsis stated.  Profiles of notable industries and their promoters will form part of this business section, it also revealed.

    Dr. Njideka Duru, of the Centre For Preservation of Indigenous History, speaking  on why Anambra deserves a documented comprehensive history, stated: “among the Igbo there is a strong attachment to Anambra… In the build up to the Nigeria’s independence in 1960 for example, apart from a handful of individuals from other neighboring states, most of the personalities that called the shots from the eastern flank were from the present day Anambra. There were, for instance, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Akwaeke Nwafor Orizu, both at different times, President of the country and Senate President, respectively.

    “They also had younger contemporaries such as late M.C.K Ajuluchukwu, Mbazuilike Amaechi, Igwe Osita Agwuna and Dr.Okechukwu Ikejiani. These people at the time, helped to sustain the fire of Nigeria’s nationalism,” she noted.

    “Even after independence, when the ship of the Nigerian state left no room for the Igbo,” Dr. Duru, continued, “the task of charting the path for self-actualisation of the people through the instrumentality of the Peoples Republic of the Biafra, fell on General Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, again from, Nnewi, Anambra state. Also at the height of the civil war, when the federal authorities were looking for an administrator for the East Central state, they settled for late Ukpabi Asika, from Onitsha, Anambra state, too.”

  • 10-year-old girl makes history in math contest

    10-year-old girl makes history in math contest

    Chinaesom Jacqueline Anyanwu and Victor Chinedu Madumere both had strong reasons to want to win the fifth The Ultimate Mathematics Ambassadors (TUMA) competition last Saturday.

    For Chinaesom, a primary six pupil of Tripplecross Schools, Ikeja, it was to make history as the first girl to lift the trophy in the history of the competition. For Victor of God’s Pride Group of School, Ota, it was to repeat the feat achieved by his brother, Samuel, in 2012 edition of the competition.

    It was, therefore, understandable when there was palpable tension before the winner was unveiled by Mr Samson Osewa, chairman of the Ambassadors Schools, Ota, which organised the competition.

    The duo were the best of the 1,155 primary school pupils from 402 primary schools in Lagos and Ogun states that entered for the competition held at the Ambassadors Junior School in Ota.

    They qualified with 18 others (top 20) for the second stage of the competition which featured three rounds – theory, objectives, and quiz.

    In the quiz programme, modeled after the Cowbellpedia 60 seconds  fame, all the pupils had to answer 10 questions that were the same in 60 seconds.

    Chinaesom won emphatically with 88 marks – earning 33 in theory, 28 in objective, and 27 in the quiz rounds.  Victor came second with 83 marks (24; 23; 24.3 in rounds 1-3).

    Ten-year- old Chinaesom was rewarded with N200,000, and a plaque.  Her teacher got N75,000 and a plaque, while the school got a laptop, printer, laptop, mathematics textbooks and a plaque.

    Victor on the other hand got N150,000, his teacher, N50,000, and the school same as the first prize.

    In third place was Maximilian Chibueze Ibekwe of Our Lady of Apostles Private School, Yaba, who went home with N100,000 and a plaque; N30,000 for his teacher, and printer and textbooks for his school.

    The fourth to 10th placed winners were rewarded with N30,000 each, while their teachers got N15,000.  The 11th to 20th placed winners also got N15,000 and N5,000 for their teachers.

    About 111 pupils that scored at least 50 per cent in the first stage of the competition were presented with gifts and certificates.

    Speaking on her victory, Chinaesom who wants to be a medical doctor or professor, said she was excited to win.

    “I feel excited.I knew by God’s grace I would win. I studied hard and well.  I had to sleep late to study for the competition,” she said.

    Her father, Michael, a banker, said she was determined to lift the trophy.

    “She (Chinaesom) told me from the beginning that she would win.  She said it was unfair that a girl had never won the competition.  She stayed up to 11.30pm to study,” he said.

    Victor, who lost to Chinaesom said he was sad not to have repeated his brother’s success in 2012 but happy he came second.

    “I am sad I did not win but I am happy to have come second.  I prepared very well.  I also prayed to God to give me success,” he said.

    Proprietor of Ambassadors School, Mrs Victoria Osewa expressed joy the competition had produced its first female winner.

    “I have been praying for this.  I am the happiest person here today,” she said.

    Mrs Osewa added that the competition has improved over the years.

    “We don’t have any regrets because every year it is improving. When we first started, the marks were low but the aim is to remove the phobia for mathematics and that aim is being achieved,” she said.

    Her husband said the school did not allow the recession to stop the organisation of the programme.  Though it cost millions of naira to implement, Osewa said the outcome worth the effrort.

    “Ignorance is more expensive.  We believe that the future of Nigeria will be greater if the children know what they need to know,” he said.

     

  • History competition produces winners

    The 2016 National History competition came to an end recently producing winners in the Lagos and Abuja zones.

    StarGate International Academy, Abuja, won the Junior Category for the Abuja Zone.  They were followed by Regent High School and Noble Hall Leadership Academy for Girls, which hosted the competition, in the second and third positions.

    In the senior category, Government Day Secondary School, Gauraka Niger State came first; Star-Gate International Academy came second, and Noble Hall Leadership Academy clinched the third prize.

    The junior category for the Lagos Zone which involved schools in the Southern part of the country, was won by Chrisland High School, Ikeja Lagos with 80 points. Corona Secondary School Agbara in Ogun State came second with 76 points; while Faith Heritage College Abeokuta Ogun State was third with 74 points.

    In the senior category, the Redeemers High School of the Redeemed Camp, Ogun State, won with 78 points; Dansol High School, Agidingbi Ikeja Lagos, and host of the competition was second with 76 points; while Faith Heritage School, Abeokuta, Ogun State was third position with 68 points.

    National coordinator of the competition, Mr James Onimisi, said its aim is to stimulate interest in History as a subject.

    “The essence National History Competition is to make our students who are also the leaders of tomorrow have a glimpse of history with a view to making them become responsible and better leaders. We equally want to popularize the subject so that it continues to be taught in all our schools in Nigeria as a compulsory subject. We believe that a country without a sense of history is doomed,” he said.

     

  • History competition produces winners

    The 2016 National History competition came to an end recently producing winners in the Lagos and Abuja zones.

    StarGate International Academy, Abuja, won the Junior Category for the Abuja Zone.  They were followed by Regent High School and Noble Hall Leadership Academy for Girls, which hosted the competition, in the second and third positions.

    In the senior category, Government Day Secondary School, Gauraka Niger State came first; Star-Gate International Academy came second, and Noble Hall Leadership Academy clinched the third prize.

    The junior category for the Lagos Zone which involved schools in the Southern part of the country, was won by Chrisland High School, Ikeja Lagos with 80 points. Corona Secondary School Agbara in Ogun State came second with 76 points; while Faith Heritage College Abeokuta Ogun State was third with 74 points.

    In the senior category, the Redeemers High School of the Redeemed Camp, Ogun State, won with 78 points; Dansol High School, Agidingbi Ikeja Lagos, and host of the competition was second with 76 points; while Faith Heritage School, Abeokuta, Ogun State was third position with 68 points.

    National coordinator of the competition, Mr James Onimisi, said its aim is to stimulate interest in History as a subject.

    “The essence National History Competition is to make our students who are also the leaders of tomorrow have a glimpse of history with a view to making them become responsible and better leaders. We equally want to popularize the subject so that it continues to be taught in all our schools in Nigeria as a compulsory subject. We believe that a country without a sense of history is doomed,” he said.

     

  • Stakeholders want History back in schools

    Stakeholders want History back in schools

    It was an exciting moment at the Aquinas Catholic Church in Awka, Anambra State, when seven-year-old Chinecherem Umeogu was introduced as the traditional ruler of Aquinas Model Primary School.

    Not only that, the youngest monarch in Nigeria introduced his cabinet which included his Traditional Prime Minister, another seven-year-old Chinemeze Uzoezie and their Lolo (wives).

    Personalities at the event that included members of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and the industrialist, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo were thrilled when the monarch and his cabinet were performing their rituals.

    It was during the visit of Ezeemo and the members of the PTA during the visit of stakeholders to the students.

    The lads seemed well rooted in the customs and traditions of the land as the young monarch, with his staff of office in his hand, blessed Ezeemo, the Catholic Priests and the school teachers.

    Rev. Dr. Anthony Akabogu and the leader of Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA), Mr. Godwin Ezeemo called on parents to give their children solid foundation for the society to be free of crimes.

    In the process, the PPA leader donated a school bus, 85 text books and 320 exercise books to the school.

    While advising the pupils, Ezeemo said: “Be obedient to their parents and elders and be always committed to their academic careers, describing them as the leaders of tomorrow.”

    He said they were the future hopes of Ndigbo, adding that the current leaders have failed the people.

    However, he was not happy that history is no longer part of the curriculum in Nigeria’s school system, adding that without it, the children would not be abreast of the happenings in the society and would not know what happened in the yesteryear in order to correct what might go wrong in the future.

    He, therefore, pleaded with the federal and state governments to reinstate history in the country’s education curriculum to help the present generation who, according to him, were the future leaders.

    For Rev. Father Akabogu, if the children were not given the basic foundation, it would likely spell doom in the society.

    He said without quality education, crime would rise in the society, which he said had been the bane of the country.

    The young monarch, who spoke with Southeast Report, said he learnt the ways of life and customs and tradition of his people from his parents.

    He further said he always liked to listen to traditional rulers in any function, adding that without the elders, the children would not learn anything in terms of tradition.

  • Yoruba and burden of history in the politics of Nigeria – 3

    Restructuring of Nigeria. It is this feeling that makes the Tinubu faction of the APC to be favourably disposed to some form of restructuring of the country and designing a new political, administrative and financial architecture, including fiscal federalism to remove the bogey of domination of one group by the others. The modern political history of the Yoruba, starting appropriately with Awolowo, is known for its contribution of the federal idea to political discourse in Nigeria.  Implicit in this is that no one group or state should be big enough to dominate or overwhelm all others put together. This is basic to Professor John Wheare’s ‘Principle of Federalism’. The federal principle has now been bought even by some segments of the northern political leadership. The Igbos who were previously deluded about national unity and unitary government, have now bought into the federal idea and the minorities, especially those in the Niger Delta, seem to be on board for selfish economic reasons.

    The force of our history in Yorubaland compels us to lead the way of restructuring along proper federal lines, because it is good for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and it is good for Yorubaland. Chief Awolowo, while pushing the federal idea during the struggle for independence, said one can be a Yoruba patriot and Nigerian nationalist at the same time. I agree that there should be no conflict between patriotism and nationalism. What shape the restructuring should take, will have to be negotiated. Awolowo wanted all Yorubas including those in Kwara, Kogi and Edo to be in one state. It is a good idea but it is apparently unrealisable. What is possible is not reversion to the old three or four regions but a restructure based on economic viability and not the present states of misery and beggary, where salaries are not paid and all resources are gulped up by administrative excesses and political extravaganza. Perhaps we should go back to Gowon’s 12-state structure with a heavy dose of economic viability, and superimposed on it should be the principle of fiscal federalism where each state would survive on its own economic bootstrap.

    The present situation of the centre, creating states and local governments is not only absurd but an anomaly which contradicts the essence of federalism. In normal federations like Canada, Belgium, Switzerland and the United States, it is the states that create and fund the federal government and not the other way round. When we embraced the federal idea in Nigeria in 1957, the states funded the federal government and this was so until the military took over government and shaped the country in its own military- unitary way of command. Peace has eluded us since then and we must go back to the period of correct relations between the centre and the periphery in terms of viable state structure. This is the challenge facing Yoruba and Nigerian politics now and in the future. All stake holders, including traditional rulers like our Obas must be engaged in finding a path for the Yoruba in the politics of Nigeria.

    Role of obas and traditional institutions.

    I have once described Nigeria as a republic of a thousand kings which sounds contradictory, because monarchies ordinarily should not co-exist with a republic. When faced with this problem, India simply abolished the various kingdoms ruled by powerful Maharajahs, but left them with their considerable wealth. No one can do the same and survive in Nigeria. In the past, politicians have removed powerful rulers like Alaafin Adeyemi 1, by the Awolowo government in western Nigeria in 1954. Sarkin Kano Muhammad Sanusi was in 1962 removed by the Sir Ahmadu Bello government and General Sani Abacha’s government removed the Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki in 1994. Some of the Obas suffered their salaries being withheld or reduced to pennies during the time of Chief S.L Akintola’s government in western Nigeria. It is however unlikely that any Nigerian ruler at the centre or the state will be strong enough to abolish an institution which the people still support and venerate. In fact, many of the new rulers are eager to bid for the traditional thrones whenever there are vacancies.

    Traditional rulers still provide rallying points for the people’s mobilisation especially in the rural areas. They also provide channels of communication between governments and citizens. They are also in some cases religious leaders of their communities. This is more apparent in the Islamic Emirates of the north. But it is no less obvious in Yorubaland, where in spite of whatever monotheistic religion an Oba may profess, he still has to carry out religious obligations binding him to the land, the people and the ancestors. In Ife in particular, no single day goes without the Ooni or his priests propitiating the local gods for one thing or the other. In times of danger, people are more likely to look towards the palace than to an elected politician. The Oba’s position is so formidable that politicians know that their support is necessary for electoral success. Obas are regarded as vice-regal to the Almighty. They are not to be argued with or questioned, “Kabio kosi” Or Kabiyesi. They are in the case of Oyo, supposed to have power of life and death (Iku Baba Yeye). This awesomeness of power and influence are most noticeable and glaring in modern Bini, where the Oba is virtually worshiped. Even in an apparently republican Ibadan, the influence of the Olubadan is growing incrementally. The considerable power wielded by Obas in Yorubaland must also come with responsibility.

    Power goes with responsibility!

    This is going to be the greatest challenge to the institution of Obaship in these days of modernisation. Some of the young Obas coming to the throne must learn to keep intact the mystic and mystery surrounding the institution. They must avoid being seen at every party and social events behaving like ordinary people. Once this becomes the pattern, they will lose all respect and loyalty of the people. This behoves on them to maintain a reasonable distance from the Hoi polloi of the land and stay away from the corrupting influence of money and republican ethics of trade and commerce. Obas, no matter how young are regarded as fathers of the people in Yorubaland. This is why older people must bow, prostrate and kneel down before rulers young enough to be their children. Respect is not to the person of the ruler but to the institution. I remember visiting my cousin, the Oba of our town and prostrating for someone who was a friend, cousin and school mate of mine but who in return wanted to hug me, I however told him he could no longer do that. He asked me why? I promptly told him he carried all the power of our ancestors the moment he went through the process of coronation. He smiled and understood me.

    In conclusion, I have pointed out how the history of Yorubaland has affected and is affecting Yoruba politics internally among the people, and externally with the rest of Nigeria, especially the North. It is suggested that the excision of Ilorin from the rest of Yorubaland has been a sore point, but that we should let bye gone be bye gone and realistically deal with the issue politically by forging links with the Kwara and Kogi modern political leaders, instead of harking back to the past. We must not allow the burden of history to wear us out and weigh us down and to determine the trajectory of our future politics and political alignment at the centre. We have also suggested that the ideology of progressivism should help in breaking down north/south dichotomy in Nigeria, as is the case in the current APC party imperfect as it may appear. We are also suggesting that no matter the political differences in Yoruba land we must conduct our politics with tact, civility and decorum characteristic of an ‘Omoluabi’. We have also suggested that for a long time to come, traditional political leaders, as constituted by the Obas will continue to have a role to play in Yoruba politics and that for the institution to endure, those occupying the traditional thrones must preserve the mystic and the mystery of their posts, lest familiarity breeds contempt.

    • Concluded.

  • ‘History is germane to national rebirth’

    The restoration of History as an independent subject in secondary schools has been described as an antidote to national rebirth.

    This is the submission of historians, following a colloquium at Adeyemi College of Education (ACE). The event, organised by the Department of History in collaboration with Historical Society of Nigeria(HSN), brainstormed on the disarticulation of History from Social Studies by the Federal Government.

    Addressing participants, HSN President, Prof Chris Ogbogbo, praised the government for the disarticulating.

    Ogbogbo, a professor of History at the University of Ibadan, said in line with the Federal Government’s decision, HSN has developed a curriculum for the study of History from Primary I to JSS III.

    “The society has also sponsored a bill in the National Assembly that would make History compulsory in schools,” Ogbogbo added.

    He recalled that efforts to bring back History started in the days of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, till date.

    Ahead of the disarticulation, Ogbogbo lamented the wrongful removal of History and its inclusion in Social Studies, noting that the development has negatively affected relevance of History in the eyes of learners.

    He added that history helps in connecting the present with the past, thereby educating the people and assisting them in acquiring knowledge about their existence, while providing means by which conflict resolution could be achieved

    Earlier, in his opening remarks, ACE Provost, Prof Ogen, said the institution’s Department of History has high level of manpower with many PhD holders.

    The highpoint of the event was the conferment of HSN award on Ogen, as well as donations of books to ACE’s History Department library.

     

  • Yoruba and burden of history in the politics of Nigeria – 3

    Restructuring of Nigeria. It is this feeling that makes the Tinubu faction of the APC to be favourably disposed to some form of restructuring of the country and designing a new political, administrative and financial architecture, including fiscal federalism to remove the bogey of domination of one group by the others. The modern political history of the Yoruba, starting appropriately with Awolowo is known for its contribution of the federal idea to political discourse in Nigeria.  Implicit in this is that no one group or state should be big enough to dominate or overwhelm all others put together. This is basic to Professor John Wheare’s ‘Principle of Federalism’. The federal principle has now been bought even by some segments of the northern political leadership. The Igbos who were previously deluded about national unity and unitary government, have now bought into the federal idea and the minorities, especially those in the Niger Delta, seem to be on board for selfish economic reasons.

    The force of our history in Yorubaland compels us to lead the way of restructuring along proper federal lines, because it is good for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and it is good for Yorubaland. Chief Awolowo, while pushing the federal idea during the struggle for independence, said one can be a Yoruba patriot and Nigerian nationalist at the same time. I agree that there should be no conflict between patriotism and nationalism. What shape the restructuring should take, will have to be negotiated. Awolowo wanted all Yorubas including those in Kwara, Kogi and Edo to be in one state. It is a good idea but it is apparently unrealisable. What is possible is not reversion to the old three or four regions but a restructure based on economic viability and not the present states of misery and beggary, where salaries are not paid and all resources are gulped up by administrative excesses and political extravaganza. Perhaps we should go back to Gowon’s 12-state structure with a heavy dose of economic viability, and superimposed on it should be the principle of fiscal federalism where each state would survive on its own economic bootstrap.

    The present situation of the centre, creating states and local governments is not only absurd but an anomaly which contradicts the essence of federalism. In normal federations like Canada, Belgium, Switzerland and the United States, it is the states that create and fund the federal government and not the other way round. When we embraced the federal idea in Nigeria in 1957, the states funded the federal government and this was so until the military took over government and shaped the country in its own military- unitary way of command. Peace has eluded us since then and we must go back to the period of correct relations between the centre and the periphery in terms of viable state structure. This is the challenge facing Yoruba and Nigerian politics now and in the future. All stake holders, including traditional rulers like our Obas must be engaged in finding a path for the Yoruba in the politics of Nigeria.

    Role of Obas and traditional institutions

    I have once described Nigeria as a republic of a thousand kings which sounds contradictory, because monarchies ordinarily should not co-exist with a republic. When faced with this problem, India simply abolished the various kingdoms ruled by powerful Maharajahs, but left them with their considerable wealth. No one can do the same and survive in Nigeria. In the past, politicians have removed powerful rulers like Alaafin Adeyemi 1, by the Awolowo government in western Nigeria in 1954. Sarkin Kano Muhammad Sanusi was in 1962 removed by the Sir Ahmadu Bello government and General Sanni Abacha’s government removed the Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki in 1994. Some of the Obas suffered their salaries being withheld or reduced to pennies during the time of Chief S.L Akintola’s government in western Nigeria. It is however unlikely that any Nigerian ruler at the centre or the state will be strong enough to abolish an institution which the people still support and venerate. In fact, many of the new rulers are eager to bid for the traditional thrones whenever there are vacancies.

    Traditional rulers still provide rallying points for the people’s mobilisation especially in the rural areas. They also provide channels of communication between governments and citizens. They are also in some cases religious leaders of their communities. This is more apparent in the Islamic Emirates of the north. But it is no less obvious in Yorubaland, where in spite of whatever monotheistic religion an Oba may profess, he still has to carry out religious obligations binding him to the land, the people and the ancestors. In Ife in particular, no single day goes without the Ooni or his priests propitiating the local gods for one thing or the other. In times of danger, people are more likely to look towards the palace than to an elected politician. The Oba’s position is so formidable that politicians know that their support is necessary for electoral success. Obas are regarded as vice-regal to the Almighty. They are not to be argued with or questioned, “Kabio kosi” Or Kabiyesi. They are in the case of Oyo, supposed to have power of life and death (Iku Baba Yeye). This awesomeness of power and influence are most noticeable and glaring in modern Bini, where the Oba is virtually worshiped. Even in an apparently republican Ibadan, the influence of the Olubadan is growing incrementally. The considerable power wielded by Obas in Yorubaland must also come with responsibility.

    Power goes with responsibility!

    This is going to be the greatest challenge to the institution of Obaship in these days of modernisation. Some of the young Obas coming to the throne must learn to keep intact the mystic and mystery surrounding the institution. They must avoid being seen at every party and social events behaving like ordinary people. Once this becomes the pattern, they will lose all respect and loyalty of the people. This behoves on them to maintain a reasonable distance from the Hoi polloi of the land and stay away from the corrupting influence of money and republican ethics of trade and commerce. Obas, no matter how young are regarded as fathers of the people in yorubaland. This is why older people must bow, prostrate and kneel down before rulers young enough to be their children. Respect is not to the person of the ruler but to the institution. I remember visiting my cousin, the Oba of our town and prostrating for someone who was a friend, cousin and school mate of mine but who in return wanted to hug me, I however told him he could no longer do that. He asked me why? I promptly told him he carried all the power of our ancestors the moment he went through the process of coronation. He smiled and understood me.

    In conclusion, I have pointed out how the history of Yorubaland has affected and is affecting Yoruba politics internally among the people, and externally with the rest of Nigeria, especially the North. It is suggested that the excision of Ilorin from the rest of Yorubaland has been a sore point, but that we should let bye gone be bye gone and realistically deal with the issue politically by forging links with the Kwara and Kogi modern political leaders, instead of harking back to the past. We must not allow the burden of history to wear us out and weigh us down and to determine the trajectory of our future politics and political alignment at the centre. We have also suggested that the ideology of progressivism should help in breaking down north/south dichotomy in Nigeria, as is the case in the current APC party imperfect as it may appear. We are also suggesting that no matter the political differences in Yoruba land we must conduct our politics with tact, civility and decorum characteristic of an ‘Omoluabi’. We have also suggested that for a long time to come, traditional political leaders, as constituted by the Obas will continue to have a role to play in Yoruba politics and that for the institution to endure, those occupying the traditional thrones must preserve the mystic and the mystery of their posts, lest familiarity breeds contempt.

  • Wizkid emerges Nigeria’s first hip-hop Grammy nominee

    Wizkid emerges Nigeria’s first hip-hop Grammy nominee

    It is right to say that honcho of Star Boy Records, Wizkid, is rounding off the year on a strong note.

    Wizkid who took home top laurels at all the continental music awards that held this year, has been listed among the nominees for 2017 Grammy awards, which will hold at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, United States next February.

    This is a feat yet to be attained by any Nigerian hip hop artiste.

    His nomination stems from his contribution to Drake’s Views album in which he was featured in the lead single, ‘One Dance’. Thus, Wizkid is nominated as a guest artiste, and producer on Drake’s views album.

    The Drake’s Views Album will be competing with Adele’s ‘25’, Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’, Justine Bieber’s ‘Purpose’ and Sturgil Simpson’s ‘A sailor’s Guide To Earth’ for Album of the Year category.