A traditional ruler, Nojimu Abioye, and his son, Wahab Abioye, were on Wednesday arraigned in an Ikeja High Court, for alleged murder of one Alhaji Olatunji Rasak in 2015.
Rasaki was said to be an informant for the Economic and Financial Crime Commission ( EFCC ).
The duo was charged with a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit murder.
The Prosecutor, Mr M.T Adewoye, told the court that the Baale of Temidire and his son committed the offences at 10.a.m on July 20, 2015 at the Temidire Area of Alagbado, Lagos.
“The defendants alongside others who are now at large, murdered Rasak by shooting him with a gun and cutting him with a machete and dangerous weapons,” Adewoye said.
According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Sections 221 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2011.
Counsel to the defendants, Mr Adebayo Lawanson, requested that the accused be allowed to maintain the bail granted them during their prior arraignments at the Magistrates’ Court.
“The accused ever since they were granted bail by the magistrates’ court had never jumped bail,” Lawanson said.
Obliging the defence counsel, Justice Hakeem Oshodi, ordered that the accused continued with the bail earlier granted them by the magistrates’ court.
Oshodi adjourned the case until March 19 for trial.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo Designate, Otunba Gani Adams on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode at the Lagos House in Alausa Ikeja, where he commended his role in the political and economic integration of the South West Region.
Adams, who said he was in Lagos to pay homage as well as invite the Governor to his installation scheduled for January 13, alluded to the fact that Governor Ambode since assumption of office has taken the growth of the South West region to heart.
“I want to thank you for your role in the South West integration. I believe that Lagos is south West even though it’s the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, in your own tenure, I have realised that you are more interested in the integration of the South West and we are Yorubas no matter where we come from, thank you so much for that”, Adams said.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), with the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, during the courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja
The Aare Ona Kakanfo Designate also lauded Governor Ambode, noting that it was in his tenure that Lagos joined the Oodua Investment Group, an initiative tailored towards expanding the economic integration of the South West Region.
“I have realised that in your own tenure, you clearly came out to support Oòduà Investment. So, its important for any Governor of Lagos State to support the Group, because about 50 to 60 percent of Oòduà investment is in Lagos and as the number one citizen and Chief Security Officer, its a good direction and God will bless you for that “.
Commending the developmental strides in Lagos, Adams said the Governor in the last two and half years had succeeded in giving the State a major facelift, adding that appreciable level of progress has been recorded across the State.
“I am so particular about the Light up Lagos. If I am driving from the Island anytime from 8pm, I always ask my Chief of Staff or driver if we are in Europe or we are still in Nigeria or the same Lagos that we are living before?
“I think that anyone that gives light, gives life, by giving light to Lagos State, you are giving life to Lagos State and the more you keep on lighting up Lagos, God will continue to develop Lagos State,” he said.
He said his visit to Lagos House was also to establish a relationship with the State Government going forward.
“Chief Obafemi Awolowo said that there is no permanent enemy or permanent friend in politics. No matter anything that has happened I want to build a relationship with you, personally, with the Lagos State Government and with the people of Lagos,” the Aare Ona Kakanfo Designate said.
Responding, Governor Ambode said Lagos over the years has remained the heartbeat of the future of the Yoruba race, assuring that no stone would be left unturned to engender South West integration as well as preserve its rich heritage and culture.
He said his administration remains firmly committed to the economic and political integration of the South West and would continue to support initiatives towards its success.
“We believe so much in the Yoruba race, we believe so much that Lagos remains the bull work of the future of the Yoruba race and we would not let the Yoruba race down. Yes, we believe so much in Nigeria but we know where we are from and we know that everything that binds us together as one we would continue to support,” he said.
Congratulating the Aare Ona Kakanfo Designate, Governor Ambode said the title was one of the most significant in the Yoruba culture, noting that the emergence of Otunba Gani Adams clearly shows that the economic integration and political cohesion of the South West region was on course.
“This visit is not ordinary, it’s significant for us. It also shows that we are embodiment of the Yoruba heritage. We support fully, the ascension of the title, Aare Ona Kakanfo in the person of Otunba Gani Adams. What the State Government is trying to do this morning is to say that the Yoruba culture and the Yoruba heritage must not be left in tatters and just as he has said, this title is one of the most significant titles that actually bind the Yoruba culture together.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (6th right), in a group photograph with Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams (6th left), Chairman, Aare Ona Kakanfo Planning Committee, Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo (5th left); Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef (5th right); entourage of the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate and some members of the State Executive Council during the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday
“So for us, for Otunba Gani Adams to have been so chosen divinely as the next Aare Ona Kakanfo, it shows that what we have been speaking about the economic integration and the political cohesion of the Yoruba race is in good hands,” the Governor said.
While thanking the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi for choosing Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Governor Ambode said the title comes with some deference, authority and responsibility, assuring Otunba Adams that the State Government would offer support to make his tenure a success.
“We as a government, beyond the fact that we would support you, we would also put you in prayers that whatever the responsibility is, God in his infinite mercies will support you; you would be the most successful Aare Ona Kakanfo that the Yoruba race has ever had. Because we are involved, we would make sure that everything that has to do with the Yoruba heritage, everything that has to do with the Yoruba culture, we would protect with all our heart,” the Governor said.
The Managing Director of Lagos Water Corporation ( LWC ), Mr Muminu Badmus, on Friday urged Lagosians to imbibe the culture of water conservation.
Badmus gave this advice in an interview in Lagos.
He said that the global water scarcity threat necessitates wise usage of water by consumers.
According to him, any consumer that uses water wisely will appreciate the metering system the corporation has adopted to protect the interest of residents.
”The metering system has made water consumers to be aware of how much the corporation charges per cubic meter, which is equivalent to 1000 litres.
”For clarity, low density areas pay N200, high density areas, N250 and commercial users N350 per cubic meters respectively.
”This is the cheapest rate you can find in any country,” he said.
Badmus said that the Corporation has metered about 32,000 properties in the first phase of the exercise.
According to him, 24,000 pre-paid meters, 6,000 old meters and 2,000 mechanical meters have been installed in Lekki axis, Victoria Island Annex, Surulere, Omole and Ikeja among others.
Badmus said that the metering of houses would continue to other communities not yet covered once there was delivery of additional meters.
He enjoined the residents not yet metered not to relent in paying their water bills.
The managing director said that those metered would be recharging their cards when they run out of water.
Badmus said that the corporation was working relentlessly to have potable water to supply to areas not yet covered in its network.
It was an exciting moment for the 1981-1984 set of the old students of the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State, following their meeting at the Mind Builders School, Ikeja last week.
They exchanged pleasantries, dined together, took photographs and danced to various genres of music after three decades of leaving their alma mater.
It was the second reunion party of the set fondly called the ‘Arbicans’ since they parted ways 35 years ago after their studies.
Amidst laughter and mimicry, they introduced themselves, the positions they held and their current status. They also celebrated an alumnus, Mrs Bola Gureje, a poultry farmer whose birthday coincided with the reunion.
Gureje, who had earlier made plans to celebrate her birthday in Ibadan, said she cancelled it to mark it with her peers.
“My joy knows no bounds to meet with my old mates. It brings back those days of school. The closeness, the trust and support we gave ourselves. It rejuvenated the old days.
“I did not hold any position, but I was active in students’ activities. We would always come out en masse to support any cause that benefited the students. During that period there was nothing like cultism, what existed was Palmwine Drinkers Club,” she said.
The founder of The Arbicans, Mr Adewale Shiji, said there was need for a reunion.
Shiji, also known as ‘Mr White’, recalled how he formed the Man O’ War arm of the school and was the director of students’ welfare.
He was happy that members of the set had excelled individually, with many becoming prominent personalities in the society.
“It is a great reminiscence leaving school 35 years ago and meeting them again. It is not easy; to God be the Glory.
“I am happy that the set has produced people, who are contributing to the society. This set has about five permanent secretaries, heads of service, directors, 32 principals and still counting,” he said.
The set also appointed their leaders to ensure effective continuity of the reunion.
The Management of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a 14-hour power outage for Ikeja, Mushin and Isolo today.
TCN Lagos Region spokesperson Mrs Celestina Osin, in a statement said the outage would affect consumers from 10am to 12 midnight.
Osin said the disruption of supply was to enable the company’s team of engineers carry out some urgent and important repairs on 2NO 60MVA 132/33KV transformers at the Isolo 132KV Transmission Station.
“”We solicit for understanding from all the customers, especially for the inconveniences this will cause them even as this information comes to them at such short notice,’’ Osin said.
Psquare Ville, the Ikeja, Lagos mansion of Jude, Peter and Paul Okoye has been put up for sale.
Though the Okoye brothers now live in their Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos mansion, a picture of their Ikeja house with a ‘For Sale’ sign was taken by a fan and uploaded to Instablog9ja on Thursday.
This is coming after a second rift which has split the twins, P-Square and their elder brother manager, Jude.
Recently, Peter had written their lawyer, Festus Keyamo, to dissolve their group.
“What I am about to do has been a very difficult decision to make,” said Peter who now goes by the name, Mr. P.
“I have decided to use this medium to terminate the agreement between Psquare.
“Me and my wife have been getting life-threatening messages and I fear for my life and the life of my family. Remember Jude has threatened to kill me and shoot my wife in the presence of Paul and Mrs. Imoke. Psquare is no more. I have nothing against my brothers. I saw Paul’s post on Instagram about blood being thicker than water. Who is water and who is blood?”
It was jubilation galore for achievers at the 2017 speech and prize giving day of Dansol High School, Ikeja, Lagos.
Pupils who distinguished themselves in academics and other areas of school life were rewarded with prizes – with some winning as many as eight.
Teachers were also not left out. Those of them whose pupils excelled the most in the 2017 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) got cash prizes which varied based on performance.
Mr I. Olaitan and Mr Uguwegbu were rewarded with N150,000 for recording 70 distinctions, 29 credits and one pass in English Language taken by 100 candidates.
Mr Joseph Daramola and Mr Paul also got N150,000 for recording 74 distinctions, 22 credits and four passes in Mathematics.
In all, N1,400,000 was given to teachers of various subjects for achieving good results.
In his speech, the Director of School, Mr Esan Oladapo, said pupils of the school excelled both internally and externally. In the last session, he said the school won six prizes including first position in the Arts and Craft Exhibition for Lagos at 50.
Oladapo said the prize giving was organised for teachers and pupils at the beginning of the session to motivate others to work hard so they could be rewarded next year.
“Note that for you to be crowned as achievers, you must be determined to achieve greatness, be focused, have confidence in yourself, and never allow anything to deter you. It is a new session. You are advised to study, work hard and put in a little extra effort to be the extra-ordinary student that will be celebrated,” he said.
As part of activities marking the 79th posthumous birthday of the Late Afrobeat Legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday unveiled the Liberation Statue erected his honour at Allen Roundabout in Ikeja
Eulogizing the virtues of the late musician and freedom fighter, Governor Ambode described him as an enigmatic artiste who used the platform of his art to agitate for social and human rights by challenging government and people to explore development through social and economic activities that are rooted in African values.
Governor Ambode said aside from challenging people to free their minds of all inhibitions and actualise their true potentials, the late music icon also voluntarily turned his back on a life of comfort and privilege, and took up his saxophone as a weapon to fight for the liberation of the people from neo-colonialism and bad governance.
While insisting that the spirit of Fela was still alive as a movement of social consciousness and justice against oppression, the Governor said the late legend made the world sit up and take notice of the energy of African art and music, adding that he will forever be accorded his position in the global hall of fame of artistes.
“The phenomenon that the world knows as ‘Fela’ was deeply rooted in the evolution of Lagos State. The story of music, art, entertainment and tourism in Lagos and Nigeria cannot be told without an eloquent mention of the “Abami eda”.
“On this day, October 15th, which would have been Fela’s 79th birthday, the government and people of Lagos State celebrate ”Fela” with the unveiling of this Liberation Statue. It has been 20 years since he passed on but the memories he left us with remain evergreen. Today we celebrate a man who voluntarily turned his back on a life of comfort and privilege, and took up his saxophone as a weapon to fight for the liberation of our people from neo-colonialism and bad governance.
“This “Liberation” statue is not an image of Fela but a symbol of Fela’s philosophy. This artwork was created as a form of respect and remembrance to this legend; what he stood for and fought for with his music; his mythology; struggle for freedom; fight for human dignity; social consciousness; courage and Pan-Africanism,” the Governor said.
Responding on behalf of the family, Fela’s daughter and social commentator, Yeni Kuti commended Governor Ambode and the artist for coming up with such a monument to recognize and honour their father in a big way, saying that it was a good representation of their late patriarch.
She specifically justified the design of the monument, saying it was the expression of how the artist felt about the late legend.
A 24-year-old man, Oribamise Jimoh, on Wednesday appeared in an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly defiling an 8-year-old daughter of his neighbour.
Jimoh who resides at No 9, Owonikoko Street, Ayobo, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of defilement and breach of peace.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu, said that the offence was committed on Sept. 16 in the apartment of the accused.
Ogu told the court that the accused lured the minor into his room on the pretext of sending her on an errand and defiled her.
“The accused defiled the girl in his room, gave her N30 and told her not to tell anyone and that if she did, she would die.
“The girl walked strangely and her mother’s sister who noticed it called the mother’s attention to it.
“The girl narrated everything that the accused did to her to them,” the prosecutor said.
He said the offence contravened Section 137 and 166 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section prescribes life imprisonment for offenders.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Chief Magistrate, Taiwo Akanni, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum each and adjourned the case until Oct. 10 for mention.
Proprietress of Sunnydale School, GRA, Ikeja, Folakemi Osisanya, may have infected hundreds of teachers, pupils and parents, who have something doing with the school, with a love bug.
It radiated during a press conference to announce activities lined up for the school’s 20th anniversary last Wednesday.
Mrs Osisanya needed not to labour much in talking about the school’s achievements in its two decades of existence. She got ample help from parents and teachers, who were excited as they gave reasons why Sunnydale stood apart from other schools.
Mrs Bisola Longe, chairman of the 20th anniversary committee, ordinarily has no business playing such role since her three children have completed their primary education at the school. However, she said she was not willing to end her 17-year relationship with Sunnydale anytime soon.
“I have been a parent in this school for 17 years. I have been doing school run to GRA from all the locations I have lived; and I have no regrets,”she said.
She added that the anniversary would provide opportunity for the school to blow its trumpet to high heavens to call attention to its understated achievements over the years.
Head of School, Mr Gboyega Fadare, said Sunnydale is unique for its policy of maintaining a fixed population of pupils, who are so well-known by their teachers and other members of staff that none is left behind.
“It is part of our policy that on no account should the school have more than two arms of any class. We do not have more than 20 children to two qualified teachers in each class. This is a school where profit is not the main thing. With this, every staff is able to identify every child by name, character, strengths and weaknesses such that every teacher is able to address the child according to his needs,” he said.
Fadare added that all workers of the school, irrespective of their level, enjoy a generous discount of 85 per cent to enroll their wards in the school, praising Mrs Osisanya for being an exemplary leader.
“We all have our children here. We can afford it because we pay only 15 per cent of the fees,” he said.
Testifying to the magnanimity of Mrs Osisanya in boosting workers’ morale, Mrs Adenike Olawale-Edun, Head of Department Key Stage 1, said workers get a generous health insurance and regular training within and outside Nigeria yearly.
“I have worked almost 10 years and I am very comfortable working here. It is the investment Sunnydale School made in my life. Every member of staff attends at least two trainings annually; we are packaged to take care of our health and that of our families because Mrs Osisanya believes you have to be healthy to work,” she said.
Deputy Head of School, Mrs Ade Fakoya, said the school’s curriculum was also unique – a blend of the best of Nigeria, Britain, United States and Australia. Unlike other schools that pride themselves in running a foreign curriculum, Fakoya said Sunnydale pupils are groomed to thrive both locally and globally.
“We call our curriculum a bouquet curriculum; we created it. We have partners in the U.S., UK, Australia and the rest of the world. We created our own curriculum to make sure it meets the needs of the globalised child. If you meet a Sunnydale child, they will tell you about Nigeria; but also tell you about the world,” she said.
Chairman of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, Dr Arinola Fetuga, praised Mrs Osisanya for treating everyone with “unconditional positive regard”. She said her processes reflected the school’s core values of hard work, enthusiasm, integrity and respect, which everyone is encouraged to imbibe.
To mark the anniversary, Mrs Longe said the school resumed the new academic session on September 11 with style; restyled and restocked the library of the Lagos State Model Primary School, GRA, Ikeja as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) last week.
“We are going all out to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this great school. We started on the 11th of September when the school resumed. It was fanfare. We are also supporting the Lagos State Model Priamry School to re-style and re-stock its library. We changed the furniture and took donations of books,” she said.
On October 2, Mrs Longe said the school would hold a special cultural programme that would feature food, fashion and various traditional activities like dancing. This will be followed by a thanksgiving service and reception at the Shiba Hall, Ikeja four days later.
Mrs Longe said the school also plans to visit the Ba-Salaam Orphanage, Ikeja – to show its pupils that there are less privileged children who need their empathy.
