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Tag: Ikorodu

  • Tunde Kelani’s film for community cinemas

    Tunde Kelani’s film for community cinemas

    To promote community cinema during the yuletide period, Mainframe Productions will be exhibiting one of its latest films, Yeepa in Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos State.

    The film will be screened from December 25, 2014 to January 4, 2015 at the Havens Lounge on Sagamu Road, opposite Mallo Filling Station, beside LASPOTECH, Ikorodu;  Mambillah Hotel at 6, Omodisu Street, off Isawo Road, Agric, Ikorodu, D’jos Hotel, Ijede and Ambassador’s Hotel, Bayeku, Igbogbo, Ikorodu.

    The movie screening is a joint project of Mainframe Productions and a Lagos-based cinema and culture promotion outfit, Shoots Perspectives.

    A statement issued by the brains behind the initiative, Steven ‘AnuAdesemoye reads: “Shoot Perspectives brings community cinema to Ikorodu and its environs with the screening of Yeepa, a new flick from the renowned filmmaker- Tunde Kelani. This is to bring cinema experience closer to the residents of Ikorodu this yuletide season with the screening of this film, which is centered on the intrigues and dynamics of local government administration in Nigeria.

    “The choice of Yeepa, a satire, during this festive period is to encourage the re-emerging cine culture, a family bonding, mental renewal and stress management. The film is an adaptation of Yeepa Solarinnbo, a play written by Prof. Femi Osofisan based on Isola, a rascally and unreliable man who is mistaken for the formidable Public Complaint Commissioner, Solarin, by the corrupt officials of local government council areas. His presence causes anxiety and panic among the officials, and they make desperate efforts to out-do each other so as to pacify the visitor. The flurry of activity to cover their misdeed exposes the high level of corruption and rot that is prevalent in the local council,” he added.

    The movies parades seasoned actors like Bayo Bankole, Ropo Ewenla, Ayo Mogaji, Ebun Oloyede, Joke Muyiwa among others.

  • APC urged to cancel Ikorodu constituency primary

    APC urged to cancel Ikorodu constituency primary

    An aspiring member of the Lagos State House of Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Yekini Lanre,  has urged the party to cancel the of result of the primary of Ikorodu Constituency 1.

    In a petitioned filed on his behalf by Akinsanya Taoreed to the Lagos State APC Electoral Committee, Lanre said the December 2 primary was not transparent, as fake delegates participated in the shadow election.

    He said a former councilor from Olorunda Ward, Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) was arrested with fake 70 delegates’ tags during the exercise.

    He said: “On the day of the primary, at least five fake people with tags were allowed from each ward in all the 17 wards to vote and actually voted.

    “Most of the delegates behaved as if they were either under duress or had sworn to an oath at the shrine at Odogunyan, administered by some elders of the council, warning them of the dire consequences if their candidate lost.”

    He added that the election was a sham, because the incumbent occupant of the seat used undemocratic means to alter the will of the people.

    “Some delegates avoided the election for fear of their lives, after being threatened and made to swear to the juju shrine at Odongunyan.”

  • Vandalism: Four suspects killed in Ikorodu

    Four persons have reportedly been killed following a gun battle that ensued between security forces engaged in the anti-pipeline vandalism operation in Ikorodu.

    ‎The incident which occurred at the Abule Oba area of the city was said to have started after Nigerian Navy personnel were attacked by vandals while on routine patrol in a bid to rid that axis of pipeline vandals.

    Reports disclosed that a vandal kingpin, identified as BlackBerry was among those who died in the shootout.

    Confirming the incident, the spokesman, Western Naval Command (WNC) Lieutenant Commander Abdulsalam ‎Sani told our correspondent that it occurred around 4pm on Thursday.

    “Our men were on routine patrol in their boat, which is part of the ongoing operation (AWATSE). On sighting them, the vandals who were also in their own boats opened fire.

    “An exchange of fire ensued between the vandals and the team of the Nigerian Navy. In the process, four armed vandals including the kingpin, alias Blackberry were killed while others escaped with bullet wounds.

    The Naval Commander, who pleaded with the public to join the Navy in the battle against vandals by providing useful information, said: “The Nigerian Navy is poised to protecting lives and properties in that general area. We appeal to the public not to panic but to go about their normal activities. We also urge the public to provide useful information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of these evil activities”.

  • Ex-Governor Kalu commiserates with Ikorodu people

    Former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu has sent his condolences to the family of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi, who passed on at the weekend.

    In a condolence message, Kalu described the monarch’s passage as “a big blow” to Lagos State and Nigeria.

    He said: “The Ayanguren was an exemplary monarch, whose tenure brought tremendous development to Ikorodu. His reign will linger forever in the minds of his people, owing to his forthrightness and fairness on community and national issues. He lived a peaceful life dedicated to God and mankind.”

    The former governor said the traditional institution has lost a gem, whose advice will be missed by all and sundry.

    He urged the monarch’s family to take solace in the fact that he lived an accomplished life worth emulating.

    Kalu commiserated with the Ikorodu royal family and the people and government of Lagos State.

    He prayed to God to grant the late monarch eternal rest.

  • Ayangburen of Ikorodu passes on

    Ayangburen of Ikorodu passes on

    •Fashola, Ikuforiji mourn

    The Ayangburen of Ikorodu and Vice–Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Salaudeen Afolabi Oyefusi, has passed on.

    Oba Oyefusi died in a London hospital on Saturday. He was 83. Palace sources said he died of an age-related ailment.

    The monarch is survived by his only wife, Olori Muibat, and children.

    Born on July 8, 1931, the late Oba Oyefusi, who was an old student of Oriwu College, was installed as the Ayangburen in September, 1971.

    An educated ruler and committed Muslim, the late Oba Oyefusi reigned for 43 years. He was a successful businessman before ascending the throne of his forefathers.

    During his long and peaceful reign, he promoted religious harmony and development in Ikorodu Division.

    Developments recorded during his reign include the establishment of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu; the Technical College, Ikorodu; many secondary schools and the creation of more local governments.

    Mourners thronged the ancient palace and the monarch’s private residence yesterday.

    Governor Babatunde Fashola described the monarch’s death as “shocking”.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Hakeem Bello, Fashola said: “His death at this time has robbed the state of his contributions and wisdom.”

    House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji described the late Oba Oyefusi as “an uncommon and irreplaceable royal father, who used his ancient throne to transform the lives of his people and his community.”

    Ikuforiji said: “The news of the sudden demise of our most revered royal father, Oba Oyefusi, is like a thunder strike at a time like this. It is sad, unfortunate and hard to believe. For us in Lagos State, Oba Oyefusi is one Oba that effectively blended the ancient culture of our people with modernity to positively impact on the lives of our people.

    “A repertoire of superb wisdom, knowledge and understanding, our referred Oba Oyefusi’s contributions to the marvelous transformation that Lagos State has witnessed since his assumption of office some half a century ago will forever stand his name in good stead from generation to generation.

    “It is on record for instance that but for the huge and proactive support  and contributions of Oba Oyefusi for the Lagos State government since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, all the great achievements recorded by our state today would have been a mirage. He was an Oba who, at all times, stood for the good of his people.

    “His demise at this time is something that ought not to have happened, as people look up to such a forthright, credible and fearless royal father for guidance in the journeys ahead.

    “Since we as human beings have no choice other than to see a calamity like this as an act of our creator, on behalf of myself, family, fellow legislators and the management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I commiserate with the government and people of Lagos State, particularly the good people of Ikorodu, on this painful incident. I also commiserate with his family.

    “May the Almighty God grant his great soul Aljanah Firdaus and grant his family members the fortitude to bear this irreparable and sad loss.”

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ademorin Kuye said: “It is a sad loss to Ikorodu and Lagos State. He was a recipient of the Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) from the Federal Government. He was one of the best monarchs in Lagos State. Kabiyesi was expected home today (Sunday). His ticket had already been booked. “

    Kuye said the monarch’s funeral arrangement will be announced later.

  • Ayangburen of Ikorodu passes on

    The Ayangburen of Ikorodu and Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Salaudeen Afolabi Oyefusi is dead.

    The Lagos State Government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademorin Kuye  said Oba Oyefusi died on Friday at 83.

    He said funeral arrangements would be announced later.

  • NBA Ikorodu elects new officers

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikorodu branch has elected new officers to run its affairs for the next two years. A former vice chairman of the branch, Adedotun Adetunji was elected chairman.

    He polled 130 votes, while Bayo Akinlade, who came second, scored 29 votes. The election was held on July 7.

    Other officers are Abimbola Ojedokun (Vice-chairman), Blessing Ene (Secretary), Islamiyat Adesola (Public Relations Officer), Charity Fagade (Treasurer) and Owoyemi Ajoke (Social Secretary).

    Adetunji, while thanking all members for their support and trust, said the task of rebuilding the branch has just begun.

    He said fostering unity and peace in the branch is the new executive’s main task.“All the electioneering promises would be fulfilled,” he said, adding that he is set to reposition the branch as one of the best bar associations in the country.

  • Ikorodu agitates for power shift

    Indigenes of Ikorodu Division of Lagos State have urged the political parties to zone the governorhip to the area in the interest of equity, justice and fairplay.

    They made the call at a rally organised by the ‘Ikorodu Division Solution Alliance (IDSA) in Ikorodu. It was tagged: ‘ Ikorodu Division for Governor Rally’.

    The IDSA Women Leader, Princess Folashade Oba,  said: “The agitation of the people of Ikorodu Division for the position of the governor of Lagos State is legitimate, timely and rooted in principles of equity, justice and fairplay. In the past, Lagos West produced  Alhaji Lateef Jakande (1979 – 1983).  Lagos East (Epe) produced the late Sir Michael Otedola (1991 – 1993).  Lagos West produced Bola Ahmed Tinubu (1999 – 2007). In 2007, Lagos Central  produced Babatunde Raji Fashola . Therefore, if we would go by the argument that we are all Lagosians deserving equal access to all offices,  the governorship should rotate back to Lagos East.“

    “Ikorodu Division, being the most populous in Lagos, should naturally produce the next governor of Lagos State. We are calling on well-meaning people of Ikorodu Division and lovers of democracy and justice to stand up and be counted.”

    The Odofin of Ikorodu, Prince Kabiru Shotobi,  said: “We are not after money; we are after what is right and our right is that we want all the political parties to know that this time is for Ikorodu . We are not a political party. All we are saying is that we want the 2015 governor to be from Ikorodu, be it an APC or PDP candidate. or the likes.”

    The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikorodu Branch, Mr. Sahid Shillings, said: “Ikorodu should be leading the state because we are blessed with lots of human resources and we are important in the state. We have been short changed in the state. We have left Ikorodu Division and voted for others twice. But, this time around, we are asking for our right and it must be given to us.”

  • BRT mayhem: Soldiers action irresponsible, condemnable, say activists

    BRT mayhem: Soldiers action irresponsible, condemnable, say activists

    Activists yesterday condemned the mayhem that ensued two days ago on Ikorodu Road in Lagos, when soldiers went haywire and unleashed terror on the busy 10-lane highway, burning Lagos State government-owned BRT buses.

    A BRT bus had allegedly killed an okada rider who was said to be a soldier. Following this, enraged soldiers attacked onlookers, passersby and journalists.

    According to Ayo Obe, a legal practitioner and former president of the Civil Liberties Organsation (CLO), the action of the soldiers is not right and cannot be justified under any guise.

    According to her, “We are a society governed by the rule of law and the military cannot continue to take laws into their hands.”

    She added that Nigerians have decided to live in an orderly civil society and be governed by the law; and therefore it’s unacceptable for the military to go on the rampage. She also said she expects the military to take actions and bring those behind the mayhem to order.

    She advised Governor Babatunde Fdashola to fish out the culprits using the machinery on ground. She said, “the military have clearly breached the law by their action and I don’t think this is complicated at all. It only becomes complicated if people begin to think that soldiers are above the law. Properties belonging to the Lagos State government have been wantonly destroyed and those responsible should be fished out by their superiors and made to pay for their actions. Nigeria has chosen to live in an organised civil society and that is it, except the military think, otherwise.

    In his response, Monday Onyekachi Ubani, a lawyer, said it was “clearly animalistic, uncultured, unconstitutional and an ungentlemanly behaviour to take the law into your hands, no matter the level of provocation and however powerful or big you might be.”

    He said that so long as we continue to live in a sane society, where there is room for redress under the law, you are only expected to charge a person to court for murder as this case may be, rather than embarking on such display of mayhem and lawlessness.

    He also said that “the military is an institution created by the law and it therefore sends the wrong signals every time it takes the law into its hands. Coming from an institution funded by the tax payers’ money, it doesn’t really speak well and there is no justification for it in a sane democratic society.”

    While admitting that the BRT bus drivers can sometimes get reckless, he opined that the government and the military authorities nevertheless have a responsibility to fish out and prosecute those involved in the action to serve as deterrent.

    On what the Lagos State Government should do to address the unbecoming trend, Ubani said the issue of advocacy and concensus is important here. “We need to be united in saying that this kind of action cannot be tolerated. Governor Fashola should engage the military command on this. If they don’t do anything, he should take the matter to the presidency. It can be anybody in government and we shouldn’t politicise situations like this.”

    Another Lagos lawyer, Malachy Ugwummadu, said it is unfortunate that such violent reactions are becoming perennial in the interface between uniformed security officials and civilians. He said all the statutory processes creating these security agencies of government are designed to deliberately protect lives and properties; and that “the wanton destruction of lives and properties by the same agencies for whatever reason is not just illegal but unfortunate and unacceptable.”

    Abiola Afolabi-Akiyode, Executive Director, Women Advocates, Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), said it is unfortunate that this kind of situation has continued to unfold in our society, “the reason it has persisted is because when they engage in such ugly display, nobody seems to be responsible and no kind of action seems to be taken against them.”

    Rev. Austin Emeka Nnorom, Executive  Secretary of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), said “It is clear demonstration of the present state of the country, where it seems we still need to get the military to know that we are now in a civilian regime.”

    He said, “Such actions clearly do not show that they understand their place in the society. Right now the whole world is watching us and waiting to see how the Nigerian authorities will handle this situation. They will be looking to see how the government and the military hierarchy will handle the situation and redeem the image of both the military and the country. We also expect the military to come out with an official statement condemning the action and follow it up with an action to bring the culprits to book.”

  • Family of seven found dead in Lagos

    A staff of Nigerian Breweries Plc, his wife and five of their children have been found dead in their residence by neighbours in Lagos.

    The man identified as Etim Edet and members of his family were discovered days after they had died in their sleep on their beds at their home in Badigo area of Ijede in Ikorodu.

    It was gathered that neighbours who did not see any member of the family for some days made attempts to find out what was wrong. After knocking for a long time without any response, they left wondering what must have happened to them.

    However, as they went close to their apartment, they perceived some fowl smell and decided to inform the police.
    It was gathered that police operatives who came to the scene broke the door to the entrance of their home only to discover their decomposing dead bodies on their beds.

    Spokesperson to the State Police Command, DSP Ngozi Braide,  confirmed the incident.

    She explained that on May 1, being workers day, about 4pm, there was a report at Ijede Police Station that a family of seven are suspected dead in their home in Ikorodu.

    “Operatives moved in and Edet was allegedly found dead with his wife and five children on their beds at his residence at Bagido area of Ijede.

    “No sign of violence was seen on their bodies. The deceased were suspected to have died from generator fumes. The decomposed corpses have been removed to Ikorodu General Hospital mortuary for autopsy.  The incident is under investigation at Ijede Division,” she said.