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Tag: monarch

  • Ambode suspends Monarch for faking kidnap

    Ambode suspends Monarch for faking kidnap

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday approved the immediate suspension of the Baale of Shangisha in Magodo, Chief Yusuf Ogundare for allegedly faking his kidnap  on July 5, 2017.

    Chief Ogundare was reportedly kidnapped on July 5 by some unknown gunmen.

    In a memo with reference number OLGAS.83/S./Vol.1 dated July 13, 2017 addressed to the Sole Administrator of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA and signed by the State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon Teslim Folami, Governor Ambode directed Ogundare to stop parading himself henceforth as the Baale of the community till further notice.

    According to the memo, Folami wrote: “I am directed to convey the approval of His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of the suspension of Chief Yusuf Ogundare, Baale of Shangisha with immediate effect in accordance with Section 38 subsection 1 of the Obas and Chiefs Laws of Lagos State which states that “the Governor may suspend or depose any Oba or chief whether appointed or after commencement of this law, if he is satisfied that such suspension of disposition is required according to customary law or is necessary in the interest of peace and good government.

    “You are to communicate the decision to the chieftain to stop parading himself as Baale of Shangisha with immediate effect,” Folami said.

    Ogundare’s suspension was approved by the Governor moments after the Lagos State Police Command paraded him alongside his younger brother, Mohammed Adams for allegedly conspiring to fake the alleged kidnap.

    Adams, on the fateful day, reported the alleged kidnap incidence to the police.

    Speaking while parading the two suspects, the State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni said the Command on July 5 received the report of Ogundare’s alleged kidnap, and immediately swung into action in collaboration with other security agencies especially the Department of State Service (DSS).

    Owoseni said luck however ran out on Ogundare when he was apprehended by men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Alausa area of the State on July 11 after he was dropped in a suspicious manner by a car which sped off immediately.

    Giving details of how Ogundare was apprehended, Owoseni said: “On July 11 at about 10pm, a team of RRS patrol officers working around Alausa had sighted a vehicle drop a male adult in a suspicious manner close by Shoprite along the Secretariat road. The speed with which that car drove off attracted them to that spot and fortunately before they got to the spot, the car had taken off and a quick enquiry revealed that it was the Baale that was allegedly kidnapped.

    “Immediately after Ogundare was being debriefed, he sold a dummy that the kidnappers dropped him off but unknowingly to him, it had been found out that on the 5th of July, the day he was allegedly kidnapped in Lagos, investigation had revealed that he was driving around in Ibadan around Ashi; he went to Ilorin, he went to Iwo, he was just on a frolic.

    “And unknowingly to him as well that because of information that had gotten to security services that his younger brother and his wife were being questioned and were actually in custody because of some discrepancies that were noticed in the interaction they had with security agencies, and in furtherance of the synergy existing between the Police and DSS, we jointly compared notes and our findings were such that the act of the chief was despicable and amounted to crying wolf where there is none,” Owoseni said.

    He said while making reports, Adams had told security agencies that he was with the Baale at CMD Hotel when some people who claimed they wanted to buy land whisked them away and later dropped him, but investigation revealed that he (Adams) was not at any time in the hotel with the Baale but was only at the restaurant of the hotel, and after some minutes, he left, and the wife of the Baale actually drove the Venza car allegedly used to abduct the supposed victim into the hotel.

    The CP added that after the suspects were confronted with the indisputable facts, they had no choice than to confess faking the kidnap.

    The CP said immediately after Ogundare was allegedly kidnapped, Adams went to the community and called the town crier to order the whole community to close shops and markets should not open, an action aimed at inciting members of the community against the State Government.

    He said the objective of the suspects was to falsely accuse the Oba of Shangisha as the brain behind the kidnapping, which they indeed did, as a vengeance to him being installed the Oba instead of Ogundare, and also embarrassed the State Government and as well as security agencies for arresting him (Ogundare) when he falsely displayed the plate number of Oba of Shangisha on his car.

     

  • Monarch hails Ndigbo over peace move

    For members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo Community in Lagos State and the various community leaders of Ndigbo in Ikorodu Division, Tuesday, July 4, will be etched in their minds interminably.

    It was the day the search for lasting peace and unity among the Igbo in Ikorodu Division began earnestly.

    Led by the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State, Dr Dom Ferguson and Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Dr Christian Uchechukwu Nwachuchu (JP) to resolve what could be referred to as inconsequential squabbles among the Igbo leaders in Ikorodu Division. They also visited the Paramount Ruler of Ikorodu Division, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu to present one of their own, retired Colonel Reuben Nwako as Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Ikorodu Division.

    The parley among the Igbo leaders in Ikorodu Division that included Eze Ndigbo of Ikorodu Division, Eze Paulicap C. Uhegbu, Eze Ndigbo of Ijede Kingdom, Eze John Okafor; Eze Ndigbo of Igbogbo Bayeku, Eze Enwemadu Livinus S.; Ezeudo Ikorodu West, Eze Ofordile Nwajey; Eze Nwachukwu and Dr Ferguson, among others was held behind closed doors.

    Addressing Ndigbo at the residence of Colonel Reuben Nwako, who is the new leader of Ndigbo in Ikorodu Division, Ferguson urged Ndigbo in Ikorodu to embrace peace and unity as that is the only way to achieve socio-economic, political development, noting that no tangible development takes place in a rancorous situation.

    “The Igbo have been consistent in the pursuit of national unity and inter-ethnic co-operation. The Igbo, over time, have been playing the role of bridge-builders in the fledging Nigerian state. The Igbo are adventurous and see any part of the country as home.

    “That explains why they are seen in remote villages and towns nation-wide where they help in developing their host communities,” he said.

    Later, the group moved to the palace of Oba Shotobi where the Igbo Community Lagos State under the leadership of Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Dr Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu and the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, Dr Dom Ferguson jointly presented Colonel Reuben Nwako to the Oba as the paramount leader of Ndigbo in Ikorodu Division.

    Speaking at the event, Dr Ferguson thanked Oba Shotobi for accommodating the Igbo who live and do businesses in Ikorodu.

    He added that there will be overall peace in Nigeria if the Yoruba and Igbo continue in their peaceful relationship.

    Noting that the peaceful reign of Oba Shotobi and his love for Ndigbo resident in Ikorodu Division, heartened the Igbo Community and Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State to present to Oba Shotobi one of the illustrious sons of Igbo as the apex leader of Ndigbo in Ikorodu Division.

    “Your Royal Majesty, we are here today to present Colonel Reuben Nwako (rtd) to you as the leader of Ndigbo in Ikorodu Division.

    “We present him to you as the Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Ikorodu Division. He will coordinate the activities of Ndigbo in your domain. He is a good choice based on his experiences.  He also served as Director of Enforcement at the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) under the late Dora Akunyili and Director of Operations with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” Dr Ferguson said.

    Speaking in the same manner, Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Dr. Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu corroborated Dr Ferguso’s assertion that Col. Nwako was a better choice to coordinate the activities of Ndigbo in Ikorodu, adding that his experiences are such that would help a society grow. He urged Oba Shotobi to relate with Ndigbo in Ikorodu through him.

    Eze Nwachukwu praised the Oba for his peaceful disposition towards his subjects, a situation, he said, had guaranteed peace and unity in Ikorodu.

    He recalled that “the cordial relationship that exists among the Igbo and Yoruba was amplified when former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu went the extra mile to solidify the mutual friendship among the Igbo and Yoruba by appointing an Igbo man as a commissioner.

    “Tinubu is a nice man and a good friend of Ndigbo; your royal majesty, thank him for us.”

    Responding, Oba Shotobi expressed his happiness over the visit by Ndigbo.

    The royal father praised the Igbo, especially those living in his domain for their hard work.

    “Your people are peaceful and hard working. Their contributions to the development of Ikorodu cannot be denied. I am happy you are presenting Col. Nwako to me because I know him as a man of honour and integrity.

    “I have accepted him as a man to work with and who will help in bringing peace among the Igbo in Ikoorodu,” he said.

    Highpoint of the event was Oba’s conferment of traditional chieftaincy title on Col. Nwako and his wife as Omobowale of Ikorodu land and Yeye Omobowale of Ikorodu land respectively.

    Reacting to the development, Col. Nwako (rtd) said: “It was a good development and a great achievement. The Igbo in Ikorodu Division are not working together towards the unity, peace and development of Ndigbo.”

    Regretting that Ikorodu  Division has five different Eze Ndigbo who represent each of the local council development areas and who do not see eye to eye, the peace move that threw him up as Chairman to Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Ikorodu and the conferment of chieftaincy title on him by the paramount ruler were good omen for Ndigbo.

    He pledged to work assiduously to bring peace and unity among the people, even as he said he would be loyal to Oba Shotobi and carry out any of his rewarding instructions.

  • Ondo monarch arraigned for ‘ordering’ destruction of school property

    The Ondo State Police Command yesterday arraigned the Olugele of Ugele community in the Akure North Local Government Area, Oba Clement Aladesaye, at an Akure Magistrates’ Court for allegedly ordering the destruction of some property belonging to the Federal College of Agriculture in Akure, the state capital.

    The property was said to be in millions of naira.

    The monarch was arraigned on a six-count charge.

    It was learnt that Oba Aladesaye entered the land to execute a 2012 judgment of the State High Court, which declared him the real owner of the land.

    The college challenged the judgment at the Court of Appeal but the appellate court has not delivered judgement on the matter.

    The charge sheet reads: “You, Clement Ajayi Aladegbaye Falodun and others now at large, between April 3 and June 20, 2017 at 8 a.m at Benin Garage Area of the Federal College of Agriculture in Akure in the Akure Magisterial District, did forcibly enter the land in actual and peaceable possession of Federal College of Agriculture in a wrongful bid to enforcing declaratory judgment in the suit…”

    The accused did not plead guilty or not to the charges.

    His lawyer, Dapo Agbede, averred that the court had no power to hear the case because, according to him, there was a subsisting judgment on the matter at the upper court.

    He said: “The case has been determined by the higher court and there is a perpetual injunction restraining the complainant from going into the land. The higher court has adjudged the man (Aladesaye) as the real owner of the land.”

  • Monarch seeks quick job on Apapa-Wharf road

    Ojora of Ijora, Oba Abdul Fatai Aromire has appealed to the Federal and Lagos State governments to expedite action on the rehabilitation of the Apapa-Wharf road.

    The monarch, in his Sallah message, said the road is one of the major ones where the two governments generate huge revenue. He expressed worry over the gridlock experienced by those who make their living in the axis, adding that the problem would continue to have adverse effect on them and the economy.

    He said some businesses were no longer doing well in Apapa and its environs because their owners were finding it difficult to gain access to their companies, adding that some of them had relocated to better places.

    The monarch appealed to those agitating for Nigeria’s break-up to sheathe their swords, saying dialogue was the best solution to the country’s problems.

    He urged Arewa and Igbo leaders to give room for dialogue for peace to reign in the country.

     

     

  • Farmers/herdsmen clash: monarch calls for truce

    The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu, has appealed to farmers and herdsmen to sheath their swords and embrace peace.

    The emir made the call in Gombe yesterday during the Eid-el-fitr Durbar at his palace.

    He said: “Farmers should not take laws into their hands when their crops are destroyed by cattle. I am also appealing to the security personnel to do justice in their judgment and not to take sides.”

    The monarch said there were indications of a good farming season and, therefore, called on farmers to plant in time to have a bountiful harvest.

    He appealed to the public to be patient over the hardship in the country, with hope that things will get better.

    He appealed to both Muslims and Christian faithful to imbibe the teaching of Ramadan, which is peace.

  • Beware of expert petition writers, gossips monarch tells FUPRE council

    Beware of expert petition writers, gossips monarch tells FUPRE council

    The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom in Delta State, HRM Emmanuel Sideos, Abe I, has expressed concerns over the activities of rumourmongers and ‘professional’ petition authors in the University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun.

    The monarch advised the Governing Council of FUPRE to be wary of such petitions and other reports, f it is desirous of moving the pioneer institution forward and ensuring development of the areas.

    Abe Sideso I spoke when the Chairman of the Council, Professor Shehu Abdulahi Zuru, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace located in Effurun, headquarters of Uvwie LGA, last weekend.

    He said, “I want to advise the new council to be fair and transparent. Listen to the officers of the university because they are on ground, at the same time, do not be carried away.

    “We want development in the federal university, we want the communities to be developed, we want Uvwie to be developed, and we want the university to excel academically. Of course, the VC and his team have been doing very well, please listen to them,” the Uvwie monarch added.

    “In this part of the country we write a lot of petitions, a lot of rumours that will distract you from doing what you should do. So I will advise the council, please let the development of the university be a priority, not what you want to have as your personal gains. It is for the development of the university and that of Nigeria that you were appointed to come here to serve.

    “Do not listen to petitions, most of them are not founded, I am saying this from experience.

    “We are very happy that you are here with your team. When I see things that are not going on well, I will tell you, but if you don’t listen I will leave you, I will just be quiet, when we get to the bridge we will cross it, but your career is very important.”

    “The most important pain to us today, Mr Chairman of Council, and if you and your team can solve this for me, I will be very happy on signing the Act establishing the university, which is now at the Presidency.

    “I want you to use your connections, all of you here, members of council. Do whatever needs to be done. A lot of things are being held back because of this. I am appealing to you. Like I said, we will work together, Nigeria is for all of us, we will work together. I am assuring that I will cooperate with you.

    “We’ve heard you, we’ll work with you and make peace with you and make the place conducive for you to work and don’t hesitate to call on your father here, this is your home, the door is open for you and for every member of the council. We have to work together to make sure that the place becomes a better place.

    Earlier Prof Zuru promised to take the university to a greater height and ensure that the Act establishing the institution was passed into law.

    Members of the Governing Council included Alhaji Ibrahim Mahmud, Professor Bello Zaki Abubakar, Mr Paul Odili and Professor Abiodun Alan. Others were Prof Christopher Ajuwa, Prof Christopher Onosemuode, Dr Godswill Ogualgha, Rev Fr Oghenejode Abaka and Dr Allenotor David among others.

    Prof Zuru assured that efforts were being made to get legal backbone for the institution by passing the Bill establishing FUPRE into law. He promised that getting the law enacted remained a primary interest of his board.

    Meanwhile, the university council chair has assured staff of the institution that the current council would not leave any stone unturned to address the challenges facing the institution in order to take it to top.

    “To put it mildly, because I’m an optimist, it’s herculean, but the essence of having a problem is to solve it, not to use it for an excuse, so whatever is the problem on the ground in this university, is surmountable.

    “Like I reassured during my address to the Congress, we will do our best by leveraging on the best opportunities that the university has. Where the opportunities are not there, we will create such opportunities for the university because there are just so much that can be accomplished. With the right leadership I can assure you that there’s no problem that we cannot solve,” he enthused.

    To this end, he admonished members of staff of FUPRE to function as a family unit that is focused on achieved the lofty ideas behind the establishment of the institution.

    “The federal government did not make a mistake by the establishment of this university and we are the stakeholders, we have to function as a family unit, that we must do in order to move the university forward.

    “I have already emphasized this time and again that the primordial consideration for the current council is rejigging the template on the basis of which the university has been developing because we have to synergize the platform on the basis of which we have been operating, we have to come home and come clean about our performance so far and where we are taking this university.

    “I want to assure you that with the present vice chancellor, the management and the council, we are all winners. We will succeed,” he assured.

  • Anambra community gets monarch, 21 years after

    Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State has celebrated its new traditional ruler 21 years after its monarchy was in the cold. The community went wild with jubilation at the installation of Igwe Benneth Emeka, after the demise of the late traditional of the community, Igwe Nelson Okoye over two decades ago.

    The market square was filled with enchanted residents as the drums and songs conveyed the community’s joy.

    Unlike political positions which constitutionally have fixed tenures, the monarch leads the town as long as he lives.

    At about 11am, residents of the area were already in the open market square billed to host the event. They defied the harsh sun to cast their votes. Eventually the new monarch ascended the throne unchallenged.

    While some of them jostled for every available leaf that could provide a shade over their heads, some observers stood in the scorching sun and intermittently wiped sweat with their handkerchiefs.

    The state government delegation was led by the Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ikechukwu Muoedu.

    First to speak at the venue was the Vice-Chairman of Igwe Selection Committee of Umueri, Elder Samuel Anakputali Umeadi, a lawyer. One after the other, he explained on every step taken by the committee for a successful installation.

    He said that one of the two candidates gunning for the exalted throne was disqualified on the grounds of not meeting up with the stipulated requirements.

    As if it was the people’s prayers and wish, the mentioning of Chief (Sir) Benneth Emeka as the qualified candidate sent a wave of jubilation into the crowd.

    When the monarch appeared, there was tumultuous applause, singing, dancing, and shouting of Igwe! Igwe! Igwe! And with the singing and dancing, they led him round to greet his subjects.

    The President-General of the town, Chief Pius Okonkwo, said that the 52-member Igweship Screening and Selection Committee set up by the town union disqualified Mr Jonny Metchie on the grounds of not meeting with the stipulated requirements.

    Speaking with The Nation, Hon. Muoedu expressed satisfaction with the process of selecting the new traditional ruler.

    “I am satisfied with the conduct, it is obvious that the new Igwe is the people’s choice,” said Muoedu.

    At Ama-ajaegwu Altar in Umuatugolu village, Umueri, the elders were already seated to welcome their son after making him the monarch.

    The Altar also serves as the customary court of the community. The eldest man in the village, Mr Benjamin Nwakwudo, who currently presides over the altar, blessed the new king.

    Again, the Igweship train moved to Ama Umueri for the crowning of Chief (Sir) Benneth Emeka as the traditional ruler of Umueri community. The 30th Onowu of the town, Chief Mike Ekweonu, exercised the task as it was customary in the area.

    Speaking with The Nation, the new monarch, Igwe (Sir) Benneth Emeka, said that restoring the lost glory of the people was top in his priorities.

    “I thank you for choosing me as your leader. I will use my position to foster unity among Umueri people and their neighbours”

    “You know this area is volatile. We’ve been known for our communal war between Aguleri and Umuoba Anam. But with my position, there will be no more war between my people and these communities”

    “My ascendency to the throne was for a purpose designed by God. It is to bring Umueri closer to Christ; to liberate Umueri from devilish acts and idolatry that they have been indulged in” Igwe Emeka said.

    One of the daughters of the community, Prof. (Mrs) Ogugua Ikpeze, from the Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka who attended the crowning ceremony said that the emergence of the new king was divine.

     

  • Monarch backs NULGE’s call for autonomy

    Monarch backs NULGE’s call for autonomy

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi has supported the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) over the call for Local Government autonomy, saying the traditional institution was  ready to support every move by the union.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit to his palace, Oba Ogunwusi said the advocacy by the union through the traditional rulers was long overdue.

    “Your advocacy is long overdue. You should have engaged the traditional institutions to right the wrong because we are all interested in development of the entire population. The closest government to the people are the local government authorities.

    “I assure you we will work together to get it to a logical conclusion. This is because you are being denied your right and you keep quiet, it is not right. If all the 774 local governments can be properly funded, development will spread faster than envisaged,” he concluded.

    National President of NULGE, Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel, said the union has embarked upon nationwide advocacy campaign due to the poor state of Local Government administration across the country.

    According to him, “We are here to pay homage and take the advocacy to palaces and royal fathers and we are starting from here. The role of this palace in the country shows that it is not by accident or sheer coincidence, but deliberately chosen baring in mind how close the palace is to the people and God we all serve.

    “You will agree, your majesty, that the purpose of creating local governments has been defeated and we think as workers we must make people know. We want better constitutional reforms to make local governments perform better.

    “The process and the fund meant for local government administration have been hijacked and it is time for all Nigerians to come together and canvass through a peaceful process for a better local government administration.”

    Comrade Khaleel argued that local government administration has suffered in the hands of governors due to the lacuna in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    He emphasised five major areas where he sought for Oba Ogunwusi’s support, which include: expungement of state independent national electoral commission and allows only the INEC to conduct state elections; expungement of constitutional provision that established state/local governments joint accounts.

  • Monarch wants basic amenities for subjects

    The Onishasha of Shasha kingdom in Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA), Lagos, Oba Babatunde Ogunronbi, has appealed to the government to provide his subjects with basic infrastructure.
    He urged that a health centre, market, library and any other project that would bring government presence be established.
    The monarch made the plea at a press briefing ahead of his fifth anniversary as the Onishasha, urging Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to extend his developmental strides to Shasha.
    He said even though his last five years had been challenging, the support of his chiefs, community leaders and stakeholders helped in ridding the community of crime, lawlessness, disunity, disaffection and rancour.
    He said plans were afoot to inaugurate the Shasha Economic Empowerment and Development Strategies (SEEDS) to boost the fortunes of residents.
    Commending the monarch, leader of Igbo community, Elder Vincent Iwobi, noted that his peace moves were responsible for the developments recorded in the kingdom.

  • Monarch pleads for road repair

    Traditional ruler of Oto-Awori Oba Josiah Ilemobade Aina has pleaded with the Lagos State Government to reconstruct the road leading to the community’s hospital.

    Oba Aina spoke ahead of his 10th anniversary celebrations.

    He said residents could not got to the general hospital because of the bad road.

    He said when it rains, residents’ movement is restricted.

    The monarch urged government to provide more primary and secondary schools in Oto-Awori because the existing ones are overcrowded and lack teachers.

    He demanded the clearing of water hyacinth from the Ologe lagoon becasue of its importance to the economic development of the area.