The Nation Newspaper

Tag: monarch

  • Umueri community gets monarch

    Umueri community gets monarch

    The people of Umueri in Anambra State are rejoicing over the emergence of Sir Ben Emeka, the chairman/MD of New Idea Construction Company, as the monarch.

    The community has been without a king for 21 years. The emergence of Emeka, a businessman-cum-philanthropist, as the traditional ruler, is a sign of good things for the people.

    The crowning, held at Avia Ama Umueri village square, was witnessed by a huge crowd. As tradition demands in Igbo land, the Onowu (Traditional Prime Minister) of the community performed the crowning rites.

    As a philanthropist, Emeka has touched lives in Umueri, Anambra State and Nigeria.

    The monarch was born into the family of Sir and Lady Edward Emeka, who hailed from Umuatuolu village in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government. He is a Christian, an Anglican Knight of St. Christopher. He is a bridge builder and a business tycoon.

    He built St. Gabriel Anglican Church, Umueri and donated it to the Diocese of Niger West, Anglican Communion. He built a recreation club house for Umueri people, reconstructed the diocesan hospital at Umueri and donated it to the Diocesan of the Niger West Anglican Communion.

    Sir Emeka built five classroom blocks and donated them to Ivite Community Secondary School, Umueri. He does yearly grading of major road paths at Umueri and awards scholarship to youths up to university level. He has received awards from institutions for his philanthropy.

  • Monarch seeks end to hunger

    The monarch of Ketu land, Oba Isiaka Oyero Balogun, has called on the government to reduce hunger in the country.

    The Oba spoke during the Ketu /Agboyi community town hall meeting.

    Oba Balogun said: “We are aware the government is working very hard. There is hunger in the land. Let us all embrace our own products in Nigeria. I urge the Lagos State government to upgrade the pedestrian bridge in Ketu main entrance linking Ketu/Orile-Ketu across town.

    The major problem facing Nigeria is lack of electricity. The supply of power should be stable. The government should revisit prices of commodity that have hit the rooftop. Government policies should wear human face that will also force the high rising cost of commodities to a reasonable level.”

  • Monarch lauds Tinubu, seeks Ambode’s assistance for community

    A monarch, the Jagunmolu of Somolu-Bariga, Oba Gbolahan Timson,  has described the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart  and former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu as a national asset, who has made invaluable contributions to the growth of democracy.

    He prased the eminent politician for laying a solid foundation for the prosperity of Lagos State.

    Oba Timson said Asiwaju Tinubu discovered Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), adding that they are adding value to public administration.

    He said:“Asiwaju is a brilliant politician. He laid the foundation for the new democracy. He is intelligent. We should always pray for him. When he brought the ex-governor and Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, he saw some talents in him.

    “Politicians who were not happy for not picking one of them eventually agreed that Tinubu presented a good material.  We thought we had seen the best and Ambode came on board and surpassed that record in less than two years.”

    Oba Timson, who is yet to be recognised as a monarch by the government, urged the state government to give an official recognition to him as the traditional ruler of Shomolu/Bariga.

    The monarch spoke with reporters in Lagos on plans by some foreign investors to establish solar power plants, which will generate 100 mega watts of electricity for the people of Lagos without financial input from the government.

    Oba Timson said: “Some foreign investors met me recently. They want to establish power plants in Lagos. All they need is just two and half hectares of land where they can put up their equipment without any financial input from the state government while Lagosians will only pay for service rendered.

    “We are using this forum to appeal to Governor Ambode to give us approval since the project will further enhance stable electricity in the metropolis, even with  plans by the state government to add another 300 mega watts to the national grid.

  • Appoint monarch for Ikeja, group tells Ambode

    The main elite group in Ikeja, Lagos, the Gbobaniyi Royal Association of Ikejaland, has petitioned the Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode over the delay in the appointment of a traditional ruler for the community.

    The group, in a letter dated February 13 and signed by its President, Chief Babatunde Alaran, and General Secretary, Mr. Samuel Soremi, lamented that despite having written no fewer than eight letters to the state government,  nothing has been heard from the government

    The group noted that the last Olu of Ikeja, Oba Rauf Amore, joined his ancestors in October 2014 and that ever since, the community has been without a monarch.

    It added, however, that the Body of Kingmakers in Ikeja, once led by the late former deputy governor of Lagos State, Chief Rafiu Jafojo, forwarded the name of Alhaji Samsondeen Adeleye to the Ikeja local council as the new Oba-elect, way back in December 2014.

    The group said stakeholders in Ikeja had become worried over the delay in the installation of a monarch, stressing that the situation had given room to various speculations.

    “Our deep concern is predicated upon the insinuations and speculations within the polity over the delay in the installation of a monarch,” the group said.

    Only recently, Adeleye, the Ikeja Oba-elect, denied a speculation that he was a member of opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

    He said: “As a private citizen, I have been in the progressive parties all my life; and currently, I am one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains in Ikeja.”

  • Kingmakers dispose Ilaje first class monarch

    The Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje local government of Ondo State, Oba Lawrence Omowole has been disposed by kingmakers for alleged abuse of office.
    Omowole was alleged to have removed Oba Beniah Idiogbe as the Alaboto of Aboto and installed a foreigner, one Oyetayo Ofoaye as the new king of the town
    The kingmakers alleged that Ofoaye, hails from Ukohi family who are total strangers and of refugee status in Aboto.
    They recalled that the same Ofoaye with one Omolere Menukuro has challenged the appointment of Oba‎ Idiogbe as the Alaboto of Aboto at Okitipupa High Court in 2007.
    Omowole however  denied the allegation saying the lawmakers were only on a mission to blackmail. 
    However, the decision to remove the first class monarch was taken at a meeting attended by Mahin Obas, Olojas, Baales and youth organization ‎held on February 14, 2017 at Igbokola, the headquarters of Ilaje local government.
    The dispositon letter, which copy was made‎ available to “The Nation” was signed by four out the five kingmakers.
    They also claimed that the copies of the disposition letter has been served on the embattled king, the local government and the state government.
    The kingmakers, who signed the letter were Urayen Ogefun of Mahinland, High Chief Akinyemi Omoyele, Asaron of Mahinland, High Chief Roju Malumi, Jadigba of Mahinland, Olibamayo Aladetan and Yasere of Mahin, High Chief Godwin  Balogun.
    The kingmakers also resolved that the Yasere of Mahin, Balogun, who is the chairman of the council of chiefs should be in charge of the affairs of the kingdom.
    The disposition letter reads “that by our history, no one, not even the Ama‎petu, has the power or authority to concede an inch of Mahinland or allow any stranger to weat a crown within our territory.
    “That after a catalogue of complaints by the Mahin people of different communities of the acts and omission of the present Amapatu of Mahin, particularly with respect to the kingdom teritorial integrity, land use, cieftaincy matters, including the issue of the Alaboto of Aboto and minor chiefs in Igbokoda; the meeting supported the decision of the Mahin Kingmakers passing a vote of no confidence on the Monarch and declaring the seat vacant for the time being.
    “That we are conscious of the special stake of Mahin in the Ilaje project on account of our larger population, overwhelming land mass, ownership of the headquarters of Ilaje accommodating all groups and our strategic geographical location without which others Ilajes have no access to their kingdoms and homes.
    “We shall however, not compromise our inheritance in any manner whatsoever including our kingdom’s territorial integrity, land use, chieftiancy and customs and tradition generally.
    “That we urged the government of Ondo State to accord Oba Idiogbe all his rights and privileges as the Alaboto of Aboto and resist any prompting or temptation from any quarters not even the Amapetu of Mahin to appoint any other person or by any means contemplate appointment of any person not being of Mahin origin or descent as Oba in Aboto or any other part of Mahin land”
    Omowole said some of those people who signed the disposition letter are fake kingmakers.
    He noted that they were only on a mission to blackmail his throne.

    Omowole explained that no kingmaker has the power to remove him ex‎cept his people, adding that his people are strongly behind him.

  • Monarch advocates reactivation of dead industries

    The Oba of Onigbongbo, Oba Munirudeen Olatunji Yusuff, has called on the government to re-activate dead industries.

    Oba Yusuff spoke ahead of his tenth coronation anniversary.

    He said the absence of mega industries in Ikeja and Isolo has created vacuum.

    Oba Yusuff said: “The textile industries in those areas contributed in no small measure to provide employment for the youths and other job seekers, thereby reducing joblessness, indolence and crime. This went a long way to discourage social vices in the society. In the 1970s, industries like Afprint, Berec and Tiger Batteries provided job for both skilled, unskilled and blue-ship workers who walked into the premises for casual work and they got employed, making them busy.

    “Why these giant industries folded up and relocated to places like Ghana, Ivory Coast and other neighbouring countries is as a result of epileptic power supply and non-functional power supply in the country today. The government should do something about electricity supply to reduce the growing rate of unemployment in the land.”

    He condemned a situation where youths now settle for betting.

    The monarch urged Governor Akinwumi Ambode to reconstruct Ija- Ola Street which provides access to Idiroko Bus-Stop linking Ikorodu Road expressway, adding that Onigbongbo indigenes should be given political appointments.

     

  • Trouble in community over removal of monarch

    There is tension in Ido, Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, following the removal of the Onido and  appointment of Baale of Ido (a lesser chief) by the Olubadan-In-Council.

    There are two traditional rulers- the Baale, Alhaji Muritala Babalola and  the Onido, Chief Tajudeen Adelani Akinola Agura.

    Since Agura’s removal, youths have insisted on his restoration.

    Some elders have kicked against the title of Baale.

    The group loyal to Babalola is said to be warming up to check any attack from the opposing side.

    A resident, Pa Ramoni Gbadamosi, said: “We hope a sense of reason will prevail at the end. This is the third time they will remove traditional ruler in this town within 14 years.

    “It is surprising that they have now decided to tamper with history, when they decided to remove the age-long title of the Onido of Ido.

    “All that is paramount to us now is peace because we don’t know what will happen when we have two kings in a small town like this.”

    Agura in a letter by his lawyer, Dare Adebayo, described the appointment of Baale of Ido as illegal, null and void.

    He argued that the title of Baale of Ido is alien to the declaration under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law 1952 of the Customary Law regulating the selection to the Onido of Ido chieftaincy.

    In the three-page protest letter addressed to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the petitioner said the title of Onido of Ido was recognised in Part II of the chieftaincy Law of Oyo State directly under the governor.

    He added that Babalola is not a member of Agura family as laid down by the Declaration under Section 4(2) of the Chiefs Law 1957, noting he was never nominated at Agura family meeting.

  • Bayelsa outlaws monarchs’ eviction

    •Urges committee to stop payroll fraud

    Bayelsa State government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of persons and groups involved in forceful removal of recognised chiefs and monarchs.

    Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Kemasuode Wodu said the state would no longer allow youths to depose monarchs.

    He said the Chieftaincy Law gives only the governor the power to remove a chief in line with due process.

    “Any attempt to remove a duly-recognised chief or hold out any other person in place amounts to a criminal offence under sections 28n and 29 of the Chieftaincy Law Cap C4”, Wodu said.

    An eight-member Local Government Service Commission has been sworn in to stop payroll fraud.

    Governor Seriake Dickson, who performed the ceremony at the Government House, Yenagoa, stressed the need for the commission to tackle fraud and instil discipline in the local government system.

    He said no council was viable because of fraudsters’ activities, which made payment of salaries and other financial obligations difficult.

    Dickson said local governments enjoyed financial autonomy since the inception of his administration.

    He urged the commission to collaborate with Caretaker Committee chairmen and other stakeholders to address the challenges facing local government administration.

    Lamenting the challenges facing councils’ operations, the governor said his administration did not approve any employment since its inception in 2012, wondering why nominal rolls would increase.

    He ordered the commission to sack those due for retirement, absentee-workers and persons illegally employed, saying the government lost over N1billion to ghost workers.

    The commission Chairman is Adolphus Ofongo. Members are Mr. James Agari, Amakiri Etebu, Mr. George Okiriyan, Mr. Freedom Josiah-Osain, Mr. Berry Negresse, Dr. Mary John and Mr. Uroh Kiani

  • Monarch reveals town’s origin at mother’s memorial

    Monarch reveals town’s origin at mother’s memorial

    Some of the intriguing aspects of Christmas and New Year celebrations in Igbo land are festivities, visitations and meetings of all kinds.

    They are also periods during which people travel far and near in search of knowledge of history, tradition and origin of their communities or race.

    Thus, it is not out of place that the ancient Owelle community, Anambra West Local Government Area, Anambra State, recently played host to people from all walks of life during the one year memorial service of the late Iyom Mbanugo.

    Iyom Mbanugo was the mother of the traditional ruler of Owelle Ancient Kingdom and Ukpashi 1 of Owelle, Igwe Sir Anthony Okechukwu Onyekwere.

    Dignitaries at the event were top government functionaries, well-wishers, friends and associates of the monarch.

    Speaking at the event, Igwe Onyekwere said: “It was from his community, Owelle that all communities with some prefix or affix such as Ezi-owelle, Owelle-uno, Owelle-ezukala and others existing in Anambra, Imo, Abia and so on, migrated from.

    He said: “My people, Owelle, migrated from Odecha Moka to this coast where we currently live.

    “You remember that migration was previously carried out through the seas, rivers and oceans.

    “We were living along the coast. It was from here that Owelle-Ezukalla and others left for where they currently live…They have all realised this. I am preparing to present them with ofor (staff of authority) during my next Ofala Festival.

    “We are peaceful people, and have never experienced crime. We are great farmers renowned for yam cultivation, stone-free rice productions, fishmongers from natural ponds, nduko (potatoes), and okra and so on. This is why our new yam festival holds mostly in August.

    “The Igbo ought to find out their origin. Sometimes they claim to have come from Europe or Egypt. The truth remains that a Whiteman cannot give birth to a black man. But a Blackman can give birth to Whiteman.

    “So, it is from here that Europe and other parts of the world migrated from. Our language is Olu. It was from Tower of Babel that different languages were introduced.

    “That is why Yoruba, Igala and others are copied from us. Our tradition is still intact. We believe in the Supreme God. This is why Christianity and Traditional religions are in existence here.

    “We have three notable traditions namely, Ichualo which is when we celebrate new yam, Ugboroegwu (celebration of the masquerades), and the third used in thanking God for the coming of Jesus Christ.

    “These celebrations witnessed influx of people from all parts of the country. This is why there are people from Abia, Delta, Anambra and other parts of the country here today. I am observing iyipu akwa uju (one year memorial service) of my late mother, who was buried on February 25, last year. Iyom Mbanugo is mother-general, mother of all.”

    However, the monarch commended the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano for including their road project on Anambra 2017 Budget, insisting that it would help in boosting the state’s agricultural production and also ease cost of transportation.

    He said: “Our road having been captured in this year’s budget shows that Obiano meant well for us. He is doing this even when election time has not commenced.

    “We need road more than anything. With road, Owelle that is now ejeje (impassable) would become passable.

    “Roads bring development. With roads, Owelle would become 15 minutes’ drive to Awka; and one hour to Abuja. It is the fastest route to access Abuja. We also need the Federal Government to intervene on this road.”

    Comrade Raphael Obeche, who led his fellow staff to the celebration, described the monarch as a humble man to the core.

    He said their relationship had been like that of father and son. He prayed God to grant him Wisdom to lead his subjects.

  • Inheritance Bill: Auchi monarch threatens Jihad against Senate 

    the Otaru of Auchi in Estako West Local Government Edo State, HRH Aliru Momoh, the Ikelebe III, has threatened to lead a jihad against the Senate over its proposed Inheritance Bill.

    The Otaru, who is the state chairman of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), noted that issues bordering on inheritance have been concluded in the Holy Qur’an.

    Speaking at the 20th Auchi Day annual celebration, HRH Momoh said nobody could alter anything about inheritance, which had been passed over 1,400 years ago by the Almighty God in the Qur’an.

    The monarch noted that he has a committee in his kingdom deals with the sharing of inheritance to ensure justice in accordance with the Quran.

    He warned of dire consequences, if anybody tampered with inheritance matters, as given by God.

    Momoh said: “The issue of inheritance has been passed over 1,400 years ago by the Almighty God in the Qur’an. Who is capable of altering that?

    “If anything, I believe sincerely it is a joke. But if it is not, I will lead a spiritual jihad against the Senate, should they alter the issue of inheritance as dictated by the Qur’an. Who are they?

    “A lot of us have the volition to do what we like but those volitions are limited in the sense that the human brain cannot surpass what has been explained by Almighty God.

    “Nigeria is at peace. The peace we prayed for is gradually coming to us. Boko Haram is gone; the Avengers have been diminished.”

    The Otaru hoped that President Muhammadu Buhari would lead the country to glory because of his integrity.

    He urged Nigerians to embrace the policies and programmes of the Buhari administration to enhance national development.

    Governor Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by the chairman of the state’s Inland Revenue Service, Chief Oseni Elamah, urged Auchi indigenes to key into his Reform agenda, especially in agriculture and solid minerals.

    Obaseki promised to revamp the Auchi Fertiliser Company as well build roads in the area.