The Nation Newspaper

Tag: monarch

  • Monarch urges Ndigbo to go back to farm

    The traditional ruler of Igbo Ukwu kingdom in Aguata, Anambra State Dr. Martin Ezeh has urged Ndigbo to prioritise agriculture as was once the case in the Eastern Region led by the late Dr. Michael Okpara.

    The monarch spoke during the celebration of National New Yam Festival  at Yam House, Etiti Village in the community.

    He said, “In 1962, Eastern Region during the era of the late Dr. Michael Okpara, was named the fastest growing economy in the world. Why can’t we re-enact such miracle even by our individual states, and we are calling on the federal government to begin restructuring so that Nigeria can practise full and true federalism. Without agriculture, nobody will survive because any being created with blood and flesh needs food which is agricultural produce.

    “Agriculture which is part of culture is symbolic of identity, whosoever that loses agriculture has no identity, no matter where you are, even the white men engaged so much on agricultural practices.”

    Ezeh, insisted that Igbo nation had always been known for innovation, industry, entrepreneur among others, which according to him, were the attributes that would make a country developed and advanced.

    He queried the rationale behind the backwardness of Ndigbo in investing in their homes despite the ingenuity and extra ordinary wisdom of the people.

    The monarch described the new yam festival as the time of coming together to celebrate the products of yam plantation in Igboland by the traditional rulers who were the chief custodians of tradition in the communities.

    The National chairman of Mbido Igbo Association, Mazi Okafouzu Ugochukwu, noted that the unity of any nation or tribe was guaranteed by their culture which according to him was the product of their religious belief.

    He said any attempt by any group of people to separate people’s culture from their religion meant chaos in such place.

    Ugochukwu, therefore, thanked the federal government for elevating the festival to an international status.

    The representative of the National Gallery of Art, Ibrahim Adamu therefore, adviced the Mbido Igbo Association (MIA), as the promoters of the Igbo culture to lure private and corporate organisations into the festival in future, instead of waiting for governments.

    He said that the federal government had concluded plans to back off from sponsoring cultural activities in Nigeria.

    The Director-General of Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Chief Dr. Sally Mbanefo was represented by Mrs. I. Fibi.

    She said that the corporation had done enough in promoting cultures in Nigeria, adding that Igboukwu New Year Festival was one of such in the Southeast.

    Again, (NTDC) said it had marketed the festival in various countries of the world including Spain, Britain, Germany, Dubai and South Africa, adding that soon investors would troop to Nigeria to explore the cultural heritage of the people.

     

  • Why Edo should vote Obaseki, by monarch

    Why Edo should vote Obaseki, by monarch

    Traditional ruler of Udo community, His Royal Highness, Patrick Igbinidu, the Iyase N’ Udo has warned his subjects to wait for the wrath of the ancestors if they vote against candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

    The Udo monarch said the plan by the APC to develop the state will  be realised under Obaseki.

    He spoke yesterday when the APC ward campaign train visited his domain in Ovia South West local government area.

    HRH Igbinudu said they have sent Obaseki on an errand and they have prayed God to grant him success to do what he has promised to do.

    He said:  “All the nooks and crannies of Udo should be told that it is Obaseki that we will vote for as the next governor after Oshiomhole.

    “You all have seen it, this is who the Udo people should support, who said he won’t vote for him, he should wait for the ancestors. The entire Udo kingdom should vote for him and anyone who gives his votes to another person is on his own”. The Udo monarch charged.

    Obaseki on his part thanked the monarch for the support and promised that attention would be given to the community to improve the standard of living in the area.

    He said he would utilize the resources of the community to the benefit of the people who he noted will be empowered and strengthened to be self dependent.

     

  • Monarch condemns sealing off of premises

    Monarch condemns sealing off of premises

    THE Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, has described as sacrilegious the fetish items placed around and within the premises of the Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat yesterday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, by unknown persons.

    The monarch flayed the attitude of some miscreants, who, he said, went and sealed the entrance of the party secretariat with the traditional palm frond.

    According to him,  traditional palm frond is the traditional means of sealing off premises in Akureland.

    A statement by the Deji’s spokesman, Michael Adeyeye, said: “We want to state that carrying out traditional sealing-off of premises remains the prerogative of the palace.

    “The Deji of Akure remains non-partisan and a father to all political aspirants and never authorised such.

    “Oba Ogunlade frowns at this attitude and wishes to inform the general public that such act did not emanate from the palace.

    “We wish to inform you that any attempt to desecrate tradition will be vehemently rebuffed.

    “It is certain that those who carried out this condemnable act are not aware of the cultural and traditional implications of this action. The palace is a-political and therefore should not be dragged into the internal wrangling of any party.”

    It noted that the palace has sent its emissaries to carry out a thorough investigation of the matter, saying: “We are confident that the culprits will be apprehended in no distant time.

    “We call on the APC party executives to unravel the circumstances behind this abominable act. We equally call on security agencies to investigate and bring to book those behind the sacrilegious act so as to serve as deterrent to would-be persons.

    “We want to state without mincing words that the palace has nothing to do with the issue and equally condemns it in its entirety”.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Monarch urges Ekiti youths to embrace skills acquisition

    Monarch urges Ekiti youths to embrace skills acquisition

    A traditional ruler in Ekiti State, Oba Peter Afolabi Falade, has advised youths to embrace skills acquisition to overcome the scourge of unemployment and poverty.

    The monarch, who is the Obaloja of Oloje Ekiti in Oye Local Government, gave the advice while speaking at the Environmental Beautification Training Scheme (EBTS) organised by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).

    Oba Falade, who explained that government cannot provide employment for all teeming youths, also urged them to key into Information and Communications Technology (ICT), which, he said, is capable of generating jobs

    The royal father urged the participants in the scheme to utilise the opportunity of the training, which he said would make them own their businesses and change their lives for good.

    The Acting Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Olakunle Obayan, said the agency cannot tackle the scourge of unemployment ravaging the country alone.

    Speaking through Ekiti State NDE Coordinator, Babatope Akinyemi, he appealed to state governments, local governments, affluent members of the society, non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations and others to partner with NDE in this task of providing economic empowerment for the youths.

     

  • Monarch marks coronation anniversary

    Monarch marks coronation anniversary

    The traditional ruler of Amaimo in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Godwin Ehirim Nwaebo, the Duru Imo II of Amaimo kingdom has said that for a community to have any meaningful development, the people must be committed to issues of peace and unity. He also advised his subjects to ensure they cooperate with one another in order to take the community to greater heights.

    Eze Nwaebo gave the advice while celebrating his first year coronation anniversary and conferment of chieftaincy titles on members of his cabinet and other illustrious sons of the kingdom.

    Some dignitaries that attended the event included members of the Eze’s cabinet, traditional rulers from other towns who came to show solidarity with Duru Imo 11, Ndi Nze na Ozo led by the Epum of Amaimo Ancient Kingdom, Nze Emmanuel Patrick Onukwugha Ejimonyeabala, Senators led by Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu who represents Imo East Senatorial District in the Senate, and lawmakers from the Imo State House of Assembly. Commissioners led by Imo State Commissioner for Pension/IGR, Chief Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, friends and well-wishers and some other prominent indigenes of Amaimo also participated in the celebration.

    As early as noon that day, guests had begun to throng the arena. There was spontaneous jubilation as Eze Nwaebo and his entourage made their way into the arena.

    The roomy playground was largely suffused with beautifully coloured masquerades and traditional dancers who entertained the people. Gaily dressed women known for their panache and active social lifestyle were a marvel to behold. The men equally in their beautiful Isiagu attire swirled to the suiting rhythm of drums and other musical instruments in the somewhat balmy afternoon. It was a gathering of who is who in Amaimo.

    The coronation anniversary was a two-day event. The first event was held at Egbelu at the Palace of Duru Imo II on Friday, May 27. It wasn’t as elaborate as that of Sunday. The event at Egbelu was merely a palace matter as Eze Nwaebo conferred chieftaincy titles on members of his cabinet. The Sunday event was a showcase for the conferment of chieftaincy titles on some illustrious sons of Amaimo who have distinguished themselves in various fields.

    Members of Eze’s cabinet honoured with chieftaincy titles were Theodore Agwaraonye (Palace Secretary) Ephraim Ekwu (Chairman of the Cabinet), Paulinus Awurum, Ikeotuonye Osuagwu, Clement Onyebele, Donatus Anyanwu and Benjamin Njoku, among others.

    Before conferring the titles on members of his cabinet, Eze Nwaebo admonished them to be upright in all they do. He also advised them not to use their positions to oppress widows, orphans and other less-privileged persons.

    “As representatives of your various villages, you must ensure that you do not betray the confidence reposed in you by members of your communities. You must always be on the side of truth, justice and equity. That means, you should not pervert justice.

    “Do not use your positions to suppress truth or intimidate widows and orphans. They look up to you to give them justice and fair play. Remember they are apples of God’s eyes. If you pervert justice in cases involving them, God will hear their cries and may visit you with His anger,” he said.

    Also advising the chiefs, the Epum of Amaimo, Nze Ejimonyeabala said: “Having been conferred with chieftaincy titles, you should be conscious of the customs and traditions of the land and uphold them. You all should join hands with the king to preserve the mores of the land and learn some of the salient practices such as the principle of kola nut presentation and how to greet the king and the Nzes. As men of tradition, these are so fundamental.”

    In his remark, the Traditional Prime Minister of the kingdom, Chief Chukwuma E. Awurum (KSM) said he would do his possible best to attract government’s presence to the kingdom.

    He also said he would ensure the continuity of unity as well as the maintenance of the people’s cultures and traditions.

    He said: “I will ensure that our cultural heritage is maintained. Amaimo is known for peace; based on that, one of my priorities would be to ensure that the people continue to live in peace with one another.

    “Development goes with education, infrastructural enhancement and empowerment of human resources. Therefore, we pledge to promote education in Amaimo through scholarship scheme for brilliant but indigent students. We will also enhance on youth empowerment programme for our youths to realise their innate potential,” he said.

    Senator Anyanwu, who chaired the occasion, praised Eze Nwaebo for selecting young and able-bodied men to be members of his cabinet, stressing that gone are the days when old men constitute an Eze’s cabinet.

    The keynote speaker, who was  Imo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Donald Chikadibia Denwigwe (SAN) said peace and unity are the hallmarks of development.

    In his speech entitled “Ala Doro” (let peace reign), he advised the people to make unity their maxim.

    He urged the towns that comprised the kingdom to live in peace and be supportive to Eze Nwaebo. Denwigwe reminded them that their king would be identified and honoured based on the level of co-operation he receives from his subjects.

    High point of the event was conferment of chieftaincy titles on some individuals who have distinguished themselves in various fields. Some of them were Chief Sam Emeh, Chief Uchenna, Paschal Ojor, Chief Henry Obieze Akujor and High Chief John Ahanonu, among others.

     

  • Give us college of education, monarch urges Mimiko

    Give us college of education, monarch urges Mimiko

    The traditional ruler of Alade-Idanre in Ondo State, Oba Olusegun Ayodele Akinbola, the Aladeokun of Alade-Idanre in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, has urged Governor Olusegun Mimiko to establish a college of education in his domain.

    The monarch made the appeal while celebrating his 21st coronation anniversary in Aladeokun palace, Alade-Idanre.

    He said the journey has not been so easy in the past 21 years of his ascendancy to his ancestor’s throne.

    He, however, noted that “like lightening, the years have come and gone with their attendant vicissitudes”.

    Oba Akinbola said: “About four years ago, Governor Mimiko laid the foundation that would transform Alade Market into a regional one. We appeal to the governor to speed up the completion of the market and inaugurate it before the expiration of his tenure.”

    He thanked his community for giving him the opportunity to serve them.

    Recalling how he ascended the throne in 2005, Oba Akinbola, who was a lecturer at the Department of Dramatic Arts of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife Osun State (formerly University of Ife), said he was on sabbatical leave when he received a letter of appointment as a monarch in his community, saying he did not lobby for the royal position.

    “I was on sabbatical leave preparing to go to the United States of America (USA) when I got a letter of appointment  as a monarch in my community without lobbying for the royal position,” he said.

    According to him, Alade-Idanre town is one of the communities that make up Idanre Kingdom, which is  one of the major kingdoms in Ondo State.

    He revealed that the town was founded in 1928, but with a special characteristic of being a religious community in which all the indigenes are Christians.

    Oba Akinbola said Alade-Idanre is a distinct town with its history, culture and tradition.

    He revealed that the town was founded in 1928,  adding that the community is one in which majority of the indigenes are mainly Christians. Interestingly, the founder of the town was a prominent Christian leader.

    There are no mosques or any other traditional worship centres.

    The town links Akure, the Ondo State capital with Idanre where the popular Idanre Hill is located.

    Oba Akinbola said there was serious crisis between Christians and Muslims at Oke-Idanre town after which the town was founded by the late Pa John Akinbola, who was his grandfather.

    According to him, the people of Alade were living in Oke-Idanre before the crisis between Muslims and Christians. The Christians agreed to vacate the town and look for a new settlement, hence their movement to the present day Alade town.

    “My grandfather, who was a prominent Christian leader, then suggested that Christians should vacate the town for the Muslims and he led them to where we are now.

    “The name Alade was given to it because that was the name of the market our people left behind at Oke-Idanre and they felt the town should be named after the market.

    “After the town was founded, the late Bishop S. C. Phillips of the Anglican Communion was invited to pray over the town and he laid the foundation of the palace of the town. Those who were Christians were coming from different parts of Idanre land and today we have a fairly big population and we relate as brothers and sisters because of our common religion.

    “Bishop Vinning was later invited to organise the town. So, we can say that the town was set up by two renowned Anglican Priests.

    “Although there were attempts to introduce new religion by those who later came to join us in recent time, we did not encourage their idea because we have a history which we need to protect. We practice Christianity and we are known for that.”

    He said it was Bishop Phillips who formally pronounced the location of the town and made all necessary arrangements for its recognition by all agencies of government, adding that the traditional ruler of the town now has a prescribed authority within his domain like other traditional rulers in Yoruba land. Indigenes of Alade are predominantly farmers and traders.

    Oba Akinbola said the first set of settlers in the town facilitated the founding of markets and schools, adding that he had also facilitated the establishment of schools and medical centres.

    He revealed that prominent indigenes of the town are making efforts to facilitate the establishment of a tertiary institution in the town in order to boost its economy.

    Oba Akinbola said: “In the past 21 years of my reign, Alade town has transformed from the insignificant town it was to a large one populated by strangers who reside in it because of its peace and hospitality.”

    He said:  “The state and Federal Governments should make their impacts felt in the town through provision of infrastructural facilities to enhance the living condition of the people.”

    At the occasion, cultural dancers entertained guests that included traditional rulers among who were Owa of Idanre land, Oba Fredrick Aroloye, Deji of Akure land, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo and Oba Francis Omokanjuola Apata, the Olupe of Ipe-Akoko, among others.

    Governor Mimiko was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Dr Kola Ademujimi, while the Chairman/Chief launcher of the day, Segun Oni, the former Ekiti State Governor was represented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary in Ekiti State, Mr Taiwo Olatubosun.

  • Monarch hails Grand Oak for supporting Osun Osogbo Festival

    Monarch hails Grand Oak for supporting Osun Osogbo Festival

    The Ataoja of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, has hailed a major sponsor of Osun Osogbp Festival, Grand Oak Limited, for its continued support for the festival.

    At the presentation of the company’s products, including Seaman Schnapps, Regal and Lord’s Dry Gins at his palace, Oba Olanipekun also expressed happiness at his Appeal Court victory in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on July 22.

    The monarch said this year’s festival, which began at the weekend, would be celebrated with funfair.

    He blessed the company, which he described as a true partner in progress.

    Oba Olanipekun said: “I am extremely happy for this day. This is my first outing after my victory at the Appeal Court in Akure on July 22. The victory, no doubt, will make this year’s Osun festival remarkable in all ways. My victory has made it clear to everyone that it is only God Who enthrones and dethrones.”

    Grand Oak’s Category Manager Olayinka Amuwo said the company valued traditions and cultures, adding that it would continue to feature prominently in major festivals across the country.

    The manager noted that Grand Oak had been partnering the organisers of Osun Osogbo festival, which he said had put Nigeria on the world tourism map.

    Also, the festival’s consultant Ayo Olumoko said this year’s festival would be unique, despite the economic crunch and technical recession.

    He said many of the corporate organisations were supporting the event in many ways.

    Olumoko said the main aim of the event was to celebrate and project the distinct African value and culture to other African countries and beyond.

    The consultant said Osun Osogbo Festival would today organise a symbolic ritual for cleansing the town, called “Iwopopo”.

    According to him, the organisers will ensure the safety of life and property before, during and after the event.

  • ‘ We collected N15m ransom for Lagos monarch’

    Kidnappers of the Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni who was freed Saturday collected N15.1million ransom before releasing the monarch.
    One of the kidnappers who has been arrested who gave his name as Isaiah Ododomu disclosed this on Sunday when he was paraded by the Police.
    Speaking with newsmen on how they kidnapped the Oba, Ododomu said nine people went to the palace to kidnap the Oba on that fateful day.
    He gave the name of those who went to the palace to kidnap the Oba as Toba, Igodo, Mighty, Folly and Sam, while one Micah who is a leader did not go with them because he “had a babe with him at home.”
    He explained that the kidnappers were armed with two AK-47 rifles and three pump action guns which they used during the kidnapping.
    Ododomu who said he used to be be involved in bunkering explained that things became tough when this current government clamped down on them and was forced to take to kidnapping.
    He disclosed that the kidnappers first collected N12 million ransom and later demanded for another ransom and were given N3.1 million extra, making a total of N15.1 million which they shared among themselves.
    “I am a bunkering man, when this government stopped the bunkering business, our leaders formed another group and we started kidnapping to manage ourselves. I am a married man and I don’t have any job to cater for my family. When we started the kidnapping business, whenever they collected N500, 000, they will give me N20, 000.
    Speaking on the arrest of the suspect Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said,” We have always reiterated that it is not about whether ransom was paid or not. If it is about ransom, suspects would not be arrested. And what I would say is that pressure by the Lagos Command, and the special team of the inspector General of Police from Abuja and the combined team paid off and that pressure paid. The most important thing is that Kabiyesi is in his palace.

    “As to his state of health, I was with Kabiyesi till about 12 midnight and I can tell you emphatically that Kabiyesi is hale and hearty and he is very strong, and nothing is wrong with him.

    “As to whether the state government did something or not, if you see suspects are being paraded, security agencies are apparatus of government. The government has very hard to get Kabiyesi liberated.

    “What we want to do is to thank and appreciate the understanding of the family. They have been cooperative with us to get the Kabiyesi out of the hands of his abductors hale and hearty.”

  • Kidnappers of Lagos monarch must be punished-Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, has said that those involved in the kidnap of Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni would be punished in accordance with the law.

    Oba Oseni who was kidnapped on Saturday, July 16 was rescued on Saturday, August 6.

    Governor Ambode made the declaration on Sunday  in a statement read by the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, during the parade of two of the suspected kidnappers, Toba Forejo and Isaiah Ododomu, at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

    The governor said the kidnap of an Oba in Yoruba land was a sacrilege commended the effort of the police saying the investigation has been painstaking and purposeful to ensure that the kidnappers were apprehended.

    “Permit me to state that the kidnap of an Oba in Yoruba land is a sacrilege and a complete discretion of the cultural values of the Yoruba people that must not go unpunished.”

    Governor Ambode said the arrest of the suspect is a clear warning to criminal elements that the state government value and cherish the Yoruba tradition and will leave no stone unturned to ensure that it is protected.

    He also commended the ongoing operation Awatse designed to flush out militants and criminals that have been terrorizing riverine communities in the state. “This operation is yielding desirable results and will continue until those criminal activities are completely stamped out.”

  • ‘How we shared N15.1million ransom from monarch’s abduction’

    ‘How we shared N15.1million ransom from monarch’s abduction’

    Isaiah Ododomu, one of the suspected abductors of the Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni’s has narrated how the gang shared the N15.1 million ransoms collected for the monarch’s release.

    Oba Oseni was kidnapped on July 16 in his palace. The kidnappers shot a guard, Sunday Okanlawon and the monarch’s younger wife.

    Okanlawon later died of gun shot wounds.

    Ododomu and Toba Forejo, both from Ondo State, were paraded by the police at the State House, Ikeja, yesterday.

    Narrating how they kidnapped the monarch, Ododomu said nine people went to the palace to kidnap the Oba on that fateful day.

    Some of the names, he gave, are Toba, Igodo, Mighty, Folly and Sam.

    He said Micah, who is a leader did not go with them because “he has a babe with him at home.”

    The suspect explained that they were armed with two AK-47 rifles and three pump action guns for the operation.2

    According to him, “Toba, Igodo, Mighty and others went to kidnap the king, after which they demanded for N500 million. It was later reduced to N40 million. They were given N12 million. After that we gathered and shared the money.

    “All our senior people got the lion share of the money. They gave Toba N1 million, and Micah, collected N2.5 million and so on; for me, they gave me N100, 000.

    “I later travelled and when I came back, there was now an argument as to the sharing formula and later some other guys were saying they will not leave the king but the children of the king continued begging. I told them that we should collect any amount and decamp because they can arrest us. Because of me, they agreed to collect N3.1 million. They later brought N3.1 million. The family dropped the money at Igbeyin Adun waterside around Barrack side out of which I was given N100,000.  Our base is Ishekemo creek in Ikotun. Toba and the others shared the remaining money.”

    Ododomu said he was the one who paddled the monarch on the water to Iba. Others fled on sensing danger and he was arrested.

    Ododomu, who said he was into bunking, explained that since the bunkering business had been stopped, they decided to go into kidnapping.

    “I am a bunkering man, when this government stopped the bunkering business, our leaders formed another group and we started kidnapping to manage ourselves. I am a married man and I don’t have any job to cater for my family. When we started the kidnapping business, whenever we collected N500,000, they will give me N20,000.

    Ferejo confirmed that nine people participated in the monarch’s saying that he was arrested at Iyana School area.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode vowed that those involved in the monarch’s abduction would be punished in accordance with the law.

    Ambode, in a statement read by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, said the kidnap of a monarch in Yorubaland was a sacrilege.

    He hailed the police, saying the investigation has been painstaking and purposeful to ensure that the kidnappers were apprehended.

    “Permit me to state that the kidnap of an Oba in Yoruba land is a sacrilege and a complete desecration of the cultural values of the Yoruba people that must not go unpunished,” he said.

    According to him, “the arrest of the suspect is a clear warning to criminal elements that the state government value and cherish the Yoruba tradition and will leave no stone unturned to ensure that it is protected.”

    He also commended the ongoing operation Awatse designed to flush out militants and criminals that have been terrorising riverine communities in the state.

    “This operation is yielding desirable results and will continue until those criminal activities are completely stamped out,” he said.

    Commissioner of Police (CP) Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said:” We have always reiterated that it is not about whether ransom was paid or not. If it is about ransom, suspects would not be arrested. And what I would say is that pressure by the Lagos Command, and the special team of the Inspector-General of Police from Abuja paid off. The most important thing is that Kabiyesi is in his palace.

    “As to his state of health, I was with Kabiyesi till about 12 midnight and I can tell you emphatically that Kabiyesi is hale and hearty and he is very strong, and nothing is wrong with him.

    “What we want to do is to thank and appreciate the understanding of the family. They have been cooperative with us to get the Kabiyesi out of the hands of his abductors hale and hearty.”