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Tag: monarch

  • Ooni’s death to be announced tomorrow, says monarch

    •Residents warned to stay in-door

    THE death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, will be officially announced tomorrow, an Ife monarch said yesterday.

    The Awara of Iwara-Ife, Oba Layi Adereti, who said this, added that the preparation for the burial of the monarch will immediately begin.

    Oba Adereti spoke for the first time on the death of the Oba Sijuwade, which had been severally denied by palace chiefs.

    Oba Sijuwade died at Saint Mary Hospital in London about two weeks ago.

    According to the Awara of Iwara-Ife, Oro festival is the final rite of passage for Oba Sijuwade.

    He added that between 9am and 4pm tomorrow, the death of Ooni will be made public.

    Oba Adereti, who is also the head of Oro Cult in Ile-Ife, warned all residents to stay indoors during the Oro rites.

    The monarch said after the Oro rites and proclamation, subsequent rites will follow.

    He added that though only women are normally barred during Oro festival, he said this time around, it has no respect for any gender.

    He said: “This is an official statement from the palace of Awara of Iwara-Ife, who is the head of Oro deity that on Wednesday, August 12, 2015, there would be official proclamation of the demise of Ooni of Ife. The proclamation will be made public during the Oro festival, being the final rites on the demise of Ooni of Ife.

    “The residents of the ancient town are therefore urged to keep away from the streets between the hours of 9am and 4pm during which the Oro deity will be out.

    “With the announcement, people are advised to stay in-door for the period when the Oro will be out.”

     

  • Monarch, son, 10 others docked for ‘murder’

    The police have arraigned a traditional ruler, the Baale of Temidire Alagbado, Chief Nojeem Abioye, his son Abioye and 10 others at a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court, Igbosere, over the death of hotelier, Alhaji Rasaki Olatunji.

    They were charged along with Adeola Ogungbade, 37, Ogundare Ogunsanya, 63, Olanlerewaju Ololade, 62, Bello Lasisi, 60, Ajani Kasali, 54, Oyedele Musiliu, 64, Jonathan Sanyaolu, 68, Taoreed Bakare, 61, Olaidi Albert, 66 and Wahab Abioye, 38.

    Police prosecutor Justin Enang said they allegedly “caused” Olatunji’s death by shooting and attacking him with dangerous weapons.

    The men were also accused of malicious damage, arson, forming “an unlawful assembly and acting in a disorderly manner as to disturb the peace of the community and its environment.”

    The alleged offences contravene Sections 45(2), 221 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

    The accused pleaded not guilty.

    Olatunji was reportedly murdered during a riot on July 20 in Alagbado area, which also claimed the life of another victim, Ganiyu Adebayo.

    It was learnt that the riot broke out shortly after a meeting of landlords and community leaders in Alagbado who were said to be angry with Olatunji over his alleged land grabbing activities.

    It was alleged that thugs loyal to Rasak has engaged community youths in a battle after the leaders’ meeting, which led to his being shot.

    The accused persons were arraigned on five counts of conspiracy, rioting, malicious damage, arson and murder.

    Chief Magistrate O.M. Ajayi, remanded the accused persons pending legal advice by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

  • Monarch seeks ministerial slot for community

    Monarch seeks ministerial slot for community

    The Deji of Akure , Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladesulu has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to make its “change” agenda be noticed in Akure, the Ondo State capital by appointing one of his subjects as a minister in its proposed cabinet.

    The monarch spoke through the Asamo of Akure, High Chief Rotimi Olusanya when APC leaders in the state visited him in Akure.

    Oba Aladesulu noted that the last time Akure community felt Federal Government’s presence in terms of political appointment was during the era of the Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, when the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Chief Olu Falae was appointed as the Minister of Finance and Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF).

    According to the traditional ruler, the people of Akure will support the government and ensure the sustenance of peace in the community.

    The visit to his palace was led by the chairman of the state chairman of APC, Isaac Kekemeke with a promise that the party would support his reign for the development of Akure, the state capital.

    He said the APC would work assiduously with Akure traditional council for the socio-economic development of the kingdom.

    Kekemeke said: “Our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari is seen as a man of integrity by most world leaders. Now we want to change Nigeria, Ondo State and Akure and we know you too as a change agent.”

    He described Oba Aladesulu as a man of integrity, stressing that APC members are for progress and development in all spheres of life.

    His words: “Kabiyesi, we have many things in common to develop your domain. We know by next year, we will be working together because APC is forming the next government in Ondo State.

    “We want to have a traditional rapport with the palace to have a common goal to develop Akure in particular and the entire state in general. Akure is vital to the development of the state.

    “We have a great luck in having you as our monarch at a time we are preparing to take the mantle of leadership.”

    Kekemeke called for peaceful co-existence among residents in Akure, saying “APC is committed to peace and progress of the ancient community.”

    He condemned the recent protest by commercial motorcycle operators in Akure, emphasising that APC would not support the destruction of public property in the name of protestation.”

    The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) however criticised the alleged mismanagement and politicisation of all issues of governance in the state by Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    He urged the monarch to prevail on all unions in the state to operate within the confines of the law.

    Another APC leader, Prince Olu Adegboro said the party was for transformation.

    He lamented that Akure has been relegated to the background politically by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state, promising the traditional ruler that the APC government would ensure that all glory of

    the ancient town is restored.

    Other APC leaders on the visit to the palace were Prince Olu Adegboro, the Vice-Chairman (Central), Gboyega Adedipe and the State Secretary, Rotimi Rahman.

  • Ondo community seeks upgrade of monarch

    Ondo community seeks upgrade of monarch

    Members of the Uso community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to the state government to upgrade their traditional ruler from his present status of grade “C” to grade “A” chief. The community said the upgrade is long overdue.

    The chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Emmanuel Ayodele made the appeal during the installation of Oba Ademola Adebiyi Olanipekun III as the 24th Oloba of Uso.

    The stool became vacant when the former traditional ruler, Oba Albert Adebayo Olanipekun II joined his ancestors on September 30, 2011.

    He lamented that since the state government released the White Paper on the Morgan Chieftaincy Review Commission in 1979, their monarch has been a grade ‘C’ chief.

    Ayodele, who gave a brief history of the community, said though they were merged with Owo Local Government Area by the British Colonial Administration, they migrated from Oba-Ile in Akure Kingdom.

    The community leader claimed that Oloba of Uso was among the earliest kings that had reign in Yoruba land after settling in the present Uso land in about 1288 A.D.

    “Your Excellency, no student of any institution anywhere in the world can be made to remain in the same class for a period of 36 years without promotion. Such a student will either be asked to withdraw from such institution or promoted on compassionate grounds.

    “Our Oba has remained on grade “C” since the Ondo State Government released the White Paper on the Morgan Chieftaincy Review Commission in 1979.

    We use this opportunity to passionately plead with you to upgrade Oloba of Uso from grade ‘C’ to ‘A’,” he stated.

  • Ikorodu monarch warns against criminal activities

    Ikorodu monarch warns against criminal activities

    The new Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, has vowed not to condone any criminal activities.

    The monarch urged the youths of the town to shun cultism, brigandage and hooliganism.

    Oba Shotobi said this yesterday during a Press conference organised as part of the activities marking his coronation and crowning as the 19th Ayangbure at the new Oloja’s palace , Awofin, Ajina, Ikorodu.

    He assured the people that government is ready to providing enabling environment for self actualisation.

    On his part, he promised to work with the youths of the town, government at all levels, public and private institutions, industrialists, investors, workers, market men and women among others to develop the town.

    He described Ikorodu as the fastest growing urban town in the state experiencing influx of people of different background, tribes and races.

    He noted that the urbanisation of the town came  with mixed blessings, pointing out that the economic and infrastructural developments in the town have remained a major attraction.

    This, he said, was why investors and non-indigenes who came into Ikorodu refused to go back to their places of origin.

    He urged members of the  Lasunwon Ruling House, particularly those of the Adegorushen Royal Family who contested the stool with him, to sheath their swords and join hands with him to build the ancient town.

    He said: “To my brother princes, I equally thank you for showing keen interest in the stool of our fore fathers. It is our birthright and  it belongs to all of us. I recognise your desires, the resources and the energy you all expended, which is an indication of the worthiness and significance of the throne.

    “Having fought gallantly and God has ordained His own, I earnestly plead with all my brother princes to please sheath their  swords and collaborate with me to usher into Ikorodu a glorious reign of peace, harmony, tolerance and accommodation which are critical conditions for progress and development.”

    Oba Shotobi invoked the spirits of the progenitor of the Lasunwon Ruling House and of all obas that have ruled the ancient town for an unprecedented development of the town.

    He thanked those who played major roles on his ascension to the throne.

    Oba Shotobi poured encomium on his predecessor, the late Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi who he described as a courageous, bold, forthright and great king who served the Ikorodu community with total commitment, love and dedication.

    He promised to leverage on the goodwill, solid foundation, peace laid down by his predecessor to ensure the development of the town.

    “It is my prayer, God willing, I will surpass the reputation and achievement of the late Oba to usher into Ikorodu an unprecedented development during my reign as the  new Ayangbure,” he said.

  • Ondo State monarch passes on

    Ondo State monarch passes on

    The monarch of Ayede Ogbese, Oba Peter Adetunmbi Iseoluwa Oluyede, has passed on. He died on July 13.

    A renowned professor of law, former member of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, accomplished author of many law books on Nigerian and East African Law, Oba Oluyede ascended the throne in November 2010.

    He was one of the three Nigerians to obtain LL.D degree by examination from British universities. The others are the late Prof T.O Elias and Prof B.O Nwabueze.

    His reign brought a new wave of leadership to Ayede Ogbese, a burgeoning commercial community between Akure and Owo.

    The interment and first funeral rites are scheduled to take place in Ayede Ogbese on August 7 at 10 am. The final rites and celebration of life are scheduled for December 19.

    He is survived by his wife, Olori Titi and children: Ajibola, Olusegun, Afolabi, Kofoworola, Adegoke and Odunayo.

     

  • Community gets monarch six years after

    Community gets monarch six years after

    The kingship tussle that rocked Ishiagu community in Ivo local government area of Ebonyi State for over six years has been resolved, resulting in the acceptance of His Royal Majesty Eze Moses Okafor Ngele as the Agu III of Ishiagu kingdom.

    The royal conflict which outlived the administration of former Governor Martin Elechi had torn the community apart, with an aggrieved section going to court. At a point violence broke out in the area leading to the hospitalisation of the wounded. Even His Royal Majesty Agu III was almost kidnapped and assassinated.

    Those days are over, which was why there was a huge turnout of Ishiagu people at Ivo Local Government Area of the state where the new king was widely accepted by the people. Women groups, chiefs, members and executives of Ishiagu Community Development Union, ICDU, the council boss, politicians, among others, endorsed Eze Moses Okafor Ngele as the king of the Ishiagu.

    Recall that the Agu II of Ishiagu kingdom, HRM Basil Onu died in 2008 and since his demise, the community had stayed about 7 years before a new king was unanimously endorsed by the people and elders of the community.

    At the occasion which is the official presentation of the Agu III by the President of ICDU, Chief Stanley Uchenna Anyim to the Council boss of Ivo LGA, Mr. Joseph Obasi, marked the fulfillment of the process leading to the Agu III getting his Staff of office from the state government.

    As it is customary, the Council boss will in turn take the new king to Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state who will at a time appointed give the staff of office to the king of Ishiagu kingdom.

    In a chat with South East Voice, the Agu III of Ishiagu kingdom, HRM Eze Moses Okafor Ngele who noted that the delay behind his presentation to the Council was due to political interference reiterated that his reign would foster economic prosperity of the people, checkmate incidences of violence and crime and establish togetherness and peace in the whole of Ishiagu community.

    “The support and endorsement I got today was very overwhelming; the entire chiefs of both Agu I and II are with me including women groups, youths, ICDU, Ishiagu Elders traditional Council and people of Ishiagu are solidly behind me as their king”.

    Also, both the ICDU President, Chief Anyim and Ivo Council boss, Mr. Obasi confirmed that appropriate steps put in place for the selection of the Agu III were followed by the Committee set up to handle the exercise adding that the general acceptance of HRM Eze Moses Okafor Ngele by the people of the area as the king of Ishiagu would go a long way towards forestalling peace and unity in the community.

  • Depose our monarch, community tells Fayose

    Depose our monarch, community tells Fayose

    •Angry monarch threatens to slap reporters

    The people of Iyemero in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State have called on Governor Ayo Fayose to remove their traditional ruler, the Olu of Iyemero, Oba Ebenezer Agboola Ogungbemi, for what they called “acts unbecoming of his revered position”.

    They staged a protest before and after a peace meeting chaired by the Attah of Ayede, Oba Mumuni Adebayo Orisagbemi, who came to reconcile the monarch with his subjects.

    They accused Oba Ogungbemi of embezzlement of allowances due to his chiefs, illegal arrest and detention of his subjects as well as illegal sale of the community’s ancestral land.

    The subjects also accused him of illegal felling and sale of the community’s economic trees, use of divide and rule tactics, highhandedness, dictatorial tendencies and lack of interest in the town’s development.

    The protesters, who marched round the community, called on Fayose to depose Oba Ogungbemi before the already tense situation goes out of hand.

    Some of their placards read: “Gov. Fayose, We don’t want Ebenezer Agboola as Olu of Iyemero again”; “We are tired of our oba, he must go”; “Iyemero youths reject Ebenezer Agboola as king”; “EFCC, come and probe Olu of Iyemero”; “We reject to die in prison, Agboola must leave”; “Agboola is not fit to be our oba again”, among others.

    Traditional chiefs, town union leaders, women leaders, youths, students some of whom were arrested and detained for challenging Oba Ogungbemi’s alleged excesses said they could no longer guarantee peace in the community, if he still remains king.

    The peace meeting, which was also witnessed by the Olu of Itapaji, Oba Abdulkareem Adebanjo, collapsed as the Attah was making his closing remarks when youths who had sat quietly throughout the proceeding brought out  placards.

    Oba Ogungbemi’s subjects insisted they were tired of his “oppressive” reign and heckled their monarch as he was seeing off Oba Orisagbemi.

    At the end of the meeting,  Oba Ogungbemi threatened to slap reporters, who sought to hear his side of the story since he did not speak at the meeting.

    Oba Ogungbemi retorted: “What do you want to interview me for? You better go away or I will slap you.”

    The Attah said Iyemero remained his second home since it was from there the people of Ayede moved to their present domain.

    Oba Orisagbemi urged his brother-monarch to listen to his subjects, reconcile with them and pay the chiefs.

    President of Iyemero Progressive Union (IPU) Lawrence Fatoyinbo said the people no longer want Oba Ogungbemi.

    Fatoyinbo said: “The Olu of Iyemero is running a one-man show; he doesn’t take advice and he is not ready to work with IPU. Even though he was not the rightful person to occupy the throne, we accepted him and gave him the benefit of doubt but he has failed to justify our trust.

    “He has not paid the chiefs their allowances in the last 10 years, despite collecting the money from the government.

    “We want him to know that we can report him to anti-graft agencies and it is unfortunate that many of the chiefs had died without collecting what is due to them.

    “He sold Iyemero landed property without the consent of the community, claiming that the land belongs to his family.

    “We don’t want him any longer; we have petitioned Fayose because the governor is the only answer to this issue.

    “We have asked him to set up a panel to look into the matter.

    “We have also taken the matter to the Elekole of Ikole before the latest intervention of the Attah of Ayede.”

  • Triple celebrations for Owo monarch

    Triple celebrations for Owo monarch

    The Olowo of Owo, Oba David Victor Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi III (CFR), will be 74 years old tomorrow. He was given the certificate/ letter of his appointment as the  Chancellor of  the University of Jos, last Friday. One of his children, Prince Leke, is getting married this weekend. The monarch spoke about the triple joy with Taiwo Abiodun. 

    For the past one week  the ancient town, Owo in Ondo  state has been agog as it has been receiving visitors, and this week starting from tomorrow  again, the palace will be feasting  and hosting visitors. Reason?  Tomorrow, Oba David Folagbade Olateru  Olagbegi III  (CFR) will  clock 74 years old. The monarch was  born on June 26, 1941.

    Last  Friday, the palace received over 50 top management  Staff  from the University of Jos,  who came  to officially present the monarchwith a letter of his appointment as the Chancellor of the University.

    The monarch was among the Chancellors appointed by the immediate past President  Goodluck Ebele  Jonathan as one Chancellors of Federal Nigerian Universities.

    Decked in his white flowing  apparel (agbada), and dangling  on his  hand, legs and neck are beads meant for a royal status with his red cap to match, the monarch  was presented the official letter from the University by the Pro Chancellor , Dr Dan Etiebet, and assisted by  the Vice Chancellor Professor Hayward Babale Mafuyai.

    The  Monarch thanked the top management staff on the appointment and promised to do his best in making the university be ranked among the best in the country .

    On his birthday, the monarch said it would a low key , “I would like it to be a low key “, he said.

    The Olowo of Owo who could not do without celebrating his birthday in the Redeemed Christian Church of God  ‘Jesus Palace Parish’ in the Palace compound said he would be going to the  Palace Church for thanksgiving , he said “ though I want it low key but I will go to Jesus Palace Chapel to thank God for sparing my life till this moment .“

    Quoting  from the Holy Bible he said God has been merciful and kind to him,  adding that:  “I thank everybody for their prayer and love for Owo kingdom and for my humble self. We should endeavor to continue to love ourselves, be  prayerful and be positive”. He also extend his greetings to Muslim brothers who are observing the Ramadan fast to remain steadfast and do the will of Allah”.

    Before the monarch  was the Holy Bible  on his table where he quoted conspicuously from without using his eye glasses .

    At 74,  Olateru Olagbegi III does not use glasses  while he does not walk with the aid of walking stick except the royal beaded walking stick for occasions.

    According to him,  it is part of gift God  gave me. “I don’t use medical recommended glasses to read. God gave me good health and I thank him. There  will always be challenges but the important thing is to put  your trust in God, the bible says you should  not put your trust in Man but in Him  (God). Holy Bible contains the words of God .You cannot do without the words of  God. He is the King of kings, the saviour, omnipotent and omniscience and no one can be compared with Him,” he said.

    When reminded of the Bible passage that says a man  has fulfilled God’s given age at 70 , the royal father did not agree and said “It depends on where you are reading in the Bible. I think it is David in Psalm 70, but if you read another area in the Bible God says He wants us to live up to  180  while another passage says if  a person does not  live up to 100 years that means that person is accursed ,So those who want to  claim 70 can  claim 70, and for those who will claim 80 or 180  should but ,there are some people who live more than 100 , some don’t live up to 70, very few people live up to  120″.

    When asked about the speculation in town of the monarch living up to 100 years, the monarch said “there is nothing God cannot do, I claim it in Jesus’ name.  I pray to be up to that. Since I was young I knew its only God  that does not disappoint. He has not disappointed me in life, God is my refuge, companion and my father , He does not leave me. I put my trust in Him and when  you trust Him , He will supply all your needs.

    “In the book of Isaiah , it says if one is not up to 100 that means the person is accursed and yet in the  book of Genesis  Chapter 6 verse 3 says “and The Lord said my spirit shall  not always strive with man , for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.”

    On his  name, David  and Victor that are synonymous with the Biblical David , he said “I was given ‘David’ by my parents. I tried my best but I can’t compare myself with the a biblical David‘, he  declared with humility.

    In the book of Isaiah, it says if one is not 100 that means the person is accursed and yet in the  book of Genesis  Chapter 6 verse 3 says “and The Lord said my spirit shall  not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years”. Another passage in the Bible of Isaiah,  says if a man is not  up to 100  it means he is accursed.

    On lawn tennis which has been the family trade mark , the monarch says he has long played it “ I am supposed to be playing it.  I have not played it for some time .You know as one is getting old  the bone is growing weaker.But as per my daily activities, I wake up in the morning and pray, in the afternoon I pray, in the night I pray.God says we should pray without ceasing .Prayer is the key”.

  • Monarch denies fraud in Mobil’s N1.3b oil spill fund

    Monarch denies fraud in Mobil’s N1.3b oil spill fund

    THE  paramount ruler of Ibeno in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Owong Effiong Achianga, has dismissed the allegation of fraud levelled against him in the disbursement of ExxonMobil’s N1.3 billion oil spill palliative fund.

    The fund was meant to cushion the effect of the oil spill in the area.

    The monarch said the allegation was “completely false and baseless”.

    Achianga, who spoke yesterday in Ibeno, described the allegation as a blackmail to disparage his office.

    He said the allegation was the handiwork of mischief makers and non-indigenes of Ibeno.

    Reports in the local media accused the monarch of mismanaging the funds.

    But Achinaga said funds accruing to the area over an oil spill were always managed by a consultant to address the pressing needs of the affected communities.

    He said: “Mobil does not pay cash to people.

    According to him, the recent palliative fund was paid to E&T Consultant, with the mandate to expend the cash on social infrastructure, including education and similar projects.

    The monarch dismissed a report that restive youths in his domain were spoiling for war over the alleged mismanagement of the funds.

    Achianga said he had attracted jobs and scholarship to over 60 Ibeno youths.

    The monarch called for peaceful environment for further development to thrive in his domain.

    He urged Governor Udom Emmanuel to revisit the abandoned Eket-Ibeno road, adding that its completion was one of his pre-election promises.