The Nation Newspaper

Tag: monarch

  • Monarch urges youths to shun thuggery

    The Olu of Itoriland, Ogun State, Oba Fatai Akamo, has called on  youths to distance themselves from any politician who would use them as political thugs.

    Oba Akamo, who observed the rate at which the lifespan of many youths were been shorten as a result of deadly task assigned to them during elections, lamented that it was high time all youths stands on their feet to say no to such act.

    The monarch who spoke with reporters in Ibadan called for a violence-free democratic. He said: ”Let Nigerians have free minds to votes the candidates of their choice without fear”.

    On the contributions of traditional rulers in promoting good governance, the monarch said: ”We do try our best to ensure that our domains are calm and peace ful during elections but Constitutionally we have no role to play in politics only giving advisory role if called for.”

    Oba Akamo also said that the monarchical system of government would maintain a concept of consistency in Nigeria economy if it was to be instituted into the country.

    Akamo stressed that countries that practiced the monarchical system of ruling were economically stable and more attractive  than the democracy system of ruling.

    “Countries such as Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom, have proved to the world that the monarchy system of government was peaceful, far better and richer than most democratic ruling system, “ he said.

    His word: “The democracy that we say we practice in Nigeria is far different from how its been practiced in America where we  copied it from,Ours is a democracy of violence, thuggery and ofcourse a do or die affair.” if we know we want to practice democracy then we should do it the way it was handed over to us.”

  • Monarch urges peace

    Monarch urges peace

    One of the oldest monarchs in Ngwa area of Abia State, HRM Isaac Ikonne has called on politicians in the state and across the country to embrace peace during and after the electioneering process.

    The traditional ruler of Eziama said that the need for peace cannot be overemphasised.

    The revered traditional ruler was speaking when the All Progressives Congress’ presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari and his entourage visited him on the party’s campaign tour of the state.

    The revered king said the unity of the country should be paramount to every politician and all Nigerians.

    “As you politicians criss-cross the country to canvass for votes you should allow peace be your watchword and this will in turn guarantee the unity of the country which I believe is paramount and sacrosanct.”

    Eze Ikonne drew the attention of the former military Head of State to the deplorable condition of federal roads in Aba which he said needed urgent attention of the federal government to put in place to help commuters and motorists reduce their sufferings and save importers the cost of conveying their goods to the commercial heartbeat of the state.

    The monarch also drew his august visitor’s attention to lack of water and ineffective power supply, urging him to address these issues if God granted him victory at the polls.

    Highpoint of the event was the conferment and decoration of Ogbuagu 1 of Aba chieftaincy title on General Buhari by Eze Ikonne while 24 other traditional rulers assisted.

    Responding, General Buhari promised to tackle the numerous problems facing Aba in particular and the Southeast in general. He aslo urged the people to vote, adding that the conferment of the title has opened another chapter of a relationship between him and Abia people.

    Some APC stalwarts who witnessed the event were Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, ex-Governor Segun Oni, senators Osita Izunaso and Chris Nwabueze Ngige, among other members of the party.

  • Education key to long-term security, says monarch

    Monarch, Chief Adebayo Makinde, has blamed insurgency on poverty and illiteracy, saying that only the non-educated can easily be manipulated to engage in crime.

    He said it would be difficult to convince a well-educated person with a bright future to commit suicide.

    Makinde, who is the Sagua of Alaafin of Oyo, spoke in his Lagos residence during an interview on his forthcoming 80th birthday. He will be 80 on January 14.

    The monarch, a pharmacist, said: “The problem of insecurity is also political apart from the fact it has a religious undertone. The only way Nigeria can move forward is to de-emphasise our religion.

    “The economic level is so low for quite a number of people, particularly where there is high level of insecurity. We have to agree to reduce poverty in such areas. Those places also need modern amenities of life.

    “Also, if we educate people, there will be development. The late Obafemi Awolowo tried to educate his own people, and you can see the result today in the seven states that make up the old western region.

    “If other regions had made education a priority, we won’t have much problem today, because anybody that is well educated is more likely to value life.

    “But if one is not educated, he is just a little better than an animal. Your level of education also determines your way of life.

    “Therefore, Nigeria must really make extra effort to ensure that people are educated in places ravaged by insurgency.”

  • Monarch’s menu for politicians

    As political campaigns hit feverish pitch, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile Oke-Ona Egba has enjoined politicians to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship as they contest at the forthcoming general elections. His pamphlet, Handling victory or defeat in elections, which contains some advice is a must-read for politicians, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME. 

    Never judge a book by its cover”, is a common phrase among literati. But, for Handling victory or defeat in elections-(A gift to Nigeria, Africa and the World) the appropriate phraseis ‘never judge a pamphlet by its size’.

    The 16-page pamphlet written by Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, Karunwi (111) Oranmiyan, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, is a collection of timely and essential pieces of advice for everyone especially politicians seeking elective positions. It is a rare antidote for this season when bombs of political hatred and violence are looming over the country.

    The opening page titled:  Welcome, a five-paragraph statement, is a clarion call to Nigerians that ‘we all have duties to carry out beyond prayers  to have a stable society during the period of electioneering.’ He assures that however hard and tough the road may be, ‘surely God has earmarked victory for us because we are on a righteous cause.’

    To reach a wider audience, it is published and distributed free to government official and people across the world whose heart cry is for peace.

    Every page is dedicated to selected messages for the readers who may find some of the messages refreshing and others reassuring on how to handle the outcome of an election. Some are very pungent and brief to the extent that the message is less than 20 words on a page. For instance, on Page three, in colourful lettering in caps, the monarch says: “Leave something behind as you move along in live- A good name – it’s the greatest asset for your family.”

    Using the famous story of two bees struggling to get through a passage into a small hole as an illustration, the author enjoins politicians not to be distracted by running down their opponents. “The error of your opponent does not make you a success. It’s what you intend to do for your electorate that counts. So concentrate on what you will do,” he says.

    Messages on other pages centre on why politicians must first run the election race in his mind before running it on the field, why there should be no blood shedding, imbibing the spirit of forgiveness and winning of election should be to lift the peoples’ standard of living.

    In The Desperate politician on Page 8, the author draws readers’ attention to the character of a desperate politician as illustrated by the story of two women who are claiming the ownership of a child in the Holy Bible. According to Oba Tejuoso, politicians who mean well for the people will never allow themselves or their supporters to engage in anydestructive act, particularly the destruction of properties and more seriously killings.

    He also enjoined politicians never to lose their mind when they lose election, instead they should learn from it. Beyond politics, the author differentiates between heroes and celebrities saying, heroes are people with integrity who use proper means to achieve their goals while celebrities are people that suddenly appear on the scene with or without proper explanations for their success.

    Tips to get more votes on page 14, is one of the pages that is very instructive to every reader including politicians and the electorate.

    The monarch sums up his counsel: “So, we should sow the right seeds in our political pursuit if our desire is to build our nation.” Though very brief messages, the pamphlet is truly designed to help politicians think deep in all their pursuits.

    Handling victory or defect in elections is a well produced pamphlet with varied fonts pleasant to the eyes. The glossy paper and graphic layout also added quality to the design.

  • Monarch sets up free school for the poor

    Monarch sets up free school for the poor

    Motivated by the urgent need to revive the waning fortunes of the education sector as well as to provide opportunities for quality education for indigent but brilliant children in Osun State, the Oragun of Oke-Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin, established the Abolarin College, Ila-Orangun.

    As a private initiative, the founder, who recently marked his eight year anniversary as Oragun of Oke-Ila, expressed joy for his dream to “help my rural poor people” became a reality.

    The school currently operates from a private residence of the Oragun of Oke-Ila located at Sapakin area of the community.ý The monarch originally built four modern buildings on about one acre of land for his personal comfort but resolved to convert them to temporary site for use of the students carefully selected after an examination that proved their extra-ordinary brilliance verification about their social backgrounds.

    Last month, 35 students; made up of 18 female and 17 male students began academic work in the model school founded on September 24, 2014.

    Five best performing students from each public school in Ifedayo, Ila, Boluwaduro and Odo-Otin local government areas participated in the examination conducted by Babcock University High School in Ilesa and Osun State Education District Office in Ila-Oragun.

    After securing admission into the school, the successful students left their homes without any of their personal belongings, except boxes containing their personal dresses.

    On resumption, they were lodged into two buildings in the premises that serve as hostels and were given two sets of uniforms, shoes, bed sheets and other items by the proprietor of the school to support their education.

    The largest building in the school serves as classrooms, administrative offices and staff rooms. The small building in the far end of the premises is the kitchen where food is prepared for the students and a makeshift dining hall set up with a canopy is on the open space beside the kitchen.

    There are two new big power generating sets to serve as alternative power supply in case there is power failure.

    For the founder, the Oragun of Oke-Ila had explained that establishment of the Abolarin school was borne out of his passion for education as a tool that liberates families from poverty.

    He said: “My vision for establishing the school is to ensure that the rights of a child to education are met, irrespective of his parents’ social status. A child’s future should not be determined by where he is born but his ability ýto put into maximum use the talents that God has given him. Therefore, every child born into this world should be empowered through effective, functional and quality education.”

    Oba Abolarin maintained that the school was designed to bridge the alarming gap between the quality education being provided for the children of the rich and the poor.

    The monarch further said the school, no doubt, will promote peace in the rural communities, love and stability in Nigeria. Oba Abolarin, who said; “white pap is made from the black pot,” revealed that the school’s core values are respect, responsibility, kindness and honesty.

    Continuing, Oba Abolarin said: “I set up the school not for personal aggrandisement but to help my poor subjects whose children are brilliant. I was inspired by the Owaloko, Oba Oladele Olasore. I also saw an educational institution in Ngomoto near Arusa in Tanzaniaý. All these inspired me to replicate the idea in my domain.

    “All my life, even before I became king, I lived in cities like Ibadan, Ife, Lagos and Abuja; but I kept reminding myself that I am in Oke-Ila, a rural community, not for myself but to help the poor people there.

    “For the eight years that I have been on the throne, I have passion for the well-being of the poor but my resources are very limited. I am always looking and appealing to public-spirited individuals, who share my vision for the rural and poor people, to support me. My people and the community are yearning for development but there is no synergy between the elite and the rural poor.

    “The poor people have been abandoned for far too long. So, I always seek how to help my rural poor. I wonder when people spend money freely on frivolous things. I always wish they could spare some of the money to help my poor people.

    “My generation owe this nation so much. So, I don’t like hearing people say, in our time, we had this and that but what are we giving back to the society? I got students loan which some people did not refund. We got bursary. But now is the time to pay back. My generation and the first generation of students of the University College, Ibadaný must pay back. It is in our interest to take care of the poor because if we fail to so do, they won’t allow our children to enjoy peace.

    “So, we have sustenance through God and the people around. In this school, we are teaching the kids how to be responsible and how to make use of the opportunity they now have. We also teach them to do same for those coming behind them. It is God’s project. This is the greatest thing happening to me lately. As a teacher, I have made people. At the defunct Oyo School of Arts and Science, Ife and St. Andrew College, Oyo, I had demonstrated passion for developing people, particularly youths.”

    The Principal of the school, Chief Adeniyi Fawole, who is the Obale of Oke-Ila, said one of the strengths of the institution was that students are encouraged to practise their various religions but in a liberal manner. Fawole, who retired as a school principal, was engaged to provide quality leadership for the model school. He said: “To make them self-reliant, they would soon start producing their own food. In the anthem and prayer, they are taught to be kind and serve others.”

    The English language teacher/House Mistressy of the school, Miss Nwandieze Victoria from Abia State, did her National Youths Service in Oke-Ila last year but said she saw a lot of things in Oba Abolarinwa that made her decide to stay and support the children in the community.

  • Monarch advises Nigerians on patriotism

    The Asiwaju of Ipokia Kingdom, Otunba (Chief) Babajide Titus, has urged Nigerian leaders to remain focused and let the love of the country be uppermost in their minds.

    He said the greatest hope of the country is to be on same pedestrial with advanced countries such as United States, Britain, London etc, and can be achieved through shunning and avoiding politics of crisis, bloodshed and assassination.

    Otunba, made the appeal while celebrating his birthday at his country home, Ajegunle, Idiroko in Ipokia Local Government Area, Ogun State.

    Important dignitaries from far and near both within and outside the country stormed his residence in exotic cars in Otunba Titus Babajide (JP) Street, Idiroko, to rejoice with him and his household for the event.

    Speaking with The Nation, he said “All glory and adoration returns to the Lord, for added another year to my life and for keeping me and family alive in sound health.

    He gave thanks to the God, and however, pledged his loyalty to Him for the rest of his life.

    Babajide, appealed to Nigerian leaders to shun do-or-die politics, noting is practical demonstration of love that can lift the country

    “Nigerians should learn how to support whoever becomes winner of any election and contribute our quotas to build an enduring nation,” he said.

    He urged youths to avoid being used by politicians as a ladder to grab powers during the coming elections.

    He urged them to say no to lawlessness, thugerry and all forms of violence in 2015 election.”

    As a member of Special Marshal in Ogun State, he advised motorists to always check their vehicles before embarking on a journey to avoid preventable accidents on the road.

    He thanked Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for constructing and rehabilitating roads in the state, he is working for everyone to enjoy dividend of democracy.

    He urged drivers to maintain discipline while on the wheels and ensure safety of every road user.

    The Lagos and Ogun Zonal Commanding Officer, Mr Godwin Ogagaoghene, thank the Otunba for his support for FRSC.

    Present at the event were: Idiroko Unit Commander of FRSC, Mr David Irunoje, the Zonal Public Education Officer, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Unit Public Education Officer/Protocol, Mr Niyi Niniola, Director, Ogun State National Tax Force, Alhaji Fatai Isiaka and many political stalwarts.

  • Monarch makes case for health insurance

    The ongoing community-based health insurance scheme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has inspired a traditional ruler, the  Agora of Zuba, Alhaji Mohammed Umar, to call for the immediate implementation of the plan in his community.

    The monarch, who took it upon himself to invite the Director of FCT Area Councils Health Insurance Scheme (FAHIS), Dr. Grace Aganaba to his palace, said that there is the need for the scheme to be introduced in his community for the health benefit of his people.

    According to Umar, receiving the presence of the Dr. Grace Aganaba and her team in his palace, was an indication that the FCT Health Insurance Scheme would commence immediately in Zuba, because, the people are in need of health care assistance from the government.

    “Because, I have been hearing about this scheme from people and I have read about it in different newspapers, wandering when it will get to Zuba community. The last one I heard was on radio, when the team went for distribution of health insurance cards at Gwargwada community, that when I called the chief of Gwargwada to intimate me on how he got the scheme to his community.

    “He gave me the director’s number, which I called her. But, I am not happy that the scheme went round my chiefdom without getting to my domain up until now. As far the director of the scheme has come today, I am happy and I am willing to support it to the fullest for the benefit of my people.”

  • ‘How monarch escaped death’

    ‘How monarch escaped death’

    The Oluwa of Lagos and Apapa, Chief Mukaila Lawal Oluwa, has told a Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court, Ikeja, how he miraculously escaped two attempts on his life by some members of his family.

    He was testifying in the trial of Abayomi Shamsideen Oluwa (62), Ismaila Abayomi Oluwa (67), Tajudeen Ototo Oluwa (58), and Muse Adegboyega Oluwa (56).

    They are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, forgery and threat to life.

    They pleaded not guilty and were released on bail.

    Oluwa said there was an attempt on his life last November 21.

    He said he was in the family office at Apapa when he had the news that a family land had been fenced without being sold.

    “On moving to the place, I sighted the defendants with other hoodlums, from afar, getting close to Nwokolo Street, Apapa, running towards us, carrying dangerous weapons.

    “I saw the danger and quickly alerted my driver to make a U-turn and so we did and escaped. This was the second threat on my life by the defendants,” he alleged.

    According to him, the defendants, who had instituted series of litigations against his promotion from the chieftaincy to Obaship, in spite of a Supreme Court judgment which was delivered in his favour, allegedly forged a court stamp and a principal registrar’s signature and put up a notice, purportedly from the court.

    “This forged notice was pasted on the wall of my palace and all areas of our homestead, including Araromi, as well as Lagos Island, including my official residence, creating fear in the mind of my people and other residents. As a result I received various telephone calls. They also published a notice in The Punch newspaper in March 2013 as a result of which I received telephone calls from friends and relatives asking me whether I have been removed from the palace,”he said.

    He alleged that the defendants took part of a ruling by Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Ikeja High Court and superimposed words that did not emanate from the judge.

    He tendered the ruling in Suit No: LD/1420/2010, delivered on April 22, 2013 by Justice Harrison as an exhibit.

    In the ruling, Justice Harrison had observed: “From a closer look, it appears that a portion of a regular and valid order of court was super-imposed by whatever electronic means on the said public notice which was alleged to be issued under the hand and seal of the presiding judge.

    “The court agrees with the counsel for the first defendant that the above nefarious act was carried out to give the impression that the said document originated from the court and while the claimants counsel attributes the said action of the defendants (which included smuggling an order that was not granted by the court into the purported public notice) as over zealousness; the court finds that it amounts to forgery and that the said action was condemned in the strongest terms as it was intended to mislead and confuse, and the intention was completely mala-fide,”the judge had ruled.

     

  • I wasn’t imposed, says monarch

    The Alani of Idoani in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Olufemi Olutoye, has said his appointment was not by imposition but popular choice.

    Olutoye, who spoke yesterday at his coronation, urged aggrieved parties, who had gone to court to challenge his appointment, to support his reign.

    He said: “I am not surprised that some people went to court to challenge my appointment because in life there must be opposition.

    “We have been on this issue in the last four years and all the contestants are eligible but at the end of the day one candidate must emerge.

    “I urge the opposition to join me in developing our community. We have been marginalised but I intend to change things. All I need is support from everyone.”

  • Monarch inaugurates committee on poverty alleviation

    The Ona of Abaji and Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, has inaugurated a six-man committee on poverty alleviation in a bid to reduce the level of poverty in the area.

    Other members of the committee are the Sarkin Gabas of Abaji, Alhaji Kamal Adamu Shuaibu, as Chairman, Dan Maje of Abaji, Alhaji Salihu Abdullahi, Secretary and Etsu Gupa of Abaji, Alhaji Ali Sokodabo, Shaban Nupe of Abaji, Alhaji Ibrahim Yahaya Suleiman, Alhaji Yusuf Adamu Baba and Mr. M.I. Kakamba.

    While inaugurating the committee at his palace, Alhaji Yunusa said the level of poverty bedeviling residents of the council informed the setting up of the committee.

    He further said the poverty alleviation committee would create an opportunity for the unemployed, especially youths to be engaged in any kind of petty business or hands/skill acquisition programme.

    According to him, the committee would intensify efforts in reaching out to Federal Government, corporate organisations as well as some international donor agencies to support the committee.

    “At least, if some of these youths will have something doing, it would, no doubt, divert their attention from engaging in social vices to productive ventures. This is so because, a situation whereby there is high level of poverty in a society, the next thing for such youths is to either engage in political thuggery or any form of crime,” he said.

    The monarch therefore urged members of the committee to devote their time to ensure that the scheme becomes successful, even as he urged residents of the council to continue to live in peace with one another.

    Responding on behalf of the committee, Alhaji Kamal Adamu Shuaibu, praised the monarch for the initiative and for finding them trustworthy to carry out the assignment.

    He assured the monarch of the committee’s readiness to carry out the assignment diligently, such that, the high level poverty in the council is put to its barest minimum.

    “Your highness sir, this committee also shares the pains you feel over the high level poverty in the council, and we shall try our best to ensure that both our youths and women have something doing at the end the day,” he assured.