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Tag: monarch

  • Monarch to face murder charge

    There was drama yesterday at an Asaba Magistrate’s Court when the Obi of Abavo Kingdom, Uche Irenuma II, was brought into the court on a stretcher to face a 16-count charge of murder and other felonies.

    Prior to his arraignment, the ruler collapsed Monday at the State Police Command after his arrest for allegedly giving false information to the police. He was later revived at a private hospital.

    Irenuma, who was being administered to intravenously, convulsed violently almost falling from the stretcher, as soon as a court official read out the charges. No plea was taken.

    The Magistrate, Mrs. Q. Momoh, ordered that the monarch be remanded in a federal prison/hospital custody, pending advice from the public prosecutor.

    She said she lacked jurisdiction on the matter but granted hearing in the case.

    The matter was adjourned till March 11.

  • Inisa celebrates monarch

    Inisa celebrates monarch

    The people of Inisa, an agrarian town in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State are using the opportunity of the celebration of the 75th birthday anniversary of their traditional ruler, the Olunisa of Inisa, Oba Joseph Oladunjoye Oyedele, Fasikun II to take stock of the community’s achievements.

    According to an indigene of the town, Mr. Dayo Olanipekun, a journalist, celebrating “our monarch is one good way of reflecting on our past, our rich cultural heritage and tradition, how and where we started as a community, how far we had gone and what is next for us to do.”

    The people of the town said the monarch deserves their reverence and respect because of his “tremendous and unprecedented achievements which are yet unbeatable.” They listed among his success on the throne in the last 38 years, his mobilization of the indigenes for advancing the fortunes of the town, which they said include presence of a financial institution, post office, many public and private schools as well as working for the maintenance of peace with their neighbours in Odo-Otin council area.

    These, no doubt, informed the decision of the indigenes of the town to roll out drums in honour of their monarch. They invited friends and well wishers from all walks of lives to the various programmes lined up for the week -long event.

    The concluding part of the programme was a thanksgiving service at the St. Peters Anglican Church, Inisa, where many prominent sons and daughters of the town joined the monarch and his family to express gratitude to God. The Bishop of the Osogbo Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. James Afolabi Popoola, in his sermon eulogized the monarch’s virtues of humility, dedication and commitment to his people, which he said had helped him transform the community in the last 38 of his leadership. Those present at the church service included the Head of Post Graduate Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Labo Popoola, the Asiwaju of Inisha, Alhaji Shuab Oyedokun, who was formerly deputy chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party among others. The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi, a community of about ten kilometers away among  traditional rulers who showed solidarity with the celebrant.

    Penultimate Friday, the Deputy Chief Imam, Alhaji Kazeem Adebisi, led other Islamic clerics to the Olunisa Palace to pray for the monarch. As they prayed for Oba Oyedele they also prayed for more development for Inisa. Many also spoke glowingly about the monarch. The Oluomo of Inisa, Alhaji Shauib Oyedokun, recalled that the Olunisa was the first graduate monarch in the history of the town and whose achievements remain unqualified and unsurpassed.

    In his words, “our Kabiyesi speaks, dreams, and acts Inisa at all times. The Olunisa is always concerned about the welfare, well being and success of all his subjects. He promotes peaceful co-existence among his people. He is not partial and does everything with the fear of God.”

    More importantly, he expressed, the hope that the present administration in the state would assist Inisa fulfill her topmost  yearnings and aspiration to have a local council of their own which the Olunisa typifies.

    Also, Hon. Rasaq Adeyemi, a member of the state House of Assembly, representing Odo-otin State constituency, said the Olunisa always aim at promoting whatever will benefit his people. Describing him as humane, God fearing  and a unique father and leader, who leads his people through thick and thin, he said the traditional ruler will always gather his people and all household to discuss and ruminate over the progress and development of the town.

    The President, Inisa Descendants Union, Mr. Kayode Olanipekun, said the monarch is a consummate ruler, an extremely learned king, who in his 38 years  on the throne demonstrates leadership by example. He said: “The Olunisa abhors cheating, preaches forthrightness, forgiveness and tolerance. He rallies his people round always for the cause of  Inisa. He is a disciplinarian, firm and a believer in all that is good. He is also very hardworking, industrious and always promoting educational and developmental upliftment of the youths.”

    The Olunisa’s first son, Prince Ayodeji, described his father as very tolerant, saying “You cannot offend my father in any way but only when you do anything against the progress, development and success of Inisa.”

  • Abavo monarch sues for peace

    The traditional ruler of Abavo Kingdom in Delta State, Obi Uche Irenuma, has sued for peace and purposeful development of the kingdom.

    Abavo community is an agrarian community in Ika South Local Government Area.

    The royal father, at a news conference, urged youths in the community to give peace a chance to thrive, saying that he is open to constructive inputs that would bring about peace, unity and development in the land.

    Obi Irenuma noted that fighting and crises would not bring about the desired peace in the kingdom, but true reconciliation of the people that would sustain understanding for all.

    He tasked the youths to bring a blue print of developmental agenda that would reposition Abavo community, and harness its full potentials.

    He said as a royal father his arms were wide open to embrace sons and daughters of Abavo Kingdom, and truly committed to all efforts at bringing peace to the land.

    Meanwhile, the chiefs of Abavo in a unanimous vote, has passed vote of confidence on the Abavo Monarch for his efforts at sustaining peace and development to the kingdom.

    The traditional Prime Minister of Abavo Kingdom, Chief Dr Ifeanyi Ehijene, flanked by other chiefs commended the matured manner the royal father has over the years handled issues in the kingdom.

    Chief Ehijene urged all to give support to the royal father, saying that the earlier they come together the better for the kingdom.

  • Otedola, monarch, others preach love, forgiveness at Ita-Oba day

    Otedola, monarch, others preach love, forgiveness at Ita-Oba day

    Former governor of Lagos State, Sir Micheal Otedola, the traditional ruler of Igbooye Orijeruland, Oba Michel Gbadebo Onakoya and the chairman of Eredo Local Council Development Area, Otunba Sabiu Omolaja were among eminent personalities who preached love, forgiveness and reconciliation at a gathering of the sons and daughters of Igbooyeland.

    The occasion was at the annual traditional Ita Oba day of the town held Thursday last week at the Orijelu Traditional house and which is used by the people to pay homage and reaffirm their loyalty to the monarch, Oba Onakoya.

    The annual event which brings back home sons and daughters of the town in the Diaspora also had in attendance several traditional rulers who all came to show respect, friendship and loyalty to the monarch of the town.

    They included the Alara of Ilara, Oba Akeem Adesanya; the Olu-Epe of Epe, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewole; the Alade Uraka of Pokaland, Oba Ayodele Kolawole Aliru; Onimedu of Orimedu, Oba Musa Atiku; Elejinrin of Ejinrin, Oba Babatunde Balogun; Oniwerekun of Iwerekunland, Oba Tajudeen Afolabi Adebanjo Elemoro and the Ayangelu of Odo-Ayangelu, Oba Ganiyu Aderibigbe.

    Other dignitaries were the former first lady of Lagos State who is also the Iya Oba of Igbooye,  Chief (Mrs) Adedoja Otedola; Gbobaniyi of Ilara-Epe, Otunba Oladokun Ajidagba; Omo Oba Kayode Adesanya; the Olisa of Ilara Kingdom, High Chief Owolabi Talabi; Otun Seriki of Epe Kingdom, Chief Adeniyi Kadiri-Odedeogboro; High Chief Ogegbo of Ibonwon, Oloja Cajetan A. Adekoya; Balogun of Ilara, High Chief Deji Otushile; Olotu Pampa of Odoshimola, Chief Kamoru Agbolade Adenuga; Education Secretaries, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Council, Epe Local Government Council, Hon. Adewale Adeogun and Mr. Kunle Odubela respectively; Opemoluwa Elemoro of Iwerekunland, Chief Kamoru S. Elemoro and Balogun Elemoro of Iwerekunland, Chief Abiodun Elemoro among others.

    Former governor of the state, Sir Otedola urged the people to love one another in order for peace to reign supreme in the town.

    Speaking through his wife, Adedoja, Sir Otedola said, “all that God wants from you is to love one another.

    “Where there is love, there would be peace and when there is peace, there would be growth and development in the town”, he stressed.

    Mrs. Otedola said that she was particularly happy with the large turnout of the local traditional rulers, the baales and pointed out that their attendance was a sign of a new beginning in the town and its suburb.

    She gave glory to God for sparing everybody’s life to witness this year’s Ita Oba day.

    Oba Onakoya who said that he has forgiven all those who offended him asked those he offended to forgive him in return.

    “I was worshipping in the church one Sunday when the Holy Spirit instructed me to go and forgive everyone.

    “Immediately, I summoned all those who offended me and I told them that I have forgiven them except those who refused to come. At least the spirit knows that I have done as I was instructed.

    “Please, tell everybody that all is forgiven and if I have offended anybody, let him forgive me too so that there can peace and development in the land”, he said.

    The monarch urged the youth of the town to shun hemp smoking, thuggery and cultism, pointing out that this has been the cause of his grievances with them.

    He counseled them to stop selling and using hemp and to shun cultism adding that the state government has put in place stringent laws to combat the vices and punish offenders.

    “Please, let us join hands together for the progress of our town. Whatever anybody did for the town is what he or she would be remembered for”, he said.

    Oba Onakoya said that he has forgiven all the Baales within the kingdom and promised that he would henceforth accord them recognition and commence the process of introducing them to other Obas in the area in the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.

    The Onibeju of Ibeju, Oba Rafiu Olusegun Salami also counselled the Baales to team up with the Orijeru of Igbooye land for the progress of the town.

    Alayangelu of Odo-Ayangelu, Oba Ganiyu Aderibigbe while saying that the Orijeru of Igbooye operates an open door policy, urged the people to seek him out on any issue instead of spreading rumour.

    He said that it is when there is love and peace in the town that development can take place.

    The chairman of Eredo Local Councal Development Area, Otunba Sabiu Adelaja remarked that the Igbooye community has enjoyed relative peace and development in the last five years and attributed this to the excellent leadership style of the monarch.

    Represented by the leader of the legislative arm of the LCDA, Hon. Oresanwo Ayodeji. Adelaja  urged indigenes of the town who are entrepreneurs to take advantage of the prevailing opportunities to come home and invest their businesses in the community.

    He assured the prospective investors that his administration would not relent in the provision of conducive business environment “as this would not only improve the economic base of the council but also the living standard of the people”.

    He congratulated everybody on the celebration of the traditional Ita-Oba day and urged them to mark it with decorum and not to do anything to disrupt the peace of the town.

    Highlight of the ceremony was the pouring of libation by the Ogegbo of Ibonwon, Oloja Cajetan Adekoya who called upon the spirits of their ancestors to guide and protect the lives of the traditional rulers. Oloja Adekoya also prayed for love and peace to reign among the people, for safe delivery of all pregnant women in the town and its suburbs and for the development of the community.

    The traditional Gbedu dance was performed by the representatives of the different ruling houses including Erelu, Ewade, Shamba and Oshikadewa and paying of homages to the Orijeru.

    Others who danced to the Gbedu included representatives of the Rola and Ologbin quarters, the Baales and local clubs and associations and other interested groups who all paid homage to their paramount ruler.

    The interdenominational prayer session which preceded the Ita-Oba celebration was performed by the duo of the Mufasiru of Igbooye land, Alhaji Soliu Isiak and Reverend Sunday Okiti of St. Paul Anglican Church, Igbooye.

     

  • Court orders service of papers on monarch, others

    Court orders service of papers on monarch, others

    A Lagos High Court has ordered that the Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim in a suit against the Ojora of Ojora, Oba Fatai Aromire be served on the defendants/respondents through courier services and by pasting on the walls of the property in dispute.

    Also to be served through substituted means are list of witnesses to be called during the trial, witnesses written statement on oath and list of documents to be relied on at trial.

    The court granted leave to the claimants to post “all the court processes and subsequent court orders and directives on the existing walls and buildings on the land in dispute at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos State.”

    Justice Agnes Nicol-Clay ordered the Commissioner of Police to provide enough security to protect the court’s sheriff and members of the claimants’ family “who will serve as pointers of the land in dispute to the sheriff”.

    The claimants’ lawyer, Chief Olusegun Raji, told The Nation at the weekend that the order had been executed.

    The family of Adeshiba Ayeloja Adedewe is urging the court to stop Oba Aromire from demolishing their “property.” The houses, they said, are on a vast area of land measuring approximately 1, 324 hectres situated in Awori, in Badagry District of Lagos State.

    Also joined in the suit as defendants are the Odofin of Ojora land, Chief Fatai Sulaiman, the Attorney-General, Lagos, the Surveyor-General, Lagos State, Lagos State Physical Planning, Surveyor-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.

    The claimants Shehu Adedewe, Nureni Adedewe and Morufu Adedewe are suing for themselves and for their family.

    They are asking for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from selling, allotting, destroying or building any structure on the land in dispute.

    The claimant, through their lawyer, Chief Segun Raji are seeking for a declaration that their family is entitled to customary/statutory right of occupancy of their family land delineated and reaffirmed by the colonial government’s survey plan of December 20, 1917.

    They also prayed the court to declare that the first and second defendants (Ojora of Ojora and Odofin of Ojora land) are not entitled to the land in dispute.

    They said defendants’ transaction and dealings on the disputed land are unconstitutional, null and void.

    Specifically, the claimants want the court to set aside the judgment which favoured the first and second defendants in suit No- LD/562/72, as, according to them, the judgment was allegedly obtained by fraud.

    The claimants said the land in dispute had exclusively belonged to their great grandfather, Adeshiba Ayeloja Adedewe for over 500 years ago.

    Their great grandfather, they said, had been in possession of the land before the Logos Colony was divided into three.

    They said it was Oba Ado who invited his friend (the claimants’ great grandfather) from the Opake Eganyima town now known today as Orile Iganmu to his place.

    But, the first and second defendants, in their statement of defence and counter claim filed by their lawyer Ola Okunniyi, urged the court to dismiss the suit.

    They said it was an abuse of the judicial process.

    This, they said, is with regard to the final judgment of the Supreme Court in suit No- SC/54/2005 which determined the rights and interest of parties in respect of the land in dispute.

    They prayed the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the claimants whether by themselves, servants, agent or privies from further trespassing or attempting to exercise proprietary rights over the land.

    They are urging the court to hold that the claimants have no known interest whatsoever in the land in dispute.

    The defendants also want the court to hold that based on several judgments in suits numbered LD/562/72; CA/L86/2001 and SC/54/2005, they are the rightful owners of the land.

     

     

  • Thrills, painful recollections as Gbaramatu buries monarch

    Thrills, painful recollections as Gbaramatu buries monarch

    Oporoza, the traditional capital of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State was a beehive of activities during a weeklong mourning, festivity and ceremonies to mark the burial rites of His Royal Highness (HRM) Pere Godwin Bebenimibo, DSP (rtd), the Ogeh Gbaran III, of Pere Kingdom who passed on earlier this year.

    The monarch, also known as the Aketekpe Agadagba, was generally seen as instrumental to the restoration of peace and security to the oil-rich Ijaw Kingdom, and by extension, the Niger Delta region. It was therefore not surprising that top functionaries of the federal and Delta state governments besieged Oporoza to pay their last respect to the traditional ruler.

    Our reporter recalled that the monarch played important role during the amnesty period, particularly the acceptance of the offer by one of his subjects, Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), the leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

    Those indigenous to Gbaramatu, who spoke on his life and times, particularly his brief but eventful reign, told Niger Delta Report that the Aketekpe’s greatest achievement was restoration of peace to the troubled kingdom.

    Tompolo particularly noted that the monarch left an indelible mark, noting that he cannot be forgotten by those he left behind.

    The kingdom was a war front for several months in 2009 when the Joint Task Force (JTF) launched aerial and land assaults against militants in the area. The monarch went underground for several months and became a rallying point for his battered subjects. But he bounced back and led the search for a lasting peace, which culminated in the amnesty programme and commencement of efforts to rebuild the kingdom.

    His son, Prince Alfred Abdulazees Bebenimibo, in a moving homage, noted that although his father didn’t attend the best schools, his “versatility and ingenuity in the art of lawmaking and governance” guided them through life. Whatever he learnt, he wrote down and never forgot.”

    Leading the tributes to the late monarch, Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who personally presented the staff of office to the monarch in April 2009, described him as a selfless leader whose “fatherly conduct and selflessness would be missed by all.”

    The late monarch’s home journey commenced on Monday, December 9 with condolence visits by traditional chiefs, community leaders and hundreds of his grieving subjects who besieged Oporoza to pay him their last respect. There were also burial rites, cultural activities and social wake during each day of the week-long event.

    In his remarks during the ceremony, the National Chairman, Host Communities (Oil and Gas) of Nigeria, Chief Alfred Bubor, who is also the Fiyewei of the kingdom, described the monarch’s death as a great loss, not just to the state but also to Nigeria.

    He said: “A generational star has relocated abode; the entire nation and Gbaramatu people will always remember with appreciation, the Aketekpe’s contributions to the unity and growth of the kingdom.”

    Chiefs Atafiri Ari (Toripuwei) and Dennis Otuaro (Ibe-Uyadonwei) said the monarch had transited to higher glory, remarking that his simplicity, commitment, dedication and benevolence were unparalleled. “Our king was a great encouragement and had a positive impact on all that came in contact with him.”

    For his part, the Tubainghanwei, Chief Clark Gbenewei (Claco) described the monarch as knowledgeable and intellectual personality. “His presence, wisdom and experience will be greatly missed.”

    However, Chief Thomas Ekpemupolo, who is the Tunterwei of the kingdom, said although the clan was taken aback by the transition of the monarch, “we are indeed inspired to celebrate his remarkable life and accomplishment. I am confident that we will find solace in the fact that our great king spent a fruitful life and was God-fearing.”

    Meanwhile, the seven-day ceremony, which coincided with the burial of former South African President and symbol of the anti-Apartheid struggle, Nelson Mandela, was a celebration of the life and times of the former police officer, who rose to the rank of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

    Activities to mark his final passage rites included final homage by leaders of Oporoza, Okerenkoko, Kokodiagbene, Benikrukru, Kurutie and Azama among others. There were also traditional dances, Agular (stilt) masquerade and various traditional rites.

    The funeral rites were rounded off with an inter-denominational thanksgiving service at the Pere Palace Pavillion, Oporoza on Sunday, December 15. It was followed by a farewell party.

    Personalities that attended the event were the Presidential Adviser on Amnesty, Mr Kingsley Kuku; members of the Abalaere Indiyere Ogbo, Warri; pioneer chairman of the Delta State Oil-Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Wellington Okirika, who is Bolowei (traditional prime minister) of Gbaramatu; members of the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on DESOPADEC and Ijaw representative on the commission’s board, Chief Kingsley Otuaro, Cheif Bosin Ebikeme, a former Commissioner for Agriculture and Hon. George Ekpemupolo, former Chairman, Warri South- West Local Government Area.

    Others were Dr Jonathan Ari, the Puwei (Chief Scribe) of the kingdom; chiefs Aaron Ifitimo, Dan Ekpebide, Anthony Ayebibode, Clery Ibojoh, Dakoni Vero Tangbowei; the Amakosuwei (oldest man) of Kokodiagbene, Elder Uroukirifagha Olukpa, his counterpart from Inikorogha, Elder Wilberforce Ukulor as well as their female counterpart (Amaokosuere) from Oporoza, Mama Foutuboere Ajolosemi and Chairman of the Burial Planning Committee, Chief Godspower Gbenekama.

    It was also attended by former President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Dr Chris Ekiyor, who is the interim chairman of Patani Local Government Area, Chief Jonathan Governor, Chairman JOGOF Nigeria Limited; chiefs Isaac Miebi, Jacob Odiki, Nelson Ogelegbanwei, Council Bubor, who is the Olotu of Ogulagha Kingdom; chiefs Julius and Philip Tonfawei, Matthew Ebifiyebebe as well as the Amadiwei (traditional heads) of Okerenkoko, Kokodiagbene, Azama and Oporoza communities, Dominic Ezeleba, Emmanuel Ekpetipu, Jeremiah Tebela and Francis Mala, respectively.

    Speaking with Niger Delta Report on the significance of the burial, Prince Paul Bebenimibo described Gbaramatu as a key clan in Ijaw nation because the people are direct descendants of Ijo, the ancestral father of Ijaw nation who migrated from northwest direction of Mali and Songhai empires.

     

  • Jubilation as Delta community gets first monarch, 67 years after

    Jubilation as Delta community gets first monarch, 67 years after

    The people of Ellu Kingdom in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State were ecstatic last the weekend, as they got a monarch for the first time 67, when Othuke Murphy Urugbeze was crowned Ogwara I, Ovie of Ellu Kingdom.

    The poignant ceremony held at the Ellu Primary School playground drew dignitaries from all walks of life, illustrious sons and daughters of land from within and outside the state. Some of the guests said the ceremony was particularly symbolic because of the controversy and delay in choosing a successor to the former occupant of the stool.

    Niger Delta Report learnt that the choice of a monarch dragged on for nearly seven decades because of squabbles and debates over patrilineal succession method in the kingdom. The face-offs resulted in litigations before peace finally returned recently.

    It was gathered that there are three ruling houses in the kingdom comprising Isi, Agwa and Uwabor and the non-hereditary stool is rotational among the trio. Ogwara I, a businessman and philanthropist, is from Agwa Ruling House.

    Leading prominent people of the community to the ceremony, the President General of Ellu Community, High Prince Johnson Eniforo Akpomalue, lamented the fate of the community in those years. He said in spite of its prominent position as a major oil producing community in the area Ellu lacked the basic necessities of life and remains relatively undeveloped over the years.

    He lamented that Ellu community has not benefited from the proceeds of the oil it produces and contribution to the commonwealth of the country. He said projects embarked upon by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had long been abandoned.

    Prince Akomalue appealed to the state government to come to their assistance by appointing their indigenes into boards of intervention agencies like Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and those of other states and Federal agencies.

    He particularly pleaded to the state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan to use his office to rehabilitate, redistribute and take over the management of the Ellu water project.

    “We are aggrieved that despite the fact that Ellu kingdom is one of the major Oil Producing Communities in Isoko land with a flow station jointly owned with Ozoro Kingdom, 11 oil wells, an appreciable distance of pipeline right of way and an access road, we have not commensurately benefited from the proceeds of the oil.”

    While he expressed gratitude to the state government for its infrastructural development, particularly in Emu-Eni Grammar School, he said more still needed to be done in the science laboratory and other structures undergoing renovation.

    Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN), who performed the staff of office presentation ceremony, appealed to the new monarch to carry out his duties in a transparent manner by being open-minded and just to all.

    He commended the process leading to the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the monarch and advised the monarch not to do anything that will make his subjects doubt his ability to uphold the sanctity of their tradition.

    He urged the people of Ellu kingdom, in particular, and Deltans in general, to take advantage of the state’s micro credit programme, stressing that taking advantage of such programme will help improve the domestic capacity of the people.

    “I urge you all to key into the policy of Delta Beyond Oil; which means we must key into agriculture, industries and other areas apart from oil. I want to use this opportunity to urge all sons and daughters of Ellu Kingdom to take advantage of the various programmes of government, particularly the Delta micro credit programme, to improve on your domestic capacity,” he said.

    “I have no doubt that the institution is very significant to the Ellu people and that is why they have all been working hard to make this day come to reality and it has indeed come to reality. Your Royal Majesty, I appeal to you to discharge all your responsibilities in transparent manner by being open-minded and just to all. You are the father of all your subjects, so you should be fair to all.”

    The Deputy Governor particularly congratulated the monarch for successfully ascending the throne and filling the 67-year-old vacuum, stressing that he must imbibe democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in dealing with his people.

    “This is a new beginning and it is particularly commendable that the process leading to the ceremony were carried out peacefully in spite of the long gap,” he said.

    Speaking in the same vein, the Transitional Committee Chairman of Isoko North LGA, Mr Samuel Idise, said his administration holds the traditional institution in high esteem because of the important role it places in the governance of the people at the grassroots. He appealed to traditional rulers to maintain their stabilising role through the promotion of peace and unity among their people and visitors.

    “As Royal Fathers of the people, I strongly advise you to steer clear of partisan politics in order to uphold the dignity of your high office in your respective domains. It is only by so doing that your fatherly role can best be appreciated and beneficial to all and sundry,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Okobaro of Ellu Kingdom, Chief Paul John Odhomor, who was one of the illustrious Ellu indigene conferred with chieftaincy title by Ogwara I has commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for taking keen interest in the transformation of the state, saying that the current step being taken by his administration to diversify the state economy through the Delta Beyond Oil initiative remains a model for other states to emulate.

    Chief Odhomor made the observation at Ellu, after His Royal Majesty Murphy Othuke Urugbezi conferred on him a chieftaincy title as the Okobaro of Ellu Kingdom.

    The new Okobaro said, “The government under the leadership of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has done very well in the development of Delta State. He had done much better than previous governments. He has brought development to the whole of Delta state. There is no local government that has not felt the impact of his three point agenda; peace and security, human capital development and infrastructural development.” Chief Odhomor stated.

    He noted that with the new vision of Delta Beyond oil of the state, there was no community that has not felt the impact of his government. He called on Deltans to cooperate with the state government, emphasizing that it was the only way development could flourish in the state.

    “For you to bring government to your community, you must work and partner with government. You must not be seen criticising the government unjustifiably. You draw their attention to what you need in a very humble manner and you will be given what you want. This government is a very sensitive government and it listens to people,” he said.

    Chief Odhomor urged the people of Ellu kingdom to be peaceful and law abiding so as to attract more development to the community, saying “If you want development to come to your community, your community has to be peaceful. In an environment that is not peaceful, government cannot do anything there. So my appeal to the people is that they must see this community as the only community they have.”

     

     

  • Council chair, monarchs pledge support for poly

    Chairman of Orumba North Local Government in Anambra State, Hon Emeka Aforka, and the traditional ruler of Oko community, Prof Laz Ekwueme, have reiterated their support to the Federal Polytechnic in Oko (OKO POLY), Anambra State, to achieve the vision of the institution.

    They made the pledge when members of the Governing Council of the polytechnic visited them recently.

    Aforka said the visit was a welcome development, adding that members were out to solicit support for the school.

    He told the delegation that the polytechnic had enjoyed cordial relationship with his council, promising that the bond will continue to grow.

    He praised the Rector, Prof Godwin Onu, for transforming the polytechnic, adding that his administration has improved the public perception of the institution.

    Ekwueme urged both the members of the Governing Council and the institution’s management to maintain high academic standards and global best practices.

    He commended the zeal exhibited by the new council polytechnic, urging them to explore their experiences to bring change to the institution.

    He charged lecturers in tertiary institutions across the country to improve themselves, adding that lack of standard promotes mediocrity, extortion, sexual harassment and lobbying for promotion.

    The monarch urged members of the council to devote their time to promoting standard and integrity.

    The traditional ruler of Mbaukwu in Awka South area of the State, Igwe Peter Anukwu, also pledged support for the polytechnic, calling for cooperation among members.

    He lauded the Rector for transforming the institution, saying: “As a Rector, you have done better than those before you. I commended you for not disappointing us. You were sent to the polytechnic on a rescue mission and you have lived up to those expectations.”

    Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Christian Odukwu, said his members comprised of people of experience and integrity, adding that they will utilise their knowledge to move the polytechnic forward.

    “Every member of the council has quality precedents and I have no doubt in my mind that they will bring their experiences to bear in piloting the affairs of the institution. They are all enlightened people, mainly academicians, who know which button to press at any given time to turn around the citadel of learning,’’ he said.

     

     

  • Osemawe deposes monarch over petition

    Osemawe deposes monarch over petition

    The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba  Victor Kiladejo, has ordered the removal of the traditional ruler of Laosho, one of the communities in his domain, Chief Kola Fadoju, following allegations of high handedness levelled against him by his people.

    The Laosho community in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State has been at daggers drawn with Fadoju for some time. There is tension among members of the community.

    The deposition order on the embattled monarch was contained in a letter dated September 10, 2013, which was signed by the Secretary to the Osemawe-in-council and Adaja of Ondo Kingdom, High Chief Solafuboye Ayodeji.

    According to the letter, the action was hinged on the earlier protest letter written by the people of Laosho community to the Osemawe-in-council requesting him to approve the deposition of the Baale. It added that there were several allegations leveled against the monarch by his subjects.

    The letter entitled: “Removal as Baale of Laosho,” reminded Chief Fadoju “of the petition written against you by members of Laosho community for your removal as Baale of the community.

    “After the receipt of the petition, Oba Kiladejo  set up a committee to look into the various allegations leveled against you, and all the allegations were found to be true.

    “Having found you liable to the allegations by the entire Laosho community, coupled with your previous wrong doings and by the power conferred on the Osemawe and paramount ruler of Ondo Kingdom, and the custodian of chieftaincy titles, traditions and customs, I regret to inform you that the Osemawe-in-council decided, at their meeting, that you should be removed as the Baale of Laosho village.

    “You are therefore removed accordingly after the report of the panel has been received. This is to ensure proper administration of justice and to prevent breakdown of law and order in the community.”

    It would be recalled that the genesis of the crisis which culminated in the community demanding the deposition of the traditional ruler began shortly after members of the community embarked on a peaceful demonstration on July 17, 2012 to the palace of Osemawe in Ondo town, calling for the removal of the  Baale over certain offences allegedly committed by Chief Fadoju which the people felt brought disgrace to the community.

    The protest was followed by a letter dated August 3, 2012  signed by various representatives of the community and addressed  to Osemawe-in-council,   which stated that their action was  predicated on the need to save the name of the community from disrepute.

    Other offences brought against the community leader include alleged connivance with one Henry Ayodeji, who is said to be the secretary of the community, to work against the residents interest of the village.

    Besides, the Baale was also accused of nepotism by allowing his wife, Sikirat Fadoju, to represent the community on many occasions. In addition, the Baale was accused of refusing to conduct traditional meetings at designated place in the community.

    When contacted, the embattled Baale confirmed the receipt of his letter of removal, but noted that since a new Baale has not been installed, he remains the head of the community.

     

  • Ondo community seeks recognition of monarch

    The people of Ilaje Mahin in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have urged the state government to approve Beniah Adeola Idiogbe as the Alaboto of Aboto.

    They said Idiogbe was cleared for the seat by the relevant traditional institutions.

    In a statement by the community’s Secretary, Prof. Bode Koriko, the Ilaje Mahin Descendants’ Association said it was necessary to fill the vacant stool, which had been empty for many years.

    It urged the governor to present the staff of office to Idiogbe, saying he is the choice of the people.

    The indigenes said Idiogbe’s appointment was confirmed by the Amapetu of Mahin, adding that the White Paper presented by the Justice Adeloye Commission affirmed that the Alaboto shall be of Mahin descent/origin.