The Nation Newspaper

Tag: monarch

  • Traditional ruler seeks development

    The traditional ruler of Ajah community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, Chief Fatai Abiodun Olumegbon has bemoaned the lack of a government secondary school in his domain.

    He said the state has only built a junior secondary school in the community.

    The monarch urged government to do more to address poverty, which he said, was the root-cause of all the indices of insecurity in the country.

    Olumegbon sought tolerance and understanding among Nigerians, urging them to meditate on the benefits the nation can derive from a greater display of honesty and peaceful co-existence with others.

  • Monarch endorses Obiano

    Monarch endorses Obiano

    The traditional ruler of Obosi Kingdom, Anambra State,  Igwe A C Iweka III, has endorsed Chief Willie Obiano, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the November 16 governorship election in the state.

    The traditional ruler said at this year’s Ofala festival at the AfoAdike Stadium, Obosi, that APGA has picked the right candidate, who is capable of expanding the vision of Governor Peter Obi.

    According to James Eze, Head of Media and Communication of Willie Obiano Campaign Organisation, the traditional ruler spoke while receiving the APGA team in his palace. He also pledged the support of his cabinet and the town in the proposed election.

    According to the monarch, although many people want the next governor to come from Anambra North Senatorial Zone, Obiano stands out as the best candidate.

    Earlier in his remarks, the APGA candidate, Obiano had assured Igwe Iweka III that he will ensure that the great work done by Governor Obi would be sustained.

    According to him, it would be unfortunate, if the tremendous progress the state had recorded under Obi is allowed to go down the drain because of lack of continuity in vision and commitment.

  • Monarchs urged to respect culture

    Monarchs urged to respect culture

    The president of Agbefaga of Yoruba Empire,Chief Fayemi Fakayode, has urged traditional rulers in Yorubaland to support traditional religion rather than giving it a bad name.

    He said monarchs in the land are supposed to be agents of the traditionalists. but but this is not the case.

    Fakayode, who spoke as a guest lecturer at this year Ifa festival of Masifa-Ile Traditional Religion Youth Movement in Osun State, said the traditional leaders are also contributing to the impression that those practise such religion will be destroyed.

    Fakayode maintained that the unpopular nature of traditional religion is as a result of the fear created in the mind of the people that anyone who practises traditional religion will end up in hell.

    He, therefore, called on the Youruba traditional leaders to be an agent of change and promoter of their inheritance from their ancestors.

    According to him, “the unpopular nature of traditional religion in Nigeria can be traced to the negative influence of the traditional rulers on the religion which is supposed to be their first choice. The other religious leaders are not also helping matters as they normally preach and implanted in the people the fear that whoever practises such traditional religion will go to hell fire.

    “Kings in Yoruba land are representatives of what we believe (orisa) but they refused to follow the laid down procedure of tradition. The kings in the land are also supposed to be the custodians of tradition but, they have become agents of destruction of the religion.

    “I therefore want to implore my fellow yoruba especially youths never to allow people to take away our inheritance and replace it with something else. I also want to tell you that the culture and the religion we see as taboo are what the Western world are learning in our universities. They noticed that there is a way in what we are doing and they are gradually joining us. Please let us all stand up and embrace the truth.

     

  • 2015: Amaechi blasts Rivers monarch over Wike

    2015: Amaechi blasts Rivers monarch over Wike

    Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has stated that he is not disturbed by the support of the traditional ruler of Ogbaland, Eze Chukwumela Nnam Obi II, for the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike ahead of the 2015 general election in the state.

    Amaechi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), described the monarch as a traditional ruler who has lost his place of pride in the state and as such has little or no support to offer anybody.

    He added that the New Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Alhaji Kawu Baraje, had come to stay in the state. He, however, expressed shock that the politics of the state has left the realm of ideas to that of mudslinging.

    He maintained that he would not resign as governor and would not pack out of the Government House in Port Harcourt, as suggested by Wike and his co-travellers, in view of his impressive performance.

    Amaechi insisted that Wike needed help and should be ignored, stressing that the Minister of State for Education and his confused supporters were exhibiting frustration.

    “They would continue to be haunted by the law of retributive judgment, having benefitted immensely from our government,” he said.

    The Oba of Ogbaland had while receiving Wike and members of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), in his palace at Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, stated that the state was becoming a mockery and had never been so since after the civil war.

    The monarch said President Goodluck Jonathan must be respected.

    “Those who will develop Rivers State are here (in his palace). We have been left undeveloped and our people are left to roam as sheep without shepherd. You are the ones to develop Rivers State.

    “Those who are fighting and quarrelling cannot develop Rivers State and its people. Leaders must be humble and upright and be servant leaders. They must come down to serve the people. A leader is never above his people. We have never danced naked like this in Rivers State.

    “President Jonathan is the symbol of the unity of Nigeria. Nigeria must be one. Those who say otherwise must die,” the monarch reportedly said.

    Amaechi, through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, said the monarch should be ignored, considering the many people-oriented and capital-intensive projects by the administration across the state’s 23 LGAs.

    “The Oba of Ogbaland has long lost his face, even in his kingdom. We respect elders, but the Oba of Ogbaland has lost the integrity to speak or advise Governor Amaechi. We do not reckon with him.” He added that Wike rather than focus on how to end the nationwide strike by the members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), is gallivanting all over the state for his 2015 governorship campaign, pretending to be mobilising support for the President.

     

  • Monarch petitions police over land dispute

    Ekporo community in Eleme locality of Rivers State has petitioned the State Police Commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu for intervention to avert lost of lives and property over lingering land dispute with neighbouring Ogu community in Ogu/Bolo local government area.

    Speaking yesterday in Eleme, Rivers State, Chief Samuel Obe, paramount ruler of Ekporo community alleged that youths of Ogu numbering over 200 invaded Ekporo, shooting sporadically into the air while destroying economic trees under the guise of clearing a road in the community.

    The community leader indicated that the renewed threat from its neighbours stemmed from Ekporo’s protest against recent encroachment and fencing of an estimated 30 hectares and seizure of separate 10 hectares of Ekporo communal lands by the younger brother to a senator from the locality.

    Chief Samuel said: “We were here yesterday when the news came that many inhabitants of Ekporo community have fled in the face of this onslaught, the invaders have also threatened to begin demolition of buildings.”

     

     

     

  • Kidnappers demand N10m for monarch’s release

    ABDUCTORS of Iyase N’ Udo in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, HRH Patrick Igbinudu, are demanding N10m from his subjects to secure his release.

    HRH Igbinudu is the first traditional ruler to be abducted in Edo State.

    He was abducted by four armed men inside his palace on Thursday at about 8:15pm and whisked through a river.

    Some sources confirmed to The Nation that the kidnappers made contact on Saturday night demanding N100m and it was negotiated down to N10m.

    It was gathered that the community leaders are making effort to raise the money to secure the release of their king.

    A top ranking chief in the community, Chief Francis Osas Ihama, the Ihama of Udo told The Nation they would not have any problem with anybody if their king is released unconditionally.

    Chief Francis described the abduction as a big blow to their community and the entire Bini race.”We have not seen a thing like this. Removing the head is a big blow to us.”

  • Community gets new monarch

    Residents of Owevwe Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government of Delta State will soon are expecting a new monarch.The kingdom is in full preparation for the installation of a new Ovie.

    The last Ovie, His Royal Highness Asakpakeregha, Onoriji 11, joined his ancestors in 2004. After a period of interregnum, the Ekru- Ivie Edion, unanimously selected his heir apparent, Prince Osegbe Joseph Arhiakpore as the Ovie-Elect. The Ovie-elect would be the 14 Ovie since the institution of the Ovieship began in the Kingdom.

    Speaking to Newsextra on preparations by the people for the installation of the new Ovie, legal practitioner and Chairman of the Installation Committee, Olorogun Benedict Asaboro said the the people are in a festive mood. He said all the years that the people had been without an Ovie had been very traumatic, considering the fact that all other kingdoms around lived under the guidance of their Ovies.

    “ We are very happy that at the end of a rather long interregnum, our Ovie will soon be installed. Everywhere you go to, the atmosphere is electric, the people are happy, and grateful to God. Honestly, we cannot wait for too long. It has been our earnest wish because if you look at other kingdoms around, they are all living under the guidance and direction of their Ovies. We want a similar thing here and God has been good to us”, he said.

    On the possible date for the installation, Asaboro said it is still being kept under wraps but suffice to say that all the seven communities have been visited and dully informed.

    ‘The reception at each and every community was rousing, you could see joy and happiness radiating all over. It is almost like a stigma to say you don’t have an Ovie. But we thank God that era is about to end”.

    Prodded to reveal the royal title the new Ovie would bear or answer, Asaboro said it was not yet time to unveil it. “When the staff of office is given, it would be unveiled at that moment. Some of these things must be done and handled carefully because of their sensitive nature. Ours is to fully mobilise our people, which we have done, from Otokutu to Opherin, from Owevwe to Gana, from Esaniko to Agbaide and the rest communities, we are ready, happy and grateful”, he said.

  • Warri monarch reverses controversial edict

    Warri monarch reverses controversial edict

    •Activist: ’ruler embarrassed Itsekiri’
    •Uduaghan hails monarch, protesters

    Uneasy calm pervaded Itsekiri land and other parts of Warri, Delta State, yesterday, as the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, bowed to pressure and retracted a controversial edict proscribing the Ogiame title.

    But The Nation’s investigations that the decision may not be enough to save the monarch’s reign.

    It was gathered that some prominent stakeholders may insist that he abdicate to save the dignity of the 533-year-old throne.

    Sources said the embarrassing event may lead to retributions, if not for the Olu, certainly for some chiefs, who reportedly deceived the monarch and appended their signature to the controversial edict.

    Atuwatse II signed the edict suspending the title of Ogiame, proscribed the Itsekiri anthem and initiated changes to the tradition of the Itsekiri (Iwere) people.

    A prominent Itsekiri leader and Chairman of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, J O S Ayomike, told our reporter that “Recanting now is not enough.”

    The renowned historian posited that the “pronouncement and resultant somersault of the monarch” was an embarrassment to the people.

    He said yesterday’s recant after four days of sustained protest was a clear indication that he never consulted widely as he ought to have done before he made the pronouncement.

    He lamented that the action of the monarch had damaged the revered position of Olu, who the Itsekiri pride as one who speaks and never recants.

    “Without consultation, he issued an edict and recants. He has embarrassed the throne and embarrassed Itsekiri. So recanting now is not enough. If he had consulted enough he would have got our (stakeholders’) explanation.”

    “A situation where the monarch makes a statement and recants is not desirable. He has recanted, that is fine, but the danger now is that up to now he has been acting outside the checks and balances.”

    Pa Ayomike said the incident makes it expedient for Itsekiri leaders and traditional chiefs to resuscitate ancient mechanism used to put monarchs in check and ensure balance in the kingdom.

    “The Itsekiri now have a problem of reviving their checks and balances for controlling the Olu. Itsekiri can’t have an Olu, who would be behaving as a medieval tyrant.

    “A situation where he makes such far-reaching pronouncement, without wide consultation is most undesirable. Recanting because of the pressure is very good; but the Itsekiri would not want such a situation to arise again,” he said.

    The retreat by the monarch came seven days after he signed a controversial edict, which not only suspended the title of Ogiame, but also the Itsekiri anthem as well as initiated changes to the tradition of the Itsekiri (Iwere) people.

    The Igba of Warri Kingdom, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, who met with the people yesterday, returned to tell the crowd of protesters encamped in front of the monarch’s palace that the monarch had listened to them and returned to the status quo ante.

    Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, an Itsekiri, praised the protesters for their peaceful disposition and the Ogiame for listening to his people.

    The governor, who spoke in a telephone interview, expressed joy that the siege to the palace was over, adding that the people would now return back to their business.

    “I want to thank everybody for the maturity displayed while this incident lasted. I know it is difficult to control crowd and things could have easily got out of hand, but they behaved themselves and showed a lot of maturity,” he added.

    Similarly, the leaders of the protesting Itsekiri youth, Omolubi Newuwumi, in a statement by his media officer, Osahon J. Osahon, said the monarch’s decision followed an “exhaustive meeting with Itsekiri leaders and chiefs”.

    Omolubi, who thanked the people for protesting against the unpopular decision, said: “There is no victor, no vanquished, as the people of Itsekiri remain ever loyal to their King, Ogiame Atuwatse II.”

    He called on the people to remains steadfast, loyal and obedient to the Olu as he remain their monarch.

    The news elicited shouts of joy from thousands of men and women dressed in symbolic red attires to express their displeasure with the edict.

    It also ended a four-day marathon protest by interest groups from across the Iwere (Itsekiri) land.

  • Monarch commends Gov. Chime on good governance

    THE long drawn battle for the traditional kingship of Amangwu Obuoffia Awkunanaw Autonomous Community, has come to a happy end as the community has elected a new Monarch commends Gov. Chime on good governance traditional ruler in the person of Igwe Moses Ohaa. The community has been without a traditional ruler after the demise of their Igwe, late Igwe Stephen Ugwu. The community, in an election to fill the vacuum created by the demise of their late Igwe, unanimously elected Igwe Moses Ohaa as their new traditional ruler. Presenting the new traditional ruler formally to the chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Barrister Ekenne Okene, one of the leaders of thought in Amanwgu autonomous community, Mr. Chibuike Owo, said that it was the decision of the entire community to introduce their new Igwe to the chairman, adding that as the chief security officer of the local government, it was only proper that Igwe Moses Ohaa was officially introduced to him, before he performed his first official function as the traditional ruler of the community.

  • You can’t remove us, deposed Ondo chiefs tell monarch

    THREE deposed Chiefs in Mahin Kingdom in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State have faulted their purported depositions by the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Producing Communities in Nigeria (TROPCON) and the Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom, Oba Lawrence Omowole.

    The deposed chiefs are the Oloja of Kofawe, Chief Juwon Shemudara; the Baale of Lerenren, Chief Charles Kehinde Temetan and the Baale of Agbeni, Chief Estrome Agbeni.

    The Amapetu in letters he personally signed and sent to the chiefs, he accused them of insubordination and failure to attend meetings of Mahin Council of Chiefs.

    But the chiefs, who spoke to newsmen at Mahin over the weekend, said they remain the prescribed authorities of their respective communities and advised the Amapetu to steer clear of their territories in the interest of peace.

    They said the action of the Amapetu to depose them contradicts the tradition and customs of Mahin Kingdom and Ondo State Chieftaincy Laws, adding that they would soon institute legal action against the monarch.

    They also pointed accusing fingers at the state Commissioner for Environment, Chief Sola Ebiseni, who hails from the area as the brain behind their ordeal.

    The chiefs explained that their purported deposition is a calculated attempt by the monarch and his cohorts to distract and frustrate them from pursuing the allegation of a murder case against the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, and some other unnamed suspects over the gruesome killing of Prince Lebi Titilayo by people suspected to be palace guards of the Olu of Igbokoda early this year.

    The Olu of Igbokoda had earlier been questioned by the police over the death of Prince Lebi following a petition written to the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, by Chief Juwon Shemudara.

    Oba Odidiomo, however, denied killing or sponsoring people to kill the deceased, describing his ordeal as a set-up.

    Narrating his ordeal, Chief Juwon Shemudara, a legal practitioner, said his curiosity to know why the Amapetu allegedly sold part of his land at Kofawe to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs at the cost of N93m without his consent upon which he was convicted by the Chief Magistrate Court at Okitipupa in 2011. The conviction, he added, was later quashed by a higher court.

    Shemudara said he later petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what he described as the fraudulent sales and conversion of his land, which according to him was given to him by the Mahin community in appreciation of his selfless and legal services for the Kingdom for over two decades.

    Shemudara stated that his position as the counsel to the slain Prince Lebi’s family and the support of the Baale of Agbeni, Chief Estrome, who also doubles as the head of the family and their determination to pursue the case to a logical conclusion brought about their predicaments.

    The chiefs said the Amapetu and the Olu of Igbokoda had allegedly been mounting pressure on them to withdraw from the case to enable the Olu of Igbokoda and other suspects be left off the hook.

    Also speaking, the Baale of Agbeni Chief Estrome Agbeni, who is a son-in-law to the Amapetu, said his purported deposition came to him as a surprise and shock.