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Tag: monarch

  • Monarch tasks residents on communal peace

    Monarch tasks residents on communal peace

    The monarch of Lepia kingdom, one of the agrarian communities in the Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos State, Oba Adeleke Akibu Ismaila Adengbin (Esilumeje I, Okiriboto II), has urged both the indigenes and non-indigenes to be law-abiding in the interest of communal peace and progress.

    The monarch who superintends over the affairs of Ayegbami, Oju-Oto, Eripa, Eti-Osho and Osho villages, which are all kits and kin of the Lepia kingdom, said this warning becomes necessary because of the wave of criminality being perpetuated by hoodlums and other social miscreants who inhabit some of the abandoned properties that have since been deserted by their owners for some years now.

    Oba Adengbin who addressed journalists ahead of his first coronation anniversary in the company of some of his chiefs including Chief Oludaisi Ibrahim Baale of Ojuoto and Chairman of Community Land Committee, Alhaji Yinka Adedoyin, Secretary of Land Committee and Erelu Modupe Oluwo Rachel, Committee Treasurer, lamented that as the traditional ruler of Lepia kingdom, he is totally in the dark when it comes to what the community has in terms of assets, as some unscrupulous individuals have assumed the role of land speculators selling lands indiscriminately to individuals and corporate organisations without carrying along members of the respective families, stressing that the affected landowners and other persons domiciled in the community to come forward within the next 72 hours to regularise their documents or risk forfeiture of such assets henceforth.

    Read Also: Delta monarch decries illegal mining

    According to him, the era of brigandage, harassment, and intimidation of law-abiding citizens is over as he hopes to ensure equity and justice to all during his reign; hence he is seeking the cooperation of all.

    He said, “Unfortunately, these individuals have been usurping the collective will of the entire populace. Today, we say enough is enough everything must stop. They don’t have the authority to do so anymore. Everything must follow the due process henceforth. As someone who believes in equity, justice, and fairness, we have decided to set things right. The community and its entire people deserve the best and that is what I owe them from now on.”

  • Delta monarch decries illegal mining

    Delta monarch decries illegal mining

    • Warns of imminent collapse of high tension lines

    The Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien,  has said some residents of Asaba, the Delta State capital, face the danger of electrocution.

         The Asagba was reacting to the mining of laterite under high tension power lines within the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Asaba and iys environs.

      He said the activities of miners have degraded the environment, and exposed residents of the community to ‘grave danger’.

     The monarch, who spoke through an aide on Land Matters, Ogbueshi Ofili Mordi, in a statement yesterday, described  such mining  activities as illegal and capable of endangering the lives of residents in the community.

     He alleged that the institution’s Provost, Prof Josephine Anene- Okeakwa was backing the activities of the miners.

      Obi Edozien said the activities of the miners carried out near several pylons of the national power grid is “a big threat to the nation’s power sector and its economic development”.

     The monarch said the mining  may lead to erosion and loss of arable land for agricultural purposes, loss of lives and properties in the area.

     He challenged the management of the tertiary institution to produce documents which empowers it to give out the said land for mining .

     Reacting, the management of the college assured that the mining activities were not illegal.

      It added the institution was aware of the excavations by the miners.

     Its Provost, Prof. Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, in a statement,  said the royal father or his representatives never contacted the school authorities on the true state of affairs. He said the school was surprised by the allegations on some social media platforms.

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    Her words: “To set the record straight, the college authority gave approval for excavation for the construction of Koka Road and a road behind the college with a view to reclaiming the land thereafter, wondering how a genuine approval will amount to illegal mining.”

    Continuing,”They are not miners. Federal College of Education is aware. We gave them the place to excavate for the construction of Koka Road  and the road behind the College to reclaim thereafter. Did they try to find out from us? Mr Ofili Mordi, who just came back from where he went to, jumped into selling our land, and claimed that Asagba of Asaba is aware.”

    “Does Asagba of Asaba have the mandate to sell Federal Government Land that has a master plan and is lodged with town planning office? Their write-up and postings are to scare us and confuse people because they know we are aware. The Federal Government is aware of all our activities as I cannot embark on any illegal act.”

    She warned land grabbers against selling the institution’s  land, adding that anyone colluding with unscrupulous elements within Asaba community to encroach on the college land does so at their peril.

  • Delta monarch frowns on illegal mining

    Delta monarch frowns on illegal mining

    • Warns of imminent collapse of high tension lines 
    • ’Mining not illegal’

    The Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, has warned of danger to the lives of residents, following the activities of miners excavating laterite under high tension power lines at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba and its environs.

    He said the activities had degraded the environment and exposed residents to danger.

    The monarch, who spoke through an aide on land matters, Ogbueshi Ofili Mordi, yesterday in a statement, described the mining as illegal and capable of endangering residents’ lives.

    He alleged that the Provost, Prof. Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, supported the miners.

    The traditional ruler said the activities of the miners, carried out near pylons of the national power grid, “is a big threat to the nation’s power sector and its economic development.”

    He said the mining might lead to erosion, loss of arable land, loss of lives and property.

    He challenged the management of the tertiary institution to produce documents which empowered it to give out the land for mining.

    The institution’s management said the mining was not illegal.

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    It added that the institution was aware of the excavation.

    Prof. Anene-Okeakwa in a statement said the monarch or his representatives had never contacted the school authorities regarding the true state of affairs.

    She said she was taken aback by baseless allegations on some social media platforms. 

    Anene-Okeakwa said: “To set the record straight, the college authority gave approval for excavation for the construction of Koka Road and a road behind the college with a view to reclaiming the land thereafter. I wonder how a genuine approval will amount to illegal mining.” 

    She added: “They are not miners. Federal College of Education is aware. We gave them the place to excavate for the construction of Koka Road and the road behind the college to reclaim thereafter. Did they try to find out from us? Mr. Ofili Mordi, who just came back from where he went to, jumped into selling our land, and claimed that Asagba of Asaba is aware.

    “Does Asagba of Asaba have the mandate to sell Federal Government land that has a master plan and is lodged with the town planning office? Their article and posting are to scare us and confuse people because they know we are aware. The Federal Government is aware of our activities, as I cannot embark on any illegal act.”

    The provost warned land grabbers against selling the institution’s land, saying anyone colluding with unscrupulous elements in Asaba community to encroach on the college land does so at his or her peril. 

  • Monarch hails alumni on national unity

    Monarch hails alumni on national unity

    The Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, has lauded the efforts of the Nigeria Military School (NMS) Zaria alumni in fostering a unified national identity, underscoring the paramount importance of their contributions towards Nigeria’s unity.

    Gambari made this remarks at his palace in Ilorin, when he received  the 33rd Passing Out Parade (PoP) of the Nigeria Military School (NMS) Zaria alumni, led by its chairman, Alhaji   Mohammed Aliko Mohammed, and the chief host of the event and Emir’s nephew, Alhaji Omar Bolaji Gambari.

    Gambari emphasised the pivotal role played by federal institutions, particularly unity schools, in nurturing a sense of national belonging among students hailing from every nook and cranny of the nation.

    He underscored the transformative power of such educational enclaves in fostering familiarity and dismantling barriers erected by religion and ethnic differences.

    Read Also: Three Oyo monarchs die inauto crash, nine others injured

    “The establishment of these federal institutions, including unity schools,” Alhaji Gambari said “resonates with the very essence of Nigeria’s fabric. These schools were birthed in 1954 with a clear mandate – to weave a cohesive fabric of unity amidst our diversity.

    “For Nigeria to endure and flourish, it is cohorts like yours that embody the essence of our collective strength. Your union stands as a bastion, a testament to the resilience of our great nation.”

    The monarch celebrated the unity and solidarity exemplified by the alumni, envisioning a future where their collective efforts would fortify the very foundation of Nigeria.

    The chairman of the alumni, Mohammed sought the Emir’s blessings.

  • Monarch’s burial gets committee

    Monarch’s burial gets committee

    A Central Working Committee for the burial of Rivers monarch, Prof. T.J.T Princewill, J Amachree the XI and Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom has been inaugurated in Buguma, Asari Toru Local Government.

    Speaking after the inauguration, Regent of Kalabari, Dr. Charles Princewill, said the funeral would foster peace and unity among Kalabari people and the Ijaw. 

    Son of the late monarch and Chairman of the committee, Prince Tonye Princewill, said the funeral would demonstrate unity, peace and showcase the cultural heritage of Kalabari

    Read Also: Monarchs reject suit withdrawal against Akwa Ibom govt 

    He said he took heart in the knowledge the king lived a good life, leaving a legacy to serve as a template for them to live. 

    Co-Chair, David Briggs, said  he expects the Kalabari to participate fully on the November 30 burial.

  • Monarch’s burial ‘ill foster peace, unity

    Monarch’s burial ‘ill foster peace, unity

    The regent of the Kalabari Kingdom,  Dr. Charles Numbere Princewill,   has said that the burial of the the late Amanyanabo of the Kalabari Kingdom, Prof. T.J.T Princewill, Amachree the XI, will foster peace and unity amongst Kalabari people and Ijaws in general,

    Princewill said this at the inauguration of the Central Working Committee alongside the Subcommittee Committee Chairman and Secretaries for the burial of the longest-serving monarch in Rivers State, the late Prof. T.J.T Princewill.

    The inauguration was held in the capital Buguma, in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State, signaling the commencement of activities for the burial of the late monarch.

    Speaking to newsmen shortly after the inauguration, the regent said he was expecting maximum commitment with a view to having a pan-Kalabari nation burial ceremony.

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    He also said the burial would demonstrate unity, peace, and will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Kalabari Kingdom.

    While stating that he was sad about the passing away of the monarch, which was a sad reality, he took heart in the knowledge that the King had lived a good life and left a legacy that would serve as a template for them to live.

    The co-chairman of the burial committee Chief Dr. David Briggs said that he was looking forward to the responsibility and he expected the entire Kalabari Nation to now participate fully with a view to having a befitting burial ceremony for the late Monarch.

     He commended the work done so far and said it was very clear that the Kingdom was awake.

  • Our silence on Obasanjo not act of cowardice, says Oyo monarch

    Our silence on Obasanjo not act of cowardice, says Oyo monarch

    In a veiled response to the humiliation of Oyo State traditional rulers by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Iseyin last Friday, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has said monarchs in the state have no regret supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde in the last general election.

    Oba Alao, the deputy chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, in a statement yesterday sued for peace among Yoruba and monarchs across Yoruba land, stressing that their silence at this time should not be interpreted as an act of cowardice. 

    The monarch said Obas in the state would soon react to the Iseyin incident, adding that Oyo State monarchs feel the pain of everyone expressing displeasure about the incident. 

    Oba Alao was in attendance at the ceremony. 

    Obasanjo had ordered traditional rulers to stand and sit at the inauguration of the Iseyin campus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) last Friday. He condemned the monarchs for not standing to honour him and Makinde when they arrived at the ceremony. 

    The incident has been condemned by many Yoruba, who described the ridicule as a sacrilege. 

    The statement said: “The outburst of former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, against traditional rulers in attendance at the inauguration of the Iseyin campus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) on September 15  has generated anger and varied responses from true sons and daughters of Oduduwa in all sections of the society. 

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    “First and foremost, I will like to emphasise that the inauguration ceremony was a huge success, while the road and campus projects represent another milestone in the development strides of Governor Seyi Makinde, who has been working hard to take Oyo State to the next level of development. 

    “All the royal fathers involved understand the pain caused by the incident and appreciate the well-placed reactions.  “I wish to state that the incident is an internal affair, which will be properly reviewed at the next meeting of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. 

    “Let me assure all Yoruba, and other well-meaning Nigerians who have respect for the traditional institution, and who feel concerned about the incident that our silence since Friday is not an act of cowardice. When we sit down with the governor, and hold our next meeting, we will review and respond appropriately. 

    “Our governor respects us, and traditional rulers in Oyo State also hold him in high esteem.

    “I, therefore, sue for calm over this issue. We want everybody to apply decorum in line with the Omoluwabi ethos.”

    for which Yoruba are greatly respected. Yoruba land shall remain peaceful. Our unity is sacrosanct. These ethos must reflect in our day-to-day activities. 

    “Let it, however, be well noted that traditional rulers in Oyo State have no regret in supporting Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde in the last election, and will be willing to support them even in future. 

    “This is the clear position of monarchs in Oyo State. Any other information from anywhere that is contrary to this should be disregarded.”

  • Monarch preaches calm after tribunal’s verdict

    Monarch preaches calm after tribunal’s verdict

    The Alakemta Orile Kemta in Odeda Local Government of Ogun State, Adetokunbo Tejuosho, has called on Nigerians to be calm.

     He spoke in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Ayotunde Ogundiran.

     The monarch noted the Judiciary’s integrity was on test, saying they did not fail the nation.

     He maintained that as we accept the verdict, we should be committed to democratic ethos in a peaceful manner.

    Read Also: Why PEPC dismissed APM’s petition against Tinubu, Shettma

    ‘’The youth should not allow themselves to be used as a weapon to gain political grounds of strength by the few bad political figures and gods. 

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     “These few bad politicians use means of violence as part and parcel of a broader epidemic that has devastated lives of Nigerians by offering crumbs for intercommunal clashes which divide Nigerians along ethnic and religious base”.

     The monarch added: “We have had elections with either regularities or irregularities, all parties have played their roles and now we should abide by the judgement’’.

  • Monarch to Fed Govt: revitalise textile industry

    The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Oba Abdul-Rasaq Adesina Adenugba ((Okokodana II), has urged the Federal and state governments to revitalise the textile industry to create jobs for the youth.

    The former banker and industrialist made the call in an interview with The Nation.

    The monarch appealed to governments at all levels to encourage cotton production and provide the enabling environment that would encourage private sector participation for the textile industry to grow.

    He noted that the provision of critical infrastructure, such as electricity and good transportation system, was crucial for the industry to boom and meet local demand.

    The Ebumawe said one textile firm had the capacity to employ between 1,000 and 10,000 workers. He, therefore, and urged the government to put in place policies and measures that would assist in revitalising the moribund industry.

    He said the industry had a value chain of cotton cultivation, fabrics production and fashion business, which are can boost the economy.

    “If we calculate the impact, definitely more jobs would have been created for the restive youths and the jobless graduates,” he said.

    Oba Adenugba noted that, in the past, the industry played a dominant role in boosting the economy.

    “The country witnessed a boom in the textile industry in the early 60s, 70s and 80s with textile mills in Kano, Kaduna, Aba and others employing millions of people. The industry was able to contribute highly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    “The situation changed, following the shifting of focus to oil and government’s neglect of the agriculture sector. The abandonment of the sector has adversely affected the textile industry. Our textile industry has become a shadow of its former self and has continued to be in the throes of prolonged depression,” he said.

    The paramount ruler recalled that in the 80s, the textile industry was the second highest employer of labour after the civil service.

    He, however, regretted that things became difficult for many textile companies because of lack of infrastructural, especially electricity supply, lack of raw materials and spare parts and government’s policy inconsistency.

    The Ebumawe said these factors pushed the once-thriving textile industry to near total collapse. “Today, the industry is faced with rising operating cost and weak sales due to high energy cost, smuggling of textile materials, and poor access to finance,” he said.

    He added that it was painful that the cotton growing sector was dead, thereby depriving thousands of smallholder farmers the chance to earn a living. According to him, a large proportion of clothing materials in Nigeria are imported from China and Europe.

    “The death of these industries led to the rise in unemployment, insecurity and other negative social vices that we are witnessing today, hence the need for governments to pay attention to the textile industry with a view to reviving it, ” Oba Adenugba said.

  • Monarch urges govt to explore tourism potential

    The traditional ruler of Isanlu-Isin in Isin Local Government of Kwara, State, Oba Solomon Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, has called on the Federal Government to explore the rich historical heritage sites and tourism potentials in the town.

    Oba Oloyede, who spoke in Isin during the annual New Yam festival, said Isin is blessed with numerous heritage sites and three water falls. The monarch said Isanlu-Isin has over 50 sites of historical, natural, cultural and geological signficance.

    According to the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, if the historical sites were explored by the Federal Government and exposed to the outside world, they may attract the attention of UNESCO and be declared ‘UNESCO Heritage Sites’.

    The royal father listed the historical sites to include a mysterious tree called “Atori tree” that has the power to catch a thief or anybody that does something criminal or against the custom or culture of the town.

    He added that the historical sites include Ancient Ash mountain (Oke Eleru), Ancient trench, Oloke Hill Shrine, Geological Museum at Igbo-Odo, Geological Museum Ogba Irobi and Stone pillars at Oke Ara.

    “Today is a day for us in Isanlu-Isin community to the listening ears of Kwara State government, and by extension the Federal Government to shine their eyes on the various tourism and historical sites potentials in Isanlu-Isin.

    “In particular is the existence of three large water falls within our community is practically an evidence to develop the sites into tourist centers,” Oba Oloyede said.

    He also called on the state government to construct asphalt road from Oke-Onignin and Omu-Aran to the three water falls at Aishe, Ijoko and Owu.

    The Olusin of Isanlu-Isin said the New Yam festival was symbolic as it was the re-enactment of the ancient festival known as ‘Oorun’ during the time of their fore fathers.

    He said the annual celebration of the New Yam Festival in the community has no idolatry undertone.

    Oba Oloyede said many ancient festivals in the town have been swept away by the advent of Christianity.

    He, however, said many ancient festivals in the town like Sango, Egungun, Orisa Oko and Osanyin had been swept away by the advent of new religions,.

    “The advent of modern religions and civilisation is gradually sweeping away whatever remains of many festivals in Isanlu-Isin.

    “It is worthy to mention that my three predecessors on the throne contributed immensely to the spread of Christianity and Islam and to a large extent a considerable relegation of idolatry activities,” he said.

    He said that when he ascended the throne, the task of uniting the people for religious activities was made easier with the cooperation of his chiefs.

    “The declaration of Isanlu-Isin for Christ was gladly embraced by all and sundry as I received the cooperation of my chiefs, clergymen and the people of the town.

    “I proposed to my chiefs that Christmas carol should replace the annual Egungun Festival and without any fuss, they agreed and cooperated with me, and Isanlu-Isin Christmas carol has been attracting huge attendance.

    “It is my hope that in the future, we will be able to reinvent the Agba Festival to be in conformity with the modern tourism devoid of idolatry,” Oloyede said. The festival was attended by over 20 traditional rulers from Kwara and neighboring Osun State.