The Nation Newspaper

Tag: monarch

  • Tension in Oworo as monarch, community trade words over land

    Fear has gripped residents and landlords in Oworonshoki, Lagos, following claims by Oba Bashiru Oloruntoyin Saliu that he (his family) owned the land in the community.

    The residents believed that the monarch’s claim and call on land owners to repurchase their properties could cause violence in the area notorious for cultism and gang wars.

    Members of the Residents’ Association (RA) told reporters yesterday that they were taken aback when the monarch last November started making announcements on the radio that he was the owner of the land at Oworo.

    “Oba Saliu did not stop with the radio announcement. He proceeded to have his lawyers paste notices in the communities and in our homes, warning us of serious consequences, should we fail to meet his demands,” the residents said.

    They said the Oba claimed that he got the right to all land through court judgments against other ‘Omoniles’

    The residents said the monarch termed all property owners, including those who bought theirs from the state government, as illegal occupants, who must come to the palace for repurchase and renegotiation.

    The residents association Chairman, Chief Adekunle Adebayo, said that was when they knew the monarch was out to foment trouble.

    He said there were about eight indigenous families and land speculators that owned and sold lands in Oworo community, and most of the residents legally bought their land from the families. “Some of these indigenous families are: Walter Siffre family, Akinpelu family, Williams family, Sokenu family, Cole family, Miyaki family and Ajisegiri family. We bought the land genuinely from them and got valid documents. We also have our title documents and Certificate of Occupancy from the government,” Adebayo said.

    But the monarch, who insisted that he was the owner of the land, however said he only asked them to come for ratification and not repurchase.

    He told our correspondent that even the government land belonged to him by virtue of the judgments that acknowledged his family as the first settlers in Oworo.

     

  • ‘Monarch recognises only Adams-led OPC’

    The Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, yesterday said he recognises only members of the Aare Gani Adams-led members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC).

    In an interview with The Nation, the Odofin of Epe land, Chief Tunde Oluwo, who spoke on behalf of the monarch said described Epe as a land of peace.

    No group, Chief Oluwo said, has the liberty to foment trouble and disturb the peace in the town.

    He said: “It is ridiculous for a faceless faction of the OPC, to allege that Kabiyesi is supporting members of the Aare Gani Adams-led OPC against their group, and at the same time, warning His Majesty against playing his traditional roles.

    “As a royal father, Oloja of Epe is the father of all. By virtue of his sacred position, he automatically becomes the custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition in Epe and beyond, so the statement lacks content and credibility, and it is an attempt to cause trouble in Epe. Kabiyesi has done the needful on the issue.”

    The monarch, he said, has also urged the people of Epe to go about their businesses peacefully, adding that the incident that happened during the Kilajolu festival is under control.

    OPC Secretary in Epe, Mr Sikiru Ogunniyi, described as “barbaric for a Yoruba man to write a petition against a royal father. For us, our group remains committed to promoting our culture and protecting the traditional institution. As a custodian of our culture, Kabiyesi knows the importance of peace, he appreciates people of peace and it is a lie, and a ploy to discredit the palace and instigate crisis in Epe.

    “OPC under the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams is the existing group that is well known for peace, and as it has always been demonstrated by our leader, both within and outside Nigeria.”

    So it is uncomplimentary for Arogundade to associate our group with crisis and Ogunniyi urged the police to investigate the petition, stressing that the police should know who to hold whenever a crisis erupts in Epe.

  • Monarch to LASG: provide basic infrastructure in rural areas

    Oba Musiliu Oluwo, the Baale of Odo-Egiri Kingdom, Eredo Local Council Development Authority, Epe, Lagos state has called on the state government to provide basic infrastructure for some rural communities across the state.

    Oluwo made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Epe on Saturday.

    Oluwo, also the Lapekun of Odo-Egiri, said that most of the people living in the rural areas lacked some basic amenities needed for their daily lives.

    According to him, his community, Odo-Egiri area of Epe and some other areas within the community lacked some basic infrastructure such as good road network, public toilets and potable water, good educational system among others.

    READ ALSO: Onitsha monarch decries poor reading culture

    He said that his community needed ultra-modern market to enhance trading and standard secondary school to bring educational opportunity closer to youths in the area.

    “The first school leaving certificate holders do go to other towns to continue their secondary education, which is not encouraging.

    “We need a standard secondary school and ultra-modern market in the community,’’ he said.

    Oluwo, however, expressed appreciation to the members of the community, political leaders, friends and family for their support.

    He said that he would use his good position to promote peace, unity and progress in the community.

  • Lagos Speaker, monarch greet governor-elect, lawmakers

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker and Chairman of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria Mudashiru Obasa and Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi have sent a message of congratulation to the state governor-elect, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, on their victory at the just-concluded governorship election.

    The Speaker also felicitated with returning and new members-elect of the state House of Assembly for what he described as “hard-earned but well deserved victory at the polls”.

    Obasa’s message was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak.

    “It was tough for us all, but at the end of the day, a well-deserved victory for all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a confirmation of the love Lagosians have for our great party and the giant strides we have been achieving in the state,” he said.

    The Lagos Assembly Speaker expressed appreciation to Nigerians, particularly Lagosians, for reposing and renewing their confidence in the APC in Lagos State and also at the federal level.

    Also Oba Elegushi congratulated the governor-elect, describing his victory as a vote for continuation of good governance.

    In a statement from the Elegushi’s Palace, the monarch said with the overwhelming votes secured by the APC candidate, Lagosians have made their choice, which is to see more of the developmental strides witnessed in the State since 1999.

     

  • Monarch, residents praise BEDC for reconnection

    The Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Felix Balogun, and some residents have commended the management and staff of Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc (BEDC) for getting the town reconnected to the national grid.

    Speaking during a Town Hall meeting organized by BEDC in Igbokoda, Oba Balogun, noted that the distribution company (DisCo) not only deserved praise for the reconnection, but also for being on ground with its technical staff to resolve likely teething problems that may arise due to the prolonged outage.

    He appealed to residents to be patient with BEDC in completing the power restoration to the 11 outstanding distribution transformers. It will be recalled that 10 substations that were energized as at Wednesday included; Larada, General Hospital Secretariat road substation, Ikuomola, Ilara, Orioketilu, Church substation, Okoga College road/Omotehin, GRA1, GRA4/NDDC and Broadstreet substation.

    Oba Balogun further urged residents to work hand in hand with BEDC staff in ensuring that electricity supply reached all parts of Igbokoda, adding that now that electricity was restored, they should ensure prompt payment of their bills to strengthen relationship with the power firm, assuring that he would personally lead the team collecting bills to facilitate payment “especially now that BEDC has come to our aid in ensuring that we have light.”

    Also, several indigenes of Igbokoda praised BEDC for facilitating the reconnection of Igbokoda in collaboration with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) back to the grid.

    They urged the firm to complete the energisation of the remaining 11 distribution substations in the town, with a view to provide  regular supply to the people.

    Tanimowo Igbokoyi and Prince Folorunso Oyeyemi both indigenes of Igbokoda equally lauded BEDC for the restoration of electricity supply to the town saying “we thank you for making Ilaje happy. There is light now in Igbokoda. We are grateful to BEDC for giving us light after 10years. May God help them”.

    Also, the Chief State Head, Ondo/Ekiti State, Mrs. Kunbi Labiyi remarked that the restoration was made possible through the collaboration between Federal Government through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company and BEDC and that the supply was from Ondo Transmission Substation.

    Labiyi said the Igbokoda reconnection was the Phase 1, while Phase 2 she said will entail the energisation of the outstanding 11 transformers, adding that the Phase 3 will connect new communities yet to be on the national grid.

    She, however, said that the present Ondo Transmission Station feeder which supplies electricity to Igbokoda town was lengthy and thus prone to fault, adding that the 132kva Erinje substation if worked upon by federal government, would serve the whole of Ondo South including Igbokoda more.

     

     

  • Ogun community gets monarch

    Sons and daughters of Siun community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State stormed the ancient town of Siun to witness the presentation of staff of office and instrument of appointment to the former Baale of the town, Oba Lawrence Olawale Odeyinka as the first Olu of Siun.

    Performing the official installation, the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun congratulated members of the community for the upgrading of the stool of Baale of Siun to the status of a part II Oba, noting that the upgrade would herald all-round development of the town as well as bring more dividends of democracy to the area.

    While commending the efforts of Alake and Paramount ruler of Egba land, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo  in the upgrading the monarch, he said Kabiyesi  had been a rallying point for the entire  traditional rulers in Egba land, which had made the council to witness peace and remarkable progress.

    Amosun, who was represented by his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko admonished sons and daughters of the town to join hands with the Kabiyesi in moving the town forward.

    “I am particularly happy that the upgrading of the stool of Baale of Siun to the status of Oba came into reality during the lifetime of Oba Lawrence Olawale Olayinka who was the incumbent Baale until his appointment as an Oba.

    “I must commend the overwhelming support the people of Siun accorded the new Oba during the upgrading process. This shows that Kabiyesi is a bridge-builder and a reference point for all, even during his reign as the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Baales” Amosun remarked.

    The Governor, however, enjoined the new monarch to be more receptive and responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of his people, adding that by his appointment, he has become a member of the Egba Traditional Council.

    He enjoined Oba Lawrence Odeyinka to work hand-in-hand with the Council in order to promote peace and progress of not only Siun community but the entire Ogun State, adding that he should mobilise more people towards the discharge of their civic responsibilities as the State Government relied on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for continued delivery of dividends of democracy to its citizenry.

    In his acceptance speech, Oba Lawrence Odeyinka appreciated all indigenes of the community and well-wishers for their numerous supports that have made the event a huge success.

    Oba Odeyinka also assured the community that he would use his wealth of experience in Co-operative Associations  to devise means to reduce poverty by establishing a democratically and mutually owned community-based Co-operative Association  that would afford the people the opportunity of pulling their resources to enhance economic benefits and financial independence among his people.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, Alhaji Jamiu Balogun commended the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration for his unprecedented infrastructural development, noting that the presence of government is being felt in all sectors of the economy and that traditional institutions were not left out as they were given their right place in governance.

  • Ezekwesili on rescue mission, says monarch

    The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, is needed to rescue Nigeria from her current leadership challenges.

    A revered traditional ruler, the Sakaruyi-Karu Abuja, His Royal Highness, Emmanuel Kyauta Yepwi, said this on Thursday, some days after Ezekwesili visited him as well as Nyanya and Gudu markets in Abuja.

    The monarch expressed confidence that the country would do well under a woman than those who had governed in the past.

    Yepwi said, “I used to watch you when you were active in service and I admired the way you used to do things. Women are leaders right from homes, right from their houses, and no man does anything without a woman. In every successful man,a woman must be by his side.

    “So, if Nigeria wants to be successful, I think a woman should also be considered. I wouldn’t say that it’s by accident to have selected Karu as the place to flag off your campaign. I want you to know that the real meaning of Karu is increase. No one comes to Karu and does not increase and having come to Karu, just wait and see what God will do for you.

    “In fact, it is my opinion that we should allow a woman to rule the country once and let’s see how she would govern us. So, coming to save Nigeria now is at the right time. Nigeria needs someone like you now.

    “Moreover, you have been in the affairs of the country, you know our problems and you know how to solve them.”

    On her part, Ezekwesili assured her supporters that she would not disappoint Nigerians if given the mandate to lead the country.

    She also promised that her administration would make people’s friendly policies, and urged Nigerians to join her in the mission to rescue Nigeria.

    She said, “We are not running to become president, but we are running in order to rescue our county from the past and the present administrations.

    “Unlike the normal campaigns that other political parties do, we are carrying on a campaign where people are actually going to be sitting with us and we will first hear from them the kind of government that they will want to see and the kind of government that would solve their problems before we then show them what we have in solving their problems.”

    She added, “We want to see a different country; we want to set a new direction for our country. Nigeria has no business being a country that fails in every aspect of life. Our citizens deserve the best.

    “The major emphasis of our campaign is that we want to lift over 80 million Nigerians out of poverty and if you want to do something like that, you should come direct to the people that know what the issues are and that is why we are here.”

  • Monarch seeks investors in community

    The Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, has urged local and international investors to invest in his community, to boost its economy and reduce unemployment.

    Oba Agbabiaka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday that establishing corporate organisations in the area would create job opportunities for youths, thereby reducing unemployment.

    He said unemployment in an industrial area like Isolo was worrisome and had worsened over the years.

    The monarch said investors are assured of an enabling environment and security, among others.

    “A good percentage of our youths are jobless. This is a concern to me because when youths do not have means of livelihood, they can steal and commit other atrocities.

    “Most of these youths have graduated six to 10 years ago and are still jobless,” he said.

    Oba Agbabiaka said some had engaged in vices that had become a problem for the community.

    “We want local and international investors to establish companies and industries that can create employment opportunities for our youths.

    “This will minimise crime rate, illicit drug abuse and other vices.

    “We will provide an enabling environment and security for interested investors,” he said.

    The traditional ruler said there were investment opportunities in the areas of tourism, agriculture, health care, entertainment and commerce, among others.

     

  • Boko Haram: Monarch cautions Amnesty International, others

    The Olowu of Owu Kuta in Ayedire Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Hammed Makama Oyelude, has warned Amnesty International and other non governmental organisations (NGOs) against sabotaging the efforts of the Nigerian military in the ongoing war against Boko Haram in the Northeastern part of the country. The monarch accused Amnesty International of disseminating wrong information about the military operations in the area to discredit the performances of the Nigerian troops.

    “Amnesty International and other NGOs should desist from sabotaging our efforts to destabilize the insurgency. Anything that will denigrate the integrity and image of our military should not be tolerated. I am of the  opinion that the submission by Amnesty International to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the Nigerian Army is destabilizing, injurious and defamatory.

    “To say that the Nigerian military is guilty of murder pursuant to article 8(2)(c)(i); torture, cruelty, outrageous upon personal dignity and internationally directing attacks against civilians just exposed how far away from reality the ICC is. I consider it mischievous and malicious the timing of the release of the said report and the usual double standard of the so-called Amnesty International in demoralizing our patriotic army,” he said.

    Olowu charged President Muhammadu Buhari to come to the rescue of the military by using the military instinct in him to insulate the men and officers on the war fronts against blackmail and sabotage. “I urge Mr. President, despite his ongoing political campaigns, to focus more on the insurgency battle. The insurgency is a war. Emergency could be declared in some affected areas.

    “The budget of the military should not be questioned in times of emergency so that they could have enough resources to fight the battle. I will soon begin a tour of the palaces of traditional rulers in all the six geo-political zones of the country to advocate more support for the Nigerian military because the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable,” Oba Oyelude added.

     

  • Security award for monarch

    The traditional head of Lisa Community in Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State High Chief Oladele Najeem Odugbemi has been honoured with the prestigious Award of Excellence as the Most Security-friendly Traditional Ruler of the year by the Crime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (CRAN).

    Presenting the Award, President of the association, Mr. Sunday Odita congratulated High Chief Odugbemi and urged him not to rest on his oars that have attracted the honour, noting that the group resolved to honour him because he merited the Award.

    Earlier in his address, Mr. Sunday Odita said Chief Odugbemi’s outstanding leadership qualities, his philanthropic gestures towards youth empowerment and sponsoring education of the indigent students in the community, his passion and support for the less privileged and commitment to saving lives and property by building police station and a well-furnished vigilante office, among others endeared him to the group and its decision to bestow the award on him.

    In his response, Apostle Akinsola Akinwale who received the award on his behalf noted that the Award was well deserved because High Chief Odugbemi has transformed many lives in the Lisa Community and its environs.

    He said they are happy with him as their monarch because he is a listening and caring leader. He ensures that there was peace in the area. He also advised traditional rulers and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate his philanthropic gestures and called on Ogun State government to help them rehabilitate their roads now that the dry season has set in.