The Nation Newspaper

Tag: monarch

  • Monarch praises Fuoye VC

    Traditional council of Ikole Kingdom led by its paramount ruler, Oba Ajibade Adewunmi Fashiku, has paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) Ekiti State Prof. Kayode Soremekun.

    Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Oba Fashiku  said the visit was to felicitate with Soremekun on the newly completed administrative complex as well as development strides under his administration.

    The monarch, who was also in company of his entourage, stated that his domain requires more of the university’s presence, especially in areas of more establishment of faculties at Ikole campus. He added that the traditional institution and the entire people of Ikole kingdom are ready to render all necessary support to the institution. This, according to him, is reflected in their donation of 350KVA generator to Ikole campus of the university.

    Soremekun assured that his administration would continue to operate open door policy. He also appreciated the visitors for their unrelenting support to the university.

    Soremekun described their request for more visibility at Ikole campus as ‘legitimate’.

    Nonetheless, he said such issues were broad based policies which require the consideration of the institution’s Governing Council.

  • Amassoma crisis: Leave us alone, monarch warns politicians, others

    A First-class traditional ruler in Bayelsa State and the Amananaowei of Amassoma, Graham Naingba, has said politicians are exploiting the crisis in the community to cause fresh tension ahead of 2019 general election.

    He warned politicians against igniting fresh crisis that could deepen the unfortunate crisis, which engulfed Amassoma, a host community to the Niger Delta University on Wilberforce Island.

    Naingba cautioned a popular Ijaw musician, Barrister Smooth, against producing any music on the crisis involving the NDU and Amassoma community.

    The monarch, in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by him, described the planned crisis as “condemnable and reprehensible.”

    He said any further crisis could negate efforts of the Bayelsa State government towards amicable resolution of the crisis.

    According to him, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, had not only put measures in place to address emergent issues but was also effectively resolving the crisis.

    He said: “Characters with dubious intent with the backing of politicians focused on 2019 elections should desist from exploiting the crisis to cause further division in Amassoma community.

    “The platform of music should not be exploited to inflict pain and agony on the community because the conflict is already being resolved by the various authorities.

    “It has come to the attention of the traditional institution and authorities of Amassoma that a popular musician, Chief Barrister Smooth, has released a musical record in the form of an inflammatory dirge on the recent crisis in our dear community, Amassoma.

    “While we are not opposed to genuine efforts geared towards peace, security and prosperity of our town, the people òf Amassoma are not in support of the activities of the particular musician with the backing of politicians, which are designed to inflame passions in the community.

    “Politicians should leave Amassoma alone. The tendency to exploit a crisis situation to aggravate conflict cannot be the best way to show concern and love. This is unknown to the culture of our people.

    “The Amassoma community finds this curious action as unpatriotic. Amassoma can do without these crocodile tears and detrimental sympathies. For the purpose of emphasis, we advise that nobody should compose a song to inflame tension and threaten public peace in our community.

    “The governor and the traditional authorities have not only put machinery in place to address the issue but are indeed resolving the crisis. Nobody should do anything that will inflame passion or acts that can lead to further unrest in our community.

    “To claim that you love Amassoma more than the indigenes is the loudest way to express hypocrisy. Politicians should leave Amassoma alone. The tendency to exploit a crisis to deepen conflict cannot be the best way to show concern. Amassoma is beyond any individual.”

     

  • Herdsmen killings: Buhari must act now – Monarch

    A traditional ruler, the Onirun of Oke-Irun in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Isaac Adetoyi Adetulurese, has advised President Mohammadu Buhari to act fast in providing a solution to the menace of killings by Fulani herdsmen. Speaking with reporters in Osogbo, he urged Buhari to inaugurate a panel with the core mandate of profering a lasting solution to the ‘senseless killings of innocent Nigerians and destruction of farm lands and other valuable properties in many parts of the country.”

    Oba Adetulurese, who said he suspected the menace was the handiwork of enemies of Buhari and Nigeria, further advised that the panel must comprise of patriotic and accomplished Nigerians with distinguished carrers in the military, police and public service. According to him, the killings have been allowed to drag for far too long that it is now causing disaffections among Nigerians and instigating feelings of distrust that can damage  national peace and unity.

    “People tend to ask where the herdsmen get the sophisticated weapons they use to unleash terror on the innocent Nigerians from. But I suspect that retired military men maybe the smokescreen and sponsors of this national disaster. The federal government must not give us the impression that some Nigerians are bigger than this nation. Let those behind this dastardly act be fished out and brought to justice. The primary focus of the government is protection of lives and property but now how do we account for a situation where citizens don’t feel safe in their homesteads and farmlands,” he said.

     

  • Monarch, 2,000 Distance Learning students matriculate in UI

    A traditional ruler, Oba Babatunde Osuntoogun, was among over 2,000 students, who matriculated yesterday for the 2017/2018 session in the Distance Learning programme of the University of Ibadan (UI).

    Oba Osuntoogun, 56, the Oniwaasinmi of Waasinmi in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, was admitted for the Bachelor of Arts (English) programme.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abel Olayinka, urged the matriculating students to see their admission as a privilege, given the huge number of candidates seeking admission to universities in Nigeria.

    He noted that Distance Learning is globally preferred to the conventional mode.

    Prof. Olayinka said there was no disparity between the certificate issued to graduates of the programme and to those admitted into the conventional mode of learning.

    He said the curricula, lecturers and standards were the same, adding that only the mode of learning differs.

    According to the vice chancellor, many graduates of the mode have done U.I proud with their exploits in academics, entrepreneurship and others, as the standard of learning remains the same.

    He recalled that the centre was established 30 years ago “as the Centre for External Studies because of the need to grant educational access to those who, for sundry reasons, are unable to attend regular programmes of the university”.

    Olayinka, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Adeyinka Aderinto, said the centre had produced over 10,000 graduates, many of who had distinguished themselves in their careers.

    He advised them to work hard and be good ambassadors of the institution so they could be found worthy in learning and character after their programmes.

    In her lecture, titled: Education on Open and Distance Learning Mode: Tool For Development in 21st Century, Prof. Senapon Bakre, said the population of candidates yearning for university education in Nigeria was growing at an alarming rate.

    She said the existing 152 universities could not cope with admissions into the conventional mode.

    The expert said the available option to cater for those unable to make conventional mode was Distance Learning.

    Bakre urged the students to take advantage of the learning materials they could use at their convenience, including courseware, video, flash drive and other relevant packages.

    She also urged the lecturers to study harder and make themselves accessible to their students for effective learning.

    Oba Osuntoogun told The Nation he returned for a degree because it had become the minimum academic qualification for major participants in the social, political and economic platforms in modern world.

    Having been a school proprietor for 30 years and a traditional ruler for 15 years, the monarch said he was glad to pursue his degree programme at UI, which he described as the first and the best in Nigeria.

  • Ondo riverine community gets Monarch

    The kingmakers in Igbekebo , headquarters of Ese-Odo Local Government area of Ondo State has elected Prince Dele Dabo as the new Odogun of Igbekebo kingdom.

    The stool became vacant in 2016 following the death of the former traditional ruler,Oba Emmanuel Omotumilara Eginkunyomi who ruled for 23 years .

    The selection process of the new monarch which took place at the Igbekebo Civic Center, Igbekebo was keenly contested among five other princes from the Maga Okotun ruling house and others in Igbekebo before Prince Dabo of Maga ruling house was selected through voting.

    After his selection, Dabo was taken to the palace of the kalasuwe of Apoi land Oba (Prof) Sunday Amuseghan for traditional rites and blessing.

    Oba Ademiluga prayed for the new monarch to live long,stresding that his reign will bring rapid development, not only to Igbekebo, but the entire Apoi land.

    The chairman of the kingmakers, Chief Alex Mehin hailed the new Monarch on his selection and appealed to him to work with other contestants and seek their advice when necessary in the overall interest of the community.

    In his message, the Obateru of Apoi land,High Chief Folarin Dabo hailed the new monarch and prayed for God’s protection on him to lift Igbekebo higher.

    Read Also: Ogun community gets monarch

    His words” As a young man , I wish him well . He should be focus and endeavour to harmonize with with other co-contestants so as to bring the desired development to the community.

    “You should also forget to seek advice from elders when necessary in other to avoid avoidable mistakes.

    The new monarch thanked the people of Igbekebo for their massive support during the selection process .

    He extended his appreciation to the State Government through the Igbekebo Local Government for their support.

    Besides, he extended hands of fellowship to his co-contestants in order to develop the ancient community together .

    Prince Dabo promised to build on the legacy of his ancestors by transforming the cultural heritage, infrastructure and social development of the community.
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  • Ogun community gets monarch

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has installed Oba Adeniyi Oluyinka Emulu as the first Olu of Orile Itesi land, Odeda Local Government Area.

    He urged the monarch to use his experience to develop his domain.

    Amosun, who spoke while presenting the staff of office and instruments of appointment to the monarch, Odeda noted that the monarch’s coronet was upgraded to enhance the community’s socio-economic development.

    The governor, who was represented by his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jide Ojuko, enjoined the monarch to see his ascension as a call to serve.

    He said: “Kabiyesi, by your appointment as a Grade III Oba, you have become a beaded king, and you are expected to champion efforts that will enhance peaceful co-existence with others.”

    Oba Emulu pledged to serve responsibly and explore all available means to enhance the community’s socio-economic growth.

     

  • Aregbesola has developed Osun, says monarch

    The Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Kayode Oyedotun, has hailed Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola for developing the state.

    He praised the governor for providing infrastructure.

    The monarch spoke when Aregbesola visited him in his palace in Ila, as part of his tour of constituencies in the state.

    He said: “Aregbesola’s contribution to the growth and development of Osun is unrivalled. We thank God for the manner he has steered the ship of this state, especially in the area of schools and others.”

    The traditional ruler advised All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that its candidate for the September 22 poll emerged from a credible primary election.

    “The selection of the standard-bearer should not be only seen as being credible, but also transparent.

    “I must state that APC remains the party to beat in the coming gubernatorial election, but it must be careful in the choice of candidate.

    “As long as they avoid imposition, there won’t be problem for the party in the election because Aregbesola has done well to ensure victory for APC at the polls,” he said.

    The governor urged members not to allow the aspirants to divide them.

    He noted that the visit was a wake-up call to members, saying: “As the September 22 date approaches, members must rise to the challenge of making our party win the governorship election.”

    Aregbesola said residents must ensure that the good work started by him was not left to people who would take the state back to dark ages.

    He enjoined the monarch to use the visit to pray for the party.

    “We are here to sensitise our members to beware of the machinations of the opposition party, which had the opportunity to rule the state, but failed woefully.

    “We are reminding our loyalists that these people ruled Osun before our emergence, but our achievements speak for us.

    “We are by far different and impactful on the lives of our people. Our performance is incomparable with any government’s.

    “We appeal to our people to work together and ensure APC remains the party to beat in any election,” the governor said.

  • Monarch: my people are killed daily

    The Emir of Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna State, Malam Jibril Zubairu Mai-Gwari II, has cried out that his people are killed daily.

    He, therefore, asked the Federal Government to intensify efforts at getting rid of the bandits terrorising the area.

    The Emir spoke yesterday when the Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. AbdulRahman Danbazzau (rtd) and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Habila Joshak visited his palace.

    The visitors were in Birnin Gwari to assess the security situation.

    Eleven soldiers on Operation Ayem Akpatuma were killed two weeks ago. Nine persons, including a bride, were kidnapped last Sunday and two others killed.

    Emir Mai-Gwari said the bandits terrorising his domain hibernate in Zamfara State and come to attack Birnin Gwari and vice versa.

    He said he is crying out because until the coming of the Minister, they felt they were not part of Nigeria.

    The monarch, however, hoped that with the coming of the Minister, the security situation will improve. “People are being killed daily. Just day before yesterday, two people were killed and nine others, including a newly wedded bride, were kidnapped,” he lamented.

    The Emir urged Gen. Danbazzau to tell President Muhammadu Buhari to rehabilitate the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari-Jebba road, which has been in a deplorable state for long.

    Gen. Danbazzau said the Federal Government is concerned about the situation in Kaduna State, particularly the Birnin Gwari axis.

    He said: “God willing, we will map out strategies to address the continuous killings, kidnapping and cattle rustling.

    “I assure you that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting lives and property of every Nigerian. We will not take banditry; we will deal with them accordingly.”

     

  • Monarch proffers solution to ritual killings

    The Onibogun of Ibogunland, Oba Fakayode Faluade Anikinnikun, has appealed to government and security agencies to allow Ifa priests and other traditionalists to be fully involved in the investigation of cases relating to ritual killings.

    He described traditionalists, Ifa priests or anyone using human beings for sacrifices as fraudsters, adding that no  Ifa priests would ever request  for human parts for healing and deliverance.

    He said the traditionalists’ involvement in interrogating suspected ritualists would be helpful in getting information that would lead to the arrest of many ritualists.

    According to the Kabiyesi, who is also the Founder and President of the Ifa Olokun Foundation in Nigeria, said the traditionalists would be able to interview suspects in order to get information that would expose other ritualists, killing and maiming innocent Nigerians.

    He said the Ifa Olokun Foundation was established to promote African heritage and religion and the divination and theory of  Orunmila globally.

    The Kabiyesi said the foundation would continue to work to bring the traditionalists together to form a strong and united forum to make governments all over the world recognise African religions like other religions.

    The royal father appealed to Ifa priests to unite under one umbrella, saying that would make them  discover, fight and eradicate the quack priests giving others  a bad name.

    He appealed to traditionalists to practise their religion in a way that would promote economy and socio-cultural heritage in the country.

    He said:” God has  blessed Africans, especially Nigerians, with  many culture that could boost the country’s economy through tourism and other social activities. Neglecting all these and replacing with another country’s culture have had so many negative effects such as criminality and other social norms, including indecent dressings in the society”.

  • My rumoured death a ruse, says monarch

    The Oluganna of Ganmo in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Atanda Kolawole, has described his rumoured death as the handiwork of detractors.

    The 83-year-old monarch, who addressed reporters yesterday, said he is sound and well.

    Alhaji Kolawole also appealed to the state government to recognise him as the authentic monarch by giving him his staff of office.

    Two ruling houses – Oluganna and Oluganmo families – have been laying claim to the Ganmo stool.

    He said: “It was about three days ago that it was rumoured that I, the Oluganna of Ganmom, is dead. It is not true. I am hail and well. I am using this avenue to dispel the rumours that I am not dead. Nobody is above death but when it is not yet time, nobody can kill me. All we pray for is longevity.

    “What really happened was that I went for a-two day medical check up, and rumour mongers went to town that I have passed on. It is not good to wish others dead. In fact, it is un-African.

    “I urge members of the community to be united. It is in our unity that Ganmo will experience development and growth. I also urge them to shun rumours and not say what they cannot verify. Hearsay is dangerous and it is a spoiler.

    “I also appeal to the government to hand over our staff of office to us. The government should assist us by giving what is due to us in the community.

    “The government should equally provide adequate security to scare away thuggery and restiveness by some unscrupulous youths. We, at our own end here, are resting on our oars to stem their activities. Anyone caught disturbing the peace of the community should face the consequences.

    “The perennial crises in the community are caused by some Mogajis laying claim to the Ganmo stool. That is why I urge the government to help us resolve the issue for peace to reign.”