The Nation Newspaper

Tag: monarch

  • PDP urges Obaseki to restore deposed monarch

    PDP urges Obaseki to restore deposed monarch

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to recalling the deposed monarch of Uromi in Esan North East Local Government, Anselm Aidenojie.

    Ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole, on November 9, 2016, deposed the traditional ruler pursuant to Section 28 (i & ii) of the Traditional Rulers & Chiefs Law, 1979, after the expiration of  a seven-day suspension given to him.

    Aidonojie was first suspended in October 2016 for allegedly assaulting Betty Okoebor during the September 28 governorship election.

    He was also accused of travelling without permission, and for refusing to answer a query given to him.

    Archbishop of Catholic Benin Diocese Obiora Akubeze had asked Oshiomhole to forgive those who offended him during a thanksgiving to mark the end of his tenure.

    Speaking yesterday at a town hall meeting in Uromi, state Chairman of PDP Chief Dan Orbih said Obaseki must stop playing politics with the traditional institution of Uromi.

    He said it was wrong for indigenes to support a party that deposed their king.

    Orbih urged the people not to remain in All Progressives Congress (APC) when their monarch’s deposition is yet to be lifted.

  • Monarch berates lawmakers for abandoning constituents

    Monarch berates lawmakers for abandoning constituents

    The Olowu of Owu-Kuta in Osun State, Oba Adekunle Oyelude, has condemned some Nigerian politicians for turning their backs to their constituencies after winning elections.

    The monarch noted that such lawmakers, especially in the National Assembly, epitomised political immaturity and disrespect for the electorate.

    In his message at the launch of a book, titled: The Making Of Ile Ogbo (1700-2017), at Ile Ogbo in Osun State, Oba Oyelude said he was speaking against such attitude for the record and to enable his subjects make the right choice during elections.

    He said a monarch is a father of all and must be politically neutral to preserve his status and earn the respect of his subjects, irrespective of their political affiliations.

    Oba Oyelude said: “It is unfortunate that what we have in Abuja is short of expectation. It is a case of climbing up and pushing away the ladder. This is ungodly and unfair to the electorate, who endure sun and rain on the queue on Election Day to vote them to power.”

    The monarch regretted politicians’ attitude of neglecting traditional rulers.

    He said the attitude negated the Yoruba tradition of respecting the monarchical institution and conferring some responsibilities on traditional rulers.

    The Olowu urged Osun State civil servants to show more understanding with the state government in their agitation, saying the current phase, which pitched them against the government, would pass away.

    Oba Oyelude noted that what obtained in Osun State was not different from the happenings in many other states, based on the crash in the price of crude oil at the global market.

    He said: “I have always said it that the lesson in this economic challenge facing the nation is that we should not depend on one source of revenue, as we have done in the past. The whole world knows that oil is the backbone of our economy at the expense of other sources. But I am positive that we must have learnt some lessons from the situation.”

     

  • Monarch, expectant wife killed on New Year’s Day

    Monarch, expectant wife killed on New Year’s Day

    A ruler in the southern part of Kaduna State, the Etum Numana, Malam Gambo Makama and his expectant wife were killed in Arak, Sanga Local Government Area in the early hours of yesterday.

    Makama, a second class ruler travelled to his village to celebrate the New Year.

    The Nation gathered that gunmen, who wore masks, invaded his home a few minutes after midnight.

    He and his expectant second wife were shot dead; his 45-year-old son was injured and taken to hospital.

    The bandits allegedly set the chief’s house ablaze before escaping into the bush.

    Chairman of Sanga Development Association Prince Bala Audu said the chief and his wife came home to celebrate the New Year.

    Audu said: “He was seated with his second wife who is pregnant; suddenly gunmen, which I was told covered their faces with masks, invaded the house and opened fire at them, also hitting his son, who is about 45 years.

    “The chief and his wife died on the spot, the son did not die but he sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital.

    “The gunmen set the house ablaze and burnt a vehicle, which was recently given to the chief as a gift. Immediately they committed the dastardly act, they fled into the bush and escaping.”

    Kaduna State Police Command spokesman Aliyu Mukhtar said the police received the report of the attack at midnight.

    He said the assailants had fled before the police arrived.

    Mukhtar said: “We got a distress call around 4 am that armed men stormed his house and shot him with his wife. Before our arrival to the house, the hoodlums set the place ablaze and fled. No arrest has been made, but we are intensifying efforts to ensure that the bandits are arrested.”

    He appealed for calm as the command as the killing had caused tension among residents of Gwantu town and its environs.

    Govt orders investigation

    The Kaduna State government has directed security agencies to investigate the killing of the Etum Numana in Sanga Local Government Area, Alhaji Gambo Makama and his wife.

    Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the governor Samuel Aruwan, told reporters in Kaduna, that  the late Etum Numana was committed to peace and development in his chiefdom.

    “The government commiserates with the immediate family of the royal father and his wife, the people of Numana Chiefdom and the entire Sanga Local Government.

    “The government condemns this double murder that was a calculated threat to peace, and a most unfortunate attempt to introduce into the New Year a pattern of criminality that needlessly threatens the right of citizens to security, life and liberty”.

    He appealed to anyone with information to report such to  security agencies and assured them that the information will be treated with confidentiality.

    The governor appealed to the people to remain calm and support the agencies as they continue their to investigation.

     

  • Monarch hails Ambode, Obasa on bridge

    Monarch hails Ambode, Obasa on bridge

    The Ologba of Ogba-elect in Lagos State, Chief Abdul Rafiu Olanrewaju Alabi, has hailed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa for the building of a flyover at Pen Cinema in Agege.

    The monarch described the development as a laudable achievement by the governor to ensure free flow of traffic in Agege and its environs.

    He said this would further boost economic development.

    Oba Alabi said: “It is one of the things we are expecting from our governor. He has shown his commitment to people’s welfare and well-being. It is no doubt a good development and the beginning of good things in Lagos State.

    “We must praise the governor for this achievement. Our Speaker, Obasa, also deserves commendation.”

    The monarch described the Speaker as a true and worthy representative of the area.

    He said: “The construction of Pen Cinema bridge is a confirmation of Obasa’s worthy representation. Ambode has done well for us by approving and starting the bridge.”

     

  • Monarch, police boss support SARS’ reorganisation

    Monarch, police boss support SARS’ reorganisation

    The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Lawan Ado, and the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, have joined the movement clamouring for retention of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    They, however, supported the reorganisation of the outfit as directed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris.

    Ado and Alhaji Abubakar spoke at an interactive session between the police and eminent people’s forum.

    Ado said: “Recently, the clamour that the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) should be disbanded has occupied public domain. But some people are saying SARS must-stay. The country cannot operate without an outfit that is combat ready and waiting to fight in case of any distress call.

    “That is why SARS is very good. We are all aware that the IGP has directed that the outfit be reorganised, and steps will be taken to ensure that bad eggs in there are uprooted. Officers will also continue to work professionally for us to achieve our goals.”

    The Etsu Patigi, who was represented by the Mutawali of Patigi, Alhaji Dabarako Mohammed, said: “I am of the opinion that SARS should stay and be encouraged. I, therefore, suggest regular training and refresher courses for the police, especially junior officers.”

    Ado, who said the meeting would be quarterly from 2018, added that “we believe the police are working for the people and that is why we opened all channels of communications. We equally identified the major problems bedevilling us in the state and tried to solve them collectively’’.

  • Monarch warns land buyers in Ibeju-Lekki

    Monarch warns land buyers in Ibeju-Lekki

    The Onibeju of Ibeju-Lekki, Oba Rafiu Olusegun Salami, has advised prospective land buyers to approach the palace for authentic information about the property they intend to purchase.

    The monarch warned them to be careful not to fall into the hands of unscrupulous land agents.

    “Some prospective land buyers get into trouble because they listen to sweet talkers. Anyone interested in land in Ibeju should come to the palace for information about the history and owner of the property,” he said.

    Oba Salami spoke yesterday during activities to usher in his tenth anniversary on Friday. He was coronated on December 29, 2007.

    According to him, the rapid investment in and development of Ibeju land is fast turning the kingdom to Africa’s Dubai.

    The monarch identified the area’s friendly and secure environment as well as Lagos State Government support as some of the major factors that have made it a Mecca for

    He said the economic transformation of the area is in line with a plan he initiated during his ascension to the throne and a prediction he made on his fifth anniversary in office.

    He said: “For those of us who were privileged to be here when I had my five years coronation anniversary, you would recall that I did make a promise then, saying, ‘I am believing God Almighty that when we shall gather here again in another five years’ time to celebrate my 10th year on the throne, Ibeju-Lekki would easily pass for the Dubai, of Nigeria and by extension, the Dubai of Africa’, true or false? The answer is true.”

    The monarch said under his watch, Ibeju-Lekki has enjoyed peace, unity and security as well as “tremendous co-operation and a huge magnanimity” from Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    This, he added, is attracting “quality investors amongst other well-meaning Nigerians who have made Ibeju their home.

    “For instance, some of the major gigantic projects that have either been proposed or are already having their bearings on Ibeju-Lekki at the moment include; the new multi-billion naira International Airport, the new sea port, the Dangote Refinery, the Lekki free Trade Zone, the new Shoprite, Pan Atlantic University and the Fourth Mainland Bridge. Others include the Eleganza Industrial City, Coscharis Motors and the new Computer Village, just to mention but a few.

    “Beyond the earlier mentioned, Ibeju is also increasingly becoming the residential choice of several Lagosians. The influx of people indicating interest in owning residential property is becoming quite overwhelming. New estates are springing up in Ibeju, almost on a daily basis. People are coming, building schools, health facilities, recreation facilities and other social amenities to increase the standard of living in lbeju.”

  • Celebrate Xmas in peace — Monarch

    The Ojora of Ijora Kingdom, Oba Abdulfatai Aremu Aromire, has appealed to Lagos State residents to celebrate the Christmas and New Year in peace.

    The Kabiyesi spoke at a community security meeting that comprising all ethnic groups at his palace in Ijora.

    The meeting, the Kabiyesi said, was to appeal to residents to shun all acts of criminality during the festive period.

    He said nobody was expected to breach the peace within his domain, noting that anybody caught would be handed over to the police and prosecuted, according to the law.

    The Kabiyesi said parents coming to his palace to plead on behalf of anyone arrested for indiscipline would also be handed over to the police, adding that any house or compound found harbouring criminals would be seized and handed over to the state government.

    He urged the community leaders to be security consciousness and alert the police if anyone found disturbing the peace of the community.

    The Ijora Badia Divisional Police Officer, SP Samuel Ayeni, said every measure had been put in place to ensure a crime-free Christmas celebration in the state.

    He said the command would effectively partner members of the public and sister security agencies in the state to ensure a hitch-free yuletide.

    He urged the residents to report to the police any misconduct from anybody or group of people that could breach the peace in the community during the celebration.

  • Ondo govt condemns attack on Igbokoda monarch

    The Ondo State government has condemned the attack on the monarch of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area, Oba Ayowole Odidiomo, by suspected hoodlums.

    A statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Yemi Olowolabi, said the government viewed the attack as an unwarranted assault and a desecration of the exalted stool of the Igbokoda traditional monarchy and “the time-tested tradition of our forebears”.

    It added: “The government will leave no stone unturned in its determination to ensure the protection of the lives and property of the citizens and has given directive to security agencies in the state to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the people responsible for the attack on the monarch.

    “The government will also wish to make it known to all criminally-minded people that no part of the state is safe for them to operate any longer.

    “It should be noted that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has always shown respect for the traditional monarchy and will continue to protect the exalted stool.”

     

  • APC mourns Kwara monarch, industrialist

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has mourned the Olomu of Omu-Aran in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Charles Ibitoye.

    The monarch died last Saturday at 65.

    A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said: “The death of the monarch, who was an exemplary leader of no mean repute, came as a shock to us at a time like this when his presence is mostly needed.

    “Oba Ibitoye’s reign brought development to the ancient town, with classical coordination of sons and daughters of Omu-Aran in Diaspora.

    “The love and peace that traversed the town during his reign is known and appreciated by all. It is our opinion that his reign stood tall among others in the historical record of the town, with unassuming respect, humility and love, with which he rallied everyone together for the progress of Omu-Aran.

    “We, therefore, urge the people to immortalise the deceased and improve on the legacy he left behind.”

    The party also condoledwith the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Esuwoye, and the people, on the death of Chief Emmanuel Adesoye.

    The party described Adesoye’s death as a great loss.

    Abdullahi described the late industrialist as an epitome of knowledge, saying he used his intellect to add value to the economic and industrial growth of the country.

  • Akure monarch’s driver crushes two siblings

    The pilot driver attached to the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, has allegedly crushed two siblings to death.

    The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday in Akure, Ondo State capital.

    It was learnt that the incident involved the monarch’s pilot driver and two cyclists.

    The accident, sources said, occurred when the driver was reportedly trailing a man who allegedly parked “illegally” in front of the palace.

    Although the identities of the deceased were unknown, it was gathered that they were on a motorcycle from Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area, and heading to Idanre, about 15 kilometres from Akure.

    It was learnt that a private car owner parked in front of the palace and the security men ordered him to move the car but he was said to have refused.

    This prompted the security men to alert the monarch’s driver about the situation.

    It was learnt that in a bid for the man to escape arrest, he allegedly zoomed off and hit a passer-by.

    Disturbed by the development, the monarch’s driver trailed the car down to Italorun village on Akure-Idanre Road, where he reportedly crushed the two cyclists to death in an attempt to catch up with the “run-away” car owner.

    Eyewitness said one of victims, identified as two brothers, died instantly, while the second died a few hours after being admitted at an undisclosed hospital.

    The incident was said to have caused commotion in the area.

    Villagers were said to have attempted to burn the monarch’s pilot car but for the intervention of security agents in the area.

    The Chief Press Secretary  to the monarch, Michael Adeyeye, said the accident occurred outside the palace.

    He added: “The matter has been resolved and there is no cause for alarm.”

    Police spokesman Femi Joseph, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said the incident had not been reported at the state command.

    He promised to get details on the incident.