The Nation Newspaper

Tag: monarchs

  • Buhari hails monarchs over role in 2019 polls

    President Muhammadu Buhari has praised traditional rulers for their role during and after this year’s general elections.

    He attributed the relative peace in the country to the role of the monarchs played in the electoral process.

    The President spoke in Owerri, the Imo State capital, at the post-election peace summit organised by the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria.

    He noted that the responsibility of ensuring peace rests more on the shoulders of the traditional rulers “because they are closer to the people than the government”.

    President Buhari, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said: “My royal highnesses and traditional rulers, the Presidency has saddled my office with the very responsibility of overseeing the post-election peace conference/summit in the six geo-political zones of our dear country.

    “But the most sterling issue about the whole matter is establishing peace, how to bring peace to Sokoto, to Adamawa and others. But we all understand that this responsibility rests rather more squarely on the shoulders of our traditional rulers who are closer to the people than the government.”

    He added: “This is why my office attends to everything pertaining to this matter with utter dispatch. Also, the team spirit with which you have carried out your functions has not gone unnoticed. It was also noted that your effort in improving the economy through agricultural schemes in the last four years is also worth mentioning.

    “I am reassuring you that my office will continue to work in collaboration with the National Council of Traditional Rulers in all their developmental strides. Again, the Presidency has not taken for granted all your efforts towards the management of insurgency in the Northeast.”

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha noted that “the problem with our country is that we don’t understand the people called the Igbo”.

    He added: “The Igbo, if I must describe us, are the most misrepresented ethnic group in Nigeria. It’s only the Igbo amongst all other ethnic groups that can go to any other cultures and settle to develop that culture.

    “The Igbo man is the one who will hardly come back home to his grassroots without leaving a lasting impression of good development in the place he is living. But Nigerians have taken this for weakness. And that’s why at every side, they’re chased from pillar to post as if they’re not part of the entity called Nigeria.”

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saidi Abubakar III, thanked Okorocha for hosting the conference.

    He said: “…The unity of Nigeria is of paramount interest to all of us. Therefore, this is another reason why we are here.”

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said: “My fellow traditional rulers from across the various ethnic groups of Nigeria, I want us to bear in mind that the reason for this conference is the peace of this country. We cannot afford to be seated on our various thrones and see the people we are ruling scattered. So, the peace of Nigeria must cost us something worth sacrificing. All of us seated here have a duty to let our subjects know that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”

    The host and Chairman Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Ohiri, said: “Our joy knows no bounds today to see our brother traditional rulers come to have this national summit in Imo, our dear state. Again, we return all the glory to God Almighty and to Governor Okorocha whose singular effort has brought about today’s development.”

     

  • ‘Only monarchs can give valid history of communities’

    A monarch in Ondo State, the Ahaba of Ajagba in Irele local government area of Ondo State, Oba Thomas Adesayo, has reacted to controversies on accounts of history that bedevil many communities. He said only traditional rulers can give valid history of their communities.

    The monarch was reacting to the numerous conflicting stories that trail the sources of many Yoruba kingdoms, especially the Ikale people, who occupied the South Senatorial District of Ondo State.

    Oba Adesayo while launching his book at the weekend titled: “The history of Ajagba Kingdom (Ahaba Dynasty)” to commemorate his 20th anniversary on the throne said the book was a child of necessity that made it imperative for him, despite his busy schedule, to correct some errors about Ajagba Kingdom in Irele Local Government Area and the entire Ikale nation.

    He lamented that many historians in the past had distorted the original history of the kingdom, noting that the 14 chapters’ and 56-page book was written to tell the real story of his community. According to him, “The history of Ajagba Kingdom has been seriously distorted by some writers and even some motivational speakers, notably within the context of Ikaleland. There have been some publications, which have threatened to distort the organic history of the people of many origins.

    “This book is therefore intended to straighten some records, in this regard. It will seek to serve as a profound treatise on the people that occupy a landscape called Ajagba.

    “I am persuaded that the correct history of a place will be a source of inspiration to the people and indeed future leaders of the area. They will know the reasons some things are done in some peculiar ways.”

    Oba Adesayo emphasised that Ajagba is the first settlement of all the communities that make up the Ikale nation, saying “the kingdom is the first in Ikale nation and so the monarch was the first kingdom founded in the 14th century while others were founded in the 15th and 16 centuries respectively.”

    The book reviewer, the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, had praised the monarch for putting the history of his people in writing.

    Ajibefun, who was represented by Prof. Victor Olumekun, said the written form would prevent the problems of communication gap peculiar to oral history that has distorted several historical facts in many kingdoms.

    The chairman of the occasion, the former Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Akoka (UNILAG), Prof. Tolu Odugbemi, and the chief launcher and vice chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, South West), Chief Eddy Olafeso, lauded the monarch for the initiative.

     

  • Monarchs task Ekiti lawmakers-elect on quality representation

    Monarchs in Ekiti State have urged the lawmakers elected during the March 9 house of assembly election in the state to serve as a veritable tool for societal development through effective and quality representation.

    The monarchs advised the lawmakers to make laws that would be in the overall interest of the populace, regardless of political affiliations and religious beliefs.

    The All Progressives Congress, APC, had won 25 of the 26 assembly seats declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, with election in Ekiti East constituency declared inconclusive.

    Speaking during a thank you visit initiated by Mr Akeem Jamiu across Irepodun/Ifelodun constituency 2, the Oniropora of Iropora Ekiti, Oba Joel Ajayi Olonibua, said all the lawmakers elected should refrain from discrimination and treat all citizens as equal that deserve democracy dividends.

    He regretted that his town has not enjoyed the expected political patronage in terms of appointments since 1999, urging the lawmaker-elect to take up the matter with Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    “This is an issue I want Hon Jamiu to address for us when inaugurated as our representative at the assembly,” he said.

     

     

     

  • Deputy governor, monarchs intervene in Ekiti boundary dispute

    Ekiti State Deputy Governor Bisi Egbeyemi and four traditional rulers have intervened in the boundary crisis between Igbemo-Ekiti and Orun-Ekiti communities.

    A bus stop shed built by the Orun youths was allegedly set ablaze two weeks ago by Igbemo youths who claimed that the land on which the project was sited belongs to their (Igbemo) community.

    At a peace meeting in his office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Egbeyemi warned the two communities against erecting new structures on the disputed boundary.

    Read also: Egbeyemi canvasses support for Buhari’s re-election

    A statement yesterday by his Special Assistant (SA) on Media, Odunayo Ogunmola, said the directive became necessary to prevent violence and ensure lasting peace between the two neighbouring towns.

    The monarchs at the peace meeting included the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, who is also the Chairman of the Council of Obas, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye and the Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, Oba James Aladesuru.

  • Obiano to monarchs: be custodians of peace, love

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has urged traditional rulers to use their positions to entrench peace and love.

    The governor spoke during the 119th Ofala of the Idigo dynasty of Aguleri Kingdom, as well as 24th Ofala of the reign of Igwe Christopher Idigo.

    Obiano stressed that initiating measures which would enthrone peace would promote meaningful development. He lauded Igwe Idigo for embracing peace as his watchword, saying Aguleri had maintained peaceful coexistence since the he assumed office.

    Igwe Idigo called on politicians to emphasise on issue-based campaigns and refrain from campaigns of calumny and character-assassination.

    Read also: Buhari, Fashola, Ngige storm Anambra as Obiano hosts festival

    The monarch also urged the youths to abstain from thuggery and vote according to their conscience.

    He condemned the marginalisation of Igbo, and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to retrace his steps and involve Igbo in the decision-making process of his government.

    The monarch also called for the completion of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and the second Niger Bridge, praying that infrastructures in the region be improved on.

  • Olota: monarchs must reduce poverty among subjects

    The Awori community in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State has established the Foundation for Economic and Development Initiatives (FECODEIN).

    The foundation, an initiative of the Olota of Ota, HRM Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, is to alleviate the suffering of the masses among the Awori-speaking people.

    Unlike what obtained in time past, the monarch said it is high time traditional rulers championed the campaign against hunger and poverty to reduce crime and other social vices in their domains.

    He said: “We, as custodians of culture and traditional authorities that are closest to the people, should take off some of the pains by supporting infrastructural development, wealth creation or what people call poverty alleviation, and providing necessary assistance to make our people employers of labour or for them to be self-employed.”

    The event came on the heels of the annual Iganmode Day, a historic event celebrated by the Awori.

    Going down memory lane, the monarch, a Professor of Mass Communication, said since he mounted the throne last year, he realised there was a lacuna between the rich and poor.

    He said the development had further heightened security challenges in the communities.

    To address the development, the monarch said he convened a think tank, which culminated in the establishment of FECODEIN.

    Oba Obalanlege said funds realised by the foundation would be managed by a Board of Trustees (BoT) which would disburse same as revolving loans to interested indigenes planning to set up small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).

    Revolving loans, he noted, provide liquidity for a company’s day-to-day operations; offer debt protection; make loan repayment faster and flexible and make the loanee able to transfer funds from revolving loan transaction to transaction account once a loanee realised minimum percentage to be paid back.

    “We need to halt the drift and depopulate the growing class vagabonds, ‘area father’s’ who now constitute a social menace because of the need for survival. We must educate and empower them to discard their shameful vices. They, like us, know what it is like to have no hope, no path to a better life.”

    On how FECODEIN could be maximised, the guest speaker, Prof Idris Ayinde of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), urged the Awori to work with the Lagos State government for more socio-economic development.

    He said from history, 75 per cent of Lagos settlers were the Awori, adding that this would further open up a symbiotic relationship between Lagos and the Awori to develop the social and economic potential of the latter.

    Read also: Ezekwesili promises poverty reduction, if elected

    Idris urged the Awori to be proud of their root and do away with infighting and disunity.

    According to him, these are factors that led to backwardness of the Awori over the years.

    He noted that from Ikeja to Isolo down to Awori land in Ota have become commercial hubs, yet with bad roads, non-standard schools, irregular power supply and other amenities.

    Ayinde praised the Oloto for launching FECODEIN, describing it as a starting point towards addressing some of the aforementioned challenges.

    “Despite all these challenges, I believe FECODEIN is a fantastic initiative that will take the people of Awori to the Promised Land,” he said.

    The convener of the summit, Dr Michael Olawale Cole, described it as strategic due to the determination of the Olota to lift the Awori out of squalor via FECODEIN.

    The highpoint of the event was the presentation of plaques/cash prizes to outstanding science students in public schools in Ota.

    There was also a presentation of awards to guests and corporate bodies, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Founder of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN), among others.

     

  • Monarchs to Sanwo-Olu: we are behind you

    The paramount ruler of Iruland, Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru, and his Ajiran counterpart, Oba Tijani Akinloye, have thrown their weight behind the aspiration of the governorship candidate of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The monarchs told Sanwo-Olu to make the people of Lagos State the focus of his policies, if elected.

    They made the statements during separate courtesy visits to their palaces by the APC candidate and his encourage.

    Oniru, who was effusive in his prayers for Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, described the duo as a good omen for Lagos. He said the state has never had it so good with the quality of candidates the APC has presented for the general election. The royal father however, urged the team to stay focused and not be distracted by voices of dissent.

    He said: ‘’People are the cornerstone of electoral success. So, don’t abandon them when you get to power. The market women and men are very important so also are the royal fathers. You must always carry them along in your decision making process,’’ Oniru said.

    On his part, the Ojomu of Ajiranland, Oba Adetunji Akinloye advised Sanwo-Olu to be fair to all and sundry when elected.

    The royal father said he does not have any doubt that the APC will emerge victorious in the election, But, he warned against what he described as people who may want to plant a seed of discord between him and his deputy.

    Oba Akinloye said: ‘’We will continue to pray for you and your deputy Governorship candidate. With good understanding between the two of you, I believe that Lagosians will be the best for it’’.

    Sanwo-Olu thanked the royal fathers for their blessings for him and his team. He said the warm receptions he got from the palaces showed that he is well accepted as son of the soil in Oniru and Ajiran. He promised to take note of the advice given by the royal fathers.

    He promised to run an all-inclusive government where every Lagosian will be a direct beneficiary of all government policies.

  • Glizt, glamour as monarchs, others celebrate Olokun Festival

    It was another entertaining grand finale, for probably the oldest privately funded festival in Nigeria, the Olokun Festival at the Suntan Beach, Badagry, Lagos. The Olokun Festival which was conceptualized by Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Adams in 2002, is in its 16th edition. It has become a rallying point for the propagation and promotion of Yoruba tradition and culture. It is also a source of promotion of tourism in Badagry and Yorubaland as a whole.

    Suntan Beach, the host venue of the Olokun Festival witnessed thousands of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) from within and outside the country. There were also top traditional rulers from Nigeria and Benin Republic in attendance.

    The Olokun Festival is an eight-day  event with activities such as both regatta, festival float, traditional dance, beauty pageant, ayo olopon (a Yoruba traditional leisure game) and many other activities.

    The grand finale last Wednesday had music display, cultural dance and traditional Yoruba activities.

    In his address at the occasion, the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, represented by Prince Babatunde Ajose, commended organisers of the festival for their contribution to tourism in the state. He said the Olokun Festival is captured in the tourism masterplan of the state and that the Lagos State government will partner with the organizers to move the festival forward. He also commended the organisers for the huge economic contribution of the festival to the economy of the state which he put in the region of N300 million.

    Despite the huge turnout at the festival, the horrible state of the international highway linking Lagos and Seme border town was of huge concern to the guests.  The promoter of the festival, Iba Gani Adams, decried the current state of the highway saying it is a disincentive to tourism in the area. He said: “Badagry has some of the greatest tourist sites and can by a major tourist destination in the world, but our government both at the federal and state levels need to partner with private organizations to boost tourism across the country. It is sad the road leading to Badagry has been under construction for close to a decade. This has affected people plying the road daily. It has also affected the economic potentials of the ancient town.”

    He said considering the importance of the road as international highway used by both ordinary citizens and diplomats from all over the world, it ought to fixed immediately.

    Gani also lamented that other historical cum tourist sites including  Point of No Return in Gberefu Island, have not reached their full potentials, calling for immediate face-lift of the sites in the area.

    On the celebration of the festival, Gani said: “Today’s event is not about the fun, merriment or jamboree. It is about how best we can sustain our cultural identity. It is not about the festivity and celebration, it is about the Yoruba heritage. It is about sending a message of hope to everyone that shares our dream.”

    Gani said  despite starting humbly in his quest for cultural rebirth, he and his group have succeeded in making remarkable progress by extending the frontier beyond the shores of the country. He said: “At every of our struggle and cultural evangelism, we have shown great confidence and respect for our traditional institutions.”

    The high point of the festival was bestowing of honour to some deserving sons who have contributed to the promotion of Yoruba culture as Olokun ambassadors. They include: Chief Abiodun Fagboro, Otunba Aderinokun Babs Olurinde, Mrs. Yemi Ajide Olayinka, Abayomi Mate( Ifankalleuyah), Bashiru Adisa (Baba Gboin), Fakoya Qudus Olwadamilare (Qdot) and Mr. Muyiwa Oshinaike.

    Among the traditional rulers present at the occasion were a representative of the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Akran of Badagry, Oba De-Wheno Aholu, the Timi Of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal and many others.

  • Monarchs back Oyetola for Osun governor

    Traditional rulers and chiefs in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, the home of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 22 governorship election, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, have expressed their support for him.

    They addressed reporters on Tuesday in solidarity for his candidature at Iragbiji, headquarters of the local government and Oyetola’s hometown.

    On behalf of other monarchs, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, described Oyetola as their son, a responsible, God-fearing and capable man to occupy the position of the governor.

    Among the monarchs at the event were the Olona of Ada, Oba Abimbola Abioye; the Alaagba of Aagba, Oba Rufus Ogunwole and the Olororuwo of Ororuwo, Oba Qamarudeen Adeyanju.

    Oba Olabomi said: “Oyetola is neither a Lagosian nor a foreigner, as some people want the people of Osun State to believe. He has been a community man, playing active roles in the development of Iragbiji and Boripe Local Government Area for more than three decades. An insinuation that he is not one of us is a mere farce.

    “We know Oyetola as a philanthropist whose kindness, without noise, is unprecedented and noteworthy. He has helped many youths with educational scholarship and women through empowerment programmes.

    “We also know him to be very intelligent, industrious, people-friendly, full of capacity to serve, respectful and virtuous. We know his family background. Through his neighbours, friends and acquaintances and other members of the public, we know he is most qualified to receive the baton from a visionary and courageous Governor Rauf Aregbeosla.

  • Ahmed hails monarchs for peace

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has praised royal fathers in Kwara North for maintaining peace and harmony.

    Ahmed, who spoke yesterday when the monarchs visited him at the Government House in Ilorin, said the royal fathers are playing critical roles in stabilising the zone and ensuring the success of government programmes and policies.

    He urged the police to do more in tackling insecurity across the country by collaborating more with the traditional rulers, whom he said are custodians of values and traditions.

    The Etsu Pategi, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar, who spoke on behalf of the monarchs, lauded Ahmed for always consulting them on policies and programmes of his administration.

    Alhaji Chatta pledged unalloyed support and commitment to the progress and development of the state.