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Tag: monarchs

  • Oluwo seeks use of monarchs in tax collection

    The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has called for use of traditional rulers in the collection of taxes.

    In a statement by his media aide, Ibrahim Alli, the monarch said government could exploit the closeness of traditional rulers to the grassroots by involving them in tax collection to boost its internal generated revenue (IGR).

    He urged the state government to identify trusted and resourceful traditional rulers and work with them to assist in generating revenue into its coffers.

    Oba Akanbi said abundant opportunities attached to the authorities of traditional rulers had not been utilised by successive governments.

    He said: “Now is the time for the government to introduce creative measures to solve challenges of tax collection.

    “Government at all levels should be creative and innovative in their approach to tax collection by co-opting traditional rulers to serve as intermediaries to make their subjects be alive to their responsibilities to the government by paying their taxes promptly.

    “Tax is a primary source of revenue for the government; everyone must be made to be committed to the development of the state.

    “Lagos is one of the economic viable states and its strength is linked to effective taxation. Osun as a developing economy must devise creative measure to generate its own revenue too and sustain its growth. People must be encouraged and made to taxes.

    “Monarchs are the closest rulers to the grassroots. Many of us are trusted and respected by the people. They see us as fathers and they listen and follow our instructions. Whatever we say is authority without questioning.

    “Monarchs, in the past, were active and key actors to tax collection. I think we can revisit the past and learn from how traditional rulers used to support government policies and programmes and make them work in their domains.

    “Today, there are still trusted monarchs. I am one of them. My people listen to me because they know I serve them. One of the means we can assist the government is to serve as intermediary in tax collection but there should be regularised platform to effect the arrangement.”

  • Monarchs seek America’s support against rigging

    •All eyes are on Ekiti, says us envoy

    The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has solicited the assistance of the United States government to prevent the rigging of the July 14 governorship election.

    The monarchs called on the American government to bring as many observers as possible to the Fountain of Knowledge during the election to ensure that the votes of the people count.

    The Ekiti Obas made the call yesterday while hosting the Consul General of the US Consulate in Lagos, Mr. John Bray, at the Ewi’s Palace in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    The Council Chairman, who is also the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju, said the assistance of the US government will be needed to prevent vote buying on election day.

    The Oloye expressed concern that vote buying was becoming more alarming in the nation’s electoral system. He said Ekiti Obas will welcome measures to prevent manipulation of the people’s electoral wish.

    He said: “We want you to use your good offices to bring monitors to every polling unit.

    “Security agencies must be above board during and after the elections.

    “We want everybody to be carried along. We want reputable groups as monitors to be present at polling units” not people that will just be moving about.”

    Also speaking, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, said it was the wish of the monarchs that the most popular candidate wins.

    He said: “We want peace and vote to count. If the most popular candidate won at the end of the day, nobody would raise a voice.”

    The Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, warned against the reoccurrence of the 1983 election mayhem which led to the loss of many lives and burning of houses.

    He said: “We are concerned about safety in our domains, we don’t want Ekiti to be a battle ground. We want the choice of the people to emerge as governor in the election.”

    Mr. Bray said “the eyes of the world would be on Ekiti on July 14 during the governorship poll”.

    The diplomat promised the support and commitment of the US government to peace before, during and after the election.

    Bray said: “We are on the side of the people. We are here to support free, fair, credible and peaceful election.

    “The eyes of the world will be on Ekiti on July 14. We would be here and we won’t let you down.”

     

  • Fayemi slams Fayose for owing Ekiti monarchs, workers

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has promised to end the suffering the residents have been experiencing under Governor Ayo Fayose’s administration.

    Fayemi accused Fayose of inflicting hardship on various segments of the population, including workers, pupils, parents, business owners and traditional rulers.

    He noted that apart from workers, who are owed salary arrears of between five and nine months, Fayose is also allegedly owing traditional rulers five months of unpaid allowances.

    Fayemi also slammed the governor for refusing to disclose the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) since assuming office in 2014.

    The APC candidate spoke during a special interview programme on Sunday night on Voice 89.9 FM.

    He said Fayose had no excuse to owe workers, adding that N253 billion had accrued to Ekiti State treasury under the outgoing governor, besides other financial reliefs from the APC-led Federal Government.

    A vote for the APC ticket, he said, is a vote for commitment to positive transformation of Ekiti State, experience in good governance and connection with Abuja to influence matters in favour of the state and its people.

    Fayemi promised to expand the scope of his Eight-Point Agenda to launch Ekiti on the path of development.

    The former Minister of Mines and Steel development regretted that the state had retrogressed under Fayose’s watch as the governor allegedly discarded human development policies of the preceding government.

    He also regretted that Fayose allegedly played politics and denied Ekiti the opportunity of accessing funds meant for rice production by the Federal Government, despite the fact that an Ekiti indigene his (Fayemi’s) former Commissioner, Mr. Jide Arowosafe, is in charge of the Anchor Borrowers Scheme.

    Fayemi noted that other states, like Kebbi, Jigawa and Ogun, had benefited from the scheme, while Ekiti would have used the funds to develop rice production in Igbemo-Ekiti and other rice belts in the state.

    The APC flag bearer also debunked the allegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in the state that he is seeking a return to power to get back at the workers.

    The former minister said he is on a rescue mission and not on vengeance mission against anybody.

    Fayemi said: “On what basis should I come on a vengeance mission? Nobody has offended me. The secret of June 21, 2014 is quite open to us all. We all know of Capt. Koli, Koro (Musliu Obanikoro) and few others.”

    Criticising Fayose for alleged implementing anti-people policies, Fayemi said: “You refused to pay teachers for 10 months but you are saying: ‘We may not pay your salaries, but the man coming wants to sack you.’

    “During Fayemi’s (first) administration, no final year secondary school student paid West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), National Board for Technical Education (NABTEB) and the Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB) fees. But now, pupils from primary to secondary school (SS) three are paying taxes.

    “He called teachers to the Government House sometime ago and a woman among them told him the truth. My government didn’t charge any pupil or student a dime.

    “We ran a qualitative, free and functional education while I was the governor. Pupils now pay tax, pay for SSCE; there are no more free JAMB forms. Ekiti now has the lowest enrolment in education in the Southwest as it is today; which is strange to us all.

    “We didn’t owe workers monthly salary except for September 2014 and this was because the (then) incoming government approached our financial institutions and opted to halt our arrangements.

    “We had regular training and re-training for workers in Ekiti. We paid core subject allowances, rural allowances to teachers and car loans as well as housing loans to our workers.

    “I heard that all I did for Obas have been stopped; in fact, our Obas are owed five months’ salary. Did all these happen when I was in government?”

    Fayemi added that Fayose’s alleged harsh and unfriendly policies had driven investors away with many businesses closing down.

    The governor’s actions, the PAC candidate said, had led to loss of jobs.

    He added: “Our administration revived Ire Burnt Bricks Industry and brought back Ikogosi Warm Spring. Enterprise grew in Ekiti during my time. When I came in, the only two prominent hotels were Pathfinder and Fountain and there was a deluge of people coming in.

    “I spoke with all these people and they brought their investment here. But when I left, they all regretted. Today, GTB is gone; Coca-Cola is gone; Ire Burnt Bricks is struggling and Gossy Water is dead because Fayose’s government is anti-investment.

    “IGR rose to N600 million before I left office as we declared what came in monthly. But no one has heard of Ekiti IGR since I left.”

  • Jaiz fetes monarchs, Imams, others in Ondo

    Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation on Sunday held an Iftar Saim (Breaking of Fast) for traditional rulers, Islamic clerics, eminent personalities and hundreds of people.

    The event was held at the Akure Central Mosque, Akure, Ondo State capital.

    Aside the Iftar programme, the dignitaries appealed to Jaiz to consider opening branches in state.

    The Executive Secretary of the foundation Imam Abdullah Shuaib Jaiz Bank, which the foundation is a subsidiary, was created to fulfil Allah’s commandment on the Islamic way of doing business.

    The foundation, he said, is to cater for the humanitarian activities the bank can’t offer, adding that humanitarian was one of the propelling factors for the establishment of the foundation.

    “The window of our social responsibility does not discriminate whether you are a Muslim or not. The only attribute that qualifies you is your humanity, we want to ensure that we complement the effort of government in area of trying to build capacity of the children to be self-employed and employers of labour,” Shuaib said.

    Shuaib urged the Muslims to pay their Zakat, which, he said, could be done online through the Jaiz mobile banking.

    Jaiz Bank Executive Director Alhaji Abdul Fatai Amoo assured the gathering that the bank will not engage in unislamic business.

    Plans, he said, are on to establish a branch of the bank in the state, adding “we will not bank on sentiment alone, rather with value. We will offer more than what conventional banks are offering and even more.”

    Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko Oba Yisa Olanipekun promised to donate free land for the construction of the bank

    “We want you your branch to start before the end of the year. Come to Akoko, you will get free land to build your office. We have a lot of Muslims in Akoko,” he said.

    Commissioner for Natural Resources Alhaji Abdur-Rasheed Badmus said the state government will support any initiative that will improve the condition of our people.

    In his lecture entitled Ramadan: The month of Charity, Alhaji Musa Abdurrauf Akanji, who advised people on the importance of giving alms, said it is pleasant to Allah and attracts multiple reward.

    Other dignitaries at the occasion included the representative of the Olubaka of Oka, High Chief Jamiu Aiyemowa, Ustadh Luqman Idris, representative of the Chief Imam of Akure, who is the Mufasir of Akure, Alhaji Moshood Raji Keuyemi, the Aare Musulumi Akure, Alhaji Nurain Akorede, Muslim organisations and  others.

     

  • Monarchs charge lawmakers on democracy dividends

    Traditional rulers in the four local government areas of Akoko in Ondo State have enjoined politicians in the area to contribute meaningfully to the development of the area. They urged  all legislators from the area at national and state levels to work hard to make the lives of the people better. The monarchs called on the lawmaker representing Akoko North East/West Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Stephen Olemija, to bring more dividends of democracy to the constituents.

    Among the monarchs  in attendance were the Olukare of Ikare and Chairman of Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Akadiri Momoh, Olubaka of Oka,Yusuf Adeleye, Zaki of Arigidi -Oba Yisa Olanipekun, Olusupare of Supare, Oba Kalasi Adedeji and others. They acknowledged various challenges facing the people of Akoko, especially infrastructure and impassable roads,urging influential indigenes to assist.

    Olemija, while speaking with reporters at the forum, appreciated the traditional rulers,describing them as custodian of values in the land. The lawmaker, who is the former Chairman, Akoko Northeast, said he had been identifying  with the people as their representative, stressing that if he becomes a Senator, he would not sit tight in Abuja. He said he had sponsored three bills in the lower chamber to better the lot of his people.

  • Recipe for peace, harmony, by monarchs

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayi-wola Adeyemi 111, has identified fear of predominance of one ethnic zone over another, over-concentration of powers, non-establishment of public accountability for office holders,  and inequitable system of revenue allocation as some of the basic problems facing the country.

    Oba Adeyemi spoke when he paid a courtesy visit on the Sheu of Bornu, Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi.

    He said the issues were not new, but have metamorphosed and taken various shapes.

    “The ultimate consequences are that they still pose serious threats to peace and national security. And as constant variables in our national consciousness, there should be genuine and concerted efforts towards addressing these challenges to peace and security. Nigeria’s ethnic, sectional and religious diversities ought to serve as source of national unity, cohesion and integration but, unfortunately, this has over the years constituted serious threat to peace, security and national development because the elites have always tended to manipulate these identities for their parochial interests,” he said.

    The monarch noted that settlement of inter-personal, inter-ethic and communal disputes or conflicts is a critical area where traditional rulers could be very central in democratic consolidation and sustainability.

    This, according to him, “is due to the fact that conflict is part and parcel of human coexistence but peaceful resolution of conflict is one of the hallmarks of democracy and development. If we adopt the traditional methods of conflict resolution as alternative to the modern judiciary, it would go a long way in improving our justice system which has not only been over-stretched but also grossly abused.

    “The position here is that the ruler at the centre of traditional justice system could achieve rapid peaceful resolution of inter-personal and communal disputes which have become clog in the wheel of our progress and development. Traditional rulers have been doing this at the local level but this need to be backed and strengthened by formal governmental authority and recognitions.’’

    The paramount ruler pointed out that apart from the advisory role given to the traditional institutions in the democratic dispensation, traditional rulers should be seen as the coordinator of general community development as he has natural capability to successfully act as adjudicator, mediator, intercessor and facilitator of community projects and programme.

    He noted that traditional rulers have been grossly under-utilised given the enormous potential in their offices, positions and influence, adding that traditional rulers should be accorded a pride of place in our development strategies so that ‘’we can fully tap their enormous natural potentials and powers’’.

    Responding, the Sheu of Bornu lauded the visionary leadership qualities of the Alaafin for his untiring efforts in the areas of national developments, social justice, emancipation of traditional institution and human resources development. He said both the old Oyo and Borno Empires present pictures of the society where religious and tribal diversities were harmonised to ensure peace, security, and development.

    Continuing, he said: “In both empires, there were different sub-ethnics and religious groups that co-existed peacefully and where ethnic and religious sentiments were subsumed under societal interests. Nigerians have a duty to work for all that promotes peace and harmonious living. We must be our bothers’ keepers, eschew all acts detrimental to peace, unity and rapid development.”

  • Stop Bonny killings, monarchs plead

    Traditional rulers in Andoni area council have urged security agencies in Rivers State to tackle killings in Bonny Local Government.

    The monarchs said between April 9 and 22, those living in the suburbs of Bonny were attacked.

    “The attacks were on Andoni people living at Finima, Ajalimoni and Light House Fishing settlements.

    “They have led to loss of life and property. The causes of the attacks are yet to be ascertained,’’ the rulers said in a statement by King Aaron Ikuru, council chairman.

    They said Andoni enjoyed a relationship with Bonny as fishermen in the same council.

    “We are worried over the poor state of security and recent economic downturn.

    “We urge the government and security agencies to investigate the crisis, to restore peace to the area.

    “It is unfortunate that a statement credited to King Asimini Pepple, paramount ruler of Bonny, said the attacks were cult-related.

    “We call on traditional leaders and the people of Bonny Local Government to eschew sentiment and restore peace to the once economically-viable fishing settlement,’’ said the statement.

    It was signed by council Vice Chairman King Okuruket Nnabiget XIV and Treasurer King Israel Otuo.

  • Cnpp cautions monarchs on zoning

    •Traditional rulers warned not to dabble in politics

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Ekiti State has cautioned traditional rulers on their push for zoning, stressing that merit is the best criterion for selecting the governorship flag bearers.

    It said the monarch’s position on zoing to Ekiti South Senatorial District smacked of .

    In a statement in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, CNPP Director of Publicity and Strategy Deacon Olu Akomolafe said: “All parties should be encouraged to follow their constitutions so that the best can emerge from each party so that Ekiti will choose the best of the best.”

    The monarchs, who rose from a meeting with Governor Ayo Fayose at the weekend, vowed to “mobilise their subjects to vote against any political party that fields governorship candidate from outside Ekiti South.”

    Akomolafe said, although the monarchs have the freedom to air their views, they should not throw stones.

    He added: “Ekiti is homogeneous, unlike many other states in Nigeria. Ikere is the next town to Ado while going to Akure so the thin line between Central and South is the bounding between the two ancient towns.

    “Any formula that will make an Ekiti man see one as his kinsmen as against the other should be rejected in its entirety. Whether the governor comes from Central, North or South, CNPP is of the opinion that it is sure that he will be an Ekiti person.

    “Our condition is that he or she should must be capable of all ending the present sufferings of Ekiti people. He or she should be a type that will give us the good things of life like good roads, potable water, jobs for our youth, salary as and when due, among others.

    “CNPP does not wish to imply that Ekiti South cannot produce the next governor. They can, but the selection muts be subjected to a standard that is general and not restricted to just one area of the entire state.”

    Also, the Ekiti Oke Renaissance Group has urged the traditional rulers to be suspicious of politicians who may want to use them as cannon fodders ahead of the governorship election.

    Its Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Osinkolu, expressed disappointment with the action of the monarchs.

    Osinkolu expressed shock that the monarchs could be manipulated by politicians to support their self-seeking agenda.

    He condemned the attempt by Fayose to disrupt peaceful transition  by recruiting royal fathers to cause  disharmony among the electorate. Osinkolu maintained that it was wrong for the governor to tell the monarchs to reject aspirants outside the South District, adding that the action was “undemocratic and violates the fundamental human rights of voters.”

    “The choice of who becomes the governor is the prerogative of the electorate. Mr Fayose should please excuse the palace from desecration,” Osinkolu concluded.

  • Monarchs, clerics, families celebrate Adetona at 70

    Traditional ruler, clerics, family and friends stood to be counted yesterday at the 70th birthday party, retirement and book launch for Ven. Enoch Adetona, a retired Human Resource Manager at Volkswagon of Nigeria Limited.

    Adetona is the hero of a book, titled, Quest for Knowledge: The impartation of the book on Venerable Enoch Adetona, authored by Venerable Charles Fakiyesi.

    He was retiring as a Venerable in the Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) where he served in several capacities for 18 years.

    At the celebration at The Cathedral of Saint Jude in Ebute Meta, Lagos, the Bishop Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Revd Ajinpelu Johnson, delivered a sermon in which he described Adetona as a humble cleric.

    He noted that his life had also been a testimony.

    Johnson said: “God has given him the grace to be 70 and to retire after all his years of service in the house of God. He serves God faithfully in the church and he lives a life of service, diligence and devotion to God.

    “I thank him personally for all he has done for me. He helped me in no small measure to understand so many things. Thank you for your advice, counsel and words of knowledge. God will satisfy you and continue to show Himself to you.”

    Oba Olatunji Kalejaiye (JP), the Akoledoye II Odede of Igbo Egunrin, described Adetona as a God-chosen man, who has remained splendid and loved by all.

    “He is an ideal man, committed Christian and satisfied with what he has. I urge him to serve God more than ever before,” Oba Kalejaiye said.

    Adetona said he felt good and thanked God to be retiring at 70.

    The cleric said he still felt as strong as he was when was 40, adding that God is the secret of his strength as well as eating healthy.

    He said: “Despite how challenging it was for me to go to school, I still made it. I thank God for my parents and family. God cared for me, blessed me, and I give all glory to Him.

    “This book is meant for everyone to know that God is able and He does not give up on us. So, we should not give up on Him. With God, all things are possible…”

    Prince Ademola Adetona said his younger brother’s quest for knowledge had been his major trait since his childhood.

    The book presenter, Sir Abiodun Akinyemi, said it is fantastic.

    He urged all to read it.

    The celebrator’s wife, Bose, thanked God for his life and for the celebrations.

    Fakiyesi said the book is about taking basic education as important to Nigerians, adding that Adetona’s quest for knowledge informed the writing of the book.

     

  • Monarchs endorse lawmaker for second term

    Traditional rulers in Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo local government area of Ondo State have endorsed the lawmaker representing Ile-Oluji-Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Constituency in the National Assembly, Mayowa Akinfolarin, for a second term.

    They urged their subjects to vote for him in next year’s poll.

    The royal fathers said he deserved a second term because of his performance.

    The monarchs spoke through Oba Julius Olufaderin Adetimehin, the Jimoko of Ile-Oluji, at a three-day training and skill acquisition programme facilitated by the lawmaker.

    They said their decision was hinged on the outstanding record of the legislator in the last three years.

    According to them,the lawmaker who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) had sponsored over 12 bills in the National Assembly, adding that he also facilitated laudable projects to the constituency.

    Oba Olufaderin said:” We are proud of him. He is a good ambassador of our constituency. He is a shining example and somebody that should be emulated.

    “Our advice to the people coming behind him is to follow his steps, because he is leaving a landmark that will not be easily surpassed. We love him. He is doing great. He will go for second term.”

    The beneficiariesthanked the lawmaker for organising the programme.

    Akinfolarin said the best way to reciprocate the gesture of the people, who have reposed their confidence in him through their votes, is to reach out to them.

    He said the programme was designed to lift the communities and  ,stressing that he was doing what was expected of him.

    Other leaders at the event included Prince George Adenikinju Odigbo, the Local Government Caretaker Chairman, and Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, the Orunja of Odigbo Kingdom. Religious and opinion leaders also witnessed the occasion.