The Nation Newspaper

Tag: monarchs

  • Five govs, Monarchs, others attend Obiano’s swearing in

    Five governors, including Ayo Fayose(Ekiti), Ifeanyi Okowa(Delta),  Okezie Ikpeazu(Abia),  Dave Umahi and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi(Enugu) yesterday witnessed the swearing in of Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano for a second term in office.

    Obi of Onitsha Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Ooni of Ife Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and Ewi of Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe led other first class monarchs to the occasion.

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, represented Osinbajo at the event held at the Dr Alex Ekwueme square in Awka.

    All former governors of the state, including Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife,  Dame Virgy Etiaba and Ngige were present, the first time such a thing had happened in the state.

    Obiano and his deputy took their oaths of allegiance and office at exactly 12.45 and 1pm respectively administered on them by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Peter Umeadi

    Obiano thanked the people for making his reelection possible, pledging to serve their interests.

    He said: “I am the proof that we have attained great political maturity in this state”

    “I am the evidence that when the occasion demands, we can rise together as one and that when we stand together as one; we can bend the tide of destiny in our favour”

    “Ndi Anambra, this is the moment you have wished for, hoped for and prayed for. And I am here to serve”

    He added: “Let me assure you here that the democratic garden you watered with your votes on November 18, 2017 will bloom with the flowers of progress”

    “It will flourish to our joy and happiness and to the admiration of all Nigerians. We shall work together, dream together and create new narratives with happy endings for ourselves.

    “Our dream is within a touching distance under my watch! We can see its gleaming surface on the horizon.”

    The Ewi of Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, said he attended the event because of Obiano’s leadership style.

    He said Obiano was the kind of leader the country should have, describing him as mature and someone that commands respect in the society and a first class brain.

  • Battle for oil splits Ogoni monarchs, MOSOP

    The Movement for Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has disowned monarchs in Ogoniland, who endorsed an indigenous oil firm, Robo-Michael Limited, to resume oil production in the area.

    It noted that the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers should not have taken sides in the matter.

    MOSOP, yesterday in Port Harcourt, through its Publicity Secretary, Fegalo Nsuke, said: “We wish to state that the endorsement does not in anyway represent the wishes of our (Ogoni) people. We reject and dissociate MOSOP from it.

    “MOSOP reiterates its earlier position that it has not and will not endorse any oil company, be it Robo-Michael Limited, Belema Oil Producing Limited, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) or any other firm, for the purpose of resuming oil production in Ogoniland, until the issues raised by the Ogoni people are addressed through dialogue.

    “No amount of sponsored blackmail will alter our position on the interest of the Ogoni people in the Ogoni oil and on other issues affecting Ogoniland.”

    The organisation said that it was dismayed at the United Kingdom’s appeal court judgment that blocked an attempt to hold Shell accountable for crimes in the Niger Delta.

    It noted that the decision would not exonerate the Anglo/Dutch oil giant from its crimes in the Niger Delta.

    MOSOP said: “We consider the judgment not only as a blow to the aspirations of the Ogoni people and the other people of the Niger Delta, but a bad precedent and a dangerous setback against the hopes of millions of people, who suffer injustice from irresponsible business operations of UK multinationals.

    “The decision is also a call on the people of the Niger Delta to continue to challenge corporate irresponsibility of multinationals like Shell, whose activities threaten the survival of the people, through civil protests.”

  • Ambode installs three monarchs in Badagry

    Three traditional rulers in Badagry area have been installed by the Lagos State Government.

    The monarchs are the Aholu of Ajara Vetho, Oba Koshoedo Ahisu, the Aholu of Ajara Topa, Oba Samuel Owolabani and the Aholu of Ajara Agamathen, Oba Agano Toniyon 1.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muslim Folami, said his administration is committed to improving the lives of the people at the grassroots and making Badagry a tourist centre.

    “This administration is determined to give Badagry the development it requires; that’s why we have commenced several projects around the ancient city which would be completed in due course.

    “We intend to make Badagry a tourist’s haven because of its historical monuments and its proximity to other ECOWAS countries. We have completed the Light Up Lagos Project in Badagry by illuminating the major streets and other inner ones,” he said.

  • Miyetti Allah begs Imo monarchs, farmers

    Miyetti Allah begs Imo monarchs, farmers

    The Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Alhaji Audu Diko, has apologized to monarchs and farmer in Imo State following the incursion of herdsmen into farmlands and subsequent destruction of crops.

    He described the culprits as “unknown herdsmen”.

    Diko, who made the appeal during a meeting with the leadership of Hausa/Fulani herders, Imo community farmers, and traditional rulers, said the Imo people are peace loving and do not deserve any form of assault.

    The meeting was organised by the Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike.

    According to Diko, all acts of violence perpetrated by herdsmen in the state are carried out by unregistered and unidentified herders.

    The monarchs were worried at the destruction of their farmlands by the herdsmen, saying the people may suffer famine if not checked.

    The monarch of Ubomiri in Mbaitoli Council Area, Eze George Eke, called for the establishment of ranches, saying “it saves lives and properties”.

    “The world is going into ranching, it saves herders from walking long distanced and the farmers from loss of farmlands. It comes with peace of mind and the cattle eat better”.

    Eze Andrew Ezenwo of Awara community in Ohaji/Egbema council lamented that herdsmen continue to unleashed mayhem on his people.

    Ezike assured the parties that the meeting will be more regular as demanded by participants.

    He also promised that the committee on herdsmen/farmers crisis in the 27 councils will be strengthened to check any form of crisis.

  • Supporters rally monarchs, cleric for Fayemi

    Supporters rally monarchs, cleric for Fayemi

    Loyalists of the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, have visited traditional rulers and clergymen in Ekiti State to support his yet-to-be-declared governorship bid.

    Acting under the aegis of Just Keep Following Group (JKFG), the supporters urged the monarchs and clerics to support Fayemi when he eventually declares for the top job ahead of the July 14 governorship election.

    They said Fayemi’s tenure between 2010 and 2014 represented the “golden era of Ekiti development,” which should be replicated again after the 2018 poll to bring relief to the people.

    They visited the Chairman of the State Council of Obas, who is also the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, and the state Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joshua Orikogbe.

    The JKFG team also visited the Grand Imam of Ekiti State, who doubles as the President of League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo and Delta states, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, and the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye.

    Fayemi’s men sought royal and celestial blessings for the minister to succeed in the governorship project, if he eventually joins the race.

    Led by the State Coordinator, Comrade Bisi Dada, the JKFG team presented a letter to the traditional rulers and clerics, stating the reasons Fayemi should take another shot at the governorship seat.

    At Oloye’s palace, Dada said Fayemi executed many life-changing projects at the grassroots during his tenure, including the construction of five-kilometre roads in towns and villages and N5,000 monthly stipends for aged people.

    Dada added that Fayemi held obas and their wives in high esteem, sponsored the construction of palaces, a special health scheme for obas, chiefs and their families, procured and distributed brand new vehicles to monarchs.

    He said: “Your Majesty, we seek your prayers for the overall development of our dear state and your son, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, to continue to support the uplifting of the state wherever he finds himself as an individual, if he eventually yields to our request to join the governorship race.”

    Oba Ademolaju said: “All politicians interested in the governorship race are our children. We obas are not politicians; we are after the development of Ekiti. We are fathers of all and we are for peace.”

    Receiving the team, CAN Chairman Rev. Orikogbe promised to convey the message to all Christian leaders.

    Sheikh Kewulere and Bishop Ajakaye prayed for the team.

  • Monarchs, APC leaders endorse Ambode for second term

    Monarchs, APC leaders endorse Ambode for second term

    Traditional rulers and political leaders in Isolo, Lagos West Senatorial District, have endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term.

    They urged the electorate to extend his tenure beyond 2019.

    The Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka Ilufemiloye, Gubernatorial Advisory Committee (GAC) member, Pa Mukaila Taiwo and Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman  Shamusedeen Olaleye, witnessed the launching of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Foundation.

    Home Affairs Commissioner Abdulakeem Abdulateef described the foundation as the campaign platform for the governor’s re-election.

    The ceremony, which was witnessed by notable All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, traditional rulers, businessmen, market leaders, youth groups, community associations and members of indigenous Awori associations, trailed its launching at Ejigbo LCDA few days ago.

    Olaleye, who welcomed the dignitaries, said there was no vacancy at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, the seat of government, in 2019.

    He said the second term bid of the governor was the priority of the APC family.

    Thanking the party leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for its progress and the advancement of political careers of APC chieftains in Lagos, Olaleye said the foundation had the blessing of the former governor.

    He said: “APC has methods. We gather, based on the consent of our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. What we are doing has his stamp. There is no vacancy at Alausa. Governor Ambode is our candidate. All the votes from Osodi/Isolo belong to Ambode in 2019.”

    Giving reasons for the endorsement, the council chairman added: “We thought Babatunde Fashola had finished the work. But Ambode surprised us. Despite the fact that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got the votes in 2015 from here, Ambode completed Ago Palace Way. He didn’t follow the results of the votes cast by the Igbo for the PDP.

    “By all standards, it is one of the best roads in Lagos. He has started the Airport Road. When foreigners come to Nigeria, the first local council they see is Osidi/Isolo. Two more roads’ contracts have been awarded in Isolo. He has turned our general hospital at Isolo to a modern hospital. If he has done all these in two years, he will turn Lagos into another London in the next six years.”

    Oba Agbabiaka hailed Ambode for bringing hope to Lagosians, adding that he had been endorsed by the state’s Council of Traditional Rulers.

    He said: “All of us in Lagos believe that our governor should return in 2019. We the monarchs have endorsed him for a second term and we have communicated our wish to Asiwaju Tinubu.”

    A former member of the House of Assembly, Niyi Fabikun, urged members of the foundation to carry the electorate along.

    He added: “We should prepare. We should not allow the mistake of 2015 to repeat itself.”

    A lawmaker, Jude Idimogu, said: “Our governor is doing well. We will ensure that he gets a second term. His performance is good. I don’t see anybody else coming out to contest against him.”

    Pa Taiwo said: “We should work hard to retrieve our stolen mandate in Isolo from the PDP in 2019.”

    Abdulateef urged the party faithful to emulate Asiwaju Tinubu, who he described as a successful and firm leader.

    He said: “Party politics is meant for ushering in growth and development of the society. Asiwaju Tinubu is a successful leader, who stands tall among his contemporaries. He always stands firm; thus, we must all stand firm. Unless God gives his consent, nobody can be in any position. If there is no development in the society, that means something is wrong with the leadership.”

    The commissioner called for unity, saying no single caucus can singlehandedly win the election for the party.

    He said the foundation had kick-started an unprecedented grassroots mobilisation for the most performing governor in the country.

    According to him, other programmes, including vocational development, human resources development and empowerment of the aged and widows, would follow.

    At the event were the first chairman of Osodi/Isolo LCDA, Chief Ayo Adegboyega; a retired Permament Secretary in the Ministry of Energy Resources, Mrs Iyabo Obasa; Alhaji Shamuseeden Adele; a former House of Representatives member, Gbolahan Okunleye; Alhaji G. A. Lawal, Mrs. Olateru Olagbegi, Chief Kereke Aro, Prince Habeeb Farounbi, Ekerin of Isolo, Chief S. A. Lawal; a former National Population Commissioner, Otunba Sabiu Okanlawon, and council secretary Kolawole Olojede.

  • Monarchs share blessings with Seaman’s Schnapps

    Seaman’s Schnapps, the number one payer drink, engaged traditional rulers in a praying session for the peace, progress and prosperity of the land at the palaces of the Alaafin of Oyo, the Ataoja of Osogbo and Deji of Akure, all in the Southwest.

    The unprecedented initiative, tagged: Share the Blessing, signalled an enduring legacy as Seaman’s Schnapps declared to Nigerians a harvest of enduring blessings and a rebirth of praying culture across socio-cultural groups in the country.

    The Managing Director of Grand Oak Limited, Aare Fatai Odesile, noted that the Share the Blessing campaign was designed to deliver royal blessings from traditional rulers from various ethnic groups to their subjects and other Nigerians.

    The company chief said the campaign entails series of cultural and traditional engagements at palaces of revered monarchs across the land.

    According to him, these are only few of many to come.

    Odesile said the campaign validated Seaman’s Schnapps status as the iconic cultural and prayer drink in Nigeria and beyond.

    The company chief enjoined Nigerians to shower blessings for lasting peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.

    With the high chiefs and other dignitaries in attendance, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, hailed Seaman’s Schnapps on its Share the Blessing initiative and acknowledged the long relationship between the brand and Oyo Kingdom.

    His Imperial Majesty added that prayer rites and libation “are performed as one of the humanly duties demanded by our ancestors”.

    The revered monarch offered prayers for continual peace of Oyo Kingdom and the nation’s progress.

    The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, Larooye II, said Seaman’s Schnapps is renowned for the key role it plays in culture and usage in performing traditional rites.

    He praised the company for its idea and continued effort at promoting the traditions of the land.

     

     

     

  • Tor Tiv urges monarchs to avoid politics

    The Tor Tiv in Benue State, Prof. James Ayatse, has directed rulers in Tiv land not to attend rallies or receptions that have political undertone, but  interact with aspirants or candidates and bless them.

    His directive is in line with Section 25 (1a-r) of the Benue State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Councils Law 2016, which warned against rulers’ involvement in politics and other related matters.

    The paramount ruler, who addressed graded chiefs in his palace yesterday, urged them to abide by the code of conduct of their offices.

     

  • North’s monarchs in Southeast, Southsouth disassociate themselves from quit notice

    Northern traditional rulers in the Southeast and Southsouth have disassociated themselves from the quit notice order issued to the Igbo living in the North by the Arewa Youth Congress (AYC).

    The monarchs spoke yesterday in Umuahia, Abia State capital, at the end of a meeting organised by their chairman, His Royal Highness Sariki Alhaji Yaro Danladi.

    Addressing reporters, Danladi noted that Nigeria’s peace and unity were not negotiable.

    The Sarikin Hausawa said traditional rulers and their subjects would not be part of any call against the nation’s unity.

    He said: “We are saying we are not in support of what is happening in this country today. Our stand is that we want peace in Nigeria. Irrespective of your tribe, ethnic and religion, we are one.

    “For instance, most of these sarikis in the Southeast were born here. Some of us and our mothers are from here; our wives are from here. Likewise for some of our brothers from Southeast in the North. Most of them were born there and they also married people from there.

    “Some have stayed there for close to 60 years. Where will they go? Like me now, if you ask me to go, where do I go to? All my life, I have been here. We want this country to be united as it was done before us.

    “The number one thing I must not fail to say is that the quit notice our brothers gave to non-northerners in the North is wrong. We are totally condemning it and ask them to reconsider that they have people down here in the Southeast too.

    “The hate speeches coming from both sides, we condemn them too and ask our traditional rulers here in the Southeast and Southsouth to liaise with the governments of their states.

    “We are appealing to the 11 state governments of the Southeast and Southsouth to also work with their Sariki because they are the leaders and representatives of our people here.

    “For instance, you all know the role I’ve been playing on issues concerning herdsmen. There was a time such issues were high here in Abia. But as you can see, it’s calm now. That’s how these Sariki can also help in states where they dwell…”

  • Akintola backs multiple monarchs for Ibadan

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Niyi Akintola, has supported the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration’s decision to enthrone more kings in Oyo State through a review of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration Laws.

    Akintola addressed reporters in Ibadan, the state capital, while announcing his aspiration to join the 2019 governorship race.

    He said the review was not long overdue, adding that governments before Ajimobi tinkered with the idea by setting up different panels of enquiry.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart hailed Ajimobi for resolving to implement recommendations of the commission, which examined the matter.

    The aspirant noted that the review lingered because of the lack of will by past administrations before Ajimobi.