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Tag: monarchs

  • Monarchs caution Ize-Iyamu on foul language

    Monarchs caution Ize-Iyamu on foul language

    THE traditional ruler of Ugbegun community, His Royal Highness (HRH) Zaiki Samuel Iwolo Obade II, has advised the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to avoid the use of foul language in his campaigns.

    The monarch gave the advice when Ize-Iyamu and his running mate, Mr. John Yakubu, led other party chieftains to pay him a courtesy visit, in continuation of the PDP campaign tour of Edo Central.

    He warned politicians against beating drums of war, adding that experience has taught him, as a former soldier who was at the war front, that war should be avoided at all times by all concerned, because it is evil.

    He said: “Whatever your opponent might say against you, preach politics without bitterness, preach peace. If the other party abuses you and you reply, the people will not know that you are better.

    “If you pay him back in the same coin, it will look as if you have the same mission. Tell the people what you will do better than the present government, if voted into power. Use decent words. I beg of you, be decent anywhere you go; so that you will win the people for yourself and your party.”

    He added: “If somebody is ready to fight you, say no, you don’t want to fight. Whether you are a chief, a politician, a journalist or a party man; go into the field and preach good news and good news will happen to you.

    “We do not want war. The episode of the wild, wild West during the Action Group political era should be avoided at all cost. We don’t want that; we want a winner in the election that will win and there will be peace.”

  • Lagos monarchs condemn destruction of 48 BRT buses

    Monarchs from Ikorodu have visited the Majidun, Lagos office of Primero Transport Services to express their sympathy over the destruction of 48 Blue BRT buses by hoodlums in Maryland.

    Led by the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kamoru Sotobi, the monarchs among who were the Ranodu of Imota, Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro and eight others, called on Lagosians to eschew violence and resist taking the laws into their hands.

    They bemoaned the unwarranted attack against buses, which they said had relieved transportation challenges facing their people since they began to service the route six months ago.

    Oba Agoro, who spoke on behalf of other monarchs, said they were saddened by the level of carnage meted on the franchisee, adding that the destruction of 48 buses was one too much.

    He prayed that God would grant the company the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Oba Agoro said the monarchs visited the company to verify whether the 48 buses were damaged by hoodlums, adding that they were extremely sad because of its effect on commuters.

    He said: “This is the first major incident that has serious impact on commuters on the route and we only pray to God almighty to grant the company the capacity to repair these buses on time in order to enable them put them (the buses) back on the road. We sympathise with the franchisee.”

    He said it could have been more beneficial, if the N193 million that would be used to repair the  buses had been pushed into purchasing more buses to provide services to the people of the area.

    Primero Transport Service Managing Director Mr. Fola Tinubu praised the monarchs for identifying with the company in its time of trial.

    Tinubu, who thanked Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the support he has enjoyed since the incident happened, said the governor has promised to come to the company’s aid.

    He said: “The violence has rendered 10 per cent of our buses immobile by our last assessment. It would take no less than two weeks to complete the repairs of the buses.”

    He said 15 suspects have so far been arrested and the police were  investigating the matter.

  • Violence: Edo North monarchs apologise to Odubu

    Violence: Edo North monarchs apologise to Odubu

    The Otaru of Auchi kingdom, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, has led other prominent traditional rulers in Edo North to apologise to Edo State Deputy Governor Pius Odubu for the attack on him in Auchi. He called for reconciliation between Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Odubu.

    The monarch extolled the cordial relationship between Oshiomhole and Odubu in the past seven and a half years. He said that at a time like this, the friendship should not turn sour.

    He said that the development of the state is tied to the oneness of purpose. The monarch prayed Almighty Allah that nothing should separate the governor and his deputy.

    The traditional ruler urged the deputy governor not to be distracted by mischief makers, who want to trivialise the attack across ethnic and senatorial divides. He assured the aspirant that the traditional institution recognised his ambition.

    Otaru thanked the Almighty Allah that no lives were lost during the unfortunate incident and prayed for quick recovery of those presently receiving treatment.

    The traditional rulers in the senatorial district had earlier resolved to investigate the matter, even as the Otaru said youths in his kingdom where the incident happened are not known to own guns.

    Oturu promised that the royal fathers will mediate in the dispute  and the rancour in the House of Assembly.

    The relationship between Oshiomhole and Odubu was strain when the later declared his intention to contest the governorship election.

    The Otaru said: “We want to see the governor and hear from him what is happening.”

    He said the issues are germane and as traditional rulers they have resolved to look for a way to addressing them, adding that this informed their decision to go into the matter and try to settle them.

    “I can assure you that we have disciplined youth in this community and they don’t have the gun to go and be shooting at people and we don’t have guns in Auchi. It is a case of internal political conflicts and those conflicts are exclusive to them. I am not aware that any Auchi youth has taken part in that crisis. The incident that happened in Auchi was one that nobody expected to happen and we as a community are very sympathetic with the deputy governor, but we are investigating who and who would have been responsible.”

    The traditional rulers also visited the governor, and heir apparent to the Benin throne Crown Prince, Eheneden Erediauwa, to commiserate with him over the death of his father Oba Erediauwa.

    Odubu escaped death in Auchi as gunmen shot at him inside the APC Secretariat, Auchi as he was being received by the delegates of Etsako West Local Government Area, the governor’s hometown.

  • One throne, three monarchs

    A community in Anambra State is in a dilemma. Three persons are laying claim to its throne. Who gets it? NWANOSIKE ONU reports

    Can there be two captains in one boat? Well, there are even more than two in Ezi-Agulu Otu Aguleri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State: three men are jostling for one stool.

    The rivalry comes with dire consequences. Apart from the effects of battle on the individual royal combatants, there is tension in the community, whose residents are divided into three camps, each behind one claimant.

    The farming community shares boundaries with Aguleri, Umuoba Anam and Ivite Aguleri.

    Since their monarch Igwe Titus Nwata died some years back, the sleepy community has been without a traditional ruler, only administered by Ndi Ichie (elders in council).

    The community, it was gathered, traditionally rotates the traditional stool among three quarters in the area: Umuriabo, Umuanevilli and Okpata. But the monarch of the community is selected by Ndichie.

    Today, however, that spirit of sharing seems lost or at best weakened. It now looks as if everyone fends for themselves, the communal tradition all but gone, especially in matters of the royal throne.

    Three persons in the community lay claim to the traditional stool of Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri, each of them as prominent as the other, all bearing the royal title of Igwe or king.

    They are Igwe Peter Chukwenze Anielutu; Igwe Michael O. N. Enemuo and Igwe Peter Ikegbunam Udorji.

    Among the three, Igwe Udorji was recently given a certificate of recognition by the state government, some said hurriedly, despite the pendency of the matter at the state High Court in Otuocha.

    The action of the state government has further sparked off more controversy in the area. For Udorji has not vacated the “convict” slur hanging on his head.

    Before he was offered the certificate of recognition by the state government, one of the lawyers in the matter, Sunny Nworie from Nworie, Osili and Co chambers, had written a petition to Obiano on  December 1, 2015 intimating him of the dangers of such action.

    The petition was entitled “Re: Secret move by one Chief Peter Ikegbunam  Udorji, a convict, to fraudulently obtain certificate of recognition as the Igwe-Elect of Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri community from Anambra State government, despite the pendency of suit No. OT/11/2013 over the Igweship tussle, appeal for your immediate intervention”.

    That petition was copied to the Secretary to the State Government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Matters and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters.

    Others who were equally copied included the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Director, State Security Services, Otuocha.

    The petition went further to remind the government that Udorji was a convict whose conviction has not been upturned by any court and as such, not fit and proper to occupy such a sensitive position as the custodian of Eziagulu-Otu Aguleri’s traditions and customs.

    The said monarch was convicted at the magistrate court of Nnewi in Anambra State in 2013 in suit No. MAN/88c/2008 presided over by Chief Magistrate, D.A Onyefulu on a five-count charge.

    He appealed the matter at the High Court in Otuocha, presided over by Justice D.O.C Amaechina in appeal No. OT/2CA/2013 but the conviction was upheld by the court.

    The charges were conspiracy to commit misdemeanor, entering a land in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace, wilful and unlawful damage to cassava crops, cashew trees and signboards.

    Others were willfully and unlawfully removing beacons erected as boundary and giving false information to the police contrary to section 154, (1)b of the criminal code cap 36 volume II of the reversed laws of Anambra State

    But Igwe Udorji, while speaking with The Nation, did not want to talk about his conviction; he rather alleged that it was one of the claimants to the throne, Igwe Enemuo that was involved in advance fee fraud commonly called 419’.

    He said, “Look at somebody who wants to be the Igwe without a good record; the certificate of recognition has been given to me already. (He displayed it to the reporter)  Those people will never be the Igwe.”

    Enemuo laughed off Udorji’s allegation, saying he would make no other imputs on the matter until the court process ends.

    However, Igwe Anielutu who hails from Umuanevilli Clan, is fully abreast of the constitution of the land that became operational in 2005.

    Also, the oldest man in the community, Ogbuanyinya Nnechi Mmorah is the head of the body known as Ndichie-in-council, the highest decision-making body in the community, and has been backing Anielutu.

    Mmorah’s father before his death, it was gathered, presided over the selection of Anielutu and his installation in 2013.

    But Enemuo disagreed, adding that it was the turn of Okpata to produce the new monarch, adding that the people of Umuanevilli are trying to impose themselves on the community.

    He maintained that he, apart from the traditional homage to all the three villages in Eziagulu Otu, all the Ndichie and other relevant bodies in the community attended and participated in his coronation as the Igwe of the community.

    One of the indigenes of the community, Mr. Damian Okafor, told The Nation in Awka that the issue of who becomes the traditional ruler of their land has been giving them concerns.

    He said the three persons laying claim to the throne are all qualified except one person, who he refused to mention, adding that the earlier the court decided on the matter the better for the community.

    This is the first time a community in Anambra State is having three claimants to one stool. What had been going on in the state had been a situation where two persons vied for such stool.

     

  • Monarchs, councils, others seek peace in Anambra schools

    Monarchs, councils, others seek peace in Anambra schools

    After years of rift between federal higher institutions and host communities in Anambra State, peace may be afoot following a parley hosted by three local councils. In attendance were traditional rulers, administrators of the schools and other stakeholders including the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

    Some of these institutions are the Federal Polytechnic Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area and Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze in Orumba South council.

    The rift often led to open confrontation between the host communities and the institutions. Many lives have been lost in the crises, a good number injured while properties have been destroyed in those areas.

    At issue is what has been referred to as sharing formula bordering on local content, with the communities alleging that the school administrators do not give the communities what is due to them. In a word, the institutions’ administrators have been accused of playing god.

    The traditional rulers of those kingdoms have also been accused of fuelling the crisis.

    For years, the impasse endured.

    That was why the Federal Character Commission (FCC), stormed the state seeking solutions to the rift.

    The event which was hosted by three local government areas of Aguata, Orumba North and Orumba South, at the Orumba North council headquarters in Ajalli, was attended by their traditional rulers and Presidents General, among others.

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, while members of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) came in their numbers.

    The chairman of the commission, Dr. Shettima Bukar Abba was represented by Comrade Bunmi Ojo, the commissioner representing Ekiti State and Chairman, Publicity and Public Relations Committee.

    In his address, Abba said with the increasing misunderstanding between the management of federal institutions and the stakeholders of the host communities, the commission embarked on a nationwide public enlightenment programme to educate the public on the application of the FCC principle in recruitment.

    He said, “We believe that at the end of this meeting, everybody will be better informed on this principle.

    “The continued lopsidedness observed in the staff disposition of some federal institutions will no longer be tolerated as chief executives of the institutions will be held liable and accountable.”

    “In enforcing section 14 (3) and (4) of the Nigerian constitution, the commission ensures equitable and fair representation in recruitments and appointments in the public service and federal institutions among the federating units as well as a fair distribution of socio-economic and infrastructural facilities nationwide at the three tiers of government.”

    For Governor Obiano, the issue of federal character is what makes Nigeria a united force.

    He said there have been problems in most of these institutions which, according to them, create tension in such places, adding that federal institutions require the spirit of federal character.

    He said, “We should have peace and tranquility, let us eschew rancour in our institutions and communities, we create these problems ourselves, we should listen to the FCC for us to accommodate one another.”

    In his paper entitled “Location of higher institutions in a Nigeria community and the application of federal character principle” presented by Vincent Onobun, Director, State and Primary Affairs, said host communities should take the lead in making sure that the rules of FCC are carried to the later.

    He said all the conflicts between host communities and the institutions should cease because, according to him, they retard development in such areas.

    Furthermore, he said that it would be disastrous for host communities to fight for what belongs to all.

    However, the traditional ruler of Oko kingdom, Igwe Prof Laz Ekwueme was not happy that he was left in the dark over the arrangement by the FCC and the school authorities.

    He said the information they received was a good one, but never knew it was also going to turn into a political meeting.

    The monarch said woe betide anybody who supports that one man determines what happens in a higher institutions like Oko federal polytechnic, while responding to the statement by the monarch of Ufuma, Igwe Chika Uchime.

    Uchime had said that they had nightmares from the people of Oko, who according to him do not allow the management of the school to work freely, adding that they were not the owners of the institutions alone, but a collective ownership.

    Others who spoke while harping on peace included the secretary of (FCC), David Olufemi Fakaye, the commissioner representing Ebonyi state in (FCC), Dr Nte Mbam, president General of Ajalli, Bob Okorie-Orji among others.

  • ‘Monarchs can help in sanitation exercise’

    The Etsu of Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Alhaji Shaban Nizazo has urged the Minister, Mallam Mohammed Bello  to integrate traditional rulers in the environmental sanitation activities in their areas.

    Speaking during the sensitisation Town Hall meeting in Kwali, Nizazo said that he will work towards supporting the sensitisation exercise that will help in preaching the gospel of a clean and healthy environment to residents of various communities in the area.

    Nizazo urged the traditional rulers to carry the message of keeping a healthy environment to their subjects, so as to prevent the spread of the Lassa fever in the area.

    The monarch further called on residents to always engage in cleaning and clearing of their environment, having a proper waste disposal and provision of decent toilet facilities, as well as clean water towards boosting a healthy environment.

    He urged the people to work hard towards creating a good environment for themselves to live in, while calling on them to avoid activities that might pollute the air especially, bush burning.

    “Whatever we give to the environment, we inhale it back into our body through respiration and that is the reason we need to relate with environment carefully.

    “There is need for good sanitation in Kwali area council, because unhealthy environment is more of a crisis than the insurgency. The various environmental bodies in Kwali spear heading environmental hygiene in area should wake up to their responsibilities,” he said.

     

  • Yewa monarchs, politicians strategise for 2019

    Yewa monarchs, politicians strategise for 2019

    Yewa monarchs, led by the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, and top politicians from the old Egbado Division have renewed their agitation for power shift to Ogun West Senatorial District, ahead of the 2019 polls, reports Correspondent ERNEST NWOKOLO.

    The next governorship election will hold in Ogun State in 2019. Ahead of the poll, the people of Yewaland, Ogun West Senatorial District, are re-grouping and strategising.

    The primary target, as was the case in the past, is to produce a governor for the Gateway State.

    The area comprises of five Local Governments – Yewa South, Yewa North, Ipokia, Ado/Odo/Ota and Imeko-Afon and for those not conversant with their political plights in the state, they may be tempted to interrogate the propriety of the seemingly hasty schemings and preparations for the 2019 governorship election that is at least three years away.

    However, for others accustomed to witnessing how often the number one seat has continued to elude the Yewas over the years at the altar of the legendary internal crisis and lack of cohession among them, no time is too early to hit the ground running or start beating the drum of unity for the Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office.

    Ogun, the home state of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, late philantropist and politician, Chief Moshood Abiola and the Afenifere Leader,  the late Pa Abraham Adesanya, will be 40 years old next month.

    Although, it has three in Senatorial districts – Ogun East (Ijebu and Remo), Ogun Central (Egba) and Ogun West (Yewa), but in what appears baffling to not a few persons in the state, the Egbas and Ijebu/Remo have produced governors – Chief Olusegun Osoba (Egba), the incumbent Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Egba), the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo (Ijebu) and Gbenga Daniel (Ijebu/Remo), Yewa has not enjoyed the slot.

    Attempts were made in the past by prominent politicians from the area such as late Prof. Olabimtan and the late Dr. Tunji Otegbeye, to govern the state but such attempt turned out to be a feeble one in the face of more organised, united and robust political onslaughts by opponent – politicians from Egba and Ijebu/Remo zones of the state.

    The highest elective positions the district has enjoyed are deputy governor for eight years  and the Speaker of the House of Assembly Alhaja Salmot Makanjuola Badru served as deputy governor under the Gbenga Daniel administration and Prince Suraj Adekunbi as Speakder.

    However, in the last 16 years, there were renewed efforts by politicians from Yewa to occupy the seat, but the office is still an elusive and a forlorn hope.

    The first time the zone came close to making it was in 2011. The wind of power shift blew in their favour, but they missed it, having suffered internal strife and division, which culminated in the clash of ambitions between former military administrator of old Oyo state and ECOMOG Commander during the Liberian civil war, General Tunji Olurin, and ex – Group Managing Director, Gateway Holdings, Prince Gboyega Isiaka. Both stood against Senator Ibikunle Amosun from Egba during the April 26, 2011 elections.

    The chief promoter of Olurin on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was Obasanjo, who described him as the best man for the job among the Yewas while the former governor, Daniel was Isiaka rooting for the arrowhead in the push for Isiaka’s governorship agenda on the platform of the Peoples Party of Nigeria(PPN).

    Olurin was said to be trusted, experienced, credible and with global exposure, but ambition led to division among Yewa people, kept his people acrimoniously divided among themselves over who should go for the job between him and the more celebral and also younger Isiaka.

    Also, the feud between Obasanjo and Daniel during that period did not help matter for either Olurin or Isiaka, as their people became polarised. The opportunity for block votes  was forfeited and the battle was eventually lost to Amosun, who enjoyed the unity and numerical strength of his Egba kinsmen.

    As if the zone is in capable of profitting from experience, the avoidable mistakes of 2011 were repeated in 2015 when two persons – Akin Odunsi, who was elected as senator for Ogun West (Yewa) on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) entered the April 11, 2015 governorship race on the platform of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) along with Gboyega Isiaka (PDP) to confront  Amosun on the field.

    As expected, the Yewa people could not agree on a single candidate from the zone in 2015, and not surprisingly

    Amosun, the candidate of the APC, again defeated Isiaka and Odunsi to return to Oke Mosan Governor’s Office for a second term.

    Ahead of 2019, Yewa is now re-strategising.

    The Paramount ruler of Yewaland and Olu of Ilaro,  Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, appeared to have subtly set the tone for them when he called on his people during the last Orona Cultural Festival to work selflessly for the unity and progress of Yewaland.

    Oba Olugbenle followed this up with another  call on the sons and daughters, particularly the politicians,  on December 26 last year,  urging them to take a critical appraisal of their fate in Ogun state since its creation.

    The monarch advised them to forget the acrimony arising from their unsuccessful attempts to produce a governor in the past, chart the best way forward and focus on the task ahead of them with the hope of breaking the jinx in 2019.

    Olugbenle said: “We should reflect more on what the future holds for us in Yewaland almost 40 years after the creation of Ogun State. Let us forget about the past and with optimism, positively look into the greatness ahead of our land. Where we are going as a division in Ogun State is more important than where we are coming from.”

    The monarch spoke during a civic reception organised by him  and over 40 royal fathers from Yewaland for past and serving government functioneries, politicians, distinguished sons and daughters.

    At the ceremony, were the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Rahmon Bello; Second Republic Minister of National Planning, Mrs. Ebun Oyagbola,  General Tunji Olurin; the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI); Senator Solomon Adeola representing Lagos West in the National Assembly; and Speaker Ishola.

    Others are three members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele, Hon. Kayode Oladele and Hon. Adekunle Akinlade; the Rector of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, Dr. Olufunke Akinkurolere; two commissioners of police, Mr. Rasheed Akintunde and Mr. Olusola Amore; Professor Emeritus, Anthony Asiwaju.

    Also, the Olubara of Ibaraland, Oba Jacob Omolade, emphasised the import of power shift.

    Oba Omolade said the time has come for the Yewa people to occupy Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office, adding that the opportunity should not be allowed to slip off again.

    The monarch said Obasanjo, has always been well disposed towards the emergence of a Yewa person as a governor, saying that informed why he backed the candidacy of  Olurin from Ilaro during the 2011 general polls.

    He also pointed out that unknown to many, the traditional rulers in Yewaland had already started working towards ensuring that the highest office does not elude them in 2019.

    He argued that other zones – Egba(Ogun Central) and Ogun East(Ijebu and Remo) which had produced governors in turns, are also watching to see how the Yewa people could make use of the auspicious forthcoming political climate to actualise their long held dream of producing a Governor.

    The monarch charged his kinsmen to forge a united front with the ultimate aim of making one of their own the governor of the state and quickly suggested that Oba Olugbenle, should set up a Committee of Veteran Politicians from Yewaland.

    Omolade said the committee when formed, would be charged with the task of resolving any dispute or crisis that may arise among sons and daughters of the area who would be aspiring to contest the governorship seat  of the state in 2019.

    He said the setting – up of  the committee had become imperative to forestall a repeat of the situations where multiple candidates from different political parties emerged from the zone in 2011 and 2015.

    He said: “Obasanjo has always supported our cause. He brought out Olurin. We tried for Olurin to be governor but we did not succeed. Also, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka then came out at the same time. But we thank God because if it was our time, one of them would have won. But our time has now come.

    “The Yewa royal fathers have started working. So, I would also enjoin our people to rise to the occasion. May God help us. I urge the paramount ruler to set up a committee of veteran politicians so that in 2019, the kind of crisis, division and disunity we experienced in 2011 would not occur again.

    “We tried our best then, but failed. But if we allow our elders, only one candidate would be presented. We are not talking about party here. The Egba, the Remo and Ijebu are expecting us to do something. But when we are not united, how do we do that?

    “So, whoever emerges as the governorship candidate, we should all support him. You politicians, I want you to talk to yourselves because we find it difficult to control you. If I could come all the way from Abeokuta to talk to us like this, you should know that this is a serious matter.”

    The  indigenes and political actors appeared to have started giving heed to their traditional rulers’ call for unity.

    Perhaps, it has dawned on them collectively, that should they continue to proceed in the pursuit of the prime office with the fate of a divided house, the more united and focused zones like the Egba and Ijebu-Remo would keep rotating the seat between Ogun Central and Ogun East while the Yewas of Ogun West inevitably would take their self – assigned spectators’ role.

    Senator Solomon Adeola, said his kinsmen are resolute about 2019.

    “It is the time Yewa is looking on to its people and God to have ultimate prize come 2019. The unity simply indicate an indivisible entity. It is when we come together and be under one umbrella that we can bring this to pass.

    “Now that we have resolved and are resolute,  this will tell the whole world that Yewa is ready more than ever before, so that 2019 can be a reality.

    “I believe, with the right step in the right direction that has been taken by our traditional rulers and the leaders, it is possible to have a consensus candidate, because all we are after is for us to see that come 2019, we have a man in the help of affairs which is a Yewa man,” Adeola said.

    Also, Gboyega Isiaka who has been a direct victim, electorally, of the Yewa’s lack of cohession, expressed the optimism that it is possible for the zone to have a consensus candidate regardless of the political parties unlike what obtained in 2011 and 2015.

    “I have a direct experience of lack of unity in us and I know that if we are united it will sow a good result and it is also not impossible to have a single candidate in 2019 to represent the whole of Yewa land,” he said.

    For Adekunbi, the support and cooperation of the people of other zones are also pivotal to the success of Yewa 2019 agenda.

    According to Adekunbi, the alliances outside Yewaland should also be courted while the rights every of any Ogun state indigene to aspire for the position of a Governor be accomodated.

    “Politics is a game of numbers and I want to believe that aside from the present occupant of the exhalted position of the state, all good people of ogun state and all citizen of Ogun are bonifide candidate for the position.

    “ I want to believe nothing is impossible but we should not see it as a matter of do or die affair,  all we should ensure is that people are given a sense of belonging and we should also know that even if a single  Yewa candidate  emerges, we can not do it all alone, we should always carry (other) people along in our activities,” Adekunbi.

    The Speaker’s pisition tallied with the notion earlier advocated by former Deputy Governor Rafiu Ogunleye.

    Ogunleye, who was one the governorship aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) told reporters at his Ijebu countryhome, that the Ogun East and Ogun Central should resolve to support the Yewa people(Ogun West) to actualize the dream of a Yewa son or daughter becoming a Governor in Ogun State.

    He noted that since the Ogun East and Ogun Central naturally enjoy  numerical strength, it is imperative that the Yewa people court their political alliance in their quest for number one Office in the state.

    However, it is worthy of note that the Yewa monarchs and their subjects have started working early enough for the actualization of the Yewa Governorship Agenda in 2019 but will they get it right when the election year eventually beckons?

    Will the unity song raised by Oba Olugbenle and chorused by his subjects towards the attainment of an emerged Governor of Ogun state from Yewa extraction be sustained till 2019? Analysts say only time will tell as the rest of Ogun people watch the unfolding deft political moves with keen interest.

     

  • Monarchs who passed on in 2015

    Monarchs who passed on in 2015

    The year 2015 undoubtedly went down as a very eventful one in the history of Nigeria. Aside witnessing a landmark general election that saw to the removal of an incumbent president for the very first time in Nigeria’s history, the year also witnessed remarkably the passing on of a good number of influential monarchs across the ethno-political divides of the country. Dorcas Egede takes another look at the year, highlighting some of the frontline monarchs that joined their ancestors in it.

    Alhaji Muhammad Kabiru Danbaba, Emir of Gusau, Zamfara State-March 2015

    Born on 15th October, 1927 into the royal family of the renowned founder of the Gusau Kingdom, Mallam Sambo Dan Ashafa, Alhaji Muhammad Kabiru Danbaba OFR became the Magajin Sabon Gari in 1974 at the age of 47. He held that title for 10 years, following which he was made district Head of Gusau in 1984, a position he held for 13 years. Because of his efficiency and zeal in office, he was upgraded in 1997 to the level of a second class Emir, and later to the rank of a first class Emir in 2000.

    Emir Muhammad Kabiru Danbaba died on the 5th of March, 2015, following a protracted illness and hospitalisation. He is survived by 37 children and an undisclosed number of grandchildren.

    Oba Stephen Suulade Adedugbe Jibubokun II, Jegun of Ile-Oluji, Ondo State-June 2015

    A graduate of Kingston College of Technology, England, where he studied Engineering and Purdue University, Indiana, USA, where he obtained a Master’s degree, Oba (Engr) Stephen Suulade Adedugbe Jibubokun was born on the 15th February, 1938.

    Following an illustrious career as an engineer, during which he was member of several professional bodies at home and abroad, and rose to become Assistant Director in the Federal Ministry of Surveys, the then Engr. Stephen Suulade Adedugbe ascended the throne of his fore-fathers as the Jegun of Ile-Oluji in 1990.

    During his 25-year reign, Oba Adedugbe contributed immensely to the development of Ile-Oluji, seeing to the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic in the town, as well as standing by Gov. Olusegun Mimiko during his 22-month legal battle to regain his mandate from the late Gov Olusegun Agagu.

    He survived a youth protest calling for his removal in 2013, following allegations that he had diverted public funds.

    Oba Adedugbe passed on in his sleep at about 4 a.m. on Saturday June 4, 2015.

    Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, Ooni of Ife, Osun State-July 2015

    The late Òoni of Ifè, Oba Okùnadé Síjuwadé was born into one of the ruling houses in Ilé-Ifè on January 1, 1930. He studied at Abeokuta Grammar School and Oduduwa College in Ilé-Ifè, and later at Northampton College, United Kingdom, where he studied Business Management. At age 30, he became a manager in Leventis, a Greek-Nigerian conglomerate. In 1963, he became Sales Director of the state-owned National Motor in Lagos. His business focus took a new dimension in 1964, after he spotted a business opportunity during his visit to the Soviet Union. He thus formed a company to distribute Soviet-built vehicles and equipment in Nigeria, which became the nucleus of a widespread business empire. Sijuwade also invested in real estate in his home town of Ilé-Ifè.

    He became the 50th Òòni of Ifè in 1980, assuming the royal title, Olúbùse II and going down as one of the wealthiest monarchs of his time. He was coronated on the 6th of December, 1980 in a ceremony attended by top-class monarchs including the Emir of Kano, the Oba of Benin, Amayanabo of Opobo and Olu of Warri, as well as representatives of Queen Elizabeth of England.

    Oba Síjuwadé died on July 28, 2015 in a UK hospital after a 35-year reign.

    Nde Shedrack Dimlong, Ngolong Ngas (Plateau State)-August 2015

    Traditional ruler of the Ngas nation of Pankshin and Kanke Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nde Shedrack Dimlong, passed on after a protracted illness on Friday, June 26, 2015, in Jos at the age of 58.

    Alhaji Muhammadu Manga III, Emir of Misau (Bauchi State) – August 2015

    Alhaji Muhammadu Manga III OFR, Emir of Misau, Bauchi State, passed on Tuesday, 11th of August, 2015, after a protracted illness.

    While commiserating with the people of Misau and Bauchi State at large, the state governor, Mohammed Abubakar, said Bauchi State and the country at large had lost a statesman. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, also described him as a selfless leader.

    Turbanned as the 10th Emir of Misau Emirate Council in October, 1979, Alhaji Manga III was one of the six emirs in Bauchi State.

    He is survived by four wives and 27 children.

    Ogiame Atuwatse II, Olu of Warri, Delta State-September 2015

    Olu of Warri, Godwin Toju Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse II, who joined his ancestors on Friday, 4th of September, 2015, ascended the throne of his forefathers in 1987. He reigned for 28 years. Emiko was the only son of his father, who was made a member of the Warri Traditional Council since 1983. A lawyer by profession, he was also a member of Warri Local Government council, where he served in several capacities.

    The late monarch was a practising Christian, who built a Foursquare Church inside his palace. In 2013, he shocked the majority of his very traditional subjects, when he announced his decision to relinquish the traditional title of Ogiame, on the ground that it derived from a river goddess. This sparked a crisis, with the people giving him an option to either retain the title or vacate the royal stool, which he occupied in trust for the entire Iwere land (Itsekiri Kingdom). The people’s will eventually prevailed, as the king eventually capitulated and reverted to the status quo.

    He passed on in a Lagos hospital after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife and children.

    Alhaji Abbas Ibrahim, Emir of Zing (Taraba State)-September 2015

    Alhaji Abbas Ibrahim, Emir of Zing, was installed in 1996 following the demise of his father, Alhaji Ibrahim.

    He passed last September during the stampede that occurred at the last hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Aside the emir, his two wives were also among the 700 people who lost their lives in that tragedy.

    In a tribute to the late first class ruler, the Aku-uka of Wukari, Dr. Shekarau Agyo, described the Kpanti Zing as an honest, dedicated and God-fearing leader and upholder of multiculturalism within his chiefdom. Emir Ibrahim was described by the Taraba State governor, Ishaku Darius as a great ruler who brought peace and unity to his domain and died at a time when the country needed his likes to help achieve the much desired change in the system.    The late Emir Ibrahim, 62, reigned for 19 years and is survived by two wives and 36 children.

    Haliru Dantoro Kitoro III, Emir of Borgu Kingdom (Niger State)-October 2015

    The late Haliru Dantoro Kitoro III, paramount ruler of Borgu Kingdom, who died aged 77 in October 2015 in a German hospital, was a nobleman, administrator, politician, and statesman, who had a rewarding career in the public service and politics.

    Born in 1938, the late Emir attended an elementary school at Old Bussa from 1945-1949; Pakata Elementary School, Ilorin (1950) and Baboko Senior Primary School, Ilorin (1950-1953). While in the primary school in Ilorin, little Dantoro lived in the Zango area of Ilorin and covered the 9-mile distance each school day for four years. From 1953 to 1955, he was at Ilorin Middle School (now Government Secondary School), Ilorin, Kwara State.

    He went on to study Administration at the Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

    The late traditional ruler was a Senator in 1992 on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention. Before then, he served briefly as a Minister of the FCT in 1983 under the then President Shehu Shagari, and was detained briefly, following the coup that ousted the Shagari administration on December 31, 1983.

    Haliru Dantoro Kitoro III was the overall 315th Emir of the kingdom and the 16th in modern times.

    The Tor of Tiv, Alfred AkaweTorkula (Benue State)-November 2015

    Born on 10th July, 1944, Dr Alfred Akawe Torkula became the fourth Tor of Tiv on April 21, 1991.

    He passed on in a hospital on Sunday, 22nd November, 2015, at the age of 71. In his lifetime, he was a devoted king, who sought to teach his subjects the same devotion he had for his land and people.

    Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Muhammadu Chindo, Yamusa II (Nasarawa State)-December 2015

    The Emir of Keffi, Muhammadu Yamusa II, who was also the Chancellor of the Nasarawa State University at the time he went to be with his ancestors, will according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, “be greatly remembered as an advocate of peace and unity as a prerequisite for meaningful development in the country.”

    The advocate of peace was 70, and reigned for 37 years, having ascended the throne on May 11, 1978.

    He is survived by 2 wives, 27 children and many grandchildren.

    Oba Samson Alade Balogun (JP), the Elegbeda of Egbeda Kingdom, Lagos State – August 2015

    Oba Samson Alade Balogun (JP) the Elegbeda of Egbeda Kingdom of Lagos State, ascended the throne in 2000. Ruling for 15 years, the Kafowoshebi Ilemobade Omoya II died in the early hours of Friday, August 14, 2015, owing to an illness. It was learnt that he was being prepared for a flight to London for medical treatment when he gave up the ghost.

  • ‘Give monarchs a role’

    A community, Lafiagi in Edu local government area of Kwara state has urged the National Assembly to assign a role in the constitution to traditional rulers.

    Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, to herald the 40th coronation of Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Sa’adu Haliru, Turakin Lafiagi Abdulrahman Shehu said that as custodians of the people’s culture, traditional rulers should be given a role backed up by the constitution.

    Alhaji Shehu dismissed calls in some quarters for self-determination and sovereignty as misplaced, adding that “it is correct to connect with your kith and kin but not [to the] detriment of the country’s indivisibility.”

    He said that the grand finale of the coronation which comes up December 5, 2015, would be graced by Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.

    He said that “there will be conferment of traditional titles on some prominent and deserving personalities in the country; specifically, six distinguished and eminent Nigerians are to be conferred with traditional titles.”

     

  • ‘I ‘ll work with monarchs’

    The governorship candidate of the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) in Kogi State, Mr. Enesi Ozigi, has said he will work with monarchs, if elected.

    Ozigi, who spoke at the palace of the Elulu of Mopa and Chairman, Mopamuro Traditional Council, Oba Julius Joledo, as part of his campaign in Mopamuro Local Government, said he would work with rulers to ensure grassroots development.

    He said the royal fathers would be partners in his desire to make life meaningful in the rural areas.

    His words: “Your royal highness, I thank you for welcoming us to Mopamuro. My government will work with monarchs to ensure peace and security, which is a condition for development.

    “Our state is in need of visionary leadership. Poverty is ravaging rural dwellers, as their roads are bad. They suffer to get water and health care. This is unacceptable in this century. As patriots, we cannot watch our people suffer amid opportunities.

    “I’m determined to get our agricultural policies on track. We need to help our farmers go into commercial farming. Mopamuro council is blessed with arable land and we shall invest in it.

    “I will not disregard the traditional institution if I become governor. I will rely on your royal advice to move the state forward.”