The Nation Newspaper

Tag: MYSTERY

Mystery of Esie soapstone
Esie soapstone image is one of Nigeria’s classical objects/artifacts well known among the mysteries of the artistic world. It is found in Esie town in Kwara State.

Over the years, lots of researches have been carried out without any conclusive result unveiling the mystery about the people of Esie and these artifacts.

In 1912, a German Ethnographer Leo Frobenius, noticed these stone images and he initially collected three carved stone heads from a neighbouring town of Offa.

The uniqueness of these carved stone arouses interest on Esie stone images. Also, because he was overwhelmed by the artistic quality of the Ife terracotta much curiosity was not given to Esie work.

Until 1933, when H. G. Ramshaw, School Inspector at Church Missionary Society of Nigeria also learned of them and informed others about them.

In 1937, John Penberton, in his findings discovered that there are several thousands of these soapstone images and fragments of different shapes which must have been lying down for centuries in a group in Igbomina land, a Yoruba town of Esie. Reflecting the work of a number of carvers, they share distinctive stylistic affinity with curve that actually distinguishes or differentiates them from other classical art work in Nigeria – Nok, Ife, Benin, Igboukwu etc. He discovered that many were damaged in a manner that suggested an act of deliberate destruction. He also observed that there was no evidence to prove/show that the indigenes of Esie had anything to do with their creation or destruction.

In the late 1930s, Kenneth Murray (a surveyor of antiquities) began to work towards the preservation of Esie stone images. His intention began to take shape in 1951, when he wrote an article on Esie stone images. He had long been concerned about the preservation of these images. Within this period, there was a lot of opposition from the people of Esie, when others urged the preservation and exhibitionof the stone images in Esie.

By 1965, a more detailed study towards the preservation of these objects began.

Phillips Sterena Jnr., then a young Peace Corps Volunteer affiliated with Nigeria Department of Antiquities, completed the photography and cataloging of Esie stone images between 1973 and 1974.

Origin of Esie stone images

According to Oral history (Itan) of Esie, there are varying-accounts on the origin of these stone images. A school of thought says that there were strangers who came in search of a place to settle believing that they had been offended by the Elesie, (the king of Esie) who placed a curse on them. Other histories state that the strangers harassed the people and God (Olorun) offended by their action, turned them to stones.

One point of agreement in these accounts is that the town existed before the image appeared. Archaeological evidence also confirmed that Esie was occupied as early as the last three centuries of the first millennium AD. But, it is not certain whether these occupants were the forefathers of the people by present Esie indigene, this is because some of the residents of Esie claim that their ancestors descended from Oyo sometime in the 15th century and met the carved stones when they arrived. The exact age of the Esie stone image is not easily determined, because the objects may have been deposited in their present location by those who sought to destroy them, and the location shows evidence of living being.

On the basis of various Esie oral traditions, Steven concluded that the stone image of Esie were there before the Igbomina settlers under Baragbon migrated into the area in the late 18th century.There are many other arguments about the origin of Esie stone images, which till today are not yet conclusive.

In another note, the version most widely upheld is that the images were originally human beings from many tribes who had converged for some reasons and come together to Esie in search of a better place to settle.

Characteristics of Esie stone figures

Esie stone image is a typical representation of a socio-economic character of certain society or community. For example, heavily beaded costumes, scarification marks and their seated position are among the features.

Also, the high and the mighty, middle class and the lower people are all depicted in their attire and activities.

Esie stone image gives impressions that, the original owners of these objects were warriors. Most of these figures were carved holding cutlass and daggers, as well as having medicinal guards tied to the upper arm. Some carry quiver on their back and shield.

Almost all the figures are carved seated which indicates that they represent persons of authority in their society. Also, many of the male figures hold staff in one hand, while the other hand is placed on the knee or lifted to the chest.

More so, most female figures are raising a cutlass in their right hand with back resting against the shoulder and the left hand positioned on the knee.

Critically looking at Esie figure, most of the seated figures are in half mode with the cloth tied round their waist and placed with hands on their knees.

While the kneeling figures are usually naked, kneeling male figures have shaved heads and leave small circular patch toward the back, probably they are count slaves- (as was part of Yoruba Palace tradition).

Many of Esie stone images were carved in complete real human form, which most of them have human features, compare to other stone image with an (anthropomorphic) structures or forms.Esie stone image face and head are exquisitely modeled; the entire body is carved on a flat platform.

Uniqueness of Esie soapstone image

The mystery behind the origin of Esie soapstone has not been proved unlike other stone images in the other part of the world. For example, there is no conclusive research or scientific proof yet, about the existence of Esie figures or any quarry of soapstone that can equate the number of Esie soapstone image in all four geographical directions of Esie town.

Also, another uniqueness of the Esie image is that, similar method has been explored successfully in resolving other problems. Like the origin of clay used in the production of Pre-Hispanic Pottery founded in Western Mexico is being deduced by the same method. It is stalemate till today on Esie images.

Moreover, another method was employed to determine the sources of the Limestone used in construction of the great Pyramid at Gizeh (Egypt). But the sources of Esie soapstone image have not been ascertained. Secondly, anthropologists and chemists were able to ascertain precisely the origin of the materials used in the production of soapstone images are mystery and unique among other stone figures in the world.

Lastly, their hair styles, face marks and other features about Esie stone image have not been linked in affinity with other stone or soapstone image in any part of the world.

Spiritual belief of Esiestone figures

The people of Esie believe that the (Esie stone images) are regarded as the most sacred gods of Esie town. They also believe to be capable of giving children to barren women and supplying ram whenever the community is in need of it.

And it is forbidden for Elesie (King) to see the figure (ere-Esie)

Festival Period

The festival period is known as Festival of the image. It takes place six days after the Egungun Festival (Masquerade Festival) held on March 29 and it lasted for three days.

The puzzle of the origins of the Esie stone images is that they were produced elsewhere, carried and deposited at their present location. But, the question still remains- who made them, where, why and when? Why were they brought to Esie and by whom and what happened to the people who brought them?
- Busari is Chief Curator
National Museum, Lagos.
October 3, 2018
Of murder and mystery

Title: A Sketch of Murder
Author: Precious Titilayo Idienumah
Publishers: WestBow Press
Number of Pages: 206
Reviewer: Emeka Onwuegbuzia

A sketch of Murder’, Precious Titilayo Idienumah’s first book published in 2015 does not fall short of an enthralling piece of literature. It is a well written piece of fiction; which combines the themes of crime and romance in a fascinating manner. The nuances of satire also loudly resonate in the work of Christian fiction.

For a debutante, Precious has outdone expectations by weaving the plots of the novel in an un-put-downable manner.

Centred on resolving the circumstances surrounding the death of Adetara ‘Tara’ Omolade, the author takes us round the twists and turns of a journey of alliances featuring a doctor, an office assistant and a Journalist. These characters were participants in a gruesome murder that began with a desire to give another woman comfort in her dying moments.

Each chapter begins with unique quotes and verses with meanings deeply woven into the respective chapters. These quotes form a special part of the book as they show the author’s depth and maturity towards her subject of discourse.

The romantic plot revolves around interesting characters, Derin, Jason, and the very irrepressible Temi who happens to be the centrepiece of both men’s desires. Fireworks spark but are calmed between Temi and Derin, but Precious allows them simmer between Jason and Temi.

As a Christian fiction, it did not come as a surprise that the intricately woven plot of the novel is made to reflect the unconditional love that Jesus offers and the redemption that is found in His arms.

A Sketch of Murder excels in many ways but traipses with regard to its Nigerian content. Being a novel set in Nigeria, I would have enjoyed a lot more of the Nigerian flavour.

The author made readers beg for a sequel as she left the concluding part of her book on a cliff-hanger. Successfully fuelling her readers’ tension, she left the readers wanting her to reveal more; declining to do so was a ridiculously brilliant move.

The novel ends on a good note, allowing the reader the opportunity to create their perfect ending.

The novel also follows the trend of most religious christian fiction by engaging readers with study questions and references in the form of scriptural passages. It is also worthy of note that the author opened each chapters of the book with scriptures and anecdotes. This perhaps serves to confirm that Idienumah might have been influenced a great deal by the writings of Francine Rivers, that great American Christian fiction writer.

For any reader who enjoys beautiful love stories with anecdotes of crime, mystery and humour in between, A Sketch of Murder is a standard reference for a great leisure read.

May 22, 2016
‘Our survival a mystery’

• Victims of girls’ school gutted by fire tell their story

Survivors of the fire that razed Government Girls’ Secondary School, Kano, have every reason to thank their stars. Seven of their roommates did not live to tell their story. Some of the surviving victims recount their ordeal to KOLADE ADEYEMI, on their hospital beds.

SOME 25 surviving schoolgirls now recuperating at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano, believe they have gone through “the valley of the shadow of death.” The memory of the mysterious inferno that gutted their dormitory at the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Jogana, Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State on November 29, will linger for a very long time. Seven of their colleagues, who were not so lucky, died in the late-night fire.

They have recounted how they survived the inferno that ravaged the biggest domitory – the Alhaji Sani Yaro Ahmed hostel in the school- on the fateful day as pupils prepared their homework for the following day. The state government and security agencies are still investigating the incident.

Lectures have been disrupted following the closure of the 40-year-old school by the authorities. The incident inflicted pains on the 25 pupils, who sustained first degree burns. It also left scars on many home.

Barely three days after the incident, the hostels in Government Boys’ Secondary School, Kwankwaso in Madobi Local Government of the state was razed.

The fire started at about 8am while the pupils were in their classrooms. The school lost eight rooms and the belongings of 350 pupils

Amina Ibrahim, 15-year-old Junior Secondary School III (JSS III) pupil, who sustained a first degree burns at the girls hostel, relived her ordeal. She spoke with The Nation on her sick bed at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

“On that fateful day”, she went on, “we have had our dinner and retired to our dormitory. Those of us in JSS 3 were running through the assignments given to us by one of our teachers. Others were reading their books and we suddenly heard the screaming of other students from the other apartment. They were screaming: “Fire outbreak! Fire outbreak! The screaming caught our attention and everybody started running helter-skelter, looking for a way to escape. At that point, almost everybody was moving towards one direction and that caused a stampede.

“There was confusion everywhere; people were crying, wailing and calling for help as we rushed towards the entrance. I attempted to jump out through the window, because at that point, the inferno had spread and thick smoke was billowing. In fact, I couldn’t remember or explain how I escaped. I only regained consciousness in this hospital.”

Senior Secondary School I (SSI) pupil, 15-year-old Mariam Yahaya Liman, also recounted her ordeal. She narrated what transpired on the ‘dark Sunday’.

She said: “I was told by one of my classmates that on Monday, we were going to write a test. So, I took my books and started reading after the dinner. A roommate of mine had borrowed my lantern to look for something as there was power outage.

“All of a sudden, I heard some girls screaming in Hausa: “Gobara! Gobara!” Meaning: ‘Fire!, Fire!’ I immediately rushed out and stood by the door, trying to escape when I noticed that something strange was pushing us forth and back, blocking our ways. We attempted to force our way out from the burning hostel but we couldn’t as the strange force kept dragging on us.

“At that point, we have been choked and there was a stampede. The entire hostel was taken over by the fire as the embers from the roofs started pouring on us and we screamed for help. It was hell! Many of our colleagues were on the floor as we marched on one another, looking for an escape route. Many of us – including myself – escaped through the Room 7 gate where I headed and found myself outside.

“At this point, I was exhausted but was revived by my classmates who poured water on me. That was when the school authority brought a car and took some us to the hospital. What else do I have to say than to thank God for His mercies and I also thank our Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for showing us love and compassion in this time of grief and trials. May Allah bless him. I thank the Almighty Allah for saving my life and those of others. For my friends who could not make it, May Allah grant unto them eternal rest.

Asma’u Abubakar Lamido, a Senior Secondary School III (SSSIII) pupil, who also survived the fire incident, said: “On that Sunday, we were all in the hostel seated on our various beds because there was no power outage. We were using touch lights or rechargeable lanterns to illuminate the hostel. All we heard was ‘wuta, wuta,’ meaning, ‘fire, fire’. At that point, the whole hostel was in flames. I tried coming out in an attempt to jump out through the window but I had to retreat because it was difficult.

“There was a stampede and people stepped on one another in our bid to escape. It was at this point that a Good Samaritan pulled me up from the floor. I believe it was the school authorities that finally brought us to the hospital. I thank Almighty Allah for saving my life. So, my praises and thanks will also go to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for taking good care of us.”

December 4, 2015
Tale of Ekiti community’s mystery stones

SOME call it a mystery town, while others refer to the town as a place blessed with huge mineral resources. But the king’s palace which is worth visiting has been the cynosure of all eyes despite the high level of education of the townsmen, for they still use stones to count the number of their past monarchs.

Not only this , the town , Ijero, is the only town in Yoruba land that has the masquerade called Aje ( witch/wizard) which comes out annually .

On how Aje came to be , the monarch said: “In the days of old when children were falling sick and some were dying, our forefathers brought Aje out to come and rescue the town, and since it cured people and released them from their bondage, it was turned into a god being worshipped. Whoever is ill is healed, while progress comes to the town and it wades off calamity from the land.That is why we have been celebrating and worshipping Aje. we also called it Ako Egungun (husband of all the Egungun).

Eegun Aje

The arrival and mere seeing Aje charges everywhere as there are cries of happiness immediately he is sighted on its arrival from ‘heaven,’ while many run to it to be whipped with its cane. Many beg it to cane them. A young man , Yemi Olutayo, said he offered himself to be caned to receive its blessing.

“I am glad for having the opportunity to be caned. It is a physical and spiritual blessing .I know it has answered my prayers and my life cannot be the same again as things will improve for me next year”.

Joshua Oyewande Olukolade ,an educationist, boasted that the palace would soon be a tourist centre where people would come from different places to visit in the nearest future.

He argued that despite their high level of education, their system or method of keeping of dates and numbers cannot be erased as one could see how they keep number of the monarchs that had passed on.

With the palace’s fantastic architectural design, it can boast of having a museum as the monarch and some eminent persons in the town are pleading to the state and federal government to come and see what their forefathers had done.

OSIRIGBONGBO

At the centre of the town is a giant statue of one of the founding fathers of the town, holding a small gourd and a sword in his pouch which is strapped on his side .

The statue of OSIRIGBONGBO who was a warrior is highly respected and honoured , though it is at the centre of the town where some people offer sacrifices. Some use it as a meeting point and, of course, where town criers make necessary announcements.

One thing is still certain. The statue is revered and in terms of problems, the man is offered sacrifice. It is at this place that social activities take place. An educationist and one of the community leaders, Joshua Oyewande Olukolade, described how Osirigbongbo looked like.

He said: “The man , Osirigbongbo, according to our forefathers, was a giant with intimidating stature. Being a warrior , Osirigbongbo was always ready to rescue the town from being plundered and taken into captivity”.

Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti

The town’s monarch, the Ajero of Ijero, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, said: ” The story of this man is mysterious , as legend has it that he was the giant warlord that no one had the effrontery to look at his face. No man ever has the measurement of his height as he was the tallest man in the community, as no one could reach his shoulder. He was said to be so powerful that his men used pestle to wake him up”, the monarch stated with authority.

The monarch continued: “On his war exploits, Osirigbongbo would go to war without war tools .When he gets to the hottest war zone, he would go for the leader of his enemies and use his bare hands to tear him apart and would use his victim’s torn legs to be fighting in the war”.

On the mysterious man’s feeding , the monarch said: ” We were informed by our forefathers that the Osirigbongbo used to eat a morsel with the head of a cow. He was said to have a giant muzzle. He never prepared any weapons like arrow, cutlass, knife whatsoever, but depended on his magical power .Legend says when he goes to any war he would go straight to the leader (enemy) , seize his ammunition and would tear the man’s body which he would use as his tool to fight .He ate a morsel of pounded yam with the head of a cow. They use pestle to wake him up .Many strange stories were said about him.

Stones

Mysterious Stones

Outside Alajero’s palace is a sacred place where tourists go to and it is kept sacred , while it is kept neat always .According to the monarch, each stone represents a king that had passed away , he said ,counting the number of stones there.

“If you start counting the stones one, two, three, you would miss it and will never be able to finish counting them as you would get confused. And if you go back and start counting again, you will get confused no matter how smart or brilliant you are.

“No man knows the number of the stones deposited here. But it is only the olori ( wives of the king) and the monarch that know the number.The place is a sacred place and one must not go there, or throw things or rubbish into the place, and whoever does that would see its repercussion. No one ever tries it”, he said .

Still on the stones , the king said: “The sacred place where we keep stones started long time ago when our forefathers were not educated. Whenever a king dies, the community would place a stone there .So if you want to know how many kings that had passed away, you will have to count the number of stones. Despite our civilization , education and modern world, we refused to jettison the idea .When I pass away too, a stone would be placed there.”.

Tree

A big tree has been there for more than 800 years. It is called ISAGUN. According to the monarch, “it is a special place where princes and princess go to for initiation when they are being welcomed into the royal family .They must go round the tree seven times, wearing white apparels and this is an initiation into the royal house .Its like a church where they observe baptism and confirmation .Anybody that does not do that is not considered to be from a royal house and cannot publicly claim this”.

Eyekun-Aafin

A statue at the shrine shows the sculptor of a woman with beads on her neck and holding a cloth. According to Yewande , Ijero will never forget the woman in a hurry because of her contribution to the town . According to the monarch, she was the woman who started using stones to list the number of monarchs that passed on. She was a great woman warrior. ”

yeye

17th shrine

The monarch claimed that the town has 16 shrines, but when he came to the throne in 1991 he added another one to make it the 17th one. He said: “ We have about 16 shrines here, but it has become 17 and that is the church I go”.

According to him, the town has shrines for the Ogun, Masquerade, Esu and so on, while we all belong to the supreme deity .But when I was enthroned, I built another shrine , and that is a church where I worship God who is the Supreme Being ”

Asked how he manages to practise the three religions , he said since he is the head of the community ,he then belongs to all the three major religions , and when it is time to offer sacrifices, he would supply all the needs and give them to the chief priest of the town .

“I supply their needs for sacrifice .Since I am the community head. I am a Christian, but I observe all the religions, including the African tradition religion. It is part of our culture and we cannot stop it”.

Joshua Oyewande Olukolade said if the federal and state governments could invest in tourism in the town, many would be employed.

He said: ” China , Kenya and some countries make a lot money from tourism. We should emulate these countries. Nigeria is blessed with all these. I believe we would still get there. It is only a matter of time”.

October 10, 2015
Gawat’s case still mystery, says group

The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit has lamented the continuous disappearance of an ace broadcaster and presenter of the popular E ji Sari programme, Alhaji Rasak Aremu Gawat.

In a Ramadan message, its Amir (President) Alhaji Kaamil Kalejaiye, bemoaned the inability of the security agents to unravel the circumstances behind Gawat’s sudden disappearance.

He described it as mystery.

According to Kalejaiye, the insecurity today is what has made the disappearance of Alhaji Gawat a mystery that has not been unravelled over the years.

He prayed for an end to the incessant cases of kidnapping, killings and tanker explosions.

“As we also pray for the growth of Islam all over the world, we should not forget thousands of lives that have been lost to terrorism, the numerous people kidnapped and killed. We call on world leaders to support the oppressed in Egypt, Burma and Gaza.

“With the special month of Ramadan, hostilities and fatalities all over the world, such as Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Libya, and Ukraine among others should also end,” he said.

Kalejaiye enjoined Nigerian leaders to govern with the fear of Allah, saying good leaders is key to the nation’s development.

“We should also supplicate for good governance. Our country needs good leaders. Leaders that won’t be bias; leaders that won’t promote the demolition of Mosques and prevention of Hijab and encourage criminal activities,” he added.

He urged Muslims to increase their piety, right conducts and concerns for fellow brethren regardless of their locations.

According to him, a high level of dedication is needed from Muslims and Nigerians during the Holy Month for Allah’s mercies and blessings; national integration and development.

“It is an opportunity we must use to increase our piety through regular acts of worship. I pray Allah grants us peace, harmony and religious understanding. This is indeed another opportunity to gain mercies and blessings of Allah; stand up now to worship your creator.”

June 24, 2015
Mystery death of lovers in hostel

Igbariam, host community of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University (COOU) in Anambra State, lost its serenity last week, following the mystery death of two students in a room in their off-campus residence. CHISOM ANYANWU (200-Level Mass Communication) reports.

•The late Kelly

How did Kelly Okonkwo and her boyfriend, Gerald, die in their room? This is the puzzle residents of Igbariam, host community of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), are trying to unravel? The community woke up, last Monday, to find the students dead in a room at Diamond Lodge. The building is an off-campus hostel.

The late Kelly, who was a student of Entrepreneurship Department, was said to have visited her boyfriend, simply identified as Gerald, who was a 24-year-old 200-Level Public Administration student, in his hostel for the weekend. But, three days after they had been together, the love birds were brought out of the room dead. Other occupants reported the matter to the nearby Oyi Police Station.

When the door was forced opened by the police, Kelly’s body was found beside Gerald, who was said to be unconscious at the time. They were almost naked.

The police rushed the unconscious Gerald to the university’s Teaching Hospital in Amaku, where he died. The late Gerald was the president of Diamond Lodge.

Other occupants, who spoke to our correspondent, described the incident as mysterious, saying the hostel was not attacked by either armed robbers or cultists. Other students living in the hostel and a nearby building, Gift Lodge, fled in fear.

While Igbariam residents are still pondering over the deaths, there are speculations that Kelly and Gerald may have died from some abuse. Some attributed the mystery death to generator fume and food poisoning; others said they could have been attacked by cultists.

It was learnt that the late Kelly had bruises around her shoulders, fuelling fears that she might have been raped to death. Some students believe the death was spiritual, because the victims were said to have attended a vigil together at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Otoko on Friday, where the preacher warned students on immorality and premature death.

•Gerald…moment before he died

The late Gerald’s friend, who declined to give his name, said: “After the vigil, we all came back home to sleep. The last time I saw Gerald was on Saturday morning after he had his bath. At that time, I knew the late Kelly was around. Gerald and I even exchanged pleasantries before he returned to his room.

“There was a downpour on Saturday and I saw Gerald pulling down his curtain and also shifting his generator’s position. So nobody knows for certain what actually happened.”

CAMPUSLIFE gathered an autopsy was carried out on the bodies.

The late Kelly’s course mate, Chizoba Onyechi, said the incident shook the department. She said the late Kelly was expected to join a field assignment being undertaken by her colleagues when the news hit the campus.

Chizoba said: “We were working on a farm when the assistant class governor screamed and started to cry. She said she got a call that Kelly had died. Many of us did not believe the news because she was being expected to join the assignment. We all rushed to her hostel, Gift Lodge, only to discover that the incident occurred at Diamond Lodge.

“I noticed she had bruises all over her shoulders. We carried her body into the waiting police vehicle, because the policemen refused to touch the body. We have been hearing different reports on what caused the death but nobody can say what happened.”

June 11, 2015
Mystery over death of family of five

It was a very bad day for the people of Umuosu, Afugiri, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State as 54-year-old blind Prophet, Onyenonachi Ihezukwu Agwu, his wife and children were found dead. His landlady and three chickens were also found dead in his four-room apartment.

Prophet Ihezukwu, the founder and General Overseer of Faith Healing Tabernacle Ministry at Nkwoegwu hailed from Umukabia, but lived in Umuosu Afugiri, while running his ministry at Nkwoegwu.

The development baffled residents who have kept asking how the blind prophet, his 50-year-old landlady, Mrs. Hannah Okpara, his wife Comfort Ihezukwu who was in her 30s, his 11-year-old son, Emmanuel Godwin Onyenonachi and his 13-year-old daughter, Miracle Onyenonachi Ihezukwu, all died with him.

The irony of the deaths was also the death of three of his fowls which were found dead in the bathroom area of the apartment.

A source close to the venue of the incident who spoke to our correspondent in confidence, said the five corpses were discovered in different places, while the three fowls were found dead in the bathroom area.

Our source said: “We were called up in the early hours of Sunday, April 19, this year in the morning and when we got to Umuosu Afugiri where they lived, behind the Methodist Church, we saw hundreds of sympathisers who were crying over the unfortunate incident. We also met policemen from Afugiri division.

“When we inquired from the police, they told us that they met the generating set on, on arrival. The power generating set, we were told, was bought on Thursday, which is three days before their deaths. The set was found along the passage inside the bungalow and the policemen told us that they were the ones that put the set off.”

Our source also said the police told them that they suspected that the victims died as a result of exhaust fume from the power generating set, adding that the late prophet was the only surviving child of his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Ihezukwu Agwu.

“We are his only direct relations, running around for their burial.”

The corpses were found in different locations in the apartment. The wife and daughter were found in a room, the prophet was found in the dining room, the landlady was found around the passage, close to the power generating set, the three fowls were found clustered within the bathroom area.

On what must have been another possible cause of death, beside the fume from their power generating set, our source said they cannot think of any other thing, as they are not suspecting any foul play, even as he said there must be speculations in a situation like that.

The landlady was said to have been invited by the Prophet, who informed her that her two children were sick and when she came and suggested that the children should be taken to the hospital, the Prophet turned down the suggestion, that he suspected spiritual attack which he said he was going to handle that night through prayers, adding that after the prayers, they would be okay.. The Landlady was said to be a regular visitor to the house, where she usually goes to hold night prayers with the Prophet and other people at regular intervals.

That night, they were said to have had a meal of rice prepared in the house before going to sleep. Based on information at hand, the only thing one could hold on to as the cause of their death is the fume from that power generating set.

The family source said it was only through autopsy or other scientific methods that one can guess the real cause of their death. But from what I was told by police men, when they came in that morning, they were the ones that broke the door into the apartment and they found the generating set on. So, the power generating set is the prime suspect in this matter.

On what he was doing before going into ministry, our source said: “He lived in Kaduna for a long time; since the 90s. So, he came back around 2012 and established his ministry and was living at Nkwoegwu. But sometime last year, he relocated to Afugiri.

“I don’t know if he had a call to the ministry, but about seven years ago, we heard that he had opened a ministry in Kaduna and that the ministry was flourishing and in 2012, he came back to establish the ministry at Nwkoegwu. I don’t know what profession he was into before establishing the ministry because I was still a kid when he left home.”

He was not born blind, the blindness developed after the death of his father in August, 2002, after a year or two, he developed sight problems which led to blindness.

When his father died in 2002, he did not come home during the burial, even though the mother had been dead long before then. He had married before going completely blind.

May 22, 2015
Ogun: The mystery 600,000 PVCs
The 1946 Constitution, named after the then Governor of Nigeria, Sir Arthur Richards, was widely opposed by different groups and nationalist parties in the country not only because they were not consulted before it was promulgated but that it did not secure greater participation of Nigerians in the management of their own affairs. Contrary to the promise made by his predecessor, Governor Bernard Bourdillon, the Richards Constitution came into force with little opportunity for discussion by residents of colonial Nigeria. With the retention of Clifford’s ‘elective principle on a limited franchise’ of only four seats in the Legislative Council and increase in the power of the Governor, it was evident that the country was almost as far from representative government as she was in 1922.

According to the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons (NCNC), the fact that only four members were to be directly elected into the Legislative Council, as was the case in the 1922 Constitution, had exposed the British Government to the criticism that from the year 1922 to the year 1945, “Nigerians made no advance at all towards any qualification in election by adult suffrage of those who represent their interests in the Legislative Council.” The party, it must be underscored, did not limit its justified opposition to press statements in the media but sent a delegation to Westminster to, among others, protest the rape.

Of course, there were other nationalist parties in the country then but it was the NCNC that picked the gauntlet to obtain support and funds for the London trip. It is instructive that the agitation against the Richards Constitution did not only lead eventually to its short life but the all-inclusive Ibadan General Conference of 1950, preparatory to the enactment of the Macpherson Constitution of 1951, which moved the country closer to representative democracy.

Ogun State, South-west Nigeria is not the least populated state among the 36 in the country. But it boggles the mind while as at mid-February, its eligible voters should have had the least access to the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the comity of states in Nigeria. As if this was not strange enough, thousands of petitions were reportedly directed to the governor by eligible voters, including the numbing allegation that about 625,000 PVCs carried Ogun State code, but the photographs on the cards did not match the faces of registered residents in the wards where the cards were displayed. The governor specifically confirmed this anomaly in his own Ward 11 at Ita-Eko, where the mystery cards were equally observed.

This, naturally and under normal circumstances, should have agitated the minds of all stakeholders in the forthcoming general elections, especially the political parties canvassing for votes. The Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, is not just the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming polls but the one the citizens should eventually look up to on their agitation to collect the PVCs. Just like Herbert Macaulay (and later Nnamdi Azikwe) rose to the occasion, it was Amosun that took up the gauntlet by visiting the state office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to raise the allegations and ask that something urgently be done so that all the 1.8 million eligible voters get the PVCs and that no one should be disenfranchised.

However belated the reaction of the opposition parties might be, they should have at least raised the alarm further because the 1.8 million registered voters are residents who will vote for the parties of their choice on March 28 and April 11. But what did we get from the leaders of these opposition parties on both the shocking low distribution of PVCs in Ogun and over 600,000 fake PVCs? Silence! Funeral silence! Then condemnation of the governor for speaking for the voiceless.

Hear the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as reported in the papers on Friday, February 20: “Governor Amosun, being a candidate of the All Peoples Congress (APC), who is also standing for election in the April 11, 2015 governorship election, just like every other candidate standing for elections, has no legal and moral right to visit the INEC office to complain about the distribution of the permanent voter cards (PVCs) in the state. This is crass opportunism, and open blackmail, aimed principally to compromise the integrity, neutrality and independence of the election umpire. We condemn this in totality. There are other windows open and available to vent any perceived, assumed or imagined ‘irregularities’ in the conduct and operations of any independent commissions and or agencies. For instance, Governor Amosun could issue press statements, grant press interviews or even write official but open letters to the commission to register his protest…”

Is there any law preventing the candidates of political parties from visiting a public place like INEC office? None. How does an open visit to INEC office on such a matter public importance result in the compromise or blackmail of the institution? But for narrow and parochial politics of the opposition, or more importantly, their hidden agenda, should their leaders not have joined Amosun in marching to the INEC office to register a serious protest over the low distribution of PVCs and the over 600,000 mystery PVCs that have flooded Ogun State?

Now, my worry is, and Nigerians should take this very seriously, the statement by the PDP did not raise any issue on why Ogun State is miserably lagging behind in its adults getting the PVCs let alone raise any concern on the mystery PVCs that have been observed and seen in virtually all the 236 Wards in the state. This can only lead, inexorably, to one conclusion – the party (PDP) may be a suspect! This is the product of logical reasoning. Till date, the leading opposition party in Ogun (PDP), with its allies, has not issued a single statement or expressed any concern or worry on the inexplicable low distribution of PVCs in the state. Who then are the people they are expecting to vote for them? It then means they have a hidden agenda.

Now that the news of the fake 600,000 voter cards is in the public domain, it is the responsibility of all stakeholders, especially INEC, to withdraw the mystery cards and ensure all eligible voters in the state get the original PVCs. No one, party or institution must be permitted to subvert the will of the electorate – through any means. We must all join hands in resolving the mystery PVCs, including sending a delegation to INEC headquarters in Abuja to demand that right thing be done. The people of Ogun must not be prevented from exercising their political sovereignty through the ballot boxes.
- Soyombo, public affairs analyst, sent this piece via densityshow@yahoo.com
February 26, 2015
Mystery of Godliness

Compliments of the season to the most amazing lady ever! I just wanted you to know that you are so much loved. You are a treasure!!! Your write-ups have been a great source of blessing for the youths. I am a writer and publisher that has been greatly inspired by your write-ups. I am also privileged to be a pastor. Indeed, you don’t know what you are capable of doing until you try. You are great, going somewhere great, to show forth great things. Presently, I’m re-reading your write-up “PURSUE YOUR DESTINY.” I can’t have enough of your write-ups. Even when I don’t have anything to read, I go on re-reading your write-ups over and over again! You write as if that’s all you do-so passionate and fascinating. Do you do any other thing?

I really want you to keep up your standards with the ladies, no matter what the world is saying! I am proud of your standards, I’m proud of you! Your ministry is impactful! Your blog is inspiring! Your writings are flawless! Happy New year to a priceless gem!

Your permanent fan,

Mr.G.Adebambo

Great, great people of God,

This is the year the lord has made for you and I, we shall shine, rejoice and be glad in it. There is none like unto our God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in our help, and in his excellency on the sky. He is an amazing God! He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; that he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people. What a priceless gem!

This time last year, I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d be used on the pages of newspapers by God to impact lives. However, it was a period when I had developed a consecrated and holy life and gotten to the point where I carried a heavy presence of God and could hear from Him. It was also a time when I had to meditate so much on how to scale through one of life’s vicissitudes! However, in spite the brooding which usually crept in whenever I allowed it, the spirit of God suppressed the gloom in my troubled soul and instead powered my imagination. Imagination is very powerful and once it is incubated by the Holy Spirit, it becomes inspired by God and you get uncommon results.

As a teenager, I wanted to please my late dad at some point and practically sweep him off his feet and make him proud of me so I decided to write my debut book for girls. Because of the way I was celebrated even when I didn’t set out for all the attention I got, I developed a Joseph’s dream to be a household name and be popular with Nigerian girls. However, that dream never materialized as it was taken over by other things. I thereafter founded an NGO to influence the lives of girls positively in my own little way but I could comfortably say nothing much happened until I woke up early March last year and imagined myself featuring weekly and contributing to the lives of girls in different newspapers. If anyone told me I could write so much, with different contents in different newspapers and be so celebrated by you my wonderful fans, I would have sworn it could never happen. You’d recall I always say there’s nothing special about me and that I am just a human being like you who has a seed of greatness planted in him. The only difference is that I yielded my spirit to God and allowed Him take absolute charge of my life and because He said He has created us for His glory, I just must manifest His glory. And that is why He can enable me write in my mind even when I am in the middle of a conversation. It’s so amazing! I tell you, sometimes, I don’t know where what I write comes from. Even when I am not in the perfect frame of mind, when it is time to write, the Holy Spirit carries me on its wings! There’s still so much I have not shared on the pages of these newspapers that could take many years. And you will agree with me that the more I carry God, the more He increases my wisdom, knowledge, understanding and ability to write till eternity! This to me is one of the mysteries of godliness. Do you know you can do better? There is a treasure in you which only the light of God can unearth. Life is a mission. You are here on an assignment. There is no true life until you find out who you are. Do you know who you are? In the divine agenda for your life, do you know where you are?

Your success in life can be determined by the power of your imagination. If you are ruggedly determined, no power can stop you! Embrace God with all your heart this year and let His power ignite your imagination and make you a trail-blazer in the world that was created by your father in heaven. School on Sunday resumes next week. May God bless you all and make you VERY GREAT!

January 4, 2015
Mystery fire burns eight months old baby to death

A mysterious fire that gutted a storey-building along Ewemade Street off Sapele road in Benin City has killed an eight-month old baby. The fire was said to have started after many occupants of the building have left to attend the crossover service on New Year eve.

An eyewitness, who owns a shop in the building, said the fire spread rapidly before men of the Edo Fire Service arrived. The witness said properties worth millions of naira were also destroyed.

According to the witness, “The fire happened around 11pm on Wednesday after everyone had gone to church‎.

“Few minutes after power was restored after a power outage, we were about to leave the‎ shop‎ when we heard people shouting, fire, fire!

“Before we knew it, it had spread to other parts of the building, as if kerosene was added to it,” the eyewitness said. It was learnt that the corpse of the baby has been deposited at a mortuary.

An official of the Edo State Fire Service, who identified himself as Mr Anthony Osadolor‎, denied allegations that the fire service delayed to arrive early to the scene after receiving calls from the victims.

“From the record I have here, there were fire incidents reported at Akpakpava and Sapele road. But I can’t confirm that someone died in the incident because they did allow us to even get down from our truck; they said we came late.

“It may be that there were other fire occurrences at the same time they called. It is not our fault that we did not get there on time,” he said.

January 3, 2015