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Tag: Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi

  • I didn’t snub Ooni, says Akiolu

    I didn’t snub Ooni, says Akiolu

    OBA of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu yesterday cleared the air on the video in the social media being misconstrued for the monarch’s snubbing the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi at a public function in Lagos.

    One of the white cap chiefs, Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, Opeluwa Onido of Lagos, said the Lagos Monarch did not ignore Ooni of Ife at the public function as being misconceived by people.

    The video in which Oba Akiolu allegedly refused to return the greetings of the Ooni at a function went viral on Wednesday, drawing outrage in the social media.

    But chief Ajose said noting of such happened According to him, what the people misconstrued as snubbing is the culturally acclaimed way of greeting by a monarch in Lagos.

    He said the Lagos monarch has been trying to revive the culture and tradition of ancient Lagos, which is peculiar to the state.

    The Opeluwa Onidi said: “Other tribes also have their peculiar ways of greeting. The sign by Oba Akiolu signifies, ‘inu mi, inu e’, the culture of greeting in Lagos. If Oba Akiolu wanted to ignore, he would have turned his face away from Ooni. There is no misunderstanding between both highly revered Monarchs in Yoruba Land”.

    According to him, the relationship between both Yoruba kings is peaceful and mutual.

    He said: “Oba Akiolu was well represented at the coronation of Ooni of Ife, which attested to the fact that he does not disregard the office of Ooni Adeyeye.

    Chief Ajose said Oba Akiolu had waited till this time to react to the issue because he had to meet with other chiefs in the palace and meet minds before addressing the public on the matter.

    “There is no sentiment in the culture of Lagos. As we met it that is the way we are doing it. Kabiyesi Oba Akiolu is trying to bring back the old pattern, the old culture we have left behind.

    “What happened that day was wrongly speculated by the social media to disrupt peace and order and misinterpret Oba Akiolu’s action.

    “We just want to appeal to the social media to stop spreading wrong information. They should try and understand the reason behind every action carried out most especially by traditional rulers. Yoruba has a very rich culture. There is no quarrel between the Oba of Lagos and Ooni of Ife.”

    A spokesman at the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, said that Oba Ogunwusi will never be disrespect to the Oba Akiolu.

    The statement restated Oba Ogunwusi’s commitment to unity among royal fathers in Yorubaland.

    Also yesterday, the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe took exception to a request for his comment on what transpired between the two foremost roray fathers.

    He urged reporters against dabbling into issues involving the royalty.

    “You are very rude to ask me such a question.” the Igwe told The Nation reporter on the sideline of an event in Lagos yesterday.

     

     

  • Ooni celebrates Tinubu at 65

    Ooni celebrates Tinubu at 65

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has felicitated with Sen. Bola Tinubu as he clocks 65-years-old, describing him as an eminent descendant of Oduduwa.

    The monarch congratulated Tinubu in a statement signed and issued on Wednesday by Mr Moses Olafare, his Director of Media & Public Affairs.

    Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) clocked 65 on Wednesday.

    According to the royal father,  Tinubu is a patriotic Nigerian and elder statesman; a Pan-Africanist to the core, who remains a great inspiration to the African youths.

    He said that Tinubu had, no doubt, spent the larger part of his life in deeds worthy of emulation, noting that, as a school student, he designed his focus very carefully.

    “As a professional in the private financial sector, he remained focused and discharged his duties creditably well.

    “As a politician, he has been an outstanding leader and quintessential bridge builder.

    “As a senator of the the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he stood firmly with the masses till he went into exile where he continued alongside other patriots in the struggle for democracy which was won on the May 29, 1999.

    “As a governor, he left a legacy of excellence that has continued to make Lagos a socio-economically enviable society within the comity of the globally recognised cities in the world,” he said.

    The Ooni prayed the Almighty God to bless the rest of his journey in life with good health, long life and fulfillment.

  • Ife Crisis: Normalcy returns as warring factions sue for peace

    Ife Crisis: Normalcy returns as warring factions sue for peace

    Leaders of both Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo indigenes residing in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Monday, called for an end to ethnic clashes in the ancient city.

    They spoke at a news conference organised by the Ife Progressive Forum/Action Council in Ile-Ife.

    The Seriki Hausawa of Ife, Alhaji Abubakar Madagali, said the disturbance which momentarily eroded the peace of the ancient city was unnecessary.

    Madagali said many of his subjects suffered colossal losses, adding that some had died
    and many more sustained injuries.

    The leader of the Hausa community said authorities concerned must step up efforts to resolve the crisis without delay.

    He added that “we initially came here to seek for greener pastures, but Ife has now
    become our home.

    “It latest crisis was not a clash between us and the Yorubas, instead, it was a misunderstanding between some persons which escalated.

    “All we are saying now is for us to embrace peace and continue to live together.

    “I want to assure the Ile-Ife public that the Hausa community is not planning any retaliation. We view the incident as a misfortune ordained by Allah.”

    On his part, Mr Lawrence Awowoyin, the President of Ife Progressive Forum/Action Council,  said the crisis was masterminded by hoodlums.

    According to him, a committee has been set up to look into the root cause of the crisis with a view to finding a lasting solution.

    He said the crisis had either political or ethnic colouration, but hinged on a land dispute between a Yoruba family and Hausa community.

    “We all regret the unfortunate clash between certain individuals around Sabo area of Ile-Ife, which led to the loss of lives and property.

    “The love of Ife people toward all ethnic groups from time immemorial is not in doubt.

    “The crisis was an offshoot of misunderstanding between two individuals at Sabo area of Ile-Ife. This misunderstanding was unfortunately hijacked by hoodlums in the area.

    “It is unthinkable for anyone to think that the fracas was ignited by Ife community. We coexisted with Hausas, Igbos and other ethnic groups for decades without discrimination.”

    He, therefore, urged security agents to be fair and objective in handling the issue to eliminate the looming tension.

    He said “we condemn in its entirety any form of ethnic clash, militancy and insurgency anywhere in Nigeria and in Ife land in particular.

    “It is our position that we are all creatures of Almighty God, hence, we are all citizens of the world and we abhor bloodshed in all ramifications.

    “We sympathise with victims from both sides. It is a known fact that both Yoruba and the Arewa community suffered colossal losses and deaths from the crisis.”

    The Ezendigbo of Ireland, His Highness Chief Ezekeil Onyejekwe, who was in Ife, urged the warring parties to eschew bitterness and live together in one accord.

    He said the incident was unfortunate, adding that it was the first time such an ugly disturbance would occur in the ancient city. `

    There was a bloody clash between the Hausa community and the Yorubas in Ile-Ife, Osun State on March 8, where lives were lost and property worth millions of naira were destroyed.

    Although the ugly incident was immediately contained by Osun State security operatives, the tension was said to be high in the city.

    Meanwhile, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had inaugurated a truth and reconciliation committee to ensure peace between the Hausa community and Yorubas in the ancient city.
    Oba Ogunwusi inaugurated the committee in his palace on Saturday in Ile-Ife, Osun.

    The Ooni described members of the Hausa community in Ile-Ife as his subjects and co-owners of the town with whom he enjoyed tremendous loyalty in the last 14 months of his reign.

    He said “thank God for the normalcy; I commend Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, for being proactive and the security agents for their efforts toward ending the crisis.’’

    The royal father condemned the actions of those behind the fracas and expressed optimism that they would soon be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.

  • Ooni to lawmakers: Promote Yoruba culture, tradition

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on other Houses of Assembly in the South-West to emulate their Lagos State counterpart in promoting Yoruba language and cultural heritage.

    Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II, made the call when led other chiefs on a courtesy visit to the House during plenary on Thursday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The monarch, who stressed the importance of preserving Yoruba language, cultural values and tradition, commended the legislature in Lagos for promoting native language.

    He said, “I am very happy to be here and see you using Yoruba language to conduct your activities.

    “I enjoin all Houses of Assembly in Yoruba land to learn from the Lagos Assembly.

    “People in other climes honour and cherish Yoruba language. It is at home here that we don’t cherish what is ours.

    “What is causing retrogression and defeat for us is that we don’t celebrate what is ours, our language and cultural values.

    “If we are united as a people and cherish what is ours, every other thing will be easy for Yoruba nation to move forward.

    “I urge you (Lagos Assembly) to endeavour to persuade other Houses of Assembly in Yoruba land to promote our heritage.”

  • Recession: Bank of Agriculture to assist farmers, youths with loans

    Recession: Bank of Agriculture to assist farmers, youths with loans

    The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) says it is ready to provide financial assistance to farmers and youths in the country to boost food production through mechanised farming.

    Mr Babatunde Igun, an Executive Director of the bank, said this during a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday.

    He expressed the bank’s willingness to partner with the traditional ruler on engaging youths in farming.

    Igun added that with the dwindling effects of crude oil price and the negative impact on the economy, there was urgent need to assist farmers and youths in diversifying the economy.
    “We have all seen the dwindling effects of crude oil price on our economy in the last one or two years.

    “We need to feed ourselves, stop importation of unnecessary food items and that is why BOA is relevant.

    “We are ready to assist farmers as well as youths to go back to farming. Our plan is not for them to go back to hoes and cutlasses farming but rather mechanised farming.

    “I believe with the assistance BOA is ready to give, our agriculture system will begin to take a new shape in the next few years,’’ he said.

    Igun also said that the bank was ready to partner with the Ooni’s agriculture development initiative for the youths in the town.

    He said that BOA would assist 150 youths who were being trained by the traditional ruler on agriculture mechanisation and production skill with loan facility.

    “The most important thing for anyone going to agriculture is skills acquisition.

    “That is where the Ooni has played a dominant role by bringing 150 youths together in the last four months to train them in agricultural mechanisation.

    “And that is why we are interested in giving them loan after their training.

    “In BOA, once we see an organisation, state or individual that is passionate about youths, women and agriculture, we try to come to them and find a way we can work together,’’ he said.

    Igun added that more than 400 farmers had been empowered in Ile-Ife with N500 million loan facilities in the last few years, adding that the bank would do more.

    In his remarks, the Ooni said he was ready to partner with the bank to encourage youths in food production.
    The monarch, who noted that there were a lot of unemployed youths, said governments and the private sector, should be willing to assist youths to embrace farming.

    He, however, urged BOA management to make their presence more visible by providing loans to farmers.

    “If BOA can be used as a proper conduit in terms of giving soft loans on a long term basis, it will encourage the youths to go back to the farm,’’ the monarch said.

  • Ooni counsels Yoruba on peace, unity

    Ooni counsels Yoruba on peace, unity

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, says preaching peace and unity is the only way to guarantee progress among the Yoruba.

    The Ooni made the remark while addressing newsmen at the grand finale of the annual Olojo Festival on Monday evening in Ile-Ife.

    He pledged to continue to work for the unity of the Yoruba, adding that the only way to progress in life was to pursue love while promoting unity.

    “Without peace and unity, there cannot be any development or achievement.

    “United we stand, divided we fall; I urge peace and unity among the Yoruba. This will enable us to achieve greatly in life, thus taking us to the Promised Land,’’ he said.

    The Ooni also advised the Yoruba to cherish their potentialities.

    He acknowledged the support he had been receiving from various parts of the country, especially from the Yoruba.

    The traditional ruler promised to modernise the festival in order to boost tourism and strengthen the community’s economy.

  • Ooni charges Muslims to pray for economy stability

    Ooni charges Muslims to pray for economy stability

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on the Muslims to use 2016 Eid-el Kabir celebration to pray for economy stability, peace and harmony in Nigeria.

    Ogunwusi made the call in his Sallah message to the Muslims in Ile Ife, Osun, on Monday.

    The monarch said that all the challenges facing the nation would not last and that there would be an end to it soonest.

    The Ooni appealed to all Nigerians to endure and persevere as Prophet Mohammed did.

    While thanking God for making the faithful witnessed another celebration, the Oba urged all and sundry to embrace peaceful coexistence across the country.

    He said that 2016 Eid-el-Kabir was worth celebration describing Islam as a religion of peace.

    An Islamic cleric, Alhaji Abud-Samii Abdul-Hamid, in a message also called Nigerians to embrace Allah, saying “vanity upon vanity, all is vanity”.

    Abdul-Hamid made the call while offering prayer marking 2016 Eid-el-Kabir celebration at Ile-Ife Central Eid-Prayer ground.

    He said that “death is inevitable, adding “we all came to the world one day, we will leave one day.

    “We brought nothing to the world, nothing shall be taking away, naked we all came and all will leave naked.”

    The cleric admonished all to be well behaved, assuring that all would give account of his/her deeds before the throne of judgment.

    Abdul-Hamid enjoined all and sundry to always fulfill their promises to Allah and humanity, stressing this would contribute to smoothness of Nigeria economy and successful tenure for leadership.

    He said that celebration of Eid-el-Kabir commemorates the willingness of the Prophet to sacrifice his son as an act of submission to God’s command, before Angel Gabriel intervened for a ram.

    The Islamic cleric enjoined all to emulate the Prophet, who dedicated himself to obedience, faithfulness, dedication, selfless service and love when alive.

    Also, a former Osun Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Sikiru Ayedun, called on all to totally submit to the Almighty God.

    He enjoined children to be obedient to their parents.

  • Ooni foresees bright economic future for Nigeria

    Ooni foresees bright economic future for Nigeria

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, said the nation would bounce back on track in spite of the present economic challenges facing it.

    Oba Ogunwusi said this during the courtesy visit by some management staff of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, (FIIRO) to his palace on Thursday, in Ile-Ife.

    He said that the country needed to engage its citizens, particularly the youth in empowerment programmes to be able to achieve the expected economic growth.

    The royal father said the nation’s strength lied in its human capacity, adding that there was need for continuous empowerment programmes.

    Ooni lauded FIIRO’s management’s readiness to support and partner with the palace on its proposed empowerment programme and provision of employment for youths in Ife, Osun and the country at large.

    He said the country was blessed with such an institute which had come up with several products, relevant to the planned empowerment programmes.

    The royal father commended the management of FIIRO for its continuous commitment in ensuring self -reliance among Nigerians, saying this would help reposition the country to compete favourably with its counterparts.

    The monarch said that there was a ‘renewed hope’ for Nigeria and thousands of youths that were jobless to be gainfully employed as agro-entrepreneurs.

    Ooni urged small and medium firms, stakeholders, individuals, local, state and Federal Government to partner with FIIRO.

    Oba Ogunwusi pledged full support for the institute and urged its management to continue to ensure that it maintained quality products that could boost patronage locally and internationally.

    He also urged Nigerians to always patronise made-in- Nigeria products so that the country could reduce its imported items and boost foreign exchange income.

    Oba Ogunwusi assured the team that the Ife citizens would not relent to give the institute plots of land to set up an institute for training programmes.

    The Director-General of FIIRO, dr Gloria Elemo, commended the royal father’s efforts in ensuring that youths and widows were empowered.

    Elemo said that the institute would give its technical support to ensure that the “empowerment programme becomes a success’’.

    She said that the Federal Government’s had always insisted on the diversification of the economy from the oil- sector.

    The director-general said that it was obvious that the agriculture sector could help boost the nation’s revenue which was dwindling because of fall in crude-oil prices in the international market.

    Elemo also said that adequate provision of agro-processing tools to youths and widows who want to be self- employed was necessary to improve their production capacity.

    She insisted that agriculture without value added chain could not sustain the economy.

    Elemo said that FIIRO understood that and in its 60 years of existence, continued to improve in its agro-processing methods and tools to make farming less stressful.

    According to her, FIIRO is the best in processing solid minerals, crops like cashew, cassava, yam, fruits, plantain and fish among others.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the director-general presented over 200 researched and packaged products in various form of powder, juice and wine.

    She also showcased some machines to the royal father which she said were available and at affordable prices.

    He said if the three tiers of government, individuals could partner with FIIRO, there would be poverty alleviation in the country, thereby, making youths to be gainfully employed.

    Elemo called on Nigerian youths to be focused and ready to establish themselves without waiting for government.

  • No rift between Ooni, Owa – Ijesha Obas 

    No rift between Ooni, Owa – Ijesha Obas 

    The Council of Obas and Chiefs in Ijesaland has said there is no misunderstanding between Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran over the chairmanship of the Osun Council of Obas and chiefs.

    The traditional rulers urged anyone bent on causing a rift between the two royal fathers to desist from misinforming the public.

    A statement issued and signed by the Onimogbara of Imogbara-Ijesa, HRH Oba Samuel Adebowale Adesoji and the Lorunyin of Okeyin, Ilesa Chief Ayo Agbede  and made available to newsmen in Ibadan condemned the act and described anyone misinforming the public as agent of deceit and clog in the wheel of progress.

    The statement noted that, most of stories reported by some section of the media in some national dailies were in contrary to the actual happenings and warned the perpetrator to stop misleading the public.

    The statement reads; “Contrary to the clarion calls made by the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi for unity among Yoruba Obas and their resolve to work together to promote peace and progress in Youbaland, we were disappointed and shocked when we saw the tissue of lies published in some media.

    ” For the records,  the statement made by the Oni of Ife during his unscheduled visit to the Adimula’s palace on 5th February: kabiyesi Owa Obokun, our father passed through a lot of stages and scaled several hurdles to make Yorubaland what it is today.

    “Kabiyesi Owa is a man of peace contrary to the insinuations of mischief makers, though this was a surprise visit; but he has received me very warmly. I will surely come back here again”.

    And in veiled reference to the leadership of Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers,the Obas quoted the Ooni of Ife  as saying, “I was installed as king about two months ago. Kabiyesi Owa had been king for 34 years. What can I wrestle with such person”.

    The traditional rulers praised the Owa Obokun for his response to Ooni of Ife after his statement, saying that the time for leadership tussle among Yoruba Obas is over.

    “Yoruba Obas in South West Nigeria must unite and ensure that they assume their rightful place in the scheme of things. We must also unite to ensure that Yorubaland is developed”, the Obas said.

    They however thanked the Ooni of Ife for the visit which they described as timely, while praying God to endow the new monarch with long life and peaceful reign.

    They expressed shocked that after the royal visit by the Ooni, some enemies of peace went all out to distort the essence of the visit.

    The statement however, affirmed that the controversy trailing the chairmanship of Osun state Council of Traditional Rulers, had came to an end on 3rd December 2015 when His Royal Majesty, the Ataoja of Osogbo proposed that His Imperial Majesty, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland who had been acting as the chairman of the revered Council since the demise of Oba Okunade Sijuwade be confirmed as the chairman.

    “It was as if the Ataoja spoke the minds of majority of the Obas present on the faithful day the motion was raised, and was approved and confirmed immediately that the Owa Obokun is the natural and popular choice.

    “One would think that since the controversy had died a natural cause, the issue of chairmanship ought to have been settled forever. Little did the stakeholders and the public know that the controversy would be exhumed by some people who are set to distort history and stand the truth head down to suit their aborted ambition,” the statement reads in part.

  • Osinbajo seeks new leadership style

    Osinbajo seeks new leadership style

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday advocated a new leadership style for leaders across the country that builds bridges, keeps in touch with the people and offers a new way of thinking.

    He made the call while receiving the new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. According to him, the new Ooni of Ife represents a new generation of Nigerians through his outreach efforts and setting a new standard and leadership style.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, he said: “Some of what we have seen `Kabiyesi’ do, some of those steps he has taken, handshakes across prejudices, across traditional boundaries, a visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, and several other such important steps are not just symbolic.

    “It is important to understand that they also have very deep implications for future relationships and for the way that our generation is perceived and also implications in the way that our country eventually shapes up,” Prof. Osinbajo noted.

    The Vice President said leaders have to be accountable to the people adding that “one of the very important attributes of the Kabiyesi is the fact that he represents a new way of thinking, which is not just a generational way of thinking, but a whole new concept in the way he relate to power and authority.

    He said that the new way of thinking and style which the new Ooni represents is not just about traditional leadership, “but it is something that relates to leadership at every level.

    He commended the new king for his “great insight and leadership attributes,” and prayed that Almighty God will enable him fulfill the purpose of his enthronement.

    He said “I think that he is one of those who have thought it fit to begin to express himself in a completely different way from what we had seen in the past. I think that one of the key things that we have learnt from leadership and one of the key leadership skills that he has taught, that his approach has taught us, is that you have to make contacts even with people and with authorities who in the past may have been considered adverse or adversaries one way or the other.”

    Prof Osinbajo also praised the Ooni for his connection with young people, commended his embrace of modern communication, and observed that there were indications that a new generation had taken over.

    By addressing the concerns of the young people who constitute a very substantial portion of the nation’s population, he said that the Ooni has demonstrated the understanding that it is not just about demographics but about the future of the country. In his remarks, Oba Ogunwusi who described the Vice President as “amiable,” noted that he had been “warmly received by Mr President and Mr Vice President to talk progressively about what can be done from the traditional aspect since monarchs are much closer to the people.

    He appealed to Nigerians, “to be patient with our leaders. They have very good plan for us, very positive plans. If we can be patient we will all benefit from their lofty programmes’’ Earlier the Vice President received a delegation from the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers, NALT, led by its president, Dr. Abdulkarim Kana.

    Prof. Osinbajo, himself a law teacher, expressed delight at the courtesy visit, and wondered what his life trajectory would have been if he had not become a professor of law.

    Recalling how difficult legal research had been in the past, he cited an instance when it took him six weeks to get an authority and other details of a particular case in the high court in the early 80s. According to him, things have since become better now, with improved technology-aided tools that are available.

    He encouraged the members of the delegation and the association made up of law professors and lecturers drawn from about four generations of law teachers to welcome practicing lawyers as university teachers.

    “We should be open to those kind of interaction, great universities of the world allow for such interactions,” according to the Vice President. The leader of the delegation, Dr. Kana who told the VP, “I have brought your constituency to you,” described the Vice President as “one of our very best.”

    He said the success of the Buhari administration is the success of Nigeria and pledged the support of the association. Other notable university teachers that formed part of the delegation included Prof. Ademola Popoola, Prof. Chioma Kanu Agomo, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, Prof. Maxwell Gidado, SAN, and Prof. Festus Emiri among others