The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Octogenarian

  • Awujale joins octogenarian club

    Awujale joins octogenarian club

    As expected, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State stood still for the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, during the grand finale of his 80 birthday celebration, last Saturday. ERNEST NWOKOLO was at the Dipo Dina International Stadium where the ceremony took place.

    For a week, Ijebuland was agog. The community was a beehive of activites with an air of festivity. It was celebrating the Awujale and its Paramout Ruler, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who clocked 80.

    The week-long colourful birthday bash was rounded-off with a grand luncheon/ party at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, last Saturday.

    Expectedly, the carnival-like ceremony witnessed a crowd of prominent Nigerians and expatriates, which cut across religions, politics, tribes and continents. They came to felicitate with the Oba.

    Following expectations that President Goodluck Jonathan would be attending the event, there was a heavy presence of security operatives – the Army, Police, State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) and members of the Vigilante Service of Ogun State (VSO). So, security was tight in Ijebu-Ode and its evirons.

    The stadium was cordoned off by the security operatives. Unwanted guests could not come within 500 metres radius of the venue. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Ogun State’s traffic agency – TRACE – and private guards ensured strict compliance. Guests were thoroughly screened before they were allowed into the venue of the luncheon.

    Prior to Oba Adetona’s 80th birthday celebration, a world press conference was organised by a group of professionals under the aegis of the Ijebu Renaissance Group (IRG).

    The six-day event began on Sunday, May 4, with a special thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church Saviour, Italowajoda-Ijasi, Ijebu-Ode, according to the spokesman of the group, Chief Adetokunboh Fassy Yussuf, who was the deputy chairman of the Publicity sub-committee of the planning committee for the birthday celebration.

    On Tuesday, May 6, the celebration shifted to the Adeola Odutola Events Hall, where a colloquium on the Ijebu nation and a coffee-table book on Oba Adetona was presented to the public.

    There was a football match the following day at the stadium. It was followed by a grand reception at the Oba S.K. Adetona Golden Jubilee Centre, Ijebu-Ode, where about 50 monarchs in Ijebuland paid homage to the Awujale.

    On Friday, a Jum’at service was held at the Ijebu Ode Central Mosque.

    Last Saturday, the grand finale featured a luncheon at the marquee inside the stadium.

    It began with a prayer by the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Ode, Sheikh Abdur-Razaq Salaudeen.

    The luncheon featured the cutting of the birthday cake and a toast before dignitaries took turns to shower encomiums on the celebrator.

    President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Oladeinde Arogbofa, extolled Awujale, saying he contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria.

    Jonathan described the monarch as a “big masquerade” whose wealth of experience has helped the country in no small measure.

    Jonathan said: “I deeply appreciate what you, Kabiyesi, have been doing in Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria. You have contributed immensely to the development of good governance in the country. Our revered father, you should continue to do those things that you have been doing so well.”

    Former Military Head of State and All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader General Muhammadu Buhari eulogised Oba Adetona for his forthrightness at all times.

    Buhari described him as a lucky monarch who has seen the nation’s trying political processes.

    Former Lagos State Governor and also APC national leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Adetona was an “honest and courageous person.”

    Describing Oba Adetona as the best traditional ruler in Yorubaland, Tinubu said the Awujale attained such status because of his doggedness and truthfulness.

    He said when the military junta targeted the Yoruba, Oba Adetona was among those pencilled down for assassination.

    Tinubu said: ” Kabiyesi, you are a good father and monarch. I remember in 1991, 1992 and 1993, during the military junta, when the Yoruba were the target of the then government, they thought they could silence you; they planned to kill you; they planned to remove you through a local government. But they failed. They did it to Sultan of Sokoto then and they succeeded. You stood by us; you stood by the truth and, despite all humiliation, depression and attack, you remained resolute and unshaken.

    ”One of those days, I will never forget in my life was the day you invited us to your palace for one of our meetings. When we got there and were about to commence our meeting, we were told that the military had surrounded the palace with mighty guns. You told us then that there was no problem, and we should continue our meeting. You said they didn’t know that there are many ways into the palace. After our meeting, you personally opened another door for us and nothing happened to us.”

    Tinubu went on:”You are not part of the Obas in Yorubaland, who are sell-outs. We know them, and it is not yet time to mention names. In Yorubaland today, you are the best monarch, and that is not contestable.

    “The good Obas in Yorubaland, who are forthright, firm and stand by the truth are not up to five, they are just three. May you live long with good health and abundant God’s blessings.”

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun described the paramount ruler as a “colossus and a peacemaker.”

    Amosun  named the first flyover in the town after the royal father.

    Amosun said: “We are grateful to God on your behalf for coming thus far. You are a role model and a monarch that respects all offices. My administration would not have achieved all that we have been able to record if not for your advice and fatherly role in ensuring that we did not fail. You are an experienced Oba and we are honouring you today. We mark your 80th birthday with the naming of the first flyover bridge in the town after you.”

    The gathering cheered him.

    His Bayelsa State counterpart, Seriake Dickson, whose grandmother was an Ijebu princess, praised the monarch for his good works and wished him many peaceful years on the throne. He described Oba Adetona as an exceptional ruler.

    Oba Adetona thanked the guests for honouring him. He expressed gratitude to his Creator for making him to join the league of octogenarians, despite his early challenges in life.

    Oba Adetona said: “The beginning was a bit rough, but I thank Almighty Allah that today we are rejoicing. I am grateful to Allah for blessing all my activities. I promise that I will continue to stand on the side of truth.”

    A cultural dance troupe of women in traditional attire with strands of beads woven around their heads entertained the gathering. The troupe came from Akoko-Ado, Ondo State.

    Popular musician-turned evangelist Ebenezer Obey was at his usual best, thrilling guests with old and new tunes.

    In attendance were the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Obi of Onitsha, Dr Nnaemeka Achebe; the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; the Alake and Paramount of Egbaland, Oba Michael Gbadebo; the Akarigbo of Remoland Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo; the Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salawudeen Oyefusi; Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya; the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu; former governors of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, their Oyo State counterpart Dr Omololu Olunloyo; Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi  Adesina; President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; First City Monument Bank (FCMB) chairman Otunba Subomi Balogun; and Globacom chairman Chief Mike Adenuga.

    Also the Chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mallam Adamu Mu’azu; Honeywell Group of Companies chairman Oba Otudeko; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari; Latter Rain Assembly Presiding Pastor, Tunde Bakare, Chief Razaq Okoya; Senator HAB Fasinro; APC Interim National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed; former minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Mr Tunde Lemo; Iyalode of Yorubaland, Iyalode Alaba Lawson; Chairman, Insight Communications, Mr Biodun Shobanjo and others attended the luncheon/party.

    Oba Adetona was born into the Anikilaya Ogbagba Royal Family of Ijebu Ode. His father was Prince Rufai Adetona of Imupa area of Ijebu Ode.

    The monarch, who is regarded as the longest serving in the country, on April 2 clocked 54 years on the throne.

    He mounted the throne when he was a little under 26 years. His journey to the throne began in 1960 when he was recalled from the United Kingdom where he was studying Accountancy.

    His nomination as the Awujale of Ijebuland was approved by the government of the defunct Western Region through a letter dated January 4, 1960.

    Born on 10 May, 1934, Oba Adetona’s reign has been a monumental success and a pride to the Ijebu people. The monarch personifies the attributes of Ijebu people which include fierce and sturdy independence, candour, objectivity, sincerity, entrepreneurial spirit, reliability and resoluteness.

    He has succeeded in raising the status and reckoning of the Ijebu people. He is regarded as one of the country’s greatest monarchs, dead or alive. A philosopher and social scientist, Oba Adetona’s fame and popularity extend beyond the shores of Nigeria.

    During the days of the late General Sani Abacha, the Awujale was among the few leaders that stood to be counted on the side of history. He refused to sell out.

  • Octogenarian counsels electorate

    An octogenarian in Ekiti State, Pa Rufus Olakanmi, has urged the electorate to vote for a candidate who will rapidly transform the state.

    Olakanmi gave the advice yesterday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ikole-Ekiti.

    He urged residents to vote for a candidate with a demonstrable record of impacting positively on the people’s life.

    The octogenarian advised the people not to be carried away by the false promises of politicians, who would not remember them after the election.

    He said: “It is time politicians to stop making promises they cannot fulfill. The level of poverty and other social-economic problems in most states has made it impossible for any governor to solve them overnight. But our politicians will not say the truth. Instead, they boast that they would solve all problems within 100 days in office.

    “When they finally get the mandate of the people on the strength of such promises, the masses would be waiting for the wonders to be performed and failure to do the magic will result in disappointment.”

    Olakanmi urged politicians to stop using vulgar languages at rallies and focus on issues.

    Urging the people to look beyond partisan interests in the election, he said: “Our people should remain resolute, shun deceit and gifts and vote for the best candidate, who will take the state to a greater height.”

  • Fuel subsidy disaster: Octogenarian victims cry for compensation after two years

    Fuel subsidy disaster: Octogenarian victims cry for compensation after two years

    As lofty as the strong will by Nigerians to fight against the removal of fuel subsidy by President Goodluck Jonathan in January 2012, those who lost their loved ones and properties to the protest that rocked several parts of the country still rue the day the President made the ill-thought announcement.

    A one-storey building on 75, Owu/NTA junction, Totoro-Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital jointly owned by Pa Lasisi Ademuyiwa and Pa Salisu Ademuyiwa, both octogenarian was razed due to a fire outbreak caused by the tear gas shot by the police to disperse the protesters.

    The octogenarian problem began with the expansion projects embarked upon by the state government that claimed part of the building before the subsidy crisis.

    During the protest, the police teargas went on top of the roof, leaving the building in flames.

    Two years after, the Ademuyiwas are crying out over the non-payment of any compensation to the family.

    The victims accused the Ogun State Police Command and the state government of neglect, noting that two years after their family house was burnt, they are yet to receive any form of compensation from government. They appealed to Governor Ibikunle Amosun to look into their case.

    According to Pa Salisu Ademuyiwa, they lost all their personal effects to the inferno and since then they have been finding it difficult to make ends meet. He said all the victims including his elder brother, his wife, grandchildren and others have been squatting in rented houses since the incident.

    “It hurts us that some people who suffered just like us are getting compensation yet our case has never been addressed,” he said.

    According to him, one of the tear-gas canisters fired by the police strayed into the upper sitting room of the building via the window and caused the fire that gutted the entire property.

    “We are still keeping the police tear-gas canister till today; it was God that saved one of my brother’s life as he was deep in sleep in his bedroom when the fire started,” he said.

    Pa Ademuyiwa said after the fire outbreak, they filled for compensation and they are still waiting for government response, expressing surprise that two years after nothing has been heard in that regard.

    “Few months ago, after so much stress and pestering, the state emergency management agency was reported to have given out some planks and roofing sheets; what do they want us to do with roofing sheets on a burnt building,” he queried

    His sentiments were echoed by his elder brother’s wife, Mrs Ademuyiwa.

    Recalling the incident, Mrs Ademuyiwa said: “I was busy washing my clothes in front of the house while my husband was taking his siesta in one of the rooms. We could not go out because of the nationwide strike/protest called by the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and civil society groups. Before we knew what was going on, we saw that our building has been engulfed by fire. The fire emanated from the tear gas canister fired by members of the Nigeria Police Force to disperse the protesting crowd. No member of the family could take any material out of the building throughout the period the fire lasted”

    One of the neighbours who witnessed the incident, Mrs. Mary Owolabi testified that the Police tear-gas entered the upper sitting room of the building and ignited a fire which spread like a whirlwind for the number of hours it lasted

     

  • Panic as Delta kidnap gangs target octogenarians

    Panic as Delta kidnap gangs target octogenarians

    •Kidnap ‘heahe members of Sakpa family in Ovwhodokpokpor Olomu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State were thrown into celebration on Monday when the matriarch of the family Mama Helen Sakpa was rescued from the hold of kidnappers around Forcados area of Burutu LGA of the state.

    The 73-year-old grandmother was abducted from her home in Ughelli area of Delta State by gun-toting youths, who later sent a N50milion ransom ‘note’ to the family.

    She was the latest in a long list of abducted octogenarians in the area, as kidnap gangs operating in the Delta Central area of the state systematically shift base from Kokori in Agbon Clan of Ethiope East LGA to Olomu in Ughelli.

    Her octogenarian husband was beaten to pulp by the hoodlums on the fateful day she was abducted last Thursday, October 31.

    The incident occurred barely three days after Mrs Otiti Esegba, a 76-year- old was snatched by gunmen from her bed in the dead of the night in Oviri community in the same Olomu clan.

    Similarly, a popular medical doctor in the area, Dr. Richard Kofi, was abducted from his clinic in Oviri-Olomu by armed gang.

    Speaking on her escaped, Mrs Esegba told newsmen: “At about 2am while asleep, I heard a great noise and before I knew it two heavily armed men storm into the house and seized me after pulling down my door.

    “Three others also armed joined them and ransacked the house, took my jewelries, my george wrappers and several thousands of naira. They started beating and hitting me with guns.

    “Thereafter I was dragged into one of the waiting okada, one sat behind me and the three others took the other okada. The one seated behind me held my mouth, I was blinded folded and also held my throat.

    “They took me to what look like an uncompleted building, i then asked them what did i do, what is the matter. I told them that i will give them money, that they should not kill me.”

    Luckily for her, the ordeal lasted for hours before she ‘divinely’ escaped from her kidnappers’ den in the uncompleted building she was taken to.

    For Mama Sakpa, the nightmare lasted for five days before she was rescued by men of the Nigerian Navy.

    She was rescued by a special squad from the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS) Delta who stormed a kidnappers’ den around Agip Flow Station in Forcados, Burutu L.G.A of Delta State.

    It was a joyful moment as the frail looking old woman was handed over to her family at the NNS Delta, Warri.

    The Executive Officer of the base, Naval Capt. Julius Nwagu said the operation was successfully carried out following a tip-off to its officers who were on duty at the Nigerian Agip Oil Company’s Belebowie station, near Forcados.

    He said the kidnappers had approached the family with a hefty N50 million ransom demand before the feat.

    Nwogu attributed the successful operation to the gesture of a local in the area who tipped off the security operatives. They swiftly moved in and secured Madam Sakpa’s release.

    He said, “At about 9:00am this morning, we got a report from our task force in Agip Belebowie around Forcados area that a 73 years old woman who was kidnapped on Thursday 31 october, 2013 at Ovwhodokpokpor Town was rescued by Naval Task Force.

    “The gunmen before taking her away the assaulted the husband (Mr. Benson Sakpa) and since that time, the State Security Services (SSS) and the vigilante group have been on the search for the woman.

    “The gunmen demanded for N50milion, which the family could not afford. After fruitless effort the kidnappers dropped her in a bush around Agip Belebowie in Forcados. She was found in the bush by a villager who alerted our task force who went in to rescue her.”

    Nwagu said the rescue was an indication of what could be achieved if members of the public volunteer information and appealed to the public to provide security agencies with information that could help track the activities of kidnappers and other criminals in the state.

    Narrating her ordeal in her native Urhobo Language narrated, the victim said she was having her dinner on that day when five powerful men, armed with guns and cutlass stormed her home and took her away.

    Corroborating her account, her son Mr. Dickson Sakpa expressed delight that his mother was freed and had reunited with the family without harm.

    He however said the family was happy that they did not part with any money to secure her freedom, adding that the past five days had been very traumatic for them.

    However, it was gathered that the kidnap of the aged women amidst similar incidents have thrown the old and young people in the Olomu Clan into panic.

    Reacting to the worrisome development the traditional ruler (Ohworode) of Olomu Kingdom, HRM, Ovie R. L. Ogbon, said the cases were worrisome.

    Speaking shortly after the escape of Mrs Esegba, the 98-year-old Ohworode said, “This is condemnable in its entirety; this is a taboo! it is unacceptable. I thank God that she has been released.

    “I want the Governor to accent to the anti-kidnapping bill quickly, such people must die. I am going to call a meeting of all the communities, the Olomu vigilante and communities vigilante must be coordinated to forestall recurrence of such again.

    “Olomu is a peaceful place, we are hardworking and industrious people, we don’t condone or harbour criminals. Criminal elements should not use Olomu for their evil operations,” added the monarch, who is one of the oldest king in Niger Delta.

    Speaking in the same vein, Chief Felix Osiaje, President General of Akperhe Community in Olomu described the incidents as ‘insiders’ job’.

    Osiaje, a friend of the Esegba family, said, “This is an insider job, no stranger can come into my community to do this devilish act, there is an insider involve in this thing. I am happy that she escaped but i am going to the village to find a solution to this act.

    “We don’t tolerate criminally, we will get to the root of this matter.”

    dquarters’ shift to Olomu clan

  • Uduaghan, others celebrate octogenarian

    Uduaghan, others celebrate octogenarian

    For Chief Isaac Jemide, the Otsodi of Warri Kingdom, Saturday, October 19, was a very special day. Although he is anot known for flamboyance, it was not surprising when the renowned lawyer and traditional titleholder threw open the gates of his home to prominent Nigerians, including Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, members of the Bar and Bench who came to rejoice with him as he turned 80.

    Born in the ancient town of Koko, now headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area, Jemide, a devout Catholic, is renowned for his undying love for his ‘Four Pillars’ – God, Itsekiri, the bar and Rotary.

    At the thanksgiving service held at St. Cyprian’s Catholic Church, Effurun, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan extolled his contributions to the development of Delta State and Nigeria. He said the octogenarian enhanced growth in the area when he served as the House of Assembly member representing Warri in the defunct Bendel State.

    He praised Jemide, a former State Commissioner of the defunct Oil Mineral Development Commission (OMPADEC), for helping to lay the foundation for development in the area during his tour of duty and for being one of the leading lights in the politics of Warri through the Warri Leaders of Thought.

    He prayed God to grant the Otsodi of Warri long life, good health and more wisdom to help in contributing to the affairs of Delta State and Nigeria.

    Uduaghan, while recognis ing the fatherly role of Jemide, said he would always consult him for advice and suggestions that would assist in moving Delta State forward.

    In his tribute on behalf of the legal profession, Dr. Albert Akpomudje (SAN), said: “There are lawyers and there are lawyers. Chief Isaac Jemide exemplifies and personified what a lawyer properly so called should be.”

    Dr Akpomudje recalled that Chief Jemide distinguished himself in corporate world as an External Solicitor to Shell Petroleum Development Company (West), adding that the standard he set contributed to the reputation of the firm’s legal department.

    He also recalled Chief Jemide’s “robust and matured” contribution on the floor of the defunct Bendel State House of Assembly, as a legislator. “It was interesting to listen to skilled stylish objective” manner he handled the programmes of then ruling Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

    Dr. Akpomudje added: “As a fact, most politicians, who are lawyers, can hardly come back to a successful practice for several obvious reasons I will not want to delve into on this occasion. However, Chief Jemide proved so many people wrong as he returned to practise the profession after being in the corporate world for a long time and a legislator. He was alive to sustain a flourishing legal practice as if he never left for the number of years and has remained dogged in practice till date at 80 years of age.”

    Speaking on behalf of his children, Chief Jemide’s first son, Temi said his father’s life was worth celebrating, especially in the house of God. He recalled that his father practiced politics at a time when it was more humane and issue-based, stressing, “Politics today is rough and violent.”

    The service was also attended by Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN); Chief of Staff, Delta State Government House, Dr. Festus Okubor; Commissioners for Justice and Attorney General, Health and Oil and Gas, Sir Charles Ajuyah, Dr. Joseph Otumara and Mofe Pirah.

    Others were Chief Fred Majemite, Joseph Ayomike, Chief Herman, Chief Eleghemi and Chief Nelson Utienyinone and Ayo Ayomike, among others.

    The official ministers, Rev fathers Peter Medugu, Emmanuel Patrick Joseph Davou, John Iyekowa and Modestus Onuoha, among others, tasked the congregation on the need to be thankful and appreciate of even the littlest things and gesture, not only from men, but also from God.

    A reception party attended by Pa JOS Ayomike, Mr. Amorighoye Sunny Mene, prominent chiefs of the Warri and other neighbouring kingdoms, was later held at Chief Jemide’s resident located on Okoro Street, Marine Quarters Warri.

    The celebrant, who is also a renowned Rotarian, said he was overwhelmed and overjoyed by the outpour of eulogy and the show of love for him during the event.

    “I can’t thank you all enough,” he said.

     

  • Octogenarian accuses Ojora of demolishing property

    • ‘I know nothing of it’

    An octogenarian, Chief Fasasi Olorunlogun, has said he may sue the Ojora of Lagos, Oba Abdulfatai Oyeyinka Aromire, for the demolition of a building situated at No 7, Alhaja Adebowale Street, Orile, Lagos for contempt of court.

    The building is a subject of litigation between Chief Olorunlogun and Oba Ojora at a Lagos Magistrate Court presided by Magistrate Oyin Ogala.

    Oba Ojora has, however, denied involvement in the demolished building.

    Speaking through his counsel, Mr Niyi Ogunyemi, Chief Olorunlogun alleged that some men believed to be working for the traditional ruler on Thursday, January 24, 2013 pulled down the building despite the pendency of a suit challenging the ownership of the land in which the structure was erected.

    “This is unheard of. Those who carried out the act cannot claim ignorance of the fact that the matter is before the court. I do not know why they are in a hurry. They should allow the court to decide either way.

    “But one thing I can say is that we will never allow this go unpunished. Since this case started, a lot of illegalities have been perpetuated. But this is one illegality carried too far and we will not allow it go unpunished. I have my client’s instruction to file contempt charge against whosoever carried out this nefarious act and we shall wait to see to what the court will decide,” Ogunyemi said.

    The property at Alhaja Adebowale Street is one of four properties, which are at the centre of litigation before Magistrate Ogala. The others are situated at 3, Ogungbesan Street; 6, Alhaja Adebowale Street, and 33, Alafia Street, all at Orile, Lagos.

    However, reacting to the allegation, Muyiwa Kalejaiye, the media aide to the traditional ruler said the monarch did not authorise the demolition of the building or any other one whatsoever.

    Kalejaiye argued that Oba Ojora believes in the principle of law and does not take laws into his hand, adding: “It was his believe in the rule of law that made the Ojora family to wait for 37 years before they could get judgement from the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the disputed land.”

    Kalejaiye further stated that Ojora couldn’t have resorted to self-help when he did not toe that line during the 37 years the case lasted in court, adding that the occupants on Ojora’s family land are based on legal agreement between the two parties.

    “I do not know if the person who claimed to be the victim of demolition has any legal or valid legal title, C-of-O or any other legal authorisation for the occupation of that parcel of land. If he has, he should bring it forward so that necessary action could be taken,” he said.

  • Alleged defamation of Ojora: Octogenarian urges court to dismiss suit

    An octogenarian, Mr Fasasi Olorunlogbon, has  asked a Lagos magistrate court to strike out the substantive suit in which  he is standing trial for alleged defamation of the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Fatai Aromire.

    Olorunlogbon is facing a two-count charge of giving false information to the Inspector-General of Police for publishing defamatory matter against Oba Fatai Aromire, the Ojora of Ijora and Chief Amuda Yusuf (Asoju Oba).

    At the resumed hearing of the matter before the court, Chief Olorunlogbon through his counsel Niyi Ogunyemi,  prayed the trial Magistrate,  Oyin Ogala to dismiss the suit.

    Ogunyemi told the court when the time the defendant was arraigned on October 31, 2011, Section 125(e) of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State, under which he was charged, had become extinct.

    Ogunyemi stated further that as far back as August 17, 2011, a new law had already been enacted in the state making the arraignment of Chief Olorunlogbon on the old law, about a month later,  a nullity.

    According to him, the effect of a repealed law is to obliterate completely from the record as if it has never been enacted.

    “It must be seen as a law that never existed except for the purposes of those actions which were commenced, prosecuted and concluded while the law was in existence.

    Since there was no application from the prosecution to amend the charge, Ogunyemi urged the court to quash  the charge against the defendant.

    The court never directed the amendment of the charge before the filing of the instant application by the defence.

    However, in their counter affidavit, police prosecutor led by Cyril Ejiofor told the court that the application died same day it was filed.

    According to him, the reference number on the application was F/12/2011 rather than F/72/2011 which is the reference number of the suit before the court.

    While insisting that the court cannot adjudicate on a fact that is not in existence, Ejiofor further pointed out that the affidavit in support of the motion was worthless as the deponent, Taofik Jimoh was not the defendant in the suit and does not have the consent of the defendant to depose to the affidavit.

    “Taofik Jimoh is an interloper and whatever he says is hearsay”, the police prosecutor stated.

    Ejiofor also contended that the application was brought under no law in the land and that it is trite law that a motion must be predicated on a law.

    ”The defendant never complained that the charge was defective when it was read to him in open court.

    He submitted  that the application is an ambush, calculated to constitute a clog in the wheel of progress of the trial of the suit.

    “It should, therefore, be dismissed”, he prayed the court.

    The trial Magistrate, Mr Ogala has fixed December 19, 2012 for ruling on the application.

    Chief Olorunlogbon was on October 31, 2011 dragged before the court for allegedly giving false information to the IGP and for publishing defamatory matter against Oba Fatai Aromire.

    He has since pleaded not guilty to the charges.