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Tag: Ogoga

  • Alleged murder: Ogoga abrogates title

    The Ogoga-in-Council of Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State has abrogated the title of the Olukere of Ikere-Ekiti.

    The action followed the arraignment and remand of the Olukere, Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin, for alleged complicity in the murder of Femi Kolade.

    Kolade’s brother denied police claim that the deceased was a robber.

    He said his brother was a toilet attendant at the popular GSM Market and was not involved in a robbery.

    Also, Oba Obasoyin’s supporters staged a demonstration in the town, demanding his release.

    Announcing the abrogation of the title at a news briefing at the Ogoga’s palace yesterday, Secretary to the Ogoga-in-Council, Chief James Alonge, insisted that the Olukere was never a title in Ikere.

    Alonge, the Odofin of Ikere, who read a speech by the Ogoga, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, contended that the identity recognised for Oba Obasoyin was the Oloje, whose duty was to appease the Olosunta deity.

    He accused Oba Obasoyin of involvement in alleged criminal activities, saying the residents did not subscribe to such.

    Alonge said: “This is an individual with no evidence of official recognition or appointment or approval – either traditional or from the state government.

    “I am, by the grace of God, the oba, the King of Ikere. I was duly elected by the kingmakers through our processes and given a staff of office and Certificate of Appointment and accredited by the Ekiti State government.

    “I do not understand the platform on which preferential treatment is accorded Obasoyin, a mere priest, while the police continue to undermine my authority.”

    Denying that his deceased brother was a robber, Kolade said: “My elder brother was a toilet attendant at the popular Fayose Market on Ikere Road in Ado-Ekiti. His alias was Kofem and everyone there knows him.

    “He was also in some laundry business. Recently, he took to poultry business. He was never an armed robber. He wasn’t even on the scene where the attack on the Olukere hotel was carried out.

    “He was just a gentleman who, unfortunately, was on the scene when the reprisal attack was carried out. My brother was a gentleman. He was a father of two and has a wife.”

    Obasoyin’s supporters staged a peaceful protest for his release.

    They said he was framed up.

    The protesters, who marched round the sacred tree at Odo Oja, said Oba Obasoyin was innocent of the murder charge slammed on him.

    They described the allegations as “politically-motivated to dent his image”.

    Armed policemen were drafted to the scene to prevent the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums.

    Led by Chief Foluso Olowolafe, the placard-carrying protesters urged the Federal Government to intervene in the matter to prevent what they called “a possible breakdown of law and order in the town”.

    Some of the placards read: “We demand the release of our king”; “Government should allow peace to reign in Ikere”; “We demand (Governor Ayodele) Fayose to release our Kabiyesi to us” and “Olukere is innocent.”

    Another protester, Dr. Michael Osundare, expressed concern over what he called “illegal detention of the Olukere”.

    He said many of his supporters were with him in custody, in solidarity.

  • Ikere-Ekiti community celebrates odun oba festival

    Ikere-Ekiti community celebrates odun oba festival

    Issues of development of Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State was on the font burner earlier last week when the people of the town celebrated the Odun Oba Festival amidst pomp and pageantry. The rich cultural heritage of the community was also showcased at the festival. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

    Ikere-Ekiti is regarded as the gateway to Ekiti land and the town has been witnessing rapid socio-economic development since the ascension to the throne of the reigning Ogoga, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado, Agirilala Ogbenuotesoro II.

    The monarch has led the way in taking the kingdom to the next level by initiating various community development efforts including personally building an ultramodern palace and attracting the illustrious sons and daughters to their motherland for development.

    The template set by Oba Alagbado who himself has investment in the community has seen well-heeled citizens establishing businesses like hotels, event centres relaxation centres, supermarkets, hospitals, commercial farms, filling stations, big schools, among others.

    A large expanse of land had long been acquired for the establishment of a private university and a radio station in the town which is a signal that Ikere is going higher under the kingship of the urbane monarch.

    As it is the custom in other Yoruba cities and towns, the New Yam Festival known in local parlance as Odun Ijesu, is one of the most celebrated local fiestas in the traditional calendar and Ikere is not an exception.

    The Odun Ijesu also known as Ijesu Oba in Ikere had been celebrated in the community from time immemorial until the enthronement Oba Alagbado who upped the ante by making it a big celebration in which indigenes come from far and near to be part of the show.

    This year’s edition was expanded and now christened the Odun Oba. It was celebrated for one week between 22nd-29th July with the climax being the homage received by the Ogoga from various groups, unions, associations and institutions in his kingdom.

    The Odun Oba Ikere 2017 which was partly sponsored by a brewery featured prayers for peace and tranquility,cultural dances, all-night musical concert, display of the new yam and receipt of blessings from the “Saki Alaye”, the Ogoga.

    Other features of the festival included traditional cultural display by chiefs and priests, children cultural carnival, performance by Ekiti State Cultural Troupe, and the community’s native drummers, display by Ubedo and Usaka age groups and 43 registered clubs/associations.

    For Ogoga and his chiefs, it was a celebration of a bumper harvest of yam and other crops which they attributed to the favour received from God Almighty and their ancestors. They also celebrated the fertility of the land which is a God-given resource for agriculture.

    This year’s festival was attended by the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, who was represented by his wife, the Eyesorun of Ado-Ekiti, Olori Margaret Bosede Adejugbe; the Attah of Ayede-Ekiti, Oba Mumini Adebayo Orisagbemi; Chairman, Ikere Local Government, Mr. Ola Alonge and House of Assembly member representing Ikere Constituency 1, Mr. Wale Ayeni.

    Others are popular alternative medicine practitioner, Chief Akintunde Ayeni (Yemkem); Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Olayinka Ogundayomi; Provost, College of Education, Ikere, Prof. Mojisola Oyarekua; former Ekiti State Attorney-General and Commissioner for

    Popular musician and son of the soil, Micho Ade, was at his best thrilling guests and residents alike with his brand of music. Traditional hunters were at their best firing gunshots to the air in ecstasy.

    The Chairman of the Odun Oba Planning Committee, Otunba Sola Adewumi, said the festival which is also known as Idupe Oba, offers Ikere indigenes at home and abroad to contribute to the growth of their community annually.

    Adewumi said: “As it was from the days of our ancestors, today is a day set aside by our forefathers to display rich culture of Ikere Kingdom and pay homage to Kabiyesi, this is the grand finale of all Ikere annual festivals.

    “Today history is being made in Ikere kingdom, Ikere kingdom is witnessing the birth of ‘Odun Oba’, which is the rebranded ‘Idupe Oba’ inherited from our ancestors..”

    Oba Alagbado explained the reason for the change in nomenclature  from Ijesu Oba to Odun Oba. He said Ijesu Oba was a congregation of many memorable and traditional events of the people’s heritage which include Ogun Oye, Idijo Ijesu Oba, Osanyin Akinla, Amudankuwo, Eobeo Ree, Iduge, Upekele, Ayaba, Olosunta, Momokile, Idupe Isu Oba and Ogun.

    Suspected hoodlums disrupted an all-night show organised as part of activities for the festival at Holy Trinity Primary School in Odo Oja area of the town which prompted security beef-up by soldiers and riot policemen on the D-day on July 29.

    Oba Alagbado praised non-indigenes like Igbos, Hausas, Ebiras, Urhobos, Igalas, Igedes for contributing to the growth and economy of Ikere saying they have become part and parcel of the community who have rights and privileges like indigenes.

    Oba Alagbado after receiving homage danced round the palace square acknowledging cheers.

  • Olukere not a monarch, Ogoga insists

    •Condemns violence over billboard destruction 

    The Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu, has warned the Olukere, Oba Ganiyu Ayodele Obasoyin, to stop parading himself as a traditional ruler in the town.

    Adu said Olukere is a chief priest in the community and never a monarch adding that the 1933 Intelligence Report and other historical documents established that Ogoga is the king of Ikere.

    Addressing a briefing in his palace at the weekend, the Ogoga also warned that he would no longer tolerate violence and brigandage in the community, following last week’s pulling down of a billboard bearing the picture of the Olukere allegedly supervised by Governor Ayo Fayose.

    The Ogoga revealed that he had to calm down the youths from retaliating, following the attacks on them by suspected thugs allegedly working for the Olukere.

    Oba Adu maintained that the Olukere since the foundation of the community was a chief priest, who offers prayers and sacrifice for peace, progress and development of Ikere.

    According to him, “it is a taboo for any Olukere to come out in the day, violating this would attract curses from the gods.”

    The Ogoga challenged the Olukere to tell the world where he (Obasoyin) derives his authority from since he was never recognised by the government, does not have a council of chiefs and never admitted into the state council of traditional rulers.

    He said: “Olukere is being misled because none of his predecessor flexed muscles with me. But if all alternative means of resolving this matter fail, then I shall go to court to seek redress, because I can’t allow this to continue.”

    The Odolofin of Ikere, High Chief Ayodele Alonge, who spoke on behalf of Ogoga-in-Council, insisted that the Olukere, who is laying claim to founding the town remains the chief priest and is No 44 in the chieftaincy hierarchy.

    On the claim by the Olukere that the Ogoga is not a crowned prince, the chief replied that Ogoga inherited his crown from Benin from time immemorial, being a direct son of  Oranmiyan , who established the kingdom.

    He said: “Ikere was founded at about 11th century by one Aladeselu, so the claim by Olukere that he owns the land does not hold water.

    “That was why every elected Ogoga must spent seven days as part of the rites at Aladeselu’s house, representing the seven years  Ogoniga (Ogoga) , a Benin prince spent with him when he arrived the  town.

    “The first Olukere is called Oloje and this meant that he was a masquerade worshipper. Though, he was a powerful herbalist and that was why he was made the chief priest of this community and his main job is to worship the Olosunta, which Ikere people see as their savior.

    “As far as the history is concerned, Olukere is not a ranking chief. He is just a chief priest and he should stop referring to himself as a king. He is not even recognized by the state government.

    “Even Ile-Ife, where he claimed to have got his crown, history shows that he hailed from Obalorin compound in Ilode and this family  was never a direct descendant of Oduduwa”.

  • Pomp as Ogoga mounts ancestor’s throne

    Pomp as Ogoga mounts ancestor’s throne

    Eminent personalities from all walks of life thronged Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State penultimate week to witness the coronation of the Ogoga, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports that it was a colourful ceremony.

     

    Five months after he was appointed and presented with the instrument of office, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado, celebrated his ascension to the throne in style.

    Oba Adu, who was presented with the instrument of office in May, had since been receiving homage in the palace and adjusting to his new status as the king of the second biggest town in Ekiti State.

    A week before the coronation, preparations were in top gear as community associations, unions and age groups met and made arrangements to ensure a successful event.

    The week-long coronation  featured speech presentations, cultural displays in form of dance, music, costume and folklore, among others.

    The rich cultural heritage of Ikere was on display as cultural dancers, drummers, gong beaters, traditional trumpeters and masqueraders thrilled the audience.

    Men, women, youths, students and other stakeholders in the town adorned themselves with colourful attires and exhibited their dexterity in their dance steps.

    They were so overwhelmed with joy because the last time they witnessed such occasion was 44 years ago; during the coronation of the last occupant of the throne, the late Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye.

    Music was blaring at some junctions of the town where youths enjoyed themselves and hailed endlessly each time they saw the eye-popping vehicles that brought the dignitaries to the occasion.

    Prominent musician, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi reeled off his evergreen songs to the delight of the teeming crowd.

    Dignitaries who attended the event included Governor Ayo Fayose, former Governor of old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua;  the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi; the Olugbo of Ugbo land in Ondo State, Oba Enitiolorunda Obateru Akinruntan and all monarchs in the state under the auspices of Ekiti State Council of Obas.

    Eminent Nigerians who sent representatives to the coronation included the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode; Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, among others.

    Illustrious son of Ikere and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun, served as the Chief Host of the coronation ceremony in his capacity as the National President of Ikere Development Forum (IDF).

    Fayose, whose arrival was heralded with great funfair, urged politicians and kingmakers to stop playing politics with the appointment of the monarchs, adding that the appointment of Regent is just a mere stop gap to installing a substantive monarch.

    The governor said installing a monarch remains a sacred duty that must not be politicised. He reiterated that he would not toy with or allow any kingmaker to play politics with the selection of a monarch.

    Fayose said: “Under my watch, I won’t allow any kingmaker to play politics with the selection of any monarch. When I assumed office, there were about 12 vacant stools and, to the glory of God, we have been able to peacefully resolve and install six monarchs.

    “The role of Regent is temporary and kingmakers will not be allowed to play politics with the selection of Obas. Within the last six months, we have installed six Obas. Any civil servant that meddles in the affairs of selecting an Oba will be dealt with. A kingmaker must be able to openly line up behind his choice,” he said.

    Fayose added that the choice of the new Ogoga was overwhelming. He called on people of the town to support him.

    He pledged that his administration would give the town the attention it deserves, vowing that in the next two weeks, the dual carriage way of Ado-Ikere Road would be extended to Ikere Township.

    Fayose, who revealed that he deliberately left the announcement of the road construction till the coronation day in order to honour the new Ogoga, also sought for further political co-operation from the monarch,

    He added: “I want to control Ikere politically with hard work.  I know you love Ikere and desires for great development for the town. I will support you.

    “By the power conferred on me, I affirm your appointment as the Ogoga of Ikere. I am one call away. From today, your enemies will be my enemies, those who fight you, I will fight them.”

    The Governor also inaugurated the N2 billion Empowerment scheme initiated by the town, even as he donated N5 million in support of the project.

    Chief Olanipekun commended the governor for not wavering in standing for the truth and transparency in the selection of the new Ogoga.

    The legal icon expressed gratitude to him on behalf of the Ikere people for his decision to complete the dual carriage way of the Ikere township road stretching from Ado-Ekiti.

    He presented some gifts, a plaque of honour and beautiful royal clothing which he said the governor should wear on the day he would inaugurate the road he had promised Ikere, adding that the Ekiti people and Ikere in particular are proud of him.

    Chief Olanipekun, who had earlier given a welcome address at the occasion, explained that the installation of the new Ogoga, Oba Adejimi, heralds the beginning of a new era of great developmental strides that the monarch would carry out.

    Olanipekun said:  “Undoubtedly, history is being made, enacted and recorded. We are breaking new grounds. We are moving and climbing to higher realms. We are marching into the future with greater fortitude and determination.

    “We are conquering our weaknesses and alienating the prejudices which have hitherto held us back as a people. We are bidding farewell and perpetual goodbye to nepotism, pettiness, rebellion and short-sightedness.

    “Joyously and gloriously, we are advancing to our Canaan; the land of fertility, buoyant harvest and prosperity, peace tranquillity, love and progress for our children, both at home and in the Diaspora.”

    Speaking about the fortunes that would come to Ikere with the choice of the new Ogoga, Olanipekun explained further: “It is always good to put the round peg in round holes. In these days of technological and scientific advancement, where the entire world has been rightly described as global village; nations, states, towns, communities, corporations and groups of individuals usually and normally search for able and capable personalities to lead their respective nations, states and organisations.

    “The reasons are obvious. A leader’s character, learning, ability, determination, dynamism, progressiveness, mission, passion, focus and orientation have direct bearing and impact on his people and followers. Put on the flip side, a short-sighted, unstable, rudderless, petty, self-centred corrupt, narrow-minded, or weak leader constitutes a monumental catastrophe and total liability to his people, followers or institution.

    “Bearing this in mind, and immediately after the end of the traditional three months mourning period for our late illustrious Oba, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye, Akayejo 11, the Ikere Development Forum (IDF) held series of meetings and interfaced jointly and severally with diverse stakeholders on the need to search for a progressively-minded successor to Oba Akayejo who reigned for 43 years.

    “To our highly revered monarch, his own charity begins at home. He built his first house in Ikere about 30 years ago, established a sawmill factory at Ado Road over 15 years ago to create job opportunities for our youths, he put up another sawmill factory at Akure Road subsequently.

    “He sits on the boards of various thriving companies all over the country and beyond, both in the oil and gas industry and other sectors of the economy. He has always been participating actively in Ikere affairs, both at Ikere cradle and all over. He single-handedly donated the N4 million worth power generating set about two years ago on the request of the IDF. The set powers the State Specialist Hospital in Ikere.

    “As at then, there was no vacant stool of Ogoga in contention. He was one of the few indigenes who, through their generous and kind donations, made it possible for us to organise a befitting celebration of the life and times of our immediate past Oba on January 24, this year.

    “Ikere is lucky to have this eminently distinguished and positively unique personality, who is well bred, well-groomed, well trained, learned, highly cerebral and adequately equipped paragon as her Oba.

    “The taste of the pudding is often said to be in the eating. Lawyers have a graphic manner of expressing an actuality by applying the Latin maxim: res ipsa loquitur, meaning ‘the things speak for it.’

    “It is beyond any peradventure that our people are not just tickled and excited in the choice and eventual ascension of this high flying personae to the Ogoga stool, but also very proud that a mariner extraordinaire who has sailed round the world, is their new traditional and paramount ruler.”

    Delivering his speech, Oba Adu, who was accompanied with his wife, Olori Olufunmilola, expressed profound gratitude to all who have graced his coronation, particularly, the monarchs and his colleagues in the maritime industry.

    The Ogoga used the occasion to extend Olive branch to Ikere indigenes who had expressed dissenting voices against his choice, saying he was ready to work with them as that is the only way meaningful development would be achieved.

    He, however, warned troublemakers to desist from acts of brigandage or wanton destruction, saying there are regulations that mete out due punishment to such acts.

    Oba Adu said: “I want to thank Governor Fayose for his transparency and true love for us, his people. Ikere is second largest town in Ekiti State and we have potential to be much greater than we are currently.

    There is only one monarch in Ikere and if we do not work in unity, we won’t progress. We started wooing those who have been against us and it has worked, majority of them are now on our side.

    “I have pledged to administer this kingdom with utmost decision for peace. I won’t shy away to rule Ikere in unity, I won’t allow the sacredness of this kingdom to be destroyed by people who think by spreading lies to destabilise us. They can succeed in causing rancour.

    “According to history, I am the 27th Ogoga, and after Ogoga, there is no other monarch in this town. I shall defend our history and the heritage with whatever it takes. Let those who do not wish us well take heed, as there are punishment for brigandage, destruction and fomenting of troubles.”

    Alaafin of Oyo, who recalled how he prayed with the articles of faith of the three widely practised religions of Christianity, Islam and Traditional religion for Oba Adejimi, prayed for a peaceful and long years of reign for the monarch.

    Oba Adeyemi, who expressed satisfaction with Fayose’s speech, added that the governor was only being maligned by the opposition in the papers outside Ekiti.

    The Alaafin added that by coming to Ekiti himself, he had seen the true Fayose who truly loves his people and as such is being hated by the opposition.

    The Alaafin said: “Our true son, intelligent and courageous, if I don’t come today, I would have missed hearing you. I have been hearing about you on the papers that you are troublesome. The works you are doing in Ekiti, God will reward you well.”

    The Olugbo, Oba Akinrintan, who described the Ogoga traditional stool as “very important royalty in the Yoruba race”, praised the new Ogoga and Chief Olanipekun for their efforts in seeking for the good of their town, Ikere.

    The Olugbo said: “This Ogoga stool is very important in Yoruba land. I know his history very well. He has a great history. Ikere and Ekiti should take care of your Oba. He is well read and I know all Ekiti are well read also.

    “As you are supporting him, I want you to continue to pray for Olanipekun. He has taken you to all over the world; the Ogoga is a foremost Oba. Kabiyesi with Wole (Olanipekun) you have everything.

    “He has been my backbone even in my business.  I want to urge all governors to emulate former Governor Olomilua for his uprightness and incorrupt nature. Such act of integrity is good for our development as a nation.”

  • Ogoga of Ikere-dies at 85

    Ogoga of Ikere-dies at 85

    A first class monarch in Ekiti State, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti has Oba Adegoke Adegboye, joined his ancestors.

    The monarch died last Friday after a brief illness. He was 85, according to his son, Prince Adesoji Adegboye.

    The late Oba Adegboye ruled for 43 years, having been installed on August 22, 1971.

    Before his installation, he was an accountant with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    The monarch, who hailed from Akayejo Dynasty, one of the three ruling houses in the town, was the longest reigning traditional ruler in Ikere-Ekiti.

    Prince Adegboye described him as a peace-lover, who devoted a lot of his attention to the town’s development.

    Prince Adegboye, a Chief Magistrate at the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice, noted that his father served the town with all his wealth and strength.