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Tag: Olugbo

  • Olubadan: Alaafin, Soun, Oluwo, Onpetu, Olugbo, others await Tinubu’s arrival

    Olubadan: Alaafin, Soun, Oluwo, Onpetu, Olugbo, others await Tinubu’s arrival

    …as Ladoja ends traditional rites at Osemeji

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Olaoye Ghandi; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi; Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Akinruntan, and other prominent traditional rulers are at Mapo Hall, awaiting President Bola Tinubu for the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    READ ALSO: Alleged terrorism: ‘You have case to answer,’ Court tells Nnamdi Kanu 

    Oba Ladoja earlier completed the necessary traditional rites at the Osemeji shrine, Oja’ba, under the supervision of the Abore of Ibadanland.

    Meanwhile, Governor Seyi Makinde has led a delegation—including Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, alongside federal and state lawmakers—to Ladoke Akintola International Airport to receive President Tinubu.

  • Coronation: Diaspora Obas’ Council lauds Olugbo, cautions Adams

    The Council of Yoruba Obas in Diaspora has hailed the commitment of the Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, Oba Dr. Frederick Akinruntan, to the preservation of the Yoruba culture, both at home and in the Diaspora. Oba Akinruntan had recently in his palace in Ugbo community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, crowned three Diaspora-based Nigerians as Yoruba Obas. The three crowned traditional rulers are the Oriade of Georgia, United States, Oba Bernard Shola Akinrimisi; Oba Saheed Ibrahim Adufe of Ireland and Oba Omobolaji Ogunkoya of Liberia.

    In a statement signed on Friday by the Secretary of the Council, Mr. Olukunle Akanbi, the monarchs said recent remarks and diatribes of those up in arms against the Olugbo are sacrilegious. “We, Oba Yoruba in Diaspora, appreciate Olugbo and Paramount Ruler of Ugbo Kingdom, for the affirmation honour and formal recognition bestowed on us on 22nd April, 2019. It is sacrilegious in Yorubaland for a chief to start querying or denigrating the office of any Yoruba king, talk more of a highly revered monarch like Olugbo.

    “Is Gani Adams more Yoruba than those of us in the Diaspora or is it a crime to be in the Diaspora as a Yoruba son? Did he contribute anything to our relocation to the Diaspora for him to be acting like our caregiver?  While it is not difficult to fetch Adams critical motives against the installation of the worthy ambassadors in the Disapora, it will suffice to refresh his memories that Olugbo, who has a deep record of Yoruba history, has never and would never do anything undermine or compromise the Yoruba culture.

    “Going forward, the council ceases to be distracted by the needless antics of Adams and his ilk, but to continue to see how to preserve and protect our highly revered culture and our people in the Diaspora. We urge Adams to look for means of settling his differences with legions of notable Yoruba sons and daughters including members of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC),” the statement said.

     

  • Oluwo among my favourite obas, says Olugbo

    Oluwo among my favourite obas, says Olugbo

    The Olugbo of Ugbo in Ondo State, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, was the guest of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRosheed Akanbi, at this year’s Iwo Day celebration on Saturday.

    Oba Akinruntan described the Oluwo as one of his favourite monarchs.

    The Ondo monarch said the Oluwo symbolises youthfulness and dynamism needed to upgrade Yoruba institution, given his knowledge and exposure to different cultures before he ascended the throne.

    Oba Akinruntan urged Iwo indigenes to cooperate with the monarch on his mission to take the town to greater heights.

    He added: “He (Oba Akanbi) needs your support now more than before. There is no way we would not have a reason to disagree on issues, but there is also a reason to bury the hatchet and move forward. I am also appealing to traditional rulers within Iwo Kingdom to work together with the Oluwo. I have since known this place as a peaceful domain. I want everybody to sustain the peaceful co-existence.”

    The Oluwo expressed his appreciation to the Olugbo for his presence on the occasion.

    The monarch hailed Oba Akinruntan for disregarding the short notice of the event and making it to Iwo.

    Oba Akanbi acknowledged the contributions of the Olugbo to knowledge in his sustained efforts to examine the past with a view to setting the records straight for posterity and future generations.

    The Oluwo said he was attracted to the Olugbo by his outspokenness on issues bordering on history and cultural evolution of the Yoruba.

  • Youths attack monarch for insulting Olugbo

    A group, the Ugbo Kingdom Youths (UKY), has attacked the  traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, for allegedly insulting the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, following his comments on the Ooni and Ile-Ife heroine Moremi.

    In a magazine interview, Odidiomo was said to have described the Ugbo people as thieves, who invaded Ife to steal food.

    The Olu was also said to have described Olugbo as a traitor who, out of greed, lust and inability to keep secrets, betrayed his people instead of attributing the act of treachery to Moremi.

    A statement by UKY Chairman Nana Sunday described Odidiomo and the Igbokoda people as ingrates, “who have benefited a lot from the Ugbo people”.

    The group wondered why a third class monarch would involve himself in an issue between two first class monarchs.

    It said Ugbo was the only oil producing community in Yorubaland and its indigenes have contributed to the nation’s development.

    The youth noted that Odidiomo should always be grateful to Akinruntan for coming to his aid when he was detained for alleged murder.

    They said Ugbo people are accommodating,  honest and hardworking.

  • As Ooni, Olugbo feud over Moremi

    As Ooni, Olugbo feud over Moremi

    When two of the most revered custodians of the Yoruba heritage engage in a public spat reminiscent of vengeful tribal wars of bygone eras, whose side is one to take? This is the question on the lips of social observers in the South West as the Ooni of Ife and Olugbo of Ugbo engage in a bitter media fight.

    The two respected Yoruba monarchs appear to be engaged in a verbal war over the status of Moremi Ajasoro, one of the most revered female figures in Yoruba history. While the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, regards Moremi is a heroine who deserves to be revered for saving her people, the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, believes that she was a traitor who betrayed her people.

    While the two monarchs appear poised to go for each other’s jugular, influential men and women are trying to settle the dispute before it escalates. But immediate reconciliation does not look likely as the two monarchs’ positions are based on differing interpretations of history.

    Historically, the Ooni and the Olugbos are known to always be at loggerheads over who between them has the rightful claim to Ile-Ife, among other matters. The current disagreement began when the Ooni built a 42-foot statue in Moremi’s honour; a development that saw the Olugbo accusing him of misrepresenting on history.

    Expectedly, however, Oba Ogunwusi received the backing of two highly respected Yoruba leaders, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. Speaking on Wednesday at a book launch, one of the activities lined up to mark the Ooni’s first coronation anniversary, both leaders believed the place of Moremi in Yoruba history was not in doubt and advised Oba Ogunwusi to ignore any disparaging remarks against her from any quarters.

  • Ooni berates Olugbo for comments on Moremi

    Ooni berates Olugbo for comments on Moremi

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has expressed disappointment in a statement credited to the Olugbo of Ugbo in Ondo State,  Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, describing the Yoruba heroine, Moremi, as a traitor.

    Oba Ogunwusi, in a statement by his media aide, Moses Olafare, wondered why a Yoruba monarch would refer to Moremi as a traitor  because she liberated her people from incessant invasions.

    The Olugbo reportedly said: “Our forefathers descended from heaven that is why we are called ‘Ugbo Atorunwo.

    “To set the record straight, Moremi remains a traitor. She was a slave captured by Ugbo warriors during one of their many raids on Ile-Ife.

    “She became the wife of Osangangan Obamakin, the son of Oranfe, who was the paramount ruler of over 13 aboriginal communities of ancient Ugbomokun, which later came to be called Ile-Ife.

    “Oduduwa came to Ugbomokun as a stranger and was welcomed in Ilero, the aboriginal palace of Osangangan Obamakin, which is still in existence in present-day Iremo in Ile Ife.

    “During the dynastic struggles, Osangangan Obamakin was directed by the oracles (Ifa and Osanyin) to leave Ile-Ife. Moremi betrayed her husband’s trust when she exposed the secret of the Ugbo warriors’ gallantry.”

    In his reaction, Oba Ogunwusi said: “The attention of ILE-OODUA has been drawn to a statement credited to Oba Frederick Akinruntan through the Olugbo-in-Council berating the people of Ile-Ife for celebrating Moremi Ajasoro as a heroine and goddess of liberty.

    “Olugbo’s outburst can only be viewed as a pitiable act of absurdity that doesn’t deserve serious attention by serious minded people.”

    The Ooni said the Yoruba “remain very proud of the great queen Moremi Ajasoro, a brave woman who sacrificed her only son Oluorogbo for the victory of her people over the faceless terrorists who raided Ife markets.

    “We will not dignify this rascality of royalty with an expected response as we are not ready for any useless supremacy battle incapable of taking Yoruba to a greater height.

    “Most paramount on my mind as Ooni with the unflinching support of Baba Alaafin, Baba Awujale, Baba Alake, Baba Orangun, Baba Deji, Baba Ewi, Baba Osemawe, Baba Olubadan, Oba of Lagos and other relevant peace loving monarchs in Yorubaland and in other parts of the country is and remains the much needed progress of Yoruba nation.

    “This can only be catalysed by peace and unity. This has necessitated my unimaginable barrier-breaking unity visits I have been taking around not only in Yorubaland but also across Nigeria and internationally.

    “These activities in the last one year are enough to attest to my personality as a king of peace.

    “It is a pity that at this time when everybody is tired of retrogressive royal discord generally agreed to have colossally hindered our pace of progress as a people of common heritage politically and socio-economically, the Olugbo, who claims to be the chairman of Yoruba Obas Committee on Peace and Reconciliation, has suddenly, without a deep knowledge of Yoruba history, woken up to see royal controversy as the only tool for cheap publicity.

    “As Ooni, I am not interested in joining issues with Oba Akinruntan or anyone on any matter that can jeopardise our peace and unity project which is already making impact in so many sectors, including youth development, women empowerment, cultural tourism, agricultural revolution, unification of our elders and traditional rulers, to mention but a few.

    “We, therefore, urge every lover of peace and unity in Africa to ignore any reckless statement capable of further dividing us.

    “They should rather see the author of such statement as a person who poses a danger to our peaceful coexistence.

    “Yoruba must remain united, Nigeria must remain united, Africa must remain united and the entire black worldwide must remain united because we are one before the Almighty God.”

  • Olugbo: I didn’t snatch box

    The Olugbo of Ugbo-Ilaje in the oil-producing coastal area of Ondo State, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, has denied allegations linking him with ballot-box snatching and intimidation of voters in Ilaje Local Government.

    He said: “I am hearing these allegations for the first time and it amazed me that some people would link me person with such acts.

    “For the avoidance of doubts, I was at my palace at Ode-Ugbo. I am a traditional ruler and the paramount ruler so there was no way I could be involved in partisan political affairs as the father to all. Whoever spreading rumours is just lying.”

  • Olugbo cautions monarchs

    Olugbo cautions monarchs

    The Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, has cautioned traditional rulers to refrain from giving open and tacit support to any candidate.

    Akinruntan spoke yesterday at the meeting of the Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Committee at his home in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    “I will implore our traditional rulers to be mindful about the elections and they should not endorse or play partisan politics. We should not allow ourselves to be dragged into politics.

    “We are not politicians and what we should be after at this period is how to achieve peaceful elections. We don’t want violence, rancour or crisis during or after the elections.

    Akinruntan, who is the Chairman of the committee, said the conflict among Southwest monarchs can be attributed to egoism.

    “We will begin visit Yoruba Obas very soon. We will tutor them on how to ensure good attitude and sensitise them on how to be mindful of what they say in public because we are second in command to God,” the monarch said.

    At the meeting were Oniwere of Iwere-Oke Oba Raphael Olatunde; Oluyani of Iyani Oba Daodu Joel Sunday, Jowe of Irukorogha Oba Matthew Olasehide; Gbaluwe of Igbotan Oba Ajayi Adeniyi; Sabigana of Iganna Oba Saliu Oyemonla Azeez; Olojodu of Ojoduland Oba Sikirulahi Adelani Obatula.

  • Olugbo cautions monarchs

    Olugbo cautions monarchs

    The Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, has cautioned rulers to refrain from giving open and tacit support to any candidate.

    Akinruntan spoke yesterday at the meeting of the Yoruba Obas Conflict Resolution Committee at his home in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    “I will implore our traditional rulers to be mindful of the elections and  stop endorsing or playing partisan politics. We should not allow ourselves to be dragged into politics.

    “We are not politicians and what we should be after at this period is how to achieve peaceful elections. We don’t want violence, rancour or crisis during or after the elections.

    Akinruntan, who chairs the committee, said the conflict among Southwest monarchs could be attributed to egoism.

    “We will visit Yoruba obas soon. We will sensitise them on how to be mindful of what they say in public because we are second in command to God,” the monarch said.

    At the meeting were Oniwere of Iwere-Oke, Oba Raphael Olatunde; Oluyani of Iyani; Oba Daodu Joel Sunday; Jowe of Irukorogha, Oba Matthew Olasehide; Gbaluwe of Igbotan, Oba Ajayi Adeniyi; Sabigana of Iganna, Oba Saliu Oyemonla Azeez and Olojodu of Ojoduland, Oba Sikirulahi Adelani Obatula.

  • Allow Jonathan to decide confab’s decisions, says Olugbo

    THE Chairman of Yoruba Oba Conflict Resolution Committee, Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, has urged Nigerians to allow the President Goodluck Jonathan to determine the mode of ratification of the National Delegates Conference‘s decisions.

    The monarch told reporters that “whatever method that would be used to ratify   the decisions reached at the conference must be determined by the Federal Government.

    “Be it through Referendum or Parliamentary approach for the ratification of the decisions,   the government which surprised everybody by conveying the conference should be allowed to determine the way forward.”

    Oba Akinruntan , who praised the government for allowing the delegates to deliberate on the national questions, said that Nigerians can comment after the final decision might have been issued.

    The Olugbo said the advisory role being played traditional rulers was not enough. He described them as custodians of the truth.

     “In the Regional Government era, the Obas played roles in the governance of the country. It was through that the late Ooni of Ife, Adesoji Aderemi, became a governor,” he said.

    He also spoke on the existing peace and unity among the Yoruba Obas, saying: “It is as a result of the mediatory and conflict resolution efforts of our committee.”