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Tag: Ooni

  • Ooni: Ife residents unhappy over town criers’ message

    Ooni: Ife residents unhappy over town criers’ message

    Residents of Ile-Ife, Osun State have expressed displeasure over announcement by town criers, who  asked them to be calm following the “death” of the Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

    They also condemned the way the Council of Ife Chiefs were handling the matter.

    The residents said rather than being specific, the town criers’ message was evasive and put them “in an unnecessary suspense”.

    While many of them refused to talk until they were assured that they would not be named, few that spoke said the “hide and seek game” over the matter would eventually be put to rest soon.

    One of them, who said: “Despite the persistent assurances by the traditional chiefs that the monarch was not dead, but in a healthy condition in an unidentified London hospital, the people of Ife deserve to know the condition of our traditional and spiritual symbol”.

    He said evidences abound that it was not well with Oba Sijuwade, even if the people were not sure whether “he is dead or alive”.

    Another indigene, who was warned not to comment on the matter because of the “spiritual implications”, advised the traditional chiefs to give proof “that Oba Sijuwade is healthy and alive”.

    But traditional and palace chiefs continued to say Oba Sijuwade was hale and hearty.

    The security around the palace remained very low  yesterday, as only few guards and four policemen man its main gate.

     

  • Ooni: No cause for alarm, say town criers

    Ooni: No cause for alarm, say town criers

    Town criers in Ile-Ife, Osun State were sent out of the Ooni’s Palace yesterday to announce to the residents to go about their normal businesses without fear.

    It was gathered that about four of them left the palace as earlier as 5a.m. and went to different parts of the town to deliver the “palace message that there is no cause for alarm”.

    They did not announce that the Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Olubuse II, was dead or  alive, according to a source, who preferred not to be named.

    The source added that the criers told the residents that whenever there was additional information, they would be contacted.

    It was gathered that a meeting was held by the town’s traditional chiefs and kingmakers yesterday inside the palace.

    It was said that the meeting might be on how to fine-tune the process of the final rite for the monarch, who was believed to have died at a London Hospital last week.

    The traditional chiefs and kingmakers present at the meeting, which reportedly lasted for several hours, include Lowa, Jaaran, Agoro, Arode, Osanire, Laade, Lowate, Irabese, Lodikos, Obalufe, Obajio, Obalaran, Waasin and Obalaaye.

    The Obalufe, Chief Samuel Omisakin, who is the traditional prime minister of Ile-Ife and second-in-command to Ooni, was absent. Omisakin was ill.

    Investigation revealed that the “chiefs and the kingmakers do not usually meet in the palace for long hours, except there is a vital issue about the town to be discussed”.

    Unconfirmed reports said before the meeting, some unidentified chiefs moved bundles of white clothes from the palace into a vehicle.

    The reports added that traditional beads have been deposited at the palace for distribution to high-ranking priests and their followers “for use during funeral rite for the monarch”.

    But another source said the Ooni’s body arrived last night and was being kept somewhere in the palace.

    The source added that was why the meeting was held by the chiefs.

    The source, who craved anonymity, said: “The death of Oba Sijuwade will soon be announced. Markets within Ile-Ife will be shut and a dusk to dawn curfew will be placed on the residents.”

     

  • Ooni absent as son weds in Lagos

    Ooni absent as son weds in Lagos

    CONTRARY to assurances from the Ife Traditional Council that Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, would return home from a trip to London to grace his son’s (Adegbite) wedding, the monarch was not at the Landmark Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos, venue of the royal wedding yesterday.

    The royal father was reported to have died in London last week Tuesday but the palace chiefs repeatedly denied such reports, saying the media has been unfair to the Ooni.

    They assured that the Oba was scheduled to attend yesterday’s wedding between Prince Adegbite and Dolapo.

    There were reports over the weekend that the remains of the Ooni were brought back to Ile-Ife but that the palace chiefs will need more time to officially break the news.

    But Ife Chief Priest Olajide Farotimi Faloba again denied that the remains of the Ooni arrived in the ancient city at the weekend.

    He said: “If his (Ooni’s) corpse has arrived, I’m the first to know.”

    The chief priest said that the mere fact that everyone, including our correspondent, could have unhindered access into the palace showed that the corpse of Ooni was not inside the palace as reported by some newspapers (not The Nation.)

    He said he had just come out of the inner palace and could authoritatively confirm that Ooni’s corpse was not anywhere in the palace.ý

    Speaking with our correspondent yesterday  inside the Ooni Palace, known as Ile Oodua, Chief Faloba, who is also one of the Ife kingmakers, maintained that Oba Sijuwade is alive.

    “If truly Ooni is dead, the palace gates must have been shut and no one can have access into this place, he said.

    When asked why the palace was deserted and devoid of human and vehicular traffic, Faloba said there was nothing unusual about that since Ooni was not around.

    His response: “I was from the inner palace and there was nothing to show that Ooni is dead or his corpse is inside there. If truly such a thing happened, there can never be access into to the palace, the palace gate must have been shut by now and all markets in Ife would have been closed. Some trees in the market will be brought down to prove that we are mourning the death of our king.

    “But nothing like all these as you can see for yourself. As I am speaking to you now, people are in joyous mood with the Ooni’s son, Adegbite, who is getting married in Lagos.

    “If it is true that Ooni is dead, we the chiefs are the first to know and to announce it. We are the owner of our culture and kingship in Ife kingdom is sacred and we treat it as such.”

    Also, an elderly person, who preferred anonymity, said that some parts of the town were sprinkled with the cow blood as a sacrifice for peace in the community.

    However, he too denied that Ooni’s corpse had arrived and noted that the Oro festival had no connection with the reported death of Oba Sijuwade.

    Meanwhile, only the guards and four policemen were on guard at the main gate of the palace.

    Only two or three persons entered the palace at short intervals. They were allowed in after security checks.

    The atmosphere around the town, particularly at Enuwa, very close to the palace was not different from what it used to be when the Ooni was around.

    The Sijuwade royal family and the Olowu family of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State yesterday hosted a galaxy of dignitaries to the wedding of their children – Prince Adegbite and Dolapo.

    Prince Adegbite is the son of the Ooni through Olori Monisola and Dolapo is the daughter of Mrs. Olowu, a former official with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

    The superlative wedding of the Ife blue blood to the media socialite was one to remember.

    The guests cut across the royalty, business, politics, music and government among others.

    Only guests with valid and verified invitations were allowed into Landmark Events Centre, venue of the strictly-by invitation wedding.

    A list of actors – members of the bride’s constituency – forced their way in.

    But despite the tight security, a mammoth crowd turned up for the event from far and wide, with groups coming from as far as Ijebu-Ode, Ilorin, Osun and Epe to honour the debonair prince and his lovely bride.

    The event began with the traditional engagement, which lasted for more than two hours. The bride was resplendent in her pale-grey traditional lace outfit, while the prince looked regally in his white Aso Oke attire.

    The friends of the bride donned coral floral head gears atop red cord lace materials, while friends to the groom donned peach Aso Oke caps atop white native attires.

    Amidst outpouring of love and well-wishes to the new couple, the bride’s father’s statement captures the torrents of wishes for them.

    “It is a great day! We all cross our fingers and wish the couple the best of married life,” he said.

  • Ooni: Ife Women stay indoors over Oro ritual

    Ooni: Ife Women stay indoors over Oro ritual

    Women residents of the ancient town of Ile-Ife remained indoors yesterday as the annual Oro festival entered its second day.

    Although the organizers said on Friday that residents, especially women, should keep off the streets from 7pm, and that it has nothing to do with the speculated death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the women did not want to take chances.

    Oro is a deity worshipped across Yoruba land, which forbids women from going out at night during the period of the festival.

    Some women told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it was better to be on the safe side by staying indoors during the period than to fall foul of the traditionalists’ warning.

    Mrs Rebecca Olaide, a market woman, said she would remain indoors to avoid any unexpected circumstance.

    Olaide said she had asked her eldest son to help her to manage her business until the festival is over.

    Another woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said she had restricted her movement because of the Oro festival.

    She said the Oro festival might not be unconnected with the reported demise of the monarch.

    Another lfe resident who simply identified herself as Sade, said she had decided to remain within her vicinity to avoid any unexpected happening.

    She said “although women were asked not to go out only at night, I decided not go out during the day too until the festival is over.”

    However, palace sources said the Oro was an annual festival in the town to appease the gods to ward off evil and usher in an era of prosperity.

    The source said people in Ile-Ife usually celebrate Oro festival and other traditional festivals like Olojo, Orunmila, Edi, Oranmiyan, Esu, Obatala among others annually.

    He said the celebration of Oro festival had nothing to do with the controversial news about the demise of the Ooni.

    “The Oro festival does not have anything to do with the reported death of the royal father. It is an annual festival in the town which normally holds for seven days and it is taboo for young and old females to go out during the period.

    “During this period, traditionalists will perform necessary rituals that will make the town more peaceful,” he said.

    The source, who maintained that the monarch was still alive, said the closure of markets for businesses and ringing of special bell were the two major significant signs to indicate an Ooni had joined his ancestors.

     

  • Confusion over the Ooni

    Confusion over the Ooni

    A case of culture clashing with modernity

    Last Wednesday, the news was all over town that Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, Olubuse II, had passed on at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London, United Kingdom (U.K), where he was being treated. He was reportedly flown out penultimate Friday in an air ambulance for treatment at the hospital when his health suffered a relapse. But Ife traditional chiefs quickly dispelled as ‘wicked rumour’ the news of the Ooni’s death. According to them, the foremost traditional ruler in Yoruba land was ‘hale and hearty’. Ever since, the confusion has continued as to whether the Ooni is dead or alive. While the media stuck to their stories about his demise, the traditional chiefs have also maintained their stance that he is well. As of the time of submitting this piece on Friday, a condolence register had not been opened for the Ooni, thus giving the impression that the chiefs’ position is the authentic stance on the matter.

    It is instructive that none of the media that reported the death of the monarch retracted the story, thus putting the Ife chiefs who insist the paramount Oba is alive on the defensive. Apparently the editors must have been waiting for the Oba to debunk the rumour of his death by speaking from wherever he is. As at Friday however, that had not happened. The chiefs had said that the Oba would be at the wedding of one of his sons, Adegbite, with ace television presenter and actress Dolapo Oni, today. I am not in a position to say whether that happened as this write-up went to bed on Friday. But, as a colleague jocularly said, if the Ooni appeared at the function, even the children would ‘pick race’.

    At 85, the Ooni is not too young to die; so, naturally his death should not be controversial. Many people would wonder that if, as Shakespeare said, death is a necessary end that will come when it will come, why then would someone’s death be a subject of controversy? The answer lies in the Yoruba tradition that Obas don’t die. Thus, when an Oba passes on, the Yoruba simply say ‘Oba ti w’aja’, which means he has joined his ancestors. Not only this, there are also procedures for announcing such passage. The Oba is not just anybody whose death should be heard of first in the media or on the street. Even in the days of yore before the advent of the mass media, the town crier could not just go to town with the news of an Oba’s passage; he had to be instructed by the appropriate authorities before breaking the news. It would appear the bypassing of that protocol by the mass media and the social media is responsible for what is now making the Ooni’s issue controversial.

    Yet, we may just be seeing the beginning of such defiance of culture, especially with regard to traditional rulers. It is simply a case of   tradition caught in the web of modernity. The mere fact that Oba Sijuwade had to be taken abroad for treatment had made it impossible to hide anything concerning him or his health, worse still, his death if he died abroad. Apparently the culture that forbids announcement of the death of an Oba until certain rites are performed, or until certain protocol is observed, did not envisage that an Oba would be flown abroad for medical attention, not to talk of him dying there. Apparently, too, that culture did not reckon with the fact that a time will ever come when the world would become a global village that today’s world has become, with the advent of the ubiquitous internet. If Oba Sijuwade had died in London, that is an open society and the demise of such a personality cannot be a guarded secret for long. This, indeed, is why it is surprising that the chiefs are angry that the media broke the news of Oba Sijuwade’s death or rumour of the death (since the Ife chiefs appear to prefer the latter). There is no hiding for the fish; not a big one as the Ooni of Ife.

    But, Nigeria is a country where we have had many examples of deaths and rumoured deaths.  Prominent Nigerians rumoured to have died included the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. Indeed, I remember that of Zik vividly because I had the onerous responsibility of splashing his pictures on the centre-spread of The Punch title on the day he was reported dead in 1989, appropriately titled “The life and times of Zik”.

    Moreover, this year alone, the Ooni is not the first traditional ruler that has been rumoured to have died. The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolopkolo, Erediauwa, was also said to have died since about a year ago because he had not been seen in public. In February, the Benin Traditional Council had to refute publicly, the rumour of the Oba’s death, which intensified with his inability to personally receive President Goodluck Jonathan in his palace when the president visited during his campaign for reelection on February 4. Secretary to the council, Mr. Frank Irabor, explained that it was the responsibility of the council to issue a formal statement, if such a development (death) did occur. “They have been peddling that rumour for more than a year now, because the Oba has not been coming out. If there is anything like that, there is usually a statement from the palace or from the Benin Traditional Council”, he said.

    However, in March, the same council came out with the news that the Oba was indisposed. The council said in a statement signed by Irabor that: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that, in the Palace parlance, ‘Uhunmwun ve Ekpen vbý’ Ato,’ meaning the Leopard is ill in the Savannah bush. The explanation is that Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolopkolo, Erediauwa, CFR, Oba of Benin, is indisposed. Public engagements, including courtesy visits, hearing of complaints from individuals, families and communities, and in particular, complaints over inheritance and land disputes, are therefore suspended until further notice. All palace chiefs and functionaries are to note that their routine traditional duties continue as usual.”

    Mum has been the word from the palace or the council since then. The point I am trying to make is that because the rumour and counter-rumour making the rounds about the Oba of Benin are all happening within our shores, it is easier for the palace and the traditional council to manage the information. This is not the case with the Ooni. If anything happens to a big fish like Oba Sijuwade outside our shores, that thing is of significance not only to Ife people; it is something that would interest the entire Black race because of the importance of Ile-Ife to many of them. So, it cannot be made a secret.

    Another point though is that culture itself is dynamic; it is ever changing; never static. A time there was when albinos were an endangered species. If they walked aimlessly, even in daytime in many places in those days, they were done for. A time there was when people with hunchback could also not move freely without the fear of being caught for ritual purposes. A time there was too when twins were also thrown into the evil forest in certain parts of the country until Mary Slessor came and put a stop to the barbarity.

    Anyway, whatever becomes of Oba Sijuwade is expected to unravel in a short while. This is much more so when the chiefs had reminded us that this would not be the first time Oba Sijuwade would be rumoured to have died. They said it was so in 1982 and 2004. So, is this a reenactment of those years’ rumours? Time will tell.

  • Ooni: Aregbesola, Ile-Ife chiefs hold talks

    Ooni: Aregbesola, Ile-Ife chiefs hold talks

    BARRING the unforeseen, the remains of foremost monarch Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, will be flown back home from London, this weekend, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    It was also learnt that Adetokunbo, the eldest son of the royal father, was billed to leave London for Lagos last night.

    The development came on the heels of a visit by members of the Ife Traditional Council to Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the Okefia Government House in Osogbo, the state capital.

    For the second day running, the chiefs, led by the Lowa of Ife, High Chief Joseph Ijaodola, dismissed the death of the Ooni as a rumour.

    The passing on of a frontline monarch in the mould of the Ooni is not announced until 30 days after his demise, a source said.

    At the meeting, which lasted for about 10 minutes, was the Council’s Secretary, Chief Adetoye Odewole and high-ranking government officials who hail from the ancient Ile-Ife city.

    Others at the meeting were: the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Babajide Omoworare,who is from Ile-Ife; the former Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Sikiru Ayedun and the former Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth, Sports and Special Needs, Mr. Biyi Odunlade.

    The arrival of the chiefs at the Government House drew the attention of many, who thought they had come to officially break the news of the Ooni’s death to the governor.

    But the Lowa told the governor that the monarch was alive and kicking.

    Ijaodola, who maintained that the Ooni was hale and hearty, regretted that Oba Sijuwade was often a target of negative publicity.

    He noted that the Ooni had been declared dead many times in the past by the media.

    The high chief said: “We were all shocked when we heard the rumour. If at all such an incident had happened, the traditional council would be the first to know and to break the news to the entire public.

    “Sixteen of us are his chiefs and when he was travelling out, he didn’t look like he was going to die and should that have happened to him, we would have been informed even before anyone would hear about it. We pray that Ooni will live long in good health.”

    Aregbesola, who praised the chiefs for holding the forte in Oba Sijuwade’s absence, prayed for sound health and long life for the monarch.

    The governor and the chiefs later proceeded to another room within the Governor’s Lodge to hold another meeting behind closed doors.

    When reporters attempted to speak with the chiefs after the meetings, they declined comments.

    All was dull yesterday at the Ooni’s palace – unlike Wednesday when crowds of people stormed the palace to confirm the news of the monarch’s deathý.

    Only the palace guards and two policemen manning the gate were immediately visible at the palace.

    When his body is brought back, it will lie inside an ancient building valled Ilegbo – where the beaded crown known as Are is won by the Ooni once every year during the Olojo festival.

    The Are is worn through the back because it is forbiden for the Ooni to see its inside. And when it is worn, the rain must not touch it.

    He will be brought in at night, The Nation learnt, after being flown in through a Chartered air ambulance.

    A source told this newspaper that his remains will be taken into the Ilegbo through a special door meant for that purpose. The door is beside the Ife museum and is facing Iletimi.

    “It had to be broken when Oba Adesoji Aderemi died because it had been closed for 50 years. In his case, it has been closed for 35 years,” said the source.

    Once his body lies there, only men will be allowed in and they have to be fortified because he is considered a deity.

  • Ooni donates land for Oduduwa project

    A pan Yoruba group, Oduduwa Descendants World Assembly (ODWA) is initiating a forum for all sons and daughters of Yorubaland to re- open discussion on the unity and progress of their race. The group is using the launching ceremony of the Directory and Compendium of Yoruba Monarch, holding on July 11 as an avenue to commence the discussion. The National Coordinator and Chief Resource Person of ODWA, Heir Prince Emmanuel Adeleye Ashaye, spoke on the activities of the group to re- build the fractured house of Oduduwa.

    Ashaye said “the role of Oduduwa Descendants World Assembly (ODWA) in the pan Nigeria   since the time Africa was created, Yoruba has been known to possess powerful royalty and royal empire. And these are sets of people who can truly trace their origin and source to Abraham. They are ancient and modern in their ways of life. They are knowledgeable, exposed and very peculiar indeed, with successive Golden Age. No wonders why they have always been in the midst of world greatest civilisation. ODWA is all out to restore back to Nigeria what Nigeria has lost through corruption and a deceitful federalism form of a government”

    Ashaye added  that there is peace  among the Yoruba monarchs.“  There is nothing to worry about  over what is  assumed to be the age -long rivalry between the two Yoruba paramount rulers  which people believe may scuttle this project. He continue  “ During our recent World Press Conference I made it clear to those in attendance that the two Paramount Rulers under reference are not sworn enemies. Their implied disagreement is not capable of scuttling our project. The construction of the Yoruba World Headquarters is an all Yoruba Project which they have embraced. In fact, they are all praying that the beginning and the end of the construction will happen during their life time. For instance, one of them gave us the 100 hectares of land on which we are to build the Yoruba World Headquarters, while the other paramount ruler is willing to donate land for Annex and other ancillary buildings. The Yoruba World Headquarters is a World Project which is to be financed through generous donations by the cheerful world. Since no financial strains are going to be put on either of them, then, ‘abuse ti buse’, that is, the job is done.

    On ODWA’s plan to mobilise the support of all Yoruba Monarchs towards the actualisation of the dream of a United Yoruba Nation , Ashaye said “ The Project belongs to all the Yoruba; it is their baby. They own it, and they are ready to service and uphold it as a thing of joy and pride to them. There is no Yoruba monarch that is not disturbed by this disunity. All of them are worried, and for which they have been praying and necessary propitiations offered on regular basis in the closets of their Palaces. No meaningful Yoruba Oba with direct or indirect lineage to Oduduwa will be happy if we don’t have a United Yoruba Nation. In fact, the Yoruba politicians are the most affected by this malady as the other tribal groups usually take them for a ride since they know that Yoruba have a divided home. Therefore, since our prayers have been answered by having someone to bell the cat in the form of ODWA, which is a non-partisan, non-governmental Socio-cultural group without any affiliation to any known group or groups in the world, ODWA is simply the divine medicine that will cure the illnesses and sicknesses of ‘waste of time’ that have been plaguing the Yoruba Nation”.

  • 2015: Jonathan holds secret meetings with Ooni, Alaafin, Emir of Kano

    2015: Jonathan holds secret meetings with Ooni, Alaafin, Emir of Kano

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday crisscrossed Oyo, Osun and Kano States for curious ‘private’ meetings with three of the nation’s top traditional rulers – the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

    Officials gave no details of the meetings other than calling them “private”.

    Although, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State was on hand to personally welcome the president to Oyo State, and even accompanied him to Oyo Town, Governors Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano did not show up to receive him.

    Only their deputies – Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori (Osun) and Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje- received the president.

    The president’s helicopter landed at the Ibadan Airport around mid-day.

    On hand to receive him with Gov Ajimobi were the Oyo State deputy governor, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, speaker of the House of Assembly, Monaurat Sunmonu and the Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide.

    From Ibadan, the President flew to Ile-Ife for an appointment with the Ooni.

    After a brief introduction of the eminent personalities who had gathered at the palace to receive the president, he and his host, Oba Sijuwade, retired into an inner room for discussion.

    It lasted for about 30 minutes.

    He was accompanied to the palace by the Osun State deputy governor, Mrs. Laoye-Tomori.

    Among the people at the Ooni’s palace was a PDP governorship aspirant in the state and a native of Ife, Chief Iyiola Omisore, who said that the president’s visit was a demonstration of his love and respect for the traditional institution.

    The visitor departed the palace at 3.45 pm, declining to state his mission in the ancient town.

    His next port of call was Oyo Town where he met with the Alaafin for 50 minutes.

    Again, he did not tell reporters why he was in the town.

    He merely said that it was a private visit which he did not expect to be reported.

    But he also acknowledged that he is a public figure whose activities cannot be hidden.

    The president lauded Oba Adeyemi for the peace reigning in the state and the country at large.

    He told the crowd who had gathered in the reception hall for his arrival that he was at home to visit his father.

    Jonathan said he also came to thank the people of the state and the entire Southwest people for the support given him and the PDP in the 2011 election.

    He, however, refrained from making political statements, saying it could be interpreted as campaigning.

    He said: “I thank not only the people of the state but the entire Southwest for the support we received in 2011. I have come to reciprocate the gesture with the hope that things will continue as well. We are one, I remain your own.”

    Oba Adeyemi initially declined comments, saying his guest was on a private visit.

    But, when asked about the possible effect of the visit on Oyo politics in 2015, the monarch said President Jonathan did not discuss politics with him and that he was only thankful for the peace reigning in the state and the country.

    Oba Adeyemi said that the president enjoined him and other traditional rulers in the country to ensure that Nigerians continue to live in peace with one another.

    A former governor of the state, Dr Omololu Olunloyo, who was present at the meeting told journalists that the president did the right thing by visiting the Alaafin and the Ooni of Ife.

    President Jonathan had earlier travelled to Kano and was accompanied to the palace of the Emir of Kano by the Kano State deputy governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and the CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi,.

    He lauded the Emir for restoring peace and stability to the metropolitan city of Kano.

    The visit lasted about 20 minutes, 10 of which he spent in private with the monarch.

    The President told the emir and his advisers: “We are on a private visit to Kano and to wish you good health. Let me use this opportunity to thank the Emirate Council for closely partnering with the government to ensure stable security in Kano.

    “We wish our Emir long life and good health. We need people like the Emir to guide and encourage the government for the good of the nation.”

    In his response, the emir, Alhaji Bayero reminded the president of the need to restore peace and economic stability to the country.

    The emir sued for an all inclusive participation in the running of government, saying: “Peace and unity of this country is very paramount to us. We urge the government to further work hard to improve economic stability in Nigeria, adding that he wants the government to carry everybody along and ensure equal sense of belonging.”

    He pledged that the emirate would continue to support the government to move the country forward.

    The emir prayed for continuous political stability and economic growth of the country.

  • Ooni showers blessings on Mbanefo

    Ooni showers blessings on Mbanefo

    •NTDC signs MoU with Nigeria-Turkey Chamber of Commerce

    Call it reverence or respect for tradition and culture. You are right. This year’s Oodua Festival held at Ile-Ife in Osun State, provided ample opportunities for many to celebrate the rich Yoruba heritage. One of such Nigerians is the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, who explored the festival to promote domestic tourism, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

    For two days, the Ife Palace Square, Ile- Ife, Osun State was a beehive of cultural activities featuring dancing, singing and drumming among others. In attendance were traditional rulers such as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olususe 11, representative of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo, Otunba Gani Adams, culture enthusiasts, delegates from different Yoruba socio-cultural groups and tourism operators. The gathering was the celebration of this year’s Oodua Festival organised by Otunba Gani Adams.

    But of all the guests at the festival, one person stood out; the Director-General of NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, who the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuade Olubuse 11, showered rain of blessing on exhibiting diligence at work and showcasing passion at her duty post.

    Mrs Mbanefo, who was the special guest at Oodua Festival 2014 organised by Otunba Gani Adams, earned the special recognition and blessing from the Ooni of Ife.

    The Ooni said Mrs Mbanefo has demonstrated a unique quality and robust sense of responsibility since she assumed office. This according to Ooni, has distinguished her as a public officer that has a vision for the national mission.

    The royal father pointed out that he had kept an eye on the activities and acts of the Director –General since her appointment and she has performed creditably well by living up to her promises and building her vision for the nation.

    The Ooni said that he has particularly impressed by the determination of Mrs. Mbanefo to mobilise and kick-start tourism revolution in Nigeria via domestic tourism initiatives.

    “I have monitored her talking about domestic tourism and I have also read about her visit to tourism sites all over Nigeria, raising the consciousness of Nigerians to these wonderful gifts of God. And her presence here today, participating in Oodua Festival is a living testimony of her seriousness of purpose, diligence at work and commitment to national duty and vision,” he said.

    The Ooni prayed fervently for Mrs. Mbanefo, supplicating to God Almighty to grant her wisdom, equipped her with strength , good health and grant her success in NTDC while predicting that she has greater role to play by her in the affairs of the nation.

    “God Almighty will increase your wisdom, grant you good health, bless you, expand your coast, widen your thinking horizon not only to enable you mak a success at this post but ensure you perform better than your predecessors and see you through to a greater responsibility in this country,” Ooni prayed.

    The Ooni, who commended Mrs. Mbanefo for being the first Director –General charged with promotion of tourism to identify with Oodua Festival, assured her of the support of the ancestors of Yoruba land and invoked the spirit of Oduduwa, who she came to honour, to assist her in all her ways .

    He urged Mrs Mbanefo to hold on to God for strength, guidance and direction.

    “In all, of these, I enjoin you to trust in God, hold on to him. Always pray and put God first. Pray to God first thing in the morning, place before him all your activities and return thanks to him in the evening. With you doing this, the sky will be your stepping board,” he said.

    The Ooni, who declared Mrs. Mbanefo a Yoruba revealed that her father , Chief George Uwechue , SAN, the Owelle of Ogwashiku , has lived in Yoruba land for 42 years. He called on all Yoruba at home and in Diaspora to support Mbanefo’s vision at ensuring the blossoming of domestic tourism in Nigeria

    He lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing someone who has the right attitude and posture for the job, adding that Mrs. Mbanefo’s deeds, actions and vision since her assumption of duty at NTDC have vividly testified to the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan never made a mistake by appointing her to paddle the canoe of tourism sector to a prosperous bay.

    Mrs. Mbanefo who demonstrated her rich knowledge of the Yoruba culture, the Ife tradition, her domestic tourism vision and strides since she assumed office by visiting some pristine tourism sites in Kaduna, Abuja, Cross River, Bayelsa, Lagos, Ondo, Akwa Ibom and Port – Harcourt for authentication, assessment and development.

    She expressed her gratitude to the Ooni for “the fatherly blessing and divine prayers offer her.

    Meanwhile, the management of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), under the leadership of Mrs Sally Mbanefo has been described as a purposeful team destined to lead Nigerian tourism sector aright. The Executive Chairman, Nigeria–Turkey Chambers of Commerce and industry, Dr Eze Eche Hyacinth made the observation when he led a delegation of his association on a business visit to the Headquarters of NTDC, in Area 1, Abuja.

    Dr Hyacinth commended Mbanefo for “carving out the domestic vision, which does not only tallies with the expectation of the people but squarely fits into one of the goals l of his association which prompted the visit and the proposal for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the vision with NTDC.”

    He revealed that the Nigeria – Turkey Chambers of Commerce and Industry “has set upon itself the task of promoting domestic tourism and trading activities between the two countries for mutual benefits. Hence the need for a synergy of purpose between the association and NTDC”

    Mrs Mbanefo commended the chambers for keying into the domestic tourism vision of the corporation, which she said would not only promote the appreciation of tourism sites in Nigeria but call the attention of governments for their development .

    She said the MOU would not only encourage bi-lateral cultural and tourism relationship between the two countries but pave the way for economic and social integration.

    Mrs Mbanefo said : “Our mission at NTDC is to showcase promote, showcase and facilitate development of our tourism assets. We are glad to find in you a willing, worthy and ready partner in the lovable efforts at selling Nigerian tourism potentialities to the world.”

  • Group praises Ooni, Alaafin

    THE World Christian Council Association has expressed joy at the return of peace to the relationship between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Olubuse Sijuwade and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

    In a statement by the chairman of the group, Primate Ayoola Omonigbehin it said:

    “We consider the enduring peace between these reverred fathers a plus to the unity among the Yoruba. Oduduwa descendants here and everywhere will continue to be grateful to them and wish them long and proeperous reigns”.