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  • Court declares Rilwan Akiolu bona-fide Oba of Lagos

    An Ikeja High Court on Friday declared Rilwan Akiolu as the bona-fide Oba of Lagos.

    Justice A. Candide-Johnson made the declaration after dismissing a 16-year suit by several Lagos princes seeking to remove King Akiolu as the Oba.

    In a two-hour judgment, the judge held that the claimants, including Prince Adedoyin Adebiyi and Prince Rasheed Modile, both of the Akinsemoyin Ruling House of Lagos, failed to prove their case.

    He held that the evidence offered by the defense before the court, showed that Akiolu had a rightful claim to the throne.

    Justice Candide-Johnson said: “The claimants alleged that the Solanke Tribunal submitted a Report in 1976 stating that the Obaship stool is by rotation. None of the claimants produced a copy of the report in court.

    “The claimants failed to provide concrete of credible evidence of the alleged rotation of the two ruling houses.

    “The claimants claimed the Akiolu branch of the Ologun Kutere line has gone into extinction. The third defendant (Akiolu) in his evidence was able to trace the lineage of his stool.

    “The evidence of the claimant’s witnesses were full of contradictions. From the totality of the evidence before the court, I hereby pronounce His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu, is the valid legitimate Oba of Lagos.

    “The case of the claimants is hereby dismissed.”

    The judge observed that no lineage of Oba Akinsemoyin has been able to become Oba of Lagos for over 200 years.

    “For 200 years all the Obas of Lagos trace their lineage to Oba Ado and not Akinsemoyin.

    “A burden of the Akinsemoyin descendants has been to succeed the throne of the Oba of Lagos and this suit is reflective of that,” he said.

    Read Also: Court dismisses suit seeking to remove Oba of Lagos

    Prince Adebiyi and Prince Modile had further claimed that Akiolu’s coronation failed to observe a customary 90-day waiting period before a new Oba can be enthroned after the demise of the former Oba.

    But the court noted that no such custom was binding in the installation of an Oba of Lagos.

    Justice Candide-Johnson said: “I hold that the customs and traditions represent the legal, credible customary law of succession to the throne of the Oba of Lagos.

    “In his evidence, Oba Akiolu eloquently quoted and gave examples of three previous Obas who were installed as Obas with no 90-day rule.

    “The 90-day waiting period is not the custom of the people of Lagos and not a binding rule in the installation of the Oba of Lagos.

    “The claimants have failed to prove the authenticity of the 90-day rule,” Candide-Johnson said.

    Adebiyi and Modile were candidates chosen by the Akinsemoyin Ruling House to contest the throne of Lagos in 2003 after the demise of Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, in March 7, 2003.

    They lost the race to Akiolu, who they alleged had no rightful claim to the throne.
    They filed the suit on May 30, 2003.

    Joined in the suit as respondents were the state governor and the then Attorney-General of Lagos State, Prince Awobade Pearse.

    Others are the representative of the Ologun Kutere Ruling House and Chief J.J. Junaid-Eko and the head of the traditional white cap chiefs of Lagos.

    Other respondents include Prince Kola Balogun and Mr Musibau Kelani, who are the respectively the Head and Secretary of the Eshilokun Royal Family.

  • Why I observe juma’at prayers in Villa – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said his decision to observe Juma’at prayers at the Presidential Villa and not the National Mosque in Abuja, is to prevent the constraints and inconveniences presidential movements may cause to the people.

    The President was responding to a request by a delegation of Imams and Senior Islamic Scholars from all States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory led by Prof. Shehu Ahmad Galadanci, the Murshid, National Mosque.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, explained: ‘‘Regarding your request for me to be attending Juma’at prayers in the National Mosque, I implore you to note that I personally started observing Juma’at prayers in the State House to reduce hardships which people may pass through.

    ‘‘As you all know, Presidential movements require roadblocks and other attendant restrictions, which could subject worshippers and other people to a lot of difficulties,’’ the President told the Islamic scholars who were at State House to congratulate him on his overwhelming victory at the February 23 presidential election.

    Read Also: I’ll leave Nigeria better than I met it, says Buhari

    President Buhari welcomed the counsel of the Islamic scholars on the teachings of the Prophet about the obligations of leaders towards their subjects, and vice-versa.

    The President thanked them for their prayers and support for his administration, assuring that the administration will leave no stone unturned in addressing the security challenges facing the country.

    Congratulating the President on his re-election, Prof Galadanci noted the victory demonstrated the desire of the majority of Nigerians to ensure the continuity of the administration to the Next Level.

    He prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the President the ability to continue with the ‘‘excellent work’’ he is doing for the country.

    Highlighting noteworthy achievements of the Buhari administration in the area of security, agriculture and the fight against corruption, the leader of the group urged the President to remain focused while praying Allah to continue to give him the power to ‘‘annihilate and wipe off’’ pockets of terrorists in the country.

  • Breaking: Court dismisses suit seeking to remove Oba of Lagos

    An Ikeja High Court has dismissed a suit seeking to oust Rilwan Akiolu, as the Oba of Lagos.

    Justice A. Candide-Johnson held that the claimants, Prince Adedoyin Adebiyi and Prince Rasheed Modile, two members of the Lagos royal family, failed to prove their case.

    Details shortly…

  • Jubilation in Ekiti over Fayemi’s Appeal Court victory

    The Court of Appeal victory of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has sparked celebrations and solidarity rallies by various interest groups on Friday.

    Interest groups celebrating Fayemi’s judicial victory include members of Organised Private Sector, Okada Riders’ Association, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), among others.

    They had marched around the major streets of Ado Ekiti before taking their procession to the Government House amidst drumming, singing and dancing thanking God for the governor’s victory.

    The appellate court in Abuja had on Thursday night upheld the victory of Fayemi, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the July 14, 2018 governorship election dismissing the appeal of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola as lacking in merit.

    The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi while addressing the crowd assured that the victory of Fayemi at the Appeal Court in Abuja would spur him to double its efforts at delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the State.

    The Deputy Governor who was represented by his Special Assistant on Political Matters, Mr Tokunbo Adeparusi, maintained that there were various empowerment programmes for various groups and associations in the State.

    Egbeyemi assured that the APC government would continue to implement policies that will better the lives of the citizenry who gave their mandate.

    He said the court victory would serve as a motivation to use the mandate given at the last governorship poll to do more for the people.

    Egbeyemi revealed that the retirees in the State now enjoy a new lease of life as they are paid same time civil servants received their salaries.

    According to him; “Everyone would benefit from these government, those that did not get appointment will be empowered.

    You are all witness to the changes in the life of our retirees in the State, they now received their pensions same day salaries of workers are paid.

    “There is empowerment in different dimension for various groups in the State.”

    Speaking on behalf of the various group, the Chairman of Okada Riders Association, Mr Kunle Asaolu said the victory of Fayemi at the Appeal Court yesterday was a victory for all Ekitis.

    Asaolu explained that the judgement affirmed the choice of the people during the last gubernatorial election in the State.

    He expressed confidence in the ability of Fayemi to improve the status of the State and move it to an enviable position.

    Also in his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant on Mobilisation to the Governor of Ekiti State, Prince Tunji Ogunlola said the crowd was made up of various interest groups in the State who had come to identify with Fayemi’s victory at the Appeal Court Thursday night.

    Ogunlola revealed that the group had been on the street of Ado Ekiti celebrating before heading to the government house.

    The governor’s aide appealed to the crowd to maintain peace and shun any action that could provoke violence in the course of their jubilation.

  • Ambode lauds NYSC for election role as 2,568 corps members swear oath

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has praised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its roles in the success of the general elections.

    Ambode said this on Friday at the Swearing-In of 2019 Batch A corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos where he was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Dr Yusuf Jimoh.

    “May I on this note specially commend the National Youth Service Corps for its invaluable role and contributions to the just concluded elections.

    “The success of the 2019 elections has further proven that the scheme is indeed an enduring legacy of its founding fathers.

    “Our political trajectory becomes more definite with the NYSC as an instrument for sustaining our democracy,” he said.

    Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Prince Mohammed Momoh, said a total of 2,658 corps members (954 male and 1,614 females) took the oath of allegiance administered by the Chief Justice of Lagos, Justice Opeyemi Oke, represented by Justice Olabisi Akinlade of the Lagos High Court at the ceremony.

    He urged them to take the programmes of the three week orientation camp seriously, especially the entrepreneurship trainig programme aimed at preparing them for self- employment.

    “The Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme has been specially designed to salvage the deepening threat of unemployment in our country.

    “I therefore encourage you to go the extra mile to participate in the programme in order to derive the maximum benefits and position yourself as an entrepreneur ready to take the many business opportunities out there. Remember the race for excellence has no finish line,” he said.

  • Gunmen kill housewife, 3-yr-old daughter in Kebbi

    The police in Kebbi are investigating the murder of a housewife and her three-year-old daughter in Dole Kaina village of Dandi local government area of the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Nafiu Abubakar confirmed this while briefing newsmen on Friday in Birnin Kebbi.

    According to him, the housewife, Balkisu, 27 and her three-year-old daughter, were found dead on Saturday by her husband, Malan Zayyanu in his house after he came back from a trip.

    Read Also: 2019: Bagudu hails Kebbi people

    Abubakar said the housewife and her daughter were found killed when her husband travelled to Tsamiya village.

    He described the incident unfortunate, adding that the police in state were doing their best to fish out the criminals and bring them to justice.

    The PPRO said investigation has commenced but no arrest has been made.

  • Obaseki appoints Yusufu Ojeifo III as Amir-Hajj for 2019 Pilgrimage

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the appointment of the Onojie of Ewu, in Esan Central Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Razak Yusufu Ojeifo III, as the state’s Amir-Hajj for the 2019 Muslim Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

    In a letter addressed to Ojeifo III and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., the state government said, “His Excellency, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, has approved your appointment as the Amir-Hajj for the 2019 Muslim Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.”

    Read Also; Obaseki commiserates with Ohiwerei over wife’s passing

    As Amir-Hajj, Ojeifo III will lead Muslim pilgrims from Edo State to the annual Hajj, the greater Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which all Muslims are expected to make at least once during their lifetime if they can afford to do so.

  • Onnoghen accuses CCT of not following procedures in instituting case

    The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, on Friday accused the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) of not following its set Standard Operation Procedures in instituting the case against him.

    Onnoghen made the accusation during his resumed trial in Abuja.

    NAN reports that Onnoghen is being arraigned at the CCT following a charge against him brought by the Code of Conduct Bureau in January.

    The CCB accused Onnoghen of failing to declare his assets from June 2005, after he became a Justice of the Supreme Court till December 2016, two months after the Federal Government raided the homes of several judges, including those of the Supreme Court in October 2018.

    According to the six-count charge brought against him, Mr Onnoghen is also accused of false declaration of his assets, following his alleged failure to include some domiciliary accounts managed by the Standard Chartered Bank.

    Read Also: Onnoghen accuses CCT of not following procedures in instituting case

    The accounts, created in 2011 and used for the transfer of foreign currencies, were omitted in one of two forms filled on December 14, 2016, by Mr Onnoghen.

    According to section 3(d) of the CCB act, the Bureau is empowered to receive complaints about cases of non-compliance with or breach of the act.

    The section also empowers the CCB to refer such non-compliance to the CCT where the public officers accused of the alleged breach, will be tried according to the provisions of the act.

    NAN reports that the prosecution team led by Aliu Umar, presented three witnesses before closing its case on March 21.

  • Breaking: Appeal Court orders retrial of NIMASA, NLNG levies case

    The Court of Appeal in Lagos has set aside a Federal High Court judgment which exempted the Nigeria LNG Ltd from levies imposed on it by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

    In a unanimous judgment, a three-man panel of the appellate court led by Justice Garuba Lawal held that the lower court erred.

    Read Also: Court dismisses suit challenging Adamawa gov’ship election

    The Justices returned the 2013 case to the lower court and ordered that the case be re-assigned to another judge for retrial.

    Details shortly…

  • Policemen allegedly kill man over N200 bribe in Lagos

    Policemen on Thursday morning allegedly killed a motorcyclist identified as Ademola Moshood in Surulere, Lagos Mainland for refusal to part with N200.

    The incident was said to have occurred few blocks away from the victims’ house at the wee hours of Thursday at Kilo.

    It was gathered that the policemen involved in the alleged murder were attached to Soloki Police Station, Surulere with two of their names given as AK, Patrick.

    According to a witness, the policemen were on patrol when they sighted and stopped the deceased by Kilo Bus Stop in a bid to extort him.

    A resident alleged that when Ademola refused to part with the usual N200 bribe on ground that he had closed business for the day and was homebound, one of the cops, an Inspector, went close to him, placed his gun on the man’s head and shot him.

    They were said to have fled the scene with the man’s motorcycle, abandoning his body on the ground after shooting him dead.

    It was gathered that residents who witnessed the incident stormed the police station in Aguda in protest and sighted the culprits who hid behind a van.

    They demanded justice, insisting that those involved be charged with murder.

    Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) said the Commissioner Zubairu Muazu had ordered that the culprits be detained and tried.

    “A petition was sent to the CP on the matter and he has ordered that those involved be detained and tried,” he said.