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Tag: Reuben Fasoranti

  • Tinubu, Makinde, Sanwo-Olu, eulogise Afenifere leader Fasoranti at 99

    Tinubu, Makinde, Sanwo-Olu, eulogise Afenifere leader Fasoranti at 99

    President hails Sani Musa at 60, felicitates Eludoyin at 77

    President Bola Tinubu, Oyo and Lagos State governors, Seyi Makinde and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have hailed Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, for serving his fatherland without blemish.

    In a tribute to the nonagenarian on his 99th birthday, President Tinubu lauded his legacy of integrity, resilience, and commitment to progressive ideals.

    “He is one Nigerian, who gave all to public service and served unblemished at every opportunity,” Tinubu said.

    Highlighting Fasoranti’s resolute stance during Nigeria’s turbulent political era, President Tinubu said: “In Nigeria’s darkest hours of military dictatorship and tyranny unleashed by the late General Sani Abacha, Baba Fasoranti and his comrades at Afenifere and (defunct) National Democratic Coalition stood firm and unbowed. Baba and his colleagues’ resilience inspired and strengthened us…

    “Baba Fasoranti has been dependable, graceful, and a model of leadership in my decades of knowing him and in our close personal interactions.”

    Recalling his personal bond with the Afenifere leader, especially during his presidential bid, the President said: “When I decided to run for the presidency three years ago, I visited Baba Fasoranti in Akure. I remain grateful for his blessings, support, and his belief in my vision for our country.”

    President Tinubu lauded Fasoranti’s professional and political achievements, noting his early years as a teacher and school administrator laid the foundation for a commitment to community development.

    “Baba’s career as a teacher, principal, and educationist reflects his commitment to service. After retirement, he established Omolere Nursery School and Akure High School. Both schools still stand as monuments to his legacy,” he said.

    Tinubu delved into Fasoranti’s political journey, his involvement in Obafemi Awolowo-led Action Group and later Unity Party of Nigeria.

    The President said he was one of Chief Awolowo’s trusted allies who served as commissioner for Finance in Ondo State under Adekunle Ajasin.

    “Baba Fasoranti’s tenure of sound fiscal management ensured the remarkable achievements recorded by the Ajasin administration and implementation of UPN Four Cardinal Points — free education, free healthcare, rural integration, and sustainable employment…

    “In times of personal loss and tragedy, Baba found strength in his Christian faith and has been a guide to all who continue to draw inspiration from his strength of character,” he said.

    In his message, Makinde said: “…Baba, we celebrate your life of service to the Yoruba and your contributions to nation-building over the years.

    “As you clock 99, it is our prayer that God grants your heart desires on Yoruba emancipation and the progress and well-being of Southwest and Nigeria. Happy birthday, Sir.”

    Sanwo-Olu described Fasoranti as a leader worthy of being celebrated for his contribution to growth and development of Yorubaland and Nigeria.

    In a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor said: “Papa Fasoranti is a committed, respected and passionate leader. He has made positive impact in Yoruba land, and has done great exploits as leader of Afenifere, by steering the ship of the socio-cultural organisation in the right direction.

    “He is one of the trusted disciples of the late sage, Chief Awolowo. We are happy to celebrate Pa Fasoranti at 99 because it is not everybody who is blessed to attain 99, but it pleases God to spare Baba.”

    President Tinubu has hailed the senator representing Niger East, Mohammed Musa, on his 60th birthday.

    In a message yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President  said: “Senator Musa has been a steadfast advocate for prudent economic management.”

    Since his election to the Senate in 2019, Musa has earned recognition for his service to his constituents and the nation.

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    He lauded his “exemplary service built on a legacy of integrity, patriotism, and hard work”.

    He expressed confidence in the senator’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic growth, saying he believes Musa will “continue to make invaluable contributions to the Senate and represent Nigerians in strengthening democratic institutions”.

    The President also greeted his close friend and associate, Chief Dipo Eludoyin, as the businessman and Prince of Ile-Ife marks his 77th birthday.

    In a message, President Tinubu described Eludoyin as a trusted confidant, whose loyalty, business prowess, and support have left a mark on Nigeria and his personal journey.

    “Prince Eludoyin is one friend every leader should have in his corner. He has stood by me over the years and has continued to support my administration’s delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

    He praised Eludoyin, chief executive officer of Paragon Holdings, for his transformative role in business.

    According to him, his enterprises have handled landmark projects in Nigeria and globally, creating jobs, fostering development, and driving philanthropy.

    “An astute businessman who grew his business from humble beginnings, Eludoyin has uncommon strength, tenacity, and commitment to excellence. He is dogged in business and resolute in supporting worthy causes,” Tinubu noted.

  • Tearful bye for Fasoranti’s daughter

    Eleven days after she was killed by yet-to-be identified gunmen, the remains of Mrs. Funke Olakunri, the daughter of elder statesman Reuben Fasoranti, was on Monday buried at the cemetery of St. David’s Anglican Church Cathedral, Ijomu-Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    The emotion-filled funeral service was witnessed by eminent Nigerians, including governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo).

    Others at the service include: Ondo State Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi, former governors Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Segun Oni (Ekiti), Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), Femi Fani-Kayode, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chief Paul Akinyelure, Bishop of Igbomina West Diocese (Anglican Communion) Rev. Jide Adebayo, Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Rev. Fagbemi and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, among others.

    In a 30-minute thought-provoking homily, the Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, Rev. Simeon Borokini, urged the people to always prepare for death, irrespective of their status.

    In his sermon titled: “Prepare to meet your God”, the cleric noted that there are two ways by which people will leave the world – either death in any form and rapture.

    Rev. Borokini described death as “inevitable”. Quoting from John, Chapter 14, he said every human being will taste death.

    According to him, death is not the end, but the beginning of another journey to an endless world.

    Read Also: ‘Fish out Fasoranti’s daughter’s killers’

    He stressed that only God can comfort the family the deceased left behind, especially her father, Chief Fasoranti and the widower, Idowu Olakunri.

    The cleric urged them to count on God, the Comforter, whom he said can turn their tears to joy.

    The cleric said: “Jesus is the only Comforter. So, we must all have Him. Unless we have Jesus, there is no comfort. Jesus is the only way to eternity. He is the only one that can guarantee eternal life for us. In Him, we have hope of eternal life.”

    He admonished the bereaved family to put their trust in God and rely on Him totally.

    Rev. Bokokini called on the government to tackle insecurity in the country, stressing that God will destroy every blood-sucking force in the country.

    The cleric asked: “Do we still have leaders in this country? Do we still have credible and dependable people who have integrity in this country? Why then is there no end to killing in this country? As a nation, we should look unto God for mercy and our government should do the needful?

    “We all have a limited time to spend on earth. It doesn’t matter how long we live, we will all die one day. Everyone, including governors, senators and the bandits, will give account of what they do on earth on the judgment day.”

    Describing the deceased as a “rare gem”, the cleric said: “We are gathered here today to bid our sister farewell. We have lost an icon in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.”

    The bishop prayed to God to grant President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders the wisdom to end insecurity.

    Rev. Borokini said: “No one is safe in this country again. We are living with threats of killing on daily basis.”

    During a condolence visit to Pa Fasoranti after the burial, the governors called on the Federal Government to introduce ranches for cattle rearing.

    Akeredolu, who doubles as the Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, pointed out that his colleagues from Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos and Ogun states were fed up with the criminal tendencies of herdsmen.

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola was not in Akure on Monday, but Akeredolu affirmed that he had earlier spoken with him on their position and he accepted it.

    The governors assured that an end would come to insecurity in the region, with their efforts.

    According to Akeredolu, the governors have resolved to end killings and kidnapping in the zone. He regretted that forests are now hideout for bandits.

    Akeredolu said: “We will not destroy the forests because they are pride of the region; governments of the state states will further encourage afforestation.

    “In Ondo State here, I have directed the police commissioner to mandate his men to embark on 24 hours patrol, rather than being on the check points. Other governors in the region have done similar things to end the menace of insecurity in the region.

    “We are also calling for collaboration of all citizens in the fight against insecurity in the region.”

    Chief Adebanjo condemned herdsmen activities, urging the governors to collectively fight insecurity ravaging the region.

    Fani-Kayode said that the position of the governors, if fully implemented, would help in the fight against insecurity.

    “I pray the governors have the courage to present their position to President Muhammadu Buhari. If it is true that there are Fulani vigilantes operating in the Southwest and mounting roadblocks, then it is a recipe for disaster and a precursor to war,” Fani-Kayode said.

     

  • Prominent Nigerians at receiving end of kidnapping

    IN an instance of the gross insecurity that has become the lot of the country in recent times, Nigerians woke up on Friday last week to the news of gruesome murder of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers. Mrs Olakunrin was said to be travelling in her private vehicle from Akure to Ore, both in Ondo State, when the gunmen emerged from a bush at the Kajola section of the road and attacked her vehicle alongside others.

    According to the spokesman of the Ondo State Police Command, Femi Joseph, the hoodlums, numbering about 15, attacked two vehicles, namely a Toyota Land Cruiser in which the deceased was travelling with four others, and a Toyota Camry. The four others in Olakunrin’s vehicle were also said to have been abducted before they were rescued by the police. The three occupants of the Toyota Camry were also said to have been rescued from the suspected kidnappers after they were abducted.

    While the dust was yet to settle over the ugly incident, some gunmen invaded the family house of former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia in Odoni, Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State around 2 am on Monday, and abducted his 76-year-old mother, Mrs Beauty Ogere Siasia.

    It was the second time the hapless woman would be kidnapped by hoodlums, having suffered the same fate in November 2015 before she was released after 12 days in their den. Unconfirmed reports said the hapless former Super Eagles player had to part with a princely sum of N50 million as ransom for his beloved mother.

    But nonagenarian Fasoranti and Coach Samson Siasia are not alone in their ordeal. Many other prominent Nigerians have suffered the same fate in recent years.

    Olu Falae

    Dare-devil hoodlums posted about the most instructive sign of danger on September 21, 2015 when former Secretary to the Federal Government (SFG) and former presidential candidate of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), Chief Olu Falae, was abducted on his 77th birthday from his farm in Ilado village, Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, by attacked his over 200 workers before they whisked him away. Many of his workers, including the farm manager identified simply as Bruno, were said to have suffered machete cuts and had to be admitted in different hospitals around Akure.

    Reports from the family said the herdsmen who abducted Falae had been having issues with the workers in the farm over grazing and destruction of the farmland by their cows. They, however, mobilised themselves, invaded the farm in large numbers and attacked the workers before abducting the politician.

    The workers were said to have fled in different directions when the herdsmen started shooting into the air. They were also said to have beaten up the National Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and dragged him on the floor when he refused to go with them.

    The statesman regained his freedom after three days in captivity. Some suspects arrested over his abduction said they kidnapped him in order to get some money for the celebration of the Muslim festival Eid-el-Kabir.

    Mike Ozekhome

    Popular lawyer, rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome, was kidnapped by gunmen at the Ehor stretch of the Benin-Auchi Road on August 23, 2013 and did not regain his freedom until he had spent 20 odd days in the den of his abductors. Reports said that four policemen who responded to a distress call from a witness and tried to prevent the kidnappers from taking him away were shot dead in the resultant gun battle.

    Reports said that the kidnappers, who rode in a Toyota Hilux pick-up and a Toyota Camry car, shot at the front right-side tyre of the Toyota Prado conveying Ozekhome who was on his way to Estako, Edo State. He and his driver were subsequently abducted.

    Detailing the gruesome 20-day ordeal he faced in the den of kidnappers, Ozekhome described the experience as a form of psychological torture.

    “Every day at the detention centre, there were threats from the kidnappers saying they would kill us and chop us up and send our body parts to our families. They said they would make it so the Nigerian state would know there is no security. It was a horrific experience, spine chilling, physically debilitating and mentally shattering,” he was quoted as saying.

    Ozekhome’s abductors initially demanded a ransom of N800 million but later reduced it to N100 million. He, however, said he did not know if payment was made for his release.

    Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

    Although former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has never been kidnapped personally, like Siasia, she has been one of the prominent Nigerians at the receiving end of the kidnapping saga tormenting the country in recent years because her beloved mother was abducted, and she was no doubt the ultimate target of the ransom-seeking hoodlums.

    Kamene Okonjo, an 82-year-old retired professor, was abducted on December 9, 2012 from the palace of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-uku, Delta State, Obi Chukwuka Okonjo. while Okonjo-Iweala held sway as the Minister of Finance. The hapless octogenarian woman was not set free until she had spent five days in the custody of her abductors. The armed gang of about 10 men were said to have seized her at the gate of the palace at Ogbe-ofu and took her away.Okonjo-Iweala

    An eyewitness who relived the incident said: “The abductors, when they walked into the compound, were heavily armed. They were about 10. They bailed up the men fixing the interlocking tiles and asked them to lie face down. Immediately they saw her (victim) coming towards the gate with her maid to serve the workers drinks, they bundled her into a waiting Golf car.”

    While there were speculations that about N12 million was paid to secure the release of the octogenarian, former Delta State governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan said that no dime was paid, adding that her captors probably decided to let her go because they were under pressure.

    “The army and police have been on their trail and a lot of raids have been done. I think because of the heat, they dropped her off on the highway,” he said.

    John Obi Mikel

    The World Cup adventure of Nigeria in Russia last year was dampened with the abduction of the father of the captain of the senior national football team, John Obi Mikel, by gunmen while the tournament was in progress. Indeed, the incident occurred hours before Mikel led Nigeria into their final World Cup group phase tie against Argentina. It was to the credit of the Super Eagles skipper that he featured in the match without betraying any emotion even though he learnt about it moments before.

    According to reports, Mikel’s father, Micheal Obi, and his driver, Ishaya John, were abducted on the Makurdi-Enugu Road while travelling from Jos on June 29, 2018. Their abductors were reported to have demanded N10 million as ransom, but the police in Enugu State were on hand to rescue the former Chelsea midfielder’s father, his driver and the Toyota Prado jeep they rode in.

    A statement via the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, said: “It was gathered that Pa Michael Obi and his driver were abducted along Makurdi-Enugu Road on his way from Jos in his grey-coloured Toyota Prado jeep with registration number: MUS 604 CG and taken to an unknown destination through the thick forest part of the area.

    They were, however, rescued about three days later by operatives of the Ninth Mile Division of the command in a forest in the Udi area of Enugu after a gun battle between the police and the kidnappers.

    Charles Soludo

    Former governor of Central Bank, Prof. Charles Soludo had a taste of the bitter pill of kidnapping on October 28, 2009 when his 78-year-old father was abducted by gunmen. Although it was widely believed that the abduction of the father of the former CBN governor, who was contesting the governorship seat of Anambra State was politically motivated, Pa Simon Soludo’s abductors demanded N500 million as ransom.

    Pa Simeon Soludo, was kidnapped by gunmen from his country home in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. Reports said it was the second time the septuagenarian father of Soludo would suffer attack from assailants, having lost an eye in January 2006 after he was attacked and left for dead in the same village.

    He did not regain his freedom until November 4, almost one week after he was abducted. The circumstances of his release were not clear, but reports said he was escorted back home by the Anambra State Commissioner of Police after he was set free by his abductors. It was not also clear whether a ransom was paid to the abductors after scaling down the ransom from N500 million to N300 million.

    Oluwole Rotimi

    Not even army generals are saved the trauma of kidnapping, a menace that has held the country by the jugular in recent years. That much will be admitted by former governor of old Western State, Gen. Oluwole Rotimi (rtd), whose wife was abducted in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on December 10, 2012, a day after Prof. Kamene Okonjo, mother of former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was kidnapped.

    According to reports, Titi Rotimi was kidnapped around 6:30 pm in front of her company, AOK Logistics Limited, located on Old Ife Road in Ibadan. She was said to have been abducted by four armed men while she was leaving her office at the close of work. The then spokesman of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayodele Lanade, said the victim was driving away in her black Mercedes Benz car when she was blocked by her abductors.

    Two security men attached to her company were said to have removed the barricade on the gate for her car to drive out of the office complex. In the process, two armed men approached and ordered her driver to stop the car at gun point. A green Nissan Primera suddenly reversed and blocked her car while she was ordered to get into the Nissan car.

    Read Also: A nation at the mercy of terrorists, kidnappers

    The hapless woman was not released until 17 days after she was kidnapped, and it was in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. It was not clear if any ransom was paid before she was set free.

    Elisha Abbo

    For newly elected senator representing Adamawa North Constituency, his foray into the National Assembly has been a baptism of fire. Just as he was smarting from the outrage that attended his attack on a nursing mother in a sex toy shop in Abuja, gunmen numbering about 13 invaded his family home in Mubi, Adamawa State, killing his uncle, David Ella, before they bolted with his stepmother who had just been delivered of a baby 11 days earlier.

    Narrating the incident, Senator Abbo said: “About 13 men armed with AK-47 rifles invaded my family house around 1 am on Saturday and shot my uncle dead.

    “They dragged my father and brothers out of their rooms and went after my stepmother when they were told that my biological mother was dead. They took the poor woman away and left behind her 11 day-old child.

    “My stepmother is still with the kidnappers now. The kidnappers have called me, using a Cameroonian MTN number, but they had yet to demand a ransom.”Senator Abbo

    He the queried: “Of what use is the army barracks and the mobile police base in Mubi when they cannot go into the bush and dislodge the kidnappers?

    “The kidnappers are using the ransoms they are collecting to fund terrorism in this country.  That’s just the truth.”

    Iyabo Anisulowo

    Former Minister of State for Education and the senator who represented Ogun West Senatorial district between 2003 and 2007, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, was kidnapped alongside her security aide in Igbogila area of Ogun State on April 26, 2016. She was abducted in a commando fashion by four armed men as she was returning with three others in her SUV from her farm at Sawonjo community in Yewa-North Local Government Area around 6 pm, and she ended up spending seven days with her captors.

    An aide of the ex-minister who witnessed the incident said: “They ordered the three of us who were with Mama (Anisulowo) down from the vehicle. They collected our phones and beat us with machetes. The men spoke in both English and Yoruba. Mama kept asking them what they wanted, but they did not answer. It was around evening we discovered the abandoned SUV around Iganokoto.”

    She was, however, rescued on May 3, 2016, hours after the Ogun State Police Command promised to pay N5 million reward to any informant who could offer useful information that would lead to her being rescued.

    Reliving her ordeal after she regained her freedom, she said she lived on water only for days, adding that she had forgiven her captors.

    She said: “We fell down many times and the silencer (exhaust pipe) of the bike burnt me but they didn’t allow me to cry. They said I should shut up because they didn’t want anyone to see them. I was confused because I never thought such a thing could happen, especially in my area.”

    Although her abductors demanded the sum of N100 million for her release, it is not certain if any ransom was paid in the end.

  • Agony in our land

    The sad image continues to come to me every time, no matter what I am doing or what I where I am even now as I am writing this article. At this rate I reckon that I would continue to be with this image for a foreseeable future. Of course, I am referring to the pictures of the grieving elder statesman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti splashed in most national newspapers last Sunday. They were pictures that made me to weep spontaneously and from reports I was not the only Nigerians that wept; many Nigerians including the revered Pa Olu Adebanjo, one of the consciences of our society also wept for this insanity engulfing our society.

    In these pictures, Pa Fasoranti was being consoled by governors from southwest of Nigeria in connection with the dastardly killing of his 58-year old vibrant daughter, Mrs Funke Olakunri by suspected herdsmen while travelling to Lagos through Ondo/Ore road last Friday. In the pictures, one could see palpably agony and deep depression on the face of this 94-year old elder statesman who has contributed a lot to the development of Nigeria in the spheres of education, community development and politics. Sadly, Nigeria has now repaid him for his good deeds through the fiendish herdsmen in such an unimaginable atrocious way. This unfortunate incidence could only happen in a society which is unhinged. There is no human being no matter how high in the society that can console Pa. Fasoranti; only God the giver of life and the King of the universe that can adequately console the old man. I have not been opportune to meet Pa. Fasoranti but I admire his gentle mien and politics characterised by voice of reason in our turbulent polity. As one of the early foundation students of University College Ibadan, having got a BA honours degree in 1952, he and others in his group are referred to as ‘worthy ancestors’ of the university.

    The agony of Pa. Fasoranti is a reflection of the agonies which presently pervade our land and which unfortunately are degenerating to a hell on earth for millions of its people. At present in our land, we are confronted with seemingly insurmountable agonies of insecurity, corruption at high and low places, horrendous youth unemployment, economic and social dislocations, religious intolerance and unjust political system of governance. Added to all these agonies, we are ruled by people who behaved like foreign emperors and who are more interested in what they could take from the system rather than what they can give to improve governance in the country. They are all insensitive and they ‘ fiddle why Rome burns’.

    Let me say from onset that there is no utopian society anywhere. Every society like ours, has problems it has to contend with and which in a well-organized clime, are confronted with concerted efforts for solutions. For example, in the United States of America, when President Franklin Roosevelt took up the rein of governance in 1933, he was confronted with a seemingly intractable depression with millions of people losing their jobs with almost total collapse of USA economy. As a patriot, he confronted this problem frontally by launching the ‘ New Deal ‘ programme which created millions of jobs and revitalized the economy of his country.  In Britain, after the second world, the government of Clement Atlee launched the Social Security programme and National Health Services to take care of the war wearied British people. Kemal Atatürk of Turkey took his country from retrogressive feudalism to modernity. These examples contrast sharply with the attitude of our leaders in Nigeria and Africa where we have socio – political problems with little visionary efforts by our leaders to solve them.  Africa needs leaders who can solve its numerous problems. Unfortunately, visionary African leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Nigeria, Tom Mboya in Kenya and Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso were not given political spaces in their countries.

    Coming back on this unfortunate security issue in Nigeria, it is a well-known fact all over the world, that the first duty of any government is to provide adequate security for its people so that the government would be able to give adequate attention to other important areas affecting the welfare of the people such as in education, health, infrastructural development and economic development. For some time now, security has degenerated. Apart from the unending Boko Haram insurgency in the north-eastern part of the country, the country is grappling with security issues such as kidnapping, banditry, ritual killings, sophisticated armed robberies and herdsmen/farmers clashes in the Middle belt and southern part of the country. The attack by the herdsmen who have been fingered in the recent kidnappings and killings in the highways of the Southwest had led to a reported loss of over 1200 people alone in 2014 and this has earned the group the position of the fourth deadliest terror group in the world by Global Terrorism Index. The country economy is equally badly affected as it was reported that up to 2015, the country lost $14 billion due to the attack by this group.

    The spate of kidnappings and killings attributed to herdsmen in the Southwestern part of the country, which has hitherto been regarded as the safest part of the country, has galvanized the usually peaceful people of this part of Nigeria against the unwarranted onslaught on the people. The traditional rulers and opinion leaders of the area have called on the federal government to take urgent actions to curb this menace before the people resort to self-help in order to defend the pride of their race. The militant Odua People’s Congress aka OPC, that defended the honour of the Yoruba race during Abacha’s insane regime are threatening again to rescue the Yoruba race from this demeaning humiliation by the herdsmen, who are reported to be located in the forests of southwest from where they perpetrate their heinous acts. The killings of innocent people by the seemingly untouchable herdsmen are seriously eroding the foundation of the fragile Nigerian unity and President Buhari as the leader of the country, on whose desk the bulk stops should take prompt actions to curb this lawless people, who are reportedly armed with sophisticated arms like AK47 rifles got from yet to be determined sources. Nobody wants another civil war in the country but the unchecked actions of the herdsmen in kidnapping and killing of innocent people can lead us without any doubt to another civil war. No country, in the history of the world has survived two civil wars and ours cannot be an exception. Our political leaders in the Southwest should jointly take up this security issue irrespective of their political affiliations with the president. The pride of Yoruba is at stake as it is now being trampled upon with unbridled impunity. The souls of past Yoruba leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Ladoke Akintola, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Michael Ajasin and Chief Abraham Adesanya  would be turning in their graves in response to the present  unsavoury situations in Yorubaland.

    I end this piece by praying to God to grant the soul of Mrs Funke Olakunri eternal rest and may God, the giver of life console Pa. Fasoranti for this painful irreparable loss. God that fortified the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and late Nelson Mandela and made them still relevant in the affairs of their countries when they lost their valuable sons will again certainly fortify Pa. Fasoranti.

     

    • Professor Lucas writes from Old Bodija, Ibadan.

  • Outrage over Fasoranti’s daughter’s killing

    •Buhari orders security agencies to fish out, prosecute perpetrators
    •Speaks with bereaved father
    •Tinubu too, says it’s a personal loss to him
    •We’ll find them, IGP vows; deploys crack detectives to scene of attack
    •Obasanjo: Nigeria diminished with the act
    •Jonathan, PDP others react

     

    Nigerians were united  on Saturday in denouncing Friday’s killing of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, daughter  of elder statesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, by unknown gunmen.

    Mrs. Olakunrin was shot at Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State when the hoodlums opened fire on her car.

    President Muhammadu Buhari directed security agencies to swing into action and bring the brains behind the killing to justice in the shortest possible time.

    Buhari personally spoke with Chief Fasoranti by  phone on Saturday to commiserate  with him on the death of Mrs. Olakunrin.

    The president prayed that God might comfort and give him the fortitude to bear the grievous loss.

    National leader of the  All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, also spoke with Chief Fasoranti on phone Saturday, expressing shock at the killing.

    Tinubu said Mrs Olakunrin’s death was a personal loss to him in view of his relationship with the bereaved family.

    He is expected to be in Akure today on a condolence visit to Chief Fasoranti.

    A similar challenge to the security agencies came yesterday from Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.

    He asked them to fish out the killers and make them face justice.

    The governor who personally visited the bereaved elder statesman at his Akure residence condemned the killing and said the security agencies should do everything to apprehend the killers.

    “This sad development once again, heightens the level of fear that has pervaded our nation even as it represents a despicable commentary in all ramifications,” he said.

    “To say the least, it represents an unenviable turning point, the depth of everything that is evil.”

    Police Inspector General Mohammed Adamu said the hunt for the killers is already on with the deployment of crack detectives to the state to hunt down the suspects.

    Governor Kayode  Fayemi of Ekiti State also paid a condolence visit to Pa Fasoranti as were the deputy governor of Ondo State, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae, former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, and Senator Tayo Alasoadura as well as clergies notably the  Bishop of Akure Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican communion) the Rt. Rev. Simeon Borokini.

    Condolence messages came from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Yoruba Unity Forum, Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Ohanaeze Youths.

    Sympathizers took turns to sign the condolence register and pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for her family.

    Governor Akeredolu appealed to the people of the state to remain calm and allow the Police to unravel the perpetrators of this murder.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Undie Adie, said he had been directed to comb all the forests of Ondo State to bring the murderers to book.

    Akeredolu said he would keep the media abreast of steps being taken to unravel the killers.

    Hunt on for the killers, says IGP

    Police Inspector General Mohammed Adamu  said yesterday that  operatives from different  police units have  been deployed to Ondo State to commence a manhunt for the killers with a view to tracking, arresting and bringing them to justice.

    The units which are expected to work with the State Police Command in the manhunt  include special forces and seasoned investigators from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU).

    He promised that the perpetrators would not escape justice.

    Adamu, in a statement through the Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, condemned the “heinous and barbaric crime” and ordered an overhaul of the security architecture on highways across the southern states.

    The Commissioners of Police in the affected States were ordered by the IG to emplace adequate security arrangement in their areas of jurisdiction (AOR).

    The IG said the Force Headquarters has perfected plans to replicate on major highways in the south, the special security arrangement powered by “Operation Puff Adder” on the Kaduna- Abuja expressway.

    He called for calm and support from all Nigerians, especially residents of Ondo State, in aid of the current investigation.

    Nigeria diminished with the killing, says Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared that Nigeria has been diminished by the killing of Mrs Funke Olakunri.

    He described the incident as a worrisome development in the polity, especially, at a time when all well-meaning Nigerians are preaching tolerance and political accommodation.

    Obasanjo, in a condolence letter to Pa Fasoranti, said: “I must say Nigeria as a whole is diminished by the manner of Funke’s death.

    “We deplore this dastardly act and seize this opportunity to call on governments at all levels to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that our security agents vigorously pursue and find the perpetrators of such heinous crime and make them face the full weight of the law.

    “We must, together, find solution to all acts of insecurity in the country, particularly acts of banditry, kidnapping, robbery and killing.

    “As you mourn the tragic loss of our very dear Funke, please be assured of the sympathy and profound sorrow of many others like me who are saddened by the manner of her demise, especially as she still had a lot to contribute to the nation and her family to which she was highly devoted.

    “Let me also implore you to be strong for the entire family. I pray that God Himself will comfort you and sustain the whole family in this hour of painful trial. And may the soul of the dear departed rest in perfect peace.

    “Because I have to be in Morocco, I am sending a delegation of Otunba Oluwole Fasawe and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola with this letter and to personally deliver my condolence.”

    Jonathan to Fasoranti: My heart goes out to you

    Immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan took to Twitter to pour out his grief on the shooting.

    He said: “My heart goes out to Chief Reuben Fasoranti and his entire family over the untimely death of his daughter, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, at the hands of suspected herdsmen.

    “No one deserves to hear such news, not the least being Pa Fasoranti, a man that has given so much to Nigeria and asked so little.

    “I am encouraged by the message from the Governor of Ondo State and his assurances that those behind this heinous and callous crime will be brought to book.

    “Baba, may God comfort you and your family and grant you the fortitude to bear the loss, even as we pray that the Almighty returns peace to Nigeria.

    “My family and I offer you our deepest solidarity now and always. We also extend our arm in love to Afenifere.”

    It’s heartrending, says PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was heartrending that Nigeria has  “become a killing field and large funeral palour with insurgents, bandits and assassins having a field day waylaying and killing innocent compatriots, especially those making very useful contributions to the development of our nation.”

    The opposition party in a statement said it was “worried that security agencies are rather engaging in debates over the identity of the killers and hurriedly pointing to a case of abduction even before any extensive investigation has been carried out on the horrific and dastardly act.

    “The party bewails that the killing of Funke Olakunrin marks yet another national loss occasioned by the failure of the Buhari administration to secure the nation beyond lip service, a development that has emboldened marauders in our country.

    “The PDP posits that Funke Olakunrin must not die in vain. Our dear nation must not continue to lose her finest and brightest in the hands of bandits. Our party therefore charges the authorities to go beyond condolence messages from Abuja and take concrete steps to apprehend Funke Olakunrin’s killers, as well as ensure security of lives in our nation.

    “The PDP, while condoling Pa Fasoranti, charges the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, to take immediate and decisive steps, beyond the lip service of the Buhari administration, to track down the killers without further delay and make them face the full wrath of the law, no matter who they are.”

    Oyetola calls for probe

    Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State described the killing of Mrs Olufunke Olakunri as a dastardly act that should be probed.

    The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, condemned the killing and called on security agents not to leave any stone unturned in the probe to ensure that the killers are nabbed and brought to justice.

    “This should not be another case of unresolved murder. All efforts should be made to get to the root of this,” Oyetola said.

    He condoled with Pa Fasoranti and Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, over the death.

    Makinde: It’s darkest hour of our contemporary history

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State said the killing was not only shocking but also saddening, despicable and darkest hour of our contemporary history as a nation.

    He tasked the security agencies to urgently fish out the perpetrators of the evil incident said that the perpetrators must be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    He also called on the Yoruba to take heart and be strong following Olakunrin’s killing, adding that the death further signified a dark spot in the history of the Yoruba’s renewed struggle to protect its land from invaders.

    He commiserated with Pa Fasoranti and the family as well as Governor Akeredolu on the killing.

    ARG demands ‘appropriate action’

    The Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) also condemned the killing.

    Chairman of the group, Olawale Oshun, in a statement said: “ARG shares in this colossal loss and condole with the bereaved family, especially Pa Fasoranti and Mrs. Olakunrin’s nucleus family. This loss is a burden too heavy and a steep price to pay for steadfastly serving this nation and our people.

    “Mrs. Olakunrin’s death at the hands of these savage herdsmen could not but have been part of a grand plan to break the soul of Yorubaland and set the roof on fire. But the fire this time will consume the perpetrators and their collaborators.

    “ARG therefore challenge the Yoruba governors and the socio-political leadership to rise up to the occasion, as it would now seem that the central government and its clinging to central policing has failed woefully in providing Nigerians the needed security.

    “Our governors must realize that they shall be held responsible, individually and collectively, should they fail to prioritize and support one another in securing their people. The time to act is now.

    “We dare say that Mrs Olakunrin’s is the latest victim of Nigeria’s wobbling and ineffective unitary governance structure. The gory stories of kidnapping, maiming, raping and killing that emanate daily from Yoruba land should be stopped by whatever means possible including pursuing the dismantling of this unworkable unitary constitution and replacing it with a truly federal constitution.

    “The time for our governors to stand up on our behalf is now, they can count on the support of our people in their bid to drive out  these senseless criminals from our land. It is only by doing this that Mrs. Olakunrin and all those murdered by these beasts would not have died in vain.”

    Killing is baseless, mindless, grossly unacceptable- Yoruba Unity Forum

    The Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) said it received news of the incident with shock, sadness and trepidation.

    The Publicity Secretary of the group, Mr Lanre Ogundipe, said the killing stemmed from alleged ineptitude of the security agencies.

    It said it was alarmed by the claim that Mrs. Olakunrin’s killing was a failed armed robbery attack, saying: “we’re yet to see where armed robbers, whose primary motive is to dispossess victims of their belongings, will kidnap or riddle the same victim’s car with bullets. YUF finds this claim spineless and absolutely ill thought;

    “YUF reiterates her call for the total restructuring of the country, as that in our well informed opinion, is the panacea to the myriads of problems confronting a disjointed and faulty union like Nigeria’s. Failure to adhere restructuring principles.

    “Without immediate restructuring along the lines of the 2014 National Conference Resolutions, the continued existence of Nigeria as one country is very much open to doubt.”

     

    It’s time for action by Southwest governors- Gani Adams

    The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, asked the Southwest governors to begin the immediate implementation of the decisions they took on the security of the region at a recent meeting in Ibadan.

    He also advised traditional rulers in the region to take bold steps to stamp out killings by herdsmen in their domains and devise means of identifying visitors or new settlers in every community.

    Adams, in a statement by his Media Assistant, Kehinde Aderemi, said: “We only want the whole world to know what has been done and being done to our people. They should be aware of the actions that preceded our reaction when it eventually comes. We are not bereft of ideas of how to stop this criminality on our land.

    “It is just so that we should not be blamed when the reaction comes. We are like the proverbial goat that is being chased. When it gets to the wall, it will certainly react. We are at that stage now.”

    “Yoruba people are not paper tigers and dogs who can only bark without biting.”

    He commiserated with Pa Fasoranti, and prayed that God might comfort him and his entire household.

    “Papa, these are trying times but it is certain justice will come”, he said.

     

    SDP condemns killing

    The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) Professor Tunde Adeniran  called the killing repugnant and  unacceptable to Nigerians.

    He asked the Federal Government to intensify  action to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay and urged President Buhari and the security agencies to deploy more resources to the fight against banditry  in the country.

    His words: “This is one death too-many. What a sad day, what a great loss for the family and humanity.

    “This is a tragic moment for the family. We pray that God will console the family she left behind and also grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

     

  • We will not tolerate Cattle Ranches in Southwest – Afenifere

    The Pan-Yoruba socio cultural organization, Afenifere has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed cattle ranches in the six states of the South West geo-political zone and other Yoruba speaking states.

    It said the proposed plan is an imperialist agenda aimed at cresting Federal Cattle Territories across Nigeria .

    At its monthly meeting held on Tuesday at the residence of its leader, Chief  Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State, the group cautioned the federal government against imposing any harsh policy on the nation.

    In a communique issued at the end of the meeting and read by the national publicity secretary of the group, Yinka Odumakin, Afenifere said  cattle rearing is a private business.

    It insisted that the Government has no business getting involved if there was no sinister.

    The Yoruba leaders said “no plot of land in Yoruba land will be available for such cattle ranch and no Governor should cede any land for such.”

    Read Also: Fasanmi to Afenifere: ignore Obasanjo

    “We are devastated  by the genocide that took place in Plateau State on Sunday in which  over 200 deaths occurred by eyewitnesses accounts, but the police admitted 100.

    “These wanton killings and official irresponsibility portrays Nigeria as a barbaric entity and we Yoruba people are pained living in the same space with the bestial elements who kill innocent people in cruel manner.

    “The images of little children killed mercilessly with open skulls make anyone with human blood flowing in his or her veins to shrink. We are further distressed that the response of President Muhammadu Buhari to the murder of hundreds of our citizens did not attract a word of sympathy or regret.

    “It is very infuriating that the President’s response and that of Miyetti Allah appeared to have been authored from the same laptop.The Chairman of North Central zone of Miyetti Allah, Danladi Ciroma said the attacks were a retaliation for the loss of three hundred cows.

    ” The President used the word “thugs”  thrice to describe protesting residents while admitting that  human life was becoming “increasingly cheap ” under his watch without  saying what he is doing to make it worthy or
    bring the herdsmen who have admitted killing people to book .He also repeated the blame game of “desperate people “causing instability and chaos” in furtherance of the vain attempt by the administration to divert
    attention from Fulani herdsmen responsible for the serial murders.

    “Politically, Nigerians must now gird  their loins and see the democratic uprooting of this administration as a task that must be done in 2019 so as to save the the country from utter destruction .There is no land where the blood of the innocent is being shed  daily like Nigeria  that can make progress in any area of human endeavour”.

    The Yoruba group also reiterated its call for the restructuring of the country, saying no meaningful development can take place with the present composition of the country.

  • Obasanjo visits Fasoranti, seeks support.

    Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Monday visited the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa. Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

    He was accompanied by his close ally, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe and Ayo Osuntokun.

    Obasanjo said it is a must to rescue the country from the hands of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), led federal government come 2019.

    Obasanjo who was visiting Afenifere for the first time in 20 years, said he was in Akure, the Ondo state capital to pay homage to the leader of the the group, Fasoranti.

    He commended Afenifere for standing by their belief, saying “you have been talking about the interest of Yoruba, while I have been talking about the interest of Nigeria. Our paths crossed.  Our priority is now one. If we did not repair this country, it will be disastrous.”

    Read Also: Again, Obasanjo laments pervasive insecurity in Nigeria

    Obasanjo, recalled how he was rejected by the group while seeking their support in the past, said ” I remember visiting Pa Abraham Adesanya thrice in Lagos before the election and I was asked to join Afenifere and Alliance for Democracy (AD) then,  but I told them that AD was cul-de-sac.

    “Pa Abraham told me if I join, things will change but I refused to join them. I went back the second time but they refused to work for my emergence.

    “I went there again the third time but Afenifere maintained their stand, they refused to vote for me but I secured my votes outside Yorubaland, though they supported me in 2003 for my re-election”.

    Fasoranti commended Obasanjo for his efforts at building a better country.

    He expressed his dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in the country, noting that the country is not being run properly.

    According to him “we are in full support of all the letters written by Obasanjo to President Muhamadu Buhari on the state of the nation. We are dissatisfied with the state of affairs in the country. The country is not being run properly.”

    Fasoranti said Afenifere was in support of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and ADC.

    He said “It will be the joy of everybody to present a formidable team to confront the evil government that is there now.”

    Present at the meeting were Basorun Sehinde Arogbofa, Kole Omololu, Sola Ebiseni , Chief Akin Omosebi , Femi Aluko among others.

  • Tinubu hails Afenifere leader, says no automatic ticket for Buhari

    Tinubu hails Afenifere leader, says no automatic ticket for Buhari

    The 14 -year old friction among Yoruba leaders which led to a crack in the pan Yoruba-group, Afenifere with the carving out of the parallel

    Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) was on Wednesday resolved following a private meeting between the National Leader of the All Progressives

    Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

     The meeting held behind closed doors at Chief Fasoranti’s residence had in attendance,some Yoruba leaders including the former APC

    Interim National Chairman,Chiefs Bisi Akande,Olu Falae, Femi Alike and Baba Omojola and others.

    Speaking with reporters shortly after the meeting, the former Lagos State governor acknowledged the leadership virtues of Fasoranti to the

    unity of Yoruba land.
    He described the Octogenarian as ‘a great leader of Omoluabi,who has remained a leader right from his youth.
    While speaking on the move by some APC governors to give automatic ticket to President Muhammad Bulgari for second term in 2019, Tinubu said “we have not heard about that and the party spokesman has not said that” .
    “No governor can appropriate the power of endorsement  to themselves.
    According to him”Buhari is a believer in  process,the Buhari I know believes in rule of law.We wanted him even before  the last convention and primaries of the party and Akeredolu is here standing with me,he was not the governor then.
    “He was one of the leading delegates that  voted properly and Buhari was a clear winner.
    “We follow all the constitutional provision and an individual opinion does not matter at this stage
    The former governor said Buhari would want a normal process , saying”Buhari that know,who says he will lose at any convention?
    However, he said if the National body,the National Executive Committee(NEC)party members endorsed him as our single  candidate, we will not be violating the  Independent National Electoral Commission((INEC)  regulations.
    Tinubu added that members would not also violate the APC constitution, saying “what you are hearing is just a campaign
    According to him,Buhari has not excluded anybody,and affect the ambition of any individual.
    He said”I am in Akure to acknowledge the leadership of Pa Fasoranti in our own race,as a great leader of the omoluwabi and in his evening.
    “We want him to be happy ,he has been a great leader in his youth and day child. His intellectual is still very intact.I seek his advice,  his understanding and prayers and ,that is why I am here”.
    In his response, Fasoranti said he was excited on the visit of Tinubu, describing the development as sign of good things to come to Yoruba nation.
    He said”the coming together of Yoruba leaders is an indication of great thing to come in the land. With this, there will be a great understanding which will hasten unity and development in Yoruba land”.
    Fasoranti described Tinubu as a leader in his own right, describing his visit as a welcome development.
    The APC National leader who arrived Akure Airport around 12 noon was received by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, State Executive Council (SEC) members and Party Stalwarts across the state.
  • Reuben Fasoranti ‘Nigeria should return to parliamentary system’

    Reuben Fasoranti ‘Nigeria should return to parliamentary system’

    As a Yoruba leader, what is your view about restructuring?

    My position is that of the Afenifere group and other Yoruba leaders. The only alternative to the present challenges facing the country is to embrace restructuring. The federal government of President Muhammadu  Buhari should without further delay do the needful by hearkening to the voices of many Nigerians asking for restructuring.

    With this step taken, there will be equal opportunity to each region to develop at its own pace and raise the development paradigm as obtained in the country before the 1966 military coup. This is what restructuring and true federalism is all about, we must pursue this vigorously without anybody talking about the advantages one section has over the other. True federalism will allow states to explore mineral resources in their locality and pay royalty to the government at the centre as being done in the developed countries. Every Nigerian who wants stability must support this agitation to bring peace and tranquility to the country.

    . The most profitable and desirable system is the parliamentary with six regional governments, some local governments and a federal government with limited roles such as foreign affairs, security, power generation, education and so on. it is advisable that Nigeria should revert to true parliamentary system of government as against the expensive presidential system. The system with six regional governments similar to what used to be when they had four regional governments would be beneficial to the citizenry. There is need for the creation of Northwest, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Southsouth and Northcentral regions as provided in the constitution.

  • Afenifere rejects creation of 30,000 additional polling units

    Afenifere rejects creation of 30,000 additional polling units

    THE pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has rejected the creation of over 30,000 more polling units by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Its position was contained in a statement issued at the end of a meeting in Akure, Ondo State’s residence of the group’s leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

    Chieftains and members from Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos states were present at the meeting.

    Its Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, said the organisation was disturbed by the INEC’s action few months to the general elections.

    The distribution of the new polling units, Afenifere said, was disturbing and showed the determination of the INEC to sustain the permanent dominance of the North on election matters.

    The organisation decried the allocation of 21,000 polling units to the North while the South, including the populous Southwest, was allocated only 8,000 and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) 1,200.

    It condemned the allocation of 7,906 to the Northwest alone, 5,291 units to the war-ravaged Northeast whereas the Southeast was given 1,167 units and Southwest 4,160.

    The statement reads: “Afenifere hereby passes vote of no confidence in the ability of the Prof. Attahiru Jega-led INEC to conduct a free, fair and credible election, if those polling units are sustained.

    “We viewed the creation of the new units as attempts to create rigging of the election at the source.

    “The creation of polling units is a subject of the number of registered voters and not based on land mass or any geographical distribution.

    “We do not know any country in the world where electoral law is changed one year to the election. We reject the exercise in its entirety and INEC should cancel the new units,” Afenifere stated.

    On the National Conference, Afenifere hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for convening the conference.

    The meeting praised the performances of Yoruba delegates at the conference, advising that the recommendations of the conference should be subjected to a referendum, which would give birth to a new constitution.

    It urged Jonathan to implement the decision reached at the conference and make it a centenary legacy for Nigeria as Lord Lugard was being remembered for the amalgamation.

    The organisation advised leaders to go back to their states and ensure that committed members of the organisation emerge victorious in the election.

    The meeting, which was attended by leaders and members from the political divides, was the first to be held after the National Conference.

     

    Those present were Chief Olusegun Osoba, the Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan and Senator Iyiola Omisore, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Olu Falae, Ayo Adebanjo and Prof. Akin Onigbinde.