The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Royal fathers

  • Buhari’s re-election is God’s will, say traditional rulers

    BRACE to play crucial roles in the prevention and detection of criminal activities in your domains, President Muhammadu Buhari urged royal fathers yesterday.

    He spoke when members of the National Council of Traditional Rulers (NCTRN), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, visited him at the State House, Abuja.

    The President noted that involving the monarchs had become necessary in view of the deep knowledge of their localities.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said: “You know all the families who harbour criminals and you know those who produce respectable individuals. You know the weaknesses of our society. We need your support to consolidate our achievements.”

    President Buhari listed several significant efforts by his administration to enhance national security while emphasising the overall need for stability in the country.

    He said: “What we need now is your support. No government can serve creditably without your support. We will always count on your support.”

    Welcoming the royal fathers to his “second and final term, at the end of which I will, God willing, go to Daura and settle down”, the President urged the traditional rulers to support his party’s “Next Level” programmes.

    Speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman of the Council, told President Buhari that the body “on behalf of all the Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, is here to congratulate you on your re-election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Urging “all Nigerians to accept the election result as the will of God,” the Sultan assured the President of the traditional rulers’ “continued unflinching support in your laudable projects, particularly your government’s cardinal objectives of fighting corruption, containing insecurity, generally sanitising the governance machinery, entrenching discipline, hard work and peaceful co-existence amongst the citizenry.”

    He described the re-election of President Buhari as the will of God for the progress and development of the country.

    He urged the losers to accept the will of God and support President Buhari to move the country forward.

    The Sultan said: “The National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria is here to felicitate with you on your re-election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We join all Nigerians and the International community in praying and wishing you very big success in your tenure.

    “As traditional rulers, we are not only custodians of our people’s cultures, values and traditions but also the custodians of the religious beliefs and conscience of our people. We are therefore, fully aware that it is only God almighty who owns power and authority and who bestows this on whom He will, when He wills and how He wills.

    “Therefore, your election as President for a second tenure should be seen as what God has destined and no one could have changed that.

    “This result is the will of the almighty God and therefore we call on all to give you maximum support for the achievement of peace, development and progress of our dear nation.”

    The Sultan also charged President Buhari to continue to exhibit the characters of justice and fairness as he leads the country.

    He noted that the traditional institution as an enduring cultural heritage of its people would continue to serve as the bedrock of any administration in power.

    The Sultan pledged the support of traditional rulers for President Buhari’s three cardinal areas of focus – fighting corruption, revamping the economy and improving security.

    The Co-Chairman of the Council and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, assured President Buhari that their members would work very closely with his administration to fight criminal activities.

    The Ooni urged Buhari to be a President for the whole nation and father to all citizens.

     

  • Ebenezer Obey, Momodu, royal fathers honour SSP at 60

    It was a reminder of his hay days on Wednesday, as popular Afro Juju musician, Sir Shina Peters who clocked 60 on May 30, celebrated the day with his fans at the popular Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The height of the event was the grand entrance of the Juju musician who came on a horse, cladded in a white suit and white hat.

    Faces at the event include, Dele Momodu, Chief Ebenezer Obey, politicians, Royal fathers, entertainers and socialites.

    According to the celebrant, his new age is a milestone that needs to be treasured. “A 60th birthday is an important and treasured milestone of life. It is the time to look back at beautiful memories that have flown by look how far you have come.”

    As part of the celebrations, the artiste is expected to be in London on July 1 for the ‘Shina Mania Live in Concert’ at IndigO O2, London.

    The event is a two-in-one show; celebrating 60th birthday and 50 years on stage.

    In recognition of his contribution to the arts, Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu penned a short tribute in the musician’s honour, just as a committee of friends also staged a tribute session for the artiste.

    Popularly called SSP, the musician who started music at a very young age released his first album ‘Ace’ (Afro-Juju Series 1) in 1989. The album which was released under CBS Records of Nigeria went double platinum and was the career breakthrough that catapulted him back into the limelight.

    He served apprenticeship under Chief Ebenezer Obey and later joined General Prince Adekunle’s band where he learned to play the guitar and the piano.

  • Ambode to traditional rulers:  Ensure peace, security in your Communities

    …Inaugurates New Lagos Council of Obas, Chiefs

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday urged traditional rulers to work towards ensuring peace and security and as well be at the forefront of correcting anti-social behaviors in their communities, saying peaceful atmosphere remains the necessary ingredient for development.

    The Governor, who spoke at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, while inaugurating the newly constituted Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, said traditional rulers also have a pivotal role to perform in promoting the State’s tourism campaign being the custodians of culture and tradition of the people.

    He said the new Council was coming at a time of momentous changes in evolution of the State, especially with the development by his administration to ensure that government presence is felt by every community.

    “Our government has immense regard for our Royal Fathers and Traditional Rulers and we always welcome advice from our royal fathers in order to maintain social harmony and ensure peaceful coexistence in our State.

    “I, therefore, use this opportunity to call on our Royal Fathers and Chiefs and the new leadership of the Council of Obas and Chiefs to continue to address anti-social behavior in their communities. The most important ingredient for development in the State is peace and security and you all have an important role to play in this.

    Read Also: Ambode: why Lagos is investing in Lekki Free Trade Zone

    “As custodians of the culture and tradition of our people, our royal fathers should also be at the forefront of the State’s tourism campaign. A significant aspect of tourism is our culture and historical sites which fall under your jurisdiction,” the Governor said.

    He said the tourism potentials of the State and the resources being channeled by the State Government to environmental regeneration and creation of tourist hubs must be showcased to the world, adding that such required the support and cooperation of royal fathers.

    He said regardless of the advent of modernism, the importance of traditional institution of kingship in the society could not be downplayed, noting that it remained a rallying point for the generality of the people.

    The Governor, therefore, urged members of the re-constituted Council to justify the confidence reposed in them by using their wealth of experience to support his administration in the task of deepening democracy and bringing development to every part of the State, just as he restated commitment to the welfare and activities of royal fathers in the State.

    Besides, Governor Ambode commended members of the dissolved Council for serving the State with a high sense of patriotism during their five-year tenure, and urged the new Council to advise government rightly on matters relating to customary laws, cultural affairs, inter-communal relations and maintenance of public order in the State.

    Earlier, in his opening remarks, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Muslim Folami said the re-constitution of the Council became imperative following the expiration of the tenure of the former Council after serving for five years in line with the law.

    He said the new Council is made up of one Permanent Chairman in person of Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; three Vice Chairmen, one Acting Vice Chairman and 77 members totaling 82 members.

    “The composition of the new members is made to reflect the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, thereby allotting 15 members each to four divisions of the State and 21 members to Lagos Division due to its peculiarity,” Folami said.

    The Vice Chairmen are Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I; Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi; Alara of Ilara, Oba A.O Adesanya; and Onigando of Igando, Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi.

    Responding on behalf of the Council, Oba Akiolu thanked Governor Ambode for the opportunity given to them to serve the State, and urged traditional rulers to team up with government by coming up with useful ideas to assist in area of security, welfare, environmental sanitation and revenue generation.

     

  • Assembly sensitises districts, royal fathers to Yoruba language use

    In furtherance of its quest to enact a law that will make teaching and learning of Yoruba language compulsory in all  schools in Lagos State, the Lagos State House of Assembly, through its Committee on Education, embarked on a tour of the six education districts.

    The aim of the tour was to sensitise stakeholders in the six education districts on the desirability of the law and the need to ensure its implementation.

    The Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon Lanre Ogunyemi, met with stakeholders that cut across associations and proprietors of private schools, heads of public schools, school-based management committees, parent-teacher forum, tutors-general/permanent secretaries and obas/chiefs among others in the education districts visited.

    Hon Ogunyemi revealed at the meetings that the tour was ordered by the Speaker of the House, Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa who observed the need for engagement with the grassroots as a follow-up to the public hearing earlier held with stakeholders in the education sector.

    Hon Ogunyemi said his committee has also met with Central Associations and Proprietors of Private Schools before the commencement of the tour.

    The bill has scaled through second reading and is at public hearing stage. Ogunyemi said the National Policy on Education provides for a child to learn the language of the environment they live in.

    The intendment of the national policy, according to Ogunyemi, is to foster unity, cohesion and mutual co-existence in any part of the country we may find ourselves.

    He also noted that the United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) set aside February 21 of every year as World Indigenous Language Day to promote the resuscitation of languages that are virtually going into extinction the world over.

    The House of Assembly, according to him, held a stakeholders’ meeting last year which was attended by prominent dignitaries from the Southwest where a communique was issued, part of which was that the House of Assembly should come up with a law as a way of further strengthening the stipulation of the National Policy on Education.

    The sensitisation tour, he said, will give opportunity to all to make inputs, suggestions and criticism where necessary before the bill becomes law.

    The stakeholders attended the meetings in large number and made useful contributions to the committee, which is expected to turn in its report on the public hearing to the House of Assembly soon.

  • Osinbajo, royal fathers, others for Arase’s book launch

    Osinbajo, royal fathers, others for Arase’s book launch

    Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, royal fathers and other eminent personalities are set for a book launch at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday. The book entitled ‘Law on Prevention and Detection of Crimes by the Police in Nigeria’ is written by former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase.

    According to a statement, the publication draws on Arase’s legal and professional experience in aiding the understanding of the laws, processes and complex dynamics guiding the prevention and detection of crimes in Nigeria.

    Osinbajo, who is the Special Guest of Honour, is expected to grace the event alongside former Cross River State governor, Mr. Donald Duke (Chairman); Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar II; Oba Ewuare II of Benin, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos; former Inspectors General of Police; Ministers and Service Chiefs, among others.

    Aside being a manifestation of his intellectual passion, the statement says the publication was driven by Arase’s desire to strengthen indigenous literature on law enforcement and criminal justice administration and to contribute to initiatives aimed at bridging the knowledge gap on the field, particularly in relation to Nigerian criminal justice and policing space.

     

  • Timely information crucial to tackling kidnapping, other crimes – Ambode

    Timely information crucial to tackling kidnapping, other crimes – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday urged royal fathers, traditional chiefs, Community Development Associations (CDAs), market men and women and other stakeholders in all the communities across the State to cultivate the habit of timely reportage of suspicious movement around them to security agencies to nip in the bud any potential security threats in their neigbourhood.

    The Governor, who spoke through his representatives in twenty different locations during the ongoing commissioning of 114 roads newly constructed in all the 20 Local Government Areas (LGA) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State, said there was great need for community leaders to assist security agencies to address the menace of cultism, kidnapping, miscreants, vandalism and hoodlums by providing timely information.

    Speaking through the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Lola Akande at the commissioning of some of the newly built roads in Egbe-Idimu LCDA, Governor Ambode said the 114 roads initiative was in fulfillment of the social pact which he signed with the people during the electioneering and his inaugural speech of running a system in which the “greatest good shall reach the greater majority of the people.”

    He said the new roads aside improving the easy movement of goods and services across the various local governments; it would facilitate prompt and efficient response of security and emergency operations.

    In Egbe-Idimu LCDA, Governor Ambode commissioned 633 meters Council Street Road through Akande, while the Chief Imam of Alausa Secretariat Mosque, Alhaji Babatunde Kassim represented him at the commissioning of 667meters Community Road in Agodo.

    Also, the Sole Administrator of Egbe-Idimu LCDA, Mr. Doyin Salam, said he was extremely delighted about the development happening during his time, saying that ever since coming on board, Governor Ambode has proven himself to be passionately committed about grassroot development.

    In Mushin Local Government, the Governor who was represented Special Adviser on Education, Obafela bank-Olemoh at the inauguration of Aborishade Road, Lawanson, said the next set of 114 roads would commence before the end of the year.

    He said in another one year, projects that will impact the community and new sets of roads, two in each local government and local council development area will emerge.

    Adding his voice, member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Kazeem Adewale who commissioned Martins Street also in Mushin LGA, on behalf of Governor Ambode, urged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure.

    At the commissioning of Alhaji Oseni and Kola Ogunkoya Streets both in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, the Governor was represented by a member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Constituency Hon. Jimi Benson and Community Development Council (CDC) Chairman in Ikorodu, Mr. Rotimi Owolabi Ayoku.

    Speaking through his representatives, Governor Ambode restated his commitment to making life easy for all residents of the State, just as he urged them not to fail in their own civic responsibilities of paying their taxes regularly.

    On her part, the Sole Administrator of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Mrs. Bolanle Bashorun, thanked the Governor for keeping to his promise, saying the two roads would improve infrastructural development, which in turn would increase economic activities within the community.

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa who represented Governor Akinwumi Ambode, alongside House of Representatives member, Taofeek Adaranijo at the commissioning of Ogundele and Fashola Streets at Orile-Agege LCDA, pleaded for more support for the present administration and the All Progressive Congress (APC) to be able to enjoy more dividends of democracy.

    The Sole Administrator of Orile-Agege LCDA, Mr. Olufemi Agboola, said the roads are major link roads, which would ease traffic gridlock, reduce travel time, especially the 0.61 kilometres Ogundele road to connect Oja Oba on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

    In Ifelodun LCDA, Hon. Jide Jimoh a member of the House of Representatives and the CDC Chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin (Epe) Prince Diran Ajijedidun commissioned Iludun Street, Pako and another in Awope Itire Street, off Alaba Road on behalf of the Governor.

    Governor Ambode at the commissioning of Federal Low Cost Bypass in Ikorodu North LCDA assured that at least 456 inner city roads would have been commissioned before the end of his administration in 2019.

    Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Community Affairs, Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri, Ambode said that another set of 114 roads were being identified and would be delivered next year.

    In Surulere LGA, Governor Ambode inaugurated Micheal Ogun/Durojaiye Street Aralile/Adedayo Streets where he was represented by Alhaja Lateefat Gbajabiamila and Hon. Rotimi Olowo, a member of the House of Assembly.

    Governor Ambode also inaugurated Ogbe/Iragunshin/Odogbawojo Road and Church Street, Odo-Egiri in Eredo LCDA, and was represented HRH Oba Aladegunshebi of Noforija and Mr. Wale Oluwo, the State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources.

    Similarly, the Governor also commissioned Iworo Road to Epe Jetty and Mogboro-Joseph Road both in Olorunda LCDA, where he was represented by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade and a member of the House of Representatives. Hon. Joseph Bamgbose.

  • Mr Latin Foundation to honour royal fathers

    Mr Latin Foundation to honour royal fathers

    Come September 21, veteran Yoruba comic actor and director, Bolaji Amusan who is popularly known as Mr Latin, will hold the sixth annual lecture of Mr Latin Foundation to celebrate the World Peace day.

    The lecture, titled The Role of Traditional Institutions as a Panacea for Peace, Unity and Stability in Nation building, which will hold at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Complex, Abeokuta, Ogun State will have in attendance royal fathers such as HRH Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo III (The Alake of Egbaland), HRH Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (The Ooni of Ife, OJAJA 1), HRH Jacob Gyang Buba (Gbongwon of Jos) and HRH Oba Saliu Adetunji (Olubadan of Ibadan).

    While comedian Ali Baba will anchor the event, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, the grand patron of the Foundation will be the Chairman of the day. Also expected are Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prof. Akinwunmi Ishola, Prof. Peter Okebukola and Dele Odule, the chairman board of trustees of the foundation.

    The Mr Latin Foundation is a non-governmental outfit established by Mr Latin aimed at enlightening the general public on issues relating to drug abuse, health, marital and child rights while empowering the less privileged, particularly youths and widows.

    Mr Latin said that 100 Youths and widows are going to receive empowerment on the day as well as free medical care for those present. The Foundation will also commission its permanent office at Olorunsogo, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

  • Politicians, royal fathers, captains of industry storm Ekiti for Modupe Jemibewon’s father’s burial

    Businessman and educationist, Chief John Bosede Ajayi, went home in grand style penultimate week in his hometown Erin Ekiti. The carnival like event lasted three days, between Thursday August 6th and Saturday August 8th 2015, witnessing a traffic if people from Ibadan where the final burial rites started, to Erin Ekiti where the revered Roman Catholic gentleman and author, was finally laid to rest.

    •From left: Chief Modupe Jemibewon with daughter, Temidayo, Dr. Ajoke Akintade and Barrister Abimbola Ajayi’s wife
    •From left: Chief Modupe Jemibewon with daughter, Temidayo, Dr. Ajoke Akintade and Barrister Abimbola Ajayi’s wife

    Late Chief J.B. Ajayi died on Monday June 22nd 2015 at his Ikolaba Estate home in Ibadan at the ripe age of 85. He was the father of six children namely; Chief (Mrs.) Modupe Jemibewon, the Yeye Oge of Ikeja Land and the wife of former Governor of the old Western Region and a former Minister of Police Affairs, General David Medayese Jemibewon (Rtd); a foremost Nigerian surgeon and the first medical doctor from Orin Ekiti, Dr. Dayo Ajayi; a lecturer, Dr. Tunde Ajayi; a leading USA based pediatrician and first female medical doctor from Orin Ekiti, Dr, (Mrs.) Ajoke Akintade; a Lagos based banker and lawyer, Barrister Abimbola Ajayi; and a USA based Pharmacist, (Mrs.) Funmilayo Jegede.

    Born on 31st July 1930 as the first of late Baba Raphael Ajayi’s 4 sons, his mother was the late Chief (Mrs.) Mary Aina Ajayi (Iyalode of St. John’s Catholic Church, Orin Ekiti till death). The late Baba Raphael Ajayi was one of the earliest large scale merchants in Ekitiland and he was equally a friend and business partner of Late Chief Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, father of the  late Igbo war lord and Ezegburugburu, Chief Emeka Ojukwu.

    Upon his retirement from Public Service in 1980 after 34 years of meritorious service, Baba founded the Business Group of JB Ajayi & Sons with interest in construction, automobile, distribution and agriculture. He was involved in several developmental projects for the Catholic Church both at Ibadan and his hometown Orin Ekiti. As an author he wrote: “St Jude’s and Other Societies in Church of the Ascension, Bodija-Ibadan; 1981-2012”. At the time of his death he was working on the book “A history of the Catholic Church in Orin Ekiti”

    •Barrister Abimbola Ajayi with his siblings at the church
    •Barrister Abimbola Ajayi with his siblings at the church

    Top government functionaries at the burial were: Sen. Ayo Arise;  Sen. Bode Mustapha, Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief Yomi Awoniyi; Ekiti State Chief of Staff, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, Governor Mimiko’s Chief of Staff Dr. Kola Ademujimi. Others were: Her Royal Majesty, Princess Effiom Bassey Pelebo Banigo; wife of former Federal Minister of Science and Technology and Chairman of defunct All States Trust Bank turned king, HRM King Ebitimi Emmanuel Banigo; The Amanyanabo of Okpoama Kingdom in Bayelsa State. It was Pelebo Banigo’s first major outing in a very long time. Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaiye, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Ibadan High Chief and Media guru, Akogun Lekan Alabi; wife of late minister of internal affairs SM Afolabi, Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Afolabi, Former Aviation Minister Aborisade, Amb. Tunde Adeniran, Princess Bunmi Jegede (Honey Bee), Honorable (Mrs.) Olanike Omoworare, the first female Deputy Speaker of Osun state House of Assembly, Lagos based business woman and CEO, Goldrush Textiles Ltd, Captain Mother Joko Oni, Chief Remi Adikwu Bakare, Dupe Ositelu, Jumoke Peters Ayeni, Dr. Paul Alabi a former deputy governor of Ekiti state, Peter Obafemi, Tunde Oshinowoveteran actress Funmi Tijani, Tessy Alero Yembra and several others.

    Chief Ebenezer Obey delighted guests afterwards with his juju music.

  • Royal fathers at Aso Rock, decry Chibok abduction

    Some traditional rulers from the oil producing communities visited President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja,  Thursday to discuss current situations in the country.

    During the closed door meeting, they expressed worries over the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State and the escalating activities of Boko Haram in the country.

    The leader of the delegation and paramount ruler of Mgbirichi/Abakuru Land of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, HRH Eze Akunueze Raphael Eze Ahurunkwe II, spoke with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting.

    He said: “This is a solidarity visit to the President and discuss some issues affecting our nation.”

    “Of course, we are worried about the issue of Chibok girls and the activities of Boko Haram in general. We are very prayerful that Mr. President, as he has been working assiduously to make sure they are released. We are very prayerful.”

    According to him, the delegation thanked Jonathan for convening the national conference and developing infrastructure across the nation.

    The issues of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalisation, he said, were also raised at the meeting.

    “Of course, there are pipelines are in our domains and that is why we are advocating a forum so that the traditional rulers in the oil communities will be empowered to provide security against illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalisation,” the monarch stated.