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Tag: Traditional Rulers

  • Jonathan deploys traditional rulers on nationwide campaign

    Jonathan deploys traditional rulers on nationwide campaign

    President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign has mobilised traditional rulers to start reaching out to the electorate on his behalf, it was learnt yesterday.

    The rulers will criss-cross the country before the election to campaign that its outcome should be accepted.

    But sources said the essence of such trips is more than that. They are believed to be on a campaign for the president.

    There are 11 teams on the mission.

    This may not be unconnected with the orchestrated campaigns in parts of the country for the removal of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega to make way for an INEC boss, who will do the bidding of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Team I, which is responsible for Sokoto and Kebbi states, comprises Major-General Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue 1, Orodje of Okpe; Oba S.O. Oyediran, Onipetu of Ipetuland; and Eze Elder Dr. Agom Eze.

    The task of this team is to reach out to Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Shagari, Turakin Sokoto; Alhaji Muhd Sa’ad Abubakar 111, Sultan of Sokoto; Alhaji (Dr.) Mohammed I. Bashar, Emir of Gwandu; Alhaji Samalia Mohammed Mera, Emir of Argungu; Alhaji Zayyanu Abdullahi, Emir of Yauri; and Major-General Muhammadu Sani Sami, Emir of Zuru.

    Team II comprises Kevin Aliyu Danesi, Aidonogie of South Ibie; Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Olu of Ilaro and Oba Adebolu Fatunmishe, Iyanfoworogi-Ife.

    This team is to work on Alhaji Attahiru Muhammadu Anka, Emir of Zamfara; Justice Lawal H. Gunmi, Emir of Gumi; Alhaji Muhammadu K. Danbaba, Emir of Gusau; Alhaji Bello Mohammed Barmo, Emir of Talata Malafa; Alhaji Abdulmumuni Kabir Usman, Emir of Katsina; and Alhaji Faruk Umar Dan Buram, Emir of Daura.

    Team III is assigned to Kano, Jigawa and Kaduna states. Its membership comprises His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Obong of Calabar; Eze Dominic Aloh, Erimogwudu 111 of Amagu; and Oba Rufus A. Adejugbe Aladesanmi 11, Ewi of Ado Ekiti.

    This team is to reach out to Alhaji Muhammed Sanusi 11, Emir of Kano; Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje Haruna, Emir of Hadejia; Alhaji Najib Hussaini Adamu, Emir of Kazaure; Alhaji Sayyad Mahmood, Emir of Ringim; Alhaji Nuhu Mohammed Sanusi, Emir of Dutse; Alhaji Shehu Idris, Emir of Zazzau; Alhaji Mohammed Isa Muhammadu 11, Emir of Jama’a; Lt-Col. Paul Zakka Wyom (rtd), Kpop Gwong; Chief Ufuwai Bonet, Chief of Kagoro and Zubairu Jibril Maigwari, Emir of Birnin Gwari.

    Team IV is to cover Yobe and Borno states and Jonathan’s coordinators for this area are King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Amanyababo of Twon Brass; Oba Aderemi Adedapo, Alaayemore of Iddo Osun and Eze Eberechi Dick, Eze Udo 1 of Mgboko–Ngwa Amaise

    Dignitaries to be visited by this team are Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, Shehu of Borno; Alhaji Muhammed Ibn Mustafa El-Kanemi, Shehu of Dikwa; Alhaji Kyari Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, Emir of Bama; Alhaji Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, Emir of Fika; Alhaji Shehu Hashimi Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, Emir of Damaturu; Alhaji  Bashir Al-Bashir B. Maimachina, Emir of Machina; and Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya 11, Mai Pataskum.

    In team V are King Dr. Edmund M. Daukoru, Mingi  XII of Nembe; Oba Frederick Aroloye, Owa of Idanre,; Eze Eddy Brown Njoku; and Oba I.A.A. Omowole , Amapetu of Mahin.

    This team is to reach out to Dr. Alfred A. Torkula, Tor Tiv IV; AgabaIdu Elias Obekpa, Och Idoma; Alhaji Isa Muhammadu Agwai 1, Emir of Lafia; Alhaji Mohammed C. Yamussa 11, Emir of Keffi; Alhaji Hassan Ahmed 11, Emir of Nassarawa; Da Buba Gyang, Gbong Gwom Jos; Alhaji Mohammed Sambo Haruna, Emir of Wase; General Domkat Bali, Ponzhi Taroh; and Emmanuel Onyatikpo Elayo, Osana of Keana.

    Team VI is to cover Kogi, Niger and Kwara states. They comprise Emmanuel E. Sideso, Ovie of Uvwie; Eze U Iriele; and Oba James Adedapo Popoola, Oore of Moba Otun.

    They are assigned to work on Idakwo Ameh Oboni, Attah Igala; King Ado Ibrahim, Ohinoyi of Ebira; Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; Alhaji Haliru Ndanusa Yahaya, Emir of Shonga; Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu Nupe; Alhaji Sai’du Namaska, Emir of Kontagora; Dr. Umar Faruk Bahago, Emir of Minna; Oba Michael S. Olubayo, Obaro of Kabba; Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar, Etsu Pategi; and Mallam Muhammed Awwal Ibrahim, Emir of Suleja.

    Team VII are to work on dignitaries in Ekiti and Ondo states. Jonathan’s points men here are R.S.N. Ezeh, Etim Okon Edet, Paramont ruler of Bakassi and Eze J.O. Akaliro-Obassiukwu 11 of Umuabasiuku.

    Dignitaries to be worked on are Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, Osemawe of Ondo; Oba D.V. Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi 111, Olowo of Owo; Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, Olugbo of Ugbo; Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, Owa Ooye of Okemesi; Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Ewi of Ado-Ekiti; Oba Idowu Adamo Babalola, Onitajo of Itaji Ekiti; and Oba Sunday Owolabi Ajiboye, Onisan of Isan Ekiti.

    Team VIII is headed by Eze C.I. Ilomuanya, who is the Obi of Obinugwu. Their assignment is to lobby Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo, Alake of Egbaland; Oba Sikiru Adetona, Awujale of Ijebuland; Oba Michael Sonariwo, Akarigbo of Ermoland; Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu 1, Oba of Lagos; De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi 1, Akran of Badagry; Oba S.O.A Bamgbopa, Olu of Epe; Oba Kamila Oyedeji AkanniIsiba, Olu Agege of Agege; and Oba Tejuosho Adedapo Adewale, Osile of Oke-Ona Egbaland.

    Team IX has been assigned Oyo and Osun states and is led by King Dandeson Douglas Jaja-Jeki, Amanyanabo of Opobo.

    Dignitaries to be lobbied are Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse 11, Ooni of Ife; Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Ajagungbade Adeyemi 111, Alaafin of Oyo; Oba Odulana Odugade 1, Olubadan of Ibadan; Oba Jimoh O. Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111, Soun of Ogbomosho; and Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola Akindele 1, Eleruwa of Eruwa.

    Leading Team X, which covers Adamawa and Taraba states is Alhaji A.S. Momoh, Olukare of Ikare. The team also includes High Chief Nosakhare Isekhure and Eze Dr. Chinonye. They are assigned to work on and lobby Dr. Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, Lamido of Adamawa; Alhaji Abubakar Isa Ahamadu, Emir of Mubi; Colonel Homun Honest Irmiya Stephen (rtd), Hama Bachama; Dr. Shekarau Angyu MasaIbi Kuvyon 11, Aka Uka of Wukari; and Dr Danjuma Stephen D. Bayongo, Gara Donga.

    Team XI is made up of Malla Sasime, EbenibeIgwe Ambassador Agubuzu and Oba Ayodele Adetunji Ajayi, Arinjale of Ise.

    The dignitaries they are to lobby are Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, Emir of Bauchi; Dr. Muhammed Kabir Usman, Emir of Katagum; Alhaji Yunusa Muhammudu Danyaya, Emir of Ningi; Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar, Emir of Gombe; Alhaji Saleh Muhammadu, Mai Kaltungo; and James Chahis, Nidu Grah Cham.

     

  • Council chief seeks constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Jide Jimoh has called for constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

    He said if their roles defined, it would reduce crime and terrorism.

    Jimoh spoke while presenting certificates of recognition to 11 new Baales in the council.

    He said the Yoruba traditional system of government of Obas and Baales was adjudged as organised and effective, noting that calls for its abolition should be ignored.

    “Instead of its abolition, I join my voice with those who advocate defined constitutional roles for our traditional rulers. I salute the foresight of our party’s administration, the All Progressives Congress, in Lagos State, which from the on-set, has always carried our traditional rulers along in all its policies and programmes.

    “This administration has enjoyed a robust relationship with our royal fathers. We have always enjoyed their advice and contributions toward policy formulation and project execution,” Jimoh said.

    Jimoh said government had no hand in the Baales’ appointment , adding: “it was strictly under the purview of our traditional rulers. Our gathering here is to fulfil the constitutional role of granting them official recognition and presentation of certificate as proof of staff of office”.

    He urged the Baales to be of service to the people and ensure that they remained custodians of culture, tradition and heritage.

  • ‘Traditional rulers should be recognised by Constitution’

    ‘Traditional rulers should be recognised by Constitution’

    The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District in the Senate, Nkechi Nwaogu has advocated that traditional rulers’ functions  should be entrenched in the constitution.

    Senator Nwaogu, speaking at Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State during the 40th anniversary of the ascendance of Eze G.I Ezekwesiri (Ochi I of Isuochi) as the traditional ruler of the community, said that traditional rulers in the country should be constitutionally empowered to discharge their functions, which she said were paramount.

     The Senator who extolled the contributions of traditional rulers in the sustenance of peace, security and stability in the country, said their roles should be entrenched in the constitution, adding that the Senate was already considering entrenching the roles of traditional monarchs in the constitution to give their functions and activities legal backing.

     Nwaogu who is also the chairman, Senate Committee on Oil and Gas was honoured with the title of” “Ihe Abia I of Isuochi” (the first Light of Abia in Isuochi).

    She stated that given the role of the traditional a place in the constitution would not only make people and even government agencies to respect and adopt logical decisions made by traditional rulers.

     “I believe that the role of the traditional rulers should be entrenched in the Nigerian constitution so that the decisions they take as they settle disputes in their domains should be recognised.”

    She used the opportunity to eulogise the place and role of traditional rulers in Abia State, she said have been playing collaboratively with the state government in the maintenance of peace and security in the state.

    She further said that she was humbled by the recognition by such a revered monarch outside her senatorial district.

    “My joy knows no bounds. This title given to me by the Ochi of Isuochi is unique and explanatory and will continue to shine for the people,” she said, adding “my representation as well as democratic dividends  are spread across Abia State. I have spread scholarships and employments across the three senatorial zones by the grace of God because I believe that Abia is one. Appealing to all Abians to put their resources and efforts together to help further develop the state, she said I will continue to offer my services not only to my Ngwa people but the whole of Igbo race.

    In his remarks the President General of Isuochi Development Union, Dr G U  Mgborukwe  said the  40  years reign of HRM  Ezekwesi has witnessed  peace and prosperity in the community and maintained peace with  border communities in Imo, Anambra and Enugu that share boundaries with Isuochi.

    Other prominent individuals conferred with chieftancy titles are Chiefs Ude Oko Chukwu, Speaker, Abia House of Assembly and Acho Ihim, Deputy Majority Leader, Imo State House of Assembly.

    The event also marked the 40th anniversary of the ascendance of Eze G.I. Ezekwesiri (Ochi 1 of Isuochi) as the traditional ruler of the community.

    In his address, the President- General of Isuochi Development Union (IDU), Chief G.U Mgborukwe remarked that the traditional ruler in his 40 years reign has never had any disagreement with any President-General of the union.

    He requested a national award for the traditional ruler to encourage other Nigerians to pursue peace wherever they are located.

  • Appeal Court sacks Imo Traditional Rulers’ Council chair

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, Imo State, has sacked the Chairman of Imo Traditional Rulers Council Chairman, Eze Agunwa Ohiri and reinstated Eze Cletus Ilomuanya who was earlier sacked by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    The Court ruled that he should remain as the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers until the lawful expiration of his tenure in 2015.

    It also restrained the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, his Attorney–General and Commissioner for Justice as well as their servants, agents from interfering with the activities of the council under Ilomuanya until his tenure expires in 2015.

    Delivering the judgment, Justice Philomena Ekpe declared the dissolution of the Traditional Rulers Council under Ilomuanya as null and void and of no effect.

    The Court submitted that section 17A of the Imo State Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Law 2006 (as amended) provides “Resignation or Death” as the only two conditions through which any member of the council could abdicate office.

    “Eze Ilomuanya neither resigned nor died, and therefore, wondered where the governor got his powers to dissolve the council and remove the appellant from office,” Justice Ekpe ruled.

    The Court expressed its displeasure at the Imo State Chief Judge, Justice Ben Njemanze for resolving the matter in favour of the governor without input from the parties in the suit, noting that “it’s a grievous error in law as the Chief Judge had turned himself into a defendant and no longer an impartial Judge.”