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Tag: Yewa

  • Yewa and politics of power shift

    Yewa and politics of power shift

    The people of Yewa Division, Ogun State, are stepping up their agitation for power shift, ahead of the next governorship election. Correspondent ERNEST NWOKOLO writes on how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are responding to the clamour. 

    Ogun West stakeholders are intensifying their agitation for power shift, ahead of the next governorship election. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is likely to zone the slot to the old Egbado Division, as it did last year. In the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the clamour is more intense.

    Forty years ago, the Gateway State was created. It has produced four governors. None of them is from Yewa. The Ogun West Senatorial District comprise five local governments – Yewa South, Yewa North, Ipokia, Ado/Odo/Ota and Imeko-Afon.  The Egba produced former Governor Olusegun Osoba in the Third Republic and between 1999 and 2003. Governor Ibikunle Amosun is also from Egba. Second Republic Governor Olabisi Onabanjo was from Ijebu. Former Governor Gbenga Daniel hails from Ijebu.

    Before this dispensation, attempts were made by prominent Yewa indigenes to contest for the governorship. But, the moves were futile. In the Third Republic, foremost Yoruba scholar and one-time commissioner Prof. Afolabi Olabimtan and the late Dr. Tunji Otegbeye threw their hats into the ring. Otegbeye was defeated by Onabanjo at the primary of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 1979. Olabimtan was defeated by Osoba in the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). Yewa has not been a united division.

    In 2011, Gboyega Isiaka from Yewa wanted to be governor on the platform of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN). He failed. In that year, the retired soldier, Gen. Tunji Olurin, was the candidate of the PDP. He was defeated by Amosun of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Four years later, Isiaka’s ambition also crumbled in the PDP. Yewa Division is always more committed to the governorship aspirations of non-indigenes. The highest positions that have been occupied by Yewa were the deputy governor and the Speaker of the House of Assembly.  Alhaja Salmot Badru was the deputy governor in Daniel administration. Prince Suraj Adekunbi is the current Speaker.

    The Chief promoter of Olurin on the ticket of the PDP was former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The former president described him as the best man for the job. But, when Obasanjo visited Arepo for campaigns, he also described Amosun as a good man, urging the people to vote for him. PDP chieftains were confused. Olurin  was said to be trusted, experienced, credible and has a global exposure. But, there was division in Yewa over his ambition. Some wanted Isiaka. The acrimony polarised Yewa. The duo lost to Amosun, who enjoyed the unity and numerical strength of his Egba kinsmen.

    The mistake was repeated last year. Senator Akin Odunsi from Ogun West had dumped the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His ambition clashed with that of Isiaka. Again, there was division.  The Yewa people could not agree on a single candidate from the zone. Their disagreement was to Amosun’s advantage.

    The search for a Yewa son or daughter to succeed Amosun has begun quietly. But, the question is: who will the cap fit?

    Eyes are on Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), who hails from Ogun West. Sources said he has the blessing of top Southwest APC leaders. A source said that his popularity has been soaring as a party loyalist.

    According to the source, the power shift agenda was one of the issues discussed when Osoba retraced his steps to the APC. The eminent journalist, added the source, has not raise any eyebrow about the deal to zone the slot to Yewaland.

    A number of factors are responsible for why the leaders may have  zeroed in on Adeola. He has received some tutelage from the right quarters about the progressive politics of the Southwest. For eight years, he was a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly. He was a member of the House of Representatives for four years. He is also popular at home.

    On March 9, 2013, while serving as the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Public Accounts, he was in Abeokuta, the state capital, as a guest speaker. The topic was “Infrastructure: The role of Public Accounts Committee in Good Governance.” The lecture was organised by the Abeokuta Country Club. Since then, eyes have been on him as Amosun’s successor, if power shifts to Yewa.

    Also, ahead of last year’s elections, Adeola showed interst in the Ogun West senatorial seat. He hit the ground running. He became a household name. He became the toast of all in yewa and Aworiland.

    In the course of creating awareness for his senatorial ambition, the convoys of his supporters ran into a turbulent political weather in Ilaro, the headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area. In the ensuing violence by suspected thugs, his supporters were injured.

    Adeola was forced to beat a retreat. He went back to Lagos, emerging as a senator from Lagos West. But, his associates said that he will return to Ogun State in 2019.

    But, not many people know the exact community in Ogun West where he hails from. Many communities are claiming that the promising politician hails from them. There may be new challenges of acceptability too because nothing is constant in politics.

    The anticipated choice of Adeola may put the party and Amosun on a war path. Since 2011 when Amosun won the election first on the ticket of the ACN, and later, the APC, he has been working diligently to entrench himself as the godfather of the Egba politics, and by extension, that of the Ogun East and Ogun West, in the hope of using the numerical strength of the Egbas(Ogun Central) as a bargaining tool or an arbiter of political outcome outside Egbaland.

    Also, the governor’s political structure in Ogun APC, which nonetheless, is a carry-over from the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), is still intact, although there are grumblings among his followers.

    Sources close to Amosun said he would most likely want his right hand person from the Yewa to succeed him, instead of Adeola. The governor’s term will expire in 2019 and sources said that he will like to return to the Senate.

    The source said Amosun may have deliberately wanted to sideline Osoba, who is not the leader of the party. Given the Governor’s strong will, his close ties with President Muhammadu Buhari, dating back to the ANPP days, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, his godfather from Owu, and because he won his second term without Osoba’s support, he may adopt ‘no surrender, no retreat’ approach in bid to anoint a successor.

    However, many believe that the reason Osoba was prodded by some party leaders to return to the APC is to checkmate Amosun, who may want to play the role of godfather in 2019.

    Since Osoba returned to the party, Amosun has embraced him publicly. But, there is no real renewal of contact. The reconciliation is not smooth. Amosun has not spoken on reconciliation. His media aide, Adejuwon Soyinka, merely said on phone: “There has always been a cordial relationship between the two leaders.” The aide decline to comment on reconciliation, saying that only the governor could speak for himself about it. He advised the media to refrain from speculations.

    He added: “The issue of the reconciliation is one area I can’t speak for the Governor. He is the only one that can speak for himself about it. We have to wait until he makes a public statement on it.

    “I will encourage us not to speculate. However, there is always a cordial relationship between Chief Osoba and the governor and he always embrace him whenever they meet in public functions.”

    In 2019, there may be a clash of interests. Succession may create a division in the APC. The loser, once again, may be Yewa.

    If the governorship is not zoned to Yewa, Ijebu will become its beneficiary. The zone produced Onabanjo. Since then, no governor has come from the area.

    Yewa monarchs have lent their voice to the agitation for power shift. The Olubara of Ibaraland, Oba Jacob Omolade, told Yewa indigenes at a meeting in Ilaro that it is their priority. He urged his people to unite, warning that other zones are not relenting in their bid to have the slot.

    Oba Omolade said the time has come for the Yewa people to occupy the  Oke-Mosan seat of power, adding that they should not allow the opportunity to slip away. He warned that a divided house cannot stand.

    The royal father said the traditional rulers in Yewa are behind the agitators for power shift. He charged his kinsmen to forge a united front.

    The monarch also suggested that  a committee of veteran politicians from Yewaland should be set up to resolve any dispute that may arise among those aspiring to contest the governorship in 2019. He said the committee

    will forestall a repeat of the aborted attempts of the past.

    Oba Omolade said: “The Yewa royal fathers have started working so that in 2019, the kind of crisis, division and disunity we experienced in 2011 would not occur again.

    “We tried our best then, but failed. But if we allow our elders(to decide), only one candidate would be presented. We are not talking about party. The Egba, the Remo and Ijebu are expecting us to do something. But when we are not united, how do we do that?,” Omolade said.

    The Paramount ruler of Yewaland and the Olu of Ilaro,  Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, also called on Yewa politicians to do a soul searching. He advised them forget the acrimony arising from their unsuccessful attempts to produce a governor in the past, chart the best way forward and focus on the task ahead of them, with the hope of breaking the jinx in 2019.

    The monarch added: “we should reflect more on what the future holds for us in Yewaland, almost 40 years after the creation of Ogun State. Let us forget about the past, and with optimism, positively look into the greatness ahead of our land. Where we are going as a division in Ogun State is more important than where we are coming from.”

    The indigenes and political actors have started heeding to the call for unity. Senator  Adeola Isiaka who has been a direct victim, of the Yewa’s lack of cohession, the Speaker Prince Adekunbi, and others have agreed to work in harmony for the success of Yewa 2019  agenda, regardless of which part of Yewa that person comes from.

  • Yewa monarchs, politicians strategise for 2019

    Yewa monarchs, politicians strategise for 2019

    Yewa monarchs, led by the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, and top politicians from the old Egbado Division have renewed their agitation for power shift to Ogun West Senatorial District, ahead of the 2019 polls, reports Correspondent ERNEST NWOKOLO.

    The next governorship election will hold in Ogun State in 2019. Ahead of the poll, the people of Yewaland, Ogun West Senatorial District, are re-grouping and strategising.

    The primary target, as was the case in the past, is to produce a governor for the Gateway State.

    The area comprises of five Local Governments – Yewa South, Yewa North, Ipokia, Ado/Odo/Ota and Imeko-Afon and for those not conversant with their political plights in the state, they may be tempted to interrogate the propriety of the seemingly hasty schemings and preparations for the 2019 governorship election that is at least three years away.

    However, for others accustomed to witnessing how often the number one seat has continued to elude the Yewas over the years at the altar of the legendary internal crisis and lack of cohession among them, no time is too early to hit the ground running or start beating the drum of unity for the Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office.

    Ogun, the home state of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, late philantropist and politician, Chief Moshood Abiola and the Afenifere Leader,  the late Pa Abraham Adesanya, will be 40 years old next month.

    Although, it has three in Senatorial districts – Ogun East (Ijebu and Remo), Ogun Central (Egba) and Ogun West (Yewa), but in what appears baffling to not a few persons in the state, the Egbas and Ijebu/Remo have produced governors – Chief Olusegun Osoba (Egba), the incumbent Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Egba), the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo (Ijebu) and Gbenga Daniel (Ijebu/Remo), Yewa has not enjoyed the slot.

    Attempts were made in the past by prominent politicians from the area such as late Prof. Olabimtan and the late Dr. Tunji Otegbeye, to govern the state but such attempt turned out to be a feeble one in the face of more organised, united and robust political onslaughts by opponent – politicians from Egba and Ijebu/Remo zones of the state.

    The highest elective positions the district has enjoyed are deputy governor for eight years  and the Speaker of the House of Assembly Alhaja Salmot Makanjuola Badru served as deputy governor under the Gbenga Daniel administration and Prince Suraj Adekunbi as Speakder.

    However, in the last 16 years, there were renewed efforts by politicians from Yewa to occupy the seat, but the office is still an elusive and a forlorn hope.

    The first time the zone came close to making it was in 2011. The wind of power shift blew in their favour, but they missed it, having suffered internal strife and division, which culminated in the clash of ambitions between former military administrator of old Oyo state and ECOMOG Commander during the Liberian civil war, General Tunji Olurin, and ex – Group Managing Director, Gateway Holdings, Prince Gboyega Isiaka. Both stood against Senator Ibikunle Amosun from Egba during the April 26, 2011 elections.

    The chief promoter of Olurin on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was Obasanjo, who described him as the best man for the job among the Yewas while the former governor, Daniel was Isiaka rooting for the arrowhead in the push for Isiaka’s governorship agenda on the platform of the Peoples Party of Nigeria(PPN).

    Olurin was said to be trusted, experienced, credible and with global exposure, but ambition led to division among Yewa people, kept his people acrimoniously divided among themselves over who should go for the job between him and the more celebral and also younger Isiaka.

    Also, the feud between Obasanjo and Daniel during that period did not help matter for either Olurin or Isiaka, as their people became polarised. The opportunity for block votes  was forfeited and the battle was eventually lost to Amosun, who enjoyed the unity and numerical strength of his Egba kinsmen.

    As if the zone is in capable of profitting from experience, the avoidable mistakes of 2011 were repeated in 2015 when two persons – Akin Odunsi, who was elected as senator for Ogun West (Yewa) on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) entered the April 11, 2015 governorship race on the platform of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) along with Gboyega Isiaka (PDP) to confront  Amosun on the field.

    As expected, the Yewa people could not agree on a single candidate from the zone in 2015, and not surprisingly

    Amosun, the candidate of the APC, again defeated Isiaka and Odunsi to return to Oke Mosan Governor’s Office for a second term.

    Ahead of 2019, Yewa is now re-strategising.

    The Paramount ruler of Yewaland and Olu of Ilaro,  Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, appeared to have subtly set the tone for them when he called on his people during the last Orona Cultural Festival to work selflessly for the unity and progress of Yewaland.

    Oba Olugbenle followed this up with another  call on the sons and daughters, particularly the politicians,  on December 26 last year,  urging them to take a critical appraisal of their fate in Ogun state since its creation.

    The monarch advised them to forget the acrimony arising from their unsuccessful attempts to produce a governor in the past, chart the best way forward and focus on the task ahead of them with the hope of breaking the jinx in 2019.

    Olugbenle said: “We should reflect more on what the future holds for us in Yewaland almost 40 years after the creation of Ogun State. Let us forget about the past and with optimism, positively look into the greatness ahead of our land. Where we are going as a division in Ogun State is more important than where we are coming from.”

    The monarch spoke during a civic reception organised by him  and over 40 royal fathers from Yewaland for past and serving government functioneries, politicians, distinguished sons and daughters.

    At the ceremony, were the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Rahmon Bello; Second Republic Minister of National Planning, Mrs. Ebun Oyagbola,  General Tunji Olurin; the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI); Senator Solomon Adeola representing Lagos West in the National Assembly; and Speaker Ishola.

    Others are three members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele, Hon. Kayode Oladele and Hon. Adekunle Akinlade; the Rector of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, Dr. Olufunke Akinkurolere; two commissioners of police, Mr. Rasheed Akintunde and Mr. Olusola Amore; Professor Emeritus, Anthony Asiwaju.

    Also, the Olubara of Ibaraland, Oba Jacob Omolade, emphasised the import of power shift.

    Oba Omolade said the time has come for the Yewa people to occupy Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office, adding that the opportunity should not be allowed to slip off again.

    The monarch said Obasanjo, has always been well disposed towards the emergence of a Yewa person as a governor, saying that informed why he backed the candidacy of  Olurin from Ilaro during the 2011 general polls.

    He also pointed out that unknown to many, the traditional rulers in Yewaland had already started working towards ensuring that the highest office does not elude them in 2019.

    He argued that other zones – Egba(Ogun Central) and Ogun East(Ijebu and Remo) which had produced governors in turns, are also watching to see how the Yewa people could make use of the auspicious forthcoming political climate to actualise their long held dream of producing a Governor.

    The monarch charged his kinsmen to forge a united front with the ultimate aim of making one of their own the governor of the state and quickly suggested that Oba Olugbenle, should set up a Committee of Veteran Politicians from Yewaland.

    Omolade said the committee when formed, would be charged with the task of resolving any dispute or crisis that may arise among sons and daughters of the area who would be aspiring to contest the governorship seat  of the state in 2019.

    He said the setting – up of  the committee had become imperative to forestall a repeat of the situations where multiple candidates from different political parties emerged from the zone in 2011 and 2015.

    He said: “Obasanjo has always supported our cause. He brought out Olurin. We tried for Olurin to be governor but we did not succeed. Also, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka then came out at the same time. But we thank God because if it was our time, one of them would have won. But our time has now come.

    “The Yewa royal fathers have started working. So, I would also enjoin our people to rise to the occasion. May God help us. I urge the paramount ruler to set up a committee of veteran politicians so that in 2019, the kind of crisis, division and disunity we experienced in 2011 would not occur again.

    “We tried our best then, but failed. But if we allow our elders, only one candidate would be presented. We are not talking about party here. The Egba, the Remo and Ijebu are expecting us to do something. But when we are not united, how do we do that?

    “So, whoever emerges as the governorship candidate, we should all support him. You politicians, I want you to talk to yourselves because we find it difficult to control you. If I could come all the way from Abeokuta to talk to us like this, you should know that this is a serious matter.”

    The  indigenes and political actors appeared to have started giving heed to their traditional rulers’ call for unity.

    Perhaps, it has dawned on them collectively, that should they continue to proceed in the pursuit of the prime office with the fate of a divided house, the more united and focused zones like the Egba and Ijebu-Remo would keep rotating the seat between Ogun Central and Ogun East while the Yewas of Ogun West inevitably would take their self – assigned spectators’ role.

    Senator Solomon Adeola, said his kinsmen are resolute about 2019.

    “It is the time Yewa is looking on to its people and God to have ultimate prize come 2019. The unity simply indicate an indivisible entity. It is when we come together and be under one umbrella that we can bring this to pass.

    “Now that we have resolved and are resolute,  this will tell the whole world that Yewa is ready more than ever before, so that 2019 can be a reality.

    “I believe, with the right step in the right direction that has been taken by our traditional rulers and the leaders, it is possible to have a consensus candidate, because all we are after is for us to see that come 2019, we have a man in the help of affairs which is a Yewa man,” Adeola said.

    Also, Gboyega Isiaka who has been a direct victim, electorally, of the Yewa’s lack of cohession, expressed the optimism that it is possible for the zone to have a consensus candidate regardless of the political parties unlike what obtained in 2011 and 2015.

    “I have a direct experience of lack of unity in us and I know that if we are united it will sow a good result and it is also not impossible to have a single candidate in 2019 to represent the whole of Yewa land,” he said.

    For Adekunbi, the support and cooperation of the people of other zones are also pivotal to the success of Yewa 2019 agenda.

    According to Adekunbi, the alliances outside Yewaland should also be courted while the rights every of any Ogun state indigene to aspire for the position of a Governor be accomodated.

    “Politics is a game of numbers and I want to believe that aside from the present occupant of the exhalted position of the state, all good people of ogun state and all citizen of Ogun are bonifide candidate for the position.

    “ I want to believe nothing is impossible but we should not see it as a matter of do or die affair,  all we should ensure is that people are given a sense of belonging and we should also know that even if a single  Yewa candidate  emerges, we can not do it all alone, we should always carry (other) people along in our activities,” Adekunbi.

    The Speaker’s pisition tallied with the notion earlier advocated by former Deputy Governor Rafiu Ogunleye.

    Ogunleye, who was one the governorship aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) told reporters at his Ijebu countryhome, that the Ogun East and Ogun Central should resolve to support the Yewa people(Ogun West) to actualize the dream of a Yewa son or daughter becoming a Governor in Ogun State.

    He noted that since the Ogun East and Ogun Central naturally enjoy  numerical strength, it is imperative that the Yewa people court their political alliance in their quest for number one Office in the state.

    However, it is worthy of note that the Yewa monarchs and their subjects have started working early enough for the actualization of the Yewa Governorship Agenda in 2019 but will they get it right when the election year eventually beckons?

    Will the unity song raised by Oba Olugbenle and chorused by his subjects towards the attainment of an emerged Governor of Ogun state from Yewa extraction be sustained till 2019? Analysts say only time will tell as the rest of Ogun people watch the unfolding deft political moves with keen interest.

     

  • ‘Yewa’ll work to produce Ogun governor in 2019’

    •Monarchs call for unity

    The Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, has called on his people to appraise their situation in Ogun State and chart the best way forward.

    Also, the Olubara of Ibaraland, Oba Jacob Omolade, urged the Yewa to ensure that an indigene emerged the governor in 2019.

    The duo gave the advice in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area on Saturday at a civic reception for indigenes of Yewaland.

    The reception was held at the Asade Agunloye Pavilion, Empire Field in Ilaro.

    Oba Omolade, who was the royal father of the day, said the Yewa people must occupy the Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office and should not let the opportunity slip off as it had since the state was created in 1976.

    The monarch said former President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted a Yewa person as governor when he backed Gen Adetunji Olurin in the 2011 general poll.

    He said: “I had wanted Obasanjo to be here with us because he has always supported our cause. He backed Olurin. We tried for Olurin to be governor but we did not succeed.

    “Also, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka came out at the same time. But we thank God because if it was our time, one of them would have won. But our time has now come.

    “The Yewa monarchs have started working. I would enjoin our people to rise up to the occasion. May God help us. I urge Oba Olugbenle to set up a committee of veteran politicians so that in 2019, the crisis, division and disunity we experienced in 2011 would not occur.

    “We tried our best, but failed. But if we allow our elders, only one candidate would be presented. We are not talking about party here. The Egba, the Remo and Ijebu are expecting us to do something. But when we are not united, how do we do that?

    “So, whoever emerges as the governorship candidate, we should support him. You politicians, I want you to talk to yourselves because we find it difficult to control you. If I could come from Abeokuta to talk to you, you should know this is a serious matter.”

    Oba Olugenle, in his welcome speech, advised his people to forget the acrimony arising from their unsuccessful attempts to produce a governor and focus on breaking the jinx in 2019.

    Olugbenle urged them to unite and forge a formidable front in the interest of the people and their socio – economic and political progress.

    Oba Olugbenle said: “I enjoin us to carry the flag and banner of Yewa and indeed Ogun State anywhere we find ourselves with dignity and integrity. Let us be the change agents our people and the nation desire at this time.

    “We should reflect more on what the future holds for us in Yewaland almost 40 years after the creation of Ogun State. Let us forget about the past and with optimism, look into the greatness ahead. Where we are going as a division in Ogun State is more important than where we are coming from.”

    At the event were University of Lagos Vice Chancellor Prof. Rahmon Bello; Second Republic Minister of National Planning Mrs. Ebun Oyagbola; former Ekiti State Military Administrator Gen Adetunji Olurin; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI); the senator representing Lagos West, Solomon Adeola and Speaker of the House of Assembly Suraj Adekunbi Ishola.

    Present also were three members of the House of Representatives, Jimoh Ojugbele, Kayode Oladele and Adekunle Akinlade; Rector of the  State Institute of Technology, Igbesa Dr. Olufunke Akinkurolere; two commissioners of police, Mr. Rasheed Akintunde and Mr. Olusola Amore and Emeritus Professor Anthony Asiwaju.

  • Strengthening bond between Egba, Yewa in Diaspora

    Chief ‘Femi Shodunke, is the President of Olumo Progressive Association, Canada, a socio-cultural Yoruba sub-ethnic group of Egba and Yewa indigenes from Ogun State. The former Deputy Editor of the Nigerian Compass newspaper speaks on the leadership of his association its successes and challenges, and the Nigerians in Diaspora in an interview with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

    What are the objectives of your association?

    “Thank you. Let me start by saying that we are a group of Egba and Yewa indigenes in diaspora in Canada.  Our association was founded in 2006.  The association is to, among others, promote family atmosphere and unity among Egba and Yewa descendants; to promote cultural and social values of our sub-ethnic (and Yoruba in general) tradition, norms and values; to improve and uphold the image of our people and to protect our reputation in Canada.  It is, similarly, our focus to involve in the provision of infrastructure and amenities, and to engage in communal projects in Canada and also to help, and contribute to the development of Greater Toronto Area community, Canada and Nigeria in the areas of socio-economic, education and health advancement, among many.

    Olumo – the rock – is in Abeokuta, and it is synonymous with the name of your association, but there are Yewa indigenes among your members.  Why not a joint name?

    For you to understand why the name is like that there is the need for a bit of historical background, explanation and understanding of the rationale behind it.  This association was originally founded by the Egbas.  Later, more members came in who are Egbas too, but historically their ancestral root is in Yewa.  In fact, virtually all of them were born in Abeokuta – in Ibara, Oke-Ilewo, and Joga, though these communities too are in the main Yewaland. These areas are in Abeokuta, in what we generally called Egbaland.  So, to a larger extent these members are Egbas in actual fact.  And in fact, outside the country we don’t even remember who this is or that once we are able to share similar identity, ideas and aspirations together.

    Are there ties between Olumo Progressive and other similar associations promoting the image and interest of Nigerians in diaspora?

    Yes indeed, we relate quite well with other associations as at when and where necessary, particularly in the advancement of our ethnic culture, particularly Yoruba and Nigeria in general.  Under the umbrella of Yoruba Community Association, indigenes of Owo, Ekiti, Eko, Kwara and Ile-Oluji do come together and meet to promote the course of Yoruba race, and Nigeria in general.  We also relate cordially with other associations representing Nigerians in general here in Canada.  Similarly, we relate well with similar bodies outside Canada.  For instance, Olumo Progressive Association is one of the 17 chapters of Egba National Association US and Canada and barely couple of months ago, we met in Dallas, Texas, US to celebrate the 5th Biennial Convention of our association and virtually all the 17 chapters were in attendance.

    How do you relate with those at home and how do they feel the impact of your association?

    Definitely, home is our base and that’s where we come from to this part of the world.  Therefore, we cannot forget our people at home.  Part of the relationships led to the constant presence of Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and his team, and Otunba of Yewaland, Chief Ayinde Ibikunle at our events, most of the time.  Similarly, because we monitor events going on at home, that was why we were able to identify our fellow indigenes doing great things at home to develop our communities, and the decision to honour them in faraway US, the national headquarters of Egba National Association.

    However, let me quickly say that recently our chapter in conjunction with Egba National Association gave N1 million scholarship to indigent students chosen from our communities to cushion their financial burden in higher institutions in Nigeria. Also, our chapter is working on donation of some health equipment to our people back home in Nigeria.  And in order to further the advancement of Yoruba language in Canada, we are planning to donate some historical books on Egbaland to some libraries here, as there are plans by the Yoruba Community Association to ensure the inclusion and teaching of Yoruba language in Canadian high schools.

    As President of your association, how has the journey been?

    Well, it is full of challenges in various dimensions, particularly in a foreign land.  But with the support of my loyal members, we are forging ahead in the overall interest of the association, our members and our people at home.  In fact, under my able leadership, we’ve won the right to host the next convention of Egba National Association holding here in Toronto.

    And we have mapped out plans for other projects for the immediate benefit of our people here in Canada and in Nigeria.

    What are the major impacts your leadership has made in the last one year?

    The cohesion of our members in this part of the world is very significant, as this environment is more of an individualistic society compared to our home country where family ties and cohesion are of greater necessity.  However, as part of cohesion, we meet regularly, give pieces of advice to members, and helping those in need in the area of immigration issues amongst others.  You’ll recall that I told you earlier that we’re part of the N1 million scholarship assistance to students in Nigeria.   And we relate well with government agencies, and our name, Olumo Progressive Association, is well known not only in Ontario, but the entire Canada.

    What are you doing to maintain good image for your people and Nigeria in Canada?

    It is a must task for us to ensure good image for our people and our country.  Therefore, this is why from our level we carry out adequate screening for intending members.  Only those that are found in good character, names and have identifiable sources of income are allowed to be members, not just anybody because we want to be many.  And our members are found in various sectors of the Canadian economy and social life doing their best legitimately, though there is the possibility of few erring ones, but we have not recorded such to my knowledge anyway.  Besides, you should trust Nigerians, we always excel wherever we find ourselves, and we are doing that here – contributing our significant quota to the development of Canada in various sectors of life and development in this land of greater opportunities.   For instance, the slogan of Ontario is “Yours to discover” and our people are, indeed, taking the ample advantages to discover the milk and honey in Canada.

    What is your professional background?

    I am a trained journalist.  I started my journalism career at Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic), Abeokuta where I studied Mass Communication and got Higher National Diploma (Upper Credit). I later went to the University of Ibadan where I obtained a Master of Communication Arts.  Let me however, remind you that I’ve worked in National Concord, The Comet, The Nation and lastly the Nigerian Compass, where I was the Deputy Editor (Sunday), before I moved to Canada four years ago. You’ll see all along that I am a newspaper man.  And in Canada in order to prove my worth – when I was faced with the challenge of “You never school here” coupled with no practical knowledge in North America – and to sharpen my professional dexterity with modern trend in journalism, I decided to enrol for a Master of Arts in Media Production at Ryerson University, Toronto, which I concluded last year.  And I have been doing my job, and looking forward to being independent in my chosen profession pretty soon – to realise my long-term ambition of publishing online, particularly as my master’s thesis is on online publication for effective political information dissemination, enlightenment and education.”

  • Yewa youths: we’re not potential smugglers

    Yewa youths: we’re not potential smugglers

    A group, Yewa Amalgamated Youths in Ogun State, have condemned a statement credited to a leader in the community, Mr. Biyi Otegbeye, which described them as “potential smugglers.”

    The statement was published on page 36 of The Nation of May 28, 2014.

    The group said: “A statement by one of our supposed leaders in a daily national newspaper has come to our notice. In the said newspaper, Mr. Biyi Otegbeye tagged us potential smugglers because most of our role models are smugglers and smuggling is a thriving trade in Yewaland.

    “First, we want to correct Otegbeye’s impression about us. More than 1,000 Yewa youths are certificated in various fields of learning; many are also doing fine where they are working. It is not the fault of those who are jobless that they are unemployed, but that of the government and well to do people like our brother, Otegbeye, who fail to assist youths through the establishment of companies in Yewaland.

    “Many of the people he referred to in his interview as ‘successful’ smugglers and the youths’ role models are actually licensed, clearing and forwarding agents, importers and exporters, hoteliers and petrol dealers, who used their influence to put many youths in federal agencies.

    “These people are employers of labour, who have engaged many youths in their establishments and sent many abroad to further their education or exhibit their talents.

    “While we do not encourage illegal activities, it is a known fact that all over the world, border communities are prone to smuggling activities. That does not mean it is the indigenes that are doing it, so for our brother to say most of the youths in Yewa land are potential smugglers is an indictment on us.

    “We reject the appellation of “prospective” smugglers given to us by Otegbeye, whom we learnt returned home to do all he listed he had been doing because of his political interest. We ask our brother what programme he has for youths wandering about in Yewa due to the strike by polytechnic lecturers and lack of jobs? We also ask how many Yewa youths he had assisted, who refused to stop “smuggling”?

    “We have record of those who contributed to the success of the recent Yewa Festival organised by our royal fathers to bring Yewa sons and daughters home. What we need is practical passion, not theoretical passion.

    “We urge the Federal Government and states to ensure that polytechnics reopen. We also urge the government to create jobs in border communities to address smuggling and other vices.”

  • Ogun 2015: Why Yewa can’t produce governor

    Ogun 2015: Why Yewa can’t produce governor

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP chieftain in Ogun State Chief Olukayode Ajibola has said that Yewa cannot produce the next governor in 2015.

    The former state coordinator of the Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation, asked the governorship aspirants from the zone to perish the thought, stressing that they are not favoured by the reality on the ground.

    Ajibola, who hails from Ogun West Senatorial District, said the political equation in the state has change, maintaining that power cannot shift to Yewa in 2015.

    Speaking to The Nation in his office, Ajibola, who is the state chairman of Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), said the best chance to realise such a long time dream was in 2011. He lamented that the intra-party crisis aborted the dream.

    He said: “Things have changed politically in the state. And if we must be realistic, it is one project that cannot happen now. At that time, Ogun State was a one party state. All the political structures were controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We had all the 26 assemble members, all local government chairmen and councilors. Besides, the former governor made it his project. But today, another party is in power.

    “The incumbent may want to go for a second term and even if he doesn’t he will make sure his party retains power. So for us in the PDP, it is not zoning the governorship to Yewa that is important for now. What is important is how we can overcome the intra-party crisis; form a united front so as to speak as one family and secondly, wrest power from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). These are the primary things for now.

    “So, if you look at the political structure, the internal crisis plaguing and the fact that an incumbent is there with the possibility of a second term, it will be futile to begin the crusade of a Yewa for governor in 2015”.