Tag: Yoruba

  • Kudos, Ambode on Yoruba language law

    Kudos, Ambode on Yoruba language law

    SIR: A few weeks ago, the amiable and unassuming governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode signed into law Yoruba Language Preservation and Promotion Law. With the signing of the bill, Yoruba language is now a compulsory subject for all students in Lagos State, both in private and public schools. Besides, Yoruba language has been inculcated into the General Studies in all tertiary institutions in Lagos State.

    The multiplier effects of the action of Ambode are many. First, it will make Yoruba language to regain its enviable position among world languages. This is a language of over 25 million Yoruba people in Nigeria and another 25 million in the Diaspora. Secondly, the language, at least in Lagos State, will be saved from going into extinction as being predicted by scholars because of its disuse. Thirdly, it will provide jobs for teeming Yoruba language graduates who were roaming the streets because of the travails of the language.

    Furthermore, the action of Ambode proves that the Lagos State sobriquet, Centre of Excellence is not a misnomer. Aside, as the USA is called God’s Own Country, Lagos State is Nigeria’s God’s own state. There is no doubt that providence rather than other factors bestowed the state with forward looking administrators having their eyes on history. From Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson to the action man original, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, Gbolahan Mudashiru, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Gen. Buba Marwa, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola and Ambode, all are God’s gift to Lagos State.

    The humility of Ambode in spite of his brilliance academically and accomplishments in life and as a governor showed that you cannot purchase in the market place the fact that you are born great. As a matter of fact, I envy Ambode and Lagos for setting the pace in indigenous language rejuvenation, promotion and preservation not only in Yorubaland but Nigeria as a whole. The late sage, Obafemi Awolowo had in the past set up Yoruba Historical Research Council under the leadership of the nationalist historian, late Professor Sabiru Biobaku. How happy would I be if Oyo State which is the epicenter of Yoruba civilization is credited with this feat? Obviously, Yoruba language, the pure and undiluted, being used in writing, as means of communication by the media houses etc, originated in Ogbomoso zone, precisely, Orile Igbon, before it spread to other part of Yorubaland. Is it therefore not an irony that Oyo’s looking the other way when the language is going into extinction?

    Posterity will be generous with Ambode for his lofty strides by preserving Yoruba language. Nonetheless, he should please do the same for history as a discipline in Lagos schools. May be other governors in the region will emulate it. Yorubaland is too sophisticated and enlightened beyond not to have history as a subject or a course of study in our schools. We know the usefulness of history more than our neighbours that are misguiding us to jettison history under a warped federalism. Unless history is equally repositioned, Ambode’s giant strides may pass into oblivion.

     

    • Adewuyi Adegbite

    ayekooto05@gmail.com

  • Adams seeks better relationship, peace for Yoruba

    Adams seeks better relationship, peace for Yoruba

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo of the Yoruba, Gani Adams, has said there is need for the race to have a better relationship and peaceful co-existence with the rest of the world.

    Adams spoke yesterday in Lagos when he visited the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany.

    Adams, who arrived the consul’s office at 11 a.m with his entourage, was received by the consular, Mr. Ingo Herbert.

    Giving reasons for the visit, Adams said as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, it is important for him to interact with the international community to promote the Yoruba culture, seek a better relationship and forge a better economic tie among top European countries.

    He said from history, Aare Ona Kakanfo is a unique and the most prestigious title in Yoruba land, created about 558 years ago by Alaafin Ajagbo to defend and protect the interest of the Yoruba race.

    Adams described the past holders of the title as brave and courageous personalities.

    He said: “With due respect to the past holders of the title, as a modern holder of the title, we are not fighting any war at the moment. It is time for peace. I am here to promote our cultural identity and enhance economic ties with Germany.”

    The Aare Ona Kakanfor described the Yoruba race as a nucleus in Nigeria with over 70 million people and about 250 million across the world.

    Adams said: “I am here to seek a better relationship between my office and the office of the Consular General and see how we can benefit from the relationship.

    “As a regular traveller, I have been to over 54 countries across the world. I have visited Hamburg and other great cities in Germany.

    “I have a formidable structure across the country, most especially in the Southwest, with the Oodua Progressive union (OPU) in 79 countries. I think we can forge a better relationship.”

    Herbert congratulated Adams on his new title.

    He expressed his readiness to facilitate a lasting relationship with the office of the Aare Ona Kakanfo, especially on the need to enlighten Nigerians on the danger of illegal migration to European countries.

     

  • Yoruba destiny and 21st century global degeneration

    According to Odu-Ifa code 192 of the World, humanity is presently at a juncture where Yoruba condition on earth determines further degeneration or potential regeneration of mankind in the 21st century. The remaining years of opportunity window for regeneration and degeneration seal is 83 years from 2017. Where nothing is done by Yoruba and world leaders to salvage the Yoruba from her present condition, it is globally perilous; for there is bound to emerge a proceeding 22nd century wherein the world is completely dehumanized.

    What is odu ifa code 192 of the world? 

    In its second dimension of sub-primary state, the code is a model 16gonal primeval artform  derived from pre-formative stages of Odu-Ifa merindinlogun which possess capacity for metaphorical evolution of species on earth in time. Every Odu possesses numbers per impression. These numbers, when compounded, from Eji-Ogbe to Ofun-meji, sum up to 192 by adding up Eji-Ogbe (8), Oyeku-meji (16), Iwori-meji (12), Odi-meji (12), Irosun-meji (12), Owonrin-meji (12) Obara-meji (14), Okanran-meji (14), Ogunda-meji (10), Osa-meji (10), Ika-meji (14), Oturupon-meji (14), Otura-meji (10), Irete-meji (10), Ose-meji (12), Ofun-meji (12).

    In the stated sub-primary state, sixteen images of earthly being and consciousness were spread on earth’s surface in the course of creation. In prognostic projection, the images’ quantum is presumed to be a union in harmony of identities that areexpected to manifest over a period of time. In relation to world history, the correlative prism is identified as the United Nations General Assembly where identities relate to units of organized societies.  At the end of 20th century, the UN General Assembly membership was 185. After a century’s turn in 1999, by year 2006, membership arose to 192.

    By 2011, membership increased to 193. The addition is a possibility in Ifa worldview based on a +1 principle of infinite evolutionary possibility. The +1 status of 192 marked a new evolution of human social existence. 2006, when digit summed up in numerology, is 2+0+0+6=8 where 8 means compactness in Jewish and European mysticism. In compactness, the code subject embodies symbolic causal factors from timelessness to 2006 + 1(infinite evolutionary possibility). In socio-organizational evolution post 192 code-bloc, year 2011 and figure 193 align in numerological harmony in figure 4. 2+0+1+1=4. 1+9+3 =13à4, by 1+3. In numerological symbolism, figure 4 symbolizes expansion.

    In Ifa code 192, occurrences on earth—particularly degeneration causing pitfalls and regeneration pathways—are cocooned in Ifa symbolisms wherein a principal Yoruba pitfall is found in Owonrin Ofun.

    Yoruba destiny according to owonrin ofun

    Ifa teachings were proposed to people of Ife Ooye that a time will come when earth’s inhabitants will travel through earth’s airspaces (Ofufuru aiye) and heaven’s airspaces (Ofurufu orun) like birds. Ara Ife (Yoruba symbolically speaking) were advised to ‘sacrifice’ in order to avert numerous losses consequent upon their error of willful omission. It was affirmed that the losses would not begin in Ife, but will spread globally (ofo naa a kari gbogbo aiye). Ife people heard but refused to sacrifice. They claimed to have sacrificed to the earth to enable them tread on it for a lengthy time span. They affirmed disinterest in motions through earth’s and heaven’s airspaces like birds. In contentment, they resolved to merely tread on the ground.

    Interpretation  

    The narrative highlights a principal Yoruba pitfall and attendant global consequences. It refers to a period of global evolutionary developmental opportunity starting from 20th century’s dawn when man commenced deficiencies that are responsible for the globally destructive failure and challenges of Yoruba leadership. With due respect, the narrative encodes characteristics of a ‘Goalless Creed’ that is complacent, visionless, non-inclined to developmental strategy, degenerative and malevolent in witchcraft, self-deceiving, inconsiderate, lacking in sense of self-preservation, selfish, non-utilitarian in reasoning, intellectually disinterested, self-betraying, suicidal, lacking in understanding of the power of history and time, deficient in paying attention to the future, and prone to colonization. technological aerospace travels. The narrative is a literary specimen for interpretative diagnosis of the psychological

    In another side of an ideal mind-set, the extended sacrificial mandate of Ara-Ife is essential in the casual and causal interpretation of Owonrin ofun’s symbolic context. In symbolic relativism, sacrifice is not necessarily material offering. It could mean ‘decision’, ‘positive change’, or comprehensively—components of the eightfold path to peace in Buddhist philosophy: ‘right thought’, ‘right understanding’, ‘right action’, ‘right speech’, ‘right livelihood’, ‘right effort’, ‘right mindfulness’ and ‘right concentration’.

    In the application of sacrifice, there are also scientific and metaphysical dimensional effects. The former is with regard to treading paths that lead to advance technological ingenuity, creativity, and consequent economic prosperity. The latter is partly in respect of philosophical discourse in pursuit of constructive contributions to issues in the theory of knowledge, and also in issues of human understanding from the base of mystic form of perception in exploration of ultimate meaning in codified and mythical literatures of the world.  In physical science, Ofurufu aiye and Ofurufu orun represent the air and space axis in which men travel in aircrafts and space-crafts. These also represent the functional wave-base of tele-communications and information technology.

    In the metaphysical dimensions of Ofufuru aiye and Ofurufu orun, recourse must necessarily be made to the nature and function of the human mind. Ofurufu aiye and Ofurufu orun respectively represent the engagement field of higher intellectual, psychic, and scientific minds for metaphysical and empirical cognition, partly via transcendence for garnering information for the good and improvement of mankind.

    Abstract symbolisms of Ofurufu aiye, Ofurufu orun and Atepe are very crucial to understanding various points of evolution. In opposition to Ofurufu orun as an ideal is atepe. Atepe is the state of lower-self. In relation to mind and the mental order, atepe is a state of non-cultivation (particularly) of intellectual character, and a disconnection of self and society from the higher-self. The resolve to be contented with atepe indicates intellectual disinterestedness as a Yoruba curse and cause of global degeneration in time and space.

    Atepe induced intellectual disinterestedness binds the Yoruba to self-impoverishment from a corresponding narrative in Odu Iwori Otura where it is stated that “he who sees a thing of beauty and does not pay attention to it for cultivation will come to poverty”. In Iwori Otura, the object of beauty is the Sun. Correspondingly, in the Jewish Kabala to which Judeo-Christian mysteries are rooted, beauty is the essence and virtue of the Sun. In the Ifa metaphysical concept of ori as a theory of existential consciousness, in human consciousness, an ideal of attaining the mental state of illumination in a form of the Sun is the paradise of intellectualism and creativity. In Iwori Otura, Caucasians are presented to be at the forefront of this ideal. They are therein presented as exemplary with regard to paying attention to the study and utility of nature— “oyibo mo ara, oyibo mo eye”.

    Claims that the South-West region is the most educated in Nigeria is no defense against the said disinterestedness. The essential disinterestedness is in respect of cultural heritage. This is largely due to the influence of non-indigenous religious worldviews which operatively do not seek complimentary utility of good ideas and concepts, but elimination of indigenous worldview by substitution. With regard to intellectual directions, while we rest entirely on Western constructs (even though they are ultimately indispensable), nothing remarkably generative is derived despite the establishment and sustenance of Western institutional models that are misapplied to exclusively function outside the roots and seeds of culture.

    According to a Western philosopher, Alan White, in (The Philosophy of Mind:1968), “no educated man today can begin to reflect upon mental concepts without being from the outset burdened in his reflection by the heritage of his culture”. In this regard, a big consequence of Yoruba intellectual disinterestedness and contentment with the lower-self is a vacuum in the generative space of the world’s intellectual economy.

    Way forward

    There is a need to identify fundamental Yoruba problems and expect that thoughts are channeled towards solving them. A prominent problem is the subjection to Nigeria. This siege disallows them from taking control of their own destiny, stifles their natural God given potentials and exposes them to covert schemes of territorial takeover and potential genocide. For them, it is best to be an independent nation.  However, according to current realities, at worst, they are better off as a regional state within a restructured Nigeria where there is a working constitution—like an improved model of the independence version.

    Another established problem is the destructive and intolerant bent of religions which seek to eliminate positive ancestral cultural heritage by substitution of historical worldview. The effect is pronounced in scholarship, where many scholars dissociate themselves from indigenous worldview due to evangelically induced conceptual misrepresentations and ignorant demonization.

    For over a decade, I have observed that Ifa code 192 of the world is laden with symbolic presentations of cause and effect of many situations of natural existence. A first prognosis from the code, which eventually manifested in 2009, was a declaration of global loss.  In a 2007 study and write-up titled Ifa will heal the world, using numerological divination in relation to the evolution of Ifa code 192 and 21st century’s foundation, it was indicated that losses would become globally manifested by 2009 when global economic meltdown was actually declared. 2009 was the second year from 2008 after the 21st century first foundation was sealed in 2007. 2+0=0+9=11à 1+1=2. 2 is the number of light breaking forth in significant religious worldviews. In abstract social terms, it is a declaration of manifestation of developments from the unseen formative space of consciousness.

    At the present juncture of world history, the baton for consolidated human development is, by natural evolution, within the space of the Yoruba. Where the natural allotment in time is wasted, not only the Yoruba become a wasted lot, the world wastes too—and slips into a free falling degeneration. Where the Yoruba condition is unchanged, 2017-2025 is bound to evolve as a third cycle of 21st century global degeneration. Where this cycle ends without solution to the Yoruba pitfall, in time, a primary triangle of 21st century doom is expectedly sealed by the end of 2025. Hence, I conclude this write-up with a fundamental question: •Whither Yoruba race and humanity in the 21st century?

  • Kinsmen urge Adams to visit Yoruba in North

    Kinsmen urge Adams to visit Yoruba in North

    Indigenes of Arigidi-Akoko in the North have urged their kinsmen and Aare Ona Kakanfo of the Yoruba, Gani Adams, to visit Yoruba sons and daughters in Arewa states to promote unity in the land.

    Chairman of Arigidi-Akoko Descendants Union in Kano State, Emmanuel Bamisaye spoke yesterday during a visit to the Zaki of Arigidi, Oba Yinusa Olanipekun, at Arigidi, Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Bamisaye described the choice and installation of Adams by the Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, as a catalyst for promoting Yoruba unity.

    He led a delegation to the Zaki’s palace to show appreciation for last weekend’s installation of Adams as Aare Ona Kakanfo of the Yoruba in Oyo town.

    The delegation hailed the monarch for mobilising Arigidi indigenes and others to the event.

    They noted that a visit by the Aare Ona Kakanfo to his kinsmen in the North would give them a sense of belonging.

    The delegation praised Oba Olanipekun for uniting his subjects and bringing more projects to the ancient town.

    During the visit, indigenes of the town in the Diaspora presented an award of excellence and copies of this year’s calendar to Oba Olanipekun.

    The monarch hailed his subjects for their patriotic acts, despite the challenges facing their businesses in Kano and other towns in the North.

    He noted that Aare Adams and Pastor Temitope Joshua of the Synagogue Church are two indigenes of Arigidi Akoko, who have brought global honours to the community and Nigeria.

    Oba Olanipekun urged other indigenes to unite for the development of Arigidi-Akoko, adding that government cannot do it alone.

    He also hailed Adams for his contribution to the town’s new palace.

    Also, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwanu Akiolu, saluted Adams on his installation.

    Akiolu’s salutation was contained in a letter to Adams.

    The letter reads: “I and all the obas and chiefs in Lagos State wish you a very successful tenure in Yoruba land and the entire Nigeria.”

  • Alaafin, Aare Ona Kakanfo say Yoruba unity sacrosanct

    Alaafin, Aare Ona Kakanfo say Yoruba unity sacrosanct

    Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the new Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Chief Gani Adams have said that the unity among Yoruba is  sacrosanct.

    They spoke  on Saturday in Oyo after Gani Adams installation  as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.

    Adams was installed  19 years after the demise of the 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo, the businessman and politician Chief MKO Abiola.

    The traditional rites were performed on Adams by the Alaafin before he was installed as the Aare Ona Kakanfo

    Adeyemi said that disunity among Yoruba sons and daughters must be discouraged, saying it has affected the race a lot.

    The monarch, who tasked Adams to ensure unity among the Yoruba, has said he picked him because Adams loves the Yoruba race, its culture and tradition.

    “He has contributed immensely to upholding them. He has shown enough charisma to deserve the honour. He may be young but he is very bold and courageous.

    “Gani Adams is a cultural enthusiast who projects and defends our race wherever he goes. These are traits synonymous with an Aare Ona Kakanfo,’’ the monarch said.

    Adeyemi dismissed insinuations that occupiers of the position die young, adding that they have invoked the spirit of the ancestors to grant him long life and the race unity.

    According to him, “I have installed two Aare Ona Kakanfos as the Alaafin and I don’t want to install another before I join my ancestors.

    Adams stated that he was not pleased with the level of unity in Yoruba land, pledging that he would do more as a bridge-builder.

    Adams called on the south-west governors to unite for the advancement of Yoruba irrespective of their political affiliations.

    “It is 558 years ago that the first Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Kokorogengen of Iwoye was installed. I know that so much is expected of me.

    “My appointment is a challenge, considering the power and glamour brought to the position by the 13th and I4th occupiers, Late Chief S. L. Akintola and Late Chief MKO Abiola respectively.

    “I consider myself lucky because there was no war ravaging the Yoruba nation now, except the gradual extinction of Yoruba culture and values which must be urgently protected and preserved,’’ he said.

    He called on the federal government to ensure good road and rail network as well as electricity  to boost the tourism potentials of the country like it operated in some countries.

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo thanked  President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara for their support.

    “I want to assure you all that I will not disappoint you on my new role. I will establish Aare Ona Kakanfo Foundation and website for the projection of Yoruba culture and values.

    “I will give scholarships to Yoruba children to aid their education because education is light. I promise to preserve and protect Yoruba culture and values,’’ he said.

    He pledged to work with traditional rulers and leaders across Yoruba land to foster the desired unity.

    Earlier, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, Chairman, Committee for the Installation of Aare Ona Kakanfo said that there was need for the constitution of ‘The Kakanfo Directorate Council’ made up eminent and credible Yoruba leaders.

    “This would assist the Kakanfo to successfully tackle the issues of peaceful co-existence among diverse ethnic nationalities, religious tolerance, national reorientation and civic responsibility.

    “It will also help him on South-west integration, re-invigoration of the pride of place of Yoruba language and culture as well as other pressing issues,’’ he said.Adams, while performing the traditional rites used 15 calabashes to pray for unity and peace for Yoruba race and Nigeria.

    The calabashes used belonged to 14 former Aare Ona Kakanfo and his own calabash

    The event was attended by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, eminent Nigerians across political divides, Yoruba Socio-cultural groups and a host of well wishers. (NAN)

  • Yoruba youths to hold town hall meeting on restructuring

    The Yoruba Youth Council will hold a town hall meeting on restructuring  tomorrow at the House of Chiefs in the Parliament Building, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    According to a statement  by the youth group, the meeting will make the position of Yoruba youths known on the restructuring of the country. According to the National President of YYC, Eric Oluwole, said the meeting is geared towards ensuring that Nigerian youths reclaim their pride of place in national affairs.

    A renowned legal practitioner Opeyemi Agbaje is the lead speaker with the theme, “Nigeria pre and post-independence: The critical paradigm of Yoruba youth as motivator of regional restructuring.” Co-speakers include Sheikh Mohammed Taofeek Afikeusola, a United Nation youth ambassador Dayo Isreal, Chief Tola Adeniyi, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), and Comrade Laoye Sanda.

    Also expected is the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi as the royal father of the day. Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi will be the chief host. Other distinguished guests expected  include Prof Banji Akintoye, Prof Adeyemi Aderibigbe, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu , Dr. Frederick Fasehun, the  Aare Onakakakanfo of Yorubaland Gani Adams, Dr Kunle Olajide, Prince Ajibola Atanda, among other leaders.

  • 2019 Political jigsaw: an aide memoire to the Yoruba

    2019 Political jigsaw: an aide memoire to the Yoruba

    I need not repeat that we suffered enough under the PDP’s 16 years of the locust when we were treated like aliens in our own country.

    1.”This is clearly an attempt to distract the APC federal government from the yeoman’s job it has been doing in rescuing the country from the deep rooted socio-economic, political, security and moral mess inherited from the PDP’s 16 years misrule of Nigeria, instigate crisis within the party, stoke dangerous embers of religious disaffection within the party and the country generally and stem the remarkable progress being made in the reinvention and revitalisation of Nigeria”.
    2. “About $32bn was lost to corruption during the six-year administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development said on Monday. The agency said the huge amount represented 16 percent of the previous government’s resources that could have been channeled to development” – Debbie Palmer, DFID Head of Office, Nigeria.

    Ndigbo can boast about having some of the most astute politicians at any point in our country’s history. Historically, Igbos are not used to being in the opposition. You can therefore imagine the agony that has been theirs since they unwisely put their entire eggs in the political basket of former President Ebelechukwu Jonathan, going into the 2015 elections.  So bruised were they that, as he has severally told Nigerians, even a hard-headed politician like Governor Rochas Okorocha was being treated worse than an outcast for giving APC a foothold in the entire South East. But truth be told, that has become history as top Igbo politicians are now trooping into the APC like it were an armada.  Thanks to the fact that life in opposition is as uncomfortable for them as it is uncharacteristic. The Igbo situation was, however, worsened by what the highly seminal Chief John Nnia Nwodo, economist, lawyer, and president, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said at his inauguration. In what can best be described as a jeremiad about how Igbos in public office treat their homeland, and people, Chief Nwodo said: “I remember a time in this country when all the six ministers in Jonathan’s kitchen cabinet were all Igbos.  Ayim Pius Ayim was Secretary to Government, Ngozi Okonjo Iwealla was in charge of Finance, Emeka Wogu was in Labour and Productivity, Berth Nnaji was in Power and Energy, Dieziani Madueke was the powerful minister for Oil. The six of them outside the Federal Executive Council would meet and decide what and what not to be discussed at the larger Federal Executive Council meeting. Okiro and Onovo had the police under their control. Ihejerika and later Minimah controlled the Army. These powerful Igbos could do and undo. Nigeria was in their pockets. Rather than care about the poor Igbo chaps scattered all over the country, they were busy diverting billions of naira into their accounts at home and abroad. The 2nd Niger Bridge, they did not do. They shared the money. The Lagos/Calabar rail lines passing through nine states, three of them in the South East, they shared the money.” (Any wonder DFID recently said Nigeria lost 32 billion dollars to corruption during President Jonathan’s six years). “Enugu/Onitsha, Aba/PH and other roads of economic importance to their fellow Igbos, he continued, they abandoned. Who is to blame? Who is marginalising Igbos? You had your chance, you bungled it. There was only one Yoruba minister worth mentioning at the time, Akinwunmi Adesina. He was in Agric. His budget was less than 1% while Emeka Wogu in Labour had over 10% for his ministry, Ayim had unlimited access to the  treasury for  the benefit of himself and family members. The poor Igbo guys meant nothing to him.”

    The consequences of that lost opportunity, more than any marginalisation by President Buhari should, in my view, account for the increased Biafra/IPOB agitations in the region. It is in the determined intent of the new Igbo leadership, under Nwodo, to make up for that lost opportunity that is now driving top Igbo politicians to embrace the ruling party, especially, as they can’t  see the PDP defeating President Buhari in 2019. For this hard-headed reasoning, I congratulate both Ndigb and the APC. However, while it is fascinating to see this paradigm shift in Ndigbo’s political calculations, what nauseates is their serpentine attempts to overawe the Yoruba, exaggerate and embellish whatever the Yoruba angst against the Buhari government is, and deliberately stampede them out of a party to which they have given everything and which they voted massively in the 2015 despite the best wishes of their revered Afenifere elders.

    To this plot must, therefore, be attributed the Sun newspapers’ (an Igbo medium) last week story which Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appropriately described as a “classic case of utterly and irredeemably-fake news.”  Apparently assuming that all Nigerians operate on the same cultural ethos, the story has it that Tinubu, who nominated Professor Yemi Osinbajo for his Vice Presidential position, was going to replace him as Vice to President Buhari at the 2019 elections. This, in Yoruba land, in case they don’t know, is considered, culturally, as infra dig. But even if they knew Yorubas well enough, they were yet undeterred because the objective was to present the Yoruba as unreliable, untrustworthy and so, not worth the President’s trust.  There was, of course, more. As the APC National Leader correctly put it, it was intended to instigate a crisis within the APC, as well as stoke dangerous embers of politico-religious disaffection amongst the members and within the country at large.  Also, in a classical example of crying more than the bereaved, the social media is another forum which they have been using to drum this so-called ill-treatment of the Yoruba by President Buhari.

    This, in essence, is why the Yoruba, as the holy book says, must be as wise as the serpent going forward, in the march to 2019. While Yoruba land luxuriated in the opposition under the sterling leadership of the Avatar, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, things have so changed in our country that to allow ourselves be coyly ousted, in numbers, from the APC because of some misgivings which are, incidentally, being wantonly exaggerated by persons who do not wish us well, would tantamount to torridly shortchanging ourselves. All things considered, it needs no robotic science to know that Yorubas are many times better than we were under the Goodluck Jonathan government. Should we require any reminding, I wrote as follows in ‘THE PRESIDENT’S BROADCAST’, The Nation, August 27, 2017: “are Igbos the first to be denied plum appointments? Was it that we didn’t have the Bode George’s, the Ebino Topsy’s, the Olajumoke’s , great bulwarks of PDP, in the Southwest when President Jonathan literally completely overlooked Yoruba’s in his appointments just as Anyim Pius Anyim and Okonjo- Iweala ensured that they appointed Igbos and a few Niger Deltans, to the headship of over 60 per cent of all federal agencies?”

    Also, smart politicians that Igbos are, they have good reasons to wish to see Yorubas lose out in the APC, by whatever means.  They have realised that  remaining within the PDP as solidly as they have always been, they will be obligated to vote for a PDP Presidential candidate who, if he wins, -God forbid – would be heading to a possible two terms of eight years, thus postponing the possibility of an Igbo presidency to a future that is clearly uncertain .

    While I perfectly agree that, compared with our Northern compatriots, the Yoruba has not been compensated enough for their contribution to the victory of President Buhari and the APC in the 2015 elections, I am equally certain that Yoruba interests would be much better served negotiating, re-negotiating, and fighting, if need be, from within, rather than permit our position in the party be undermined. The treatment meted to the Southwest wing of the PDP at the party’s recent Abuja convention, should further serve an ‘aide me moire’ to us Yorubas as to what could happen to us again in a PDP controlled government. Meanwhile, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has been going round saying that PDP needs the Southwest to defeat Buhari in 2019 but a stitch in time, they say, saves nine. So rather than seeing this article as ethnic baiting, it should appropriately be seen for hat it is: a shout out to my Yorubas compatriots to tread gently, all eyes opened, as we head to the 2019 elections. I need not repeat that we suffered enough under the PDP’s 16 years of the locust when we were treated like aliens in our own country.

  • Carry us along, Yoruba in Kwara beg Adams

    Carry us along, Yoruba in Kwara beg Adams

    The Yoruba in Kwara State have appealed to the Aare-Ona-Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Adams, to carry them along in his quest to unite the Yoruba.

    The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Sikiru Atanda Sanni, and the Eleese of Igbaja, Oba Hammed Awunni Babalola, made the plea yesterday when Adams visited them.

    Oba Sanni said: “Those of us in the West should not forget those of us here. We are Yoruba; don’t throw us away because we want to be carried along in the drive to unify the Yoruba and the promotion of its culture.”

    The monarch, who said he does not speak the Hausa language, urged Adams to always remember he has people in Kwara State.

    Oba Babalola, who said he migrated from Oyo, claimed to be from Ajiboro house in the ancient town of Oyo.

    He thanked the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, for his decision to bestow the title on Adams.

    They both wished Adams a successful reign as the generalissimo of Yoruba.

    Adams, who also visited the Orangun of Ila, Offa and Ira, thanked the monarchs for their love and prayers. He urged traditional rulers to promote their native religion with zeal.

    The generalissimo warned them against neglecting their primary responsibility as custodians of culture and tradition, saying “there are dire consequences for the neglect of our native tradition.

    “Let us identify the differences between religion and tradition; let us practise Christianity and Islam, as well as our traditional religion moderately, without allowing one to affect the other.

    “You should celebrate the relevant festivals in your communities as this will pave the way for your progress and that of your town.

    “Marking these festivals does not prevent you from playing your roles in your churches and mosques, and even the traditional religion.”

     

  • Tinubu’s parley with Fasoranti to boost Yoruba unity, says APC

    Tinubu’s parley with Fasoranti to boost Yoruba unity, says APC

    Last week’s visit of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to the leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State capital, is aimed at strengthening unity among Yoruba leaders, the party has said.

    The ruling APC dispelled rumours that there was a crack in its fold in Ondo State.

    A statement by the party’s state Director of Media and Publicity, Steve Otaloro, said the visit would fortify the efforts of APC governments in the Southwest to improve the life of the people.

    It noted that the visit will assure party members that its unity is not negotiable.

    APC said: “The national leader of our party has reiterated the democratic stance of our party in all we do. This does not mean there are disagreements among our leadership, as it has been misinterpreted in some quarters.

    “Visiting the Afenifere leader and other leaders in Akure, Tinubu has engendered unity of purpose among Yoruba leaders and the people for them to work in unity for the socio-economic development of the land.”

    The party urged its members on “leave of absence” to return for its consolidation.

    The statement added: “All affected members should be rest assured that there is no dichotomy of any kind, as everyone is treated as equal and granted equal opportunities in the party.”

    Last Wednesday, Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu accompanied Asiwaju Tinubu to meet Pa Fasoranti with some other Yoruba leaders, including Chiefs Bisi Akande, Olu Falae, Seinde Arogbofa and Femi Aluko.

     

  • Nigerian women, Owanbe and Aso Ebi

    Nigerian women, Owanbe and Aso Ebi

    Owanbe in Nigeria is something that can never be overemphasized.

    This is because, despite the fact that it is an expensive celebration, it comes with loads of happiness and merriment, this is why some would do everything in their power to make it worthwhile.

    Ówànbę is a Yoruba word gotten from the sequence Ó-wà-ní-ibę which literally means “it is here”, but the connotative meaning is “the party is happening here”.

    Customarily, when a Nigerian mentions “Owanbe”, such person is referring to a typical Yoruba party, but now most people use the term Owanbe to generally describe Nigerian parties- regardless of the tribe or ethnic group.

    Common types of Owanbe includes wedding parties, birthday parties, retirement parties, coronation ceremonies, celebration of life (burial for old people), and so on.

    One interesting thing about an Owanbe is the Aso Ebí (uniformed clothing).

    When the date for an Owanbe is fixed, the celebrant will sell a fabric (native) with matching headgear that has been picked; everyone attending that event is meant to wear it- this cloth is called the Aso Ebi.

    It is so easy to point out friends and families of the host at the venue of the party.

    This is because you would always find them dressed in the Aso Ebi.

    It could either be lace, George or an Ankara fabric.

    The women are the ones that daze us with various extravagant styles of the Aso Ebi that are often posted on Instagram and published in fashion magazines.

    Usually, the tribe of the celebrant determines the kind of Aso Ebi. For instance if it’s an Igbo wedding, the Aso Ebi will be: a George wrapper and a blouse with the normal headgear (Sego), but if it’s a Yoruba wedding, we’ll have lace and Aso Ofi head gear grace the occasion.

    At a typical Owanbe, you would find women slaying in their beautiful outfits, men in Atiku, enough food, drinks and souvenirs for everyone,

    people spraying money, a Disk Jockey ( DJ ) and a live band to entertain people with music.

    Nigerian women and Owanbe are inseparable, except of course, when the world has finally come to an end.

    However, what some people have failed to realize is that an Owanbe does not have to be so elaborate for people to attend.

    Owanbe is meant for people to celebrate and make merry, it should not seem like a competition.

    Whether it is a big party or not, everyone is meant to be happy

    and it is an avenue to meet distant relatives and highly recognized dignitaries.