Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II arrives Kano government house for reinstatement as #EmirOfKano (PHOTOS)

 

Photos Credit: The Cable

Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II Reinstated , His 7 key moments outside the throne

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II has been reinstated as the Emir of Kano, following the Kano State House of Assembly's resolution to dismantle the four new Emirates established under a controversial 2019 law..

 Despite no official announcement, credible sources confirm Sanusi's reinstatement, marking a potential shift in traditional leadership dynamics amidst political maneuvering in Kano. 

7 key moments of Sanusi outside the throne by Daily Trust 

Muhammadu Sanusi II, the newly reinstated Emir and ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is a figure whose life has been marked by a blend of traditional authority and progressive thought.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State announced the appointment of Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano on Thursday.

He made the announcement after signing the new emirate council law at Government House, Kano.

The governor signed the law alongside his deputy, the Speaker of the State Assembly and other principal officers in the government.

Former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had dethroned Sanusi in 2020, following a personal rift.

After his dramatic deposition in March 2020, Sanusi’s activities continued to capture public interest.

Here are seven key notable moments in Sanusi’s life outside the throne.

1. Banishment to Loko

Following his removal from the throne by the Kano State government, Sanusi was banished to Loko, a remote village in Nasarawa State, a move that was seen by many as a politically-motivated punishment.

Despite the challenging conditions in Loko, Sanusi remained composed, using the period of confinement for reflection and planning his next steps.

The legality of his banishment was widely contested, with many Nigerians seeing it as an infringement on his fundamental rights.

Eventually, a court ruling declared his detention illegal, and he was freed from confinement.

2. Academic Pursuits at Oxford

After his release from banishment, he accepted a fellowship at the University of Oxford.

At Oxford, Sanusi was appointed as a visiting scholar at the African Studies Centre of St. Antony’s College.

This opportunity allowed him to engage in academic discourse, research, and lectures, solidifying his role as a thought leader beyond the confines of traditional rulership.

3. Disputing ‘Former Emir’ title 

Another notable moment after his dethronement was Sanusi’s assertion that he should not be referred to as the “former emir.”

He argued that, in the tradition and culture of Kano, an emir remains an emir for life, regardless of their deposition.

He stated this in 2021 in Kaduna State, when Muhammad Sani “Dattijo” Abdullahi, the then Governor El-Rufai’s Chief of Staff, at the Kaduna Investment Summit, referred to Sanusi as the “former Emir of Kano.”

When Sanusi spoke afterwards, he publicly rebuked Abdullahi, indicating that calling him “former emir” was unacceptable and hinted at consequences for the chief of staff.

Sanusi’s remarks made it clear his ego was bruised by the title.

4. Mourning Herbert Wigwe

Sanusi showed his deeply emotional side when he publicly mourned the death of Herbert Wigwe, a close friend and former Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank.

In an emotional tribute, Sanusi described Wigwe as a visionary leader and a brother, highlighting the profound impact Wigwe had on his life and the banking industry.

A clip containing a part of the speech in which he was shading tears went viral and sparked a lot of reactions with many saying what Sanusi did illustrated the human side of a seemingly stern and unyielding public figure.

5. Advocacy for economic reforms

Post-deposition, Sanusi was vocal about Nigeria’s economic direction, leveraging his experience as a former Central Bank Governor.

He frequently critiqued government policies, calling for more sustainable economic reforms and better governance.

Sanusi’s speeches and writings often emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and the eradication of corruption.

His persistent advocacy kept him in the limelight as a significant voice in Nigeria’s socio-economic discourse.

6. Role in the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency

Sanusi’s commitment to economic development found a new avenue when he was appointed to the board of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA).

In this role, he was instrumental in attracting investments to Kaduna State, aiming to boost economic activities and create jobs.

7. Championing Girl Child Education

A long-time advocate for education, particularly for girls, Sanusi continued to champion this cause since leaving the throne.

He partnered with various organizations to promote educational initiatives and empower young girls.

His advocacy focuses on breaking the barriers that prevent girls from accessing education, such as child marriage and cultural stigmas.

The implication of the Judgment: Famoodun lost in court — Osun Govt

In the case of Prince Adegboyega Famoodun filed at the Federal High Court2, Osogbo, Osun State in Suit Number: FHC/OS/C5/61/2024 between Prince Adegboyega Famoodun and IGP & 10 Ors.

These are the prayers of Prince Famoodun before the Court: 

(a) A Declaration that the Applicant being a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and an indigene of Igbajo, Osun State he cannot be banished, removed or expelled from Igbajo forcefully by any of the Respondents.

(b) A Declaration that the Applicant is at liberty to remain in Igbajo or any other part of Osun State he desires and his right to freedom of movement cannot be curtailed or limited by any of the Respondents.

(c) An Order of Injunction restraining the Respondents from banishing, removing, ejecting and/ or expelling the Applicant from Igbajo Town or any other place in Osun State.

(d) An Order of Injunction restraining the Respondents, especially the 1st-4th Respondents, whether by themselves, or through their officers, agents, servants, privies and otherwise from inviting, interrogating, questioning, arresting, detaining, intimidating, arraigning, and/or harassing the Applicant as a result of his presence in Igbajo Town or any part of Osun State, particularly at the instigation, direction or prosecution of the 5th to 11th Respondents and/or in connection with or in respect of any enforcement of the White Paper of the 5th to 11th Respondents gazetted on the 25th day of January, 2024, but released to the general public on the 5th February, 2024.

(e) An Order of Injunction restraining the 1st to 4th Respondents whether by themselves or by their officers, agents, servants, privies and otherwise from intimating the Applicant or threatening to unlawfully interrogate, question, arrest, detain, arraign or harm the Applicant’s life and properties or any other manner infringe on the Fundamental rights of the Applicant and/or in connection with or in respect of any enforcement of the White Paper of the 5th to 11th Respondents gazetted on the 25th day of January, 2024 but released to the general public on the 5th day of February, 2024.

(f) A Declaration that the 5th to 11th Respondents publication of the Osun State Government White Paper gazetted on the 25th day of January, 2024 but made available to the general public on the 5th day of February, 2024 was done in breach of the Applicant’s rights to fair hearing guaranteed under section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (CFRN) (as amended) and therefore unconstitutional void and of no effect.

(g) A Declaration that the Applicant is entitled to the protection of his Fundamental rights to personal liberty, dignity of human person, fair hearing, freedom of peaceful assembly and association as well as his right to freedom of movement, all guaranteed under the CFRN.

(h) A Declaration that the proceedings of the Osun Government’s Chietaincy Review Committee, the Report published by the said Committee and the 5th - 11th Respondents’ acceptance of the Report of the Committee as it relates to the Applicant is unconstitutional and a nullity for being in breach of the Applicant’s right to fair hearing, hence liable to be set aside and nullified.

(I) An Order of the Honorable Court nullifying and setting aside the White Paper of the 5th to 11th Respondents gazetted on the 25th day January, 2024 but made available to the general public on 5th day of February, 2024 for being in utter breach of the Applicant’s right to fair hearing.

(J) An Order of Injunction restraining the Respondents, particularly the 5th to 11 Respondents, their agents, agencies, employees, privies, assigns, persons acting on their behalf and/or instruction, from enforcing the White Paper gazetted on the January, 2024 but released to the general public on the 5th February, 2024 for breach of the Applicant’s right to fair hearing.

(k) Cost of this application.

(l) Such further Order or Orders the Honorable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of this case.

The Legal Issues involved.

1. The trial Court granted prayer A to E for Prince Adegboyega Famoodun.

2. The trial Court dismissed prayer F to L of Prince Adegboyega Famoodun and ordered that if Prince Adegboyega Famoodun committed any criminal offense, he should be arrested.

The implication of the Judgment:

The implication of the Judgement is that Prince Adegboyega Famoodun has failed woefully in the case, the impression given to Prince Adegboyega Famoodun by his team of Lawyers is that the Federal High Court will nullify the White Paper and return him back to the stool of Owa of Igbajo when they know fully well that the Federal High Court does not have jurisdiction over Chieftaincy Matters and they based Prince Adegboyega Famoodun case on this legal falsehood which formed the bases of prayer F to J which was dismissed by the trial Court.

The general public should know that there was never a time the Osun State Government is planning of banishing Prince Famoodun from Igbajo or to arrest him. He just want use this case if he succeeds to be parading himself as Owa of Igbajo when we have already have existing Owa of Igbajo, HRM Oba (Dr.) Ademola Makinde duly recognized by constituted authority and if Prince Famoodun does that, is highly Criminal in nature. I want the general public to disregard the fake news being peddled around by Prince Adegboyega Famoodun and his APC supporters. My best regards.

Federal High Court Upholds Fundamental Rights of HRM Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III

 Congratulations To The Tradidition Institution In Osun . Congratulations Kabiyesi. 

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State Capital Upholds Fundamental Rights of HRM Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III . This is Highly Interesting. It is a landslide victory against flagrant Use and abuse of power against Traditional Institution In Yoruba Land. 

In a groundbreaking ruling delivered today at the Federal High Court in Osogbo, the fundamental rights of HRM Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III, the esteemed traditional ruler of Igbajo in Boluwaduro local government of Osun State, have been staunchly defended. The honourable judge presiding over the case highlighted the crucial distinction between the unilateral dethronement powers of the Colonial Era and Nigeria's current legal framework, emphasizing that dethronement can only be justified in cases of criminal charges or constitutional violations.

The court unequivocally upheld the prayers (a) to (e) set forth defence, emphasizing the sanctity of traditional institutions within the constitutional framework of Nigeria. The court ruled that the government or its representatives are prohibited from taking any actions, including arrest, detention, dethronement, banishment, interrogation, or questioning against HRM Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III.

Furthermore, the court highlighted the violation of HRM Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III's rights, particularly the lack of a fair hearing during the committee's review of his enthronement. As a consequence, the gazetted White Paper resulting from this process has been deemed null and void.

This judgment signifies a resounding victory for the preservation of traditional institutions and the protection of fundamental human rights within the Nigerian legal landscape. It underscores the importance of due process and fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of their position or stature within society.

Moving forward, issues (f) to (i) have been advised to be argued at the State High Court, paving the way for further legal recourse and the continuation of this significant legal battle.

In the wake of this judgment, HRM Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III and his supporters celebrate a triumph for justice and uphold the resilience of Nigeria's legal system in safeguarding the rights of its citizens.

Ooni of Ife is not just a royal figure but a symbol of humility, greatness - Osun State First Lady

The wife of the Osun State Governor, Erelu Ngozi Ademola Adeleke joined millions of well wishers to elogize the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi  as he marked another birthday.

Erelu Ngozi in personal statement signed by her said Ooni of Ife is not just a royal figure but a symbol of humility and greatness.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT:

 I join millions of well-wishers across the world in celebrating our revered father, the Arole Oodua, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR, Ojaja II, as he marks another year of his extraordinary life today.

The Ooni of Ife is not just a royal figure but a symbol of humility and greatness. His philanthropic endeavours especially since ascending the throne of his forefathers serve as an inspiration to all, showcasing exceptional grace and generosity.

As we honour Kabiyesi on this special day, we express our deep admiration for his personality, carriage and candour. We hold in high regard the honour he bestows upon the Yoruba race.

On this occasion, we offer our heartfelt wishes that God continues to reign with Kabiyesi, the Ooni of Ife, while prosperity graces the lives of all sons and daughters of Oduduwa. May his reign perpetually inspire us all and future generations.

Kabiesi sir, on behalf of my family, we extend our warmest wishes for many more years of a glorious life and benevolent living to His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oodua, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR, Ojaja II.

Signed:

Erelu Ngozi Adeleke,

First Lady of Osun State,

Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

"Soun of Ogbomoso, a Conscientious Monarch" ----- Alaafin Oba Adeyemi III

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba ( Dr.) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, condoles with the royal families in Ogbomoso and the incumbent ruling royal family of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi Ajagungbade, who joined his ancestors recently.

In a condolence message to the family, the Alaafin described the late Soun of Ogbomoso as a visionary monarch whose contributions to the developments of both Ogbomoso town and the people would remain indelible ".

According to him, prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember of the dearly departed Soun of Ogbomoso. As good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven. May God bless and comfort the entire royal family during this time of grief.

Alaafin Oba Adeyemi III noted that no human being has ever been granted immortality, adding that every creature is bound to die, and whatever has a beginning will certainly have an end.

"Every soul shall taste death." This is the law that governs life. It has no exceptions or exemptions. The living, then, must take this into account and prepare themselves for it. This short journey on Earth is bound to come to an end, and its end is the death of every living thing. All shall return to God. But whatever happens to us during this trip through life, whether good or bad, is meant as a test.

The Alaafin Oba Adeyemi III , the Paramount Ruler therefore extend warmest and deepest sympathies on behalf of himself and the people of Oyo town to bereaved family and the people of Ogbomoso.

"May the soul of the departed Royal Father be at peace with our his creator. May care and love of those around the deceased family provide comfort and peace to get them through the days ahead.

Soun of Ogbomoso, Ajagungbade III Joins His Ancestors at 95

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oladeji, Ajagungbade III (CON) has reportedly joined his ancestor, today. 

According to the report, the 95 year old monarch was breathed his last early on Sunday Morning after old age sickness.

Late Oladunni who ascended the throne on October 24, 1973 exited from the royal pedigree today, December 12, 2021 ending his 48 years reign as the Soun Of Ogbomoso land.

An official announcement on the burial rites  by the royal family and the Oyo state government may soon follow as there were speculations the the late monarch may be buried today.

RE: MY DAUGHTER ADEOLA OGUNWUSI AND OONI ADEYEYE OGUNWUSI’S ATTACK ON THE TRUTH

 OMOLARA TUBOSUN’S FULL STATEMENT

TO THE NIGERIAN PRESS, AND ALL OTHER CONCERNED

November 24, 2021

My name is Omolara, and I am Adeola Ogunwusi’s mother. She was born in Akobo, Ibadan, in May 1994 as a result of a teenage relationship I had with Adeyeye Ogunwusi, now the Ooni of Ife, who was then also a teenager, neighbour, and family friend.

The relationship was short and uneventful, but certain matters of late have forced me to break a silence I have held since 2015 when, shortly before his coronation, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi concocted a self-serving tale about his role in our daughter’s life. A couple of weeks ago, on his Instagram and Facebook pages, he once again wrote that he was a “single father” to my daughter — a mendacious claim that has no basis in fact, but has gone on for too long.

I want to put it on the record now in public that there’s not an iota of truth to that claim, and I challenge him to prove me wrong.

Yeye Ogunwusi was never present in Adeola’s life for the first ten years of her growing up which makes the “single father” narrative shocking, annoying and disrespectful to hear by all who know the truth of the story. I, Omolara, took care of my daughter physically, financially and emotionally, with the moral support of my mother and my siblings.

I was a pregnant teen, but he was nowhere to be found, and I bore the responsibilities for our child, and paid the physical and social cost of raising her alone in my mom’s house.

Yeye Ogunwusi saw Adeola for only five minutes at the hospital when she was born. The next time he saw her was when she was already four years old and ten years old respectively.

I got NO monetary or material support from him or ANYONE while raising my child. I could not have, because he was also just finding his way in the world.

Adeola started spending holidays with Yeye Ogunwusi and his then wife (Bukola Bombata) in Lagos when she was thirteen in 2007, and started living with them when she was fifteen in 2009. This was when he began any financial and personal involvement in her life at all.

All these years, I have kept quiet in the belief that all is well that ends well. I decided to be an adult in this situation for the sake of my daughter. I have also kept quiet since the first time he made this outrageous claim because I hate unnecessary publicity, and I wanted to keep my private life out of public glare.

However, it appears that Yeye Ogunwusi has taken my silence for stupidity.

In spite of every private outreach to him to stop repeating the lie that he “raised my daughter as a single parent since she was born”, he has continued to say so. It is not true, and no amount of repeating it will make it so. I was the single parent. He was, until our daughter was old enough, an absentee father. Unfortunately, a lie goes a long way around the world before the truth gets a chance to tie its shoes. So, this is my attempt at correcting the record.

If Yeye Ogunwusi has any photos of him and our daughter, or the receipt of any expense he bore on her, before the age of ten, let him present them to the public right now.

I refuse to let someone else define me or tell my story. It is a story of triumph over fear, over shame, and over doubt. It is a success story, but with several bumps and obstacles along the way. But it is mine, and no one else’s to tell.

If Yeye Ogunwusi is proud of the daughter we have raised, he can say so without any attempt to minimize or denigrate the very foundation on which he’s now attempting to build, and from which he cowardly fled when the going was tough.

For our daughter’s sake, enough is enough. For the sake of truth and justice, enough is enough.

I will not allow ANYONE to disrespect a lifetime of hard work that I put into raising my child no matter how powerful, famous or seemingly influential they claim to be.

I am also making this public to put on notice any media organisations to stop repeating Yeye Ogunwusi’s lies without proper verification and qualification. You, also, have a duty to be truthful and factual. And now, you can.

Omolara Olatubosun

Adeola’s mother

ISESE DAY: Osun govt. Declares Friday work-free day

The Osun State Government has declared Friday, a work-free day in marking this year’s Isese Day, even though the celebration would be without fanfare as Covid 19 pandemic still remains a threat.

According to a statement on Wednesday signed by Osun state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal, the celebration would be low-key because of the increasing cases of COVID-19.

The statement congratulated the traditional worshippers in the state on the occasion of this year’s Isese Day and appealed to them to be peaceful and law-abiding in their conduct before, during, and after the festival.


Also the statement enjoined them to continue to support the Oyetola administration and emphasised the need for the residents to continue to embrace Omoluabi ethos.

 “On the part of the “Isese Day” participants, we urged
them to observe the COVID-19 Protocols especially the use of nose mask, social/physical distancing among other safety protocols before, during and after this year’s celebration.”

Osun Osogbo Festival: 7 died as Osun records more than six dozens Civid-19 cases in the last two weeks

On Friday, the Osun State Government, in a statement by its Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, said seven persons had died of COVID-19 in the last two weeks, while 74 cases were recorded within the period.

Expressing concern over the nonchalant attitude of residents to safety protocols, Egbemode said it had become imperative for citizens to consciously take personal responsibility for their own safety because the third wave of the pandemic has berthed in the state.

According to the commissioner: “In the last two weeks, the state has recorded 74 cases with seven mortality. We can no longer afford to treat our protection with levity. We must wear masks religiously and avoid crowded spaces like a plague. It is becoming more obvious that our lives depend on how well we adhere to safety protocols.

“Osun’s daily coronavirus case tallies and mortality rate are becoming alarming. The effects of the virus keep getting worse by the day because our compliance level is deplorable and alarming. Our people need to take responsibility for their own safety, by ensuring that they take the COVID-19 test to be sure of their status, especially when they feel ill.

“Let us leave no chance for costly assumptions and be deliberate about boosting our immunity. Partying and appearances at densely-populated locations has become dangerous all over. We are back to ground zero with the virus, and we cannot continue to pretend like it doesn’t exist. The current statistics signal a precarious situation.”

Data available on the website of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Friday showed that 753 new confirmed cases and five deaths were recorded on August 12, 2021 in 14 states, namely Lagos (364), Akwa Ibom (141), Oyo (74), Rivers (46), Abia (38), Ogun (24), Kwara (20), Imo (19), FCT (12), Ekiti (10), Delta (nine), Edo (six), Plateau (five), and Bayelsa (one).

As if the country today, 180,661 cases have been confirmed and 2,200 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

PERDITION IN THE HOUSE: Reality show (BBNaija) against our social norms, ethics and morals

I cannot go to your homes to stop your children, wives and yourselves from watching the infamous Tv reality show (BBNaija). But i can put down this reminder for those who love to be reminded. This TV show is displaying nudity and sex scenes on our screens and our children are watching it and even paying for its display cost inside our own homes.

Regardless of your faith, Muslim or Christian. This reality show is against our social norms, ethics and morals. It violates our sanctity, culture and religious values. The least one can do is to block the channels that show it on your TV. Then remind yourself and your family about the danger of nudity and obscene images.

I implore Nigerian government and the agency responsible for censoring nude contents in movies to step in and ban this tv show in Nigeria. Yes, Nigeria is a secular society, however, it is not an animal kingdom where people do things anyhow. If action is not taken, our children will be exposed to sex and rape at a very young age and violence will flourish in our society.

O God, bear witness that I have disengage and disassociate myself from this TV show. When you send your punishment on law breakers exempt us O God. Amin.

#Show_your_support_by_sharing_this_information. 

This anonymous opinion represent the views of many Nigerians!

IWO FESTIVAL: The Myth and the Challenges of IWO in Ikale land

IN LIBRARIANSHIP IT IS CALLED ORAL ARCHIVES AND TRADITION


INTRODUCTION

Each tribe in Nigeria and indeed in Yorubaland has its own observable festivals. Ikaleland is not an exception. Several traditional festivals are celebrated at some specific time, for specific purposes. Such festivals are Iwo festival, Ojoye-J'usu festival, Eje festival, Ere/Okute festival, Ogun festival, Eta'dun festival etc.

Iwo festival has been in existence for hundreds of years. The genesis or the historical background of Iwo festival cannot easily be traced since it is an age-long festival. It is a festival that's being celebrated to appease the gods and goddesses or the spirits of the rivers. It is also a festival in which everybody believes that the gods and goddesses or spirits of the rivers around the geographical area where the festival is being celebrated will come out to the town.

THE TOWNS AND PEOPLE THAT CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL

Iwo festival is very unique in nature. According to oral history, it is a festival that combines all towns and villages in Osooroland together. It is also celebrated in other towns like Ayeka, Ikoya, Ome, and some part of Okitipupa etc. History tells us that Ikoya town usually celebrate the festival a day preceding that of the Osooro people but in recent times, things have undergone structural changes.

The undermentioned towns are those that fall under the geographical territory where Iwo festival is been celebrated: Adewinle, Abusoro, Akinfosile, Agbetu, Ayeka, Ayetoro, Erekiti-luwoye, Ikoya, Ilutitun Osooro, Igbotako Osooro, Ome, Iju Odo, Iju Oke, Irowa, Ewi town-part of Okitipupa, Ugwada, Iditala, Omotosho, Omowole, Ilu-Idogun, Mobolorunduro, and some towns and villages in Ogun state.

TIME OF THE CELEBRATION

Customarily, it is normally celebrated around July and August every year. It depends on when the moon is sighted by the priests who are the custodians of the festival. They are called the "Logengbas".
The moment the moon is sighted (precisely late June or early July), the celebration of Iwo festival is in the offing; the preparation will gradually begin. The preparation begins with the meeting of the Logengbas usually on Oba-market days, after sighting the moon to carryout divination to determine the day of the festival.This is called " Mobikale". The time frame of the festival may be in the next 9days or 18days or 27days.

THE ACTIVITIES OF THE LOGENGBAS

Who are the "Logengbas"? Logengbas are the people called "Alaghoros" in short. They are the only authority in all towns i.e the custodians of powers , laws, rules and regulations guiding the conduct and celebration of Iwo festival. They are the links or bridges between the god or goddess of the rivers usually called "Oluweri" in ikaleland and the people that reside in the communities involved. They plan for and direct all the affairs of the festival. The leader of the 'Logengbas' is called "Ludameji".

About three days to the d-day, the Logengbas will go to the Igbo-Oro to prepare the ground for "Oluweri" and also to clear and clean up the road, predominantly called Onakogun, i.e the warrior's road.

The moment the moon is sighted by this group, it is a liberty or license or approval for the Oluweris or gods of the rivers to get themselves prepared and ready for the celebration of the festival.

On the third day after the festival, the logengbas will move round the town with healing water(Ẹrọ). Men are required to dip their hands in it to rub their body while it would be sprinkled on women's body.

ACTIVITIES OF THE OLUWERIS

These are the gods. People believe they come out from the river and streams to "wail" during the month and the day of the Iwo festival. The moment the moon is sighted by the Logengbas, the spirits or gods or rivers (Oluweris) would come out in the dead of the night between the hours of 12:30am and 1:30am to wail once in three days. Once this begins, it means the Iwo festival is on the horizon. But immediately the Logengbas have thrown kolanuts on the ground (m'obi kanle), i.e announce the day of the festival, the Oluweris would start to wail in the midnight for at least an hour, in the process, they would continue to announce the number of days remaining for the d-day.

Activities begin in earnest in the early hours of the D-day with the wailing of the Oluweris. This is usually between the hours of 4:30am and 5:30am. This set of Oluweris is called "Ajigbana", literarily meaning the early morning sweepers. The belief is that this type of Oluweris prepares the ground for the remaining ones on the way.

After a couple of hours, another set of Oluweris would come out in large numbers between the hours of 10:30am and 2:30pm to wail. History tells us that the first set will find their ways to the centre of the town where the Oba, the High Chiefs and the Logengbas would meet them (although not face to face) and to appease and pray for the progress of the town. Thereafter, the whole town would be agog with the cries of Oluweris. By 6:30pm, another set of these Oluweris would come out to cry and continue to pray for the whole town and they would also identify themselves one after the other.

FOOD FOR THE FESTIVAL

There are so many types of food being prepared on the day of the festival. It is a matter of choice. But the commonest of the food is pounded yam with okro or apan soup. The food is usually prepared between the hours of 6:30am and 9:30m for the breakfast and for the dinner, it is prepared between the hours of 4:00pm and 5:30pm. While most people would prefer to eat boiled groundnut and walnut as their lunch.

THE NORMS OF THE FESTIVAL

In the days of our fore fathers ,1920s to 70s, only adult men of proven integrity and powerful persons in the community would be allowed to come out when the gods of the river are wailing in the town but things have changed now. Mature teenage boys 16 above are allowed to come out. Children, women and non -indigenes stay indoor throughout the period Oluweri would be out. The directive requiring all the children, women and non-indigenes/settlers to stay indoor will be passed through drumming, dancing and singing round the town by palace boys. The song goes thus:

Ajoji Ku o De(2x)
Oro ba'mi ,wa ye o(2x)
Oluli, wọ li ẹ o
Movement especially for children, women and non -indigenes are restricted on Iwo festival. They are not allowed to go to the river to fetch water, wearing of shoes, looking at the mirror, fighting or beating anybody, cursing and swearing etc are prohibited on that day. Any food that's on fire when Oluweri is wailing should not be eaten by women. On no account should anybody switch on any electronic gadget and there is partially restricted vehicular movement. All doors and windows must remain shut when the Oluweris are wailing. Should anybody dies within the month, the family must give one big dog to the Logengbas before he or she can be buried. This is used to appease the gods.

ENTERTAINMENT IN IWO FESTIVAL

History has it that in the past, that there was a small object, as small as the stone used to grind pepper. They called it "Uwen". It is very heavy. No one can carry it except very powerful men who must not drop it until it reaches the destination.

Magicians used to perform exceptional wonders. Maize seed could be planted, would germinate, mature and ripe for eating on the same day. Also, it is on record that a basket was used to fetch water without leaking. More so, cock could be made to lay eggs and hen to crow. There are so many entertainments; they vary from town to town. Nowadays, these are very rare, as the knowledge was not passed on by those who have it to the new generation.

On the eve of the festival, people will be gathered at Oba's palace and at different family heads, local drinks are shared, local songs that suit the purpose of Iwo festival will be sung and the people would challenge each in the war of words, incantations and the practise of abracadabra.

THE CHALLENGES FACING IWO FESTIVAL

In the Christendom, people believe that this festival is a means of worshipping idol, gods and goddesses of the rivers. This has generated a lot of controversies to the extent that the matter got to the court of law.
Women have argued that it is a systematic violation of their rights and freedom of movement. Some of them advocated the abolition of the festival.
While some other people view it that it is not tantamount to idol worshipping but a way of preserving our cultural heritage. They argue that the preservation of our culture should be the utmost concern and priority of every individual. They argued that the deviations from our culture in the recent past has so many negative impacts directly or indirectly on Ikale towns and villages. The argument is that we need to appreciate what we have as culture and jettison foreign culture.

Most importantly, the hijacking of the festival by hoodlums and touts have posed some challenges to those who guard the festival.

FINALLY, since many towns and villages in Ikaleland celebrate Iwo festival, there is bound to be some little differences in the methods adopted by different towns in the celebration of the festival. The above analysis was based on our experience in the celebration of Iwo festival in Osooroland, mostly Ilutitun.

Happy Iwo Festival to all Osooro towns and villages celebrating it today and Ikoya that celebrated theirs yesterday.

Aseyi S'amodun

References:
Ikale Peoples and Culture
Our Culture on the Coast.

Akingbulu Olakunle

OUR GRANDPAS HAD 'SIDE CHICKS' aka "ALE" AND WILL REMAIN WITH HUMANITY

In those days, mothers and grannies knew their hubbies' "ales" (concubines). Call them side chicks today.  In fact, they knew the day the "ale" would be coming to farm to collect food stuffs. They would respect themselves and won't go to farm that day.

"I am going out o", baba would announce. 

"Are you still coming back?" Mama would ask.

"No. You may lock your door."

Case closed. Mama knew where her hubby would spend the night. Before he came back following morning, his food was ready.  And it won't be poisoned!

At times, you would bring home a lady or guy from your hometown and your mum would say never, you can't marry him or her and she would never tell you why. She would do everything to separate you guys. 

She had her reasons. That lady or guy was sired by your father.  Mother knew but won't tell you until much, much later!

Your uncle (daddy's elder brother) would die and daddy would simply "take over" his wife and mama would politely oblige! 

I can hear many of you, especially, women saying: "THIS IS RUBBISH!" "ABSOLUTE NONSENSE!" "ORO RIRUN!" "I CAN NEVER TAKE THESE!" "GOD FORBID BAD THING!" "WE WILL ALL DIE THERE!"

NINE out of TEN of those our mothers knew what to do to make life miserable for both hubby and "ale". They could have easily killed them. They could have walked away and abandon their kids. 

But they knew the implication of broken homes. It was the indignities they suffered and endured that made their children what they later became in life.

If they didn't suffer these "nonsenses", their kids would not even go to school. 

While we are living in a DIFFERENT society from theirs, it was not by accident that many of them lived to be 80, 85, 95, 100. 

Yet, those of us who now have access to the best life can ever hardly live to be 65! 

Granny lived to be 98.  But her granddaughter died at 50!  

Reasons: 

▪️Grandma held a tradition of keeping her peace with her husband, his kith and kin by all means

▪️ Grandma dedicated herself  raising her children under their fathers roof and paternal influence.

▪️Grandma believed that, for her children to do well in life, they needed the father's blessing.

▪️She had been a woman raised by her own mother with the consciousness that after your God, is your Lord (husband). And that a proper woman lives in her husband's house, and never creates any reason to leave, till death do them part.

▪️She never knew single motherhood as an option or a respectable way of life life, because women who could not manage their homes were actually known to have failed in their God-given mandate in the lives of husbands and children.

▪️ Grandma believed that men are men, and knew that her submissiveness to the lion of her tribe was a major way to keep him tender towards her, irrespective of his other rascalities.

▪️ Grandma was a totally faithful woman to her husband, and very loyal without considering that as a favor to her husband. She knew that her chastity in marriage was key to her husband's prosperity. This is spiritual.

▪️ Grandma knew that each time her husband brought out the cane to discipline erring children, her duty was to support him discipline them, and could only pet and soothe the crying child secretly later. She taught children a lesson with this system; _The Father's authority is unquestionable._ This was a tradition which helped traditional rulership so effective and efficient in those days. Mothers taught children to obey rules strictly.

▪️ Grandma made her husband realize that she had no other idol than him. He therefore was always under the burden of conscience and responsibility to feed and clothe her and her children at the least, even if school wasn't in the picture.

▪️ Grandma would live in her husband's hut with her family, and with contentment. She would never drive him to go look for a bigger house and buy a bicycle or motorcycle to impress her friends. Infact she never had any gang of friends. Only a few gossip and jist partners. They kept life simple and we're happy

▪️ Grandma knew how to "gbojukuro". That is, she knew how "to look away" from people's faults, especially from her husband and children.

▪️By virtue of all these she was able to hold her Peace....and have true peace within her soul at all times. Life was simple for her because she made it simple for herself and her family.

Today, these values we saw in Grandma seem lost. And her own granddaughter lived to about half her age

Cause of death: High Blood Pressure! 

Mama's cause of death: Old Age!!

Can we have the spirit of Grandma in our wives and daughters again?

Ooni Of Ife: Nigerian Youths Are Neglected, Hungry and Therefore Angry, Let Us Listen To Them And Solve Their Problems

The Arole Oduduwa, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II Ooni of Ife, has reiterated the fact that the insecurity challenge in the country is premised on the fact that the youths are neglected and in deprivation which is culminating in restlessness and agitation. 

The Ooni in his goodwill message intoned that Nigeria’s foundation was wrong. He emphasized the inclusion of Nigerian youths in the system to help salvage the country.

“As traditional rulers, they are the most active in our system. Let us tell ourselves the truth, they are hungry and they are angry. I repeat: they are hungry and they are very angry.’’ He said

 “Our dear country Nigeria is the binding force for each and every one of us here today. We don’t have any other place. The nation belongs to all of us. We are here talking. 

 “In our dear country that has brought all of us together here, the youngest serving governor is only 46 years old. And we all know the demography of this country. 

“The demography of this country is above 50 all the way to the age of dependency is less than 30 per cent. But between the age of 18 and under 40, we have them in numbers of more than 70 per cent. And we are talking about security here. 

 “Who are the active participants whenever we have a breakdown of law and order? It is the average age of 18 and 39, and that is the truth. Are they ghosts? Are they invisible? The answer is no. They are human beings. “But every time we are talking the talk, the Number 2 man, Number 3 man, Number 4 man, they are all saying the same thing the way His Eminence said it. And the participants are not faceless; they are not ghosts. It is very idiotic and stupid for us to be doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. We will continue to get the same results. 

“Let us be very truthful and honest to ourselves in this country, we all know the problems. How well are we carrying along with these people in that age bracket? Who is representing that age bracket in this hall? The answer is no one. We are not engaging them at all. But whenever we want to go for political posts and appointments, we go back to them. We know the good, the bad, and the ugly in their category. 

“As traditional rulers, they are the most active in our system. Let us tell ourselves the truth, they are hungry and they are angry. I repeat: they are hungry and they are very angry. All of us that are here, I will be very happy if anybody can raise up their hand and say ‘I can go to my constituency, my local government area, and I can stay there in peace for one week.’ Who can do it here? Including our gatekeepers, who can do it here? Including the Senate President, including the Speaker. 

“But you left the traditional rulers; you left district heads, the baales to continue to stay there. And you are saying all will be well in this country. We are the ones facing these youths; we know their problems and we have been talking every time. You sit in beautiful offices and you all think all will be well? Let us be very truthful in this country. Look at this beautiful building; as beautiful as this building is, if the foundation is wrong, the entire building will collapse because the foundation has a problem. 

“In this gathering, the Senate President mentioned the key factor – the collapse of local government. It has collapsed. Let us be very truthful to ourselves, it has collapsed completely. That is the only arm of government that is the foundation of this country; you don’t have any other foundation. We are only building on a castle that has completely broken down. That is the foundation that will gather the most active age bracket for you in this country. You say we have 774 local governments and several wards. Where do we have the wards being put together? 

“It is under the local government’s constituency. They are underfunded; you don’t even reference them for anything; you don’t even care about their administration. Where did we get it wrong in this country? We all have faults – all of us here. If we keep talking, we will not get any results. It is getting worse. 

“They are getting more emboldened. They are not very bold and they are ready to face anybody because they are hungry and they are angry. Let us change our strategy. Let us change our style. You leave this age bracket. If there will be problems, you give them guns to start to move around. You will never see anybody above our age in our comfort zone here that is really ready to face the music. 

“It is very important for all of us to know that we are not all safe; we are not safe at all. Let us engage a lot of youth organisations that are very relevant; that understand the local government administration and governance within every district and locality of this country. It is very important for us to continue to engage them in every programme we do in this country. You have neglected that category completely. In the hall we are right now, you have neglected them because they are not represented here; they are not at all. So, what are we going to come out here to talk about? And that is our foundation. It is our foundation. 

“We should be very serious in this country. We should talk very seriously. This issue of security is not the problem of the service chiefs; it is not the problem of the lawmakers; it is not the problem of the executive arm of government; it is a problem of all of us. 

“How many of this active population that is under you that you are taking care of? What is the essence of you being a politician that you cannot even move around freely? You cannot! Do you think only Abuja is Nigeria? Or Lagos? Thirty-six states of this country, people are there and you left them. You abandoned them. And you are making laws and administering. What are you administering? I do not know. 

“So, let us talk to ourselves very seriously. The people that are not ghosts; these people that are agitating left and right, we need to engage them. We need to actually engage them and separate the corn from the chaff. We know the good and the bad amongst them. 

“We can easily separate them by engaging them. Draw them closer. If we engage the people that are active, it will be a lot easier for us. On this note, I want to thank the organisers and I want to tell is that enough of talking the talk, let us walk the talk”, he said.

Happy birthday to Olayinka Akinrinola Michael (NEGRO)

NEGRO

  Happy birthday to a friend, brother, comrade and TRUSTED ALLY Olayinka Akinrinola Michael (NEGRO).

It's my prayer that as you begin another journey of 365 days of yours today, may your days and strength be renewed like that of the eagles, soaring like never before!

Walk and never stumbled as you enjoy long life, fame and prosperity. 

Cheers!!!

Comrade 'Dele Abiola

Inspirational: Being happy will make you successful

 HAPPINESS:

Profile Pict: The Alaafin of Oyo,
H.I.M. Oba Lamidi Olayiwola
 Adeyemi III

Being successful will not make you happy, but being happy will make you successful

Change your thinking and outlook towards life, your health, career, love life, businesses etc.

Have only positive expectations, practice positive thinking and visualization, in short change your pursuits and disposition towards life in total

Achieving total happiness in your life should be the ultimate goal, because life itself is pursuit of happiness

#justscribblingmythoughts

Femi Ogunsanwo

Oduduwa Republic: Shooting as army besiege Sunday IGBOHO's House

The house of a popular Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo well known as Sunday Igboho, was on Monday surrounded by Nigerian soldiers who attempted to arrest him.

This was separately reported by Olayomi Koiki the Media Aide to the Yoruba rights activist and Awikonko, a Yoruba poet.  Both said there were sporadic shootings around the Soka, the Ibadan residence of Igboho, as some heavily armed gunmen in Nigerian army uniform stormed the area.

In a viral video shared on the Facebook, Koiki claimed that the residence was besieged by men of the Nigeria Army with the aim of arresting the activist.


It would be recalled that the security agents had in February allegedly attempted to arrest Igboho along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway but failed.

According to the viral video, Koiki said, “There is a situation right now where the Federal Government of Nigeria tried to invade our residence. We are telling the world that the war that the Federal Government is waiting for might start today.

“The war that the Federal Government think they are expecting from the Yoruba people; let’s tell the whole world. As I speak to you, there is an ongoing incident but we are more than capable.

According to Premium Times, gunshots could be heard intermittently in the background as Mr Koiki spoke. He claimed soldiers were doing the shooting but that the online newspaper could not independently confirmed the shooting.

The medium also claimed that It is also unclear at this time if soldiers indeed swooped on the property located in the Soka area of Ibadan. 

Oyo state police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, did not respond to calls and text messages seeking to clarify Mr Igboho’s claim.

The known telephone number of Nigerian Army spokesperson, Mohammed Yerima, did not connect as this reporter dialled it multiple times Monday morning.

“By tomorrow morning, I am sure the government would come with false press statements, that it was a set of unknown soldiers, that was the same tactic they used to attack Fela’s mother. They equally used it during #EndSARS.

“They brought us a letter sometimes ago but we rejected them because the letter was what they used to kill Dele Giwa. We have chosen to be peaceful only for them to keep looking for our trouble which we won’t hesitate to give to them.” Koiki said.

Lagos State, Afenifere, others donate for Yinka Odumakin's Burial

The Lagos State Government donates N5, 000, 000, 3 Coaster Buses, 1 Ambulance, 1 Siren to Odumakin solidarity memorial organised by the Civil Society and Pro - Democracy Movement as Nation sets to pay last respect Saturday

The Lagos State Government has said they have specifically donated a sum of N5, 000, 000; 3 Coaster Buses; 1 Ambulance and a siren with heavy security back - up towards the success of Solidarity Memorial initiated by Comrades and Associates of Yinka Odumakin for celebration and Immortalisation of the life and legacies of the departed as announced by the Civil Society Planning Team for Yinka Odumakin memorial.

The Government has also said that they are consultation with the family of Odumakin on the appropriate support to be provided directly to them during the 3 - day burial activities to be held this week Thursday to Saturday between the Police College Ground, Ikeja, Lagos State, Lying - In State, Thursday, 11am - 1pm; Service of songs and tributes 1pm - 4pm, and Friday, tributes' session at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Osun State, 1 - 5pm; Candle light procession at Moro, Osun State, 6pm; Candle light procession from Moro to Ife Grand Resorts, near Oduduwa University, Ile - Ife, Osun State, 6pm.

Fraternal solidarity, night musical gyration and tributes at Ife Grand Resorts, near Oduduwa University, Ile - Ife, Osun State, from 8pm till fade

 Lying - In - State at Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Moro, Saturday, 8am.

Funeral Service at Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Saturday, 10:00am.

Followed by private interment at Country Home, Moro, Osun State.

The Government, on this timely donation, is very categorical about supporting the ongoing donation for solidarity memorial by Comrade Yinka Odumakin's Associates and Comrades as the Government is also set to support the breaved family directly.

Update on Donations Received By KIND For Yinka Odumakin Lives On Solidarity Memorial As At Today, are as follows:

1. *Chief (Dr) Mike Ozekhome, SAN*.  -  N150,000

2. *Comrade Adeyinka Olarinmoye*  -  N10, 000

3. *Hon Mrs Janet Adeyemi* - N20,000

4. *Barr Femi Falana, SAN* - N100,000

5. *Comrade Gbenga Olawepo Hashim* - N150,000

6. *Comrade Ekundayo Gbenga, Chairman, Lagos TUC* - N25,000

7. *Comrade Femi Aborishade* - N25,000

8. *Comrade Adeolu Oyekan* - N15,000 

9. *Mr Akin Osuntokun* - 10,000

10. *Barr Ọpẹ́yẹmí Agbájé* - N25,000

11. *Alhaji Shettima Yerima, President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum* - N50,000

12. *Veteran Olawale Okunniyi* - N30,000

13. *Chief Dr John Nnia Nwodo* - N100,000

14. *Ogbeni Lanre Banjo* - N30,000

15. *Comrade Agnes Sessi, NLC, Lagos State Chairperson* - N30,000

16. *Comrade Titi Akosa* - N10,000

17. Afenifere Renewal Group N125, 000

18. Declan Ihekaire N5, 000

Donations In Kind: 

Provision of Security Services of men of the Civil Defense by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Interior

Donation of African Village for Fraternal solidarity, Night Musical Gyration and tributes as well as reservation of 10 Executive Rooms within Ife Grand Resorts by Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II.

Outright donation of Oduduwa Hall by the Authority of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Osun State.

Provision of considerable rebate across board by the management of the Conference Centre and Staff Club, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife, Osun State.

Please, for your fraternal support and contributions, find KIND's Bank Account Details below: 

Kudirat Initiative for Democracy. KIND

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) PLC. Account number 0133940012.

Naira Current Account

Please let's keep the solidarity supports coming. 

Many thanks to the above Donors as we expect more solidarity supports from various pledges outside.

Comrade AWA Bamiji

Secretary, Planning Committee

Touch not my anointed is Bible verse: Ooni represents Yoruba preservation, If he errs in the postion.... He deserves to face disgrace....

The Ooni should have been shown the door from the day he made that fraudulent comment with no historical backing about Igbos link to Ife.... the throne of Ife exists to preserve Yoruba heritage.... it is not a hub for a hustler trying to make money by using his cultural influnce for personal gain. 

In the days of old... any monarch that does not represent the interest of the people is removed... Ife was not an exception .... The ultimate decision in this battle is the movement of the people. Not movement of the elders, kings or politicians.... 

Ooni Gbanlare was murdered for going against the popular wish of his people. So was Ooni Gegbaaje

Wunmolaje was disposed as well because the people rejected his style of leadership. 

At a point... everyone became scared to become Ooni because of how people turned against them... Ooni Adegule had to make the nobility at Ife swear not to disgrace him if he took office... He was also killed by poisoning. 

How about Oyo,

Alaafin Ajaka was rejected because he was too weak... Shango rejected because he became very dictatorial....Ojigi was forced to commit suicide because of his son's tyranny ( and after him, crown princes were forced to die with their fathers as punishment)

Alaafin  onisile was forced to commit suicide cause he loved to invoke the spirit of Sango and his people were uncomfortable. 

In Ijebu, Awujale Afidipote was rejected because his policies caused recession in Ijebu. 

Ooni Adesoji was nearly rejected by people of Ife because he mismanaged the common wealth of Ife kingdom with the proceeds from its forest timber. 

Alake of Egba land was deposed by the great Egba women because of his tax policies. 

Now... If any monarch stands in the way of Yoruba progress... or go against the determination of Yoruba people not to be turned into slaves in their ancestral home like the Hausa people... we owe it as a duty to reject and force them to be deposed.....

They sit on the throne to serve Yoruba interest and the desire of its people.... not the other way round.... 

We have made a decision. We dont want herdsmen in our bushes and region anymore.... we also want emancipation of Yorubaland. Any monarch that stands in our way is part of the problem... He is no different from the Fulani that is oppressing us, we need to be get rid of such people from our palace.

By:

Anonymous author

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI BY THE ALAAFIN OF OYO, OBA LAMIDI OLAYIWOLA ADEYEMI III

*Yoruba Question in Nigeria Conundrum* 

Your Excellency, 

I have never been timid or shy of my total support for the success of your administration to deliver the country to the Promised Land.

My confidence had always been based on Your Excellency’s ability, fitness and competence in leading the country to the Promised Land, where Law and Order prevail, individual liberty is guaranteed, economic well-being of the citizens is assured. 

That my confidence in Your Excellency remains unshaken to date. In recent time however, I am worried about the security situation in the country, especially in the South West geo-political zone, nay the entire Yoruba-speaking area of the country including Kwara, Kogi and Edo states.

This has to do with the incessant and increasing menace of Fulani herdsmen that have laid siege in almost all the highways of Yoruba land. Whether in Owo, Akure, Ilesa/Ife-Ibadan road or Ibarapa zone and Ijebu area of Ogun state, the story is the same.

I have held series of consultations with opinion moulders and eminent Yoruba leaders across board about the menace of these cattle herdsmen with such assault like raping of our women and in some occasions, in the presence of their husbands. That is apart from massive destruction of our agricultural lands; which ultimately points to imminent starvation.

On top of it all is the menace of professional kidnappers usually in military uniforms. What is more worrisome about the kidnapping notoriety is what looks like impunity which these kidnappers enjoy their nefarious activities. 

After due consultations with Yoruba leaders and as the pre-colonial head of the Yoruba nation, we are worried by the audacity of these lawless people in effecting their illegal acts in broad daylight on our usually bushy highways without any arm of security being able to do anything.

Worse still is the confidence with which they demand ransoms and collect such illegal levies atthem designated spots without any arm of security being able to lay siege on them as it was the practice in the recent past.

Now, we cannot even talk of parading suspects, when in actual sense, no major arrests have been made in this part of the country. Without arrests, we cannot talk of their facing of the law.

Unfortunately, and painfully indeed, in the face of the apparent helplessness of our security agencies, where do we go from here?

It is at the wake of this manifest frustration of our people that our people have found it unavoidable, even though reluctantly to resort to alternative measures to safeguard their lives and property.

Suffice to say that is most part of Yoruba land, their pre-colonial military structures have not been totally collapsed. Hence, such structures like Odua People’s Congress, Agbekoya and other vigilance groups.

Having stated the above, and having established my premise as a stakeholder in your administration in the firm belief that we all believe in the Nigeria project, kindly permit me, Mr President, to make the following points and submissions as the Alaafin of Oyo, the King and Head of all Yoruba at home and in the diaspora and the Chief Custodian of Yoruba culture and values.

The people of Yorubaland in the traditional six State of the South-West geo-political zone and extending to some parts of Kogi, Kwara and Edo State live in palpable fear because of new wave of insecurity of life and property they now witness on a daily basis and which is alien to them. This new uncomplimentary development is not unrelated to the new wave of criminal activities usually associated with banditry, armed robbery and lately, kidnapping and rape of genuinely innocent and law abiding citizens.

I remember when these nefarious activities were first noticed in Oyo/Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, I took proactive steps to stem the tide and to amicably normalize relations between farmers and herders. Our initiative succeeded because we were dealing with genuine farmers and herders who had a commitment to Nigeria and who were interested in promoting their economic activities in a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.

However, it is becoming obvious that the nature and character of banditry and kidnapping today are different from what they used to be. 

Today, it is not merely infraction in the course of doing business, but blatant and criminal violation of the constitutional right to life and liberty of innocent citizens of Yoruba land. A few publicly known instances will suffice.

Certain individuals were kidnapped along Erio-Aromoko road, Ekiti State. They were tortured and exposed to danger in the forest for upward of two weeks.

These victims included the Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikole Branch, Adeola Adebayo whose decomposing body was eventually found after a ransom price of four million Naira had been paid.

Two officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps both Yoruba were picked up along Ilesa-Akure highway. In the process of this kidnap, an unnamed individual died.

Musibau Adetumbi, a legal practitioner based in Ibadan was going to attend an Appeal Court session in Akure when he was kidnapped along Ilesa-Akure highway. Professor Adegbehingbe, a surgeon at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife was adopted along Ibadan-Ile-ife highway. Dr. Muslim Omoleke, the Administrative Secretary of the National Electoral Commission was kidnapped around Ilesa, Osun State.

Mr Ayo Oladele, an employee of Guinness Nigeria and an Old Student of Christ School, Ado-Ekiti was adopted and taken away and lately, Dayo Adewole, son of a member of your 2015-2019 executive council and Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole was kidnapped on his farm at Iroko, a village along Ibadan-Oyo road.

There are many other instances of kidnapping, raid, rape and banditry not publicly known but which were reported to the Police and other law enforcement organizations.

As ugly as the picture above seems to be, the people of Yoruba land have remained generally peaceful and have resisted concerted efforts to push them into civil disobedience or adopting self-help mechanisms to protect themselves in their homeland.

They have demonstrated confidence in you and in your ability to stem the tide of these criminal activities. Yoruba have been restrained from believing the new found Islamization or Fulanization theory.

I am therefore writing to you, as a concerned stakeholder in your administration, to alert you and demonstrate to you, the urgency of the need to quickly respond to these and other issues concerning Yoruba land.

There is a general impression among opposition group that you are not known to take decisive and proactive steps in many matters of national interest and that you are not usually too disturbed about the gale of insecurity in Yoruba land.

May I also share with you the outcome or product of my wide consultations in Yoruba land to let you know, beyond what official security reports will make available to you, that there is a growing feeling of frustration, disappointment and despondency among our people, which if not immediately addressed, could lead to other serious national catastrophes and security challenges.

The present state of insecurity is posing enormous challenges to people’s engagements in other economic activities. The incessant and increasing menace on our highways and farms in Yoruba land is making farming and other economic activities hazardous and dangerous.

I recall with sadness that the Old Oyo Empire disintegrated because the slave trade introduced insecurity that made all other economic activities which had supported and enhanced the prosperity of Oyo to decline. It is never my wish that any part of Nigeria will ever go through this harrowing experience again.

Apart from massive destruction of farms and crops planted on them, the new wave of Fulani, pretending and disguising as herders have unleashed a reign of terror on Yoruba land.

They destroy crops, they kidnap men and women, violate and rape our women, right in the presence of their husbands. What this portends id definitely more than the simplistic interpretation of farmer/herder clash but the deliberate acts of hostility and criminality.

What makes it worrisome is the fact that for reasons best known to the Police establishment, they have not been apprehending or pretend to be in the defence of victims.

There is always a tendency to blame the victims and demonstrate helplessness in apprehending and bringing perpetrators to book to face the full wrath of the law.

It is even said, Mr President that these criminal pseudo herders go about their nefarious activities in broad daylight and many times in military uniform. They carry sophisticated weapons, the likes of which are only available to state actors.

There seems to be no doubt that the security apparatus of the country is both overstretched and rustic. 

The philosophy of policing the State, protecting life and property and ensuring the existence of atmosphere that is conducive to life and living in Nigeria is lost on the security personnel. In Yoruba land, we are scared and worried about the outrageous audacity and effrontery of these criminal elements in carrying out their activities and without any challenge by security operatives.

In situation where money exchanged hands, the Police are adequately equipped to trace every paper money issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Intelligence gathering concerning money paid as ransom should lead, finally to these criminals since they would eventually make transactions with the proceeds of their illicit and criminal activities.

As no major arrest of Fulani pseudo herdsmen has been made till date in Yoruba land, suspects cannot be paraded, let alone arraigned.

Even threatened a sitting traditional ruler and asked him to comply with certain directives go about as if they are indeed above the law and beyond arrest. It is unheard of that the State could be seemingly helpless in the face of these criminal assaults on its integrity and capacity to carry out the most sacred of its mandate; preserving life and property.

Mr President, let me assure you that the Yoruba people traditionally have what it takes to defend themselves and interests against all enemy attacks. What is of immediate concern is the possibility of these traditional self-help mechanisms of defence to conflict with legal and constitutional framework of the security organizations.

This is indeed my greatest fear, recluse the situation is fast degenerating into what could trigger complete breakdown of law and order under a constitutional state arrangement. Thus latent frustration must be nipped in the bud to avert a breakdown of the state system in Yoruba land.

I am aware that members of the Odua People’s Congress scattered all over the world are already being mobilized to stand in the defence of their land and are ready, willing and able to raise an army of volunteers as was done in 1968 by the Agbekoya.

It is trite saying that a stitch in time saves nine. For me, and relying on ancient wisdom, the dilemma of a possible breakdown of state authority and power could still be manages and the slide to anarchy arrested.

Historically, and even now, ethnic relations between the Yoruba and the Fulani had been managed adroitly through excellent statesmanship and participatory administration of inter-ethnic group relations. I have had many instances of settling farmer/herder disagreements in my Palace to the extent of instituting workable modalities for inter communal conflict management and peace building.

What is strange is the new wave of criminally minded Fulani groups. What is again disappointing is the ease with which these criminals will leave our country should there be anarchy in the land.

They have other places to return to, but Nigerians don’t have another country apart from here.

This is a serious national emergency, when Fulani herdsmen are engaged in criminality all over the country and the sitting federal government seems helpless and generally unperturbed by what is going on in the security organizations. There is no doubt that some leaders of these security organizations are either incompetent or bankrupt of ideas. Some are even compromised to take any decisive actions against criminals.

What we are witnessing in Nigeria is an anomaly because it is inconceivable that in the 21st century, when the whole world is making appreciable progress in providing enhanced standard of living, Nigerians will be living under the fear of banditry, brigandage, rape, kidnapping and terrorism.

Insecurity is posing a direct threat and imminent danger to living in Nigeria. It is capable of de-robing the country in the comity of nations and passing it off as uncivilized and barbaric.

As more and more countries issue travel restrictions to Nigeria and parts thereof, it is just a matter of time for Nigeria to lose whatever gains it has made in repositioning itself for more decisive participation in the international system.

I trust that you will not allow this to happen and will quickly and decisively take immediate steps to re-established confidence in your government and demonstrate the capacity of the state to protect all legitimate interests.

I wish you God’s guidance, courage and wisdom to do what is right, appropriate and necessary to build the Nigeria of our dreams, where no ethnic group is oppressed or taken for granted.

While urging you to take out time to read and consider this letter as coming from a stakeholder in your administration, I wish to assure you of the warmest regards of the Royal stool.

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