The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three men for allegedly vandalising and stealing from the mast of a telecommunications company in Ota, in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, Kabiru Olusola, 27; Taye Daniel, 43; and Afeez Balogun, 47, were arrested following a distress call received by policemen attached to the Atan Ota police divisional headquarters.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, in a statement on Sunday, said the chief security officer of the company in charge of the mast, Shuaib Muhammed, alerted the police that some hoodlums numbering about six invaded the said mast, situated at Ketu along the Agbara Expressway.
Oyeyemi added that following the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, Atan Ota, dispatched a patrol team to the scene, where the three suspects were apprehended, while others escaped. He said, “Upon the distress call, the DPO, Atan-Ota division, quickly dispatched his patrol team to the scene, where the three suspects were apprehended while others escaped.
“Recovered from the suspects were seven backup batteries valued at N3m, a rectifier module, as well as their operational vehicle, with number plate, AAA 779 XL.”
Oyeyemi said the state Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case with a view to charging the suspects to court as soon as possible.
He added that the CP also directed that the escaped members of the gang be hunted and brought to justice.
The National Council of Ibadan Students’ Union on Saturday Commiserates with the family of Sen. Teslim Folarin on the demise of his wife. According to a Statement by the National President of the Union, Aare Fakolade Anuoluwapo he described the death as a great loss in which the vaccum she left behind will be difficult to fill.
“The Union uses this medium to identified with the family of Senator Teslim Folarin on the death of Mrs Angela Folarin”
“Her death came to us as a shock and as we find it devastating losing someone of her status at a time when her services is needed most”
“We commiserate with the family and pray to God to grant her eternal peace and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss”
“Once again, on behalf of Ibadan Students, we send our condolences to her family”
The Oyo State Government over the weekend, launched a mobile app designed with many features, including having access to details of chosen landed property, without necessarily visiting the Ministry of Lands.
According to the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Tpl Olayiwola Olusegun, the mobile app, otherwise known as Ilè D’olà Exchange under the Private Networks Nigeria Limited (PNN) initiative, is the first of its kind in Nigeria, and would avail residents of the state the opportunity to make enquiry and suggestions on government services and getting faster responses.
The Commissioner said this during a two-day retreat organised for top management staff of the Ministry, where he added that the initiative is part of strategic measures to shore up the State’s internally generated revenue.
He however, urged the workers participating in the retreat to justify the confidence and investment of the state government in them by organising the capacity building retreat which is aimed at learning new ways to fast-track operations, prevent leakages and improve productivity.
The CEO /Managing Director of PNN, AbdulRahman Abiola Odunowo said the vision behind the new innovation is to key into the emerging global market with a view to unlock the full potentials in technological advancement in all land related matters.
He explained further that through the use of Ilè D’olà Exchange, the Ministry can now easily create an enabling environment for both local and International Investors, validate ownership of properties, as well as easy transfer of ownership among others.
Odunowo, while unveiling the newly created App which provides for online tracking system of files codenamed Àwárí said the App can easily be downloaded on Play Store which can now eliminate cumbersomeness of files and unnecessary delays, allows individuals to identify stages of transactions, alerts the office user of delay of files.
Other features of the App according to Odunowo include easy detection and location of files, and also allows external users easy access to download the App on Play Store adding that the Àwárí App will officially be launched online on the 11th February, 2022 noting that the App works for all files including old and new with their peculiar problems
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry, Tpl Ademola Bashir, advocated for team work, while he also expressed confidence in a very impressive performance by Staff members of the Ministry in the current year 2022.
He added that hitches encountered by residents in the purchase of title of ownership, transfer of ownership, land allocation, would be henceforth be things of the past, with the calibre of the Ministry’s reinvigorated workforce.
Other participants at the Retreat included the Ag. Surveyor General, Esv. Abiodun Alaba, Chairman State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr Femi Awakan and other top officials of the ministry.
The Ibadan Prime Youth Forum on Saturday Identified with the family of the Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin on the demise of his wife, Barrister Angela Nwaka Folarin.
Describing the death of Mrs Angela Folarin, Dr Oluwatunmise Adeagbo the National Coordinator of the Forum said “On behalf of all Ibadan Youths, we commiserate with the Family of our distinguished Senator, Barrister Angela left at a time that we least expected and since hearing the news of her death on Friday, we have all been in mourning mood, the vaccum she left will be difficult to fill”
Speaking further, the National Coordinator described late Angela as a supporting husband one who till her last breath supported the aspirations of her husband, given her husband a ultimate peace of mind.
IPYF LOGO
The Forum also expends their condolences to the Political associates of Senator Teslim Folarin and pray that God should grant the deceased ultimate rest.
“Angela was a lover of youths, she supports everything that has to do with youth development, she will be deeply miss by all, including his Senator’s political associates”
At the sight of a bullion van on Nigerian roads, what readily comes to mind is; conveyance of a Lump sum of money to or from the bank.There is a distinction anyway. The deafening noise of siren and the stern-looking security escort is an attestation to the fact that the van is not a “vacum”. It is loaded ! Aside the two visible features, the manner with which the driver of the van navigates the road and manipulates his way through, aptly confirms the obvious.The content is tempting. And nobody knows who is tempted by the roadside and who is trailing. That is more the reason why no traffic warder dare not to stop the on-coming van. Such a van must not be held by traffic congestion. Rather, it breezes into traffic to avoid any form of heist. Otherwise, such traffic warder would cross his hands behind his back inside the witness box of a court of law as a suspect and accomplice. His action could be perceived as a connivance, conspiracy, aiding and abetting. I respect Nigerian Lawyers. Being educated is different from being learned. Their mastery of the subject matter of legal jagons and registered words in law is commendable. There is no rugged road for an aeroplane. And so, Bullion van enjoys an unhindered privilege to ply the road.
With the above introduction, no sane Nigerian needs any soothsayer to tell him that bullion van is not designed as private use. It is neither a car to oppress nor a bus to show affluence. Though, it looks like Hummer jeep but it is much more than that. A bullion van is sophisticatedly designed for a unique purpose and can resist heat, collision or firearms. Bullion van is technologically immuned against thunderous shot. That sounds like the famous ‘Thunder Balogun’ of blessed memory. A man credited with fanta-terific shots in football game.The little story carved to express his thunderous shot and eulogise his footballing prowess was exaggerated. That is a way of digression. (Pardon me ! ). So, when a van is parked at a garage or infront of a private home, instantaneously, it attracts public attention.
At the twilight of 2015 presidential election, attention was momentarily shifted to the palace in Ikoyi of a King-maker who is at present, desirous to be a king. The King-maker has not just been enjoying such attention. He is an enigmatic, charismatic, maverick and astute politician. His ability to discover talents, nurture them before dispatching them to various fields is unprecedented in the anal history of Nigerian politics. He is the cynosure of all eyes. Calculating, determined and dogged. The politician in question is the most vilified and quizzed politician for financial-related offences with a view to exhuming the facts behind the acquisition of his wealth. He is stinkingly rich …. and generous.
WaterField Luxury Hotel
Despite all the economic interrogations and financial inquiries by the eagle – eye EFCC, the professor and Doyen of Nigerian politics has never been found wanting. For this, he has always taunted his political foes.The 2015 attention soon became the ravaging headlines of both print, electronic and online media. Trust Nigerian critics, the papers were awashed with clamours for an investigation into the era of the potential king while at the helm of affairs at the commercial nerve of the nation. The uproar and criticism was targeted at knowing the mission of the van.
Like the rain that ceases to subdue and the siren that refuses to stop; Nigerians, especially opposition politicians have not relented in asking the question each time election approaches. What a recurring decimal ! Past is the key that unlocks the present but it is an irony that people do not learn from the past.
Does the law confer any right on an individual to request for the service of bullion van in his private home?
This is the major hypothesis of this piece.
I have taken time to study the extant law on the use of bullion van. The task is essential because the issue would continue to resonate and reverberate as long as the answer to the questions of who directed the van to a private house and for what purpose, remained unanswered. One should not be taken by surprise that an issue of about four years has again become a screaming headline. We should not forget that election is around the corner and Nigerian politicians can do anything to gather the ashes of a cremated dead on a flowing river to prove a point.
First and foremost, it may be argued that the van contained no content. Nobody witnessed the offloading of the content of the van parked at Bourdillon. It may and may not be your guess (laugh out loud!) Evidence to substantiate the allegation of “contraband” may be a product of imagination or illusion.
Secondly, my enquires have revealed that private individuals have the right to hire or request for the service of the van to ensure safety of money and valuables in transit. However, it cannot be bought by individuals except big churches and security allied companies.
Lump sum is a colossal sum of money and every individual is at liberty to spend his; the way he chooses. It is the principle of prerogative. I would not know whether there is a provision of the constitution that forbids use of money during elections. Even, if the content was cash, the politician in question did not err in as much as he had not taken the money to the poling booth. That would have amounted to vote-buying. But in this situation, the sum might be what was appropriated to the agents and other logistics. Logistics could be anything.
Let me cheap in this based on my experience as a full time official of the moribund National Electoral Commission, Lagos Island. Political agents could be bought over by the opposition. Did you hear me! Standing in as an agent at collation center is risky. At that point, the fate of a contestant is in the hands of the agent. If his master did not adequately fund him, opposition may triple his allowance under the contractual agreement of “overlooking”. By this, the agent is compromised. And once new, mints and captivating allowance exchange hands, his conscience and loyalty are swayed. He would sign any result at that moment. The issue of appending signature under duress cannot be proved convincingly at any tribunal. So, the assumed bundle in the bullion at Bourdillon could be the appropriated allowances of the agents.
On the suspicion of the van containing thumbed ballots, that may be unfounded because no further report came from that direction. People kept a serious vigil till dawn and no suspicious stuffing was noticed.
Nigerian politicians are master blackmailers. They are good at hanging bones at the neck of a dog to make life unbearable for the animal. As soon as election approaches, their ugly pasts resonate and they are always quick to and zealous to open the evil book of their opponents. Where there is no blemish, they seldom fathom one.
For instance, the death of my mentor- Cicero of Esa – Oke has been seen as a potent political weapon to discredit some politicians just like the assassination of the bearded former Commissioner in Lagos who was gruesomely murdered in his home at Osborne estate. In these cases, the nagging questions have always been: Who killed the Attorney? Who killed the Commissioner?
Ironically, as soon as the election was to their favour, the tone changes. Attorney died of pulmonary this while Commissioner died of cardiac that. Thus, the accused are exonerated. By this action, the blackmailers have abrogated and usurped the works of a medical practitioner who presents an autopsy and a judge who pronounces acquittal. Ironically, nobody has ever deemed it fit to sue the Bourdilon Landlord over this issue despite the murmuring.
Comrade Lekan Badmus is a columnist with Oduduwa News and a public opinion analyst.
His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde on Thursday, commissioned the dualised 9.7kilometres Oke-Ogun Poly-Saki Township/Ilesha Ibaruba Road.
The Governor was joined by his Adamawa State counterpart, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to commissioned the project.
Governor Fintiri, who was the special guest of honour at the event, commended Makinde for delivering such a massive road project, among many others, despite economic challenges in the country.
He congratulated Makinde for standing firm with his people, saying that governor’s of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are living up to expectations of the people.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, also indicated that the Adamawa helmsman equally lauded the people of the state for supporting Makinde, noting that Governor Makinde is very passionate about the development of Oyo State.
Fintiri said: “I am indeed honoured to be in Oyo State by the invitation of my friend and brother, GSM. I bring to you the warm regards of our people in Adamawa state. He is a first-term governor of the PDP, who is passionate about the development of Oyo State.
“He is someone in a hurry to change the fortune of his people for good. I must confess that the quantum of projects I have seen in Oyo State have forced my belief in Him and increased my respect for him. The APFA initiative for the urban renewal campaign, which he has initiated, is manifesting multiple road infrastructure.
“I have also seen the wonders he has performed in other key sectors of health, education, rural infrastructure, trade and Commerce. I can confirm that this can only be achieved in a PDP state.”
Governor Makinde, while speaking at the official commissioning ceremony held at the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, emphasized the importance the Saki Township road project as it will further advance socio-economic development of the State.
The Governor reassured the people that the present administration will ensure that the state get value for its money.
He said: “I want to start by thanking my dear brother, His Excellency Governor Fintiri, for honouring us. We appreciate your presence here today to commission this very strategic road to the people of Saki Township Road.
“I am glad to see the happy faces here today and what are we celebrating here? We are celebrating accelerated development because everywhere a strategic road goes, development follows immediately.
“History has it that the first road for motorised vehicles in Nigeria was built here in Oyo State in 1906, and the road links Ibadan to Oyo town.
“It was useful for transporting agricultural products from Oyo to Ibadan and from there to the Port for export. So, this is why I am excited about this linkage we are creating here in the Oke-Ogun zone.
“Oke-Ogun is our bread basket and agricultural arbiter and that is why we returned OYSADA to Saki Township.
“So, linking Oke-Ogun up to the rest of the zones means we can easily move our clothing for export either by air through our airport or by sea through the dry port at Moniya. Since we fixed the Moniya road, we have been able to cut the travel time from Saki to Ibadan to almost two and a half hours as against the former five hours.
“We know we have to take development beyond the state capital as we cannot afford to continue in the trajectory where one part of the state is generating the revenue that all the other parts of the state benefit from.
“This will only create another Nigerian situation in Oyo State. So, it is time to diversify and a proper good linkage is the first step in the diversification process.
“When we say we are engineering a new Oyo State, this is exactly what we mean. Indeed, we are building and designing a new Oyo State and the foundation of the design is a proper road network. This is why we did not ignore viable projects started by our predecessors.
“I am saying it today; I am giving them the credit. They started this road. We know it is very possible to play politics with this road but we would not play politics with the development of our people. I came here during my campaign and wore white cloth. By the time I finish, it turned brown. We have seen an administration in this Oyo State that said they would not complete the projects started by their predecessors but start their own projects. Yes, they started theirs and for 8 years, they could not complete what they started. This is exactly why they are confused by our style of governance.
“Like I have said in the past, we will finish all uncompleted projects, which are strategic to the development of our dear state. When we finish them, we will commission them just like we are doing now because when you are running a race, the question people often ask is not the number of those that participated but the number of people who finished the race. Then they choose winners from the people that finished the race.
“So, those talking and thinking about 2023, when they come to tell you that the Saki road was started by the past administration, tell them it does not matter who started but who finished it.
“We are here today and in just 15 months after we revoked the contract, another promise has been delivered.
“We are delivering this road at a lower cost than when it was first awarded in 2016. In physical cash going into the pocket of the state, we have saved N1bn and this is what we will continue to do – to deliver good governance to the people of Oyo State with zero wastage.
“We will continue to make Oyo State the proof that good governance is possible in Nigeria. We are kick-starting an infrastructural revolution that will make people say, once again, that they are proud of our state.
“On the request made by both the Chief Judge and Kabiyesi the Okere of Saki, we will extend the road by another 1.2 kilometres.”
The Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr. Oluseyi Makinde on Wednesday received the report of the Oyo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry into Police Brutality, Violation of Rights of Citizens and Unlawful Killings led by Hon Justice Badejoko O. Adeniji (rtd), presented their report to the government.
The Governor in his address commended the Committee for a good job and promised that his administration will implement the findings of the Panel and at the same time send recommendations to Federal Government where applicable.
“I commended members of the panel for the thorough job they did and thanked them for their service. I promised that the recommendations in the report would be implemented by our administration while we would pass on the necessary recommendations to the Federal Government”
The Pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, held its first annual general meeting on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.
The meeting held at the country home of the Acting Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State. The meeting was attended by some leaders and members of Afenifere from all the states in Yorubaland including Delta, Kwara and Kogi.
Among the leaders in attendance were the former Governor of Kwara State, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Chief Supo Sonibare, Chief Sola Ebiseni, the Secretary General, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, Chief Korede Duyile, Abagun Kole Omololu, Hon. Leke Mabinuori, Chief Kofoworola Doherty, Dr. Ebun Sonaiya, Chief Tunde Onakoya, Senator Femi Lanlehin, Jumoke Ajasin-Anifowose, Chief Segun Olawoyin and Deacon Owolabi Oladejo, Chief Olu Pesu, Reverend Goke Omigbodun to mention a few. The Ag. Leader welcomed Members and congratulated them for surviving the turbulent 2021.
The meeting deliberated extensively on various issues pertaining to the Nigeria nation especially in the way they affect the Yorubas.
The meeting reviewed the various challenges that Nigeria has been facing since independence. The meeting felt that while the country had never met the dream of its founding fathers, the situation had never been this bad socially, economically and politically. The situation is particularly worse on the security front as no part of the country is safe at any time of the day any more.
The meeting also discussed the continued travails of Mr Sunday Adeyemo Igboho and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
This was contained in a statement signed and sent to ODUDUWA NEWS by Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi.
After extensive deliberations, Afenifere resolved as follow:
A. Before and after independence, various efforts have been made to have a country, Nigeria, that everyone would be proud of. A country in which every one lives a happy life and there is life more abundant for all. Afenifere however has no doubt whatsoever that the country can never get out of its present logjam, let alone, develop, unless there is Restructuring.
B. The meeting felt that one of the things that has been a great cog in the wheel of Nigeria’s progress today was the rubishing of true federalism. Meaning that true federalism must be allowed to be effectively operational immediately. In other words, States and local government councils must be allowed to enjoy self governance as bprovided for them in the Constitution.
C. Afenifere is convinced that Restructuring of the Nigerian State before the 2023 general elections is achievable. It is achievable through the adoption of the Reports of the 2014 National Conference and the 2018 Mallam El-Rufai Committee of the APC on True Federalism with desirable modifications where necessary.
D. In recent times, we have consistently expressed concern on the situation of insecurity in Nigeria today. We have also always recommended what we consider as the ways out of the unprecedented security challenges facing us. In this respect, we strongly call on the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure the introduction of State Police equipped with requisite means to enhance security in the states and that of the federation ultimately. The performance of Amotekun Security Network in the South West in conjunction with the Nigerian Police has shown clearly that all the criticisms against State Police are unfounded and self serving.
E. The meeting considered Sunday Adeyemo Igboho as a Prisoner of Conscience. Afenifere called on all men and women of conscience, particularly the international community to which human rights and freedom are abiding faith, to prevail on the Governments of Nigeria and Benin Republic to release Sunday Igboho forthwith. Not only that, the federal government should also pay Sunday Igboho the damages awarded to him by the court upon the savage attack on his person and property.
F. The meeting also called on the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu even if on Political consideration as happened in the case of Asari Dokubo under the then President Olusegun Obasanjo. The meeting expressed appreciation to its Leader and to Ekiti State for hosting the participants. The meeting looks forward to a more benign year in 2022.
On Tuesday, the Federation of Ibadan Students Union, National Council Team paid a visit to Oyo State College of Health Science, Eleyele.
The team headed by their National President, Aare Fakolade Anuoluwapo were received by Chief Mrs Awotunde H.A.T, the Head of Department of Community Health Department of the Institution.
The visiting team with Chief Mrs Awotunde
The President and members of the team appreciated Chief Mrs Awotunde for her support to the administration since the inception of this administration, and seek for further collaboration.
National President & Provost
The team also paid a courtesy visit to the Provost of the College, Mr. Muritala Ayansiji Ganiyu, where issues that concerns Ibadan Indigenes were discussed.
National President & Mr Chukwuemeka
The Team also visited Lord Smith Chukwuemeka Eze, Chief Operating Officer of Tech Hub, and were able to secured training slots for their members on Website Designing, Graphics Designing and ICT.
Law, constitution, edict and decree are all pointers to one direction. They all connote rules and regulations. They are ethics, norms, customs and ethos that dictate direction of governance. Every law has an element of cultural background of the people. The major intent of laws is to guide against excesses and instil decorum. Where laws are elusive, anarchy prevails. The entire globe is a product of rules and regulations. Even in sports, rules are inevitable. The absence of constitution in a nation is akin to a football match without goalposts.
Be that as it may, laws are made for people and not otherwise. However, every law made is in tandem with the existing practice which are susceptible to change in conformity with current trend. Change is inevitable. A law that is imuned against change becomes controversial, ambiguous and conservative.
Review is the process of editing a law or ordinance. It is against the backdrop of flaws and irrelevances. Ordinances that look obsolete and aquake are also proned to review. It is a matter of expunging the clauses, minus and plus to give it a facelift or human face.
Traditional institutions in Yorubaland are the constituted authorities in the ancient days. The royal fathers are the custodians of culture and heritage.Then, they were the executive arm and wielded enormous power over their subjects.Civilization has however eroded the power hitherto confered on the royal fathers by culture. As presently constituted, little or no regard is attached to royalty. The executive governor of the states have become the deciders of the fates of the obas. Nigeria’s constitution places the governors above the kings. From nomination to installation and to salary, governors dictate the pace. Woe betides any oba that embarks on a journey outside his jurisdiction without the express permission of the governors. Any royal father that trespasses does so at the detriment of his status. Such a king would incur the wrath of the governor through various sanctions such as: relegation of status in the comity of Obas, deposition and banishment. His salary could be withheld and other entitlements could be suspended.
Recently, the review of ordinances that established chieftaincy matter in Oyo state; especially Ibadan, led to serious controversies. For the first time, the traditional method of ascension to the throne of Olubadan was contested and challenged. This was consequent upon the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji. The age-long method of ascendancy which was globally adjudged to be the most peaceful was brought to disrepute. The simmering crisis was at the instance of the elevation of the high chiefs to the position of obas. To an average Ibadan man, the elevation was implemented to settle innuendos, vendetta and for political witch-hunt.
There are two schools of thought on this matter. A school was of the conviction that the governor then, Late Ajimobi had the right to effect the promotion while the other school of thought was of the opinion that it was sacrilegious to tamper with the existing order. This dilemma led to litigations which almost marred the selection of the next oba until the current governor of Oyo state, Engineer Seyi Makinde intervened. The brouhaha that trailed the review assented to by the late governor was unprecedented and that is why a cursory look at similar exercise is essential. Hence, the comparative assessment of the reviews of chieftaincy issue in Oyo state and her neighbouring state, Ogun.
Monday 17th of January, 2022 , Governor Dapo Abiodun signed the Ogun State Chieftaincy Bill into law. The bill was titled; ‘Obas, Chiefs, Council of Obas and Traditional Council law of Ogun State, Bill 2021, is aimed at “respecting human dignity and promotion of modernity” in the installation of new Oba. It also aimed at curbing fetish practices in the process of installing and burying traditional rulers in the state and finally, upgrading of Baale to Oba. From the term of reference, the review in Ogun state had wider scope and more cumbersome than Oyo state. Yet, there was no wahala !
In the case of Ogun state, the bill emanated from the traditional council which was passed to the State House of Assembly, where a public hearing was held. On the other hand, Oyo state was purely an executive bill although, some apologists strived to give it a colouration of people’s will. There was an argument that it was the work of previous governments who were not bold to implement it. Three basic facts are logical from the process adopted by Ogun state Viz; initiated by traditional council, subjected to public opinion and debated by house of assembly.
Review is procedural. It must follow certain rudiments. Any law that is passed without the inputs of the populace is seen as a decree; characterized by order and draconian tendencies. Such law is despotic, an effort in futility from conception and bound to fail.
Let me make a clarification. Bill could be initiated by anybody. The late governor of Oyo state had the right to initiate a bill but such bill must follow sequence without any parochial sentiment. The fact that the elevation in contention did not follow due process; despite the germane nature of the exercise made it suspicious and so; was misconstrued as a unilateral decision shrouded with sinister and political motive.
According to the speaker of Ogun state house of assembly, the bill passed through a very rigourous exercise and subjected to inputs from the public and scrutiny before it became law. There was a public seating which attracted more attention than any public seating that the Assembly has had in the recent times. This is due process.
I was engrossed in an intellectual discourse on this issue with some friends penultimate weekend. They posited that Ogbomoso town has four Obas despite the fact that the town is smaller than Ibadan. Another was of the opinion that there are other Obas in ife aside Oonirisa. Yoruba cradle for that matter. Obalufe..oba ni. Obaloran..oba ni. They were right but where they erred was their inability to take cognisance of Ibadan’s peculiarity. What am I saying !
The high chiefs lineage of Olubadan-in-council is different from the various obas at various suburbs in Ibadan. There are traditional obas at the various hitherto independent towns before the amalgamation . Yes, I make bold to say that Ibadan is an amalgamation of various towns that were captured and coerced into the cosmopolitan city. There were Ijaye, Ikereku, Onidundu, Moniya, Lalupon, Ejioku, Akanran, Pade and a host of others. All these ancient towns had their Obas but ironically, they are currently under the high chiefs who collect royalty from these Obas till date.
Progressive modernity further altered the status of the villages. This is evident in the evolution of cultures and civilisations that are considered fluid and dynamic. Review is all about transformation. Suffice to say that the title; Olubadan was a transformation from Bale. A change of nomenclature which helped to further strengthen the system in the face of the changing realities of the period. From its’ formation around 1829, leadership of Ibadan bore the title of Bale. There were Bale Apampa in Isale – Osi, Bale this and Bale that.
In truth, the review was not bad but if the then governor had not allowed ego to dictate his action, there would not have been any uproar.
Aside this, the firmer governor should have exhausted all amicable options to bring everybody on board. He should have gauged the opinion of the volatile public and above all, he should have allowed the reigning kabiesi crown the high chiefs.
The former governor has come, served and gone like everyone before him. And so will everyone at his own time. Whatever we do become history and that is why we all need to be wary of our actions. He was a peace-loving and an outstanding custodian of ingenuity who held on strictly to the principles of excellent leadership. He would forever be remembered for his consistency and tenacity of purpose in whatever he believed would advance the course of Ibadanland. But he was a mortal, susceptible to errors.
The lesson from this is the need to thread the path of honour and respect majority view. No matter the necessity of a change, it must not be made to look as a way of harbouring malice. Hence, the scepticism.
Comrade Lekan Badmus is a Columnist with Oduduwa News and a public opinion analyst.
For comments: lekanbadmuscolumn@gmail.com Mobile No: 08060002439
