Author: oduduwanews

The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has invited all aspirants under the platform of Peoples’ Democratic Party PDP in Oyo State to a meeting today to harmonize and settle rifts that occured as a result of the fallout in the recent consensus arrangement.

This was contained in a short notification signed and sent today to party members by the Party’s Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke to all the aspirants as read in part:

“This is to inform all Aspirants for different elective political offices under Oyo State PDP that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State and the Leader of our party will like to meet with us all today Monday 25/04/2022 by 11am prompt at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan”.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday reassured the residents that the State Government is on track with its efforts to complete works on both the Blue and Red lines rail projects, which are intra-city, to strengthen the intermodal transportation system.

He said work on the Blue Line rail project was at 90 per cent completion as contractors were working seven days a week so that Lagosians would ride a train on the rail by the first quarter of 2023.

The Governor gave the reassurance on Sunday while speaking to journalists at the Marina Train Station after about three hours of inspection of ongoing works on the Blue Line rail project and stations at the National Theatre Iganmu, Orile, Suru Alaba, Mile 2 and Marina axis of the state.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who inspected the Blue line rail project alongside some of his cabinet members, top officials of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and contractors handling the project, moved from the National Arts Theatre rail station on a construction track to Orile Iganmu, Alaba and Mile 2 stations to inspect the four train stations on the Blue line rail.

He said the blue line rail would be running on electric tracks with Electric Motor Vehicle (EMV) and therefore warned citizens to keep off the train lines and ensure they don’t walk on it.

The Governor after riding back to the National Arts Theatre station on a construction track also inspected a new four-coach train, which according to him, is a typical train that will be used on the blue line.

He also disclosed the Lagos State Government’s plan to bringing additional two sets of four-train coaches from China between September and October, adding that adequate security would be put in place at every train station and platform with the use of CCTV.

“This is the first time I am taking you on the blue line to see where we are. The first phase of the Blue line rail project starts from Mile 2 and terminates at Marina. Marina Station is an elevated station and it stretches out to outer Marina and terminates where the Governor’s residence is. At the end of the station, you could see that the track is broken into two bridges. The backtrack is for parking.

“We are happy that the contractors are working seven days a week. The major aspect apart from the Marina Station is a sea crossing from Eko Bridge to join the outer Marina. They would finish it in about three months. And by the time we will be coming back in July, the concrete construction should have been completed.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu while condemning the level of vandalism along the rail corridors warned perpetrators to desist from such evil acts. He said the government would go after companies that purchased vandalised rail tracks infrastructure, adding that culprits will be traced and made to face the wrath of the law.

Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday issued a three days ultimatum to traders under the Apogbon Bridge in Lagos Island to vacate or risk demolition of the space by Wednesday this week.

He gave the warning while driving on the bridge during his inspection of the blue line rail project and saw that traders were back under the bridge with their goods displayed after they were driven away in the aftermath of the fire outbreak under the Apogbon bridge about six weeks ago.

Governor Sanwo-Olu who frowned at the unlawful return of the traders under Apongbon bridge said the enforcement team would be deployed to the bridge after the three days ultimatum issued.

Caught in the web of two important principles; the principle of reciprocity and principle of loyalty, president Buhari seems set to make his preferred successor known to the party’s faithfuls and members.

Billed for May 2023, the ruling party is preparing to conduct the presidential primary election based on the time frame handed down by the electoral body. Preparatory to the general election, the participating parties in the election are under obligation to present their candidates for the election. This is in tandem with the electoral laws.

Worried by the numbers of heavy weights showing interest to occupy Aso Rock, the president seems to be in a dilemma over where he pitches his tent. By virtue of his position as the leader, Mr President has become a bride whose interest matters most in the eventual choice of the party’s Flagbearer.
This singular honour is causing insomnia and migraine for the aging president because all the aspirants within his party are either his benefactor or beneficiary.Apparently, his body language lacks proper posture. It is defective with reference to kyphosis and scoliosis in human kinetics and sports.

The dilemma of the president is premised on the two principles mention in paragraph one of the piece.

According to anthropology, there’s a natural law in every society called the Law of Reciprocity. The Law of Reciprocity states that; ” when people receive something, they feel compelled to return the favor in kind.” The driving motivation behind reciprocation might be to dispel our debt or to not be seen as a moocher or parasite. Much of the time, the law of reciprocity inspires us to give even more than the value of what was received. We navigate this law every day. However, we seldom realize what a powerful effect it has, even subconsciously.

Loyalty; in general use, is simply devotion and faithfulness.The definition of loyalty in law and political cycle is the fidelity of an individual to a nation.The encyclopaedia britannica defines loyalty as “allegiance to the sovereign or established government.This could be referred to as fidelity in service, in love, or to an oath that one has made. Interestingly, both principles have biblical references.

In the Gospel of Matthew 6:24, Jesus states, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon”. Reciprocation also has its biblical reverence in the bible.

Of all the numerous potential aspirants within the ruling party, two political juggernauts have thrown the president off balance. Their pedigrees and quality is having an adverse effect on the aerodynamic movements of the president. Both Asiwaju Tinubu and professor Osibajo are two dear to the outgoing president to the extent that the president has found it uneasy to anoint one at the expense of other. The duo have supported the president as exemplified in the two principles of the introductory part of this article.

Every Nigerian who is vast with Nigeria polity can witness to the fact that Asiwaju made Buhari. Through his political dexterity and astuteness, Asiwaju single handedly rebranded and removed the veil of serial contestant over the fave of the president. The contribution of Asiwaju to Buhari’s presidency was also confirmed when the president mentioned the name Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his speech at his first inauguration in 2009. However, president famous statement of ” I am for everybody, I belong to nobody” was a slip of tongue.

Arguably, the most loyal Vice president in the anal history of Nigeria democracy is Professor Osibajo. Reliable, trustworthy and dependable. It is rare for a president to transfer power to his deputy while traveling abroad. At the transferring of power as enshrined in the constitution, the vice president becomes the supremo. Power is intoxicating. A power monger could sit anything to prevent the return of his Principal. That is more the reason why some president are skeptical to delegate the president to act by proxy.

In the case of the law professor, president Buhari has never had any course to think twice over his deputy’s loyalty.

Now that both Asiwaju and Osibajo have thrown their hats to the ring, it remains to be seen who gets the blessings of the president.

Instructively, Asiwaju made Osibajo.That Osibajo could now tango Tinubu is a million naira moral question.

Buhari’s penchant for being reticent on issues has been keeping everyone guessing on who he will likely settle for as his preferred choice, a subject the president has evaded on a number of occasions.
Recall that he had expressed fears his favourite presidential candidate might be ‘eliminated’ if he revealed his identity.

One cannot outrightly doubt the tactical approach of the president on issues like this going by the way he handled the issue of the national chairman of the party. Every outgoing president would show interest in who his political party will present as his likely successor.

The APC, according to a letter addressed to the INEC, will conduct its presidential primary election on May 30 and 31

Comrade Lekan Badmus is a columnist with Oduduwa News.

Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams on Saturday dispelled the rumours making the rounds in the media that the late Alaafin of Oyo,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi had been buried according to the muslim rites.

Iba Gani Adams in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi,stated that the transition and burial rites of the foremost Yoruba monarch is purely traditional and not religious.

The Yoruba generalissimo added that prior to the announcement of Kabiesi’s death on Saturday, the Isoro and the Oyo Messi had earlier observed the core traditional rites which,he said, went through the night and ended till 11 am today before Bashorun and the families of the Alaafin notified the Oyo state governor,Engr.Seyi Makinde,who later announced officially.

While warning those attaching religious meaning to the burial of the Alaafin of Oyo to desist from spreading lies,Adams insisted that the Oyo Messi and the Isoro had done the normal traditional rites, before the formal announcement, adding that the final process of the rites would be done tonight.

“As the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land,I think it is part of my duty and responsibility to set the record straight, especially, on pertinent issues that had to do with the burial of the late Alaafin of Oyo,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi”,

“The late Alaafin’s respect for all the religions,either muslim or christian or even the traditionalist should not be misconstrued for anything.

“The Oyo muslims community led by the chief Imam of Oyo,Sheilk Masud Adabayo Ajokideru did the prayer on the remains for seven minutes to pay their last respects for the late monarch before handing over the remains to the Isoro for further observation of the final traditional rites that will lead to the final burial at Ibara tonight.That was the truth and nothing but the truth”,

“Alaafin is not an ordinary king and the Oyo messi,the Isoro and the Sango devotees cannot but complete the final traditional rites”,

“So the impression in the public domain that Kabiesi, the late Alaafin of Oyo,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was buried according to muslims rites was untrue and it was at variance with the core tradition of the ancient town of Oyo and Yoruba traditional institution in general”

In history,the burial of foremost Yoruba monarch like the Alaafin
must not be done in the open and those that should know knew quite well that the Isoro and the Oyo Messi must observe all the rites and necessary rituals before the burial”.

Adams, however,urged the Oyo people to uphold the core beliefs and practice of Yoruba culture and tradition, saying the only institution that remains sacred in Yoruba land is the traditional institution and the respect accorded to the traditional institution must be sustained with everything that matters.

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President Muhammadu Buhari will in May reveal his choice among those aiming to be his successor on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, a presidential source revealed.

According to the source, the President is critically studying the aspirants, their attitudes, actions, backgrounds and others before either making his pronouncement on the issue or directing his trusted aides on whom to queue behind among them.

Some of the aspirants, who have made their intentions known to run for the presidency are Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige; a former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; his Ebonyi State counterpart, David Umahi; a former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu; and an ex-governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.

Other rumoured to have presidential ambition in the party but have yet to declare their intentions include the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

Buhari had expressed fear that his favourite presidential candidate might be “eliminated” if he revealed the identity.

He said this during an exclusive interview with Channels Television in January, while noting that he had no special interest in the 2023 presidential election.

“It is not my problem,” he replied when asked about the next presidential election.

Native Reporters

President Muhammad Buhari has ondoled with the Government and people of Oyo State on the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.

This was contained in a statement made available by the President via his official Facebook account as read in part:

“His 52-year reign was remarkable in many ways, covering major historic transitions in the country, and witnessing transformations in his domain.

“Most significant was the emphasis he placed on human development, encouraging learning as a culture and formal education as a necessity, while also promoting values of peace and stability.

“I cannot but note his numerous participations in national meetings and conferences to shape the future of the country, and the living words of wisdom he shared at every opportunity on unity and people-focused governance.

“I extend my condolences to the Oyo State Traditional Council, Oba Lamidi’s family, friends, and associates, including in sports where he left another footprint.

“I pray that the Almighty God will receive his soul, and comfort the family he left behind”.

Just after Islamic janazah prayers held on late Alaafin by Islamic clerics, the traditionalists have taken over the emains of Alaafin to Baara to perform the final traditional rites.

It was learnt that Alaafin to be buried by 9pm according to traditional rite. Curfew to be declared by 7pm to 9pm in Oyo town while the final rituals ongoing.

Details later.

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Former Governor of Ogun State and senator represnting Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State on the passage of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi,the Alaafin of Oyo.

In a starement personnaly signed by him,Senator Amosun described Oba Adeyemi as a human library with remarkable knowledge of the history of Yorubaland and Nigeria.He said it was a personal loss to him because Oba Adeyemi was his counselor and adviser.

” I commiserate with the Government and good people of Oyo State and the entire Yorubaland as our revered traditional ruler, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Lamidi Adeyemi III,the Alaafin of Oyo, joins his ancestors at the age of 83 years.

The exit of Oba Adeyemi III is a great loss to all of us in Yorubaland and indeed, the whole of Nigeria. Oba Adeyemi was a symbol and custodian of the rich culture and tradition of the Yoruba traditional institution as well as a source of inspiration for the entire Yorubaland.

Kabiyesi was a cherished leader and a respected Elder Statesman who demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment towards the unity, cohesion, harmony and continued development of the Oyo empire, the entire Yorubaland and Nigeria. At a personal level,I have lost a counsellor and adviser whose wisdom and courage are not in surplus supply in this clime.

It is on record that Oba Adeyemi’s 51-year reign as the Alaafin of Oyo brought about all-around development to the Oyo, Oyo State and Nigeria.

He was a detribalised monarch who epitomised and championed peaceful co-existence and unity of the people.He was a human library of Yoruba and Nigeria’s chequered history.

I comisserate with His Excellenct, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Governor, and the good people, of Oyo State on the passage of Kabiyesi.

My heart also goes out to the family of Kabiyesi and the entire good people of Oyo. For them, Kabiyesi has left a huge shoe that will be difficult to fill.

It is my prayer that the Almighty Allah (SWT) will grant our Kabiyesi Aljannah Firdaus and grant his family, the people of Oyo and Oyo State as well as the entire Yorubaland the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.