Author: oduduwanews

It appears the dust is yet to settle on the Kukah controversy as the Nigerian Islamic human rights body, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Federal Government (FG) and the National Peace Committee (NPC) to desist from imposing Bishop Mathew Hasan Kukah on Nigerian Muslims. MURIC reminded Muslims that they have the right to boycott any committee or event in which the controversial bishop is involved.

MURIC stated this in its latest press release of Tuesday, 19th January, 2021 The release was signed by its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.

“We have watched in utter consternation in the past four weeks as some groups added fuel to the flame in the Kukah controversy. In particular, the Nigerian Catholic Mission and Northern Christian groups have arrogantly endorsed Bishop Kukah’s incinerating Christmas statement instead of dousing tension. Neither has the National Peace Committee (NPC) helped matters with its silence.

“Kukah himself added salt to injury by telling us that he did not know how or where he insulted Muslims. It means he is not ready to show remorse. Kukah will not recognise the dignity of his Muslim neighbor. He still believes that Muslims are there for him to push around and lampoon like school children.

“Meanwhile several Islamic organisations including the Jamaatu Nasr il-Islam (JNI), the Nigerian Islamic Center, Zaria and the Sokoto Muslim Solidarity Forum have demanded Kukah’s resignation from that committee. It must be a huge joke if the Federal Government or the NPC think this matter can be swept under the carpet or that it would soon be overtaken by events.

“We insist that this is not one of such issues that will just melt away like ice cream under the burning desert sun. Successive Nigerian governments have created a larger than life image for Bishop Kukah by giving him lofty positions particularly in federal commissions and committees without any objection from Muslims. But Kukah failed to appreciate the grace of Nigerians particularly that of Muslims who have always endorsed such appointments.

“Unfortunately instead of a proper appraisal the bishop used every opportunity of his public profile to pour invectives on Muslims. The latter continued to tolerate him until his cup of ingratitude overflowed and spilled.

“You can force a horse to the river but you cannot force it to drink there. Mediation is a tripartite obligation. The two warring parties must be willing to come to the table. Both of them must also accept the mediator. A situation where one party has no confidence in the mediator necessitates bringing in a more credible person to mediate.

“Nigerian Muslims have told the National Peace Committee (NPC) that Bishop Kukah is no longer acceptable to them as Secretary and member of that Committee but surprisingly there is dead silence on the part of the NPC. Is that how to work for peace?

“NPC must scout around for a credible person to replace Kukah. We mean a non-controvertial personality, not a politician and not necessarily a religious leader. NPC may also want to go further if it so desires by coopting other middle-roaders and patriotic citizens.

“In case the NPC fails to act, Nigerian Muslims are hereby reminded that it is their Allah-given fundamental human right to boycott (or stage a walkout from) any event in which Bishop Mathew Hasan Kukah is involved either as the chairman, secretary, member, guest or speaker.
“It was Edmund Burke who said, ‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’ and Abraham Lincoln complemented him by adding, ‘To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men’. Muslims must liberate themselves from Kukah’s grip if the NPC and FG refuse to tame this shrewd.”

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

Oduduwa News has just gathered that many commuters said to have been trapped in a petrol tanker that exploded in Abeokuta the Ogun State capital on Tuesday.

ODUDUWA NEWS learnt that the tanker driving towards GTB, Kuto, Abeokuta fell and went up in flames immediately. One person confirmed dead immediately while several vehicles and motorcycles were trapped in the inferno. Details later.

The association also said it is not aware of the order by the Governor that herdsmen should vacate the forest reserves in Ondo State.

Akeredolu had on Monday issued a statement, giving herdsmen seven days to vacate all forest reserves due to the high rate of kidnapping in the state.

He had said:

“Today, we have taken major steps at addressing the root cause of kidnapping, in particular, and other nefarious activities detailed and documented in security reports, the press, and debriefings from victims of kidnap cases in Ondo State.

“As the Chief Law and Security Officer of the State, it is my constitutional obligation to do everything lawful to protect the lives and property of all residents of the State. In light of the foregoing, the following orders are hereby issued: All Forest Reserves in the state are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next seven days with effect from today, Monday, January 18, 2021.”

However, while Reacting to order on Monday evening, the Secretary-General, MACBAN, Usman Baba-Ngelzerma, said his members also attended a meeting with Akeredolu but all that was discussed was putting a stop to night grazing and the activities of child herders.

He said if such an order was made, it would only be right for the state government to provide an alternative for the pastoralists.

Baba-Ngelzerma, however, said he was not aware of Akeredolu’s order and would wait for an official communication before any action is taken.

Responding to a question, he said, “The governor had a two-hour meeting today and the chairman of MACBAN in Ondo State was there and what he told me was that the agreement they reached was that we should stop night grazing and stop allowing cows to graze around government properties and that we should cooperate with Amotekun and help fish out bad eggs among them.

“That is what we were told. There was no discussion about vacating. But if they asked them to vacate the forest reserves, have they provided an alternative for them to graze? Where will they graze if they leave the forest reserves?

“As it is now, we are not aware of any order to vacate. My chairman is not aware. Even I just read about it in the media. When we have confirmed, we will know what to do.”

He further said Nigerians must be aware of the fact that not all herdsmen are members of Miyetti Allah.

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that a student of the University of Lagos, John Akinwale, has landed in the hospital after a power-drunk policeman tortured him to a coma in the Mosafejo, Oshodi area of Lagos State.

It was learnt that Akinwale was arrested on Monday around 2 pm, after he bought fuel at a filling station, by police officers attached to the Mosafejo division.

It was gathered that the operatives extorted N5000 from the UNILAG student, who is also an activist, before dragging him to a police station.

According to a witness, Akinwale was arrested for having a “covered number plate.”

After the extortion, the policemen, not done, beat Akinwale to a coma, for being “rude” after which he was rushed to a hospital.

A source said, “John came out from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority office and drove into a filling station. The policemen rushed at him just as he was about to leave the station.

“They collected N5000 from him and they dragged him to a police station. He collapsed in police custody after being beaten up by the officer. He was arrested for covering his number plate. He was held for hours for being rude to the Divisional Police Officer of the Mosafejo division in Oshodi.

“It was when he became unconscious that he was rushed to a hospital. It is now that he is regaining consciousness that he confirmed that he was hit by objects by the policemen.”

“I saw him use medication for Typhoid earlier that morning. We first thought it was the medication that reacted in his body. But the doctor at the hospital confirmed that it was not the drugs but that he was hit with an object.

“When he regained consciousness, he stated the same thing that the policemen beat him up,” another source said.

It was learnt that the matter was brought to the attention of the Area Commander but instead of him to scold the policemen over the brutality, he only called the DPO to ask him to consider releasing Akinwale.

The governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has ordered Nigerian Police to investigate a yoruba-born socialite, Chief Sunday Igboho on the 7-day ultimatum given to Seriki Fulani living in Ibarapaland to vacate.

You will recall that earlier last week, Chief Sunday Igboho had travelled to Igangan with his men to warn Seriki Fulani on incessant killings and maiming by men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen. Igboho thereafter gave 7-day ultimatum to Seriki Fulani and his men to leave Ibarapaland and failure to do so will lead to forceful ejection.

Seyi Makinde while speaking through his Media Aide, Taiwo Adisa on SplashFM radio programme, Gbangbalasata monitored by ODUDUWA NEWS, said the governor was surprised to have heard such order given to Fulani living in Ibarapaland.

“On whose behalf was Sunday Igboho acting, the State Government or the FG? The governor has ordered the Police to investigate him as nobody can intimidate any tribe to leave Oyo State.

“The governor has sent members of his cabinet to meet Seriki Fulani and reassured him of peaceful stay in Yorubaland”.

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has secured a Court Order authorising it to publicly auction 88 vehicles impounded by the Agency for contravening the One-Way Traffic Law and forfeited to the Government by an order of a Lagos State Mobile Court.

Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, disclosed that the public auction of the 88 vehicles impounded by the enforcement team of the Agency in different parts of the State, would hold in line with COVID-19 protocols on Wednesday, 20th of January, 2021, at the Agency’s Car Park (Behind Shoprite), Alausa, Ikeja.

CSP Jejeloye said, “The offenders were arraigned before the Lagos Mobile Court and found guilty of the said crime which resulted in the forfeiture of their vehicles to the State government by the Court in line with Part (3) item (27) of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018”.

He urged all motorists to desist from driving against traffic (one-way) as the penalty is outright forfeiture of such vehicle to the government without an option of fine.

The Taskforce Chairman averred that other traffic offenders caught plying BRT corridors or those causing obstruction to other road users were also arraigned and fined by Lagos State Mobile Court at Bolade, Oshodi.

While reiterating the State government’s zero-tolerance for the violation of the law under any guise, the Chairman maintained that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu has directed the Agency to continue the prosecution of traffic offenders until sanity is restored on Lagos roads and law-abiding citizens are allowed to commute without being impeded by unlawful individuals.

Nollywood sensational actress and film producer, Iyabo Ojo, today, revealed why she divorced her ex-husband.

According to the beautiful mother of two who spoke to Tosin, the CEO of Tattleroom, she divorced her husband after he body-shamed her and made her feel worthless because of her body.

Iyabo revealed that she got married at 21 and by the time she had her two children, she developed ugly stretch marks on her belly which made her husband constantly taunt her.

He would call her ugly and other offensive names because she had stretch marks on her tummy, stretch marks she got because of birthing their own children.

After the taunting became constant, she had to walk away to protect her sanity and peaceful. Iyabo said that she felt worthless because of her divorce and had to resort to clubbing and drinking to clear her mind.

She had to withdraw from people and keep to herself because she was tired of everything. However, she consoled herself and moved on.

Her children were her pillar and support and they made her to strive hard. That she was able to act as a gangster or Wonder woman was because of the storm she weathered in her marriage which made her extra tough. Finally, she made it and since then, she never regretted walking away from her marriage.

Iyabo Ojo’s story is a very emotional one as she passed through emotional torture in the hands of a man she dearly loved. It is very saddening seeing men look down on their wives because of their bodies after giving birth.

Men should understand that we women pass through hell during pregnancy and after pushing out babies, we still get blamed for how sagged, ugly or fat we have become.

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Monday urged politicians promoting the presidential ambition of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to deploy wisdom and avoid arbitrary use of power.

The Ooni who doubles as the Spiritual Head of the Oduduwa Race worldwide explained this while receiving organizers of the South West Agenda (SWAGA); a political group projecting the ambition of Senator Tinubu.

Ooni Ogunwusi who explained that the reported ambition of the former Lagos State Governor is a good signal for the Yoruba race, added that such lofty dream could only be realized through unity.

“Asiwaju Tinubu is a very great descendant of Oduduwa. He’s such a unique Yoruba son and we are always proud of him. He is popular and known for uprightness.

“But first, I want to challenge all politicians here this afternoon to first go and work on yourselves, you must be United if you are indeed for the Yoruba race. It is you people that form political parties, change from one party to another among other things.

“With all that said, I want you to know that many will rise with similar interest and it is allowed. I implore you and your principal to deploy wisdom not power so that we will all be on the same page.

“We Yorubas are Omoluabis and I want you all to know that everything is not politics. With these in mind, it shall be well with us and we are good to go.” The Ooni admonished.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman for the South West Agenda (SWAGA), Senator Dayo Adeyeye, explained that the visit was to seek the spiritual blessings of the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) in recognition of his status as the head of the Yoruba race worldwide.

“Baba, this is the highest throne in Yorubaland and Ile-Ife is the town that gave birth to all the entire Yoruba race. We have come here today seek your blessings and support towards the actualization of having a Yoruba man as the next president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023. In this quest, we have found Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu worthy and that is why we have embarked on this assignment even without being sent.

“We Yorubas must unite ourselves to realize this and not make ourselves tools in the hands of those who might be willing to divide use against ourselves. SWAGA is well known to almost everyone in the country including those from other parts who have declared support for the movement.”

In the same vein, Osun State coordinator of the group, Hon. (Mrs) Ayo Omidiran, noted that they are always in touch with the Ooni and will always keep him informed on all activities.

The event which was spiced with several traditional performances was well attended by top politicians across the country including Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, Hon. Bisi Odewumi, Tilewa Sijuwade among others.

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has given 7-day utlitmatum to herdsmen to vacate all forest reserves in the State.

This was contained in a statement personally released by him today via his official Twitter handle which reads in part:

“We have taken major steps at addressing the root cause of kidnapping, in particular, and other nefarious activities detailed and documented in security reports, the press and debriefings from victims of kidnap cases in Ondo State.

“These unfortunate incidents are traceable to the activities of some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen. These felons have turned our forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.

“As the Chief Law and Security Officer of the State, it is my constitutional obligation to do everything lawful to protect the lives and property of all residents of the State. In light of the foregoing, the following orders are hereby issued:

1. All Forest Reserves in the State are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next 7 days with effect from today, Monday 18th January, 2021.
2. Night-grazing is banned with immediate effect because most farm destruction takes place at night.
3. Movement of cattle within cities and highways is prohibited.
4. Under-aged grazing of cattle is outlawed.

“In its usual magnanimity, our administration will give a grace period of seven days for those who wish to carry on with their cattle-rearing business to register with appropriate authorities. Our resolution to guarantee safety of lives and property within the State shall remain utmost as security agencies have been directed to enforce the ban”.

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Oyo state chapter, has said that its suspicion of opposition parties in the state having connection with the imbroglio surrounding production of fake Amotekun corps uniforms for sponsored hoodlums to cause mayhem in the state with the aim of blackmailing the Makinde led administration was already justified by capturing some of the producers of the fake uniforms.

The ruling party maintained that nothing could have emboldened any resident in the state to venture into such crime of sewing fake Amotekun corps uniforms for anyone if not backed by some groups and individuals with untamed desperation to discredit the hard earned reputation of this present administration through commitment, dedication, and consistent delivery of good governance making any other political party’s chance of wrestling power from Makinde come 2023 a near impossible adventure.

Oyo PDP State Publicity Secretary, Engr Akeem Olatunji, who made this known in a statement he signed on Monday 18th January, 2021, explained that the ruling party was seriously appalled by the unfolding development of unbridled hunger for power and an untamed despiraion by the opposition in Oyo state to deploy all available means to discredit Governor Seyi Makinde’s giant strides and efforts in the war against crime within the state.

The statement reads, “It was another great achievement for the state and the Amotekun corps to have discovered and apprehend one of the agents of darkness in our dear state who have perhaps been recruited by opposition of our government in Oyo state to heighten insecurity and create an atmosphere of chaos so that the foiled and failed agenda they have been pursuing since the inception of this administration could materialize.

“It is not a news anymore to all residents in Oyo state that a the Oyo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has deployed all forms of evil machinations, treachery, and malicious propaganda against the PDP government under the able leadership of His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde, since he assumed office as the executive governor.

“In fact, one of their serving Senators once boldly told the world in a show of untamed desperation and hunger for power that the Makinde led government could not escape all three traps his party had set for Governor Seyi Makinde in a battle to steal Oyo people’s mandate through the backdoor using federal might, a move which not only failed woefully but further exposed them and their evil agenda to the world.

“Governor Seyi Makinde has consistently said that the present administration is open to constructive criticism and useful suggestions on ways to make the state a much more better place for all to live but what we have continued to witness from our opposition in Oyo state is nothing near constructive criticism but deliberate attacks and well orchestrated plan by the Oyo APC to bring down this government at all cost using insecurity which is part of their evil agenda as excuse to advance whatever script they are executing.

“How else do we rationalize the shocking development that Amotekun corps which was created to complement mainstream security outfits in Nigeria to provide adequate security for the people of Oyo state was already being sabotaged, or was Amotekun corps created to provide security for PDP members in the state?

“We wish to state categorically for the sake of record, that Governor Seyi Makinde is among the very few Governors who have invested heavily on security since assumption of office. It is also on record that he has invested in the security architecture of the state more than the immediate past APC government despite only been in office as the Executive Governor in less than two years, but since our detractors who have continued to meet shame and disappointments at the end of each executed agenda will neither rest nor desist, we as the party in government will always be at alert and remain unfazed because light will always prevail over darkness.

“We will not urge them to stop because the good people of Oyo state already know them for what they are and what their party represents but we will continue to stay ahead of them and their evil agenda because we know their may be other recruits by these evil party elsewhere producing such fake uniforms to perpetrate, aid, and albeit crime with the aim of creating tension and apprehension within the state but just like this one, we assure them that they will be caught and severely dealth with according to the law.

“God has blown away the I’ll wind of untold hardship, hunger, modern day slavery by government, which characterized the entire 8 years of APC administration in Oyo state and the good people of the state can now attest to the difference between false propaganda and practical delivery of good governance therefore, all attempts by the agents of darkness to return Oyo state to the dark era between (2011-2019) shall be resisted either through the backdoor or through election poll by the people again and again.

“We urge the good people of Oyo state whose trust in governor Seyi Makinde and the PDP has birthed a new dawn of prosperity under safe and secured Oyo state to be on alert and continue to support the present government to succeed even more, because it is now clear that these agents of darkness in their desperate hunger for power are waging a war to steal their mandate freely given to governor Makinde who has only the masses as his godfather, through the backdoor at all cost.”