The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes under the leadership of Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga on Tuesday organized Press Conference in respect to the upcoming Ibadan Cultural Festival Week 2022.
The Press Conference held at the Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House Oke-Aremo, which also featured the launching of the first ever website of Ibadan Cultural Festival.
Speaking at the event, the President General, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga observed a minute silence in respect to the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Ajeogunguniso and he also reiterates that those causing problem through their comments as regards the succession to the stool of Olubadan should desist until those concerned finally resolved it.
“Let me also reiterate CCII’s earlier statement on the succession issue that all men of goodwill, especially, Ibadan Indigenes, to desist from making comments on the issue till the matter is resolved. By God’s grace, the resolution of the matter will be in a matter of days”
“I want to state that this year’s cultural Festival calendar was already concluded before the departure of Kabiyesi but we’re sure that the successor would be have been announced and thus, it would be ripe to celebrate Ibadanland by March 2022”
According to Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, Chairman of 2022 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, the website of the is www.ibadanculturalfestival.com and it’s the first of its kind in the history of Ibadan.
“The website is part of my own token to the Ibadan land, and as commence the week on March 3rd, relevant information pertaining to the Festival and Ibadan will be posted on the website, also, we seek the corporation and support of everyone of us to make this year celebration a success”
The Chairman also recognized and appreciates the efforts of all Committee members so far.
Activities of the Week Includes Scarifice to Oke ‘Badan, Jumat Prayer, Oreke & Talent Hunt, Amala Day, Church Service, Sports Competition, Essay Competition & Quiz, Conference & Grand Finale which is to take place at Adamasigba Stadium.
At the mention of the name – Oriyomi Hamzat, what readily comes to mind is Agidigbo. Agidigbo is a well-crafted name given by and to the radio station of the doyen of modern-day investigative journalism. Agidigbo in Yoruba parlance is a traditional talking drum that has a unique sound; so much audible to the most deafening ears.
The agidigbo or molo is a large traditional plucked lamellophone thumb piano used by the Yoruba people of Nigeria to play apala music. It is a box, big enough to sit on the musician’s lap, with 4 to 5 strips of metal set up side by side on top like keys on a piano keyboard.
The tongues are designed to vibrate and produces sonorous tones. Because of the Yoruba language’s nature as a tonal language, the agidibo can act as a musical speech surrogate, conveying language through its tones. Thus the altruism; ” bi owe, bi owe, la n lu’lu Agidigbo” Therefore, the choice of Agidigbo was not accidental. A philosophical name that depicts the objective and defines the modus operandi of the media station.
Impliedly, the drum echoes a meaning and an operation that makes some unscrupulous elements in the society pant and shiver. Far from unnecessary diplomacy, the name frowns at any attempt to be economical with the truth. Few stations in the global world have the tenacity to uphold such virtues like honesty and un-prejudicial report like Agidigbo FM. To the enigmatic owner the station, truth fears no man. This is a philosophy that has endeared him into the hearts of millions of people across the world who listen with rapt attention to his presentation usually characterised by comic reliefs. All these wax together led to his numerous titles like: The Conscience of the nation, Advocate of the masses, voice of the voiceless, defender of human rights, promoter of good governance, one-man pressure group and the people’s police.
Every media practitioner is a journalist and journalism is a profession. Conventionally, press has been seen as the fourth arm of government. Though an un-official nomenclature, it is a profession which has over the years serves as checks and balances to the official three arms of government of executive, legislative and judiciary.
Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. Journalism can be distinguished from other activities and products by certain identifiable characteristics and practices.These elements not only separate journalism from other forms of communication, they are what make it indispensable to democratic societies.
Journalism is of various branches. Of all the branches, investigative journalism is the most hazardous. It is all about exhuming facts in this hostile society, finding, reporting and presenting news which other people try to hide. It is very similar to standard news reporting except that the people at the centre of the story will usually not help and may even try to stop the job. The duty of a journalist is to keep people abreast of happenings in the society. It is however a wonder that Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat chose to tilt towards investigative journalism in view of its hazardous nature. That he has flare for this particular aspect of journalism tells much about his pedigree. Lord Northcliffe once said: “News is what somebody, somewhere wants to suppress.”
Oblivious of occupational hazards, Dr. Oriyomi Hamzat has deliberately chosen to thread the path which so many despise. People have a right to know about the society in which they live.They have a right to know about decisions which may affect them even if people in power want to keep them secret. But the courage to inquest is uncommon as found in the erudite media ace.
A significant number of journalists get a lot of requests from people to investigate some alleged wrongdoing. In many cases these are silly matters, lies or hoaxes. Alhaji Oriyomi is not one that could be easily induced with money to air unsubstantiated story. All he does is to spend some time on each tip-off to decide whether or not it will make a story devoid of maligning reputation or castigating aspersion of anybody in what is known as jungle journalism. However, he has penchant for not allowing possible story clues escape. He is a master listener to careless words that give the first clues to something wrong but will never write a story based on rumour. He certainly goes for accurate, factual news and evidences.
Investigative journalism is not as easy as we may think. One needs to fit the facts together as he gathers the stories to make sure that they make sense. It is like doing a jigsaw. At the beginning, you have a jumble of pieces. Only slowly will they emerge as a picture. Unlike a jigsaw puzzle, one may not have all the pieces at the beginning but has to recognise which pieces are missing.
His ability to maintain confidentiality about his sources of information, courage to withstand threats from people he is investigating and his attitudes towards working within the ambit of law are other qualities embedded in Oriyomi. These perhaps could be attributed to the fact that he has never been challenged on anything he exposes.
Dr Hamzat Oriyomi is a replical of frith and he demonstrates this through his innovation of conflict resolution programmes on air which has really being helpful in bringing peace and preventing animosity amongst the populace. Kokoro Alate and Kato domo eye loro are two programmes that have become daily routine of all and sundry. He is a promoter and defender of cultural values. He is always ready to dive deep into the nuances of the topic he is focussing on; unveiling concealed matters without trepidation and crucially contributing to freedom of expression which are at the heart of UNESCO mandate. Oriyomi does not believe in pervasive clientelism. He does not allow any mutual relationship between the media and public office-holders where journalists often serve political interests rather than the common good.
With his two aforementioned programmes on 88.7 FM, Dr. Oriyomi has been able to illuminate the darkest corners of not only the world but individuals heart. This is achievable through intense focus which more often than not has to do with risking his life for the emancipation of truth. This is a great sacrifice which helps him thrive where police fails.
Born into a family of on- air presenter in Ibadan around the 1970s, Oriyomi took after his Father who worked with NTA Ibadan. It could be inferred that his choice of journalism is not a mistake; it is somewhat hereditary.
Alhaji Dr. Oriyomi Omo Amusa deserves the United Nations prestigious award of Nobel laureate on social justice and humanity. His philanthropy gesture is irrespecta of race, clans of religion. Only God knows the number of people he has saved from catastrophe, oppression and those missing fellows he has linked to their relations through his radio programmes.
Permit me to conclude by presenting the lyrics of the sonorous song that conveys the operational objectives of one of his widely accepted progrmmes. The song was composed by Fuji wizard, Saheed Osupa.
” Kokoro Alate … T’ohun tate ni… Owu alate… T’ohun tate ni… Tete opopo….. Abonde lorun… Onikaluku…… Lo sa ti ni ti e lara.”
Comrade Lekan Badmus is a columnist with Oduduwa Online news. He is also a public opinion analyst.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Saturday told the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu that “only the best is good enough for Nigeria at this particular time.”
He said this when Tinubu paid him a condolence visit over the recent deaths of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade and former governor, Christopher Alao-Akala.
Makinde said, “We really thank you for this visit and want to let you know that we have taken proper notice that you have risen above politics and all that is going around here to come and share with us at this moment that we are grieving. We say thank you.
“Let me also use this opportunity to wish you well in your political quest to govern this nation. We want the best for this country and only the best is good enough at this particular time.”
The Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government Hon. Sanda Sikiru Oyedele on Saturday, 15th January, 2022 Commissioned some projects donated by his administration to the people of Egba Community & Its Environs Landlord/landlady Association, Bank Olodo, Olorunda Aba in Ibadan.
The Chairman while commissioning the projects said that the projects are as a result of the vision of His Excellency, Engr Oluseyi Makinde in making life comfortable for the people of the State from provision of social amenities and that’s what he has embarked upon since he resumes Office. He further assured them that this project won’t be the last, as more developmental projects will be facilitate to the Community.
The Projects which Includes two Transformers were donated by both Egbeda & Lagelu Local Government Chairmen, representing Lagelu Chairman at the event was His Chief of Staff, Mr Olubiyi Rasheed.
Another project commissioned by the Chairman was a walk bridge constructed by the community association, in which the Chairman commended them for such initiative.
The Projects are expected to make life more enjoyable and comfortable for the residences.
Speaking on behalf of the residences of the Community, the Chairman Planning Committee of Egba 2022 Celebration, Mr Oyetola Olusegun appreciates His Excellency, Engr Oluseyi Makinde and the Executive Chairmen, Hon.Sanda Sikiru Oyedele and Hon Gbadamosi Kazeem for their efforts in making their community a place to live in and also an Award of Excellence was given to both Chairmen by the community.
The Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda further admonished the residences to continue to support the administration of Engr. Seyi Makinde, as to whom much is given, much is expected.
In the entourage of the Chairman were; Hon Ibrahim Oladepo Simple Leader of the House, Hon Tope Awolere; Secretary Egbeda LG, Hon Adisa Siyanbola Ladi KB; Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Hon Rasheed Afeez Orelope Councilor Representing ward 5, Egbeda LG; others includes Hon Ibrahim Idris Abayomi / Hon Salami Jelili Supervisory Councillors Egbeda LG, Comrade Ahmed Dohra Adeniji Gsmists Coordinator Egbeda LG, Hon Alawe Olawale Ebenezer PDP CHAIRMAN ward 6, Hon Mania P.A to the Chairman,Pastor Mayowa Ayoade and host of others.
Signed: Kunle Molomo Media Aide to the Executive Chairman, Egbeda Local Government.
The Osi Olubadan of Ibadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has disclosed that all controversies and kingship tussles surrounding ascension to the Olubadan stool have been amicably resolved
Senator Ladoja made this known shortly after a meeting of the Olubadan in council with Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde at the government house
It would be recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had insisted that his administration would ensure the Ibadan traditional system revert to its original concept following controversies arising from ascension to the stool of Olubadan as a result of the demise of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji
The Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland who is also a member of the Olubadan in council affirmed that though some of the high chiefs had left earlier, but they had all peacefully agreed to the resolutions of the meeting, assuring that Senator Lekan Balogun who is next in line to the stool remained the authentic candidate for the stool
He also promised that the Olubadan in council would jointly make a public statement on their resolutions soonest
The former Governor of Osun State, Engr. Rauf Aregbesola has declared support for a factional group of APC in Osun State believing to be working against the aspiration of the incumbent Governor, Gboyega Oyetola.
In a statement made in Ilesya yesterday quoted as thus:
“Notwithstanding the efforts of the APC national leadership to resolve the crisis rocking the party at the state level, the crisis in Osun state appears far from over.
Former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has declared that he is fully with the Rasaq Salinsile-led faction of the All Progressives Congress in the state.
The Minister of Interior, while addressing his supporters at a public gathering in Ilesa, Osun State on Friday, said there was no point hiding the fact Osun APC had been divided into two factions.
Aregbesola who spoke in Yoruba language stated that, “For those in doubt, Osun APC is divided. We have APC, Rauf Aregbesola’s faction which is chaired by Hon Razaq Salinsile and the other.”
“Everybody is doing his or her own, later, we will renegotiate, we will rearrange everything. The caucus that produced our faction is called The Osun Progressives (TOP) chaired by Elder Lowo Adebiyi. Those people who are doubting whether I am part of TOP or not should listen up, I belong to TOP wholeheartedly.”
Recalled that the APC reconciliation committee led by Senator Adamu Abdulahi visited the state last weekend and met with the contending factions, but the minister of Interior, Ogbeni Aregbesola was absent from the meeting.
The position of the executive governor of Oyo state, Engineer Seyi Makinde on the lingering controversy on the procedures of ascension to the coveated seat of Olubadan reminds me of the biblical King Solomon. God had given the young king a rare chance to request for anything. As young as he was, he made the right and the best choice. Solomon opted for wisdom to the consternation of his subjects.The wisdom was subsequently granted and surreptitiously accompanied with other needed impetus that facilitated his success on the throne. Solomon shunned covetousness, greed, materials and a host of other ephemerals. His reign was successful.
Like King Solomon, the executive governor of Oyo state has displayed an uncommon wisdom. He listened, meditated, sought advice and prayed. The resultant effect is his verdict on the imbroglio that has almost desecrated the globally respected ascendancy process of Ibadanland.
The position of his Excellency cannot be said to be biased. He has the knowledge of the subject matter and so could not be subjective to manipulation. His statement is central and an influential expression of the mood of the teeming populace. Although, the anxious indigenous people had waited patiently to hear from the oracle. He; and probably the court holds the ace; and so can set the pace. And he has set it the right way.
Prior to the statement, there were tenacious searches for the norms in the face of intrigues, double-dealing and swindle at the hands of the cooked guides and fabricated narrations. The intrigues had shown a near collapse of the ancient tradition of ascension which was torn asunder by some over-zealous elites through the muzzle of power. They showed the city a wobbling adrift through the chaotic fractures of systemic and institutional dysfunction but to a dead end. The advocates of this apocalyptic move are better explained in the Frantz Fanon book, ‘The wretched of the earth’.
The statement of the amiable governor was crystal clear, lucid and germane. It was a resolution to revolution and one against reactionary imperialists. We are privilege to have amongst a people lost in collective amnesia; a select few who have elected themselves as national soul-guides and chronicler of history.
Equiped with fact, the state governor had made a startling remarks which has prevented the rottenness of our heritage. For archive, a periscope into the four main cardinal points as encapsulated in the statement read thus:
(1). Ibadan traditional institution must revert to its original concept.
(2) This is the last time there will be a controversy on who should be the next Olubadan.
(3) I am giving the assurance to every indigene and resident of Ibadan that what Kabiyesi, Oba Saliu Adetunji stood for is what I will carry through.
(4) Anyone who wants can key into it.I know Baba( Oba Adetunji) is watching us and will give us the support we need to do what is right and needful to protect the integrity and sanctity of the traditional institution of Ibadanland.
With these statements, it is cock sure that the family of the late kabiesi would have noticed a vibration in the grave of Baba, turning his side and beaming with smile in approval of the position of the governor to which had fought relentlessly. In contrast, someone else might wear a forlon and melancholic look in anticipation of the accompanying timidity of surrendering of the crafted crown.
Like the coined maxim of “no victor, no vanquished; the stance of the governor did not in a way obstruct the installation of the learned potential successor but the decision lies with the high chiefs themselves. Though a precarious situation. The situation could be likened to the “aliens compliance order” of Ghananians authority when the foreigners were forced to return to their countries at the twilight of their woeful economy. In the same way, the “Obas” would have to renounce, retrace and retract some pronouncements hitherto made on the unfolding drama. In simple terms, the gladiators would have to walk a tight rope in negotiating their ways to the ancestral fold. However, it takes more than tribal marks and a family name to claim citizenship.
The soft-spoken governor is much more than a historian. A historian can only record an event on the face value but a visioner turns event into a human experience beyond the plasticity cause and effects-permutations. The verdict has indeed unlocked the memory door into our recent past and retraces the footsteps of some un-sung heroes who transgressed the formidable barriers erected against self-worth.
A significant percentage of respondents have expressed support for the position taken by His Excellency. One of such was from a notable politician and Lawyer, Chief Lanlehin. He had commented to commend the governor saying; ” your position was borne out of conviction, courage”.
Late music maestro, Michael Jackson once posited that; “it is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. Lies run sprints, but the truth runs marathon.”
Reform is essential in view of the dynamic nature of the world. It is a phenomenon that must not be mingled with politics. If the propounders of the reform had not attached sentiment, it would have been the best. The political colouration attached to it had erode d its merit, originality and given it the interpretation of imitation which Jackson was referring to.
It remains to be seen whether the modern obas would heed the advice of the governor.
Ibadan O ni baje… E ba n gb’omo oke…!!
Comrade Lekan Badmus is a Columnist with Oduduwa Online news.
ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that another prominent Ogbomosho son in the field of academics, Professor Alex Adegboyega has been reportedly dead.
The professor confirmed to have died few hours it was reported that the erstwhile governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala died.
The don who before his death was a former HOD of the Department of Political Science at University of Ibadan.
He was born in September 21 1946, Ogbomoso, Oyo state.
He attended Dzodze Teachers’ Training College, 1963-67, University of Ghana, 1966-72, University of Ibadan, 1973-75
He was appointed Junnior Research Fellow, Institute of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-Ife, 1975-76; Lecturer II, University of Ibadan, 1976; Lecturer I, UI, 1978 and Senior Lecturer since 1981.
As at the time of filing this report, the details of his death are scanty but family source confirmed his death.
Member representing Ibadan NorthWest/ SouthWest Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Odidi-Omo on Wednesday identified with the Governor of Oyo State, family of Late Alao Akala, Ogbomoso Indigenes and the entire people of Oyo State on the demise of former Governor of the State, His Excellency Otun Adebayo Alao Akala.
According to a statement posted on his social media page, the Honorable said “With a sharp pain in my heart I received the news of sudden demise of His Excellency Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, the former governor of Oyo State”
“The sad news broke this morning and very unbelievable to many, Otunba Alao-Akala has given his best to the development of our dear state and the nation in general, as he served meritoriously at the Nigeria Police force and as the governor, he touched the lives of many, he was so generous and loved by the people of the state”
“As I feel the pain, I extend my deepest sincere condolences the family, Ogbomosho land most especially His Excellency the governor of Oyo state Seyi Makinde and the entire state in general, he will surely be missed within the circle.”
“This is a sad moment for the people of Oyo state, but death is inevitable, I pray that Almighty gives all the fortitude to sail through this tough situation, and pray the his gentle soul rest in perfect peace”
The Executive Governor of Oyo State on Wednesday condoled with the people of Oyo State on the death of Otun Alao Akala, a former Governor of the State who died on Wednesday.
“I join the good people of Oyo State to mourn the passing of a former Governor of our dear state, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, which sad event took place today. May his soul rest in peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss”
As a way of honoring the late Governor, Governor Makinde also directed that the State Flag should be fly at half-mast.
“I have directed that flags fly at half-mast in honour of Governor Alao-Akala, our brother, friend and illustrious son of Oyo State”
“His Excellency will be remembered for his contributions to the development of Oyo State as Governor, especially for taking infrastructural development to other zones of the state outside Ibadan”
