Category: Featured

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, on Saturday said that among all Yoruba kings, he is the only monarch who has the exclusive rights to confer chieftaincy titles that would cover the whole Yoruba land on worthy individuals.

He made this disclosure in a statement he signed at the conferment of chieftaincy titles of Atobaase and Ayedero of Yoruba land on Engineer Babajide Ademola Agunbiade and Honorable Shina Peller respectively at the weekend.

Oba Adeyemi, who described the two awardees as eligible for the titles contended that “from time immemorial, he is the king and head of the Yoruba nation. He is the only king in Yoruba land who can confer chieftaincy title on a worthy individual, man or woman, to cover the whole of Yoruba land.

“In exercise of this right, successive Alaafin of Oyo had been guided by due process in the appointment of Yorubas to chieftaincies that covers the whole of Yoruba land.

It takes a lot to be invited into Yoruba royalty and be considered for these Yoruba-wide titles. US-based Dr Babajide Agunbiade and Hon. Shina Abiola Peller are the ones getting the chieftaincy titles.”

While justifying his decision to honour the awardees, he maintained that “they are indigenes with impeccable characters. I took the decision to confer historical titles on these two prominent Oyo and proud Yoruba sons of mine because of their contributions to society and outstanding representation in their various industries and fields of endeavours.

“Agunbiade is one of the most cerebral oil and gas experts and, most especially, representing Nigeria gallantly in global oil and gas, rising to the leadership in global oil and gas. I am proud to be associated with such intellect. He’s a passionate, competent, dependable and well vast guy that goes the extra mile to make sure people around him achieve their full potentials.

“Engr. (Dr.) Agunbiade is a distinguished Yoruba son, technocrat and one of the world’s leading offshore production experts with over 20 years experience in the oil industry.”

Speaking on newly conferred Ayedero of Yoruba Land, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, the son of Alhaja Silifat and late Professor Moshood Abola Peller, Alaafin affirmed that he had excelled in business and as a serving member of the House of Representatives.

“As I have always made known at every occasion and event such as this one, that our pride as Yoruba is in our intrinsic traditions and cultural heritage. Yoruba as a race or nation evolved a superb constitution which though unwritten, is daintily and unequivocally observed by strong convention.”

“The Yoruba chieftaincy institution is the pillar indeed, the bedrock of our system of government. A traditional ruler cannot, therefore, afford to be despotic without dire consequences. He, therefore, must rule within honourable norms of our traditions.”

One of the awardees, Dr Agunbiade stated that “history has it that the Oyo empire existed since 1300 C.E. This very empire was one the wealthiest empires in Africa. The Oyo empire is reckoned as a major source of the Yoruba ancestral heritage. You will also agree with me that the Yoruba race remains a dominant cultural force in Africa since as far back as the 11th century.”

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied an online news publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) ordered the arrest of retired Navy Commodore Kunle Olawunmi for recently appearing on a Television programme in Lagos.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria according to a statement signed by Major General Benjamin Sawyerr, Director Defence Information said it may not want to join issues with Sahara Reporters for the scandalous and malicious publication insinuating that it’s Agency has ordered the arrest of Commodore Olawunmi (rtd) for sharing his views on matters of defence and national security.

It added that the retired military officer who is on the military reserve list was only invited via SMS and voice by DIA to further furnish the AFN with relevant and pressing security information which he may be opportuned to have knowledge of as a Professor of Global Security Studies.

The said proposed meeting according to the DHQ between DIA and the retired senior Navy officer was intended to get credible tips on boosting the fight against terrorism/insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes.

He was not asked to come along with his international passport adding that this in no way constitute any form of arrest speculated by Sahara Reporters.

The DHQ described as very sad that an online media like Sahara Reporters would capitalize on a proposed meeting between an agency and it’s stakeholder to paint the story in a manner intended to portray the military as draconic government agency acting in a crude manner.

The DHQ urged the general public to note that the AFN is a professional entity that will continue to be responsive to all credible information that will promote peace and unity of Nigeria.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor according to the statement has just completed his tour of the 6 Geo-Political Zones where he interacted with retired military officers with a view to rallying them to lend their support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The DHQ urged Commodore Kunle Olawunmi to come forward to give valuable information to the military authorities as a patriotic citizen who has served meritoriously in the Nigerian Navy and in various capacities before retirement.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemo III has conferred the chieftaincy titles of Ayedero and Yeye Ayedero on the lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency, Hon. Shina Peller and his wife, Ayobola Peller. The conferement was held yesterday at the Palace of the monarch in Oyo town. The snapshots below are for photostory.

Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Friday accompanied the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on a condolence visit to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, over the death of his father, Dr Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun.

Governor Akeredolu, in his own remark, congratulated Governor Abiodun on surviving his father.

The Governor said the late retired teacher would be remembered for his good works which he said helped in transforming the society.

The Southwestern Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), codenamed Amotekun Corps, in Oyo state has arrested four suspected kidnappers on Thursday along Iseyin-Oyo road.

The suspected kidnappers who were arrested at a farm at Odo-Ogun were identified as Adam Musa (18 years old) from Kogi State, Babuga Ali (19 years old) from Sokoto State, Abdullahi Sheu (18) from Niger State and Umar Mesan (17 years old) from Kano State.

The four men were apprehended while attempting to kidnap another farmer at Odo-‘Mighty Ogun’s Farm,’ where they were found with a variety of weaponry including locally made firearms and ammunition, machetes, knives, and other hazardous weapons.

The offenders told Amotekun operatives that they were responsible for two successful kidnappings in which they received N6.4 million and N1.2 million from the two victims.

They also said that they sent N3 million from the ransom collected to a yet-to-be-identified contact in Kano State, who they said would assist them in obtaining several cows.

The suspects have been handed over to the Police in Iseyin for additional investigation and prosecution, according to a close source within the Amotekun operatives in Iseyin who spoke to ODUDUWA NEWS.

Comrade Lekan Badmus, is a columnist, writer and contributor @Oduduwa News.

It is no more a news that CR7 has returned to the team that brought him into limelight. What is news is whether he would be honoured with his symbolic jersey no 7 currently on the neck of Cavani.

Jersey no 7 is the most popular jersey number in Man U. From George Best to David Becham , Ronaldo to Owen, Depay to Martial and currently to Cavani, every player that has worn the number is seen as a genius and an extra ordinary player. The issue now is: will CR7 retain 7; a number that has become household to his hotels and private jet ?!

It is not impossible to return 7 to Christiano. Cavani could willingly submit. Never forget the fact that Martial relinquished the number to the current holder.

If Dybala could do that for Ronaldo at Juve, nothing stops Cavani to respect Ronaldo.

At PSG, Neymar wears 10 which incidentally is synonymous to the new arrival- Messi. This might pose little emotional problem. Although, report revealed that Messi would be given No 30 which he wore at Barca while Ronaldhino was wearing 10. As soon Ronaldhino left, Messi got 10.

One thing is cock sure. If this issue of 7 is subjected to an open debate in England, majority would vote for CR7.

Omo ju omo lo !

Meanwhile, the available number of jerseys optional and available for the the five-time world best player are : 12, I5, 24, 28, 30, 32, 33.

In conclusion, the return of Portugal Christiano Ronaldo would undoubtedly improve the image of the red-devils, increase the popularity of Premiership, attract more money and spectators to the “Theatre of Dreams” and ultimately inject serious competition to the the team.

Comrade Lekan Badmus is freelance writer, Sports and Education Consultant.

E.mail: lekanbadmuscolumn@gmail.com

Mobile: 08060002439

The Governor of the State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has said one of the contributions of his administration to Osun’s journey is changing the narrative of the State from a civil service State.

He explained that economic diversification had been one of the drivers of his administration, with Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) being important diversification instruments.

This, according to him, informed the decision to organise the Osun Economic summit in 2019 which brought critical stakeholders and potential investors to the State.

Oyetola, while fielding questions during a live broadcast as Guest of the Month on the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), as part of events to mark the 30th Anniversary of the State’s creation, assured that in a matter of years, Osun will thrive significantly in mining.

“I’m not contesting whether or not the State was known as a civil service state, but we are changing the narrative. The essence of the Osun Economic summit of 2019 is to talk about the possibility of economic diversification.

“We sought to diversify the economy from a civil-service-reliant economy to one that is buoyant. We identified agriculture, mining and tourism as our growth sectors and we have indeed done well in these three sectors, particularly in the area of mining.

“It will amaze you that we have interested investors coming from Canada and other foreign countries to explore the possibilities of responsible mining in the State, as against previous activities that gave rise to degradation, low remediation and the likes.

“Now, we have responsible miners like Segilola Gold Project. And a number of them are still showing interest. So, I can assure you that in a matter of years, Osun will be able to thrive significantly on mining”, he said.

Commenting on the State of Osun at 30, Oyetola described the progress of the State as one that is steady yet setting enviable precedence of good governance.

He commended the efforts of the founding fathers and former governors who had served in the course of the State’s history, adding that they all contributed positively to the development of the State.

A chieftain of All Progressives Congress APC in Kajola Local Government area of Oyo State, Mr. Rahman Sulaimon Olanrewaju has charged electorates to ensure quality representatives are elected at the grassroots. This was contained in a statement sent by him today to ODUDUWA NEWS as read in part:

“One of the factors that determines grassroots development in a democratic government is the quality and the commitment of the representatives elected by the constituency.

“In the advanced nations of the world, quality representation is always a significant factor on which the electorates assess those seeking political office.

“However, the quality of elected representatives entrusted with the affairs of the constituency has remained a big challenge to the development of the grassroots and their
constituencies. The conduct and lackadaisical attitudes to issue of governance are affecting robust debates that could herald or galvanise the anticipated development.

“Quality legislative representation transcends the ability to move motions on the floor of the legislature. It is; crucially, also about proper linkage with the grass roots, attracting life-changing projects to constituencies. It also involves appropriate linkage with the executive arm of government and being above board in the discharge of legislative duties.

“An intelligent representative has got to rise above mediocrity so as to add real value to the political cum developmental narrative of Nigeria.

“The reality of the Nigerian situation is that the political class is replete with political figures who see politics as another means to acquire wealth and boost their public status and ego.

“Legislating is a serious business. It is not meant for frivolity and jamboree. Rather, it should attract development to the constituency.

“On a final note, an elected representative owes his people a duty. He needs to be active so that projects would not be concentrated in the constituency of the wiser legislative. He should not be known for ” I concur” every time.

“There is great value in a legislator that the people can truly call their own”.

Earlier yesterday, the residents of Olorisa-Oko community in Akinyele Local Government of Oyo State, led a protest to the State Secretariat, Ibadan, urging Governor Seyi Makinde to reconsider its planned acquisition of hundreds of hectares of land for a new city called “Ilu Tuntun” district.

According to ODUDUWA NEWS Correspondent at the scene of protest, the community people bearing placards with several inscriptions, bemoaned that no fewer than 50,000 residents spread across 23 communities from OlorisaOko to Onkoko were about to be rendered homeless if the state government goes ahead with its plan to acquire over 1,500 hectares of land for the district.

Noting that governments in the past had, in the same Akinyele local government, acquired over hundreds of hectares of land for the Dry Port project, Circular Road project, railway line project, car park and housing projects, abattoir, the protesting residents lamented that further acquisition of land, in the area, will lead to homelessness, loss of present and future earnings from farming, loss of our clients’ age-long cultural heritage.

They urged Makinde to reconsider the proposed acquisition of the remaining land at the Olorisa-Oko community earmarked for the Ilu Tuntun Business District and utilize remaining portions of previously acquired land or other local government areas within Ibadan for the project.

Vice-chairman of one of the affected communities, Abeowu Akuro, Mrs Mary Adeniji, said the reality that their land was to be acquired dawned on them when a signboard showing the map of the land space to be acquired was erected in the area.

Adeniji said: “A signboard has been erected therefrom Alarere till Serafu in Olorisa Oko. They have taken many communities. This is the seventh time government will come here for the acquisition of land. Is Akinyele the only local government in Oyo state?

“We had no issues when federal government acquired hectares of land for dry port but this is another acquisition by the state government for Ile Tuntun Business District. Where are they chasing us to? There is virgin land. We know that the governor is compassionate.

“All Nigerians should help beg Governor Seyi Makinde. We are farmers; the state government should not take away our means of livelihood. We feed our children from the land. We have nowhere to go to.”

Another resident of Olorisa-Oko, Mr Seriki Kazeem said the area is not against development strides, but questioned what alternative the state government had for them if they are asked to leave their houses.

Seriki said: “We are not anti-development in any way. We are elites, intellectuals. We are not riff-raffs. You cannot just throw us out of our houses. This is not a military government.

“The government wants to build Ilutuntun business district. We appreciate development strides but you don’t pull down a fence simply because you want to build another one.

“You want to build a new housing project you don’t have to destroy the ones met on the ground. When you destroy that, where do you want the residents to go to?

“There are more than 50,000 residents in Olorisa-Oko; where do you want these residents to go to? There is no provision for us.

“Out of the 300 hectares of land that the federal government acquired, only about 90 hectares have been accessed. We still have 210 hectares lying fallow.

“What do you need additional 1,500 hectares for? Don’t destroy people’s houses. Please, help us to beg Governor Seyi Makinde.”

However, in a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo state governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, on Thursday, Governor Seyi Makinde was quoted as explaining that the state government was acquiring the land in the spirit of having pockets of first world environments across the state.

Makinde was quoted as stating that the state acquired about 4,000 hectares of land to build “Ilu Tuntun” which will serve as an example of a world-class environment that can subsequently be replicated across the state.

Makinde said: “We acquired about 4,000 hectares of land where we want to build a new city called ‘Ilu Tuntun’. And why are we saying that?

“I have been all over the world, especially South Africa, which is the midway between the African setting and Europe, they do have people that are struggling just like us here.

“When you go to some places, it is pure first world. They have everything working. “They put in all the plans and you have places that are third-world as we are.

“So, if we cannot have a first-world environment all over the place, let us have pockets of the first-world environment. Even if it is 4km by 4km at a time.

“When you have one operational, you have the second and the third. By the time you have it all over the place, you are only thinking about connecting them in a general form. So, we have quite a bit to do.

“The people that started this country had good plans and it is one of the things we currently enjoy in Oyo State. When people say the governor is doing well, the secret is that I am not doing any new plan. I go out there and dust what our founding fathers had done in the past.

“So, some of our fore-fathers already made the plans. They have put in all the hard work, it is for us to dust them up and work on them. For us as a government, we want to partner with you.

“So, I believe that it is an opportunity for the president and everyone here, including the Oyo State chairman, for you to come forward and see how we can work together on that. We are completely open to working with local resources and local expertise.”

…Expresses joy that the kick-off has vindicated his struggle at State Assembly.

The honourable member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, Hon. Dele Adeola has commended the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for the successful commencement of operations of LAUTECH satelite campus in Iseyin.

Adeola made this known yesterday while giving his personal explanation at the floor of the House of Assembly.
He was quoted as saying, “it is no longer news that the satellite campus of LAUTECH has kicked off its operations in Iseyin and when going back to the memory lane on how the journey to the monumental achievement by Makinde-led administration started, it should be a resounding joy for all and sundry. Today, glory be to God that we are at the Plenary to witness the successful kick-off of the campus despite the disagreement, conflict of interest and controversies that surrounded its establishment.

He said “when a man of vision is at the helm of affairs, the impossibility becomes possible. Higher institution has been a long dream of Iseyin town and the people of the town had lobbyied in the past to have tertiary institution by embarking on political moves and financial contributions but all to no avail until the recent feat where the campus was sited without so much ado.

“You will recall that we had in the past made moves to have Federal Poly Ede, LAUTECH Ogbomosho, Oyo State College of Education Lanlate, Oyo State Technical University, Federal Poly Ayede but all our efforts were  proven abortive and the hope was dashed but today Gov Makinde has redeemed the image from pains to gains by siting a University in Iseyin.

“The whole community rejoices and says thank you.

“It is on this note, on behalf of the good people of Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, I express our profound gratitude to Gov. Seyi Makinde for the great achievement no administration in the history of Oyo State has ever achieved in Iseyin”.

He however used the ocassion to urge the good people of Iseyin and Oke-Ogun at large to collaborate extensively with the institution and be accommodating with both staff and students for sustainable growth and development of the town.

While rounding up, he solicited for the support of the people of Iseyin towards the success of Makinde-led administration and appreciated the Speaker of the House and all members of the ninth Assembly for their support and another landmark achievement.

Oduduwa News.