Category: News

Royal fathers in Yoruba land under the auspices of Yoruba Obas Forum (YOF), have insisted on a public apology from former President Olusegun Obasanjo for allegedly denigrating traditional rulers at an event in Iseyin, Oyo State, last Friday.

At the event, the ex-President had berated the monarchs for refusing to stand up to welcome the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, saying the action of the royal fathers was a disrespect for the office of the governor whom he said was above the monarchs.

In the heat of condemnation that has trailed the comments and the subsequent fallout, the YOF comprising of royal fathers from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara and Kogi States, in a statement on Tuesday, insists that Obasanjo must apologise publicly for insulting the Oyo monarchs.

In a statement jointly issued on Tuesday in Osogbo, Osun State, by its President, Oba Samuel Adeoye, who is the Molokun of Atijere in Ondo State, and the General Secretary, Oba Abdulrasaq Abioye, the Olukotun of Ikotun-Ile in Kwara State, the royal fathers said Obasanjo’s outburst was an “affront and an intentional desecration of revered traditional stools in Yorubaland.”

“On behalf of the entire Yoruba Obas, we are using this medium to call upon the former President of Nigeria (Obasanjo) to immediately apologise to monarchs from Oke-Ogun zone for his undeserved remarks over his claim that they failed to stand up when the governor (Makinde) and himself climbed the podium at the inauguration of LAUTECH’s College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin,” the statement reads.

“The Forum also noted that even if the Obas at the occasion acted in breach of The Act of Precedence of 1999, Obasanjo should have noted it in his speech rather than scolding them like pupils or military recruits.

“We think respect should be earned, not demanded. An injury to one is an injury to all. Yoruba traditional institution is not like a military setup that anyone can command at will.

“We condemn this act by Obasanjo and we call for his public apology to all the disgraced Obas and the entire Yoruba people by extension without further delay,” the Obas said.

The Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday stated that his administration would enact a law that would pronounce the death penalty on anyone caught engaging in cult activities in the state.

Abiodun stated this during a meeting with the Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, and his chiefs at the Akarigbo Palace in Sagamu. Ki

He expressed shock at the wanton destruction of lives and peace of Sagamu and its environs, even as he warned that the government would not fold its arms and watch unscrupulous persons run riots in any part of the State.

Governor Abiodun said,” I want to sympathise with the good and law-abiding citizens of Sagamu and of course, our referred paramount ruler and the kabiyesis and all those who have lost loved ones.

“We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that we bring any person directly, indirectly, or remotely responsible for these occurrences to book. I have discussed with the Attorney General perhaps it is our disposition that allows for these occurrences of heinous crimes.

“It is well within my powers as the governor of this State to pronounce the death penalty on people and we are going to ensure that we enact that because when people appreciate and understand the consequences of their behaviours, perhaps they will begin to have a rethink.

“I have called on the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the State Service, the Commander of the Civil Defence, our AMOTEKUN Commander and all our security architecture to relocate to Sagamu for this purpose.

“We will rely on our kabiyesis because they are the closest to the grassroots, for all the intelligence support because these people are not spirits. They live within us, they are tenants in our houses.

“The last time I came here, I said any house that we arrest anybody that is connected to either cultism or kidnapping, we will find out where they live and demolish that house. Sadly, it has been very difficult for me to implement because they rent an apartment and the unsuspecting landlords who don’t know what they do give their houses to them and after we arrest them and about to demolish the house, those landlords will come and beg us that they did not know the suspects were into that business.

“I am now pronouncing that we will no longer refer to these people as cultists or any other name. We are pronouncing them as murderers and we will mete out punishments that are deserving to murderers.”

The body of popular musician, Mohbad, has been exhumed from a private cemetery in Lagos, for an autopsy.

The autopsy is being conducted in response to public outcry and rumors surrounding the circumstances of Mohbad’s death.

Mohbad’s Burial Site at Gberigbe Ikorodu this morning, Tuesday, September 19 was under proper monitoring before the arrival of Nigerian Police Force.

The graveyard was monitored and safeguard overnight by some members of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), members of the Community Development Association (CDA) and Onyabo Vigilante Group in the area.

Led by one Mr. Rasheed, according to Mr. Olalekan Monsuru, popularly known as “Rado”

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has invited the Department of State Services to join the state police command in probing the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka MohBad.

This was contained in a statement released Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Gboyega Akosile.

“The Lagos State Government has noted the developments that have followed the death of music star Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (aka MohBad).

“Following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive, the Police in Lagos State have launched a major investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the young star. A 19-man police panel has been asked to unravel the mystery of the musician’s death.

“Further to this and to boost the investigation, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has invited the Department of State Services to join the investigation and widen the dragnet with inter-agency collaboration and use of best in class technology to unearth the truth.

“Mr. Sanwo-Olu has directed that all those who may have played any role whatsoever in any event leading to the death of MohBad be made to face the law after a thorough investigation,” the statement read in part.

This development is coming hours after the Lagos State Police Command set up a 13-man special investigation team to probe the late singer’s death.

MohBad died on Monday, September 11, at the age of 27.

Olusegun Obasanjo, former president, has revealed why he ordered monarchs from Oyo state to stand up and greet amid widespread criticism trailing his action.

Speaking exclusively with Premium Times, the octogenarian said his action was because the monarchs breached “protocol” and disrespected the governor.

Recall that Obasanjo, speaking on Friday, September 15, at the commissioning of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Iseyin campus, had commanded kings from Oyo state to stand up and accord him respect.

The former president assertively stated that the position of governor or president is bigger than that of any king.

“Please in Yoruba land, we respect two things: age and position. The governor’s position is superior to that of any king inasmuch as he is a governor,” OBJ assertively said.

The action has, however, been met with criticism, with a number of Nigerians positing that the octogenarian would never do such to Alaafin of Oyo or Ooni of Ile-Ife.

Defending his action, Obasanjo said the kings did not rise when others rose while the governor was speaking.

“I arrived the event venue with the governor. As we arrived, every other person at the venue rose, but they (the monarchs) remained seated. I was surprised because I considered that a breach of protocol and disrespect for the governor.

“It later became the turn of the governor to speak. As he rose, every other person at the venue, including me, stood up as demanded by protocol and in respect for the governor and his office. Again, the Obas refused to rise. They all remained seated.

“I then asked people around whether that was the practice in Oyo State. I was told the Obas have always displayed disrespect for their governor. I wondered where they got that from and then decided to speak to them about it.

“As far as I am concerned, there is constitution and there is culture. By our constitution, the governor is the leader of a state. Everyone must respect him no matter his or her status or age. He deserves respect no matter how young he is and protocols must be observed.

“That was why I spoke to them the way I did. I wanted them to realise that it is not part of Yoruba culture to disrespect authorities. Respect begets respect and they must learn to deal with their governor with respect if they want to be respected in return.

“I respect traditional rulers and even when I was President and till today, I treat them with reverence. I prostrate, bow and knee before them as necessary.

“I respect our culture. But let us also know that there is a Constitution which puts a chairman as head of a local government, a governor as head of a state and a president as head of our country. Whatever we do must be in respect for that arrangement. I am saying there is culture and there is constitution. One must not disturb the other.”

The Police Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has revealed that almost every young person in Sagamu, Ogun state, is a member of a cult group.

He made this known in a post via his X page on Sunday.

He wrote.”In Sagamu, almost every young person is a cultist. Okada riders, artisans, etc., are into cultism even more than students, and I think the whole town and Remoland, in general, should take action on it.

“I am an authority on Sagamu cases. Ask them if they know me. No one from Sagamu can dispute what I’ve said. So don’t worry about my statement, even the elders and Sagamites know.”

“Yes. Most of those who cause this wahala in sagamu are not even sagamites. At times, they come from Ijebu Ode or Ago Iwoye to strike and move. In some cases, they come as far as Edo State. It’s a problem that the whole system must tackle not only the security forces.

The traditional kingmakers in Oyo town have announced that they have selected a new Alaafin and are now awaiting the approval of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for the official inauguration. High Chief Yusuf Akinade, the Basorun of Oyo, confirmed this in an exclusive interview.

An unconfirmed document also revealed that the selection of the new Alaafin took place in October 2022. The name of the nominated prince has been forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde, but he has not yet made an announcement regarding the kingmakers’ choice.

According to the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, if there are any objections to the selection, a petition can be sent to the government within 21 days. However, no petitions were received against the chosen prince.

It has been almost a year since the selection process was completed and communicated to the government. The Basorun of Oyo stated that they are waiting for a formal announcement from the state government.

The late Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, who ruled for 52 years, passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.

The Basorun emphasized that the selection process was concluded on October 4, 2022, and the state government was immediately informed. Although a lawsuit was filed against the kingmakers, they won the case, and the court affirmed their initial decision. They have been expecting the governor to make an announcement but have not received one yet.

Addressing rumors that the governor intends to force the Oyo Mesi to conduct another selection process, the Basorun stated that they will not allow such a setback and that they have completed a thorough process. They will wait for the governor to announce the candidate they have chosen.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that the government has been informed of the decision made by the Oyo Mesi. However, the governor is taking his time to ensure that no mistakes or issues arise that could lead to legal complications.

The government will follow due process and address the issue through the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General.

The Ayedero of Yorubaland, Honourable Shina Peller, has extended heartfelt congratulatory message to the Aseyin of Iseyin designate, Prince Sefiu Olawale Oyebola and the newly-installed Soun of Ogbomoso, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III.

The congratulatory message was contained in two separate posts made on his social media platforms and shared with the press, where he described their ascension to the thrones of their forefathers as welcoming and deserving.

Honourable Peller, who is currently in the United Kingdom, expressed confidence that the educational background, experience and international exposure of the two new Yoruba royal fathers will count positively as they take on the traditional roles. He added that their ascension will usher in desirable developments to Iseyin, Ogbomoso and Oyo state at large.

His congratulatory statement to the new Soun of Ogbomoso read in full:

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, on his installation by the kingmakers as the Soun of Ogbomoso.

“With his impressive educational background, experience and international exposure, the newly-installed Soun of Ogbomoso has what it takes to bring about required development to Ogbomosoland, and by extension, Oyo State.

“As we await the formal coronation of your accession to the throne of your forefathers, I pray that your reign will be peaceful and prosperous to us all. Amen! Once again, congratulations to you sir, our revered royal father.”

Also, in another separate post congratulating the Aseyin of Iseyin designate, the Ayedero of Yorubaland wrote:

“I congratulate the entire people of Iseyin, both home and in the diaspora, on the emergence of Prince Sefiu Olawale Oyebola as the Aseyin of Iseyin designate.

“Undoubtedly, I strongly believe that our new royal father’s educational background, exposure and experience will count positively as he takes on this revered tradition role. I am very confident that his ascension to the throne will usher in desirable development to our land and enrich our cultural heritage as a people.

“My royal father, as I express my heartfelt congratulatory message to you, I pray that God grants you the required wisdom, strength, sound health and long life as you ascend the throne of your forefathers. May your reign be long, fruitful and prosperous to us all. Amen!”

Three persons died in a fatal road accident that occurred at the entrance of Ilupeju, a neighbouring community of the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), in Ekiti State.

The victims identified as Oyinkansola, a 300-level Mass Communication student of FUOYE, her brother, and a commercial motorcyclist were crushed to death by a truck in the early hours of Friday, September 15, 2023.

Oyinkansola’s brother recently graduated from the varsity and owns a Unisex Salon.

Truck crushes FUOYE student, her brother and one other to death in Ekiti

A social media user @Idris_Aloma, who claimed to be a student of FUOYE, shared a video from the accident scene.

“This happened right in my school, Federal University Oye Ekiti. Passion Unisex Salon owner died along with his junior sister in a ghastly accident. May their souls rest in perfect peace,” he wrote.

A private jet carrying Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his entourage reportedly caught fire at the take-off point at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

The incident occurred about 9 a.m. on the fateful day at the domestic wing of the airport as the plane was about to take off from Lagos to Abuja.

According to reports, at the time of the incident, the plane was about to take off but taxied to the end of the runway when a loud explosion was heard from the plane’s engine.

As a result, the launch was immediately canceled.

However, the incident was not formally reported to the relevant aviation regulator as it violated standard protocols.

A source said:

“No deaths or injuries were reported, and other passengers in the plane as of the time of the incident could not be ascertained.”

The jet belonged to billionaire businessman Chief Adedeji Adeleke, father of Afrobeats musician David Adeleke (also known as Davido). He was also the younger brother of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Adeleke was the owner of Bombardier Global Express 6000, which was involved in the incident.

The jet was used by the Adeleke family as their family plane.

It was said that the jet was found parked in the airport’s executive jet hangar before its September 5 deployment.