The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes under the leadership of Chief Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Central Committee under the leadership of Balogun Gaphar Ojetola on Saturday, 20th April 2024 celebrates Dr. Ayo Alaga, the Vice Chairman, 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week.
Dr. Ayo Alaga is the Ajia Iyabode of Ibadan land, and the secretary of Iyalode-in-council.
As the Head of Local Government Administration of Ibadan SouthEast, Ibadan celebrate and acknowledge your exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and remarkable contributions to the continuous growth of the Local Government. Your professional competence and administrative prowess have been instrumental in steering the LG towards progress and prosperity.
Your ability to navigate complex challenges with smile and confidence, coupled with your strategic vision, has not only ensured the smooth functioning of the local government but has also inspired confidence and trust among your colleagues. Your commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity has laid the foundation for a more responsive and effective governance structure, setting a benchmark for excellence in public service.
As Ajia Iyalode of Ibadan land, your profound sense of cultural participation has added a unique dimension to your leadership. By fostering a spirit of inclusiveness and celebrating our diverse heritage, you have created an environment where every voice is heard, and every culture is valued. Your efforts to promote cultural exchange and understanding have not only enriched our community but have also strengthened the bonds that unite us.
Dr Alaga, we reflect on your remarkable journey and countless achievements, we are filled with gratitude for your exemplary service and inspired by your relentless pursuit of excellence. Your leadership serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all of us reminding us of the transformative power of dedicated and compassionate leadership.
On behalf of the entire Orekelewa brain and beauty pageant Sub-committee led by Chief Mrs Temitope Awotunde, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you. May you continue to lead with wisdom, compassion, and integrity, and may your legacy endure as a testament to the impact of true leadership.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya for breaking the world chess marathon record.
The congratulatory message was contained in a statement made available by the Governor via his official Twitter handle as read in part:
“Congratulations to Chess Master Tunde Onakoya on breaking the world chess marathon record in Times Square, New York. Your journey from Lagos, Nigeria to global recognition embodies the spirit of our great city.
“Tunde continues to demonstrate that greatness can emerge from even the most humble beginnings. His remarkable story serves as a blueprint for all of us in Lagos-a city where his impact has been felt the most, showing that with determination, dreams can indeed soar to monumental heights.
“Tunde’s entire journey was showcased on digital billboards and celebrated with watch parties, capturing the true spirit of Lagos. Despite enduring pain and fatigue, Tunde persevered, driven by his commitment to empower the children he champions.
“This is your moment, Tunde, and Lagos stands with you every step of the way”.
The Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has launched two soft drinks, Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric Energy Drink.
At the event recently, the monarch described the drinks as a dream come true, adding that the products would bring pride to Africa.
He congratulated Tingo BV Plc, the makers of the beverages, on reaching a significant milestone for indigenous businesses.
Ooni, who served as the official host of the launch, noted that both Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric Drink uphold local content principles.
He said, “Between 80 and 85 per cent of the ingredients are locally sourced or manufactured in Nigeria. I’m very proud to say that this product is an exportable product.”
The royal father, who is also the Chairman of Tingo BV Plc, declared his support for Tingo drinks as the brand’s “number one ambassador” while promising to guard it towards success.
“Today, I am telling the whole world that I have taken up the responsibility for these products because it is one of my passions. I dreamed that one day I would be part of a team to design, conceptualise and put together a drink that would be the pride of not only Nigeria but the entire continent of Africa. Today, we celebrate the realisation of that vision with Tingo Cola and Tingo electric drinks,” he added.
Speaking, the founder of Tingo Foods, Dozi Mmobuosi, noted, “Tingo Cola and Tingo Electric represent not only a triumph of innovation but also a celebration of Nigerian ingenuity.”
Mmobuosi remarked that the team was proud to showcase these exceptional beverages to the world and was deeply grateful for the support of the monarch.
The founder disclosed that Tingo BV would be distributing its products through Ojaja Malls, which are currently in two major cities and expanding to Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, as well as online platforms.
“The Tingo range of beverages will subsequently include more flavours. These varieties are Tingo Electra energy drink, Tingo Twist, Tingo B
Mr Joseph Aloba, the father of late Nigerian artist Mohbad, has explained why he insisted on a paternity test for his grandson, Liam Light.
He disclosed in a recent interview that Mohbad did not name Liam, but rather his wife, Wunmi Aloba.
According to the clergyman and musician, he planned to call his grandson Victor, but Wunmi gave him Liam, which raised his suspicions about the 1-year-old boy’s birth.
Since Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, and was first buried in Ikorodu, Lagos State, his family has been embroiled in an ongoing dispute over his assets and is undergoing a DNA test on Liam.
According to reports, Mr. Aloba is delaying the singer’s reburial until a paternity test is conducted. It’s important mentioning that the Lagos State Court has ordered Wunmi to do a DNA test on Liam.
In a recent interview, he revealed that he suspected Mohbad’s son’s birth since his name is Liam, which is Muslim rather than Christian.
In his words, “My son did not give him Liam. I wanted to give him Victor, they said no, they gave him Liam. And it’s Muslim that bear Liam not Christian. That was when I suspected that the boy’s Placenta that they did not give me during his birth was given to the real father of the child”.Social media users flooded comment section with their thoughts.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes has announced its decision to honour and decorate the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice I. S Yerima with the title Distinguished Fellow Award -DFA.
The announcement was made during the visitation of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week Central Committee led by the Chairman, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola to the office of the State Chief Judge.
The CCII delegation were received by the Honourable Chief Judge, alongside Hon. Justice Olagunju, Hon. Justice (Mrs) Sule, Alhaja Oyediran, Chief Registrar, Mr Abiodun Adebisi; Assistant Chief Registrar & Mrs Olomide; Assistant Chief Registrar.
According to the Chairman of 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, the visitation was under the instruction of Chief Barr. Niyi Ajewole, the President -General of Central Council of Ibadan, and part of the pre-activities of this year’s Ibadan Cultural Festival celebration is to visit high personalities in the State and ensuring that no-one is left.
The Chairman outlined the various activities lined up for the week-long program of this year’s Ibadan Cultural Festival of which the Grand Finale is expected immediately after the new Olubadan coronation.
Part of the activities mapped out were Education Competitions from Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Higher Institutions, Sports competition between the eleven local governments of Ibadanland, Talent- Hunts, Ibadan Conference , Free Shopping, Ibadan Youths Day, Amala/ Indigenous Music Fiesta, Ibadan Conference and Ibadan Street Parade, Business Luncheon and winding the week down with the Grand Finale where series of well deserved awards will be bestowed on merit winners.
According to the Chairman, the grand finale will take place on a Saturday in May which will mark the end of the Cultural Festival and will hold at the Liberty Stadium where the Chief Judge and other distinguished personalities, including Ibadan sons and daughters and non-Ibadan will receive their various awards.
Among those penned down to be honoured includes Her Excellency, the Wife of the State Governor, Engr. Mrs Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde (Most Outstanding Wife of Ibadanland), His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal (Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland. MOFI) among other important personalities.
In addition, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola acknowledged the support the State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde has been giving Ibadan land, and by extension the CCII and Ibadan Cultural Festival.
The Hon. Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima paid glowing tributes to the leadership of the CCII for bestowing the award on her personality and pledged her total support for the success of the Cultural Festival. She prayed that Ibadanland will continue to record more success, progress and development. The Chief Justice commended the State Governor on his unflinching support towards the newly completed Olubadan Palace, first of its kind in the South West of Nigeria. She commended the visiting team and the leadership of the Central Council of Ibadanland.
In the entourage of Balogun Gaphar Ojetola were Engr. Busari Akere; Secretary 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Ambassador Chief Mrs Idowu Olaide Lawal; Member CCII board of trustee & Chairperson Amala, Cultural & Historical Tours Sub. Committee, Mogaji Kunle Shodeinde; 1st Assistant Secretary-General, CCII & Chairman Market, Contact & Resource Mobilization Sub-committee, Chief Mrs Temitope Awotunde; Chairperson Orekelewa Brain & Beauty Sub-committee, Dr. Iyabode Fadiora Alaga; Assistant Secretary 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Engr. Abiodun Bello; Member Business Luncheon Sub-committee, Mr Caleb Akande; CCII Treasurer, Alhaja Mrs Folasade Olayiwola; CCII Social Secretary & Chairperson Sports Sub-committee, Dr. Ademola Taiwo; CCII legal adviser, Mr Ademola Solalu; Co-chairman Media& Publicity Sub-committee, Mr Olugbade Bukunmi; Secretary Venue & Security Sub-committee, Mr Oladele Tokunbo; Member Historical, Cultural Tour & Entertainment Sub-committees, Mr “Kayode Ajani; Secretary Orekelewa Brain &Beauty Pageant & Member Media & Publicity Sub-committee.
In response to recent calls for secession in the South West region, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to take strong action against anyone threatening the unity and independence of Nigeria.
Tinubu’s statement follows incidents involving the Yoruba Nation movement attempting to seize government buildings in Oyo State.
Over the weekend, individuals believed to be Yoruba Nation supporters wearing military attire stormed the Oyo State secretariat in Ibadan in an effort to take control of the State House of Assembly. They were swiftly apprehended by security forces.
The attempted takeover was reportedly led by Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, who, in a widely circulated video, proclaimed the secession of Yorubaland from Nigeria.
During a meeting with Afenifere leaders at the State House, President Tinubu reiterated his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and democratic principles, emphasizing that those who challenge the country’s sovereignty will face severe repercussions.
Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration is resolute in defending Nigeria’s borders and safeguarding its citizens, highlighting progress made in combating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
The president further stated that his government will not yield to those attempting to disrupt the nation’s stability and will intensify efforts to maintain security.
These statements from Tinubu come in the midst of escalating demands for self-governance from various ethnic groups, particularly in the South East and South West regions.
Additionally, Oba Falae praised Tinubu for infrastructure projects like the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos and urged the president to prioritize fairness, equity, and constitutional reforms to empower states.
The meeting concluded with reassurances of support for the president’s initiatives, highlighting the importance of reciprocal engagements for national development.
Twenty nine suspects have been arraigned before an Ibadan Chief Magistrate Court for their alleged involvement and roles in the invasion of Oyo state secretariat at the weekend with intention to hijack government.
The suspects comprising male, female, young and old were arraigned on a seven count charge bothering on treasonable felony, going armed in conducts likely to cause breach of public peace and order, illegal possession of firearms amongst others.
Their offences, according to the Investigative Police Officer, Bakare Rasaq, an Inspector with the State Criminal Investigation Department, Iyaganku, Ibadan are contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol.II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.
Presiding over the case, the Chief Magistrate OO Ogunkanmi adjourned the case to the 1st of August 2024 for hearing and ordered that the suspects be remanded at the state correctional centre, Agodi.
Today, Tuesday 16th April, 2024, Ibadan Indigenes, under the leadership of Chief (Barr.) Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, President -General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes paid a visit to celebrate Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo on his 89th birth anniversary at his Molete residence.
According to Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola, the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee Chairman who led the delegation, he described Pa. Engineer Dr .Victor Omololu Olunloyo as a reservoir of knowledge, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the fabric of Ibadanland, Nigeria and the world at large, earning a PHD at age 25 years, among others.
“Dr. Omololu Olunloyo is notably one of Africa’s most brilliant scholars, a forthright and highly cerebral Mathematician and a walking encyclopaedia whose uncommon vast historical knowledge on Ibadan, Yoruba, Africa and the whole world is second to none”
Part of the anniversary letter reads “As a public administrator per excellence, as an engineer by training and a world standard Mathematical Authority, it will also be noted of your impressive private studies and authority in Law. You are indeed a moving encyclopedia and a man of many parts.
“We recall how you intervened and resolved many critical Obaship litigations and legal bottlenecks with uncompromised legendary historical facts. The list is endless”
Dr. Olunloyo’s journey of service and excellence spans decades, marked by outstanding achievements in various spheres. As a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and later as the governor of the Old Oyo State, his leadership was characterized by vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to the welfare of the people.
During his tenure as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Olunloyo played a pivotal role in the development and governance of local communities, most especially seeing to the successful crowning of two prominent kings in Oyo State, the late Alaafin of Oyo & late Soun of Ogbomoso.
“You were appointed Commissioner for Economic Development for the Western Region in 1962 at the age of 27, in the cabinet of Dr. Moses Majekodunmi. You were also re-appointed when Colonel Adeyinka Adebayo was appointed military governor of Western State. That was another record unbroken”
“You were at one time or the other, Commissioner for Community Development, a two time Commissioner for Education ; Commissioner for Special Duties, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Oyo State which includes crowning of two of Nigeria’s monarchs namely the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III and the Soun of Ogbomosho Oba Oyewunmi Ajagungbade”
As governor of the Old Oyo State, Dr. Olunloyo’s adminstration short but exceptional, left an indelible legacy of progress and transformation. His tenure was marked by bold initiatives aimed at infrastructure development, education reform, and economic empowerment. Under his leadership, significant strides were made in sectors crucial to the well-being of the people, solidifying his reputation as a leader of vision and action.
Beyond his political achievements, Dr. Olunloyo is also celebrated as a world-renowned mathematician, whose knowledge has contributed immensely to the field of mathematics. His intellect and passion for knowledge have earned him recognition and respect on the global stage, bringing pride and acclaim to Ibadanland.
“Your private Library remains one of the richest, if not the best in this part of the World where many Professors have made their point of reference in comparative studies and researches”
“Your mental alertness, irrespective of physical ageing is of immense quality and for this we appreciate God in your life”
Today, as Ibadan commemorate Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo’s 89th birth anniversary, we honor his exemplary life of service, leadership, and intellectual prowess, and for this reason, he has been scheduled to receive the highest Ibadan award, The Most Distinguished Ibadan Indigene ( MDII) at the grand finale of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival which is to take place later in May.
Other members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes delegation includes; Chief Mrs Simiat Adeleke Larodo, Dr. Monsurat Ayo Alaga; the Vice Chairman of 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Engr. Musa Akere; Secretary 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Ambassador Chief Mrs Idowu Olaide Lawal GAIC, member CCII board of trustee and Chairperson Cultural & Historical Tour Sub-committee of 2024 Ibadan Festival Week, Chief Mrs Temitope Awotunde; Chairperson Orekelewa Brain & Beauty Sub-committee, Engr. Abiodun Bello, Ajani Kayode; Secretary Orekelewa Brain & Beauty & Member Media Subcommittee. We wish Papa Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo a healthy longevity and massive wellness in abundance of happiness, joy and tranquility.
Former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai recently stated that the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu is currently subsidizing fuel for Nigerians. El-Rufai expressed this view during an interaction with journalists in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Monday, noting that the FG is now spending more on fuel subsidy than before.
The President had announced the removal of fuel subsidies during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, mentioning that the country could no longer afford to provide this benefit to its citizens. However, this decision led to a surge in fuel prices and a subsequent increase in the cost of other goods and services, exacerbating the economic challenges facing the nation since 2023.
Contrary to the earlier removal of the subsidy, El-Rufai revealed that the government had reinstated the fuel subsidy. He explained that the return of the subsidy was prompted by the realization that the measures introduced to mitigate its impact had not been effective in alleviating the economic burden, leading to the reimplementation of fuel subsidy by the federal government.
El-Rufai highlighted that many individuals might not be aware of the reinstated fuel subsidy. He suggested comparing petrol and diesel prices as evidence, noting that while diesel is priced above one thousand naira per litre, petrol remains at N600 per litre.
This price discrepancy indicates that the government is still subsidizing petrol, as per El-Rufai’s observations, aimed at addressing the shortcomings in the initial implementation of the fuel subsidy.
