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Traditional worshippers warn Oluwo to stop desecrating deities as Ifa Conference holds

The Ifa Unity Conference on Thursday warned the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi to stop ridiculing the Yoruba deities and traditional worshippers with his utterances.

The warning was issued during a conference by Traditional Worshippers tagged, “Unity and Growth of Traditional Religion; Way Out”, held at Sadiat hotel, Osogbo, Osun State.

The Araba Agbaye Olu Isese, High Chief Awolabi Aworeni, while speaking during the event said, “Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi is ridiculing us, the traditional worshippers. He has been making utterances to disrespect us. Unfortunately, someone on that stool doesn’t know the importance and the relationship that should exist between the stool and traditional worshippers.”

High Chief Aworeni noted that the traditional worshippers are kicking against the disrespectful actions of Oluwo, saying, “after he ridicules us, he will later come begging, at this point we want to state that, he should stop such actions.”

He added that he has reached out to the president of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Mr. Bolaji Amusan, to caution filmmakers to stop desecrating Traditional Religion.

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Iseyin killing was caused by a response to mob attacks – Customs

The Nigerian Customs had clnfirmed the clash between some of its officers and some smugglers in Iseyin.

It was earlier reported that no fewer than four people were killed in Iseyin, Oyo State during a clash between some Customs officers and smugglers.

Customs in its reaction to the incident, argued that officers who were on routine patrol intercepted two Nissan Pathfinder SUV vehicles fully loaded with smuggled foreign parboiled rice at Iseyin.

Spokesman of NCS, Zone A, Theophilus Duniya in a statement made available on Friday, explained that the mob attacked the officers with dangerous weapons which led to the infliction of serious injuries on two officers.

He said the mob attempted to abduct one of the officers who was brutally attacked.

“At about 1500 hours of Thursday, 13th May 2021 some daredevil smugglers mobilized themselves with the help of some thugs; attacked a patrol team serving with Federal Operations Unit Zone A, who were on lawful duty at Iseyin.

“The officers who were on routine patrol intercepted two Nissan Pathfinder SUV vehicles fully loaded with smuggled foreign parboiled rice at Iseyin. Sequel to the interception, the officers were attacked by a mob who were mobilized by the smugglers.

“The mob attacked the officers with dangerous weapons which led to the infliction of serious injuries on two officers. In an attempt to abduct one of the officers who was brutally attacked.

“The assailants had taken the injured officer with his rifle before his team members acted in self-defence, shot at his suspected abductors leading to the death of three of them before he was rescued and taken for immediate medical attention.

“The officers were able to successfully evacuate the intercepted smuggled rice, while the injured officers are currently receiving treatment.

“The Acting Controller of the Unit, DC Usman Yahaya, is sad about the avoidable incident and urges community leaders and parents to call their wards and youths to order.

“While appealing for compliance to extant rules, he assures of the resolve of his men to remain resolute on discharging their duties in the best interest of Nigerians.”

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Ooni of Ife Visits Dangote Refinery, Says ‘Economic Solutions Within’

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has said that the solutions to Nigeria’s current economic challenges are within.

Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria made this known during an officially courtesy visit to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals in Lagos State, where he was accorded the comprehensive on the spot assessment of the magnitude of this exceptional project.

According to a statement by the Monarch’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare on Friday, the Ooni explained that the involvement of unique Nigerians by the ace businessman and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, the current economic challenges would soon be crushed.

The Ooni said, “I am full of admiration as this integrated refinery and petrochemical project which is being ranked as the largest in Africa and one of the largest in the world has the capacity to bring Africa to the frontiers of economic possibilities, holding the special key to meet the increasing domestic fuel demand, creating exponential employments for our teeming youth’s, whilst generating foreign exchange through exports.

”We all must commend the superlative dedication of Alhaji Aliko Dangote to this mission which is a strong symbol of industrial progress and rejuvenation. Indeed, it is a modern mirror of inspiration to our brilliant young people that are resiliently and unashamedly establishing cutting-edge products while making immense contributions to our economic development.

”As a nation, we are duty bound to applaud and celebrate the significant contributions of our best young populations to our nation. They are full of ambitions, hopes and dreams. With their entrepreneurial spirits like Aliko Dangote, our exceptional African great icon, our political leaders must raise the bar of patriotism and alignment with our young populations, creating more friendly robust policies that will unquestionably enable competitive economic growth and wealth creation.

”Like Aliko Dangote, our young populations are more sophisticated with a powerful culture of patriotism that has beclouded our political system for decades. They are bound through one creed, belief and inclusiveness irrespective of ethnicity or religions. Their contributions are intrinsic and very central to our future.

”We must begin to champion a new Africa through the eyes of our young population whose ideals reveal a sense of optimism with pathways to prosperity.”

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JUST IN: Aseyin holds emergency meeting, calls for expulsion of Customs over extrajudicial killings in Iseyin

In a bid to put an end to serial killings of citizens of Iseyin and its environs by overzealous men of Nigerian Customs Service NCS, the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Dr Salaudeen Adekunle Ajinese and other stakeholders of Iseyin community have today held meeting to bring an end to extrajudicial killing of residents by Customs.

It should be recalled that earlier yesterday, ODUDUWA NEWS had reported the killing of four people by men of Nigerian Customs who said to have been on a trail of alleged rice smugglers, and in the process invaded an innocent shop and carted away some bags of rice while shooting sporadically which led to the death of four people and one other seriously injuryed

It was learnt that in the stakeholders’ meeting presided over by the traditional ruler, it was resolved that men of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) be expelled from the community, while some citizens were said to have rained curses on their accomplices who are citizens of Iseyin

It was learnt that the meeting was massively attended by residents, who also came to register their displeasure on the ugly incident that took the lives of four people on the eve of Sallah festival.

“The traditional ruler while speaking affirmed his position that there is existing executive order by President Buhari that says there should be 40km away from border while the Customs are carrying out their operations. He thereby assured residents that all hands are on deck to ensure that all Customs Officers are finally expelled from Iseyin.

“Kabiesi thanked the youths of Iseyin for being repentant and not intractable like some who took laws into their hands during #EndSARS brouhaha which led to destruction of Government properties and privately owned too”.

The monarch thanked the people of Iseyin for their calmness as well as Iseyin Divisional Police Officer for professional conduct

The monarch was both piqued and sobered over the brutal killing of 5 of his youths on a day of joy that people were celebrating after 30days of fasting and supplication”.

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LG Election: Lagos APC Rakes In Multimillion Naira From Chairmanship, Councillorship Aspirants

The Lagos State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has raked in multimillion naira from the nomination forms purchased by Chairmanship and Councillorship aspirants in the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state.

According to a breakdown of the nomination forms obtained by the aspirants released by the State Secretary of the APC, Hon Lanre Ogunyemi, a total of 1046 aspirants obtained Councillorship nomination forms, while that of the Chairmanship aspirants was put at 333.

From the foregoing, N666million was raked in from chairmanship nomination forms at N2million each, while a total of N523million was generated from the forms purchased by Councillorship aspirants at N500,000 each.

In terms of breakdown per senatorial district, for the Chairmanship forms, Lagos West recorded 163; Lagos East, 87 and Lagos Central, 83.

For the Councillorship nomination forms, Lagos West, 538; Lagos East, 282; and Lagos Central, 226.

A party source, however, disclosed to Lagos Monitoring Team that the amount generated is not as high as N1.189billion as women and youth were asked to only pay half of the fees for the nomination forms.

“You see, we did not generate up to N1.189billion. As a party that is sensitive to the need to support women and the youths, we have asked these categories of aspirants to only pay half of the fees for the nomination forms both for Chairmanship and Councillorship forms.

“Also, the disabled were exempted from payment. The nomination forms for this category of persons are free, save for N5000 administrative charges,” the source said.

However, in the breakdown of nomination forms released by Ogunyemi, there was no information as to the number of women, youth and disabled that obtained the nomination forms.

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Iseyin Killings: Fish out murderers of innocent souls, Oyo lawmaker, Dele Adeola Tells Customs

The Honourable member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, Hon. Dele Adeola has condemned the gruesome murder of members of his Constituency by men of Nigerian Customs Service NCS.

This was contained in a statement signed and released to ODUDUWA NEWS today as read in part.

“The killing of four people in Iseyin said to have been carried out by some overzealous Customs officers who derailed from their attempt to trail some rice smugglers by invading an innocent shop and carted away some bags of rice.

“The triggered happy Customs officers whose primary duty is to ensure that no life is lost while carrying out their operation started shooting sporadically which eventually led to the death of four people while one other sustained serious injury in Iseyin”.

Adeola in his words said, he condemned Gestapo-like-action of Customs officers whose nefarious deed has become a subject national debate in Nigeria.

“We cannot continue like this, it is inhumane to treat fellow humans like animals. Why would the Customs Officers be shooting sporadically in a town filled with peace-loving people when there was no attempt to engage them in gun duel.

“We must sound a note of warning to the Customs that they are established by laws funded by taxpayers’ money whose lives are being cutshort extraducially by their overzealousness.

“I therefore rise to condemn such act, it is inhumane, callous and barbaric that in this 21st century Customs officers would be shooting sporadically in a city filled with peaceful commoners particularly at a time when the Sallah festive period was still going on”.

Adeola also averred that he was shock that the Customs have been recalcitrant as their excesses seem to be unabated even not later than few weeks that their inhumane treatment of citizens became subject of national discourse owing to their unprofessional conduct while carrying out their operations.

“This is how #EndSARS started and all efforts should be geared towards to forestall a replica of such, for how long shall we condone killings of innocent souls who have already been subjected to twin evils of economic hardship and insecurity.

“It should be recalled that recently a retired Assistant Comptroller General of Customs who is a current serving senator while addressing the overzealousness of Customs this week at the hallowed chamber warned them to refrain from carrying out operations in contrary to 40km away from the border as a limitation to their patrol being part of the laws that established the body.

“It is on this note, I demand that the NCS commence full investigation into the matter to unravel the mystery behind the gruesome murder of innocent souls and ensure that the culprits are brought to book within shortest period of time.

“I pray that Almighty God grant the deceased families fortitude to bear the irrevocable loss”.

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OPINION: The Mankind, Makinson Called Makinde – A Loyalist Writes

It’s been a tough and hectic scene for weeks now as it comes and goes so quickly, especially when one is busy with GOVERNANCE!

In the last few weeks, Gov Seyi Makinde has been dealing with issues bordering on Oyo State’s security, and some have criticized his stand in many parts for nebulous reasons. Some people even labelled him “AN AFONJA INCARNATE”, a reference to the perception that he is a betrayer of his people despite their loyalty, trust, labour, commitment, and sacrifices towards seeing his ambition becoming a reality.

This is why he said, “he is open to constructive criticisms and not destructive, instead of crucifying our administration based on interest, ethnicity or religion colouration, call me to order where I have made any mistake for immediate adjustment”

But, far be it from GSM betraying the trust given to him by the good people of Oyo State. With all sense of humility, this is one occasion where he had to take various stands to protect the good people of Oyo State. And that is why today, His Excellency had decided to remind us all of our responsibility in humanity.

He said and I quote, “When I was younger, my peers gave me the alias “Makinson” or “Mankind.” I earned this title because I was quite liberal with my resources and also very accommodating. I see people first as humanbeings and will not make enemies of anyone by association.”

Even as He grew older, He was very consistent in maintaining His excellent disposition towards people. From the horse’s mouth, Makinde says: “I do not treat anyone differently because of their race, gender, religion, social standing or political affiliation”.

Interestingly, I remembered when Gov Seyi Makinde gave out a contract in the first few months of assuming His Office as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, some party members were upset because the people who got the job were from another political party.

But that wasn’t an issue for him. As far as he is concerned, people should be judged by the content of their characters. Competence is more important to me than political affiliation he said.

MAKINSON as fondly called then confessed that if he was not known for being tolerant, he could not have become the Executive Governor of Oyo State. It would have been almost unthinkable to aspire to govern a Muslim-dominated state like Oyo if the people thought of him as a religious bigot. And this is why He cannot suddenly change who he is just because he wants to please everyone/anyone.

To crown it all, as quoted from the horse’s mouth, “I have taken time to go down memory lane to help us understand that humanity comes above all else. We should not be found among those who stoke up ethnic tensions or seek to punish some people because of where they come from or what they do for a living.”

On a final note, Gov. Seyi Makinde enjoins all to join him in always putting humanity above everything else.

By Moyosoreoluwa Olamilekan Eedriz

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OPINION: Killings in Iseyin; An Excessive Force and Customs Brutality Must End – Adesina Julius

The recent catastrophy brought about by impermissible cum unprofessional activities of the Nigerian Customs Service in Iseyin as a major focus has been mindbogglingly and very preposterous.

It is no news that the security of the citizens is what defines a state and that government exists for the state and not the state for the government.

In recent times, without being economical with the truth, officers of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS)’s raiding around different communities and towns in Oyo state has been projecting the image of the organization as that which is created basically to oppress, terrorise and raide the innocent persons all in the name of extorting money from them in the guise of discharging their constitutional duties as enshrined in the law.

It is disheartening that, these uniform men are terrorising and causing mayhem and unrest amidst the Oke Ogun and Oyo State as a whole, the level at which shooting and raiding of shops and carting away of goods by this so-called officers in Oyo State all in the name of putting an end to smuggling is so mindbogglingly and calamitous, needed to put an end to in order to avert another violence and crisis in the state.

It is very obvious that, Oyo state as a state and the people residing there have been battling with multifarious threats to peace by this same Uniform men that supposed to be maintaining peace and orderliness.

Today, the situation and event that unfolded in Iseyin town has clearly shown that no commuter is safe and that anything can happen to anybody at any material time, because the so-called officers have turned themselves to law and continually shooting and terrorising the commuters and those engaged in rice business.

A typical example of their negative impact and their unprofessional activities is what they did in Iseyin town by shooting and killing the commuters in search for contraband goods. It is so saddening as, i watched helplessly how these uniform men sporadically shot at fellow citizens.

The Oke Ogun elder statemen need to stand up against this inhumane act and put all measure and necessary plans in place to check the exceesses of this so-called officers who are terrorising the people because, if the people were push to wall, nothing would be done by then than for them to resolve to violence and this will put the entire region in a state of unrest, looking at what happened during the EndSars protest.

Action needs to be taken before things go out of hand. As this can come with re appraisal attack.

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40,000 out of school children returned to classrooms – Makinde

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, declared that the administration has made real progress in developing and repositioning the state in the last two years.
The governor, who stated this while delivering a speech at the 2nd Circularity Africa Conference, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, added that the government and the people of the state are seeing results in the areas of education, health, security and expansion of the state’s economy.

He added that his administration has been able to lay a solid foundation in the state to transmit renewable energy for larger and sustainable development.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that his administration has ensured that no fewer than 40,000 out-of-school children have returned to classrooms as of the end of 2020.

Makinde, who participated in the Conference through Zoom, also pointed out how the Clean and Green Initiative of the government has changed the sustainable environment narrative in the state.
The statement further quoted Governor Makinde as saying that the Conference, with the theme, “Enabling Green Businesses and Circular Economy in Africa,” centred on two aspects of governance close to his heart: education and sustainable environment.

The statement added that the organisers of the conference honoured Governor Makinde with the Green City Award of Recognition for his government’s efforts in the area of sustainable environment.
While speaking, the governor explained that his government has made real progress in the education sector and other sectors, stating that the administration’s investments in education, where it has committed more resources in the past two budgetary cycles, have resulted in the reduction in the number of out-of-school children in the state and massive improvement in education.
The governor said: “Let me start by thanking Dr. Olawale Olayide and the Board of Images Initiative for the opportunity to be part of this event – the Second Circularity Africa Conference. One thing stands out for me here. This is the fact that you have effectively married two aspects of governance that are close to my heart – education and a sustainable environment.

“As you may already know, education is one of the four pillars of our Roadmap to Accelerated Development in Oyo State, 2019-2023. We believe that an educated population is definitely key to sustainable development. And this is why for the past two budgetary cycles, we have done more for education.
“We have consistently allocated over 20 per cent of our budget to education. Aside from that, we have removed one of the major barriers to education in Oyo State: the payment of fees. Every child in Oyo State has access to free education. We are also ensuring that they have qualitative education. This is why we just recently completed the recruitment of 5,000 teachers – qualified teachers – into the public school system.
“Additionally, we are tackling the issue of proximity of students to schools, especially in rural areas. We have been consistently paying our Universal Basic Education Commission’s counterpart funding. With these funds, we are building and rehabilitating schools all over the state.

“So, when you drive around Oyo State, modern school buildings are becoming the norm and not the exception. “And I must tell you that we are seeing results. We are making sure progress in reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving the quality of education in the state. One of the statistics that we recently received is that we have helped over 40,000 children get back into class in the last year.”
He added: “We did not just come up with our four-point agenda, there is a reason for it but they are all linked. We believe if you have an educated populace living a healthy life with an expanding economy in a safe and secure environment, then life will definitely be lived in abundance in Oyo State. And that is what those four pillars are supposed to do for us in the state.

“Still on education, I can tell you that we have seen a lot of our children back to school. For health care, we are renovating 351 primary health care centres (one in every ward) and we are spending close to N7bn in carrying that out. Very soon, you would not need to leave your ward to be able to get attended to in terms of health care. Private people are also talking to us that if we are putting a lot of money as such into primary health care, they want to partner with us from their pocket to support us. So, we are seeing results.”

Speaking on the efforts of the government in the area of sustainable environment, the governor explained that as part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the state makes the much-needed transition to renewable energy, it created a Ministry of Energy Resources immediately he got into office, saying: “First, when I came in, we created a ministry that was not in existence – The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and one of the mandates of the ministry is to ensure that we rapidly go into renewable energy.
“Second is to also ensure we have a sustainable way to provide energy for our people. So, it is one of the things that we have done and we have people that have been deployed there to do their work. If you go all over Oyo State, we have at least 6 or 7 sites where we have deployed solar infrastructure to light up. Private people are also coming in, in that area.”

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IPOB Threat: Ohaneze Ndigbo Tells Sanwo-Olu To Ignore Rumoured Attacks in Lagos

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has advised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ignore the rumour that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are plotting to attack Lagos, noting that it is a ploy to distract the State Governor and his administration from providing good governance for all residents of the State.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina on Thursday, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador (Prof.) George Obiozor, said the “dangerous rumour or statement is aimed to cause division, crises and conflict amongst us.”

Obiozor in his address titled “Violence in any part of Lagos State is violence on all of us” said Ndigbo cannot indulge in any act that will harm the harmonious peace and cordial relationship between Igbo and Yoruba, especially Lagos, which he described as second home of several Ndigbo.

The leader of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organization also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for the exemplary leadership he exhibited at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged Nigeria, especially in Lagos State, adding that the Governor deserved commendation for controlling and restricting the speed of coronavirus with his quick response.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, during a Security Townhall Meeting at the Lagos State secretariat, attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu, and other principal officials in Lagos State on Monday, said there were plans by some groups, which include IPOB to attack ‘soft spots’ in the state.

But responding to the statement, Prof. Obiazor said Igbo nation was renowned for being agents of development and not destruction.

“Today, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in the company of Igbo Elders and Leaders in Lagos, are here to pay you (Governor Sanwo-Olu) a solidarity visit and to further reassure you that Ndigbo are not violent in nature, neither are we known for acts of violence anywhere we live.

“The constant and periodic dangerous insinuations, rumour, gossips and callous statements that Ndigbo in Lagos or any part of Yoruba land contemplate or instigate violence in Lagos or any part of Yoruba land; we wish to state clearly that anywhere this dangerous rumour or statement is emanating from is aimed to cause division, crises and conflict amongst us.

“We think that this rumour is intended to distract the Lagos State Government from its efforts to provide good governance for all and cause disaffection between Ndigbo who live in Lagos and their host community which is the second home of several Ndigbo.

“The quick denial of this rumour by members of IPOB and Yoruba groups in Lagos and across the South West was a source of relief,” he said.

Prof. Obiozor also reiterated Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s total support for Lagos State Government and the security agencies’ patriotic efforts to keep everyone safe in the State and throughout the country.

“I am aware that the Government and good people of Lagos State under your able leadership, and through their hospitable gestures, have continually kept the trust and friendship between Ndigbo and our host communities in Lagos State alive.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo through this medium reiterates total support to the state government and the security agencies in their patriotic efforts to keep everyone safe in Lagos and throughout the country. The Igbo nation is renowned for being agents of development, not destruction. Ndigbo are builders and their contributions to the development of Lagos State are evident and exemplary,” he said.

Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership of continuous good governance, security of lives and properties of all residents in Lagos State.

The Governor said he had no doubt that the Ndigbo are great people, noting that his administration would continue to foster harmonious relationships with all the different tribes and ethnic nationalities in the State.

The courtesy visit was at the instance of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, to clear the air on the rumoured attacks on Lagos by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

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