SOUN OF OGBOMOSHO LAND COMMISSIONS 5-STAR HOTEL, INNOVATION HUB , SAYS THIS JUST THE BEGINNING

Femi OGUNLANA

The vision to transform Ogbomoso into a model city receives further boost Saturday as two hubs of economic activities were proudly commissioned in the city by the Soun, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III.

The two centres, the Dreamz Suites & Hotels and Ennovate Lab, are both situated along old Ilorin road.

Commissioning the hotel located at a prime area in Aroje, the Soun enthused it was the beginning of great, amazing things to come to Ogbomoso. He said the project which began before his enthronement was almost abandoned but that his efforts in canvassing Ogbomoso people in the diaspora to return home to establish businesses revived the interest of the US-based owner, Mr. Olufemi Leke, assuring the gateway of developments is being opened and will lead to the desired transformation.

“I am happy to be here,” Oba Olaoye had stated. “This is dream come true. We first met in New York some years ago and he shared this dream but he was not enthusiastic again so to say. But l told him l would be Oba and l would commission the hotel. That gave the needed spark to completing the project.

“I believe this is the beginning of several things that will happen in Ogbomoso. We are just starting, more amazing things will come up in this town.”

He now told the hotel CEO, “You are an inspiration, l can tell you l am impressed.”

The traditional ruler, a businessman himself, advised the hotelier to maintain high standards, have zero tolerance for fraudulent staff and to try as much as possible to make transactions cashless to reduce sharp practices. He however urged him to pay his staff well and learn to compensate them.

“Maintain high standard, have zero tolerance for fraudulent practices, make transactions as cashless as possible and pay your workers well. Compensate diligence, let them feel the impact of the business doing well. Engage them, don’t do master-servant relationship but relate with them with honours. Maintaining standards is a difficult thing but it is not an impossible thing,” Oba Olaoye said.

The hotelier, Mr. Femi Leke, thanking the Oba, said he had been impressed by Oba Olaoye since the first time he got introduced to him in New York, USA, informing many Ogbomoso indigenes in the diaspora have bought into the idea of investing at home. “I can tell you we have a whole army coming over. That is what we in the diaspora discuss nowadays,” he confidently stated.

Writing on the event later the Soun in a social media post stated, “This morning, I was filled with joy as I and my entourage was at the grand opening of Dreamz Suites & Hotel in Ogbomoso.

“What makes this moment special is not just the beauty of the structure, but the heart behind it. I met the visionary behind the hotel in New York while sharing my 25-year developmental blueprint for Ogbomosoland — and he caught the vision. He wasn’t just inspired to build a hotel… he was moved to build excellence.

“Today, I saw excellence. I was deeply impressed by the standard — it speaks of the Ogbomoso we are building together: world-class, forward-thinking, and rooted in values.

“This is just the beginning of what’s coming to Ogbomosoland. We are attracting visionaries, builders, and doers. Ogbomoso is rising — and everyone who aligns with purpose, discipline, and excellence will rise with it.”

Also speaking at the commissioning of the Ennovate Lab located at the former Coca cola depot near LAUTECH, the Soun assured the founders, “We will support your vision.” He reiterated more “amazing things” are coming to the town.

Ennovate lab, founded in November 2017 by four friends, Jesudamilare Adesegun-David, Chima Omike, Pelumi Igunnubolei and Ijeoma Nwawka, is an innovation hub that seeks to promote innovation and enterprise thinking and success in underserved university communities, according to information gleaned from its website.

It further states, “Our vision is captured within these three prongs: Innovation Hub, Startup Foundry and Seed Fund.

“As an innovation hub, we are committed to building resilient innovation ecosystems in underserved university communities. As a startup foundry, we build borderless solutions for communities by communities and as a seed fund, we reach beyond our portcos to become the first to write cheques for promising startups in our host communities.”

This is as it stresses, “Our goal is to decentralize and democratize access to opportunity and resources in underserved communities by leveraging assets within those communities especially their human capital and the presence of university institutions.”

It will promote such values as creativity, empathy, camaraderie, integrity, inclusiveness and grit.

Volunteers, developers, storytellers, creative designers, urban agriculturist, online community managers, social media managers, content creators are part of the centre’s human resources and it has hubs in the US, UK and some other Western countries.

A representative of the organisation challenged Ogbomoso people to “keep this movement going in Ogbomoso. Build the community together, invest here together. By this, employment will be created in Ogbomoso, businesses will come and thrive.”

Recall that in recent times businesses are springing up in the town among which are the opening of a depot of Prestige Paints Lagos, and the inauguration of Yajifarz Foundation Cup, which is ongoing with the sponsor saying he is working on bringing his business to Ogbomoso as well. There have been other developmental projects like the plan to set up a large-hectared sweet potato farm, road constructions, establishment of a monothecnic on cultural studies and so on.

ogbomosoinsightonline.com can authoritatively state other “goodies” are on their way to the ancient town.

More pictures from the events:

THE TITAN OF YORÚBÀLAND- ALAAFIN ABIMBOLA AKEEM OWOADE I

By Bode Durojaiye 

Alaafin Akeem Abimbola Owoade 1 : The Titan of Yorubaland with natural inner power that models values and virtues to sustain generations to come (1)

Alaafin Oeoade I

The Alaafin sits on a throne whose pedigree had been widely acclaimed as the exemplar of the delicate and elaborate mechanism of constitutionally guaranteed system of checks and balance.  

But equally stands out as the best political edifice ever constructed by an African state; ancient or modern.

‘’Oyo Empire was in possession of all the land. Oyo was very fast in expansion and became one of the earliest states with a central authority system. This makes Oyo, probably the greatest of the forest states in West Africa. 

At the highest of its existence, having fully developed a sophisticated internal system of government, Oyo dominated all other Yoruba kingdoms namely; Ife, Ekiti, Ijesa, Egba, Ijebu, Ondo,Sabe and Owu. It stretched into Dahomey, Togo and parts of the Ashanti in Ghana. 

This achievement marked a new phase in the history of the Yoruba; for it witnessed the effective transfer of power from Ile-ife to Oyo which became the Centre of a new powerful empire with far flung cultural, political and linguistic influences.. 

Oyo soon became the seat of government of the Yoruba people.

 Interestingly, the new identity of Oyo was diffused to all parts of Yoruba land with overwhelming adoption.

However, since ascension to the throne of his forefathers , His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye , the Alaafin of Oyo , Oba Engineer Akeem Abimbola Owoade 1, has been ruling by peaceful means, and not with force and control.

When a leader is not conflicted inside and has truly experienced pure, unconditional love, then he will be at peace. 

Alaafin Owoade do not need any affirmation from the outside, nor will criticism affect him. The Paramount Ruler is in an inner state of peace, which is inner power.

This is contrary to someone who has not felt loved, secured or cared for, and steps into a position of power, such a person tends to lead from a place of control, insecurity, and fear.

 Such a leader or ruler's vibration emanates from the base of his consciousness which will breed misgivings in those around him and in the people he leads or rules .

 Positive or negative, our feelings spread and have an impact on the environment around us.

Consider the actions of Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Kim Jong, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussein. What inspired their acts of violence and disregard for human life?

 Could they have felt the need so strongly to be in control and superior to others if they had truly felt loved and secure in who they were?

 Or were the acts upon others their attempts to feel empowered and important?

As a Purveyor of authentic Yoruba traditions, Alaafin Owoade is a Monarch who puts emphasis on his own integrity, works to develop a strong ethical foundation with an understanding of Godly behaviour.

 He has been living to please God with a good character and a clean conscience. 

The Titan of Yorubaland is connected to a Source greater than himself, emanates the energy of bringing people together for a greater good, walks his talk, open to dialogue that can help to understand the hearts of those he rules, a great listener

who lives from a deep self-respect that inspires others to model his self-respect.

Alaafin Owoade is slow and steady and long lasting, promotes loving resolve and dispels fear, isn’t power hungry because he carries a natural inner power that models values and virtues to sustain generations to come, coupled with

great wisdom and mastering the art of sharing that wisdom with dignity and forthrightness.

Little wonder the unequaled honour accorded the Alaafin Owoade by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the State House , Aso Villa and the Oyo Forum both in Abuja. 

To be continued ........

Bode Durojaiye , the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo. 

Alaafin in pictures:

Sokoto State Government to MURIC: Remain apolitical, your accusations on deposition of Sultan untrue, baseless, biased, unfounded

The Sokoto State Government has rebuked the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) over a publication made by the body alleging a plan by the sttate government to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto,  Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar. 

A statement signed by Abubakar Bawa who is the Press Secretary to the Sokoto state Governor said Sokoto State Government wondered how a responsible body like MURIC, claiming to be protecting the rights of the Muslims would descend so low and cheaply as to join hands with deluded mischief makers and enemies of progress to fabricate such a false and unsubstantiated story just to create an unfriendly atmosphere and fear in the minds of the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the state. 

Full Statement: 

The attention of the Sokoto State Government has been drawn to a malicious publication credited to the Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) alleging a plan by the sttate government to dethrone the Sultan of Sokoto,  Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar. 

The state government wondered how a responsible  body like MURIC, claiming to be protecting the rights of the Muslims would descend so low and cheaply as to join hands with deluded mischief makers and enemies of progress to fabricate such a false and unsubstantiated story just to create an unfriendly atmosphere and fear in the minds of the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of the state. 

We believe that MURIC is not the type that will be dancing to the tunes of enemies and mischief makers who are trying to take away the attention of the good people of Sokoto state and Nigerians on the transformative initiatives taking place in Sokoto State over the last one year. 

We also like to assure MURIC that the present administration just like the previous administrations in the state cherishes and respects the Sultanate Council long before MURIC was established. 

The Sultanate Council, which has a long standing historical importance is so reverred to all the people of Sokoto State, therefore we still hold the institution in very high regards and esteem. 

This is not the first time stories such as this  were fabricated to show that all is not well between the state government and the Sultanate Council, as some few months back we had a similar obnoxious story which the state government categorically condemned and denied in whole.

From the look of things, those nefarious  detractors and distracting enemies of progress have not relented in their failed efforts  to smear the cordial relationship existing between the state government and the Sultanate Council. 

MURIC should have cared to find out if there was ever any query, warning or any threatening documents served on the sultan by the state government. 

We equally like to remind MURIC that promoting Islamic affairs is the second item on the Ahmed Aliyu's nine-point Smart Agenda, therefore Islam means so much to the present administration, coupled with the fact that Sokoto being the Seat of the Caliphate, is a 100 per cent Muslim-dominated society.

It is on record that no administration in the history of Sokoto State has done to Islam what the present administration has done in just one year. This we say without any fear of contradictions. 

 

Therefore, for any one to think that the present administration could engage in acts or actions that could jeopardize the development of  Islam is not only unfair but unjustifiable. 

To put the records straight, we would like to tell the world that the relationship between the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration and the Sultanate Council under the leadership of our most respected monarch, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar has been very cordial. 

The present administration always consulted  with His Eminence, the Sultan on issues affecting the state, and his invaluable contributions and inputs are always respected and included in policy implementation.

 

On the issue of sacking and transfer of some District Heads in Sokoto State, MURIC should know that the affected District Heads were  accused of some unbecoming behaviours, such as land racketeering, aiding insecurity as well as insurbodination to the constituted authority.

In order to give them fair hearing the committee summoned all the affected District Heads, after which it came up with a whitepaper report, advising the government on what to do. And it was based on that and also in the public interest  that the state government acted in conformity with the recommendations made by the whitepaper committee. 

It is equally important for MURIC to note that nobody is above the law, therefore, the sacked District Heads are just reaping what they sow, and that the action taken by the Sokoto State Government was indisputably in the best public interest.

Abubakar Bawa

Press Secretary to 

Sokoto state Governor

25/06/2024

Kano Emirate and the irony of innocence

By

abiodun KOMOLAFE 

There is a ticking time bomb in Kano and President Bola Tinubu has to move in quickly in a statesmanlike way to diffuse it. If centuries of upholding the tradition have brought peace to the ancient city just as we have in Ibadan, why uproot hundreds of years of history? Of course, that’s why Abdullahi Ganduje, the immediate past governor of Kano State, has to accept responsibility because he triggered this crisis.

Like it or lump it, Governor Abba Yusuf and former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso also played politics. But then, Yusuf didn’t hide it, that he would remove Aminu Ado Bayero if he won the governorship election; and that promise enjoyed popular support among the people. For him therefore, he only sees Muhammadu Sanusi’s reinstatement as a fulfillment of a campaign promise and that’s what democracy is all about! Nonetheless, the irony of innocence is that nobody should be extricated from Kano’s current plight because they’re all involved!

Ganduje shouldn’t have deposed Sanusi and upset an Emirate structure that dates back to 1805. If God has structured everything to be in the right place, the former governor ought not to have kept repeating the same mistake. Instead, he should have tolerated the Emir and his excesses – real or perceived – just as former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State tolerated Lamidi Adedibu. Had he done that, the nonsense currently on rampage in Kano would have been avoided. It’s a real shame and how the state is going to get out of the quagmire will obviously now depend on the courts. One just hopes that the courts would now behave sensibly and do the needful.

The ‘wahala’ in Kano has again reinforced the urgent need for a constitutional court in Nigeria. Had there been one in place, the tendency is that it’d originate and get the matter resolved in a matter of weeks. Tragically however, the Akire stool in Osun State has sufficiently shown that only God knows the shape, size and duration of the search for justice. To put it succinctly therefore, unless God takes control, Kano is one case that’s destined to be rotating between ‘upandan’ and ‘dananup’ for a very long time to come. This is where we are and it is unfortunate!

The conflicting injunctions from the courts of concurrent jurisdictions and forum shopping by the counsels are also unhelpful as they have further de-marketed Nigeria’s judiciary which, already, is not taken seriously by the international community. One of the advantages countries like South Africa and Kenya have ahead of Nigeria is that the perception of their competitiveness is stronger than Nigeria because the world sees them as countries with very strong, independent judicial systems.

Now that the chickens have come home to roost, it becomes imperative for the gladiators to be cautious because it may be tempting for some people to contemplate a state of emergency in the state. Of course, that’d be dangerous because, unlike states like Plateau and Ekiti where a state of emergency was awarded and nothing to show for the show, Kano is a very politically explosive and threateningly sophisticated terrain. So, any government that will think of emergency rule in the state must first think of the country’s democracy which, even at 25, is still teething.

Let’s get it right, what is currently playing out in Kano is politics; and it’s always like that! From the deposition of Alaafin Adeniran Adeyemi II in 1955, to the dethronement of Oba Olateru Olagbegi in 1966, even the reduction of Oba Samuel Akinsanya’s annual salary to one penny by the Ladoke Akintola-led government in Western Nigeria, politics in this part of the world has always been a platform by the bourgeoisies and the capitalists to grab power, secure the spoils of office and pay back the favours that got them (s)elected; and it is the resources of the state that they’re leveraging. In the case of Kano, the only culprit is ambition. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with ambition. However, when ambition drowns deep in dirty politics and vain desires, it takes on an identity of significant tensions, and, if left unmanaged, the representations of its subconscious may have nothing to do with humanity.

Unlike Sanusi, that the dethroned Emir Bayero decided to return to Kano “amidst tight security” smirks of mischief and this is where Tinubu must rise above partisan politics by choosing the timing as well as what’s happening on the weather front before the crisis ultimately consumes everybody. Presently, it might look like a local Kano issue but a blowout is something that may ignite all kinds of hidden forces and, for a country already sitting on a powder keg, one cannot predict when, where or how it will end!

Let it be noted that, in terms of population and all kinds of social forces, Kano is ideologically and politically divided. Thus, any violence in the state may be another problem to contain because the country is already fragile. There could also be a domino effect in neighbouring states. Regrettably, Nigeria’s security forces are already overstretched and overstressed. Added to this is the lack of sophisticated munitions to prosecute the kind of war that’s already in our domain. So, it is a dicey situation!

The effect of the perception of Nigeria abroad – that the country has very weak institutions that can’t contain and diffuse this sort of thing – is already dire. So, Kano provides an opportunity for the president to prove the naysayers wrong! A mass showdown in a key state like Kano will not help Nigeria’s investment ratings for no man will want to invest in a country where his investments are not safe. A credit risk analyst who sits in London, analyzing the prospects of investments in Nigeria will definitely factor in a situation like Kano and come to the conclusion that the country’s climate is not conducive for investment and the spiral effects will not spare even those in Ijebu-Jesa in Osun State. All the more reason a government trying to attract investors must nip the tussle in the bud before the enthusiasm becomes uncontainable.

The beauty of the bash is that a template has already been set. But how have these ‘two-fighting’ distractions that politicians always use as a tool impacted the people and how has imposing or deposing monarchs improved the GDP level of our states? In Kano State, poverty level is very high and unemployment is also nothing to write home about. Come to think of it, state funds will be used to boost the egos of these monarchs, fight the battle in the law courts and underwrite security for those who have been deployed to keep the peace. So, what have the people gained? If Nigeria is truly a Republic, what are the roles of Obas, Obis and Emirs in this dispensation and what’s their centrality to the socioeconomic morass that is currently pushing the limit?

In practical terms, Kano is just part of the political economy that has sprung up to give Nigeria a disheveled appearance. It is nothing but a diversion of issues from the real issues of sustainable development and that’s part of what led to the abolition of the Maharajas and the Maharanis in India by Indira Gandhi and heavens did not fall! Of course, that’s what happens when people push their luck. That’s how it has been throughout history. Yes, that’s why the Bourbons are no longer on the throne in France. Pray that, one day, a power-drunk leader would not get to power only to make mincemeat of these excesses. After all, nothing lasts forever!

A word should be sufficient for the wise!

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

 _•ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk;_ 

 _•08098614418 - SMS only._ 

  

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II arrives Kano government house for reinstatement as #EmirOfKano (PHOTOS)

 

Photos Credit: The Cable

Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II Reinstated , His 7 key moments outside the throne

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II has been reinstated as the Emir of Kano, following the Kano State House of Assembly's resolution to dismantle the four new Emirates established under a controversial 2019 law..

 Despite no official announcement, credible sources confirm Sanusi's reinstatement, marking a potential shift in traditional leadership dynamics amidst political maneuvering in Kano. 

7 key moments of Sanusi outside the throne by Daily Trust 

Muhammadu Sanusi II, the newly reinstated Emir and ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is a figure whose life has been marked by a blend of traditional authority and progressive thought.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State announced the appointment of Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano on Thursday.

He made the announcement after signing the new emirate council law at Government House, Kano.

The governor signed the law alongside his deputy, the Speaker of the State Assembly and other principal officers in the government.

Former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had dethroned Sanusi in 2020, following a personal rift.

After his dramatic deposition in March 2020, Sanusi’s activities continued to capture public interest.

Here are seven key notable moments in Sanusi’s life outside the throne.

1. Banishment to Loko

Following his removal from the throne by the Kano State government, Sanusi was banished to Loko, a remote village in Nasarawa State, a move that was seen by many as a politically-motivated punishment.

Despite the challenging conditions in Loko, Sanusi remained composed, using the period of confinement for reflection and planning his next steps.

The legality of his banishment was widely contested, with many Nigerians seeing it as an infringement on his fundamental rights.

Eventually, a court ruling declared his detention illegal, and he was freed from confinement.

2. Academic Pursuits at Oxford

After his release from banishment, he accepted a fellowship at the University of Oxford.

At Oxford, Sanusi was appointed as a visiting scholar at the African Studies Centre of St. Antony’s College.

This opportunity allowed him to engage in academic discourse, research, and lectures, solidifying his role as a thought leader beyond the confines of traditional rulership.

3. Disputing ‘Former Emir’ title 

Another notable moment after his dethronement was Sanusi’s assertion that he should not be referred to as the “former emir.”

He argued that, in the tradition and culture of Kano, an emir remains an emir for life, regardless of their deposition.

He stated this in 2021 in Kaduna State, when Muhammad Sani “Dattijo” Abdullahi, the then Governor El-Rufai’s Chief of Staff, at the Kaduna Investment Summit, referred to Sanusi as the “former Emir of Kano.”

When Sanusi spoke afterwards, he publicly rebuked Abdullahi, indicating that calling him “former emir” was unacceptable and hinted at consequences for the chief of staff.

Sanusi’s remarks made it clear his ego was bruised by the title.

4. Mourning Herbert Wigwe

Sanusi showed his deeply emotional side when he publicly mourned the death of Herbert Wigwe, a close friend and former Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank.

In an emotional tribute, Sanusi described Wigwe as a visionary leader and a brother, highlighting the profound impact Wigwe had on his life and the banking industry.

A clip containing a part of the speech in which he was shading tears went viral and sparked a lot of reactions with many saying what Sanusi did illustrated the human side of a seemingly stern and unyielding public figure.

5. Advocacy for economic reforms

Post-deposition, Sanusi was vocal about Nigeria’s economic direction, leveraging his experience as a former Central Bank Governor.

He frequently critiqued government policies, calling for more sustainable economic reforms and better governance.

Sanusi’s speeches and writings often emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and the eradication of corruption.

His persistent advocacy kept him in the limelight as a significant voice in Nigeria’s socio-economic discourse.

6. Role in the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency

Sanusi’s commitment to economic development found a new avenue when he was appointed to the board of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA).

In this role, he was instrumental in attracting investments to Kaduna State, aiming to boost economic activities and create jobs.

7. Championing Girl Child Education

A long-time advocate for education, particularly for girls, Sanusi continued to champion this cause since leaving the throne.

He partnered with various organizations to promote educational initiatives and empower young girls.

His advocacy focuses on breaking the barriers that prevent girls from accessing education, such as child marriage and cultural stigmas.

The implication of the Judgment: Famoodun lost in court — Osun Govt

In the case of Prince Adegboyega Famoodun filed at the Federal High Court2, Osogbo, Osun State in Suit Number: FHC/OS/C5/61/2024 between Prince Adegboyega Famoodun and IGP & 10 Ors.

These are the prayers of Prince Famoodun before the Court: 

(a) A Declaration that the Applicant being a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and an indigene of Igbajo, Osun State he cannot be banished, removed or expelled from Igbajo forcefully by any of the Respondents.

(b) A Declaration that the Applicant is at liberty to remain in Igbajo or any other part of Osun State he desires and his right to freedom of movement cannot be curtailed or limited by any of the Respondents.

(c) An Order of Injunction restraining the Respondents from banishing, removing, ejecting and/ or expelling the Applicant from Igbajo Town or any other place in Osun State.

(d) An Order of Injunction restraining the Respondents, especially the 1st-4th Respondents, whether by themselves, or through their officers, agents, servants, privies and otherwise from inviting, interrogating, questioning, arresting, detaining, intimidating, arraigning, and/or harassing the Applicant as a result of his presence in Igbajo Town or any part of Osun State, particularly at the instigation, direction or prosecution of the 5th to 11th Respondents and/or in connection with or in respect of any enforcement of the White Paper of the 5th to 11th Respondents gazetted on the 25th day of January, 2024, but released to the general public on the 5th February, 2024.

(e) An Order of Injunction restraining the 1st to 4th Respondents whether by themselves or by their officers, agents, servants, privies and otherwise from intimating the Applicant or threatening to unlawfully interrogate, question, arrest, detain, arraign or harm the Applicant’s life and properties or any other manner infringe on the Fundamental rights of the Applicant and/or in connection with or in respect of any enforcement of the White Paper of the 5th to 11th Respondents gazetted on the 25th day of January, 2024 but released to the general public on the 5th day of February, 2024.

(f) A Declaration that the 5th to 11th Respondents publication of the Osun State Government White Paper gazetted on the 25th day of January, 2024 but made available to the general public on the 5th day of February, 2024 was done in breach of the Applicant’s rights to fair hearing guaranteed under section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (CFRN) (as amended) and therefore unconstitutional void and of no effect.

(g) A Declaration that the Applicant is entitled to the protection of his Fundamental rights to personal liberty, dignity of human person, fair hearing, freedom of peaceful assembly and association as well as his right to freedom of movement, all guaranteed under the CFRN.

(h) A Declaration that the proceedings of the Osun Government’s Chietaincy Review Committee, the Report published by the said Committee and the 5th - 11th Respondents’ acceptance of the Report of the Committee as it relates to the Applicant is unconstitutional and a nullity for being in breach of the Applicant’s right to fair hearing, hence liable to be set aside and nullified.

(I) An Order of the Honorable Court nullifying and setting aside the White Paper of the 5th to 11th Respondents gazetted on the 25th day January, 2024 but made available to the general public on 5th day of February, 2024 for being in utter breach of the Applicant’s right to fair hearing.

(J) An Order of Injunction restraining the Respondents, particularly the 5th to 11 Respondents, their agents, agencies, employees, privies, assigns, persons acting on their behalf and/or instruction, from enforcing the White Paper gazetted on the January, 2024 but released to the general public on the 5th February, 2024 for breach of the Applicant’s right to fair hearing.

(k) Cost of this application.

(l) Such further Order or Orders the Honorable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of this case.

The Legal Issues involved.

1. The trial Court granted prayer A to E for Prince Adegboyega Famoodun.

2. The trial Court dismissed prayer F to L of Prince Adegboyega Famoodun and ordered that if Prince Adegboyega Famoodun committed any criminal offense, he should be arrested.

The implication of the Judgment:

The implication of the Judgement is that Prince Adegboyega Famoodun has failed woefully in the case, the impression given to Prince Adegboyega Famoodun by his team of Lawyers is that the Federal High Court will nullify the White Paper and return him back to the stool of Owa of Igbajo when they know fully well that the Federal High Court does not have jurisdiction over Chieftaincy Matters and they based Prince Adegboyega Famoodun case on this legal falsehood which formed the bases of prayer F to J which was dismissed by the trial Court.

The general public should know that there was never a time the Osun State Government is planning of banishing Prince Famoodun from Igbajo or to arrest him. He just want use this case if he succeeds to be parading himself as Owa of Igbajo when we have already have existing Owa of Igbajo, HRM Oba (Dr.) Ademola Makinde duly recognized by constituted authority and if Prince Famoodun does that, is highly Criminal in nature. I want the general public to disregard the fake news being peddled around by Prince Adegboyega Famoodun and his APC supporters. My best regards.

Federal High Court Upholds Fundamental Rights of HRM Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III

 Congratulations To The Tradidition Institution In Osun . Congratulations Kabiyesi. 

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State Capital Upholds Fundamental Rights of HRM Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III . This is Highly Interesting. It is a landslide victory against flagrant Use and abuse of power against Traditional Institution In Yoruba Land. 

In a groundbreaking ruling delivered today at the Federal High Court in Osogbo, the fundamental rights of HRM Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III, the esteemed traditional ruler of Igbajo in Boluwaduro local government of Osun State, have been staunchly defended. The honourable judge presiding over the case highlighted the crucial distinction between the unilateral dethronement powers of the Colonial Era and Nigeria's current legal framework, emphasizing that dethronement can only be justified in cases of criminal charges or constitutional violations.

The court unequivocally upheld the prayers (a) to (e) set forth defence, emphasizing the sanctity of traditional institutions within the constitutional framework of Nigeria. The court ruled that the government or its representatives are prohibited from taking any actions, including arrest, detention, dethronement, banishment, interrogation, or questioning against HRM Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III.

Furthermore, the court highlighted the violation of HRM Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III's rights, particularly the lack of a fair hearing during the committee's review of his enthronement. As a consequence, the gazetted White Paper resulting from this process has been deemed null and void.

This judgment signifies a resounding victory for the preservation of traditional institutions and the protection of fundamental human rights within the Nigerian legal landscape. It underscores the importance of due process and fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of their position or stature within society.

Moving forward, issues (f) to (i) have been advised to be argued at the State High Court, paving the way for further legal recourse and the continuation of this significant legal battle.

In the wake of this judgment, HRM Oba Philip Adegboyega Famodun III and his supporters celebrate a triumph for justice and uphold the resilience of Nigeria's legal system in safeguarding the rights of its citizens.

OFFICIAL: Osun Government Approves the Appointment of Owa of Igbajo

..

The Osun State Executive Council has today Monday morning, 11th March 2024, approved the appointment of Prince (Dr) Ademola Stephen Kayode Makinde as the new Owa of Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government of Osun state. 

At the Executive Meeting held at the Exco chambers, the nomination, as forwarded by the Boluwaduro Local government, was approved in line with due process, chieftaincy law and tradition.

The kingmakers had earlier approved Dr Makinde in line with chieftaincy laws and tradition.

Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Executive Meeting congratulated the new Owa of Igbajo and tasked him to heal the wounds of the selection process by ensuring inclusive traditional governance.

“I congratulate the new Owa of Igbajo. I urge him to embark on reconciliation and restore the dignity and integrity of the traditional institution”, the Governor was quoted as saying

Signed:

Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,

Honourable Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment

Ooni of Ife Commends EFCC on Tackling Illegal Foreign Exchange Operators

The Ooni of Ife,  Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi  has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on its focused sting operations against currency speculators and street hawkers operating illegal foreign exchange markets across the country.

He gave the commendation on Friday, March 1, 2024 while receiving the Acting  Ibadan Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Halima Mustafa Rufa’u who paid him a courtesy visit in his palace in Ile-Ife,  Osun State.

According to him,  “the EFCC promptly swung into action and for the mere fact that the EFCC acted, the dollar came down in favour of the naira. This shows that the situation is artificial and deliberate but can be controlled if the EFCC, in collaboration with other government agencies consistently face and tackle the situation”.

He said the EFCC, "as the most vibrant anti-graft agency in the country, under the leadership of the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede must not be discouraged from working towards sanitizing the economic space in the country".

The foremost monarch, while appreciating Rufa’u for the visit, urged Nigerians to stop amassing illegal and unexplainable wealth but  focus on growing and developing the country’s economy.

In her response, Rufa’u thanked the Ooni for receiving her despite his busy schedule. She decried the level of damage being done by illegal miners and the sabotage of solid mineral resources meant for the economic growth of Osun State. She, therefore, called for effective collaboration in tackling the miners in the state.

 She also sought  the monarch’s support and  collaboration in tackling the scourge of cybercrimes among students of tertiary institutions in Osun state and Nigeria at large.

She was accompanied on the visit by top officials of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Commission.

Source: EFCC