Alaafin in Igbo-Ora, Stresses on confounding power of cultures, significance of twins in Yorubaland

By

Bode Durojaiye

Yesterday's road-trip led dignatories and people from all walks of life to Igbo-Ora, a small town in Oyo State reputed for having a large occurrence of twin births.

Only two other towns in the world share this phenomenon - Kodinhi, India and Candido, Brazil, but Igbo-Ora has the largest population.

Igbo-Ora, is famously known as the “Twin Capital of the World.”

It is believed that one in every four births in this community results in twins. This rate is incredibly high, considering that the global average is estimated at one in every 80 births.

The phenomenon of twinning in Igbo-Ora has been a topic of interest for decades, and researchers have been studying the town to try and unravel the mystery behind it. While there is no conclusive evidence to explain the high rate of twin births in the community, many theories have been put forward.

The people of Igbo-Ora have a deep cultural appreciation for twins, and they are viewed as a symbol of good fortune and a source of pride in the community. Twins are often referred to as “Ibeji,” which means “double birth.” The town celebrates Twins Festival annually, which attracts people from all over the world who have an interest in twinning.

Apart from the fascination with twins, Igbo-Ora is also a beautiful town with a rich cultural heritage. The community is known for its skilled craftsmen who create exquisite wooden carvings that are sold all over Nigeria and beyond. The town is also home to the popular Oke-Mosan Hill, which provides a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.

Igbo-Ora is a unique town in Nigeria that has gained worldwide attention due to its high rate of twin births. While the mystery behind this phenomenon remains unsolved, the town continues to celebrate and cherish its twins, who are viewed as a blessing to the community.

Against this background and in its annual practise, the Oyo State Government , through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ibarapa Central Local Government and in conjunction with TWC Intercontinental today celebrated 2025 World Twins Festival in Igbo- Ora town.

The theme of this year's celebration is " Twinning For Youth Re-orientation And Empowerment ".

The festival which attracted hundreds of twins and their families, also featured traditional music, dances, and rituals to honour the twins and seek blessings from Ibeji.

Symbolically, a mother of twins presented her children to both the Alaafin and Ayaba , after which His Imperial Majesty carried the twins before they were returned to their mother amid admiration from the crowd.

The well attended event was colourful, as the Alaafin and his entourage were warmly received by traditional rulers from Ibarapa area of the State amid drumming and panegyrics with thunderous shouts of "" Iku Baba Yeye"" from the surging crowd.

In his address, the Alaafin of Oyo , His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, said Yoruba people are blessed with diverse cultural systems that are distinctly unique in their operations.

According to him, ""from their language to marriage, to birth or naming

ceremony, to leadership, and most significantly their songs, chants

and folks are deeply rooted in all the Yoruba cultural systems .

""For instance, there are praise poetries and songs for children of various

birth circumstances such as Ibeji (twins). The popular question is expressed with astonishment when one sees two humans who look very similar, especially of the same sex, possibly even wearing identical clothing. Yet, as fascinating as it is, twin births are not as rare as you probably think; one in every twelve Nigerian is a twin"".

Alaafin' who was accompanied by his pretty and charming Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi, stated that twins hold a unique and revered position in Yoruba culture.

By Bode Durojaiye, 

Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland

OLUBADAN CORONATION: HONOURS, ENCOMIUMS FOR ALAAFIN IN IBADAN, AS RESIDENTS THUNDEROUSLY ROARED, " IKU BABA YEYE, AUTHENTIC HEAD OF YORUBALAND"

It was honours and encomiums galore for the Titan of Yorubaland, His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, today  in Ibadan ,Oyo State Capital ,  as elated residents could not hold back their support and love for the Paramount Ruler.

Alaafin' was in the State capital door the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Adewolu  Ladoja.

The happy - looking residents, including the praise chanters,  on sighting the motorcade of the Alaafin moved closer and continuously roared "" Iku Baba  Yeye, Olori gbogbo Oba Ile Yoruba'", amid panegyric by the praise chanters. 

Alaafin & Olugbo

Findings revealed that the residents , both young and old have been closely monitoring the activities of Oba Owoade since ascended the throne of his forefathers and we're of the conviction that the Alaafin  has truly 

established a successful brand as ""a Builder of strong bridges of

understanding and brotherhood, not only aiming traditional rulers in Yorubaland,  but across the country.

Another testimony to Alaafin's  legacy, according to some residents was that the

quintessential Monarch has consistently used his exalted position to

send to Nigerians, irrespective of religious, or ethnic backgrounds that with him, leadership of oneness and true friendship with others remain his fulcrum.

Alaafin & Sultan 

" The  hard earned reputation of  this detribalised Monarch, the Alaafin,  as an

inspirational, strong and visionary leader; a relentless bridge builder and a missionary for hope and his constant message of peace, love and harmony have endeared him to the hearts of many Nigerians. That is what we are telling the world today"", some of the residents confided .

Others spoke about Oba Owoade's stylish in appearance, saying  "" he is an handsome man with grace and elegance".

"" Honestly, he is Royal Father who is  pleasingly ingenious and simple. His natural elegance and complement always amaze us. Who will see him ( Alaafin) and not admire, love or envy him"", they asserted.

 Bode Durojaiye, 

Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.

TINUBU'S LIES AT OLUBADAN CORONATION: THE ECONOMY HAS TURNED THE CORNER, THERE'S LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL, APPRECIATES NIGERIANS FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN SUFFERING

As Nigerians are still wallowing in abject poverty occasioned by APC misrule since 2016, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Ibadan, Oyo State spews fresh Lies that the economy of the country has turned the corner for good, following the success of the economic reforms introduced by his administration over two years ago.

 

Under Bola Ahmed Tinubu's reckless leadership, it has been maximum pains for greater numbers of the citizens.

Tinubu whose government has continues the Buhari's legacy of maladministration assured Nigerians that they would soon begin to enjoy the fruits of the reforms and thanked them for their patience and support in suffering while looting and more borrowing for looting are still ongoing.

The President spoke on Friday at the coronation of his friend and political ally, Imperial Majesty Oba (Sen) Abdul-Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

 

He said: "Today, I am honoured to bring the cheering news that our economy has turned around and there is now light at the end of the tunnel.'' 

 Nigeria’s economy has “bounced back” and was on the path of growth and prosperity, despite the widespread hardship, hunger, and inflation ravaging the country under his watch.

Tinubu told the gathering that the country had weathered the storm of economic collapse and was now moving toward recovery.

“To many of you here present, today I am honoured and I’m very proud to give you the cheering news that the economy has turned the corner. There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel,” Tinubu said.

He likened Nigerians’ current suffering under his economic reforms to the pain of a “surgery,” insisting the sacrifices would eventually produce growth and prosperity while every senator and house of representatives members quarterly received nothing less than a billion naira.

The looting under APC leadership since 2015 till date is second to none in our history.

“Your suffering is the pain of a painful surgery. But it is now returned to the moment of growth and prosperity waiting for us ahead. Thank you for your perseverance. Thank you for your endurance,” Tinubu declared.

Speaking about the new Olubadan, Tinubu said: "All the things we started together with great expectations, and the history we shared are coming to pass. I pray that you will live long and be celebrated as one of the rare leaders in history to ascend the throne of your forefathers.

 

"I pray that God will grant you more years of joy, prosperity and relevance,'' the President said.

 

He aid that the Olubadan of Ibadanland played a significant role in Nigeria's political history, and had remained a pillar of hope through the experiences of impeachment, perseverance and resilience as a former governor of the state.

He thanked all the former and serving governors, the traditional rulers, for attending the coronation.

 

"It is a joy and great excitement for us. I appreciate you all. As for me, this is homecoming,'' he stated.

 

Anyone still keeping any hope in Tinubu's renewed pains has no hope!

Or

WHICH CORNER HAS THE ECONOMY  TURNED UNDER TINUBU LED APC ANTI PEOPLE LEADERSHIP?

#PHOTOS: Mexican , Brazilian nationals Visit Alaafin Oyo, paid homages

Mexican and Brazilian nationals visit Alaafin of Oyo. They paid homage to Iku Baba Yeye in His Palace.

Alaafin still remains the head of the historical Yoruba Empire  otherwise known as Oyo Empire. 

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.