OBASHIP TUSSLE: IKIRUN INDIGENES REAFFIRM OBA AKADIRI AS AKINRUN OF IKIRUN n

Indigenes of Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State have reiterated that the town is under the traditional leadership of Oba Yunus Olalekan Akadiri, the Akirun of Ikirun land.

The indigenes of the town under the aegis of Concerned Ikirun Youths declared that the people of the town are solidly behind Oba Akadiri, contrary to an erroneous claim by a politician in the town.

The position of the concerned youths of the town came on the heels of a statement allegedly credited to a politician in the town who was quoted as saying that the town has no traditional ruler while featuring on a live radio programme.

The Concerned youths in a statement issued by their spokesperson, Jimoh Bamiji chastised the politician who is a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for speaking in disparaging manner towards the position of the present Akinrun of Ikirun and warned him not to plunge into an issues outside the sphere of his authority.

Jimoh stated that “We have traditional system in our town that intrinsically gives the power of the selection of Akinrun of Ikirun to the kingmakers only. Therefore, it’s not the business of any politician to dabble into traditional issue.”

He also said that “it will be anomalous and degrading of our traditional value and chieftaincy regulations for such politician to think he has any say either to approve or disapprove the decision of the kingmakers.”

According to him “Oba Akadiri emerged through the only available lay down procedure, by polling six out of seven votes cast by kingmakers who participated in the selection exercise and this bestowed upon him the approval to become the Akinrun.”

The group maintained that Governor Ademola Adeleke remains the only quintessential authority to remove the executive order preventing the Akinrun of Ikirun from occupying the palace of his forefathers and therefore pleaded with Governor Ademola Adeleke to lift the executive order restraining the monarch from entering the palace.

“The traditional palace of our monarch is of prime importance to we the indigenes of Ikirun and our love for the town can not be subjected to psychological debilitating with delay in alloying the Akinrun to occupy the traditional palace,” he added.

Recalled that the state government had presented the staff of office and certificate of installation to Oba Akadiri who emerged the Akinrun of Ikirun at a selection process held by all the kingmakers in the town in accordance with Chieftaincy regulations.

No fewer than 21 Princes had vied for the vacant stool of the Akinrun of Ikirun and a selection process was conducted where Oba Akadiri received approval of six out of the seven kingmakers who participated in the selection.

The development led to the presentation of Oba Akadiri to the state government through the authorities of Ifelodun Local Government Area, thus presented with the instruments of office including the installation certificate and staff of office which authenticated his selection and subsequent appointment as the Akinrun of Ikirun.

The concerned youths noted that the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke did not dethrone Oba Akadiri but only set up an administrative panel of enquiry to look into the process that led to his appointment as the Akinrun of Ikirun, saying that such practice is not alien to the traditional institution in the state and the country at large.

They warned politicians to desist from issues bothering on traditional institution and concentrate on political matters as they have nothing to do with the traditional issues in their domains.

They described Oba Akadiri as a beneficiary of Court judgment, adding that his selection and subsequent appointment followed due process, culture, tradition and customs of the town.

The group expressed worry on why an indigene of the town who is a politician would go on air to make such fallacious statement capable of throwing the town into violence and anarchy.

They alleged that the same character has always been using his personal relationship with a key government functionary in the state to extort a particular contestant for the stool who failed the election conducted by the kingmakers.

They reminded that the choice of Oba Akadiri was born out of a judgement of an Osun State High Court presided over by Justice Jide Falola which held that the next ruling house after Gboleru should produce the candidate(s) for the stool of Akirun when it was vacant due to the failure of the Gboleru ruling house to produce a common candidate within the time stipulated by the court.

EASTER: EBURU FELICITATES WITH CHRISTIANS, CALLS FOR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN CENSUS

A renowned traditional ruler in Osun State, the Eburu of Iba, Oba (Prof) Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye Oyedeji 11 has felicitated with christians on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration.

The monarch also urged Nigerians especially christians to use the occasion to pray for unity, progress and development of the country.

Specifically, he urged the people of Iba to be united and work towards the progress and development of the town.

Also, he called on the people of the town to participate actively in the coming national population census exercise to ensure that the town is placed appropriately in the scheme of things.

He urged indigenes of the town at home and in the diaspora to participate actively in the headcount organized by the National Population Commission holding next month.

The monarch hinted that there are benefits embedded in the census exercise, saying that the town will benefit greatly if the population increases.

While calling on all and sundry to participate in the census and also mobilize their family members home, Oba Okunoye said the exercise will bring lot of development to the town.

He therefore stressed the need for all the indigenes and residents of Iba to take advantage of this year’s census to draw the attention of the government to the town.

ACTION ALLIANCE: “SUPREME COURT DISMISSED UDEZE’S APPEAL IN 2022”, PARTY REMINDS INEC

The Action Alliance (AA) has called the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the dismissal of an appeal filed by a former member of the party, Mr Kenneth Udeze before the Supreme Court.

The party said for INEC to rely on Udeze ‘s claim that he has a pending suit before the Supreme Court is baseless and unfounded as the appeal had been dismissed since December 2022.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Kudirat Kekereekun on the 7th of December, 2022, copy of which was made available to our correspondent, the apex court dismissed Udeze’s appeal outrightly.

In the suit numbered SC/CV/1259/2022, filed by Kenneth Udeze against Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others, Udeze appealed against the judgment that authenticated the emergence of Omoaje as the national chairman of the AA.

Udeze who had been suspended and subsequently expelled from the party had approached the Supreme Court to appeal against the judgment won by Omoaje but his case was dismissed along side 49 other cases.

Justice Kekereekun held that the suit was dismissed pursuant to Order 6 rule 3(2) of the rules of the Supreme Court for want of prosecution.

To this end, the party advised the INEC Chairman, Prof Mamood Yakubu not to be cajoled by the antics of Udeze as he has no locus standi to represent the party or challenge it in any capacity, having lost the membership of the party and failed in all the courts he approached.

Besides, the party urged INEC and its chairman in particular to respect all the court judgements in favour of the party and its national chairman, Dr Omoaje.

Recalled that Udeze had in a letter dated 4th November, 2022 written by his counsel, Mr Emeka Ozoani SAN and addressed to the judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja intimated the court of his pending appeal before the Supreme Court.

Omoaje however expressed worry on why INEC could respect a letter more than court judgements.

OSUN GOV’S WIFE, ERELU NGOZI ADELEKE SUE’S PALACE QUEENS ON LESS PRIVILEGED WOMEN

Wife of Osun State Governor, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke has charged the Palace Queens in Nigeria to join Governments at all levels in alleviation of poverty among women, especially the less privileged in the country.
Erelu Ngozi Adeleke speaking on the topic entitled “the Impact of Oloris in National Development” during the inauguration of Conference of Oloris (the Palace Queens) organised by the wife of Ooni of Ife, Olori Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, at the Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife as part of activities marking International Women’s Month.
Erelu Adeleke posited that the Palace should endeavour to join government in poverty and women empowerment.
She enthused that the Oloris should always organise programmes that are women oriented to improve the welfare of the women folk in Nigeria.
According to her, “She talk on the importance of Oloris in the development of our their communities, towns, cities and the world at large can not be quantified.
Show them love, share the little things you have with the less privilege in our society, we can move the State forward with our collective efforts to eradicate poverty in our state”, she aveered.
Also speaking at the programme, Olori Janet Afolabi, the wife of Alapomu of Apomu said Palace Women should also serve as counselors and role models for other women in their communities.
The Ooni’s wife, Olori Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi thanked dignitaries from all walks of life who thronged the programme, assuring that the Palace Queens would make laudable impacts in National Development.

OSUN GOV’S WIFE, ERELU NGOZI ADELEKE SUE’S PALACE QUEENS ON LESS PRIVILEGED WOMEN

Wife of Osun State Governor, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke has charged the Palace Queens in Nigeria to join Governments at all levels in alleviation of poverty among women, especially the less privileged in the country.
Erelu Ngozi Adeleke speaking on the topic entitled “the Impact of Oloris in National Development” during the inauguration of Conference of Oloris (the Palace Queens) organised by the wife of Ooni of Ife, Olori Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, at the Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife as part of activities marking International Women’s Month.
Erelu Adeleke posited that the Palace should endeavour to join government in poverty and women empowerment.
She enthused that the Oloris should always organise programmes that are women oriented to improve the welfare of the women folk in Nigeria.
According to her, “She talk on the importance of Oloris in the development of our their communities, towns, cities and the world at large can not be quantified.
Show them love, share the little things you have with the less privilege in our society, we can move the State forward with our collective efforts to eradicate poverty in our state”, she aveered.
Also speaking at the programme, Olori Janet Afolabi, the wife of Alapomu of Apomu said Palace Women should also serve as counselors and role models for other women in their communities.
The Ooni’s wife, Olori Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi thanked dignitaries from all walks of life who thronged the programme, assuring that the Palace Queens would make laudable impacts in National Development.

OSUN GOV’S WIFE, ERELU NGOZI ADELEKE SUE’S PALACE QUEENS ON LESS PRIVILEGED WOMEN

Wife of Osun State Governor, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke has charged the Palace Queens in Nigeria to join Governments at all levels in alleviation of poverty among women, especially the less privileged in the country.
Erelu Ngozi Adeleke speaking on the topic entitled “the Impact of Oloris in National Development” during the inauguration of Conference of Oloris (the Palace Queens) organised by the wife of Ooni of Ife, Olori Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, at the Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife as part of activities marking International Women’s Month.
Erelu Adeleke posited that the Palace should endeavour to join government in poverty and women empowerment.
She enthused that the Oloris should always organise programmes that are women oriented to improve the welfare of the women folk in Nigeria.
According to her, “She talk on the importance of Oloris in the development of our their communities, towns, cities and the world at large can not be quantified.
Show them love, share the little things you have with the less privilege in our society, we can move the State forward with our collective efforts to eradicate poverty in our state”, she aveered.
Also speaking at the programme, Olori Janet Afolabi, the wife of Alapomu of Apomu said Palace Women should also serve as counselors and role models for other women in their communities.
The Ooni’s wife, Olori Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi thanked dignitaries from all walks of life who thronged the programme, assuring that the Palace Queens would make laudable impacts in National Development.

AKIRE OF IKIRE-ILE CHARGES YOUTHS TO CHOOSE GOOD MENTORS

The Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba Olatunbosun Adebamiji has charged youths in the country to choose good and resourceful mentors in the interest of their future.

In his royal remarks at the annual Science quiz competition organized by Engr Ademola Adedapo, he urged the youths to choose people who have attained favorably well in their chosen careers as mentors and role models.

He said “The emphasis on Science is not misplaced, because Science keeps increasing the quality of our lives through the development of new technology, solving practical problem, and helping us to make informed decisions.

“The richest person in the society is not the one who has a lot in his bank account, but the person whose wealth is beneficial to the people, particularly the one who shares part of his wealth with the less privileged. On behalf of all the participants, I say a big thank you to one of the sources of our pride in Iwo land, Dr. Ademola Adedapo – the Mighty God will continue to replenish your purse. You also have the royal blessing from Oluwo of Iwo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu the first.

“Education is not just the process of impacting knowledge, it is really an act of of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and habit. This is very fundamental to the development and growth of any society. According to Iyanda (2012), education is a powerful tool for social change. Suffice it to say that there is no better tool to unleash the potentials of the human mind than education.

“My dear young ones, you naturally feel great when you are called the leaders of tomorrow! However, let me emphasize the fact that those who hold the ace today made a lot of sacrifices when they were young like you. You need to be more focused, dine and wine with the elders who will prepare you well to be able to face the numerous tasks and challenges of the future, and acquire the best leadership skills.

“Be careful in choosing your mentor(s). Mentorship is an informal way to get valuable guidance from a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

“The purpose of a mentor is to help you grow as a person and become the best of yourself. Don’t get yourself emotionally attached to the flamboyant life style of your peers who are into Yahoo business. Shun cultism, alcohol, rape, kidnapping for ritual or ransom and other social vices. Your education is meaningless if you still constitute nuisance to the society.

“You should have a mindset of what you can do for your country to make it great and growing. This is a matter of mindset, and the earlier you adjust it positively the better for you and the society. I pray that the efforts of your parents shall never be in vain,” he added.

ACTION ALLIANCE CALLS FOR ANNULMENT OF 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS

The Action Alliance (AA) on Thursday called for the annulment of the last general elections over the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a level playing ground for the elections.

The party also called on the electoral body to organize another round of elections which will be generally accepted by all the stakeholders in the electoral process, especially the political parties and Nigerians at large.

The National Chairman of the party, Dr Adekunle Rufai Omoaje in a statement made available to newsmen chastised the INEC national chairman, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu for organizing a poorly conducted elections which fell below international standard.

Omoaje specifically blamed the INEC national chairman for the poor outing of the electoral body, describing the last general elections as the worst in the history of Nigeria, and thereby called for its annulment.

He disclosed that the party has already instituted legal action against INEC at the Elections Petition Tribunal and called on President Mohammadu Buhari to call INEC to order by directing the electoral umpire to cancel the elections and organize fresh ones.

He said the party was disenfranchised in all the elections conducted by INEC this year, hence the call for the cancellation of the elections in the interest of fairness and equity.

His words “as early as midyear 2022, Action Alliance, as a political party has been in the media advocating for public proactive move to checkmate the tyrannical moves of Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party took a view of the activities of the INEC chairman, most especially, his recalcitrant penchant for disobeying court orders and rulings.

“Action Alliance did repeatedly addressed press conferences that included international media organizations to alert the world of the traits of orchestrated treacherous moves of the head of the umpire. He became so devilishly inclined and emboldened to snub court orders at will with impunity.

“Mahmood Yakubu deviced a criminal boldface approach to disobeying court order in an unprecedented manner. This was evidenced in the travail of Action Alliance in the evil hands of Mahmood Yakubu.

“Mahmood Yakubu for reasons best known to him, connived with one Kenneth Udeze, a former member of Action Alliance to fabricate a situation of imaginary division with the party. Taking a step further, Yakubu honoured an FCT High Court judgement to set aside an earlier judgement of the Court of Appeal.

“In 2021, Kenneth Udeze had approached the Court of Appeal to determine weather he has the locus standi to act for and on behalf of Action Alliance. The Appeal Court ruled in January 2022 that he, Kenneth Udeze having been expelled from the party, Action Alliance, has lost every right of membership of the party, therefore can not act for and on behalf of the party. This judgement was served on INEC at the time of its delivery through CTC from the Court Appeal.

“Mahmood Yakubu in a treachery move with Kenneth, around March 2022, accepted a later judgment of the High Court of FCT as setting aside an earlier superior judgement of the Court of Appeal.

“He caused the commission to stop every dealing with the elected NEC of the party. Thereafter, every other move to have INEC see reasons why it can not engage in the absurdity of rating a High Court judgement above that of the Court of Appeal has been repeatedly snubbed. As at the time of this release, Action Alliance has obtained five High Court and three Appeal Courts judgements telling INEC and Yakubu that he can not recognize a none member of a political party as its chairman. To all of these, he has maintained impunity against every judgement that has been delivered in favour of Action Alliance and serves on him.

“For these reasons, Action Alliance has submitted a petition to the presidential election tribunal to set aside the 2023 General Elections for faulty process that denied Action Alliance participation. Candidates submitted to the umpire, through the authentic leadership were neither uploaded nor acknowledged. Inspite of two declarative judgments specifically mandating INEC to accept and upload the candidates of Action Alliance for all post contest in the 2023 general elections.

“Now, Action Alliance is approaching the tribunal at the various levels to seek redress by annulment of the elections, and organizing another rounds, to enable the party field it’s candidates,” he added.

ALLEGED IMPERSONATION: ACTION ALLIANCE CALLS FOR ARREST OF KENNETH UDEZE, JAMES VERNIMBE, ADELOYE OGUNMODEDE

National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Dr Adekunle Rufai Omoaje has called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr Baba Alkali to arrest the trio of Messrs Kenneth Udeze, James Vernibe and Ogunmodede Adeloye for alleged impersonation.

Udeze had claimed to be the National Chairman of the AA, while Vernibe claimed to be the national secretary and Adeloye claimed to be the Osun State chairman of the party.

However, Omoaje said the three of them had since been suspended and subsequently expelled from the party for criminal offences.

He alleged that the three of them are impersonators who had earlier been arrested and remanded at the Correctional facility in Ilesa but currently on bail.

He said the trio were remanded for various criminal offences including impersonation, adding that the trio have no moral or legal right to represent or speak on behalf of the Action Alliance.

Reacting to a press statement credited to Adeloye where he denied the candidates of the party who petitioned the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal, Omoaje said since Adeloye is not a member of the party, he lacks knowledge of current happenings in the party.

He said Adeloye and his co-travellers have no right under the law to withdraw the petitions filed by members of the party before the tribunal as they are not recognized by the party.

While calling on security agencies to beam their searchlight on the three of them, Omoaje warned members of the public not to have anything do with them on behalf of the Action Alliance, saying that anyone who relates with them on behalf of the party do so at his or her own peril.

ONDO APC LEADER CALLS FOR SYNERGY BETWEEN LEGISLATURE, EXECUTIVE

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Hon Nuel Elehinle has called for synergy between the legislative and executive arms of government to enhance good governance.

Elehinle, who is a member of the board of Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) said the synergy will bring about development and promote good governance.

He said democracy can only be sustained through proper synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government, which will in turn bring about efficient development.

The APC chieftain who spoke during a visit to the Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Wole Ogunmolasuyi who was elected for a second term, stressed the need for synergy between the two arms of government.

This, he also said will strengthen democracy and enhances service delivery, adding that the synergy will protect democracy from collapsing.

He charged the newly elected lawmakers in the country to collaborate with members of the executive arm of government to enhance stability of the nation’s democracy.

Elehinle charged politicians to embrace peace and harmony in the overall development of the country, stressing that political harmony will result in development of the country.

He enjoined members of the State House of Assembly who have just been elected to team up with the executive for the overall development of the state.