DEEPEN YOUR FAITH, SHUN ELECTORAL INDISCIPLINE, BISHOP OYEJOLA CHARGES CATHOLIC FAITHFUL AT OKE-MARIA

BY TOPE LAWRENCE ABIOLA

The Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola has charged Catholic Faithful in the Diocese to deepen their faith in Catholic teachings, ecumenism and christian lives.

Bishop Oyejola while addressing thousands of people who converged on the Oke Maria pilgrimage Center, located at Iresi Road, Otan Ayegbaju, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State at the weekend enjoined the pilgrims to activate their participations in the pious organisations in their various parishes.

The Bishop noted that the Church’s pious organisations like “the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary; St Anthony’s Guild, Divine Mercy, Legions of Mary and other societies in the church can deepen their devotees and improve their christian lives.

He charged the Priests to ensure that their parishioners are involved in the activities of the societies.

The Bishop who commended the participation of the Faithful in Osogbo Diocese in the “Deepening the Faith” programme, organized in all churches in the Diocese at all Masses on Sundays said “it is important for you to know your faith”.

It would be recalled that the prelate introduced the “Deepening the Faith” programme about four years ago in the Diocese and it has been widely accepted in the Diocese as it addresses various issues bothering on the Church doctrine, politics, social and spiritual relationship of the people of God. It rejuvenates their love for Christ and fellow human beings.

The 2023 Oke Maria Pilgrimage themed “Mary, Our Advocate, Turn Your Eyes of Mercy Towards Us (John 2: 1-11)”, witnessed series of spirit-filled programmes which included, praying of the rosary, penitential service, adoration of the blessed sacrament, healing and deliverance service and many spirit lift programmes.

The Osogbo Chief Shepard while giving his post-communion address commended the resilience and spiritual doggedness of the people who thronged the Marian Shrine in spite of fuel and financial scarcities biting the country at this crucial time.

He admonished the pilgrims not to relent in their prayers and spiritual devotions. He enthused that the country would soon overcome it’s present situation.
He enjoined the congregation to perform their civic responsibility in the coming general elections by casting their votes for the candidates of their choice.
The clergy warned them to shun all forms of electioneering immoralities, such as; vote buying and selling and other anti-social acts at the polls, which he described as a “Capital Sin”

The programme had started on Saturday at the field of St Nicholas Pro-Cathedral before pilgrims processed to the mountain in joyous mood.

Speaking with the pilgrims, the Bishop Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev John Oyejola, expressed pleasure at the turnout and urged pilgrims not to relent in their faith.

The Chief Shepherd said, “I am encouraged with the turnout despite the naira scarcity and fuel crisis.”

CATHOLIC BISHOPS DIDN’T TAKE MONEY FROM ANY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE – BISHOP OYEJOLA

*SAYS IT IS A SIN NOT TO CAST YOUR VOTE

BY TOPE ABIOLA

The Prelate of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola has debunked the rumour milling round the country on the alleged financial inducements of Catholic Bishops by a presidential candidate, saying we can not involve ourselves in such unholy act.

Bishop Oyejola stated that Catholic Bishops in the country didn’t take money from any Presidential Candidate, “what we are doing is to encourage our people to go out enmass and cast their votes, which is their civic responsibility.”

Bishop Oyejola declared that “it is wickedness for you not to cast your votes for any candidate of your choice, if you don’t vote, you won’t have the right to complain later if they are doing what they like, therefore go out and cast your vote to alleviate Nigeria’s problem.”

The Osogbo Catholic Chief Shepherd berated those who use to give out money or collect money from politicians before casting their votes. He enthused that vote buying and selling are capital sins for anybody who involves involves in it. He enjoined Catholic faithful to move away from such a sin during the electioneering exercise.

Bishop Oyejola while giving his post-communion comments on Sunday morning to round off the annual Oke-Maria pilgrimage at Otan-Ayegbaju, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, however expressed optimism in the future of the country, saying “I could foresee that the future of Nigeria is bright. Don’t be discouraged, it shall be well with us in the country.”

Speaking on the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bishop Oyejola noted that “it is not a bad policy, it would reduce reckless spending and abnormal hoarding of the currency by some people in the country. He enthused that the policy would surely reduce corruption among politicians.

He however called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to make the new notes available in the banks to alleviate the economic problem currently biting the country.

The clergy charged Nigerians not to relent in prayers, which he said is the master key to solve the socio- economic problems in the country.

AREE STOOL : RULING HOUSE APPEALS TO GOVERNOR ADELEKE TO RELEASE WHITE PAPER

A Ruling House in Iree, Boripe North Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) of Osun state, has appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to release the White Paper on the recommendations of the Chieftaincy Matters Review Committee.

The Committee, headed by Rev. Bunmi Jenyo had since on January 3rd, 2023 submitted its report to the Governor.

Speaking on behalf of all the sons and daughters of Iree, Prince Afolabi Azeez Olayioye of the Olubonku royal family maintained that people of the ancient town are yearning for the ascension to the throne of their new king.

Prince Afolabi in an exclusive chat with Nigerian Platform also commended the Governor for a job well done and for steps taken so far to correct all the abnormalities in Iree and other places across Osun state.

He also applauded the new administration for allowing justice, equity and fairplay on the Chieftaincy Matters across the state, particularly on the Aree of Iree Stool.

Prince Afolabi specifically urged the people’s Governor not to bow or listen to some disgruntled people in the Community that are trying to introduce taboo or also using all the powers in their disposal to manipulate the Governor to close his eyes on the Aree Stool, despite the recommendations of the Committee.

The Prince said that the Executive Order on Chieftaincy Matters in all parts of the state was timely, and had since calmed down the tension in all the towns affected across the state and particularly Ireeland.

According to him, the Executive Order has also created the opportunity for all parties involved to have hope for a genuine conclusion on the issue.

He described the governor as a listening and God-fearing man.

“We appreciate the urgent actions of Governor Ademola Adeleke in this matter, and apart from the needs for him and his team to look into the reports and recommendations of the honourable Committee before giving his directives; we believe that the Government supposed to have by now release a White Paper to carry out the position of the Government”.

“We are appealing to His Excellency, Governor Adeleke to please, without any further delay release the White Paper setting out unambiguously the position of the Government on Chieftaincy Matter in Ireeland . Infact, rumours has it that a group of unwarranted and disgruntled elements in the peace loving Community, Iree are desperate to forfeit and truncate the good intentions of this administration either directly or indirectly, and or willing to use all their powers to cover the truth on how we install a new Oba in Ireeland and destroy all the good works done by the Chieftaincy Review Committee”.

Moreso, rumours still has it that the Power Drinkers that do not really want the good plan of the Government to be implemented as what is good for goose is also good gender, are still rampaging”.

“Since the resolve of our able, reliable and respected Kingmakers, the Ruling Houses and the people that Aree Stool is concerned, have done all the needful by submitting their Memorandum on the stool of Aree and that the report has also being submitted to the Governor a very long time ago, while we want the Government”s White Paper and directives to be out without any further delay”, Prince Afolabi concluded.

AREE STOOL : RULING HOUSE APPEALS TO GOVERNOR ADELEKE TO RELEASE WHITE PAPER

A Ruling House in Iree, Boripe North Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) of Osun state, has appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to release the White Paper on the recommendations of the Chieftaincy Matters Review Committee.

The Committee, headed by Rev. Bunmi Jenyo had since on January 3rd, 2023 submitted its report to the Governor.

Speaking on behalf of all the sons and daughters of Iree, Prince Afolabi Azeez Olayioye of the Olubonku royal family maintained that people of the ancient town are yearning for the ascension to the throne of their new king.

Prince Afolabi in an exclusive chat with Nigerian Platform also commended the Governor for a job well done and for steps taken so far to correct all the abnormalities in Iree and other places across Osun state.

He also applauded the new administration for allowing justice, equity and fairplay on the Chieftaincy Matters across the state, particularly on the Aree of Iree Stool.

Prince Afolabi specifically urged the people’s Governor not to bow or listen to some disgruntled people in the Community that are trying to introduce taboo or also using all the powers in their disposal to manipulate the Governor to close his eyes on the Aree Stool, despite the recommendations of the Committee.

The Prince said that the Executive Order on Chieftaincy Matters in all parts of the state was timely, and had since calmed down the tension in all the towns affected across the state and particularly Ireeland.

According to him, the Executive Order has also created the opportunity for all parties involved to have hope for a genuine conclusion on the issue.

He described the governor as a listening and God-fearing man.

“We appreciate the urgent actions of Governor Ademola Adeleke in this matter, and apart from the needs for him and his team to look into the reports and recommendations of the honourable Committee before giving his directives; we believe that the Government supposed to have by now release a White Paper to carry out the position of the Government”.

“We are appealing to His Excellency, Governor Adeleke to please, without any further delay release the White Paper setting out unambiguously the position of the Government on Chieftaincy Matter in Ireeland . Infact, rumours has it that a group of unwarranted and disgruntled elements in the peace loving Community, Iree are desperate to forfeit and truncate the good intentions of this administration either directly or indirectly, and or willing to use all their powers to cover the truth on how we install a new Oba in Ireeland and destroy all the good works done by the Chieftaincy Review Committee”.

Moreso, rumours still has it that the Power Drinkers that do not really want the good plan of the Government to be implemented as what is good for goose is also good gender, are still rampaging”.

“Since the resolve of our able, reliable and respected Kingmakers, the Ruling Houses and the people that Aree Stool is concerned, have done all the needful by submitting their Memorandum on the stool of Aree and that the report has also being submitted to the Governor a very long time ago, while we want the Government”s White Paper and directives to be out without any further delay”, Prince Afolabi concluded.

COURT STRIKES OUT KENNETH UDEZE’S APPEAL

Abuja division of the Court of Appeal on Friday struck out an appeal filed by one Mr Kenneth Udeze, a former member of the Action Alliance.

Udeze had approached the court to appeal an earlier judgment of the High Court.

In its unanimous decison, the three-man panel of the court, Justice P. O. Ige, Justice E. O. Williams-Dawodu and Justice M. Mustapha ruled that Udeze lacks the right to appeal the judgment of the lower court.

Recalled that Udeze had been suspended and subsequently expelled from the Action Alliance and he failed to challenge his expulsion in the court.

The case with suit number CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/69MI/2023 was instituted at the instance of Udeze and the court had earlier given two declarative judgements.

Counsel to Dr Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, the National chairman of the Action Alliance, Oba Maduabuchi (SAN) had urged the court to strike out the appeal for lack of merit.

PARENTS OF TRIPLETS THANK OSUN GOVERNOR’S WIFE

Parents of the new born Triplets in Osun State, Mr and Mrs Hamed have expressed their deep appreciation to the wife of Osun State Governor, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke for her support at the birth of the new triplets.

The Governor’s wife had on Wednesday 8th February personally visited the woman and her new baby at Hallelujah Specialist Hospital located at Okefia area of Osogbo, prayed for the children and paid for the maternity bills of Mrs Ganiyat Hammed and other finances incurred in the hospital.

Also, Mrs Adeleke on Thursday donated pampers and other necessities to Mrs Hammed in the hospital.

Mrs. Ngozi Adeleke who was represented at the hospital on Thursday by Ms Toyin Babaniyi also charged other philanthropists in the state to come to the aid of the triplets and their mother.

While reacting, Mrs Hammed in an emotion lading voice said “I thank the Governor’s wife, Erelu Ngozi for her unflinching support. What she has done is marvellous in our eyes, it is God that sent her to our family, she paid the hospital bills and donated other items needed by the babies and myself. She is a philanthropist designed by God to take the family out of penury. I pray that songs of praises will never seize in her family”, Mrs Hammed said.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor’s wife on Thursday, Ms Babaniyi stated that the Governor’s wife has promised to be of assistance whenever she is called upon, noting that the purpose of revisiting the woman and the triplets again is to donate some items that would be needed by the family and also to raise some funds for her and her babies.

Erelu Ngozi also advised the mother of triplet to ensure proper breastfeeding and to always make sure her environments are clean and tidy at all time. She reiterated the state government’s efforts to improve women and children’s welfare in the state.

While responding to Erelu Ngozi’s kind gestures, the founder of Hallelujah Specialist Hospital, Dr. Kehinde Awodele thanked the wife of the governor, praying that Almighty God will give her the wisdom to pilot the affairs of women in the state.
Dr Kehinde enthused that inhabitants of the state are already enjoying the governance of Senator Ademola Adeleke’s led government. He enjoined the Governor not to relent on his efforts to transform the state.

ACTION ALLIANCE DENIES KENNETH UDEZE,
SAYS COURT’S INJUNCTION TO STOP CBN FROM EXTENDING DEADLINE ON NAIRA REDESIGN IS ANTI-PEOPLE

The Action Alliance (AA) has taken a swipe at one Mr Kenneth Udeze for seeking a court injunction to stop the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from extending the deadline on naira redesign.

Udeze who has been suspended and subsequently expelled from the party had on Monday spoke at a press conference organized by the Forum of Political Parties in Abuja.

But the Action Alliance declared that Udeze lacks the locus standi to represent the party, having been expelled by the National Think thank committee of the party, which is the highest ruling organ of the party.

In a statement by the national chairman of the party, Dr Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, the party said Udeze is not known to the party and cannot function at any level, hence his recent utterances and actions should be discountenanced.

Omoaje who spoke on behalf of the leadership of the party declared that the party is not part of the Forum of Political Parties and did not support the forum’s position regarding the naira redesign.

He said “Kenneth Udeze’s Court injunction to stop CBN from extending deadline on naira redesign is anti-people. He doesn’t mean well.”

The AA national chairman added that “Udeze didn’t represent our great party; Action Alliance since he’s not a member of the party. Since he doesn’t know that any policy causing pain should be rethought, he should focus on his proposed upcoming alliance with Atiku/Obi for 2023.

“Unfortunately, for Kenneth Udeze, the FCT High Court cannot stop Federal Agencies from performing their constitutional or statutory functions and it can’t issue any injunctive order to prevent the performance of statutory duty. An obviously anti-people injunction will achieve nothing.

“Today, Kenneth Udeze is fighting to extend the suffering of Nigerians for political reasons. That is not the position of our party and we will challenge same in the court of competent jurisdiction,” he added.

YEYE BISI BOLARINWA BECOMES LIONS CLUB’S PRESIDENT

Renowned broadcaster and seasoned administrator, Yeye Bisi Lawal Bolarinwa will on Sunday, 5th February be presented as the charter president of Osun Noble Lion’s Club.

The presentation will be held at her installation ceremony holding at the Leisure Spring hotel, Iwo road, Osogbo by 12noon.

Dignitaries including political office holders, public office holders and members of the Lions club from both within and outside the state are expected at the occasion.

Also, the District Governor of the club, Are Lekan Owolabi and other leaders of the club are expected to grace the occasion.

Besides, the event will witness fund raising for the execution of some laudable programmes and projects of the club.

Friends, family members, colleagues, associates and acquaintances of Yeye Bisi Bolarinwa from within and outside the country are expected at the epoch making event.

COLLECT YOUR NYSC EXEMPTION CERTIFICATESAND, OSPOLY ALUMNI CHARGES MEMBERS

The leadership of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree Alumni Association led by Alhaji Yakub Akeem had urged member of the association to yet to collect their National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate to do so without further delay.

The association in a statement issued by its national secretary, Comrade Odeyemi Anthony Wole urged members of the association to take the issue seriously.

He said “the alumni association is using this medium to inform all graduates of our esteemed institution that the NYSC has directed the management of the institution to return all uncollected Exemption Certificates to it’s Abuja office by the end of March 2023.

“In view of the foregoing, we hereby advise all concerned members of the Alumni to take appropriate step for the collection of same immediately because the school authority will not be responsible for failure of any affected graduate to collect their own if the certificates are eventually returned uncollected.

“You are all implore that this notice be given a serious attention,” he added.

COLLECT YOUR NYSC EXEMPTION CERTIFICATES, OSPOLY ALUMNI CHARGES MEMBERS

The leadership of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree Alumni Association led by Alhaji Yakub Akeem had urged member of the association to yet to collect their National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate to do so without further delay.

The association in a statement issued by its national secretary, Comrade Odeyemi Anthony Woke urged members of the association to take the issue seriously.

He said “the alumni association is using this medium to inform all graduates of our esteemed institution that the NYSC has directed the management of the institution to return all uncollected Exemption Certificates to it’s Abuja office by the end of March 2023.

“In view of the foregoing, we hereby advise all concerned members of the Alumni to take appropriate step for the collection of same immediately because the school authority will not be responsible for failure of any affected graduate to collect their own if the certificates are eventually returned uncollected.

“You are all implore that this notice be given a serious attention,” he added.