Alaafin declares OPC leader, Gani Adams as new Aare Ona Kakanfo

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on Sunday declared the National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo) of Yorubaland.

The acclaimed winner of the June 12th 1993 Presidential election, Late Chief Masood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola who died on July 10, 1998 was the last holder of the prestigious Yoruba traditional title.

Abiola it was also gathered succeeded Late Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the then Premier of the defunct Western region who was killed on January 15th, 1966 during the first Military coup.

Since the demise of Abiola in 1998, the position of the Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo), head of Yoruba warriors had been vacant until today (Sunday) when a letter of appointment was given to the OPC leader by Oba Adeyemi.

Personal Assistant to Adams, Segun Akanni who confirmed the development to DAILY POST in a telephone conversation at about 7.24pm on Sunday declared that the OPC leader was happy to be honoured with the prestigious Yoruba traditional title.

Akanni said, “Yes. It is true. We just received the appointment letter this evening.

Also, in a short write up sent to DAILY POST while confirming the appointment, Akanni said, “God has done it. Thanks and honour be to Almighty God, the creator of Heaven and Earth.

As from today Sunday 15th, October 2017, that man with many chieftaincy titles, The proud Son of Arigidi Akoko, The National Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress, The Convener of Oodua Progressive Union, The Founder of Gani Adams Foundation, The Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation, The Chairman/CEO of Donyx Global Concept, Aare Gani Adams becomes The 15th AARE ONAKAKANFO OF YORUBA LAND.

“Special thanks to His Imperial Majesty Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Olayiwola Atanda, The Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye Yeye”.

It became obvious at the weekend, during activities lined up to mark the 79th birthday of the foremost Yoruba traditional ruler, that Oba Adeyemi had made up his mind to bestow Otunba Adams with the traditional title.

On Saturday, Oba Adeyemi was overheard referring to the OPC leader as the new Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland at an event which took place at the historic Atiba Hall, Oja Akesan, Oyo.

Particularly, the foremost Yoruba traditional ruler was seen pointing to Otunba Adams as the new Are, while welcoming Chief Abiola Ogundokun to the event.

HOSPITAL WITHOUT SYRINGE!!!

The looting and sharing was going on fine until the recent revelation by the first lady Aisha Buhari about the conditions of service at the Aso rock clinic.

It's in my opinion that she deserves a massive applause for bringing into public spec what's happening over there at the state house clinc, she has done something noble.

There is a Yoruba saying that "it's someone who has step on thorn that visit the doctor" but what happens when the doctor lacks the necessary tools to remove the thorn, I believe the pain from the thorn kills the patient or he visit another doctor if he still wants to live this justify why our leaders can't treat ordinary headache in Nigeria.

The Aso rock clinic is operating on a budget of over 3 billion naira annually which is more than what most teaching hospitals get and yet there was no single syringe which cost less than #100 at the clinic.

I would have argued that the assertion that the Aso rock clinic is poorly equipped is false but how would I argue it, when it's coming from the woman from the other room herself.

We know it is the tradition of our leaders and wealthy Nigerians to go on medical tourism abroad for so many reasons which I believe it wouldn't be fair to discuss it In this piece.

What we don't know is that a heavily funded Aso rock clinic would be without syringe or drugs and I doubt if there are enough competent hands to handle patients: what difference would competent hands make when there are no equipment.

There was a recent statement credited to the presidency about the move to commercialise Aso rock clinic which I thought was a good move until now, and I now see the commercialisation agenda as a move to cover the massive fraud in the state house clinic.

The president, presidency and CMD of Aso rock are yet to issue a statement to debunk the first lady's claim, body language is something peculiar to this administration and I believe It won't be wrong to tag their silence as admittance.

For an administration that claims to be fighting corruption there should be investigation to the issues raised by the first lady: What am I saying?  What has happened to the investigated grass cutter general and the NIA boss.

They say all the cash are been stashed for 2019 election either wrong or right, I need someone to explain to me how PMB approved oil contract on his sick bed in London as said by GMD NNPC Baru,  when he has delegated powers to his vice.

Corruption strolling in our corridor when we claim to be hunting her.....

To the first lady madam Aisha Buhari, you should have stick to your UKnised lifestyle and go for treatment there.

What happened to you is what happens to a doll when it decides to have a birth in the stream.....Disgrace!!!

Am sure if you get to Aso rock clinic today it would filled with drugs and necessary equipments, that's what we do in Nigeria when there is an issue that affects the ruling class, the first lady was lucky she was not in an emergency situation but who knows what might happen tomorrow.....

 I hope our leaders who see the good in doing good for the nation rather than a one headed agenda of treasury looting.

God bless Nigeria
Arasi Senior Kolapo

Gunmen Kill UNIBEN Professor

A Professor of Engineering at the University of Benin, Professor Paul Otasowie, has been reportedly killed by some gunmen.

The Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, confirmed the development to journalists.

According to him, the senior lecturer was shot dead by the armed men in front of his residence on Ekehuan road in Oredo Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday evening.

Although, we cannot authoritatively tell if the incident is a failed kidnap attempt, an armed robbery or assassination.

But eyewitnesses say that the death of the learned scholar arose following a failed attempt kidnap before he was allegedly shot.

It was however gathered that the news of his death threw the university community in a state of mourning.

Sources say the deceased was until his death, a former director of the university’s Industrial Training and Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme.

It will be recalled that Otasowie’s gruesome murder comes a week the abduction of a popular musician, Mr. Joseph Osayomore and the head of Ogba Zoo and Nature Park, Mr. Andrew Ehanire, and a Catholic priest, Fr. Lawrence Adorolo, three weeks ago respectively.

While Mr. Osayomore was kidnapped in Egor Local Government, Fr. Adorolo was abducted along Auchi-Okene highway at about 6pm while returning from Igarra in Akoko-Edo local government where he attended the ‘Month Mind’ of the oldest Priest of the Auchi Diocese, late Fr. Lawrence Balogun at St. John Apostolic Church, Igarra areas of the state.

Osayomore was said to have been whisked away by the abductors at Orovie village, off Upper Ekehuan road, at about 10pm on last Tuesday.

The Catholic Priest was reportedly said to have been released by his captors on Wednesday without the payment of any ransom.

The Edo State Police Command spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, confirmed the release and said the police was on the trail of the kidnappers.

Mr. Ehanire, who is a brother to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, is yet to be released, as it was gathered that his family members had begun special prayers for the speedy release.

Court Jails Man For Raping Minor In Ekiti

An Ado-Ekiti High Court has sentenced one Olowo Ismaila to 14 years imprisonment for raping a 12-year-old girl in Ekiti State.

Justice Dele Omotoso convicted Ismaila in his judgment on Thursday, saying the prosecution had proven the case against him beyond a reasonable doubt.

He held that the evidence tendered before the court, including the medical report, proved that the 35-year-old committed the crime.

The judge, however, ruled that his sentence would start counting from April 14, 2016, when he was first remanded in prison custody for the offence.

The convict was said to have committed the crime on February 1, 2016, at Iluomoba-Ekiti in Gbonyin Local Government Area of the state.

The prosecution counsel, Akinola Abon, while proving the case, had called witnesses and tendered exhibits while the convict gave evidence in his own defence during the trial.

Reacting to the verdict, Abon said the judgement would serve as a deterrent to those who engage in sexual offences, especially raping of minors.

On the other hand, the defence counsel, Babatunde Falade, said he would consult with his client to take a stand on the appeal of the judgment.

IBADAN BECOMING A THEATRE OF WAR

The bright afternoon in Ibadan when it all looks good and glamour, the brown roofs staring at the sky, the sounds of hooting cars filled the air, the people are doing their businesses to make ends meet like the worm spinning silk.

Some where in Popo Ye Mo ja there is the usual drums and merriment that surrounds a palace, on this special day the imperial ruler of the military garrison is installing new warlords in Mogajis and Baales, everything was rosy and merry:Until bullets started raining.

The present regime in Oyo State under the leadership of Gov. Abiola Ajimobi has made numerous giant strides in the state, and no matter what reservations you have for his administration, those who are conversant with the security status of Oyo State in the Pre-Ajimobi era would agree with me that in the area of Security the state has scored a distinction.

This stance was achieved through many intelligent initiative  of the government like the creation of the security task force Operation Burst, Funding and supports for vigilante groups, e.t.c.

There is a saying in the divine language "YORUBA" which is best translated literarily as " Only a thief supported by the lords of the land can raid the king's backyard".

What is your perception of the sporadic shooting at the Olubadan's palace on 25/9/2017 by unknown gunmen while he was installing new Mogajis and Baales.

In a state that has enjoyed so much peace in the last 6 years of this administration, why is this blasphemy happening at this time that the Olubadan and the Governor are at logger heads over the elevation and subsequent installation of some of Chiefs and Baales as Kings.

Who dares attack a palace in broad daylight, if not the thieves backed by the lords of the land.  

Who would believe the puppeteer is innocent about the puppet's dance?

In my article 32 Beaded Kings, 32 Questions, I punctuated by bringing to notice the seed of discord that has been planted in Ibadan and the fruits of hostility it would bear if it finally germinate.

It appears it has germinated and we are seeing the results.

The Olubadan and some other people did something applaudable when they approached the court, but to see an action of this magnitude: Shooting sporadically at the palace with the intent to disrupt a function at the scared abode of our king who is next to the Gods in authority.

A taboo! But am not too surprised though, we've seen power mongers fight each other at the Eid Praying ground on Eid Kabir day (the most sacred festival of the Islamic faith) day before in this state.

The British disrupted our traditional institutions putting the king's authority under the government.... And we have seen what Governors do with such powers.

It's only for historical reference that I mention the British, "the banana was hard ripe before it becomes rotten" we have created more rot in the system than what the colonial masters brought in.

I urge the police to wake up to the governor's call and fish out the culprits, and make them face the music of the law, also revealing those lords who backed them in executing the dastardly act.

Ibadan is a land of warriors, where warlords get high at any chance to display their might. I hope the warlords loyal to the garrison commander would not be planning to execute a reprisal attack to show their might and loyalty to the commander.

For the sustenance of the existing peace in the land, I hope all parties involved in the present elevation and installation tussle of the Olubadan chieftaincy title would patiently wait for the outcome of the litigation.

To Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, I would let him know that the citizens are grateful for the ground standing peace we've enjoyed in the last six years, we hope to enjoy more and hope he would not be distracted by the current crisis and would continue to ensure security of lives and property.

Long Live Ibadan!!!
Long Live Olubadan!!!
Long Live Oyo State!!!

Arasi Senior Kolapo

Breaking: ASUU Conditional Suspend Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced a conditional suspension of it nationwide industrial action.

ASUU’s decision followed a reconciliation meeting with a Federal Government team which held today (Monday) in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The talks with the Federal Government team came after about two weeks following the union’s consultations with its various chapters on the terms of agreement earlier reached by both parties.

More details coming soon. 

WHO BEATS THE DRUM FOR THE DANCING PYTHON By Arasi Kolapo

In the animal kingdom python is a one of the giants in the reptile caste, bold, strong and intelligent. Hunters who dares to kill python are A class hunters, because putting the venom aside the swiftness with which the python strangulate it's prey is another thing to fear.

If we see a drummer that would beat the drum for a gathering of python holding a feast. Who dares to watch their dance?

The Nigerian state in her beauty has got people of diverse ethnicity, language, culture and beliefs. Like many people I have argued that our marriage was forced in 1914 but the forced matrimony gave birth to glorified diversity but lacking a concretely reinforced unity.

The south Eastern part of Nigeria is one our pivotal unit even with our failing economy system, Our Abba brothers are as important to the Nigerian economy as oxygen is to human.

Ask yourself this sincere question, have you ever gone a day without a contact with a creation of Igbo people in Nigeria.

Nnmadi kanu came with a crusade to revive Biafra nation wrapped with a cessation foil. Self determination is lawful but it becomes unlawful when such group crusading self determination starts having their own security outfits, laying claims to the ownership of weapons of mass destruction, giving sit at home orders and disrupting free movement of citizens who are going about their lawful businesses.

Apart from the Nnmadi kanu having dual citizenship, there are so many unmanned border that could take him out of the country whenever the jig is down.

The United Nations global terrorist index ranked the Fulani herdsmen as the 3rd deadliest terror group after IS and Boko Haram, even though we know statistics like this are furnished with conspiracy, true or not true we all saw the mayhem the Fulani herdsmen unleashed on this nation.

Our Defence Headquarter didn't declare them (Fulani herdsmen) as terrorists, what am I saying, we even witnessed how the accidental servant Gov. Nasir El-Rufai was paying them, no operation Tiger smile, Lion Hunt, or Bull raid in those regions affected by the Fulani herdsmen one of the many nepotism of this country.

It was not wrong to have pronounced IPOB a terrorist group owing to their recent activities, that was how Boko Haram metamorphosed from a parrot propagating an idea to a vampire bat sucking our bloods endlessly.

I hope our south eastern brothers would be guided by history and God forbid avert a repeat of the civil war, and those big wigs within the Ndigbo who are backing Nnmadi kanu should travel north east and ask the kanuri community how they feel now after initially supporting the anti western education campaign of the Boko Haram group.

Dialogue is a strong weapon and am sure the crop of bureaucrat in the present regime led by PMB knows this, OBJ advised it but for his actions in ODI and Biam it looks like OBJ is prophet preaching what he would never practice.

A holistic look into the current situation of the Nigerian state would show to us that a round table dialogue is needed not only with IPOB or south east but with every region of the nation as each part is with her peculiar agitation, even some people would argue not all this agitations are sincere, and that those championing the cause are not doing so in the interest of the masses but for a stable and viable econo-socio-political condition we need dialogue as soon as possible.

"When there is a courageous, alert and experienced drummer ready to beat the goat skin for the python at their feast, the sounds of the goat skin may produce fine tunes but where pythons dance blood flows"

Arasi Senior Kolapo