Connect with us

Headline

My Mayegun Duties Go Hand in Glove with My Legal Profession – Barrister Kayode Ajulo

Published

on

By Eric Elezuo

Only recently, investment lawyer and rights activist, Barrister Kayode Ajulo, was conferred with yet another deserved honor as the Mayegun of Yorubaland by none other than the reverred warrior and custodian of the Yoruba culture, Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona kakanfo of Yorubaland. In this brief chat, the ebullient and cerebral philanthropist, who is reputed for various humanitarian exploits including representing clients on pro bono basis, revealed what the title means to him and humanity as well as his take on the political future of the nation even as the elections draw near. Excerpts:

Sir, could you please express your feelings as regards the new feather in your cap?

In the first instance, I thank God for His favour, kindness and mercy in making me to be counted worthy of such honour. There are other qualified people out there. But let me put it this way, and contrary to what some people might think, the confernment is not just an honour, but an award, cum a call to duty. I therefore see it as a challenge. The title is more or less a place of honour that I have been placed in and I thank God for the challenge. It is a challenge because it’s apparent, society is now more looking up to me, and I mustn’t do anything that will bring dishonour. Any honour is a challenge to me.

Barr Ajulo receiving staff of office from Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams

Sir, most times, such honours comes as a result of what someone must have been doing for humanity, so could you just briefly encapsulate the achievements that have made this honour possible?

Well, I’m not good at blowing my trumpet. I am a barrister and solicitor of the realm; I am trained to defend and speak for people, but I am deficient when it comes to speaking for myself. I don’t have to in the circumstance as I can’t be a judge in my case. I believe someone else should do that.

However, it must be stated that in whatever we do, someone, somewhere is watching and we need to be on top of our game at all times. As for this honour, it is the aftermath of what the Aare Ona Kakanfo himself described as my constant availability to be of help to others.

I remember the day when the Aare Ona Kakanfo, Gani Adams, visited my office, he spent about two hours talking about politics and Sundry issues, then on his way out, he just chipped in, recollecting when he or any of his members had issues with the police or anyone that once he briefed me, I have never hesitated in helping them out.

Mayegun with Mrs Titi Abubakar

He also tried to recap the days of struggles with Dr. Frederick Fasehun (may his soul rest in perfect peace).

Note that I was briefed to represent Dr. Fasehun, but in one swift wise decision, I considered that these people were all Yoruba, and there should be no basis for the fight and division.

So I proposed that all the lawyers in the matter should come together and that’s how our relationship started.

That day Aare said something that touched me: “In all these cases, you never asked for a penny”. “Mayegun Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba fits you”

Honestly, I felt honoured on hearing that. I never knew he was taking note nor would remember. The truth was not that they could not pay but because I saw that what they were doing was more about the Yoruba interests and they were prisoners of conscience.

They were doing it for a just cause. I identified with them and I felt the only way I could join their cause, was to offer my legal services free of charge.

So that paved the way for the title you were bestowed with today?

You can say that because that day, he mentioned that he would soon be one year as the Aare Ona kakanfo and that the Aare is supposed to have some chiefs to advise him, “and for what you have done, you have to be part of my council”. And that was it. I didn’t commit any dime to it.

So it was actually a pay back…

…Every genuine honour is a payback…every confernment, award, degree and what have you is a payback. A book of rememberance must be opened on your behalf before you could get an honour, reward, confernment or even a degree. Aare Ona Kakanfo and his Chiefs titles are not hereditary. It’s borne out of courage and valour.

No one is honoured out of limbo. And that explains why everyone should keep doing good for you don’t know who is watching or the day the book will be opened.

How did you take his initial offer?

Honestly, i initially joked about it, and told him that I hardly wear agbada. There and then I experienced the extent of his generosity, as he told me not to worry as all preparation has been made, he also made me realize the he consulted far and wide before deciding on me. I am learning from his humility. The fact that he has to come down to my office in Abuja from Lagos just to tell me such a thing, shows the kind of person he is. He knows what he wants and how to get it and that is why God is blessing him.

The title ‘Mayegun’ – what does it really stand for?

I think of it very well before taking the title and its responsibility. It literarily means someone who stabilizes the world and restores law and order in the society, which he believes I have been doing, both locally and internationally. The Mayegun is the conscience of the community, constantly speaking against the ills of the society. Consequently, the Mayegun himself has to be without blame. Now, you can see the magnitude of the honour that has been bestowed on me. Mind you, from history gathered, the last time this title was given was in the 17th century, during the time of the 12th Aare Ona Kakanfo, Iba Momodu Atanda Asubiaro Latoosa, the then Mayegun was member of the Board of Enquiry on the murder of Efunsetan Aniwura, the famous Iyalode of Ibadan in 1864.

Barr Kayode Ajulo

How would you now juxtapose the job of a professional lawyer and that of a traditional chief both of which you today represent?

Unfortunately, we just refuse to understand some things. We all have culture, but unfortunately, we see the European culture as more superior to ours, which is not.

I remember sometime ago, discussing with a British Professor of African History, at the British Museum in the United Kingdom; he was trying to tell me about my history. Just imagine..

In trying to explain the positions of our revered monarchs, he mentioned the Archbishop of Canterbury, who he claimed can be likened to the Ooni who is our spiritual head. I asked him about the Alaafin and he said he is the political head, like the Queen of England. In order of precedence in Great Britain, the Archbishop of Canterbury, a small town in England, is the third most powerful. I’m not saying whether what he said is true or not, but I think the Professor struck some cord in me. Our system of government is akin to theirs in some ways. In Oyo, we have the Oyomeesi – they represent the people at the palace and make laws like the House of Lords in the Parliament; they could weigh in on any issue concerning the Alaafin, including asking him to abdicate the throne or commit suicide. We have the Ogboni in Yoruba land, and judges and those performing intelligence and essential services could be drawn from this elite group.

Same with this Chieftaincy honour, it’s not hereditary, it’s based on your performance, purely merit, on courage, valour etc. it’s like being knighted; the best of our colonial administrators are Knights: Sir. Fredrick Lugard, the first Governor-General of Nigeria is a Knight; Sir. Robertson, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sadauna of Sokoto and the Late Premier of the Northern Nigeria; Sir. Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa, the Late Ooni of Ife, Sultan of Sokoto all those great men, are Knighted and all because they excelled in their chosen careers. The best lawyers I know are knights. They’re also High Chiefs of note.

Now, I have been given the traditional chieftaincy and incorporated into a most prestigious institution of Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. My installation by the Aare assisted by some Traditional and Political leaders was similar to the Queen knighting someone, the only difference is how we look at it.

So, we need to appreciate our culture, we need to repackage. If the Queen of England should call to honour me with the Order of the Garter, which is an order of chivalry founded by Edward II in 1348 and regarded as the most prestigious British order of chivalry, I will be so happy; the same way I am glad about this chieftaincy title I have been given.

I will soon roll out agenda under the Maiyegun title along with Aare Gani Adams for the Yoruba race both home and abroad. Our culture must not die, and we won’t allow wrong narratives about our rich culture. Our peaceful coexistence and development as a race is paramount and this we shall push for.

Could that be the reason why personalities like General Ibrahim Babangida were bestowed with the privileged honour?

Absolutely! Thanks for mentioning the revered soldier. Babangida had to rush to the UK to receive the honour of the order of Garter cause he understood what it meant and stand for.

Can we go a little political? Do you have any intention to go into full-fledged politics?

Well, I always believe one thing, that every human being as far as he can think is a politician. We are all politicians, so it depends on the level of your politicking. I am a politician, whether I am docile or active; I have ran for election up to the Senate of the Republic of Nigeria before. And by the grace of God, I have been the National Secretary of Labour Party.

But as it is, politics has to do with your people; it depends on what they want you to do. If tomorrow, the people of Ondo state say they want me to become the governor of the state, I will look at the fundamentals and if everything works well, and if my God okays it, I will go for it.

But as it is, I remain a lawyer. I have my chambers in some part of the world and I ensure I maintain them, because when it comes to politics, you need money to run it and the only way I can do that is to work harder. Now, I’m working harder.

Finally, could you make a comment on the governmental situation of Nigeria today?

I’m afraid it will be a little bit hard to make any comment particularly because the elections are roughly about a month from now. Nobody seems to understand and everyone seems to be going left and right, things are going wrong and politicians are desperate. And when you are desperate, you tend to flout laws and violate some basic principles and tenets of democracy. And I think this is what is happening in Nigeria and I pray this time would pass and pass well. I will tell our people to endeavor to just make the right choice. Look at where we are before and where we are now. We should not sell our conscience but vote for who genuinely has interest of the county at heart and ready to correct wrongs of the past.

Thank you so much for taking out time to talk with us.

Thank you.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headline

Ezekiel Bolarinwa Ajayi: Mentor, Philanthropist Revels at 80

Published

on

By

By Eric Elezuo

The ancient town of Ile-Ife was agog weekend, when Professor Ezekiel Bolarinwa Oladele Ajayi, a renowned educationist, accomplished mentor and elder brother of veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, pulled all the stops to mark a resounding entry into the octogenarian club, celebrating his 80th birthday with fanfare, pomp and class.

The event, which attracted family members, colleagues in the academic world, friends and well wishers, was another testament in the expression of influence, clout and connection.

Held at the Rock Rehoboth Cathedral in the centre of Ile-Ife, the event brought out the best in the Stanford trained PHD holder, as beamed with contagious smiles, absorbing accolades from a crowd of well wishers and dignitaries, most of whom traveled half  way across the world to felicitate with the newest octogenarian.

A lavished reception followed after heartfelt prayers were said for the celebrant flanked by his wife of many years, children and grandchildren. The reception witnessed guests savoring the best of continental and local delicacies as well as dancing happily to the old school tunes.

The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the gigantic cake by the birthday boy around whom were dotting family members.

As guests expressed their profound, hearty and sincere congratulations towards the octogenarian, whose event changed the landscape of Ife, many recalled how they have come a long way from their very humble beginning in Gbongan Olufi.

Fondly called Ladele, Prof Ajayi was born on March 23, 1944 in Gbongan, Osun State, where he had his earliest beginnings.

He statted his education at the Saint Paul’s School Gbongan, before moving on to Saint Judes School, Ebute Metta, and later to Saint Stephens School, Ile-Ife, where he completed his primary education.

After his elementary education, he was admitted into the Government College lbadan, where he was described as having  ‘passed out in exceedingly bright colours’. As many that knows him has confirmed that Prof Ajayi was a walking encyclopedia, and vibrated with intelligence while at school.

It was not therefore, surprising that he later proceeded to the United States of America, after his secondary education, where he attended various prestigious Universities including Stanford University. It is worthy of note that all his appearances for university education were on different scholarships. It was also at Stanford that he bagged his PhD honours.

On the completion of his PhD programme in Stanford, Prof Ajayi was recruited by the University of Ife, as it was then known, before its transmutation to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he later became a Professor of Physics, a position he jealousy guarded until retirement from active classroom duties.

According to a very close family member and confidant, Bola Adeyemo, who spoke glowingly about their fond relationship, Prof Ajayi “also became active in things of God. Like a proverbial gold fish, he has been recognized as a Pastor. Ladele played a mentoring role in the final years of school for my twin daughters who both graduated from the medicine program in the same University.

“The mutual fondness between Ladele and I remains very much intact. Ladele and l share common ancestry. His father who was the Otun Olufi of Gɓongan was a much older cousin to my mother and was fondly referred to as baba mi ile ASORO. They both had the same tribal marks. Ladele can be classified as belonging to the royal class as his father was the OTUN OLUFI while his mother was the daughter of the ÒOSA, first class chief in Gbongan.”

A life of Prof Ajayi without a mention of prolific publisher of the Ovation brands,  Chief Momodu, remains incomplete. It is worthy of note that apart from both sharing the same mum as siblings, the Prof was instrumental in shaping and mentally mentoring Momodu on the path of education. His 80th birthday was a reminder of how it used to be in times past as it marks a form of reunion for the Ajayi extended household.

Among those who attended were his daughter, Kemi Ajayi-Ingram, who flew in all the way from the United States of America, with her entire family; his niece, Yejide Ajayi among a host of others.

We wish the ebullient octogenarian a splendid birthday, and many ore years of splendid celebrations.

Continue Reading

Headline

Easter, Ramadan: Adeleke Releases March Salaries, Pension, Palliatives, Approves Promotion for Personnel

Published

on

By

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the release of salaries, pensions and palliatives for the month of March for all public servants in the state, as well as approved the promotion of service personnel due for promotion from 2023.

Adeleke’s show of love for the entire workforce, is in spite of the fact that the State allocation from the Federation account is yet to be released, according to a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

The Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina confirmed the approval of the March salaries, pension and palliatives, noting that the fast tracked approval covered all categories of state and local government employees including tertiary institutions in the State.

“I can confirm that Mr Governor has approved the March salaries, pension and palliative wage awards, including the usual payment of the outstanding half salary for retirees under the contributory pension scheme yet to obtain their bonds. Mr Governor requested for the file and granted immediate approval.

“Any moment from now, alerts will be landing in our peoples’ accounts. This is a preemptive step on the part of Mr Governor to meet the needs of our people”, the Head of Service explained.

Governor Adeleke who has been hosting inter faith leaders at the Government House said he approved the early payment to ease the burden of the workers ahead of the Easter period.

“As I wish muslim and christian faithfuls blessed fasting season, the early payment is a gesture of support for workers whose welfare remains the number one priority of our administration”, the Governor noted.

Continue Reading

Headline

FG Announces Nine Individuals, Six BDCs Financing Terrorism

Published

on

By

The Federal Government says it has uncovered the identity of 15 entities, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms, allegedly involved in terrorism financing.

Details of the development were revealed by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, in an email seen by The Punch on Tuesday night, entitled “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024.”

The document revealed that the Nigeria Sanctions Committee met on March 18, 2024, where specific individuals and entities were recommended for sanction following their involvement in terrorism financing.

“The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, with the approval of the President, has thereupon designated the following individuals and entities to be listed on the Nigeria Sanctions List,” the document read in part.

Among the individuals named in the document was a Kaduna-based publisher, Tukur Mamu, who is currently being tried by the Federal Government for allegedly aiding the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train in March 2022.

According to the document, Mamu “participated in the financing of terrorism by receiving and delivering ransom payments over the sum of $200,000 US in support of ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.”

The document said one of the individuals is “the suspected attacker of the St. Francis Catholic Church Owo, Ondo State on June 5, 2022 and the Kuje Correctional Center, Abuja on July 5, 2022.”

Another was described as “a member of the terrorist group Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam, the group is associated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

 “The subject was trained and served under Muktar Belmokhtar, aka One Eyed Out, led Al-Murabtoun Katibat of AQIM in Algeria and Mali.”

The NFIU said the individual “specialises in designing terrorist clandestine communication code and he is also Improvised Explosive Device expert.

“The subject was also a gate keeper to ANSARU leader, Mohammed Usman aka Khalid Al-Bamawi. Equally, he was a courier and travel guide to AQIM Katibat in the desert of Algeria and Mali. He is into carpentry. Subject fled Kuje correctional centre on July 5, 2022. He is currently at large.”

Another was identified as “a senior commander of the Islamic State of West Africa Province Okene.”

The agency said, the individual “came into limelight in 2012 as North Central wing of Boko Haram.

“The group is suspected of the attacks carried out around Federal Capital Territory and the South West Geographical Zone, including the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.”

Another was described as “a financial courier to ISWAP Okene. She is responsible for the disbursement of funds to the widows/wives of the terrorist fighters of the group.”

According to the document, another of the individuals “in 2015, transferred N60m to terrorism convicts.”

He was also said to have “received a sum of N189m  between 2016 and 2018.”

The same person is said to “own entities and business reported in the UAE court judgment as facilitating the transfer of terrorist funds from Dubai to Nigeria.”

Another individual was said to have “received a total of N57m from between 2014 and 2017.”

Another was said to have “had a total inflow of N61.4 bn and a total outflow of N51.7bn from his accounts.”

The document further revealed that, in accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, institutions and individuals are required to:

“(a) immediately, identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons and entities in your possession and report same to the Sanctions Committee;

“(b) report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.

“(c) immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU for further analysis on the financial activities of such an individual or entity; and

“(d) report as a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU, all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of this List. ”

It said the “The freezing obligation required above shall extend to

“(a) all funds or other assets that are owned or controlled by the designated persons and entities, and not only those that are tied to a particular act, plot, or threat of terrorism or terrorism financing;

“(b) those funds or other assets that are wholly or jointly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by designated persons or entities;

“(c) the funds or other assets derived or generated from funds or other assets owned or controlled directly or indirectly by designated persons or entities; and

“(d) funds or other assets of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of designated persons or entities.”

The Punch

Continue Reading

Trending