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

Published

5 years ago

January 26, 2019

Eric

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.

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Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: Prioritize Existing Unfinished Projects, Peter Obi Tells FG

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

Eric

Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has advised the federal government to prioritize existing unfinished projects spread across the country instead of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

Obi, in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, stated that the project was a misplaced priority given the numerous unfinished roads throughout the country.

The former governor of Anambra State mentioned that the budget allocated to the Ministry of Works is insufficient for significant progress on the country’s various unfinished roads, much less their completion.

Obi therefore, advised that the government prioritize the existing infrastructural projects in the country before embarking on any new and colossal projects like the Lagos-Calabar super highway project.

“The Federal Ministry of Works 2024 capital budget of N892,461,262,656.00, additional funding from multilateral loan projects of N94,828,535,243.00, alongside other expected contributions from sources like the China-Exim Bank and the World Bank, will not be enough for serious work on all the critical roads, some of which I enumerated above, let alone their completion.

So, why embark on another huge project that will not be completed in the next 20 or 30 years?

“To do so will only exacerbate the problem of abandoned, uncompleted projects that are not contributing to economic growth and overall development.

“Therefore, while acknowledging the potential benefits of coastal superhighway infrastructure, I urge prioritization of our existing uncompleted projects. We must allocate resources towards repairing and completing existing infrastructure.

“In any development formula, the primary focus should be on completing and rehabilitating existing infrastructure rather than embarking on colossal new projects that may never reach completion within the next 30 years,” Obi said.

Back in March, the Federal Government began constructing the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, designed to extend through 9 states with two spurs leading to the Northern States.

Recall that former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, had earlier described the project as a fraud.

“Umahi had announced that Hitech would fully fund the project, and based on this, there was no competitive bidding. He (Umahi) then said that Hitech could only raise just 6% of the money for the pilot phase. This smacks of deceit,” Atiku said.

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2027 Presidential Race: Opposition Parties Under Attack

Published

3 days ago

April 21, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

While it is still a whole three years before the next general election in 2027, The Boss has learnt that opposition parties in the countries are being muffled to pave the way for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to return to, and retain power.

From the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the Labour Party (LP), and down to the New Nigerian Peoples Paty (NNPP), crises have engulfed the rank and files, in what a source told this paper was the attempt and making of the ruling party, APC, to decimate, destabilize and make redundant the machineries of the opposition parties.

It is believed that by 2027, the apparatuses holding together the various opposition parties would have weakened irredeemably to the extent the country would seemingly nosedive into the inglorious one party state that every civil right advocate and democrats abhor.

It is alleged that all the crises in all the opposition parties are being engineered by the President Bola Tinubu-led ruling APC, with the hope of getting the fibres of their system weakened, thereby luring the members of the crisis-ridden parties into the APC.

Slightly one year after the last presidential election, the two major opposition platforms, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, have separately been embroiled in a crisis of confidence which has diminished their capacity to provide viable opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The crises in both opposition parties got to a head. The Labour Party led by its national chairman Julius Abure held its much-opposed national convention which was boycotted by its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; its only governor, Alex Otti of Abia State; federal and state lawmakers elected on its platform, and the organised Labour.

In the Labour Labour, members have been embroiled in endless battle of supremacy with a faction led by Mr. Apapa steadily contesting the leadership of Julius Abure.

Consequently, the presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, reverence as a leader in the fold, noting that whatever the party faces presently, that Nigeria’s problems are far bigger than the crises in his party.

The LP has been embroiled in crises — ranging from allegations of misappropriation of funds, and leadership tussle, to calls for the resignation of the party’s national chairman.

TheCable reported that “On March 27, the LP conducted a national convention in Anambra state where Julius Abure was re-elected as its national chairman.

Obi did not attend the convention, fuelling speculations that he may be mulling over ditching the LP for another platform.

Speaking during an appearance on HaveYourSay247, an interactive online session hosted by Rudolf Okonkwo over the weekend, Obi said he is confident that the crises rocking the LP will soon be resolved amicably.

“Whatever is happening in the Labour Party is so minute compared to what is happening in the country,” Obi said.

“So, for me, it is something we will resolve amicably, and it is not anything to worry about. Let us worry about the country.

“Let us worry about how the average Nigerian would be able to have a means of livelihood to be able to eat, that should be our worry.”

Obi said he has no interest in being the party’s leader but only to make sure things are done properly.

“I don’t see what I do in politics as being the leader of any place or not. My position is that just like I always say, I am not desperate to be president of Nigeria, I am desperate to see Nigeria work because I know it can work,” he added.

“We have a more desperate situation. Parties are just a means to be able to contest elections. What is important is that being a leader of a party does not reduce the price of food.

In the PDP, the shenanigans of former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has practically kept the party in constant crisis with many observers concluding that the now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is working for the APC, and is just a mole in the PDP. Wike has denied the allegation, however,

But news filtered in last week as that the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, and Minister may have concluded plans to attend the much advertised National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), billed to hold on Thursday, in Abuja.

Impeccable source, who is in the know, told The Boss that the minister, whose membership of the PDP is yet to be revoked even as he frolicks with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and serving in the President Bola Tinubu government as a minister.

The Source told The Boss that Wike’s impending presence at the NEC meeting on Thursday was not unconnected with plans, already hatched with some governors, to weaken the opposition PDP.

“Yes, we have on good authority that FCT minister, Wike is planning to attend the NEC meeting tomorrow all in a bid to weaken the fabrics of the PDP, and pave the way for the continuation of the Tinubu administration come 2027, and by extension, relapse Nigeria to a full blown one party state.

“From every indication, Wike and his co-travellers, are bent on unleashing the same crisis ravaging the third force, Labour Party, and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s Nigerian National People’s Party (NNPP) on the PDP for the APC to remain the only political party in the country, and ensure that Tinubu has no challenger, come 2027,” the Source said.

It would be recalled that Wike has boasted over and again that there’s no opposition against Tinubu’s re-emergence in 2027, and that they have made sure of that. He has been compensated with the Ministerial job after he withdrew support for his party, and supported the APC and Tinubu to emerge as national government.

The Source further revealed that in the attempt to actualize the intended one party state, a lot of funding is ongoing to ensure that concerned stakeholders are ‘settled’ handsomely.

Wike, prior, during and after the 2023 general elections, has been floating in between the two major political parties; the APC and the PDP. While he claim to still be a member of the PDP, he is functioning as a minister in an APC government, mocking the inability of his party to discipline him.

While political stakeholders concluded that the outcome of the Thursday’s PDP NEC meeting will determine the path Nigeria’s political trajectory will take, and that it may portend the end of multi-party system and political democracy if Wike succeeds in his plan; every page of what finally transpired at the meeting pointed to the fact.

The much touted removal of the party chairman, who is believed to be a crony of the Abuja minister, Damagum, retained his seat, with his executives.

“It is very clear to everyone that a lot of money politics is being played to cajole many loyal members of the party, forcing them into frustration, and eventually it of the party. The option afterwards, will be the APC. This, will for all intent and purpose actualize the intended one party state as an APC agenda.

The Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso-led NNPP is not faring better either. The only governor under their ticket, Abba Kabir Yusuf, just had the confidence of their party on him withdrawn. He was fighting for his political life until suddenly it was announced the the APC in Kano has collapsed its structure into the NNPP.

“This is just another APC strategy to actualize their hidden intentions. Time will reveal the very sinister agenda they harboring,” an analyst said.

Much as 2027 is still three years away, but intrigues are in play to render Nigeria a one party state, and perpetuate the APC in power. The three other opposition parties are basically under attack to bring to pass this unpopular agenda.

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Akwa Ibom Government, Governor Umo Eno Receive Top Honors at the 10th Wonders of the World Expo in Lagos

Published

4 days ago

April 21, 2024

Admin

The Akwa Ibom State Government and Governor Pastor Umo Eno were recognized with Travellers Awards at the 10th Wonders of the World Expo in Lagos for their sustained enhancement of infrastructure, support for local talent, and dedication to investment in the tourism sector. The ceremony took place at the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos.

While Akwa Ibom won the Most Active Tourism State of the Year, Governor Eno was adjudged the most Tourism-Friendly Governor of the Year at the event that had Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade John in attendance.

According to Amb. Ikechi Uko, Founder/Publisher of ATQ Magazine, the organizers of the event which is in its tenth edition, Akwa Ibom State won the top prize “in recognition of its valiant and resourceful efforts to drive and sustain domestic tourism by promoting the industry.

‘In 2023, Akwa Ibom was one of the states that hosted World Tourism Day (WTD ) events. The state also organized the famous Christmas Unplugged, which featured music, food, and cultures from all 31 LGAs as well as ensured friendly policies.”

While hoping that the Travellers Awards would spur Akwa Ibom to do more to dominate the domestic tourism industry, the organizers hoped that the state would gradually evolve into one of Nigeria’s top international tourism destinations.

That was not all, the state Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh was also recognized as one of the Top 100 Tourism Personalities in Nigeria for demonstrating exceptional leadership and innovation in the travel and tourism industry, while other Akwa Ibom indigenes and entity were also celebrated: Mrs. Ime Udo, Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor( Tourism) won Tourism Promoter of the Year, Favour Udo won Tourism Photographer of the Year, Loretta Effiong and Prince Uduak Sunday (Qua Tours) were listed among the Tourism Personalities of the Year and Ibom Air won Airline of the Year International.

In his remarks, Sir Charles Udoh, who represented the Governor at the event, thanked the organizers for the awards and noted that Akwa Ibom is certainly enjoying the golden era when it comes to tourism development. He stated that Governor Umo Eno is very keen on making Akwa Ibom a leading tourism destination with his programmes and policies.

He revealed that with the new Victor Attah International Airport nearing completion, the purchase of a ferry for the Oron-Calabar route, new developments along its coastline and the restoration work that will be done at all its major tourism sites, Akwa Ibom is well on the way to becoming the number one destination for all domestic and foreign tourists.

In her speech, Tourism Minister, Mrs. Ade John hailed the organizers for hosting the Expo, where practitioners were lectured by top experts while also rewarding those who have excelled in the past year.

She affirmed that her ministry is open to partnership with public and private sector operators, adding that tourism development can only be successful through collaborative efforts.

The event, which attracted leading and budding tourism professionals, also featured interactive and entertainment sessions.

Apart from Sir Charles Udoh and Mrs. Ime Udo, the Akwa Ibom State delegation, also included: Mr. Michael Effiong James, Senior Special Assistant (Lagos Liaison) to Governor, Mrs. Eme Bassey, Special Assistant to Governor (Lagos Liaison) and Akparawa John Offiong, Deputy Director ( Culture) Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

More photos below: