News

Yoruba Won’t Go to War, Ooni Tells Oodua Women, Market Leaders

Published

3 years ago

April 15, 2021

Eric

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has assured all descendants of Oduduwa across the world that there will never be war in Yoruba land or any part of Nigeria in the face of challenges confronting the country.

According to a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare, the Ooni Ogunwusi gave the assurance on Sunday while playing host to a cross section of women under the aegis of Obinrin Oodua, at his Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.

Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, explained that the current security and economic challenges rocking the country will soon be a thing of the past.

“If you study history, you will agree with me that there has never been a time when Yoruba land got disintegrated and I can assure you that such will never happen. We are not going to war, we have always been a rallying point and we won’t lose that status.” The Ooni said.

Earlier in their expression, the women under the leadership of Yeye Simisade Keeku-Onayeni explained that a recent revelation from Ifa oracle indicated that their could be a war in Yoruba land if the recent spike in insecurity across the region is not well managed.

“We were implored to pray fervently in the ways of our ancestors and visit six prominent palaces across the region for royal blessings. We chose to start here in Ife because this is our source from where it all began.” Yeye Simisade said.

The Ooni who prayed for the women with several items including honey, salt, water, cola nuts, bitter cola and gin among others, applauded them for standing up firm for the Yoruba race as the real mothers that they are.

Also on Tuesday, market leaders under the aegis of the Association of Traders and Market Leaders of Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni, during which they introduce the new leadership of the association led by Barrister Chinwe Monu-Olanrewaju, the Iyaloja of Nigeria.

In her presentation, the Iyaloja thanked the Ooni for hours immeasurable supports for the growth of economic activities in the Southwest, adding that a strong commitment to improve the security situation in the region would enhance productivity.

The event which was attended by top market leaders including the former Osun State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Adekunle Ayantoye, Alhaji Idowu Alonge (National Secretary), Princess Nike Akingboye (Aare Iyaloja of Ondo State) and others was spiced with traditional display by palace performers.

News

Ex-Gov Bello Stripped of Security Details, Placed on Watchlist

Published

21 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Eric

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has placed Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, on a watchlist, just as the police headquarters in Abuja “ordered the withdrawal of all men attached to his excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, former executive governor of Kogi state”.

Bello was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 18 after his absence from the federal high court in Abuja “stalled his arraignment”.

The anti-graft agency alleges that Bello, alongside Alli Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi; and one Daudu Suleiman, diverted about N80.2 billion belonging to the Kogi government.

In a statement signed by DS Umar, assistant comptroller of immigration, on behalf of Kemi Nandap, comptroller-general of the NIS, the agency said “the above named person has been placed on watch list”.

“The subject is being prosecuted for breach of trust and money laundering. If seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation for further action,” the statement reads.

On April 17, the EFCC ended its siege on Bello’s residence in Abuja after Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, arrived at the house and was later seen leaving with his predecessor.

News

N80.2b Fraud: EFCC Declares Ex- Gov Bello Wanted

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2024

Eric

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, wanted. Yahaya Bello was declared wanted for offences bordering on economic and financial crimes, with special emphasis to an alleged N82.2 billion fraud.

This was contained in a press statement made available to news men on Thursday.

The statement signed by Commission’s management reads as follows:

“Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCCfor offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.2 bn.

“Anybody with information as to his whereabouts should report immediately to the commission or the nearest police station.”

News

EFCC Seeks Military’s Help to Arrest Fleeing Ex-Gov Bello

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2024

Eric

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned to April 23, the suit instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello.

The adjournment is for substituted service and possible arraignment of Bello for alleged N84billion money laundering.

At the sitting, counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Phinro, told the court that Bello was absent from court for his arraignment because he was being protected by someone with immunity.

Phinro complained that the former governor was whisked out of his Abuja residence by the same person with immunity.

Phinro said the anti-graft agency might seek the help of the military to fish him out to come face his arraignment.

Responding to this submission, Yahaya Bello through his counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammad, told the court that there is an order of the court restraining the EFCC from arresting or arraigning him.

Muhammad said a Kogi State High Court had on February 9, 2024 restrained the EFCC from arresting or arraigning the former governor.

He added that the EFCC has appealed the ruling and the Court of Appeal was yet to decide on the matter.

He pointed out that the action of the EFCC was unconstitutional and the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain any charge from the EFCC.

Counsel for the EFCC, however, disagreed with the submission of the counsel to Bello.

The EFCC counsel held that the ruling in the substantive matter on the suit was delivered on March 17, 2024 by the Kogi State High Court.

He cleared the air that the court in its ruling held that for the former governor to be arrested or arraigned, the EFCC must first seek leave from the court to do so.

He said it was in line with that judgment that the EFCC, through an exparte application, filed for the order seeking the arrest of the former governor which was granted by the court.

Counsel for Yahaya Bello, however, insisted before the court that the order for the ex-governor’s arrest was made out of jurisdiction. He said the former governor is not a fugitive, but relying on the order of the Kogi State High Court to take protection.

On Wednesday, EFCC operatives stormed Bello’s residence in the Wuse area of Abuja and spent most part of the day attempting to arrest the former governor whom the Commission later confirmed was whisked away by his successor.

The EFCC subsequently warned members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

The Commission’s spokesperson said that Section 38(2)(a)(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

According to him, culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.

“On several occasions, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

“Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.

“The Commission, therefore, warns that it will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct its operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions,” the statement added.