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Insecurity: Akintoye Raises Alarm, Says Terrorists Have Encircled Yoruba Land

Published

4 years ago

May 12, 2021

Eric

Renowned Historian and Second Republic Member of the Senate, Prof. Banji Akintoye has raised an alarm, alleging that terrorists have invaded and encircled the South West Geo-political zone of Nigeria.

In a letter personally written by him to all South West Governors, the leader of the apex Yoruba Self-Determination Group, Ilana Omo Oodua, urged the leaders to be vigilant and ensure that their fatherland is not captured by foreign invaders.

Akintoye, according to a statement made available to Newsmen on Wednesday by his Communications Manager, Maxwell Adeleye, declared that the new midnight curfew announced by the Nigerian Government to curtail the spread of Covid-19 in Nigeria looks suspicious with clandestine motives.

While urging Yoruba people, especially the younger generations to wake up and be extra-vigilant, Akintoye alleged that the previous Covid-19 lockdown from March to May 2020 was used to import terrorists from the North to the Southern parts of Nigeria, especially, to the south-west, stressing that “people must therefore be very careful and observant now”

He advised some top religion centres in South West such as The Redeemed Christians Church of God (RCCG) Redemption Camp, Winners Chapel’s Faith Terbanacle, Deeper Life Bible Church’s Camp, Mountain of Fire’s Camp, Synagogue Church of All Nations’s Headquarters and the prestigious Central Mosque buildings in Lagos and Ibadan, to beef-up security around their premises.

The lengthy statement, as written by Akintoye, read in parts:

“This is an alert from Ilana Omo Oodua to the Yoruba people at home and in the Diaspora. The situation that has developed in Nigeria in recent days calls for the uttermost vigilance of the Yoruba nation, and every Yoruba man, woman, and child.

“There is danger that if we don’t mount that high level of vigilance today, very serious pains can be inflicted upon us as a nation and on countless numbers of citizens of our nation.

“A few days ago, precisely, Saturday, the 8th of May, I sent a very desperate letter to the six Governors of the Yoruba Southwest. The letter reads as follows:

“Your Excellencies, the Governors of the Yoruba Southwest. This is a very desperate message from me to the State Governors of our Yorubaland in the face of the impending escalation of the ongoing invasion of our homeland. A combination of Fulani terrorists, Boko Haram and ISIS have occupied Niger State which is immediately north of Yorubaland, thereby providing for themselves very easy access into Yorubaland through the Yoruba parts of Kwara and Kogi States.

“Then, recently, the US has issued a statement that ISIS has infiltrated Southern Nigeria from the sea– meaning that the coast of Lagos, Ogun and Ondo States have been infiltrated.

“Our situation has thus become desperate and requires desperate actions from our State Governors. I feel obliged to devote much attention to the study of our Yoruba nation’s vicissitudes in these terrible times, and from such studies, I am hereby raising an informed alarm to the Governors of our States. I humbly and passionately urge our Governors to come together to give the needed response to the danger that threatens to engulf our Yorubaland in, most probably, the next few days.

“It is very well known that the signature action of these foreign terrorist organisations is to first destroy prominent assets of the society that they attack. That could mean that major public and private buildings in Lagos and Ibadan, particularly the hugely symbolic Cocoa House in Ibadan, would be their immediate targets.

“By the grace of God, we will ultimately expel them from our homeland, but by then, very many valuable assets of our nation might have been wrecked. This is something that we can and must prevent by preempting them with our own massive
defensive measures.

“I wish our Governors God’s wisdom and strength as they rise together to do the desperately needful now. I trust you all to make the best decision, but I respectfully urge that you also borrow a leaf from what Governor Ortom has done in his Benue State.

“With my greatest regards. Prof Banji Akintoye.”

“That was last Saturday. Now, in the past 24 hrs, that is, since late Monday, May 10, 2021, more troubling developments have occurred. First, the Secretary to the Nigerian Federal Government, Boss Mustapha, went on air and announced a number of Federal Government measures which were said to be made necessary by COVID 19. The measures included Nigerian-wide curfews, a limit of the congregation of persons to 50, closing down of bars and night clubs, among others.

“However, while members of the Nigerian public were still pondering the Federal Government’s announcement, another highly placed official of the same Government, Dr Sani Aliyu, Coordinator of the National Presidential Task Force on COVID 19, came out with a statement that the announcement a night before on lockdown, curfew, and public gathering were fake. He concluded that the public should ignore them.

“We urge the Yoruba people to be aware of what may be happening now. We ask Yoruba people to remember that when the Federal Government announced a lockdown in March 2020, the lockdown was converted to a sinister opportunity to truck countless loads of Fulani terrorists and others to the South, especially to the Yoruba Southwest. We Yoruba people must defend our homeland, our towns, cities, villages, farmlands and our people no matter what anybody else may be doing.

“Happily, most Yoruba people are no longer in doubt about the danger that confronts their nation in Nigeria, but we need now is to mobilize ourselves in defence of our homeland . The Yoruba people are grateful to the Yoruba youths for the way they have woken up to resist the invasion of Yorubaland by terrorist bandits.

“The Yoruba youths must take particular cognizance of the following facts:

“That terrorists have taken over Niger State: That Niger State is the immediate Northern neighbour of Yorubaland; that terrorists now command easy access into Yoruba land through the Yoruba parts of Kwara and Kogi States; a powerful nation, the United States of America, has issued an alert informing Nigeria and the world that ISIS, probably in alliance with other terrorist groups, has infiltrated the Southern parts of Nigeria from the sea; That the Nigerian Federal Government has not responded in any way to all these dangerous developments, which means that we must not wait for any Federal Government to defend us.

“We Yoruba people must also remember in particular that all past efforts by terrorists in Nigeria have always had special plans for Yorubaland because, as everybody knows, Yorubaland is the home of the richest non-petroleum resources in Nigeria.

“All these call for a new and higher level of response and vigilance by the Yoruba people. Our youths have been holding mega rallies across cities and that is a very welcome development, but our youths must now respond at a much higher level than mega rallies. They must organise themselves urgently to protect our roads, especially the roads that lead into our homeland. They must ensure that the influx of terrorists and arms into our land definitively stops.

“Owners and custodians of significant edifices in Yorubaland are strongly advised now to establish formidable security for their edifices. These include bridges, important public and private buildings, churches and such eminent Church estates as the Redeem, Winners, Deeper Life, Mountain of Fire Church camps and the unique Synagogue building of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, and even our most prestigious Central Mosque buildings in Lagos, Ibadan and our other cities.

“We must remember that when these terrorists broke into Mali Republic some years ago they destroyed the revered mosque of the ancient Sankore University in Timbuktu, the greatest Islamic monument in West Africa. To them, whatever does not qualify as fundamentalist or jihadist deserves to be destroyed.

“The Yoruba people trust their youths because the youths have done a lot of great things in recent times. We know they can do it, and we expect them to do their duty to their nation in these desperate times. Do this for your nation now to secure our nation and carve for yourself an honourable place in history.

“Yoruba youths must also make it clear to the world that NOW is the last and final battle of the Yoruba people against the destructive elements of Nigeria on the Yoruba nation”, the statement concluded.

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Makinde Ignores Oyomesi’s Rejection, Presents Staff of Office to New Alaafin of Oyo

Published

2 days ago

January 13, 2025

Eric

Governor of Oyo, Mr. Seyi Makinde, on Monday, presented the staff of office to Abimbola Owoade, the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The presentation of the staff and certificate of recognition took place at the Oyo government house in Ibadan.

The governor presented the official instrument legitimising the reign of a king to the new monarch at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital.

The symbolic event was performed nearly three years after the death of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III.

On January 10, Makinde announced Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo in a statement by the Oyo commissioner for information and orientation, Dotun Oyelade, quoting the governor as approving Owoade as Alaafin following the recommendations by the Oyomesi (kingmakers).

However, some members of the Oyomesi, a few hours later, rejected the appointment of Owoade as the new Alaafin.

They argued that the occupant of the stool is chosen in compliance with the registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, not by consultation or divination as stated by Makinde.

The kingmakers in the faction include Yusuf Akinade (Basorun), Wakeel Akindele (Lagunna), Hamzat Yusuf (Akinniku), Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief standing in for the (Asipa), and Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief standing in for (Alapinni).

They added that only the Bashorun, head of the Oyomesi, can convene a meeting to elect an Alaafin, arguing that any meeting convened by Makinde was null and void.

Speaking at the event, the governor said the Alaafin’s stool is important not just to Oyo town but to the Yoruba race as a whole.

The governor maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency.

He said, “The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.

“I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate, because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.

“Let me say this clearly; when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.

“When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.

“I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other’s houses. Politics, electioneering is a game. It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect millions of people. So, we will not play politics with governance.

“The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me.

“Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.”

While congratulating the new monarch, Governor Makinde prayed that his reign would bring peace and progress to Oyo Town, Oyo State and the Yoruba race.

“The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.

“I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race in general,” Governor Makinde added.

In his response, Alaafin Owoade promised to work for the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the development of the people.

He thanked the Governor, the Oyomesi and everyone that worked for his selection and assumption of office as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Demola Ojo, lauded the Governor for his determination to ensure that the right processes were followed in the selection of the new Alaafin.
He also thanked those involved in the selection process.

In attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Oyo East/Oyo West House of Assembly, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto; Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo Abimbola; some members of the Oyomesi as well as traditional rulers in Oyo Kingdom.

Top government functionaries in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Joel Ajagbe.

Sources: TheCable and Channels TV

Featured

Viral Video: The Okoya Family Comprises Responsible Citizens

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2025

Eric

Many have been baffled about the recent viral video of the Okoya boys, Subomi and Wahab.

The Viral Video was shot privately to promote a song release ‘CREDIT ALERT’.

Looking at their parent’s life trajectories this unfortunate situation doesn’t accurately represent who the boys are.

Their father, an industrial giant is an easy going man whose passion for his trade has seen him dominating the business landscape over the last 65 years, while their mother whom the high society holds in high esteem as the epitome of brain and beauty is a workaholic who has equally inculcated the virtues of hardwork in all her children with a mantra “money doesn’t fall from the trees, you have to work to earn it’.

The ongoing debates surrounding the viral videos of the Okoya boys alleged abuse of the Naira is not necessary. While I quite agree with the authorities on measures being taken to curtail the abuse of Nigeria’s currency and its integrity, this particular scenario is a private video shot immaturely to promote the young boy’s upcoming song, “CREDIT ALERT’’ as the purpose of the video was simply to promote their music in a style emblematic of western music styles and trends, not necessarily to show off or demean Nigerian law enforcement.

They are young adults who have constantly demonstrated their sense of responsibility as citizens of Nigeria and will continue to uphold the law.

No doubt, the Okoya family comprises responsible citizens of the country, who constantly uphold what Nigeria stands for.

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A Requiem for a Trojan, Chief Olabode Emanuel

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

When men pass away, life experiences a definite slow down for as many loved ones as they may have known, but when men like Chief Olabode Emanuel are no more, the entirety of creation is alerted; mourning becomes a case study, and wails as loud as thunder clap are heard from nigh and far. That is because they touched lives indescribably.

That is the story of a titan, who bowed out of a wonderful performance on January 4, 2025, just at the turn of a fresh year, after nine decades of meritorious existence, breaking barriers and churning out one first another another. Bode Emanuel, as he is fondly known, was many things in one package, traversing the world of financial entrepreneurship with ease, and into industrialisation as a construction guru as well as a boardroom wizkid with his glorious spell at UAC’s Grand Cereals, where he retired in 2021.

A proud alumnus of the prestigious St. Gregory’s College, Bode Emanuel is a typical example of he came, he saw and he conquered.

His death as announced by the Old Boys Association of St. Gregory’s College (SGCOBA) though sent shivers down the spines of not a few, was still taken with equanimity and total reverence to the will of Almighty God as a result of the numerous lives his existence touched and turned around. Many hears his name, and smile.

A revered Board of Trustees Member of the institution, the nonagerian, before his demise, was also a Chartered Accountant par excellence, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

The statement announcing his death read: “As a seasoned administrator with vast experience, Chief Emanuel has served as the Chairman of the Board of many local and international corporate organizations.

“These include: BoriniProno & Co. Limited, Trevi Foundations of Nigeria Limited, Foundation Construction Limited, Saipem (Nigeria) Limited, Hogg Robinson Nigeria Limited, and Grand Cereals Limited.

“Aside St Gregory’s College Old Boys Association, he was a board member of, Nigerian Life & Provident Company Limited, Sterling Assurance Company Limited, Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited – Publishers of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Books and Publications in Africa – amongst others. Details on burial arrangements are “to be announced by the family.”

Born on April 20, 1935, Bode Emanuel has either headed or founded several notable business and professional bodies including being a foremost member of the Ikoyi Club, and founding member of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Business Group Nigeria, which he rose to become its 4th Chairman in 2022.

Chief Emanuel is survived by a vast array of family members, friends and colleagues, including his beloved wife and confidante, Mrs Anana Bode Emanuel.

The entrepreneur will be sorely missed!