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Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa - Politics (245) - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa (583460 Views)

Obaseki: Oshiomhole Is Afraid Of Educated People Because He Didn’t Go To School / Video: Ooni Links Aje Festival To Industrious Igbo People / Igbos Most Industrious, Innovative and Richest Tribe In Africa see proof (2) (3) (4)

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Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by iblawi(m): 12:19pm On Aug 19, 2017
Markfemi2:


Help me educate the guy that's begging for slavery to continue under one Nigeria

We will better capitalise on our own !
Think deep

Restructuring is not bad either. We still have more influence in Africa under one Nigeria.

What matters most is that Yorubas are not scared of anything even if we are to continue under the current structure as we are already adapting to it.

We have options thought, we can restructure the current system to give States more power than central government, we can practice a regional government, we can also go our different ways but which ever way it goes the Yorubas are ready.

2 Likes

Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by iblawi(m): 12:23pm On Aug 19, 2017
ModsWillKillNL:


Thank you my brother

A restructured Nigeria will ensure all our lazy shallow thinking governors sit up or get out.

Collecting federal allocation is doing us no good.
You are right very bro. I believe Restructuring can solve 70% of our current problem.
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by Markfemi2: 12:33pm On Aug 19, 2017
iblawi:


Restructuring is not bad either. We still have more influence in Africa under one Nigeria.

What matters most is that Yorubas are not scared of anything even if we are to continue under the current structure as we are already adapting to it.

We have options thought, we can restructure the current system to give States more power than central government, we can practice a regional government, we can also go our different ways but which ever way it goes the Yorubas are ready.

What part of north saying they won't restructure are you finding hard to grasp cause honestly if North said yes wndyour arguing this way I will agree to your postulations
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by Markfemi2: 12:35pm On Aug 19, 2017
iblawi:

You are right very bro. I believe Restructuring can solve 70% of our current problem.

But restructuring is not happening meaning 70% of our problems still exist
Under one Nigeria Kwara and Kogi is for north wake up jo !
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by iblawi(m): 12:48pm On Aug 19, 2017
Markfemi2:


But restructuring is not happening meaning 70% of our problems still exist
Under one Nigeria Kwara and Kogi is for north wake up jo !

Have you been to North Central before?

Have you been to ilorin and other major towns in Kwara before?

Have you been to kogi before?

Have you been to Makurdi?

If you have you will withdraw your statement.

In the North Central, North only have strong influence on Plateau, Nasarawa and Niger state. Forget Kwara, Kogi and Benue state.
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by ModsWillKillNL: 1:05pm On Aug 19, 2017
Markfemi2:



When did good education equal to number of schools ?
And how does having your nation stop that ?

Before asking question pls ask yourself how having a Yoruba nation stops it

My point there is that we are not where we used to be.
Schools alone don't make a nation.
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by Markfemi2: 1:05pm On Aug 19, 2017
iblawi:


Have you been to North Central before?

Have you been to ilorin and other major towns in Kwara before?

Have you been to kogi before?

Have you been to Makurdi?

If you have you will withdraw your statement.

In the North Central, North only have strong influence on Plateau, Nasarawa and Niger state. Forget Kwara, Kogi and Benue state.



I should forget kwara and kogi that make up 15% of yoruba population

i have been to north central

kwara govenor attends arewa meeting
thats not right
same thing with kogi senators
they are forced to attend arewa senate meeting
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by ModsWillKillNL: 1:06pm On Aug 19, 2017
Markfemi2:



Do you have trade policies that allow you to do so ?
And yes we have a number of companies there

Sure we do.

How many compared to what we have all over Nigeria?
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by ModsWillKillNL: 1:08pm On Aug 19, 2017
iblawi:

You are right very bro. I believe Restructuring can solve 70% of our current problem.

Yes. It will.

We shall be eating our cakes and having it.
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by ModsWillKillNL: 1:14pm On Aug 19, 2017
Customer80:
ngozi okonjo iweala former world bank president, arunma oteh treasurer world bank, sadie okoro world bank solicitor, oby ezeks former world bank vice prez etc

Ibukun Awosika alone dwarfs all of them.
None of those you listed can employ you.
Ibukun Awosika can get you into First Bank here at the snap of a finger.
Go and buy sense.
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by Markfemi2: 1:15pm On Aug 19, 2017
ModsWillKillNL:


My point there is that we are not where we used to be.
Schools alone don't make a nation.



my point is to stop using crumbs and be satisfied with it
if we open schools or industries bulk of the profit tax should go to the state like its done i all sane countries
not the one that you be saying lets manage it like that
our territory needs to be collected back
countries are doing that
only nigeria is stale
hence i say lets pull out
enough of living with people who are hell bent on destroying us
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by Customer80: 1:18pm On Aug 19, 2017
ModsWillKillNL:

Ibukun Awosika alone dwarfs all of them. None of those you listed can employ you. Ibukun Awosika can get you into First Bank here at the snap of a finger. Go and buy sense.
kids everywhere
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by iblawi(m): 1:18pm On Aug 19, 2017
Markfemi2:



I should forget kwara and kogi that make up 15% of yoruba population

i have been to north central

kwara govenor attends arewa meeting
thats not right
same thing with kogi senators
they are forced to attend arewa senate meeting

They attend because they were grouped under North Central but that doesn't mean North have strong influence on them. Is like saying 2face is a northerner or mercy Johnson is a northerner or even saraki is a northerner.
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by ModsWillKillNL: 1:20pm On Aug 19, 2017
Markfemi2:


my point is to stop using crumbs and be satisfied with it
if we open schools or industries bulk of the profit tax should go to the state like its done i all sane countries
not the one that you be saying lets manage it like that
our territory needs to be collected back
countries are doing that
only nigeria is stale
hence i say lets pull out
enough of living with people who are hell bent on destroying us

Who is the destroying you?

When you were alone you destroyed one another until 1983. Operation Wetie!

You mean all the achievements you have been posting so far are crumbs

Never!

Kano beggars have vowed to return to the streets.

Don't be an ingrate!
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by ModsWillKillNL: 1:21pm On Aug 19, 2017
Customer80:
kids everywhere

Hahahaha

I understand.

That was a little below the belt.

Hahahahaha
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by Markfemi2: 1:25pm On Aug 19, 2017
iblawi:


They attend because they were grouped under North Central but that doesn't mean North have strong influence on them. Is like saying 2face is a northerner or mercy Johnson is a northerner or even saraki is a northerner.

this guy you dont seem to have deep sense of yoruba history with some of your statements you make
thank God you fall in minority
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by idealogical: 1:28pm On Aug 19, 2017







Chairman/Chief Executive

Prevoyance Properties



Otunba F. A. Adesina has been working in the Building industry for over forty one (40) years. He started off as a project manager in the prestigious british design firm Watkins Grey in 1972 and became an Associate in 1974 and a Partner in 1976, the position he held till January 1987 when the british firm liquidated their interests in the Nigerian branch & since then the company was rennamed Interstate Architects with him as the Managing Director of the company. He was the Managing Director until January 2001 when he took over as the Chairman and Chief Executive after the retirement of the expatriate holder Arc. Peter Gillmore
Otunba F. A Adesina has been involved with major hospital projects such as UCH, Ibadan, ABU Zaria, Lagos Univesity Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Jos Teaching Hospital. Others projects for which he has been responsible are multi-billion Commercial and Industrial Enterprises in the fields of Pharmaceutical factories for May & Baker Nigeria Plc etc. Amenity blocks for Lever Brothers Nigeria Ltd and other offices and houses for Central Bank of Nigeria. He was specialized in buildings requiring security systems, and has been responsible for a number of Commercial Bank buildings for UBA PLC, Afribank Nigeria Plc to mention a few. He has been a Project Manager on various projects for Central Bank of Nigeria, UAC, major commercial banks above and a host of other companies. Notable is also the feat that his practice, Interstate Architects Ltd have exclusively been in charge of design & project management of all Central Bank Buildings for the past 4 decades
He is a graduate of the Yaba College of Technology Lagos, University of South London where he received Diploma in Highway Engineering, Building and Architectural Technology between 1966 and 1968; he also has a 2 year post-graduate degree from the South Western University, Washington DC. He is a Fellow and corporate Member of the Nigerian Institute if Building and Council of Registered builders of Nigeria (CARBON), a Licentiate Member of the British Chartered Institute of Building, British Institute of Building in Site Management, British Institute of Municipal Technological Engineers. He is a Christian man and patron to many Christian organisations, a worthy role model, and the pioneering president of Association of Friends club, a member of Metropolitan, Ikoyi and Island clubs. Other achievements include: chairman, Gillade (Nigeria) limited; Chairman, FAM Advertising (Nigeria) limited; Chairman, Global info-Swift Nigeria Limited; Chairman, Ikenne Micro-Finance Bank Limited (1994-2004); and presently the Chairman of Nigeria’s prestigious oil company, Bells Oil and Gas. Otunba F.A Adesina is a patriotic Nigerian, nation builder and a Legacy achiever.
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by idealogical: 1:31pm On Aug 19, 2017








OTUNBA FESTUS ADELEKE ADESINA


Global Info Swift

Chairman/Chief Executive



Otunba Adesina, is a distinguished professional, Chartered Builder and Construction Project Management expert, who has over forty (40) years working experience in the Building Industry both in UK, USA and Nigeria. He has worked in different positions as Technical Assistant/Designer, Project Officer/Architectural Technologist, Project Manager, Managing Director and now Chairman/Chief Executive of a famous Architectural Company that has just completed the Head Office of Central Bank of Nigeria Building, Abuja, the biggest and cheapest building in Nigeria that can be compared favorably with any building in the World.

On his return to Nigeria in 1972, he joined a British Architectural Consultancy Group, Messrs Watkins Gray Woodgate International (Nigeria) as a Project Manager. His contribution and achievements within a short period in the various functions assigned to him led to his being made an Associate of the firm in 1974.
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by laudate: 1:33pm On Aug 19, 2017


Edward Ola Akinlade studied accounting at the South Bank University, in the United Kingdom, and became a fully qualified accountant through the London School of Accountancy, England. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) U.K, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Akinlade incorporated the Suru Group (“SGL”) in November 2008, as a private limited liability company. It started by trading in real estate, an activity which gave rise to the property arm of Suru Group Ltd. The group has invested massively in hospitality, real estate development, agriculture, and financial services. It plans to further invest in energy generation, mining, and manufacturing.



Suru Group has successfully developed and marketed luxury residential apartments, in the district of Ikeja GRA, an upper-class segment of Lagos metropolis. Their Chairman, Edward Akinlade pioneered the development of co-operative upscale developments, of luxury terraced housing units, in the local Nigerian market, which completely redesigned the Ikeja GRA Lagos skyline. He also possesses excellent advisory and project implementation skills. Suru Group is a subsidiary of Haldane McCall Plc, UK which is also owned by Akinlade.





In the hospitality sector, Suru Group has successfully built a few tastefully furnished three star hotels. These hotels have a strategic relationship with Best Western International, a foreign hotel brand, and they operate under its brand name in West Africa, trading as "Best Western Hotel’’. Each hotel is managed by African Sun, a South African company. Suru Group also owns different budget hotels in Lagos, operating under the Suru Express Brand, which serve as a prototype for West Africa. The Group is also the owner of 94 self serviced apartments in the city of London, which cater for the growing short-let accommodation needs of international visitors to the city of London.





Suru Group wants to develop further five three-star Hotels under the Best Western brand, 45 budget hotels under Suru Express Brand, and build 900 units of low cost residential estate, to support the federal government drive of affordable housing for all. It has acquired large expanse of land in Lagos state, the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, to build the low cost housing units.



Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by Markfemi2: 1:40pm On Aug 19, 2017
ModsWillKillNL:


Having Yoruba spies in the midst of northerners is good for us.

There is no way they'd speak Hausa in such meetings.

they are not spies as they were forced to north
pls stop sounding like an illitrate
their is a bloody emir in ilorin hence how british connived with them to allocate that land
pls grow some sense thanks
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by Customer80: 1:47pm On Aug 19, 2017
ModsWillKillNL:

@Customer80
This is what we are talking about.
Ibos are no match!
troll am going to ignore you subsequently
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by idealogical: 1:54pm On Aug 19, 2017





ENGR. TAJU YUSUF ADEDAYO


CEO




Taju Adedayo got his first degree (B.Eng.) in Civil Engineering in the year 1992 from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. After about a decade of working experience, he proceeded to University of Lagos where he obtained Masters Degree (Msc) in Construction Management in the year 2002. He was a Texaco scholarship award winner in 1990, 1991 and 1992.

He commenced his professional carrier in1993 with Dys Trocca Valsesia Limited (DTV), as a site engineer on the construction of a dual carriageway in Jalingo. He joined AOP-CONSULT LIMITED in 1994. His experience within 5 years in AOP ranges from structural/civil engineering design and construction supervision, Project Management and Facilities Management.

Out of the need to get grip of the post contract aspect of the project delivery, he joined TMC LIMITED in 1999, a firm of Construction with interest in Facilities Management as Project/Facilities Manager. He had a brief stint with CONTINENTAL DEVELOPERS LIMITED, a project development and financing company in 2001.

Ten years ago, precisely 2001 he joined CONCEPT PROJECTS LIMITED, a team of professionals who have interest in Design, Construction and Project Management as Managing Director.

He is currently a Director and Lead Consultant in Infrastructures, Offshore Facilities and Buildings in TOPSEA ENGINEERING LIMITED.

His experience over the past 18 years span across Engineering Design and Construction Supervision of Bank branches, Office, residential and industrial buildings, Infrastructures( Roads and Drains) water, sewage and hydropower projects, offshore facilities in a logistics base, Facilities Management and Project Management.

He has attended courses/training notably on The Design and detailing of High rise buildings with Techgrade Consulting 2011, Nigerian Infrastructures CWC 2010, The Nigeria Oil and Gas 2009 conference and exhibition CWC UK in Nigeria, Challenges to Nigerian Consultants in Oil and Gas projects: by ACEN – 2007, Project Management by AOP-Consult Ltd. (1995/1996), Maintenance Engineering by Nigerian Society of Engineers (1996) and Fire prevention and fighting by Safety Engineering and Consultants (Nig) Ltd 1995.

He is a Corporate Member of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Member of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and member of Council for The Regulation of Engineering (COREN) in Nigeria.
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by idealogical: 2:16pm On Aug 19, 2017























Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SIFAX Group



Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SIFAX Group, a multinational conglomerate, was born in Ondo to the family of Chief & Chief (Mrs.) Samson Afolabi. A native of Idokunusi Ijebu in the Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, he started his educational pursuit at Ansar Ud Deen Primary School, Ondo and thereafter, proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Ibadan, where he obtained his West African School Certificate (WASC).

His quest to attain high level of academic excellence and leadership in advocacy led him to the University of Lagos, where he obtained the degree in Law. He became a member of the noble profession when he was called to the Nigerian Bar by the Body of Benchers on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. He later obtained a Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the same university.

He began his professional career with a shipping company, Nigerian Express Agencies Limited, where he distinguished himself and rose to become the Head of Operations. With the zeal of entrepreneurship burning in him, he left the company in 1988 to establish what has now turned to a big conglomerate, SIFAX Group, a business interest with diverse investments in Maritime, Aviation, Haulage, Logistics, Oil & Gas and Hospitality, among others.

From a little beginning, the company, which started as a freight forwarding agency in Lagos, Nigeria, currently operates across the world with presence in the United States, United Kingdom, Ghana, South Africa, Holland, Belgium, Morocco, Spain and Djibouti, among others.

Some of the Group’s subsidiaries include Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, concessionaire and operator of the Terminal C, Tin Can Island Ports, Apapa Lagos; SIFAX Off Dock Limited, a bonded terminal operator; SIFAX Stevedoring Limited; SIFAX Oil and Gas Limited; SIFAX Haulage & Logistics Limited; SIFAX Logistics & Marine Services Limited; Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited, an aviation ground handling company and SIFAX Shipping Limited.

With about three decades of rich entrepreneurial experience, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, through the dint of hardwork, foresight, resilience, vision and knack for excellence, has emerged not only as one of the leading business icons in Nigeria, but also reckoned with across the world.

No doubt his wealth of experience, organizational prudence and business ingenuity have remained invaluable assets to SIFAX Group, which has become a leading player in the Nigerian economy. The company, alongside its subsidiaries, has generated both direct and indirect employment for thousands of eligible Nigerians.

Afolabi is a seasoned maritime consultant and a Fellow of many professional bodies including Nigerian Institute of Financial Management (NIFM), Institute of Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (IFFN) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of Nigeria.

He has attended several maritime and aviation-related trainings both locally and internationally on port operations, aviation ground handling operations and management.

Due to his rich experience, Afolabi is a sought-after speaker and facilitator at various industry conferences and mentoring programmes.

Aside being renowned for his business acumen, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has also established a reputation as a public-spirited individual. His philanthropic philosophy has driven him to give hope and support to many public causes. The major focus of this philanthropic initiative is education, where many schools, from primary to tertiary level have received immense support and assistance.

Few of these interventions include a 1,000 capacity lecture theatre at Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho and an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus donated to the medical students association of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

As a mark of recognition of his outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions to nation building, he has been conferred with various honorary doctorate degrees by four universities, including Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, Oyo state, Cornerstone University and Theological Seminary, Jerusalem, Israel and USA, European-American University, Dominica and Commonwealth University, Belize.
Dr. Taiwo Afolabi is also a recipient of over thirty individual awards from diverse organizations. The latest of these awards being the 2014 Business Person of the Year which was conferred on him by one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers, Daily Sun.

The Federal Government has also recognized the great contributions of this Ogun-state born business icon. He is a recipient of the Member of the Order of Niger (MON).

The accolades are not restricted to Nigeria alone. He is also the Honorary Consul-General of the Republic of Djibouti in Nigeria.

He is a member of the Institute of Directors Nigeria; Ikoyi Club 1938; IBB Golf Club, Abuja; the Building Committee of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry, amongst many others.

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi is a sports lover, who enjoys watching and playing football. He is happily married with children.
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by Customer80: 2:25pm On Aug 19, 2017
Markfemi2:


But restructuring is not happening meaning 70% of our problems still exist
Under one Nigeria Kwara and Kogi is for north wake up jo !
aren't you the one taunting Biafra under Ohamadike Kanu?
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by laudate: 2:30pm On Aug 19, 2017
idealogical:




Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SIFAX Group

Hasn't he been profiled on page 190 already? wink
Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by laudate: 2:33pm On Aug 19, 2017
idealogical:




Dr. Adedeji T. Adeleke

Chairman
He has been featured already. Please let us avoid duplication and repetition like those other people. Thanks. wink

1 Like

Re: Yorubas Are The Most Industrious,Richest & Educated Tribe in Nigeria & Africa by laudate: 2:50pm On Aug 19, 2017
I read this on another thread, and it was so interesting! cheesy I thought I'd share it here:

Boyooosa:

The Aare Ona Kakanfo! | The Untold Story of How MKO Abiola Was Nearly Prevented From Becoming the Generalissimo|

Where were you in 1987? That was the year Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike, Olubadan of Ibadan made history. Olubadan installed Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as the Bashorun of Ibadan. It was a prestigious title befitting of a distinguished personality in the mould of MKO Abiola.

That was the title of the legendary Bashorun Oluyole who was the paramount chief of Ibadan in 1850. It was also the title of Bashorun Ogunmola who reigned between 1865 and 1867. It was therefore historic that exactly 120 years after the death of Ogunmola, MKO Abiola became the fourth person to be conferred with the prestigious title.

It was indeed a befitting honour for someone who had amassed chieftaincy titles from almost every town in Nigeria. As of the time of his installation in 1987, MKO Abiola was reputed to have over 150 chieftaincy titles. He was the Bobajiro of Ode-Remo. He was the Bada Musulumi of Gbagura Egba.

As he drove out of the palace of Oba Asanike that fateful day with his son by his side, MKO must have thought that he had reached the peak of traditional chieftaincy in Nigeria.

He was just settling down in his Ikeja home when he was informed that he had a call. Who was on the line? He asked before collecting the phone. It was the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.

MKO snatched the phone. “Iku Baba Yeye, Igbakeji Orisa! Kabiyesi!” The newly installed Bashorun paid his homage to the foremost traditional ruler. Alaafin must be calling to congratulate me, MKO thought. Kabiyesi was however not calling to congratulate the business magnate.

“We have decided that you are to be conferred with the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo!” Kabiyesi informed him.

The phone nearly dropped from the hand of Bashorun. Aare Ona Kakanfo! ]The Generalissimo of Yoruba race! The Field Marshall for all descendants of Oduduwa! The portfolio held by Afonja, the founder of Ilorin! The title of Aare Obadoke Latosa of Ibadan – the scourge of Efunsetan Aniwura! The position held by the last premier of Western Region, Ladoke Akintola of Ogbomoso!

For a single person to be Bashorun and Aare was unheard of. It was the ultimate! Traditionally, Bashorun is the Prime Minister. Aare is the Field Marshall. When Bashorun Gaa moved against Alaafin Abiodun around 1770, it was Oyalabi from Ajase (now Republic of Benin), the Aare Ona Kakanfo that came to the powerful monarch’s rescue. Now, Abiola was going to be both the Prime Minister and the Field Marshall!

Alaafin had spoken. MKO Abiola had no choice. The news spread like wildfire. Congratulatory messages poured in from all over the globe. Aare Ona Kakanfo was not just another title. It was the title. It was the father of all traditional titles. Father ke? No, it was the Grandfather of All Titles. If it were to be a national honour, it would be the equivalent of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic!

Everybody in and outside Yorubaland was ecstatic at the choice of Abiola as the 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo. Well, almost everybody.

It happened that the Ashipa of Oyo, Chief Amuda Olorunosebi was not pleased with the choice of Bashorun MKO Abiola as the Aare. Ashipa was one of the prominent chiefs of Alaafin. He objected to the choice of the flamboyant publisher, an Egba man, as Aare Ona Kakanfo. He went to Kabiyesi to protest. Iku Baba Yeye was adamant that MKO was eminently qualified to be the Aare Ona Kakanfo.

The Ashipa went back to his quarters at Isale Oyo. As MKO Abiola and the Alaafin were preparing for the installation of Bashorun, Chief Amuda was consulting with his lawyers. This was however unknown to the Alaafin. It was assumed that the Ashipa had been convinced to support Abiola’s candidacy.

Abiola was no ordinary person by any standard. He was larger than life. He was flamboyance personified. He was determined to make the chieftaincy installation as grand as possible. He invited all his contacts from all over the world. All the military governors were invited. A special invitation was delivered to the President, Ibrahim Babangida, who was a close friend of the Bashorun. African Heads of States cleared their schedules in order to honour MKO. Nigerian Embassies were issuing visas on daily basis. It was going to be a grand occasion.

Then the unthinkable happened! It started as a rumour. It was days to the installation.

‘Eti Oba nile, eti Oba l’oko, eniyan lo n je be.’ The ear of a king is everywhere. Iku Baba Yeye was in his palace when he heard from the grapevine that a case had been filed to stop the occasion! “Ewo! Sango o ni je! Abiodun o ni je! Aole o ni je!” Kabiyesi went on to invoke the names of his predecessors on the royal throne of Alaafin!

It was around noon when the phone rang in Ibadan. It was from the Palace, Oyo Alaafin. Chief Afe Babalola, the famous legal practitioner, picked the phone. After exchange of homage and royal blessings, Alaafin informed Afiwajoye of Ado Ekiti that Ashipa had filed a suit against the installation of MKO Abiola. Not only that, a motion ex parte for interim injunction had also been filed. It was apparent that Ashipa was not ready to gamble with his chance.

Though Kabiyesi did not say it, Chief Afe knew the urgency involved. Installation was on Saturday. The call came in on Tuesday.

Less than thirty minutes after the call, Chief Afe was almost at Oyo. The legendary lawyer covered the 57 kilometres between Oyo and Ibadan as if he was on a chariot. He proceeded to court where he met the court registrar. Of course, the registrar knew Chief Babalola. It is doubtful if there is anyone in the Judiciary who does not know the Mayegun of Modakeke. Mayegun paid the requisite fees and conducted a search of the court’s file. It was there! Alaafin’s information was correct!

Iduro ko si, ìbèreè ko si fun eni ti o gbe odó mi. A person who swallows a pestle can neither stand nor sit comfortably. Installation was on Saturday. The search was conducted on Tuesday! The motion ex parte was to be heard the following day, Wednesday.

Time was of the essence! Chief Afe turned his car around, off to Emmanuel Chambers, Ibadan. Before the car reached Fiditi, he had mentally finished composing the processes. He was nodding as the cases and other relevant authorities began to surface in his mind.

By the time he reached his office, the mental process was complete. In a minute the Counter-Affidavit was ready. There was no need for a Written Address. Professor Yemi Osinbajo was then a Special Assistant to the Attorney General of the Federation. It would be years later before he introduced Written Address as the Lagos State Attorney General. The counter-affidavit was filed and served on counsel to the Ashipa.

On Wednesday, the court was full. Chief M. L. Lagunju, Ashipa’s counsel was in court. He adjusted his wig and checked his books. He smiled. It was a Motion Exparte. It won’t be contested. He checked his time. Then there was some commotion at the entrance of the court.

Chief Lagunju blinked! He blinked again! Walking in majestically was the Afiwajoye of Ado-Ekiti, the Balogun of Mobaland, the Mayegun of Modakeke, Chief Afe Babalola in flesh! He was followed by a host of other lawyers, each armed with bags of legal authorities enough to open a law library. Chief Lagunju didn’t know when he said: “The game is up!”

On the dot of 9 O’clock, the Court began sitting. The trial judge was royalty himself. Justice Aderemi’s father was the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Sir Tadenikawo Adesoji Aderemi, the first Governor of Western Region. The case was called.

The plaintiff’s counsel sought to move his application. The learned counsel informed the court that it was an ex parte application and therefore the other party had no right of audience.

His Lordship turned to Chief Afe Babalola. The court was as silent as a ghost town. Young lawyers craned their necks to hear what the Legend was going to say. They have been taught in law school that Ex Parte Motion was for only one party. Some of them must have been wondering what magic the Mayegun of Modakeke was going to perform.

Chief Afe Babalola brought out the White Book. Oh! Sorry, you don’t know the White Book? The White Book is an important book for lawyers. It contains the sources of law relating to the practice and procedures of the High Court. Ask your lawyer friend to show you a copy. He won’t charge you, unless you open it.

The Legal Colossus was on his feet. He was vibrating like a trumpet, but his voice was as soft as velvet. He began to reel out authorities after authorities to the effect that a defendant who became aware, anyhow, that a party had gone to court and was about to obtain an order ex-parte that would affect him, had a right to appear in court and to insist on being heard.

His Lordship – a brilliant Judge from the Source of Yoruba Race – was nodding as he scribbled down the authorities being cited by the Legendary Advocate. His Lordship was not the only one writing. Most lawyers in court were writing furiously. One old man turned to his friend and whispered: “I don’t mind selling my house, Mufu, my son must become a lawyer like this man. Look at the way he is speaking English as if he is chanting oriki Sango!”

“There is merit in the case of the Defendants. I agree with Chief Afe Babalola, the Defendants deserve to be given the right to be heard. Case is hereby adjourned to tomorrow for arguments on the Motion on Notice.” His Lordship rose.

It is doubtful if the parties involved in the case slept that night. Whilst the lawyers checked and re-checked the authorities, the litigants were in anxiety mode. Chief MKO Abiola’s invited guests had started arriving from their various bases. Musicians engaged for entertainment had begun to set up their instruments in Oyo and Ikeja. Caterers had booked all the cows in Ilorin, Oyo and Ibadan. Local drummers had cancelled all engagements. The royal poet, Lanrewaju Adepoju had finished composing his masterpiece. All roads led to Oyo Alaafin.

If the court was filled to the brim on Wednesday, it was spilling over on Thursday. Litigants, journalists, lawyers, in fact everybody was in court that day. Chief Lagunju stood up. The learned counsel knew what was at stake. He argued his application expertly. He guessed the likely issues that Chief Afe would raise. He addressed each comprehensively. It was advocacy at its best.

Then the Balogun of Mobaland stood up. Like a surgeon, Chief Afe surgically cut through the issues deftly. He was not going to take any prisoner. After cutting through the issues, the authorities followed. From Halsbury’s Law of England to Commonwealth Law Reports, from decisions of House of Lords to decisions of Court of Appeal, from WACA to White Book, and then finally to the Supreme Court. The authorities were flowing like water from Asejire Dam. There was no stopping the deluge.

“In the light of the copious authorities cited by the learned counsel for the plaintiff and the defendants, the Court will be adjourning to……” There was pin-drop silence in Court. The installation was only two days away. “…Friday” Ha! Palpable relief went through the court.

On Friday, Chief Afe Babalola’s phone began to ring from dawn. “Chief, E ma lo gba ruling yin l’Oyo loni o. Please send your junior o.” Clients, friends and well wishers who witnessed or heard of the tension soaked session in court on Thursday were justifiably apprehensive. But Chief Afe was not the Balogun of Mobaland for nothing. A General must not be afraid of the warfront. Off to Oyo.

Chief Afe had hardly left Ibadan when he started seeing policemen at strategic junctions on the road to Oyo. As they approached Fiditi, the number of policemen increased. By the time they got to Jobele, it was as if the Police College had moved its campus there. In the forest, on top of trees, in the bushes, and on top of buildings, the police were everywhere.

The Courtroom itself was no exception. More than fifty police officers joined lawyers and litigants in the courtroom. If you were not wearing a wig and you were not a party to the case, you would have to stay outside.

COURT!

Justice Aderemi went straight to the business of the day. “RULING” His Lordship began. Time stood still as His Lordship went on to review the facts of the application and the authorities cited by the counsel for the parties. “In the final analysis…” Counsel and cops in the court became tense. “This application fails and is hereby dismissed.”

As if by telepathy, the crowd outside heard the ruling immediately! Shouts of joy erupted. Drummers who must have been hiding theirgangan drums under their agbada sprang out.Sekere came out. Agogo was not to be left behind. Chief Afe Babalola was pulled out of his car, The Balogun was placed squarely on the roof of the car. Women danced, men jumped. I’m not sure but one of the songs on that day must have been “Ajekun Iya ni o je”. I have to confirm this from Chief. May God preserve his life.

Alaafin was waiting in the Palace with his Council Members. For a moment, the Sango of our time, Iku Baba Yeye was close to tears. It was an emotional moment. MKO Abiola was called. The Bashorun shouted: “Allahu Akbar! Alhamdulillah.”

On Saturday, January 14, 1988, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III installed Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola as the 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo. The famous Yoruba Poet, Lanrewaju Moshood Adepoju was then called to the podium. In his deep and flawless Yoruba, Adepoju movingly rendered traditional poetry tracing the history of the title and the qualities of the new Aare Ona Kakanfo.

Abiola smiled. It was indeed a glorious day for the husband of Simbiat Atinuke.

In recognition of his service to the Crown and the Law, Alaafin later conferred Chief Afe Babalola with the prestigious title of Aare Bamofin of Oyo Empire.

Thank you for your time.

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