Following the success of the regional security outfit code-named Amotekun and other regional initiatives, Southwest states have agreed to launch regional railway and electricity projects.
The decision came on the heels of the Electricity and Railway Acts 2023, which were recently signed by President Muhammadu Buhari. The new laws decentralised operation of power and rail among others.


The items had been on the Exclusive List for decades, a factor experts have consistently described as a cog in the wheel of progress in the two sectors.
At the end of a two-day conference on the subjects in Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday, the six states agreed to pursue regional power and rail projects to deliver economic and social benefits to the region.

Organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, in collaboration with Odu’a Investments Company Ltd., the conference, which was hosted by the Ondo State Investments Promotion Agency (ODSIPA), highlighted the need for each state to build projects in the two sectors and build inter-connectivity among them.


The states are Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti and Lagos.


Experts and commissioners for power and transport in the states gave insights to models that can work, financing options and the need to develop a uniform legal framework for the projects in order to attract the right investors and avoid legal lacuna.



The DAWN Director General, Mr. Seye Oyeleye, said the best time for Southwest to build its rail system and power infrastructures was in 1958, stressing that the next best time to do it was now.

With estimated 45 million population, over 200 manufacturing industries, huge trade and commercial activities, which account for 37 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Oyeleye said the region was in the best position to set the pace for others.


He said the region equally needs to prepare for the huge opportunities, which the road being constructed by the African Development Bank that will connect about five West African countries and connects Lagos, will bring to the Southwest.

According to him, if the region fails to build its power and transportation sectors, the manufacturing companies can decide to move their production to neighbouring West African countries and begin to export their products to Nigeria, which has the market.

https://thenationonlineng.net/southwest-states-to-launch-regional-electricity-rail-projects-2/

You will always know that the Op lacks sense when using superlative adjective in comparing two entities.

The 2005 graduating set of African Church Comprehensive High School, Ikere Ekiti yesterday distributed 60 leaves exercise books to the pupils of their Alma mata.
The kind gesture of giving back to the school without failure was conceived in 2020 with an award of scholarship to the best student of the school and this has been made an annual project since then by ensuring one or two projects are implemented every year as well as supporting students with scholarship in their final exam.

The distribution of the exercise books took place on the school assembly witnessed by the school principal and other members of staff with the elated pupils.

The school management and the entire pupils showed their gratitude to the good gestures of the alumni and therefore, called on other sets who graduated from the school to emulate them by giving back to their root.

2005 graduating set ably led by the national president, Mr Hammed Azeez encouraged the students to face their studies and be examples to their peers while also reminding them the DO's and DONT's of the foremost secondary school. He also charged them to be good ambassadors of the school.

Ekiti can spell aghofen as Aofin or aghofin

Ghigho in ekiti can be spelt as ghigho or hiho while mainstream yoruba spells it as wiwo

Ogoga’s supporters fault Ekiti verdict, to challenge decision in court

The Olukere said that his forebears were hospitable and accommodated those who migrated to the community to settle along the line including the Ogoga, who he said came as a hunter from Benin during the reign of the sixth Olukere.
But the second-in-command to the Ogoga and chieftain of the Ogoga-in-Council, Prof. Olufemi Babatola, who is the Sapetu of Ikere Ekiti, while narrating the story of Ikere Ekiti, said, “Ogoga has always from time immemorial been the king in Ikere Ekiti. The Olukere has never been in administration in Ikere. He has always been the priest.
“Aladeselu was the founder of Ikere. When Ikere came into being, Ogoga had not come, but the Ifa oracle told them that the king was still on the way and that when he came, the sign would be that he would kill an elephant.
“When Ogoga was searching for an elephant that he killed, he met Aladeselu, Ogoga told Aladeselu that he was a hunter, a prince from Benin and that he had killed an elephant and Aladeselu organised a search party for the elephant. From the Ifa prediction, they had seen somebody with the predicted signs, that was how they knew Ogoga was the expected king and made him king” the Sapetu said.
The journey to recognition
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the epic battle started long ago even before the creation of Ekiti State as the Olukeres, having realised that they had lost recognition due to indirect rule by the colonial masters, intensified efforts to regain “the lost glory.”
Explaining how it all began, Obasoyin said, “Somehow along the line, my forefathers, by way of omission or commission, accepted Ogoga here as a guest. While he was still with them, because of his ability to speak pidgin English as a man who came from Benin, not from any royal house in Benin, my father started sending him on errands.
“Later, the white people came and they introduced ‘Pelupelu’ meeting for obas when they wanted to start indirect rule. The then Olukere sent Ogoga to attend on his behalf. When the colonialists were taking attendance, they wrote Ogoga to be from Ikere; that was how the name of Ogoga started appearing on the list of obas.
“That was over 200 years. Ikere had existed for years before Ogoga came. We already had six Olukeres. It was during the reign of the sixth Olukere that Ogoga came to Ikere. That was how we came to this situation even after Nigeria got independence.
“My forebears didn’t take it serious then because they had nothing to look forward to from the government. Then, obas were the supreme, they were governments unto themselves. The Olukere asked Ogoga to be representing him and he would return to report to the Olukere. That was why they overlooked it until it became a serious issue.
“After getting his name in the record of obas, the Ogoga started working against the interest of the Olukere to make sure he did not get recognition when the issue of recognition for obas came.
“At the beginning, it was either you founded a town or you conquered a town to be the head and be in control, nobody gave obas any recognition then. It was when the whites came and started using the monarchs for indirect rule that obas started having ogas,” the Olukere said.
He noted that the Olukeres before him, with the exception of his immediate predecessor, Olukere Ijasan, were not educated and, as such, could not do much on the issue of agitation for recognition especially as their efforts were being frustrated by the Ogoga, who he said used the recognition he enjoyed and closeness to government as a weapon.
Obasoyin said that he picked up the battle from where Ijasan stopped notwithstanding the obstacles, difficulties and hardship to the extent that he was even framed up with a trumped-up murder allegation to put him in jail to frustrate the agitation.
He said, “I encountered obstacles mainly from the elite in the community and from the Ogoga and Ogoga-in-Council. Most of the elites in the community accepted it as a fate that Ogoga should continue to be oba. They didn’t want anything that would upset the apple cart. When I came in and started the agitation, they all backed the ogoga against me.
“It got to a stage that I was framed up with a murder case and I landed in prison. But later, the court realised that it was a frame up. I was released after over a month, later, the court threw out the case. I encountered many troubles but like I said, with God on our side, we are able to overcome all the troubles.’’
However, the opportunity of the Aladejana-led Chieftaincy Review Commission came and the Olukere’s people submitted a memorandum before it “to seek the formal recognition by the Ekiti State Government of the Olukere as Oba (head chief) and the present occupant of the stool, Ganiyu Ayodele Obasoyin, as an oba.”
In the memorandum, the people also made a case for autonomous Odo Oja community, which they described as a distinct area with boundaries clear of any overlapping and ambiguities, with the Olukere as oba.
They added, “None of the remaining areas of Ikere will be disadvantaged if and when Olukere is formally recognised as oba. Rather the peaceful co-existence of Ikere would have been enhanced.’’
The Olukere’s palace
The Olukere’s people also stated that “non-recognition of Olukere can only increase crisis, rifts, riots, demonstrations, unrests and agitations in Ikere and thereby subjecting the entire community to security threats continuously.’’
They noted that “Olukere is the founder of Ikere-Ekiti, that Olukere migrated from Ile-Ife to found Ikere and that Olukere was a prince of Ile-Ife having been born by Ooni. The Olukere developed Ikere into a town of three main semi-autonomous quarters of Odo-oja, Uro and Okekere. By history, culture, tradition and precedents, Olukere is the traditional ruler of Ikere.’’
Apart from the Olukere’s Odo Oja, other communities in Ikere Ekiti including Are, Uro and Afao also submitted memoranda before the panel, seeking autonomy and recognition for their heads as oba, but the committee dismissed other communities’ applications for lack of merit.
The court case
However, in its report in 2019, the Aladejana Commission stated, “The application is meritorious. The Odo Oja community has what it takes to be recognised as an autonomous town and its traditional head, Olukere, are recommended to be recognised as a town and an oba respectively.’’
Consequently, the ‘White Paper on the Report of the Hon Justice JBK Aladejana Chieftaincy Review Commission, 2019’ dated December 2019, stated, “Government notes the recommendation, government also notes that the matter is a subject of litigation. The community should maintain its current status.”
The litigation being that the Ogoga and the Ogoga-in-Council had approached an Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti to challenge the legitimacy of the claim of the Olukere being made an oba.
The applicants sued the Olukere, state government and the police, seeking declaration that the Olukere should stop parading himself as chief in Ikere Ekiti; declaration that the Ogoga is the prescribed authority in Ikere Ekiti and an order that the state government should not implement the recommendation of the Justice Aladejana Commission.
But ruling on a motion by the state counsel that the applicant’s matter against the state government was statute barred, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice John Adeyeye, on Friday, removed the state government and the Attorney general as parties in the suit and dismissed the relief preferred against the state government in the suit.
Ogele, who corroborated the monarch, said that the road to the recognition was rough and full of challenges, threats and difficulties, adding that the people forged ahead and were able to achieve the desired result.
The rights activist said, “We went to court every time, filing motions, sometimes threats, but thank God for persistence and perseverance. There was risk everywhere. There were fights, riots, without justice, there cannot be peace. When you are fighting for your rights, there will be difficulties.
“There was a time when the Ogoga went to court that Olukere should not wear a crown again. There was litigation even before I was born. But today, people are jubilating in Ikere Ekiti because the owner of Ikere has been given the staff of office. Peace has been restored to Ikere Ekiti. When there is justice, there will be peace.’’
The installation
Following the court verdict, Fayemi on Friday implemented the White Paper and presented instrument of appointment and staff of office to the Olukere of Odo Oja Ikere Ekiti, Oba Obasoyin, saying, “This event marks the beginning of peace, prosperity, unity, cooperation in Ikere Ekiti.’’
Fayemi, represented by his deputy, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, charged the monarch and the people of the new autonomous community saying, “You should reflect and be thankful that what you have been striving to achieve for many years has now been achieved. We want peace in Odo Oja Ikere, Ikere Ekiti and the whole of Ekiti State.’’
Oba Obasoyin, who described the event as significant in the life of Ikere Ekiti, lauded the state government for making the autonomy for the community and recognition of the stool a reality.
The monarch said, “This development will usher in a new era of peace, tranquillity, progress, unity and prosperity in Ikere Ekiti. What the government has done will remain an indelible and unforgettable event in the history of Ikere Ekiti. I humbly accept the honour bestowed on me by the government and it will remain a significant event in the history of Ikere-Ekiti. Today is a revelation of the truth.’’
Significance of recognition
Based on the development, the Council of Omowas, comprising princes and princesses in Ogoga’s domain on Tuesday expressed opposition to the autonomy granted Odo-Oja community, Ikere Ekiti and recognition to the Olukere by the state government, saying it was alien and would be counterproductive.
The Omowas, in a statement signed by their chairman, Prince Samuel Ogunleye; Secretary, Prince Adesuyi Ezikiel; and Treasurer, Prince Alademomi Michael, said. “The current step of the state government is capable of causing disaffection and chaos in the community. The state government has succeeded in creating both geographical and demographical confusion in Ikere, adding that, “The Ogoga of Ikere has always been the traditional head since the beginning of Ikere history” and urged the Fayemi government to rescind its decision.
The Ogoga-in-Council, while accusing political leaders of anything to disrupt the existing organisation in Ikere Ekiti, said, “We are going to challenge it” (the creation of an autonomous Ido Oja community and recognition of Olukere).
But Ogele, who disagreed with those who said the step would disunite the community, said, “Rather, It will bring solid unification of Ikere people. Have you heard about rioting since the recognition? No. People are jubilating. No cause for trouble. People will be coming together. There will be no division again in Ikere.’’
The lawyer, who said the gains in the recognition were enormous, noted, “Even now, the state government has carved out a local council development area out of Ikere Local Government. So, we now have two -Ikere LGA and Ikere West LCDA.
“Again, there will be peace. Peace is now reigning because justice has been done. There will be development. The people of Odo Oja have come together to develop their quarters. There are series of meetings; they want to repair their roads, rehabilitate their schools etc. One can feel the air of progress in the town already.
“There are also enormous benefits from the state and local governments as well. Again the Ereja Market (Olukere’s market) will be developed into a modern-day market. With all these things and more, the community will be going forward,” Ogele said.
Also, a community leader and the Saya of Odo Oja Ikere Ekiti, High Chief Foluso Olowolafe, who said the recognition was long overdue, said, “If we have two, three, four kings in Ikere Ekiti, it is a good development. There are towns not as big as Ikere in Ekiti State that have three or four kings.
Olowolafe said, “This recognition will bring progress to Ikere sons and daughters. Wherever they need help, Olukere will stand with them. It will attract development to the community as well. You should expect a modern palace here as well as the government’s development efforts since it is now a recognised institution and a new community.
“The recognition will strengthen the ability of the Olukere to push more for our sons and daughters seeking placements, employment opportunities and recommendations especially in federal institutions. He had been doing it, but now with recognition, it will be a lot easier.
“Even the creation of an LCDA out of Ikere LGA, which is in view of this recognition, is for the two obas to be on their own. It is development. There will be chiefs now, the chiefs will be paid. This will boost the economy of the town and the people,” the community leader said.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Prof. Adio Folayan, said Odo Oja, Ikere Ekiti, had a lot to benefit by being autonomous.
Folayan said, “Look at it from the perspective of someone who saw himself under something like an enclave but is now liberated. Like somebody who has been clamouring for freedom, self-determination. The whole place went agog when the pronouncement was made because they know what they are going to benefit. They have their own religious activities, tradition and culture separated from the other side, so they can now maintain and sustain them. They can live as free autonomous community just as other communities granted such with their oba, crown and staff of office.’’
Rejection of govt’s decision
Despite the jubilation by the Olukere and his people, a former secretary of Ogbenuote Family which the current Ogoga (Oba Adejimi Adu) belongs to, 86-year-old Prince James Ogunlade, who described the recognition of the Olukere by the state government as a “deliberate mistake” by the government, said, “We will pray and God will give us justice.”
Ogunlade said, “The recognition is a serious mistake. It is wrong. Governor Fayemi did it deliberately as payback to the Olukere for supporting him during the 2018 governorship election.
“Of the three quarters –Okekere, Odo Oja and Iro – in Ikere, Odo Oja is the smallest. How do you expect that the smallest of the three be made to stand on its own? The Olukere historically is a priest.
“Olukere came to Ikere with a sickness. It was in the process of getting cures for the ailment that he got to his present-day location. His basic function in the town was for the worship of the Olosunta once a year. He was not even a chief in Ikere, but the chief priest.”
He added, “Historically, Olukere was a later comer to Ikere Ekiti. The Olukere that he is being addressed as has nothing to do with Ikere Ekiti. His name was Oloje. He was a farmer planting Okerekere, those patronising him would say they were going to Baba Olokerekere. That was how Olukere came into being. It was when there were issues in the town that they called on him to worship Olosunta.
“Part of the mistake by the government is that if there is to be a king in any community, there will be kingmakers. Ifa oracle will be consulted, but there was nothing like that. Olukere did not have a single chief, no kingmakers, Ifa was not consulted anywhere.
“The history of Ikere was that of people coming to settle. Ogoga is a descendant of Oduduwa. Oduduwa had 16 children. Akenzua of Benin is one of the children. Ogoga is one of the branches. Ogoga is one of the grandchildren from Benin.
“What happened was that Ogoga, out of anger that his younger brother was chosen over him, moved out as a hunter. Before the arrival of Ogoga to Ikere, the people had consulted the Ifa oracle on how to get a leader. Ifa had revealed that the leader would soon come. So when Ogoga arrived after killing an elephant, the Aladeselu family consulted Ifa again and it was revealed that Ogoga was the leader.’’
Also, a community leader, 79-year-old Pa Debo Adeyeye, said the recognition of Olukere and the autonomous status for Odo Oja was a “breach of tradition.’’
Adeyeye, who said Ikere Ekiti never had confidence in the leadership of the Aladejana Commission, said, “In 1987, the Augustus Adebayo Commission of Inquiry had returned a verdict that Olukere is a priest of Olosunta. Recently, when the case resurfaced, the governor referred it to the Council of Chiefs and the council reiterated that Olukere was a priest of Olosunta wearing a coronet, not a real crown”.
“Again, by all standards, morally, legally, politically, you cannot carve a town within a town. Odo Oja is part of Ikere. Odo Oja is in the centre of Ikere, how can you just carve a town within a town? It has no defined boundary with the other sections of the town. The Yoruba tradition has it that it is only a prince that can be made a king,” he said.
The community leader said, “Ogoga’s father was Oba of Benin. Olukere came from Ife, but from a small quarter. His name was Oloje and he was not from a royal family. No royal family member bears Oloje. Oloje means someone in charge of masquerades. He came from Ilebe Quarters.
Expressing confidence in the judiciary to ensure justice, Adeyeye stated, “When we get to the court, we will know. It has never been the tradition. Olukere has never been a prince or king, so, you cannot just pick anybody from a quarter and make him a king.
“He is a priest. In fact, the most junior chief in Ikere is superior to a priest. How can you just pick a priest and make him a king? Again, there cannot be two kings in a town, there will be conflict. That is why Ikere is opposed to it.’’
Besides, in a statement titled, “Ikere chiefs reject granting of autonomy to Odo Oja Quarter and recognition of Olukere as an oba of Odo Oja by Governor Fayemi’, signed by the Sapetu, Babatola and 15 other chiefs, the chiefs vowed to seek judicial redress for ‘the injustice perpetrated against us by Governor Fayemi and his team.’
They stated, “These two pronouncements (autonomous status and recognition) are unquestionably sacrilegious, aberrant and absurd in the extreme. Ikere has been an undivided whole under one king, the Ogoga of Ikere for centuries. This evil machination by the governor to ruin our traditions, culture and customs as bequeathed to us by the founders of the land and our forefathers will not endure.
“Ikere is one town and Odo Oja is an inexorable part thereof. In Yoruba tradition, a town cannot have two Obas. At whatever event, in all our history there has always been one oba and that is the Ogoga of Ikere. Olukere has from time immemorial only been the priest of Olosunta, a deity in Ikere.’’
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illicit:


What is ukerekere by the way

We learnt it's a type of fruit which is no more common

Ogoga’s supporters fault Ekiti verdict, to challenge decision in court


ABIODUN NEJO traces the journey into the recognition granted the Olukere stool in Odo Oja, Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State and attendant development

There was marked elation on the faces of the people that trooped into the palace of the Olukere in the heart of Ikere Ekiti on Friday, October 8, as news filtered in that the state government had recognised the Olukere as the monarch of the newly approved autonomous Odo Oja, Ikere Ekiti community.

The gait, dances and noise at the event captured the happy moment for the Odo Oja community and indeed Ikere Ekiti.

The Olukere himself, Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin, was not left out of the ecstatic moment as he paced the palace in joyful mood, acknowledging greetings and hailing from well-wishers and subjects representing mighty and the lowly who thronged the place to savour the joy of the moment.

Clad in regal attire, an elated Olukere, who was particularly short of words, called for order as the people celebrated the success, while he dashed to Ado Ekiti, the state capital, to receive the instrument of appointment and staff of office from the state government.

The palace turned to a beehive of activities as people from different parts trooped in to confirm if truly the age-long struggle for recognition of the Olukere stool by the state government had achieved success.


The auspicious moment was significant in the life of the ancient community which had for some time been embroiled in supremacy battle between the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti stool and the Olukere of Ikere Ekiti (as it was then known) stool.

The Ogoga stool was recognised by the state government, while the Olukere stool was not–a development that drew bad blood especially as the two sides claimed authentic monarchy of the community.

A government statement titled, “Ekiti govt recognises Olukere as oba, grants autonomy to Odo Oja community of Ikere Ekiti,’’ signed by the Executive Secretary of the Bureau of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Adegboyega Morakinyo, did the magic.

It noted that the state government, in furtherance of the ongoing review of the implementation of the White Paper on the report of the Chieftaincy Review Commission led by Justice Jide Aladejana, revisited the recommendation on the application by the Odo Oja community of Ikere Ekiti.

It stated, “The Odo Oja community of Ikere Ekiti submitted a memorandum to the commission including an application for recognition as an autonomous town and its traditional head as an oba. The commission found merit in the application and further affirmed the eligibility of the Odo Oja community to be recognised as an autonomous town and its traditional head as oba.

“Government accepts the recommendation of the commission. The Odo Oja community of Ikere Ekiti is accordingly granted autonomous status and its traditional head, Olukere, is hereby recognised as an Oba.’’

A native of Ikere Ekiti and human rights lawyer and activist, Morakinyo Ogele, who captured the mood of the people, said, “The autonomy is natural, historic and symbolic. It is a symbol of truth, justice, culture and tradition. All we have been saying is that Olukere, who is the founder of Ikere Ekiti, deserved recognition.

“We thank the government for realising that the Olukere is entitled to recognition. In Ikere Ekiti today, specifically Odo Oja, we are celebrating independence, freedom and emancipation. It was like we had been in shackles following non-recognition of the Olukere stool. But now, Ikere people have been given their freedom and all what they missed since these days.’’

The Head of the Olukere family House, 84-year-old Pa Adeniyi Obasoyin, traced the beginning of the battle between the Olukere and Ogoga to the issue of wearing of crown, which he said was the reason a past Ogoga dragged the Olukere to court, which he said ended in victory for the latter.

The octogenarian said, “The issue became more serious when the Olukere demanded recognition and staff from the government, which had been resisted in the last 25 years until Friday when the state government did the needful.

The Olukere stool

Like others in Yorubaland, the Olukere stool, said to have been occupied by 28 past Olukeres and the present Oba Obasoyin as the 29th, ís traceable to the ancient days.

Obasoyin, tracing the history of Olukere said, “The stool of the Olukere was the first traditional stool in Ikere Ekiti because my forefathers founded this town. Intelligence report of this community stated clearly that Ikere Ekiti was founded by Olukere Oloje, who was the first Olukere of Ikere Ekiti.

“When my forefathers founded this place, they were farmers. One of their major products was ‘ukerekere.’ People came from nearby villages to buy ukerekere, then they would say they were going to ‘Baba Olukerekere’ to buy ukerekere. That was where my fathers expunged Ukere (Ikere) as the name of the community.

“Olukere as a title did not come out from Olukerekere, it came out from Ikere, Ikere was from Ukerekere. In many Yoruba towns, Ekiti specifically, most obas who founded towns are called Olu–Oluyin, Oloye, Olusi etc. That is the number one citizen of that town. Since Ikere was named from Ukerekere, the number one citizen in Ikere was the man selling the Ukerekere – Olu Ukere (Olukere),’’

ByAgency Report

 

 October 13, 2021

Top chiefs in Ikere-Ekiti community under the auspices of Ogoga-In-Council have rejected the recent recognition of “Olukere”, Ganiyu Obasoyin, as an autonomous traditional ruler in the same community.

This is contained in statement signed by 16 members of the council and made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday.

The Council chaired by the “Sapetu” of Oke-Ikere, Olufemi Babatola, said the actions of government on the matter were unacceptable.

They opposed the autonomy granted to “Odo-Oja,” a section of Ikere-Ekiti, in Ikere Local Government Area as delineated territory to be presided over by the newly recognised traditional ruler.

The chiefs described the development as a deliberate “balkanisation” of the town, saying the actions of the state government were “sacrilegious and wicked.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Justice Jide Aladejana-led Chieftaincy Review Commission instituted by Governor Kayode Fayemi had, few days ago, recognised Mr Obasoyin as a king and designated Odo-Oja axis of the town as his territory.

The chiefs further claimed that the governor was allegedly vindictive for losing the 2018 governorship election in Ikere area, being the second largest town in the state to an indigene of the town and the PDP candidate, Kolapo Eleka.

“We know that Governor Fayemi has been viciously vindictive against the unity of our kingdom as a reprisal for the defeat he suffered in Ikere to our son, Prof. Kolapo Eleka, the immediate past Deputy Governor, in the said 2018 governorship election.

“It has been an open secret that Governor Fayemi nurses the perception that the over 11,000 votes garnered by him from Ikere in that election were made possible by the Olukere, hence his sense of obligation to pay back his electoral benefactor,” they said.

The council also alleged that Mr Fayemi’s action was contemptuous, saying “we have long instituted a case at the Ekiti State High Court to challenge the legitimacy of the claim of the Olukere of being made a king.

“The Governor and the Attorney-General (AG) were made defendants in the suit for purposes of making them bound by the decision of the court on the subject matter.

“As a matter of respect to a court of law, once a subject matter is brought before the court, no party is expected to do anything that could have the effect of rendering the decision of the court on the subject matter,” they said.


They stated that the alleged machinations by the governor to ruin Ikere’s traditions, culture and customs, as bequeathed to them by their fore fathers would not endure.

They argued that the Odo-Oja, where Fayemi granted autonomy to be presided over by Olukere, had been headed by Chief Ologotun for ages, saying it was a sacrilege, aberration and absurdity for that axis to be constituted into a town within a town.

“It was in 1987, before the Augustus Adebayo Chieftaincy Commission, set up by the then Ondo State Government while Ekiti was still part of Ondo State, that the family of Olukere first made a case for Obaship recognition.

”The verdict of the commission was that Olukere is just a priest of Olosunta, and that he was not the founder of Ikere, the authentic founder and first settler at Odo Oja being Aladeselu,” the state added.

The chiefs said the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers Council had allegedly rejected similar request in 2014, saying Olukere’s position was that of a priest. (NAN)

AdesewaAde:

You are from where?
Who told you Olukere ruled as a chief?
Which war did Ogoga came to rescue them from?
Who were the people that agreed to crown him the king?
Who was the king then?
You don’t even know what you are saying and you are typing with confidence ,the story wasn’t like that,Olukere was the king,Ogoga was also the son of the king of Benin but also a hunter,hunting brought him to Ikere Ekiti and he stopped at the Olukere’s Palace,he was welcomed and the Olukere took him as his PA,due to lot of activities on his table,he told the Ogoga to also help him to attend to some of the guests too,he gave him a place to stay,Ogoga will attend to people on minor issues but will send people who has more serious issues to Olukere,it went on and on till those who came to give staff of office to Olukere met Ogoga first and then Ogoga hijacked it and he became the king recognised by government,before you quote me I am a native of Ikere Ekiti and I spent my first 15 years there .

Why do we like to tell lies in order to get public acceptance, hijacked as how? Olukere recognised immediately , Ogoga came into Ikere that he was a Prince because of the paraphernalia of royalty he came with. He therefor accorded him one
Besides, Olukere was not the first person to settle in Ikere, Aladeselu was there before him, he was the one who accommodated Olukere. Olukere was from a non royal quarter in Ife, kingship is not about who settles first, as seen in most Yoruba towns today. Ife, Akure, Ado, etc.

Let's not mislead the public so as to make our point. I'm from Ikere Ekiti.

There had been a peaceful coexistence between the Olukeres and Ogoga before agitations of who settled first began to spring up in Ikere.

Now that Olukere has been recognised as the oba of Odo Oja, He should stop addressing himself as Olukere of Ikere. Get the proclamation right.

Simbrixton:
omo kaaro ojire i heard dere was celebration in ikere ekiti

Definitely, there would be celebration in his own quarter, Odo Oja,not the entire town

icon02:
EKITI's state house is called Oke ayaba (Aya oba) or oke Bareke. Oke Bareke because a military barrack was sited there.

It is oke Ayoba, Ayoba is the name of the hill on which it's buit

The king given meaning corresponds to Ekiti meaning

Uwa or UA in Ekiti dialect(contracted UWA) this means wealth.

Atuwase means one who restores or rebuilds wealth exactly the same meaning as the king

Other examples are
Adesuwa or Adesua (common in Ekiti) one who comes or walks or is born into wealth or celebrations

Other names,

Ogunkuade, Jemilua, Ademilua, Olumilua, etc. As an Ikere Ekiti person, I understand Itshekiri language to some extent without stress.

TAO12:

In Yoruba, “ùwà” means existence.

In Yoruba, “ùwà” means conduct, character.

In Yoruba, “ùwà” means power, glory, opulence.

However, this last usage is already falling into disuse.

This last usage is found in Ijebu names such as:
Tewogbuwa, Gbelegbuwa, etc.

This last usage also seem to be the one in the word: Alaiyeluuwa — i.e., Ẹni tó ni ayé tó tún ni ùwà.

Cheers.
Cc: Omoluabi1stborn

ON MAY 1, 20212:14 PMIN METRO
Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has announced the date for the outdoor celebration of Ugie Odudua ceremony.


This is contained in a statement, signed by Mr Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council (BTC), and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Friday.

Irabor said the ceremony will begin on Tuesday and last seven days at the Oba palace ground in Benin.

ALSO READ: 2023: APC youths want party to zone presidency to North Central
NAN reports that Odudua rite is a ceremony used to commemorate the return of Oranmiyan, the son of Odudua, to his biological land of Benin.


The spiritual ceremony is also used to thank God, and ancestors as well for the spirits of the land for the Oba’s successful ascension to the throne of his forebears.

(NAN)

Best of luck to you all

Accuracysunero:
Thanks so much. I'm part of this set and we return all glory to God Almighty!

Congratulations to you

zabiodun:
Thanks for the post. We are Grateful to God

Wow! Just like yesterday, the second set of the Obafemi Awolowo University blended mode distance learning Nursing students wrote their final exam on Thursday, 31st March 2021 amidst pop and fanfare.
It was in an euphoric atmosphere as the students organized a dinner for themselves after the exam.
You recalled that the first ODL Nursing students of the school wrote their final exams on the the 21st December, 2019.

ASUU strike actually affected the school calendar.

Congratulations to the new exquisite alumni!

Pictures below

National University Commission has just approved 45 programs as the new take off courses for the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti.
These courses were approved based on the available human and material resources.

Congratulations to the new university.

The motive then was borne out of a form of identity and uniqueness. Other places that use such suffix are Akoko, Ijebus etc

clockwisereport:
congratulations to "my learned colleague"



I just discovered some towns in Ekiti state bear Ekiti as suffixes.



What's the motive behind this?

February 13, 2021 3:30 Am
Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has approved the appointment of members of the Governing Council of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti. This was contained in a statement by Fayemi’s Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, on Friday.


The Governing Council Members are: Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN)- Chancellor, Chief Afolabi Ojuawo- Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Prof Kola Oladunjoye – Member.

Others include: Mr. S. I. Folorunso- Member, Otunba Kunle Ajayi- Member, Mrs. Jumoke Adamolekun- Member , Mrs. Moni Afuye- Member, Dr. Segun Aina- Member and Dr Adelana Adeleye – Olusae – Member.

The appointments , according to Fayemi take immediate effect.

The College of Education, Ikere Ekiti was last year upgraded to a university status due to the agitations of the people of the town.


Olanipekun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is an indigene of Ikere Ekiti.

The Lawyer has been in the legal profession for over four decades.

Meanwhile, the legal luminary , Chief Olanipekun(SAN), has promised to live up to the expectation of the people in his new appointment as the pioneer Chancellor of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti.

The Legal Luminary , said he perceived the new appointment as an opportunity for him to contribute to the development of the state, particularly to Human capital development , the most flourishing industry in Ekiti .


Olanipekun while reacting to his appointment by Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday, said he would bring his wealth of experience in legal profession and education to bear in the development of the new citadel of learning.

“I appreciate Governor Kayode Fayemi for this lofty appointment that would make me contribute meaningfully to the development of my state .

“I am particularly elated that the university is sited in my home town and I will do all within my capacity to build the university to an institution we can all be proud of”.


Olanipekun said his experience as a former Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, University of Ibadan and his present position as the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, would assist him in his present position.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2021/02/13/fayemi-appoints-olanipekun-as-chancellor-of-new-ekiti-varsity-2/amp/

By Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head, South-West Bureau) and Rotimi Agboluaje, Ibadan
15 December 2020 | 4:31 am

Emeritus Professor Asiwaju Anthony Ijaola (left); Onimeko of Imekoland, Oba Benjamin Alabi; Alaketu of Ketu Kingdom, Oba Adejumo Aderomola Adedunloye; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Governor’s Office Secretariat, Ibadan… yesterday. PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM


The need for Yoruba to work together for the progress and security of their nation, irrespective of countries they found themselves, formed the fulcrum of the historic visit of Alaketu of Ketu Kingdom in the Benin Republic, Oba Adejumo Adedunloye, to Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, yesterday.
Both monarchs believed that the current precarious security situation in Nigeria should be addressed beyond its boundaries. Oba Adeyemi, however, urged the government to go back to the drawing board to stop the spate of kidnapping and activities of the bandits threatening the corporate entity of Nigeria.



He spoke with journalists shortly after visiting Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, in company of the revered Alaketu of Ketuland, Emeritus Prof. Asiwaju Anthony Ijaola, Onimeko of Imekoland, Oba Benjamin Alabi and other traditional rulers from Benin Republic.

Oba Adeyemi said: “We are all concerned about security. We must ensure that we go back to the drawing board and see how to bring the people together to ensure that there is security. What we are doing at the local level is to form vigilance group and to ensure that people can sleep with their two eyes closed and then guarantee the safety of our borders and markets. We are trying our best. But all the same, government must come in because security is not one-way traffic.”

Oba Alaketu, who stated that he was in Nigeria to fraternise with his brothers and congratulate Alaafin on his 50th coronation on the throne, said the Yoruba people, irrespective of countries they are, would remain one since they are all descendants of Oduduwa.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde pledged to support any effort or agenda geared towards promoting unity and regional integration among the Yoruba across the world to enrich culture and expand economic possibilities.

He also hinted that if the Yoruba could form a stronger bond of brotherhood, even across national boundaries, it would assist in addressing security challenges militating against the country through sharing of co-ordinated intelligence.

FuckHomophobes:
No 3. Okay, so I should call upon the name of the Lord to deliver me from homosexuality.

Lol

FuckHomophobes:
No 3. Okay, so I should call upon the name of the Lord to deliver me from homosexuality.

� � � �

Very sexy

BigDick70inch:


Ora Oo awe
Yeah.....live there was cool....

Good to know.

BigDick70inch:
Once stayed in ikere.......
Attended peace and joy model school....
Later proceeded to Annunciation secondary school....

Good to know.
Okun ooo. Hope you enjoyed your adventure then in ikere

These two hills are located at Northern and southern parts of the town (Ikere Ekiti) respectively. They are both steep-sided hills. These are good resort centres for Tourists to visit and see for themselves what God has done for the State of Honour, Fountain of Knowledge. There are deities in charge of these two hills. Both are worshipped accordingly.

In line with the belief of the people of this town the Olosunta and Orole deities reside in the hills respectively. Both deities are credited with some feats such as provision of children to barren women and protection of Ikere from warfare. They are believe to be responsible for the welfare of the town. Ikere Ekiti is usually described as the only unconquered town in Ekiti during the popular inter-tribal wars.

Ikere-Ekiti, the second largest city in Ekiti State of Nigeria and popularly known as IK LONDON.

Ikere is the only town in Ekiti State that has a Local Government Area without any other subordinate towns or Villages.

A town of the twin warriors of people.

A town endowed with magnificent hills, including Òrólè and Olósùnta . The town is located between Ado-Ekiti (the capital of Ekiti State) and Akure (the capital of Ondo State).The gateway to Ekiti Land.

Orole-Hills

• Òrólè and Olósùnta Hills of Ikere

These two hills are located at Northern and southern parts of the town "Ikere Ekiti" respectively. They are both steep-sided hills. These two hills are the largest hill so far in Ekiti state. These are good resort centres for Tourists to visit and see for themselves what God has done in Ikere and for the State of Honour, Fountain of Knowledge. There are deities in charge of these two hills. Both are worshiped accordingly.

In line with the belief of the people of this town the Olósùnta and Òrólè deities reside in the hills respectively. Both deities are credited with some feats such as provision of children to barren women and protection of Ikere from warfare.They are believe to be responsible for the welfare of the town. Ikere Ekiti is usually described as the only unconquered town in Ekiti during the popular inter-tribal wars.

lx3as:
Ekiti people are in Ekiti, Kwara and 3 LGAs in Ondo state: Akure North, South and Ifedore. They have close groups like Ijesas, Okuns, Igbominas, Ondos, Akokos and Owos as neighbours.

They are one of the largest Yoruba subgroups.
A king in Ekiti Kwara and Deji of Akure used to be part of Ekiti kings' Pelupelu. Recently, Ekiti in Kwara is associating more with their Igbomina neighbours because they're in the same state and have same challenges. Although there have been moves to join their kins in Ekiti State several times; Otun Ekiti was calved into West Central State (Kwara) initially in the 60s but fought very hard to be in Western State and Ondo State (now Ekiti State).

It's so odd to find out that someone from Odo Owa (where Pastor/Prophet Ayo Babalola of C.A.C came from) a stone throw from Erimope-Ekiti is a northerner. Just like many Ekitis, Igbominas, Okuns and Ibolos are forced Yoruba Northerners.

It's very pathetic my brother.
I'm from Ikere Ekiti... I wish we could once again bring all Ekiti settlement under one roof.

Karlifate:
This one too will join the future Union strikes.

Lol

eddybeauty:
God bless Nigeria

God bless you and me too

By ‘Yomi Ayeleso | Ado-Ekiti
On Dec 24, 2020
The Governing Council of the newly established Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State, has said the services of about 15 professors have been engaged for the smooth take-off of the university.


The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Afolabi Ojuawo, told newsmen that the Visitor and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, had expressed his determination to ensure the school compete favourably with other universities in the country and overseas.

He said the dedicated experienced professors would deploy their skills in stabilising the newly established three colleges of Education, Science and Technology.


Ojuawo revealed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) on November 6, 2020 issued a letter of recognition as the 47th state university and the 171st university in the country.


He said: “The university has engaged the services of fifteen professors who have made indelible landmark in the fields of academics to help build a sound foundation for academic excellence in line with the vision of the university.

“I want to tell you that the academic base of the school is well laid and very soon the graduates from here will be able to solve societal problems, and work after leaving here to earn a living. That is why we have engaged these professors to give us quality education.


“We have the strategy and plan to make this university stand shoulder to shoulder with other leading universities in two to three years.”

On funding, the pro-chancellor said the university community had pledged to donate N500 million to support the take off, adding that the council members would go all out to use their goodwill in raising money for the university.

He explained that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) had approved N1 billion for infrastructures and other academic equipment, noting that the council had set in motion to ensure that 40 per cent of the needed funds was raised internally in the university.


“Our aims are lofty and achievable; our strategies are unique, our approach will be pragmatic and you can be rest assured that we will take the academic world by storm,” he said.

https://tribuneonlineng.com/well-engage-15-professors-for-new-ekiti-varsity-take-off-governing-council/amp/