Newslife

03/02/2025

A video footage has gone viral of an Ogun Monarch, identified as Oba Semiu Olawale Ogunjobi, Olorile of Orile Ifo, humiliating and physically assaulting an old man, Chief Ar**la Abraham Love, JP, over alleged chieftaincy title.

In the video monitored by Newslife, although the face of the Monarch was not captured, several sourced identified him as Oba Ogunjobi of Orile Ifo.

Chief Ar**la, in the video, was seen kneeling down by a roadside while the monarch rained countless curses on him and his family members.

Chief Ar**la was subjected to public humiliation and was physically assaulted as one of the supporters of the Oba whose face was also not captured in the footage hit the old man from behind.

When the chief pleaded that he was sick after being hit, the monarch boastfully said the man would be buried without any traces, if he dies.

He also claimed to be the owner of Nigeria Police Force, boasting further that he would send the old man to the prison.

“Die, we will bury you without any traces.”

“I will send you to prison, the only thing I am expecting is to send you to prison, I owns Nigeria police, I will send you to prison. If you against me, (he started cursing again).

“You bought a cow, and even bought ‘ankara’, if you’re born well, let me see the cloth on anyone of you.”

The king, it was gathered, took offence in the support of Chief Arinola for another chief simply identified as Wasiu. The Wasiu, according to another source, was said to be a coronet Oba.

“I made Wasiu a Baale in the midnight, I took pity of Wasiu when he wanted to commit su***de, but he betrayed me.

“Whoever has the got should come out and fight for you, it is not that you people would be talking after I leave, whoever is bold enough should come out now and talk.

“If you leave here, you can start again, I am up to the task even in Ifo Ile and ifo oko, I control everywhere,” the Oba boasted.

Meanwhile, An SSA on New Media to Ogun State Governor,Sf Emmanuel Ojo, who verified the identities of the monarch and the victim, condemned the disturbing act.

He said, “I came across a disturbing video online showing Chief Ar**la Abraham being subjected to public humiliation and physical assault. In the video, he was seen kneeling on the road while being slapped and verbally abused by someone identified as Oba Semiu Olawale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile Ifo. This incident reportedly stemmed from a kingship supremacy dispute.

“The king allegedly took offence at Chief Areoola Abraham Love’s perceived support for a coronet Oba named Wasiu (as mentioned in the video). In response, he confronted the elderly man in his area and treated him in a manner unbefitting of a traditional ruler.

Such an act is highly condemnable and completely unjustifiable, regardless of the underlying issues. There are more dignified and lawful ways to address disputes, especially among traditional leaders. Resorting to force, assault, and public humiliation is unacceptable and must be strongly denounced.”

In an interview with our correspondent, the elderly man emphasised that he still had not been told what his offence was and pleaded for Nigerians to come to his aid.

“I was the one being harassed in the video. The Oba of Olorile of Orile-Ifo is the one who assaulted me. It happened on January 21, 2025, around 11:00 AM. I wasn’t feeling well, so I went out to get some food when he saw me. He called me over, and that’s when the beating started.

“I didn’t offend him in any way. If you watch the video, you’ll hear me begging him to tell me what my offence was. I told him that if I had wronged him, he should have called for me. I still don’t know what my offence is.”

When asked about the steps he had taken after the alleged assault, he said, “I couldn’t do anything since he claimed to own the Nigeria Police Force and dared me to go to any authority I know. What could I do?

“I want Nigerians to come to my aid. He has vowed to kill me.”

However, in a phone conversation with our correspondent, the monarch denied the accusation, expressing frustration over the numerous petitions he had received from all sides regarding the incident.

“I’m not familiar with the video you’re referring to. I’ve been receiving numerous calls for the past three weeks regarding it.

“They’ve also submitted petitions to various authorities, including Alagbon, the Zone 2 Command, and the state governor. A newspaper has published a statement confirming that I am not the person in the video,” the monarch insisted.

29/01/2025

Keesan Orile: Ogun Community with age-long quest for Coronet king

The history of Keesan Orile, which is located within the jurisdiction of Omala of Imala land, Oba Moses Adelani Adegboyega, Opeifa II, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State is that of the patient dog that is calmly waiting to eat the fattest bone.

A sleepy and peaceful community of over hundred years of existence with rich culture and tradition of Yoruba ethnic nationality of the South West Geo-political zone of Nigeria and with agrarian environment of great values, is being dominated by well cultured, courteous and urbane individuals.

The peaceful nature of Keesan Orile within the axis has endeared the town to many in the state and beyond, which had helped in reshaping it's economic advancement and major growth in agriculture, the mainstay of its economy.

Going by the spirit and letter of historical facts and archival findings, Keesan Orile was due for coronet king since the year 1959, the preceeding year of Nigeria's independence, however, the dream of the peaceful town of Keesan Orile was dashed and to the dismay of many, the people remained peaceful and hopeful, continued with appeals and entreaties in the most polite manner.

The communal cohesion and indivisibility of Keesan Orile is next to none, coupled with its Omoluabi ethos that have been entrenched in the town and has become the cultural values and principles among its inhabitants.

However, many indigenes of the town and other friends of the town continued to wonder what could be delaying the upgrading of the Baale status of the town to coronet king, having due for such in the last sixty six years.

The late Baale of the town, High Chief James Ayinde Enitan, who died almost three years ago became Baale in 1972 before his passing in 2022, making forty years of his reign without the expected elevation coming into fruition.

Being moved and touched by this protracted deprivation of right of status, the Omala of Imala kingdom, who is the PRESCRIBED AUTHORITY in the axis had made several efforts to get the long-ovedue elevation of Baaale Keesan Orile done through concerned authorities to no avail.

Meanwhile, the present Baale of the town, High Chief Waheed Adeyemi Abiodun Abodunrin, an intellectual par excellence and Philanthropist of note, who had brought his years of experience in corporate world to bear in the development of the town in particular and Ogun State in general has expressed optimism that the Governor of the State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, with his royal pedigree will make the upgrading happen soonest and by implication make history

He explained that Governor Dapo Abiodun since his assumption of office had broken many age-long jinx and made history, adding that the age-long deprivation of coronet in Keesan Orile would not be an exception for the Governor this time around.

29/01/2025

Agric-BusinessFoodNews

Ogun Moves To Reduce Food Prices
In a bid to ensure food sufficiency and reduce price of farm produce, the Ogun State Government is presently constructing 40 lock up shops and 200 open stalls with necessary modern amenities in Asero farmers market, Abeokuta.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, made this known during an inspection visit to the ongoing construction of the market, noting that the construction was at 85 percent completion towards providing a dedicated space for farmers and easy accessibility for consumers.

He explained that, the market was an avenue for farmers to sell their produce which was in line with the present Administration’s Agenda to ensure reduction in prices of farm produce and attain food sufficiency. He added that the local farmers’ market would constantly make fresh farm produce available at reduced prices for purchase on a daily basis which would also increase their sales.

Owotomo pointed out that, modern facilities being put in place were more than a physical structure, but a collective effort aimed at empowering farmers with the provision of necessary amenities such as; access to clean water, toilet facilities, among others.

29/01/2025

28/01/2025

Ogun Customs Area 1 makes #275.8m revenue in 2024,intercepts prohibited items worth #77.467m DVP in January

The Ogun 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday announced that the command generated N275.8 million as revenue last year.

Speaking at a press briefing on the year 2024 scorecard of the Ogun 1 area command and handing over of seized Cannabis Sativa, the Customs Area Controller, Compt. Mohammed Shuaibu disclosed that the command also generated total revenue of N275.8 million in 2024.

According to Compt. Shuaibu, the command, also intercepted other contraband worth N1.27 billion in 2024.

Highlighting the generated revenue and seizures, comptr. Shuaibu saidt " It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this press conference organized by the Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service. I sincerely appreciate your consistent support and cooperation in projecting the activities of the command to the public. Today, I am pleased to highlight the remarkable achievements recorded by the Ogun 1 Area Command in the year 2024 and the progress made so far in 2025.

"These achievements underscore our unwavering commitment to the Nigeria Customs Service’s core mandates of revenue generation, anti-smuggling, and trade facilitation.

REVENUE GENERATION

"In the fiscal year 2024, the Ogun 1 Area Command, the command generated a total revenue of N275,835,406 through the diligent efforts of our officers and the cooperation of compliant traders. The revenue was actualized through the collection from baggage assessment, proceeds from auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and vhehicles.

ANTI-SMUGGLING OPERATIONS

Through intelligence-driven operations and the dedication of our officers, we intercepted and seized the following items:

a. Foreign Parboiled Rice, 50kg each 16,712 Bags

b. Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – 139,881 Litres

Live Ammunition-940 Rounds

d. Cannabis Sativa 71 sacks and 3,253 Parcels

Used Clothing-586 Bales

f Vehices used for conveyance 86 Units

& Foreign Used Vehicles – 18 Units

प Used pneumatic tyres – 2,150 Pieces

i. Donkey Skin-760 Pieces

j. Frozen Poultry Products-3,766 Cartons

k. Imported Flour – 85 Bags

The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures amounts to N1,267,504,035.

"These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our officers to combating smuggling activities, protecting the economy, and safeguarding the well-being of our society. As we began the new year, our focus has remained on consolidating the gains of 2024. I am pleased to inform you that, from the 1 January to 27 January 2025, the command recorded significant seizures. These seizures include 2,002 bags of smuggled rice weighing 50kg each, 6,180 pieces of cutlasses, 6375 litres of PMS, among others. The intercepted items during this period bring the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) to N77,476,185. These seizures reflect our relentless efforts to curtail smuggling activities and enforce compliance with customs regulations.

"As part of our inter-agency collaboration, we are handing over intercepted parcels of cannabis sativa to the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command. The items include:

a. 780 parcels of coconut-sized cannabis sativa.

b. 225 parcels of book-sized cannabis sativa.

с. 160 parcels of bread-sized cannabis sativa.

This handover is in line with our commitment to strengthening partnerships with other security agencies to combat drug trafficking and ensure a safer society.

" Compt. Shuaib also appreciate the continuous support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr fniia psc+. It is my pleasure to also commend the officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication to duty. Your hard work and commitment have been instrumental in achieving these milestones. May I equally extend my profound gratitude to our esteemed stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the media for your continued support and collaboration.

24/01/2025

Police arrest two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of AIG(rtd) Odumosu's wife rescued yesterday in Arepo

In a swift response to the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, operatives of the Lagos State CP Special Squad have arrested two suspects linked to the kidnapping of Mrs. Odumosu, wife of retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Hakeem Odumosu. The suspects, Agbojule Smart, 27, and Keleke Michael, 30, were apprehended in the early hours of Friday, January 24, 2025, while attempting to flee Lagos State.

Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of a four-man gang, with two members previously neutralized. The police recovered N2,250,000, part of the requested ransom, as well as two locally fabricated rifles and 11 live cartridges from the suspects. The IGP commended the police operatives for their gallantry and encouraged them to maintain their high standard of competence in the fight against crime.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to public safety and security, emphasizing its dedication to reducing crime to a minimum and fostering peace across the nation. The successful arrest of the suspects demonstrates the police force’s resolve to tackle kidnapping and other crimes head-on.

The police operation serves as a reassuring message to the public that the authorities are working tirelessly to ensure their safety and security. The case is a testament to the effectiveness of the police force’s response to the IGP’s directive, and it is expected that the suspects will face justice for their crimes.

23/01/2025

Police rescue AIG(rtd) Odumosu's wife, gun down kidnappers, recover Ransome in Arepo

Police operatives in Ogun State have killed the kidnappers who abducted Mrs.Odumosu, wife of a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Hakeem Odumosu, and rescued her.
Mrs. Odumosu was kidnapped at the gate of her residence on Friday morning, January 16 in the Arepo area of Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State as she was returning home from an outing.
The masked gunmen seized Odumosu’s wife when she was about to enter her residence. They gunmen shot sporadically into the air before dragging her out of the Lexus Jeep she was driving and whisked her through a swampy forest of Arepo to a yet – to – be ascertained location.
Barely a week after the incident, operatives of Ogun Command of the Nigeria Police Force rescued her from the abductors and recovered the ransom paid.
Force Spokesperson, ACP ‘Muyiwa Adejobi disclosed the development on Thursday morning in a statement.
“Police Neutralize AIG Hakeem Odumosu’s wife Kidnappers, Recovers Ransom.

“Upon arrival, the operatives encountered the kidnappers, who opened fire. In the ensuing confrontation, two of the gunmen were neutralized, while four others fled the scene, abandoning their operational weapons. The victim, Mrs Odumosu was rescued within the swampy creeks during the operation, unharmed. She is currently undergoing medical evaluation as a precautionary measure and has since been reunited with her family. The police also recovered 4 Ak-47 rifles, 3 locally made single barrel rifles, ammunition of various calibers, and the sum of N10,000,000 ransom previously demanded by the kidnappers, further ensuring that justice is served. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, and his operatives for their displayed gallantry in this successful operation.”

22/01/2025

FULL LIST: Covenant University is Nigeria’s best varsity in THE ranking for 2025

1. Covenant University
2. Ahmadu Bello University
3. Landmark University
4. University of Ibadan
5. University of Lagos
6. Bayero University
7. Federal University of Technology Akure
8. Federal University of Technology, Minna
9. University of Benin
10. University of Ilorin
11. University of Nigeria Nsukka
12. Ekiti State University
13. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
14. Federal University of Technology, Owerri
15. Federal University Oye-Ekiti
16. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
17. Lagos State University
18. Nnamdi Azikiwe University
19. Obafemi Awolowo University
20. University of Port Harcourt
21. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
22. Abia State University
23. Akwa Ibom State University
24. Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike
25. Ambrose Alli University
26. Baze University
27. Bells University of Technology
28. Benson Idahosa University
29. Bowen University
30. Delta State University, Abraka
31. Evangel University, Akaeze
32. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun
33. Godfrey Okoye University
34. Lagos State University of Education
35. Lagos State University of Science and Technology
36. Nasarawa State University, Keffi
37. Niger Delta University
38. Nile University of Nigeria
39. Osun State University
40. Rivers State University
41. Thomas Adewumi University
42. University of Cross River State
43. University of Maiduguri
44. Veritas University, Abuja

19/01/2025

Gunmen shot,hack celestial church prophet to death in Ogun

54- year - old Prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ, Yomi Adetula has been reportedly killed by three unknown gunmen who attacked the CCC, eagle Parish, Idi-Iroko early part of today, during a service.
According to a statement made available to Newslife from the office of the Spokesperson of the Ogun State Command, Eleweran, CSP Omolola Odutola, the dare devil assailants stormed the church while the Sunday service was ongoing, killed the victim and escaped.

The statement reads; "A prophet from the Celestial Church of Christ's Eagle parish was shot by unidentified gunmen who opened fire during an active church service and then escaped.

"On January 19, 2025, around 10:30 AM, the divisional police officer of Idiroko received a report that someone had been killed at a Celestial Church located along Old Baggage Road, Odo Eran, Idiroko.

"Police officers quickly arrived at the scene and discovered one Yomi Adetula, a 54-year-old man, lying face up in a pool of blood that stained his white celestial garment.

Upon closer inspection, his body was found to be riddled with bullets, and his head was severely damaged with an axe to confirm that he was indeed dead.

During the police investigation, it was revealed that three men entered the church, brandished a long double-barreled gun, aimed at their target, and fired a shot that caused chaos, and the assailant escaped.

"Through the police's efforts, the body was transported to the General Hospital morgue in Ilaro.

"There is no arrest made yet but the police is actively working to apprehend the fleeing suspects who escaped from the church toward the border area.

"Normalcy has been restored in the area, and potential clues are expected to emerge in the coming days as investigations into this tragic incident are underway" the statement ended.

19/01/2025

A ROYAL BLOOD WHO STARTED POLITICS AT 18 BECOMES THE LAGOS SPEAKER

Before she married John Paul Meranda and changed her surname, she was Mojisola Ojora Lawal, a princess whose blue blood is a pool of contributions from a few of Lagos’ royal families. Her relatives have been kings and are still rulers in the Ijora, Lagos Island, and Oniru areas of the state.

She was born on August 16, 1980, as a descendant of two prominent royal families in Lagos. Taoreed Lawal-Akapo, the late Ojora of Lagos, was her father; and Muinat, her mother, was a princess from the illustrious Oniru kingdom. Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Mojisola’s brother, is the current Oniru of the Iru kingdom.

Politics has a magnetic force. When one grows up close to its corridors, one is most likely to be swept into its whirlwind. Mojisola was drafted into politics early in life.

“I grew up in a political arena. I had siblings that were into politics and I used to just sit down and listen to them, watch them and gradually, I learnt and thereafter picked interest in it,” she said in a chat with Nigerian Tribune in 2013.

“It has always been in me to always want to give back to my community. So, I imagined myself in a particular position where I could influence people’s lives positively. So, that has always been in me. So, going into politics was like gaining a platform to reach out to my people.”

Mojisola started politics at age 18, attending ward meetings with her brothers and cousins as soon as she could vote.

“I would sit with them and listen to them, and if I had anything to contribute to whatever was being discussed, I contributed, and if I didn’t have any, I would simply sit down and observe,” she told City People Magazine in 2023.

Before that, she was also a leader in her various schools. Mojisola attended Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School and Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary School. According to Daily Champion, she was a library prefect and the secretary of her school’s press club.

Her childhood dream was to become a lawyer, but she shelved it after failing to attain the score needed to study law.

“I did a diploma course, though I wanted to be a lawyer. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the cut-off mark required to study the course, so I opted for something else,” she told The Nation in 2020.

“I still went on to do the diploma course because of my interest in law. But, of course, growing up, I discovered that there were other courses that one could do apart from law.”

A PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO TINUBU’S AIDE AT 23

In 2003, at just 23, Mojisola became a personal assistant to Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin, a senior special assistant on information and technology to Bola Tinubu, when he was Lagos governor.

“He was the SSA on information technology, and it was with him that I started my career professionally,” she said.

“I worked with him, and we were together before Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu moved him to the Land Information System Support Unit, where he served as the director under the office of the surveyor general. I was also there with him.”

Mojisola got her first major post-secondary school certification in 2005. She earned an advanced certificate in software development.

After a brief stay at Cirrus Nigeria Ltd, an energy company, Mojisola was named the senior special assistant on inter-governance relations to Ayodeji Joseph, the chairman of Apapa LGA, in 2008.

During his second tenure, I was given an appointment as his supervisory councillor for health in Apapa, an office in which I am proud to say I did well,” she said.

“And that was the turning point for me because I thought to myself and said, ‘if I could excel and do so well as a supervisory councillor, why don’t I aspire for something higher?'”

Along the way, she got her first degree in public administration from Lagos State University in 2013.

ONE OF FOUR WOMEN IN 8TH LAGOS ASSEMBLY

At 34, Mojisola was elected into the Lagos state house of assembly in 2015. She became the representative of the Apapa 1 constituency and one of only four women in the 40-member house inaugurated by Akinwunmi Ambode, former governor of Lagos, in June of that year.

Other women in the house were Omotayo Oduntan, Mosunmola Sangodara and Funmilayo Tejuosho.

Mojisola was re-elected to the house in 2019 and became its chief whip a year later. She was the chairperson of the house committee on women’s affairs and poverty alleviation.

Upon re-election into the house for her third term, Mojisola became the deputy speaker.

MORE INTERESTED IN AMENDING OLD LAWS THAN SPONSORING NEW BILL

In 2021, when Mojisola was asked to list the bills she had sponsored since she became a lawmaker, her response was surprising.

“I think it is not about sponsoring bills because we have a lot of old laws that need repeal and amendment,” she said

“So, I think we need to update our own side first. It is not about sponsoring a bill, and after a while, we leave it on the shelf. So, I think we should concentrate on the old laws that need amendment and maybe take a step further by ensuring that there is proper enforcement.”

17/01/2025

Breaking: Retired AIG’s wife kidnapped inside her home

The wife of a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has been kidnapped from her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State.

The State Police Command reacted swiftly to the abduction by deploying operatives to secure her release.

According to available information, Mrs. Odumosu was abducted in the early hours of Friday by heavily armed men.

The kidnappers were reported to have stormed the home of the Odumosus, shooting sporadically.

The Ogun State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the update.

17/01/2025

Cultism, Ritual Killings: Ogun Won't hesitate to Sign Death Warrants of Condemned Criminals-AG

The Ogun State Government has said that it is considering signing the Death Warrants of condemned criminals sentenced by competent courts to serve as a deterrent to those who may want to commit heinous crimes in the state.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), made this known on Friday after inspecting inmates and facilities at the Correctional Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.

The Attorney General, who was conducted around by officers of the Centre, expressed concern over the increase in criminal activities like ritual killings, kidnapping, cultism, and other heinous crimes in recent times in the state.

According to Mr. Ogungbade, the state government is ready to take the bull by the horns by implementing the law through signing the Death Warrants.

He observed that despite the proactive measures put in place by security agencies in tackling crimes, there appears to be an upsurge, particularly in ritual killings, adding that the government had identified the wrong perception that there would be no repercussions when some of these crimes are committed as the root cause.

"I can tell you that we are looking seriously at a means of sending a message that Ogun State is not a place where you can come and commit such serious crimes and get away with it.

"The law as of today, for example, states that a murder case attracts the death penalty and some other offenses. But if you look at it nationally, for a long time, there has been reluctance on the part of governments across the states, particularly since the advent of democratic rule, to sign Death Warrants. But I assure you that at this time, we are looking very seriously at following the law to its letter.

"It is part of the duty of the governor to sign Death Warrants, and I am certain that when he took that oath of office, he took it knowing full well the responsibilities that come with it. He is a governor who upholds the rule of law, so I can assure you that in deserving cases, he will not shy away from that constitutional duty.

"Though I may not give a timeline, I can only say that in deserving cases, which we are looking at, it will happen.

"If somebody has gone through the process of a fair trial and has made use of all his appeals, we will begin to look seriously at implementing those judgments, hoping that it will serve as a deterrent to those who still intend to carry out such crimes. But in doing so, I can assure you that we will be systematic about it; we will not be reckless about it," he assured.

He said the present administration has done a lot in terms of granting amnesty to those condemned to death by turning their death sentences into life imprisonment, reducing life imprisonment to a fixed term of imprisonment, as well as allowing punishment to serve as a deterrent.

The Commissioner attributed the upsurge in criminal activities to a total loss of value system and the support given to criminals by their relatives, saying this is in variance with the African belief system that abhors criminal behavior and seeks punishment for offenders.

"In times past, when people committed crimes, their family members were usually the ones who would even alert law enforcement. But what we have today is where the family comes together to shield people who have committed crimes. Unless there is a total reappraisal of our value system, we will continue to have this problem. We need to go back to the family," he added.

The Attorney General said his visit to the Correctional Centre was to see the conditions of the inmates and the facilities, with a view to doing the needful to ensure that the centre worked the way it was designed and that the inmates were not made to go through excruciating suffering.

13/01/2025

Why Timi of Edeland Stoop to Greet Emir of Ilorin
- Palace of Time of Ede

Our attention has been drawn to a video recorded in Ilorin at the wedding of Sheik Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa's son on Friday.

In the said video, which is now in circulation on the internet, HIM, The Timi of Edeland, Oba Dr. Munirudeen Adesola Lawal was seen greeting the Emir of Ilorin who was on a sitting position.

Baba Timi was recorded on bended knees, exchanging pleasantries with his host, Emir Sulu Gambari.

The video was greeted with diverse reactions. While political leanings and personal grudge motivated a handful of the comments, genuine concerns on the need to preserve and protect more the ancient and revered stool of Timi Agbale, could be seen as the push behind majority of the observations raised.

While sincerely appreciate the concerns raised, we felt there was need to properly state what actually transpired.

1. Baba Timi did not denigrate his throne by greeting Emir on bended knees.

2. Oba Lawal, having an imposing frame, bended to exchange pleasantries with Emir because Alhaji Sulu Gambari, possibly due to his age or other personal reasons could not stand to greet the guests that went to him to pay homage.

3. At first, Oba Lawal leaned towards Sulu Gambari to greet him, but because the Emir could not still hear greetings from his visitor, Baba Timi had to bend and move closer for clearer communication to take place.

4. We also note that it was not only Baba Timi that Emir Sulu Gambari did not rise on his feet to greet. The Emir did not leave his seat to greet any of the guests that entered into the inner chamber to meet him.

5. We appreciate the concerns and express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who gave opinion on the issue.

6. To those that saw the incident as an avenue to ridicule the reverred stool of Timi, history is recording you. At the appropriate time, you will reap whatever you sow.

7. We however call for restrain regarding comments on the matter. Law of the land, Yoruba customs and traditions have set boundaries to which any individual can go towards expressing opinion about another person.

8. Timi Agbale Olofana's stool can't be subjected to any form of ridicule no matter the status of those online self-appointed moderator of morality fanning ember of hate against the current occupant of the stool.

9. May Almighty Olodumare continue to bless our monarchs with sound health and peace of mind to attend to the business of managing the affairs of their town to the best of their abilities, amen.

Signed:

Tijani Abdulraheem Adekilekun

Media Assistant to
HIS Majesty, Oba Dr. Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa 1.
Timi of Edeland