Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Ooni-elect arrives Ile-Ife as initiation rites begin

By: Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo Tuesday, 27 Oct 2015 10:40PM

News

‎The Ooni-elect of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is expected to receive a grand welcome today.
It would be recalled the Osun State Government had in the early hours of Monday announced the choice of Prince Enitan Ogunwusi of Ojaja family unit from Giesi Ruling House as the Ooni-designate.
According to some of the sources, his arrival at the ancient city was not official, adding that coronation holds within 21 days.
It was also learnt that installation rites for the Ooni would start today in the ancient town at Ilofi.
Before proceeding to Ilofi, Ogunwusi is expected to be led from Ajebandele area, which symbolises the actual entrance to Ile-Ife.
Earlier, ‎his father, Prince Ropo Ogunwusi, said that he knew his son would become king.
H‎e also acknowledged that Adeyeye's grand-father before his death had always referred to him as "Ooni Adeyeye".
In a related development, forms for aspirants of the Obalufe is now open, a family source told our correspondent.
Due to the death of the former Obalufe, Oba Solomon Folorunsho Omisakin, Lowa of Ife, Chief Joseph Ijaodola, led other king-makers in the selection of a new Ooni.
It was learnt that the Obalufe tittle is the second in command to the Ooni of Ife.

It was gathered that Omisakin was on sick bed when late Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II passed on at a London hospital, after a brief illness.
‎http://dailytimes.com.ng/ooni-elect-arrives-ile-ife-as-initiation-rites-begin/

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

How 40-yr-old Enitan Ogunwusi emerged 51st Ooni

By: Osogbo, Sodiq Adekunle Monday, 26 Oct 2015 11:19PM

News

A key actor in the process that led to the emergence of a 40-year-old Prince Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi as the new Ooni of Ife, on Monday shed light on some the factors considered before his choice was arrived at.
The Osun State government had in the early hours of Monday announced the choice of Prince Enitan Ogunwusi of Ojaja family unit from Giesi Ruling House as the Ooni designate.
Before Prince Ogunwusi's appointment, the last descendant of the Giesi ruling house that occupied the position was Ooni Derin Ologbenla and that was between 1880 and 1894.
When our correspondent visited Ile-Ife environs after the announcement, soldiers and policemen dominated the streets.
The soldiers were seen on routes that led to the Ooni's palace and houses of some of the kingmakers, including Lowa.
Some youths were also seen celebrating the emergence of Ogunwusi in Mayfair area of the ancient city.
When our correspondent conducted an opinion poll, 21 of the 23 respondents welcomed the emergence of Ogunwusi while the remaining two were neutral.
It, however, came as a shock to many when one of the contenders for the post, Omo Oba Sikiru Adetona Ayedun, conceded defeat and congratulated Ogunwusi.
Ayedun said: "I hereby congratulate the Kabiyesi, the new Ooni of Ife Omo Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi on his emergence as the 51st Ooni.
"I equally wish you a memorable and eventful coronation in advance. Igba re atuwa lara.
"The efforts of the Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, cannot but be commended for his leadership role in making the process crisis free. Sir, you remain cautious and steadfast.
‎"The Ife kingmaker also deserves commendation for their unity of purpose. Ile Ife is greater than all of us and we must all work together for his greater upliftment.
Speaking to newsmen at the residence of Pa Ropo Ogunwusi, the father of the new monarch, the chairman of Ife Central Local Government Area of the state, Dr. Taiwo Olaiya, said all political office- holders in Ile-Ife and the kingmakers arrived at his choice after considering some qualities that stand him out among the 43 princes that vied for the vacant stool.
Olaiya said the new Ooni's impressive records in the field of business endeared him to all the people involved in the selection process, adding that the need to quickly industrialise the ancient city of Ife and provide jobs for many youths was considered in his choice.
He added that Ogunwusi's understanding of the Yoruba culture, despite being widely travelled and generosity, even when he had not shown interest in becoming Ooni also worked in his favour.
According to him, Enitan Ogunwusi also displayed unmatched humility and calmness that was hard to come by among all the contestants, saying the fact that the business tycoon made his money without being linked to any party or government also counted in his favour.
In his remarks, the father of the Ooni-designate, Pa Ropo John Ogunwusi, said before his birth, a man of God had predicted that Enitan will be great in life and achieve unprecedented success.
Ogunwusi, who retired at Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, OSBC, added that he started noticing pointers to the coming into fruition of the prophesies when Enitan started making headway in business.
He told newsmen that he had ceased being his father the moment Enitan was announced as Ooni-designate.
Speaking to newsmen inside Ile Oodua, Ooni's palace, the head of Isoro Cult and head of all deities in Ife land, the Obadio Oduduwa, Oba Olajide Ifaloba, said the emergence of Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi was "divine" and appealed to those that contested the throne with him to see his choice as "product of grace", demanding total support from all stakeholders in the town in the interest of peace.
Ifaloba allayed fears that human sacrifice may be done as part of rites before installation of new monarch but added that rites that would performed would be done mostly at nights.
"We rejoice with him and thank the creator for giving us a monarch in his class. Those that vied for the throne with him must now see Oba Enitan as father that must be supported to lift Ife. We pray for him a long life and good health to administer the town and the entire Yoruba land", Chief Ifaloba said.
Commenting in similar vein, Chief Olaolu Dada, Arole Obatala Agbaye, said the announcement of Ooni designate signalled commencement of new set of rites that must be performed before the new monarch can sit on the throne.
He said the spirit of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade was still lurking around the palace, saying it must be chased out first to allow the new monarch have a peaceful reign.
He however urged all residents and visitors to the town not to panic, stressing that all rites that would be performed would not affect businesses or movements within Ife metropolis.
Giving insights into how the new monarch would be installed, Oba Isoro, Eluyele Olawenu, Owa Eredumi of Ife, said the first step, after royal entrance of the new monarch into the town today (Tuesday), would be for him to proceed to his father's compound from where he would move to Ilofi where rites would be performed for 21 days.
Oba Eluyele, who declined giving detail information about the rites, said the new Ooni would have spent three months in Ilofi before his installation, but explained he would be spending 21 days because of the forthcoming Olojo Festival.
Oba Joseph Ijaodola, the Lowa of Ife and one of the two lead kingmakers in Ile Ife, while speaking to newsmen, called on other contestants to be patient and support the new monarch.
Ooni designate, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi sources said, may be received at Ife end of Ibadan express way today (Tuesday) with an informed source saying Ifa was being consulted to determine the best day for him to enter into the town.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has congratulated the new monarch.
Dogara in a congratulatory statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, explained that the role of traditional rulers in nation-building cannot be over-emphasised.‎
The Speaker urged the new Ooni to emulate the works of the late Oba Sijuwade, whom he said, had left an indelible mark in the history of Nigeria as a peacemaker and a bridge between different people of the country.
While assuring of the cooperation of the House of Representatives, Dogara noted that the "legislature is open to the wise counsel and invaluable support of the new Ooni in its quest to effect change and re-position our dear nation for enduring peace, security, accelerated growth and development.
''As you ascend the glorious revered throne of your forefathers, I join your family, the good people of the historic kingdom of Ife, friends, proteges and well-wishers to ask God to guide, guard and give you wisdom to lead."
''I note that the position of Ooni carries with it authority, influence and power and therefore I urge you to rule with the fear of God and serve as a father to all," Dogara remarked.
He also appealed to the ruling houses in Ife and citizens of the kingdom to unite behind the new Ooni and give him the much needed support.

‎http://dailytimes.com.ng/how-40-yr-old-enitan-ogunwusi-emerged-51st-ooni/

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Monday, October 26, 2015

Ooni: Lowa Takes Over, As Kingmakers Extend Nomination To Other Ruling Houses

By: Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo Sunday, 25 Oct 2015 07:14PM

News

The Lowa of Ife, Chief Joseph Ijaodola, will now lead other king-makers in the selection of a new Ooni. This is following the demise of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade II, and his second in command, Obalufe, Oba Solomon Folorunsho Omisakin.
It was gathered that the decision was reached after the Warrant Chiefs' and Elder's meeting.
It would be recalled that the Daily Times exclusively reported that Princes Taye Ogunleye, a reputable lawyer and Enitan Ogunwusi, a businessman, were major contenders for the Ooni stool.
But the selection process took another twist due to an allegation of forgery and subsequent investigation by Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on Ogunwusi.
Before then, Ogunwusi, was rumoured to be the favourite of the king-makers.
One of the king-makers, who did not want his name in print, said that they had decided that all ruling the houses should present three candidates each.
In a related development, an Osun State High Court presided over by the Chief Judge, Hon Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, has dismissed a suit challenging the competence of Ooni of Ife 1980 Chieftaincy Declaration.
Sooko Adegoke and Prince Marcus Adebola Akimoyero had, on behalf of Lafogido Ruling House of Ile-Ife, sued Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the Obalufe of Ile-Ife, Oba Solomon Omisakin (now late) and the Lowa of Ife, Chief Joseph Ijaodola, on the decision to allow only Giesi Ruling House present the next Ooni.
The plaintiffs were asking for the order of the court to set aside 1980 declaration, saying that it was lopsided, unjust, unconstitutional and unfair.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Soji Oyetayo, sought an order of the court preventing the defendants from embarking on the processes to select the new Ooni from Giesi Ruling House, because of the alleged flaw in the 1980 declaration.
But, respondents contended that it was too late to challenge the declaration after it has been used to produce the late Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
Counsel to Aregbesola, who is the first respondent, Mr. Wale Afolabi, submitted that the suit filed by the plaintiffs was incompetent after 35 years that the declaration has been made.
Also, counsel to the second and third defendants, Mr. Peter Ogunleye, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of competence and uphold the 1980 declaration as authentic.
In her ruling, Justice Ojo held that the Ooni Chieftaincy Declaration was made in September 14, 1979 and registered in January 28, 1980, adding that the plaintiffs should have instituted their suit within five years of registration of the declaration.
The judge ruled that the suit was grossly incompetent declaring that "the suit and the claim therein are accordingly dismissed."
Justice Ojo told the counsel to apply wisdom to the earlier judgment which is a similar case by different ruling house, saying she could not overrule herself.
http://dailytimes.com.ng/ooni-lowa-takes-over-as-kingmakers-extend-nomination-to-other-ruling-houses/

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Monday, October 26, 2015

Ooni: Lowa Takes Over, As Kingmakers Extend Nomination To Other Ruling Houses

By: Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo Sunday, 25 Oct 2015 07:14PM

News

The Lowa of Ife, Chief Joseph Ijaodola, will now lead other king-makers in the selection of a new Ooni. This is following the demise of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade II, and his second in command, Obalufe, Oba Solomon Folorunsho Omisakin.
It was gathered that the decision was reached after the Warrant Chiefs' and Elder's meeting.
It would be recalled that the Daily Times exclusively reported that Princes Taye Ogunleye, a reputable lawyer and Enitan Ogunwusi, a businessman, were major contenders for the Ooni stool.
But the selection process took another twist due to an allegation of forgery and subsequent investigation by Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on Ogunwusi.
Before then, Ogunwusi, was rumoured to be the favourite of the king-makers.
One of the king-makers, who did not want his name in print, said that they had decided that all ruling the houses should present three candidates each.
In a related development, an Osun State High Court presided over by the Chief Judge, Hon Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, has dismissed a suit challenging the competence of Ooni of Ife 1980 Chieftaincy Declaration.
Sooko Adegoke and Prince Marcus Adebola Akimoyero had, on behalf of Lafogido Ruling House of Ile-Ife, sued Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the Obalufe of Ile-Ife, Oba Solomon Omisakin (now late) and the Lowa of Ife, Chief Joseph Ijaodola, on the decision to allow only Giesi Ruling House present the next Ooni.
The plaintiffs were asking for the order of the court to set aside 1980 declaration, saying that it was lopsided, unjust, unconstitutional and unfair.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Soji Oyetayo, sought an order of the court preventing the defendants from embarking on the processes to select the new Ooni from Giesi Ruling House, because of the alleged flaw in the 1980 declaration.
But, respondents contended that it was too late to challenge the declaration after it has been used to produce the late Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
Counsel to Aregbesola, who is the first respondent, Mr. Wale Afolabi, submitted that the suit filed by the plaintiffs was incompetent after 35 years that the declaration has been made.
Also, counsel to the second and third defendants, Mr. Peter Ogunleye, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of competence and uphold the 1980 declaration as authentic.
In her ruling, Justice Ojo held that the Ooni Chieftaincy Declaration was made in September 14, 1979 and registered in January 28, 1980, adding that the plaintiffs should have instituted their suit within five years of registration of the declaration.
The judge ruled that the suit was grossly incompetent declaring that "the suit and the claim therein are accordingly dismissed."
Justice Ojo told the counsel to apply wisdom to the earlier judgment which is a similar case by different ruling house, saying she could not overrule herself.
http://dailytimes.com.ng/ooni-lowa-takes-over-as-kingmakers-extend-nomination-to-other-ruling-houses/

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Monday, October 26, 2015

Saturday, October 24, 2015

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA COMMENTS ON 'RADICAL ISLAM'.

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA COMMENTS ON 'RADICAL ISLAM'.

Public Presentation of Dr. Yinka Olomojobi's Book "Frontiers of Jihad, Radical Islam In Africa"

Sep 15, 2015 - Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to have been invited to chair this book presentation by Chief Joop Berkhout, OON, the Executive Chairman and CEO of Safari Books Limited, the publishers of not a few notable titles that are increasingly documenting for posterity, the historic developments in Nigeria's public space.

Their last offering at which I was present, was Governor Nasir El Rufai's "The Accidental Public Servant" which was not only revealing but extremely well received. Today, we gather to receive another offering from Safari Books; and while I expect that the book reviewer will take us through its well researched contents, I will now share with you my own source of delight.

A few weeks ago, a report broke on Cable News Network (CNN) that North Korea was threatening war on South Korea.

This was not the first time.

What struck me particularly was that within minutes, a Professor from one of America's universities was already on the set, providing insights into the mindset of the Korean leader, its government and its people as a way of assisting the public, and I am sure the American Government understand and anticipate what was likely to happen.

Happily, nothing terrible has happened till date.

But that incident left me recalling how many times I had seen this kind of thing. One intellectual or the other in America or Britian, specializing solely in the history, culture, diversity and people of one country or the other and providing resources and intelligence to their National Government and people, which often forms the basis of national security and economic decisions.

They have experts on Syria, Israel, Palestine, the whole Middle East, Asia, Africa etc.

Whether the experts get it right or not, I have always asked myself a simple question:

Who and where are our university dons who are experts on Mali, Chad, Niger, Ghana and our other West African neighbours to start with?

Who are the experts on all the nations that make up the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)?

How do we use our knowledge of the politics and culture of OPEC countries to influence and shape OPEC policies?

Will such people not be a veritable source of information (or intelligence if you prefer that word) to our national security and by extension our Government, in anticipating political and economic developments in the ECOWAS sub-region and helping us take better informed decisions; about the political and economic issues arising in the ECOWAS Sub-region in a leadership capacity?

These were my thoughts and I was thinking about what could be done about promoting the interest of professors and intellectuals in Nigerian universities to take up research about each West African state and better still go and live there for a period, study them, develop papers and reports about them for onward transmission to the relevant department of our Government for useful engagement with those states and to serve national security and economic purposes.

Perhaps if this was the case before now, we would have had better information for our security services to assist them deal with the terror problems we are currently facing.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am not suggesting that nothing is being done, but I know only what is obvious.

Enter Dr. Yinka Olomojobi of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, in Ogun State of Nigeria and his "Frontiers of Jihad, Radical Islam in Africa" and you will understand why I said "I am delighted to be here".

At the time I was writing this address, I had not finished reading the book in detail, but the much I have read compels me to make some comments, and in doing so I will do my best not to pre-empt the review.

I only wish to express an opinion about the linkages being made between acts of terror and criminality, with what is now gaining global definition as 'Radical Islam" as being the cause.

I have observed that this is largely a work of research and this might explain this definition of "Radical Islam" because the references that support the research of Dr. Olomojobi noted on pages 40-47,69-72, 108-111, 142-144, 175-178, 232-234,293-295,334-336 and 341 are dominated by materials from western authors and commentators.

In my view, they reveal an ignorance of Islam at the best, or a deliberate stereo-type of terror in Islamic States.

I say this because, as I have said earlier, 'experts' are not necessarily always right and we have proof of this in the intelligence gathering upon which an unnecessary war was launched against Iraq.

Furthermore, it seems to me that a religion whose foundation is PEACE cannot be the foundation or excuse for acts of murder, rape, savagery, pillaging and terror.

It may well be that the perpetrators claim that they act in pursuit of some type of Islam but I think the sensible thing to do, if we must understand their intention, and defeat their purpose is to refuse to accept that reason.

It is sheer propaganda to fool the general public and to deceive gullible people in the name of a faith whose tenets they themselves breach and violate.

The biggest risk of succumbing to this propaganda is to put a religion on trial while expecting its adherents to join the fight against criminals.

Put differently, is it "Radical Christianity" when Adolf Hitler pursued his anti-Semitic agenda against the Jews? It was described as mass murder. It became known as Holocaust.

It is also not "Radical Christianity" when a preacher in Los Angeles who later relocated to Guyana in South America asked his followers to commit mass suicide on November 18, 1977?

It was mindless crime, even though there was a religious undertone.

As Dr. Olowojobi himself reproduced President Buhari's comments along these lines in the book when he said,

"You cannot go and kill innocent people and say Allah Akbar! It is either you do not believe it or you do not know what you are saying. So it has nothing to do with religion; they are just terrorists and Nigeria will mobilize against all of them"

I agree with this position entirely. I commend Dr. Olomojobi for intellectualizing the discourse, and I hope there will be other participants in our quest to rid our land of common criminals who masquerade as promoters of faith.

The word "radical" in its ordinary meaning is said to "concern the most basic and important parts of something"; which is "thorough and complete" according to the Oxford Advanced Dictionary, 7th Edition at page 1196.

This definition supports my argument because murder, rape, kidnapping and bombing are not the "basic" or "important" parts of Islam and they do not make Islam "complete".

The simple truth is we have allowed the voices of a few criminals to rise above that of billions of law abiding global citizens.

There is no such thing as 'Radical Islam', it is a definition we must depart from quickly.

If there is such a word I would say it is 'Radical Dis-Islamization'.

What we are dealing with is a new wave of crime, by criminals who seem to have an edge because of the need for a new global legal order and the gaps created by globalization.

Guns alone will not defeat them, neither will nuclear armaments.

It is our collective understanding and our collective agreement that this has nothing to do with religion, it is our development of the appropriate counter-messaging, it is our collective resolve to stop helping to promote their brand, by calling their names, that will expose them for what and who they are, and help us to defeat them.

Let me conclude now by sharing with you one of the most profound statements I have heard on this matter.

It was made by a Muslim American, when the New York City refused to grant a permit for the construction of a mosque around the Ground Zero area where the Twin Towers were bombed, during the redevelopment efforts.

Although I do not now remember his name those words he spoke as he wept openly will remain with me for a long while.

They were to these effects "criminals have stolen my religion".

They capture my position that this is not about Islam.

They support my view for a departure from accepting any definition, concept or excuse of "Radical Islam", and it is only in this way that the majority of about 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide can be mobilized with Christians and other faiths to join in the fight against criminals.

Thank you for indulging me with your time.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN

By: NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE On Saturday, October 24, 2015