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2023: Alaafin endorses Tinubu for president

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T he ambition of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu  got a boost on Monday as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III endorsed the candidacy of the former Lagos state governor  for the office of the President of Nigeria in 2023.

The revered monarch, Oba Adeyemi announced his endorsement of Tinubu while receiving in Courtesy visit delegation of South West Agenda (SWAGA ’23), a group of rainbow coalition of like minded politicians of South West extraction, in his palace.

The group, led by a former Minister, Prince Dayo Adeyeye also had, former Senator Adesoji Akanbi, Otunba Abayomi Ogunnusi; Hon. Bosun Oladele, Alhaja Kafilat Ogbara, Tinubu’s son in-law, Oyetunde Ojo; Toba Oke, son to former Lagos State Governor, Deji Jankande; former Secretary to the State Government in Ondo State, Abegunde Abena; Mutiu Okunola, and Makinde Rotimi among others; as its members.

SWAGA’s agenda is to mobilize all well meaning South-Westerners to encourage, market and support the candidature of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the office of the President of Nigeria in 2023.

Oba Adeyemi, who declared that he believed in the mission of the group, also added that its mission is well thought of, noting that covenant is very important, which must be fulfilled either written or not.

He warned, “In Yoruba land, covenant is very important. We believe that with law of retributive justice, if you break covenant the repercussion is great. You may think it (race for 2023) is too early but it is never too early to start”.

The custodian of culture, who decried the spate of insecurity in the country further submitted , “you said you have defeated Bokoharam technically. You also made various claims , but the point is that nothing has happened, people are being killed. The latest of such was last  week, the Boko Haram knelt people down and slaughtered them like goats. We cannot continue like that.

“If you want to have a country that is forward moving, there must be federal system of government. There is no sincerity in Nigeria politics, lack of fate in the political arrangement of Nigeria is one of the major set back facing the country.

“Things have not changed in this country; there is insincerity. We need to have a president who can listen.

“We have not been fortunate to have the kind of president that we deserve. We are the first to build skyscraper, cocoa industry, we had always been ahead. Money was used for the purpose for which it was meant for, so we were prepared and developing. If education during the time of Chief Obafemi Awolwo was on concurrent list, there would not have been free primary education in the South-West.

“I said it at different fora that the illiterates cannot govern the literates, it cannot work. If the Queen of England was invited to the Parliament, she must appear.

“Your mission is well thought of, be strong, hopeful and your aspiration shall be met

“I believe in your mission. The Yoruba believe that everything that you want to do requires prayers. I pray that you will succeed in this mission”, Oba Adeyemi concluded.

Earlier in his remarks, the former Minister of Works , Prince Adeyeye explained that SWAGA’s goal is driven by desire for a common front to push the Yoruba Agenda for leadership of Nigeria.

He maintained that there is an agreement in both APC and PDP that the Presidency should be a rotational between the North and the South. The APC chieftain,also added that after the eight years of President Buhari, it is the turn of South, comprising of the South-west, South-south and South-east geo-political zones

In his words, “Today, we are at home. Our mission is political. Politics has started and everyone is scrambling. We, the Yoruba people, see it as our turn because it is the agreement that presidency would be rotational. We have both written and unwritten contracts. After President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years, it is the turn of the Yoruba.

“In the South, we have South-East, South-South and South-West. We have a joker in the South-West and the joker is Asiwaju Bola Tinibu, who was part of the struggle for democracy. I was the Media Adviser the late MKO Abiola. There are fundamentals of governance and we want someone who is versed in politics to go into the race. We see that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has the clout and he is qualified. As experienced politicians, we see that Tinubu is qualified.

“After MKO Abiola, who defeated his opponent in his ward, Senator Tinubu is the only person who can pull the stunts. We are here on our own accord We were not sent by Asiwaju but we believe in him”, Prince Adeyeye added.

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Oseni Salutes Senator Folarin’s Decades of Service at 61

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Engr. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, has paid tribute to former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, on his 61st birthday, celebrating his decades of dedicated service and contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), lauded Folarin’s unwavering commitment to leadership and the well-being of the people.

Highlighting the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial nominee in the 2023 elections for three terms in the Senate, the lawmaker noted that Folarin’s legacy of service continues to be a guiding light for emerging leaders and a source of inspiration for countless individuals across the state.

“Senator Folarin has built an admirable legacy through years of selfless public service, consistently advocating for progress and unity,” remarked Oseni.

Reflecting on Folarin’s role as the Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland, the lawmaker commended his leadership approach, which has bridged divides, fostered coalitions, and promoted initiatives aimed at stabilising democracy.

“Senator Folarin’s career is an example of visionary leadership,” he added, “and his commitment to public service will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

As Senator Folarin marks this milestone, Oseni extended warm wishes for his continued health and success, expressing hope that his exemplary life of service will keep inspiring positive change across the nation.

 

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Ugandan Court Hands Ex-LRA Commander 40-Year Sentence

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In a historic ruling, a Ugandan court on Friday sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison.

This landmark decision, marking the first time a member of the notorious LRA has faced trial for war crimes in a Ugandan court, follows the group’s brutal two-decade insurgency against the Ugandan government.

Kwoyelo, who was convicted in August on 44 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, faced charges including murder, rape, torture, pillaging, abduction, and the destruction of settlements for internally displaced people.

(FILES) Thomas Kwoyelo a commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebellion blamed for brutal civilian murders during a 20-year war in the north of the country is brought into a courthouse in the northern Ugandan town of Gulu on July 25, 2011. – A Ugandan court on October 25, 2024 sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison after a landmark war crimes trial over his role in the group’s two-decade reign of terror. The sentence against Kwoyelo, who was convicted on 44 counts of crimes against humanity in August, was announced by Michael Elubu, the lead judge in the case at the court in the northern city of Gulu. (Photo by MICHELE SIBOLINI / AFP)

Michael Elubu, lead judge of the case at the International Crimes Division (ICD) of Uganda’s High Court, delivered the sentence in the northern city of Gulu, underscoring a rare moment of accountability in the decades-long history of the LRA’s violence.

Judge Elubu stated that Kwoyelo retains the right to appeal both his conviction and sentence within 14 days.

Kwoyelo, who was abducted by the LRA at the age of 12 and later rose to a low-level command position within the organization, denied all charges brought against him.

(FILES) Suspected LRA (Lords Resistance Army) member Thomas Kwoyelo is pictured during a pre-trial session at the High Court in Kampala on Februay 1, 2017. – A Ugandan court on October 25, 2024 sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison after a landmark war crimes trial over his role in the group’s two-decade reign of terror. The sentence against Kwoyelo, who was convicted on 44 counts of crimes against humanity in August, was announced by Michael Elubu, the lead judge in the case at the court in the northern city of Gulu. (Photo by GAEL GRILHOT / AFP)

The Lord’s Resistance Army, founded by Joseph Kony in the 1980s, sought to establish a regime based on the Ten Commandments. Under Kony’s leadership, the group unleashed widespread terror across Uganda and neighboring regions, resulting in over 100,000 deaths and the abduction of 60,000 children.

The violence eventually spread to Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Central African Republic.

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“A Perfect Fit”: Rep Oseni Applauds Sunday Dare’s Appointment as Presidential Adviser on Public Communications

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The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has hailed the appointment of Chief Sunday Dare, Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and National Orientation, describing  it a “perfect fit.”

In a statement released Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni praised Chief Dare’s extensive background in journalism and public service, adding that his vast experience will significantly enhance national communications and orientation efforts.

“Chief Dare’s illustrious career, from his pioneering role in Nigerian journalism as a founding member of The News and Tempo magazines to his strategic leadership as Minister of Youth and Sports Development under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, speaks volumes about his commitment to national development,” he remarked.

Oseni, who also represents the Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state,  noted that Chief Dare’s new role comes at a critical time when fostering national unity and effective public engagement is crucial, stressing that his deep understanding of media, both locally and internationally, will strengthen public trust in government communications.

“As an accomplished journalist and public servant, Chief Dare is uniquely positioned to reshape the national narrative and bolster public confidence in government communication efforts,” the lawmaker said.

He expressed confidence that Dare’s appointment will not only advance the ideals of democracy and transparency but also serve as a point of pride for Ogbomosoland and Oyo State.

The APC chieftain wished Chief Dare success in his new role, pledging his unwavering support in ensuring the objectives of the office are fully achieved.

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