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Osun Obaship Crisis : Ogedengbe family lays claim to Alatorin stool, accuses politicians of complicity
The popular Ogedengbe family of Ijesa land has laid claim to the throne of Alatorin, saying its dynasty is the heir apparent of Atorin-Ijesa.
The family also maintained that the late legendary warlord, Ogedengbe Agbogungboro’s parents founded and single handedly named the village Atorin, adding that he’s a royal founder and his lineage is automatically the rightful occupant of the stool of Atorin
Atorin village is housed by Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun State (now Atakumosa East Central LCDA).
The throne was left vacant following the demise of Barrister (OBA) Olufisayo Ogedengbe about two years ago.
Supreme Head of Ogedengbe Agbogungboro worldwide, HRH Mathew Oyekanmi Ogedengbe, the Obanla of Ijesaland, in a statement made available to Mega Icon Magazine recently, alleged that some politicians were threatening the peace of the land by subverting the process.
He added that certain misinformation about the right of succession to the stool of Alatorin were being peddled over in the public space by certain persons to satisfy their own selfish agendas.
Obanla, who described as unfortunate the alleged forceful installation of one Mr Omololu Afilaka on Saturday, 6th March 2021 as the Alatorin by Chief Sanya Omirin, also added that to “the entire Atorin community and the Ogedengbe dynasty, this kangaroo self- installation is not only laughable , embarrassing but ridiculous as Afilaka is never an indigine of Atorin”.
Going down memory lane, Obanla Ogedengbe narrated, “Many of the Yoruba history books in primary, secondary and tertiary institution always reserve the interesting part of their writings to describe that warlord, that Generalissimo , that liberator who came from Atorin -Ijesa and settled down at Anaye Ilesa. All these writings, records and historical facts caption, Ogedengbe Agbogungboro came from ATORIN-IJESA in Atakumosa East Local Government of Osun state . The fact that Ogedengbe’s parent were the first settlers in Atorin Ijesa speaks more volume. The Ogedengbe parent single handedly named the village Atorin ( Cane ) .
“The couple used to quarel and at times the husband do make attempt to beat the wife, the husband now took her to where Atori tree is located and said, whenever we are arguing and you have no one to run to, since we are the only one here, run and embrace this Atori tree and I will forgive you instantly. This Atori tree will be our mediator in this wilderness. Hence the spot became Atorin till date.
“Both their adulterated story and genuine story revealed that Ogedengbe grew up and even made it in Atorin before he joined Ibadan warrior. Hence he is a royal founder and his lineage is automatically the rightful occupant of the stool of Atorin Community”, he declared.
He further explained , “Just about 2 years ago when the late Alatorin, Barrister (OBA) Olufisayo Ogedengbe joined his ancestors, there have been lots of manipulation, permutations from Hon. Ajibola Famurewa and Sanya Omirin to sideline Ogedengbe Family from their right as the occupant of the stool by re-writing the history suddenly , with their power , they are now chiefs , now they are from Royal Family , even in their adulterated history, Ogedengbe is a visitor. Another version said he is from woman lineage of Atorin . What a slap to Ijesa entirety.
“The historical right has been trampled upon because of their weight politically. “Simultaneously, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa is also presenting his own brother, one Mr. Femi Famurewa as the choice of the people . People that came to farm on our land suddenly became the hier apparent to the throne.
“These two Politician from APC and PDP are seriously working to eradicate the history of Ogedengbe to satisfy their own wishes as it is known that Atorin Community is sitting on vast raw gold.
“As at now, the two warring politicians and their candidates have been causing civil unrest in the peaceful community of Atorin , wrestling the leadership among themselves with Cutlass and weapons. Even after their several years in governance, the road to Atorin-Ijesa Community is extremely bad. The only Primary School there is an eye sore.
“The installations or coronation of two Political elements from both quarters is causing unrest in Atorin-Ijesa Community while the choice of the community is neglected and both are trying to pocket the history.
“The entire Ogedengbe Family will never sit and watch this happen, we shall not take law into our hands. But we shall fight to stop this illegality. The History of Ogedengbe is indelible”, the statement concluded.
The family, however urged Governor Gboyega Oyetola, the paramount ruler of Ijesaland , Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the Chairman of Atakumosa East Central LCDA; among others to urgently wade into the crisis.
News
Ford Trims Workforce: 4,000 Jobs to Go in Europe
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
News
Tinubu Dissolves UNIZIK Council, Sacks VC, Registrar, Otukpo Pro-Chancellor
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
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Ekiti Workers to Earn N70,000 Minimum Wage as Govt Signs MoU with Unions
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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