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Akarigbo pledges to work with Ooni on Yoruba affairs
THE Akarigbo of Remo Kingdom, Oba Victor Babatunde Ajayi, Torugbuwa II on Monday pledged to join hands with the Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,Ojaja II for the peace, unity and progress of the entire Yoruba race.
The Akarigbo gave the assurance when Ooni Ogunwusi played host to him and other Remo monarchs his Ile-Oodua palace, Enuwa, Ile Ife, for a historical visit and traditional rites.
The paramount ruler of the Remo people in Ogun state described Ooni as the Father of Yoruba race endowed with countless unique human qualities and God given potentials.
Calling on all the descendants of Oduduwa to support Ooni and other kings in Yoruba land for the unity of Yoruba, the Akarigbo confirmed that Akarigbo migrated from Iremo quarters in Ile-Ife, saying that the history of Remo Kingdom cannot be complete without relating it to Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba.
Appreciating Ooni Ogunwusi for his fatherly role in uniting Yoruba people together since he ascended to the stool of his forefathers, the visitting Akarigbo pledged his loyalty to Ooni as the custodian of the Oduduwa’s sacred throne expressing his readiness to support the Ooni at anytime to move Yoruba race ahead.
“I am so happy that Ooni is on a mission to reunite all the descendants of Oduduwa across the world, and I’m committed to this motive.”
“We migrated from Iremo quarters in Ile-Ife and the history of Remo Kingdom cannot be complete without Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba people.
“He called on all Yoruba monarchs to support Ooni and other kings in Yoruba land on their efforts to unite Yorubas.
“I appreciate Kabiyesi Ooni for his fatherly role playing in uniting Yoruba race together since he ascended to the stool of his forefathers.
“I assure you of our readiness to support you kabiyesi at anytime I am called upon to joining you in moving Yoruba race forward”.
Akarigbo said.
Akarigbo who arrived the Ooni’s Palace with scores of Remo monarchs was received by the Obalufe of Iremo Quarters, Oba Idowu Adediwura and other traditional chiefs who washed his legs with the living diety water (Yeyemolu-Otooro Omi Ale-Ife) before the off shoot of Orisa-gaani-amu (Shagamu of today).
They were later led on a visit to ILE-ASE where Laadin of Ife, Chief Olusegun Arasanmi who is the custodian of the sacred place prayed for Akarigbo, Remo Kingdom, Ile Ife and the entire Yoruba race.
Speaking at the official reception, Ooni Ogunwusi explained that Iremo which is the ancestral home of Remo descendants is highly symbolic to the enthronement of every Ooni. Saying both Remo and Ife are indispensable companions.
The Arole Oodua In a brief history, made reference to an occasion on February 28,1903 which led to the first movement of an Ooni out of his Palace.
“Look at Akarigbo and Elepe who are currently sitting keenly here today, there was a huge battle between them which led to the first movement of an Ooni from Ile-Ife. Ooni Adelekan (Olubuse 1) travelled to Lagos on the invitation of the then colonian government to restore peace between them after several rites were performed. This unusual movement of Ooni from his Palace made all Yoruba kings left their respective thrones and domains to show respect for Ooni on that historic day, this gesture compelled the colonial masters (British) to gazette the occurrence as such have never been recorded anywhere globally.” Ooni Said.
The Co-Chairman of National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria however led Akarigbo and other monarchs to the Oranmiyan Groove known as ‘Opa Oramiyan’ where spiritual rites were performed by the Oba Isoro Owa Eredumi of Ife.
In the same vein, the Asiwaju of Remo, Chief Solomon Kayode Onafowokan described the event as a right treat for the rich Yoruba culture, stating that Ile Ife remains home to all descendants of Oduduwa.
The Pro-Chansellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife who is the Aremo-Akarigbo of Remoland and the Omo’lokun Adimula of Ife, Chief Yemi Ogunyemi said the 2-day visit to Ile-Ife will remain unforgettable to the Remo people just the way the 1903 visit of the then Ooni Olubuse the 2nd has remained perpetually remarkable to them.
Alaye-Ode of Ode Remo, Oba Amidu Adetunji, Onijagba of Jagba-Shagamu, Oba S. A. Adesanya, Odemo of Ishara, Oba Albert Adebose, Olofin of Ilisan-Remo, Oba Micheal Deniyan, Ebi of Idena-Remo, Oba Omosanya Abimbola, Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Idowu Basibo and Elepe of Epe-Ishagamu, Oba Adewole Osiberu among others came with the Akarigbo to Ile Ife.
Also, several Ife monarchs, as well as prominent indigenes and chiefs of Ife like, Professor Muib Opeloye, Chief Ishola Awotorebo, Hon. Rotimi Makinde and Sooko Kemade Elugbaju among Others joined Ooni to receive the visitors.
On the second day, (Tuesday) Obalufe of Iremo Quarters, Ife led Akarigbo to Aka compound, the ancestral home the Remo people, where he the king and his entourage were recieved by hundreds of members of the compound with a ram slaughtered as a traditional rite.
In his speech at Aka’ compound, Obalufe of Iremo kingdom, Oba Idowu Adediwura applauded Akarigbo for the historic visit, calling on all sons and daughters of Oduduwa not to forget their homes. He said the Akarigbo’s home coming gesture must be emulated by all other descendants of Oduduwa for the progress of Yoruba nation.
The compound’s head, Pa. Agbo Odewale who presented Akarigbo several gift items on behalf of the Aka compound, described the day as a special day made by Olodumare (God). He congratulated his kinsmen in the compound, Obalufe of Iremo, Ooni Ogunwusi and the visitors for making the event a success.
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.
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.
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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