Politics
APC destroying traditional institution in Ibadanland – Accord party alleges
The Oyo State chapter of Accord Party on Sunday took a swipe on the recent report of Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the state to review the Olubadan Chieftaincy declaration which recommended 32 beaded crown Obas in Ibadanland.
The party alleged that by coming out with such report, “The APC government in Oyo State is on the verge of destroying the valued traditional institution in Ibadanland.
Accord party stated that the report has “further confirmed the popular notion that an idle hands is devils workshop due to cluelessness and lack of commitment to people’s welfare by the APC government in Oyo State”.
The party “described the move to have more Obas in Ibadanland as a diversionary tactics by the Governor Ajimobi led APC administration from the myriads of problems confronting his administration”.
Accord party in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Engineer Akeem Olatunji and made available to DAILY POST however advised Ajimobi to strengthen the existing positions of community leaders through the Olubadan-In-Council rather than having 32 beaded crown Obas in the ancient city.
The party maintained that the review will not only bring chaos to the traditional institution which has been enjoining relative peace but erode the age-long respect for Olubadan and the Olubadan-In-Council.
The statement reads, “Accord in Oyo State has described the move to have more Obas in Ibadanland as a diversionary tactics by the Gov Ajimobi led APC administration from the myriads of problems confronting his administration. Rather, we would want the government to strengthen the existing positions for community leaders through the Olubadan in council.
“The APC government in Oyo State is on the verge of destroying the valued traditional institution in Ibadanland, it further confirmed the popular notion that an idle hands is devils workshop due to cluelessness and lack of commitment to people’s welfare by the APC government in Oyo State.
“Review of the 1957 declaration on Olubadan stool will erode respect for Olubadan and members of Olubadan Traditional Council.
Accord further advised that such decision if necessary should be left for the Olubadan and the Olubadan-In-Council to decide.
“Such a decision to create additional Obas should be left to Olubadan and his Council of Chiefs to decide since he is the custodian of the Ibadan customs and traditions.
It urged the state government to attend to pressing issues such as prompt payment of workers’ salaries, pensioners arrears and address the lingering crisis rocking Ladoke Akintola University oaf Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
“Oyo State as at today is owing salaries and pensions arrears while the State ranked 29th in the last WAEC results apart from the deplorable situations of the rural and urban roads couple with unprecedented poverty in the State due to capital flight occasioned by corruption and non patronage of local contractors.
“Furthermore, LAUTECH has been under lock and key with students remaining stagnant in their academic pursue since 2015 due to the APC led administration refusal to cater for the school needs and backlog of salaries being owe her staffs and lecturers.
It also alleged that Oyo and Ogbomoso were the next target of the Ajimobi-led administration to create room for an unpopular candidate in the 2019 general elections in the state.
“We have heard from various sources that Oyo and Ogbomoso traditional councils are the next target of the State government.
“The aims and objectives of the unpopular moves to jettison the fantastic Ibadan ascendancy structure is to create avenue for the unpopular APC administration in Oyo State to cause confusion ahead of 2019 poll.
“Since the ancient city started the monarchial system in 1820 with Baale Maye Okunade as the first king, the well-arranged traditional structure that is adjudged the best in the Southwest has been followed. This orderly arranged ascendancy to the throne of the Olubadan makes Ibadan unique in Yorubaland.
“The party, Accord wish to reiterate that African history are not written for fun, as it contained processes and procedures to be followed in our ways of life. Our traditions and culture cannot in any way be equated with modernity or globalisation.
“The party, Accord in Oyo State hereby challenge the state government to organise a town hall meeting, as regards the review of the Chieftaincy law before it embarks on an exercise in futility.
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.
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.
Politics
“A Perfect Fit”: Rep Oseni Applauds Sunday Dare’s Appointment as Presidential Adviser on Public Communications
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.
