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Chieftaincy Reforms Law: Group congratulates Makinde, Oyo Assembly for making history

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A socio-cultural group, under the aegis of the Ibadan Renaissance Reform Mandate, has congratulated the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, and members of the State House of Assembly on Wednesday’s passage of an executive bill on the reform of the age-long Chieftaincy Matters.

The group, on Thursday, added that both the governor and the state lawmakers have recorded their names in the history book as they would be remembered ‘for replacing the retrogressive and an archaic law’ with a new document that would allow the Governor to exercise his discretion as provided by the new Law on Chieftaincy-related matters.

Chief Olutola Ogungbade, the convener of the group in a press statement hours after the passage of the bill by the State legislature, urged the State Governor to immediately assent to the bill to become law without further delay.

His words, “We must congratulate the State Governor on his mission to reposition the Chieftaincy system in the State.

“Engr Seyi Makinde employed the due process of the law as the executive came up with the bill to the State Assembly some weeks ago and the latter in its wisdom, thoroughly debated the matter at the second reading stage and even made room for a public hearing where stakeholders submitted a memorandum to express their views on the matter.

“The State lawmakers thereafter considered the outcome of the bill ‘by the Committee of the whole house’ and they have now endorsed same through its passage on Wednesday.

“This is a great feat and welcome development. Though some minority stakeholders expressed dissenting voices against the passage of the bill the generality of our people across the State has shown their preference for the reformation of the existing law.

“We should recall that Olubadan-in-council members; traditional rulers in some parts of the State alongside senior chiefs and Mogajis in Ibadan including Market men and women across the State commended the Governor on this move and are therefore happy to see the bill scaling hurdles to become law.

“It, therefore behooves on the State Governor to immediately sign this bill into law. We are impressed with the Governor and believe that his second term would be a blessing for traditional rulers and the people of our State,” Ogungbade added.

Penultimate Friday, it would be recalled that the Olubadan-In-Council, backed the Chiefs law of Oyo State, saying ‘it is time to amend the Chiefs law to have more Obas’ under the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Majority of the Olubadan High chiefs in their memorandum to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, during a public hearing of the bill on the reform which recently entered the second reading stage, copiously advanced reasons why the need for chieftaincy reform in Ibadan which can only happen after the Chiefs Law of the State has been amended.

According to one of them, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, ‘I need to report why the Government of Oyo state should reform the Oyo State Chieftaincy Reform visa-s-vis Ibadan Municipality in the Eleven Local Government within its Municipality and how to go about it.’

Ajibola said ‘The Ibadan has been long governed by 1957 Declaration Law whereby the High Chiefs under the Olubadan are subject to ridicule and lack of respect at public functions until during the era of Late Senator Abiola Ajimobi who abolished the 1957 Declaration Law and upgraded the High Chiefs to the Status of Royal Majesty why Olubadan himself was upgraded to the Status of Imperial Majesty.

‘He also cut the line to 12 steps at Otun line and 13 steps at Balogun line, the situation which was later reversed by Governor Seyi Makinde

‘The Ibadan High Chiefs were not respected and given necessary regard within and outside governmental functions like other Obas from outside Ibadan like Oke Ogun, Oyo, and Ogbomoso axis who have no higher domain status or a size bigger than Foko, Agbeni, Oje, etc. in Ibadan.

‘The defect leading to the derailment of the attempt of the Late Senator Ajimobi to upgrade the Ibadan hierarchy was a failure to amend the Chiefs Law to give it the status it deserved.

‘Now that the incumbent Governor Engineer Seyi Makinde has now deemed it fit to put the record straight and give Ibadan a befitting status, we solidly support the Amendment to section 28 of the Chiefs Laws of Oyo State.

‘It is a kudos to His Excellency Governor Makinde who has deemed it fit to correct the long time defects to the Chiefs law politically created during,’ Ajibola added.

In his contribution, the Onpetu of Ijeru Kingdom, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran
Stated that the amendment of the Law is a good development.

He, however, said the exercise of the Governor’s discretion in respect of the chieftaincy holders that are entitled to wear beaded crowns should be exercised based on the historical antecedent of the chieftaincies, the peculiarity of a given area and doctrine of necessity.

Oba Oyediran said, ‘In exercising his discretion, the Governor should carry out due diligence to ensure that territorial identities are respected, avoid overlapping of areas of traditional authorities and draw a distinct line between traditional Chiefs and honorary ones. The beaded crown so approved by the Governor should be annotated with the inscription of Obas created by statute.’

The monarch said with this amendment, the Governor is now placed in the position of a Judge of the Court in respect of entitlement to wear a beaded crown and he must exercise his discretion judiciously and judicially,

The reform sought to amend the current Chiefs Law particularly Section 28 of the Law which provides that ‘The Governor may from time to time after consultation with the Council of Obas and Chiefs of the State by order specify the chieftaincies, the holder for the time being of which are entitled to wear the beaded crown.’

The wearing of a beaded crown by chieftaincy holders in the State is at the discretion of the Governor by the provision of the present law and the Governor can only exercise his discretion after he must have consulted the Council of Obas and Chiefs. This has now become history as the State Governor can now exercise his discretion as provided by the new Law, unfettered.

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Oyo South: Oseni Approves N100m for Ibadan Community Road Rehabilitation

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has approved N100 million for the immediate rehabilitation of a major access road linking seven communities in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, announced the intervention on Saturday at a town hall meeting with residents and community leaders from Power Line, Awonsoso, Siba, Olupoyi, Balogun, Baba Agba and Agaloke communities.

‎The lawmaker said the decision followed a request by the community stakeholders, who identified the poor condition of the road as their most pressing need. He assured the residents that the rehabilitation would be completed within four months.

‎Oseni said the intervention was part of his commitment to people-centred representation, stressing that his legislative activities had been focused on issues capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.

He said, “Within the three years plus, I have sponsored bills and moved motions that are carefully designed to positively impact the lives and livelihoods of citizens.”

According to him, some of the legislative initiatives include moves to amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to establish a Federal Medical Centre in Ido Local Government Area, stronger sanctions for contractors who fail to execute government projects according to specifications, and measures to improve accountability in the management of public contracts.

Oseni added that he had also advocated subsidised farm machinery for farmers, measures to reduce the cost of cancer treatment, improved food storage through modern silos and processing facilities, as well as urgent action on flooding and recurring building collapses in major cities among several others.

‎The lawmaker said his engagements with communities across Oyo South should not be viewed solely through the prism of the 2027 elections, despite the commencement of political activities.

“My visit here today is not to solicit for votes, but to listen and find practical ways to attend to the requests and plights of my people,” he said.

‎Oseni also disclosed that he had facilitated the distribution of 31 transformers across Ido and Ibarapa, with about 80 per cent of the cost funded through his foundation. He added that  other interventions had included solar-powered street lights, boreholes, bridges, public toilets, educational support,  infrastructure, health care services,  youth and women empowerment, and assistance to artisans, traders and markets across the senatorial district.

The APC chieftain further noted that some youths had also received N1 million each as seed capital to start small businesses.

‎Oseni acknowledged that his primary responsibility as a federal lawmaker was to make laws and provide effective representation, but said the gap created by ineffective governance at the grassroots had made it necessary for him to support communities through interventions.

He urged youths to remain focused and resilient, recounting how he worked as a bus conductor to raise money for his secondary education before becoming an engineer, businessman and legislator.

Earlier,  Chief Muibi Adegoke, Baale of Awonsoso, and Chief Azeez Saka, Baale of Elere Apata, commended the lawmaker for what they described as his performance in legislation and community development. They pledged their support for his political aspiration ahead of the 2027 election.

‎The meeting was attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, community elders, women and youth leaders from the affected communities.

(c) Mega Icon Magazine 

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Oyo APC Guber Candidate, Alli, Celebrates Archbishop Wale Oke at 70

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2027 Oyo State election, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has congratulated the Archbishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Francis Wale Oke, on his 70th birthday.

Alli, in a statement on Tuesday, described the cleric as one of the foremost spiritual leaders produced by Ibadan, saying his contributions to the spread of Christianity had brought honour to Oyo State and impacted lives beyond Nigeria.

The senator described Oke as a “kingdom general” whose leadership and commitment to the gospel had positively influenced communities and nations across the world.

He said, “On behalf of my family and the APC family in Oyo State, I warmly congratulate one of our state’s most illustrious figures, Archbishop Francis Wale Oke, as he marks the landmark age of 70 years today.

“I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating a generational leader, a reformer and a dependable voice for peace and national development. Your dedication over the last five decades to destiny moulding, spiritual upliftment and the expansion of the Christian faith is unparalleled.”

Alli also commended the archbishop’s leadership qualities and his achievements in various capacities, particularly as the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

The APC candidate noted that Oke’s influence extended beyond the pulpit, describing his years of service as a testament to his commitment to spiritual development and nation-building.

He prayed for continued grace, good health and many more years of fruitful service for the celebrant.

“As you continue to expand the Kingdom and impact destinies, I pray for renewed grace, robust health and many more fruitful years. Ibadan and Oyo State are immensely proud to have you,” Alli added.

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Oyo: Oseni Donates 500KVA Transformer, N10m to Baptist Conference

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has donated a 500KVA transformer and N10 million in support of the 14th Annual Conference of the Ibadan Baptist Conference.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made the donations on Tuesday while addressing participants at the conference, which was held under the theme, “By His Spirit.”

Speaking at the event, Oseni, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the Baptist Conference for giving him the opportunity to address the gathering. He commended the church for its contributions to the spread of the gospel and its impact on education, humanitarian services and other areas of human development.

The lawmaker said the challenges facing society could not be overcome through human efforts alone, stressing the need for divine guidance and the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Our efforts are important, but human efforts alone are not enough. We need the direction of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our individual lives and in the affairs of our communities,” he said.

Oseni urged the congregation to combine faith with responsible action, saying lasting transformation could only be achieved when individuals and communities sought divine direction while taking practical steps to address their challenges.

He also encouraged Christians to take greater interest in politics and governance, noting that everyone votes remained an important instrument for determining the quality of leadership in the country.

According to him, “Votes count in Nigeria. Therefore, Christians must not remain on the sidelines. We must participate in politics, contribute ideas and collectively seek solutions to the challenges confronting our society. Governance is about the people and the delivery of services that improve their lives.”

The Oyo South senatorial candidate also solicited support for President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates, saying leaders should be judged by their commitment to serving the people. He said the participation of responsible citizens in politics was necessary to promote good governance and ensure that public offices were used for the benefit of the people.

Quoting Proverbs 29:2, Oseni said, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” He added that such rejoicing should be reflected in improved quality of representation, education, electricity, potable water, empowerment, healthcare, security, infrastructure, economic opportunities and good governance.

He said, “When the people have quality representation and can see the impact of government in their daily lives, that is when they will truly rejoice. Our people deserve access to good education, healthcare, potable water, electricity, security, infrastructure and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.”

Oseni further urged the congregation to remain united and continue to pray for the country and its leaders, particularly those entrusted with public responsibilities. He appealed to leaders at all levels to always seek wisdom and do what was right in the interest of the people, while assuring the people of his continued commitment to quality representation and service to humanity.

In his remarks, the President of the Ibadan Baptist Conference, Rev. Oyekola Bamidele, commended Oseni for his performance in office and his commitment to humanity.

Oyekola described the lawmaker as “one of our own,” acknowledging his contributions to the development and wellbeing of the people.

The Conference President subsequently invited church leaders, elders and members of the congregation to join him in prayers for Oseni, committing his leadership and future political ambition into the hands of God.

 

(C) Mega Icon Magazine 

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