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Ooni charges historians on deeper researches about Yoruba- Igbo family ties
Sequel to the mixed reactions that trailed his declaration about the age-long relationship between the Yoruba natives and the Igbo people of South Eastern Nigeria, Ooni of Ife & Arole Oduduwa, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has charged historians to deepen their research on African history.
The Spiritual leader of Yoruba race worldwide made the call on Wednesday while playing host to a prominent Igbo monarch, His Majesty, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, Ezeora 34th, Aka Ji Ovo Igbo, Enugwu Aguleri, Anambra State.
Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria explained that the Igbo people of South Eastern Nigeria globally known for economic prowess have identical culture with their Yoruba counterpart in the South Western part of the country.
The African foremost monarch frowned at the frictions between ethnic divisions across Africa saying unity is needed for the required progress in the continent.
“Africa must unite for peace and progress across board, I am sure that if Igbo people and their Yoruba brothers come together, Africa will unite.
“I am so happy to receive you all and I must say that today is one of my happiest moments on this throne I feel proud of you on your achievements within the last 42 years of reign on the throne of your ancestors.
“I have been having sleepless night because my ancestors have been visiting me that black race must unite. This coincided with my mandate of peace and unity that I have preached around the globe. No race should be left behind” Ooni said.
“Your Eri kingdom is one of the oldest kingdoms in Igboland We Yoruba have strong ties with Igbos because no Igbo man can do without kolanut which only grows in Yorubaland, we must therefore relate together as members of the dame family, this is the best way we can enjoy lasting peaceful coexistence as Nigerians.
“Ile-Ife is your home and you are always welcome. We in Ife are only the custodians of the great family worldwide because all the citizens of the world migrated from Ife.” Ooni added
Earlier in his speech titled “Royal Handshake Across The Niger”, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri appreciated the roles played by Ooni by open fore the relationship between the Yoruba and Igbos and that the Igbos being the progenitor of Israel. He urged him not to rest on his oars till unity is achieved by all races in Africa
The Igbo monarch, accompanied by the Onu-Oja II of Owelle Kingdom, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere revealed that his visit was necessitated by the Ooni’s comments during the last Aje Festival celebration, especially on the relationship between Igbos and Yorubas, imploring the historians from both sides to dig deep and cement the relationship between the two tribes.
“Thank you Your imperial Majesty, we have been projecting this historical dimension, though not using your platform and since you have echoed same from different angle, there seems to be some kind of historical treasure hidden somewhere about the relationship between Yoruba and Igbos.”
“One of the best ways to unravel this mystery is to encourage inter ethnical visits especially during cultural activities.” Eze Chukwuemeka said
The prominent Igbo monarch however used the medium to invite Ooni to the forthcoming Eri festival scheduled for November 8th & 9th 2019, in Aguleri, Anambra State.
Also Speaking with newsmen, The Eze Ndigbo of Ife, Ezekiel Onyejekwe said the visit is a historic home coming for the visiting Igbo monarchs, saying the Ndigbo will fully support the Ooni of Ife in his peace and unity mission irrespective of the hues and cries by the uninformed mischief makers who are mere attention seekers.
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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