There are numerous reasons why we celebrate or mark dates: they are usually dates to remember, especially for good. In this column today, our focus is on two illustrious sons of Ekiti – Professor Niyi Osundare and the governor of the state, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji.

On Wednesday, 11th December, 2024, all roads led to the English Department, Faculty of Arts of the premier university, the University of Ibadan and the reason for the season, as they say, was the Poet Laureate, Professor Niyi Osundare. Teachers, friends, colleagues, students, comrades as well as family and well-wishers all gathered to mark the 10th anniversary of the occasion when Professor Osundare bagged the National Order of Merit Award.

In like manner, last Saturday was the 57th anniversary of the day the amiable governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, came to mother earth. Half-way through his first term in office, Oyebanji characteristically was self-effacing in marking his birthday; making it low key did not, however, allow it the luxury of escaping the attention of many, yours truly inclusive.

The theme of the Ibadan celebration was “Niyi Osundare: Ten years after, the harvest continues”. What harvest, if we may ask? The harvest of awards, recognitions and accolades for the Ikere-Ekiti born self-effacing poet of international repute. It was, indeed, a day of poetry reading, music and dance and the creme-de-la-creme of the literati were in ample supply.

If Osundare needs any introduction, not his poem on the country’s judiciary! It will be difficult to find anyone conversant with social media who has not come across Osundare’s caustic, even sarcastic, poem on the well-known corruption – a national malaise – that has not spared the hallowed chambers of the Judiciary, often touted, but now almost totally discredited, as the last hope of the common man.

But how many people also knew that “My Lord, where do I keep your bribe?” landed Osundare a lawsuit? He revealed at the 10th celebration of his Nigerian National Order of Merit award  that human rights lawyer, Comrade Femi Falana, is the lawyer helping him with the court case (s) that, perhaps, his most popular poem of this generation attracted. So, Dele Farotimi was not the first to call out the judiciary, although the instruments applied by both Osundare and Farotimi differed. The judiciary must watch it!

Much of the encomiums poured on Prof. were not strange or new to me. During my NYSC year followed by an M. Sc. class at the premier university, Osundare was a senior Comrade that we all gathered around to advance the struggle for a better society. The fire has not dimmed in him. Speaker after speaker made reference to his humanity and selfless devotion to the cause of the oppressed and down-trodden.

Osundare’s passion for learning and culture; his love for the environment; and the sadness that their mindless degradation engenders in him was palpable when he spoke about the felling of some iconic trees near the premier university’s First Gate: “Universities are known all over the world by their trees. Trees tell stories”, he said. “You cannot destroy your environment and still be at peace. If you don’t love the trees around you, you are not likely to love your neighbours”, he added. Profound! You begin to understand the love that the Whites show to their pets and the environment and how this impacts on their human-to-human relationship.

Apart from the environment, any humanity fearful of losing its very essence must know and cherish its history. Hear this: “Ti a ba tan (if we shine or glow)/ Ti a ko ba ni itan (But know not our history or have no history)/ A kii pee taan (It won’t take long before we expire)”. What, then, do we make of the way History has been relegated to the background in our country today? The elders say: “Any deity that the elders alone worship/That the coming generations are not introduced to/Will sooner than later go into extinction”. The same goes for History that is not taught to coming generations.

When Osundare said his heart bleeds seeing people being cheated, I knew he has not changed a bit from the Osundare I knew as far back as 1982, despite the vicissitudes of life and his travels and sojourn in many countries and continents of the world. In his essential humanity, despite all accolades and shining academic laurels, he remains as constant as the Northern Stars!

READ ALSO: Police foil kidnap attempt on 10 passengers in Jibia

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Fifty-seven thunderous applause for the governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Oyebanji (aka BAO) who celebrated his 57th birthday last Saturday. For two reasons, I have closely followed BAO’s activities in office. One, because of his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, a Yoruba “Omoluwabi” personified. Initially, I had my reservations about BAO because of the “warfare” that preceded his clinching the coveted post.

Godfather-godson relationships seldom yield good dividends and they also hardly last. So I thought Ekiti would follow a similar pattern – but so far, so good. Silver and gold have I not to give to BAO but what I have give I thee – and for the wise, it is more precious than gems and rubbies: Three areas where I think any governor in the South-west should focus attention are security of life and property, food security, and education. BAO should redouble his efforts in these key areas.

More than ever before, the stampede over food palliatives occasioning loss of lives across the country dictate that we prioritize food production, which is impossible in an atmosphere of insecurity. That the South-west has fallen in the pecking order in the field of education also calls for serious action to redress the situation. Congratulations and happy birthday!

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Why are Yoruba the “problem” of NIgeria?

The reasons the Yoruba are always controversial can be located in the Yoruba system of values where money comes a distant sixth position. You may wish to interrogate the first three values said to be held in high esteem by the Yoruba (of old?).  The first is “làákàyè” – the application of knowledge, wisdom and understanding (Ogbón and ìmò òye). The second is “Ìwà Ọmọlúwàbí” (integrity). Someone with integrity is a man/woman of their word. If you have all the wealth in the world but lack integrity, you are not worth a thing. Integrity is combined with “ìwà” (character) which we regard as “Omolúàbí”. The third is “Akínkanjú” or “Ìwà Akin “ (valour). That is why “Balógun” is second-in-command in Yoruba land. The Balóguns lead the people to war – leading with great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. Yoruba people have no respect for cowards. Money is said to be number six on that value scale, coming after gainful employment and valour. – Owo is one platform.

I am proud to be Yoruba, the most tolerant nationality in Nigeria! And if there will be an opportunity to come back to this world again and to choose what ethnic group to belong to, I will choose Yoruba again and again! What of the giant strides of the Yoruba in Christianity, beginning with Samuel Ajayi Crowther of the Anglican church to Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola of CAC  of the 1930 revival “isoji” Oke-Oye of Ilesa fame; to Moses Orimolade of the C&S; Bilewu Oshoffa of the CCC;  to the present Baba Adeboye of RCCG, Baba Kumuyi of Deeper Life, Baba Oyedepo of Living Faith Worldwide and a host of others! Yoruba lead in courage, hard work and commerce; they are self-made; display wisdom in almost every good thing while others follow! –Engr. James Awolowo Olayemi, Odo-Owa, Kwara State.

It is in our stars! The more others hate us, the more empowered we become! We are the only ethnic nationality that still remembers its progenitor, Oduduwa,  and to empathize with him physically and spiritually. We shared so many things with Israel. We are the eyes of  the Almighty. The more others hate us, the more powerful we become. Those who love us are blessed by God. We have what we call Yoruba ethos; go against it, you are doomed! Align with other enemies of the race to betray our ethos, Karma deals with you. -Akoso Atayese.

Your opinion speaks volumes to the authorities. Whether they get the message and do the needful is another thing entirely. But posterity will judge! I hope those concerned will see it and not only read it but digest and act on it. I wish the authorities will also play their part and see to it that there is total freedom for all and sundry. –Aderemi ajadi Desalu.

The mind enjoys having a thread of thoughts to hold on to or rap a human being around. Yet, it is the individual being that is held to account for his actions and not the tribe, religion or class to which he belongs. Why? Because at school we have no option but to gang or play together as classmates, close friends, etc. until it is time to graduate. This world is a school. We come here as individuals who find ourselves as classmates, close friends, etc. because we are born into a family, then tribe, with all that goes with it; yet, we go back alone like we came! By the way, has it ever occurred to you that it is with the mind that we love and hate at the same time? -Henry Atenaga.

Our culture, our character, our liberalism, our honesty, our forthrightness, our confidence, and many more virtues set the Yoruba apart! My worry, however, is if we are passing such to the next generation.  -Bola Olowo.

Wishing all my highly esteemed readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Take my word for it: T-Pain will soon become T-Pleasure or I promise to join the march as we storm our own Bastilles at Bourdilion, Ikoyi, Lagos. Let it not get to that, please!

*Bolawole (turnpot@gmail.com 0807 552 5533), former Editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, was also the Managing Director/ Editor-in-chief of the Westerner newsmagazine. He writes the “ON THE LORD’S DAY” column in the Sunday Tribune and “TREASURES” column in the New Telegraph newspapers. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

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Asiwaju in a statement signed by his media adviser,  Mr. Tunde Rahman, noted that Otunba Adebayo had lived a dedicated life of accomplishments in the service of the people of Nigeria and Ekiti State in particular.

The APC flagbearer also praised the minister for his unwavering commitment to progressive politics and past sacrifices to see that progressive good governance was firmly entrenched in Nigeria.

“I specially rejoice with Minister of Trade and Industry, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, on this glorious occasion of his 65 birthday anniversary. Otunba Adebayo had a privileged background as a son of a respected statesman, but on his own he accomplished greatness for himself as the first democratically elected Governor of Ekiti State where he laid solid foundation of progressive good governance.

“Otunba Adebayo has remained consistent as a committed member of the progressive fold in Nigeria’s politics and his unwavering commitment to ideals of good governance will always be cherished.

“I join family, friends and associates to wish the Honourable Minister a happy birthday and many years of service to humanity in good health.”

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He also congratulated the new Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, and urged the people of Ekiti State to support the new governor and his deputy for continuous growth and development of the state.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Oyebanji and Afuye’s landslide victory during the June 18 governorship election and their swearing-in as Ekiti State Governor and Deputy Governor as a testament to the good work the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government has done in the state.

Sanwo-Olu, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, along with the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and some other state governors at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, urged Governor Oyebanji to continue the good work of his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

The Lagos State governor also applauded ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi for his commitment and selfless service to Ekiti State and her people, saying that Fayemi did his best to transform and develop the Fountain of Knowledge State during his tenure.

He said the people of Ekiti and South-West, as well as Nigerians, would continue to remember the contributions of Fayemi to governance and politics as the Governor of Ekiti and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

“I congratulate Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye on their swearing-in as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Ekiti State following their victory in the June 18 gubernatorial election in the State. I also rejoice with their families, friends, associates, APC members, and the people of Ekiti State on today’s swearing-in ceremony.

“Governor Oyebanji is the right choice by the people of Ekiti State. I have no doubt that based on his antecedents and experience in the private and public sectors; he will not disappoint the people of Ekiti State, who elected him as their governor.

“As an active participant in Ekiti State politics and governance, having served with two former governors, I believe Governor Oyebanji will continue the people-oriented programmes and good governance of his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who served passionately and delivered dividends of democracy to the people of Ekiti State in different sectors.

“Without any iota of doubt, Governor Fayemi has set a good template of good governance for his successor. I will urge Governor Oyebanji to follow the path of good governance set by Dr. Fayemi.”

Sanwo-Olu also applauded Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, for being a worthy and supportive partner to Governor Fayemi during their tenure in office.

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He takes over from Dr. Kayode Fayemi, whose tenure expired midnight of Saturday.

Oyebanji was sworn in on Sunday by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Oyewole Adeyeye.

64-year-old Chief Monisade Christiana Afuye was also sworn in as the deputy governor of the state.

It would be recalled that 54 years old Oyebanji, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, won the June 18, 2022 election in the state.

Under Fayemi’s administration, Oyebanji served as the Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff to the Governor.

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The group described the recognition as an insult to the  judiciary as the matter is still subject to litigation before  the State High Court and  the Supreme Court with Suit No: SC/CV/1063/2021.

The group, Efon Alaaye Development League, EDU, in a statement jointly signed by the duo of Bode Fagbemiro, President-General, and Afolabi Ige, on Wedensday said that it received the news of the recognition with shock.

According to it, “our shock was aggravated further because the issue is subjudice as the matter is a part of the subjects of cases pending both at the State High Court in Ado-Ekiti and the Supreme Court of Nigeria vide suite SC/CV/1063/2021.”

It stated that the state government had earlier in its white paper on the report of Justice Aladejana Committee noted that the case of Efon Alaaye  community Vs Ahun could not treated because of court cases.

According to it, “it is therefore worrisome that a democratically elected government can, in a twist contemptuously commit such an affront against the highest court in the land.

READ ALSO: Amotekun arrests 243 suspects in two years in Ekiti

“This is nothing short of pushing the people to self help and an instigation to violence five days to the exit of Gov. Kayode Fayemi.

“We state without equivocation that we stand with Kabiyesi, the Alaaye of Efon-Alaaye, HRM, Oba (Dr.) Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare, PhD., CON that Efon Alaaye is one indivisible and indissoluble entity with recorded history dated back to 11th century A.D. This position is the position of the League and all Efon Alaaye people and which we are prepared to defend.

“We call on the Ekiti State Government to take cognizance of the cases in courts and restrain itself on this  matter in the interest of peace as we shall continue to appeal for calm in the town to the best of our ability.”

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The aspirants are former Minister of Works, Dayo Adeyeye; Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Afolabi Oluwasola; Kayode Ojo; Demola Popoola; Femi Bamisile and Bamidele Faparusi.

In a statement, they complained that the lists of local government election committee and ward election committee were made up party members and political appointees that had openly endorsed the candidacy of Biodun Oyebanji, the immediate past secretary to the state government.

They called for the replacement of members of the committees with neutral ones to ensure credibility of the process.

The statement reads: “The seven aspirants herein received with rude shock and dismay the purported list of local government election committee and ward election committee made up solely by party members and political appointees that had before now openly endorsed the candidacy of Biodun Oyebanji the immediate past secretary to the state government.

“It is on record that the government of Governor Kayode Fayemi has given its unwavering support to the candidacy of Biodun Oyebanji, it is common knowledge that the Governor and most appointees of the governor are openly rooting for and supporting Biodun Oyebanji’s aspiration to become the flag bearer of our great party.

“What is more disturbing is the fact that a simple glance at the names of the persons appointed as members of both committees would reveal that it is made up of appointees of government who are all supporters of a candidate in the primary election they are appointed to superintend on.

“The seven candidates herein are loyal, faithful and committed party members who are sincerely concerned about the chances of the party in the forthcoming 2022 governorship election where an imposition is allowed to override a democratic primary election for determining its flag bearer.

“We request that both the local government election committee and ward election committee that were constituted on the list already in circulation be disbanded and replaced with names that would reinforce internal democracy and uphold the aims and objectives of the party.”

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The two victims who were on a motorbike were said to have been kidnapped on Saturday around 5:30 p.m.

One of the victims, simply identified as Ajankoro, a cocoa merchant, and the motorcyclist conveying him were said to be on their way from Ilupeju-Ijan to Ijan-Ekiti when they were accosted by the bandits who kidnapped them and whisked them away to an unknown destination.

ASP Sunday Abutu, the Ekiti Police command apokesperson, when contacted, said he had not been briefed of the development.

He promised to speak to the press once he confirmed the report.

In a related development, some suspected gunmen who kidnapped a traditional chief in Ijan-Ekiti, Gbonyin local government area of Ekiti State on Thursday, have demanded the sum of N20 million to free their victim.

The development, it gathered, is coming barely 72 hours after the victim and a traditional chief, Emmanuel Obafemi, the Odolofin of Ijan-Ekiti, were kidnapped.

A family source, who preferred anonymity, said the kidnappers called on Friday night and demanded the amount before they could release the victim.

“They have called to ask for this huge amount of money before they can set him free, the amount is so exorbitant, and we don’t know how to source the fund.

“We only pleaded for his safe release from their den. It’s still a sad Christmas for us, as the bread winner of our family has been taken to unknown destination and his whereabouts cannot be ascertained,” the source said.

When contacted on the development, the Commandant of Amotekun Corps in Ekiti State, Brig.-Gen. Joe Komolafe (rtd), said he was not aware of the ransom being demanded by the abductors.

He said his men were working round the clock to ensure that the victim was released unhurt.

“I’m not aware of ransom demanded by the bandits, all I know is that our men have been deployed to the areas where we suspected the gunmen might have used as their hideout,” he said.

Komolafe advised residents of the community to volunteer timely and useful information that can lead to the arrest of the bandits.

Source: NAN

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Mr Biodun Omoleye, Chief of Staff to Governor Kayode Fayemi, said in a statement on Friday in Ado-Ekiti that the restriction was to allow for the smooth conduct of local government elections in the state.

Omoleye said only those on essential and electoral assignments were exempted from the restriction.

Omoleye added that students participating in NECO examination across the state with valid proof of identification would be allowed unhindered movement.

He solicited the cooperation of the people of the state towards achieving a hitch-free and peaceful election.

Omoleye reiterated the commitment of the state government to the safety of every citizen of the state before, during and after the election.

Source: NAN

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Akeredolu in a statement on Monday in Abuja, noted that infiltration of the country’s borders and the recent disruption of train services by bandits must be addressed as terrorism and the perpetrators treated as same.

The governor was quoted as saying this at the 27th Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja with the theme: “Securing Our Future: The Fierce Urgency of Now.”

Akeredolu and his Kaduna State counterpart, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, and others were among the panelists at the summit which centered on addressing the country’s security challenges.

He contended that a nation with failed security and justice systems was set to fail.

While expressing concern that the dimension of insecurity in the country recently had been surprising, Akeredolu said he had always believed in multi-level policing as the best way of securing the country.

“In Ondo State, we don’t have terrorism. Our problem is farmers and herders clashes and kidnapping for ransom. We have drug abuse and agitation for self determination.

“We have always preached the multi-level policing in Ondo State. We believe in layers of security,” he said.

The governor, who explained that though there were criminal trespasses which could be treated by the state, alleged that before the Amotekun corps was established, the police were not always ready to make arrest.

“Yes, you have criminal trespass. It should be treated by the state. All we had before Amotekun was a police that had the duty to arrest and was not prepared to make an arrest.

“Things are changing and have really changed in Ondo State. Today, if you trespass on other people’s land, Amotekun will go after you and arrest you.

“They pay compensations to the farmers and when they fail they are in court. It is the only way you can send signals to the people.

“When you commit a crime and the hands of law doesn’t catch up with you, another person will repeat it,” he said.

On open grazing, Akeredolu said nomadic pastoralist was a culture that must be discouraged in the interest of those involved.

He noted that the issue of grazing routes was not a welcome conversation, adding that those were issue of the past that must not be brought back to the fore.

“Speaking for those of us who have put in place anti-open grazing law. We have our reasons and we have no apologies,” he said.

Source: NAN

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Sanwo-Olu said Lagos, as the nation’s hub of commerce and industrial activities, would continue to strengthen partnerships and raise the economic status of states in the Southwest region, stressing that his administration would always be open to collaborations that would spread socio-economic prosperity across the region.

The governor spoke at the commissioning of a new Ekiti State government’s liaison office and Governor’s Lodge built on Oduduwa Crescent in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The edifice was developed and delivered by the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration.

Sanwo-Olu said the location of the Ekiti State’s liaison office in Lagos offered a suitable ambience to remotely conduct business of government and host investors.

There are also liaison offices of Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Oyo states, and the proposed secretariat of the Southern Governors’ Forum in the area.

Sanwo-Olu said the decision of his colleague governors to open liaison offices in Lagos was an indication of the strength Lagos could bring to bear for shared growth and prosperity.

He said collaboration remained the key to development.

“This is an honour and privilege to have my brother governors see the strength Lagos can bring to bear for our shared prosperity. When we all work together, with the understanding that we all have different skills and strengths, we can organically develop every state’s unique strength and address our weaknesses, so that our region and the country can be on the path of growth, development and economic sustainability.

“Ikeja is a capital city and it will continue to be home to all strategic developments. Just as Government houses are springing from here, new businesses in hospitality and healthcare are coming here. GRA is a short distance to the airports. This means people can drive in here and conduct businesses without having to get into other parts of Lagos. Governors can quietly come in and run the business of Government from this wonderful territory.”

The influx of public buildings and private businesses into GRA, Sanwo-Olu said, necessitated his administration’s response to ramp up infrastructure within the area.

The governor disclosed that the state government would be commissioning network of roads in GRA and other ancillary infrastructure in the coming months.

Sanwo-Olu praised Governor Fayemi for deeming it fit to build the lodge, stressing that the development would further drive the growth of Ekiti’s GDP.

Fayemi described Lagos as “key factor” in Ekiti State’s investment strategy, noting that Lagos was not only a key market for Ekiti products, but also its window to the outside world.

He said the liaison office edifice, which had conference facilities and accommodation for the governor and aides, would save Ekiti State avoidable expenses in hotel accommodation each time its officials visit Lagos for meetings and official duties.

He added that Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency, EKDIPA, would use the edifice for expansion of commerce and investment.

“The strategic importance of having this edifice in Lagos is enormous. This liaison office will serve as a go-to place not only for Ekiti indigenes in Lagos, who require official services and information from Ekiti State Government, but also to non-Ekiti indigenes desirous of engaging the State. It will also serve as a communication and contact Centre of our State with Federal and State Government Offices, Embassies, offices of international organisations here in Lagos as well as private sector players headquartered in Lagos,” Fayemi said.

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