Present at the Saint John’s Military Protestant Church, Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, on Saturday for the funeral service were Governors Duoye Diri and Biodun Oyebanji of Bayelsa and Ekiti states, respectively.

Others were former First Lady, Dr.  Patience Goodluck Jonathan; Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George; former Governor Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti State; Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode (who represented the Chief of Naval Staff); serving and retired military officers; Prof. Steve Azaiki, Senator Ben Murray Bruce and many others.

The Vicar, Lt Rev E.A. Dodo, during the sermon, raised a poser: “What would you be remembered for?”

According to him, “Wherever you find yourself, ensure you’re living a life of victory. I want to ask once again what you would be remembered for? Some of us are here today because of the value our father (Olubolade)  added to their lives.

“Yesterday evening during the Service of Songs, it was clearly mentioned by Governor Diri that the only sports centre in Bayelsa today was built by Navy Capt. Olubolade (rtd) when he was military administrator there. I asked once again, “What would you be remembered for?”

“I pray for you that God’ll guide you to live a victorious life,” he said.

To Governor Diri, it’s a worthy celebration of life for a worthy son.

He said the funeral was a state burial accorded to a worthy son.

“The moment like this, we fall short of words to comfort the family. But just believe in God and God alone. And like my brother, Oyebanji, said, the man lying in state here is a man of honour. That’s enough to comfort  you. He has lived a life of cultural identification and discipline.

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“Apart from Ekiti State, where he hailed from, he’s also the son of Bayelsa. He carried a dual citizenship. He lived a life of humility and saving lives. He had what it took to take lives, but he never spilled blood. There was an occasion like that when he was Milad in Bayelsa.

“As if he was preparing for his exit, he had a lavish 70th birthday in Bayelsa last year, and at 71, he is no more, which means he actually prepared for this journey. We loved him, but God loved him best.

“Adieu Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade; continue to rest in the bosom of your Lord.”

Diri also renamed the Civil Service Estate in Yenagoa after Olubolade to honour him.

Speaking earlier, the Governor of Ekiti State, Oyebanji, said the tributes in the programme in honour of Olubolade were enough consolation for the family and loved ones that he lived a life worthy of emulation.

“To Mrs Olubolade and children, God will be with you and carry you. God will lead a rescue team to you. On behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State, we commiserate with you.

“To the children, if you read through the tributes in honour of your late father, you’ll be happy. And to the people of Bayelsa State, I thank you. It can’t be better than this,” Oyebanji added.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by his wife, Patience Jonathan, said only God could console the family, adding that it’s not easy to lose a loved one.

She said that though her husband was unavoidably absent because of international commitment, she said he was with them in spirit.

“We’re here to condole you. Even if he’s not here physically, he’s here spiritually. Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha, I greet you. Bayelsa is fully here! They’re the host. I can’t thank the governor, Duoye Diri, enough for organising this state burial for Olubolade.

“He mobilised everyone in Bayelsa from politicians to traditional rulers. You have made us proud.

“The angels (referring to the choristers), are not left out and the media also. Thank you for coming.

“We’re gathered here to pay the last respect to Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade rtd.  As a military administrator of a young state, he left a lasting legacy. He also distinguished himself as minister of three ministries – Police Affairs, FCT and Special Duties –  under my husband.

“The number of people that turned up for his funeral is an indication of the value he added to several lives.

“To the family, the Lord would comfort you. Death is inevitable. So, it means we’re all going to die. And we should be mindful of our actions and inactions. Our beloved brother left when the ovation was loudest.

“Though he (Olubolade) has left us, he will be deeply missed but not forgotten”.

Referring to the widow, Mrs. Mopelola Olubolade, she said: “We, the Bayelsans, will stand by you.”

One of the grandsons of Olubolade, Washington Akinadewo, who gave the vote of thanks, said the presence of people and tributes to the late Olubolade “are enough comfort for the family.

“We thank you for honouring us and wish you a safe journey back to your destinations,” he added.

Thereafter, the convoy led by the Naval team and Ebony caskets pall bearers after brief military honour at the entrance of the church headed to Ikoyi Vaults where the remains of Olubolade were interred after full military parade led by Rear Admiral Olugbode.

Olugbode was Olubolade’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) when he was MILAD of Bayelsa State between 1997 and 1998.

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The late Captain Olubolade, also a former Minister of Police Affairs and a governorship aspirant in the state, died on Sunday at the age of 70.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, rued the demise of the former Minister of Police Affairs, saying: “Ekiti has lost a great son who made indelible impact in his military career, public service and in politics.”

He described Olubolade’s death as a huge loss not only to Ekiti, his home state, but to Nigeria, a country he served during his stellar military career, and as a distinguished politician and public servant.

The governor noted that the late Navy Captain’s legacies would forever be remembered in Bayelsa State, where he helped lay a solid foundation for the development of the South South state and also at the federal level where he served as a Minister in three different ministries.

According to Oyebanji, Olubolade shone like a glittering star as Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Minister of Special Duties and later as Minister of Police Affairs during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

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He noted that the deceased’s foray into politics after his retirement from the military was borne out of his desire to serve and contribute to the development of Ekiti State, where he ran for the governorship position on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Action Congress (AC), and later Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor described the deceased as an apostle of politics without bitterness, who believed in the Ekiti project and worked assiduously with other patriots for the development of the state.

He prayed to God to grant the immediate family, friends and associates of the deceased, the people of Ipoti Ekiti, as well as the entire people of the state the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Oyebanji said: “On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I express condolences to the children, members of the immediate and extended families of the late Navy Captain Olubolade on the demise of this illustrious Ekiti leader and pray that God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss and grant the departed eternal rest.”

The first daughter of the late Olubolade, Oluwayemisi Akinadewo, is married to the Publisher of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo, who is a member of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP.

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Ereguru Community had been in darkness since 2023 when the transformer serving the community got spoilt.

The same transformer served other communities such as Ogbon-Ado, Ereguru, Ogbon-Oba, Odo-Aremu, and a part of Ojumoshe.

In all, the transformer served about fifty thousand people.

Oyebanji was reported to have paid an unscheduled visit to the Ereguru area on March 6 where he attended the Ward 8 meeting of the All Progressives Congress(APC) at the weekend.

It was while at the meeting that he was told that the community had been in darkness for two years due to the spoiled transformer.

The governor delivered the transformer on Monday March 10.

READ ALSO: Navy seizes petrol, foreign rice in Lagos

In his appreciation, Dr Olayinka pointed to the most humble way that Oyebanji solved community problems without noise.

He commended the giant strides the governor is taking in Ekiti, saying “This is why it is good to have a governor who grew up and understands the needs of his people.”

Olayinka used the opportunity to plead with the governor to also take a look at the issue of open defecation in Ekiti, particularly the state capital.

He said that the United Nations record showed that Ekiti State was one of the places where open defecation was most rampant in the world.

“Although some Ekiti sons and daughters across the world are making efforts to tackle this menace, I know they will be happy to come under the guidance and leadership of the governor to end the shameful menace.”

Olayinka prayed to God for continued guidance of the governor to continue to serve his people better till 2030.

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The South-West Governors Forum meeting being hosted by its Chairman and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is attended by Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun).

The visitors who started arriving at Lagos House, Ikeja, from 10:55 a.m. with Governor Makinde being the first to arrive, were received by Governor Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin and the Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde.

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The closed-door meeting, which started at 12:15pm after the arrival of all the governors, will focus on common interests and key regional issues, which will include agriculture, food security, economic collaboration, security, and the South-West Development Commission.

Today’s meeting is a follow-up to a similar one held in Lagos on June 10, 2024, where Governor Sanwo-Olu was unanimously appointed as Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum.

Since its last meeting, the forum under the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu had prioritised policies aimed at strengthening regional development in the South-West zone.

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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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Bamidele who appealed to the governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to her help alleged that Arowolo and others had been assaulting her in the bid to take over her land on  which she already has a property and is living.

In his reaction, however, Arowolo denied threatening the life of the journalist, saying that she allegedly bought the land from the wrong person, who he claimed stole it.

Narrating her ordeal at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Press Centre in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, Bamidele, said she was brutally harassed and beaten up by Alhaji Tajudeen Olamide Arowolo, and others because she refused to allow them to trespass on her property on which she erected her building four years ago.

The journalist who showed the injury she sustained while, said that she got her land from one Evangelist Obafemi Oladele (Igbari Family) with documents in 2011, and she completed the house and moved in in 2020.

Bamidele stated that she had tried to draw the attention of Evangelist Oladele to the situation, but his phone number did not go through.

Bamidele said others that joined Arowolo to torment her were one Yemi Omojo Ibo, Daniel, Ojo, and Mr Tunde.

Bamidele stated that despite the intervention of the police in the matter, Arowolo had refused to allow her to live in peace in her house.

According to the victim, “The case was to be charged to court (yesterday), 31st October, 2024 and both of us were told to report at the Ekiti State Police Headquarters but on getting there, I was told that Alhaji Tajudeen Olamide Arowolo refused to honour the Police’s invitation because he said he had a burial programme to attend on Friday, 1st of November, 2024.”

In his reaction, Arowolo denied the allegation of land grabbing, saying Bamidele allegedly bought the land from the wrong person.

He denied assaulting her and said he did not report at the police station as was requested because he was bereaved and was not in town.

Said Arowolo: “We told her that the land in question does not belong to the person from whom she bought it. We also reported her to the Police Station so we would not take the laws into our own hands.”

He denied assaulting the journalists, saying that as a two-time former Commissioner in Ekiti State, he knew the value of human beings and would not do such things.

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The community association made the gift presentation to the governor while playing host to him during his working visit to the Ikole Ekiti Local Government Area recently.

In a statement issued on Monday, the association explained how the governor visited the Ikole Ekiti Township Road, linking Ilu-Omooba to Ijesa Isu and Ikole Ekiti, where he commissioned a 33KVA electricity project as well as the upgrade of the Ikole Ekiti Specialist Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre.

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The governor, while receiving the gift, urged the people of Ikole Ekiti Council Areas to cooperate with his administration to be able to do more in years to come, noting that their sons and daughters working with him were doing extremely well and adding value to his government.

He equally thanked the traditional rulers for their support and cooperation.

Reacting on behalf of the association, Professor Prince Samuel Olusola Fafure explain that the people of Ikole Ekiti appreciated the great work of the governor, and that that was why they presented him with a statue made from nature.

The post Ikole Progressives Restoration Council honours Gov Oyebanji appeared first on Frontpageng.

At the meeting held behind closed doors in Alausa, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the host, was unanimously elected to lead the Forum as chairman.

Sanwo-Olu stepped into the position, following the vacancy occasioned by the death of the former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who chaired the regional caucus.

Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); Ademola Adeleke (Osun); Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) were all physically present at the meeting, which lasted four hours.

They all paid their last respects to the memory of the late Akeredolu, who passed away last December.

The Forum reviewed security across the region, pointing out that South-West had been relatively peaceful in the Southern part of the country.

They, however, used the platform to renew their call for creation of State Police to further strengthen safety in the region.

They agreed on the need to forge a security cooperation in order to enhance economic development and free movement within the region.

The governors also called for more collaboration between security agencies and Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps.

The Forum commended the House of Representatives and members of the Southwest caucus in the National Assembly for their efforts at passing the South-West Development Commission Bill, urging the upper chamber of the federal parliament to speed up the bill passage.

To expand food production and agricultural development, the Forum also directed their respective States’ Commissioners for Agriculture to immediately come together and develop a comprehensive agricultural template that would leverage each state’s comparative advantage.

Rising from the meeting, the Forum, through its chairman, Governor Sanwo-Olu, read the 11-point resolution adopted in the communique signed by all the six governors.

Sanwo-Olu said: “The Southwest Governors’ Forum, at its meeting today, June 10, 2024, deliberated extensively on contemporary issues in the South-West States and resolved to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on the groundbreaking of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, and the proposed Lagos to Sokoto road. We, however, encourage the Federal Government to rehabilitate other federal infrastructure in the region.

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“On security, the Forum commends the relative peace in the South-West region and notes the collaboration between all security agencies and the Amotekun Corps. “We reaffirm our full support for State Police. We acknowledge the efforts of the Federal Government to strengthen food security. We decide that Commissioners for Agriculture of all the South-West states should begin to meet and set up a working template, which will ensure collaboration based on each State’s comparative advantage.”

On lingering disagreement on Minimum Wage, the Forum said it was in support of the efforts of the Federal Government, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Organised Private Sector to resolve the wage dispute, while urging continued engagement with the Labour Union.

The governors said they believed the outcome of the negotiations for better wages would reflect true fiscal federalism.

The Forum hailed the Federal Government’s efforts on exploration policies on mineral resources, but called for collaboration with States in the process to grant leases to investors.

The South-West Governors adopted a popular song composed by Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-cultural group, titled: “Ise wa fun ile wa”, as common anthem across the six States. They condemned, in strong terms, nefarious activities of a group of people agitating for Yoruba nation, stating that the region remained an integral part of the country.

“The Forum agrees to strengthen the DAWN Commission on operational efficiency and charges the Commission to focus on economic integration, cooperation and investment promotion of South-West states. To that end, each State is mandated to appoint a State focal person,” Sanwo-Olu said.

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The defendants were arraigned on a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, kidnapping and giving false information.

They include Godwin Jacob; Olowofela Oyebanji; Adefalolu Ayodele; Tewasie Francis; Babatunde Samuel; Godwin Joseph; Issa Number and Miracle Solomon.

Others are Abraham Kehinde; Muhammed Bello; Muhammed Muhammed; Ahmadu Umaru and Muhammed Dankai.

The Police First Information Report, FIR, stated that one Simon Adeyemi reported the case of the murder of Olukoro to the Eruku Police Division.

“The suspects pointed a gun at Oba Aremu, ordering him to follow them when he challenged them, after noticing their movement around his grandson.

“It also stated that the Oba’s  grandson escaped through the backdoor, while the suspects proceeded to kill the royal father, kidnapped his wife and one Mercy.”

The Police prosecutor, Abdullah Sanni, told the court about the motion exparte attached to the police report, urging the court to remand the suspects.

In a ruling, Magistrate Monisola Kamson, ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Federal Correctional Centre.

Kamson adjourned the matter to March 5 for further mention.

Source: NAN

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One of such is stealing/cheating. Another is laziness or slothfulness. Liars and unreliable people, those who are not bound by their words, are loathed among the Yoruba. They are to be avoided like a plague. Wealth does not define the Yoruba; character does. Good character, not wealth, is what the Yoruba believe a person should flaunt and which every other person should acknowledge, respect and emulate.

While their Igbo counterparts are busy learning trade and their Hausa counterparts are riding Okada and pushing carts to eke out a living, the Yoruba youths are useless to themselves and to the society.

A number of songs, proverbs, and words of wisdom of our elders are drummed into the ears of every Yoruba child. One such song, which I learnt in elementary school and which remains ingrained in my soul, is: “Kini n f’ole se l’aiye ti mo wa? (2ce) L’aiye ti mo wa ewon ko sunwon/Ewon ko sunwon f’Omoluwabi/Kini n f’ole se l’aiye ti mo wa.” Thieves and vagrants are ostracized; murderers are excommunicated and anyone related to such fellows are enveloped in shame.

Unable to live with such shame, many have been known to commit suicide, considering death a more honourable outcome – “Iku ya j’esin”. Begging was alien to Yoruba land and culture. It used to be considered a shameful thing. The Yoruba taught the virtues of hard and diligent work – “Ise l’oogun ise/Mura s’ise ore mi/Ise la fi n d’eni giga…” Students were taught to study hard – “Bata re a dun ko-ko-ka/Ti o ba ka’we e/ Bata re a dun ko-ko-ka.”

I first noticed it in Lagos – “Eko gb’ole, o gb’ole” – but street begging has since enveloped the entire Yoruba landscape. Beggars of Yoruba extraction compete favourably with those who were seen as the traditional beggars. These days, there are no vices that were loathed in Yoruba land that have not now seized the entire Yoruba landscape. Look around you, the “twale” and “alright sir” boys and girls, the area boys and area girls, are mostly Yoruba youths.

While their Igbo counterparts are busy learning trade and their Hausa counterparts are riding Okada and pushing carts to eke out a living, the Yoruba youths are useless to themselves and to the society. Yet, they insist on living life to the hilt, and on the fast lane, to boot. They are the enforcers. They are the political thugs. They are the “agberos”.  They are the petty thieves waylaying and stripping the hapless of their phones and other valuables at street corners.

Cultism has run riots among Yoruba youths. It is no longer the exclusive preserve of students in the institutions of higher learning. Primary schools, secondary schools, any gathering of youths in Yoruba land these days is infested with cultism. They kill, they maim. Rival groups waste one another with relish.

Evil – all manner of evil – walks naked on our roads, wasting our future before our very eyes. Now, our youths are said to have graduated into the ranks of kidnappers, bandits and terrorists! All eyes used to be on the Fulani but the kidnappers of the Ekiti school children are said to be of Yoruba extraction.

Governance in Yoruba land progressively took a dip the very moment Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in pursuit of his ambition to rule Nigeria, left the office of premier of the Western Region for the position of Leader of Opposition in the Federal parliament. Cracks soon set in between him and his successor, SLA Akintola, with other Action Group leaders siding with this or with that. The Fulani-led government at the Centre cashed in on that, aided by Nnamdi Azikiwe and his Eastern Region, to set the Western Region on fire and send Awo to jail.

From that moment, things fell apart in Yoruba land. Akintola, Fani-Kayode and others betrayed Awo. Fani-Kayode in turn betrayed Akintola. In the Second Republic, the core opponents of Awo were big-time Yoruba politicians and business moguls, the likes of Meredith Adisa Akinloye, Richard Akinjide, Omololu Olunloyo, FRA Williams, Bashorun MKO Abiola, among others.

Dogs began to eat dogs. Bola Ige dumped Alayande out of the Oyo governorship race. Cornelius Adebayo did similarly to Chief Josiah Olawoyin in Kwara state. Both disrespected the counsel of Awo. Ige got his due recompense at D’Rovans, Ibadan years later as his peers ditched him for Chief Olu Falae.

Against Awo’s advice, both Ige and Sunday Afolabi served in President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government in the Fourth Republic. A man who hates your father cannot love you, the son, Awo was reported to have told his two political sons gone errant. Both Ige and Afolabi perished in Obasanjo’s government. Those who did not perish serving Sani Abacha lost relevance and the reputation that had taken them decades to build – the likes of Ebenezer Babatope, Alhaj Lateef Jakande and Olu Onagoruwa, who also lost his first son to the bargain.

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The Fourth Republic started well for the mainstream Yoruba political leadership in 1999 but wily Obasanjo unhinged it four years later in 2003. Only Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Lagos governor survived the Obasanjo tsunami. A new king was born!

Whatever aileth the Yoruba nation today must be placed squarely at the door mouth of the Asiwaju of Yorubaland and Jagaban Borgu. Tinubu uprooted the Awo political dynasty and created a new political empire of his own. The Yoruba nation today is cast, for better or for worse, in the image of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If all is well, give the credit to Tinubu. If all is well the other way round, as our elders would say, hang it as well around Tinubu’s neck!

The creation, nurturing and blossoming of the Yoruba area boys and girls coincided, if I can put it that mildly, with the ascendancy of Tinubu as the master of South-west politics. Coping with the influx of Hausa/Fulani criminals into Yoruba land is difficult enough, especially with the obstacles deliberately put in the way of containing the criminals by Federal power. To now have to contend with the sad spectacle of our own children themselves swelling the ranks of the criminals is distressing, to say the least.

But what do we expect from jobless youths? What do we expect from generations whose destiny has been wasted by our political leaders who have no plan for them other than use them as thugs and then dump them? Why are our youths not being helped to learn a trade like their Igbo counterparts? Whatever you may say, the Fulani are smart; they buy carts and okada for thousands of their youths and then unleash them on us down South. Who will do similarly for our own youths?

Yesterday (Tuesday, 6 February, 2024), I was invited to join the Afenifere team to commiserate with Ekiti State’s Gov. Biodun Oyebanji over the tragedy that befell the state recently. Two traditional rulers were felled by suspected Fulani terrorists and some school children were kidnapped on their way to/from school. God have mercy! Ekiti suddenly became Chibok and Dapchi!

The Afenifere delegation was led by Chief Korede Duyile, who described the disasters as unfortunate. Duyile proffered the following solutions: that the governors of the south-west cooperate more than ever before to confront the security threats facing the sub-region; and that Amotekun, the security outfit of the South-west, be given appropriate arms and ammunition. “We want Amotekun to be fully armed. It is not easy to work with bare hands or with incantations”, he said. He also faulted the country’s structure: “If governors are in control of security, it will be easier to tackle these problems,” he said, adding that the need to restructure the country has become more urgent than ever.

But what do we expect from jobless youths? What do we expect from generations whose destiny has been wasted by our political leaders who have no plan for them other than use them as thugs and then dump them?

Responding, Gov. Oyebanji described the killing of the Obas as “sacrilege and an affront to the Yoruba race”, which he said his government would not take lightly. The culprits would be brought to book, he vowed. Despite party differences, the South-west governors are cooperating on security and had measures in the pipeline before the unfortunate death of their chairman, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state. After giving Akeredolu a befitting burial later this month, the South-west governors will unfurl their plans.

Oyebanji praised President Tinubu for providing leadership and encouragement to Ekiti in its trying moments. Despite being out of the country, he said the president called him on a daily basis and also gave directives that have been of immense benefit to the state. “I want Afenifere to thank him for me” he said before passionately pleading with the Afenifere to forge a common front and work together “because it is only in unity that we can confront and defeat this menace. Your voice carries weight.”

Nigeria needs urgent restructuring. And the South-west itself needs urgent repositioning. Governance must be elevated to a higher level. Hope renewed, which Tinubu promised, must not remain a cliché. Blood and flesh must be infused into it. Time to act is now!

*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 New Telegraph newspaper on Wednesdays. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

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