Traditional
How Ohanaeze Panel Nailed ChiefJohn Uche Over Multiple Frauds ,Criminality, Anti – Igbo Activities
Published
4 years agoon
By Ifeoma Ikem
The alleged self inflicted negative revelations and travails of the embattled sacked first President of Lagos Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Uche , also known as Ugobueze , appears unending. It was learnt that the alleged Ex – Communicated and disgraced Chief John Uche, had inadvantently opened a flood gate of revealations of his dirty past, when he was said to have started a campaign of calumny against some Igbo Statesmen, after his said selfless and greedy request of 60 % of incomes accruing to the Apex Igbo Social Cultural Organization failed. However , Fresh facts was said to have emerged in why Chief John Uche , first President of Lagos Ohanaeze Ndigbo , was impeached from office on August 3, 2001 by Mkpuke Committee which allegedly found his activities dishonorable, reprehensible and capable of dragging the hard earned reputation of Ohanaeze into disrepute.
Our correspondent gathered from available information in our disposal that crises had engulfed the organization, shortly after Uche assumed office as President.
Sources at Ohanaeze National headquarters, revealed that fierce were the crises that factions emerged, part of which was headed by John Uche.
Consequently, the Enugu headquarters of the organization was said to have been inundated with deluge of petitions against the administration of Uche, some of which were life threatening, including but not limited to fraud, arm twisting, lies and outright sabotage.
Prominent among the petitions was the fraud allegation by Igbo Forum Dock Workers Union, IFDWU, who were displaced by Ojo Madueke, then Transport Minister.
Aggrieved Pettitioners alleged that With their livelihood hanging in the balance, the displaced dock workers approached the then John Uche led Ohanaeze for intervention. However, that step was said to have turned out regrettable,as it was a case of adding salt to injury.
Their petition, dated January 9, 2001 and addressed to Hon. Justice Eze Ozobu, former Ohanaeze Ndigbo national chairman, was said to had explained , how they were made to pay huge sum of money through John Uche’s wife, with a promise to facilitate “a dialogue with Mallan Bello Gwandu” who was then Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA’s managing director, only to realize later that “it was a ruse,” they lamented.
To perfect his falsehood, they narrated how John Uche fraudulently introduced a non existing Major General Emmanuel Azubuike Udochukwu, as a former Bendel State governor and close associate of Buhari through matrimony.
The unsuspecting Ndigbos were lured into parting with various sum of money with assurance of getting NNPC’s and NPA’s contracts.
Regrettably, the dock workers who had depended on John Uche for intervention on their plight, were alleged to have had their hopes dashed.
Allegedly, In another petition, John Uche was said to had collected monies from unsuspecting Ndigbos with lies that Lagos government was targeting Ndigbo through a policy of Certificate of Occupancy, C of O renewal. Many were said to have fallen for his antics.
He was yet again said to have had another petition against him which bordered on usurping the functions of both the secretary and deputy president of the association. They accused him of despotic and totalitarian styles.
The petitioners recalled with bitterness how mails emanating from the stable of Lagos Ohanaeze were filled with errors. Similarly, another petition pointed out how Ohanaeze’s activities were administered at Surulere national stadium beer parlours as against a befitting facility in Yaba which Chief John Nwatu had donated to the organization. But for no justifiable reason, the facility was abandoned by John Uche.
In the documents released by Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership in Lagos, it stated that John Uche’s activities to the Ndigbos, became demeaning.
Hence to them, the petitions also painted John Uche as a criminal and fraud which, if not checked, would stain Ndigbo’s integrity.
Considering the weight of the allegations and the strategic importance of the Lagos Chapter, as well as the fate of its large population of Ndigbo residents, “the leaders of the social cultural organization, had compelling reasons to intervene through a 5- man reconciliation committee headed by late MCK Ajuluchukwu, which sat on July 9, 2001, in Enugu Government Reservation Area, GRA. The committee had been set up on March 24, 2001”.
They also noted that the reconciliation sitting at Enugu, turned out to be another opportunity for Uche to exhibit his web of intrigues. ” Sitting which began at 11am was delayed by Uche who endlessly searched for his defence documents. The peace meeting degenerated into a show down as a result of Uche’s antics, who at some point, accused one Mrs Tyna Adike of not being an Ohanaeze’s member on the grounds that she married a Yoruba man. Beside, he delayed the elders for a reasonable length of time.
By 3.45 pm on that fateful day, the panel, getting frustrated, rose and declared “ We cannot wait in vain for the arrival of Chief John Uche’s reply which may take never never.”
“They summarized his arrogance with Aristletolian philosophy saying “He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander.”
This summary was the final nail on his presidency’s coffin.
In particular, the committee reckoned that Uche’s continuous stay in office with all the 419 allegations, would “damage Ndigbo forever before other Nigerians.” “His infractions,unethical attitudes, to them, were inimical to Ohanaeze’s ideology.
With that, the Ohanaeze, through a communiqué, signed by Chief Philip Umeadi, SAN, chairman and Chief MCK Ajuluchukwu, unequivocally held that “John Uche stands impeached and removed as a functionary of Ohanaeze Lagos State either as president or chairman.”
Years after and only recently, precisely on June 30, 2020, the Ohanaeze Elders Council led by Chief Oliver Akubueze and made up of Chief Andy Moore; Chief Sunday Udeh; Chief Mrs Kate Onyechere; Eze Ikem Agbasi; Eze Anthony Anosike; Eze Okpotemba; High Chief Mbamara and Chief Mrs Ada Ofoegbu, were said to have had reasons to address the world through a press conference.
According to them, John Uche had issued a false accusation where he alleged that Chief Solomon Ogbonna, President of Lagos State Ohaneze Ndigbo tendered a fake academic certificate to get to the helms of affair.
Chief Oliver Akubueze, chairman council of elders while reading the press statement stated that the group would want to state that academic certificate was not a prerequisite for leading Ndigbo.
Chief Akubueze was quoted to have stressed that John Uche must explain to Ohaneze Ndigbo the source of the certificate that was being peddled.
“We want to make it clear that the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos State does not require an academic certificate to lead Ndigbo in Lagos, which is why Ogbonna never tendered any certificate to anyone or group. What are required are, ability to speak Igbo language fluently, wisdom, intelligence, human relation and altruism. Chief Solomon Ogbonna has given Ndigbo a voice in Lagos. We will not allow the mischief-maker to undermine the reputation of the president and the entire Ndigbo in Lagos”
The elders, therefore, excommunicated John Uche from its activities for peddling falsehood which included not being allowed to attend Ohaneze Ndigbo events, not eating with members, not engaging in business transactions with members, among other conditions.
Akubueze maintained that any member who flouts the rule would face the same fate.
The organization’s Lagos Secretary, Chief Everest Ozonweke, said that the action was taken to avoid people taking undue advantage of privileges given to them.
Meanwhile, Chief Solomon Aguene, driven by his vision of peace and unity of the Igbo socio-cultural organization, has set up a template for the direction of Lagos Ndigbo.
Within two years, Aguene and his team have put up a befitting secretariat in Surulere where the over four million Ndigbos in Lagos now congregate to dissect issues that are of common interest. This was unlike the pre Aguene’s era where Ndigbo matters were discussed at beer parlours.
In like manner, Aguene, a business man himself, has elevated the economic bearings of the Lagos Ndigbo through an agreement with Fidelity Bank for seamless transactions and financial supports for Ndigbos’ enterprise home and abroad.
His host government, Lagos State government has, for the first time, found so much comfort with the Aguene’s led Ndigbo in a manner that Ndigbo’s welfare are currently upper most in governor Sanwo-Olu’s considerations even as the Ndigbo are co operating with the APC government for a harmonious living and business environment.
He has also step up Ndigbo’s relationship with their host government headed by governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who recently supported Lagos Ndigbo’s widows’ entrepreneurial endeavours with N100, 000 each.
“I am very okay with what God has blessed me with. I have travelled to almost all parts of the world for exhibitions and other businesses. I am very deep in art exhibitions and I have exhibited arts across Continents in the world. I am into Real Estate. I am also into Igbo Cultural Display. My plans for Lagos Ndigbo is to move the organization forward and not to cheat by sharing its money that may come through voluntary donations by members and other good wills,” he said.
Aguene, who is undoubtedly innocent of Uche’s inconsistent fiction, is still committed to bringing progressive leadership and developmental framework that will move Ndigbo forward and out of the dark slumps.
In a recent statement, Aguene assured Ndigbo of his “commitment to Ndigbos welfare and favorable moments.”
However, ” Uche’s failure to present a narrative consistent with the reality, once again, gives him out as a liar who currently struggles for relevance, Chief Ozonweke Said “.
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]
society
Tribute To My Late proprietary philanthropy boss Architect Otunba Taiwo Mathew Ologun
Published
12 months agoon
December 15, 2023Tribute To My Late proprietary philanthropy boss Architect Otunba Taiwo Mathew Ologun
Oh death where is thy sting? Still very much in shock at your demise. I just feel I’m having a nightmare which I feel someone should just pinch me and say Ewenla it’s a big lie or say December fool”
I got the shock of my life, when I heard the news that you passed on. It’s so unfortunate we finally lost a great man
I will never forget your reactions and your contributions when I was wrongly alleged in 2019 because of my involvement and aspiration in politics. You boldly told the police that if it’s Prince Amb (Dr) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla they’re talking about he will never be involved in vandalization it is a man of integrity I trust him he served me for years before his establishment. You put it into writing and video recording. Despite the fact that I wasn’t with you then.
Unlike a detestable coward, A hater human being who I thought he is a human being and a very good person but not knowing he is an animal in human skin who always prays for people downfall
Arc Otunba Taiwo Mathew Ologun you were the best boss ever best administrator. You were a no nonsense man and straightforward boss. You were also a great philanthropist a superb role model, a wonderful boss and father, a go getter, a national builder, an exceptional boss and a pace setter.You touched so many lives and left your indelible marks.
Eternal rest grant unto you, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon you. May you rest in peace. Amen.
Thank you so much boss for the strong professional foundation you laid for me I started my property business career with you and my two (2) good friends Akeem Olawale Sheu and Late Lateef Ashaka may his soul rest in peace.
My story cannot be completed without mention you. Late Kunle Iwa and Late Babatunde Omole. Rest in peace to you all
Arc Otunba Mathew Ologun you always make me believe in myself, Mouldings me professionally to be the best I can be today. Thank you for always making me know I’m the best version of me. Thank you also for giving me the opportunity to be trained so much by you and also contributing my own quota to my very own root. Thank you for always correcting me when I’m wrong and also showering praises when you’re impressed. Your impact is felt all over the world.If tears could bring you back our tears by now would have made a stair case to heaven to bring you right back to us.
The entire Adedas staff and members will miss you so much. Heaven gained and earth lost a rare gem.You can never be forgotten forever in our hearts.Rest in God’s bossom. We love you but God loves you most
Love you always.
Security Expert/Estate Developer
Prince Amb ( Dr) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla
Nis DiL Bsc Msc
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Traditional
SANWO-OLU AFFIRMS ‘ABSOLUTE’ CONFIDENCE IN ONIRU, AS MONARCH UNVEILS DEVELOPMENT BLUEPRINT
Published
4 years agoon
September 6, 2020•Tinubu To Oba Lawal: ‘You Need Character To Succeed’
•Oniru Holds Coronation Reception, Uncovers Official Royal Insignia
The installation rite of His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbahan Lawal, as the 15th Oniru of Iru land in Lagos State, has come to peak with the coronation reception and public presentation of the kingdom’s insignia on Sunday.
The event, held at the Iru palace on Victoria Island, was marked with a parade of royalty and culture.
A roll call of VIPs, administrators and politicians, led by Leader of the All Progressives Congress APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu graced the occasion, which was also attended by traditional rulers within and outside of the State, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and the representatives of Oba of Lagos, Alayeluwa Rilwan Akiolu.
First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, was also at the event.
The reception, which was initially suspended due to the State’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols, came three months after Oba Lawal formally received traditional staff of office and instrument of appointment from Gov. Sanwo-Olu to ascend the Iru throne.
At the event, Oba Lawal, a three-time member of the State Executive Council, unveiled his economic development plan for the kingdom, Let’s Develop Iruland Together condensed in acronym “LeGIt”. The blueprint, the monarch disclosed, is tailored to reflect key deliverables of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
The Governor, in his remark, described traditional institutions as “indispensable branch” of Yoruba society, stressing that the socio-economic growth witnessed in Iru kingdom in the last two decades had contributed in no small measure to the development of Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, commended the monarch for keeping peace and for sustaining the effort to unite members of the royal families after ascending the throne.
The Governor said he looked forward to more rewarding development activities in Iru land, but urged denizens to rally round the Oniru and maintain peace in order to achieve the monarch’s outlined objectives.
Sanwo-Olu said he had absolute confidence in the leadership ability of Oba Lawal to transform the kingdom into a 21st century city of commerce and culture, urging him to bring his wealth of experience in public service to bear in the administration of Iru land.
He said: “I have absolute confidence in the ability and capacity of His Royal Majesty to bring about greater transformation that will benefit everybody and further reposition Iruland within the metrics of development in Lagos State.
“During the installation ceremony in June, I enjoined the Oniru to strengthen the existing bond of unity within Iruland for the overall development of peace and progress of this kingdom. Two months on the throne, I’m pleased to note that the monarch took this advice to heart as exemplified by his very impressive actions characterised by wisdom, knowledge and large heartedness.
“My advice to all citizens of this great kingdom, as well as residents, is to continue to stand firm and united behind the king in order to advance the development and prosperity of this kingdom for the benefit of all.”
The APC National Leader said the event should signal an end to the tussle and controversies that trailed the selection of Oba Lawal as Oniru, saying it was time the kingdom moved on.
He vouched for the leadership qualities of the monarch, pointing out that Oba Lawal has enormous capacity to endure, learned and listens.
Tinubu, who described the Oniru as a son, said the Oniru was a good choice for the kingdom and urged members of ruling houses in the kingdom to rally round the Oniru for the progress of Iru land.
Tinubu, however, urged the monarch to show good character as key component of his leadership, noting that his effort to move the kingdom forward would be futile without character.
Oba Lawal described the event as “another significant chapter” in the annals of the kingdom, thanking Governor Sanwo-Olu for approving his selection by the kingmaker and the support since his installation.
He specially praised Asiwaju Tinubu, whom he called a mentor and father, for giving him the opportunity of his shots in public service.
The monarch said the priorities of his leadership would focus on socio-economic development of the kingdom, disclosing that the palace had established an independent nonprofit organisation – HRM Abisogun II Foundation for Peace and Development (HAIIF) – with the objective to drive multi-stakeholder partnerships for peace and prosperity of the kingdom.
He said: “The burning desire to proffer pragmatic solutions to challenges facing Iru land has led to the initiative called LeGIT. This will be a rallying point and clarion call to all stakeholders to work with me to develop Iru into one of the most sustainable communities in Lagos. Our plans are in line with development agenda of the Governor.”
The monarch, thereafter, unveiled the traditional insignia of the kingdom, which reflects Iru culture and its dominant means of livelihood. The insignia depicts fishermen, newbouldia leaves and the iconic Iru crown in golden hues.
The event was resplendent in royal fascination, with various culture troupes and drummers entertaining guests with rendition of folk songs and poem.
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news
#HurricaneHarvey: Photo of mother and baby’s rescue becomes symbol of storm
Published
7 years agoon
August 30, 2017
The photo by AP photographer David J. Phillip of mother Catherine Pham and her 13 months old baby’s rescue have also become a symbol of storm.In the photo, little Aiden Pham, swaddled in a blanket nestled asleep in his mother’s arms as they were carried by police officer Daryl Hudeck as floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey surged around them in southwest Houston.“I was just keeping an eye out and as soon as I saw the SWAT team member carrying her and then seeing the baby, I just couldn’t believe that baby was wrapped up in there and not crying,” photographer David Phillip, 51, said of the moment Sunday afternoon when his lens found the trio.“It was just tender. It was very special.” he added.Phillip said the woman and child were rescued along with the baby’s father from their home in the city’s Meyerland section, where water reached many roofs.By Monday, the image had quickly become a symbol of the storm and rescue efforts, featured across the web and many front pages.The Phams, carried to a police staging point at a high spot in the road, were quickly whisked away, giving Phillip just a minute or two to get their names and witness their relief.“House is completely flooded, but at least we are all together,” Catherine Pham posted on her Facebook page late Sunday. “We are so thankful that God was looking over us today!”Soon after the Phams were rescued, Phillip said he broke away to transmit the photos. It’s a good thing, too. Not long after, a boat he was on hit an object underwater, probably a submerged car, and the photographer was pitched backward into the water. His leg was scraped by the boat’s outboard motor before fire department rescuers could pull him on board. One of his cameras and all the images it contained were lost.
The photo by AP photographer David J. Phillip of mother Catherine Pham and her 13 months old baby’s rescue have also become a symbol of storm.In the photo, little Aiden Pham, swaddled in a blanket nestled asleep in his mother’s arms as they were carried by police officer Daryl Hudeck as floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey surged around them in southwest Houston.“I was just keeping an eye out and as soon as I saw the SWAT team member carrying her and then seeing the baby, I just couldn’t believe that baby was wrapped up in there and not crying,” photographer David Phillip, 51, said of the moment Sunday afternoon when his lens found the trio.“It was just tender. It was very special.” he added.Phillip said the woman and child were rescued along with the baby’s father from their home in the city’s Meyerland section, where water reached many roofs.By Monday, the image had quickly become a symbol of the storm and rescue efforts, featured across the web and many front pages.The Phams, carried to a police staging point at a high spot in the road, were quickly whisked away, giving Phillip just a minute or two to get their names and witness their relief.“House is completely flooded, but at least we are all together,” Catherine Pham posted on her Facebook page late Sunday. “We are so thankful that God was looking over us today!”Soon after the Phams were rescued, Phillip said he broke away to transmit the photos. It’s a good thing, too. Not long after, a boat he was on hit an object underwater, probably a submerged car, and the photographer was pitched backward into the water. His leg was scraped by the boat’s outboard motor before fire department rescuers could pull him on board. One of his cameras and all the images it contained were lost.
The photo by AP photographer David J. Phillip of mother Catherine Pham and her 13 months old baby’s rescue have also become a symbol of storm.In the photo, little Aiden Pham, swaddled in a blanket nestled asleep in his mother’s arms as they were carried by police officer Daryl Hudeck as floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey surged around them in southwest Houston.“I was just keeping an eye out and as soon as I saw the SWAT team member carrying her and then seeing the baby, I just couldn’t believe that baby was wrapped up in there and not crying,” photographer David Phillip, 51, said of the moment Sunday afternoon when his lens found the trio.“It was just tender. It was very special.” he added.Phillip said the woman and child were rescued along with the baby’s father from their home in the city’s Meyerland section, where water reached many roofs.By Monday, the image had quickly become a symbol of the storm and rescue efforts, featured across the web and many front pages.The Phams, carried to a police staging point at a high spot in the road, were quickly whisked away, giving Phillip just a minute or two to get their names and witness their relief.“House is completely flooded, but at least we are all together,” Catherine Pham posted on her Facebook page late Sunday. “We are so thankful that God was looking over us today!”Soon after the Phams were rescued, Phillip said he broke away to transmit the photos. It’s a good thing, too. Not long after, a boat he was on hit an object underwater, probably a submerged car, and the photographer was pitched backward into the water. His leg was scraped by the boat’s outboard motor before fire department rescuers could pull him on board. One of his cameras and all the images it contained were lost.
The photo by AP photographer David J. Phillip of mother Catherine Pham and her 13 months old baby’s rescue have also become a symbol of storm.In the photo, little Aiden Pham, swaddled in a blanket nestled asleep in his mother’s arms as they were carried by police officer Daryl Hudeck as floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey surged around them in southwest Houston.“I was just keeping an eye out and as soon as I saw the SWAT team member carrying her and then seeing the baby, I just couldn’t believe that baby was wrapped up in there and not crying,” photographer David Phillip, 51, said of the moment Sunday afternoon when his lens found the trio.“It was just tender. It was very special.” he added.Phillip said the woman and child were rescued along with the baby’s father from their home in the city’s Meyerland section, where water reached many roofs.By Monday, the image had quickly become a symbol of the storm and rescue efforts, featured across the web and many front pages.The Phams, carried to a police staging point at a high spot in the road, were quickly whisked away, giving Phillip just a minute or two to get their names and witness their relief.“House is completely flooded, but at least we are all together,” Catherine Pham posted on her Facebook page late Sunday. “We are so thankful that God was looking over us today!”Soon after the Phams were rescued, Phillip said he broke away to transmit the photos. It’s a good thing, too. Not long after, a boat he was on hit an object underwater, probably a submerged car, and the photographer was pitched backward into the water. His leg was scraped by the boat’s outboard motor before fire department rescuers could pull him on board. One of his cameras and all the images it contained were lost.
The photo by AP photographer David J. Phillip of mother Catherine Pham and her 13 months old baby’s rescue have also become a symbol of storm.In the photo, little Aiden Pham, swaddled in a blanket nestled asleep in his mother’s arms as they were carried by police officer Daryl Hudeck as floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey surged around them in southwest Houston.“I was just keeping an eye out and as soon as I saw the SWAT team member carrying her and then seeing the baby, I just couldn’t believe that baby was wrapped up in there and not crying,” photographer David Phillip, 51, said of the moment Sunday afternoon when his lens found the trio.“It was just tender. It was very special.” he added.Phillip said the woman and child were rescued along with the baby’s father from their home in the city’s Meyerland section, where water reached many roofs.By Monday, the image had quickly become a symbol of the storm and rescue efforts, featured across the web and many front pages.The Phams, carried to a police staging point at a high spot in the road, were quickly whisked away, giving Phillip just a minute or two to get their names and witness their relief.“House is completely flooded, but at least we are all together,” Catherine Pham posted on her Facebook page late Sunday. “We are so thankful that God was looking over us today!”Soon after the Phams were rescued, Phillip said he broke away to transmit the photos. It’s a good thing, too. Not long after, a boat he was on hit an object underwater, probably a submerged car, and the photographer was pitched backward into the water. His leg was scraped by the boat’s outboard motor before fire department rescuers could pull him on board. One of his cameras and all the images it contained were lost.
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