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Make corruption capital offence — Labour
Published
10 years agoon

The anti-corruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari got a major boost, yesterday, as organized labour staged a nationwide protest in support of the crusade, calling for death penalty for corrupt persons. The labour activists also threatened to invade any court where the judge grants perpetual injunction to frustrate anti-graft agencies from prosecuting corrupt persons.
The joint rallies by the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and other affiliates of the labour union tagged: “National Rally on Good Governance and Corruption”, were held in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kaduna and other major cities across the country. Those who spoke at the Abuja rally included factional president of the NLC, Mr Ayuba Wabba, President of the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Bobboi Kaigama, and President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr. Nasir Fagge.
They called for the review of laws guiding the conduct of public officers in the country, stating that the laws of the country as they are currently coded support corruption .
The Abuja rally took officials and members of the NLC, the Trade Union Congress, TUC and other affiliates of the labour union to the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the National Assembly and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Factional president of the NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, in his address at the rally said that Congress was set for a showdown with judges who were frustrating anti-corruption agencies from prosecuting corrupt individuals by granting perpetual injunctions.
Wabba stated that the NLC would no longer fold its hands and allow some members of the judiciary to frustrate the fight against corruption, but would instead insist that those who misappropriated public funds be made to return the funds while they are also made to face the full wrath of the law.
His words: “We will invade the courts of any judge that gives perpetual injunction to corrupt people. We can no longer allow them to frustrate the fight against corruption. Our laws are weak and lack the impetus to discourage corrupt practices. The laws make it possible for corrupt people to return only a fraction of what they stole, while they are given slight punishment as fines”.
He blamed the sorry state of affairs in the country at the moment on the loss of good governance, stating that the leadership of the country should be compelled to be responsible to the citizenry.
He further called on all political appointees to toe the line of the presidency by declaring their assets as well as their liabilities, if any, on assumption of office, at the middle of their tenure and at the end of their tenure.
Also speaking, President of the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Bobboi Kaigama, lamented that corruption has helped in no small measure to hinder the growth and development of the country, stating that for the country to move forward, people must be willing to fight and eliminate corruption.
He said, “We want everyone to turn a new leaf. We will henceforth expose corrupt persons. This is not the time to trade blames, but the time to support the institutions fighting corruption, irrespective of party affiliations. We want people to account for their stewardship.”
Speaking in the same vein, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr. Nasir Fagge, said that the fight against corruption can be achieved with a number of approaches, ranging from ensuring that workers are paid their dues, while the Federal Government must ensure a review of the remuneration system. He called for a deepening of laws that help in the fight against corruption, and the enactment of a legislation to protect whistle-blowers.
“We cannot fight corruption without adequate punishment. To this end, I will advocate strict punishment, especially capital punishment for corrupt individuals.”
FG lauds labour for joining fight against corruption
Receiving the letter on behalf of the Federal Government, Mr. Babachir Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, commended Nigerian workers for aligning with the present administration’s fight against corruption.
According to him, corruption is at the heart of every failure in Nigeria, and assured workers that their request to the President in terms of the fight against corruption would be given utmost attention.
Also speaking, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who was represented by the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Mr. Francis Alimikhena, stated that the present Senate would take the issue of corruption seriously and will not relent until corruption is eliminated.
According to him, one of the numerous signs that the Senate is serious about this issue is the fact that the Senate has resolved that the Private Member’s Bill on corruption would be given accelerated hearing, while other bills bordering on corruption would be given fast-tracked hearing.
On his own part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, who was represented by Mr. Sani Zorro, representing Jigawa State in the House of Representatives, said the House is ready to strengthen the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act and is hopeful that through its activities, corruption would be eliminated or greatly reduced in the country.
At the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office, labour gave the chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde a pat on the back for a job well done and warned corrupt elements in the country to stop distracting Lamorde and EFCC from doing their work, describing them as enemies of the people of Nigeria.
According to them, Lamorde was not only competent and committed to the work of eradicating corruption in Nigeria but was also on track to rein in those whose hands had been tainted.
Issa Aremu, Vice President of the NLC in a short speech during the visit, urged Lamorde not to be discouraged by the recent attacks by corrupt elements who are jittery about the Commission’s activities.
“I remember President Muhammadu Buhari saying that, if we don’t fight corruption, it will kill us. We are here today to strengthen the work of EFCC. As a matter of fact, over the years, EFCC has done its best. As we all know, if you fight corruption, it fights back. I know in recent times, corruption seems to be fighting back. I can recollect that in 2003 when the ICPC, under Justice Mustapha Akanbi was doing a very good job to fight corruption, the National Assembly, suddenly, watered down the system.
“The NLC and TUC stood up that time to defend the ICPC. So, I think we should commend both the NLC and TUC for standing up to join in the fight against corruption. We are witnessing almost the same thing now. I don’t know the details, but my brother, Lamorde, has done very well,” he said
Speaking earlier, NLC factional president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said the rally was in support of the anti-corruption posture of the Muhammadu Buhari administration and the EFCC.
“We are demanding good governance, accountability and transparency, so that we can have enough to cater for the nation’s development,” he said.
Wabba, who advocated that all hands must be on deck to stamp out corruption from Nigeria, pledged labour’s continued support to the current leadership of EFCC in its fight against corruption.
“We urge you to recover all stolen Nigerian money and property. Our prayer is that the laws must be reviewed to make penalty for offenders to include capital punishment. We need to stand in unison and fight this evil called corruption. We must kill it before it kills us all.”
Comrade Wabba then presented a petition, containing the demands of organized labour, to Lamorde for onward delivery to President Buhari.
In a short remark afterwards, Lamorde, stated that the war against corruption would be fought with relentless vigour. He said: “I want to assure you that we are doing our best and will continue to do what we are doing, particularly as all the trade unions are behind us. I truly agree that the time is ripe for all Nigerians to speak with one voice because corruption has continued to slow down the pace of development in our country. We cannot afford to suffer this anymore. Other countries that gained independence about the time Nigeria did are far ahead of us today.”
He further stated that the only way by which the government could function properly was to block all the loopholes through which corruption is perpetrated.
‘’I can assure you that my colleagues and I will always partner with you in the fight against corruption,’’ he said.
In Lagos, labour leaders stormed the office of the Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, protesting high level of corruption in the country and expressing support for the anti-corruption war of President Buhari.
They displayed several placards with inscriptions such as,” Nigerians are not dullards,” Labour backs Buhari’s anti- corruption campaign,” President Buhari stop smuggling,” among others.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, State TUC Chairman, Mr. Akeem Hakeem, who read the position of the labour while presenting a letter to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, noted that corruption in Nigeria had almost destroyed the country.
Lamenting the effect of corruption in the country, he said “In fact, corruption is mostly pronounced in the Nigerian political system and public sector. The belief is that once a person occupies any position, be it the smallest, they will use corrupt practices to enrich themselves”.
Receiving the letter on behalf of the governor, Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, lauded labour leaders for their efforts to eradicate corruption and other vices in the country.
Similarly, in Edo State, labour leaders at a rally held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin called on Nigerians to join the anti-corruption train to move Nigeria forward.
Led by Emmanuel Adedokun, the labour leaders said, “It is our conviction that the elimination of corruption will functionally be the beginning of our national prosperity.
“As an organization whose objective is to promote positive change in Nigeria, we are happy to be associated with the current national posture of the federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari on the frontal attack against corruption.”
Responding, Governor Oshiomhole challenged Nigerian workers to insist on a review of corrupt government policies by past administrations, saying past misdeeds should not be swept under the carpet.
The governor who said the country was gradually returning to the right track under President Muhammadu Buhari said “until recently, I am sure it would have been so hazardous in the face of what appears to be a direct state policy that not to be corrupt is to be endangered and the way to be safe was to ensure that you participate in corrupt practices and everybody kept quiet. We got to the point that those who raised their voice against corrupt practices were all unceremoniously removed from office and in some quarters people clapped.
In Asaba, Delta State, the protesters called on politicians in the state to be above board and avoid corrupt tendencies.
Led by factional chairman of state NLC, and state Chairman of TUC, they said the anti corruption protest was not against Governor Ifeanyi Okowa but a protest against corruption in the country, stressing the need for all hands to be on deck in the fight against corruption and corrupt practices.
Addressing the protesters, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said the war against corruption by President Muhammadu Buhari, was a welcome development and expressed optimism that the President would lead by example.
Noting that the political class alone could not perpetrate corruption without the cooperation of the civil servants, Okowa said the civil service should also purge itself of corrupt officers.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, organised labour used the protest to allay the fears of thousands of workers in the state over a rumour that Governor Abiola Ajimobi had finalized plans to sack some of them.
While assuring the workers, factional chairman of NLC, Mr. Waheed Olojede, insisted that pruning the workforce was not in the agenda of the governor.
“Unfair treatment of Nigerian workers and unrealistic minimum wage have led many workers to live in penury and suffer untold hardships, as a result of corruption. There is a need for self examination to know the place we are not doing well. We must join the train to fight corruption. I want to appeal to you all that the campaign against corruption must be sustained by all and sundry. “
Governor Ajimobi who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Moses Adeyemo, called for combined efforts to rid the country of corruption.
In Ilorin, Kwara State, scores of labour leaders in Kwara State, went round the major streets of Ilorin, armed with placards denouncing the level of corruption in the country.
Led by factional chairman of NLC and state TUC chairman, Yekeen Agunbiade and Kola Olumoh, respectively, they said corruption had created bad image for the country and its citizens, pointing out that it had also led to factory closures, retrenchments and worsened unemployment situation in Nigeria.
Speaking in the same vein, state chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Kola Olumoh stressed the need for Nigerians to support President Buhari’s efforts in eliminating corruption in the country.
The rally which started at the Labour House, beside the State High Court, Ilorin took members of the organised labour union through Ahmadu Bello Way to Government House to submit a letter in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Anti-Corruption crusade.
Receiving the letter, Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, commended labour leaders for ensuring industrial harmony in the state despite recent challenges.
Governor Ahmed, represented by the Head of Service, Hajiya Zahra Omar, promised that the state government would continue to address issues affecting workers in the state and commended the labour for rallying support for the President’s anti-corruption crusade.
She assured Labour that the letter would be forwarded appropriately to the presidency.
In Akure, Ondo State, labour leaders called on Nigerians to support the anti-corruption war, saying any Nigerian or group against the anti-corruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari should be regarded as the country’s enemy of progress and development.
They said that corruption had led to the inability of many state governors to pay their workers salaries and marched through strategic locations in the state such as First Bank junction, NEPA area, State House of Assembly Complex and the Governor’s Office.
Addressing the workers, factional vice-chairman of NLC, Amusa Bakare, said corrupt practices among political office holders had led to unpaid salaries and collapse of the nation’s economy.
A letter on anti-corruption was delivered to Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Jumoke Akindele.
Mimiko was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Kola Ademujimi, while the Majority leader lfedayo Akinsoyinu received the letter on behalf of the speaker.
In Osun State, labour leaders called on politicians, especially public office holders in the state to declare war against corrupt practices.
Factional chairman of NLC, Jacob Adekomi, who led workers on the rally in a letter addressed to the Governor entitled: “National Day of Action Against Corruption and For Good Governance, “We are convinced that this action has become necessary to bring to the fore the urgent need for a national discourse to drastically reduce the cost of governance at all levels (Federal, State and Local Government) against the background of the fall in the price of crude oil, our main source of foreign revenue.
“There is also an urgent need to review and strengthen our anti-corruption legislation. This will remove such loopholes where punishment for crime of conspiracy, breach of trust and embezzlement of N32.8bn police fund was a mere two-year sentence.”
Also in Umuahia, Abia State, labour leaders, who marched from NLC ‘s Secretariat on Aba Road, to the State House of Assembly where NLC factional chairman, Uchenna Obigwe read and handed labour’s letter to the Speaker of the House, Mr. Martins Azubuike, said the protest was to support President Buhari’s anti-corruption war.
The workers displayed placards with inscriptions as “Abia NLC says no to corruption, corruption leads to brain drain, embezzle the nation’s fund and go to jail, all looters of our resources should be brought to book, be a proud Nigerian, shun corruption, corruption is worse than Ebola”, among others.
Addressing the workers, the speaker described them as the engine room of the economy and urged them to join hands with the State Government to rid the State of corruption..
At the Government House, the workers were received by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude OkoChukwu, who commended them for the orderly manner they carried the exercise.
He said Labour and the government were on the same page in the fight against corruption as the administration was committed to the eradication of corruption.
Okochukwu particularly praised labour for the exercise saying “coming from you, it is now a case of bottom-top approach”, which he hope would urgur well for the fight against corruption.
Similarly, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, labour leaders, called on the federal government to come up with a law to deal with those who plunder state resources, saying federal government should set up special court to recover diverted public funds.
Chairman of TUC, Mr Chika Onuegbu, in a statement called on the Professor Itse Sagay-led committee on corruption to come with recommendations to strengthen federal governments resolve to fight corruption to a standstill in the country,
In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, labour leaders who marched through some major streets to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly complex, Bayelsa State Government House, said the protest became imperative because of the negative effects corruption on Nigeria and her citizens.
Led by the factional chairman of NLC and state Chairman of TUC, Ndiomu Bipre and Tari Dounana, respectively, argued that corruption was most pronounced among the politicians, lamenting that corruption had created a bad image for the country and her citizens.
The NLC said, “Non-payment of worker’s salaries has been attributed to corrupt practices of state governors, who have gone into heavy borrowing from the banks to carry out huge projects that they clearly have no capacity for, and use them as conduit pipes to siphon public funds into their personal pockets. Some use the money meant for the state to campaign for re-elections.
In Anambra State, labour leaders said they decided to join hands with Buhari on the anti-corruption crusade because corruption had eaten deep into the fabrics of all sectors of the economy, saying “It is because of corruption that most governors have not paid the minimum wage. It is because of corruption that our hospitals are ill equipped and the civil servants cannot afford the cost of medication in this country. It is because of corruption that there unemployment hence the country cannot progress.”
The protesters demanded among others, the establishment of special anti- corruption courts to try corrupt cases in the country and to ensure that all stolen funds from the national treasury were recovered.
Responding to labour’s demand, Governor Willie Obiano who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Professor Solo Chukwulobelum, urged the labour leaders to look inwards to help government check against workers and other forms of corruption.
At a similar rally held in Kano, the Head of Northwest Zonal Operation of the EFCC, Ishaq Salihu, urged organized labour to partner with the EFCC to carry out its mandate by acting as whistle blowers in any area where they find acts of corruption being perpetrated.
source: vangaurd
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Revealed: How Zamfara Governor’ Dauda Lawal’s Alleged Hosting Of Bandits Leaders Is Generating Fears Amongst Residents
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May 5, 2025
The security crisis in Zamfara State is set to go a full circle after the state governor, Dauda Lawal, secretly met bandit leaders, in a repeat of a strategy that analysts have dismissed as dangerously ineffective and capable of enabling the terrorists to regroup and escalate attacks on Nigerians.
Governor Lawal reportedly hosted the bandit leaders at Command Guest in Gusau, the state capital, on Sunday.
A source privy to the meeting named the bandits who met the governor as Wadalle, Ardo Nashawari, Na’eka and others lead by Alhaji Tukur, the state chairman Meyyeti Allah, and some members of the Fulani community in the state.
The source, who craved anonymity because of the security sensitivity of the issue, explained that “the meeting was held under the guise of reconciliation and was at the behest of and under the instructions of the government of Zamfara State.
“Some of the bandits were escorted to the meeting venue by members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards dressed in military uniform,” the source revealed.
A security analyst in Zamfara State, Alhaji Ahmed Bakare, had some weeks ago said the security challenges in the area “involves some powerful individuals in Nigeria,” saying that there have been mentioned of “some powerful individuals in Zamfara State, who are using their mining sites to influence the bandits ravaging the entire state.”
Another analyst, who crave anonymity, said “These bandits are playing games with the governor because each time the military or federal might goes after them they appear with the gimmick of negotiating amnesty or ceasefire only to disappear with the funds made from the supposed peace initiative and use it to re-arm themselves.
He said, “A thorough analysis will show that the Governor’s approach is faulty and shows that he only cares when the bandits seem to be threatening his gold mining business.”
The governor’s meeting with the bandits have reportedly increased the despondency among residents of the state. The security expert said “residents are of the view that each time such meetings held they have led to more loss of life and destruction of property and that from every indication people no longer have confidence that the governor can bring about lasting peace because the bandits have reportedly shown that they are part of his government.
“People find it unconscionable that the bandits met with the governor and were able to return into the forests without consequences and that same had happened in the past with bandits even getting chieftaincy titles that were followed with more killing of innocent citizens,” he revealed.
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State of Emergency: Zamfara Governor Declares War Against President Tinubu, Matawalle
Published
6 hours agoon
May 5, 2025
***Builds ₦10 Billion War Chest to Wrestle
***Says Zamfara Won’t Be Like Rivers
The Northern Patriots for Justice and Democracy (NPJD) has accused Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, of launching a political war against President Bola Tinubu and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over mounting calls for a declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday and signed by its president, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Gwandu, the group said Governor Lawal has pulled out ₦10 billion from local government funds to bankroll a nationwide and international propaganda campaign aimed at deflecting pressure from the presidency and portraying Zamfara as politically stable.
“We have credible intelligence that Governor Dauda Lawal has withdrawn over ₦10 billion from Zamfara’s local government account to fund media propaganda, mobilise surrogate groups locally and internationally, and mislead the world into thinking Zamfara is not on the brink of collapse,” Gwandu said.
“This war chest is being used to shield his administration from scrutiny, distract the world from the state’s ongoing legislative coup, and dissuade President Tinubu from acting decisively.”
The group also alleged that part of the governor’s media strategy is to sponsor fictitious civil society groups to launch a coordinated smear campaign against Matawalle, including authoring phony petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“These groups have been paid to fabricate petitions against Matawalle and frame him as the enemy of progress in Zamfara,” Gwandu said.
“They are manipulating the narrative, trying to make it seem like the former governor is being hounded for corruption, when in reality, it is Matawalle’s close ties to President Tinubu and his firm stance on insecurity that have made him a target.”
Gwandu further accused the governor’s camp of “weaponising falsehood” against the federal government.
“There is now a calculated attempt to shift public anger toward the presidency by pushing the narrative that Tinubu is responsible for the hunger in the land. But the truth is, Dauda Lawal has squandered the resources of Zamfara State and has virtually nothing to show for his almost two years in office,” he said.
Zamfara has faced growing calls for a state of emergency in recent weeks. Armed attacks have intensified across several local government areas, displacing thousands and deepening the state’s humanitarian crisis.
At the same time, the political structure has fractured, with 10 suspended lawmakers forming a parallel assembly and claiming legislative authority—effectively splitting the house into two warring factions.
The NPJD warned that Governor Lawal’s actions amount to an open confrontation with the federal government.
“This governor says Zamfara is not like Rivers. But what does that mean? The people of Zamfara are dying daily. Children, farmers, traders are caught between bandits and political egos. And instead of cooperating with federal authorities, he’s preparing for war against the same government elected to secure our lives,” Gwandu stated.
“It is irresponsible and dangerous for any sitting governor to wage a political battle against the Commander-in-Chief while his state burns. The message from Gusau is clear: Dauda Lawal is more concerned with 2027 than with the lives being lost in Zurmi, Anka, Maru, and beyond.”
The group condemned the use of state funds to influence public perception, calling it a grave abuse of power.
“Let it be known that Zamfara State is not a monarchy. The constitution does not give any governor the right to withdraw billions of naira without transparency and accountability. That money belongs to the people. Yet we hear of payments made to PR consultants, political lobbyists, and social media influencers to defend the governor rather than defend the people,” the statement added.
Gwandu said NPJD had already submitted petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the alleged financial infractions.
He warned that civil society groups across the north would soon embark on mass action if the federal government fails to act.
“We will not watch in silence as Zamfara is turned into a personal kingdom. If nothing is done, we will mobilise peaceful protests across major cities in the north to draw attention to the abuse of office and worsening insecurity. Enough is enough.”
The group also urged President Tinubu to remain resolute in his mandate and not be swayed by “stage-managed” appearances of stability.
“President Tinubu has a duty, not just to the constitution but to every Nigerian, to act in the interest of national security. Zamfara cannot be allowed to descend further into anarchy because one man wishes to avoid federal oversight. The law must take its course.”
Gwandu further called on traditional rulers, community elders, and religious leaders in Zamfara to speak up, saying their voices are crucial in preserving the state’s democratic integrity.
“Zamfara is bleeding. The people deserve a leadership that puts their safety above politics. This is not a time for fence-sitting. If they remain silent, history will judge them as enablers of the current rot.”
As the federal government considers its next steps, the unfolding drama in Zamfara is fast becoming a test case of constitutional authority, state accountability, and the limits of political grandstanding in the face of national security.
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THE TRUE HISTORY OF ODÙDUWÀ AND YORUBALAND: A CALL FOR HISTORICAL RESTORATION AND TRADITIONAL DIGNITY
Published
7 hours agoon
May 5, 2025
THE TRUE HISTORY OF ODÙDUWÀ AND YORUBALAND: A CALL FOR HISTORICAL RESTORATION AND TRADITIONAL DIGNITY
Security Expert/Surv.
Prince Amb (Dr) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla
Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland,
NIS, DiL, PSU, BSc, MSc
In Yorubaland, we need to forget the colonial history and the religiously influenced narratives about the Yoruba people. The manipulation is too much, to the extent that some ignorant beliefs now dominate our understanding of who we are.
In our historical record, we have two dominant and popular versions of the Odùduwà origin story — but both are fake, without concrete evidence. This distortion is the genesis of many of Yorubaland’s problems. It is the main reason traditional rulers are constantly fighting for supremacy, especially between the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo. Some people support the Ooni, while others support the Alaafin.
This fight will only stop if we return to our original history — the story that says Odùduwà came from heaven (Odùduwà Tèwòràn). This version has strong backing in oral tradition and spiritual belief, and evidence of it exists up to this day.
1. The history that claims Lamurudu (or Lamududu) gave birth to Odùduwà, who then gave birth to Okanbi, who then had seven children — is a fabricated lie. It was created by religious leaders when they wanted to condemn our traditions and culture. They found it difficult to accept that Odùduwà came down from heaven. Instead, they wanted us to believe that they were the first settlers on earth.
2. Another story says Odùduwà came from an Arabian country and refused to accept Islam. This, too, is a fantastical and fabricated lie. There is no proof anywhere that Odùduwà came from the Arabian Peninsula to Ile-Ife. There is no house or trace of Lamurudu or Okanbi in Ile-Ife till today. They used the fact that our forefathers couldn’t read or write to manipulate the history of Odùduwà and the Yoruba people.
Some people find it difficult to believe that Odùduwà came from heaven (Tèwòràn), but my question is: do those who reject that story believe in God? If they do, then they should also believe that there is nothing Almighty God cannot do.
If they believe the religious stories in the Quran and the Bible — for example:
That a fish swallowed someone for three days (Prophet Yunus / Jonah),
That someone died and rose after three days (Jesus Christ),
That Allah sent angel Jubril to Prophet Muhammad,
That Prophet Muhammad married a wife at age six,
That a baby used his leg to dig the ground and created a stream (Zamzam water),
Then they should also accept Yoruba traditional beliefs as recorded in Ifa. These things may be hard to believe, but they are accepted in faith so our own traditions deserve the same respect.
Let me make this clear: Odùduwà did not have only seven children. That story is another fabrication by religious and colonial scholars. I can categorically say that Odùduwà had many children not just seven or one but that is a story for another day.
The only person who has rights across the entirety of Yorubaland is Alaafin. This is based not only on oral and traditional history but also on legal judgment. During the reign of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, there was a legal matter between the Alaafin and the past Ooni, Oba Adesoji Aderemi. The matter went to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the Alaafin affirming that he has overarching rights in Yorubaland. Only Alaafin has the authority to confer titles over Yorubaland.
*Some important clarifications:*
The issue of Alaafin not standing up to greet the Ooni at an event is not an insult. It is in fact the correct tradition. No king is expected to stand up and greet another person whether they are a king or not.
In the Nigerian constitution and protocol, it may be required that Obas stand to greet governors and presidents, but in our Yoruba culture and tradition, it is wrong.
You will never see respected Obas like the Awùjalẹ̀ of Ijẹbu, the Aláké of Ẹ̀gbá, or other prominent rulers attending events anyhow or behaving like ordinary citizens.
The Ooni must respect Yoruba culture and stop attending every event and visiting politicians constantly. I hope that the new Alaafin, Ọba Ọláyẹmí Ọwọádé, will uphold the dignity of the throne and not join such practices. Traditional rulers must carry themselves with the dignity of their titles.
A king should not:
Shake hands or hug people unnecessarily.
Stand to greet anyone if already seated with the royal staff (Ọpá Aṣẹ or Irukere).
Eat or drink in public.
Uncover their head outside their inner chambers.
*The Supremacy of the Alaafin*
Let it be known: the Ooni is not the supreme king in Yorubaland. Alaafin is more supreme according to our traditions and culture. Alaafin’s throne is the only empire in Yorubaland. Any tribe or person who claims that Alaafin has no control over their land is simply being dismissive or ignorant.
We must return to the truth. We must respect our traditions. We must believe in our own story as much as we believe in others. Only then can we have unity, peace, and dignity in Yorubaland.
Legal Clarification Regarding the Supreme Court Case
There has been widespread reference to a Supreme Court case involving His Highness Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi (Alaafin of Oyo) and Oba Adesoji Aderemi (Ooni of Ife),
*The previously cited case*
Case Title: His Highness Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi (Alaafin of Oyo) & Others v. Attorney-General of Oyo State & Others
Suit Number: SC.409/1968
Citation: (1984) 1 S.C.N.L.R. 525
Actually involved a boundary dispute between Oyo and Ogbomosho communities, not a supremacy contest between the Alaafin and the Ooni. The Supreme Court upheld the administrative powers of the Boundary Settlement Commissioner,
This clarification is important to maintain factual accuracy while upholding the strong call to cultural truth and identity.
Security Expert/Surv.
Prince Amb (Dr) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla
Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland,
NIS, DiL, PSU, BSc, MSc
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