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Opinion: IBADAN, Honour to the undeserving By Wole Arisekola

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5 years ago

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According to an American lawyer and politician, who served as the 30th president of the United States from 1923 to 1929; Calvin Coolidge, said ‘no person was ever honoured for what he received but honour has been reward for what he gave.’ All over the world, conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving personalities is a way of expressing gratitude for impactful gestures of individuals that have through their magnanimity and benevolence benefited the awarding community whereby gratefulness of the people is bestowed on the beneficiaries of such titles in recognition of their irrefutable impacts with anticipation of continued purposeful living to further enhance the lots of the title awarding community. Invariably, for conferment of chieftaincy to be worth the while, there must be convincing evidence of the presence and stupendous proofs of positive influence of title beneficiary widely felt and appreciated by the members of the title awarding community, otherwise, such titles become a scam. The above depicts is the current trend in the award of Chieftaincy titles by the exalted throne in Ibadanland, Oyo State of Nigeria. Chieftaincy titles come in different worths and diverse values. Some may be taken for granted while others must worth the status. The title "Agba Oye", which refers to "High Chief", is supposed to be preserved for an individual of perpetual influence who has grown through the ranks relentlessly providing shoulders for others to learn on and bringing widespread soccur to all and sundry remaining unwavering and unflinching in his positive impacts on the community over time without being found wanting over a reasonable length of time. The Late Chief Harry Ayoade Akande, the immediate past Agba-Oye of Ibadanland, was known for enormous wealth. He lived in extreme affluence with a record of being rated one of the richest black men ever lived but never had any conspicuous impact on the community that awarded him with one of the most revered titles of the land. As they say, once bitten, twice shy. If the most prestigious title of Ibadanland was given in error in the past, caution ought to be taken to avert the repeat of such a gaffe. A deserving personality for the esteemed title of Agba Oye of any community ought to be a man with a household name in the community with convincing impact and evidence of kind gesture is felt and acknowledged by all and sundry in the community. Late Mufutau Ajadi Lanihun of blessed memory was never a big title holder but his name resonated with philanthropy, care for the downtrodden and peerless love for Ibadanland. Such is the worth of an individual deserving of a respected title in Ibadanland. Curiously, the recent installation of Engr. Kola Karim as the new Agba Oye of Ibadanland leaves some questions unanswered - Who is Kola Karim in the social, religious, communal and philanthropic spheres of Ibadanland? What has been his credence in the Ibadan traditional council, his contributions to societal development of Ibadan city, his evidence of impactful living among the downtrodden not to talk of ingenious associations, the Olubadan palace itself and the central council of Ibadan Indigenes? The Ibadanland ought to have outgrown 'titles for sale syndrome' whereby only the highest bidder takes the weighty honour of the land. This makes titles become cash and carry. Conversly, the award of the revered title of Agba-Oye of Ibadanland puts the beneficiary of the title under spotlight to prove his worth as deserving of the title, otherwise the title is considered awarded in error. Consequently, in order to redress the hideous trend, all concerned stakeholders and prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland must be involved in the selection process of whoever is deserving of titles from the exalted throne of Olubadan since title holders are not only subjects to the Kabiyesi but also have the sanctity of Ibadanland to preserve and the interests of all and sundry in Ibadan to protect. _*Aare Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.*
Opinion: IBADAN, Honour to the undeserving By Wole Arisekola.
According to an American lawyer and politician, who served as the 30th president of the United States from 1923 to 1929; Calvin Coolidge said ‘no person was ever honoured for what he received but honour has been the reward for what he gave.’
All over the world, conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving personalities is a way of expressing gratitude for impactful gestures of individuals that have through their magnanimity and benevolence benefited the awarding community whereby gratefulness of the people is bestowed on the beneficiaries of such titles in recognition of their irrefutable impacts with anticipation of continued purposeful living to further enhance the lots of the title awarding community.
Invariably, for conferment of chieftaincy to be worth the while, there must be convincing evidence of the presence and stupendous proofs of the positive influence of title beneficiary widely felt and appreciated by the members of the title awarding community, otherwise, such titles become a scam.
The above depicts is the current trend in the award of Chieftaincy titles by the exalted throne in Ibadanland, Oyo State of Nigeria.
Chieftaincy titles come in different worths and diverse values. Some may be taken for granted while others must worth the status. The title “Agba Oye”, which refers to “High Chief”, is supposed to be preserved for an individual of perpetual influence who has grown through the ranks relentlessly providing shoulders for others to learn on and bringing widespread succur to all and sundry remaining unwavering and unflinching in his positive impacts on the community over time without being found wanting over a reasonable length of time.
The Late Chief Harry Ayoade Akande, the immediate past Agba-Oye of Ibadanland, was known for enormous wealth. He lived in extreme affluence with a record of being rated one of the richest black men ever lived. But never had any conspicuous impact on the community that awarded him with one of the most revered titles of the land.
As they say, once bitten, twice shy. If the most prestigious title of Ibadanland was given in error in the past, caution ought to be taken to avert the repeat of such a gaffe. A deserving personality for the esteemed title of Agba Oye of any community ought to be a man with a  household name in the community with convincing impact and evidence of kind gesture is felt and acknowledged by all and sundry in the community.
Late Mufutau Ajadi Lanihun of blessed memory was never a big title holder but his name resonated with philanthropy, care for the downtrodden, and peerless love for Ibadanland. Such is the worth of an individual deserving of a respected title in Ibadanland.
Curiously, the recent installation of Engr. Kola Karim as the new Agba Oye of Ibadanland leaves some questions unanswered – Who is Kola Karim in the social, religious, communal, and philanthropic spheres of Ibadanland? What has been his credence in the Ibadan traditional council, his contributions to societal development of Ibadan city, his evidence of impactful living among the downtrodden not to talk of ingenious associations, the Olubadan palace itself and the central council of Ibadan Indigenes?
The Ibadanland ought to have outgrown ‘titles for sale syndrome’.  Whereby, only the highest bidder takes the weighty honour of the land. This makes titles become cash and carry.
Conversely, the award of the revered title of Agba-Oye of Ibadanland puts the beneficiary of the title under the spotlight to prove his worth as deserving of the title, otherwise the title is considered awarded in error.
Consequently, in order to redress the hideous trend, all concerned stakeholders and prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland must be involved in the selection process of whoever is deserving of titles from the exalted throne of Olubadan since title holders are not only subjects to the Kabiyesi but also have the sanctity of Ibadanland to preserve and the interests of all and sundry in Ibadan to protect.
_*Aare Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.*_
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PDP CHIEFTAIN, ONIRETI RESIGNS FROM PARTY, CITES PERSONAL REFLECTION

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7 hours ago

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April 4, 2026

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*PDP CHIEFTAIN, ONIRETI RESIGNS FROM PARTY, CITES PERSONAL REFLECTION

 

A former House of Representatives candidate, Olufemi Onireti, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.

His resignation was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Chairman of PDP Osupa Ward 9, Ogbomoso North Local Government, on Thursday.

Onireti described the decision as a difficult but necessary step after what he termed a period of “deep personal reflection.”

“I hereby formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately,” he wrote.

He acknowledged his years of active involvement in the party, including contesting for the House of Representatives in the last general election, noting that the PDP had offered him a platform for political participation, service, and growth.

Despite his exit, Onireti expressed appreciation to party leaders and members for the support he enjoyed over the years.

“I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the relationships and experiences I gained during my time in the party.
I wish the party well in its future endeavours,” he added.

The development is expected to generate discussions within the Ogbomoso North political circle, as observers await his next political move.

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Harmony Garden Boss, Mr Ibile Celebrates Mogaji Wole Arisekola, Hails Legacy of Leadership and Excellence

Published

8 hours ago

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April 4, 2026

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Harmony Garden Boss, Mr Ibile Celebrates Mogaji Wole Arisekola, Hails Legacy of Leadership and Excellence

 

Renowned real estate entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Harmony Garden & Estate Development Limited, Hon. Dr. Saheed Audullahi Mosadoluwa aka Mr Ibile, has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, in a heartfelt birthday message that has drawn admiration across social circles.

 

In a message shared on his official platform, Dr. Saheed described the celebrant as “a remarkable man, a pillar of strength, wisdom, and legacy,” highlighting his enduring influence on family, community, and leadership circles. The tribute, written on behalf of himself and his children, praised Arisekola’s life as one that continues to inspire greatness and unwavering commitment to service.

 

“Iba Eni for Agba Imole,” he wrote, emphasizing deep respect and reverence for the celebrant’s impactful life. According to him, Arisekola’s voice remains respected, while his legacy is firmly rooted in honor and excellence, qualities that have defined his journey over the years.

 

Offering prayers for continued good health, long life, and greater accomplishments, Mosadoluwa concluded by wishing the elder statesman a peaceful and joyful new year, filled with divine blessings. The message has since resonated with admirers, further reinforcing the strong bond between the two figures and celebrating a legacy of influence and integrity.

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Accolades to Empress Genevieve Wining as she Celebrate birthday in Grand style

Published

12 hours ago

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April 4, 2026

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Accolades to Empress Genevieve Wining as she Celebrate birthday in Grand style

Emmanuel Clement

 

Vilnius, Lithuania – The Grand Hotel Vilnius will host a grand birthday celebration in honor of Her Majesty The Empress Genevieve Wining of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) on April 4th, 2026.

 

 

The four-day event promises to be an extravagant affair, marking the special birthday of Empress Genevieve Wining. The celebration will take place at the prestigious Grand Hotel Vilnius, Lithuania, renowned for its luxurious ambiance and exceptional service.

 

Accolades to Empress Genevieve Wining as she Celebrate birthday in Grand style

 

According to the event flyer, the birthday celebration will be a spectacular occasion, fitting for an empress. Guests can expect an elegant setting adorned with golden accents, sparkling champagne, and festive decorations, creating a regal atmosphere befitting the occasion.

 

The Empress Genevieve Wining of UKA is expected to grace the event, which will include various festivities and celebrations in her honor. The occasion aims to bring together dignitaries, followers, and guests to commemorate the empress’s birthday with grandeur and joy.

 

For media inquiries, accreditation, or further information about the birthday celebration of The Empress Genevieve Wining of UKA, please contact the event organizers.

 

Courtesy of His Excellency Emperor Prof. Solomon Wining. UKA

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