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Restore our kingship to promote economy In Ijegun—Egba, Residents Begs Governor Sanwo-olu

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Restore our kingship to promote economy In Ijegun—Egba, Residents Begs Governor Sanwoolu

 

 

 

Indigenes and residents of the Ijegun Egun Egba community in the Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, have appeased the town’s Ogun Ajobo shrine with high expectation that the town will have its own monarch after hundreds of years.

 

 

 

 

 

Our correspondent reports that the indigenes also called on the State Government to prevail on the Local Government authority in the area to desist from interfering in their rights to worship.

 

 

 

 

The residents alleged that the chairperson of Oriade Local Government, Hon Ramota Akinola- Hassan, in her bid to stop them from appeasing the gods, wrote petitions to law enforcement agencies to prevent them from appeasing the town’s deity.

They stated that President Bola Tinubu approved a monarch for the town when he was the Governor of the state but the town never had any as the approved monarch was not crowned till his death.

Indigenes of the town, while speaking with newsmen during the Ogun Ajobo Festival, expressed their strong belief that the festival will herald the crowning of a monarch in the Awori community.

One of the leaders in the town, Prince Raji Haruna, said “It is the biggest celebration amongst residents of this community. It is our heritage! Our Ogun Ajobo has been our saviour for over five hundred years”.
He added, “Our forefathers have been appeasing it for over 500 years. With this appeasement, we expect peace and progress in ijegun Egba, Lagos State and Nigeria”.

On their aspiration of the time for the next celebration, Haruna said “We want foreign investors to celebrate with us next year”

A 90-year old woman, Musilimotu Raji, popularly known as Mama Shoba, also said, “Our forefathers have been celebrating it every year. It is premordial; it belongs to Aina Jagun Aturu, the progenitor of this town”.

She added, “After every appeasement, we enjoyed progress, good health and development. Ogun used to be our health centres. Traditional worshippers used it in the past for pregnant women to ensure safe delivery”.
Mama Shoba also said that strangers from all parts of the country also visited Ijegun Egba to appease Ogun Ajobo.

“We have allowed non indigenes to also appease it in the past” she said.
On what she wants from the Ogun Ajobo Festival this year, she said “We want a king in Ijegun Egba. We want to have our own monarch after all these years”.

“I heard that they were stopping us from worshipping the gods of our forebears. They should not destroy the heritage of our forefathers. Ogun Ajobo is not politics! They should allow my people to worship the gods of their roots.”

A centenarian, 120-year old Alaba Moliki said, “I am from the neighboring town, Ibasa, but I am married to them in Ijegun Egba. I know how valuable Ogun Ajobo has been to them. This Ogun is our heritage. My father is from Ibasa. He has his Ogun. We eat dog over there but here they don’t eat the dog”.

She also expressed her strong belief that, “It (Ogun Ajobo) will help to have them crown an Oba in Ijegun Egba. If not for my weakness, I would have done wonders during this celebration”.

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

 

In recognition of his impactful contributions to clothing and textile industry in Ogun state in particular and Nigeria in general, the Governing Council of Tai Solarin University of Education, ijagun is set to honour the Founder of Wessy Creations, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu, with the Doctor of Science, D.sc Ed (Honoris causa) in Textile and Clothing.

The letter of conferment of the award dated September 30, 2024 with reference number TASUED/REG.122/VOL.1/006 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, indicated that: “The Award is in recognition of your passion for education, and numerous contributions to the advancement of human race in general.”

The letter reads further: “The University takes special recognition of your numerous professional achievements and community services, including your exemplary leadership roles in our Nation as an elder statesman whose modest achievements and accomplishments represent the idea of integrity and selflessness, which our University stand for.
“The University joins well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating your humble, worthy, and outstanding legacies in the service of humanity.
“We also congratulate you and your family on your many notable achievements in life”.

The conferment ceremony is slated for Thursday, 28th November, 2024 at the School Auditorium in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

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Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

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Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

 

The family of a Nigerian businessman, Olatunji Abdul, imprisoned in South Africa, has called on the Nigerian government and the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to intervene and save his life urgently.

The family, at a press conference on Thursday at Ikeja, alleged that Olatunji, a businessman and humanitarian, who has been held in a South African prison since 2019, is a victim of false charges allegedly orchestrated by state agents and xenophobic business rivals and that he is facing imminent danger.

PUNCH Metro gathered that through a petition submitted by the founder of Zarephath Aid, Ben Abraham, an international criminal justice organisation, the family narrated the ordeal of the Osun State-born entrepreneur.

 

Abdul, who relocated to South Africa in 2009, established himself as a prominent figure in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

According to the family, as the founder and CEO of Hydro Club, a leading hospitality consultancy in Johannesburg, he provided employment opportunities for Nigerians and supported businesses, students, and tourists in the diaspora.

However, his family believes his success made him a target for xenophobic competitors and corrupt officials.

 

Olatunji’s brother, Sesan, revealed that in 2019, these forces allegedly initiated a scheme, called “#DestroyAbdul,” aimed at destroying his reputation and business ventures.

Sesan claimed that this led to his wrongful arrest, denial of bail, and coercion into providing false confessions.

“In 2020, Olatunji was convicted on charges of theft and sentenced to 15 years in prison, a sentence his supporters insist was based on fabricated evidence.’

“Despite being granted leave to appeal his sentence in November 2024, Abdul is said to be facing further challenges as his efforts to secure legal representation for his appeal have been thwarted.

 

“Several lawyers have reportedly withdrawn from his case due to threats and intimidation, leaving him to represent himself in court,” he said.

His family further stated that his situation is worsening, with fears of poisoning in prison and the confiscation of his laptop, which he needed for legal preparation.

The family, along with Zarephath Aid, appealed to the FG to act swiftly to prevent Olatunji’s death.

 

“If nothing is done, we risk losing a man who has brought pride to Nigeria and significantly contributed to the Nigerian diaspora.”

The petition reads. “Abdul is not a criminal; he is a victim of a malicious plot to destroy him.”

Olatunji’s physical and emotional health has reportedly deteriorated.

His family added that without intervention, his life remains in grave danger.

“This is not just about Abdul,” said Ben Abraham of Zarephath Aid. “It is about protecting Nigerians abroad who face unjust persecution despite their positive contributions.

 

“Abdul is an example of what Nigerians can achieve, and he deserves the protection of his country,” he said.

“Abdul is not just a businessman; he is a father, a son, and a role model for Nigerians in the diaspora. Nigeria must act now to bring him home,” the family stated.

 

 

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How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death 

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How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death 

How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death

 

The Ogun State Police Command on Thursday said it found nine different drugs and medications in the hotel room of the visiting US-based 51-year-old Sunday Abidoye whose lifeless body was discovered at the Creestar Hotel room, GRA, Sagamu, on Wednesday.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday to confirm Abidoye’s death.

Odutola explained that the Chief Security Officer of the hotel, one Mr Oluwole, reported the incident regarding the discovery of the deceased customer to the police, five days after his arrival from the United States of America.

She said on receiving the report, a team of detectives visited the scene and on arrival, found the body of the deceased already placed inside a car outside the hotel, being prepared to be taken to the morgue by his family.

 

Odutola said that the deceased’s brother, Jimoh Godday, residing in Imota, Lagos State, informed the police team that his brother had arrived in Nigeria from the USA on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

 

She explained further that Godday said he had called at the hotel on Monday and knocked on Room 109, where his brother was staying, but got no response after which he requested a spare key from the manager to enter the room, where they discovered his brother’s lifeless body.

Odutola said, “Photos were taken, and various drugs and traditional medicines were recovered from the room.

 

“The centre of the bed was soaked with a liquid-like substance. A friend of the deceased, Ogunmonti Ogunwole, confirmed that he accompanied his friend, Sunday, to purchase nine different types of medication the previous day due to his complaints of illness.

“The body has since been evacuated to OOUTH morgue in Sagamu for an autopsy.

“No known cause of death yet, and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.”

 

 

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