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The Significance of Oba of Benin’s visit to the Arole Oduduwa in Ile-Ife

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It is no longer news that Ile-Ife, the Source and Cradle of the Yoruba race have a calendar of three hundred and sixty-five less a day in respect to its festivals. These festivals come as a way of life, that is, culture of the people. It is no gainsaying that since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Ogunwusi has made significant effort by promoting the Africa traditional beliefs and culture and ensuring performance of all festivals since October 2015 to date.
In the few years of his reign to date, Ooni Adeyeye has endeavoured to touch lives, physically and materially. He has been a household name in terms of promoting our cultural values as well as being a frontier for unity and peace, both at the national and international level.
At this year’s Olokun Festival, H.I.M got a collaboration in the area of peace keeping across the divide and this is no other person than his brother King, a descendant of the Oduduwa kingdom and a foremost custodian of the Africa Culture; The Oba of Benin, Omo N’oba Akpolokpolo Ewuare II. The Oba was hosted by H.I.M on the first day of the Olokun celebration, 28 April 2018 at an elaborate reception at the Royal Court, Enuwa, Ile-Ife.
The visit showcased a display of culture of both the Benin and Yoruba people; the performance of the Benin cultural group, the Ooni’s palace troops among others was not only beautiful but the similarity in culture was highlighted. The Kings guards, music and the waist-twist on the dance floor were actually “things to write home about.”
I must recall that the last time such visit happened between both kingdoms was some thirty-nine years ago. The last visit which occurred in 1979 at the Royal Court, was done by the reigning Oba of Benin, Omo n’oba ni Edo Erediauwa to see the Ooni  Adesoji Aderemi, on his ascension to the throne of Benin. The following year, Ooni Aderemi joined his precursors. It is however noteworthy that, Baba was delighted with Omo’n’ba to the extent that he swapped his revered black leather seat with Erediauwa.  Ooni Adesoji Aderemi was blessed to have witnessed three reigns of Oba of Benin before he passed. May our kings be blessed with long life in the land of the living (amen).
The crust on the visit this time is: the visit to the ‘Orun Oba Ado’ and the symbolic gift presented to the Ewuare. Need I tell you to seat tight, fasten your seat-belt as I take you through the significance of the coatings.
Both selfless monarchs decided to visit the place named ‘Orun Oba Ado’ meaning ‘the resting place of Edo kings.’ Tradition has it that when a Ọba of Benin passes, his head was sent from the Edo kingdom to the Orun Oba Ado in Aku (Ile-Ife) for burial while a bronze-head replica was sent from Ile-Ifẹ to Edo where the rest of the body would be buried. This goes to show the existence of a very close relationship between the Aku and Edo I suppose. On same note, Feyistan Opeyemi in a publication made on the 25 March 2012 stated that the reason may not be far-fetched from the belief that Aku and Ado are siblings and represent the Biblical Esau and Jacob. Reference was made to the book of Jasher 56:48 – 57:5. The major factor is that strong ties exist between Benin Kingdom and Ile-Ife as a descent of Oduduwa. Therefore, the monarchs were thoughtful to pay a visit to this site where they prayed to their ancestors, asking God for unity and peace within their kingdoms and Nigeria at large.
The choice of gift for the Oba of Benin was cardinal and a thoughtful move was made by H.I.M as he presented a gift which transcends beyond the physical, it is symbolic; it illustrates the bond between the two kingdoms, their vocation as professional hunter, and the link of brotherhood to Oranmiyan and further to Oduduwa.
To mark this historic visit, the two powerful brother-king and their entourage were hosted to a reception by the Osun State Governor, His Excellency, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola at the government house in Osogbo, Osun State.
The take-home of the visit according to H.I.M Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi and the Omo N’oba Akpolokpolo Ewuare II is that, both kings have the intention to foster unity and better understanding of the kingdoms. They also admonished the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Mohammed Buhari to ensure coexistence among Nigerians by resolving issues that impact the security of the country.
The Olokun festival which was rounded up on 29 April 2018 witnessed a good number of people from within and outside Nigeria in attendance. The Olokun festival is an annual cultural festival in Nigeria, it is celebrated throughout Yoruba land and the Edo. The word Okun means sea while Olokun means the owner of the sea; the owner who is deemed the  goddess of the sea. It is believed that the Olokun has the power to give children to barren women. She is also believed to be in control of ocean waves and could capsize sea vessels of evildoers at will. Olokun is also the goddess of riches and she has the power to bestow wealth to her devotees. The worshippers of Olokun are generally dressed in immaculate white attires with their faces paintedted with white chalk.
The Edo people celebrate Olokun in late February that is; 1st moon after the 12th moon. This takes place in Usonigbe, the site of Olokun’s shrine, in Edo State while the Chief Olokun shrine is located in the Ilode quarter of Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Long may our Kings live!!!
Gbemisola Bis-Taiwo
PhD Candidate, Maynooth University, Department of Law.

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

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NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

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NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

 

 

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

 

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

 

 

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

 

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

 

 

 

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

 

 

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

 

 

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

 

 

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

 

 

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

 

 

 

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

 

 

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

 

 

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.

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