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A Twist to Cultural Festivals in Africa: Ita-Osun Festival, 2018

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Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Finds Love Again

The euphoria at the palace of Ooni was without bound as we approached the inner chamber of H.I.M Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi who was preoccupied with given instructions to some of the members of the Ita-Osun planning committee.

The first point entrance of the Ile-Oodua, the residence of H.I.M is adorned with a lovely big-sized banner of the festival with a superlative picture of the first class monarch with a suitably worded inscription wishing Kabiyesi and the entire people of Ile-Ife well on the occasion. The inscription is as follows:

Here’s wishing the entire citizenry of Ile-Ife; The Ooni of Ife Chiefs in Council and my adorable king; the first among equals, Oloro Alade Gbogbo, Alaka Omo Apaara, Alase Orisa, the projenitor of the black race, Arole Oodua, Baba mi Oonirisa……. the very best of the Ita-Osun festival.

May the love, beauty and fruitfulness of Osun Shegese continue to radiate in the life of Oonirisa……Ase!!!

Osun abo to rere legan, awuraolu; a we ide, we orisa ki o to we omo a gbewa o…….Ase!!!

Coming into the second gate, we were welcomed by security operatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as local security agents who signed us in. Again, we were met with a massive poster of the Ita-Osun festival but this time around without the picture of H.I.M but a background picture of the Osun goddess as well as pictures of Osun Oniyangi which shall be discussed in the course of this write-up. Also inscribed on the banner is the praise song of the Osun goddess which reads as follows:

Ore Yeye Osun ooooooo

Ota ………………….oooooo

Eri…………………..ooooooo

Agba………………..oooooo

Edan………………ooooooo

Omi………………oooooooo

Ore Yeye Osun ……………

Awuraolu

Yeye Kaare

Abo to rere legan

Oshun Shegese oloya iyun

Awe’de we’risha

Awe’de koto w’omo

Yeye Ijesha

Obirin gbona, okunrin sa

Omi ko l’apa

Omi ko l’ese

Oun won yanri tututu

Osun a gbe wa o

Osun ase amona wa o

Asee!!!

 

Shortly after we gained access at the second gate, we were introduced to a gorgeous young lady whom we found to be highly educated, cultured and hospitable. She is the lady in charge of coordinating the affairs of the Ita-Osun Festival; tho of Yoruba origin, the learned lady had flown in from the Republic of Ireland to see that Ita-Osun festival meets the expected international standard of the respected monarch. She is Gbemisola Bisi-Taiwo PhD at Law. She explained to us that “Baba had just returned from a trip” and she would help facilitate our meeting with the prestigious monarch once he is set to meet his guests.

However, we took a swipe off the fair lady who gave us first-hand information as to the preparation towards Ita-Osun festival and what is expected at the 3 days event. We gathered that the first day will be commencing with a gathering of the Osun worshippers to be led by the Olori Osun of Ife, Aworele Osunjoke at a goddess themed gathering for the children which implies fruitfulness, one of the feature of the river goddess.

 A grand opening ceremony shall be held in the evening at the Afeworan Park; where an array of musicians and cultural performances will be staged tonight. She noted that, asides from private individuals who will be performing, State government troops from South-West, Nigeria shall be on display.

Gbemisola Taiwo said the main worship event, where Kabiyesi shall lead multitude of people of faith as well as indigenes and guests to the Osun temple is tomorrow, 21stJuly but she cannot be time specific as only Kabiyesi has such prerogative as he is led by the spirit. It is going to be a cultural display of culture from troops from all Yoruba speaking states of Nigeria.

The following day, 22nd July is tagged a love feast, as love is one of the characteristics of the Osun goddess. At this event, all visiting artiste shall perform. She exclaimed that, the closing event shall be power packed; with loads of love to share both in kind, cash and ideas.

We inquired for an estimate cost for the event and if there had been much support and setback if any: the coordinator stated that as far as she knows Kabiyesi had put in nothing less than Five million naira and still spending. He looked after clothing for the children, accommodation for most guests as well as their feeding. Some even demanded for fare and you know as culture demands, Oonirisa cannot turn his back on the material needs of his subjects.

 As per support, little or nothing but personally, I got support from genuine friends and our cooperative team who took up responsibilities on my behalf even while I was not available in the country; they stormed the social media space to publicise the event and lots more. The best support I ever got is from the man with the leadership mantle, H.I.M Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Ogunwusi for always believing in my capabilities, in the face of all odds. Kabiyesi is full of wisdom and he sees beyond the physical. He is what he preaches; unity, love, faithfulness and God fearing, no-eye service!  I hope all the people around him would emulate his good gestures, they should be broadminded and encourage people supporting kabiyesi’s cause especially when it benefits the Oduduwa race.

One could stay a whole day with our fair lady here; so welcoming, all chatty in perfect diction…… no wonder, she’s a lawyer. But we ain’t going to let her steal the show so we must proceed to the the owner of the show himself; The Arole Oodua.

I must confess, H.I.M Ooni Oguwunsi is a master piece from God. What a humble, cheerful, youthful, highly intelligent, forthright king. Our generation must have done something right to deserve this Solomon of our time! Sincerely, I am awed!  I’m short of adjectives but I can assure you that, he is rare-bred, a gentle giant, absolutely royal….. I salute you our king.

Adorned in all white attire;  welcoming with infectious smile, we cannot but prostrate and chant Kabiyesi oooooo! Flagged by the efficient Emeses, who will not let a fly on Baba. Beautiful Yoruba culture in display……… Oba n ki o!!!

Straight to the business, all we want to know from Baba at this stage is the significance of Ita-Osun/ Osun Oniyangi festival? Find below, the intriguing details:

“When Osun Oniyangi relocated to planet Earth, she landed in Ita-Osun, Ile-Ife. Hence, the Ita-Osun became the source of all the living rivers in the world.

 

Osun Oniyangi is a wonderfully and fearfully made in the image of God. She is an Octopus shaped river. Osun Oniyangi like other human beings has sensory organs; such as eyes to see, nose and mouth, legs to walk and of course, yangi as its body.

 

Osun Oniyangi to date remains at Ita-Osun in Ile-Ife as the base of all other Osun rivers. Osun Oniyangi is mysterious; it changes colour like a chameleon. Sometimes she could be colour green and before you know it blue or brown and sometimes golden.

 

Osun Oniyangi has a potent healing power for any type of illness when it changes colour to agbo (herb). Osun Oniyangi also breeds fishes and reptiles which changes colour just like the river. The animals tend to change colour each time their habitat changes her colour.

 

Ita Osun is full of wonders and a place to visit; just like every other creature deserves to be celebrated, we are celebrating Osun Oniyangi”– Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi.

Interesting stuff I call it, I couldn’t have been in a better place at the moment than the palace of Alase Orisa, Ooni Ogunwusi (Ojaja II). The experience was worthwhile; however, it is time to have some rest now as we await the next fun-filled package at Ile-Oodua.

Lest I forget, I see a crew of health facilitators on ground and that is Vickie Robert Foundation, all the way from the United Kingdom. They are right on board for first aid and health check for the elderly…… what a brilliant concept by the organisers of Ita-Osun festival

Wow……. All these and many more await us; I will sure keep you posted as things unravel………….

Thank you Kabiyesi for the opportunity, Osun a gbe wa o………. Amin!!!

Kehinde Adebayo.

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

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Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos By Ifeoma Ikem

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

A property dispute within the Omotayo-Ojo family has taken a dramatic turn following a controversial demolition exercise at a residential building in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State, which reportedly left tenants displaced and led to the detention of some police officers allegedly involved in the operation.

 

 

The property, located at 23B Loveall Street, Ikosi-Ketu, has been the subject of a prolonged ownership tussle since the death of its owner, Chief Oludola Omotayo Ojo, the Babaalaje of Imesi-Ile, Osun State, in 2019.
Residents said tension erupted when a group of individuals, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the premises and commenced demolition activities.

 

 

According to eyewitnesses, portions of the building were pulled down while tenants rushed to salvage their belongings from affected apartments.

 

 

The residents alleged that windows, doors and roofing sheets were damaged during the exercise, exposing parts of the building to the elements and causing significant losses to occupants.

 

 

At the centre of the dispute is Mrs Mojisola Omotayo Ojo Alolagbe, who claimed that the property was allocated to her by her late father during his lifetime as a source of financial support.

 

She alleged that some family members had persistently challenged her ownership claim despite ongoing legal proceedings relating to the administration of the deceased’s estate.
Alolagbe further claimed that the latest incident was part of a series of attempts to wrest control of the property, citing previous cases of alleged vandalism and partial demolition in November 2025, January 2026 and February 2026.

 

 

The situation escalated further when reports emerged that police officers allegedly involved in the demolition were later apprehended and conveyed in a Black Maria vehicle over questions surrounding the legality of their participation in the operation.

 

Sources familiar with the matter said those behind the demolition had initially claimed to be acting on approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Lands. However, the authenticity and extent of such approval could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

 

 

The development has generated concern among residents and community members, who questioned the involvement of security personnel in what they described as a civil matter.

 

 

Some tenants, who said they had recently renewed their tenancy agreements, lamented the destruction of their property and appealed to the authorities for protection and possible compensation.

 

They also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolition, insisting that the rights of all parties involved should be protected.
Stakeholders have urged the Lagos State Government, security agencies and the judiciary to intervene and ensure that the dispute is resolved through lawful means to prevent further escalation.

 

 

The controversy has continued to draw public attention, raising concerns over property rights, estate administration and the role of law enforcement agencies in civil disputes.

 

Police Officers Detained as Family Property Dispute Sparks Demolition Controversy in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

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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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