By Steve Ovirih

The remains of Madam Agnes Rawa, nee Ujitola was on Saturday, the 27th of February committed to mother earth at her home in Kurugbene, Igbokoda. Earlier, a Christian wake had been held on Friday, the 26th of February for the deceased at Christ Shilloh Ministry, Okitipupa. On Saturday morning, she was taken in a motorcade, and in a long queue of convoy from her son, Pastor Felix Rawa’s house in Okitipupa to Igbokoda after a grand lying –in – state had been observed.

The graveside funeral service had in attendance all the children of the deceased, he grand children, well wishers and members of the Christ Shiloh Ministry, doming their white garment outfit. Zionist songs rented the air as the children and the congregation danced in appreciation to God for making Madam Rawa to have lived up to a fruitful age of 110 years.

In his sermon, Apostle Jedo called the people’s attention to the fact that death is a means to an end, but not an end in itself. He said the bible confirms this when the Apostle said we all shall die and come to the throne of judgement. He noted that nonmatter how young or how old we are when we die, what is constant is that we shall all go toi judgement before our creator. He therefore advised Christians to live a purposeful God- driven life and run away from all likelihood of sin so that we shall appear a saint when the phenomenon of death leads us to God’s throne of judgement. Apostle Jedo congratulated the Rawa’s for surviving their aged matriarch, praying that God will continue to sustain and protect them.

After the committal, the party and entertainment of guests moved to ‘The Williams  Events Place’ at Igbokoda. The grand reception had on the band – stand the popular Gospel highlife maestro, David Aniyikaye of Zion music who serenaded the atmosphere with danceable highlife numbers. As expected, the large auditorium of the event centre was filled to capacity with guests and political associates of Pastor Ajaye Rawa, who equally is a strong stakrholder in the Ondo state APC.

On the sideline of the event, Pastor Felix Rawa while having an exclusive chat with OndoEvents noted that his mother meant every thing to him. He said they were very intimate and she was his best adviser. “Iam her twelfth child, yet she preferred to stay with me in her oldage. That tells you how so mush intimate my mother and i were. I will miss her greatly.” said Pastor Felix Rawa.

By Femi Fani Kayode:

“We have all summoned courage. They have deceived us to take our inheritance. We are going to get our inheritance back. I want to say one thing: they have started again.

I want to reveal one secret here. They have started subtle moves to make Nigeria an Islamic nation. But God will not allow it. This was done in 1984 but it failed. I cannot run away.

I am Ayo Fayose. If you hit me, you hit trouble. If I hit you, you will be in trouble. Nigeria is a free nation and this nation will not be taken for an Islamic nation. Today, I decree the return of a PDP government in 2019″- Governor Ayo Fayose, Port Harcourt, 26th February, 2016.

Ayo Fayose’s words give cause for concern and I must confess that I share his views. Ever since my TED EX lecture in 2014 which was titled ”the Rise Of Islamic Fundamentalism In Nigeria” my greatest crime, in the eyes of my detractors, is that I have fearlessly and continuously stood up to and spoken out against the evil of islamic fundamentalism and the cancer of islamist terror in our country.

Whether it be Boko Haram and its numerous facilitators and sponsors, the Fulani militias and herdsmen, the APC hidden agenda of islamisation of Nigeria or elements within the core northern ruling class who have often promoted and, in some cases openly supported and funded, terror and the cold-blooded murder of our compatriots, I have always stood against it.

This does not mean that I am anti-Muslim because I am not. I believe in religious diversity and I consider it to be a privilige to live in a plural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation where people of all faiths are respected and are allowed to live their lives freely.

As a matter of fact I believe that our diversity is our strength and that there is nothing more beautiful than a true Muslim or a true Christian practicing their faith in accordance with their traditions. We are, after all, all children of Abraham and what binds us together is our faith and belief in one God that created the universe and that rules in the affairs of men.

What I will not accept though is the implementation of a terrorist agenda and the destruction of the lives and way of life of others by a small minority of religious zealots and ethnic bigots.

I will not accept the fellowship of those that have been brainwashed and utterly possessed by the Salifist/Wahhabi philosophy which was covertly exported to much of the Sunni Muslim world by sinister and clandestine forces that reside in Saudi Arabia. I cannot abide those that kill in the name of God and that use the great faith of Islam to oppress others and force them to do their will.

Those of us that are not Muslims are not slaves in this country and neither can we ever be. Those of us that are moderate Muslims in this country and that do not share the abominable views of the Islamic fundamentalists and the islamists cannot be slaves either.

Yet that does not mean that a misguided few will not attempt to impose their will on the rest of us. To this extent I wholeheartedly concur with Ayo Fayose’s view that there are covert moves by some extremists that are in the corridors of power to quietly and secretly islamise our country and that they are attempting to do so with contempt and impunity.

If anyone doubts that this is the case or believes that it cannot happen they should read the history of Turkey and find out how what was once a christian nation was eventually transformed into a full blown Muslim state.

The truth is that Fayose has said nothing new. I have said it many times before. I saw this coming and I warned Nigerians against it but no-one would listen. Now the scales are slowly falling from their eyes.

Two events in the last few days, more than any others in recent times, have confirmed this fact. Firstly there was the horrendous massacre of over 300 people in Agatu, Benue state, a christian community, by hundreds of well-armed Muslim Fulani militias and herdsmen.

In their usual way when it comes to atrocities committed by the Fulani militias, our government refused to comment on or react to the ugly incident for many days and up until there was a national and international outcry.

Secondly there was the abduction of a 14 year old Christian girl by the name of Esse from her home in Bayelsa state to far away Kano where she was kept from her parents, forced to convert to Islam, married off to an old man against her will and hidden in the Emir of Kano’s palace.

All efforts by her parents to see and free their daughter have failed and to make matters worse officials of both the state and Federal government have refused to intervene and rescue the little girl from the slavery and torment of her abductors.

I wonder how much more shame, injustice and indignity we have to suffer as a faith and as a people before we react to such wickedness  and injustice? We have even been denied the right to protest because when we do so we are accused, quite wrongly, of being anti-Islam.

Well I am not anti-Islam but I am anti-injustice. I am not anti-Islam but I am anti-wickedness, anti-ethnic and religious domination, anti-slavery, anti-fascism, anti-religious extremism and bigotry, anti-pedophilia, anti-Boko Haram, anti-Boko Haram sponsors and anti-armed Fulani militias and herdsmen.

I am anti-anything that brings blood, sweat and tears to my people and anti-anyone that kills, steals and destroys my nation and my compatriots.

I am anti-the dark forces from hell who have plagued our people with their unadulterated violence and their religious and ethnic intolerance over the years and who erroneously believe that they own Nigeria.

The days of remaining silent out of fear of reprisals and insults or in the name of political correctness are long over. If I am the only voice left in Nigeria to do so I will continue to speak out and stand against this evil.

I will also speak out against the notoriously indifferent, lukewarm, cowardly and stoic disposition of those amongst us who appear to be happy to be the victims and who are ready to accept this barbarity and live with it.

No matter what I will not bend from this course, I will not flinch and I will not compromise. I will not run away from my calling and doing that which the Living God has called me to do.

I would rather we redefine Nigeria than sit by silently as my people and those that share my faith are slowly and systematically turned into slaves by a tiny minority.

The situation in our country today gives cause for concern and raises many questions about precisely where we are heading.  The assertion that Fayose has made compels us to ask, whither Nigeria?

And there are many  other troubling events that give us cause to ask the same question.

Consider the following. Thousands of IPOB members and Biafrans are regularly slaughtered by our security agencies. We must ask, wither Nigeria?

Thousands of Shia Muslims are murdered in cold blood and regularly tormented by our Armed Forces. We must ask, whither Nigeria?

Thousands of Middle Belters and southerners are regularly raped, abducted and butchered by Fulani militias and herdsmen. We must ask, whither Nigeria?

Thousands of ordinary working class northerners are regularly massacred by Boko Haram. We must ask, whither Nigeria?

Yet all hope is not lost and we must not despair. I am glad that President Muhamnadu Buhari has said that our country will not join the military coalition of Islamic nations that Saudi Arabia is putting together.

This is a welcome development that has allayed the fears of many but it is clearly not enough and he must go further.

The next step that he must take is to properly address the agitation for Biafra and attempt to make life a little easier and better for the people of the east.

He must acknowledge the fact that self-determination is an inalienable right and that the only way to forge national unity is by consensus and the enthronement of equity and justice and not by state-sponsored tyranny and the spilling of blood.

He must accept the fact that when you beat a child for long  enough one day he will stand up, say ‘’enough is enough’’, rise up in his own defense and beat you back.

It is time for us to stop beating those that call themselves Biafrans and to stop regarding Biafra as a dirty word. It is time for us to enter into a meaningful dialogue with them rather than subject them to insults and opprobrium.

It takes nothing from Nigeria if and when we make these concessions. As a matter of fact the contrary is the case: it would simply confirm our humanity and reaffirm our sense of justice and decency.

Whether those that hold the levers of power in our pathologically conservative and obsessive ruling class wish to acknowledge and accept it or not, today’s reality is that Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, rightly or wrongly,  has become a hero to millions of young Igbos all over the world. His name is etched in their hearts and memories.

Like Che Guevera and Fidel Castro of old he brings the hope of a new and better life to an aggrieved and abused people and a new generation.

He is viewed by the majority of his kinsmen as the emancipator of an oppressed region and the champion of their collective aspirations and dreams. Simply put he has been transformed and elevated into the status of a living symbol: a symbol of the their deep yearning for liberty and freedom.

We can be rest assured that the seed that he has planted in the psyche of the Igbo youth is here to stay. As each day passes it grows bigger and stronger and it becomes more and more irresistible.

The appropriate response to the agitation for Biafra is not the forceful establishment and implementation of an insidious and relentless religious and ethnic agenda which is designed to hold Nigeria together by force because this will not work.

Instead it is a display of maturity, understanding, moderation, equity and fair play in all matters touching and concerning governance and the running of the Nigerian state.

A better understanding and appreciation of this most basic of all principles will bring more stability to our country and more joy to our people. Indeed it is the only way to guarantee our peace and it may well buy a united and indivisible Nigeria many more years.

Permit me to end this contribution with an insighful and timely word from Mr. Babatunde O. Gbadamosi who is an.outstanding public commentator from an illustrious and distinguished lineage. On 28th February he wrote the following on his Facebook wall:

“The “Fulani Cattle Rearers” is a remix of the Serbian Vigilantes that Slobodan Milosevic used to intimidate the rest of Yugoslavia, until the Croats and the Albanians decided to fight back. Today, Yugoslavia is dead and buried, and Croatia is one of the success stories of Europe. If some people think they can intimidate the rest of us, the arms dealers are looking for customers, and the same people that sold them guns will sell to everyone else”.

I am a man of peace and I abhor violence yet this is indeed food for thought.

The headquarters of 33 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Bauchi, has arrested 4 persons suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists spies that include the one that carried out surveillance on the Madalla church before it was bombed.

The men Victor Moses, Abubakar Shettima, Salisu Mohammed Bello and Umar Sadiq Madaki have been carrying out surveillance mission for the Boko Haram terrorists on target for suicide bombings or attacks.

Luck ran out for them when Victor Moses went to a mosque in Bauchi and pretended that he wanted to be converted to Islam and the people suspecting that he was not genuine, promptly reported the matter.

On interrogation he confirmed that he was working for an Islamic cleric in Gombe (now at large) and that their point of contact was Abubakar Shetima based in Jos. He confessed to casing targets for suicide bomb attacks including that of the Catholic Church Madalla, Suleja, Niger State on Christmas day, 25th December 2011.

The accused persons are currently undergoing further interrogation, were paraded by the Commander 33 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Abraham Dusu at the Brigade’s Headquarters, Shadawanka

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule on Wednesday paid a visit to the Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School, Ikorodu, where three female students were kidnapped on Monday evening, assuring that the government was fully on top of the situation.

Adebule, who was accompanied by top government functionaries and the heads of security agencies in the state, said as a mother and Commissioner of the Ministry of Education, she could imagine the pains the parents are going through as a result of the unfortunate development, but that government would leave no stone unturned until the three girls are rescued alive.

She said the state government, under the leadership of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, was very much concerned about the plight of the affected parents and the school, and that it was on top of the situation and working hard in conjunction with security agencies to promptly reunite the children with their families.

She also appealed passionately to the kidnappers to release the girls immediately, as the victims were innocent of whatever reasons that prompted their action.

The Deputy Governor said: “On behalf of the Governor and all of us in the Ministry of Education, we are here to share your pain and off course to see firsthand what has happened on Monday. The Governor has directed that we assure you and the general public that with the combined efforts of all the security agencies that the children, by the grace of God, will be rescued very soon.

“This came as a rude shock to us because nobody anticipated it; it’s quite unfortunate and very worrisome but I like to assure you that by the grace of God, we are going to receive good news very shortly.

“For the abductors, I just want to appeal to them that they should see that the people with them are children who do not know anything and in the spirit of that and the fact that they also have their children, they should release the children to their parents. We appeal to their conscience that whatever reasons they might have for doing this, the children are innocent and we passionately appeal to them to release the children.

“For the parents at home, they should just be calm, government is on top of the situation and we want to assure that with the combined efforts of security agencies, we will rescue these girls alive very soon. Again, as the Commissioner of Education and as a mother, I feel the pains of the parents and I like them to know that our hearts are with them and the state government under the leadership of his Excellency, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the rescue of these girls very soon,” Adebule said.

Earlier, Proprietor of the School and Bishop of Remo Diocese of Anglican Church of Nigeria, Dr. Michael Fape commended the state government for the quick response to the distress call made on the kidnap, saying the action of government and the security agencies were encouraging and assuring that the girls would soon be rescued.

“We can’t thank you enough. We are sure these girls will be rescued. And of course the way the Lagos State Government has risen to the task of rescuing these girls also gives us a lot of encouragement.

“The Governor himself and the Commissioner of Police and every one of them have been on top of the situation. Their efforts have been so encouraging and we sincerely thank them. We thank your Excellency for finding out time to come here in person despite your tight schedule. As Bishop in charge of this diocese, we have only come to see things for ourselves too. We trust God that God on our side and the efforts being put in place by the state government, these children will be recovered”, the Bishop said.

,Also, the Principal of the school, Ven. Olaoluwa Adeyemi told the Deputy Governor and her team that the kidnappers gained access to the school premises through a deep hole they effected on the fence of the school.

He said after the kidnappers gained entrance, they started shooting sporadically into the air, and eventually overpowered the security personnel in the school, as the hoodlums came with superior weapons.

Adeyemi added: “The security in school tried to combat them but the weapons they came with were very heavy. They went into the classrooms; the students in fact put up a good fight but the kidnappers overpowered just about three students and whisked them away.

“Immediately, we called the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni because fortunately I have his number and immediately the Governor was informed and within the space of two to three hours, the school was filled with security people. All the security agencies combed the environment here till morning. Apparently, we could not get them but since then, security people have been really working hard.

“We like to appreciate the Lagos State Government in particular for the quick response. Everybody have been coming; the police, DSS. In fact, the CP himself led the helicopter surveillance yesterday and they went all around.

“We have spoken this morning and he is on his way here. We pray that God will crown the efforts with great success and our children will be back with us save and sound. God will intervene and Nigeria will be a better place for all of us.

“Three children were involved and we have contacted their parents and tried to discuss with them and other security information are with the security agents,” he narrated.

Faces at Olori Grace Olatunji father’s burial ceremony, Late Pa. Isaac Olufunmilayo Ojo Ogungbade, held recently at Ijare, Ifedore local government.

PHOTOS: Ooni of Ife, Oba Alayeluwa Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde  Ogunwusi. Ojaja II during his visit to the HRM Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi in Owo.

The Ooni of Ife His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II)  paid  historic visit to the Deji and paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, HRM, Oba ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi (Odundun II) at his palace. The Ooni who arrived in a motor cade and carnival-like was received by the Deji and his High Chiefs at about 6:25pm. The visit was characterized by fun fare as the people were eager to meet the AROLE OODUA. The Ooni who described his visit as a home coming expressed joy at the manner in which he was received by the Deji and her people. I have a feeling in my heart when I entered the palace and I can confirm to you that joy, love and peace has come to stay in Akure, He said. The Ooni who attributed his ascension to the throne to the will of the Almighty God affirm that he owes everything to the King of Kings who can enthrone and also dethrone. The AROLE ODUA whose message centered on the need for unity among the Yoruba nation equally praised the Deji of Akure for his love for her people and his outstanding qualities, virtues and performance within the short time he ascended the throne. Oba Aladetoyinbo while responding was full of praise for the visit by the Ooni. He hailed him for the wisdom with which he has been unifying the Yoruba nation through his visit to the prominent Obas in Yoruba land. The Deji promise to cooperate with the Ooni in his quest to bring all the Yoruba race together to occupy her place of pride. The visit was witnessed by all the High Chiefs led by the Olisa, High Chief (Engr) James Olusoga and other prominent sons and daughters of Akure; Chief Reuben Fasoranti (OFR), Chief Oluyemisi Falae (CFR), Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) Attorney General & Comm. For justice, Arch. Jide Adejuyigbe (Comm for Education), Hon. Dayo Awude (Comm for Youth & Sports), Hon.Ademola Adegoroye,Hon. Adedayo Omolafe (Chairman OSPDC), Hon. Bayo Alarapon, Prof. Olu Aboluwoye, Sheik Akeem Akorede (Chief Imam, Akure) among others.

Ondo state Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has declared that he has built more roads than any othe government  in the history of administrations in the state.

The Governor made the declaration at the commissioning of the Ajagba-Iyansan 27.5kilometre road in  Irele local government on Thursday.

Mimiko who said the completed road project was in fulfilment of his electioneering promise to the people of the area said the road used to be  a footpath accessed only by bicycles, motorbikes and timber trucks made possible only in the dry season.

The commencement of the raining season he said, means people can only access Iyansan, Akotogbo, Ijuoshun and other communities in the area by water.

Stressing that the project is a milestone not only in the lives of the communities but also in the annals of the records of the achievements of his administration, Mimiko listed other roads his administration had completed  in the Southern senatorial district of the state among others to include  Asphalt Overlay in Southern Senatorial Axis -Okitipupa/Obonde 7.545km,Asphalt overlay in Southern Senatorial Axis II Omotosho/Ilutitun 21.40km,rehabilitation /Asphalt overlay of Irele township road 5.2km,dualization of Igbokoda township main road 2.5km,rehabilitation of Okitipupa-Erinje-Obonde road 12.75km, rehabilitation of Ore township road 6.46km, Asphalt overlay of surface dressed road in Ile-Oluji axis 3.85km, Construction  of IgbisinOloto  – Igbo Egunrin Mahintedo junction,rehabilitation/Asphalt overlay of Igbokoda Aiyetoro road phase 1,33km,construction of concret waterway in Bologwe,1.7km,Asphalt overlay of OjualaIpoke road 5.8km, Asphalt overlay of Inikorogha – Oboro road 3.5km,construction of Okitipupa – Ayeka – Araromi road 9.7km and construction  of Igbokoda Aiyetoro road phase 3 -IgbonlaEruna road.

The Governor  said he had to mention the roads in question to debunk claims that government concentration in terms of road work is more in other areas.

He mentioned roads done in the Central district also to include the  rehabilitated  Ilesha road-Fiwasaye 9.3kilometer road in Akure, Oda- Davog 3.4km road, Installation of light on Ilesha road- Fiwashaye-Owo 9.3km, Installation of light on Ademulegun Idi -Ishin 9.7km road in Ondo, Ashpalt overlay in Ondo axis 9.9km road,rehabilitation of Ibule 1.4km road, federal highway Ogbese 0.2km road, Ondo township 14.2km, Alade owena-idanre township 20km, Akure township Asphalt overlay 20km,FUTA -Aule 5.2km, Dualisation of Ilesha road-Fiwashaye 3.1km, NEPA- Arakale 2.3km, Oba Adesida-Isikan 4.1km, and rehabilitation of 1,4km Ibule roads.

In the Northern Senatorial District, Mimiko mentioned some of the roads project done by his government to include, Owo township 10.2km road,construction of Adekunle Ajasin University  Asphalt overlay 9.1km, rehabilitation of Ikare-Ugbe -Ise-Akoko 22.3km road, Akungba- Ikare-Arigidi-Ugbe 10km road, Supare township 4.2km, rehabilitation of Oka town, Epinmi, Ipe, Isua Akoko 25km roads, construction of Imeri bridge over Ose river, Rufus Giwa polytechnic 5.2km road, Akungba Supare16.38km road.

Also included are the phase 1 Asphalt overlay of Akoko 17.8km road , Owo -Ose 10.8km Asphalt overlay and 18.9km road phase 11 Asphalt overlay of surface dressing on existing Akoko roads.

Affirming his government’s achievement in the area of road construction, Mimiko implored those who have been campaigning that governments efforts are concentrated more on a particular area  to join hands with government to move the state forward even as he urged them to ” pay more visit home and connect to projects of this nature so that they would be cured of their disconnect with the present realities “He  added that  projects like the Ajagba Iyansan road  represents the value of democracy, where voters can hold politicians accountable for the promises they made to them.

The Governor appealed to the  people to consider the roads as personal and collective heritage which they have individual duty to protect and preserve.

When beggars die there are no comet sign, but heaven itself announces the passing of great icons. So it was with the final burial rites of Olori Modupe Omolere (Nee Ojatuwase), the Alidan Apehi Woye of Osooro Kingdom, whose burial programme and reception party would remain a talk of the town for a very long time. The funeral programme which began with a wake keep on Thursday, the 5th of February at her home along Erinje road, attracted dignitaries and people of means and substance to Okitipupa.

In fact, the ceremonial procession from the State’s General Hospital, Okitipupa where the deceased was embalmed down to her house along Erinje road was grand and filled with pomp. The golden casket was stylishly balanced on the shoulders of the pallbearers all the way to the deceased house as the pallbearers engaged in a coordinated dance steps that appealed to musical aesthetics. The long convoy behind the pallbearers, the huge crowd that danced as the procession extended into Okitipupa town from the state’s specialist hospital and the fleet of cars all spoke volume of the way late Olori Omolere was appreciated and celebrated by her people. For a very good number of minutes, the ancient town of Okitipupa stood still as the remains of Olori Modupe Omolere was being taken to her house for the Christian wake keep.

The service of songs which was coordinated by the priests of Methodist Church Nigeria Ode-Ayeka also had in attendance Bishop Steven Ogendengbe, presiding Bishop of Wisdom Chapel.

At the Christian wake, prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased, her family, the land and Nigeria as the cycles of election beckon.

The funeral and outing service in honour of late Olori Modupe Omolere Ayelomi commenced at 11:00 hrs on Friday 6th of February at Methodist Church Ode-Ayeka. As expected, the auditorium of the church was filled to capacity with dignitaries from all walks of life. The processional hymn “Hark, hark my soul angelic songs” was interspersed with bible verses. Bible verses for the funeral programme were taken from Psalm 130, which was read ‘responsively’  between the priest and the church and Revelation 7:9-17 was also recited.

In his sermon at the funeral service, The very Revd F. T. Makinde brought greetings from the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Igbobini, Most Rev Amos Akindeko. While quoting from 2nd Timothy 4-6, the cleric said in the days of Apostle Paul, towards the end of his evangelistic mission, he said with conviction that he (Paul) had fought a good fight, finished his course and had held unto the faith. Very Rev’d Makinde said the deceased having accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour can also say with confidence that she had fought a good fight. The priest reminded the church that the book of Ecclesiastes stressed that “the day of death is better than the day of birth”. He said when a child is born, there will be challenges, inequality, strife and serious human encumbrances, but when a human being dies, it is an end to all human strife, maintaining that for a Christian, death opens the door to a glorious hereafter. He challenged the Christians of this contemporary time to be conscious of the Lord’s second coming. He said,  ‘’Olori Modupe Omolere has gone to be with the Lord, but for us whom she left behind, how prepared are we if the end comes?”

“While Jesus has gone to prepare the paradise, it is for the saints and not for sinners,” Makinde admonished. As he closed the sermon, Rev’d Makinde asked the people to be wary of this particular period in the history of the nation. “We need to be very careful because this period is harsh and unfriendly and kidnappers for ritual purposes and for ransom purposes are on the prowl.  A notable highlight of the funeral of late Olori Modupe Omolere Ayelomi was the significant fund-raising which was chipped into the proceedings by the ebullient and amiable General Olu Bajowa in his characteristic generosity. When he was invited to make a remark, the retired General and Jagunmolu of Ikale land was full of praise for the Methodist Church, which he noted came to his rescue when the Anglican church, the church of the deceased, rigidly denied the deceased, a staunch member of the Anglican communion, a Christian burial. He said he was raising fund for the church and he was confident all his friends in the church will join him to raise the fund for the church development. General Olu Bajowa donated a quarter of a million naira on the spot. Interestingly, over a million naira was raised within such a short notice towards the growth of Methodist Church Ode-Ayeka.

While paying a glowing tribute to his mother-in-law, General Bajowa mourned the sudden loss of Olori Omolere Ayelomi. He said she was the best mother – in –law he could ever had and he never had a dull moment with her. He stressed that his association with Mama was very good and a most cordial one. He however condemned the Anglican Communion for its inflexible dogma which made the church to deny a Christian her right to burial.

Hear him:”I never knew that I would be paying a tribute at the funeral of Mama so soon! Mama was with me in Lagos mourning the death of Tope, her last son, before she returned to Ikale and was admitted in hospital at Okitipupa. The third day after her discharge from the hospital, she was kidnapped from her house and brutally murdered on Christmas day 2014, despite paying a huge ransom! I was devastated to see her lifeless body in the morgue at Okitipupa, on the boxing day, 26 December 2014.’’

‘’Mama was my mother-in-law for 32 years (1982-2014) and she was the best mother-in-law I could ever had. Some people have a mother-in-law’s horror story that they could tell. I honestly did not have any tale to narrate. My association with my mother-in-law was very good and cordial.’’

‘’Mama was the wife (Olori) of His Royal Majesty, Oba Bode Ayelomi, the Lumure of Ayeka (Lulare II), and a chieftaincy title holder of Alidan of Osooro Kingdom, by His Royal  Majesty Oba (Dr) Gbadebo Bajowa, Lubokun (IV), The Rebuja of Osooro. Also as a descendant of Oba Nigwo Okungbemi Ruling House of Lubokun Dynasty, Mama welcome and accepted me as a distant cousin and son-in-law, right from  the time I started dating her daughter Princess Yemi, in April 1982, long before it became legal in March 1986.’’

‘’Chief Alidan, as she was fondly called by Bajowa Royal Family, is a devout Christian of Anglican denomination. She kept faith with Sunday services, immaculately dressed going to the church regularly. Mama was quiet, kind and loving. She simply blessed every one that crossed her way.’’

‘’I cannot thank Mama enough for receiving me as a son-in-law the day I married Yemi, an excellent choice, a precious Princess, with whom to share my life, a woman I am proud to say has become a Proverbs 31 wife.’’

‘’Mama’s living legacy will be seen in the lives of her daughter Princess Barrister Yemi, the Iye-Lumure of Ikale land,grand children: Adekunle, Adebayo , Adeleke, Adeyinka, Adetokunbo and Adebowale; and great grandchild Adenike Modupe. She helped me to nurture them both in Nigeria and with us both in the United Kingdom. She was a wonderful mother-in-law and will be missed by all of us. I am honoured to have had her in my life and her courage in the hands of wicked abductors and her Christian testimony will always be remembered.’’

‘’Also, the rigid and inflexible dogma of Anglican Communion to deny a Christian burial to a devout and financial adherent of the Church, who was dastardly murdered by evil men, is not only unsympathetic and anti-Christ, But a sad commentary that will NEVER be forgotten!’’

‘’The Bible doesn’t give instructions on how a body should be handled or buried after death, not even that of a gruesome killing still under criminal investigation! Is the church not expected to treat the body of the dead with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection?’’

‘’Mama, I am convinced that you met your untimely death because of us your children, though to be successful in life is not a sin or crime!’’

‘’So long Mama! Goodnight and farewell! You are the best mother-in-law a man could want. Adieu, sleep in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord, till we meet to part no more, (Amen)’’

In her own words, Chief Mrs. Remi Odusola, daughter of the deceased and Iye Oba of Ayeka Kingdom, said her mother was epitome of motherhood who touched her children’s lives positively. She said she will sorely miss her mother.

Words of tribute of Princess Barr (Mrs) Yemi Bajowa  (Iye – lumure 1 of Ikale land) dripped with nostalgia and a tinge of dirge. She lamented that her call to her mother two days prior to her kidnap would be the last time she talked to her. However, she appreciated her mother for being a unifying factor among her children. While she admitted that the sad news of her mother’s death was a rude shock, she thanked God that Mama lived a good Christian life.

Her words: ‘’ I remember that expression of joy and happiness on your face when you came to England, United Kingdom (UK), after the birth of my last child and your several trips to me in the U.K. Your first question whenever you arrived was: ‘when am I going back to my people? As you know, I can not leave them for long!’

‘’I remember two days before you were kidnapped, you called and I jokingly said you are rich woman now to put a call across to me in England. I asked you to drop for me to call you back which I did and you prayed for me.’’

‘’I never knew that it will be the last time I would hear your voice. ‘’Yeemi’’ you were a unifying factor between all your children. You made all of us leave with one another, compromising with one another, in peace and harmony.’’

The reception and entertainment of guests at the Government Field, Okitipupa was yet another gathering of A-list dignitaries as well as well wishers from within Okitipupa. The Ikale born highlife maestro, Ademola Suzzy and his master blaster musical group were on ground to serenade the receptive atmosphere.

As Demola Suzzy sizzled the air with his rhythmic numbers, there was wining and dinning, as choice menu filled the tables.

Olori Modupe Omolere (Nee Ojatuwase) was born on 1st of June 1938. Her late father is the Most Rt Rev’d Apostle Ebenezer Ade Ojatuwase from Mahin Kingdom, while her mother is Princess Ige Nigwo. While Mama was an only daughter, she has numerous siblings from her father. She was by profession a fashion designer and a successful one at that. She was married to HRM Oba Fred Bode Ayelomi, the Lumure of Ayeka Kingdom. She was a devout Christian and an active member of Anglican Church Okitipupa where she fellowshipped until her death.

Among the dignitaries at the funeral were: Asiwaju Soyewo, the Olori omo oba of Ago Iwoye; Rear Admiral Osondu,   Olori Faduyile ; Otunba Benson Akindeju, CEO Ak Media; Hon. Diran Iyantan, former commissioner for local Govt and chieftaincy affairs: Otunba Biyi Adegborioye, Princess Lola Bajowa, Princees Oyin Akindele, Dr. Ayodele, Barr Adeolu Ayelomi, Dr Dayo Faduyile Erelu Jadesola Henshaw and many more.

Further investigation by our correspondent into the reason the authorities of the coastal Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Okitipupa denied late Olori Modupe Ayelomi the benefit of a befitting Christian burial in her home church revealed that there is a system of belief in the diocese as espoused by the diocesan lord bishop which gives a time limit of forty days for the burial of any deceased Anglican Communicant from the day of his or her death. According to a reliable source who spoke with reporter, the coastal diocese clerics don’t attend any burial of their own members whose funeral exceeds the forty days time lag.

However, in the case of late Olori Modupe Ayelomi, several representation and appeal were made to the Diocesan but to no avail. Reliable family source revealed that the Lumure of Ayeka, HRM Bode Ayelomi suffered double bereavement with the loss of his cousin who was to be buried on the 29th of January, and the death of his wife, Olori Modupe Ayelomi, which sad event occurred on the 25th of December, 2014. As a concerned family member, it will not be appropriate to bury both the cousin and the wife of the Kabiesi within the same day as the pains will be too much to bear for the octogenarian  King, said our impeccable source.

We gathered that the burial of late Olori Modupe Ayelomi which was fixed for the 6th of February exceeded the Anglican diocese of the coast’s forty days burial limit by just two days yet the diocesan bishop will not have anything to do with the burial.

The death of late Olori Modupe Ayelomi bothered on culpable homicide which requires thorough investigation by the authorities of Nigeria Police and had it not been for the timely intervention of General Olu Bajowa, the corpse would not have been released to the family for burial. Thus, it was expected that the bishop and his clerics would extend a hand of fellowship, show Christian love and avowed sympathy for the family rather than playing up the unsympathetic card of an inflexible dogma which has neither basis nor foundation in the Holy Bible.

It will be recalled that Gen . Olu Bajowa the Jagunmolu of Ikale land and his wife Princess (Barr) Oluyemi Bajowa, the Iye – Lumure 1 of Ikale land are both Anglican Communicants and dependable stakeholders of the Anglican church. In fact, General Bajowa is Aare of Igbotako Anglican Archdeaconry and a financial member who has contributed in no small measure to the growth of his archdeaconry and the entire diocese of the coast.  The General is surprised that the church of God can chose to be mean to their own members in their trying time.

While condemning the whole dogma of forty days time limit for the burial of communicants, General Bajowa stressed that clerics who establish dogma for the church of God which cannot be hinged on any known bible principle or doctrine deserve to seek God’s face for forgiveness for leading their congregation based on their own whims and caprices as against bible injunction.

Late Olori Modupe Ayelomi was an Anglican communicant till her death but was buried by the Methodist Church clerics and laity who serve the same God as the Anglican Priests.

According to an elderly Anglican communicant from Ikale who prefers not to be named, he stressed that the fear is rife in the diocese that if the bishop and his priests can do this to General Bajowa who is a reliable stakeholder in the Anglican communion, then only God knows what will happen to them in case compelling circumstances warrant an extension of their burial beyond the forty days time lag. our source said it will be unfair for the Church to collect  and tithe offering from a member in his life time and deny such a member a befitting Christian burial at death because of the ‘forty days burial dogma’. he advised that  Christian doctrine should not be made to inconvenience Christians lest a mass exodus of   communicants to other churches is not encouraged by a stiff, needless and unsympathetic dogma.

The Jagunmolu of Ikale land, Gen. Olu Bajowa (rtd), recently marked his 73rd birthday in his hometown, Igbotako in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The well-attended events marking the triumphant soldier’s birthday ceremonies, included the inauguration of an ultra-modern shopping complex in Ufara, also in Okitipupa Local Government Area, a football competition and a church service which was followed by a befitting birthday party.

The general, who fought on the Nigerian side against the Biafrans in the Civil War between 1967 and 1970, was born on December 27, 1940 to the royal Bajowa Family of Osooro Kingdom in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The birthday celebration commenced with a church service at the Praise Chapel located in the general’s compound with the presiding clergy, Venerable Olasehinde, admonishing the congregation to have the fear of God and emulate the good virtues of the retired general.

According to Olasehinde, Bajowa is a God–fearing man, who is dedicated to the service of God.

He prayed that God would grant the general long life which would be more dedicated to the service of God.

Bajowa thanked God for sparing his life throughout his entire military career, especially during the Civil War, which according to him, claimed the lives of many of his colleagues.

According to Bajowa, he has been marking his birthday at his hometown since 1961 when he became a second lieutenant.

There was also during the service the public presentation of the 2014 calendar of the Anglican Church in Igbotako, which Bajowa supported with a sum of N100,000.

It was funfair at the reception, which also held within the expansive in Bajowa’s expansive Igbotako home. The cutting of the73rd birthday cake was done with a general’s sword as against the general practice of using a knife for the same purpose.

Guests were in merriment mood as they took their turn to dance, drink and eat in celebrating with the host.

Dignitaries present at the birthday ceremony included the Rebuja of Osooro Kingdom, Oba Gbadebo Bajowa; Chief Executive Officer of AK Media, Asiwaju Benson Akindeju; High Chief H. A. Bajowa; Venerable Olasehinde; Mr. Bola Olagbegi of CoastalNews; High Chief Okunato; Dr. Dayo Faduyile and a host of others.

It will be recalled that the TIYEC/Olu Bajowa Football Competition was part of the events commemorating the 73rd birthday of the general, who was a co-donor of the annual competition.

MARAPEC Football Club of Odigbo emerged winner of the competition after defeating KFC of Okitipupa at the final encounter at  Okitipupa Government Filed with 1 – 0.

Mrs Ebiere Fiyebo, nee Forhukerhijor, daughter of Success Forhukerhijo, the publisher of Community Link Magarzine in Ondo State on Saturday wedded in grandstyle.

… reports that the toast of the town wedding attracted journalists, prominient personalties and political stalwarts in the state to the reception held at Bubble Hotel in Ayeka, Okitipupa.

Dr Olusegun Mimiko, the state governor and the chairman of the occassion congratulated the newly wedded couple urging them to tolorate one another for the marriage to be sustained.

Gov. Mimiko who was represented by Pastor Olusegun Ayeniun also said that the secret of marriage was love and ability to correct each mistakes as well as forgive themseves and forget every discord.

“If the couple can love themselves dearly and did not see each others mistakes, the marriage would last forever,” Mimiko said.

Mr Forhukerhijor, the brides father told NAN that the wedding day was his greatest happiest day saying that God has helped him to train his daughter and also witness the wedding.

He advised the couple to love themselves whole-heartedly, be fervent in prayers and should not involve third party in their affairs.

“Today is my happiest day in life which i have been looking up to, i wish the new couple happy married life in success and good tidings,” he said.

Mrs Fiyebo, the bride described her husband, Fred as a loving and caring friend which would stop at nothing to ensure she was always comfortable.

“He is my best friend, brother, father and caring husband and i have vowed to spend the rest of my life with him,” she said.

The groom, Mr Fiyebo also said that he would ensure that he love, care and pamper his wife describing her as his soulmate and helpmate.

Mr Banji Okunomo, the Publicity Secretary of state People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Vincent Obadia, the newly elected member of the state House of Assembly and others were among dignitaries at the wedding.

An Ilaje popular musician Debo Ojugbuyi thrilled his teeming fans to his style of music which kept most of the well wishers twisting their waists to favourite music

The remains of late Deaconess Margaret Umahi, mother of Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi has been laid to rest at her country home Agu-Ugwu, Umunaga Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State..

The Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South West, Nigeria met in Lagos on Sunday where they restated their commitment to work together to move the country and particularly the region forward.

Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who spoke to journalists shortly after the meeting held at the Ikoyi residence of former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, said the leadership of the party in the region have resolved their differences and are more than ever ready to pursue an agenda for development of the region.

He said, “We have resolved all the differences within the leadership and as such we are happy to tell the world that the leadership of progressive politics in Western part of Nigeria is united and ready to jointly prosecute the agenda for growth, purposeful leadership, development, good governance in the Western part of Nigeria.

“As we are committed to doing that for the entire nation and through that support the effort at the national level to revive the Nigerian economy and put the people in a better stead than we inherited when our party took over governance in Nigeria.

Aregbesola expressed optimism that good governance and purposeful leadership can trigger the desired change, which according to him will not only profit Nigeria, but also the African continent and the black race.

“I have told you very clearly that the progressive leadership of the Yoruba race is now fully united and are ready and charged to lead our efforts to reposition our land and integrate with others nationwide to put Nigeria in its proper footing,” Aregbesola said.

Aregbesola seized the occasion to announce to journalists that Aremo Osoba had rejoined the APC from the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

“There was a time when Osoba switched to another party, he was a foundation member of the APC and he was in the APC throughout my election. Yes, he was for a time with the SDP, but with what we have just done today, Akinrogun Osoba, the Aremo himself, is back with the Progressive leadership of the Yoruba race”.

Those in attendance at the meeting include the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule; former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Segun Olusegun; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former interim National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; APC National Vice Chairman, South West, Chief Pius Akinyelure; Senator Gbenga Obadara, among others.

By OndoEvents

Chief Rotimi Ibidapo, also known as Bassey, The Atunluse of Owo, Agba Akin of IjebuOwo and Mayegun of Iyere-Land has opened a new hotel to boost the chances of Ondo state as a tourist destination. The world class hotel along the busy Owo-Ikare-Abuja road was opened with fanfare and razzmatazz on Thursday, the 31st of March, 2016.

The new hotel, BEST WESTERN PLUS / MYDAS HOTEL & RESORT is an international four star brand with warm, stylish rooms and suites. Major features that stand the hotel out are free Wifi, flast screen TVs and state of the art coffee makers. The hotel boasts of 24 hours room service.

While officially declaring the hotel open for hospitality business and tourism, the Ooni of Ife Oba Enitan Ogunwusi said Cheif Rotimi Ibidapo has shown that he is concerned about the tourism ad advancement of Ondo state. He noted that Ibidapo’s state for style is revealed in the tastefully furnished hotel and there is no gain saying the fact more conferences and seminars will now hold in the hotel.

Major highlights and services available at Mydas hotel :

A full breakfast buffet is included; it’s offered in the restaurant, which also serves lunch and dinner. The bar has lounge chairs. Additional amenities include a gym and an outdoor pool. The meeting room can accommodate up to 100 people, and there’s a separate board room for up to 20 and a magnificent hall that can conveniently sit 1200 guests, 100 room capacity and a residential palace for hosting kings and very important VIPs

From stylish, well-appointed rooms to upgraded modern amenities, BEST WESTERN PLUS MYDAS hotel is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers who are looking for enhanced style and comfort.

AMENITIES AND SERVICES

You can expect the following amenities and more when you stay at a BEST WESTERN PLUS* hotel.

Hot breakfast available

Free high-speed Internet access

High quality furnishings with spacious work desk in the room

Convenient in-room mini-refrigerator and single-serve coffee/tea maker

Deluxe bath amenities

Fitness center

Business center

On-site self-service laundry

Gift shop/sundry shop

Dignitaries present at the opening are: HRM Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr) David Victor Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi III,JP,CFR ,Olowo of Owo, HRH Oba (Gen).Kofoworola Olatunbosun Oladoyinbo,Rtd, OON, Aruliwo III ,Ojomo of IjebuOwo, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and and nine other Obas from Ile-Ife., Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Deji of Akure, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Adenrele Ademefun Kiladejo, Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Omotunde Alaba Adako, Oliyere of Iyere and other obas and chiefs, High Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Otunba (Mrs.) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori,Deputy Governor of the State of Osun, the representative of Gov Mimiko, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, Ondo State Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Hon.Gbenga Elegbeleye, Engr. Olu Aladenusi, Asiwaju of Iyere,captain of industries…

The remains of Late Mrs. Eunice Oladipupo Ogunwa

, the mother of Hon. Omoniyi Ogunwa Oboli, MD Oil Palm plc (OOPC) will be laid to rest this weekend. The burial service commences on Thursday, the 7th of April, 2016 as corpse leaves State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa Mortuary for Lying – in – State at her residence, Ogunwa Compound, Igbotako Road, Ode – Aye, Ondo state and Christian wake keep at the same venue, time 5:00pm.

Funeral and Thanksgiving service will hold on Friday, 8th April, time 10:00am at St, Gregory’s Church, Ode – Aye. Interment will follow immediately. Reception and entertainment of guests will hold at Daniken High School Play ground, Ode – Aye.

Hon. Ogunwa Oboli while releasing the brief of the programme noted that his mother was a great source of inspiration to him and he will miss her sorely. He said though his mother died at the ripe age of 95 years, he still wished she did not have to go because of her wise counsel and regular prayer for him and his siblings.

Hon. Ogunwa Oboli is a strong PDP stakeholder from Ode Aye and a business man whose acumen has contributed in no small measure to the turnaround of the Okitipupa oil palm company. He had also served at different time as Senior Special Assistant on project monitoring to the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

Eng. Ogunwa, it is gathered, may also indicate interest in the governorship election as a gubernatorial candidate from Ondo South as the Ondo state governorship election draws near.

Two hundred and thirty undergraduates of Nigeria higher institutions, who are from Irele/Okitipupa Federal constituency have benefitted from the generosity of the constituency’s representative in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, Hon. Michael Omogbehin-Negwo.

The award was presented to the lucky awardees at an eleaborate gathering today at the multi-purpose hall of Okitipupa local government council. The two pronged events was the presentation of ‘’The Marching Grant’’ as described by Hon. Omogbehin and a speech presentation, titled ‘’Importance of Entrepreneurial Education’’ delivered by Dr. Adeyemo Adewole of the Entrepreneurial Dept , OSUSTECH Dr. Adeyemo, while delivering his speech congratulated Hon. Omogbehin for the good gesture of providing bursary awards aside the one given by the state government to the students, noting that it will go a long way in stimulating the students towards doing well in their studies. Dr. Adeyemo noted that employment is fast becoming a challenge because the white collar jobs are no longer available. He encouraged undergraduates to identify their talents and deplore such for the good of the society thereby making profit thereof.

Earlier, Hon. Omogbehin while addressing the awardees noted that the objective of the  ‘’Marching Grant’’ he was giving the awardees was to fulfil his political manifesto.

‘’The objective of this gathering is to return home and say a big thank you to the people of this constituency. This token from which 230 students of tertiary institution will benefit from is a fulfilment of the first leg of my covenant to the people of my constituency,’’ Omogbehin said.

He said the students’ representative he conferred with while preparing for the election laughed when he told them of this electoral promise. ‘’Now the promise has become a reality,’’ Omogbehin stressed.

Also speaking with OndoEvents  at the event was Eng. Hon. Oboli, the managing director Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc.  Oboli congratulated Omogbehin and asked him to continue with the good legacy. When OndoEvents asked him about his political ambition, Oboli said God enthrone Kings and his ambition is in God’s hand. When prodded further, Oboli noted that he is willing to vie for any exalted political office so far he gets the go ahead of his people.

Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) Okitipupa also got five computer laptops and eight flash drives from the Hon. Omogbehin’s largesse to his constituency. The representative of the Vice Chancellor, Mr. Akinnusi thanked the donoone of the few Ikales who have reached out generously to the course of the growth of the University.

Among the notable dignitaries at the event were Abodi of Ikale HRM Oba Gabriel Faduyile, Jegun of Idepe HRM Oba Michael Obatuga Adetoye, Olu of Iju Odo Oba Olumoyegun.

Others were Dr. Eddie Olafeso, the Olorogun of Idepe land, Prince Akindele, Chairman Coastal Hotel and Suites, Engineer Ogunwa Oboli, Hon. Omonehin Babalola, Hon. Bitire, Caretaker Chairman, Okitipupa Local Govt, Hon. Segun Ayerin, Comm of Agric, Chief Benson Akindeju, CEO AK Media, Princess Oyin Akindele and a host of others.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki today said he has fully complied with the provisions of the law on declaration of assets by public officers.
In a reaction to the claim contained in the Panama-based offshore provider, Mossack Fonseca and shared by the International Consortium of Investigation Journalists (ICIJ) that he failed to declare assets belonging to his wife, Mrs Toyin Saraki, in secret offshore territories, Saraki said he has in his different asset declarations included properties owned individually by himself and his wife.
The property in question forms part of Dr. Saraki’s wife’s family asset. It is public knowledge that Mrs. Saraki comes from a family of independent means and wealth with numerous and varied assets acquired over decades in family estates and investments.
“Furthermore, the law only requires a public officer to declare both his own assets and those held by his spouse and his children under 18 years of age. The law does not require a public officer to declare assets held by the spouse’s family.
“It is not expected by the law that a public officer should declare such assets held in the spouse’s family estate. Indeed, the Code of Conduct form does not make provision for declaration of spouse’s family assets”, he stated.

BETWEEN AYO FAYOSE AND I (PART 1)

People often say that my friend and brother Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state and I are giving the Buhari government a run for their money more than any other duo in the country.

Though he and I come from very different backgrounds and our approach and styles, when confronting issues, are very different they say that we are both deeply committed to our cause, we are both contentious and that we both have the courage of our convictions.

They also say we are both ready to pick up the gauntlet, champion the cause of our party and people and stand our ground when confronted by our adversaries or provoked into any fight.

There is no doubt about the fact that both Fayose and I are similar in some ways. We both draw immense strength from our respective christian testimonies and the power of our faith.

We also both have a similar world-view and we both have a fair idea about who the real troublers of our nation, our faith and our people are.

We are both what we are because of what we have been subjected to by the system and the powers that be over the years and because of what we have both suffered and been through in the hands of those we once reverred, worked with and trusted.

We are also both praying men who have loved ones and family that are strong in the faith and that pray hard and well.

I agree with the assesment of those that often compare us but there is a small caveat: I regard Fayose as being a populist- a rugged, grassroots leader of the suffering masses and a radical politician whilst I see myself more as a man of letters, a historian, a deep-thinker and a politically-active but cloistered intellectual.

Permit me to make a rather crude analogy and to indulge in a graphic and disturbing metaphor. In our long-drawn and protracted political battle and struggle for power he uses a thick and blunt cudgel to fight our enemies and batter them to death whilst I use a thin and sharp rapier with which I slowly carve them up, slice them to pieces and bleed them into eternity.

He crushes their bones with rage and brutal efficiency whilst I clinically cut them up with ruthless precision. Both methods are equally effective and both achieve their objectives.

Yet whatever our differences may be in terms of style, choice of weapon, method of battle, substance and approach they say that we have both courageously stood up to the Buhari government and that we have both defiantly spoken our minds about what is going on in our country today.

Consequently they have described us both as ”lions and warriors”.

This is a very kind of them though, in all fairness, I believe that writers and columnists like Mr. Yinka Odumakin, Professor Femi Aribisala and Mr. Jude Ndukwe,  politicians like Governor Seriake Dickson, Governor Olusegun Mimiko and Dr. Sulaiman Olanrewaju Abubakar (the former Minister of National Planning), bloggers like Mr. Deji Adeyanju and Mrs. Aziza Uko, journalists like Mr. Shaka Momodu and Mr. Yemi Adebowale and countless others fall into that “lion” category as well.

They have also displayed immense courage. It is not just Ayo Fayose and yours truly.

Some of our friends have also pointed out that all that we said about President Buhari and the APC during the Presidential campaign last year has proved to be prophetic.

All these kind words and this rather generous assessment and categorization of both Fayose and I is very encouraging and I appreciate them.

Unlike in other nations where vocal opposition is encouraged and regarded as an essential part of democracy and an effective way of keeping those in power on their toes, when one sticks ones neck out for their country and people and is loud in their opposition to government in this part of the world it is a thankless, unappreciated, lonely and dangerous road.

And sadly, more often than not, one is mocked, shunned, despised, hated, misunderstood, persecuted, maligned, insulted and misrepresented for taking it.

This is especially so when one is dealing with a callous and ruthless government, like we have in our country today. We are being led by a group of people who have a hidden agenda, who hate their perceived enemies and detractors, who are inherently incompetent and who are manifestly unjust.

We are burdened with a government who cannot abide criticism, who are scared of their own shadow, who have no decency or honor and who have failed in all their wa

We are saddled with a leadership who have offended God and man, who have ruined our nation, who have impoverished our people, who are bereft of ideas and who are hell bent on intimidating the opposition and silencing the voice of truth.

I am touched by the words of those that are encouraging those of us that have chosen to take that road of vocal and virile opposition and this is especially so because I have tremendous respect and affection for Ayo Fayose and I consider him to be one of our brightest rising stars in the south west.

His name is Peter, like the Rock in the Holy Bible, and he cannot be shaken. He is a strong man of faith, a trusted and loyal friend and I am proud to be mentioned in the same breath as him.

Yet it is not me that says, writes and does these things that people find so amazing and courageous but rather He that is in me. It is a gift from God and that gift is known as the Holy Spirit.

He gives us foresight, insight, sensitivity, a word for the season and the ability to endure any form of persecution and hardship and still stand strong.

He gives us the ability to cultivate a firm resolve, to think things through clearly, to wait on Him and to have patience.

He also gives us immense courage, especially when under fire. As a matter of fact the more the fire burns, the more the courage rages. This is what is generally referred to as  “Christian fury” and it is a deep and inexplicable mystery.

I am sure that I can speak for Fayose on that too because the same applies to him. It is not he that says and does the things that he says and does but the Holy Spirit of the Living God that is in him.

My brother Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state, the Iroko of the Western Region, has the same gift even though he is a little more restrained, tempered and gentle.

He is also a devout and practicing Christian and his sense of maturity, wisdom and civility does not make him any less effective. A consummate and experienced politician and leader: he is truly formidable in all his ways.

If any discerning politician sits with Mimiko for ten minutes or more he will know that the Holy Spirit flows through him like water flows through an estuary or a stream.

He is a profoundly good man: a man of power and strength but he couples it with deep compassion and a sense of equity, decency and fairness that is rarely seen in our shores.

Back to Ayo Fayose and yours truly. In all our adventures there is one difference between the Governor of Ekiti state and I which many fail to appreciate. Under our laws, because he is a serving Governor, he has immunity from arrest and prosecution but I do not.

He has the people of Ekiti state solidly behind him to applaud and support his every word and move but I do not.  He has the machinery and power of a whole state government and a State House of Assembly to fight for him but I do not.

He has the friendship and support of all his fellow PDP Governors and the party leadership but I do not. Unlike him my defence is purely spiritual yet that is more than enough to guarantee my safety and well-being. That is more than enough to comfort me and give me strength and victory.

I do not have all the physical and constitutional protection that he has and I don’t need it. I only have God yet He is more than enough for me. I only have my faith yet that faith continues to move mountains for me.

I only have the Lord’s sure word and promise yet that sure word and promise is worth more than a thousand armies and all the gold, silver and power in the world because it never fails. I only have His love, His grace, His blessing and His mercy yet it never falters. I am bold, confident and strong because the Lord is with me.

One thing I should add is this: if Ayo Fayose were not Governor of Ekiti state nothing would change and he would still be the lion that he is. It is not the office that makes the man but the man that makes the office.

If he were not Governor he would still be as virulent and courageous in his attacks against injustice and this unjust government as he is today.

That is what makes the difference between him and others. He is Ayo Fayose and, like Peter the Rock, nothing moves him. (TO BE CONTINUED).

By Dayo Awude

I have read several posts and comments in recent weeks on the anger, vituperations born out of frustration, outright abuse and defense of President Buhari. No doubt, Nigerians are very very angry right now, and I think we should be – No fuel, no electricity, escalating prices of items, depreciating value of Naira, etc.

These are trying times for Nigeria, no doubt. Today, we buy fuel at a range between N200 to N350 per liter, and thats three to four times the original price. Its now very common to go without electricity supply for weeks at a stretch. and the electricity bills keep coming by the way. Regardless of what some partisan politicians or overzealous men would say, I know our nation is at its lowest ebb today. The economy is sliding daily. That is the obvious fact. Contesting that will be an issue of self delusion.

So, for my folks, (Buharists they are called), who are angry that Nigerians are complaining and blaming the president, I think they should have a rethink. Who else should Nigerians call or be angry with, if not the president? Let Nigerians pour out their anger and frustrations. You don’t beat a child and at the same time take from him the right to cry. Nigerians should be angry, and they rightly are. You don’t expect a people whose income and purchasing power have been devalued by about 50% to roll out the drums and celebrate at this time.

Again, some of the Buharists are perhaps the reason for personal jabs on President Buhari, because they took the “fight” beyond the issues to the person of then President Jonathan, during the presidential campaign in 2015.

They took the “fight” too deep on the emotional lane. Also, the impression was erroneously created that Buhari was the ready answer for all our national questions. The Jonathanians now see this as an avenue for revenge.

However, casting aspersion on the person of the President is not good enough. I have said it times over, that the President is an embodiment of the image of any country, Nigeria inclusive. We must therefore accord him all the respect required of his office. Sincerely, I don’t believe Nigerians, across party and ethnic lines, want President Buhari to fail. I know that right thinking Nigerians want Mr President to succeed. Wishing that your president fails is unpatriotic and ungodly. If he fails, we are all in the web. If he succeeds, we are all beneficiaries. So why should anyone wish himself bad?

My advice:

I believe this anger is partly borne out of the fact that Nigerians feel the President isn’t bothered about the mess at home, as much as he is of external issues, especially going by his frequent trips abroad. As a Protocol  consultant, I do know that sometimes, these trips are beyond the discretion of the President and are long planned, but I believe it’s time for Mr President to stay a little bit more at home and address these issues frontally. The home front is much more important than any diplomatic political or economic mileage. An elder doesn’t stay in his neighbour’s house when his own house is on fire. Nigeria is not yet on economic autopilot for him to honour all foreign engagements.

The argument for more time for the President to settle down in office is gradually losing its strength, after about a year in office. Mr President, it’s time for work. He should look more into the system and fish out our best hands, regardless of party lines, to join him in running an inclusive government. It is not that Nigeria is devoid of good hands. We have men and women that are among the very best in the world. Dr. Adesina, immediate past Minister of Agric and current President of the African Development Bank is an example. He wasn’t known to carry the membership card of any political party. It’s time to rise above the fray of politics and get all great and patriotic hands on the plough.

Lastly, Mr President must deploy massive political will in dealing with situations. The refineries must be back to work for any meaningful and appreciable progress in the oil sector. Nigerians are tired of a nation being portrayed as helpless in the hands of pipeline vandals and electricity saboteurs. A part of us should not hold the whole to ransom. If Nigeria government can’t ensure internal security of lives and sensitive properties, then our sovereignty is under a question mark. Mr. President, Nigerians want solutions, not excuses or reasons, no matter how plausible they seem. A hungry child needs food, not the reasons for inadequacy of food or lack of it. As children look up to their fathers to solve their problems, Nigerians are looking up to you.

God bless Nigeria.

Dayo Awude.