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#BREAKINGNEWS: EDMUND OBILO AND TIMI OLAGUNJU TO SPEAK AT TEDXBODIJA 2015

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Edmund Obilo, a researcher on African History and Politics and Timi Olagunju, 2015 Mandela Washington Fellow will both be speaking at TEDxBodija 2015 – a TEDx Event in the city of Ibadan, Nigeria, which holds on December 6, 2015 at Le Chateau, Bodija, Ibadan. This is according to the official release made available to WhatsupIbadan by Titilope Adedokun, Media Relations Manager of TEDxBodija.

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Edmund Obilo who presents the popular radio programme on Splash FM – Voices – was recently at the 70TH United Nations General Assembly which focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He is well known for his insightful analysis of African politics and economics, and also for his fearless in-depth radio documentaries on past and current governments of Oyo State. Edmund Obilo is one of the most sought speakers in Nigeria, but often declines speaking invitation. It is not clear as at press time what he would be speaking on but we can be sure that he would add so much value to the TEDx platform, as an intellectual and researcher.

Timi Olagunju, a fellow of Presidential Precinct (US) was a Research Fellow at Global Integrity, Columbia, during the 2015 Mandela Washington Fellowship Program in United States. He speaks at various platforms within and outside Nigeria. He was recently a speaker and discussant at International Republican Institute’s Conference in Dakar, Senegal. He also leads Nigerian Youths in Motion – a non-profit with the mandate of empowering youths. In order to share the knowledge he acquired in US during the Mandela Fellowship Program 2015, he wrote a book, “Yes Africa Can” which was launched in the United States.

timi olagunju see note plsTimi Olagunju flanked by MP Abdou Mbow (Left),of the Federal Parliament, Senegal

and MP Patrick Muyaya (Right) of the Federal Parliament, Congo (DRC)

The remarkable preparation being put up for TEDxBodija 2015 is expected as the Curator/Official Licensee, Olufemi Babalogbon participated at the last TED Conference in Canada and was able to understudy the standards of TED ‘s concept, event design and logistics for a whole week. He has since put together a more vibrant team which includes a creative artist, Mitchell Adekola, a tech researcher, Adekunle Adeleke and a social media editor, Olaseni Oladejo. TEDxBodija was licensed in 2013 by TED Conferences LLC, New York and has since been the biggest youth conference in Oyo State. The theme of the 2015 event – INNOVATION: THINKING UPSIDE DOWN – is meant to unveil counter-intuitive thinking which births innovations, disruptions and developments.

Edmund Obilo and Timi Olagunju will be joining other eight (8) great thinkers, innovators and change-agents from all over the world to speak at TEDxBodija 2015, reinforcing the theme. The event will also be unveiling two mobile apps designed by young guys who are resident in Ibadan: Orbi and Swap Naija.

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Potholes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway cause 15-hour gridlock

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The traffic on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has shown no sign of abating as gridlock now lasts for as long as 15 hours. PUNCH Metro learnt that the potholes around the Warewa and Arepo end of the expressway had multiplied due to increased rainfall and the abandonment of the road by both state and federal authorities. It was learnt that the only time the road was free was between 2am and 6am. As of Monday, both sides of the road were blocked and traffic was at snail pace. It was observed that there was traffic congestion from Ibafo inwards Lagos and vice versa due to the potholes which were gradually evolving into craters. Our correspondent observed that a side of the Warewa end of the expressway was being avoided by motorists because it was flooded.

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Some commuters, who spoke with our correspondent, said they spent their salaries on transport and it was difficult to get to their place of work on time due to the situation.

A civil servant, Olowolagba Monisola, said she had been facing difficult times plying the road every day, adding that transport cost had more than quadrupled.

She said, “I live around the Mowe area of Ogun State and every day, I go through this gridlock. Apart from the long hours I spend in the traffic, the commercial drivers make things harder for us.

“The fare from Mowe to Berger is usually N100, but now, the drivers demand as much as N500 especially when they see a crowd at the bus stop. If you are lucky, you will find the one that will ask for N300, but the struggle to enter the bus is another ballgame.”

Our correspondent, however, observed a 40-foot container abandoned at the centre of the long bridge inward Mowe, Ogun State.

It was learnt that there had been an accident on Sunday and the rescue officials who responded left it there.

PUNCH Metro observed as vehicles swerved to avoid crashing into the container.

A commuter, James Ademola, said the traffic situation had been bad for the past three weeks, lamenting that the government had refused to address the situation.

He said, “For the past three weeks we have been going through hell on this road because of accidents like this and the potholes especially on the road.

“Last week, policemen filled up some of the potholes, but as soon as it rained, the flood washed everything away.”

A motorist, Happy Ukona, told our correspondent that robberies are now rampant on the road.

He said, “From 6am to 9am, robbers operate freely on this long bridge and the police cannot do anything because there is no way for them to catch the robbers. The police are also stuck in traffic and their vehicles cannot move around.”

Ukona, a Seventh Day Adventist preacher, blamed previous administrations for making fake promises without fulfilling them.

“This road was first awarded to a contractor during the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration before ex-president Goodluck Jonathan passed the contract to another company and till now, the situation has not improved. The present administration seems not to be aware of the hardship of Nigerians,” he added.

Ade Moshood, an engineer, demanded that an alternative route be created around the Mowe area to connect Berger in order to reduce the traffic on the expressway.

“Soon, the churches on the expressway will start having their Yuletide programmes and if at this time we are going through this, I wonder what will happen when they start their conferences and programmes,” he added.

The Sector Commander, Ogun State Federal Road Safety Corps, Adegoke Adetunji, said the agency had deployed its men to manage the gridlock.

He said, “The problem is as a result of bad portions on the expressway. We have informed the Federal Ministry of Works and Julius Berger Construction Company of the need to take care of the road. But we have told our men to make sure motorists don’t drive against traffic and all obstructions are removed on the road. We implore motorists to be patient and drive gently when they get to the bad portions.”

An engineer with the Federal Ministry of Works who is in charge of the road, Kayode Ibrahim, declined comment.

He said, “I don’t have the details of the incident and if you want to discuss with me, you have to come to my office.”

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Ooni-elect, a pride to Ibadan Poly —School management

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Management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, on Monday, described the appointment of Ooni-elect, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, as a pride to the institution. The polytechnic in a statement signed by Registrar of the institution, Mr. Hezekiah Ayodele, said the choice of Ogunwusi was based on his pedigree, antecedents and unparalleled achievements in many spheres of life. The statement read in part, “The management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has congratulated Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, an alumnus of the institution, on his appointment as the Ooni-elect. His appointment is a pride to The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

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“His appointment has further confirmed the capacity of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as a first class institution, which has trained many distinguished Nigerians, including the incumbent governor of Osun State and Ekiti, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Peter Ayodele Fayose, respectively.

“The management has no doubt that the choice of Ogunwusi was based on his pedigree, antecedents and unparalleled achievements in many spheres of life.

“While congratulating the Ooni-elect, the management prayed to God to give him the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the ancient city to greater heights.”

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Alms, as empowerment: Senator Monsura Sunmonu got it wrong

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I must commend you for your “world empowerment programme”, which kicked-off with paying the cost of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination forms for 200 lucky students in Oyo State, Nigeria. I heartily join others who have commended this initiative and sincerely thank you for the effort. Oyo Town and Oyo State are both very important to me. I was born in Ogbomoso in the late 1960s and raised in Oyo Town in the 1970s and the 1980s. I also schooled at the University of Ibadan in the 1990s. All these should point to you that Oyo State is important to me on many fronts. One, a large number of my friends is from Oyo State.

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Two, the different events that shaped my life – the civil war, the murder of Murtala Mohammed, the various military take-overs, the balkanization of old Oyo State into two states, the murder of Ashipa of Oyo, the Muslim versus Oro worshippers’ conflict, June 12 and return to democracy in 1999 – occurred to me while living in Oyo. Hence, you are not just any senator, but my senator. You are the senator of all indigenes of Oyo, and not the senator of a select few – rich or poor, educated or illiterate. I would therefore like to state that this essay is a citizen’s call for accountability. Besides owing it to myself to demand accountability, I believe that I owe it to you, to Oyo and to Nigeria as a whole that, as a concerned citizen, I should undertake the task of being eternally vigilant in the quest for a better Oyo Town and Oyo State and a better Nigeria.

Permit me, in the following few lines, to ask a few questions, call your attention to a number of observations and make some general comments on your “world empowerment programme”. Madam Senator, Oyo, so also Nigeria, would emerge stronger and better if citizens meaningfully engage with their leaders – elected and appointed. Hence, I plead upfront that this essay (at the beginning of your career as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) is both an expression of my civic rights and also my quota to nation building. Given the number of Facebook and Twitter apologists that politicians like you have today, I would be glad if you could take the time to read and reflect on this piece, rather than asking ‘one of the boys to reply him’.

In order not to assume a knowledgeable audience, Madam Senator, a flyer is making the rounds on Facebook and Twitter in your name, asking exceptionally bright students (indigenes) of Oyo State who are planning to write the forthcoming Joint Admission and Matriculations Examination Board (JAMB) to compete for 200 slots in a supposedly ‘world empowerment programme’. As noted in the flyer, you would pick-up the bills of these 200 lucky winners.

This is commendable and I salute your intelligence in coming up with this ‘world empowerment programme’. However, I would be glad if you could say to what purpose is this “world empowerment programme”. Put differently, does the payment of examination fee constitute empowerment? In addition, why is this “world empowerment programme” a lottery? What is the benefit of this programme?

Gone were the days when some Nigeria members of parliaments, federal and state commissioners and ministers were semi-illiterates. During those ‘dark days’, different forms of tokenism were touted as dividends of democracy. The people, ignorant of the depth of sleaze that was going on in government, rolled out the drums, singing praises of these politicians. The military era took corruption and graft (in government) to yet another height. Today, we have come of age.

Madam Senator, giving ‘alms’ to citizens, like giving aids to developing nations, have been with us for a long time. In fact, when one checks our recent history, evidence abounds to support the argument that millions have marched and fought for these ‘alms’. Having mentioned aid; let me also note that many judged governments by the amount of external aid they attract. We have also seen academics, politicians and professionals proselytizing for the need for aid. Since 1999 when Nigerian returned to civilian rule, we have seen dramatic rise in the number of ‘alms’ that politicians have given to citizens. Things like constituency projects, millennium development programmes, and empowerment projects have become barometers through which we evaluate performance. States and lawmakers, since 1999, appear to be locked in an endless competition over payment of either West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) fees or the National Examination Council fees. This is unfortunate. Besides self-reporting (done by states and lawmakers), has there been any measurement of the contributions of these alms to the growth and development of Nigeria, especially in education and human capital development?

Even if there are no measurable proofs that they work in Nigeria, evidence from different parts of the world reveals that giving alms to citizens only make these citizens poorer and, at the same time, stymies national development. At the national level, its equivalent is debt-relief. The devious culture of alms (aid, in the case of the nation) has left Nigerians vis-à-vis Africans poorer, debt-laden, and more vulnerable to endemic poverty than anything else since 1900. In addition to this, the culture of aid made Nigeria unattractive to higher-quality investment and also susceptible to the vagaries of the currency markets. Competition over location of aid-induced projects has intensified (already existing) civil conflicts and social unrests, with the attendant negative impacts on the nation’s economic prospects. At the personal level, which makes sense between making this examination free across Nigeria and the giving of alms to a few individuals either through lottery or through whatever procedure makes sense?

Madam Senator, only a fool would deny that there is a clear moral imperative for humanitarian aid, especially when socio-economic, political and even environmental situations warrant it The hurricane in New Orleans, earthquake in Haiti, the 2004 tsunami in Asia are some instances of environmentally-induced circumstances, which necessitated aids in recent history. The poor has money to purchase examination forms.

The hurricane destroying their lives is tuition. The tsunami eroding their humanity is cost of textbooks and the requisite day-to-day requirements of keeping students in school. Unless you are admitting that since 1999, politicians in Nigeria have down the ship of state so much so that the situation is only comparable to hurricane Katrina, then I would agree with you that the current situation calls for alms giving. Even at that, it is better to send a bill to the National Assembly calling for the abrogation of all user-fees in educational matters. Nigerians would benefit immensely from this rather than giving them alms.

Until fairly recently, doctoral education is free for a number of African nations, including Nigeria, in the Netherlands. Currently in Germany and Finland, education is free at all levels and for all – citizens and foreigners alike. In these cases, lawmakers made the law abrogating user-fees in education rather than giving tokens and alms. In Nigeria today, it is certainly easier to consign a soul to perdition than to say prayers to save it. Whatever the strengths and weaknesses of your current effort and other similar efforts, alms are relatively small drops when compared to the sea of money that are daily flooding into the pockets of our esteemed politicians.

Since 1960, rich countries across the world have transferred more than $1 trillion of development-related aid to Africa. Nevertheless, real per-capita income today is lower than it was in the 1970s, and more than 50 percent of African population –more than 500 million people – lives on less than a dollar a day. Even with the debt-relief that a number of African nations enjoyed since 2000s, African countries continue to pay a little below $20 billion yearly in debt repayments. What does this mean? If $20 billion were spent on education and health care, would any Nigerian need alms from any senator? Alms, like aid, are not free.

As the whole world knows, alms, like aid, are inexorably linked to corruption. As the African Union noted in 2002, aid-related corruption stands at $150 billion a year. So, we know that the current alms programme would enrich certain individuals more than the intended lottery winners. It would also polarize Oyo State, as you are a senator of Nigeria representing a senatorial district in Oyo State and not for a segment of Oyo State. You are senator of both the highly educated ones and illiterates.

If we could borrow important lessons from elsewhere, in a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in May 2004, Professor Jeffrey Winters of Northwestern University, argued that the World Bank (directly or indirectly) participated in the corruption of roughly $100 billion of its loan funds intended for development. What is the lesson in this? You would be aiding your advisers who suggested this project in their corrupt enrichment scheme. Just as with international donors, you would also be turning a blind eye to corrupt enrichment and inadvertently fueling graft.

Let us remind ourselves what alms, such as this, can and cannot do. Compared to paying tuition and buying textbooks, paying examination fee is a lot easier. If our dear senator cares for the indigent people, as she is projecting via this “world empowerment programme”, she should not only declare free education in Oyo State but also the provision of automatic employment. In other words, aid-supported scholarships rather than payment of entrance examination fees is a far better ‘empowerment’ than this current deceit. Given the current state of Nigeria, churning out graduates in the absence of jobs is like providing “plaster solutions” to alleviate immediate suffering. Plaster, by its very nature, is simply adhesive, which, therefore, cannot heal a wound. For a long-term sustainable growth, Madam Senator, get your colleagues in parliament to make laws abrogating user-fees in education. Stop giving alms; you are voted into office solely to make laws. The executives are to reduce these laws into policies and programmes and then implement them. Alms are unmitigated political, economic and social wastes.

•Oyeniyi is a Professor of African History at Missouri State University, USA.

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Tribunal verdicts: Makinde defends judiciary

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THE governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State in the last general election, Mr Seyi Makinde, at the weekend, declared that there was no enough evidence suggesting that the judiciary was compromised on the recent election tribunal judgments as being alleged in some quarters. Makinde, in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, pointed out that he had been involved in electoral litigation before, disclosing that he lost at the tribunal “even though there was glaring evidence that the election was rigged.” “Sometimes you may have miscarriage of justice because the parties involved did not present their facts in a way that could have helped their cause,” he stated.

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Makinde who believed that Oyo State governorship election was not perfect, said the result represented something that was actually close to what happened at the election.”
According to him, “If you want perfect election, I don’t think we have gotten to that level yet. But in terms of the declared result, I still maintained that it is quite close to the peoples’ vote cast.”


Splash FM’s Seun Oluwajana Christens Baby Girl Tomorrow

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Splash FM’s PR, Entertainments and Events Seun Oluwajana welcomes baby girl just last week together with his amiable wife, Adenike Oluwajana.

The cute baby will be christened tomorrow 4th of November at the couple’s home in Oluyole Estate.

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Speaking with the happy dad, Seun ‘Jana told Whatsupibadan.com that ”I feel so happy with the birth of our baby girl. God answered our prayers the right way we wanted it to be answered. Just after our sweet son Derrick, the best thing to ask from God is a lovely daughter, and God did it. All through the time of pregnancy till delivery God kept my wife and made her strong. I cant but thank Him for his grace over my entire family right from our wedding till now. Its been 4 years of Gods grace”,

Congrats to the happy family. We turn up tomorrow!

seun

 


BVN: Customers besiege banks in Ibadan

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Bank customers in the Ibadan metropolis on Tuesday experienced long queues in a bid to verify the authenticity of their Bank Verification Numbers, as directed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that many of the customers were seen in a confused state as majority of them wondered why they had to re-verify their BVN. Some of the customers who spoke with NAN said they were at the banks because of the text messages they received from the banks. Mr Taiwo Akeju, a customer, said he was surprised to receive a text massage from his bank asking him to‎ visit any of the branches, due to differences in account details. According to Akeju, the BVN was issued through Skye Bank and was submitted to his other accounts with other banks, including UBA, but the UBA said his BVN was not linked to his account.

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Another customer, Yemi Ipoola, described the development as frustrating, due to the rigorous queues and long processes in order to re-enroll or complete the BVN exercise.

“I was at the bank to withdraw cash from the ATM but could not as the machine wrote out the message that the transaction was incomplete.

“I came in to complain and the bank official I complained to asked me to take a new BVN form to complete and wait for verification, which I have done before,” he said‎.

Mr Chigbo Nwadi, wondered why he could not withdraw from his account after the bank confirmed his BVN which he registered for, over a year ago.

“This is very bad, we must change our attitude to effect the ‘change’ we are clamoring for,” he said.

An official of one of the banks who pleaded anonymity said the bank regretted any inconveniences to customers.

According to the official, some of the customers did not want to follow the CBN directive on the BVN, hence the need for proper documentation.

“I can tell you that even some bank officials were also affected. Our accounts were as well frozen,” he said.

“Do you know that some of those who own accounts deliberately refused to register due to one frivolous reason or the other?” she said.

NAN reports that due to the development, many banks in the Challenge area of the Oyo state capital were stormed by customers, either to complain or complete their BVN exercise.

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Fuel Scarcity Bites Harder In Ibadan

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Fuel scarcity has persisted in Ibadan, Oyo State capital as many petrol stations are currently under lock and key. As yesterday, there were long queues of vehicles at the few petrol stations that opened for business along major streets in Ibadan. There were also a few commercial vehicles plying the roads as a result of the scarcity, leaving passengers stranded at most bus-stops. LEADERSHIP gathered that some of the petrol stations refused to sell the product at the official price of N87 per litre, but preferred selling at night at N100 per litre. Most of the motorists, who spoke with our correspondent, lamented the artificial scarcity of the commodity and called on the federal government to find lasting solution to incessant fuel scarcity.



DPR seals-off over 50 filling stations in Ibadan

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The inspection teams of the Nigeria’s Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on Wednesday sealed-off no fewer than 50 filling stations across Oyo State. Olakunle Ogunlana, the Operations Controller, Ibadan field office who confirmed the sealed-off described the scarcity as ‘artificial’ explained that “government is doing enough to ensure availability of petroleum product across the country and will not hesitate to deal with saboteurs.” The action which led to sanction of the owners of the filling stations became inevitable as some independent fuel marketers in the state took undue advantage of unsuspecting public by selling the product far above the government approved pump price.

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He said other reasons for their action was to deal with the erring fuel marketers include, hoarding of petroleum product thereby creating artificial scarcity, absconding from station when people queue up to buy fuel and delaying sales of fuel product till late in the night to make illegal gains

Acting on tip-off and series of complaints from the members of the public on their ordeals from the fuel marketers in certain parts of the state, the staff of DPR, working in separate teams with the assistance of men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps visited the interior parts of the state where sharp practices were most rampant in an ongoing week-long exercise

It was learnt that at fuel was selling at N105 and N110 per litre and an additional charge of N100 for every 10 litres bought in some areas.

Fatoil located at the Sango-Eleyele road was sealed off for selling above the government approved pump price. Romkol Global Oil, Apete, Solace Global Resources Limited, Apete, Muhatorm Petroleum Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited all in Awotan-Iludun, Mericom Business Heritage, Arola, Towafad Interbiz limited, Arola and Gilog Oil Nigeria Limited, Awotan were also sealed off

The team that inspected Apata, Ashipa, New-Garage, Arapaja and its environs also sealed off more than twenty stations. Notably, Moore at Apata Odo Ona was sealed for selling PMS at N110/ltr and refusal to revert to government approved price and D-Nest, Apata/New Garage Expressway, Kuola sealed off for selling at N100/ltr. While Sabara oil, Oleyo road, Ashipa was sealed for selling above pump price, two stations operated by Fem Mesh, at ijebu Ode road and Arapaja junction were sealed for refusing to sell fuel to awaiting public claiming they left it in reserve

Speaking after the seal offs in Apata area, the OPSCON chairman said: “it is the gimmick of the marketers to make it look as if government is not paying subsidy but government is paying. Even despite the directive to cut down on importation, it is still the duty of importers to import as long as they have the license to do so.”

Reinstating the determination of his team to enforce government directive to the letter, Ogunlana urged fuel marketers in the state to be patriotic and save the public untold hardship.

Aside from the seal off, the teams of inspectors also engaged in inspecting the storage tanks of many filling stations in Sango, Apete, Arola and the environs to confirm if they had stock or had diverted them.

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Oyo CJ releases 59 inmates awaiting trial

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The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Munta Abimbola, has released 59 out of the 903 inmates awaiting trial in Agodi Prison in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. The released inmates comprised of 53 males and six females. Abimbola who released the inmates during his visit to the prison, added that they were awaiting trial on various grounds. He said that the purpose of his visit to the prison was to ensure a speedy administration of justice to the inmates that were awaiting trials. The CJ also said this would ensure that congestion in the prison was reduced to its barest minimum. He said that some of those released were discovered to have been arrested unlawfully. Others had been detained for more than the number of years they would have spent in detention for the offences committed, he said.

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The chief judge said that some of those released had health challenges while others were supposed to have been charged as civil matter but charged as criminal cases.

“The released inmates have been given another opportunity to repent and live a crime-free life; but if they waste such an opportunity again, nature will cash up with them.

“I urge the released inmates to learn their lessons and go to the society to sin no more,’’ Abimbola said.

In his contribution, Mr Ogunmola Tairudeen, Controller of Prisons, Oyo State Command, said that Agodi Prison had been experiencing a great congestion of inmates.

Tairudeen said that there were 1,003 inmates at Agodi Prison while only seven of them had been sentenced to life imprisonment.

The controller said that 93 of the inmates had been convicted, saying he was very glad for the visit of the chief judge to the prison.

He urged the released inmates not to return to their sinful act and commended the judiciary for the mercy granted to the inmates.

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Oyo Assembly Urges State Govt To Give Succour To Fire Victims

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The Oyo State House of Assembly has urged the state government and relevant agencies to provide assistance to victims of the fire that occurred at Iseyin, in Iseyin Council Area of the state. Presenting the motion at the plenary on Tuesday, Mr Afees Adeleke, member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju state constituency, said the incident occurred on Oct. 24 at about 8:20p.m. Adeleke said according to eye witnesses, the incident was caused by a petrol tanker driver who lost control as a result of brake failure. “The petrol tanker loaded with 33,000 litres of fuel fell on the road at custom area of Iseyin and led to the fire that destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

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“Some houses, shops and vehicles parked beside the road, close to the drainages, got engulfed in fire,” Adeleke said.

The Speaker, Mr Michael Adeyemo, constituted an ad hoc committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Abdul-wasi Musah, to visit the spot of the incident and sympathise with the victims.

The house also directed the acting Chief Medical Director of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Prof. Akeem Lasisi, to appear before it on Tuesday.

The lawmakers said Lasisi would report on the state of the teaching hospital and the way forward.

The house adjourned sitting till Nov. 5. (NAN)

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Fakebook impersonation: Minister-designate raises the alarm

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The outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has raised the alarm over the opening of “many fake Facebook accounts” in his name following his screening by the Senate for ministerial appointment. Adewole, in a statement on Tuesday by his Media Assistant, Sunday Saanu, said the fake Facebook accounts, which were now as many as seven, were opened by fraudsters to swindle his trusting followers. “Already, the scammers have been promising unsuspecting people jobs and appointments, asking people to pay money into some bank accounts for administrative charges,” Saanu said, stressing that his boss had not asked anyone to solicit funds on his behalf or directed people to pay into any designated bank account.

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Saanu urged Adewole’s well-wishers not to fall victim of “this social media larceny,” and advised “those behind the crime to redirect their energy to a more productive venture, stressing that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with the crook.”

Kidnapping: Oyo Assembly summons police, NURTW, others

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The Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday summoned security agencies, the National Union of Road Transport Workers and other stakeholders to explain the roles in combating kidnapping and other crimes in the state. This was contained in a ‎motion moved by Hon. Adeyemi Oyatokun and seconded by Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji during a plenary session presided over by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Michael Adeyemo. Those summoned included – the Nigeria Police Force, NURTW, Road Transport Employers’ Association (RTEAN), Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders Association of Nigeria (ACCOMORAN) and Ministry of Transport. They are to appear before the House on November 10.

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In his motion entitled:” Micra Terror: Stemming the evil tide of kidnapping in Oyo State,” ‎Hon. Oyatokun urged the Ministry of Information and other information media to sensitize the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons or movement to law enforcement agencies. He recalled that two weeks ago a woman was ‎kidnapped while boarding commercial cab from Bodija to Ojoo before his corpse was later discovered.

“This acts shows that the security operatives in the state are not performing their duty and the transport unions too have failed to fish out the evil perpetrators among them,” he said.

The lawmaker urged the state Ministry of Transport to strictly enforce proper numbering and painting of commercial vehicles and tricycles with the official commercial colour of the state.

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Peteru to debut International Comedy Show!

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peteru
From the humble hustle starting from that remote place in Apata, Owomoyela Nifemi, @peterucomedy1 is now flying to Atlanta for comedy.

For those that watched this young man whose married to @whora0305 (on Instagram) from the days of jumping from one small show to the other, flying bike from one church to another club in Ibadan all in the name of comedy will definitely attest to the fact that God has really been good to him.

Hear him…

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“I give all the glory to Jesus my King. It has been him all the way. Now that I’m flying around the world doing what I love to do best, some people have forgotten that this hustle started from Apata #Ibadan
“This is my year and to all my fans, we are disturbing Atlanta, Yes! Atlanta come 11th of Dec 2015.
The Show will be happening at Marietta Event Hall, 1033, Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30067.”
Peeps, This is Peteru’s International debut, tagged ‘Atlanta Must Laugh ll 2015’ presented by Laff Theory @lafftheory, sponsored by Georgia Buka and Ike’s Cafe and Grill

It will be featuring international acts like MC Milarito, MC Pc @mcpc Abraham Ogunlade and a host of others.
Ticket is going for $45 Pre-Sale and $55 at the door. VIP is for $100 while VIP round table (for 8 people) is for $600 which must be reserved on or before 15th of November.

All tickets include Dinner which will be African Cuisine E.g Jollof, Fried rice etc served to all guests. Tickets are available at Lafftheory.com
There will also be red Carpet, with professional Portraits available.

Ibadan, support your own. Spread the word
#GodBlessPeteru


Dr Myles Munroe Memorial Service to be held in Ibadan

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(Sponsored)

Ibadan will be hosting one of many commemorative events held across the world to mark the 1st Anniversary of the death of Dr. Myles & Ruth Munroe.

Myles Munroe was a pastor, best-selling author and motivational speaker who wielded a huge influence on millions of evangelical Christians round the world.

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Munroe was especially influential in Africa, arguing that African nations are underdeveloped due to the poor quality of their leaders. “Leadership determines everything in life,” he said. “Nothing happens without leadership. Whether you are talking about an organisation, church or nation, everything depends on leadership for success. Leaders determine the quality and attitude of their followers. If your country is not effective, it is the fault of its leaders not its people.”

He died in a plane crash, along with his wife Ruth and members of his Bahama Faith Ministries.

The Bahamian Prime Minister, Perry Christie, paid tribute: “It is utterly impossible to measure the magnitude of Dr Munroe’s loss to the Bahamas and to the world. He was indisputably one of the most globally recognisable religious figures our nation has ever produced. His fame as an ambassador for the Christian ministry preceded him wherever in the world he travelled.”

This Ibadan based event coming up on Monday 9th of November at 5:30pm is organized by NuStreams Conference & Culture Centre, The Bridge Network, HarvestHouse, Breakforth Church, Living Waters Unlimited Church with input from various ministers and friends from the City of Ibadan and beyond.

 The key focus for the service is to: “Remember, Reflect, Rediscover The Kingdom” A service to remember the principles, values and teachings of Dr. Myles Munroe & his Wife Ruth Munroe together with Dr. Richard Pinder & several members of his team who also died in the crash.

At the event, the following people would be expected to contribute in presenting poems, songs, prayers or readings: as well as an interactive aspect of the service focused on commentary and contributions to the heart of Dr. Myles message on Rediscovering the Kingdom – Pastor Ladi Thompson, Pastor Niyi Eboda, Pastor Gbade Ogunlana, Pastor Austin Ologbese – and representatives from different faith communities.

We invite you to join us as we pay tribute to and celebrate the life and times of this wonderful man and his wife. Let us REDISCOVER THE KINGDOM together.

Please click the link to register for the event http://bit.ly/1k7uyi9.

OR SMS Name & E-mail to: 07037325246

N.B: Registration is required for the event for planning purposes.

 



Held hostage, tortured, accused of killing okada rider

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THE weirdly disturbing experience of a journalist with the Radio Nigeria, Adenitan Akinola Charles, within the Ibadan metropolis in Oyo State, during the week may have brought to the fore, a new trick on the table of criminal-minded persons to extort money from Nigerians. Sunday, November 1, turned out as a fateful day for the victim, who was driving, alone, in his car. He was entangled in a dose of a raw deal which was enough to linger for the rest of his life. He became an easy prey for hoodlums who tried to make easy money off him through a wicked means. His only solace for the time being is the fact that he lives to tell his tale.

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Saturday Tribune reached out to the victim and engaged him in a question-and-answer session upon getting wind of his ordeal in order to serve as an eyeopener for other Nigerians in the event they find themselves in similar circumstances. The conversation goes thus: Saturday Tribune: We understand you were recently attacked by some fraudsters in Ibadan. How did it happen?

Victim: On Sunday, 1 November [2015], at about seven o’clock in the evening, I arrived in Ibadan. As I accelerated slowly to keep the pace with other vehicles in the usual Iwo Road gridlock, I was accosted by four young men who dressed like agbero [touts]. My initial thought was that they were beggars as is the trend in the city, but I was mistaken about the persons’ identity. They turned out to be criminals.

Suddenly, I heard them say in rancorous voices that, ‘Iwo were yi! O pa olokada, o wa n sa lo,’ meaning, ‘You madman! You killed an okada rider and tried to escape.’ I became bemused by this allegation. In that moment, I thought to myself that if I had hit a fowl, I would have felt the impact, how much more a motorcycle?

Furiously, I denied this wild allegation. I insisted that there would be impact on my car if truly I hit a motorcycle. But the more I argued, the more punches and slaps landed on my face. Suddenly, a lemon-coloured Honda car, whose number plate I could not remember, blocked me. Three men came out of it and joined the assault on me. They said I must follow them to the scene in ‘Egbeda,’ where they alleged I hit ‘the okada.’ My car was forced open and two men entered it. As I screamed for help, other road users who were affected by the ensuing traffic jam did not bother to assist in confronting these criminals.

I was commanded to drive behind the Honda car. But rather than make a U-turn under the Iwo Road Bridge and move towards Gbagi-Egbeda, the Honda veered towards Monatan and I was commanded to follow. At that point, I became apprehensive. What came to my mind was the Soka Forest saga. But my shout for help was ignored by passersby.

I drove behind the car as commanded and we stopped at MRS filling station, formerly TEXACO at Monatan, Ibadan. Surrounded by about eight well-built men, I was told to come out of my car and move into the workshop basin of the filling station. As I stepped out of my car, I increased my shout for help and screamed ‘please, take me to the police station. This is not a police station!’

As the fear enveloped me, I managed to flee from the filling station. Despite my fractured ankle, I increased my speed and my abductors chased me. None of the people on the street would help me. Eventually, they caught up with me and overpowered me. This time, they punched me even harder and then dragged me on the road back into the filling station.

At the MRS filling station, I was ordered to kneel before a man in his 60s, who acted as the street judge. He asked if truly I hit an okada rider. My response in the negative angered my abductors who beat me repeatedly. When the assault became unbearable, I admitted that I hit an okada. Then, the ‘judge’ delivered his judgement: “God has saved you from being apprehended at the scene of the accident; you have escaped. No one knew what the okada man had done that nemesis caught up with him.” He then told three of my accusers to “discuss” (negotiate) with me and let me go.

They took me to a corner at the filling station and demanded for money to give to the man I supposedly hit who they claimed was lying critically ill at the hospital. I told them I only had N4,000 on me. They said it was too small; that I should use an ATM and withdraw more money. They directed me to a bank, which is about a kilometre from the fuel station. I sought permission to lock my vehicle and they let me.

As I stepped out of the fuel station, I walked towards the bank, pretending I was intent on withdrawing money. This enabled me to make telephone calls to my brother and the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Premier FM chapel, Nafiu who, in turn, reached out to my boss, Pastor Dare Olorunfemi. I asked from passers-by where the nearest police station was. Luckily, my boss called that I should tarry a while for him to reach out to the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State police command. My brother also asked me to take a bike to Mr Biggs to avoid the vicinity as he also made efforts to reach the police.

My boss’s efforts did not yield result in time as the PPRO did not pick the numerous calls made to his phone. My boss then told me to go to Testing Ground police station to make a complaint. The attitude of the policeman on the counter was unfriendly. He asked me questions as if I was fabricating a story. At that point, my brother called and asked me to come out and wait for him at Total fuel station opposite the police station. He had already contacted a senior police officer, who came with another officer in mufti. We then proceeded to the MRS fuel station.

By the time we got there, the two officers alighted about 20 metres away and moved to the gate of the petrol station.  But there was none of those guys there again. After about 10 minutes of surveillance, on their instruction, I moved towards my car, hoping one of them would challenge me, but nobody did.

The policemen queried a woman selling bread in front of the petrol station who did not provide any useful information.

 

Saturday Tribune: Why do you think those guys picked on you, you weren’t the only person on that road?

Victim: Well, criminal intents and purposes are only conceived in the minds of criminals. So, it would be difficult for me to know why exactly they picked on me. But a review of the incident would suggest those guys were survivalists who probably thought I looked like a gentleman with money.

 

Saturday Tribune: Did you meet other victims at the filling station?

Victim: No, I did not meet anyone. Nobody in the filling station also appeared like staff of the station. They all looked like drivers and agbero.

 

Saturday Tribune: What advice do you have for members of the public, given your experience at the hands of the hoodlums?

Victim: The only advice I have is that they should be vigilant and always try to move in company with people they are familiar with. They should also keep the numbers of anyone they know at any location they find themselves. There is the need to re-orientate the people on the need to be more concerned about what is happening to their fellow citizens. If they cannot help, they should help draw the attention of the police to such an unusual situation before it is too late to do anything about it. As I was being dragged on the ground, people just watched the drama.

 

Saturday Tribune: Did the police arrest or question anyone at that filling station?

Victim: Nobody was arrested at the filling station. It was only a woman selling bread and a young man that were found in front of the place.

 

Saturday Tribune: What work do you do?

Victim: I am a journalist.


Ibadan: A melting point

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Ibadan from its early history, had always been circumstantial and cosmopolitan. It is undisputable, that Lagelu, the Yoruba Warlord and Generalissimo was its founder around 1829. It became a British Protectorate in 1893, after a treaty, signed by Baale Fijabi, the then Baale of Ibadan, with the British Acting Governor of Lagos, George C. Denton on 15th August 1892.Ever since, Ibadan has grown to become then, the third most populated city in Nigeria. As a matter of fact, it was hitherto, the most cosmopolitan city in Africa. The British developed the Ibadan colony to facilitate it’s commercial activities and it shortly grew into a major trading centre and political centre point of the Yoruba nation.

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Consequent upon these, the first railroad in Nigeria started from Iddo in 1898 and got to Ibadan in 1901, when the Dugbe Train Station was formally opened. The early economic growth of Ibadan was thus intrinsically linked to the railway. It is interesting to note, perhaps as a deliberate strategy of its growth, that out of the entire 3505 kms of narrow rail track in Nigeria, Ibadan alone has 42 kms of rail track roads from Omi Adio to Lalupon.

Professor John Pepper Clark, an Ijaw man, married to a Yoruba woman, Prof. (Mrs.) Ebun Clark, saw Ibadan better in its splendor, elegance, grandeur, magnificence and contradictions, when he celebrated Ibadan as; Running splash of rust: and gold flung and scattered:Among seven hills like broken: china in the sun.

THE IBADAN PILLARS

Chief Salami Agbaje

Ibadan early entrepreneurs, elites and statesmen, contributed immensely to Ibadan’s early growth. It is a strange coincidence, that Chief Salami Agbaje, one of Ibadan’s early successful indigenous entrepreneurs and richest citizens in his time, supplied all the timbers, needed for the construction of the Ibadan-Lagos Railways between 1898 and 1901.

Salami’s success in this timber business, encouraged him to go into produce buying venture and he also diversified into transportation, import and export. Through the Ibadan-Lagos railway line, he imported cotton, building materials, umbrellas and sewing machines.

He owned the first private motor garage in Ibadan and the first truly indigenous diversified company and was also the first to establish cinemas. He was the first Ibadan man to ride a car in 1915 and built a two-storey building, with cement. He was known to have spent a great deal of his wealth in giving his children the best education.

He produced the first Ibadan Medical Doctor, Dr. Saka Anthony Agbaje, first Ibadan Lawyer, Mojeed Agbaje and a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Ganiyu Agbaje and also Yekeen Agbaje , a Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Even though he was known to be stingy and tight-fisted, he advanced the course of modern commerce in Ibadan land and the Western Region entirely. Salami Agbaje, originally from Iseyin, started his early life as a tailor.

In his days, he had a lot of dealings with European Companies, engaged in exportation of agricultural products. He was an illiterate, but without attending school, he learned to read, write and speak impeccable English and was until his death in 1953, the Balogun of Ibadan Land.

Sanusi Adebisi Giwa Idi-Ikan, was another Ibadan early wealthy man, who used the opportunity of Ibadan’s emerging prominence as an important trading centre, to become a buying agent for Miller-Brothers and U.A.C. He subsequently became a produce buyer and began to amass wealth for himself.

He was widely acknowledged by the Ibadan people, because of his conspicuous benefaction to the Ibadan community. Adebisi’s ancestry was traced to the Ijeshas, his cognomen being- “Omo Ogbododo Ijesa” and his mother, “Ogboja Omo Atiba”, was a daughter of Alaafin Atiba.

Adebisi’s mansion in Idi-Ikan, Ibadan, still stands today as an architectural masterpiece. He was the first Ibadan man to ride a horse and later bought a car. Till he died in 1938, he was revered as one of the wealthiest men in Ibadan.

Few that could match Salami and Adebisi Idi-Ikan, were, Babarinde Akinloye ‘molewa, (Chief Adisa Akinloye’s father) and also a Nigerian Diarist and business man, Akinpelu Obisesan, who after a brief spell with the Nigerian Railways returned to Ibadan in 1913, worked with PZ and later became a produce buyer. For 30 years, he was President of Ibadan Cooperative Produce Marketing Societies (ICPMS) and pioneer Chairman of Cooperative Bank, to serve the needs of Cooperative Societies.

Ibadan, as a result of its rising growth, economic development, and its accommodating nature, became a colony for large migrants population. The Western Igbos settled in Mokola, Ekotedo and Inalende, in the early 1920’s whilst Sabon- gari was planned in 1917 and completed in 1920.

The overcrowding of Sabon- gari, originally meant for the Hausas, led to the development of Mokola, to also house, Nupe and Igbira migrants from the Northern Nigeria. Late Waziri Nupe, Alhaji Bello Muhammed Bagudu, grew up and settled in Mokola, Ibadan, until his later life, when he relocated back to Bida.

He was a member of Ibadan Municipal Council in the 1950s. His son, Senator Isa Mohammed, who also grew up in Ibadan, attended Igbo Elerin Grammar school, Ibadan, founded by the current Ibadan Monarch – Oba Odugade Odulana. He was a Senator, representing Niger Central Constituency of Niger State, in the National Assembly, between 1999-2007. Ekotedo and Inalende were also developed, as planned settlement for Yorubas coming from outside Ibadan.

The Ijebus were predominant in Amunigun, Agbeni, Oke-Ado, and Oke-Bola, whilst the Egbas settled predominantly in Odo-Ona and Ago Taylor, with a little admixture of the Igbiras. The Ijeshas, mainly traders, settled in Mokola, Oremeji, whilst the Igbajos are in Sango. The Alli-Iwo’s naturally were settlers from Iwo, and the Dele family in Oje, migrated from Ogbomosho.

Ibadan, as part of its uniqueness, has an uncommon way of succession to the throne. It is purely hierarchical- i.e. by promotion from Mogaji line. In other words, there are no Ruling Houses in Ibadan. It is only Otun Olubadan, from Otun Olubadan line and Balogun from Balogun line, that can succeed the throne interchangeably.

Oba Isaac Akinyele, a clergy of the Christ Apostolic Church faith and his brother, Alexander, were also part of Ibadan’s early path finders. Isaac, became a Custom Inspector for the Ibadan City Council in 1903. In 1914, the Akinyele brothers formed the Egbe Agba o tan– a small tribal Association. Oba Akinyele became the Olubadan of Ibadan land in 1952 and died in May 1965.

Alexander Akinyele was also a clergy man and later a Bishop. Alexander Akinyele, on the 31st of March 1913, founded the Ibadan Grammar School. He championed the course of education in Ibadan, founded the school single- handedly. He was its first principal until 1933, following his elevation to the position of Assistant Bishop of Lagos Diocese.

In 1911, he wrote the book “Iwe Itan Ibadan”. His daughter, Kemi Morgan, wife of Late Justice Morgan, complemented her father’s efforts, when she also wrote a book, “Legends from Yorubaland”, in the early 1960’s. Alexander, was succeeded by Reverend Latunde, later Reverend E.A Odusanwo and later his son-in-law, the legendary Arch Deacon (then Reverend) E.O Alayande in 1948, who was originally from Feesu in Iwo.

He was a man, whose prowess transcended the educational sector and the church, as he was also interested in and participated in politics. He was a loyal Party member of the Action Group, since its inception in 1951 and later, he served the government of Chief Bola Ige, one of his students in Ibadan Grammar School, in 1979, as his Special Adviser on Education.

Until his translation to higher glory, in 2006, at the age of 96, he played a leading role in many humanitarian organizations in Ibadan, to which he contributed immensely.

BOWER’S TOWERS

Bower’s Towers, a natural attraction in Ibadan, was erected by the Ibadan Native Authority in the 1930s, but was unveiled by Captain Robert Lister Bower, who was then, the Resident of Ibadan, on the 15th of December, 1936. Whoever comes to Ibadan and has not visited Bower’s Towers (La yi po), to have a panoramic view of the city does not know Ibadan-(Ibadan lomo o mo layi po)

CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO COMES TO IBADAN

Mr. Jeremiah Oyeniyi Obafemi Awolowo, later (Chief) came to Ibadan in January 1927, as a student of the Wesley College, Elekuro, Ibadan, which was established in 1905, as a teacher training and pastoral college.

Mr. Obafemi Awolowo, within the one year of his stay in Wesley College Elekuro, did not particularly like the idea of a regimented teacher training course, and the later life of a school teacher. At the end of the session in December 1927, he opted out of the college. He however, came back to the college again in August 1934, as a college clerk. He had since his life in Wesley College, fancied Ibadan as a place to live his adult life.

Obafemi later became secretary of the Nigerian Youth Movement Ibadan branch and the General Secretary of the Nigerian Transport Union, the Secretary of the Ibadan branch of the Nigerian-Produce Traders Association and Literary Secretary of the Wesley guild.

He left Ibadan for the United Kingdom (UK), in 1944, to study Law and after his call to the Bar on 18th November 1946, he came back to Ibadan, to practice Law. He had a lucrative practice between 1947 and 1951. Chief Abiodun Akerele, later Balogun of Oyo, joined his practice as a Partner. Abiodun Akerele was the father of Lagos Socilaite- Hilario Babs Akerele.

FORMING OF ACTION GROUP IN IBADAN

On the 3rd of March 1951, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, with seven others, in his Oke-Bola residence in Ibadan, later formed an association- the Action Group, some of whom were; – Mr. S.T Oredein, Mr. Olatunji Dosunmu, Mr. J. Ola-Adigun, Mr. Adeyiga Adesanya, Mr. S.O Shonibare, Mr. Ayo Akinsanya and Mr. Abiodun Akerele.

He became leader of Government Business, Western Region in 1952, and later Premier of the Western Region in 1954. Ibadan was a center point of activities. Chief Obafemi Awolowo fully set himself up in Ibadan as a trader and later a Lawyer.

It was in Ibadan that his political life began to unfold. He got married to his heartthrob; Mama Hannah Idowu-dideolu Adelana on 26th December 1937. Mama was papa’s jewel of inestimable value.

They had all their five children in Ibadan; Olusegun (1939-1963), Omotola, Oluwole, Ayodele, and Tokunbo. Oluwole attended Ibadan Grammar School whilst the last two daughters- Ayodele and Tokunbo, attended St. Annes Girls School in Ibadan.

ADEGOKE ADELABU

Adegoke Adelabu was another storming petrel of Ibadan politics and was formerly known as Joseph Adegoke Sanusi. He was an extraordinarily brilliant scholar, who had double promotion in both primary school and secondary school- Government College in Ibadan. As a meteor, he did not live too long.

He was born in 1915 and died in 1958. Within a short spell, he changed the face of Ibadan politics. He was the architect of grass root politics in Ibadan and with him, went a certain glamour from Ibadan Politics. He was popularly known as “Penkelemesi” that is “Peculiar mess”.

Mr. D.T Akinbiyi, later Oba D.T. Akinbiyi (Olubadan), in an article in the Nigerian Tribune, of December 22 1951, whilst tolerating Adelabu’s “garrulity and insolence”, admonished that an “old Horse knows more than a young Cot”, which however, according to him, did not diminish the fact, that Adegoke was “highly intelligent and dynamic”.

At his demise in 1958, though then an opposition leader, in the Western Region Parliament,Chief Obafemi Awolowo as Premier of Western Region, described him as “a fearless, forthright, indomitable and extremely resourceful leader”.

J.M JOHNSON

As an interesting corollary, a non-native, J.M Johnson (1912-1987), born in Lagos of Lafiaji/Brazilian extraction, returned to civil life in Ibadan after the Second World War and became a Bank Clerk and later a business man and eventually joined Politics where he got elected into the Ibadan District Council and later became the first and only ever non-indigene to serve as Chairman of the council.

From his Political life in Ibadan, he became a Federal Minister in 1956 and served in Internal affairs, Labour, Social welfare and Sports, also acting twice as the Prime Minister in the N.C.N.C and N.P.C. Coalition Government.

He was instrumental to the first World Boxing Title fight in Africa, which took place in Ibadan, Western Nigeria, between Tiger and Fulman in 1963 at the Liberty Stadium. In the same year (1963), he retired from Politics by declining to contest in the General Elections.

NIGERIA’S FIRST UNIVERSITY

The first University, to be set up in Nigeria, was the University of Ibadan-established as a college of the University of London, when it was founded in 1948 and later converted into an autonomous University in 1962.

The University of Ibadan started from the rehabilitated Military Barracks at Eleyele, Ibadan with its architecture of woods, frame bungalows, before it moved to its permanent site, at the Old Oyo Road, Ibadan in 1952.

Ibadan as part of its cosmopolitan nature and early growth, had a city Airport in Samonda, Ibadan, close to the University of Ibadan. It now has a new Airport in Alakia Ibadan, officially commissioned in 1982, by the Second Republic President- Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

IBADAN INTHE 60’s and 70’s

Ibadan in the 60’s and 70’s had well paved and macadamised roads. There were organized Transport Services of Black Taxi Cabs, designated Bus-stops and stations, effective Bus Services of Ibadan City Council, Inaolaji Trading & Transport Services (IT&TS), Alebiosu Brothers, amongst several others.

The median of Total Garden/ Yemetu/ Beere, dualised road for instance, had ornamental trees. The road houses the popular Yemetu Police Barracks and Station, the Oritamefa Baptist Church, (Church Oyinbo), the Adeoyo Hospital, that was established in 1926 and from where the University Teaching Hospital (UCH) took off, before it moved to it’s present site in 1956, the palace of Olubadan-Baale Aminu and of course, the Tribune House, Agbadagudu Yemetu, Ibadan, from where the Nigerian Tribune started in 1948.

Yemetu Ibadan was also the home of middle class elites, artists, journalists, business men and politicians and civil servants- Adeoye Adisa, Ipoola Morakinyo of Ipetumodu, Gbadegeshin Ajeigbe, Busari Obisesan, Adebayo Faleti, Kola Ogunmola, Pa Sanda & Olagoke, Moses Olaiya (Alawada), the Ogunbodes and several others.

The Yemetu road also leads to the Hill-top Catholic Seminary at Oke-Are, known as Shepherd Hill, also corrupted as “Oke Sapati”.

WOLE SOYINKA

Interestingly, Daniel Olorunfemi Fagunwa, popularly known as- D.O Fagunwa, born in 1903, the celebrated author of Yoruba Novels and native of Oke-igbo, lived in Ibadan on Ajanla Street, Oke –Ado, where he lived until his death at the bank of River-Niger,- Bida in December 1963. From his Ajanla Residence, Oke-Ado Ibadan, he wrote his Ogboju Ode ninu igbo irunmole, translated into English in 1968, as the Forest of a thousand Deamons by Wole Soyinka, who also lived in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, around this period with his friend and soul mate- Mr Bola Ige, later Chief.

Fagunwa later works include:- Igbo Olodumare 1949, Ireke Onibudo 1949, Ireke rin do ni Igbo Elegbeje 1954 and Aditu Eledumare 1961.

 D.O FAGUNWA

The writings of D.O Fagunwa in Ibadan, encouraged the writings of Amos Tutuola, a barely literate man, who was born in 1920 in Abeokuta, but lived his life in Ibadan, until his death at the age of 77 in 1997.

Amos Tutuola, was a Store keeper, with the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation in 1956. Despite his short formal education, he joined the Ibadan Writers Elite- the Mbari Mbayo Club of Ulli Beier and Wole Soyinka. He was the author of the popular book “The Palm-wine Drunkard” in 1952.

The University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, founded in 1962, started from the present North Campus of the Ibadan Polytechnic, then known as the Nigerian College of Arts and Science. It took it’s first set of 244 students on the 22nd of September 1962, with five faculties; – Agriculture, Arts, Economics, Social Studies (now Social Sciences), and Law.

The university resided in Ibadan until January 1968, when it finally relocated to its new permanent Campus in Ile-Ife. It’s first Vice Chancellor was Professor Oladele Ajose, succeeded in 1966 by Professor Hezekiah Oluwasanmi, a University of Ibadan Agricultural Economist.

ADEKUNLE FAJUYI

In recognition of Governor Adekunle Fajuyi’s efforts, in the early relocation of the University to Ile-Ife, (when he was the then governor of the Western region), the first male hostel- Fajuyi Hall, was named after him.

Ibadan in its early life, had served as the Administrative centre and capital of the Western Region since 1949. In fact, the first General Conference, to fashion out a new constitution for Nigeria, was held in Ibadan between January 9th and 30th of 1950.

IBADAN, NIGERIA’S HOME OF MANY FIRSTS

Ibadan became the home of many firsts, due to the progressive governance, political wizardry and economic sagacity of the Awolowo led Action Group- the first television station in Africa on the 31st of October 1959, the first stadium-the liberty stadium, patterned after the popular Wembley Stadium in London.

This 25,000 capacity seat football stadium and the first stadium to be built in Africa, was officially opened in 1960, and also built during Awolowo’s tenure as the Premier of the Western Region. It was officially renamed the Obafemi Awolowo stadium on the 12th November 2010 by the then President Goodluck Jonathan, during a courtesy visit to the late sage widow; Mama HID Awolowo.

Amongst the firsts also, is the popular 24 storey sky scraper- the Cocoa House, the first dualised road in Nigeria- named The Queen Elizabeth road, from Mokola to Agodi Secretariat, officially declared open, by the visiting Queen Elizabeth II in 1956 and also the popular University College Hospital (U.C.H) , the first teaching hospital in Nigeria, patterned after the University of London Teaching Hospital (ULTH), was also officially commissioned by the Queen, during this historic visit to Nigeria in 1956.

It is equally important to remember the first Re-diffusion in Nigeria; the one channel Radio Station, the Agodi Government Secretariat being, the first in Nigeria and the first Modern Parliament that housed the Regional House of Assembly and the House of Chiefs. The first Housing Estate in Nigeria- the Bodija Housing Estate was also built and developed in 1958.

Ibadan also had the first highly organized and structured Civil Service in Nigeria, with the Simon Adebos, Saburi Biobakus, as its founding lights. The free education programme of the Awolowo government, the first in Nigeria, was launched in Ibadan, in 1954.

As a honeypot, Ibadan became the home of the first set of Research and Training institutes in Nigeria; The Forestry Research Institute (1930), the Idi-Ayunre Cocoa Research Institute (CRIN), The Nigerian Cereal Research Institute Moor Plantation (NCRI), the NIHORT (Nigerian Institute of Horticultural Research), the NISER (Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research), IAR&T (Institute of Agriculture, Research and Training), amongst several others.

OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

Ibadan made people and moulded characters. Olusegun Obasanjo, from his teaching desk at the African Church Modern School, Ago Tailor, Odo-Ona Ibadan in 1957, where he taught General Science and Religious knowledge from Modern 1-3, he took the Cadetship examination into the Nigerian Army and passed, and enlisted formalities concluded in March 1958.

Obasanjo came back to Ibadan almost 10 years thereafter, as the Commander of the Second Area command of the Nigerian Army Ibadan and an automatic member of the State Executive Council of the then Brigadier Robert Adeyinka Adebayo’s government in the Western Region.

Obasanjo in Ibadan, began to interact with the Ibadan elites, lecturers and administrators, most especially from the University of Ibadan through the Town and Gown forum- a forum of interaction between the University of Ibadan and the community. He also interacted with other sectors of the community, like the Political, Business and Cultural sectors of the community.

UKPABI ASIKA

It was from these interactions, that he consummated the friendships of many Ibadan intellectuals. It was Professor J.F Ade Ajayi, on the request of Olusegun Obasanjo, that scouted for Anthony Ukpabi Asika, a 31 year old radical teacher of Political Science at the University of Ibadan, to be made the Civilian Administrator of East Central State of Nigeria on the 29th of October 1967.

CHIEF GABRIEL IGBINEDION

Chief Gabriel Osawarun Igbinedion, now the Esama of Benin, was once a young Police Officer in Ibadan in the 1950s.

MKO ABIOLA

Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, in 1956, started his working life as a Bank clerk with the Barclays Bank Plc. Dugbe, Ibadan. After two years as a Bank Clerk, he joined Western Region Finance Corporation, as an Executive Account Officer, before leaving for Glasgow University Scotland, to pursue his higher education, on the Western Region of Nigeria scholarship.

He received a first class degree in Accounting and also had a distinction from the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Scotland. He was at a later time in his life, conferred with the Chieftaincy title of Bashorun of Ibadan land.

SPOUSAL RELATIONSHIPS

In Ibadan, future spousal relationships strived, most especially within the University Community; Laide and Wole Soyinka, Ayo and Adetoun Ogunseye, Ojetunji and Bimpe Aboyede, Chinua and Christy Achebe, Olumuyiwa and Bolanle Awe, Yetunde Oyebode, daughter of Late Bishop Oyebode and Okunade Sijuwade, later Ooni of Ife, Christopher Okigbo and Judith Safinat Attah, Adepoju and Aderenle Taiwo, Olusegun and Funke Agagu, amongst several others.

GENERAL YAKUBU GOWON

Interestingly, Major General Yakubu Gowon succeeded General Agunyi Ironsi as Head of State of Nigeria, on the 1st of August 1966 as a result of the Coup d’état of July 29 1966, when he was just 32 years old and a bachelor.

To change from the status of a bachelor Head of State, he got his legal spouse in Ibadan,- A University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan trained nurse; Miss Victoria Zakari, whom he married in April 1969, with Navy Commodore Akinwale Wey, the Chief of Staff, Supreme Military Council as his best man at the marriage.

Ibadan University Town and Gown relationship blossomed with the Mbari Mbayo club founded by Professor Ulli Beier, a German, who came to Ibadan as a lecturer in 1956, Wole Soyinka, Christopher Okigbo, Duro Ladipo, Kola Ogunmola, Amos Tutuola, and so many others. Also, the Players of the Ibadan Dawn Group of Olusegun Olusola and Christopher Kolade was also formed in 1958-1959, when the first Television station in Africa, W.N.T.V was being opened.

DEATH OF AGUIYI IRONSI AND ADEKUNLE FAJUYI

On July 28th 1966, General Aguiyi Ironsi as Head of State, addressed a meeting of Traditional rulers from all over the country in Ibadan. He planned to return to Lagos after his address, but choose to pass the night at the Government House with his host- Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, the Governor of the Western Region.

There was a post conference dinner held in honour of the Traditional rulers who attended the conference. The conference was held principally to rally support for the Ironsi Unification Decree number 24 of May 1966, which merged the country into a unitary entity. It was his last official assignment as the Supreme Military Commander and Head of State.

In the midnight, Captain Yakubu Danjuma, the officer detailed to provide protection for the Supreme Military Commander in Ibadan, turned out to be the officer who led the Mutineers to kill his boss- Ironsi and his host- Adekunle Fajuyi.

After their arrest, Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, being a good host and a thorough bred Yoruba man, insisted that he should be picked alongside the visiting Head of State. They were moved to Lalupon, a community in Ibadan, on Iwo road, where they were killed and buried in shallow graves.

Lieutenant colonel Hillary Njoku, ADC to the Supreme commander, however managed to escape. The leaders of the July 29 1966 putsch, included Major Muritala Mohammed, Major Abba Kyari, Captain Yakubu Danjuma, Major Martin Adamu, and Major Joe Akahan.

THE CONTRADICTIONS

Ibadan also has its contradictions. It was the home of the Agbekoyas who resented the new tax regime of Brigadier Adeyinka Adebayo in November 1968. The Governor increased taxable adult tax from E1pound, 17 shillings, 6pence to E8pounds.

The Agbekoyas, resented and protested against this arbitrary increase, and on the 11th of November 1968, the Agbekoya crisis came out full blown, when thousands of agitators marched from the Mapo hall, armed with sticks, cudgels and weapons, to express their rejection of the new tax, as announced by the Governor.

A combined team of Policemen and Soldiers opened fire on the demonstrators in Mapo, killing about 20 people. The agitators soon spread to other parts of the Western Region. The Agbekoya group was led by Mr. Tafa Adeoye, renowned farmer/hunter from Akanran, in Ibadan.

The government effort to arrest Tafa Adeoye, the strongman leader of the Agbekoya, who was reputed to be all charms, was only made possible through a pretty police detective, who was detailed to carry out intelligence surveillance on Tafa Adeoye. The lady, approached the leader of the Agbekoya group for a relationship.

Tafa fell in love with her and “Married” her. The trap was successful. After a few weeks of the relationship of Tafa and his” wife”, plain clothes policemen, entered his residence and arrested him for the offence of organizing tax agitators against the Government.

The Ibadan business landscape, in the early days was also nurtured by the pioneering efforts of two ijebu brothers, who were business titans, of the same parents- Adeola Odutola (1902-1995) and his brother Jimoh (1905-2010). Adeola was literate and a Christian, and Jimoh, though not literate was a self-made man, and till his death spoke impeccable English and spoke like a professor.

He was a Muslim. Their father was also a Muslim, while their Mother, Sabina was a Christian. The duo went into a partnership- the Odutola Brothers. Jimoh started the first tyre factory and also the first Foam factory in West Africa, in Ibadan. Jimoh’s tyre factory in Ibadan was so successful, that he was invited by the Government of Kenya and Ghana to set up similar companies over there.

He lived to a ripe age of 105 years and remained throughout his life an epitome of modesty. Interestingly, Adeola was the father of Professor Mrs. Oyin Olurin, a doyen of Ophthalmology in Nigeria and resident in Ibadan, whilst Jimoh was also the father of Professor Mrs. Ebun Clark, a pioneer of Theater Arts in Nigeria and wife of J.P Clark who wrote the popular poem-”Ibadan”.

It will still not be easy to forget the pioneering efforts of Chief Theophilus Adediran Oni, popularly known as T.A Oni and Sons (adulterated as Oni o Suwon) in the building and construction industry in Nigeria. He was born in Oke-Mesi, Ekiti State in 1913 and died in February 1975. His company was the first indigenous construction company in Nigeria.

Chief Oni’s most notable act of kindness, was willing his family estate to charity, as a clear demonstration of his high level degree of philanthropy and love for the city of Ibadan. He willed his residence- Goodwill house, to the Oyo/Western state government, to be used as a Paediatric Hospital, which is now known as T.A Oni Memorial Children Hospital, Ring Road Ibadan.

This sprawling family Estate and residence was cited on a 15acre piece of land, 65 rooms, with modern conveniences, Olympic Swimming Pool, and stable for Horses etc.

Alhaja Humoani Alaga, Alhaja Humoani Alade and Madam Janet Alatede Aboderin (mother of Olu Aboderin and Ajibola Ogunsola), Alhaja Rabiatu Adedigba Akindele (mother of Chief Bode Akindele) and the first Woman to go on Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca, were also Ibadan women of great business acumen in the early days. Mama Chief HID Awolowo, was also prominent in the textile business and her textile store in Gbagi Ibadan, known as Awolowo corner, was very prominent.

As resentment to non-admission of Christian girls to a girls mission school in Ibadan, Alhaja Humoani Alaga, single handedly established Isabatudeen Girls’ Grammar School Ibadan in 1964. Humoani established her textile trading business in 1928 and in 1933, she had become a successful merchant with properties in Nigeria and in the United Kingdom.

The succeeding generations of the early Ibadan business titans, were the likes of Chief Bode Akindele, who single handedly, established so many factories in Ibadan-Standard Breweries, Standard Packaging, Standard Plastics, Doctor Pepper Soft Drink factory, all in Alomaja Ibadan, and also a Matches Production factory in Eleyele Ibadan.

Chief Bode Amoo also established Bode Foams and Atlantic Carpets in Ajoda and Olodo Ibadan respectively. Jimoh Ibrahim Inaolaji of Ikire, Adekambi Amoo; a.k.a Ti Oluwa ni yo se A. Amao of Ibadan, Chief S.O Bakare (Oluwalogbon Motors) were also astute businessmen.

Alhaji Arisekola Alao, born on the 14th of February 1945, started as a trader of insecticides (Gamalin 20), in Agodi Ibadan in 1961, and soon became a foremost Ibadan Industrialist and Philanthropist. He established a fleet of business outfits under the Lister Conglomerate, which had cut across; Food Production, Real Estate, Insurance, Transport, and Publishing. He became the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land in 1980, amongst several others.

LEBANESE CONNECTION

Perhaps the history of Ibadan early business titans would not be complete, without mentioning the impact of the Lebanese community in Ibadan’s early business growth and development. A leading trailblazer among the Lebanese community was the Zard family, who settled in the early 1930’s and has grown and prospered in Ibadan.

The current leading lights of the Zard Family were Maurice, Wadji, and Raymond, who was born at the Jericho Nursing home Ibadan on the 27th of May 1938 and became a Naturalized Nigerian and the holder of a National award of OFR. He is the Balogun Babalaje of Ibadan land.

The Zard business empire includes; Zartech, Kopek Construction limited, Interpac limited, Energy foods, Livestock, Poultry, and fish farming, and they were believed to hold a sensible portion of the landed property of Iyaganku, Dugbe, the commercial nerve centre of Ibadan, and Oluyole amongst several other investments in Ibadan. Their Parents, Kalil and Latife Zard were one of the early pioneers of cocoa business in Ibadan land.

IBADAN PEOPLE’S PARTY, IPP

In the city of Ibadan, in the early 50’s, was the rising importance of the Ibadan People’s Party (IPP) which was established in June 1951, with Chief Augustus Meridith Adisa Akinloye as the founding chairman and other members were;-

Chief S.A Akinyemi, Chief Samuel Lana, currently the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Chief Daniel Tayo Akinbiyi, also former Olubadan, Chief S. Ajuwon, Chief S.A Aderounmu, Chief R.S Biobaku, Chief Akin Allen, Chief Akiniyi Olunloyo, Chief Owoade Lanlehin, Moyosore Aboderin, Richard Osuolale Akinjide, and Adeoye Adisa.

Akinjide, who qualified as a lawyer on the 4th of March 1956, came back home to join the grass root politics of Adelabu, who found Akinjide’s legal prowess amazing, in the celebrated case of Slapping a (Customary Court) Judge- D.T Akinbiyi (later Olubadan) , Akinjide was the younger counsel, to Dingle Foot QC- the British Lawyer, hired by Adelabu for his defense.

As a payback, Akinjide was elected into the Federal Parliament at the age of 27, in 1959, with an official emolument of E840 pounds per annum, i.e. almost E70 pounds a month. He however, became a Minister in 1965 at the age of 34.

Ibadan’s politics by the 50’s was thick, emerging, and interesting. When Adegoke Adelabu, the flamboyant politician, as Chairman of Ibadan District council, was accused of corruption, the Ibadan people quickly retorted- “Adelabu ma ko wo wa je, igunnu lo ni tapa, tapa lo ni igunnu” (Adelabu, steal our money the more, Igunnu owns Tapa, Tapa owns Igunnu).

In the growth of Ibadan, one would not also forget the early legal luminaries who practiced then, mostly in Ibadan.

Mojeed, Gani and Yekinni Agbaje, Ayo Rosiji, Chief S.L Durosaro, Obafemi Awolowo, Chief S.L Akintola, Abiodun Akerele, Olajide Olatawura, Busari Obisesan, Layi Ogunsola, Adeoye Adisa, Chief FRA Williams, who also practiced in Ibadan, before relocating his practice to Lagos, Kayode Eso, who also relocated his practice from Jos to Ibadan, Samuel Agbaje Williams,

Emmanuel Fekayode, Olufemi Ayoola and his brother Olayinka Ayoola, Alhaji Bolarinwa Oyegoke Babalakin, later retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Mrs. Folake Solanke, who practiced in Rotimi Williams chambers in Ibadan in 1963, Akin Aguda, and S.O Ighodaro.

Others were Chief SPA Ajibade, Gboyege Ademola, the Greek Cypriot Lawyer, E.H Lembron, Afe Babalola, and Victor Esan, the husband of the first Ibadan woman senator, and later Iyalode of Ibadanland- Chief Mrs Wuraola Esan, Kola Daisi, amongst several others.

Ibadan of course was the home of Veteran Journalists and Broadcasters;- Lateef Jakande, Akintunde Emiola (now Professor of Law), Olaniran Ogunyemi Ogungbemi, Akin Otiko, Dokun Famubode, Mrs Anike Agbaje Williams, Julie Coker, Adebayo Sanda, Yemi Farounbi, Adebayo Faleti, Peter Ajayi, Labanji Bolaji, Areoye Oyebola, Felix Adenaike, Banji Kuroloja, Agboola Sanni, Adebayo Williams (now Professor) , Folu Olamiti, Peter Apesin, Biodun Oduwole and several others.

The first oldest and surviving Newspaper in Ibadan and Nigeria- the Nigerian Tribune, established by Chief Obafemi Awolowo in Agbadagbudu, Yemetu Ibadan in 1948 and the Daily Sketch, the WNTV, WNBS, the Radio Nigeria, Ibadan were breeding grounds for journalists and broadcasters.

I.K DAIRO, FELA AND REX LAWSON

In the entertainment world of the early 50’s and 60’s, Ibadan was a beautiful city to behold. It was the home of highlife at Easy Life Hotel of Bola Johnson in Mokola, Paradise Hotel and African club Mokola, where Eddy Okonta played, Central Hotel where Orlando Julius and Roy Chicago played, JMJ Night club and bar of J.M Johnson in Mokola, were prominent city hangouts.

Fela and Rex Lawson played in Ibadan in 1967, before relocating to Lagos. Mokola was the soul of Ibadan city life, with its Highlife clubs, its brothels, and its nightclubs and bars. Chrisbo Hotel Odo-ona Ibadan, was also an important hang out.

I.K Dairo started the Morning Star Orchestra in Ibadan in 1957. Daniel Ojoge pioneered Juju music in Ibadan. In Apala and Awurebe – Tatalo Alamu and Dauda Epo Akara, dominated the scene. Idowu Animasaun, the Juju Apola King and the Juju maestro, King Sunny-Ade, Commander Ebenezer Obey and Prince Adekunle were also regular faces in Ibadan.

Moses Olaiya Adejumo, who trained King Sunny Ade, started as a Highlife Musician, before he diversified into Travelling Theatre in Yemetu Ibadan, with his Alawada Group. Sigma Club of University of Ibadan’s Havanah Nights was also an outstanding event in Ibadan. Ekotedo was Ibadan’s red-light district, whilst Mokola was the soul of Ibadan highlife and night life.

LANDSCAPES

Ibadan presents fascinating landscape of tradition and modern features. Prominent in it’s old, indigenous core areas are the Iba’s market (Oja’aba), Beere and the Aafin Olubadan (King’s Palace). From the popular Mapo Hill and Hall, one can easily see, the sea of rusted brown roofs, described as

“Running splash of rust: and gold flung and scattered:” by J.P Clark, in his “Ibadan” poem, in places like: Agugu, Ayeye, Aremo, Ode-Aje, Aperin, Gbelekale, Idi-Arere, Oopo Yeosa, Odinjo, Foko, Gege, Isale Ijebu, Kudeti, Oke-Are, Shepherds Hill (corrupted as Oke-Sapati), to mention but a few. These are interspersed by neighborhoods, of new and modern buildings, which are linked and crisscrossed by winding roads

Benjamin Cardozo has said it all, when he said, “History in illuminating the past, illuminates the present and in illuminating the present, illuminates the future”

Ibadan, the sprawling megacity on Seven Hills, with a strong admixture of the ancient and the modern, with its entrenched values and rich history of quick firsts in Nigeria, needs to be rejigged, sustained and be celebrated. As the Yoruba Nation’s melting point and political capital, its glory and preeminence, must be sung, always, even at the rooftop- Ibadan!

Hon (Barr) Femi Kehinde, Former Member, House of Representatives, National Assembly Abuja, representing Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State, (1999-2003) & Principal Partner Femi Kehinde & Co (Solicitors) 84, Iwo Road, Ibadan.

Source


Religious leader must live an exemplary life,” Oyo governor says

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Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Sunday called on religious leaders to collaborate with the government‎ in the task of ensuring peace and security in the state. Ajimobi said this at the turbanning of Alhaji Abdul-lateef Oyelade as the Babasale Musulumi of Ibadanland. Ajimobi, who was represented by a former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Ali, urged religious leaders to show exemplary leadership. “As a religious leader you must live an exemplary life and it is very imperative to ‎be a shining example to others,’’ he said. The governor also advised religious leaders irrespective of their faith to support his administration’s efforts to move the state forward.

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Sustaining peace, Ajimobi said, was one of the cardinal duties of his administration and appealed to religious organisations to support government.

The Chief Imam of Ibadan, Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyu Agbotomokekere, described Oyelade, as a silent philanthropist who had touched the lives of people.

‎He said that Oyelade being a practical and practicing Muslim was honoured with the title because of his integrity.

Sen. Soji Akanbi, representing Oyo Central, said the position of Babasale Musulumi was significant.

Akanbi ‎explained that the position was not a honorary title but traditional.

“Anybody who attains the position must possess leadership qualities and must be tolerant and accessible ‎and I believe that Alhaji Oyelade has these qualities,’’ he said.

Oyelade, thanked Muslims in the state and pledged to ‎continue to advance Islam.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyelade is also the Patron, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria


Next in Olubadan’s succession queue dies at 91

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THE Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Sulaimon Adegboyega Alao Omiyale, who was next to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadan is dead. The reigning Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, celebrated his centenary birthday recently. Chief Omiyale who reportedly died on Saturday evening at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, died at the age of 91. Even though he was ripe in age, the families and other sympathisers wept profusely during his burial rites yesterday. The remains of the chief were interred at Ope Agbe Palace, Omiyale house, Oja’ba, Ibadan. In his sermon at the burial ceremony, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyu Abubakri Agbotomokekere, said only Allah could determine when and how anybody would die.

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The family representative, Baale Olomi village, Ibadan, Chief Samuel Layode Oyewale, said the deceased who became Mogaji of the compound in 1967 lived a fulfilled life noting that his death was a great loss to the family.

Among the dignitaries that called on the family of the deceased were the former governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, High Chief Lekan Balogun and many others.

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Palms Shopping Mall, Ibadan Photo Contest is on!

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CONTEST LOGO

Oh Yeah! The Palms shopping Mall, Ibadan has started a  Photo Contest for Ibadan faithfuls to win from. This is purely an open photo competition for the everyone.

HOW TO ENTER:

  • Like the Facebook page /thepalmsshoppingmall or follow on twitter or Instagram @thepalmsng
  • Take a picture at the Mall and upload the picture on any of the following: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with hashtag #MydayatPalmsibadan and tag us on or before November 29th, 2015, 11:59PM.
  • In your caption, say one thing you like about the Palms Shopping Mall, Ibadan.
  • Then, you are qualified to win N150,000 and other consolation prizes. Thats all!

Read more…

PRIZES

WINNER – N150,000

1st RUNNER UP – N100,000

2nd RUNNER UP – N50,000

Also there are daily prizes to be won:

DAILY PRIZES

1st 50 participants get free movie tickets.

N1000 free airtime daily across our 3 social platforms.

WEEKLY PRIZES

Highest number of likes on Palms Instagram page in each week wins:

N25,000 shopping voucher.

1st runner up wins a 1-week movie pass.

2nd runner up wins a N5,000 lunch voucher.

RULES & TERMS

  • No purchase necessary to enter to win.
  • No age restriction.
  • Multiple entries are permitted.
  • Individual or group submission will be accepted via social media platforms.
  • Only pictures taken at Palms Shopping Mall, Ibadan is allowed.
  • The best 10 entries will be selected for final to win star prizes.
  • Selection will be based on quality of photography, creativity and styling.
  • The final winners will emerge from selected 10 and will be decided via public voting.
  • Winners will be announced on December 5th, 2015 via social media.
  • This promotion pertains to and is sponsored by Palms Shopping Mall, Ibadan.

CONTEST DATES

PHASE 1: NOV 09 – NOV 29

PHASE 2: NOV 30 – DEC 4

DECEMBER 5, 2015: WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED

HASHTAGS FOR HYPE

#palmsphotochallenge

#palmsshoppingmallib

#mydayatpalmsib

Get on Board now peeps, and lets win some great prizes!


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