Events

Ajimobi pardons 21 convicts as OYSG celebrates Independence Day

Published

7 years ago

October 2, 2017

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The Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has granted reprieve to 21 convicts in exercise of his prerogative powers of mercy pursuant to the provisions of section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in commemoration of the 57th Independence Day Celebration.

Also, the State Government organised a March Past at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan for pupils and students in both public and private schools in the state.

The government said that Military and Para-Military agencies as well as voluntary organizations, such as Boys Scouts, Girls Guild amongst others are expected to participate in the March Past, adding that the Governor of the State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi will declare the ceremony open by 9am and take the March Past salute.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Seun Abimbola explained that seven persons were granted release from prison having spent varying terms of their sentences, 13 convicts had their life sentences reduced to a term of years, having spent considerable terms in prison, while one person had his death sentence commuted to a life sentence.

Abimbola said “this is part of the commemorative efforts in celebration of the Independence day celebration. The records of the benefitting convicts suggests they have undergone reform while some of them have while incarcerated passed their GCE exams, obtained a first degree from the National Open University (NOUN) , with others at varying stages of a degree course at Noun in diverse courses.

“It is our hope that this gesture by his Excellency will be reciprocated by the beneficiaries by ensuring they are of good conduct when they are released, and become useful to themselves and the society at large,” the Attorney General added.

Speaking on the Independence Day Celebration, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Yomi Oke stated that the theme of this year’s celebration is “Youth and Economic Empowerment: The Way Forward”, urging that Principals and Head teachers of public and private schools should mobilize their students and pupils to participate actively in all the lined up events including Cultural Display, Novelty March, Cycling and other side attractions.

The Commissioner disclosed that the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi will visit homes within Ibadan metropolis to donate food items and some daily needs for them, stressing that there will also be an Interdenominational service at the Government House Arcade to pray for the sustainability of peace, unity and progress in Nigeria by 2:00pm.

Mr. Oke also enjoined all the Heads of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), Permanent Secretaries and Directors to attend this national event promptly, assuring the public of the safety of their children and wards during March past with adequate security provided for the safety of lives and property at the stadium.

Related Topics:AJIMOBI oysg toye arulogun

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Events

Celebrating Oba Sikiru Adetona’s 64 Years As Oba; The King Many Monarchs Wish To Be

Published

6 months ago

April 2, 2024

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Celebrating Oba Sikiru Adetona 64 years as Oba; The King Many Monarchs Wish To Be

Oba Sikiru Adetona 64 years on throne

Blessed By God And Honoured By Men

Oba Dr Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland is the kind of king monarchs aspire to be, and at 64 years on the throne, that prestige has not waned a bit.

Installed as king on April 2, 1960, just a few months shy of Nigeria’s Independence, Awujale’s reign is currently older than the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As it stands, he is the longest-reigning first-class monarch in Nigeria. These are not mere statistics, they are hard facts that prove that Oba Adetona is a king blessed by God and honoured by men.

A cursory look at the life of this esteemed ruler is proof that when there are kings who are not limited in wisdom, power, goodness, and love for their subjects, then monarchy would be the best of all systems of government.

Every year, at the Ojude Oba festival, multitudes of Ijebu citizens throng home from all around the world to celebrate and felicitate with their beloved king. They do this not out of duty or an enforced obligation, but out of a deep-seated love for their king and their land.

But Awujale’s path to the throne was not one paved with velvet and inlaid with a thornless bed of flowers; no, it was rough, the journey was tough, and the experience could sometimes be bitter, as with that of men with great destinies. But these only served as stepping stones to his future, unanimously given, the throne.

Ọba Sikiru Olukayọde Adetọna, Ọgbagba Agbotewole II, was born 90 years ago on May 10, 1934, into the Royal House of Anikinaiya of Ijẹbuland in his father’s house in Imupa, Ijebu Ode.

As a prince from the line of Oba Adeleke, Ọgbagba Agbotewole I (c. 1825–1906), who was the Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland from 1895 to 1906 and a descendant of Olu-Iwa, the legendary first Awujalẹ and Ọbanta, another founder of the Ijẹbu kingdom, Oba Sikiru was born to greatness.

After attending various Baptist Schools, Ereko, Ijẹbu-Ode; Ogbere United Primary School, Oke Agbo, Ijẹbu-Igbo; and Ansar-Ud-Deen School, Ijebu-Ode between 1943 and 1950, he attended Olu-Iwa (now Adeola Odutọla) College, Ijebu-Ode from 1951 to 1956. Between 1957 and 1958 he took up an appointment with the then Audit Department of the Western Region, Ibadan. From there on he resigned his appointment in 1958 to pursue further studies in accountancy in the United Kingdom.

By a letter dated January 4, 1960, referenced CB. 4 1/333, the Permanent Secretary in the Western Region Ministry of Local Government conveyed to the Local Government Adviser in Ijẹbu Ode approval of the Western Region Governor in Council, the appointment of Prince Sikiru Kayode Adetona as king, and his confirmation as the new Awujale of Ijebuland with effect from that date (January 4, 1960).

Prominent Ijẹbu sons like the late Ọgbẹni-Ọja, Chief (Dr.) Timothy Adeọla Odutọla, Bọbasuwa I, Chief Emmanuel Okusanya Okunọwọ (MBE, KFNM); and Aṣiwaju, Chief Samuel Ọlatubọsun Ṣhonibare began to arrange for the home-coming of the King-elect, and on January 18, 1960, the Head of the Ijẹbu Ode Regency Council, the Ọgbeni-Ọja, Chief Timothy Adeọla Odutọla formally presented the new traditional ruler to the whole world.

A man of tradition, he embarked on the customary traditional seclusion at the Odo for three months.

It would be remembered that even though Oba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna had earlier been nominated along with five others by the ODIS, his great destiny prevailed and he was unanimously selected by the kingmakers in conformity with Section 11 of the Chiefs Law of 1957 applicable in Western Region. The then Governor signed the Instrument of Office approving Prince Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna as Awujalẹ of Ijẹbuland, and the formal coronation took place on Saturday, April 2, 1960.

But in the midst of all these, he had many documented and undocumented trials and travails.

Looking back, Oba Adetona’s extraordinary destiny serves history in preservation. His is a life to be wished for, a legacy that must be preserved, and a story that must continue to be told for generations to come.

Not many kings want their life story in the public domain, instead, as second-in-command to the gods, they prefer that air of mystery to ensure that their rule remains absolute and their personal affairs secret. But Awujale is a different kind of king – an erudite. He authored his biography, laying his cards bare and ensuring that many can learn the lessons of history through his life’s story. This is what formed the basis of the soon-to-be-released biopic, ‘Awujale’ by Ultimate Communications, as directed by Tunde Olaoye.

Currently gearing for an Ijebu premiere later this month, the film follows the life of Oba Sikiru through the ages in an unfolding story. This documents through film the life of one of the greatest obas in Yoruba Land.

As he marks his 90th birthday, it is only fitting that one should say ‘Kabiyesi O! Long may the crown sit on the head, long may the shoes fit the wearer, and long may you reign.” But in prayer, many would secretly say to the creator “May I be as great as the king, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu Land.”

Seun Oloketuyi Producer of the biopic writes from Lagos

Entertainment

Style Meets Class At Billionaire, Tunde Ayeni’s Daughter Wedding Introduction

Published

10 months ago

December 4, 2023

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Placing all the odds that hounded his life recently in a paternity scandal behind, billionaire, Tunde Ayeni staged a superlative wedding introduction for his daughter some days ago.

It was an assembly of the rich and the super rich who witnessed the wedding introduction of Bolaji, the pretty daughter of billionaire, Tunde Ayeni on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

The 15A Herbert Macaulay crescent, GRA, Ikeja home of the billionaire who headed the defunct Skye Bank wore a colourful look, as the lord of the home, his wife and all their kids in a themed act displayed their rarest form of hospitality and embraced the full Yoruba culture in heralding the first stage of matrimony as they welcomed friends into their home.

As expected, the guest list was grand! Ayeni’s friends did not disappoint, they came in their intimidating numbers.

Former NDDC boss, Timi Alaibe, former Attorney-General, Bayo Ojo, former Governor of Western Region, General David Jemibewon, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, Femi Falana, Chike Obi, Jide Omokore, Dakuku Peterside, Segun Awolowo, Orile of Ile-Ogbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, Senator Idris Umar, Yomi Awoniyi and many other dignitaries were spotted at the ceremony.

The Ayenis while expressing their appreciation after the event in a statement said ‘this auspicious occasion marks a significant milestone in our lives, and we are excited to share this momentous event with our dear friends and respected guests’.

Credit; Streetjournal Magazine

Events

‘she is a liar!’ Abuja Restaurant Fires Hilda Baci After Meet n Greet Scandal

Published

1 year ago

June 13, 2023

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Vibes By Ann Restaurant, Abuja has called popular chef, Hilda Baci a liar while threatening to sue her for contract breach.

The restaurant claimed to have paid the sum of 3 million naira to the Guiness Book of Record holder for a ‘Meet and Greet’ event and alleged she cancelled on them for no reason.

According to reports, the restaurant has advertised the event and placed a 25,000 naira per plate price on meals to be sold at the venue when Hilda dissociated herself from the event in her posts on social media.

The restaurant showing the receipt of a 3million naira payment made to Hilda for the event slated for June 24th, 2023 released a statement that the event has been cancelled and threatened to drag the chef before the courts.

Further investigations by this newspaper revealed that the restaurant did not put the prices of the food that would be served in the agreement and the noise it created must have made Hilda, who was just officially confirmed as the new record holder of the longest cook-a-thon denied knowledge of the event.