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Ekere Receives Huge Support From Mpkat Enin (as Otobong Edem leads multitude to join APC)

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In a major realignment of forces in Mkpat Enin, one of the largest local government areas in Akwa Ibom State, the member representing the area in the House of Assembly, Engr. Otobong Ndem, last Tuesday, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives’ Congress, (APC,) with hundreds of his supporters.
Ndem announced his defection, when he led a delegation of his supporters in several buses on a solidarity visit to the Akwa Ibom State APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere, at the latter’s country home in Ikot Oboroenyin, Edemaya, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state.
Among the defectors on the delegation were the Mkpat Enin PDP Local Government Chapter Deputy Chairman, Mr. Ukonsek Ukonsek, the Secretary, Comrade Ubong Kingsley, the Youth Leader, Mr. Ime Inoh, and some other members of the Chapter Executive Committee, a former Chapter Chairman, Chief Friday Ayara, a former Chapter Secretary, Comrade Umoren Umoren, a former Member of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Ini Brown Ekanem, a former Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government, Dr. Imowo Udobia, a former Vice Chairman of the local government, Mr. Godwin Udofot, and a former Leader of the Local Government Legislative Council, Mr. Friday Okobo.
Ndem said at the colourful and largely unprecedented event, that with his defection and those of his followers, the PDP structure in Mkpat Enin, the local government area with the highest number of wards (14) in the state, had collapsed totally into the APC and the result will materialize in the emergence of Ekere as the next governor of Akwa Ibom state.
He assured Ekere of huge votes from the area, saying, “With the votes of Mkpat Enin, you will be strolling into Hilltop Mansion. We believe in you because you are one of our own. We have no reason not to support you. We are here because we see the future of Akwa Ibom State. We want to end tortoise politics in Akwa Ibom State. We are not prepared to support you from behind. We are not ready to play submarine politics. We are ready to support you openly.” Also speaking, Ukonsek described their delegation as the “crack team” of Mkpat Enin politics, promising that “we will show the world that we own Mkpat Enin” when they hold a formal defection ceremony at home soon. Responding, Nsima Ekere expressed delight that the wind of change had reached Mkpat Enin which shares the federal constituency with his local government area, Ikot Abasi. He reasoned that at the rate the wind of change was spreading across the state, the APC was heading for a 90 per cent win in the 2019 elections. Ekere, who is the incumbent Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), pointed out that there were several ongoing NDDC projects in Mkpat Enin under his watch and promised to do more for the area as NDDC boss and subsequently as Governor. In her remarks, the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Lady Valerie Ebe, who defected to the APC last month, commended Ndem for acting in wisdom and courage, adding that she saw it coming. Her words, “Right from the day I defected, I knew this would happen. I am not surprised. When I left, I knew you will all follow me. The people of Mkpat Enin are itching to support you (Ekere). Nobody should call himself a political junction. We have to follow a straight line.” Ebe rejected claims that she was supporting Ekere to be Governor to enable her succeed him as NDDC boss, “I am working for the success of my son (Ekere) here. I am not looking for position. We don’t want any position.”
The APC Akwa Ibom South Senatorial Chairman, Dr. Inyang Dan-Abia, who represented the State Chairman, said he was impressed with the quality of members of the delegation who he described as foot-soldiers that have determined Mkpat Enin politics over the years.
He lauded them for coming to support Ekere, who he eulogized as “a world-class successful businessman and administrator and a man who is well-exposed in the management of resources.”
Present during the visit were the APC Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate, Dr. Amadu Attai, the APC House of Assembly Candidate for Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Prince Iboro Ekpo, the APC State Assistant Legal Adviser, Barr. Inyang Udo, the Mkpat Enin APC Caucus Chairman, Apostle John Okoriko, the Special Assistant to the NDDC Managing Director on Administration and Human Resources, Pastor Udo Isaiah, the immediate past Member of the House of Representatives for Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo/Mkpat Enin Federal Constituency, Dr. Akpan Micah Umoh, and a former Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government, Prince Enobong Ufot.

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The Story Of Ibadan High Chiefs Who Died Two Months, Two Weeks Before They Could Become King

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-Tunde Ayanda

 

With the passage of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun some days ago, the ‘irukere’, (the horsetail, symbol of authority of Yoruba Obas) has pointed to where it’s going.

 

Without any consultation or appointment, the whole of Ibadanland understand it’s now the turn of High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin.

 

Such is the uniqueness of the Obaship tradition of Ibadan. It is the only kingdom in the world where every true son of Ibadan is a potential king. You don’t have to be a prince, all you need is a selection from your family house as a Mogaji (representative).

 

While the Obaship system and ascension to the coveted throne of Olubadan is unique and predictable, getting to the top of the ladder means a gift of long life for the highest ranking chiefs of the ancient Yorùbá capital city of Oyo State.

Becoming Olubadan is on rotational basis between the two lines of ascension to the throne headed by Ọtun Olubadan (Civil line) and Balogun (Military line). But in recent years, over a decade, there have been two high chiefs and of course, next-in-lines to the throne who never get to the top.

 

 

High Chief S.A. Omiyale (Balogun of Ibadan)

High Chief Sulaimon Adegboyega Omiyale was the Balogun of Ibadan land and next-in-line to Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, the 40th Olubadan who reigned from 11th of August, 2007 to 19th of January, 2016 and died at the age of 101 years.

With Oba Odulana, who succeeded Oba Yinusa Ogundipe Arapasowu 1, as next-in-line from the Civil line, it was supposed to be the turn of High Chief Omiyale, had it been he lived to succeed the aged monarch.

But the Balogun of Ibadan land died on Saturday, 7th November, 2015 at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, at the age of 91.

Two months after his death, the reigning Olubadan, Oba Odulana died on 19th January, 2016.

High Chief Omowale Kuye (Ọtun Olubadan)

High Chief Omowale Kuye was the Ọtun Olubadan, traditional head of the Civil line. With Omiyale’s death, Kuye was a step closer to becoming Olubadan, but he also didn’t live to succeed the monarch.

Kuye, who was a former Director General, Special Duties and later Budget in the Office of the President of Nigeria — under both Alhaji Shehu Shagari and General Olusegun Obasanjo — died on 20th November, 2015; barely two weeks after the demise of Balogun of Ibadan land.

Because of the earlier death of Balogun Omiyale whose line was supposed to produce the next monarch after the reigning Olubadan, High Chief Kuye would’ve become the next Olubadan being the highest ranking of the Olubadan-in-Council, but he also passed on before Oba Odulana.

Additionally, the demise of both Balogun Omiyale and Ọtun Olubadan Kuye, paved the way for the then Otun Balogun, Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, who eventually succeeded Oba Odulana as the 41st Olubadan in 2016. He was also succeeded in 2022 by the recently deceased 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.

 

Additional report from Tribuneonline

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Tinubu, Daniel, Zulum Top 40 Most Influential Nigerians List

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Professor Babagana Zulum, and Lt.General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) have been named among the 40 influential people in Nigeria in a new book written by journalist and PR consultant, Bode Odeseye.

The 40 Most Influential People in Nigeria listed other eminent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in different areas of endeavors and have enormous influence in different spheres including politics/governance, democratic ideals/activism, economic, infrastructural and social development, banking and finance, commerce and industry, telecommunications/technology, education, philanthropy, legislative enactment and international relations.

According to the author, a series of assiduous research conducted revealed that these eminent personalities have carved a niche for themselves by breaking boundaries and adding immeasurable values in various areas of endeavors, through milestone achievements and impact on mankind.

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Amidst Controversy, Ibrahim Dende To Celebrate 54th Birthday

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Ibrahim Egungbohun popularly known as ‘IBD Dende’  is 54 today Sunday, March 3, 2024.

 

The celebration comes amid intense scrutiny about the source of  wealth of the socialite whose 50th birthday celebration in March 2020 remains the talk of the town.

 

Dende is presently fighting to save himself from what he termed ‘malicious attack against my personalty’ after an expose from investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo who shed light into his claim to fame, linking it with smuggling and arms dealing.

Soyombo’s reports have magnified quiet talks about Ibrahim Dende to the status of national consciousness.

 

The reports play up assertions that Dende is a legend of the behind-the-scene importation business (smuggling) with top-level collaborators in government quarters.

“The talks were there about Dende but his massive giving dwarfed them” according to those in the know.

Formerly known as a carpenter in Ebute-Igbooro – Yewa North Local Government, Ogun state – Dende hit wealth after he left the trade to embrace the “Freight Forwarding Business” according to those defending accusations of smuggling against him

Married to Lara – an indigene of Ondo state and businesswoman – Dende’s chieftaincy title of the Oluomo of Yewa land ( his wife is the Yeye Oluomo) speaks volumes of how much influence he wields in his base.

Usually celebrated lavishly, even in absentia, those who should know say there are talks about downplaying his birthday celebration this year – to avoid amplifying the allegations raised by Soyombo with a seemingly “I don’t care attitude”.

His friends and fans have, however, started showering him with birthday wishes in a strong show of solidarity.

Away from allegations against him, Dende is officially a licensed clearing and forwarding agent and Chairman of IBD Impex Limited.

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