Culture

Egungun Festival: I will not tolerate any act of hooliganism- Olubadan

By Web News 992

As the annual Ibadan Egungun festival kicks off on Monday, June 2022, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II has warned against any form of thuggery and related vices.

The Olubadan noted that the festival, which ordinarily should be means of entertainment and camaraderie, had over the years been marred by unscrupulous elements hence no form of hooliganism will be tolerated.

Oba Balogun gave this warning on Sunday through a Statement signed by his Media Aide, Oladele Ogunsola ahead of the commencement of the festival, the traditional vigil of which would be held Sunday night at the respective family houses that own and worship Egungun.

The festival, according to the Statement would kick off at the Aliiwo palace of the Olubadan with the major and big masquerades to be led by Atipako coming to dance for Oba Balogun accompanied by the members of Olubadan-in-Council and during which supplications would be made to gods for peace to reign in the land.

Oba Balogun, who would be hosting the masquerades for the first time since his coming to the Olubadan throne was quoted as saying that he would not tolerate any act of hooliganism with a threat to ban any masquerade whose supporters foment trouble or cause breach of the peace.

The Statement quotes the monarch as saying “I congratulate my sons and daughters in Ibadanland on this occasion of this year’s Egungun festival, the first of which I’m hosting as the Olubadan and appeal to all to be sensitive to the mood of the nation as regards security as we celebrate the annual festival.

“We must not lose touch with the purpose of the traditional event which is celebrated annually as a way of thanking our ancestors for the legacies of love, brotherliness and mode of worship bequeathed to us. It is also a period for us to seek for their continual guidance as well as protection from the ravages of all forms of diseases.

“We cannot afford to drop all these positive legacies on the alter of daylight robbery, hooliganism, brigandage and thuggery. Or can we turn the entertainment aspect of the festival into something that would leave a sour taste in the mouths of our people? I enjoin all to please celebrate with caution, love, and consideration for others”, the statement added.

Olubadan used the occasion to pray for peace and tranquility in Ibadanland just as he charged the security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities by nipping in the bud any form of violence before such escalates.

Adewumi Faniran / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Culture

Alarere Road: Olubadan-in-Council Set Machinery in Motion for Rehabilitation

By Web News 782

Worried by the deplorable condition of all the roads leading to the Alarere residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade ll, the Olubadan Advisory Council at its Monday meeting began the process of rehabilitation of the roads with the donation of Two Million Naira (N2m) by the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Olubunmi Isioye.

This disclosure was made by the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola while giving the report of the meeting held at the Alarere residence of Oba Balogun and which had in attendance all the High Chiefs led by Balogun of Ibadanland and Otun Olubadan designate and the former governor of Oyo State, Owolabi Olakulehin and Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja respectively.

High Chief Ajibola explained that the members of the Olubadan-in-Council were unhappy about the condition of the roads leading to the residence of the Ibadan monarch and this informed the step of action spearheaded by Ekerin Balogun, noting that with the donation, efforts would be made to ensure that the roads get better very soon.

He equally announced that the Council had agreed to resume the promotion of High Chiefs and other Chiefs suspended at the beginning of Ramadan Fast stressing that by the first week in June, the exercise would resume.

According to him, “after we might have completed the suspended exercise, it would be the turn of Iyalode line and after that, we would begin the installation of new Baales and Mogajis.
The meeting resolved to put our house in order and ensure that the Council members are all carried along in the processes leading to promotion of Chiefs and installation of Mogajis and Baales”.

Other members of the Olubadan-in-Council in attendance at the meeting were High Chiefs Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe (Osi-Balogun), Kola Adegbola (Ashipa Balogun), Olubunmi Dada Isioye (Ekerin Balogun) and Abiodun Azeez Agagagugu (Ekerin Balogun).

Also present were High Chiefs Eddy Oyewole (Osi-Olubadan designate), Abiodun Kola-Daisi (Ashipa Olubadan designate) and Hamidu Ajibade (Ekerin Olubadan designate).

Ridwan Fasasi

Culture

Every leader must be conscious of united Nigeria – Olubadan

By Web News 672

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II on Tuesday insisted on a united and indivisible Nigeria asking that any aspiring leader come 2023 must be conscious of the need to preserve the concept.

Oba Balogun made the assertion while reacting to the submission made by a group of political leaders under the aegis of Nigeria Agenda which paid him a courtesy visit at his Alarere residence.

The monarch noted that Nigeria would attain her expected potentials in the comity of nations by remaining a united and indivisible entity, adding, “the greatness of the country lies in her oneness and unity and this must be the guiding principle of whoever aspires to lead the country come next year.

“I share your views and aspirations on the attainment of the greatness of the country through a leader that would ensure inclusiveness, equity, justice and fairness to all. We need a leader that would ensure respect for one another and I wholeheartedly support your assignment with a prayer that the Almighty Allah will see you through and bless your efforts”, the monarch added.

Earlier in his speech, the Convener and Director-General (DG) of Nigeria Agenda, Hon. Ahmed Sajo told Oba Balogun, who had by his side, Olori Olufunmilayo and Ekarun Olubadan, High Chief Hamidu Ajibade that the visit was to sensitize the monarch on the assignment the group had committed itself to.

Accompanied by the former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Messers Niyi Akinsiji and Femi Ige among others, the Nigeria Agenda DG maintained that the group came into being to search for a credible and futuristic leader that would drive the expected development agenda of the country.

He said the group took it upon itself to look for a leader that would give the country the kind of leadership that would make the country a place that all could be proud of, saying, “we are looking at the situation of the country and need to determine the basis of our togetherness as a country.

“The basis of our togetherness must be defined in a way that concept of inclusivity, justice, equity, fairness and respect for all must be addressed by whoever desires to lead the country come 2023. This is our focus and the basis of our search for which we seek Your Imperial Majesty’s prayer”, he added.

Hon. Sajo promised to bring whoever the group comes up with as the potential leader come 2023 to the monarch for his Royal blessings and support, noting, “it is our wish that come 2023, the leader we would produce would bring hope of a better future for us and the generations coming behind us”.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Olubadan Rejoices with Christians at Easter

By Web News 505

Christians have been charged to let the undying love of Jesus Christ demonstrated through his death on the Calvary, the remembrance of which is being globally observed remain their guiding principle in all their interactions with their fellow beings.

This was contained in the message of felicitation sent to the Christ followers by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II on Friday.

Oba Balogun expressed gratitude to God for the grace granted the people to be partakers in this year’s celebration of the annual event, stressing that the purpose of the Calvary experience should not be lost in the celebration.

According to the monarch, “I rejoice with my Christian subjects both at home and in the diaspora on this very important festivity and urge them to let the incomparable love of Christ which culminated in His crucification be their guide in whatever they do.

“If we all love unconditionally as Jesus Christ did for mankind by surrendering himself to be nailed on the Cross, the society would be better for us all than it is presently. Let us truly be like him as we are being called-Christians”, Oba Balogun added.

Asking the people to celebrate with caution and sobriety which the festivity actually calls for, the monarch remarked that anything outside of that would negate the original purpose of the event being celebrated.

Oba Balogun enjoined the people to use the occasion to pray for peace in the land and more importantly that love may grow among the people, especially among the political leaders, whose actions and inactions shape the lives of the citizenry.

Samson Abiodun

Religion

Olubadan calls on Muslims to show love, care during Ramadan

By Web News 541

With the commencement of the annual Ramadan Fast, Muslims have been called upon to be genuine and sincere in their worship of the Almighty Allah through their fasting and prayers by ensuring that whatever they consider incongruous to the solemn season is done away with permanently.

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade ll who made this charge in his message to the Muslim community on the commencement of the holy month said “it would appear mockery of the Almighty Allah if the mindset of our people is to temporarily put aside our sinful ways during this solemn season and resume them after the fasting period”.

The monarch maintained that the purpose of the Ramadan Fast is to move closer to the creator by shunning the sinful ways and showing love and care for others which should be the permanent way of life and not adhoc.

Oba Balogun equally urged for consideration of the less privileged in the society in whatever they do in order to make the season profitable both physically and spiritually.

The monarch stated that the purpose of the holy season would be lost if they care less about the welfare of the less privileged around them.

He noted that with love, care, and concern for others, society would be better, safe, and conducive for all to live, adding, “the country is today in much pain and stress because of lack of love and care for the generality of the people.

”As Muslims, I urge all to use this moment of solemnity to reflect on our respective and personal lives and make the necessary amends wherever we are found wanting towards making others happy and creating a more lively and lovely environment”, he added.

Ridwan Fasasi