Crime

Court Adjourns Ruling on Princess Naomi, Oriyomi Bail Application

By Web News 1319

By Jeffrey Ahonmisi

Justice Babatunde Olawoyin of Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan has adjourned ruling on the bail application filed by counsel to the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife; Princess Naomi Ogunwusi, ace broadcaster;  Oriyomi Hamzat and principal of Bashorun Islamic High School, Fasasi Abdullahi till the 13th of January 2025.

The trio are in remand at the Agodi Correctional Facility, Ibadan.

The three defendants are standing trial on four counts of conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.

Counsels to the three defendants, Adetunmbi Musbau, Adekunle Shobaloju, and Adebowale Olajide who filed the bail applications, noted that the charges are bailable.

The government prosecution led by the Oyo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Abiodun Aikomo objected to the bail application on the grounds of multiple deaths.

Justice Olawoyin after listening to the submissions and arguments of all the counsels adjourned the ruling on the bail application.

 Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi, had remanded the three defendants pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, of the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.

Recall that thirty-five children lost their lives during a stampede at a Christmas funfair held at Islamic High School in Bashorun Area of Ibadan allegedly organised by the defendants last month.

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Crime

Police Arrest Ooni’s Ex-wife, Others over Ibadan Funfair Tragedy

By Web News 674 Post a comment

Death toll hits 35

The Oyo State Police Command says it has arrested the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; the Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, Fasasi Abdulahi; and six others.

Their arrest is in connection to the death of some children during a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.

The ex-queen was named as the main sponsor of the event.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, the number of children who have died from the stampede has risen to 35 while six others are critically injured,

The event which was held at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, was reportedly made available to 5,000 children but the number that turned up was reportedly over 7, 500..

Culled/Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

Anti-Graft War: Ooni Gives Kudos to EFCC Boss

By Web News 267

By  Oluwakayode Banjo

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on his efforts to rid the nation of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

He gave the commendation in Ile-Ife, Osun State while receiving the Acting Zonal Director of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE I Hauwa Garba Ringim who paid him a courtesy visit. 

He said that the leadership Olukoyede was offering the EFCC would ultimately succeed in bringing corruption to its knees.

“Let me thank the Chairman of the Commission for his unequivocal commitment and efforts towards the fight against corruption. I sincerely believe that the fight against corruption will be won under the leadership of the current Chairman due to his total belief in community engagement and effective collaboration among relevant stakeholders who play  pivotal roles in combating the menace of corruption”, he said.

Oba Ogunwusi also  commended the professionalism displayed by staff of the EFCC when carrying out their official duties and activities, adding that, “the internal repositioning of the EFCC under the present Chairman is evident and has obviously paved way for professionalism needed for the Commission to achieve its mandate.”

He called on “Nigerians to stand up and support the EFCC in ridding the country of corruption that has undermined the economic growth of the nation for decades. The EFCC cannot fight corruption alone, the ownership of economic and financial crimes in the country must be taken by Nigerians in a sincere and dynamic ways”.

He expressed worry about illegal mining activities in Osun State but assured the EFCC of his support in tackling the menace.

In her remarks,  Ringim thanked the Royal Father for accommodating her and her entourage despite his busy schedules pointing out that his gesture “reiterates the stance of the Ooni of Ife’s to always support the mandate of the EFCC deliberately, regardless of tribal affiliation”. 

He appreciated the foremost traditional ruler for believing in the leadership of the EFCC and assured  that the EFCC under the leadership of  Olukoyede will not give up the fight against corruption, illegal mining activities and cybercrime in Osun State and Nigeria at large regardless of how corruption fights back”.

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Crime

Man Claiming to be Ooni of Ife’s Son Backtracks

By Web News 706

By Mojisola Oladele

A middle-aged man who claimed to be the son of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, in a viral video has backtracked, saying his actions are only meant to get the monarch’s attention.

The Man dressed in a white Agbada claimed in the first video that the monarch hid him with his mother with an instruction that he should stay discreet.

He further claimed that the monarch’s silence on his identity as a Prince compelled him to make the video, issuing a two-month ultimatum to be invited to the palace, or he will reveal more secrets.

The man claimed  he had earlier seen the Ooni in a dream in 2022 engaging him in a discussion after which he gave him a wrist bead.

In the second video, the man was seen apologising to the traditional ruler, stressing it was not an error to address the Ooni as his father because he is the leader of the Oduduwa descendants.

Meanwhile, the Palace has swiftly denounced him and explained that the matter had been reported to security agencies for further action.

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Economy

Ooni Asks Leaders to Take the Lead in Purchasing Local Products

By Web News 425

By Folake Oye

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi has emphasised the need for leaders to embrace the use of local products.

Oba Ogunwusi made the call in his palace in Ile-Ife when he received two vehicles and three motorbikes from an indigenous vehicle manufacturing company in commemoration of his 8th year on the throne.

He said the sure way to grow the nation’s economy was for all to cultivate the habit of using more local content, urging leaders at various levels to show examples.

Oba Ogunwusi called on political leaders to desist from promoting foreign commodities, adding that Nigerian lawmakers should make it mandatory for anyone having any business with the parliament to wear and make use of indigenous products.

The monarch also charged President Bola Tinubu, governors and federal lawmakers to include locally made and assembled vehicles in their fleet.

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Security

AIG Oladimeji Visits Ooni, Solicits Support in Tackling Crime

By Web News 348

By Folake Oye

Traditional rulers have been encouraged to support in the fight against crime and criminality for the society to be secured.

The Assistant Inspector General Zone XI Command, Osogbo in Osun State, Mr Olarewaju Oladimeji made the call during his official visit to the Ooni’s Palace in ile,-Ife.

Mr oladimeji commended Oba Enitan Ogunwusi for upholding Yoruba traditions, culture and heritage.

Welcoming the AIG Zone XI and his entourage to his palace, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi who lauded the efforts of the Police in combating criminal activities, enjoined the Police not to relent.

The traditional ruler called on the people to always cooperate with the security agents in protecting life and property.

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Lifestyle

Adeleke Sympathizes with Ooni over Palace Fire

By Web News 563

By Funmi Adekoya

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has condoled with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the fire incident that gutted a building apartment within the courtyard of the Palace

Governor Adeleke in a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, described the incident as unfortunate and prayed that God will continue to protect the monarch and his family. 

The governor, while thanking God that no life was lost to the inferno, expressed grief that the building was destroyed.

The fire incident triggered by a power surge which exploded through electrical appliances in the affected apartment happened around 11:30 pm yesterday.

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Culture

Americans Trace Root to Ife, Meet Ooni

By Web News 1575

By Adenitan Akinola 

The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has played host to some persons of American origin who traced their roots to the Kingdom of Ife.

During the visit of the Americans to the ancient Ile Oodua Palace, Ooni Ogunwusi explained that the greatest joy was that of origination.

“If you take a closer look at yourselves in comparison to your kinsmen and women here, you will agree with me that there is no difference between us. The only difference is that my own forefathers missed the boat that yours caught up with.

“So my dear children, you are welcome home and I pray that the meaningful names you are being bestowed with today will manifest in all your endeavours.

“Luckily for you, your source (Ile-Ife) which is within the Federal Republic of Nigeria is filled with lovely people and a very safe environment.

So I urge you to feel free and also increase your economic presence in Ile-Ife as there are opportunities for you all to reside and invest here.” The Ooni said.

Earlier, Ambassador Dotun Taylor who led the Americans to the palace, explained that the visitors were convinced that they were of African origin after a scientific test popularly known as “Ancestral DNA” confirmed that they had a high concentration of the African gene.

“This is the commencement of a process that will lead to the naturalization of foreigners who are of black origin to becoming Nigerians and particularly Yoruba sons and daughters.

“We are working with all needed authorities in this regard including the Ministry of Interior and the traditional institution under the leadership of our father, the Ooni.” Amb. Taylor said.

Speaking on behalf of the Americans, Mrs. Delzora Dotson, who is now to be addressed as Mrs. Delzora Omotilewa Dotson, described the experience as worthwhile, explaining that she could not wait to tell her friends and family members about her discovery.

“Right now, I am feeling the connection of origination and I am happy to be back home.” She said.

Adenitan Akinola 

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Culture

Ooni Welcomes New Wife

By Web News 971

Mariam Anako, the new wife of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, late on Tuesday arrived at the palace of the monarch in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The new wife was ushered into the palace after brief rites at the entrance to the premises.

She was thereafter led into the inner court of the palace to meet her husband and other guests waiting to receive her.

Oba Ogunwusi in a video shared on the Facebook page of his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, around 10:30 pm on Tuesday, was assisted by chiefs and close aides, in welcoming the new wife into the palace.

Also, Ooni elder brother, Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, and the monarch’s other siblings were also mentioned by the compere at the ceremony as being present.

During the ceremony, Anako’s relations from Ebiraland in Kogi State and Ilorin in Kwara State were also present and they took turn to greet Ooni.

The new wife was coming into the palace about 10 months after Naomi Silekunola, the last wife of the monarch left him.

Specifically, Naomi announced separation with the monarch on Thursday, December 23, 2021, thus ended a marriage that produced a son, Tadenikawo, and lasted about 3 years.

Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, could not be reached for further comment on Wednesday as calls to his line rang out.

Naomi announced her separation from the monarch through an Instagram post in December 2021.

She had also renounced the title of a ‘Queen’, saying she tried to make the three-year union work but the Ooni’s public identity is at variance with “his true self”.

After the split between 47-year-old Ooni and Naomi, many Yoruba monarchs and elders including the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, tried to reconcile the estranged couple but the peace talks did not yield results.

Before being coronated king, the Ooni was previously married to Adebukola Bombata in 2008 but the marriage failed. As a monarch, the Ooni married Edo-born Zaynab-Otiti Obanor in 2016 but the union lasted for 17 months before their separation.

He later married Silekunola in 2018 and the marriage produced a son before the divorce announcement in December.

The monarch also had a daughter with Omolara Olatubosun as a teenager. Olatubosun gave birth to Princess Adeola Ogunwusi but recently, there have been counter-claims between the Ooni and Olatubosun over who was responsible for the upbringing of their daughter.

Aside from the Ooni, other traditional rulers who had experienced divorce known to the public include the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, whose marriage to his Jamaican wife, Ms Chanel Chin, crashed in December 2019. Also, Anuoluwapo Adeyemi, one of the wives of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III, parted ways with him in November 2020.

Punch/Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Politics

Ooni Admonishes Osun Governor-Elect

By Web News 396

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has congratulated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Osun State, Ademola Adeleke on his victory at the poll.

The monarch urged the governor-elect to “carry everybody on board as a people’s leader who has no time for any vendetta that will make him lose focus on his plans for the state and who will not patronise the sycophantic behaviours of hypocrites who may want to selfishly misadvise him pretending to be his best loyalists.”

Ooni Admonishes Osun Governor-ElectIn a statement by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Mr Moses Olafare, the traditional ruler described the election result as a confirmation of Adeleke’s grassroots popularity in the state which he must reward with good governance driven by rule of law, fear of God and selfless service to the people.

He said: “Senator Ademola Adeleke has been around for some time and his eventual victory is an opportunity for him to execute his election promises as much as possible.” 

“Mr Governor-Elect is from a noble family and a strong political dynasty in the state who must avoid being misled by hypocrisy and sycophancy of some arrogant political lieutenants who may want to instigate him against merely perceived political enemies both in his party and in the opposition parties. Vendetta is capable of derailing a leader.”

The monarch who is the Permanent Chairman, Osun State Council of Obas and Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), equally lauded the state governor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola for his peace loving character with which he comported himself before, during and after the election.

Oba Ogunwusi also praised the Osun electorate who went out on Saturday peacefully with their usual virtuous ‘Omoluwabi’ decorum and voted for their different preferred candidates without setting the state on fire which would have posed serious challenges to be managed by security agencies and traditional rulers.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as a job well done.

Adenitan Akinola

Culture

Olojo Festival: Ooni Goes Into Seven-Day Seclusion

By Web News 1035

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, on Sunday began seven days of seclusion preceding the annual Olojo Festival in the ancient city.

Olojo in Yoruba means “the day of the first dawn”, but in the lores of Ile-Ife, it is an annual cultural festival created to celebrate the day the Almighty created the earth.

Speaking before going incommunicado, Oba Ogunwusi said he would dedicate this year’s seven-day seclusion to pray for a better Nigeria.

The Ooni said Nigerians had every cause to thank God in view of the devastating effect of COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the rest of the world.

He said: “When we compare what have been happening in other nations, we have every cause to glorify God, for He has been so faithful to us by delivering us from the power of Coronavirus.

“Our efforts to protect people from the pandemic by providing fumigators for 36 states and Abuja, the FCT cannot be overemphasised.

“But we shouldn’t relent in our efforts to see to the welfare of people generally that’s why am dedicating my sixth seclusion on the throne to pray for our leaders.

“Seclusion is so significant that I cannot joke with because I inherited it from my ancestors thousands years ago.”

The Oba said he would also use his period seclusion to pray for God to touch the hearts of Nigerian politicians to stop playing games with people’s lives and be sensitive to people’s yearnings.

Ogunwusi said: “Our politicians in this country have the same value, same character, politicians, but I’m going into seclusion to pray for our leaders to have change of mind so that things could get better.

“Our leaders should be ready to serve us genuinely as promised during their campaigns, so I’m going there to pray to my ancestors to touch their hearts for them to make life more bearable to us.

“We cannot continue like this.

“Things need to change and there cannot be any change without the hands of God for the prayer of the righteous availeth much.”

City Mirror News

News

Oòni, Bugaje Speak At UNIFEMGA Reunion

By Web News 900

A one- time Political Adviser to Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dr Usman Bugaje will  deliver the 2021 annual national reunion Lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association UNIFEMGA on Saturday August 21, at Ile-Ife, Osun state.
In a statement by the Chairman Planning Committee of the Reunion, Mohammed Buari and Samsudeen Adenopo, Public Relations Officer, stated that the three- day programme would hold at Oduduwa Hall from Friday August 20 to 22 from 10 a.m.
The statement notes that Dr Bugaje who is also a former member of House of Representatives, would speak on the theme of the Reunion: “Nigeria at a Crossroads: The Myths, the Facts, the Realities’’.
Dr Bugaje, who doubles as the Founding Chairman of Network for Justice- an advocacy group concerned with promoting civil education, consumer and human rights; Acting Convener of the Arewa Research and Development Project ARDP- a public policy group that is promoting policies to restore stable governance and stimulate economic renewal in the northern states of Nigeria, will use the opportunity to speak on other national issues such as  restructuring. 
The statement added that His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, is the royal father of the day. Similarly, Deputy Managing Director, Business Development International Business of Courteville Business Solutions Plc,Mr Thabit   Sonaike,  would chair the occasion on Saturday with Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede as the Host Vice Chancellor. 

The association stated  that there would be a networking dinner on Friday August 20, to be anchored by Assistant Vice-Chancellor of University of West England, Bristol, Professor Lukumon Oyedele who would be speaking on the topic : “Town & Gown- Helping One another Up the Ladder’’ as part of the quest to further the contribution of the academia to the Entrepreneurs.

 The statement explains that the dinner would be chaired by former Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University,  Professor Saburi Adesanya while  Chairman Board of Trustees, UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti is the Chief Host at OAU Central Mosque Hall, Osun State from 8pm.
As part of the lined up programmes, there would be a special Jumat Service at OAU Central Mosque, a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor and a welcome reception for all the delegates.
The statement notes that there would also be scholarship grant and an empowerment programme for students on campus to be facilitated by renowned resource persons as well as keep fit exercise for all delegates.
Other highlights of the three-day national reunion conference include novelty match among the branches and a Press Conference on Sunday. 
Speaking on the uniqueness of the reunion  UNIFEMGA National President, Alhaji Abdulfatah Olanlege said the 2021 reunion coinciding with the diamond jubilee celebration of the University “offers us the unique opportunity to take stock how well we have contributed back to the University and society at Large”.
 Over 200 delegates from all the branches including those in the Diaspora have already registered to participate in the 2021 National reunion Conference which would be streamed live for members across the globe that would not be able to physically be in Ile-Ife.

Ridwan Fasasi

Economy

#EndSars: Ooni Calls for Calm

By Web News 699

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has appealed to the youths calling for the cancellation of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police to retreat. 

The Monarch made the call while playing host to former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in his Ile Oodua palace in Ile Ife.

Ooni Ogunwusi who described the #EndSARS struggle as Nigerian youth’s clear message to the government, particularly about their ability to get things done in a coordinated manner, urged the youths to allow the government to fully attend to their grievances.

He said the #EndSars protest had shown that the youths have what it require to rule the country, as they had shown leadership, accountability and huge sense of responsibility which is a clear message to the government.

On the attack on Governor, Gboyega Oyetola’s convoy by some suspected political thugs at the venue of an #EndSARS protest in Osogbo, the Ooni who is the permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, described the incidence as unfortunate and commended the maturity of the Governor in responding to the crisis.

Earlier in his speech, former President Obasanjo explained that the #EndSARS protest was a product of an extensive agitation of the Nigerian youths that needed to be attended to by the government.

Chief Obasanjo pointed out that Over 65 percent of the nation’s population were under the age of 35, looking up to the best in life, struggling for education, some of who did not even get educated while those who were educated get frustrated because of lack of opportunities.

He noted that there were windows of opportunity which the government could explore to show that it cared about the people, especially the youth.

Adenitan Akinola