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SERAP Urges Buhari To Probe Alleged Misuse Of Security Votes By Governors

By
Akinwale Kasali
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President Muhammadu Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari

By Akinwale Kasali

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly and thoroughly investigate allegations of systemic mismanagement of security votes by State Governors since 1999.”

SERAP said: “Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any mismanaged public funds should be fully recovered.”

Buhari had; in his 2022 New Year Message, raised concerns about “the persistent insecurity in certain parts of the country,” and promised to “remain resolute in our commitments” to give “utmost attention to the problem.”

In the letter dated 1, January, 2022, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The most satisfactory and effective way to demonstrate the oft-repeated commitments to address the insecurity in the country is to promptly and thoroughly probe persistent allegations of corruption in the spending of security votes by state governors.”

It continued: “Probing the spending of Security Votes and ensuring accountability for any cases of corruption would improve the ability of your government to deliver on the promises to ensure the security of Nigerians, and to keep them safe.”

The letter, read in part:

“Ending impunity for allegations of corruption in the spending of security votes and recovering any mismanaged public funds are matters of public interest.

“As revealed by a recent report by Transparency International (TI), most of the funds appropriated as security votes are spent on political activities, mismanaged or simply stolen. It is estimated that security votes add up to over N241.2 billion every year.

“On top of appropriated security votes, State Governments also receive millions of dollars yearly as international security assistance.

“Long-standing allegations of corruption and mismanagement of security votes have hugely contributed to the growing insecurity in the country, and the failure of authorities to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibility to ensure the security and welfare of their own people.

“Pervasive tendency by public officers to regard or treat security votes given to them for security of the state as their personal entitlement or funds is antithetical to the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] and international standards. Security votes should be used for improving the security situation in the states or returned to the public treasury.

“Successive governments have failed to effectively discharge their primary and constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of the Nigerian people. This is patently contrary to Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides that: ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government’.

“Against the background of well-documented cases of abduction, killings and ongoing security challenges in several parts of the country, the time has come to end the culture of impunity for allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds meant to ensure the security of life and property of Nigerians.

“Similarly, your government’s responsibility to guarantee and ensure the security and welfare of the Nigerian people is interlinked with the responsibility under Section 15(5) of the Constitution to ‘abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of office.’ This imposes a fundamental obligation to ensure accountability for the spending of security votes by state governors.

“While sitting State Governors may enjoy immunity from arrest and prosecution, they do not enjoy immunity from investigation. Any allegations of mismanagement of Security Votes against sitting Governors can, and should be investigated pending the time they leave office and lose immunity. The findings of such investigation can also be the basis for initiating impeachment proceedings against any indicted governor.

“SERAP urges you to instruct the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to jointly track and monitor spending of security votes by the 36 state governors.

“SERAP notes that in your 2022 New Year Message to Nigerians, you raised concerns about ‘the persistent insecurity in certain parts of the country,’ and the effects on the socio-economic conditions of millions of people, as well as promised to ‘remain resolute in our commitments’ to give ‘utmost attention’ to the problem, and to address ‘human security at the grassroots.’

“SERAP also notes your expressed commitment to give ‘the utmost priority to fighting corruption and other related offenses’ in any part of the country.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, the Incorporated Trustees of SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

The letter was copied to  Abubakar Malami, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Popular Nigerian Musician, Slim Joe, Is Dead, Colleagues Mourn

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Slim Joe

By Akinwale Kasali

The nation’s entertainment industry was thrown into mourning early in the New Year, with popular Musician, Joshua Olonitan, better known as Slim Joe, Dies.

The ‘O ti Yanyan’ crooner reportedly died on Sunday, January 2, 2022, after a prolonged battle with kidney disease.

He was 30 years old.

Breaking the news of his demise, his colleague, Raymond Gbaji, confirmed via his Facebook post, where he penned a touching tribute to Olonitan.

Before now, the singer had needed N15 million for surgery to rise to his feet again.

The entertainer, who ruled the airwaves with ‘O ti Yanyan’ and many other hit songs and collaborations, was diagnosed with  kidney failure and was on dialysis for some time.

The versatile entertainer from Odo-Ayedun in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, had called for the kind support of Nigerians to raise the required amount to stay alive.

Rivers: Wike Explains Why He Shut Illegal Refineries

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Toisn Olatokunbo

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has ordered the immediate shutdown of illegal crude oil refining sites in the state. The state governor also said security has improved following the demolition of criminal hide-outs and shanties.

As one of Nigeria’s oil-bearing states, there are many illegal refineries scattered across numerous creeks in the state.

The government’s action, the state helmsman said, is necessary to contain soot pollution which is dangerous to human health.

The directive was contained in a new year message signed by his spokesman, Kelvin Ebiri. Governor Wike directed council chairmen and community leaders to report illegal refineries operators in the state to government for prosecution.

The governor said his government decided to act because security agencies have failed in their duties.

Since the security agencies have failed to arrest the situation “we have no option than to take necessary measures to tackle this particular and direct challenge to our collective health and survival by ourselves.

“Consequently, I have directed the chairman of Port Harcourt city local government council to go after all the illegal crude oil refining sites along Creek road and adjourning areas of the city and shut them down with immediate effect.

“Furthermore, all local government chairmen are directed to work with community leaders to locate and identify those

On crime, the state governor said security has greatly improved following the destruction of criminal hide-outs.

Wike said his government has made “the State even safer and more secure, we have decided to demolish all shanties and makeshift structures in identified crime hotspots in Port Harcourt Township and the Illabuchi areas of Diobu from the second week of January 2022.

“Those rebuilding the shanties we had demolished at Eleme or attempting to resume illegal trading activities at the closed Oginigba slaughter have one week to vacate or be arrested and charged to court”.

He said undeveloped properties, particularly in Government’s Reservation Area, GRA have now become the abode of fleeing criminals

“Additionally, we have discovered that most vacant plots or uncompleted buildings in the Old and New Government Reservation Areas (GRA) and some other parts of Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas have been hijacked and are now inhabited by criminal elements who are daily constituting a menace to public safety,” the governor stated.

Sanwo-Olu Re-Appoints Revenue Boss, Other Appointments

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

Lagos State governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has approved the reappointment of Hamzat Ayodele Subair for a second and final tenure of five years as Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service. Subair was first appointed on September 1, 2016.

A statement signed by the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, said that Governor Sanwo-Olu also approved the appointment of new Chairmen and members for the Lagos State Christian and Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, following the expiration of the tenure of old members.

The newly appointed members of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board are Rt. Rev Babatunde C. Akinpelu-Johnson (Chairman); Mr. Yemisi Adeyemi; Bishop (Prof.) R. A. Oguntuase; Mr. Ademola Adeosun; Mrs. Abiodun Naz-Musa. One of the appointees Mrs. Adeyinka Odugbade would be serving a second term, having served with the immediate past Board.

Similarly, development, the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has new appointees including Engr. Shakir Ayinde Gafar (Chairman); Dr. (Mrs.) Fausat Dabiri; Alhaji Yusuf Ara; Dr. Abdul Kadir Paramole; Hon. Lola Shonibare and Alhaji Mojeed Sanni.

Muri-Okunola stated that “All the new Board members are expected to serve for a renewable period of three years as provided in the extant laws with the exception of Mrs. Adeyinka Odugbade, who had served a previous tenure of three years under the immediate past Board”.

The Head of Service said Mr. Governor also approved the extension of the tenure of the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS), a special purpose vehicle resuscitated by the present administration to achieve rapid and focused rehabilitation of Public Primary and Secondary Schools across Lagos as well as the provision of new school furniture and laboratory equipment.

“Accordingly, the Committee Chairman, Mr. Hakeem Smith, a foremost Quantity Surveyor and former Chairman, Association of Consulting Surveyors of Nigeria, has been reappointed along with other Committee members”, Muri-Okunola said.

He listed other members of the Committee as Mr. Babatunde Ishola Raj-Label; Engr. Yetunde Holloway; Arc. Adebanjo Olusegun Adedaramola; and Mrs. Gbemisola Khadijah Legunsen (Board Secretary).

Clarifying that the appointments of the Executive Chairman, LIRS, and the Chairman, SCRPS had commenced in December 2021, the Head of Service noted that the appointments of the Chairmen and members of the Lagos Christian and Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards took effect from January 1, 2022.

“All the appointments were in accordance with the relevant State laws and expected to add impetus to the implementation of Government policies within the respective jurisdictions”, Muri-Okunola stated.

Katsina: NUJ Calls For Release of Journalist, Warns Against Harassment

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By James Orji

Governor Bello Masari of Katsina’s state harassment of journalists is a plot to stiffen press freedom in the state, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ FCT chapel has said.

The umbrella body of journalists in the country, in a letter signed by Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche and Ochiaka Ugwu, chairman and secretary of NUJ FCT Council respectively, said on Tuesday that the governor should feel free to approach the court if he felt his right has been infringed upon,

NUJ spoke following the arrest of Nelson Omonu in Abuja by security operatives believed to have acted on the order of the Katsina helmsman.

Omonu was, after his arrest on January 1 in the nation’s capital, whisked to Katsina and whereabout unknown

Instead of harassing journalists who are performing their legitimate duties, NUJ said, “we think the governor will do well by directing the instrument of state towards arresting the ugly menace which continues to threaten the peace of the state than intimidating a journalist who is duty bound to hold government accountable to the people.

“Moreover, council is not unaware of serious security challenges facing the North West States as whole which Katsina is part of and urges the governor to direct his energy and channel valuable time in confronting these issues including the growing protests against insecurity, brutality and impunity in the North rather than arresting and detaining a journalist unjustly” the statement read in part.

“We call on the governor to immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Umonu and as a former Speaker of the House of Representatives,Governor Masari should run a law based government rather than resort to harassment and intimidation of a journalist.

“Make no mistake about it, NUJ will resist any and all attempts to stifle press freedom and gag journalists in the performance of their constitutional guaranteed role of holding government and its officials accountable to the people.

“The union will continue to forensically x-ray the activities of government officials and in particular those who believe they can use their positions to intimidate, harass, arrest and detain journalists for reporting on them” the statement said.

Ondo : Why We Can’t Meet Our Obligations – Information Commissioner

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Donald Ojogo

By Ayodele Oni

Figures Don’t lie. To re-emphasise that, Ondo State Government has released its financial profile to justify its inability to meet some obligations, especially regular payment of workers salary.

Workers in the employ of the State Government just received their August salary, while some of them in Local Government and establishments are yet to receive theirs.

The Commissioner for Information, in an apparent attempt to justify the failure, on Sunday, released figures, indicating that revenues accruing to Government have dwindled.

Below is the analysis of Ondo Monthly Expenditure Profile as released by the Commissioner who claimed that Organised Labour sits in conjuction with Govt officials, led by the Head of Service, to decide the mode of payment every month.

“FAAC has been less than N2.4b monthly in the last three months. VAT has been between N1.8 and N1.9b.

“Mineral exchange is between 1.6 and 1.7b, IGR has dropped drastically since Covid-19.

“Amid these inflows are compulsory deductions from past administrations’ loans…for instance, we just defrayed the last administration’s Bond five months ago.

“Core Civil Service  1.6b, Tescom      1.3b, State Pension 950m, Judiciary  170m, Hope Newspaper 10m, Subvention to four tertiary institutions 520m.

Other monthly obligations include “Teaching hospital 170m, Ad Hoc staff 35m, Gratuity N200m, Leave Bonus  N193 m, OSOPADEC  N250m.

“Statutory Directors in the Ministry ought not to be more than six, considering the number of departments; but there are 220 Directors on a monthly pay of not less than N250k each.”

On Local Governments, the Commissioner added that N1.3 b is released monthly, SUBEB  N700m, LG Pension N980m.

“In Akure South alone, there are over 21 Grade Level 16 officers who may not be willing to teach in classrooms, Monthly salary wage of Political Office Holders is less than N100m.

“Let’s now have a comparative analysis of the number of Permanent Secretaries in neighbouring states; Ekiti has 15, Osun has five, Oyo has 10….Ondo, over 60.

“In the Health Sector, there are three main arms, HMB, Ministry of Health and Primary Health Care. In Ekiti, Medical Doctors are 98, Osun 56, Oyo 102, Ondo, 516(excluding newly recruited Medical Doctors in the Primary Health Care, who have not been admitted into the payroll), these include all Tertiary Health Institutions.”

The Commissioner however assured that despite the challenges, the state government would not Retrench, but rather evolve ingenious means to weather the storm

South West Governors Mourn Demise Of Olubadan

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman, Southwest  Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has on behalf of the regional Governors mourn the death of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, who passed on early Sunday morning.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Richard Olatunde reads “I received the news of the transition of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, with a rude shock.”

Governor Akeredolu said despite the Olubadan’s old age, he was a valuable asset, not only to the people of Ibadan but to the entire Yoruba race.

The Governor, who condoled with the Government and good people of Oyo state particularly indigenes of Ibadan, noted that the late monarch did his best for the development of Ibadan land.

“Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji was, undoubtedly, committed to the progress and peace of Ibadan land. He was a king whose reign witnessed tremendous development in Ibadan land.

“Yet, his transition is another tragedy for us in Yoruba land. This loss, coming shortly after the demise of Soun of Ogbomoso, is a big blow dealt on our traditional stool in Yoruba land

“As a people with culture and tradition, we believe that Oba Adetunji has gone to be with his forefathers. He has played his part and only his legacies will forever speak for him.

“He will be remembered for his firm stands. His principles and love for his people will be his enduring legacies. He was royalty with a difference.”

Governor Akeredolu condoled with the monarch’s immediate family, while praying that God will give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Wike Is The Face Of PDP – Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Basking in the excitement of  Governor Wike’s endorsement of his aspiration to the office of the President in 2023, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has declared that Wike is the face of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The Rivers State Governor had caused a stir on Saturday, January 1, 2022, when he publicly endorsed, and backed Bala in his aspiration. He was on a courtesy call on his Bauchi State counterpart when he endorsed him.

Even though Wike, also, paid similar courtesy calls, same day, on the Governors of Sokoto and Benue States, Aminu Tambuwal and Samuel Ortom, respectively,  it was Bala that he publicly endorsed, even though Tambuwal has an eye on the same seat.

Recall that Wike had backed to the hilt, in 2019, the Presidential aspiration of Tambuwal. He swung the Primary to be held in Port Harcourt. And raised hell, literally, when former Vice President Atiku Abubakar picked the ticket.

But things have since changed. Wike has shifted grounds. This magazine gathered that Wike and Tambuwal, allegedly, fell apart over the tenure of the shabbily removed former National Chairman of the PDP,  Prince Uche Secondus.

While Wike backed the sack of Secondus, a man he, almost, single-handedly installed Chairman, Tambuwal wanted Secondus to be in office till the end of his tenure. It did not work out. Wike carried the day, just as he has continued, it is alleged, to dictate the pace in the PDP.

Unarguably, the Rivers State Governor, is the most blunt of all PDP Governors. And, he is not in the habit of hiding his feelings. While not a few people, including a number of his colleague-governors, see him as brash, Bala Mohammed thinks differently. He sees what others call brash as a mark of leadership and courage.

Speaking on Saturday, he described Wike as an amiable person, always full of pleasant surprises.

Bala: “Today’s visit has really exhilarated a feeling in me that I have more than a brother in Rivers. I have always looked up to Wike and I have always told him he is a leader not because he is a Governor or he has money. But the stuff he is made up of. Very tough stuff and he is the face of PDP today. And coming to Bauchi today my day has been made.

“What we are after (Wike and I ) is the unity of this country, the progress and development of Nigeria, although I cannot claim to be near him in projects because he is the face of Project in the country.”

Bala Mohammed then appreciated Nyesom Wike “for his courage, forthrightness and capacity to say it as it is and we try to follow you for your capacity to see the truth which is unmatched by anybody. And people misunderstand you but I am proud to be with you and I assure you that we will not have any reason to fight.”

Speculation has emerged that Wike may be working on a Bala/Wike ticket in 2023. However, Wike had consistently, in the past denied, denied interest in the Presidency in 2023.

2023: Wike Backs Bala Mohammed’s Presidential Aspiration

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

In a surprise move,

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has backed his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, in his aspiration to run for the seat of the President in 2023.

Until now, many had thought that Wike had two aspirations in 2023 – to run for the office of the President, or be  running mate to Atiku Abubakar who is going to run for that office  for the fourth time.

But speaking in Bauchi during a visit to Bala on New Year’s day where he chose to spend the New Year instead of staying in his State,  Wike asked the

opposition Party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to work  collectively and strategize on how to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC come 2023.

The  Governor described the President Muhammadu Buhari led APC administration as woeful and said it, has failed “astronomically” in governance since it got to the saddle.

Wike also warned that, “God will never forgive PDP members if the party fails to take advantage of the woeful failure of the APC  Federal Government to take over power in Nigeria in 2023 to salvage the country.

According to the Rivers State Governor, “If PDP makes the mistake of not listening to Nigeria at this trying period, it will be difficult for God to forgive PDP because this is an opportunity to save Nigeria. We are in problem now and only the PDP will lead Nigeria out. So we must take that responsibility”.

He stressed further that the APC and President Buhari have failed Nigeria and Nigerians to the point where even their diehard supporters have backed out and are regretting voting them into power.

Assuring their supporters and Nigerians that the PDP will put its house in order, Wike said the PDP is set to face the challenges ahead. As the only political party that has remained intact since its formation in 1998, Wike said it is a demonstration of strong will to rule the country.

Revealing his reason for the courtesy visit to Governor Abdulkadir on New Year’s Day, Governor Wike explained that he left Port Harcourt to be in Bauchi in an effort to make the PDP a united party and, secondly, because Bala Mohammed is a special friend he holds in high esteem

He said that, “I have not even gone to see my parents. I have not seen my community. I have not seen anybody today. We just decided that the first place we must be is Bauchi”.

He stressed that he and Bala Mohammed have resolved to make Nigeria better hence the meeting, assuring that the meeting would continue until the aim was achieved just as he assured that whatever it is will be made public soon.

Delving into Bala Mohammed’s presidential aspiration, Wike stated that, “Apart from the fact Bala Mohammed has had all the experiences, from the civil service down to political office from a Director in the ministry, he became a Senator, a Minister and now a Governor, that alone is enough to qualify him.

“Also look at what he is doing in Bauchi. Look at his pedigree, what he is doing as a first term Governor. I have been here to flag off projects. So many of my colleagues have been here to flag off projects. How many first time governors do you see doing that?”.

He opined that the call on Bala Mohammed to run for President in 2023 was not misplaced as the Bauchi Sate Governor is “very qualified to run for President in this country”

He added that if the lot falls on Bala Mohammed to contest for president, he would give him the necessary support adding:  “Bauchi State Governor’s future is bright”

“Bala Mohammed is overqualified. Let me use that word if there is any word like that at all. Bala Mohammed, is overqualified to fly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in the 2023 presidential election”.

“He is qualified in every ramification. His relationship with people is second to none, so people calling on him to run for president have seen the qualities in him,” he stated

He said that the opposition PDP would gladly welcome qualified politicians like Bala Mohammed to replace the “failed leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.”

On his part Bala Mohammed described Wike as an amiable person “who is always full of pleasant surprises like today’s visit was a surprise.”

He said that, “Today’s visit has really exhilarated a feeling in me that I have more than a brother in Rivers. I have always looked up to Wike and I have always told him he is a leader not because he is a Governor or he has money, but the stuff he is made up of. Very tough stuff and he is the face of PDP today and coming to Bauchi today my day has been made”

On the agitation by some groups for him to contest the presidency in 2023,Bala Mohammed said that he has exceeded his personal expectations of himself having once to been a Director, a Senator, Minister of FCT and now a Governor.

According to Bala Mohammed, “What we are after (Wike and I ) is the unity of this country, the progress and development of Nigeria, although I cannot claim to be near him in projects because he is the face of Project in the country.”

Bala Mohammed then appreciated Nyesom Wike for his courage, forthrightness and capacity to ”say it as it is and we try to follow you for your capacity to see the truth which is unmatched by anybody and people misunderstand you but I am proud to be with you and I assure you that we will not have any reason to fight.”

The two men have, by their meeting and utterances, raised the possibility of a Bala/Wike ticket in 2023.

Olubadan Of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji Join His Ancestors

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Olubadan Oba Saliu Adetunji

By Akinwale Kasali

The City of Ibadan and the Oyo State government have been thrown into mourning following the demise of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

Oba Adetunji joined his forebears at the age of 93 years in the early hours of January 2, 2022.

The Monarch passed away at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

The late Olubadan  was born as the first of 17 children of Raji Olayiwola and Suwebat Amope Adetunji on August 26, 1928 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He grew up learning vocational jobs until he took up fashion designing as a means of living after moving to Lagos.

While working as a fashion designer, Saliu delved into musical record marketing until1960 when he founded his first of three record label imprints called Baba Laje Records which housed notable Fuji music acts including Dauda Epo-Akara and Wasiu Ayinde Marshall.

Prior to his coronation as the Olubadan of Ibadan on March 4, 2016, Oba Adetunji was the Balogun of Ibadan land.

He was a successful businessman and Ibadan was peaceful during his reign.

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