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Edo: Obaseki Gives PDP Leaders Ultimatum

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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By Tosin Olatokunbo

The internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Edo state has deepened  after the governor , Godwin Obaseki read a riot act to party members opposing his leadership. The state’s helmsman who has been in a running battle with some PDP leaders has now told his traducers in the party to accept him as the leader or be shown the way out.

Obaseki decamped from the All Progressives Congress, APC ahead the 2020 Governorship election, which he later won. He dumped his former party due to a protracted crisis of confidence between him and a former governor of the state and APC Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

Since Obaseki won the election, it has been one problem or the other, to the extent that the governor was said to be contemplating leaving the party at a point.

The festering crisis took turn for the worst last October when the party in Ward 2, Etsako West Local Government Area, LGA suspended 10 members for alleged anti-party activities.

Most of the suspended members were staunch supporters of Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu.

The complaints by those angry in with the governor is that his leadership style is not acceptable to a slew of PDP leaders, who are now fighting to take their party back from Obaseki who they accused of hijacking the party.

But the governor has sent a strong message to his political enemies that they must accept his leadership or be shown the way out of the party.

Obaseki who spoke on Sunday during an expanded caucus meeting of leaders and members of the PDP in the state, said the constitution of the party bequeaths him with the leadership of the party in the state.

Based on the PDP constitution the governor said he will not “leave PDP. I will not decamp from the PDP; we will always win any election. PDP won in the last election and we will continue to win all elections in the state and country; nothing will stop us as a party.”

The governor warned those causing problems their action could affect the chances of the PDP in the forthcoming local government election in the state, adding that those behind the crisis are in the minority.

“There is no division in Edo PDP. Let the party be open to accommodate others. PDP is democratic. The hallmark of democracy is ensuring that the majority has their way, as the minority can’t dictate to the people.

“I heard that Chief Dan Orbih went around, saying there is no harmonization in Edo PDP. This is really irresponsible to say and an insult to members of the party, as the party has truly harmonised in the state”. Orbih is a former chairman of the party in the state.

Obaseki said further that “PDP in Edo State is harmonised because before we made any appointments in any ward, we made sure the party at that level was harmonised. We are gathered here now as election timetable is out; harmonisation has been done, appointments made and we are ready to win any election before us.”

The governor however sued for peace saying all factions must come together in the interest of the party. He noted that the number of registered PDP members has increased since he become governor.

According to him, “politics is not about fighting but dialogue and discussion. I urge us to collaborate and unite to move the party and state forward.

“These numbers are not fabricated as we have the data, pictures, emails and phone numbers of members of the party we have registered so far. You have broken records as this is the bastion of PDP in Nigeria. We have changed the face of politics in Nigeria.

“I didn’t give leaders any resources to mobilize them but rather they challenged themselves and achieved the goal to register more members in the state.

“Some people went around saying people should not join our party. No true party man will do that. Those that engaged in that are not true members of the party and don’t belong to Edo PDP. If not, they will not push people away from the party”, the governor said.

Uzodimma congratulates Archbishop Ugorji, Obinna

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodinma

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has congratulated His Grace, Dr Lucius Ugorji, the new Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province following the voluntary retirement of His Grace, the His Grace, Dr Anthony JV Obinna.

Archbishop Antonio Filipazzi, Apostolic Nuncio (Representative of the Pope in Nigeria) announced the voluntary  retirement of Archbishop Obinna on Sunday at the ongoing 2022 First Plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Abuja, indicating that Pope Francis had endorsed the new posting.

Bishop Ugorji was, before now. the Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese and Apostolic Administrator of Ahiara Mbaise Catholic Diocese.

Archbishop Ugooji’s translation to Owerri brings to an end the tenure of Archbishop Obinna who has been in that position since March 26, 1994.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor Uzodinma, Oguwike Nwachuku, said the Governor described both Archbishops Ugorji and Obinna as two gentlemen and men of God who have distinguished themselves in God’s Vineyard, tending God’s flock in ways that would make them paradise-compliant.

The Governor specifically lauded the legacy that Archbishop Obinna is leaving behind in Owerri Catholic Diocese and noted that Archbishop Ugorji is capable of sustaining and even surpassing the good deeds of his successor by the special grace of God.

He observed that Owerri Catholic Diocese was lucky to have had a man like Archbishop Obinna mount the saddle for 28 years, insisting that those were years of fruitfulness and spiritual growth for both the Diocese and the parishioners.

While canvassing for prayer from parishioners for both Archbishops, Governor Uzodimma specifically prayed God to continue to sustain Archbishop Obinna in good health with sound mind so that he will be available to render the services he knows how best to the society, particularly the Body of Christ.

Governor Uzodimma said no time is best suited to pray for the duo than now that Christians are observing the Lenten period, insisting that God in His infinite  mercy will answer their prayers.

Owerri Catholic Archdiocese: Obinna Out, Ugorji, In

By
The Source
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His Grace, Anthony Obinna

By Charles Igbo

The long-serving Archbishop  of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, His Grace Archbishop Anthony Obinna, has retired. A native of Emekuku, Owerri North, Imo State, Obinna has held the position since 1994.

Appointed to replace Obinna  is the Archbishop of Umuahia,  His Grace Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji.

His Holiness, Pope Francis,  approved  Obinna’s  voluntary retirement as the Archbishop of Owerri.

The Papal Nuncio conveyed the news of both the retirement of Obinna, and the appointment of Ugorji at the ongoing First 2022 Catholic Bishops Conference Of Nigeria ( CBCN) Plenary, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Abuja.

Archbishop Ugorji, a native of Naze, Owerri North, Imo State, was born on January 13, 1952. He was ordained a Priest on April 16, 1977, appointed a Bishop on April 2, 1990, and ordained the Bishop of Umuahia on July 1, 1990. He was, also, at the height of the Ahiara, Mbaise, Catholic Diocese crisis, appointed, the Administrator.

2023: PDP Denies Time Table, Says It Is Fake

By
The Source
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0

The National Leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has denied the release of any Time Table for the 2023 General Election.

A Time Table, signed by the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature, surfaced Saturday, March 5, 2022. It itemised the program of activities for the election.

But in  statement on Sunday, March 6, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, said the It is fake; that its National Organising Secretary signed no such press release; that what is in circulation is a product of mischief.

Following is the Ologunagba’s statement.

PDP Has Not Released Timetable for 2023 General Elections

“The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to a fake election timetable being circulated in the social media, purported to have been signed and released by the National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, Hon. Umar M. Bature, as the Schedule of Activities and Timetable of the PDP for the 2023 general elections.

“The PDP states in clear terms that it is has NOT released any timetable or any schedule of activities whatsoever for the 2022/2023 electioneering year and no such document was signed and released by the National Organizing Secretary.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP is a Party of Due Process and will release a Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2022/2023 electioneering year after extensive consultation and approval by critical and statutory organs of the Party at appropriate levels.

“Clearly, the said Timetable and Schedule of Activities being circulated in the social media is the handiwork of mischievous elements who seeks to create confusion, mislead the public and distract our Party at this critical point in time.

“The PDP therefore calls on all members of our Party and the general public to discountenance the said Timetable and Schedule of Activities as it did not emanate from the PDP.

“At the appropriate time, the official Timetable and Schedule of Activities of the PDP, when approved will be formally announced and published through the Official Communication Channels of our Party and not in the social media.

“The PDP further calls on all members and Nigerians in general to remain focused and not allow themselves to be distracted in our determined mission to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

Insecurity: Osinbajo Urges Traditional Rulers To Synergize With FG

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Osinbajo with Traditional Rulers in Delta State

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has urged Traditional Rulers in Delta State to partner with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to curb insecurity in the South-south region.

The Vice President had visited the State for the burial of Chief Ideh who died on December 22, 2021, and was buried on 1st January, 2022, but the reception was held over the weekend.

Osinbajo visited the newly crowned Ogiame Awutste 111, Olu of Warri, Tsola Emiko.

He said that it was a special pleasure to have visited the ancient and historic City of Warri, urging the Olu of Warri to synergize with the Federal Government in tackling insecurity in the nation, as this menace has affected the effective growth and development of the nation.

He added that Traditional Rulers like the Ogiame Awutste 111, Olu of Warri, are pivotal in achieving the needed peace and development of the region whereby people can go ahead with their day to day activities without any security threat to their livelihood.

“Nigeria is at a stage where it is facing several challenges, mostly insecurity, we need the Traditional Rulers who are institutions to assist in curbing this menace”.

The Vice President had arrived Warri via the Osubi Airstrips in company of the President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, and was received by the Delta State Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro.

He also visited the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Dr Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1 where he was treated to a warm reception.

At the Palace of Ovwie, Osinbajo was told of how the Senate thrashed the presentation made by Traditional Rulers who were seeking constitutional role for Nigerian Monarchs.

The Uvwie monarch told Osinbajo that Traditional Rulers were highly disappointed when their request for entrenchment of constitutional role for Kings was not mentioned by the Senate in the constitutional amendment, saying ‘traditional rulers were not happy about it’.

He, therefore, appealed to Vice President Osinbajo to ensure the role of Traditional Rulers was entrenched in the constitution by the National Assembly owing to the important role of peace- making at the grassroots.

In his response, Prof. Osinbajo acknowledged the role of traditional rulers in peace making in the society and commended the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom; HRM Dr. Emmanuel Sideso, for his role in sustaining the peace in Uvwie.

He assured that he would reintroduce the issue before the National Assembly for consideration.

Specifically, the Vice President said that in view of the fact that Traditional Rulers are more in touch with the grass roots there was need for the National Assembly to give them constitutional roles.

He prayed that with the level of politics gathering momentum the National Assembly would be able to finish their constitutional duty and amend the constitution.

According to him, ‘the President also wants some constitutional role for traditional ruler’.

Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa represented by his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, said the existing peace in the state was achieved with the collaboration of the traditional rulers.

Governor Okowa thanked the vice president for the visit to the state and assured him that Delta State will continue to remain peaceful so as to attract more attention and development projects from the Federal Government.

Residents Groan As Rainstorm Wreak Havoc In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rainstorm in Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

The wet season with its destructive tendencies has started with several landlords in Ondo state forfeiting their properties to rainstorm.

Residents in some parts of Akure, the State capital, are looking up to the Ondo State Government, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist them to cushion the effect of the devastating damages caused by heavy rainstorm at the weekend.

According to the residents, the rain, accompanied by windstorm, was without warning and  blew off roof tops, destroying anything on its paths

Speaking to newsmen on the incident, Princess Olamide Ajijo, whose husband’s car parked within the compound, was destroyed by the storm which removed and blew the roof top of a nearby building, described the situation as very pathetic.

According to her, “My husband just left the house for a meeting with landowners at Obaile to resolve issues surrounding the land we are erecting our property when the storm wrecked its havoc.

“In fact my husband had planned to go to the meeting with the car, but couldn’t due to the lingering fuel scarcity.”

Speaking further on her experience, Princess Ajijo explained that everything happened in a jiffy.

“The storm came suddenly and I was trying to save my children from danger as the whole building was vibrating, there was nothing I could do to move the car to safety only to come out when the storm subsided and found our only car in ruins.”

Princess Ajijo, who appealed to the Ondo State Government and NEMA to urgently come to their aid stated that the storm blown off the roof top of another house within the compound and greatly damaged the car as both the front and back glass screen and the widow glass on the top of the car were totally destroyed apart from the body.

“My husband is a civil servant and you all know how things are in ondo state now and I am a full time house wife and jobless, even though a Master degree holder in accountancy.

“That car is the only one the family has that we are using especially to take the children to and from  school that has been destroyed by this natural disaster.

“We really need help hence my appeal to our Talk and Do Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN to come our aid in order to put our only car back on the road as quickly as possible because the hardship will be unbearable.”

Another victim, identified as Mama Victor, who owns a patient medicine store for many years at the street, had the roof top of the shop blown off and rain destroyed most of her drugs.

According to her, the medicine store has been the family only source of livelihood for more than ten years since her husband lost her job.

She called on the authorities to see what they can do to rescue them from this disaster.

The victims appealed to the both the Federal and the State Governments and other public spirited persons and  institutions especially NEMA and SEMA to urgently come to their assistance.

Crisis Hits Tinubu’s Political Group; SWAGA, Disowns Chairman

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Tinubu
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Founder and Chairman of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju 2023 (SWAGA), Dayo Adeyeye, has for three days been part of the team that toured South-west states of Ondo, Osun and Ekiti with the National leader of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) Bola Tinubu to sell his presidential ambition to leaders of thought in the region.

During the tour, Tinubu met with Traditional Rulers and urged them to support his ambition promising to effect changes that will make life better for Nigerians.

However, while on tour, the home based SWAGA of Adeyeye is angry with him to the extent that a vote of no confidence was passed on him by members of the group.

Adeyeye was described as someone that “lacks direction, vision and discipline to lead a successful campaign.”

At an emergency meeting chaired by the Ekiti State Chairman of SWAGA, Sen Tony Adeniyi, and the Coordinator, Prince Bamgboye Adegoroye, both allies of Adeyeye, berated the desperate approach of Adeyeye to the lingering crisis in the Ekiti State Governorship matters and his warped political alliances, considered to be at variance with the goals of the group.

At the events leading to the Governorship primaries of the APC in Ekiti state, Adeyeye was reported to have been advised by prominent leaders, including Tinubu, against contesting at the primary but failed to listen.

Now that he lost out, he is allegedly being accused of toiling with the idea of returning to the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), a party he dumped in 2018 after he lost the Governorship primary.

Another option for him, according to sources was his planned resolve to use SWAGA and team up with former Governor Segun Oni, now Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) apparently to become his running mate.

Adeyeye was a Senator representing Ekiti South on the ticket of the APC, until the Court of Appeal annulled his election and was replaced by the PDP Biodun Olujinmi.

It was after he was removed that he formed SWAGA with some notable politicians within and outside Ekiti.

Rising from a meeting in Ado Ekiti, SWAGA leaders condemned the desperate tendencies in Adeyeye’s style of politics, which they posited will not be to the eventual benefit of the group.

“We need to state categorically here that the Ekiti State SWAGA has nothing to do with Prince Dayo Adeyeye in his misdirected political adventure.

“We disown a leader with no specified political direction. We here take exception to his deft political movements.

“The desperation has led to his rush to pick the APC nomination form, the failure and then the macabre dance to join a PDP aspirant, where he now take solace.

“We have been sufficiently told that, now at his wits end, Adeyeye’s resolve is to use SWAGA to curry political favour for himself in his current destination.

“We, therefore, state categorically that we seize to recognise Prince Dayo Adeyeye as a member of Ekiti SWAGA and we have notified the Deputy National Chairman, Senator Rilwan Akanbi, of our stance.

“Our movement, the SWAGA, will not associate with any group or political party with no link with the progressive politicians, of which our Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu champions.

“While we will not attempt to blame Adeyeye for choosing to go to where he feels his  political benefits are, we can only advise that he should stay calm with his political movement, Prince Adeyeye Movement, (PAM) and stop laying claims to owning SWAGA.”

Chairman of SWAGA Chairmen Forum, Arole Kayode Adetifa, denied association with Adeyeye and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), noting that the only political party known to the group in Ekiti is the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“The only potent third force recognised by us in SWAGA, as offshoot of the shenanigans in our former party is the ADC, led by Dr Wole Oluyede.

“That  is the party we all joined and plan to nurture to  bequeath the leadership of Ekiti to us come June 18, 2022.”

LASG To Probe Sharing Of Petrol As Party Souvenir

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Erelu Coronation

By Akinwale Kasali

The Social Media was agog on Friday, March 4, 2021, following the sharing of Petrol as Souvenir at an event in Lagos.

A Video surfaced on the internet as Petrol in 10 Liter Kegs with the Picture of the Celebrant boldly pasted on the Kegs with inscriptions of what the event was all about written on it.

Following this development, the Lagos State Government led by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is set to probe the sharing of Petrol at the event.

According to the Commissioner, Information & Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso: “The Safety Commission is investigating this matter and will ensure that all parties to this reprehensible action are made to account for it.

“This game  action is dangerous and can lead to loss of lives and property. It is blatantly against all safety measures in such places.

“The safety of lives and properties of Lagosians and visitors remain a top priority to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration. We, therefore , advise that actions that can lead to loss of lives and properties be avoided.”

In a statement by the Lagos State Government signed by Omotoso, it stated:

“The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to a video showing kegs of petrol being handed out as souvenirs at an event Centre in Lagos.  The video has gone viral on the social media.

“There is no doubt that this action is dangerous and can lead to loss of lives and property.  It is blatantly against all safety measures in  such places.

“The Lagos State Government through the Safety Commission is investigating this matter and will ensure that all parties  to this reprehensible action are made to account for it.

“The safety of lives and properties of Lagosians and visitors remain a top priority to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration. We, therefore , advise that actions that can lead to loss of lives and properties be avoided”, the statement reads.

It was gathered that the celebrant is Chief Dr Pearl Chidima Ogbulu, who was installed as the Erelu Okin of Orile Kemta and was held on Friday 4th March, 2022.

Alleged Defilement: Baba Ijesha Says He Was Acting A Script

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Baba Ijesha

By Akinwale Kasali

The alleged defilement saga of a teenage girl by Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly Known as Baba Ijesha, has taken a new twist.

At the Court sitting on Friday, Baba Ijesha testified before before an Ikeja Special Offences Court that he was acting a script in the viral video with a minor.

Baba Ijesha made this revelation while being led in evidence by the defence counsel, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dada Awosika.

Baba Ijesha told the court that the foster mother of the minor, Ms Damilola Adekoya, a comedian also known as Princess, had called and requested him to be part of the movie production.

“On April 19, 2021, Princess sent me a message that she wanted to start a production and she would like me to play the role of a lover boy which I replied ‘okay’.

“She said I was to play the role of a lover boy adding that she wanted to surprise people that I can also play normal roles.

“She said the story is about rape and she wanted to tell the story in another dimension,” he said.

The defence counsel tendered before the court, a printout of WhatsApps message between Princess and the defendant, which was admitted into evidence by Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo.

The embattled actor said he asked Princess for the movie location but she told him to come over to her house.

“Before I entered, Princess met me at the balcony that the movie production was a Lagos State project, adding that the state wanted her to be the face of ‘anti child molestation.’

“She told me to improvise and create a story by myself. I told her the house was dark when I entered. She said we should rehearse that she would use her phone.

“Princess told me to kiss and suck the breast of the child, adding that the dress the girl was wearing was purposely for the role the girl wanted to play.

“She would leave the room so that the child would not be shy to play out the role.

“All those things we are seeing in that video is just acting. My lord check my record when it comes to acting, I can kill myself and die for acting. She was the one directing and filming my angles,” he said.

Baba Ijesha told the Court that himself and Princess were directors of the movie, adding that she told him he could act out the scene in the kitchen as well.

“She told me I could go into the kitchen as well. She told the girl in question you remember what I told you, when I leave the room now, act out your role perfectly.

“The girl removed my shoe and I started acting out my role. I romanced her based on the movie role Princess gave me.

“As I was acting with the girl, kissing and licking her fingers, I was also whispering to her ‘hey do not look at the camera’.

“Suddenly, I saw like eight people including Princess, entered the room and started beating the girl.

“I even thought it was part of acting. She beat her and said ‘idiot is that what I asked you to do’. One of the men gave me a blow and alleged that I raped the girl,” he said.

The defendant further told the court that he was shocked when he was being beaten and thought that the men who meted out the beating were amateur actors because they are not meant to use actual physical violence in movie scenes.

Baba Ijesha said that he was forced in one of the viral videos by Princess to admit that he defiled the minor.

“Princess said “you know I love you, just tell me that seven years ago you used your car key to disvirgin the girl” that she would allow me to go if I said so.

“I had to accept under pressure so that the men would not injure me the more, after Princess invited one police officer named Abigail, before I was taken to Sabo Police Station after,” he told the court.

The defendant said he was forced to sign a statement that was not written by him at the police station.

“The statement in question profiled me because I have all my information online and Princess knows all my information as well.

“Immediately, Abigail asked me to sign and I did just that, she took me back to the cell and I stayed there till the following morning,” he said.

Under cross-examination by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, the defendant admitted to having known the girl since she was seven.

He added that he did not inform the Police at Sabo and Panti, respectively that they were acting.

“I did not inform the policemen that we were acting because I was not myself.

“I also did not inform them at the two police stations that Princess and I were in a relationship,” he said.

Probing Baba Ijesha further, Martins said: “While you were being beaten, you said you thought that they were amateur actors because of the actual violence.

“Since you said it was a movie script, so you are not meant to mimic sexual assault on an underage child?”

Baba Ijesha in his response said the scenes he acted with the minor were appropriate.

The defendant is facing a six-count charge bordering on indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by penetration.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo adjourned the case until March 11 for continuation of defence.

Jonathan Congratulates King A. J. Turner, New Obanobhan III Of Oloibiri Kingdom

By
The Source
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0
Goodluck Jonathan

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has congratulated His Royal Majesty King Amalate Johnnie Turner on his coronation as the new Obanobhan III of Olei, Oloibiri Kingdom, Bayelsa State.

In a message of felicitations to King Turner, the former President described him as an experienced administrator with a reputation of honour, dignity and glorious strides.

Dr. Jonathan wrote: “I rejoice with the family, friends and associates of His Royal Majesty King Amalate Johnnie Turner and the entire Oloibiri Kingdom on his coronation as the Obanobhan III of Olei (Oloibiri Kingdom).

“Your Majesty, your peaceful ascension to the Stool of Obanobhan of Olei (Oloibiri Kingdom) is a testimony of your hard work,  service  and dedication to the cause of our people.

“You are an experienced administrator with a reputation of honour, dignity and glorious strides. I am therefore elated by the choice of the King makers for selecting you as our new king.

“I am  confident that you will leverage your wealth of experience and innovative ideas to advance the cause of the people of Oloibiri Kingdom and preserve our custom, tradition and values.

“Your Majesty, I wish you a peaceful,  stable and glorious reign. May God grant you wisdom and sustain your kingdom with peace, unity and love.”

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