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NANS Kicks Against ‘Marginal’ Fee Increment In Ekiti Varsity

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Management of Ekiti State University, (EKSU) Ado Ekiti, has described as ‘marginal’ the recent increase in fees by 50 percent payable by students.

But the increase has generated mixed reactions from stakeholders, especially the leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS).

A statement by Deputy Registrar in charge of information, Bode Olofinmuagun, urged stakeholders, particularly students to be calm as a “result of the issues surrounding the marginal adjustment in the fees payable by the prospective students of the university in the 2024/2025 academic session.

“The Governing Council of the university, after carefully considering the economic realities of the country viz a viz the need to provide quality service took the decision to marginally increase the fees payable by the prospective students of the university with effect from the 2024/2025 academic session.

“This decision was also taken in order to complement the monthly government subvention to the University, which had  been reviewed upward by the Ekiti State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who is also the Visitor to the university.

“For the purpose of clarity, operational costs in the university have increased occasioned by the increase in prices of goods and services by about 200% due to  high inflation. Yet, the Governing Council of the university only adjusted the fees payable by freshers only by 50%.

“It is equally important to state that there is the dire need for the university to keep the system running in terms of the provision of quality as well as state of the art facilities to ensure that the university is relevant in the comity of universities across the globe.

“The recent ranking of the University as the best state university and the 12th best out of over 200 universities in the country is a testament to this.

“It is undeniable that upward adjustment in the fees payable by students cut across all universities in Nigeria (Federal, State and Private). Ekiti State University, Ado – Ekiti is, therefore, not an exception.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the marginal increase affects only freshers, while the fees payable by stalites are not in any way affected. Also, the acceptance fees to be paid by freshers are not affected even when many other Universities increased their acceptance fees.

“It is a verifiable fact that EKSU fees are very affordable compared with most state Universities and many Federal universities, not to talk of fees being charged per term by many private secondary schools across the country.

In its reaction, NANS in a statement signed by Owolewa Taiwo,

_Coordinator, NANS Southwest Zone D,

declared that “We make bold to say that the 50% increment in school fees isn’t a marginal adjustment, it is substantial increment.

“The use of marginal adjustment is nothing but a mere manipulation of our collective intelligence. How do you explain 50% increment as marginal increment?

“Also the University cited ‘Economic Reality’ as the reason for the hike in fees, we therefore want to ask if such economic realities doesn’t affect the students and their parents?

“We also seek to know whether education in the state has now gone 100% commercialized and no longer a social service provided by the state and complimented by the people?

“We also want to ask with the current salary structures, how many Eksu staff except the management staff can afford to send their wards to study Medicine, Law or Engineering courses at EKSU at the moment if the new fees regime announced stands?

“We also want to ask why the University can’t explore other areas of IGR other than school fees to compliment government subventions.

“Areas such as agriculture and its value chain, certificates courses, special schools for professional certifications, reserach and consultancy services etc.

“If the university can’t explore its diverse Human Resources Capacity and Ingenuity in improving IGR other than the cheap way out of increasing school fees, isn’t that an indictment on the lack of ideas of the management, council and the universality of the institution?

“We therefore stand by our earlier press statement that the hike should be reviewed downward and our consultative meeting agreement with the management prior to the increment be honoured. Failure to do this will trigger our proposed plan to ensure this hike in fees does not stand.”

Polaris Bank: Where’s Stolen N17m?

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Polaris Bank Kayode Lawal

Within 11 months in office as the chief executive of Polaris Bank Limited, a smart employee has managed to steal a whopping N17 million under the watch of Kayode Lawal who was appointed earlier this year by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

There are strong indications that more fraud could still be discovered as the bank struggles to prove to customers that it has stabilized despite reports that it’s still on a shaky ground.

On January 10, 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, dissolved the board and management of Polaris Bank due to alleged mismanagement and corporate governance violations, and appointed Lawal as new Chief Executive.

Also, the apex bank had debunked reports that it was planning to withdraw Polaris Bank working license.

There are however suggestions in the sector that the bank is seriously troubled despite CBN’s efforts to protect it. Deep-seated in the Lawal-led commercial bank, analysts insist, is the problem of employee fraud which has been on the rise.

Two persons well informed in the EFCC told the magazine that crack detectives will soon be sent to look into the books of the lender following allegations that the bank may have provided cover for some employees perpetrating fraud.

The development followed the revelation by the EFCC that an employee stole N17 million belonging to customers of the bank under the pretext of a loan.

How did it happen? The revelation came recently after Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of an Ikeja Special Offences Court, remanded one Abiodun Sanni in the prison for allegedly stealing the money.

According to the information made available by the EFCC, Sanni had stolen the money using a phony company and false identification, Bamgbose Tayo Taofiq and Banut Haulage to grant himself a loan worth N17 million.

Sanni has denied committing the alleged crime raising serious posers on how this was allowed to happen, and whether other employees have escaped with depositors money.

Three sources in EFCC, familiar with the alleged fraud, said the commission is doing more to unearth other possible fraud in the bank.

“This particular case will possibly lead to other frauds in the ban” one of the sources said.

Sanni, according to the EFCC had on February 24, 2020, in Lagos, as the Bank Manager of the lju branch of Polaris Bank Limited, obtained credit in the form of a bank loan in the sum of N17 million, for Bamgbose Tayo Taofiq, trading under the name and style of Banut Haulage.

Obtaining the loan under false pretence, he provided false collateral in the form of a fixed deposit account number 0071572791 worth N111 million.

According to the fact of the case, the anti-graft agency arraigned Sanni on a 16-count charge bordering on obtaining credit by false pretenses, forgery, use of false documents and stealing.

The bank manager was also accused of dishonestly converting a Polaris Bank Limited’s fixed deposit account number 0071277522 worth over N15 million, belonging to Atolagbe Joshua Tinuoye.

In an earlier fraud case involving the bank, its staff member, Chinenye Duru stole close to N17 billion from a customer.

The fraud which he perpetrated within a period of eight years is now a subject of probe by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Controversy Lingers Over Senator Ifeanyi Uba’s Burial

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Ifeanyi-Ubah

The controversy surrounding the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Uba has yet to abate following report that his colleagues in the Senate abandoned him during the elaborate event in Anambra state.

Senator Uba who died in July in the United States, US, was flown home and had been buried amidst tears from close family friends that he was too young to die.

The burial comes despite a threat by some elements in the secessionist IPOB that the senator should not be buried in the state.

“There will be tragic consequences” if Senator Uba is buried in the state, a spokesman of the group said in a viral video last week, accusing the late senator of being behind the arrest and detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Reports however indicate that many senators and National assembly members who were supposed to show the distinguished lawmaker their last respect did attend the burial.

Uba, the chief Executive of capital Oil was until his demise the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream.

Reacting to the allegation, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said the hallowed chamber provided all the needed support for the late senator.

He described as untrue allegation that Uba was abandoned by his colleagues during the burial.

Senator Adaramodu said in a statement made available to journalists that the leadership of the Senate did all it could to support the burial, stating that it’s impossible for 109 senators to attend the burial.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Senate has described as untrue, the recent news circulating about the Senate, purportedly failing to play a role in the burial of its late colleague, Ifeanyi Ubah.

“Contrary to insinuations in some misinformed quarters, the Senate accorded Senator Ubah all honours and rites as a sitting member of the Senate before his burial in Nnewi on Friday.”

“For the first time in the history of the National Assembly a whole Legislative day was dedicated to paying Tributes to our departed colleague. His seat was adorned with the national flag which was huge honor and recognition of his contributions to the Senate and the good people he represented.

“The Nigerian Senate did not abandon the late Senator and his family right from the moment the news of his death became public knowledge news.

“In fact, the Senate commiserated with the people and government of Anambra State over his death.

“The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, it would be recalled, had immediately after the demise of our late colleague was made public, led a high powered delegation of some principal officers and members of the Senate to the Lagos residence of the late Senator to commiserate with his wife and children.

“Almost 100 Senators of the 109 members attended a valedictory session held in his honor, where senators including vice president Kashim Shettima paid tribute to his accomplishments as a, philanthropist, businessman and politician.

Speaking on why Senator Uba should not be buried in the state, in a viral video on WhatsApp, a middle aged man who did not identify himself, but signed off as “IPOB Eze” warned that bringing his body to  his community, Nnewi, or any other part of Igboland for  burial would attract severe consequences.

The spokesman of the Group identified himself with Simon Ekpa, the Finland-based self proclaimed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s disciple but who has since been estranged from the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, a Group led by Kanu. Kanu, the IPOB Leader, has been in the captive of the Federal Government since 2021. The FG is prosecuting him for sundry issues including Treasonable felony, a charge the Court of Appeal has since discharged him of.

Giving reasons for why Ubah’s body must not be buried anywhere in Igboland, the person who spoke on the viral video alleged that it was Ubah that sold Nnamdi Kanu out to the Federal Government.

At the time of Kanu’s rendition from Nairobi in 2021, rumours were strong that Ubah not only sold him out, but that Ubah’s private jet was used to bring Kanu back to Nigeria.

However, it is an allegation since debunked by Ubah. He said he had no hands in Kanu’s fate and the aircraft used was not his. He said the false allegations were made against him by political enemies to ruin him before the Igbo.

Proof: Months before Ubah passed away, Mazi Kanu’s wife had acknowledged and appreciated Ubah for facilitating her visit to her to see her husband at his detention centre, a request she emphasized, denied her  until Ubah weighed in.

But that effort by Ubah cut no ice with those who propagate the allegations against him. That belief certainly triggered the warning, allegedly by Ekpa’s Group that Ubah committed a sacrilege and must never be buried in Igboland.

The speaker warned that if Ubah’s body is brought back  to Nnewi for burial, then, Nnewi will be reduced to something “worse than Orlu and Somali” security-wise. He also warned that if buried in Nnewi, his body would be exhumed and re-buried in an evil forest. He also warned Governor Chukwuma Soludo against burying Ubah’s body in Nnewi, and suggested that he be buried in the North or South-west part of the Country.

Following is the full text of the video.

“If Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is buried in Nnewi, Anambra State, Somali, Orlu in Imo state will be better than Nnewi.

“The Biafra Liberation Army will come after you all, and all of you will abandon your businesses in Nnewi, and Biafra will dig the grave of Ifeanyi Ubah and we take his body away and go and bury him in the evil forest, because he committed evil.

“He can never kidnap Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and you want to bury him in Biafra Land.

“His Excellency, Simon Ekpa, will do everything possible to destroy Nnewi. Biafra Liberation Army will do everything possible to destroy Nnewi.

“Let him be buried in the North or West,  at least we are one Nigeria, we don’t want him in Biafra land.

“Share this voice message. I am not happy, am saying these things with anger; respect  yourselves Nnewi people. Do your business in peace. Nobody is looking for your trouble, don’t look for the trouble of Biafra Liberation Army. Don’t look for the trouble of Biafra Government in exile.

“You are warned. Am one of Biafra Government. We don’t want Ifeanyi Ubah to be buried in Nnewi, because he destroyed Biafrans, he killed a lot. You committed a lot of atrocities not only in Nnewi, but also to Coscharis. He wanted to kill him, his own brother.  He has committeed a lot of atrocities. He needs to answer it.

“Wherever he is buried, he must be chained for life.

“Nobody should bury Ifeanyi Ubah in Nnewi. Governor Soludo should be warned, he should be severely warned.

Dangote Woos Marketers With Reduced Petrol Price; Appreciate Nigerians

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Dangote Refinery

Dangote Refinery has reduced the price of petrol loaded from its depot by marketers. The company announced on Sunday that the decision was necessary to appreciate Nigerians for their unwavering support amidst the challenges it has faced recently.

The magazine reported that not a few Nigerians have berated some government agencies in the oil and gas sector for trying to stifle the operations of the company. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, had mostly come under severe criticisms from Nigerians for not supporting the refinery in its quest to make petrol regularly available and comparably affordable in the country.

For the unflinching support the company received from Nigerians, the refinery said it has reduced its depot price to N970 per litre from N990.

The announcement was made yesterday in a  statement by Tony Chiejina, the company’s spokesman, who said marketers will no longer load the product in the old price.

Chiejina stated that Nigerians have stood with the company to ensure that its aim of making fuel available in the country is realised, promising uninterrupted supply of the products, adding that the issue of quality will not be compromised.

He said, “Dangote Petroleum Refinery has effected a reduction in the prevailing price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N990/litre to N970/litre for the marketers.

“As the year comes to an end, this is our way of appreciating the good people of Nigeria for their unwavering support in making the Refinery a dream come true.

“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being.

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption, thus dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”

Meanwhile, analysts in the sector insist that the reduction in the price of petrol by the company was in line with marketers demands, after they threatened to import cheaper petrol into the country.

It, however, remains uncertain whether the reduction will be reflected by marketers of the product at the pump.

Uzodimma: “I Have Not Breached My Covenant With God Concerning Imo”

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma- Governor of Imo State

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has reiterated his determination to continue working to recover Imo State from where he met it barely five years ago, and put it on the path of prosperity, insisting that he has not breached the covenant he has with God concerning Imo State.

He has also reiterated that when he is done working for the State in line with his pact with God, he will go home without the fear of anything hunting him for the service he sincerely rendered.

The Governor spoke while addressing the congregation at the end of a Pontifical High Mass to mark the celebration of the “Feast of Christ the King” at the Government House Chapel Owerri Imo State on Sunday.

He thanked the people for their support and solidarity following the Federal Government’s recent policies with their attendant consequences, and assured that that his government was doing a lot to put Imo State on the path of good life and prosperity for all.

He emphasised that he would not shy away from doing those things that will stand as legacy projects for which his administration will be remembered for by posterity.

Governor Uzodimma said he wants to be remembered that during his time Imo had daily and sustainable power supply, good roads, lasting infrastructure, and that he brought prosperity, quality education, health care and other good things to Imo State, and “not to be remembered for fighting with people over things that will not benefit Imo people.”

The Governor said he was thankful to God that in his conscience he has not violated or breached his covenant with God.

The covenant, he said, include “to create prosperity, recover the State, bring back dignity for which every Imo man was known for and will be known for.”

He recalled that only recently during the National Digital Skill-up programme at Abuja, Imo State came first, noting that, “those are the things I want to be remembered and known for.”

He challenged anybody with evidence of what he has done wrong to bring it forward “because I will leave office a free man, sleep with my two eyes closed without being afraid of anybody, including the EFCC.”

Governor Uzodimma said his major concern has always been to leave positive marks in Imo and invited all to join him to recover the State and build it as a new Imo that will usher in prosperity and good life to Imo people.

Earlier in his homily, the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Catholic Diocese, Bishop Thomas Obiatuegwu, enjoined Christians to embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ who is the head of the Church.

While highlighting the significance of the Feast of Christ the King, emphasising Jesus Christ’s Kingship and His Spiritual reign over the world, the Bishop urged all faithful to love others the way Jesus Christ did while on earth.

The Mass was attended by the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Dr Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chukwuma, the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, House of Representatives Committee on TetFund led by the Chairman, Rt Hon Miriam Onuoha.

Others include Secretary to Imo State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and members of the State expanded Executive Council, the Head of Service of Imo State, Mrs Chikodi Emenalor, the co-Chairman of Southern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers/ Chairman of Imo Elders Council and his members, HRM Eze (Dr.) Cletus Ilomuanya,

the Chairman Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze (Dr.) Emmanuel Okeke and other traditional rulers, and other dignitaries too many to mention.

“In Four Months, We Have Paid Over N1bn, 200 Of Us Kidnapped, 13 Killed” – Kaduna Community

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State
Governor Uba Sani

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“N300m was paid to rescue one of us, a CBN Director”

A case has been made for the establishment of military presence in some vulnerable and unmanned places in parts of Kaduna State.

The National President of Ruruma Community in Kauru Local Council, Kaduna South, Daniel Dallah Peace,  who made the appeal on Sunday November 24, 2024, noted that  such a  development will go a long way in stemming the incessant cases of kidnappings for ransom, and killings of innocent locals.

In a statement, Peace specifically called for the establishment of a Military Formation in Kwassam area, to checkmate the activities of terrorists, abductors and other criminal elements who have been making life extremely difficult for the  people.

The presence of a Military Formation ,according to him, will make for easy and prompt intervention during emergency.

He decried the high level and incessant abductions and killings being perpetrated  by bandits due to the absence of a rapid response security formations within the vicinity.

“The Military formation in Kwassam will enable the communities that have been displaced to return to their ancestral homes where they have their farms and farm produce .

“Currently, our Traditional Leader, Alhaji. Dauda Abdulsalam, the Pugom of Kumana, for some years, has not been at home because of the attempt made on his life by the bandits.

One of our own ,a CBN Director ,was once abducted in the area and N300 million was paid as ransom for his release”, the Community leader stated .

He insisted that such military presence will bolster the confidence ,of the people, as well as enthrone a regime of normalcy within the vicinity of all the vulnerable communities most of which have been routed by bandits

The National President lamented that  so far, the communities within the area have paid cumulatively over N1 billion as ransoms to bandits and other criminal elements .

Unfortunately, in addition to the large amount paid as ransom, the communities have equally lost over 13 people ,with over 200 taken captive within the last four months.

He expressed concern over the repeated failure of the Chairman  of Kauru  Local Government ,to avail the military authorities accurate information on the vulnerable situation of the communities within the Kumana Chiefdom

” Communities like Fagan rawa ,Kaibi ,Kusheka ,Fadan ,Ruruma ,Rafin rimi ,Kitimi ,Kakude and Kiwollo ,have all been affected by the kidnappings and killings while many residents have relocated to neighbouring communities out of fear of being abducted  or killed, Peace noted .

Further speaking, the President General. regretted that the incessant cases of kidnappings and killings have also impacted negatively on the livelihood of the people as many have been forced to abandon their farms.

He noted that the situation has, in turn, resulted in poverty and hunger since the people’s means of survival- farming -has been severely disrupted by the activities of banditry elements.

To underscore their seriousness, he expressed the readiness of the communities to  donate their houses and other facilities needed in the establishment of a military formation in the area.

Autonomy For States’ Legislature: SW Lawmakers Resolve To Lobby Governors

By
Ayodele Oni
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South West Speakers

By Ayodele Oni

Rising from their meeting in Ekiti state, Speakers and Principal Officers in the House of Assembly across the Southwest region have resolved to lobby the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, (NGF) to work out a full autonomy regime for states legislature in the country.

This was part of the resolutions in a communiqué issued over the weekend by the presiding officers during a capacity development retreat for Speakers and Principal Officers of state assemblies in the Southwest region, held at Ikogosi Ekiti.

“We recognize the necessity of engaging the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to advocate for the legislative autonomy of our State Houses of Assembly. That legislative autonomy is crucial to the ability of the legislature to enhance democratic governance in our states.”

Emphasizing the need for a virile legislature that is people-driven, consensus-oriented, and equipped with the requisite knowledge, the regional gathering said the fund management laws of state parliaments in the region would be updated in line with the 5th alteration of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, to ensure fiscal transparency and responsibility.

To also keep pace with global technological advancements, the lawmakers resolved to adopt the E-parliament system and processes to further ensure transparency and enhance proficiency.

This new push stemmed from the pace set by the Ekiti State House of Assembly, which recently received a Federal Government award as the best state assembly in the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

In the communique, signed by the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Southwest Zone, Adeoye Aribasoye, the Southwest state lawmakers expressed commitment to actively participate in the ongoing constitutional amendment.

“We further commit to reviewing the recently amended constitutional provisions to ensure their effective domestication and application in our states.”

To make legislative actions reflect the diverse expectations of constituents, the communique highlighted assurances that constituency engagements would be strengthened.

Other resolution include more media and civil society relations, constituency feedback, increased capacity building, and updating the Southwest harmonized Standing Orders.

Probe: My Administration In Edo Has Nothing To Hide – Fmr Gov Obaseki

By
Ayodele Oni
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Godwin Obaseki

By Ayodele Oni

Immediate past Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki has said that decision by his successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, to probe his administration amounts to lack of preparedness for governance.

Okpebholo on Sunday unveiled a 14-man panel to probe assets inherited from Obaseki in order to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership.

According to the governor, despite multiple requests for a comprehensive database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government only provided limited and insufficient information.

“To fulfill his campaign promises of probity, accountability, and transparency, the committee which will be inaugurated on Tuesday, will scrutinize the immediate past administration.

Reacting to the development, Obaseki’s spokesperson, Crusoe Osagie, called the probe a distraction from Okpebholo’s lack of preparedness and failure to deliver results.

Crusoe dismissed it as an attempt to divert attention from Okpebholo’s inability to govern effectively.

He revealed that Obaseki’s tenure was marked by transparency as the state’s first asset register was created, which was handed over to the current government.

He argued that the ongoing probes are a political ploy, aimed at distracting the public from the new administration’s lack of direction.

Obaseki’s spokesperson also accused Okpebholo of being under the influence of political figures seeking revenge for past losses, rather than focusing on governance and addressing the needs of the people.

He urged Okpebholo to prioritize actual governance and stop wasting time and resources on futile investigations.

He reminded him that Edo citizens are not easily misled and will judge his leadership based on real impact, not empty political games.

Parents Of 17 Years Old Convict Beg Osun Gov Adeleke, House Of Assembly For Clemency

By
Ayodele Oni
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1
Segun Olowookere - A 17 Year Old sentenced to death in Osun State

By Ayodele Oni

The teenager was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl and some eggs

Parents of a teenager, who was 17 years old when he was condemned and currently detained at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Lagos State, awaiting the hangman’s noose are seeking clemency for the convict.

Segun Olowookere was sentenced to death by Osun High Court, for stealing a fowl and some eggs.

The parents have appealed to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke for pardon for the convict. He was reported to have been sentenced to death by an Osun State High Court at Ikirun, Osun State.

Segun was accused of robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, located in Odo-Otin Local Government Area. His parents have expressed their devastation, stating that he is their only son and pleading for his life to be spared.

They have also reached out to the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, seeking his intervention in the matter.

Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, has particularly been in distress. She pleaded with the governor to use his power of amnesty to grant her son a second chance.

According to her, the weight of the punishment far outweigh the crime committed, especially given the minimal value of the items involved.

“I want to plead with our amiable governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to please use his office to release my son.

“We have sold our property to secure his release since he was convicted in 2014. He is a brilliant boy who has a brighter future ahead of him. We must not allow him to waste the peak of his life within the four walls of the prison.

“The Speaker of the House of Assembly is from our town. We, also, plead for his intervention in this case.

“Also, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice should also help us. Segun has a promising future and can be useful to society.”

Segun’s father, Olanrewaju Olowookere, claimed that his son was arrested in his shop while playing with some of his friends, saying the arrest was a setup.

He said, “At this point, all we need is the assistance of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke to grant amnesty to our son.

“We have been in grief since he was sentenced. We have not experienced any kind of happiness. Nobody will be happy seeing his only son in jail.”

Edo: Gov Okpebholor Restores Full Traditional Rights Of Benin Monarch

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Oba of Benin - EwuareII

By Ayodele Oni

Oba now custodian Of artefacts, Permanent Chairman Traditional Council

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholor, has moved to restore statutory rights of Oba of Benin hitherto withdrawn by the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki.

As a first step, the state government has announced the withdrawal of a letter which revoked the concession of the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, which was converted to a motor park by the immediate administration.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua announced the abolishment of new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.

The creation of the new traditional councils was meant to wean down the power of the Benin monarch who occupies the position as permanent chairman of traditional council.

The statement added that “In a bid to further right the wrongs of the immediate-past administration and foster cordial relations between the Government and the people, the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has restored the full statutory rights of the Benin Monarch over the contentious issue of the ownership of ancient artefacts looted from the palace of the Oba of Benin during the 1897 Benin Massacre by the British colonial forces.

“Also, the State Government is withdrawing the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last administration to be used as a motor park. This administration is restoring the centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose.

“This administration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last administration.”

“Accordingly, Governor Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.

“The Okpebholo administration is backing the initial plan of the State Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous administration fronted as the museum to hold the returned Benin artefacts.

“The Federal Government has also issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.

“Governor Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll and pledges the support of his administration to ensure the Monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

“It is in recognition of this that the administration of Governor Okpebholo shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin masaca of 1897.

“The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people and my administration respects customs and traditions in the land and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned Benin artefacts.”

Governor Okpebholo pledged the commitment of his administration  to culture and tradition of the people, and will refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.

“The Governor is using his constitutional powers and the respect for traditional institutions and the revered Oba of Benin to restore all other Statutory Rights of the Monarch not mentioned hereof.”

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