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Tag: Oyo State

  • JUST IN: Oyo Gov, Makinde laments passing of Oba Adeyemi III

    JUST IN: Oyo Gov, Makinde laments passing of Oba Adeyemi III

    Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday described the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as “a huge loss to the state, Nigeria and the Yoruba race”.

    Makinde, while describing Oba Adeyemi’s death as a personal loss to him, said that he was “an ever-supportive royal father and a worthy leader, who spared nothing in trying to make Oyo State and Nigeria greater”.

    The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, said, “Kabiyesi’s words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful”.

    Makinde expressed his condolences to the Oyo State Traditional Council, the Oyomesi, Oba Adeyemi’s immediate family, the people of Oyo Kingdom and the entire Yoruba race.

    The governor, however, prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the departed traditional ruler.

    According to Makinde, apart from Oyo State losing its last man standing in the rank of experienced monarchs with long years of royal leadership, it has also lost a royal institution and an authority, which Alaafin Olayiwola Adeyemi III had become by virtue of his high-octane understanding of Yoruba history, politics and national development.

    He said: “I have been informed about the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.

    “I express heartfelt condolences to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, which Oba Adeyemi chaired for decades, the Oyomesi and the entire people of Oyo Kingdom.

    “I equally commiserate with the Oloris, children and entire Adeyemi family on the demise of their patriarch and worthy father.

    “Kabiyesi’s departure is a huge loss not only to Oyo State, to which he committed 52 years of his life as the Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, but also to Nigeria and the entire Yoruba race.”

    According to him, Oba Adeyemi was our last man standing in the rank of most eminent royal fathers with long years of leadership.

    “He became a golden king, an institution and an authority rolled into one by virtue of his immense experience, wisdom and understanding of Yoruba history, royalty and politics.

    “Oba Adeyemi, not only elevated the Alaafin throne with his knowledge and wisdom, he became a worthy exemplar for royal leadership in Africa and brought glory to Oyo State and Nigeria.

    “Kabiyesi never spared anything in his strive to make Oyo State greater and to bring about the Nigeria of everyone’s collective dream.

    “Personally, Kabiyesi’s death is a great loss to me, because he proved to be a worthy father and had been ever so supportive of our government.

    “His words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful.

    “It is my prayer that God accepts Kabiyesi’s soul into Aljanah Firdaus and uphold everyone and everything he left behind. Good night, Iku Baba Yeye !”

  • Oba Adeyemi III to be laid to rest at 4 pm as Alaafin’s aides mourn

    Oba Adeyemi III to be laid to rest at 4 pm as Alaafin’s aides mourn

    The remains of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo in Oyo State, will be interred by 4.00 p.m, in accordance with Islamic injunction.

    Our correspondent gathered that the late Alaafin will be buried by 4.00 p.m, being a devout Muslim till he joined his ancestors.

    According to a reliable source, Baba will be buried today according to Islamic rites. He is going to be buried in Baara.

    “Baara is not just the final resting place of all the Alaafins.

    “It is also a place where the Alaafin goes to whenever there is need to commune with his ancestors to seek for guidance and or directions,” the source said.

    However, one of the respected Oyo Princes, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, together with sons of the departed traditional ruler, have been holding meetings behind the door since discussing the burial plans.

    It was also gathered that the meeting began upon the arrival of Babatunde Adeyemi, the first son of the foremost oba.

    Ladigbolu, who the source said had been busy making necessary contacts on the burial plans, could not picked calls to his cellphone, nor reply to messages in respect of the burial plans.

    There was uneasy calm at the palace, as many people seen around the palace were in mournful mood over the passage of their frontline traditional ruler.

    They were unwilling to discuss about the passage of the traditional ruler, claiming that there was no official announcement yet on it.

    According to a reliable source, many leaders in the town are still in shock about the whole thing, as they are still patiently waiting for further details about it.

    Earlier, Mr Bode Durojaiye, the Media Aide to Alaafin, confirmed the reports.

    In a telephone interview, Durojaiye simply said, “Won ti ku” (He is dead).

    According to him, it is true; the Alaafin had joined his ancestors. We are there now.

    Adeyemi was said to have joined his ancestors on Friday night at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, where he had gone for routine medical checkup.

    Within the last five months, Oyo State had lost three prominent traditional rulers.

    The Soun of Ogbomosoland, late Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, who died in December, 2021; the late Oba Saliu Adetunji, the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, died on Jan. 2 and now the Alaafin of Oyo.

    The first class oba, who reigned for 52 years, departed at the age of 83.

    Meanwhile, Gov. Seyi Makinde, is expected to make an official announcement upon receiving the report of the traditional ruler’s passage.

    It was gathered that the remains of Alaafin were brought to Oyo on Saturday morning to commence the necessary traditional rites on his passage.

    Alaafin: We’ve lost father, mentor- Aides

    Meanwhile, some aides and associates of the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo, have described the traditional ruler as a great mentor, who would be sorely missed.

    The first class traditional ruler died on Friday night at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti.

    Hundreds of residents of Oyo Town have continued to throng the ancient palace to mourn the demise of Adeyemi III.

    Commenting, Mr Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin’s Media Aide, expressed shock over the demise of the highly reverred traditional ruler.

    Durojaiye described Oba Adeyemi as a great traditional ruler, who had contributed immensely to the development of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria.

    He said that the traditional ruler was a custodian of Yoruba culture and history, and “he is loved by his people” .

    Durojaiye said that before the late Oba Adeyemi ascended the throne, Oyo Town was “not as developed as it is today” .

    According to him, Alaafin is a great traditional ruler, who all other traditional rulers are very proud of.

    “He was a great custodian of Yoruba culture and history.

    “He was a philanthropist. He has transformed Oyo Town and the palace from what he met on ascending the throne. We have lost a great promoter of Yoruba culture,” Durojaiye said.

    Also, Paula Gomez, the Alaafin’s Cultural Ambassador, described the late traditional ruler as “a great man and mentor” , adding he was a father to everybody.

    “I don’t know what happened. I spoke to Baba last week and he was fine. Maybe his death is natural.

    “I worked with Alaafin on preservation of heritage and culture. He was a father to everybody. He was a great man and mentor,” she said.

    Some palace workers in separate interviews with NAN, said that the traditional ruler already had premonition of his death few weeks back.

    “Two weeks ago, he called and told us that his late father was calling him to come. We were afraid and asked if truly he saw his father.

    “We are happy to have him as the Alaafin. He ascended the throne at a young age, preserved the stool, promoted the Yoruba culture and was an epitome of royalty,” they said.

    It reports that the remains of the traditional ruler would be buried by 4.00 p.m on Saturday according to palace sources.
    According to a reliable source, Baba will be buried today according to Islamic rites. He is going to be buried in Baara.

    “Baara is not just the final resting place of all the Alaafins, it is also a place where the Alaafin goes to whenever there is need to commune with his ancestors to seek for guidance and or directions,” the source told said.

  • Passing of Alaafin: How Oyo lost three top Obas in five months

    Passing of Alaafin: How Oyo lost three top Obas in five months

    The ancient city of Oyo state has witnessed the death of three prominent first class monarchs in the space of five months.

    Recall that the people of Ogbomosho were thrown into mourning state when the news of the Soun of Ogbomosho, Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III broke out in December 2021.

    The monarch died in the early hours of December 12th, 2021 at the age of 95 after being on the throne for 48 years.

    He was buried according to Islamic rites at about 4:30 p.m. inside a Vault in the palace.

    Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Saliu Adetunji died 22 days after the death of prominent monarch in Oyo State – Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi.

    Adetunji, who was crowned the 41st Olubadan on March 4, 2016 was born on August 26, 1928 to the family of Raji Olayiwola and Suwebat Amope Adetunji in the Alusekere compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan.

    Confirming the Olubadan’s death, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, said, “The news of the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, came as a shock.

    “His wealth of experience, his immense wisdom, and his commitment to seeing a greater Ibadan and a better Oyo State are unrivalled.

    “Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and humanity at large will miss Kabiyesi, who was ever ready to give his all to see a better society.”

    Oba Adetunji grew up learning vocational jobs until he took up fashion designing as a means of living after moving into Lagos.

    While working as a fashion designer, Adetunji delved into musical record marketing until 1960 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, Adetunji was the Balogun of Ibadan land.

     

    The death of the Alaafin is the 3rd amongst the prominent monarchs in Oyo state in the space of five months.

    Alaafin Adeyemi was born Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi on October 15, 1938 into the Alowolodu Royal House of the famous Oyo town.

    The Alaafin started out as a boxer and would have been a professional boxer but kingship called and he had to retire from boxing at an early age of 31 years to become the Alaafin.

    Adeyemi died at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti after a brief illness.

    The Alaafin ruled for 52 years before his demise, making him the longest-reigning Alaafin.

    He became the Alaafin of Oyo in November 18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I, during the governorship of Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, after the civil war. He was popularly referred to as Iku Baba Yeye.

    However, Oba Lekan Balogun has been installed as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan by kingmakers in Oyo state whilst the people of Ogbomosho and Ibadan await the new Alaafin of Oyo and Soun of Ogbomosho respectively.

  • BREAKING: Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III joins his ancestors

    BREAKING: Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III joins his ancestors

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (Dr) Lamidi Adeyemi III, third from the Alowodu Ruling House, has joined his ancestors.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Oba Adeyemi III died at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti in the late hours of Friday.

    His remains were taken to Oyo in the early hours of Saturday and traditional rites were said to have begun.

    Born on 15 October 1938, Adeyemi III, who is the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, celebrated his 50th year on the throne in 2021. He ascended the throne, succeeding Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu II on 18 November 1970.

    He was married to Ayaba Abibat Adeyemi, his senior wife, whom the late Oba attended most events with.

    He also had twelve junior wives that he’s also married to. The junior wives are Ayaba Rahmat Adedayo Adeyemi, Ayaba Mujidat Adeyemi, Ayaba Rukayat Adeyemi, Ayaba Folashade Adeyemi and Ayaba Badirat Ajoke Adeyemi.

    Others are Ayaba Memunat Omowunmi Adeyemi, Ayaba Omobolanle Adeyemi, Ayaba Moji Adeyemi, Ayaba Anuoluwapo Adeyemi, and Ayaba Damilola Adeyemi.

    He was a lover of boxing, as he was a boxer before ascending the throne of his Fathers.

  • Upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standard remains on course – Gov Makinde

    Upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standard remains on course – Gov Makinde

    The administration of Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has disclosed that efforts to upgrade the Ibadan Airport to an International Airport remains on course.

    This was disclosed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, on Sunday in Ibadan.

    Makinde stated this during a retirement ceremony held at the airport in honour of the Ibadan Airport Manager, Mrs Tega Aiyenuro

    The governor, who was represented on the occasion by his Chief of Staff, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi, said that his government considered Ibadan Airport as key and central to its vision to expand the state’s economy.

    He promised that his government would continue to partner with critical stakeholders to bring about the success of the venture.

    Makinde, who described the retiring airport manager as a friend of the state, lauded her for everything she had done for the facility and the state.

    He presented a Toyota Hilux pickup to the retiring airport manager in appreciation for her good work.

    Speaking on behalf of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), a director in the parastatal agency, Mr. Sunday Ayodele, said Ibadan Airport would enhance the expansion of the state’s economy.

    He attested that the outgoing airport manager keyed into the vision of the administration of the Oyo State governor to expand the state’s economy.

    According to him, the administration of Gov. Makinde has been able to execute projects at the Ibadan Airport within a short period.

    “These projects include the new lounge, ongoing dualisation of the Airport Road and dualisation of the Ajia-Airport Road with spur to Amuloko.

    “Aiyenuoro has collaborated with the Oyo State Government and keyed into the vision of Gov. Makinde, in having an expanded economy in the state.

    “Despite the fact that it is a federal agency, she has been able to collaborate with the state government to upgrade the internal and external parts of the airport.

    “There are a lot of other things that we have been able to do, including the 500,000 litres capacity aviation fuel terminals that we are bringing in.

    “She has shown us that whether you are a state official or Federal Government worker, a lot can be achieved,” Ayodele said.

    Aiyenuro, in her speech, thanked Makinde for being instrumental to the success of the Ibadan Airport under her watch.

    According to her, the transformation at the Ibadan Airport was due to the grace of God and the efforts of the governor.

  • Iseyin Central Mosque corrects wrong Qibla position after 60 years

    Iseyin Central Mosque corrects wrong Qibla position after 60 years

    The Muslim Community in Iseyin, Oyo State, have commended the leadership of the League of Imams and Alfas in the area for repositioning a wrongly positioned Qibla.

    Imam Abdul-Hakeem Olajori, Chief of Iseyin land and some other congregants gave the commendation on Friday in Iseyin after the repositioning exercise.

    The congregants at the Iseyin Central Mosque had been observing their prayers for 60 years with the wrongly positioned Qibla.

    The Qibla is the direction towards the Kaaba in the sacred Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is used by Muslims in various religious contexts, particularly the direction of prayers.

    Olajori said that the development was important in his life, adding that it portended a positive turnaround for the Muslim community and Iseyin in general.

    He said that the relocation of the mosque in the fifteenth century and eventual return to the particular location over 60 years ago caused the structural defect in the position of the Qibla.

    “This development is so important in my life as God has used me to bring about a positive change to the Iseyin Central Mosque.

    “In the 15th century, the mosque was relocated and later brought back to this particular location again.

    “Modernization came and the mosque was rebuilt with bricks and was already in use when our fathers discovered a structural defect in the direction of the Qibla,” he said.

    He said that the defect had been noticed more than fifty years ago, saying the Muslim community held a meeting on this alongside the League of Imam and Alfas in Iseyin.

    Olajori said it was unanimously agreed that there should be a bend towards the Qibla, which had been put into effect today, April 8 which is the seventh day of Ramadan.

    “The grave of our late father, Imam Alalukimba, that was there has been relocated to a better place, without which we would not have been able to do this.

    “Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) warned that we should not face the burial ground or grave while praying.

    “So the relocation of the grave was also a decision unanimously arrived at by the Muslim Community, Late Imam Alalukimba’s family and representatives of Ijemba community,” he said.

    He expressed hope that the correction made on the Qibla position would change the minds of many worshippers that have stopped worshipping at the mosque because of the old structural mistake.

    Alhaji Isiak Folorunsho, an indegene and a businessman, told newsmen after the Jumat service that he was very happy on repositioning of the Qibla without any rancour among the people.

    He expressed delight that the Muslim community was unanimous in taking the decision to bring about positive changes in the structure of the historical worship place.

    “Many of us met the structural defect when we were born and majority might not know about the defect. We are happy today that this correction has been done.

    “It will attract many other young ones that saw the defect as an aberration and would hitherto not want to worship there, it is a welcome development,” he said.

    Some other congregants described it as an indication of better things to come as praying against the Qibla was against the tenets of Islam.

  • I’m originally from Iseyin in Oyo State – Angelique Kidjo

    I’m originally from Iseyin in Oyo State – Angelique Kidjo

    Angelique Kidjo the multiple Grammy Awards winner said in a radio interview on Smooth FM in Lagos state that she is originally from Iseyin, a town in Oyo State, Nigeria, according to what her mother told her.

    Born in Ouidah, Benin Republic, the 61-year-old veteran singer added that she has a lot of relatives in Nigeria even though she doesn’t visit them often.

    “My Mum told me that I am from Iseyin, because when my grandfather’s great great great great father came back from Brazil, they found their roots in Iseyin.”

    “From my mother’s mother’s side, we have always been from Nigeria, so we have families in Abeokuta. Ibadan, Lagos, everywhere, I have cousins I haven’t seen a million years that I miss a lot.”

    Angelique added that she has a busy schedule that her 29-year-old daughter, Naima, complains about. “I have a hectic life, my own daughter just told on the phone yesterday ‘okay, when are you coming back home, and I said not before November to… and she said ‘don’t forget you have a daughter though,’” she said.

    On her love for the continent of Africa, she established she was not only about singing about the beauty of the continent, however, showing the happiness the people of Africa radiate.

    “It’s just that I love to sing. I love to bring Africa to the world. The beauty of Africa, not the music that people are very content about seeing and talking about. Africa is not about that because I grow up in a country that is poor but people were very happy.”

    Angelique further stipulated that she wants the world to see how powerful African women are. “The women of Africa are the backbone of this continent and they are beautiful. So, I want the world to see that.

  • Internet Fraud: EFCC nabs 80 suspected fraudsters in Ibadan

    Internet Fraud: EFCC nabs 80 suspected fraudsters in Ibadan

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has paraded 80 suspects who have indulged in internet fraudsters in Ibadan,Oyo state.

    EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren revealed on Wednesday that the suspects were apprehended after the body carried out its intelligence report and found them indicted.

    Incriminating documents were found in 35 of the 80 suspects arrested in Ibadan, he noted.

    EFCC released their names as given below:

    Emmanuel Victor Mayowa, Taofeek Toheeb Olamilekan, Olamilekan Fafilolu Quadri, Olayinka Taiwo Olaniyi, Emmanuel Abiodun Olalekan, Awoleke Opeyemi Uthman, Ikenna Anyanwu Victor, Mosuro Daniel Oluwaseun, Amoo Abdulmalik Ademola, Oluwaseun Adeniran, Kehinde

    others are:Victor Abumere, Kehinde Samuel, Adedeji Ibrahim Olamilekan, Akinbowale Emmanuel, Taiwo Azeez, Adenuga Sunday, Sidiku Olubodun, Ekhuemelo Jerry, Agboola Khalid Babatunde, Alex Kelvin, Akande Jonah, Tobiloba Adekanye, Fatai Olalekan T., Giwa Babatunde David.

     

    The rest: Kehinde Olatunji, Bakare Kayode Augustine, Okoli Propser, Kolawole Blessing, Okeolu Moshood, and Hammed Khalid Ayomide, Hassan Waris Ademola, Taiwo Ademola, Adewale Ayomiposi, Abdullahi Maleek Olaniyi, Masika Adekunle Andrew.

    The suspects were picked up from various locations in the state with thirteen cars, mobile phones,laptops and other items were recovered from them.

     

  • Oyo APC swears-in Gbadamosi as factional chairman

    Oyo APC swears-in Gbadamosi as factional chairman

    The ongoing rift within the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, on Friday, took a new twist with the emergence of a factional chairman, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi.

    Alhaji Gbadamosi was sworn in on Friday morning at the popular Trans Amusement Park in Ibadan.

    The oath of office was administered by Mr Keyinde Owoade in the presence of some APC chieftains in the state.

    It was gathered that the party secretariat, located at Oke-Ado area of Ibadan, had been taken over by the police on Thursday.

    The emergence of Gbadamosi as the factional chairman was coming barely 24 hours to the national convention of the party, scheduled for Eagle Square in Abuja.

    Recall that the party in the state had been engulfed in crisis over the election of the new ward, local government and state executives.

    The crisis had led to several visits of the warring factions to the APC national secretariat, until recently when Mr Isaac Omodewu was sworn in as the state chairman by the national body.

    One of the APC chieftains in the state told NAN on condition of anonymity that Gbadamosi is not a factional, but an authentic chairman.

    He said that both groups would be at the convention in Abuja for the party’s national convention.

  • Police rescue alleged kidnappers from jungle justice in Oyo

    Police rescue alleged kidnappers from jungle justice in Oyo

    The Police Command in Oyo State, has rescued two suspects, who allegedly attempted to kidnap a 9-year-old girl, from being lynched.

    The command made this known in a statement by its spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, on Monday in Ibadan.

    Osifeso said that the command’s operatives who were on patrol on Sunday around Alakia Adelubi axis, Ibadan, at about 9.20 a.m. responded to a distress call on the “execution of Jungle justice”.

    The suspects were alleged to have attempted to abduct a 9-year-old female, “Ope”, who was on her way to church.

    He said that preliminary investigations revealed that the girl was in the company of her mother, one Afolabi Modupe, and other siblings when the two suspects attempted seize her from her mother’s grip.

    The Police Public Relations Officer said that investigations had commenced on the matter.

    “The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ngozi Onadeko, appealed to the citizenry against taking laws into their hands with the assurance of a diligent and thorough investigation into the incident,” he said.

    He said further updates would be communicated in due course.