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Tag: Oyo

  • 150 intending pilgrims denied visa for 2022 Hajj

    About 150 intending pilgrims from Oyo State has been denied visa to perform 2022 Hajj by Saudi authorities.
    The Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Prof Sayed Malik disclosed this while addressing newsmen on Monday, in Ibadan.
    According to him, the denial of visa to the affected intending pilgrims by the Saudi authority on the 11th hour, was based on the recommendation of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria(NAHCON).
    He explained that 629 out of 43,000 slots given to Nigeria was allocated to Oyo State to perform the 2022 Hajj, despite that over 1,000 Muslims have already registered to perform the hajj.
    “To take care of the shortfall, we in Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board requested for additional slots from NAHCON.
    “And this was granted, as additional 150 slots were given to Oyo State, thereby increasing the State’s slots from 629 to 779.
    “Based on its correspondence with NAHCON, Oyo State Pilgrim Welfare Board made preparation for 779 pilgrims.
    “But the state’s slot was reduced to 629 few days before the pilgrims were scheduled to go to holy lands.
    “The board hereby regret that about 150 intending pilgrims from the state could not perform this year’s hajj,” he said.
    The chairman recalled that the holy exercise did not take place for two years as there was no pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in 2020 and 2021 due to the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic.
    He explained that the resumption of Hajj in 2022 was characterized by a sharp increase in number of intending pilgrims who wanted to embark on the Holy pilgrimage.
    Malik, however, said that the State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde had approved the payment of full funds to whoever among the affected people that intended to collect back their money.
    He assured those who wanted to use their money for the 2023 pilgrimage that they would be the first to be considered for the exercise.
    The chairman said that such individuals would not make any additional payment to the one they had made this year.
    He further announced that the board was committed to payment of Basic Travelling Allowances (BTA) to all the pilgrims in full, saying that none of the pilgrims would be short-changed or funds meant for payment of their BTA be diverted.
    “The truth of the matter is that there were delays in the release of BTA to the board as a result of the late release of the circular guiding the payment of allowances by the authorities.
    “This is not peculiar to Oyo State pilgrims, as all pilgrims across the states are faced with the same situation.
    “As a result of the delay, the first batch of pilgrims from Oyo State and several other states of the federation had to embark on the trip to Saudi Arabia before the BTA could be secured.
    “The delay, however, does not indicate that any of the pilgrims would lose their entitlements.
    “By the time the second batch of the pilgrims were leaving Nigeria, only a fraction of the entire BTA had been secured and it was concluded that each of the pilgrims be made to get $400 while those who were already in Saudi Arabia were paid $200 each, pending the release of the entire BTA.
    “It must be placed on record that the dollar scarcity which had hit the foreign exchange market is a key contributor to the delay to secure the required BTA.
    “While the delayed payment of the BTA is regretted, we have to place on record that there is no intention to divert anyone’s entitlement or deny any of the pilgrims their due,” he said.
    Giving update on air lifting of pilgrims from the state, the chairman said the first batch which consisted of 259 pilgrims were airlifted to Saudi Arabia on June 19 while the second made up of 81 pilgrims were airlifted on June 22.
    He said the third batch comprising 238 pilgrims were transported to Holy Land on July 2 and that the last batch of 60 pilgrims would be airlifted on Monday, July 4.
  • What ‘ll determine the emergence of next Alaafin – Makinde

    What ‘ll determine the emergence of next Alaafin – Makinde

    The emergence of next Alaafin of Oyo will be strictly based on the signed Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has said.

    Makinde made this known on Saturday at the State Burial ceremony organised by the state government for the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo Town.

    Recall Adeyemi III, who reigned for 53 years, joined his ancestors on April 23 at the age of 83 years.

    The governor explained that the process to select a new Alaafin would not go beyond the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration, in spite of calls from some people to recognise other royal families.

    “Let our people in Oyo Town know that some people came to me and said that the first Alaafin gave birth to about 13 children and that only two out of them were recognised and that this is an opportunity to bring in others.

    “And, I asked them, if it is in the Alaafin Declaration, but they said it is inside a Declaration that was not signed.

    “I told them a new Alaafin will be selected only through the Declaration that was signed,” Makinde declared.

    Eulogising the late traditional ruler, the governor said that the late Oba lived an impactful life.

    According to him, Oyo State has lost an irreplaceable king, “an encyclopaedia of Yoruba History and Culture.

    “I can only say that we have lost a king that is irreplaceable, but we have to accept the fact that we cannot question God.

    “God was merciful to Baba, because it is not easy to spend more than 50 years on the throne of your forefathers.

    “So, it is celebration of life for us today,” he said.

    In her remarks, the Secretary to State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, said that the late Adeyemi was known for consistently blessing governments with quality advice on all issues.

    According to Adeosun, the event was rightly dubbed a celebration of life in view of the eventful life led by the departed traditional ruler.

    “Looking at the trajectory of this unique Oba, one would easily conclude that Oba Adeyemi was born to be a king.

    “He had the vision to be the Alaafin from a young age and prepared himself for that great assignment.

    “As we can all see, nature did the rest for him and he was chosen as the Alaafin on Nov. 18, 1970.

    “While he had the weight of the Alaafin stool thrusted on his shoulders at a young age, he carried on with incredible poise and gait, stealing the shows in many of the public events he attended.

    “It did not come as a surprise that he, in no time, emerged the repository of Yoruba traditional history,” Adeosun said.

    She said further that Adeyemi was an avid reader who was always in ultimate search of knowledge.

    “He was a king who never lost sight of the sense of history that birthed the stool he sat upon.

    “His actions always depicted him as one who was ruling, not just Oyo Town, but Oyo Empire, as exemplified by his ancestors, whose realm of authority as administrators of the famous Oyo Empire extended beyond what is currently known as the Nigerian nation.

    “He carried himself as one traditional ruler who was responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of the Yoruba people anywhere they may be found and the Yoruba nation.

    “In that wise, Alaafin Adeyemi III never shied away from making public comments on issues he believed could discomfort his people at any point in time,” she said.

    The event had in attendance the Deputy Governors of Oyo and Osun, Alhaji Rauf Olaniyan and Mr Benedict Alabi, respectively.

    Others were Osun State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Ademola Adeleke; former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi; the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams and other prominent traditional rulers from Oyo State.

  • Shina Peller raises alarm over assassination attempt

    House of Representatives member, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller has raised alarm over an attempt to assassinate him.

    Peller is representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola federal constituency in Oyo State.

    The lawmaker disclosed in a signed statement that there was an attempt to assassinate him on his way from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to Oke Ogun geo-political zone of the State on Sunday.

    He said that the APC primaries ought to have been held on Saturday, and insisted that the election could not be held due to selfish interest of some bad elements in the APC.

    He explained that his life was being threatened because he was protecting the interest of his people from the Oke Ogun geo-political zone.

    Peller called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the security agencies to call Senator Teslim Folarin to order.

    He insisted that people will hold Folarin accountable if anything happened to him, his family or his aides.

    Peller said, “There have been calls from loved ones, supporters, close associates and family about the controversy surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo North Senatorial Primaries, which was scheduled to hold on Saturday, 28th May, 2022 at the Iseyin District Grammar School (IDGS), Iseyin, as well as assassination attempt on my life.

    “This statement will, therefore, state the true picture of what actually transpired. The APC primaries ought to have been held on Saturday peacefully and transparently, but couldn’t hold due to selfish interest of some bad elements within the party who are determined to impose a candidate on all.

    “So having failed in their attempt to manipulate the primaries on Saturday, they unconstitutionally moved it to Saki on Sunday, and they were able to succeed in carrying out their kangaroo primaries with fake delegates’ list under the protection of hoodlums who had been massively mobilized to the venue.

    “My life is seriously being threatened just because I am trying to protect the interest of my dear people from the Oke Ogun region. I am using this opportunity to call on President Muhammadu Buhari, relevant stakeholders and security agencies to call Senator Teslim Folarin and his evil machinery to order, as people will hold him accountable if anything happens to me, my family or my aides.”

  • Salary: Oyo judiciary workers stay away from work

    Salary: Oyo judiciary workers stay away from work

    Judiciary workers in Oyo State, on Wednesday, called on the state government to ensure prompt payment of their salaries to ensure efficiency.

    The workers told NAN in Ibadan that some of them stayed off their offices because of the recurrent delay in salary payment.

    The entrance gate to court premises and some offices were open for commencement of work after the Eid-el Fitr and May Day holidays.

    However, some workers stayed away from their various duty posts, while others, who were present, sent their colleagues home to ensure that none of them was around.

    Chairman of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in the state, Mr Kayode Matins, confirmed the delay in payment of salary of his members.

    Matins said that although the union was not on strike, many of the workers could not transport themselves to and fro work because of lack of money.

    “We agreed that those who can afford to come to office should do so, as we are all managing the situation,’’ he said.

    The chairman added that the union was making efforts to seek stakeholders’ help on what the workers could do to ensure prompt payment of salary.

    One of the workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, decried the delay in salary payment, adding that they needed to draw the attention of the public to the development.

    “The reason judiciary staffers are saying off work is because of delay in payment of their salaries, which has been on for a while.

    “The workers no longer have money to transport themselves to and from work, and this has been affecting our productivity.

    “While staffers of other parastatals have collected their April salaries, those in the judiciary have yet to collect theirs.

    “The delay in salary has been on since December 2021. We received March salary on April 17,’’ the staff member said.

    The worker further said that the action was to draw government’s attention to the irregular payment of their salaries.

    “If we receive our salaries today, we will resume work immediately. We have been appealing to the state government for long but nobody is telling us the reason for the delay,’’ the staff member said.

  • New Alaafin of Oyo ‘ll emerge soon – Makinde

    New Alaafin of Oyo ‘ll emerge soon – Makinde

    Oyo State Government has assured the people of Oyo Town that new Alaafin of Oyo would emerge soon, urging them to be patient.

    Gov. Seyi Makinde gave the assurance at the eighth day fidau/interdenominational prayer held in honour of the late Oba Adeyemi at the palace arcade in Oyo.

    The late Oba Adeyemi died on April 22 at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.

    Makinde, represented by Chief Bayo Lawal, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Matters, said he was awared that people were anxious to have new king.

    “People are eager to see the next king, but we have to follow due process.

    “We promise not to compromise and another Alaafin will come in due time,” the governor said.

    Earlier, in their separate sermons, Imam Masud Ajokidero and Rev. Eyitayo Sulola, urged the people to always embrace orderliness as observed by the late Alaafin when he was alive.

    They called on the kingmakers “Oyo Mesi” to follow the path of peace and not moneybags in the selection process of the new king.

    In her remarks, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, the Iyalode of Yorubaland, described the late Alaafin as father of Yorubas, who always fight for the right of his people.

    Lawson said, “He always listen to the cry of Yorubas and was great historian. I wish the incoming king will sustain the legacies he left behind.”

    In his remarks, Oba AbdulRashid Anikulapo, the Onibode of Igboholand, said that something bad had happened to the Yorubas with the death of Alaafin.

    Anikulapo said that the traditional ruler had enthroned many kings across the South-West, including Oke-Ogun, who were not beaded crown wearing Kings before he was enthroned in 1970.

  • Late Alaafin ‘ll be immortalised – Tinubu

    Late Alaafin ‘ll be immortalised – Tinubu

    Chief Bola Tinubu, a Presidential Aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Saturday said the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, would be immortalised.

    Tinubu made the disclosure at the eight-day Fidau/interdenominational prayers held in honour of the late Oba Adeyemi at the palace arcade in Oyo.

    He said that the late traditional ruler would be immortalised by establishing a Training and Skills Development Centre for Youths in his honour.

    Recall that the late Oba Adeyemi died on April 22 at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.

    Tinubu arrived Nigeria on Saturday morning from Saudi Arabia where he had gone to perform the lesser hajj, and travelled down Oyo to grace the occasion.

    The presidential aspirant described the late Alaafin as an institution in Nigeria, saying that he was a father who accommodated people regardless of their political and religious affiliations.

    “The late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, is an institution, not only in Yorubaland, but in Nigeria.

    “The traditional ruler will be immotalised with a monument called Training and Skills Development Center for the Youth,” he said.

    The APC leader said that the late Alaafin didn’t take side on any issue, but concerned about the peace and stability of Nigeria, particularly the history of Yoruba race.

    Tinubu recalled a lengthy discussion he had with the traditional ruler before his demise where he encouraged the Yoruba race to always be involved in politics of development and progress of Nigeria.

    The presidential aspirant said the late Alaafin hated no one and accommodated everyone, saying that he was kind and very generous.

    According to him, Oba Adeyemi want the best for the Yorubas by ensuring that Yorubas were constitutionally recognised in Nigeria.

    “We have a lengthy discussion before his demise, Baba said Yoruba race must not be behind and we should continue to be in politics of development, merit, honesty and progress for our country.

    “He hated no one and associated with everybody. He is kind and generous. We shall miss him alot and his memory shall be forever.”

    NAN

  • Nollywood actors, Yoruba youths, UNIMAID pay tribute to late Alaafin of Oyo

    Nollywood actors, Yoruba youths, UNIMAID pay tribute to late Alaafin of Oyo

    Some Nollywood actors on Saturday mourned the passage of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo.

    The late Alaafin died on Friday night at the Afe Babalola Teaching Hospital Ado-Ekiti.

    The actors took to their Instagram pages to pay tribute to the late oba with the display of his pictures.

    Ademola Adetunji wrote, “ATANDA became a king at 31 and ruled for 52 years, died at 83…LAMIDI was a true example of not too young to rule. RIP Atanda Olayiwola Lamidi Adeyemi….IKU BABA YEYE. Sunre ooo.”

    Also, Adebayo Salami popularly known as “Oga Bello”, said, “I commiserate with the royal family, Oyo State Government and the good people of Oyo kingdom on the transition of His Imperial Majesty Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo.

    “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him aljannah Firdaos.”

    Another actor, Saheed Balogun, wrote, “Erin wo! RIP Iku Babayeye Kabiyesi Adeyemi Lamidi.”

    Muyiwa Ademola said, “Erin wo, ajanaku sun bi oke. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi ti waja, Atanda roru aremabo. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

    Kunle Afod wrote, “RIP Kabiyesi Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III Alafin Oyo. You shall forever be remembered.”

    Toyin Afolayan said, “May your soul rest in perfect peace, Baba dada iku Baba yeye, oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, King of Oyo land, Sun re o.”

    Alaafin’s demise sad – Yoruba youths

    The Grand Council of Yoruba Youths has described as sad, the demise of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who joined his ancestors on Friday at age 83.

    The President-General of the group, Mr Bamiji Awa, in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, said the death of the first-class paramount ruler was a rude shock to the youths.

    “It is so sad to lose this top Yoruba Oba at this crucial period when his wisdom and counsels are most needed,” Awa said.

    According to him, the late Alaafin was naturally supposed to be the royal host of the group’s proposed Yoruba Presidential Aspirants’ meeting under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said the meeting was targeted at promoting love and unity before the May 30 Presidential Primaries of the ruling party.

    Oba Adeyemi was the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years. He was crowned on Nov.18, 1970, succeeding Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu I.

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

    He is said to have died at the Aare Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital on Friday and was laid to rest on Saturday within the premises of the palace, in the ancient town of Oyo.

    His death came months after the two other senior Oyo State traditional rulers, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi died.

    UNIMAID mourns Alaafin of Oyo

    Prof. Aliyu Shugaba, Vice-Chancellor, University of Maiduguri has described the demise of its Pro-Chancellor, Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as a painful exit.

    Shugaba said this in a statement released in Maiduguri on Saturday.

    He said Oba Adeyemi has demonstrated unparalleled passion, and commitment to the development of education in Nigeria in general, and the University of Maiduguri where he served as Pro-Chancellor.

    The VC said the late Alaafin would specifically be remembered for his sterling leadership, sustained fatherly guidance, support and understanding of peaceful coexistence and progress of the university.

    “As the university community mourns his painful exit, may I, on behalf of the Council, Senate, top Management Committee, staff, and students of the University, extend our condolences to the Visitor, President, Muhammadu Buhari, Government of Oyo State, members of his immediate family and the entire Oyo Kingdom.

    “We pray to Allah to grant him Jannatul-Firdaus Ameen,” Shugaba said.

  • Atiku mourns Alaafin of Oyo

    Atiku mourns Alaafin of Oyo

    Former Vice President and also a 2023 Presidential aspirant Atiku Abubakar, has described the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as a great loss for Nigeria and Africa at large.

    Abubakar in a statement by his Special Adviser, Paul Ibe, on Saturday in Abuja, said that the late Oba Adeyemi was a worthy ambassador of Yoruba culture and royal elegance.

    The former vice president recalled that his last encounter with Oba Adeyemi was during the coronation of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Balogun in Ibadan.

    “I admired the royal splendour of Oba Adeyemi and the fact that he remained the longest-serving Alaafin means that Oyo and indeed Nigerians will not forget his reign,” he said.

    Abubakar, who said that he was deeply touched by the news of Oba Adeyemi’s demise, commiserates with his immediate family, Gov. Seyi Makinde, the government and the people of Oyo State.

    He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the late king a gentle repose and to give his immediate family and the people of Oyo Kingdom the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Alaafin of Oyo remains ‘ll be buried 4.00 p.m – Palace source

    Alaafin of Oyo remains ‘ll be buried 4.00 p.m – Palace source

    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.

    It was 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 told NAN.

    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.

    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.

    The remains of Alaafin were brought to Oyo on Saturday morning to commence the necessary traditional rites of his passage.

  • Just In: Prominent Yoruba monarch, Onikoyi joins his ancestors

    Just In: Prominent Yoruba monarch, Onikoyi joins his ancestors

    A prominent Yoruba monarch Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile in Oriire Local government area of Oyo State, Oba Abdulyekeen Ayinla Oladipupo IV, has joined his ancestors.

    According to the report, the monarch joined his ancestors on Wednesday evening after a brief illness.

    Until his death, Oba Oladipupo was the chairman of the traditional council in Oriire local government area of Oyo state.

    The monarch ascended the throne in 2006 when he succeeded Oba Bello Adesite.

    Although there is no official announcement yet from the family, a reliable source hinted that Oba Ayinla’s demise would be announced soon.