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Tag: traditional rulers

  • Killers of Ekiti traditional rulers ‘ll be apprehended, Oyebanji vows

    Killers of Ekiti traditional rulers ‘ll be apprehended, Oyebanji vows

    Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, on Tuesday, pledged that the killers of two traditional rulers in the state would soon be apprehended made to face justice.

    Oyebanji stated this when he visited the families of the late Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Olusola and the late Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, to commiserate with them.

    The two royal fathers were, on Monday, ambushed and killed by gunmen on their way from a meeting in Irele-Ekiti.

    The traditional rulers were killed in a vehicle driven by another royal father, the Alara of Ara Ikole-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, who, however, managed to escape from the scene.

    The governor, accompanied by some top government functionaries, politicians, and heads of security agencies in the state, said that the perpetrators of the heinous act would not go unpunished.

    Oyebanji, who described the killing of the two notable traditional rulers in the state as very unfortunate, commiserated with the bereaved families, the people of the two towns as well as the traditional institution in the state.

    He, however, commended the people of the affected towns over what he described as their peaceful disposition to the gruesome killing of the traditional rulers.
    Describing security as the joint responsibilities of both the government and the citizens, the governor urged the people of the state to continue to assist security operatives by giving timely information.

    He promised to assist the bereaved families and particularly, Imojo community to completion the palace which is still under construction.

    Speaking earlier, the Elejira of Imojo, Chief Ayodele Dada, described the death of the traditional ruler as a painful one.

    Dada, who is the second-in-command to the Onimojo, said that the late oba, since his ascension to the throne, had initiated several development projects in the town.

    He expressed regret over what he called frequent kidnappings in the area in the last few months.

    Dada called on government to double its efforts in the area of provision of security for lives and property of the people of the state.

    Some indigenes of the two towns, who spoke on death of the two traditional rulers, described their killing as unfortunate and a great loss to the two communities.

    NAN

  • Yahaya Bello appoints Anaje as Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, deposes 3 traditional rulers

    Yahaya Bello appoints Anaje as Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, deposes 3 traditional rulers

    Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Monday appointed Alhaji Ahmed Tijani-Anaje, who is the Ohi of Okenwe, as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland even as he deposed three traditional rulers of the state.

    He also appointed Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo-Kabir as the Maigari of Lokoja.

    The governor made the pronouncements in an address on Monday in Government House, Lokoja.

    Tijani-Anaje replaces late Ohinoyi Dr Ado Ibrahim, who died on Oct. 29, 2023 at 94 due to protracted illness.

    Gambo-Kabir replaces late Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Maikarfi III, who died on Sept. 28, 2022 at age of 80.

    The governor also appointed Alhaji Dauda Isah as the Maiyaki of Kupa in Lokoja, Lokoja Local Government Area.

    He said that government had to come up with the appointments after due intervention to resolve the lingering controversies that have characterised the selection process for the three vacant stools in the state.

    Bello also announced the removal of three traditional rulers and suspension of others.

    “Having followed through our Traditional and Chieftaincy Laws, Rules and Regulations and all the due processes, we have come to the following resolutions:

    “His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah-Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, who is also the Chairman, Lokoja/ Kogi Local Government Area

    Traditional Council, is hereby removed and to be deposed to, Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State.

    “His Royal Highness, Sam Bola Ojoa, the Olu Magongo of Magongo is removed and to be deposed to Salka, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

    “His Royal Highness, Samuel Adayi Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, is removed and to be deposed to Doko, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.

    “Similarly, on decision of the title “Obobanyi of Ihima” which reads on the promotion letter, upgrading the stool to first class status, was done without cognisance to the fact that the title; “Obobanyi of Ihima” is a subject of litigation and the court of law is yet to arrive at the possible final decision.

    “As such, the government has, however, received several petitions, calling attention to the need to revert and maintain status quo, until the court of law decides.

    “To this end, the stool is hereby reverted to “Obobanyi of Emani” as the present occupant remains deposed.

    “Also, His Royal Highness, Boniface Musa, the Onu-Ife in Omala Local Government is to be suspended indefinitely,’’ the governor said.

    He appointed Malam Saidu Akawo Salihu as the Ohimege-igu Koton-Karfe and to be turbaned immediately to avoid a vacuum.

    He added that the appointment followed the selection decision of the Odaki Ruling House dated April 27, 2012 and endorsed by the Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, dated May 14, 2012.

    “Finally, going by the high court judgment of 1998 which gave full recognition to Ododo as bonafide child of Ita’Azi, the father of Ebira land and Uhuodo as a distinct district in Ebira land with equal rights as others.

    “Therefore, the stool of Ohi of Uhuodo is hereby created and processes for the occupation of the stool to commence with immediate effect,’’ he said.

    The unveiling of HRH Dr Ahmad Tijani-Anaje, as the new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, settled the dust raised by 70 contestants, who jostled for the stool shortly after the demise of Dr Ado Ibrahim.

    Tijani-Anaje was among the lucky seven left standing after a screening committee finished its assignment and submitted the list to the governor.

    Among them is former Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Philip Salawu; former Clerk of the National Assembly, Barrister Ataba Sani Omolori; and Gen. Yusuf Abubakar Amuda.

    Others are Mr Momoh Shaibu, Prof. Ibrahim Onuwe Abdulmalik and Mr Ahmed Momoh Jimoh.

    NAN

  • Ogun gov, Abiodun warns traditional rulers against selling govt. land

    Ogun gov, Abiodun warns traditional rulers against selling govt. land

    O gun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has cautioned some traditional rulers in the state against the sale of lands belonging to the State Government.

    The caution is contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Lekan Adeniran, and made available to newsmen on Monday.

    The statement further indicated that the warning was issued at a meeting the governor had with the state Council of Traditional Rulers.

    He warned that his administration would take disciplinary action against any person found selling land in its forest reserves and plantation across the state.

    He described as unpatriotic, the actions of the perpetrators, including some Obas.

    According to the statement, the governor said: “We will continue to seek your support in the area of lands.

    “Sadly, cases have been reported to us here in Abeokuta about some of our traditional rulers who have taken upon themselves to allocate government land, government forest reserve, and plantations to others.

    “They have been allocating and selling government lands. I have found this very difficult to believe.

    “Our traditional rulers are colluding with people from outside Ogun and giving our land to them in our plantations and they are coming there, deforesting them.

    “They are destroying the plantation.

    “They are planting cannabis sativa there.

    “I was completely heartbroken when I heard this news and when we actually checked, we found it was true.”

    The governor further said that as a responsible government, “we will not have any choice but to take disciplinary action against any person found culpable of such an act, be it traditional rulers”.

    He told the royal fathers that his administration was making effort to bring more investors to invest in the state.

    He expressed gratitude to the Obas for their support during and after the governorship election.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, was reported to have acknowledged the cordial relationship between the State Government and traditional institution.

    Hamzat pointed out that the partnership had brought about peace at the grassroots.

    He, therefore, urged the traditional rulers to continue to support government’s efforts in bringing development to every part of the state.

    The Chairman of the council and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, lauded the government for its developmental strides in all parts of the state.

    Ajayi appreciated the governor for his magnanimity to the traditional institution.

  • Senate considers constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    Senate considers constitutional roles for traditional rulers

    The Senate says it will consider assigning Constitutional roles to traditional rulers in the next Constitution amendment to give them a sense of belonging.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio said this when he received in audience, royal fathers from all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja on Monday.

    Akpabio said that the royal fathers had key roles to play in governance especially in the area of ensuring security of lives and property.

    “Your request for constitutional role in governance is not strange to us and in particular to me based on my background.

    “My late grandfather was a traditional ruler and in fact, one of the warrant officers used by the colonial masters for effective implementation of indirect rule.

    “During the period, traditional rulers effectively tackled issues of safety and security in their various domains.

    “It is my belief and the entire Senate leadership here that if traditional rulers are constitutionally engaged in governance at the grassroots, the myriad of security challenges facing the country would be a thing of the past,” he said.

    Earlier speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu of Nupe, said the traditional rulers had been playing crucial roles toward maintaining the unity of the country.

    Abubakar said however, that the 1999 Constitution failed to assign specific roles to the traditional rulers, in spite of the crucial roles they played in stabilising the society.

    He said that although the traditional rulers made several efforts to rectify the problem, the situation had remained the same.

    “The most recent of such efforts was the one made during the 9th National Assembly which didn’t scale through as a result of failure to get the required votes in the Senate in spite of its success in the House of Representatives,” he said.

  • NASS to revisit bill on constitutional roles for traditional rulers – Speaker

    NASS to revisit bill on constitutional roles for traditional rulers – Speaker

    The Speaker House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen, on Saturday in Zaria said the 10th assembly would revisit the bill seeking constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

    The speaker disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Bamalli.

    He said the visit was a homecoming to seek royal blessings, guidance, and prayers from the royal father.

    Tajuddeen, who was accompanied by some members and leadership of the house, told the emir that the visit was to also appreciate the support and prayers received from his constituency and Nigerians.

    “We are here to also seek for advises from you the traditional rulers.

    “I want to also intimate you that we will revisit the recommendations of the bill submitted by the traditional rulers seeking for a constitutional role and ensure that the bill is passed.

    In his response, the emir noted that the traditional rulers had played several developmental roles at the pre-independent and post independent Nigeria, as such their roles could not be over emphasised.

    He also noted with dismay that some politicians were initially against the bill seeking constitutional roles for the rulers on the premise that such roles would amount to creating another tier of government.

    The emir said it was not true that assigning constitutional roles to the traditional rulers amounted to creating another tier of government.

    The royal father said an extensive deliberation on the issue was held in Kaduna under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto.

    He added that a committee headed by Emir of Lafia, Nasarawa State, who was a former Justice of Supreme Court, drafted the bill which was eventually not passed by the NASS.

    “We are therefore appealing to the 10th assembly to revisit the bill and ensure its speedy passage to enhance security, growth and national development.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that after the courtesy visit, the speaker held an interactive session with people of Zaria Federal Constituency.

  • Oborevwori to traditional rulers: Ensure peace in your domains

    Oborevwori to traditional rulers: Ensure peace in your domains

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged traditional rulers to give priority attention to matters of security in their domains.

    Oborevwori, made the call on Friday during the presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Simpson Sapele Obruche, Obruche 11, the Odion R’ode of Uwheru Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

    The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, assured that his administration will continue to hold traditional rulers in high esteem.

    He urged them to work closely with the law enforcement agencies and local government councils to ensure that peace prevail in their domains.

    According to him; “the traditional institution remains a priceless legacy in any African society for which there is yet no credible substitute, as a rallying point for the people.”

    The governor stated that traditional rulers should improve on the high sanctity of their office by leading their people to greater prosperity.

    He urged them to be transparent while upholding the virtues of justice, fair play and equity in all their dealings with the people.

    “In everything you do and in every decision that you take, I appeal to you to place the interest of the majority of your people and the fear of God above all other considerations,” Oborevwori stated.

    The governor used the occasion to charge youths to be involved in productive activities, noting that his administration will always accord education prime place of importance.

    In an address delivered on behalf of Uwheru Traditional Council, the Chairman Central Planning Committee for the event, Hon. Esemeteye Benjamin, thanked Oborevwori for presenting the Staff of Office to their traditional ruler.

    The Chairman, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Hon. Adode Godwin, at the occasion, urged the youths to ensure that peace is maintained in the kingdom while they channel their energy to positive activities.

    He expressed worry over the constant attack of herdsmen on the kingdom, saying that the situation has become unbearable and called for prompt intervention of government to curb the situation.

  • President Tinubu set to meet traditional rulers in Ogun state on Thursday

    President Tinubu set to meet traditional rulers in Ogun state on Thursday

    In continuation of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, , President Bola Tinubu will be visiting Ogun state today Thursday July 29th.

    Tinubu is expected to be in Abeokuta Ogun state capital to meet the Alake of Egba, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and the Awujale of Ijebu, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

    An aide to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Babatunde Olaotan, confirmed the president’s visit in a notice he forwarded to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.

    While inviting them to welcome Tinubu to the Gateway State, Olaotan said, “You’re cordially invited by Governor Dapo Abiodun – CON to welcome His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – GCFR who will be paying us a visit tomorrow, 29th of June, 2023 in Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode.”

    According to him, APC supporters in Abeokuta and environs are to converge on the Ake Palace by 8am, while those in Ijebu-Ode should gather at the Awujale’s palace by 12pm.

    The President is probably on a thank-you visit to the paramount rulers for a successful election.

  • Confusion as gunmen attack villages, abduct traditional rulers in Bauchi State

    Confusion as gunmen attack villages, abduct traditional rulers in Bauchi State

    Confusion in Bauchi State as Gunmen  abducted two traditional rulers and a villager in an attack launched on Balma Village, Ningi LGA.

    It was learnt that the gunmen invaded Balma town at about 2300hrs on Saturday 10th June 2023, and they went directly to the Sarki’s house and shot sporadically into the air to scare the villagers away, and abducted Sarki.

    The kidnappers also shot one Alh. Haruna Dan OC in the neck, where he  was rushed to the Ningi General Hospital and was confirmed dead.

    Similarly, the gunmen on the same Saturday night attacked Bakutunbe village and kidnapped the neighborhood leader, Idris Mai Unguwa, and another 45-year-old man named Ya’u Gandu Maliya.

    The kidnappers have contacted the victims’ families and demanded the sum of N8 million each as ransom.

    The police in Ningi Division are combing the bush in order to rescue the abducted victims.

  • Kaduna Governor, El-Rufai sacks two traditional rulers few days to handover

    Kaduna Governor, El-Rufai sacks two traditional rulers few days to handover

    Just six days to the expiration of his tenure, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state has approved the deposition of the traditional rulers of Piriga and Arak Chiefdoms, His Highness Jonathan Paragua Zamuna; and His Highness General Aliyu Iliyah Yammah, respectively.

    Commissioner of Local Government in Kaduna state, Umma Ahmad said that the two monarchs cease to hold their respective offices from Monday, 22nd May 2023.

    The commissioner stated that the depositions followed recommendations from the Ministry of Local Government in line with the provisions of Section 11 of the Traditional Institutions Law No. 21 of 2021.

    “The District Head of Garun Kurama, Mr. Babangida Sule, will oversee the affairs of Piriga Chiefdom, pending the appointment of a new chief, while the Council Secretary has been directed to initiate the process for the appointment of a new Chief.

    ‘’Mr. Gomna Ahmadu, the Council Secretary of Arak Chiefdom, will oversee the affairs of the chiefdom and also initiate the process for the appointment of a new Chief,” the statement partly read.

    According to the statement, ‘the government found unacceptable the response of the traditional ruler of Arak Chiefdom, to the query regarding his appointment of four district heads, contrary to the one approved for his chiefdom, and his non-residence within Arak chiefdom.’

    ‘’The deposition of Jonathan Zamuna follows the recent communal clashes between the Gure and Kitimi communities of Piriga chiefdom in Lere LGA, and his non-residence within the chiefdom,’’ the statement added.

    The statement also announced the immediate disengagement of the village heads of Aban, Abujan Mada and Anjil in Arak Chiefdom.

  • We are engaging traditional rulers to curb transborder crimes – NIS

    We are engaging traditional rulers to curb transborder crimes – NIS

    The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) says the agency is engaging traditional rulers in various states to curb transborder crimes across the country.

    The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Comptroller of Immigration, Mr Tony Akuneme, disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    Akuneme said that Nigeria had extensive borders, adding that It was neccessary to deploy manpower and technology.

    He said that the service had deployed MIDAS technology, saying it was used in monitoring what was going on in the borders.

    He added that at least MIDAS was powered by foreign countries helping NIS to ensure that the borders were tight and in control.

    According to him, NIS has taken a step further to visit traditional rulers in the border communities so as not to engage in transborder crimes .

    “We have visited a couple of the Obas (Alake of Egba in Ogun, Shehu of Borno among others) and the idea is to engage the border communities to make them know they have a stake in securing these borders.

    ” So for me it’s an extra mile, apart from the regular policing of the borders by officers, we have also gone into Public Relations and then enlightenment.

    “This is so, just to make sure that people don’t think it’s not their business but that everybody is involved in the issue of securing our borders,” he said.