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Tag: traditional rulers

  • Insecurity: Northern governors, traditional rulers, others meet in Kaduna

    Insecurity: Northern governors, traditional rulers, others meet in Kaduna

    Governors of the nineteen Northern States, Traditional Rulers, and Security Chiefs are meeting in Kaduna today to discuss the alarming rise in security threats and other socioeconomic problems in the region.

    The meeting which is taking place at the Kaduna state government house comes barely two weeks after governors of the Northwest zone held a similar meeting with the service Chiefs and the National Security Adviser to discuss ways to address the issue of banditry and kidnapping bedeviling the zone.

    Among the governors attending today’s meeting are those of Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kano, Katsina, Plateau, as well as the deputy Governors of Bauchi, Kogi, Zamfara, Benue, and Niger states.

    Also in attendance is the Chief of Staff to the president, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, the Inspector General of Police, the Minister of Information and Culture, and the Director-General State Security Services.

    Others are traditional Rulers led by the sultan of Sokoto and representatives of the Northern Elders Forum.

    In their opening remarks, the host Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and the Chairman of the forum, Simon Lalong said the meeting is long overdue and crucial for the progress of the north and the country in general.

    While El-Rufai urges his colleagues to adopt strategies to forestall all forms of security challenges in the north, Governor Lalong regrets the attacks and killings menacing the region, noting that it is the responsibility of governors and other leaders to find lasting solutions to the problem.

    He also describes the recent kidnap of school children in Government Science Secondary School Kagara, Niger State as well as travelling passengers as a wake-up call for leaders and also as a sad reminder of the difficult situation the north is facing.

    On the issue of herder-farmer clashes which has in recent weeks generated serious concerns because of the harsh rhetoric from various parts of the country, Lalong agrees that open grazing is no longer sustainable for obvious reasons, hence, he also says that the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) also keyed into the National Livestock Transformation Programme (NLTP) is a veritable option that will go a long way in ending the clashes through organised ranching.

    The northern governors also appealed to their colleagues in other parts of the country and all citizens particularly opinion leaders to be cautious in their utterances and actions, warning that such unguided utterances could provide the oxygen for the exploitation of the nation’s fault lines to the detriment of the entire country.

    During the meeting, the leaders are expected to take a hard and critical look at the conflicts and come up with implementable ways and means of addressing them squarely

  • Southwest governors, traditional rulers say FG must end open grazing

    Southwest governors, traditional rulers say FG must end open grazing

    South-west governors in Nigeria on Saturday met with its traditional rulers to demand the need for both state governments and the Federal Government to end open grazing.

    The support, according to the governors, could come in the form of government establishing designated grazing areas, setting up feeding mills among others.

    The chairman, Southwest governors forum, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, stated this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting of governors, traditional rulers and security chiefs, held at Oyo state governor’s office, Ibadan, on Saturday.

    In sum, Akeredolu said government at the various levels must devise ways to change the practice of open grazing by cattle breeders.

    Akeredolu said, “We discussed that as we are supporting other areas of farming, like rice farmers and others, the need for government to support cattle breeding is now. And one of the ways we can support cattle breeding is to change the ways and means that cattle breeders are adopting now.

    “So, you can find designated grazing areas where you can graze, you can have feed mills where you can feed, you do not have to trek with your herds from far.

    “But, things that will lead to open grazing in these modern times must be looked at and the state and federal government, in particular, should give support as much as we can to cattle breeders.”Present alongside Akeredolu at the meeting were Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun) and host governor, Seyi Makinde.

    The roll call of obas present included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan; Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao.

    Also in attendance are Deputy Inspector General of Police, David Folawiyo; Oyo Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko; Garrison Commander, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Adesoji Ogunsugba; top chiefs of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Air force.

    Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Gambari; Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu and the Director-General of State Service, Yussuf Bichi, who were expected at the meeting, were absent.

    Their absence was attributed to bad weather which disallowed them from being able to board their flight from Abuja to Ibadan for the meeting.

    Speaking further on discussions at the meeting, Akeredolu pointed to concerns about the continued influx of foreign herdsmen, unchecked, into the country owing to the nation’s porous borders.

    Noting the tendency for foreign herders to be behind invasion of farms and clashes with farmers, the meeting held that there was need to tighten the nation’s borders.Akeredolu added, “We all agreed that our borders have become too porous and that we need to do something urgently to prevent foreign herdsmen from coming into this country without any form of caution because a number of them have come in with their herds and what they do is of concern to us. “We all believe that our borders need to be checked and we need to tighten our borders so that all those foreigners from Niger republic and those beyond bordering states don’t come in with their herds and destroy our farms.”

    On forest management, the Ondo governor said the Southwest governors aligned with the decision of the National Economic Council (NEC) that states should manage and preserve their forests.

    “We all agreed that the time is now that we support the decision of National Economic Council (NEC) about forest management and that they believe that all the states should be in a position to manage their forest and that will give enough room for you to determine who is there, what purpose are they serving, and where you have people illegally.

    “The state should be able to take some steps so that you can preserve our forest,” Akeredolu added.

  • Obiano dethrones three traditional rulers

    Obiano dethrones three traditional rulers

    Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has withdrawn the certificates of appointment of three traditional rulers in the state and also reinstated five others.

    Chief Greg Obi, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs announced this on Friday in Awka.

    Obi in a statement dated Dec. 17 and entitled: “Update on Suspension of Igwes in Anambra’’ said the governor acted according to the powers vested on him by the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law, 2007.

    He gave the names of the traditional rulers who had their certificates withdrawn as, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia Town, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle and Igwe G. B. C. Mbakwe of Abacha.

    The governor announced the lifting of suspension on five traditional rulers including , Igwe Simon Chidibem of Umumbo, Igwe A. N. Onwuneme of Ikenga, Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor, Igwe Chukwuma Orji of Ezinifite and Igwe S.O. Obiora of Ezira.

    Obi said the withdrawal and reinstatement of the certificates were with immediate effect.

    According to the statement, the government is also reviewing the suspension slammed on Igwe Kelly Nkeli of Igbariam, Igwe Dr Emeka Iluno of Ifitedunu and Igwe Peter Uyanwa of Ukwulu.

    Obi said all the affected traditional rulers have one month to submit the certificates of recognition to the Secretary of the Local Government of their communities from the day of the announcement.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the Anambra government on Aug. 11, 2020 suspended 12 traditional rulers for alleged gross misconduct.

    According to Obi who announced the suspension, during the sanction period, the suspended traditional rulers are required to stop holding court as traditional rulers and to desist from discharging traditional rulers’ functions in their communities or anywhere in the state and beyond.

    “This sanction may be lifted at the end of one year or renewed or upgraded in the intervening period depending on government’s review of your conduct.

    “By this sanction, membership of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council is hereby revoked, also, any appointment in other government committee is hereby rescinded,” he said.

  • Delta suspends two traditional rulers, imposes curfew on warring communities

    Delta suspends two traditional rulers, imposes curfew on warring communities

    The Isoko South Security Council in Delta State have suspended two traditional rulers following the killings and destruction of properties in the renewed clash between the people of Emede and Igbide clans in Isoko South Council Area of the state.

    A 24-hour curfew has also been imposed in the warring communities.

    This was decision reached by the Isoko South Security Council after a meeting held at the council’s secretariat on Friday.

    In a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Council Chairman, Okah Akpotha Fidelis, it was disclosed that the salaries of the monarchs are withheld forthwith, while plans are in motion to recommend that the Delta State Government retrieve their staff of offices.

    The statement further revealed that the President General of Igbide community has been declared wanted for failing to appear to ‘brief’ government on the sad occurrence.

    Parts of the statement read, “the Isoko South Local Government Security Council arising from an emergency security meeting on the recent killings, arson and criminality in Igbide and Emede communities reached the following resolutions

    “Declare killing, wanton destruction and arson acts of extreme criminality.

    “Declares 24 hours indefinite curfew in Igbide and Emede communities beginning from 6pm today 11th December, 2020. Offenders to be severely punished.

    “Suspends without salary, Ovies of Igbide and Emede; to officially communicate recommendation of retrieval of monarchs Staff of Offices to the Delta State Government

    “Government ceases to recognise President Generals of Igbide and Emede communities. To communicate decision to companies and institutions operating in both communities.

    “President General of Igbide declared wanted”.

    Asked why the decision to suspend the monarchs and the non-recognition of the president generals, the CPS explained to The Nation that their inability to exercise leadership authority brought about the crisis.

  • JUST IN: Buhari meets with traditional rulers in Abuja [Photo]

    JUST IN: Buhari meets with traditional rulers in Abuja [Photo]

    President Muhammadu Buhari is currently hosting some leading traditional rulers across the country in the State House.

    The traditional rulers are led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

    Though the agenda of the meeting was not known as at press time, the deliberations may not be far from the recent happenings in the country particularly the #EndSARS protests and arson attacks that followed.

    Among the traditional rulers at the meeting are the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Emir of Kano, Emir of Fika, Tor Tiv, Chairman Imo State, Council of Traditional Ruler, and other notable kings and title holders.

  • Herdsmen massacre 10 traditional rulers in Plateau

    Herdsmen massacre 10 traditional rulers in Plateau

    Suspected herdsmen have killed 10 traditional rulers in Plateau State, the Senate have said during plenary.

    In view of this, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, urged the Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Adamu, to as a matter of urgency, deploy security for the protection of traditional rulers in Plateau State.

    The Senate President made the call on Tuesday during plenary sequel to a point of order raised by Istifanus Gyang (PDP – Plateau North).

    Coming under order 43, the lawmaker lamented the killing of over ten traditional rulers across the state by suspected killer herdsmen.

    He said, “the latest is the killing of Gwom Rwei of Foron, His Royal Highness, Da Bulus Chuwang Jang, who was assassinated at his palace last week, and the burial is due for this Friday.

    “Mr. President, this trend is quite disturbing, because not less than ten other traditional rulers have unfortunately suffered death through the same circumstances.

    “This development calls for the need for security to be tightened around our traditional rulers, to ensure that the increasing threat to their safety is averted.

    “It is also unfortunate that just last week, five of our youths who were resting and having an evening out were brutally assassinated in Vom district, Jos South Local Government Area. All of these developments are providing increasing insecurity in my constituency.

    “Plateau State and my constituency which had experienced the return of peace is suddenly again being visited with these very ugly attacks. And of course, it is common knowledge that the attackers are suspected to be killer herdsmen.

    “This is very disturbing in a nation where we need to be our brother’s keeper,” Gyang said.

    In his remark, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, who condoled with the Government and people of Plateau State, called on security agencies in the country to provide security for traditional rulers as well as the people of Plateau State.

    “Let me on behalf of the Senate send our condolences to the Government and people of Plateau State, particularly Plateau North Senatorial district, where all of these incidents took place.

    “We pray that the security agencies should provide sufficient security around traditional rulers, as well as for everybody.

    “The situation requires that we continue to work together with the Executive arm of Government until we find enduring solutions to the security challenges which the country faces,” Lawan said.

  • Gov Obiano suspends 12 traditional rulers for one year

    Gov Obiano suspends 12 traditional rulers for one year

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state has suspended 12 traditional rulers in the state for one year each.

    The suspension came few weeks after Obiano suspended Igwe Peter Uyanwa, ruler of Ukwulu community of Dunukofia Council Area of the state.

    Uyanwa, is also Chairman of Anambra Central Traditional Rulers Council.

    According to a statement by Greg Obi, the commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, the monarchs were suspended for travelling out of the state, without “consultation or approval”from the government.

    Obi claimed the rulers were suspended by a meeting of Traditional Rulers Council of Anambra held on 11 August.

    According to the letter, the rulers affected by the suspension are: Igwe Alex Edozieuno, Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo, Igwe Chilwuma Bob Vincent Orji, Igwe Engr. G.B.C. Mbakwe, Igwe Udoji and Igwe S.O. Uche.

    Others are Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, Igwe Nkeli Nelly, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere, Igwe A.N. Onwuneme, Igwe Simon Ikechukwu Chidubem and Igwe Emeka Iluono.

    Read the suspension statement:

  • Plateau attack: Lalong orders arrest of community leaders

    …as death toll rises to 33

    Angered by renewed killings in Mangu and Bokkos local government areas of the state, state governor Simon Lalong has ordered the arrest of community leaders in the two local governments.

    Lalong also expressed dissatisfaction with the security agencies over their inability to arrest any attackers so far.

    Not fewer than four different attacks have been carried out since the beginning of the year resulting in at least 30 deaths.

    In the latest attacks which took place on Monday night, seven people were killed and over 10 houses razed. The attack came in less than 24 hours after the last Sunday attack in which 15 people were killed in cold blood.

    This brings the total of deaths in the Plateau renewed attacks to 33 as the attacks are concentrated in Mangu and Bokkos LGAs.

    The sustained attacks have compelled Gov Lalong to summon an emergency security meeting in government house Jos on Tuesday.

    A statement issued by the director of press Simon Makut after the security meeting held behind closed door noted that Gov Lalong expressed disappointment with all stakeholders including security agencies.

    The statement reads; “Incensed by the murder of villagers and destruction of properties in Kwatas Village of Bokkos Local Government Council, Plateau State Gov Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has met with stakeholders which include heads of security agencies, Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders and Ardos representing the Fulani community at the government house where he insisted that the perpetrators must be fished out immediately.

    “The Governor who addressed the stakeholders at the Government House, Little Rayfield-Jos expressed anger over the incident which he said will not be allowed to degenerate further and make nonsense of the efforts put in to restore peace to the state, insisting that nobody is above Government.

    The statement quoted Lalong “how can they say that people are killed and there is no arrest. Are those killing others spirits? I don’t think you can kill 15 human beings and claim you are spirit and there is not arrest.

    “Commissioner of Police, you should take the community leaders and the Ardos with you so that they can tell you those behind these killings. By the time you go to cell, you will bring out those people that are doing it. If you want to give evidence, give it to the commissioner of police. We are not afraid of criminals.”

    “Some community leaders and Ardos have done their best but within us, there are criminals. We must expose them no matter how high. If you are one of them, you better take yourself to the police station. The Army is here, Police, Civil Defence, DSS, Operation Rainbow. I want those people today.

    “They should not sleep in their houses. By the time they are arrested, we will solve this problem”. The Governor said.

    Commissioner of Police in Plateau State Isaac Akimoyede earlier briefed the Governor on the crises and the efforts to contain it explaining that he had held a meeting with the community leaders last Saturday based on intelligence where he warned against any breach of the peace.

    “Since I have been in the state since February, no event of this magnitude has happened. We have been investigating the incident in Mangun and then this. We cannot continue in this situation in the State. The security
    agencies have resolved that those people killing must be arrested no matter how highly placed. Peace must return to this state as we cannot continue in this situation. If anyone has grievances, he should come up and say it so that we can find solution, not to take the laws into his hand and kill. We will not allow it” the CP said.

    He assured the Governor that the security personnel have been deployed in the troubled areas to forestall any spread of the crises beyond the initial areas.

  • Ekiti promotes 16 traditional rulers, grants five communities autonomy

    Ekiti State Government, on Thursday, announced the elevation of 16 traditional rulers.

    The announcement was made by the state Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Chief Muyiwa Olumilua, in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti.

    He said the elevation was sequel to the approval of the White Paper on the Justice Jide Aladejana Chieftaincy Review Commission by the state government.

    Olumilua said that the White Paper was considered and approved at the state Executive Council meeting held on Dec. 19.

    “The council approved the upgrade of 11 traditional rulers to Grade A and five others to Grade B.

    “It also approved the autonomous status granted to five communities, the commissioner said.

    He listed the newly upgraded Grade A chieftaincies to include the Elewu of Ewu Ekiti, Eleda of Eda Oniyo-Ekiti, Onisin of Isinbode-Ekiti, Apalufin of Aisegba-Ekiti, Olosan of Osan-Ekiti and Onigogo of Igogo-Ekiti.

    Others were the Olupoti of Ipoti-Ekiti, Oluloro of Iloro-Ekiti, Alasa of Ilasa-Ekiti, Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti and Olusin of Usin-Ekiti.

    The newly-upgraded Grade B chieftaincies, according to Olumilua are the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Obanikosun of Ikosun-Ekiti, Alafon of Ilafon-Ekiti, Onikogosi of Ikogosi-Ekiti and Olupole of Ipole-Ekiti

    The commissioner also gave the five communities granted autonomous status as Ijowa (Alajowa of Ijowa-Ekiti), Isaya (Asaya of Isaya-Ekiti), Ahan Ayegunle (Alahan of Ahan Ayegunle-Ekiti), Owatedo (Oloja Owa of Owatedo-Ekiti) and Iro Ayeteju (Owa Ateju of Iro Ayeteju-Ekiti).

    He said that the traditional rulers of the communities granted autonomous status would now bear Grade C title rank.

    The commissioner said that the exercise was ongoing and that further announcements would be made in due course.

  • Ogun sets up committee to review appointment of 75 Obas by Amosun

    Ogun sets up committee to review appointment of 75 Obas by Amosun

    The Ogun State government, on Friday, set up a committee to review the appointment, installation and promotion of traditional rulers in the state, carried out by the out-gone governor, Ibikunle Amosun, in the twilight of his administration.

    A total of 75 people were appointed and installed as coronet Obas by Amosun across the state and this has continued to elicit condemnation, even from the state’s House of Assembly, which passed a resolution suspending the installed monarchs on the grounds that their appointment didn’t follow due process.

    Foremost businessman, kingmaker and politician, High Chief Alani Bankole, for instance, condemned Amosun’s installation of the 75 Obas in one swoop, describing the action as “pure madness.”

    He said, that, a governor is not elected to disrupt the social and cultural system of a people, lamenting that even in a community where the residents were less than 200, Amosun, allegedly, appointed an Oba there, wondering the rationale behind such decision

    Bankole, who is the father of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, noted that as a kingmaker, he has a duty to promote, protect and defend the sanctity and sacredness of the culture and traditions of Egba people, added that the incident was an abnormality.

    However, in a statement by the newly appointed Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, and made available to journalists, the state government stated that the Review Committee comprises.

    His Royal Majesty Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland (chairman); His Royal Highness, Oba Yinusa Adekoya, the Dagburewe of Idowa; His Royal Highness, Oba Adewale Osiberu, the Elepe of Epe, Sagamu; High Chief Yinka Kufile, the Aro of Egbaland; Babajide Oyeti, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Lanre Osota, the current Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who will serve as the secretary to the committee.

    The Committee’s Terms of Reference are to identify all the Obas and Chiefs whose appointments or promotions fall within the review period as contained in the recent resolution of the Ogun State House of Assembly and determine on a case-by-case basis, whether such appointment or promotion is in accordance with due process and extant laws of Ogun State.

    Others are to identify and address any other issue that the committee may consider relevant to its assignments and make appropriate recommendations as deemed necessary to the government.