Opinion

On Olori Omoba Ijebu Title; Let KWAM 1 Breath!!!I

Published

3 months ago

July 5, 2023

On Olori Omoba Ijebu Title; Let KWAM 1 Breath!!!

I read with so much amazement and dismay on the outrage on social media on Friday the 30th of June when King Wasiu AYINDE Marshall was bestowed with the Olori Omoba Ijebu title previously held by the late finance guru; Otunba Subomi Balogun by the Awujale of Ijebu Kingdom; Oba Sikiru Adetona.

While some congratulated him in excitement; some showed their displeasure while some casted aspersions on his persona on his eligibility and credibility. I read somewhere when someone compared the achievement of the erstwhile holder Otunba Subomi Balogun and that of the Fuji maestro King AYINDE Marshall and I can’t but shake my head in regret because I did a survey on those who vehemently opposed the idea and found out they are mostly Gen Z born between 1994-2005 and I wonder how much damage the removal of history from their curriculum has done to them. I thank God it was recently reintroduced by the previous administration because they know that history is an integral part of one’s life. And in an attempt of looking at the future, we make recourse to history. All humans are products of their own history.

The issue they raised was that Otunba Subomi, an elite billionaire, finance guru, and founder of the First City Monument Bank FCMB with degrees across top institutions in and outside Nigeria who holds the title should not have been replaced by King Wasiu AYINDE Marshall, a music performer, recording artiste and businessman. Some argued that the quality dropped and the person who should have inherited such a title should be shoulder to shoulder or even above the FCMB founder. Some argued that; people in K1’s circle hurriedly canvassed and influenced the Awujale to announce K1 not waiting for Otunba Subomi’s burial while some stated that the appointment is politically motivated because one of K1’s benefactor President Tinubu GCFR visited The Awujale a day before and that would have influenced the appointment of K1 as a replacement. On reading these, I laughed out loud at these baseless allegations knowing fully well that; these people are trying to undermine the achievements of this enigma called K1. Maybe because they don’t read or they don’t pay attention to things happening around them which might have influenced their thought that K1 is not worthy of such a highly coveted title and also to succeed the Late Balogun because of his status and charisma as a Multi-Billionaire.

In clear terms, the appointment of K1 is indeed not out of place because to qualify for ascending that title, you must first have true Ijebu Royal Blood running through your veins. For K1, both from his paternal and maternal sides, he is a Prince. His father is a Prince from the Fidipote ruling house in Ijebu-Ode while his mother is a princess from Ilupeju-Ekiti where he is also a prince. On both sides, he is royalty.

K1 all his life has been a good ambassador of Ijebu and in all his songs, he must appraise Ijebu, his ruling house and royal lineage. He wears his Princely-hood like a badge of honour on his chest and carries it high on his sleeves with pride. If you hear him sing, you would know he is royal and regal. More reason he left his home in Lagos to build a palatial country home worth billions of NAIRA in Ijebu-Ode called ‘Ule Omo Ojushagbola’. Not only that, he is a philanthropist of high note. Anyone who cries to his abode will surely smile while leaving. He also recently opened his ‘Maiyegun Royal Resort and Ranch’; an entertainment and lifestyle business worth millions of NAIRA to ensure those who visit Ijebu have something to enjoy. From the cosy ambience, its sartorial elegance and serene environment, its home away from home. He also recruited many Ijebu sons and daughters who work there and he pays their salaries which is part of empowering those around him.

On the issue of his education and social strata, I don’t know how wealth is measured but following the modes of popular Forbes Magazine; your income, liquid Cash, Asset and liabilities are used to determine your net worth. As regards education; you don’t need more than a school certificate to contest elections in Nigeria so getting a university degree is a personal choice and not a MUST. However, education is never a yardstick to attain a traditional title of any magnitude in Yoruba land. What is required is capacity, native intelligence, brilliancy, drive, right attitude, dignity and a host of other virtues must be upheld. So for him to have that title, be sure he has ticked all the boxes of the aforementioned. He is Blue blood, he has the capacity, he has the experience and age, he has the personality, he has the command and he is also respected. As for his net worth, officially and unofficially, I know K1 is in a billionaire status. He gross income weekly with his music and show performance, his business investment in real estate and general contract with his company and his royalties from music sales and all worth Billions of NAIRA so money is not the problem. But of course, to have that title it’s not a must you assume the billionaire status in Yoruba land Money does not come first.

While I was still a student in the University, Prof. Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi was conferred with a Professorship title and while it was being debated at the senate meeting, one of my lecturers told me that he raised a valid point that to become a full professor in academics, you need to have some amount of your papers published both in local and international journals. For Prof. Ebenezer Obey; who has over 50 Albums studio albums and has performed in several countries promoting the Juju genre of music for year’s also selling platinum and gold with his albums are worth such title as a professor because if he was in the academics, he would have attained the level of a full-fledged professor emeritus. That singular point sealed and won the conversation and everyone on the panel agreed instead of giving him a doctorate of music he was given the status of Professorship because of the reason stated by my lecturer. As for K1, who has globalized the Fuji Music genre with albums to his credits, taken his music performance outside the shores of Nigeria with tours celebrating his 50th years on stage as a musician, he also deserves the status of a professor of Music. He is an authority who can speak or address any local and international audience on the rudiments of African music most especially Fuji Music and can pass for a visiting lecturer in music and arts. He took the genre; redefined and shot it into global prominence waxing several albums that have been certified gold. So saying K1 is not well-read is relative; but in his craft, I am sure nobody can beat him at it. Yes, I said NOBODY. He is sure good at it and his old wine still tastes better. So that settles the issues of education. As long as he can express himself in his local dialect and can read and write in English, that’s enough for anyone to thrive. That should never be a yardstick. Moreover, he has trained children who are graduates in different fields.

Let’s not forget, he holds the title as Maiyegun of Yoruba Land from First Class Thorne of the Alaafin of Oyo. Also, the title as Oluomo of Lagos from the Oba of Lagos. This shows he is a man who has carved a niche for himself so the honour didn’t just come today, he has worked vehemently for it and those who seem to have issues about it should have a rethink of mind and purge themself of such mentality that he is not a round peg in the round hole. Initially, I was not a fan of him but was drawn closer to him for the first time by Egbon Kunle Rasheed publisher of CityRovers Magazine which changed my perception of of him. Although, we are not close till date and he does not know me personally, I am very sure he is the perfect fit. For what an 89 years Old Awujale sees while sitting; if we all climb the highest iroko tree, we can’t see. The Awujale is Wise in his decision and the decision of the King is final Nobody upturns it or says otherwise. Like the Yoruba adage “Oro hunu Hunu Inu Elede Loun Gbe” which means “The Pig is known for grumbling inside and will never speak up”.

For you all doubting his capacity, you can simply make your findings and stop undermining his achievements and capacity. He is more than capable. Congratulations to the Olori Omoba of Ijebu. Oye Amori oo.

Oladapo Sofowora writes from Lagos.

Opinion

Nigeria is Bleeding – National Association of Seadogs

Published

1 day ago

October 3, 2023

Yinka Rahman

National Association of Seadogs – Nigeria is Bleeding: Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Independence Day, 1st Oct 2023

Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,

The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, NAS/PC, wishes to, on the occasion of your first Independence Day Anniversary as President, interrogate early steps of your administration in the face of the electioneering promises you made to Nigerians and suggest improvements to make life better for Nigerians.

We have taken note of the policies, programmes and pronouncements of your administration since assumption of office as President. We are aware of the inherited economic challenges from your predecessor, as well as the steps taken by your government to revive the comatose economy you met from the previous government of your party, to inspire hope by making economic and political adjustments to revive the ailing economy.

However, in spite of your best efforts so far to convince Nigerians that your administration means well for this country, the truth remains Nigeria on your watch is bleeding profusely. As an international human rights and social advocacy organization, we must bring to your attention some observations pertinent to the survival of this country, on this Independence Day celebration.

Firstly, the general insecurity which you vowed to end still persists. Before your assumption of office, you had promised a “secure, prosperous and united Nigeria”, but so far this promise has been a mirage. On your watch, the insecurity that ravaged Nigeria under your predecessor has continued unabated. The hope rekindled in Nigerians with the change of the Service Chiefs has not been sustained. Insurgents and other non-state actors are operating unchecked across the country.

Data from SBM Intelligence and the Council on Foreign Relations National Security Tracker (NST) indicated that in just three months of your administration between May 29 and July, 2023 over 600 Nigerians have been killed while over 276 have been kidnapped. In August, 22 soldiers including officers were ambushed by bandits in Niger State. Reports in Nigeria media indicate that insurgents are in control of 23 local government areas in Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states. In August eight prospective Corps members travelling from Uyo, Akwa-Ibom to Sokoto State for national service were abducted by kidnappers. These young Nigerians are still with their abductors over a month after their kidnap leaving their parents and family members in utter anguish. On September 22, bandits breached the security of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State and kidnapped 30 female students, who were rescued a few days later.

In the South- East, terrorists are on the loose, wreaking havoc on lives and property. A combined team of security personnel were on September 20 ambushed at Umualuku, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. They were killed and their bodies burnt. On September 21, gunmen attacked and killed two Mobile Policemen at Udi-Ozalla Road in Enugu State. The situation is no better in the South- South where oil theft is still rampant. Criminal gangs operating in Rivers State recently beheaded a Divisional Police Officer (DPO). Kidnappings are rife in South-West, while the campaign of terror by Fulani herdsmen is active in Benue and Plateau States.

Mr President, your economic policies so far have been catastrophic. Your decision to implement the fuel subsidy removal initiated by your predecessor without any clear-cut strategy to cushion the effects on Nigerians has been disastrous, pushing more Nigerians into poverty and destitution, adding to the 133 million Nigerians already in multidimensional poverty. Worse still, unification of the naira exchange rate has failed to stem the fall of the naira. While we acknowledge that the Central Bank of Nigeria you inherited was inefficient and tainted with messy politics, your hasty exchange rate unification policy has been ineffective. The double effect of high petrol prices and the free fall of Naira has pushed inflation up to an alarming level.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) latest data on inflation from the Consumer Price Index indicates that it is now 25.8%. According to the NBS, food inflation is 29.34%, unemployment stands at 33.3% while it is 53.4% among the youth. Hunger and poverty stalk the land; Nigerians are suffering.

In the midst of these woes, an agency under your administration, the Revenue Allocation Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RAMFC) is proposing salary increments for yourself, the Vice-President, lawmakers, and other public officers. Aside from being unjustifiable, this is certainly insensitive, irresponsible and reckless. Salary increments for the political leadership of a country, who should lead by example in receiving pay cuts, showcases a gross dereliction of duty and poor leadership vision.

Mr President, National Association of Seadogs/Pyrates confraternity recommends that you take deliberate steps to crush insecurity. The unbridled insecurity ravaging the country especially in North-West and North-East has contributed to the worsening inflation in the country with many fleeing their farms.

We reiterate our previous demand for a decentralised policing system to tackle insecurity in Nigeria. The majority of Nigeria’s Police personnel are away from core police duty and guarding political leaders and other VIPs, leaving hapless Nigerians at the mercy of criminal elements. We believe it is imperative now that you summon the political will, mobilise the State governors and the National Assembly to amend the 1999 constitution for the creation of State Police.

NLC, TUC Suspend Planned Strike For 30 Days

It is crystal clear that extant strategies are not working therefore now is the time for the security agencies to drop their petty rivalry and work for the collective good of Nigerians by adopting new strategies to combat insecurity. The Department of State Security (DSS) should pay less action to ‘so called enemies’ of the government and provide the much-needed intelligence to smoke terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, and their sponsors, from their hideouts. The new security strategy should involve personnel of the security agencies winning over the hearts and minds of locals in the bid to flush out undesirable elements tormenting innocent Nigerians. No security will work if it does to inspire confidence in the people prompting them to volunteer information. Nigerians have become weary of ineffective directives to security agencies, they demand protection from the onslaught of criminal gangs.

National Association of Seadogs/Pyrates confraternity believes with the appointment of Mr Yemi Cardoso as the new CBN Governor, there is no more excuse for failing to rescue the naira and save the economy. We ask that the CBN Governor be given the necessary independence to restore the autonomy of the apex bank which is the cornerstone of central banking. Nigeria needs a CBN that is free of corruption and truly politically independent and efficiently professional. He should strike a balance between the fiscal and monetary policies which are needed to accelerate productive activities to help save the Naira.

More importantly, you need to galvanise the National Economic Council (NEC) to urgently seek ways to invest in Small Medium Scale industries, agriculture and manufacturing. This is why we are of the considered view that you need to unveil your plan to boost power supply in the country. Increased electricity supply is one of the missing links to stimulate growth in Nigeria’s economy.

Mr, President, these are urgent observations that require your swift action if indeed you are serious about hitting the ground running. We wish you all the best as you aim to surmount the onerous task before you..

Happy Independence Day Celebration!

Abiola Owoaje
NAS Capoon,
Abuja

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Opinion

Sam Larry Fathered Mohbad’s Son – Kemi Olunloyo

Published

1 week ago

September 26, 2023

Yinka Rahman

Sam Larry Fathered Mohbad’s Son

Dr. Kemi Olunloyo is reporting that Mohbad’s son, Liam, may not be his biological child and could be fathered by Sam Larry. This comes shortly after activist VeryDarkBlackMan announced that Mohbad’s partner should be the main suspect in the investigation into his death.

Dr. Kemi Olunloyo wrote:

“A BREAK IN THE MOHBAD CASE FROM DUBAI, UAE: SAM LARRY REPORTEDLY FATHERED MOHBAD’S SON.

What was the motive behind Mohbad’s death? Was there a plan to elimin*te Mohbad and transfer his music assets to his wife and baby, who allegedly belongs to Sam? If Sam is the biological father, he could inherit all of Mohbad’s assets, which is why I caution against donations to the mother and son. The N30M should be frozen by the bank since technically he didn’t lose his father.

Where were Mohbad’s phones last seen with Wunmi after he was transported to and from the hospital?

Was Mohbad buried alive while being injected with Midolazam, a long-acting benzodiazepine that was discussed to have rendered him unconscious and possibly strangled? His neck appeared broken in the coffin.

Why did Naira Marley remain silent about the DNA test conducted in Dubai when he has a copy?

Why was Sam Larry fighting Mohbad for his son, and why did Mohbad refuse to hand him over?

Why did Wunmi’s family threaten VDBM with a N300M lawsuit?

Why did Cubana Chiefpriest give N4M to Mohbad’s dad days before his suspected murd*r, as indicated by my UBA bank records? Why did he initially claim that only Davido gave him N2M, but later said it was only N1M?

Why was Sanusi, the boy with dreads, immediately flown to Dubai after Mohbad was allegedly murd*red? He is described as a Dubai-based crypto yahoo boy. Sanusi was also seen in the car with Mohbad’s body, at the car dealership, and near Lyabo Ojo signing the condolence register.

My name is Kemi Olunloyo, #DrKemi, an investigative journalist. I have submitted my findings to the Lagos State Police Command. 9/25/23 1:20 pm.”

Opinion

Democracy Day 2023: ‘Sustaining Democracy in Africa is a communal Effort’- National Association of Seadog

Published

3 weeks ago

September 16, 2023

Yinka Rahman

It is no news that democracy had been truncated by unscrupulous activities of African leaders in the past which has caused the economic activities of these nations nosedive.

Democracy has been simplified as a system of government ruled by the people. This signifies that; at all levels, peoples’ representation and desire to be exposed to good living with availability of basic needs for survival must be fully secured by those entrusted with such responsibilities. This in no doubt has been the reverse over the years, especially in this part of the world, where some people believe they are competent to deliver the dividend of democracy as expected, thanks to their selfish and dramatic quest for wealth and power which has taken Centre stage.

Based on the above submission and coupled with the insensitive nature of these set of democratically elected individuals, who have seized the opportunity to use public office to enrich themselves, changing the purpose and intent of democracy and replacing it with tyranny and oppression, the international democracy day was birthed through a unanimous resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 holding every 15th of September.

This is a day set aside to be observed globally to celebrate, as well as review the state of democracy across the world, and it is in this vein that the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, has decided to align itself with this great ideology, to always review democracy and hold leaders responsible since Nigeria transit to democracy over 24 years ago.

As part of the associations mission, the Abeokuta Chapter celebrated this day together with the rest of the world, sponsored with a radio program on Rockcity 101.9 (Day Break show), Abeokuta, Ogun State, between 10.15am and 11am to analyse and sensitise the public of the importance of this day.

To achieve this, hosts of discussants, Mr Adeyemi Akintunde, a renowned journalist and legal luminary Barr. Habeeb Whyte, gave an insight and general view of how far democracy has thrived in Nigeria with respect to the theme ‘EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION’.

Mr Adeyemi spoke on the need for African leaders to engage and encourage youths to take leadership roles in order to sustain democracy across the African continent, and most especially in Nigeria so as to foster rapid development and growth of the nation. In the same order, Barr. Habeeb Whyte admonished youths occupying various offices in government to use the experience acquired in the course of discharging their responsibilities to develop and empower other youths by giving room to communal development.

In conclusion, democracy is a system that assures equality, accountability and purposeful growth in any nation if managed in a judicious manner with a conscious focus on secured creation of enabling standard of living.