Mohammed Shosanya

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR),told Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrashed Akanbi, to desist from denigrating the traditional religion and Yoruba tradition and culture.

The group also implored the Osun state government,Yoruba Elders and all Yoruba Socio-Cultural organizations to also call the monarch to order.

President of ICIR, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode made the call on Saturday,during the inauguration of the new executive committee of The Council at the World Ifa Temple, Oke-Itase, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

He noted that the monarch’s utterances have always caused religious discord and embarrassment for other traditional leaders who are custodians of Yoruba tradition and culture within the Yoruba kingdom and abroad.

“We implore the people who are fanning the ember of religious discord in our land to desist. We advise the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrashed Akanbi to refrain from using unprintable statements against the Yoruba tradition, culture and religion.

“We also call on the government, especially the government of Osun State,Yoruba socio-cultural organizations and Yoruba elders to call Oba Abdulrashed to order before his utterances cause problems.”

Fatunde also appeal for calm in the crisis that started in Iseyin between the Muslim and Christian community where a Pastor was alleged to have assaulted an Alfa over attempt to slaughter ram on Eid-Ile-Fitri (Ileya) day.

“For the sake of peace, we implore practitioners of all religions and traditions to live in harmony and focus on what unites us rather than what separates us
In view of this, we appeal to both parties, Muslims and Christians fighting in Iseyin to allow peace to reign,” he said.

Dr. Fakayode charged the new executive committee to see the opportunity to serve as a way to contribute their quota to world peace and human progress as the committee was formed at a time when the Yoruba land and its tradition, as well as religion are facing challenges.

He emphasized the need for the Ifa adherents to be true custodians of the Yoruba tradition, culture and religion.

Mohammed Shosanya

The President of the International Council for Ifa Religion, (ICIR), Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode,has emphasized the need for people to stop calling Yoruba language vernacular.

He declared this while delivering a lecture titled:“Yoruba Language and Culture, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” at the Palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, during the 2024 Annual Cultural Festival organized by Egbe Akomolede ati Asa Yoruba, Nigeria, Ekun Ife (Association of Teachers of Yoruba Language and Culture, Nigeria, Ife Zone).

He further stressed that the Yoruba language, having secured a vantage position among global languages because of the acceptance of Ifa religion across the world,will continue to grow and with time, supersede other languages.

He added:“It is high time we decolonised ourselves by stop seeing our Language as vernacular and start communicating with our children in Yoruba, our mother tongue. According to research, there is no doubt that students taught any subject with mother tongue perform better than students taught with foreign language.

“The issue of Yoruba Language and Religion can be compared to a Computer whose hardware cannot be functioning without the software. In the case of Yoruba culture, Language and other components are hardwares while Yoruba Religion is the software on which other components rely.

“Today, Yoruba Language is an International Language because, all the people who practice Yoruba Religion irrespective of color or race need to be versed in Ifa, the scripture which can only be rendered in Yoruba Language. As Arabic is the language of the holy Quran so is Yoruba the language of Ifá.

“Therefore, as spread of Islam throughout the world makes Arabic international so is Yoruba Religion makes Yoruba Language international. This is because, once one accepts a religion, one automatically accepts the culture of the source of the religion.

“It is pertinent for all Yorùbá to learn Ifa for it is the storehouse of Yoruba culture and tradition.

“I use this medium to call on all lovers of Yoruba Language to join hands in promoting Ìsẹ̀ṣe, the Yoruba Traditional Religion if truly they do not want Yorùbá language to go into extinction.

“The future of Yoruba Language and culture is promising because, it is witnessing renaissance. Yoruba religion is said to be in the sixth position among the religions of the world today. It is certain that as Yoruba Religion continues to grow, so will the language and culture continue”.

He implored the governors of Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos States to immediately commence process of changing the language of all textbooks used in primary and secondary schools to Yoruba, in order to enhance good performance and aid the value of the language among speakers

“The time has come for the five South-West governors to start an immediate process of changing the language of textbooks use to teach subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and the rest to aid the relevance of the language and most importantly, improve the academic performance of our students,” Fakayode added.

In her opening speech, the Ife Branch Zone chairman of Egbe Akomolede ati Asa Yoruba, Erelu Olubunmi Ajayi said the cultural day gives secondary and primary school students opportunity to show and develop their talents as well as promote culture and tradition of the Yoruba.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Isale Eko Descendants’ Union has announced the donation of medical supplies to the Iga Idungaran Community Health Centre to mark the 80th birthday of Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos.

In a press statement signed by its Chairman, Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, the union said the significant milestone is a testament to a lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their beloved community.

Born on October 29, 1943, HRM Oba Akiolu is a distinguished alumnus of Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Surulere, and a graduate of law from the University of Lagos. With a remarkable 32-year career in the Nigeria Police Force, he ascended to the position of Assistant Inspector-General of Police in 1999. His glorious journey led him to be crowned as the 21st Oba of Lagos on May 24, 2003, succeeding the late Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, who reigned from 1965 to March 1, 2003.

The IDU said Oba Akiolu’s legacy is deeply interwoven with the history and identity of Lagos, saying his reign has been marked by wisdom, grace, and a profound dedication to the well-being of his subjects. The group insisted that under His Majesty’s leadership, Lagos has witnessed remarkable growth and development, and the city continues to thrive as a centre of commerce, culture, and tradition.

The group said Oba Akiolu is celebrated for his benevolence, candour, and bravery, stressing further that the monarch’s impact on the lives and well-being of the people of Lagos and Nigeria is profound.

IDU added that the retired Assistant Inspector General of Police should also be celebrated for his modernization efforts at the palace, which include the construction of a guest house, library, and health centre, adding that the Iga Idunganran Health Centre, funded entirely by the Oba, provides free healthcare services to the community.

“He has also been instrumental in securing employment opportunities for numerous Lagos indigenes within the Lagos State, Federal Government, and private organizations. Additionally, he has been at the forefront of the return of properties belonging to Lagos indigenes, including the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, from the Federal Government.

“Our revered monarch has been a resolute and effective leader, ensuring peace and harmony in his domain through timely and astute guidance to his subjects and governmental bodies. Oba Akiolu’s reign has witnessed the progress of his subjects in all aspects of human life, including the attainment of the highest offices in the nation.

“As the traditional custodian of our heritage, Oba Akiolu has been a source of inspiration and guidance to Isale Eko and the wider Lagos community. His commitment to preserving our cultural heritage while also promoting progress and modernization is a testament to his visionary leadership.

K’ade pe lori,

ki bata pe lese

Ki ase pe lenu

Omo obalufon,

Omo erin jogun ola,

Omo Oba ado kenme, bini arokun tayo,

Omo oba ologunkutere asa logun,

Orisha ni e be ,

e ma be kutere,

Orisha a gba obi,

kutere a gba odindin ori eni,

omo atupa idunganran,

Igba odun odun kan ni oooooo Olowo Eko Baba Fuad

We wish His Royal Majesty, many more years of purposeful leadership as the Oba of Lagos, filled with good health and tranquillity,” Kazeem was quoted in the press statement.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Olubadan of Ibadanland,Oba Olalekan Balogun,has assessed
the role of oracle (Ifa) as a tradition in the selection of kings in Yorubaland.

He said oracle remains the best option in picking who will occupy the throne in Yorubaland,adding that litigation remains the beauty of democracy in any chieftaincy tussle.

He spoke with newsmen in hi Alarere Palace ahead of his 81st birthday celebration.

He said:”It is a good development, as long as democracy is existing, litigation would continue to be a means that injustices can be addressed.

“Litigation is a process where you can express your emotions or ill-feelings about any issues in court of law and get justice over perceived injustice against you.Litigation remains a very good avenue to tackle any irregularities or injustice process in our society today.” Olubadan said.

The monarch,who prayed for the progress of the Ibadan land, Oyo State and Nigeria,predicted bigger Ibadan, adding that as long as history exists, Ibadan will continue to exist.

He said “I envisage very much bigger Ibadan, as much as history remains, Ibadan will continue to exist , I envisage a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Ibadan, Ibadan is a work in progress, so I want our people to be expecting more good things.

“God has been so wonderful to me, what else should I ask for?, I have built houses, God has done uncountable blessings for me and He’s still doing it because I’m still alive, there is nothing I asked for that he has not done for me, so I’m so grateful to him for going this far.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll, on Sunday kick started this year’s annual Olojo Festival celebrations by embarking on a 7-day spiritual seclusion.

While in isolation,the foremost monarch will seek the face of Almighty God(Olodumare) and ancestors of the land for the recovery of Nigeria’s economy and unity of the African people for prosperity.

He spoke to the press before being escorted on a procession to the ‘ILE MOLE’ ancient cult chamber located on Iremo road in Ile-Ife .

He lauded President Bola Tinubu over his sterling Pan-African speech recently during 78th UN General Assembly in the USA quoting him as saying “To the rest of the world, I say walk with us as true friends and partners. Africa is not a problem to be avoided nor is it to be pitied. Africa is nothing less than the key to the world’s future.”

He advocated the need for Africans worldwide to unite and be peaceful for the development and desired economic liberation. He urged relevant stakeholders in Africa to prioritize the unity of the African continent, saying pan Africanism is non-negotiable.

“President Bola Tinubu spoke very creditably well as a true Pan-African leader during the 78 edition of the UN General Assembly. I also respect Presidents Yoweri Museveni and William Ruto of Uganda and Kenya respectively for always consistently standing for Africa. I have met with them and we have always discussed Africa development.

“For the past 8 years that I been on the throne of Oduduwa, anytime I go into seclusion, there is nothing I ask the ancestors that doesn’t come into fulfillment. Therefore, I can rest assured that this time around, the actualization of Pan-Africanism will come to reality. “Ooni said.

Ooni,who lamented the suffering and hardship in Nigeria said there is a need for the ancestors to step in so that the administration of President Tinubu, will be the renewed hope in terms of friendly economic palliatives for the poor masses, good roads, uninterrupted power supply, affordable education, employment opportunities, and above all, actualization of the ideological oneness that all sundry in Africa have been hoping for.

He implored government at all levels to be more sensitive to the plight of the people, also urging all and sundry to support the president so as to move the nation forward for stable national security and economic advancement.

“I will pray for the unity of Africa. Things are very hard. We all know the economic challenges that people are facing.

“The issue of restiveness of our youths would not go beyond control, before this are sensitive issues that we need to address before it goes out of hand.

“My prayer also would be to pray for divine intervention for the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to turn things right because expectations of people are so high”, Ooni stated

Ooni,who doubles as Co-chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria (NCTRN) praised President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil for his love for Africa saying the large turnout of the Afro-Brasilians and other diaspora Africans is an attestation that Olojo festival.is indeed a rallying point for connecting the Africans together.

Mohammed Shosanya

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Prince Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun-elect of Ogbomosoland.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola said in a statement on Saturday that the announcement followed the long-drawn processes specified under the law.

“His Excellency congratulates the new Soun-elect on his ascension to the throne of his forebears,” the statement said.

He said the position has placed the monarch-elect in the position to facilitate harmony, understanding and tolerance amongst his people.

He urged all sons and daughters of the ancient city of Ogbomoso to work with the monarch to consolidate the successes of his forefathers.

Outgoing chairman of Aiyepe Community Development Committee,Mr.Olaseni Kasumu,in this interview with Premium News,shares his experience in the first tenure,why he’s seeking re-election and what the people of Aiyepe in the Odogbolu local government area of Ogun state should expect in his second term.

Your tenure as the Chairman of ACDC for ends in few hours.Could you your share with us how your tenure imparted on the development of Aiyepe community.

Since inception,my tenure has been a very interesting journey characterized by a myriad of challenges and experiences that could best be described as uphill tasks which to the glory of God were all surmounted.

We executed milestone projects such as:
Improvement in the provision of qualitative health services.

Provision of qualitative education in the community.

Distribution of free exercise books for both secondary and primary schools in Aiyepe
Erection of speed breakers at strategic places in the community.

Building of an ultra modern health center up to lintel level and completed and furnished by the federal government.

Building of pharmaceutical section/dispensary with a store and lavatory behind the health center.

-Provision of adequate security for the community.

– Clearing/Cleaning of our drinages at interval.
-Payment of two security guards for the Aiyepe comprehensive high school for seven months.

Erection of caution signs on our road to avoid accidents.

Filling of potholes on the Aiyepe/Ikenne road and Aiyepe /Odogbolu road on three occasions.

Provision of Covid-19 relief materials to the vulnerable ones.

Facilitation of the sinking of borehole at ilubirin quarters.

Facilitation of the light up Aiyepe project.

Repairs of all non functional boreholes within the Aiyepe Community with the assistance of Aiyepe Society United Kingdom/Ireland .

Facilitation of the reinstatement of the Gateway Polytechnic, Aiyepe campus
Creation of forty CDA’s in the community from the ACDA to ACDC

We played our part by supporting the Aiyepe think tank group in the building of the ongoing Aiyepe town hall project.To mention but a few.

I would say we have come a very long way in carrying along the entire community and assuring sons and daughters of Aiyepe of our constant dedication to duty and relentless service all geared towards the building of a better Aiyepe community

Tell us the challenges you experienced and how you surmounted them.

There are numerous challenges experienced by my administration, but I was able to overcome them on account of my rare passion for the community and open door policy as a leader.

At times, I simply have objective heart to engage in discussion with any dissenting elements within or outside my cabinet which will surely convince them to see things from an objective angle

What mechanisms did you put in place to measure the impact of your tenure as the Chairman of ACDC ?

In my opinion,I attribute my leadership qualities to the Almighty Allah, who gave me this rare priviledge and the ability to further harness my talents to inspire my team, and our community as a whole.

It’s been through hard work and prayers that we achieved all what we did so far

What will you do differently from your first tenure if you are re-elected?

We will look for people of like minds,who truly believe in the community and will jointly bring in investors to invest in infrastructure particularly in the area of Energy which has multifaceted ways of impacting our well being as a people. I will redouble my effort on proactive governance so that what we do in our community will have multiplying benefits for our people

Why should you be reelected as the chairman of the ACDC after your first tenure ?

The people of Aiyepe Community can attest to our achievements and as such they know the community is progressing with the formidable team of tenacious executives.

They want to ensure continuity of the good work and a positive turn around of the development projects within the community.

Their intent to give us another opportunity to serve amounts to allowing us to come and consolidate on our achievements. My re-election will aid the growth and development of my community

Our sons and daughters are in diaspora doing Aiyepe proud.How do you hope to tap into the potentials of these Diasporians if you get the second term bid?

My relationship with those in diaspora is very cordial.They’ve been carrying out various projects in the community.I will ensure they do more by creating an enabling environment for such.

Mohammed Shosanya

Prince Olawale Semiu Oyebola has been elected the 30th Aseyin of Iseyin.

He was elected after the voting process by the 10 kingmakers on Tuesday, in Iseyin, the Oke Ogun Area of Oyo state.

The 55-year-old Aseyin-elect succeeds the late Aseyin Oba Salahudeen Abdul Ganiyy Adekunle Ajinese 1.

The late Aseyin died in 2022 after an illness at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. He spent 15 years as a king.

The new Aseyin-elect works and resides in the United States of America with his family.

Earlier, Aseyin of Iseyin palace was cordoned off by security operatives including personnel of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Operation Amotekun.

Mohammed Shosanya

Yoruba Diaspora group Yoruba One Voice (YOV),has faulted the continuous detention of Osun devotees, Efunsetan Abebi, Obalowu Jimoh and popular online presenter Talolrun.

The group also urged governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara state to intervene and ensure that those detained were released.

In a statement by the General
Secretary,Prince Adedokun Ademiluyi,the Yoruba diaspora organization,described the arrest and prolonged detention of the trio as travesty of justice and an act of intimidation that could lead to further crisis.

It insisted that the Kwara state Commissioner for police, Ebun Adelesi, was acting the script well written by some prominent figures in Ilorin,adding that there are strong indications that some people are behind the arrest and unlawful detention of the devotees, even as it was obvious that the Kwara state Commissioner for police allegedly doing everything that is possible to frustrate their release.

It added that the circumstances surrounding the recent arrest and arraignment of Tantolorun showed that the Kwara state police authority have the backings of some religious leaders to trample upon the rights of the detained devotees.

“We are appealing to governor
AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq to intervene and ensure that those detained in respect of the Ilorin religious crisis were released.It is unfortunate that a magistrate court in Ilorin will order the remand of Yeye Osun Abebi,Obalowu Jimoh and Tantolorun for 30 and 50 days respectively without trial.

“It is sad and even unconstitutional that Magistrate Adams would arrogate to himself such power that makes him feel like he is above the law.It is nothing but a travesty of justice to arrest a person in Ibadan, Oyo state, and went ahead to arraign him in Ilorin Magistrate Court,Kwara state without anybody raising a voice.

“Tantolorun was alleged to have committed offences ranging from defamation of character and causing public disturbance.All the offences have their punishments under the law.However, the viral video of his arrest showed how the young man was portrayed as addicted criminal.

“And you wondered how Nigeria has lost everything to injustice and lack of fair play.The Kwara state Commissioner for Police was biased in her disposition and the way she handled the case.

“There were times when these religion fanatics denigrate the traditional institution,calling the late Alaafin uncomplimentary names. When bigots invaded Ooni’s palace in Ile Ife, pelting the palace with stones,the revered monarch never go to court.

“Professor Wole Soyinka,the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams and a few others had also been called several uncomplimentary names by these unknown religious bigots and bloggers, yet they didn’t sue or take legal actions against them.

“But the case of Talolorun had showed the intolerance of some people and this can only lead to more crisis.So we are appealing to the Kwara state governor to intervene and ensure that those detained are released for them to enjoy their rights to freedom.

“In spite of the huge security issues and challenges in Kwara state,it is
ridiculous watching the Kwara state Commissioner for police leading her men to the river at the outskirts of Ilorin to observe surveillance and also prevent Osun devotees from appeasing the river goddess.

“In June this year,over 100 people died in Kwara state when a vessel capsized and split in two in the Niger River near Pategi, Kwara State, Nigeria. The sad incident occured when a boat carrying attendees of a wedding capsized and 108 people were confirmed dead in the boat mishap.

“These unfortunate incidents happened when nature is fighting back and when incidents like these occured,we need to appease nature and God the creator of heaven and earth is not against any religion,it is only the religious bigots and fanatics that use religion to foment
trouble”.

YOV also implored prominent Yoruba sons and daughters to support the call for the release of the three people detained in respect of the religious crisis in Ilorin,even as it warned those behind the crisis in Ilorin to stay away from actions that can stoke religious crisis in Yoruba land.

It added:”Nigeria is a secular nation.It is very unfortunate that some people could be so mean to use religion to create avoidable crisis in Ilorin.There is need for every Nigerian to respect the secularity of the Nigerian nation, saying the Nigerian Constitution allows the citizens to practise religion of their choices without fear or threat”

The international Council For Ifa Religion,has condemned the illegal arrest and remand of a popular Isese devotee and activist Adegbola Abdulazeez, popularly known as Talolorun (Who is God),calling for his immediate release.

The group argued that Nigeria is a secular nation, which every religion should be respected and have freedom of worshipping and be tolerance with each other.

Talolorun was arrested in Ibadan, Oyo state capital on August 16 and taken to Sanyo Police Station before whisked away to Ilorin, Kwara state by the team from Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Area Command, Ilorin.

He was arraigned the following day for defamation and consequently the presiding judge ordered his remand in correctional centre for 50 days.

He was reportedly arrested for insulting the Emir of Ilorin among other offences.

The International Council For Ifa Religion,in a statement signed by Araba Agbaye, High Chief Owolabi Aworeni, condemned police action,saying the officers are bias for supporting one religion against another.

The statement said: “Taniolorun was arrested in Ibadan on August 16 and first taken to Sanyo Police station before whisked away to Police station in Ilorin. On August 17, he was charged to court for defamation and the judge ordered his remand in correctional centre for 50 days.

“If the Police is not taking side, how can they arrested someone on Wednesday evening and arraigned him on Thursday morning without even telling his family whereabout of him, they don’t allow him to lawyer before his arraignment.

“Nigeria is a secular state,every religion should be respected and have freedom of worshipping but in Ilorin and few other states, reverse is the case.

“Isese devotees are peace-loving people, we are not troublemakers,we simply wanted to celebrate our festivals but were stopped and asked to seek permission. When Muslims want to celebrate Sallah, do they need permission to do this as well? Why demanding such from Isese worshippers?

“Because Talolorun was calling for support for Isese, he was framed up that he defamed Emir, some were saying he burnt Quran, which are far from the truth.

“We are using this medium to call for his immediate release to avoid religious crisis, which is already heating up, two religions are having issue, the law enforcement agency, Police is after one, supporting the other, this is violation of human rights and freedom of worshipping.

“We are calling on stakeholders to call Police authority in Kwara to order, and facilitate the release of Talolorun before this degenerate to avoidable religious crisis”.