From Anjorin Adeloye, Ibadan

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has over the weekend vowed to institute litigation against the Ogun State government and the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona for violating the legal and laid down traditional rites of burying a traditional rulers in the State.

The famous monarch joined his ancestors on July 13, at a ripe age of 91 and was buried according to Islamic rites. The ICIR promised to correct what they called an anomaly and a departure from the laid down traditional practice of the Yoruba tribe in giving the last respect and rites to the deceased king.This was contained in the address of the President of ICIR, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode and the legal representative of the group, Barrister Opeodu at a Press Conference which was held at Ibadan on Saturday.In his words, Fakayode referred to the last judicial pronouncement over the matter when the late Awujale was alive, which upheld the burial of traditional rulers according to the customs and traditions of the Yoruba people as against that of foreign religions like Islam and Christianity.While commending the Osugbo Confraternity that was saddled with the responsibility of performing the final rites on any dead Awujale for their peaceful conduct after been prevented from doing their traditional duties, ICIR President said the action of the State, by enforcing an Islamic burial rites for Oba Adetona contravened part 8, section 55, sub-section ¡¡ of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law.According to him “Following the recent controversy surrounding the burial rites of Oba Awujale of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, we at the International Council For Ifa Religion-ICIR commend the Osugbo Confraternity of Ijebu-Ode for their exemplary restraint and patience in the face of adversity. That is infact a virtue that aligns with the noble teachings of Òrúnmìlà.”This poignant moment reminds us that the gentleness of a lion is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to its wisdom and strength, as embodied in the proverb ‘Yíyọ́ ẹkùn; tojo kọ́’.”Regarding the burial rites of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, it is essential to recall that the matter was settled while the late kabiesi was still alive, by a court of law and with the new bill passed in the state.”Any actions contrary to this judgment and the laws of the land would be a disregard for the customs and traditions that have been the cornerstone of our heritage, there is no doubt that the burial was not in consonance with the law of the State and It is obvious that the burial arrangement contravened Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section ii of the Ogun State Chieftaincy law.”This issue transcends a mere burial rite; it represents a challenge to the very fabric of our customs and traditions, the actions taken at the event were part of a larger agenda to erode the cultural practices that have defined us for generations and strategic plan towards annihilation of our race by invaders who mischievously naturalized and whose offsprings are now pursuing their fathers’ agenda.”We urge the sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ode and the entire Yoruba race to recognize that the institution of Obaship is not only a sacred tradition but also a choice that demands respect for our cultural heritage. We must acknowledge that our diversity is our strength and that our differences are what make our culture so rich and vibrant.”We condemn the disrespect shown to the Osugbo Confraternity during the event by the family of the late Oba, the Government officials and the security agencies concerned, furthermore, to prevent such occurrence in the future, we will take necessary legal actions.”In his words, the legal representative of ICIR, Barrister Opeodu noted that the actions of the family of the late Ijebu-Ode monarch, the government of Ogun State and various law enforcement agencies in the State constituted threat to the growth of democracy and an infringement on the fundamental rights of the traditional believer.

From Anjorin Adeloye, Ibadan

A South-West Chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has called on the Federal Government to improve the conditions of inmates and the facilities at the Correctional Centres across the country.Ajadi, who was speaking on Sunday when he celebrated his birthday at the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan said he came to the centre to celebrate his birthday just to make the Inmates happy and feel the good atmosphere of celebration.

Ajadi donated food, drinks and essentials like medicine, detergents, toiletries, solar lights, writing materials among others to the centre to improve the inmates’ conditions and well being.Speaking at the occasion, Ajadi said, “Going round the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan today, I am not happy. The condition of the inmates are nothing to write home about. If you see where they are staying, it is not the best. I know the government is trying but it should do more. We see how people in the Correctional Centres in developed countries are treated. I plead with the Federal government to do more for the inmates for the period they will stay there in the Centres.”I also want to implore the Federal Government to please recognise those working in such an environment like Correctional Centres and give them better working conditions. I want the government to treat the Warders the same way they are treating the Police and the military especially in terms of remuneration.”The government should improve the facilities in our Correctional Centres because it is not all the inmates that are condemned criminals. We have many people there awaiting trials who have not been pronounced guilty for any offence. At the end of the day, some of these people may not be found guilty of the offences they are remanded for.”I know President Bola Tinubu’s administration is a listening one and will improve the conditions of the Correctional Centres”I also called on Nigerians to come to help the government in providing adequate facilities in the Correctional Centres. They won’t carry money to heaven. They should put smiles on the faces of inmates at least once in a while”.On the reason for celebrating his birthday at the Correctional Centres, Ajadi said,. “I started the idea of celebrating my birthday at the correctional.centres two years ago at Ibara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State.Ajadi after the celebration, promised to help provide a Solar panel and Inverter to power the Solar borehole at the centre and bus for the usage of the Agodi Correctional Centre.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has urged the National Assembly to expunge sections of the Land Use Act that grants governors limitless powers to revoke and expropriate lands at will, insisting that practical examples have shown them to be inhibitors of development.

EDEN made this demand and a host of others at the just-concluded zonal public hearing on the proposed alteration to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. In a statement issued and signed by Elvira Jordan Media Manager and made available to our correspondent via email said, other demands that EDEN made included a call for enforcement of environment protection to serve as pivotal support for life and livelihoods, citizens’ participation in the budget and the need for independent electoral bodies, among others.In a memorandum to the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution the group said that under the Land Use Act as currently enforced here is overreach on the part of the governors hence Sections 21, 26 and 28 of the Act should be expunged.The group hinged its position on feedback from professionals, private property developers and the organized private sector that have always fingered the section as the greatest deterrent to real estate development and the growth of the real estate sector of the nation’s economy.It also said one of the most contentious sections of the Act is the Governor’s consent and the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) which is required as collateral for obtaining loans from financial institutions. It recommended instead that Nigerians should be allowed to use their land resources for economic empowerment without the interference of any Governor or Chairman.The memorandum also frowns at Sections 47 and 30 of the Act which denies courts the jurisdiction to hear and determine the amount or adequacy of compensation by making the Land Use and Allocation Committee the only arbiter on appeal. It recommended that the two sections should be expunged.On the enforcement of environmental protection the group wants to see the Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria directing the establishment of environmental courts out of every jurisdiction of the States and Federal High Courts of Nigeria for the sole purpose of quick and efficient determination of environmental protection cases.It equally wants every organ and institution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to recognize and guarantee the Rights of Nature to maintain her vital cycles and provide services for all species as a means of halting reckless exploitation and damaging of ecosystems.”To ensure that the country’s electoral processes does not only produce credible individuals but one that is acceptable to the people. It called for review of the electoral laws to discourage cross carpeting, determination of election petitions before swearing in or inauguration, independent electoral bodies and a proper electoral timetable”.