Pastors fight dirty over N16.5m church land commission

Three Pastors of the Living Faith Church also known as Winners Chapel at Isheri Olofin area of Lagos state are engrossed in serious fight over the sharing of N16.5m realized from the purchase of some parcel of land and property by the church in Lagos.

The fight which was said to have started from the church premises has now moved to the Lagos court where the parties are seeking justice.

The three pastors in the matter are Deacon Dolire Oluwaniyi who is also an estate agent on the one hand and two other Pastors, Edwin Iky and Peter O. Odama on the other hand the last two acted on behalf of the church over the purchase of the property.

In the suit before Magistrate's court sitting in Ogba, with suit number, MIK/4174/16, Deacon stated that the two pastors cheated him after they collected N140m from their General Overseer, Bishop David Oyedapo and paid N130m to the owner of the property.

Apart from that, Deacon Oluwaniyi also stated that as the agent who linked the church to the owner of the property, he was entitled to N6.5 million commission which was also paid by the church but was shared between the two pastors and he was not given a dime.

Following the alleged scam, the claimant dragged the church to the court seeking an order that he should be paid his commission as a registered agent with his company’s name, Bedek properties that facilitated the transaction.

In his affidavit in support of the claim, the claimant stated that his company wrote to the church introducing the properties which contain two big church halls and a story building on one acre of land located at Iyana Odo, along Igando road in Sheri Olofin area.

He stated that he was contacted through the pastors and he linked the church to the owner of the property, one Bishop Emmanuel Omobajesu.

The claimant said after the payment for the property and he demanded for his commission and the two pastors asked him to bear it as seed to the church where as they had already collected the money from the church.

The claimant also stated that the pastors involved in the transaction are not honest and sincere as they both ate with both hands and thereby soiled their hands in the transaction.

In response, the defendant under the registered trustee of the church stated that the claimant was not appointed as its agent, legal representative nor hold any partnership and did not authorized the claimant to act on behalf of the defendant.

It also stated that the claimant have no locus standi to sue the defendant as regard to the property and demanding N6.5m agency commission.

The presiding Magistrate Mrs. M.O Osibajo have adjourned the matter till 23 November, 2016 to deliver judgments on the motions filed by the parties.

Pastors fight dirty over N16.5m church land commission

 

Three Pastors of the Living Faith Church also known as Winners Chapel at Isheri Olofin area of Lagos state are engrossed in serious fight over the sharing of N16.5m realized from the purchase of some parcel of land and property by the church in Lagos.

The fight which was said to have started from the church premises has now moved to the Lagos court where the parties are seeking justice.

The three pastors in the matter are Deacon Dolire Oluwaniyi who is also an estate agent on the one hand and two other Pastors, Edwin Iky and Peter O. Odama on the other hand the last two acted on behalf of the church over the purchase of the property.

In the suit before Magistrate's court sitting in Ogba, with suit number, MIK/4174/16, Deacon stated that the two pastors cheated him after they collected N140m from their General Overseer, Bishop David Oyedapo and paid N130m to the owner of the property.

Apart from that, Deacon Oluwaniyi also stated that as the agent who linked the church to the owner of the property, he was entitled to N6.5 million commission which was also paid by the church but was shared between the two pastors and he was not given a dime.

Following the alleged scam, the claimant dragged the church to the court seeking an order that he should be paid his commission as a registered agent with his company’s name, Bedek properties that facilitated the transaction.

In his affidavit in support of the claim, the claimant stated that his company wrote to the church introducing the properties which contain two big church halls and a story building on one acre of land located at Iyana Odo, along Igando road in Sheri Olofin area.

He stated that he was contacted through the pastors and he linked the church to the owner of the property, one Bishop Emmanuel Omobajesu.

The claimant said after the payment for the property and he demanded for his commission and the two pastors asked him to bear it as seed to the church where as they had already collected the money from the church.

The claimant also stated that the pastors involved in the transaction are not honest and sincere as they both ate with both hands and thereby soiled their hands in the transaction.

In response, the defendant under the registered trustee of the church stated that the claimant was not appointed as its agent, legal representative nor hold any partnership and did not authorized the claimant to act on behalf of the defendant.

It also stated that the claimant have no locus standi to sue the defendant as regard to the property and demanding N6.5m agency commission.

The presiding Magistrate Mrs. M.O Osibajo have adjourned the matter till 23 November, 2016 to deliver judgments on the motions filed by the parties.

 

Ondo Boils, Buhari may intervenes

*INEC wants to set Ondo on fire----Mimiko

*Mimiko's antics will not work-----Jimoh Ibrahim

*INEC confirmation of Jimoh Ibrahim shocking-----PDP

‎Riots erupted across many parts of Ondo state yesterday as protesters trooped to the streets to protest the substitution of the name of the Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Mr Eyitayo Jegede SAN by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with that of Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim for next month's governorship election in the state.

As early as 6.30am the rioters had barricaded all the roads leading to Akure, the state capital chanting war songs and paralysed both economic and social activities as commercial banks and shops were closed down.

Workers and students were turned back while commercial vehicle owners deserted the streets.

The protesters made burn fire on all the major roads in the state and resisted all attempts by the security agents to disperse them. In the midst of sporadic gunshots and tear-gas by the combined team of security agents the protesting youths remained undeterred.

Following the outbreak of riots in the state, Governor Olusegun Mimiko hurriedly left the state for the presidential villa to brief President Muhammadu Buhari saying what INEC had done was capable of setting the state on fire.

He vowed that everything possible would be done to make the commission reverse the decision, which he described as shocking.

Saturday Vanguard gathered that similar protests were recorded in Ondo town, Ore in Odigbo local government area, Ilara, Idanre, Owo, Okitipupa, Isua Akoko, Ikare Akoko, Ipele and many other towns and villages in the state.

Some of the protesters also stormed the office of the INEC and were addressed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) Olusegun Agbaje, who explained the reason behind the removal of Jegede as the PDP candidate.

Agbaje said “We received a court order from the High Court in Akure on Wednesday but there was a subsisting ruling by Justice Abang on Thursday and we had to comply with the order"

He however said that another court order can upturn the situation saying "the situation will continue that way until the matter is decided by the Supreme Court if the parties choose to proceed to the apex court. We do not have any candidate but we will always abide by the laws guiding the process.”

Mimiko consults president

As a result of the uprising, Mimiko on Friday morning quickly raced to the presidential villa to formally intimate President Buhari on the developments in the state, appealing to him to intervene in the matter at least to prevent the crisis from escalating.

According to the governor, it was shocking that INEC substituted Jegede with Ibrahim's name on the final list of various parties' candidates, saying it was an act of gross impunity.

He recalled that the election that threw up Ibrahim was conducted in Ibadan, Oyo state and was not supervised by the relevant bodies, wondering why Jegede whose election took place in Ondo with the presence of INEC and security agencies as monitors was set outside.

It will be recalled also that Ibrahim was a product of Ali Modu Sheriff factional leadership of the PDP while Jegede belonged to the Ahmed Markifi's faction.

Speaking to State House Correspondents after his meeting with Buhari, Mimiko said the crisis in the state could assume a wider dimension if the situation was not reversed.

He said: "I am shocked. In logic, in law, in politics, there is no basis for it whatsoever. The Jimoh Ibrahim factor in all of this is predicated on a court order given by Justice Abang. Incidentally that court order is about zonal and state executives of PDP. That order is about 2009 election. Neither Jimoh Ibrahim nor Tayo jegede were parties to the suit.

"So, when that judgement suddenly came and the name of Jimoh Ibrahim was sent to INEC after a primary election which was conducted in Ibadan without INEC monitoring it, without security agencies, SSS or police observing it, INEC took the right decision initially by making it clear that it is not state or zonal executive that is empowered by the Electoral Act to conduct election and also that the Abang judgement on the basis of which they were putting pressure on INEC to accept Jimoh Ibrahim as a candidate was referring to 2009 election.

"There is nothing about 2016 election in that judgement. So, on the basis of this, INEC refused and discountenanced the name of Jimoh Ibrahim as a candidate. Then, they went ahead and filed form 48 and from the blues, the same Justice Abang mandated INEC to replace the name of Eyitayo Jegede who emerged through a primary process that was supervised by INEC, security agencies with all delegates that were supposed to participate. Justice Abang ordered that Jimoh Ibrahim should replace Eyitayo Jegede. Ordinarily, we should have disregarded the order because Jegede was not a party to the suit, neither was Jimoh Ibrahim. But we were also advised that it was very important for us to appeal so that if anybody is up to a mischief, we would have taken the plank off the person.

"Immediately we appealed, that notice of appeal especially when we had filed in our papers, submitted our briefs and got a date, should serve as a stay of execution.

"We don't want to take chances because somebody in INEC told us that they obey the last order in the commission. Some went to court and obtained two different orders mandating INEC not to substitute Eyitayo Jegede. We served one on INEC around 10 am yesterday, and we served INEC with the other one at the close of business around 3 pm. But around 7 or 8 pm, we got to know that INEC for no justifiable reason had substituted the name of Jegede and replaced it with that of Ibrahim.

"The question to ask is on whose order has INEC done that? Apart from the fact that we have two restraining orders on INEC, INEC knows fully well that Jimoh Ibrahim's primaries were held in Ibadan. There was no report by any security agency that the security situation in Ondo state warranted the movement of the primaries to Ibadan or anywhere outside the state for that matter.

"Under INEC guidelines, the time for substitution of candidates has even elapsed. This action potentially can cause a breach of peace. In Ondo state in the last seven and half years, we have done everything possible to put good governance on the table. We see this action as potentially dangerous. It can cause conflagration in the state and that is why as the chief security officer of the state, I have come to alert Mr President of the potential danger of this injustice so that we can nib it in the bud."

Mimiko however stated that his intervention on the protest in the state had yielded result.

"The whole day from 5am, I have been on phone with stakeholders to ensure they keep the peace in the state. The extent of the protest you have seen has been reduced by our intervention to ensure that there is no breach of peace. For the people of the state, it is just from the blues. I have assured them that this injustice will not stay. We will continue to explore all avenues to make INEC see reasons why this impunity must not stand.

"If INEC finds it difficult to obey court order, a credible election starts with a process like this".

Asked of the President's response to his request, the governor said "Mr president has promised to look into it and that if there is any injustice, we should be rest assured that it will be rectified."

Mimiko's antics will not work—---Jimoh Ibrahim

In his own reaction to the uprising, the INEC recognised PDP governorship candidate in Ondo state, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim said the burning of tyres allegedly orchestrated by Governor Mimiko was to give a false impression of security challenge in the state but that the trick would not work.

In a statement he issued yesterday, he said “yesterday, Mimiko called on the drivers’ union in the state, whose chairman is his relative, to gather disused tyres across the state and burn them so as to show that there are security challenges in Akure town. While the tyres were burning, school children were attending their classes, banks were opened, market women and traders were carrying on their economic activities, and courts were sitting”.

According to him, “regrettably, Mimiko’s orthodoxy has played out to be fake, empty and unbecoming of a person that occupies the position of the governor of a state. I am happy to note that Mimiko eventually met with President Muhammadu Buhari, a president that Governor Mimiko had described, in a meeting with the former President Goodluck Jonathan, as unfit to govern Nigeria and according to Governor Mimiko, the president does not have a school certificate. Regrettably, this tyre burning for sympathy will not work as Ondo State remains peaceful.

Akure monarch sues for peace

Meanwhile, Deji of Akureland Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi yesterday appealed to rioters across the state to remain calm and be law abiding. In a statement last night, the Oba appealed to the protesters to allow the law take its full course

The monarch, in the statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Micheal Adeyeye said, "the Akure Deji-in council at an emergency meeting presided over by the Deji and paramount ruler of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi (Odundun II) today (yesterday) reviewed the list of gubernatorial candidates as released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the attendant effect of the substitution of the name of Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) with that of Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim as the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in the 26th November gubernatorial election in ondo state.

“The council equally reviewed the statement credited to the Resident Electoral Commissioner who confirmed that the matter remains a legal issue that will be addressed by a higher court of law.

"In view of this, the Deji-in-Council wishes to appeal to all residents and indigenes of Akure to remain calm and be law abiding over this matter. The council urges all and sundry to desist from making bon-fire and dismantle all barricades along the major roads in Akure and its environs.

"The council admonishes all parties that the current peace being enjoyed cannot be compromised under any guise as there is no substitute for peace. The council wishes to thank and appreciate the law enforcement agencies for carrying out their lawful duties with every sense of responsibility and a high level of professionalism. The council advised all residents to go about the normal and lawful duties without any fear or favour.

 

INEC confirmation of Jimoh Ibrahim shocking------PDP

Meantime, the Peoples Democratic Party has said that the confirmation of Jimoh Ibrahim as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party was shocking and surprising

In a statement yesterday, the spokesman of the party, Dayo Adeyeye said the commission monitored the Primary Election conducted in Akure, Ondo State by the Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi led PDP which produced Hon. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, and did not monitor the purported primary election that produced Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim which was said to have held in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

"INEC cited the Order from Justice Okon Abang of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court as the reason for publishing Barr. Ibrahim’s name as PDP Candidate but ignored another order from the Ondo State High Court, which is a Court of Coordinate jurisdiction that compelled INEC

to maintain Hon. Eyitayo Jegede’s name as the candidate of the PDP.

The least INEC could have done in the circumstance was to maintain status quo and stick to its own earlier decision pending a superior order or Judgment from a superior court. But that did not happen in this case.

"This singular decision of INEC has generated sporadic reactions from the electorates in Ondo state leading to violent protest and damages. This could have been avoided if INEC had adhered strictly to the letters and characters of the Electoral Laws and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"We therefore warn that external forces should not sit in Abuja and set Ondo state ablaze. Whatever authority in Abuja, whether it's the executive that is using the judiciary or vise versa, must realize that they cannot for selfish political reasons toy with the fate of millions of people in Ondo state. Who emerges governor of the state should be the decision of the electorates themselves through the ballot and not from any organ of the Federal Government in Abuja.

"It is a known facts that Ondo people are politically sophisticated and any attempt to truncate the will of the people will be resisted vehemently. References should be made to the 1965/66 and 1983 political violence in the west that brought about the collapse of the 1st and the2nd Republic. We should therefore be careful not to repeat history.

"Finally, we call on the people of Ondo State to eschew violence and remain calm. We believe in the rule of law and the matter is already in the Appeal Court, and we are certain that the PDP shall get justice on this issue and Hon. Eyitayo Jegede will be returned to contest under the platform of our great Part" he said.

Jegede remains our flagbearer-----Ondo PDP

Also, the Chairman of the PDP in Ondo state, Chief Clement Faboyede has argued that "the event culminating in replacing Jegede is a crude hallmark and handiwork of some moles in PDP and some highly placed government officials of APC at the federal level"

He submitted that the moles within the PDP believed that removing Jegede from the race will pave way for easier manipulation of the election results in favour of the APC candidate

He however said that Eyitayo Jegede remained the flagbearer of PDP saying "it is not the duty of any court to impose or dictate candidate for the party. It is a pre election matters and the Supreme Court which is the highest organ of judiciary in the land has said it severally that pre election is not a matter of the court."

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to be father to all and should give room to a level playing ground for the nation's democracy to survive and allow the wish of the people to prevail, noting that the people of the state voted for Buhari in the 2015 election despite being controlled by PDP government. He commended the protesters for not taking laws into their hands while he urged security agents not to use force to disperse peaceful protesters.

I will not jettison my mandate-----Jegede

The rejected candidate, Eyitayo Jegede in his reaction expressed optimism that the Appeal Court would revalidate his mandate to fly the Flag of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] in next month's election. Jegede said attempts to substitute his name will not stand as justice would be done at the appeal court.

"I am aware of a recent litigation resulting in the announcement of another person as the governorship candidate of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party. However, I wish to assure our teeming supporters in Ondo State that necessary legal steps have been taken to seek justice. Already, the matter is before the Court of Appeal"

He thanked the people of the state for their support and steadfastness since the campaign activities began and their total commitment to his lofty programmes designed to take Ondo to greater heights.

Jegede assured that he will not for any reason jettison the mandate freely given to him by generality of PDP members in the state.

APC, INEC want to kill democracy----Fayose

also reacting, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state has described the recognition of Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim as the PDP candidate for the November 26 governorship poll in Ondo State by INEC as dangerous to democracy. Arguing that what INEC did amounted to rigging the Ondo State governorship election in advance, Fayode accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of turning the INEC into its department and willing tool that can be deployed at will to manipulate election. Fayose said recognising someone who did not emerge through any known electoral process signalled the end of democracy in the country.

At a press conference in Ado Ekiti on Friday, Fayose said the recognition granted Ibrahim had further confirmed his fear that the APC had the intention of turning the country into a one-party state.

According to him, “The question to ask INEC is; having accepted the candidate presented by the Makarfi-led PDP National Caretaker Committee for the Edo State election, relying on the judgment of the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt, despite the Abuja Federal High Court order at that time, what has changed? Obviously, it is either INEC is playing double-standard or has descended into the arena.

“With the development in Ondo Guber election and the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it is clear that INEC is a department in APC led federal government. By this development also, I am vindicated that other political parties and stakeholders are now contesting election against INEC.

Ibeshe serial rapist strikes again! kills pregnant mother, attacks family, neighbour

By Bose Adelaja

Tragedy struck in Oluwoye, Ibeshe, Ikorodu yesterday, when a suspected serial rapist struck, killing an expectant mother and attacked her husband and two children. The victims among whom were simply identified as Kazeem, Afusa and Baba who occupied a room apartment before the incident were presumed to have been attacked with a grinding stone and a sharp knife while in slumber.        We gathered that the husband was left in coma while one of the children had his ear chopped off by their assailants who was said to have escaped after perpetrating the evil.

 

Kazeem, Husband of the raped woman

Having completed his mission in Kazeem’s house, the suspected serial rapist was said to have extended the crime to a neighbouring building and attacked a member of Oodua Peoples’ Congress OPC, simply identified as Baba Junior who is presently under medical attention at a private hospital. Information at Vanguard disposal said the suspect gained access into the victims’ rooms by breaking through the window. An eye witness who pleaded anonymity said the door to the victims’ room remained shut throughout the operation and nobody could give the account of what transpired in the night as none of the victims was fit to talk to people. However, the Nigeria Police Force have been intimated and have commenced investigations. According to eye witnesses’ account, there was no cry for help by the victims throughout the operation but a co-tenant observed while going out that Kazeem’s window was broken then he raised the alarm which attracted other neighbours but to their astonishment, the door to the room shut and that was when it dawned on them that a serial rapist had struck. On breaking the door, Kazeem and his the two children were found helpless on the floor while the deceased was lying on the bed but nobody could account for what transpired.

While Kazeem’s neighbours were attending to the victims, another shout for help was heard in the neighborhood where Baba Junior was found in the pool of his own blood with a grinding stone placed beside him. Kazeem and his children were taken to Ikorodu General Hospital while Baba Junior was taken to a nearby hospital but the body has been deposited at a morgue. Owode\Ibeshe town comprises over 40 community development associations have recorded series of serial rape including that of a teacher with Methodist Primary School, Ibeshe 27 years old Grace Jubril on Sunday June 5, 2016. Also, 86 years old Mrs Belau Jimoh was raped and attacked at Oke-Ota in the month of May while a similar incident was recorded in Oremeta community in July 2016, where a 63 years old grandmother and her eight years old granddaughter Marvelous and Fransisca Mba were raped to coma and both were admitted at Ikorodu General Hospital.

 

Injured Security personnel in the area

The series of attack and rape have put the communities under pressure such that a large number of women have moved out en masse while the remaining now live under palpable fear. In the month of May, some Ibeshe women staged a peaceful protest to the palace of the traditional ruler Oba Richard Ogunsanya but all to no avail. Also in the month of June, the community development committee staged a peaceful protest at the State house, Alausa and presented a letter to a representative of the governor about the happenings in their communities but all these seem to have yielded no result.

 

In line with the happenings, the joint community development associations had on Saturday September 3rd, 2016, organized a prayer session to cleanse the land and this seems to have yielded a positive result until yesterday when another occurrence was recorded. The traditional ruler of Ibeshe has kept mum over the development during series of Vanguard visit to his office but a member of the House of Representative in charge of Ikorodu Constituency Honourable Jimi Benson said he will get to the root of the matter. In a telephone conversation with Vanguard, he said, “ I have held a meeting with the people of Ibeshe Community Development Association over the security issue bothering them, considering that security is everybody’s business and the people are best suited to provide the necessary information the Police need to apprehend the person behind the rapes and kidnaps in Ibeshe,’’

Jibrin denies withdrawing suit against Dogara, others

APPARENTLY disturbed by the story that he has withdrawn his suit against Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, ousted former Chairman House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmunin Jibrin yesterday denied declaring that it was a calculating misrepresentation of facts. 

In a statement issued on his behalf by his counsel,  Chukwuma Nwachukwu, denied that the true position of the matter was deliberately altered. 

The statement stated that:"It has come to our attention the circulating misrepresentation of facts that our client, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin has withdrawn his suit filed vide FHC/ABJ/CS/595/16 against the Speaker, House of Representatives and 14 others wherein we sought for injunctive reliefs restraining the the Defendants from suspending the Plaintiff, Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin.

"This is not the true position of things and the said untrue information is calculated to misinform and in fact disappoint the teeming generality of Nigerians who seek for justice to be done in this matter.

"As you all are aware, despite the pendency of the above suit and the Defendants representation in same, they went ahead and suspended Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin with the aim of foisting a state of helplessness on the court. We shall resist this callous misbehaviour by men who are constitutionally  saddled with law making responsibilities..

"For the avoidance of doubt, we have also filed a fresh suit by way of an Originating summons in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 812/16 in Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin vs. The Speaker, House of Represebtatives & 2 ORS which is  currently pending before Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court 3 Abuja seeking for the following prayers to wit:

1.  A DECLARATION that the suspension of the Plaintiff from the floor of the House of Representatives for 180 legislative days commencing from the 28th day of September 2016 is a violation of the Plaintiff’s fundamental right to freedom of expression guaranteed by Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (cap. A9) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

2. A DECLARATION that the resolution passed by the Defendants on the floor of the 2nd Defendant on the 28th day of September 2016 suspending the Plaintiff from the floor of the 2nd Defendant for 180 legislative days is in breach of the provisions of Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic (as amended) and Section 21 and 24 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2004 and Order 10 rule 6 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.
3.            A DECLARATION that by virtue of the provisions of Chapter VII, paragraph 7.5 of the “Code of Conduct for Honourable Members”, the Plaintiff or any member of the 2nd Defendant has a duty to expose corrupt practices in the 2nd Defendant.

4.AND ORDER of this Honourable Court setting aside the purported suspension of the Plaintiff from the House of Representatives for 180 legislative days forthwith.

5.AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants from preventing the Plaintiff from participating in the Committees of the 2nd Defendant or accessing his legislative chambers or compelling the Plaintiff to tender an apology to the Defendants or any member of the 2nd Defendant before he is allowed into the Chambers of the 2nd Defendant to perform his legislative duties.

6.AN ORDER directing the Defendants to pay the Plaintiff his outstanding salaries, accrued allowances and all other entitlements due to him from the date of his suspension from the floor of the House of Representatives until the judgment of this Honourable Court is executed.

7.THE sum of N1, 000,000, 000.00 (One Billion Naira) being general damages for the suspension of the Plaintiff for 180 legislative days from the floor of the 2nd Defendant.

Be informed that the Honourable Court has slated the above suit for hearing on the 22nd day of November 2016.

Our client’s resolve in this matter cannot be broken".

Oba of Benin African first class King-HRH Aidonojie

*Says new Oba never ate outside without late father’s permission
Sultan of Sokoto holds Durbar today, as celebration continues in Benin Kingdom

THE Onojie of Opoji and Vice Chairman, Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, His Royal Highness (HRH), Ehidiamen Aidonojie 1, says the crowning of Oba Ewuare 11 as the 40 Oba of Benin has reminded all that the Benin king is a first class African King.

He disclosed that the new Oba never ate outside as Crown Prince without the permission of his late father.

Meanwhile, traditional rulers whose root are from Benin Kingdom, continued to pay homage yesterday to the new Oba. The Durban festival which the Sultan of Sokoto, his Eminence Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111 brought to Benin in honour of the new Oba will now hold today Saturday.
However, different dance groups and traditional groups including the Ekassa dance group, that only appears during the crowning of any Oba, remained at the palace yesterday performing their spiritual dance. Celebration in the Kingdom continued as wealthy Benin sons and daughter hold parties in their various homes.

HRH Aidonojie 1, who disclosed that traditional rulers both from Edo and outside the state has been busy paying homage to the new Oba, said Oba Ewuare never disrespected his late father, adding that he had always had the trait of being a great Oba.

His words: “This a ceremony that comes once in our life time, sometimes you can witness it twice if you are lucky. You can see the first class traditional rulers in Nigeria present. It brought us back to history that the throne of Oba of Benin is the first class African King. And of course we are happy to have an Oba who is widely travelled, a diplomat, administrator and has vast experience in life. We are really lucky.

“I have known him since the 70s and he has always been calm and has never been proud even as a heir apparent. I was close to late Oba Erediauwa his father and he was trained to ascend the throne by his father properly. He was prepared for this job. He is somebody that never failed to take instruction from his father. I remember an occasion I joined him to Lagos, on his way to Angola. We visited one Chief Ainabe, and the man hosted us to dinner.
“The Crown Prince said it is very unusual for him to eat outside, he had to call his father in Benin and said Chief Ainabe has prepared dinner for us and his father gave him the go ahead to take the dinner. In order words every step he took he takes clearance from his father. I was very surprised, how can a Crown Prince as an adult had to call his father for permission to eat. And that was how his father brought him up right from secondary school.
“He has never disobeyed his father. So Edo state and the Benin Kingdom in particular are aware they have a full blooded Oba. He is not proud, he is simple, he has a very Godly heart”.

Saying that members of the Edo state Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs will be expecting Governor Adams Oshiomhole to convene a meeting where their chairman, Oba Ewuare 11 will be unveiled, the royal father said “ the coming of Oba Ewuare 11 will bring progress to Edo state and Nigeria as a whole.
“For the first time, since coronations of Oba of Benin, this is the most colourful. You can see the Queen sent the British High Commissioner to attend, Sweden, Italy, Angola and many other countries all sent representatives. When it comes to assisting people he goes beyond his kingdom, so God has blessed us with a great Oba.

“ Ewuare was a great Oba and I am sure this one will be greater than that. Everybody prays for him that is why we say Oba ghato okpere. We have an Oba coming in on his birthday and in the next few weeks we will have a new governor coming, so we have lots of good things coming to the kingdom. But the incumbent governor, Oshiomhole will surely be missed because no governor has given the Oba his due respect more than Oshiomhole. He made sure that the Oba’s security allowance was given to him as at when due.

“Whereas we had a governor before that was eating the Oba’s money, you can see that after Oshiomhole gave him the staff of office he knelt down to pay his respect. And I know that Godwin Obaseki will do the same or even do more as a Benin man” he stated.

$2.1bn arms cash: Fani-Kayode to be flown to Abuja for fresh questioning

…As Obanikoro spends weekend in EFCC

Indications emerged last night that the former Director of Media and Publicity of the President Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, would face fresh charges over new evidence he collected huge cash directly from the embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, in the build-up to the 2015 presidential election.

Already, the former minister, who was arrested in Lagos yesterday, is to be flown to Abuja to answer fresh charges over a new discovery he personally collected various sums of money from the office of the National Security Adviser without giving the reasons for such draw down.

“We are going to move him to Abuja to answer fresh questions arising from the new evidence that he personally collected various sums of money from the ONSA,” a top EFCC source said last night.

The amount allegedly collected by Fani-Kayode, according to a top source in EFCC, is different from the N4.9 billion, which he and the former Finance Minister, Esther Nenadi Usman, Danjuma Yusuf and a company, Joint Trust Dimension Nig. Ltd., reportedly collected from the ONSA ahead of the presidential election.

The EFCC has already slammed a 17-count charge against them for taking the money from the public treasury and retaining same without rendering any verifiable service to the nation.

Saturday Vanguard learnt that the former Aviation Minister was whisked away from the court premises as he made to leave after answering to the charges.

“There is a fresh case of various sums of money traced to the suspect, which has nothing whatsoever to do with the N4.9 billion case we instituted against him and others in Lagos.

“We arrested Fani-Kayode because we need him to explain to our operatives why he took the money and what he used it for. It is clear from the records before us that he received the money directly from the NSA.

“From the record before us, one the suspect signed and collected the sum of N26 million for undisclosed purpose and we want him to explain to us why he took the cash in the first place,” the source said

Meanwhile, we learnt also that the former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who reported to the EFCC since Monday this week, would spend the first weekend in the commission’s custody, as there was no plan to free him until.

Although Obanikoro has implicated Etiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose and former Osun Deputy Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore, in his latest statement to the EFCC, the agency made it clear that it was not yet through with the former minister.

“Obanikoro will still be with us this weekend,” a competent source said last night.

Buhari is no hater of women, by Adeosun, Finance Minister

 

* Says government pumped record N720 billion into economy in four months

*How we will come out of recession

 

Finance minister Kemi Adeosun has dismissed insinuations of President Muhammadu Buhari being a hater of women even as she yesterday said that the administration has pumped in the last four months pumped an unprecedented N720 billion to boost infrastructure.

Mrs. Adeosun who disowned dates attributed to her on when the nation would come out of recession said economic growth would depend on global oil prices and how the economy responds to the spending stimulus fashioned out by the administration. Among the spending plans she enumerated was the Affordable Housing Programme aimed at boosting home ownership in the country. She said the contractors for the programme moved to site this week.

Mrs. Adeosun spoke on a BBC programme yesterday evening.

Asked if the president was a misogynist, she said:

“I think the fact that he has appointed women into very senior positions says his view about women. I work with him very closely and I don’t see any misogynistic tendencies in him; in fact if for anything, I think he is very much in favour of women.”

On the administration’s plans to recover the economy from recession, she said:

“We have released about N720 billion in about four months and that is the highest ever and we are still going to do more in investing in infrastructure because that is what has held Nigeria back.”

“For a number of years and almost for a whole generation we were moving in the wrong direction depending on oil, we didn’t invest in infrastructure. And everyone has known about the power challenges in Nigeria, the road challenges, the health challenges  and the only thing that was just keeping us up was the high oil price and the high oil price has been stripped away and we have been laid bare, so it is going to take a bit of time to recover.”

Asked to reiterate a time when the country will slip out of recession, she said:

“I didn’t say six months, I have refused to give a date and what I have said consistently is that we have to invest in infrastructure to get growth back again. Who is going to predict when we are going to come out of recession? It is a function of many things. It is a function of global oil prices and how the economy responds to the spending stimulus. What we have said consistently is that if we stick to the plan that growth will return.

“We are doing the Affordable Housing Programme and the contractors have just moved to site this week and that is aimed at addressing the cost of living issue.

“We understand the peoples pain and what we are trying to do is spend our money in a way that addresses that pain,” she said.

DSS raid: Arrested judges won’t step down, NJC dares all

The National Judicial Council, NJC, has described as "unacceptable", call by the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, for judges currently under investigation over allegations of corruption, to step down until their innocence is fully and completely established.

In a statement last night, the NJC which is headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, said it would neither suspend nor ask any of the accused Judges to proceed on compulsory leave as recommended by the NBA, insisting that such action was contrary to the provisions of Section 158 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

Prominent Nigerians, among them Prof Ben Nwabueze yesterday insisted that the affected judges should step down until their cases are dispensed of.

However, the NJC statement said: "The National Judicial Council is not unaware of the judgement of the Court of public opinion on the recent events between the Department of State Services (“DSS”) and the Judiciary; and the various views expressed by Legal Practitioners, Academics, Politicians and the general public, particularly the current position of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association to wit:- “We therefore strongly recommend that, without prejudice to the innocence or otherwise of the Judges involved in the ongoing investigations, they should recuse themselves from further judicial functions or required to proceed on compulsory leave until their innocence is fully and completely established or until the conclusion of all judicial or disciplinary proceedings”.

"NJC is constrained to inform the general public that its Constitutional mandate is to process and recommend to the Executive at the Federal and State levels, the appointment, and or the removal of Judicial Officers from office, including exercise of its disciplinary control of suspending and or warning Judicial Officers; after complying with due process and the Rule of Law.

"Since the creation of NJC vide the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, it has exercised its powers and performed its functions within its Constitutional limitations.

"Thus, the current position of the Nigerian Bar Association vis-à-vis its recommendation that the affected Judicial Officers involved in the on-going investigation of Judicial Officers by the DSS, be requested to proceed on compulsory leave until the conclusion of all disciplinary proceedings against them, is unacceptable to the NJC; as it breaches the 2014 Revised Judicial Discipline Regulations formulated by NJC pursuant to Section 160 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

"It is to be reiterated also that by the provisions of Section 158 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, NJC shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other authority or person while exercising its disciplinary power of control over Judicial Officers in the Federation.

"The Members of the public are hereby informed that the mechanism that will determine a Judicial Officer to be directed or requested to proceed on compulsory leave or be suspended from office, is a disciplinary power that NJC can only exercise after initiating disciplinary proceeding on the complaint or petition forwarded against the Judge, after he has been found culpable. Therefore, to act on the recommendation of the NBA, it is not only contrary to the provisions of Section 158 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, but it means NJC will direct any Judicial Officer that has been petitioned even if the allegations contained therein are frivolous and baseless, to proceed on compulsory leave or be suspended from office without complying with the Rule of Law.

"That is not the understanding of NJC of the intention of the framers of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended vis-à-vis its Constitutional powers and functions on initiation of disciplinary proceedings culminating in suspension of Judicial Officers. Thus, to act on the request of the Departments of Government and the recommendation of the NBA, the 808 Judicial Officers that had been petitioned and accused of professional misconduct and or corrupt practices, without investigation by NJC, would have all been suspended or sent on compulsory leave and the Courts would have been deserted.

"NJC is not unmindful of the concern of the public on a situation whereby a Judicial Officer is being investigated and or prosecuted for commission of a criminal offence such as Murder or Robbery; and whether he is not supposed to be requested or directed to proceed on compulsory leave or be suspended from office. In the circumstance, unless the Subject Judge accused of commission of the offence of Murder or Robbery is petitioned to NJC, it shall not assume the disciplinary power of control over Judicial Officers to suspend or direct the Subject Judge to proceed on compulsory leave.

"Thus, NJC can only direct any Judge alleged of committing such criminal offences, to go on compulsory leave or be suspended from office if he has been investigated and found by NJC culpable of misconduct.

"The participation of NBA Members in the Emergency Meeting of NJC was necessitated by the unfolding events between the DSS and the Judiciary, bordering on administration of Justice.

"Suffice it to say that the decision of NJC in respect of the recent events and the current state of the Judiciary, particularly in condemning the invasion and arrest of the Judicial Officers by the DSS and considers it as a threat to Independence of the Judiciary, which portends great danger to our democracy; and a clear attempt by the DSS to humiliate, intimidate, denigrate and cow the Judiciary, was unanimously taken by the Members of the Council present, including the President and other Members of the Nigerian Bar Association at its last Emergency Meeting which was held on 11th October, 2016", read t statement signed by Acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye.

It will be recalled that the NBA had on Thursday, said it was necessary that the judges stepped down in order not to only protect the sanctity and integrity of judicial processes that may involve the judges concerned, but to also safeguard the public image of the judiciary as an institution.

FG to stop rice import soon-Agric Minister

*As CBN approves funds for additional rice mills

Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh yesterday said that the federal government will soon stop importation of rice into the country.

Meanwhile, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele said that the apex bank has approved provision of loans to finance additional rice mills in the country.

The due spoke in Awka, Anambra State , alongside, Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Willie Obiano and Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Abubakar ... while fielding questions from journalists during inspection tour of the 2,600 hectares rice plantation of Coscharis Farms.

The rice plantation is one of the rice projects funded through the Anchor Borrowers Facility of the CBN, which is aimed at boosting food production in the country.

President Buhari in his office, Aso Villa, Abuja

Ogbeh commented on the Coscharis rice plantation saying, “As we go round we began to have great confidence in our country. I think Nigeria’s independence is just beginning to be established because unless a country can feed itself and feed well every other dream can’t be fulfilled. This amazing, I have seen similar things in Kebbi and I am seeing this big one. I am very proud of Coscharis and the effort the Governor is making to support him. In another year, we will have no need to import one grain of rice into this country. In fact we may stop rice importation sooner than that. It is final word I am telling you, because Nigerians have proven that they can do it and I am proud that I can see this thing in Anambra.

“I am also proud of the role the CBN is playing because they are giving a lot of credit support, even allocating the scarce foreign exchange that we have to a critical sector like agriculture.”

“The rice sector alone will take off two million people before we began to satisfy our needs of 8 million tonnes. This is heavily mechanised, the smaller farmers don’t have all these machineries but they contribute immensely. So jobs, jobs and jobs, the millers are there, the marketers, the transporters, the distributors, all of them will be part of this business, just for rice. We have not even talked about cassava, of maize, of sorghum, of millets, beans, yams so the future is huge, the jobs are there.”

Emefiele while commending the efforts of the Cocharis Farms in boosting rice production in the country said, “We started this with him, almost about two years ago when we granted him a N2 billion Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS). With his own resources, he added to it and that is why he is where he is today. Those are the type of things we need to continue to encourage. And about a month ago, he came to the CBN that we need to come and see what he has done with the CACS fund we gave to him.

“I must say that I am delighted that he has used the money well. And when he came, he requested for more money because he wants to have the capacity to produce rice all-year round, which is three harvests in a year. To do so, he needs irrigation and he needs his mill. And I am happy to say yesterday, the Committee of Governors of CBN gave approval for him to set up a mill here and also set up his irrigation. That is the kind of support we would give people who have shown interest, because there is no foreign exchange to import food, when we can produce food in the country.”

The Chairman of Coscharis Group, Mr. Cosmas Maduka, in his remarks, stated that Coscharis Farm Limited will provide full time employment for about 3000 people as well as drive ancillary industrial growth in the state when all the phases of the investment are complete.

He said the farm phase of the business currently employs over 250 people, adding that the rice mill and irrigation components of the investment for which the CBN has given approval in principle to finance, will significantly enhance the capacity of the business to create more jobs and boost economic activities.

Maduka however called on other arms of the federal government to be more responsive to requests from the private sector to enable them achieve their set business goals in good time.

"Although the government is providing support, a lot more assistance is still required from the government. Government should respond to our needs and requests faster to help us meet our investment goals. For example, we have made a request for waivers for the importation of our farm equipment and it has been lying there for over a year without any approval. The government should respond faster," he said.

He commended the CBN for agreeing to provide financing for its rice mill and irrigation, while also thanking the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for the decisions to allow the company use its silos for the storage of grains harvested from the farm.

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra stated, “We are hoping to catch up with Kebbi. We are currently doing 210,000 metric tonnes. We call on CBN to support Coscharis Farms and other small holder farms because they are structured here. Through the agro-intervention funds we got N1.5 million and disbursed it and now we want N5 billion. There is much money in farming- you feed yourself and sell others”

On his part, Governor of Kebbi State said, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, “We are happy that since last year the President launched CBN's Anchor Borrowers scheme in Kebbi, the state governments have been keying into the project. It is evidence again when Mr Cosmas Maduka told us how the state governor intervened on the brewing controversy over the land, which he acquired 29 years ago. He also told of the state government's support with infrastructure. This shows that the president's call, with the support of the Minister of Agriculture and the Central Bank of Nigeria was heard. With these developments, it is obvious that we are on our way to rice sufficiency.”

Amaechi hits Ngwuta hard, says: You're a shameless liar

Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, has described allegations made against him by Supreme Court Justice, Sylvester Ngwuta, as concucted lies by a drowning man that should be ignored.

Amaechi in a statement made available to newsmen Thursday night described the embattled judge as a drowning man desperately shopping for anything to latch on.

The minister said the man merely concocted the tissues of lies against him in order to divert the public attention from the weighty evidence of corruption against him by the DSS.

Rather than attempt to smear him, Amaechi has Advised Justice Ngwuta to go and face his corruption trial and leave him out of his shameful travails.

Hon Rotimi Amaech, Transport Minister

Here is the full statement: "Our attention has been drawn to the allegations leveled against Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation, by Supreme Court Justice, The Honourable Justice Sylvester Ngwuta. In response we state that:

1. The Hon. Justice Ngwuta’s allegation as it concerns Amaechi is nothing but pure fiction, a dubious diversionary tale concocted to muddle the very serious issues of his arrest and investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS).
2. For emphasis, we want to state categorically that Amaechi did not and has never tried to lobby, induce or make the Hon. Justice Ngwuta to influence the outcome of any matter before the Supreme Court or any other court. The Hon. Justice Ngwuta’s narrative as it concerns Amaechi is simply not true, an unadulterated fallacy design to deceive and distract from the real issues of DSS investigation of acts of corruption against him.
3. It’s indeed very sad and most unfortunate that the Hon. Justice Ngwuta had decided to drag the name of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), into his fabricated allegations. Again, We make bold to state that Amaechi did not and has never lobbied, approached or attempted to make the CJN or any other Justice of the apex court to influence the Supreme Court judgment on the Rivers State and Ekiti State Governorship Elections petition appeals or any other matter before the apex court or any other court.
4. Within a space of 48 hours, we have observed a carefully planned and coordinated political attempt to drag Amaechi into the DSS arrest and investigation of judges in Nigeria. The aim of the plot is two-fold: to smear and politically destroy the image and reputation of Amaechi, and deceitfully portray him as the person behind the arrest of judges. This is indeed most ridiculous and callous.
5. We are aware of a well timed, heavily funded plot to “take out” Amaechi politically, and it appears that Justice Ngwuta and Justice Inyang Okoro (of the Supreme Court, who had also made similar made-up allegations against Amaechi), have wittingly or unwittingly been conscripted into this devious politics of “destroy Amaechi by all means.”
6. Amaechi is not and cannot be behind the arrest and investigation of the Hon. Justice Ngwuta. He should kindly leave Amaechi alone and face the issues he has with the DSS.
7. Amaechi is talking with his lawyers and will explore lawful channels to seek redress for this gross defamation against his character and person.

Why I am the 40th Oba of Benin—Oba Ewuare 11

The new Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Eheneden Erediauwa at his coronation ceremony in Benin on Thursday

*Buhari, Oshiomhole hails new King

*Benin agog after announcement of a new King

HISTORY was made Thursday October 20, 2016 in Benin Kingdom, as the 40th Oba in the Oronminya dynasty was crowned.

He is Oba Ewuare 11. An announcement which elicited a thunderous ovation in the entire Benin Kingdom after it was announced by the Oliha of Benin Kingdom, Chief Edionwe Oliha at about 5:10pm.

President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo described late Omo N’Oba, Erediauwa who had worked with him as Permanent Secretary when he was Minister of Petroleum as one of the finest and refined Nigerians.

Some traditionalists performing some traditional rites at the coronation of the new Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Eheneden Erediauwa in Benin on Thursday

The entire city was brought to a standstill as governors, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers across the country, National and state Assembly members, Ministers, Ambassadors, representatives from Foreign and African countries and so many others.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole led his colleagues such as Ibrahim Dankwabo (Gombe),Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Arigbesola (Osun), Deputy governor of Imo state and that of Edo state, Dr Pius Odubu.

Some of the traditional rulers at the epoch making ceremony includes Alhaji Saad Abubakar 11, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Ooni of Ife, Obi of Onitsha, Olu of Warri, Orodje of Okpe, Otaru of Auchi, Alafin of Oyo, Obong of Calabar, King Jaja of Opobo, Etsu Nupe, Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom among others.

National chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Governor elect of Edo state, Mr Godwin Obaseki and his wife, two time former governor of old Bendel state, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, former governor of Edo state, Prof.Osarhiemien Osunbor, Minister of state for Heath, Dr Osagie Ehanire, Minister of state for Agriculture, Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, Gen.Godwin Abbe.

African richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Captain Hosa Okunbor led other captains of industries to the event. The Queen of England and Queen of Sweden were represented by their Ambassadors in Nigeria. Representative of Italian government, Norway, Angola, Denmark, Zulu King, and several other kings in Africa were represented.

At Usama palace where the Oba spent seven days performing several rituals and ceremonies, different traditional troops, king makers in the kingdom were there as early as 6am. People waited patiently to see the new king who was actually crowned Wednesday midnight by the Oliha of Benin Kingdom, Chief Edionwe Oliha.

Oba Ewuare 11, left Usama palace which was built by Oba Eweka 1, before it was moved to its present site by Oba Ewedo in the 13th century, on foot at exactly 12:50pm accompanied by Benin warriors called Isemienro, palace chiefs and thousands of Benin citizens and visitors.

The Oba crossed the Omi River bridge in reminiscent of Oba Ewedo’s vow not to step into Isekhere territory on bare foot. Shortly after crossing the bridge, there was a ceremony and rituals performed in the bridge. He thereafter passed through Ulague street through Ebo street, from where he arrived at Urhokpota hall venue of the coronation ceremony at exactly 3:25pm.

Before his arrival at Urkpota hall, his three Queens were already seated along with other dignitaries including Vice-President Osinbajo and the host governor, Comrade Oshiomhole to receive him. The entire environment around the Kingsquare, and Urhokpota hall and adjoining streets were electrified as people surged forward to cast a glim of the new Oba.

Several dancing troupes including the famous Ekassa dance which is performed when an Oba is being coroneted, were there to add glamour to the momentous occasion with their spiritual dance.

An hour before the arrival of the new Oba, an advance team of palace chiefs and warriors arrived the Urhokpota hall to set the stage ready for the Oba.

The adjacent Benin museum Ground, Oba market road, Mission road and Airport road were filled to its capacity by people who came for the ceremony. It took security personnel on ground hectic moments to control the surging crowd.

President Buhari in his speech, congratulated Oshiomhole for having the opportunity to hand over the staff of office to the new Oba whom he described as a foremost diplomat and an epitome of tradition.

“we are gratified that your meritorious service as Nigerian Ambassador to various nations and your work in the oil and gas sector stand you in a good stead to fulfil this obligation which your ancestors have given to you. most of those who know you have express optimism that you will discharge this responsibility with great wisdom.

“On behalf of the President of this great nation. I congratulate you on this momentous and historic event and assure you of our full support, especially for your programmes, for youth employment which your Royal Majesty has set out to achieve”. He further showered prayers on the new Oba and prayed God Almighty to give him a successful reign in the throne.

Speaking, Governor Oshiomhole who presented the staff of office to the new Oba, recalled his relationship with late Oba Erediauwa whom he described as a father who will be missed by all. According to him, “ Oba Erediauwa will be remembered as a King who intervened in the state government’s effort to develop the state particularly the six lane Airport road where he directed the state House of Assembly to give their support so that the project will be a reality.

Adding that “ that intervention by the late Oba made a difference. And we are lucky that the new Oba was mentored by his father this quality he has displayed as Edaiken N’Uselu. He served as Ambassador to several nations and we pray to God and our ancestors the wisdom to govern your people.

“I have benefited enormously from your wisdom even before I became governor and I I join millions of Nigerians and others who came from far and near to congratulate you and we pray to God and our ancestors to grant you the wisdom you need to succeed as Oba of this great Kingdom.

“I want to reassure you that even when I leave office in few days time, I will give my all and I know the in-coming governor, Godwin Obaseki will do better than me both in respect for the tradition and development of the state” he stated.

On his way to Urhokpota, the Oba will pass through Isekhere, performed some ceremony at Iwehen street under the watch of Ewaise N' Iwehen and proceeded to cross the bridge.

Addressing the crowd, Oba Ewuare 11, who urged the crowd to observe a minute silence in honour of his late parents, admitted that as heir apparent to the throne, he benefited immensely from his father’s wisdom. He also announced that the mother should henceforth be addressed as Queen mother which he said the ceremony will be announced later.

“During my father’s reign, the palace was a home for all despite your religions or ethnic background, for all who needed guidance and assistance. Traditional rulers from far and near consulted him on several issues and he ensured that he advised them accordingly. He was a good father to all of us all. As the custodian of our culture and tradition, he was open to new ideas and respects new innovations”.

Oba Ewuare 11 who explained why he should be regarded as the 40th Oba of Benin contrary to the believe that he is the 39th Oba, said “there may be some different views about the origin of some of our ancestors but there is unanimity in the shared heritage between the people of Benin and Ile Ife in identifying Oduduwa as a fore bear of kingship in parts of Africa and Nigeria of today.

“Historians all agreed that Oduduwa sent his son Oranmiyan as requested by elders of Benin to return with them as ruler of their realm. Oranmiyan stayed in Benin, but his stay was short. But by the time he left he had a son known today as Eweka 1st. Oranmiyan’s time in Benin however shortlived, he was an Oba. So he was the first Oba after the Ogiso dynasty, he established Obaship in Benin therefore the listing of past Oab should therefore start from Oranmiyan as it is listed.

“This actually made my late father the 39th Oba of Benin while I am the 40th Oba of Benin”. The new Oba said he will pay due attention as well as security and well being of the people. “we shall strive to ensure equity and justice, use cultural diplomacy as a vehicle to maintain relationship with our neighbours. We will ensure our people use Benin language as a vehicle of communication and also teach our children the language.

He further appealed to Benin people to uphold the tradition and culture at all times just as he appealed to the state government to include the teaching of Benin language and history to the school curriculum.

He however expressed concern over the poverty of the people at the grass roots which he traced to lack of unemployment for the youths and appealed to government at all levels to change the trend. The Oba who unveiled his royal crest also established Oba Erediauwa annual lecture series worth N10million as price for well researched material in Benin history and language.