Tag: Eruwa

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News

Gbajumola/Ofiki Family Seeks Makinde’s Intervention Over Eleruwa Tussle

As the ongoing selection of the new Eleruwa of Eruwa in Ibrarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State continues to generate reactions from different quarters, the Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi Royal Family, has urged the governor of the State, Mr Seyi Makinde, to promptly intervene and ensure that transparency and fairness take preeminence in the whole process.

The family made the plea in a letter addressed to the governor, which was jointly signed by the representatives of the family namely: Prince Abolanle Akeem; Prince Adedokun Amos; Prince Adejumobi Olugbade; Prince Afolabi Abimbola; Prince Oloyede Raji; Princess Bosede Oyebola; Prince Kolawola J. Olaniyan and Prince Adejumobi Olukunle and made available to journalists on Tuesday.

The letter reads in parts: “We, the members of Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi Royal Family, write to bring to your attention the ongoing Eleruwa kingship tussle in Eruwaland, Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo.

“As stakeholders in this matter, we deem it necessary to provide clarification and guidance on the proper interpretation of the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration. As you may be aware, the Eleruwa Kingship is rotational between the two ruling houses: Akalakoyi and Laribikusi.

“Following the demise of Oba Bolanle Olaniyan Gbajumola II from Akalakoyi, it was the turn of Olaribikusi to produce the successor. However, the selection of Oba Samuel Adegbola from Olaribikusi was challenged in court and ultimately led to his dethronement on November 29, 2019.

“The Supreme Court ruling explicitly stated that the new Eleruwa should be selected from Laribikusi House, as it is still their turn.

“We hereby distance our family, Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi, from any attempt to hijack the right of Laribikusi to produce the next Eleruwa. Such actions would be tantamount to cheating our brethren from Laribikusi and creating bad blood between the two ruling houses.

“We implore Your Excellency to prevail upon those who seek to destabilise the process and impose their anointed candidate from Akalakoyi to rescind their decision. We urge you to ensure that the selection process is fair, transparent, and in accordance with the provisions of the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration.

“As you may be aware, your government has already initiated the process for selecting a new Eleruwa through the Afobaje, in line with the Supreme Court ruling and the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration. We believe that it is essential to respect the rotational order of the kingship and allow Laribikusi to produce the next Eleruwa.”

 

Credit: Nigerian Tribune

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News

Eleruwa Stool; Nomination of Dethroned Monarch, Adegbola Is Mischievous

Some of the contestants jostling for the position of the Eleruwa have rejected the results of the selection process by the kingmakers, faulting that it was manipulated in favour of the formerly dethroned king.

 

It was gathered that 18 people indicated interest to become the Eleruwa of Eruwa from the Akalakoyi ruling house, following the legal battle that led to the sack of Adegbola by the Supreme Court.

 

Dissatisfied by the position of the kingmakers, contestants from the Sangotola/Fasina Ruling House of the Akalakoyi Dynasty on Tuesday condemned the process totally.

 

In a statement jointly released by the eleven contestants from the Sangotola/Fasina royal house, the spokesperson, Prince Suberu Olanrewaju Oloyede, called for urgent cancellation of the selection of Prince Adegbola, accusing the umpires and the local government of manipulations.

 

“No doubt, the Kingmakers played foul, they scripted a mischievous dramatic performance all through, nobody screened us, all we just heard was that, they have selected someone. Not even a person that is neutral or fresh, the same person that was removed by the apex judicial body in the country. The system is faulty and should not be allowed in our society,” Prince Olanrewaju Oloyede said.

 

Expressing disappointment over the process, he said the government has failed in their own parts by conniving with the kingmakers in what could be termed as a manipulative skewing process. What is the criteria used in the selection? We should at least know the prerequisite used to have selected him of all the eighteen candidates that were nominated from the Akalakoyi royal lineages.

 

In a traditional setting, due process must be followed in the selection of a king. Kingship position isn’t just something you wake up and tell the people you have chosen at midnight. It’s a respected position that requires a fair and transparent process.

 

Prince Oloyede called on Governor Seyi Makinde, the ministry of local government and Chieftancy matters in the state to order a fresh process without alterations.

 

Efforts to reach out to the Kingmakers as of the time of publication proved abortive.

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Opinion

A Harrowing Trip To Eruwa (2): Abuse Of Office.

The piece titled ” A Harrowing Trip To Eruwa” has elicited diverse response.

There are those who felt the piece was a direct confrontation to the Speaker, Oyo state House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin.

Some die hard partisan politicians felt it was a sponsored job which is meant to discredit the PDP in favour of the APC.

Interestingly, many of our people in Ibarapa embraced the write up as a timely intervention and many also volunteered information which I must confirm were out of my personal knowledge before I wrote the piece.

I must put it on record that my write-ups, are influenced by objective motivations and those who have known me for some time will attest to that fact.

Our society is in dire need of fearless and courageous individuals who will not be bothered by whose ox would be gored when truth are spoken.

Public offices are held in trust for the people and as public office holders, the citizens are the masters and not the other way round.

Accountability in public office is key to developments and the citizens will be doing the society a great deal of good when they stand up against tyranny and abuse of office.

I made references to two Road projects in my initial write up which were abandoned by the contractor within Eruwa and I said that information at my disposal revealed that the younger brother of the Speaker, Oyo state House of Assembly has been fingered as the defaulting contractor.

The two Road projects in question are that of the New Garage to Oke Ola junction and the Alayande junction to Isaba.

By the time I wrote the piece yesterday, I never knew that the said younger brother of the Speaker also got another contract within the premises of the Lanlate Campus of the NCE, the same, also in reckless abandon.

Now, let us discuss the issues around this abandoned projects with a view to establishing why they are considered a misnomer.

There is a crime under the EFCC Act referred to as ” Abuse of office”.

How does a public office holder abuse his office?

Under that Act, award of contracts to friends and relatives, most especially, in contravention of the procurement Laws is an Abuse of office and it is criminal.

Now, it will be interesting to know what qualifies the young man in question to be handed over such big projects.

Who awarded the projects to him? Is it the Governor or his Elder brother? Has he ever handled such projects before?

Who is the client? His brother, the Oyo state Government or Ibarapa East Local Government Council?

Under which Company name did he bid for and got the contract? When was the Company registered and how many of such jobs has the Company handled successfully prior to taking the ones in question?

With which funds is the project running? Local Government funds as it has been alleged or state funds?

Is it true that the Speaker is on the neck of the current Chairman of the Local Government, demanding for funds to complete the abandoned projects?

Was there a time limit within which the projects were specified for completion?

There are more questions than answers about the projects in question and something smells fishy.

The Governor of Oyo state, the Speaker of the Oyo state House of Assembly and the gentleman in question must come out and tell the world exactly what is happening.

No matter how much some people will want to hide under premordial sentiments and except us to keep quiet, we will not succumb to threats and blackmail.

If the fellow had done the job in time, perhaps, we will not be at this ugly juncture.

The projects have been abandoned for years. The citizens are suffering and those who are responsible for their suffering continue to display opulence.

It is not only the citizens who must demonstrate sense of responsibilities.

Those who govern them equally have responsibilities to discharge and transparency is one of the responsibilities of Government.

The recklessness going on in Ibarapa is another pointer to why Governor Seyi Makinde has been jittery about the judgment of the Supreme Court which granted Financial Autonomy to the Local Governments.

We have had over five years of Governor Makinde’s supervisory roles over the 33 Local Governments and it has been marred by allegations of mismanagement of funds.

I think we have come to a point where every citizens of Oyo state must raise advocacy to demand for a probe of the Local Governments in Oyo state for the past five years.

How could a young man of less than forty years of age without any known experience in Road construction be awarded contracts running to billions of Naira?

In Ibarapa East, the crow has beaten the hatchlings of the sparrow, a big fight is in the offen.

Our mumu don do.

 

SOLA ABEGUNDE.

Categories
Opinion

A Harrowing Trip To Eruwa

Before the late former Governor Lam Adesina connected Eruwa with Ibadan through Eleyele/Ido/Alako/Ilaju, the only motorable access to Ibadan was the Temidire/Idi Ope/Oloke Meji/Olowo/Omi Adio Road.

Those coming from Iganna in Oke Ogun and the three local Governments of Ibarapa who are old enough to have plied the Oloke Meji route will remember the problems we used to face then between Oloke Meji and Olowo village.

The stretch of Road between Oloke Meji, immediately after the Bridge which ran over the Odo Ogun Bridge will recollect the serious hassles travelers were made to go through at the time.

The stretch, immediately after the Bridge, if you’re coming from the Eruwa end belongs to the Ogun state Government while the stretch between Eruwa to Odo Ogun Bridge belongs to Oyo state.

The stretch belonging to Oyo state was always in good shape but the other end of the Road belonging to Ogun state was always a disaster.

Unfortunately, the stretch belonging to Ogun is more than about two thirds of the total stretch of the Road.

I believe that the inability of successive State Governments of Oyo state to get their Ogun state counterpart to commit to the rehabilitation of the Road from their end must have been the driving force behind late Governor Lam Adesina to seek for an alternative route.

I remember how we used to keep an extra wear in our bags and how we used to change our clothes behind the New Garage at Apata in those days.

There is no way you will travel on the stretch of Road between Oloke Meji and Olowo village to Ibadan during the dry season and you won’t be covered by dust from head to toe.

Travelling on the said Road during the raining seasons is no respite either.

That part of the Road is largely muddy and you have to pray that the vehicle you were traveling in didn’t get stuck in the mud.

The respite the Eleyele/Ido/Eruwa Road provided when it was opened is difficult to describe.

Travelling between Ibadan and Ibarapa and some parts of Oke Ogun became stress free and faster.

You can easily travel between Eleyele junction and New Eruwa in less than an hour at moderate speed.

We enjoyed such luxury running across the Governments of Lam Adesina, Ladoja and late Adebayo Alao Akala.

We started having issues on that Road during the first term of late Governor Ajimobi.

However, towards the end of his second term, the Road was awarded and it was done up to some meters after Okolo village in Eruwa, leaving about four or five kilometers to be completed.

By the time Governor Makinde took over in 2019, the Contractor was still on the job.

Sadly, job on the Road was stopped and that was the beginning of what will become a nightmare for the people of Ibarapa Land till today.

As I pen this piece, a trip between Ido and Eruwa is considered as a trip through hell.

It is a stretch of Road which is less than 55 klm.

On a good day, it is a trip which should not take more than 30 minutes at most but one which will take you about two hours to navigate now due to the terrible state of the Road.

Throughout Governor Seyi Makinde’s first term, calls, Appeals and sos messages were sent to the Governor concerning the terrible state of the Road.

Governor Makinde started giving one excuse or the other.

At a point, he said he has caught some thieves who embezzled the money meant for the rehabilitation of the Road and boasted that he was going to collect every last Kobo of Oyo state monies embezzled by the said thieves who stole the money meant for the completion of the rehabilitation.

It is now about five years after Governor Makinde made that revelations and boasted, beating his chest and nothing has happened to the knowledge of the public.

It is after he boasted of catching the thieves that he set up the Oyo state Anti-corruption Agency, OYSACA.

Question is, where are the thieves? Where is the money?

Despite the fact that the Governor has refused or neglected to show the faces of these thieves and or, tell us if he had recovered the alleged embezzled monies ” to the last Kobo”, the Ido/Eruwa Road has continued to suffer neglect.

When the 2023 election was fast approaching and Governor Makinde sensed danger of agitations from Ibarapa, he quickly awarded the Road from Igbole in Igboora to Igangan or is it Iganna? I can not recollect.

He also awarded the New Eruwa junction to Maya market Road, passing through Lanlate.

He awarded the New Eruwa junction end of the Ido/Eruwa Road and gave the contract to a Leader of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ibarapa zone.

He equally awarded the same Road from the Ido end and gave to another contractor.

The people of Ibarapa Land must have fallen for this and they responded by voting for the Governor and other PDP candidates during the gubernatorial and House of Assembly election.

I must say that yours truly was sure that the Governor was not sincere about the rehabilitation of the Ido/ Ibarapa Road within the time frame he promised.

I was sure that whatever was done was just to get the votes for his second term and we warned the electorates to no avail.

I have been vindicated and sadly so. As I pen this piece, not 2 klm of the Road has been done from both ends put together.

The Iseyin/ Ogbomoso Road, the Omi Adio/Ido Road which were flagged off about same time with that of Ido/Eruwa Road have since been completed and commissioned.

I have kept wondering what malice Governor Makinde has with Ibarapa Land, most especially, Eruwa.

The New Eruwa junction/ Maya market Road passing through Lanlate which he awarded towards the end of his first term has been completed.

He equally completed the Igbole/Igangan/ Iganna Road.

You might say that the above completed Roads were a process of necessity to get votes for his second term but at least, they were done.

Unfortunately, the internal Roads within Eruwa have been isolated and also remain in a terrible state of abandonment since 2019.

The Road from New Garage junction in Eruwa passing through the Polytechnic to Oke Ola junction in Eruwa was allegedly awarded to a simbling of the Speaker , Oyo state House of Assembly by only God knows who between the Speaker and the Governor.

The contract was awarded during the first term of Governor Makinde and up till now, nothing concrete was done on the said Road.

In fact, it is a case of the deity which could not better the lots of the people who ply the Road and has chosen to make things worse for them.

The Road in question is less than a kilometer in measurement. Length and width.

The same goes for the Isaba/Alayande junction Road.

Same contractor as with the Polytechnic Road and same ugly fate.

I went to Eruwa on Tuesday the 7th of August and I saw first hand the rate at which the job on the Ido/Eruwa Road is been handled.

It says so much about the sincerity of Governor Makinde to deliver on his promises which he has failed on several times.

My biggest worries however is not the snail speed with which the job is being done on the Ido/Eruwa Road.

My worries are on the terrible state of the Roads in town and more worrisome is the more terrible state of the Roads linking our farms and villages.

Governor Makinde has been touting his resolve to link all zones in Oyo state with the state Capital as one way of promoting Agriculture.

Though, I don’t know how he can conviniently say such things about Ibarapa Land, whose only link Road he has abandoned over the years.

I also do not see how the areas he has linked with the state capital will not be hindered by the poor network of Roads within the Towns, farms and villages where Agric products are cultivated.

Governor Makinde, his appointees and acolytes hate it when you accuse the Governor of being cosmetic in his approach to important issues.

His decision to run the 33 Local Governments in Oyo state down by depriving them of their monthly Allocations for five years running now is a great disservice to whatever he thought he was doing to improve Agriculture input from local farmers.

Most, if not all of the townships Roads and the link Roads to the Farms and villages belong to the Local Governments.

There is no arguments on the fact that the Governor has been depriving the Local Governments funds to work on improving these Roads.

I can say it unequivocally that eighty percent of the farms and villages in Ibarapa East where I live and farm are no longer accessible to vehicles and I’m sure that is the case in all the rural areas in Oyo state.

There is no way this will not affect farm output considerably.

Whatever Governor Makinde gave with the right hand by linking the major Towns and cities with Ibadan in the name of opening up the state for easy transportation of farm products, he took it away with the left hand through his prevention of the Local Governments from attending to the link Roads within the farms and villages in their domains.

If farm products could not get to the towns in the rural areas, how will they get to Ibadan?

With the level and volume of production at the rural levels I don’t know how Oyo state should still be suffering from the shortages of certain Agricultural products if there are accessable link Roads to the farms and villages.

I have said a lot about Governor Makinde’s preference for Agri-business as against Agriculture.

However, it is obvious that individual local farmers are not feeling his Government in the areas of Road network in the rural areas and this is due to the ineffectiveness of the Local Governments over the years.

Let me go and take my Paracetamol. Just came back from Eruwa. I bet, anyone would need it after such a horrible Road experience.

 

SOLA ABEGUNDE

Categories
Opinion

A Plea For Justice And Peace In Eruwa’s Royal Succession

In the midst of the struggle for the vacant throne of Eleruwa, a voice of reason and justice has emerged, pleading for a just and fair resolution to this crisis.

This plea comes in the wake of increasing propaganda and lies that have filled the media and airwaves, threatening to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of the ancient town.

Just like the biblical prostitute in the days of King Solomon, who would rather have the baby killed than accept her fate, the activities and utterances of these individuals can lead to public incitement against the government and thus hinder a just and fair resolution of the crisis over the choosing and installing of new Oba for Eruwa.

At Agbaragba, the home of Laribikusi, we are not unmindful that such unguarded utterances and lies filling up the media and airwaves can lead to a bridge of peace and tranquillity the ancient town of Eruwa is known for. It is pertinent that these lies are discountenanced so that unsuspecting masses are not deceived and misguided.

Laribikusi ruling house of Agbaragba compound, Oke-Oba Eruwa, is aware of genuine apprehension in town due to the imbroglio created by the absence of a king on the throne for many years. Eruwa indigenes are rightly worried and understandably running out of patience. My family shares this feeling too.

The historical context of the struggle for the Eleruwa throne is crucial to understanding the current situation.

Until 1957, the nomination process for the throne was chaotic and non-rotational, with many intruders finding their way to the throne despite not being related to Laribikusi’s ruling house of Agbaragba by blood.

The 1957 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration was enacted to address these concerns and establish two recognized ruling houses in Eruwa: Laribikusi and Akalako.

To set the record straight, during the reign of Oba Adegboye, Olurinde IV from Akalako Ruling house (1947 to 1959), the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration was enacted not to only assuage the clamour of the Laribikusi ruling House that Akalako Ruling House had almost monopolised Eleruwa throne since the demise of the first Eleruwa, Oba Laribikusi 1, but also put to an end, further emergence of previously occupants of the throne who were not of the royal blood of Laribikusi and Akalako from ascending the throne of Eleruwa. Consequently, there are two established ruling houses in Eruwa; Laribikusi and Akalako.

Oba Bolanle Olaniyan, Gbajumola II passed on to meet his ancestors on May 1st, 1994. He was from the Akalalako ruling house. There was no ambiguity on whose turn it was to produce the next Eleruwa. It’s the turn of Laribikusi’s ruling house.

However, despite this normalisation, the current struggle for the throne has been marred by allegations of falsehood and manipulation, threatening to undo the progress made in 1957.

The voice of reason continues, emphasising the importance of understanding the historical and legal context of this struggle. The descendants of Laribikusi, being the male lineage of Obaseku, the founder of Eruwa, are resident at their ancestral compound at Agbaragba, Oke-Oba, Eruwa. The claim that Laribikusi has four distinct houses is baseless and lacking in common sense.

Furthermore, the pursuit of justice by the Laribikusi ruling house of Agbaragba has been unyielding, despite attempts to discredit their legitimate struggle.

The insinuation in certain quarters that Laribikusi ruling house of Agbaragba compound has abandoned its just and legitimate struggle to regain what rightly belongs to it by inheritance and history is nothing but a blatant lie and absurdity. Right from the onset and since the demise of the late Oba Bolanle Olaniyan, we have pursued and still pursuing this matter through both legal and civil means. The records are there and are verifiable.

The removal of Samuel Adegbola by the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on 29th November 2019 did not automatically confer the crown of Eleruwa on any candidate.

Whoever is parading himself as the Eleruwa-designate based on a fallacious interpretation of that Supreme Court judgment is either willfully ignorant of the processes of law and modalities of choosing Eleruwa from the nominated princesses or an outright lack of understanding? Sentiments and emotions do not constitute a factual interpretation of court judgements.

The process of choosing Eleruwa is laid out in the Declaration made under section 4 (2) of the Chiefs Law, 1957. We believe that the current government in Oyo state led by Engineer Seyi Makinde will not be stampeded into taking action that will lead to another round of endless litigations that will continue to keep Eruwa away from the rightful Oba it deserves.

It is the turn of Laribikusi to fill the vacant throne of Eleruwa and ensuring Laribikusi by blood is chosen to sit on that throne is the only way to guarantee a just and peaceful resolution.

The voice warns against the dangers of emotional arguments and misinterpretations of court judgments.

The Eruwa community must not be misled by these tactics, which will only prolong the crisis and delay the installation of a rightful Oba. Trust must be placed in the processes of law and the wisdom of the current government to resolve this matter justly and fairly.

Ultimately, the call for peace and justice in Eruwa extends beyond the Laribikusi ruling house and the Akalako ruling house.

This struggle is about maintaining the integrity and legacy of this ancient town, which has been built upon centuries of tradition and culture. All stakeholders must recognize the gravity of this situation and act with the best interests of Eruwa at heart.

And so, the call for justice is made clear: the throne of Eleruwa rightfully belongs to the Laribikusi ruling house by blood. This is the only way to ensure a just and peaceful resolution to this crisis and to preserve the integrity of Eruwa’s rich history and culture.

The Oyo State government is further urged to stay the course and resist the malicious efforts of those who would seek to sow discord and undermine the rule of law through falsehood and misinformation.

Prince Olusegun Adewale Oke (writes from Laribikusi, Agbaragba Royal Family, Oke-Oba Eruwa).

Email: segto2002@gmail.com

Categories
News

6th Year Remembrance: Renowned Late Clergy’s Children Donate JAMB Forms To Ten Indigent Students In Eruwa

Children of the renowned late clergy, Reverend Oladejo Dahunsi has commenced the distribution of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms to ten indigent students in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Six years after the demise of the clergyman, the children are still keeping his memory alive.

Reverend Oladejo Dahunsi died on January 30th, 2018, at the age of 72.

To commiserate the sixth year remembrance, the children who wanted the legacy of their father to live on have supported a few less privileged who wish to further their education in higher institutions of learning in the ongoing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration.

Ten individuals were drawn from various quarters in the community.

The first child of the late clergy, Ayokusehin Dahunsi, who spoke with our correspondent said the family had since the time of their father’s death consistently organized prayer sessions which usually comes up every 30th of January at his Èrùwà and Lagos residence and also reaching out to less privileged.

“We are happy to have a father who touched so many lives, and till date, he is still picking awards from many churches and organizations. Our late father doesn’t joke with education and always loves to help the less privileged and the needy. We intend to keep doing this every year in his memory, we are hopeful a full fledged foundation will be born soon”, Ayokusehin added.

Rev’d Oladejo Dahunsi was a renowned clergy man that pastored many Baptist Churches. He also trained so many people and gave them education. While on earth, he values education to the extent that he sacrificed a lot for everyone around hime to be educated.

The late clergyman married the first daughter of Prince Abolanle James Ayankunle Olabiyi of Aleere’s Compound in Oke Oba Eruwa.

He was from the clergy family which includes Revd. J.A. Ajani, Rev’d Dr Emmanuel Àjàyi Dahunsi (First Indigenous Secretary General of the Nigeria Baptist Convention), Rev’d A.Amos Dahunsi, formerly of Eleyele Baptist Church, Rev’d Oluwole Dahunsi, Pastor Akinyemi Muyiwa Dahunsi of Peace Way Baptist Church Lagos among many others.

Categories
News Security

Safe Us From Unrepentant Robbers, Community Advocate Writes Governor Makinde

OPEN LETTER TO OYO STATE GOVERNMENT

SAFE OUR JERUSALEM FROM UNREPENTANT ROBBERS- OUR EVER-PEACEFUL ERUWA IS NO LONGER SAFE!

Friday, 25th August, 2023.

Dear Oyo State Government,

It is with great delight that I am writing this letter to you as a concerned son of Ojoko kingdom, one who wants a safe, secure and great future for the good people of Eruwaland and Oyo State. Mr. Governor and Rt. Honourable Speaker, I must humbly and respectfully request to trespass into your already crowded schedules asking that you kindly grant audience in my humble attempt to bring to your notice the need to act drastically on the safety and security of lives and properties of the good people of Eruwaland.

Far away from the centre of excellence and aquatic splendour obeying the clarion call, over the past two weeks calls and messages have kept popping in, drawing my attention to the incessant robbery cases in Eruwa. This is absurd and disheartening as it has never been this bad in the history of our Fatherland. Can we say the economic meltdown is the rationale behind this or do the evildoers choose the evil path they choose to capitalize on? Many questions running through my mind without tangible answers.

I strongly believe the Oyo State Government like every other government’s sole responsibility is to save lives and properties as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), which clearly states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, and the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured by the provisions of this constitution.”

Our dear Government, both students and indigenes of our dear Father’s Land can no longer sleep with any of their eyes closed not to talk of one. They now have to sleep with a cutlass, matchet etc. in their hands. The most unfortunate part is the back-to-back robbery cases happening during the day and at night.

Sadly, the patience of our peaceful and loving individuals has been tested. They are left with no option but to save themselves through self-defence, You will agree with me this is neither safe nor sufficient to challenge armed robbers.

Dear Governor Seyi Makinde, and Rt. Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, it’s high time you take this matter as a case of urgent attention. The Vigilante Van should be fueled adequately and other security personnel should be motivated monetarily. The Area Command should also deploy more police officers. It won’t be a bad idea if Operation Burst takes centre stage as those criminals remain adamant.

Subsequently, to avert the reoccurrence of all these ugly incidences, Each area span should be mounted by fully equipped security personnel entrusted to protect his assigned domain. Such security should also be compensated with good incentives when due.

I would hope you would agree we share a mutual love for Eruwa and its wellbeing. I sincerely hope you read this letter in the spirit in which it is written. A spirit of genuine concern for our community. While anticipating a responsive action on the above, I hope that you will give this letter your utmost attention and consideration because a stitch in time saves nine.

God Bless Eruwaland

God Bless Oyo State.

From a deeply Concerned Son of Eruwa,
Comrade Oluwafemi Ogunshola O.
Comradefemi11@gmail.com

Cc: Governor Seyi Makinde
Rt. Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin
Oyo State Commissioner of Police
Area Commander
Operation Burst Commander

Categories
News

Eruwa Anthem

Ilu Eruwa Ojoko
N ko ni gbagbe Re
N O gbe o leke okan mi
Ni ile Yoruba
Emi o fi Eruwa sogo
Emi o sogo yi l’okan mi
Maa yo loruko Okele
Emi Omo Agbe Dudu
Emi Ayo (2×) Mayo lori Obaseeku
Emi Ayo (2×) Mayo lori Okele

Eruwa Anthem MP3

Eruwa ‘lu Alafia
Iwo wa lokan Mi
Emi o ma saferi Re,
Nibi ti mo ba wa,
Emi o fi Eruwa yangan
Lonakona n o feran Re
Ma yo loruko Ofere
Emi Omo Agbe Dudu
Emi Ayo (2×) Mayo lori Apanpa
Emi Ayo (2×) Mayo lori Akolu

Categories
News

Pictorial: Adegbenjo Empowers 50 Widows In Eruwa

A philanthropist, Adedimeji Adegbenjo has empowered not fewer than 50 widows in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State with donation of cash gifts.

The event which was organized as part of activities for his house warming in his hometown on Sunday.

Adegbenjo who spoke with SpyGist correspondent said, the program will be done every year to empower the needy in the community.

IMG-20221225-WA0088-225x300 Pictorial: Adegbenjo Empowers 50 Widows In Eruwa
IMG-20221225-WA0092-225x300 Pictorial: Adegbenjo Empowers 50 Widows In Eruwa
IMG-20221225-WA0093-225x300 Pictorial: Adegbenjo Empowers 50 Widows In Eruwa
IMG-20221225-WA0090-225x300 Pictorial: Adegbenjo Empowers 50 Widows In Eruwa
IMG-20221225-WA0096-225x300 Pictorial: Adegbenjo Empowers 50 Widows In Eruwa

He said, “I lost my father eighteen years ago and I know how difficult it was for a widow to survive with children. Ever since then, I made a vow within myself that if God bless me, the first set of people I will take care of are the widows.

“We are optimistic and standing on it that the program will be coming up every year”, Adegbenjo added.

The empowerment is the second of it’s kind, the maiden edition started in the year 2021.

IMG-20221225-WA0085-225x300 Pictorial: Adegbenjo Empowers 50 Widows In Eruwa
IMG-20221225-WA0083-225x300 Pictorial: Adegbenjo Empowers 50 Widows In Eruwa
Categories
Opinion

Eruwa And The New Wind Of Change | Adewole Peter

321ff3c737634e2d999d7cf7358d91a1-1024x1024 Eruwa And The New Wind Of Change | Adewole Peter

The task of building any community world over revolves around the inhabitants of such communal set up. All the stakeholders- artisans, religious bodies, women folks, market women, elders, youths, students among others are expected to strive in unison towards changing the fortunes of such enclave for the better. It is said in Yoruba parlance that it was the wisdom of both the youth and that of the elders that led to the creation of Ife Kingdom.
This narrative succinctly described the developmental efforts witnessed in the past in Eruwa community. It is a common knowledge that our town was ones rated high in terms of collective effort to drive development. Many of what we can boast of as communal heritage are products of unified labour of our forebears. References to these are the YMCA camp, Eruwa Town Hall, Excel Microfinance Bank, the uncompleted Eruwa Youth Hall among others. Without doubt, our past was written in gold and will forever be kind to those who brought this glorious past into fruition.


As we progress as a community, there comes a time in our history when lull set in and we went to sleep, thereby we find ourselves in a quandary. Everything appears to be working against us in respect of any attempt we make to attract development to our town. Unity, love, and spirit of shared responsibility which we were known for seem to elude us. We began to work in isolation and wander in the wilderness of various challenges.
We are all witnesses to our recent gory past, how and when this becomes our fate will not form the chunk of this piece but the way out of this quagmire in order to raise the bar of development in our dear town to bequeath legacy of hope and positive change to the present and future generation where all of us will be proud of Eruwa as our origin.


“Change’’ they say, “is a constant phenomenon in human endeavour.’’ However, change cannot subsist in abstract, it is the people that will cause change to take place. Without being equivocal, the latest wind of positive change that has begun to blow in our community is a welcome development, a way of improvement. All well-meaning indigenes home and diaspora must strive to sustain the ongoing efforts to restore the lost glory of our heritage.


Challenges are inherent feature in the life of human. It is only those who do not communicate that tend to absolve crisis, where communication exist, crises are bound to surface. However, the commitment to get rid of crisis is vital in crisis resolution effort. After a period of stalemate at the level of Eruwa Youth Movement, a truce was brokered, and the organization has risen to her generational role by promoting peace, unity, and development in the community. A word of commendation goes to all stakeholders in the affairs of the movement that jettisoned all manners of sentiment and ensured that the body was restructured and resuscitated; this effort must be sustained for the betterment of all.
This effort and many others signal the wave of change that currently pervade the town. October 1st, 2022 marked another landmark in the history of Eruwa community when Eruwa Youth Development Centre was unveiled by the incumbent leadership of Eruwa Youth Movement. This initiative is commendable, ought to be supported by all and sundry to ensure its actualization. The foundation has been laid; a big task is ahead of us.


My interaction with some members of the headship of the movement exposed me to the vision of establishing the anticipated youth development centre. The proposed project is expected to host a Library, ICT Centre, Vocational Training Centre, Eruwa Students secretariat and Eruwa Youth Movement Secretariat (ongoing) among others. This, I tag THE BIG DREAM.
In a bid to achieve this, I want to enjoin the visioners and advocates of this ambitious initiative to come up with a work plan that will outlive their tenure and ultimately stimulate the realization of the project. In this regard, two committee will suffice to attain this life time dream; the Technical Committee and Board of Trustee. While Technical Committee is expected to comprise professionals in structural works that will see to the drawings of the structures and supervision of project execution that will make up the proposed centre, the Board of Trustee is expected to mobilize human, and resources required for the project.
At this end, I must commend the support of Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin the present Speaker of Oyo State House Assembly for his huge donation towards the completion of Eruwa Youth Movement Secretariat. This gesture will forever linger in our memory, and it will energize others to support developmental drive in the community. Our criticism against him in the past was not borne out of hatred but the need to spur him into action to make good use of the present opportunity at our disposal, as nobody know when the current prospect will be our fate again.
In an attempt to promote integration among various community development organisations in Eruwa community, the present leadership of Eruwa Youth Movement initiated another structure during 2022 Easter congress christened Central Council of Eruwa Indigenes. The vision was to create a transition platform for those who can no longer be accommodated within the Eruwa Youth Movement structure due to new constitutional provision which has put the age limit of members of youth movement at fifty. With this development, it is believed that every individual who is desirous to support progressive effort in Eruwa community will find a platform to do so.


While Eruwa Youth Movement is working assiduously at the top level of the community to change the cause of our history for better, Aborerin Youth Forum, an ancillary of the apex body is not leaving any stone unturned to drive progressive change in Aborerin quarters of the town. It is worthy of note to applaud this forum for the conception and execution of operation-light-up-Aborerin project. While many still rely on government to execute such project, the forum took it upon them as a community service initiative to fix twenty-five solar streetlights in the area. This has proven that together we are stronger, better and can achieve the more.
This is a reference point in our history, a worthy legacy project for other youth organisation in the community to emulate and a tonic for the forum not to rest on their oars. It is also a stimulant that we must not endlessly wait for those we are entrusted to manage our public life but have failed to be responsive to their responsibilities. They have chosen to perpetually keep us in political servitude; we cannot afford to leave our destiny in their hands.
From all indications, our people have once again taken the bull by the horn in our quest for an enlivened community. We must not allow distraction, sentiment of all sorts and selfishness to deter us from achieving greatness of our community. We must struggle in unanimity to sustain the current tempo and high spirit to revive the sleeping giant for the better of the present and future generation.


Adewole Peter is a former Secretary of Eruwa Youth Movement

IMG-20220719-WA0012 Eruwa And The New Wind Of Change | Adewole Peter
FB_IMG_1662794368763 Eruwa And The New Wind Of Change | Adewole Peter
Categories
News

AOPE Crisis: Ogundiran Samuel initiated the crisis against the Unity of Ibarapa, not capable to Chair the Council


Angry reactions have started trailing the media space after the Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin intervened in the leadership crisis of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic Eruwa.

The crisis rocking the institution climaxed yesterday after the meeting which resolved to extend the tenure of the Acting Rector, Mr Peter Adejumo.

Over the past hours after the meeting to extend the tenure of Mr Peter Adejumo, youths of the communities involved have started throwing banters on each other on different platform which bind them together.

A group of Youths in Eruwa has therefore condemned the action of the Governing Council Chairman, Professor Ogundiran Samuel, saying he is responsible for the community crisis between the communities where love exist from time.

Speaking on behalf of the youths, Comrade Adedokun Sunday expressed his total displeasure on the action of the Chairman who initiated the crisis.

“Why will you remove an acting rector and replace with the acting deputy rector? What edict removed the rector that does not tamper with the deputy? The Chairman Governing Council caused the crisis, he should have use his discretion to manage the institution instead of aiding the fall”.

“If the Council Chairman is not biased and interested in a particular candidate, we wouldn’t have experience this saga. It will be interesting if the Governor can wade in to investigate the whole matter. The Chairman is not capable to head the council, he lack the experience needed to occupy the position”, he added.

Categories
News Politics

“You don’t need to lie, apologize to your people” Comrade Harshasha responded to Oyo Speaker


The Chairman Alliance of Yoruba Youths Council Worldwide Oyo State Chapter and a young activist from Ibarapa, Adedokun Sunday Harshasha has reacted to the release credited to the speaker of Oyo state after the crisis which surrounded the Saturday local government election in Ibarapa East Area, Eruwa.

Harshasha reacted to the claim of the speaker Adebo Ogundoyin that he didn’t use political thugs against his people. He said the speaker is a typical example of the bad bloods that should not be given the opportunity to lead.

IMG-20210524-WA0084-1024x767 "You don't need to lie, apologize to your people" Comrade Harshasha responded to Oyo Speaker

“The speaker needs not to lie at this juncture, it’s evident he brought in thugs to the town for the election. The thugs were used against our people, it was a point and molest affairs”

“In a situation whereby people known as opposition were pointed and molested, we have evidences against the speaker, why is he lying? He brought in thugs, they lodged at his father’s house. Some of them came in at the eve of the election, while some trooped in at midnight”.

IMG-20210524-WA0082-1024x767 "You don't need to lie, apologize to your people" Comrade Harshasha responded to Oyo Speaker

“If the speaker had not brought thugs to stole the people’s mandate, the issue wouldn’t have escalated to what it resulted to. The speaker should be very careful of soiling the good name of his father that has paved way for him”

“For him saying he won two elections without using political thugs is basically out of it,people voted for him just to compensate his late father and purposely because of the hatred people have in the last administration of Late Ajimobi with the misconception of the opposition. Nobody knows him as at that time, probably that was the mistake we made in choosing him. May the souls of those who lost their lives during the cause of election rest in perfect peace. If the speaker had not mobilize thugs for the election, the people wouldn’t have protested to block roads. The speaker just need to apologise to the good people of Eruwa”.

IMG-20210524-WA0083-1024x767 "You don't need to lie, apologize to your people" Comrade Harshasha responded to Oyo Speaker


“I will equally advise those using social media to cause uproar to desist in other to avert future crisis, let’s accept fate with what has happened and move on” the activist added.