Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to assent the constitutional amendment that accommodates autonomy of state Houses of Assembly.
Speaking at a closing segment of the Legislative Retreat of Kwara State House of Assembly in Ede, State of Osun, Speaker Salaam stressed that, for the the training and special skill acquisition on legislative matter to attain level of practicality, the autonomy must be obtained.
He said, “if a state parliament is self accounting, the chances are high that checks and balance contemplated by the framers of the constitutional democracy would be attained, but if a parliament would rely on executive for funding, then we should know that independence is redefined.”
Speaker Salaam then expressed his optimism on the preparedness of the state legislatures across the federating units of the country, saying over two third majority of the state assemblies endorsed the autonomy at the last constitutional amendment.
In a related development, Speaker Salaam further pleaded with lawmakers of the state Houses of Assembly to halt the habitual haste of changing leadership of the parliament, saying that roving impeachment of Speakers had made assemblies unstable to the advantage of the executive.
According to him, “Another sore point in the weakness of legislature is incessant changing of leadership and until we halt the trend, the executive would continue to take the advantage of the situation, and we would not blame it for supporting a trend that keeps its interest, because this is politics.”
Speaker Salaam also urged the electorate to be magnanimous to the legislators by re-electing them back for a long time, for the sake of cutting the cost.
Salaam said, “if we have our lawmakers reelected time and time over again, the cost of training new lawmakers would be saved, and the system would be better for it, because of the experience that would have been acquired along the line, but if we keep on changing the lawmakers, then we have to keep on training at expensive rate.”
OSUN DEFENDER

Traditional Installations rites for Ooni-designate, Prince Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has entered its second day as members of Isoro cult barred visitors from paying visit on him. Although Prince Ogunwusi entered Ilofi, a place an Ooni-elect is prepared for the throne on Thursday, full traditional rites only commenced yesterday.
Saturday Vanguard investigation in the ancient city of Ile-Ife yesterday revealed the heavy presence of security around Iremo where Ilofi is located and residents appeared to be avoiding the area.
Other rites expected to be performed on the Ooni designate according to sources is lighting of ancient traditional lambs, each of which has its significant role in the ancient town.
A shop owner around Iremo Quarters told our correspondent that the deserted street was not unconnected with the ongoing rites, adding that many people, despite assurances by the traditional chiefs, still entertained fear.
Another source also said heavily armed security men were guiding Ilofi, and that, only members of Isoro Cult were allowed into the premises. A shop owner along Iremo road, in a chat with newsmen, said: “some of us chose not to open shop for business because of the ongoing rites.
“We have been assured that business can go on. Apart from the ongoing rites, Ife is also in celebration mood and some of us chose to just enjoy the moment with other Ife indigenes.” Across Ife metropolis, the ongoing installation rites dominated discussions, while residents were also speaking on their expectations from the the new monarch.
Meanwhile, the Oluomo of Ife and former Chairman Ife East Local Council, State of Osun, Chief Gbenga Owolabi has described the emergence of Ooni elect as long expected one saying, he would transform the town beyond expectation. He felicitated with him on his appointment by the state government as Oba elect and prayed to God to guide and give him wisdom of governance.
Owolabi expressed  delight at the choice of the new Ooni-elect by Ife kingmakers while speaking with journalists at Ile-Ife. He said “I charge the new Oba to bring his vibrancy of youth, wide contacts and wealth of business experience to bear in the development of Ile-Ife and the State of Osun. “I also implore him to work assiduously towards the enhancement and sustenance of the globally- acclaimed rich cultural heritage of the Yorubas as a means of uniting the race for peace and progress.”
What people say about him He’ll bring development for the people
Mr. Sunday Akere,   Osun State Commissioner for Information,
The emergence of the new Ooni is a clear reflection of the disposition of the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni ‘Rauf Aregbesola, towards allowing fairness, transparency and openness in every process. Contrary to some opinions that because of the closeness of some of the contestants to the governor, that transparency may not be allowed, but the governor allowed the people Ile-Ife to make their choice.
The emergence of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi shows that there is nothing God cannot do. The father even reflected that when he said they had a revelation that he would become the Ooni. And the government believes that his emergence will bring development, peace and prosperity to Ife, Osun and the Yoruba race in general.
“We believe like others that Ife is a cradle of civilization everything will be done to ensure that we support what will bring peace, orderliness and tranquility to the area. The reception given to the new Ooni by the entire citizenry of lle-Ife is a reflection that he is the man of their choice and our prayer is that his period should bring development and progress to Yorubaland.
His resume speaks for him
Professor Muheeb Opeloye, former Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. We thank God and we are happy that God has given us a new monarch within three months of Kabiyesi Oba Sijuade Onibuse’s demise. And, that is God’s choice for us and we believe God will do the right thing for Ife because we are a prayerful people.
So, as for the new Ooni, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, his resume is all about peace and development which we need in Yorubaland and in Nigeria. Because of his exposure, I believe that he will be able to help Ife especially as an industrialist. I believe that the people of Ile-Ife will cooperate with him. The elite, the young, the elderly, the educated and the uneducated, everybody should rally round the new Ooni to ensure that he succeeds throughout his reign.
He’ll pursue policies of his predecessor
Professor Ishaq Akintola, Lagos State University
The Ooni-elect, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is young, agile and he has a good record of commitment to industry and growth and I think during his reign, such a person is most likely to change the game. He has the capacity to be a game changer in the area of employment, youth empowerment and others. I wish him all the best.”
The king makers did their best. Doubting Thomases can continue to doubt. From all we know so far, they were transparent and they followed the due process and I also commend the state government for its prompt as it did not dilly-dally. We expect the new King, the Ooni of Ife, to be objective and we also expect him to be non-partisan. I equally expect that the new Ooni will pursue the policy of the late Oba Adesoji Aderemi regarding peace, cordial relationship and mutual respect between Ile-Ife and Modakeke.
Well brought up
Professor Fola Lasisi, pioneer Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
It is not just that the new Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi is a young man, I learned that the selection process which led to his emergence was transparent. Oba Aderemi must also be congratulated even though he has gone because in his time, he wanted things to be done well not just for Ife and for Yorubaland but for the whole of Nigeria.
Many people forget very easily that Oba Aderemi was very much involved in governance in his time but he was not a noise maker. I congratulate the young man, Adeyeye. He did not talk much while they (the contestants) were running around and I congratulate the father because he brought him up very well.
VANGUARD

Following the upsurge of clashes between Fulani herdsmen and their host communities across the country, the Department of State Security has brokered peace parley between the leadership of Afenifere and Miyetti Allah Cattle Rearers Association over the frosty relationship between the two groups in the South West.
The Director of DSS in Osun State, Mr. Andrew Iorkay, according to a source organised the peace meeting following the growing tension between the leadership of Afenifere and Fulani herdsmen.
The action of the DSS in the state may not be unconnected with the recent abduction of Chief Olu Falae and altercations between the leadership of the pan Yoruba group, the Afenifere and the Fulani pastoralists.
The source said the DSS boss did not want the situation to degenerate among the two groups in Osun State hence the peace meeting.
VANGUARD

As the coronation rites were being performed on the new Ooni of Ife, Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, by the Ife traditionalists otherwise called Isoros, the embattled Lafogido Ruling House challenging the decision of the Ife Kingmakers and Osun State Government for restricting the occupant of the stool to Giesi Ruling House may have withdrawn the case from the court.

Reliable source close to the ruling house told our reporter that Lafogido Ruling House has mandated its counsel to withdraw the case in the interest of peace and tranquility.

It was further learnt that the counsel have received the mandate of the ruling house to discontinue with the case for peace in Ile-Ife.

When contacted on phone, the head of Sookos in Lafogido Ruling House, Chief Adeleke Adewoyin confirmed the development saying that since a new monarch has been named by kingmakers and state government, there is nothing the ruling house can do again rather than to discontinue with the case.

Sooko Adewoyin who reiterated that the initial claim of the ruling house was to seek the intervention of the state government and other stakeholders to correct the lopsidedness in the rotational ascendancy to the stool of the Ooni. He argued that his ruling house has been marginalized for a very long time.

Adewoyin who was is former Deputy Governor in the state under Chief Adebisi Akande led administration, assured the people of Ile-Ife of the readiness of the ruling house to work with the new Ooni to ensure that lopsidedness is corrected so that the stool may not be attracting litigation in the future.

“Since the state government said that we are late in our agitation, then we have no option than to work with new Ooni to correct the inbalance in the ascendancy processes to the stool.

“There is popular saying in Ile-Ife that it is against the Ife Tradition to fight with Ooni. If you fight with sitting Ooni, you bear the consequences. So we have advice our lawyer to withdraw the suit from the court.

Meanwhile the coronation rites continues in Ile-Ife as the new monarch is currently at Ilofi where the Ife Traditionalists are expected to perform all the traditional rites for the coronation and presentation of staff of office.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

As part of efforts to stem rural-urban migration, the Bank of Industry (BoI) has inaugurated a 24kilowatts (kw) micro-grid solar solution in two communities in Osun State.
BoI Managing Director Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, said the project is in furtherance of the United Nations campaign for eco-friendly sources of energy. With this initiative, Osun is the first state to benefit from Bol’s intervention in the provision of renewable energy in Southwest, he added.
The solar electrification project is located in Idi-Ata and Onibambu communities in Osun State. Olaoluwa, however, lamented that rural communities are the worst hit in terms of poor access to electricity, especially the off-grid arrears, which have always been without power supply and have resigned their fate to the use of kerosene lanterns, oil lamps, and other types of dangerous and unhealthy sources of light to be able to live daily.
The development, he said, has hampered the socio-economic development of the nation as it has created an atmosphere that is not conducive for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are the drivers of the nation’s economic growth.
He stated that the situation remained one of the main factors responsible for the concept of rural-urban migration. Olaoluwa noted that the 4,500 megawatts (Mw) of electricity generated from the national grid was grossly inadequate for a leading African economy like Nigeria with a population of about 170 million people, hence the intervention of Bol and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The defending champions, of the National Para-soccer Tournament, Kano Pillars, yesterday continued their winning streak at the on-going 3rd National Para-soccer Tournament in Abuja with a 5-3 defeat of the Katsina Spotlight in the semi-final to set up a final show-down against Osun State.
Osun’s Prime Para-soccer Squad, who are the surprise package in the tournament, defeated hard-fighting El-Kanemi Warriors of Borno via penalty after a goal-less draw in their semi-final pairing.
The Warriors, one of the pre-tournament favourites, could harldy hold their own against a vibrant Osun side determined to make name for themselves and do their state proud.
Eager to retain their trophy and make it a back-to-back win, Pillars, have to battle the vivacious Osun side who have made known their intention to take the trophy home fom the beginning of the tournament.
The desire to win the trophy, against all odds, according to the Osun team, is to reward their state governor, Rauf Aregbosola, for his overwhelming support for the team.
The final match, which will hold today at the indoor sports hall of Package ‘B’ of the National Stadium, Abuja, has all the markings of a thrilling encounter; both sides have their pride to play for.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday congratulated Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on his emergence as the 51st Ooni of Ife and successor to the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President rejoiced with Ogunwusi on his appointment as the Ooni by the kingmakers of Ife after a keenly contested but peaceful selection process as well as his confirmation by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State.
The President said as he prepared to begin the rites of ascension to the throne of his ancestors, the Ooni-designate should commit himself to carrying all his subjects along to a new era of peace, stability and progress in Ife, Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
The statement read in part, “The President calls on Prince Adeyeye to be prepared to put his new position as the Ooni and the principal custodian of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba to good use in the service of his people and the country.
“President Buhari also urges the Ooni-designate to dedicate himself to building on, and surpassing the worthy legacies of his much-acclaimed predecessor, Oba Sijuwade, and working with the government and other traditional rulers across the country to foster greater harmony, peaceful co-existence and faster socio-economic development of his people and all Nigerians.
“As Prince Adeyeye ascends the grand throne of the Ooni of Ife, the President prays that God Almighty will grant him the immense wisdom and courage he will require to oversee further progress and greater prosperity for his people.
“He wishes the new Ooni a long and highly successful reign in the service of his people and country.”
Also, governors under the aegies of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum have expressed happiness over the choice of Prince Ogunwusi as the next Ooni of Ile-Ife.
They also congratulated Aregbesola and the people of Osun State on the emergence of the 51st Ooni.
The governors spoke through a statement signed by Governor Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari of Zamfara State, who is also the chairman of the NGF.
They urged the incoming monarch to use his position to further solidify the role of the Yoruba people in ensuring peace and development in the country as he mounted the exalted throne.
Yari charged the new Ooni to use his position to enhance the bond of unity existing among the Yoruba and other traditional rulers in the South-West geo-political zone and the country in general.
The governors commended the Osun State Government for playing the role of a good umpire during the selection process and appealed to the ruling houses in Ife and citizens of the kingdom to support the new Ooni as they did to the late Ooni.
Yari said traditional institutions were vital to the development of the society and could not be waved aside by any government.
He, therefore, called for a stronger synergy between governments and traditional institutions in order to advance the course of the common man and the development of the country.
Yari urged the new Ooni to emulate the works of his predecessor, the late Oba Sijuwade who passed on July 28, in a London hospital.
He described the late Sijuwade as a peaceful man and a bridge builder who left an indelible mark in the sand of time.
Yari assured the new monarch that the forum would continue to tap from the wise counsel and invaluable support of the Ife kingdom in its pursuit to effect change and deliver true democracy dividends to the people.
He prayed Almighty Allah to guide, guard and grant the new Ooni the wisdom to be a good leader and to rule with the fear of Allah as he ascends the revered throne of his fore-fathers.
 
PUNCH

The Osun State government has debunked the insinuation that it would cut workers’ salaries in the process of keeping the state afloat in the face of its current economic challenges.
In a statement by the director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, the government said while there is no attempt at reducing the salaries of its workers or sacking workers, there are obvious reasons to introduce some belt-tightening measures to salvage the state from the economic woes allegedly caused by the PDP’s 16 years of misrule.
The state government asked the Peoples Democratic Party to bury its head in shame for being the architect of the various belt-tightening measures which Nigeria must put in place at the moment to ensure the continued survival of the country.
The government said it was laughable for the PDP to think that it made any news out of its mischievous statement when it accused the Rauf Aregbesola administration of cutting salaries of workers and introducing other measures.
It said, “If the PDP thought it made any news out of the removal of the between 25% and 35% overtime allowance of staff of some government agencies, it must be living in a fool’s paradise. If not mischief, how does that translate to cutting of salaries and retrenchment of workers? This is because there is no measure being taken that is not an outcome of rigorous deliberations with workers and other critical stakeholders.”
The government urged Nigerians to ask the PDP the basis of its unfounded allegations and other tantrums, adding that in no way will the party be excused from the economic woes the country now faces which the All Progressives Congress government at all levels is working hard to fix.
It said, “After the bailout fund was released to states, rather than concentrate on a positive engagement of the government on how the funds would be used for the good of the people of Osun, they were busy telling lies.
“Nigerians should not forget how the PDP accused Aregbesola of fixing bailout funds in a deposit account to make personal gains.”
“They should also not forget how they falsely accused the government of diverting the bailout funds for paying contractors. With these alone, the PDP has lost all moral rights to be listened to as a credible opposition. Opposition cannot be based on fabrications and outright falsehood,” the government said.
It stated that whoever fails to admit that Nigeria is facing serious economic crisis must be living in the moon, adding It said, “It is no longer news that the economy of not only Nigeria but also the entire world is in crisis especially those who depend on crude oil.
“After all, some 24 months ago, oil sold for about $114 a barrel but now, the same sells for between $45 and $48. From that alone, is it not clear that a country like Nigeria which more than 80% of its national income depends on sale of crude will be in difficulties managing its affairs?”
The government added that it is with this in mind that the government of Osun is trying everything possible to ensure that the state stays with its head above the waters.
“If the PDP wants to be honest with itself, can the party exonerate itself from the economic morass that Nigeria is in today? Even before the unfortunate decline in the sale of crude at the international market, Nigeria had endured a most horrendous case of bleeding of the economy.
“Today, after the installation of a truly people’s government, the atrocities of the PDP-led government are coming out in what may enter the Guinness Book of Records as the most brutal stealing of a people’s common wealth in its 16 years of kleptomaniac grip on Nigeria”, the statement said.
It said the PDP has cast itself as an opposition predicated on falsehood.
LEADERSHIP

 
I have a story to tell the world and most importantly the people of Ile-Ife. About 40 years ago, I was born into the Giesi Ruling House, Ojaja Royal Compound in the ancient city of Ile-Ife.
From birth, my life has been a journey; one that I embarked on, saddled with great conscientiousness when I became a responsible father at the age of 19, which shaped and groomed me for greater challenges ahead.
To cater for my family as a young father, I became very enterprising with the knack of building something out of nothing. This certainly increased my temperament for being successful in all my endeavours, as well as towing the right path as a responsible father.
Thus, in the following years, I was able to build a consortia of companies with a team of well-versed, highly skilled and unskilled professionals from scratch and with hard work and God’s providence. This has made me a huge employer of labour and a captain of industries. The story of Ile-Ife begins as the cradle of civilization and has spread its tentacles beyond Black Africa.
The Ooni stool is highly revered and exalted and as the world looks on; our strength and emphasis need to be injected into the development of Ile-Ife as a beacon of hope and enviable city.
Spiritual home of all Yoruba
Suffices to say that Ile-Ife is the ancestral and spiritual home of all Yorubas, bona fide, in Nigeria and the Diaspora, and the World Headquarters of the House of Oduduwa, which comprises people resident in nearly all the continents of the world.
Thus, the Ooni, as the head of the vast Oduduwa family, must be no less versatile and resourceful. Available evidences from the curatorial community and archaeological discoveries have put the origin of Ile-Ife around 2000 years BC.
Around this time, the people of Ile-Ife have distinguished themselves in technology and cultural advancement. A notable fact in this direction is Ori-Olokun: though purportedly ‘discovered’ by the famous German archaeologist Leo Frobenius in 1910, but had been in existence for thousands of years.
Discovery: The pure-copper sculpture took the entire arts world by storm at the time of its discovery that experts from the West argued that the artefact was a mystery that was too sophisticated to have been created by African hands. However, after careful examinations of other works, profusely located in and around the city and bearing striking resemblance, the world accepted the truth that the advanced people of Ile-Ife had, not only wielded the technology to turn iron to alloy but also of moulding abstract artworks out of the product. Consequently, it is now accepted by the curatorial community that the advanced artistic techniques used to create the sculpture were more advanced than those of Renaissance Italy, and comparable to those of [the artist] Donatello.
Yet, Ile-Ife has not taken its rightful position as the ‘source’ of civilization despite her wealth of history, culture and tradition.
Having found ourselves in such state of affairs where the potential of the land remains untapped and its people lacking economic and social emancipation, we should all take it upon ourselves to redress this situation.
Redressing the situation
The Ile-Ife of ‘my dream’ will be strategically positioned to empower its people socially, economically and culturally to bring about the desired developments. Now, with our resolve to transform Ile-Ife we are ‘SET’ to leave no stone unturned, in the drive to put Ile-Ife on the map of the world. Our ultimate goal is to reposition the House of Oduduwa as a worthy example of successful inward-looking community.
At this juncture, I consider it pertinent to share with everyone the account of how Nigeria as a nation came to be. The Royal Niger Company was a mercantile company charter by the British government in the nineteenth century. It was formed in 1879 as the United African Company and became the Royal Niger Company in 1886. By 1900 it went through several name changes and in 1914 a merger occurred between the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Northern Nigeria Protectorate to become the independent Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1960.
It suffices to say our beloved nation developed through a corporation of technocrats and quality mind input. Arguably, this is one of the several ways cities and communities are built; through large corporations. The ethos of this account goes to prove that any geographic setting can undergo boundless growth through clusters of companies which invariably can lead to the creation of settlements and human capital development.
Consequently, there is a huge possibility for Ile-Ife to experience tremendous growth through industrialization and developmental projects like a company managed by dedicated sons and daughters of Ife and all Ife enthusiasts. I have no doubt, Ife will be great again due to its economic dexterity. Ife has one of the largest land mass in the South-west beaming with natural resources including three out of the four factors of production; ‘land’, ‘labour’ and ‘entrepreneurship’ and with our great resolve we shall work towards ‘capital’ creation.
I am very passionate about my roots with the determination of bringing Ile-Ife to the forefront of economic and social affairs. In my private life, I have for a while been involved in many philanthropic gestures in Ile-Ife and its environs. The progressiveness of the youths of Ile-Ife is at the core of my philosophy and I have been instilling hope to thousands of youths through the various ongoing reciprocity Programmes I established a while ago.
It is within the dictates of our culture that the young shall provide for the old and for this reason our youths need to be nurtured and engaged positively hence they can attain financial independence and in return provide for their parents, families and dependants. This is not to say that the old and elderly will be left out. There will be various empowerment Programmes for the elderly and the widowed to learn new trades and acquire new skills that will help stamp out redundancy and at the same time be financially rewarding to them.
Many might argue that the tasks before me are incredibly monumental and impossible. However, I do not get easily swayed by the idea of impossibilities. In every challenging situation what I see is a speck of possibility which I build on till the task at hand is completed. I have done this time over time and I have defied the rules of men to follow my gut instincts. I have excelled where, people had predicted failure and I derived the most joy where others have said emphatically “it is not possible.”
A recent classic example of turning impossibilities to possibilities took place at ‘Parakin’ in Ile-Ife where I converted a sizeable piece of thick forest land into a beautiful castle within a month. The land hitherto, was a garbage dump and an escape route for men of the underworld in the vicinity which constituted a social menace to the inhabitants of ‘Parakin’.
In recent history one cannot mention Ile-Ife without acknowledging the Ife and Modakeke conflict. It’s unfortunate that lives were lost during the war between Ife and Modakeke; a war that had no economic value and displaced many lives. I paid a courtesy visit to the youths affected by the war and implored them to be proactive. Furthermore I urged them to be on the straight and narrow path and propagated the tenets of hard work as the only way to make it in life.
Touching experiences
In the course of my life I have had many touching experiences. However, my most compelling experience till date involves two young boys namely Demola Adewole and Taye Fayemi. Demola and thousands of others energetic youths visit work sites on a daily basis to solicit for money. I took it upon myself to get to know these young boys and found that all they wanted was to earn a decent living. We got acquainted with Demola and found out he was a welder. Without hesitation, we helped to re-orientate him and got him involved in construction work in ‘Parakin’. Demola Adewole has turned out to be one of the best welders I have been privileged to work with till date.
Another set of energetic youths on one of the days I visited Ife chased after my car, many of them climbed onto the fast moving car and during the tussle to stay latched on to the car, one of them got injured. I got out of the car and addressed all of them and asked why they would want to hurt themselves and with no care in the world, Taye replied “death means nothing to me”; I shed tears, there is no hope for the youths and no one to rebuild their dashed hopes or future.
Taye Fayemi was simply desperate to make a living for himself and today, to the glory of God I personally supervise Taye’s rehabilitation, his personal development and wellbeing.
Destinies: Similar to the story of Demola and Taye, are thousands of youths with different expertise that need our help to find their feet, many whose destinies would have been cut short like the others lost the war. I cannot but emphasize that the development and well being of our youths is paramount to our future and one that is very close to my heart.
This area needs to be properly addressed to ensure our youths are well engaged in various professional and vocational pursuits.
Today, and to the glory of God, I have been energized to rehabilitate and take off the streets several thousands of youths by providing them with gainful employment. Furthermore, we shall set up a foundation that will support post war effects and the rebuilding of war torn Ife and Modakeke.
Thereafter there shall NEVER be war again. I stand firmly for peace and unity between Ife and Modakeke and I guarantee that this peace and unity will transcend into economic and social benefits for everyone.
Similarly, we shall use this stool to unify the entire Yoruba race; there shall be no division, no supremacy or animosity amongst us, we are all from the one and the same source-God Almighty.
Coming to the throne is a clarion call to heed my selfless desire to serve the people of Ile-Ife, the Yoruba race and all of humanity. We will use the stool to provide a lot of opportunities to invest in the youths through mentor-ship and empowerment programs that will further take thousands off the streets on a gradual basis.
Youths all over the country will be eligible for the mentor-ship programme and Ife will be the pilot model. We will use the stool to transpose Ile-Ife into the twenty-first century and with the use and influence of social media we are ‘set’ for his transformation. Sons and daughters of Ife and Ife enthusiasts around the world will have an input in the building of the New Ife City, ‘NIC’ through constructive feedback. ‘Socially’, we are ‘set’ to revive and promote Ile-Ife as a tourist destination.
‘Economically’ we are ‘set’ to increase our industrial footprints to give Ife the much desired facelift and ‘Traditionally’ we are ‘set’ to redefine the kingship system by blending modernity into our cultural values and practices and our tradition of thousands of years will stand.
Plans are well under-way to revitalize Ife in the areas of Sports, Mining, Agriculture, Real Estate, Tourism and rapid industrialization. To achieve this transformation, a brand new platform named ‘House Of Oduduwa Resources Limited’ has been established to stimulate the entire economy of Ile-Ife with a positive impact on the entire Yoruba race and our nation as a whole. ‘House Of Oduduwa Resources Limited’ will be tasked with rebuilding Ife into the ‘New Ife city’, NIC.
However, this is a herculean task which can only be achieved with the support of all well-meaning technocrats, sons and daughters of Ile-Ife in Nigeria and in the Diaspora and all lovers of Ife. My fervent desire is to grow ‘House Of Oduduwa Resources Limited’ into one of the
biggest corporations out of Africa, likewise uniting all lovers of Ife with the people of Ife. Earlier this year, I acquainted the youths of
Ile-Ife of my plans to replicate the truly Nigerian project, Inagbe Grand Resorts Lagos, Nigeria (almost hundred percent of raw materials
used are locally sourced) in Ile-Ife. Inagbe Grand Resorts is the first of its kind and will soon be the most sought after resort destination in all of West Africa. I have developed an incredible master plan for the proposed ‘Ife Grand Resorts’ which will be an off shoot of ‘Inagbe Grand Resorts Lagos’. The ‘Ife Grand Resort’ project and the ‘NIC’ initiative was conceived to attract young men and women, businesses, corporate organization, investors, holiday makers, lovers of Ife and Ife in Diaspora to a comfortable ambience to stay when they are away from home. This will continually put Ile-Ife, the cradle of black civilization on the map likewise showcasing many artefacts about the Yoruba race, hence creating a steady influx of people into Ile-Ife.
The time has come for us to embrace our true heritage as the progeny of Oduduwa and the task of modernizing Ile-Ife is yours and mine. I am highly honoured to have been chosen to fill the stool that great men once occupied; history and I will forever remember this day. I use
this opportunity to pay tribute to Oba Adesoji Aderemi and Oba Okunade Sijuwade; these monarchs were colossus that redefined the monarchy with touch of diligence, elegance and gravitas that traversed so many cultural boundaries. They were great fathers to me and I will forever miss and honour them.
I am not coming to the throne to pass judgment on those that have maliciously wronged me. But then, I should think that a bid to be enthroned as the foremost Oba in Yoruba race should be healthy and ordained of God. There is also the Ifa divination that also synthesizes the process, just in case human beings are partial.
Rather, some people resorted to dangerous attacks, wicked lies, malicious insinuations and vigorous campaign of calumny. Why would I fail to forgive them when all came to nought and the good people and governments of Ife and State of Osun saw through these unfair games and chose me as the prestigious Ooni of Ife.
Therefore, I am coming to set a good example and show the world that I am truly called by God to lead Ile-Ife into a state of tranquillity, conscientiousness and prosperity. It is my fervent prayer that the Lord will continue to guide us all and bestow us with great wisdom to carry out our incumbent tasks.
I use this opportunity to call on all the sons of Ile-Ife that were alongside me in the race for the stool to heed to my call and let’s work harmoniously to align our goals for the sake of posterity and Ile-Ife.
Together we shall not lose sight of the values and tradition that have made us the greatest nation of black people on earth. I come before you all today as a man pledging his unwavering commitment to his Kingdom and his people that I cannot do this alone; without you all there is no me “I will serve you all with everything I have”.
Long live Ile-Ife; long live the Yoruba race, long live the House of Oduduwa, and God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
OSUN DEFENDER

Outgoing Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI) and one of the ministerial nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Isaac Adewole, was on Tuesday, screened by the Nigerian Senate.

Professor Isaac AdewoleWith a 32 years working experience as a physician working in Nigeria and 23 active years as a Clinical teacher in College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, the Senators took on Prof. Adewole, the Osun State nominee, over questions bordering on the health sector of Nigeria, among others.

Adewole’s tenure as VC UI statutorily ends on November 30, 2015, even as Professor Idowu Olayinka has been appointed to succeed him.
However, below is the full profile of the erudite university don, whom according to speculations may be designated as Minister of Health in Buhari’s cabinet.
Adewole’s Full Profile:
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I have 32 years working experience as a physician working in Nigeria and 23 active years as a Clinical teacher in College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, one of Africa’s best medical schools.
I have served in administrative position over the past 10 years as Head of Department, Dean of Faculty and Provost of the College of Medicine.
I am Principal Investigator of the PEPFAR Program in UCH, Ibadan as well as the Liaison of the UCH component of NU AIDS International Training and Research Program (AITRP) and Frameworks grants (Fogarty International Center/NIH) which provides research training for pre- and postdoctoral scientists and clinicians.
The NU AITRP currently has established collaborations between NU and UI/UCH and Jos University Teaching Hospital and is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of the short, medium and long term research training programs.
I am the Co-Principal Investigator of an International Study on the Fertility Intentions of HIV Infected persons funded by the NIH.
I am the President Elect of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC).
My primary duty is to fashion a 5 year strategic plan for the organization and develop Capacity of African Physicians and Nurses to manage, treat and prevent cancer.
I have been involved in developing innovative curricular for medical schools in Nigeria with support from MacArthur Foundation and the UNFPA. Our work has featured integration of Reproductive and Adolescent Reproductive Health into the curriculum of medical Schools in Nigeria.
INSTITUTIONS ATTENDED (WITH DATES)
Ilesha Grammar School, Ilesha (1966-1972)
University of Ibadan, Ibadan. (October 1973-June 1978)
Academic Qualification (with dates and granting bodies)
West African School Certificate (O/L),
Division One With Distinction (1970)
Higher School Certificate (A/L), (1972). AAC.
University of Ibadan, Ibadan. MB;BS June 1978.
University Education (with date)
October 1973 – June 1978: University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
Professional Qualifications and Diplomas
Fellow, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, (FMCOG). May 1986
Fellow, West African College of Surgeons (FWACS). January 1994
Fellow Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS) January, 2011
Scholarships, Fellowships and Prizes
Bixby Leadership Fellow, Guttmacher Institute, USA -2008
Federal Government of Nigeria Postgraduate Scholarship Award 1981 (For
Postgraduate Study in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Fellowship, West African College of Surgeons 1981
National Award Scholar, University of Ibadan 1973-1978 (Undergraduate)
Glazo Allenbury Prize for the best overall performance in Paediatrics – 1978
POSITIONS HELD TILL DATE
Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. 01 December, 2010 – November 30, 2015.
University Working Experience (with dates)
Adjunct Professor, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA –
May 1st, 2010 – date
Professor, College Of Medicine, University of Ibadan – October 1st, 1997 – date.
Provost, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan,
Nigeria – August 01, 2002 – July 31st, 2006.
Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences & Dentistry – August 01, 2000 –
July 31, 2002.
Acting Head, Department of Obstetrics/Gynaecology, University of
Ibadan – 1999-2000.
Senior Lecturer, College Of Medicine, University of Ibadan – 1992 – 1997.
Lecturer 1, College Of Medicine, University of Ibadan – 1989 – 1992.
HOSPITAL WORKING EXPERIENCE
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, UCH – March 22, 1989 – date.
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, Royal Crown Specialist
Hospital, Ibadan – 1985 – 1989.
Research Fellow – Department of Medical Oncology, Charring Cross
Hospital, London – 1985 – 1986.
Senior Registrar, Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University
College Hospital Ibadan – 1984 – 1985.
Registrar, Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College
Hospital, Ibadan – 1982 – 1984.
Senior House-Officer, Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University
College Hospital, Ibadan – 1981 – 1982.
Medical Officer, Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria – 1980 – 1981.
National Youth Service Corps-General Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria – 1979 – 1980.
House-Officer, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria – 1978 -1979.
University Administrative Experience
Member – Governing Council, University of Ibadan – 2007- till date.
Member (In attendance) Council – Governing Council, University of
Ibadan – 2002-2006.
Member, MacArthur Grant Implementation Committee, University of Ibadan
– 2002-2006.
Member (In attendance) Principal Officers Meeting – University of
Ibadan – 2002-2006.
Member of Senate, University of Ibadan – 1997 till date.
Member, Committee of Provost and Deans – University of Ibadan, Ibadan
– 2000-2006.
Chairman, University Campus Committee of AIDS – 2003-2006.
Chairman, Committee on Evaluation of Academic Staff – 2004.
Member, Committee on Review of Guidelines for Promotion of Academic
Staff – University of Ibadan – 2001/2002.
Member of the Organizing Committee of NUGA – 2002.
Chairman, Medical Subcommittee – NUGA 2002.
Project Director: UNFPA Assisted Programme on Sexual and Reproductive
Health and HIV Prevention, University of Ibadan -2006 till date.
Management Experience – National and International
Member, Governing Council, Association of Commonwealth
Universities(ACU), London 2013-2015
Member, Cancer Ethics Committee( IEC) ,International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC) 2013-2015
Immediate Past-President, African Organization for Research and
Training in Cancer (AORTIC) 2011-2013.
President-Elect, African Organization for Research and Training in
Cancer (AORTIC) 2009-2011.
Chair – Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV
National Task Team-February 2010 – June 2011.
Visiting Scholar – Guttmacher Institute, New York, USA 13th Oct – 7th Nov 2008
Member Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) -HPV-019/020/021
International Studies in Senegal, Tanzania and South Africa- 2008 till
date
Chair- National Panel on Cervical Cancer Control Policy- July 2009 till date.
Chairman, PMTCT National Task Team, sub-committee on Research – March
29, 2004 –June 2011.
Member, Ethical, Legal and Social Implication (ELSI) Group, The
International HapMap Consortium – Jan 2004 till 2006.
Member, Cancer sub-committee of the National Expert Committee on
Non-Communicable Diseases. – July, 2003 till date.
Chairman, PMTCT National Task Team Sub-committee on Anti-retroviral
for the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV – May, 2003
–June 2011.
Member, National Task-force on Prevention of Mother to Child
Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV – 2001 –June 2011.
Director, Prevention of PMTCT of HIV Project, College of Medicine,
University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Principal Investigator: APIN Plus PEPFAR Program- University College
Hospital, Ibadan.
Country-PI Operation Stop Cervical Cancer in Nigeria – 2006 till date.
Chairman, Sub-Saharan Africa Cervical Cancer Working Group – 14
December,2007 till date
Member, Medical Practitioner Disciplinary Tribunal – April 2004-2006.
Member, Education Committee, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria – 2002-2006.
Member, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria – 2002-2006.
Secretary, African Regional Task-force on the Control of Gynaecological Cancers.
Secretary-General – Confederation of African Medical Associations and
Societies (CAMAS) – August 1997-2003.
Assistant Secretary-General – Confederation of African Medical
Associations and Societies (CAMAS). March 1992 – August 1997.
Chairman – Nigerian Medical Association (Oyo State Branch) – 1993-1995.
Member – National Task Force on Appropriate use of blood and blood
products – 1992.
Member – Joint Committee NMA – National Task Force on HIV/AIDS – 1992.
Secretary – NMA AIDS Committee – 1990-1992.
Secretary-General, Nigerian Medical Association – 1990-1992.
Deputy Secretary-General, Nigerian Medical Association – 1988-1990.
Member, NMA Visitation Team on Study of Swedish Health Care System – 1984.
Member, NMA Committee on National Health Policy – 1984.
Member, NMA Negotiating Panel on Residency Training Programme – 1983-1984.
Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association (Oyo State Branch) – 1984 – 1985.
President, National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD)
– 1983-1984.
Secretary-General, Association of Resident Doctors, University College
Hospital, Ibadan Nigeria – 1982-1983.
Member, Editorial Board – The Global Santé Journal
Nigerian Journal of Medicine – 1997 – till date.
Editorial Adviser: Nigerian Medical Journal – 1989-1992.
Consultant, National Tumour marker Project – 1997 till date.
HONOURS AND AWARDS
Best Head of Department-College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. 1999/2000.
Best Lecturer of the Year Award- College of Medicine, University of
Ibadan November 1995.
Brownite of Honour – Alexander Brown Hall, University of Ibadan – November 1994.
PUNCH