Yewa Monarch’s Endorsement of Isiaka, a Vindication, Says Ogun West Leader

Femi Ogbonnikan in Abeokuta

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun West, Babatunde Sangobiyi, has said that the recent dumping of Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, as the state’s party governorship aspirant and subsequent endorsement of the governorship standard bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Prince Gboyega Isiaka, ahead of the 2019 general elections, by Yewa traditional rulers is laudable.

Sangobiyi, in a statement signed yesterday, said the monarchs, led by the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, penultimate Monday, had proved to the power-that-be at the state level, that in a well- attended gathering of Ogun West Congress, their conviction to support one of their sons, Isiaka, who in their understanding is a grassroot person far better than the anointed political protege of Senator Amosun.

According to him, the choice of Isiaka, a former political lieutenant of erstwhile Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel (2003 – 2011), and from another party, African Democratic Congress, (ADC), glowingly buttressed the notion that Akinlade is not acceptable to them.

“Therefore, no valid barometer suffices enough to measure the rejection of Amosun’s self-imposed aspirant than this courageous stance of the people, democratically venting their anger against the imposition of an unpopular aspirant in the decoy of helping them on their aged-long quest and relentless advocacy of the region, in a very surreptitious manner.

“This is democracy, the people have broad choice to make, and no amount of political pranks, intimidation, coercion and or subjugation ever potent in the annal of the liberation struggle to dissuade, obstruct, deny, deprive the resolute stance of the people for political freedom through democratisation.

“The absolute restraint witnessed by the Obas in Ogun East, especially the Awujale dynasty of Ijebuland and that of Akarigbo from Remoland is eloquent enough to adjudge the support of the decision of the NWC of APC on the primary election conducted by the eight-man panel and its eventual outcome.

“If nobody talks, His Majesty, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu land, who is famous for his eloquence and bluntness against absurdity and illegality would have raised an eyebrow in the face of the prevailing circumstances, let alone during the inglorious military junta”, said the APC leader.

“The success of Ogun APC candidate, Prince Dapo Abiodun should not be pursued in isolation to Ogun State APC machinery hence the need to salvage the drift for immediate restructuring for our anticipated victory”, concluded Sangobiyi.

Kaduna Changes Name of Gbagyi Chiefdom, Elevates it to First Class

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has changed the name of the “Gbagyi Chiefdom” in Chikun Local Government Area of the state to “Chikun Chiefdom”.

In a statement in Kaduna, Samuel Aruwan, spokesman of Governor Nasir el-Rufai, said the name of the chiefdom was recently changed to reflect government policy that anchors the authority of traditional leaders on territory, not tribe.

According to him, the change is to ensure that the traditional rulers include and command the allegiance of every group within the domain and not just the people who belong to their tribe.

The statement did not however, say whether the name change is applicable to the numerous chiefdoms and emirates bearing tribal names in the state.

It also announced the promotion of the traditional ruler of the chiefdom, Mr. Danjuma Barde, from second class Chief to first class Chief, saying that his traditional title which was hitherto known as “Sa Gbagyi” is now to be known as “Etsu Chikun”.

According to the statement, “Malam Nasir el-Rufai has approved the elevation of Danjuma Barde, the Esu Chikun (previously known as Sa Gbagyi), to a first-class chief. “Dr. Barde was appointed Sa Gbagyi on December, 29, 2000 and installed on January 18, 2001, as a third-class chief. He was upgraded to a second-class chief in 2007.”

Congratulating the chief on his elevation, the statement quoted el-Rufai as saying that “Barde deserves this exceptional recognition for his role in promoting peace.”

The statement said “the decision to upgrade the Chikun Chiefdom to first-class status follows a recommendation to that effect by the ministry of local government affairs.

“The ministry, in a proposal signed by the commissioner, Prof. Kabir Mato, noted Barde’s contribution to peace and his active role as a bridge-builder among the ethnic groups in the chiefdom, a fact the government recently acknowledged in a letter of commendation to the chief.”

The statement added that Mato also drew attention to the fact that much of Barde’s chiefdom is within Kaduna metropolis, noting, that the chief has been able to promote integration among the diverse population of the chiefdom, which covers the entire Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

“The ministry therefore recommended that he be elevated, to recognise his efforts, and to encourage people who make peace and harmony a priority.

“The name of the chiefdom was recently changed from Gbagyi to Chikun chiefdom to reflect government policy that anchors the authority of traditional leaders on territory, not tribe.

“This is to ensure that the traditional rulers include and command the allegiance of every group within the territory, rather than just the people with whom the ruler share a common ethnicity” the statement explained.