Culture

Ladoja, Chiefs End Feud, To Unveil Next Olubadan Thursday

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2024

In an attempt to resolve the lingering crisis over the vacant stool of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja has decided to withdraw his suit against the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde and the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.

Ladoja had initiated the legal action over the elevation of 10 Ibadan High Chiefs to beaded crown-wearing Obas, and had in the suit filed before the state High Court in Ibadan, in July 2023, also joined the 10 monarchs as defendants.

The former Oyo State governor is also expected to convene a meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council to nominate the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Thursday.

It would be recalled that Makinde approved the elevation of the 10 from the High Chiefs to Obas, following the recommendation of the late Olubadan, Oba Balogun.

Ladoja’s decision to withdraw the case and the convening the Olubadan-in-Council meeting, , it was gathered, formed part of the resolutions of a meeting convened by the leadership of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, in conjunction with the elders, held at the Ikolaba residence of Chief Bode Amoo, on Monday.

It was further gathered that issues surrounding the enthronement of the new monarch and the reported lingering crisis among the kingmakers had been finally resolved.

Apart from the uncertainty in the health condition of Olakulehin, which had stalled the coronation, following 21 days after the transition of Oba Balogun, Ibadan elites had successfully mounted pressure on Ladoja to withdraw the case to pave way for the next Olubadan to emerge.

Until the meeting on Monday, some members of the Olubadan Advisory Council were insisting that they would not be part of any meeting that Ladoja would convene.

Going by the Ibadan chieftaincy arrangement, Olakulehin will be nominated by the next person to him in his line of Balogun, which is the Otun Balogun, Oba Ajibola, at a meeting to be convened by the most senior high chief in the other line (Otun), within 21 days of the demise of the paramount ruler.

A source said that, “The aggrieved kingmakers have resolved to put the past behind and work together as one for the common interest of Ibadanland. The meeting has in attendance all the kingmakers except the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola and the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Hamidu Ajibade Salaudeen.

“The fifth columnists have been put to shame as we have resolved all the issues surrounding the enthronement of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. The CCII convened the meeting which had in attendance all the kingmakers except the two of them, notable elders of the land, and present and past leaders of the CCII.

“All issues have been resolved. There is now peace and harmony among the kingmakers. The Olubadan-in-Council is now one. God has put the fifth columnists to shame. In attendance at the meeting were the Asiwaju of Ibadan, Chief Bode Amao; Prelate Ola Makinde, past Presidents-General of CCII, Chief Y.K. Akande, Chief Bayo Oyero, Chief Wale Akinwande, Chief Soladoye and a host of others. We used an internal dispute mechanism to resolve our dispute in Ibadanland.

Notice of Thursday’s meeting to be convened by High Chief Ladoja is out. The meeting to be convened by Ladoja is in accordance with the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.”

Culture

Ministry Plans Abuja National Museum and Theatre, Appeals for Budget Boost

Published

5 months ago

December 15, 2023

Patrick Idowu

The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, revealed the ministry’s ambitious agenda to establish a national museum and a national theatre within a proposed “Creative City” in Abuja. This announcement was made during the minister’s budget defense before the Senate Committee on Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy at the National Assembly.

Musawa emphasized that these two projects are prioritized initiatives aimed at generating employment opportunities for Nigerians. She stressed the importance of swift budget approval by the Senate to facilitate the realization of these goals.

Expressing concern about the ministry’s underfunding, Musawa appealed to the Senate Committee to enhance its allocation in the 2024 budget, citing the crucial role proper funding plays in achieving the ministry’s vision aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry aspires to contribute N100 billion to the nation’s GDP by 2030. Additionally, major projects include the construction of a National Theatre and National Museum in Abuja.

Musawa highlighted the ministry’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria through proposed projects, emphasizing the creative economy’s potential. The ministry’s core functions include attracting foreign investment, cultural promotion, and preservation, in accordance with Section 21 of the 1999 Constitution.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Senator Mohammed Onawo, commended the minister for her initiatives and assured her of the committee’s support. Senator Ede Dafinone raised concerns about the inadequate budgetary allocation and questioned how major projects could be executed with limited funding.

Abuja Reports

Traditional Rulers Reaffirm Commitment to End Violence Against Women, Girls

Published

5 months ago

December 8, 2023

Udo Edukere

Traditional leaders, united under the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa (COTLA), have reiterated their commitment to ending violence against women and girls in Nigeria. This affirmation was made during a media dialogue organized by COTLA in Abuja as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), supported by UN Women with assistance from the Ford Foundation.

HRM (Arc.) King Adedapo Aderemi, the Convener General of COTLA, commended UN Women for its ongoing efforts in advocating for the rights of women and girls. He emphasized COTLA’s dedication to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.

Dr. Haliru Yahaya Ndanusa, the Emir of Shonga and Deputy Convener-General of COTLA, highlighted various initiatives introduced by traditional leaders to address harmful cultural practices and negative gender norms. He emphasized that Islamic principles advocate for the protection of women’s rights, including property ownership.

Dr. Usman Ngakupi, Sapeyi of Garki, shared success stories of counseling interventions to discourage prostitution among girls in his domain. He stressed the importance of education for women and girls and the positive impact of initiatives promoting gender equality.

Eze(Dr.) Onyibe Cosmos, Enechi Ekuma IV Okposi Kingdom in Ohaozara, Ebonyi State, discussed laws implemented in his kingdom, such as giving women the right to share their fathers’ properties. He highlighted measures taken to eradicate female genital mutilation and empower women.

Ms. Funke Baruwa, Programme Officer at the Ford Foundation, acknowledged the traditional leaders’ deep knowledge and experiences, emphasizing their crucial role in promoting understanding and denouncing GBV. She highlighted intensified campaigns against various forms of gender-based violence.

UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, commended the traditional leaders for their commitment. She stressed the importance of working with them to end violence against women and girls while encouraging them to share their community initiatives in the fight against GBV.

Established in 2018, the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa (COTLA) continues to work towards ending GBV with the support of UN Women. The traditional leaders in Nigeria, through COTLA, have developed a work plan to actively engage in efforts to combat gender-based violence.

Culture

Rivers Community Celebrates Annual Iria Festival, Initiating Young Virgins into Womanhood

Published

5 months ago

December 6, 2023

Alexis Uchendu

In the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Ogu kingdom’s annual Iria festival has once again captured widespread attention, as young virgins are initiated into womanhood. The Iria ceremony, an ancient festival of the Okrika people, takes place in various towns, particularly during the months of December and January.

Dating back to the 16th century, the Iria Festival has become a source of excitement for both locals and outsiders, drawing anticipation in the last three to four months of every year. The festival is known for featuring maidens who, as part of the initiation process, showcase their breasts.

Beyond its role as a cultural event, the Iria Festival is viewed as a yearly competition where families in Okrika use the opportunity to highlight chastity. Parents present their virgin daughters for initiation into womanhood, marking the beginning of the fattening room phase. In this phase, the young women are nourished with body-enriching meals, including pounded yam mixed with pounded plantain and fresh fish.

Photos from this year’s Iria Festival have gone viral on social media, portraying the cultural richness and traditions of the Okrika people in Rivers State.