To Curb Menace of Human Trafficking & Irregular Migration, Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Task Force

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September 8, 2020

Governor-Babajide-Sanwo-Olu — File Photo: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (File Photo)

Worried by the menace of human trafficking, which has become a profitable venture for criminals who exploit people by kidnapping them and selling them into forced prostitution, forced labour and modern day slavery, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tuesday inaugurated a Task Force on Human Trafficking to curb the scourge in the state.

The governor also charged members of Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking to come up with brilliant ideas, innovations and policies that would assist the state government in curbing the menace.

Speaking during the inauguration of the task force at Lagos House in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu urged all members of the task force to see their appointment as a call to service.

According to him, “The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has exposed and exacerbated many global inequalities and plunged many economies like ours into recession, leaving millions of people at greater risk of being trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, forced marriages and other crimes.

“What this implies is that the pandemic has created more economic difficulties for many especially women, young ladies and children who are the most vulnerable and might become exposed to the perils of human trafficking in a bid to seek better lives.

“In view of this, I strongly believe that this initiative of constituting Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking could not have come at a better time than now when it is needed more than ever that we put human dignity and human rights at the forefront and governments across all levels need to join hands and make collaborative efforts to put an end to the scourge of human trafficking.

“The government and people of Lagos State understand the value of partnership as an inestimable tool in combating the transnational organised crime of human trafficking and as a result, we use this opportunity to assure you of our unwavering support, collaboration and strong partnership in providing all that is needed to ensure we bring an end to the menace of human trafficking in our society.

“Everyday, in every country of the world, at least a person is reported as a victim of human trafficking while several other cases go either unnoticed or unreported. The menace of human trafficking has not only become a sad reality, it has also sadly become a profitable venture for criminals who exploit people by kidnapping them, selling them into forced prostitution, forced labour and also until very recently into modern day slavery.

“Unfortunately, human trafficking has now become that bitter bile that is not felt by the victims alone, but rather affects humanity in general as it encroaches on our right and dignity as a people.

“For years, local and international media have been awash with horrifying stories of people especially Nigerian women and girls who have been trafficked for sexual and labour exploitation, and also of migrants trapped in Libya in slavery-like conditions or dying as they crossed the Mediterranean Sea.

“These stories however, sadly reflect the large and increasing problem of human trafficking within and from Nigeria in recent years and also gives certain credibility to the recent statistics by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) that there has been a 600 per cent increase in the number of potential sex trafficking victims arriving Europe by sea, with most of them arriving from Nigeria.”

Sanwo-Olu, who noted that the situation of human trafficking has become a nightmare, commended the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for their relentless efforts in the fight against human trafficking and irregular migration.

He also appreciated NAPTIP for the ways they have been rendering assistance to human trafficking victims that are being rehabilitated.

“I must applaud you for this brilliant idea of re-constituting Lagos State Working Groups on Human Trafficking into State Task Forces that will be equipped with the requisite skills and technical support to provide a platform to articulate and consolidate our government’s policies and programmes aimed at countering the terrible scourge of human trafficking,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, NAPTIP Director-General, Julie Okah-Donli, said the problem of human trafficking and irregular migration have become a great national concern, especially with the large number of Nigerians trapped in sexual and labour exploitation in various African and European countries, apart from the hundreds that continue to die in the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.

“Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking has a pivotal role to play in ensuring adequate sensitisation at the grassroots and among vulnerable groups, providing services and support to victims who have been rescued and returned, as well as information sharing and law enforcements.

“This requires strong political will and budgetary provisions on the part of the srate government, in addition to the commitment of traditional institutions, religious and community leaders,” she said.

Okah-Donli also commended Sanwo-Olu and members of his cabinet for partnering with NAPTIP to stem the tide of the twin evils of human trafficking and irregular migration in Lagos State and Nigeria.

She said: “Lagos State has in the past supported the operations of Lagos Zonal Command of NAPTIP and I would like to appeal for stronger collaborations and support to enable the agency achieve its mandate in Lagos, which unarguably is the commercial business capital of Nigeria.”

In her remarks, the Counter Trafficking Officer of International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Bertha Kaluocha Ngurulu, described migration as not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be managed and therefore promised continued partnership with federal and state governments in facilitating humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.

She disclosed that IOM since 2011 has been providing support to Nigerian government in areas of migration and development as well as facilitating migration, regulating migration and forced migration, assisted voluntary return of both irregular and regular migrants in need of protection.

Responding,Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), who is also the Chairman of Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking, assured Sanwo-Olu and NAPTIP that his team would work tirelessly to fight the pandemic and ensure that people feel the impact of the task force in the state.

The inauguration of Lagos State Task Force on Human Trafficking was attended by the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Titilayo Shitta-Bey, among other government officials.

Among the member of the task force, which is made up of officials from security agencies, government agencies and civil society and community-based groups are: Co-chairman, Daniel Atokolo (NAPTIP); Olufusayo Adejoke Alabi (Ministry of Women and Poverty Alleviation); Oladotun Odubona and Ighodalo Margaret (Police); Toyin Odusanya (Citizens Right); Patricia Ebegbulem (Bakhita Safe House); Adegboyega Bajulaiye (Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LSNC); Iyabo Ogundiran (Legal Hub on Anti-Trafficking); John Deborah Chigozie (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC); and Ogunluyi Titilope (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA).

Idowu Sowunmi

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Local Electricity Metre Manufacturers Decry Deferment of 1yr Import Tax

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 8, 2020

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The Electricity Meter Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (EMMAN) says President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of one year deferment of the 35 percent import adjustment tax (levy) imposed on fully built unit (FBU) electricity meters HS Code 9028.30.00.00 under the 2019 fiscal policy measures for the implementation of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) common external tariff (CET) 2017 – 2022 will only encourage importation of the items, thereby developing the economy of other countries.

Speaking as a member of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the downstream of the power sector, Mr Kola Balogun, Chairman of Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Limited (MEMMCOL), said the removal is an indication that the government is more disposed to favour importation to the detriment of local production.

“The implication of this is that over 600million US dollars would be exported to China to import the approved 3million meters. This means we would further be developing another country’s economy and continue to increase unemployment, poverty and underdevelopment in our country.

“We are bold to emphatically say that we at MEMMCOL, have the local capability to bridge the metering gap if the right policy is put in place.

“This can be by way of financial intervention by the government whereby certain agreed percentage of the cost of meter supply would be advanced to us like the importers do with the Chinese and upon completion of installation balance payment would be made to us. We do not even mind to furnish a bank guarantee as our own commitment in such deal”, Balogun said.

According to the President, Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo, there is an urgent need for the Federal Government of to put in place a strict regime of sanctions against off-takers who have deliberately refused to accept indigenous technology and made in Nigeria pre-paid meters.

“As important as the vexed issue of metering is, there are other variables and extraneous factors that if not eradicated or boldly addressed once and for all, Nigerian electricity market shall remain an elusive growth and a vicious circle of stagnation.

“As a matter of fact, what we need now is a review downward of the presently discriminatory pricing of gas pricing methodology and disparity in the gas pricing business model with different pricing options for different Off-takers.

“Electricity consumers are increasingly being made to pay for fixed cost, padded cost, over bloated indexes of hyper-inflated cost of production of each Unit of electricity measured in kilowatt hour etc,” Olubiyo added.

EMMAN however appealed to the Federal Government to review its levies on imported electricity meters to promote full local content in the production of pre-paid meters.

EMMAN believes the approval is an incentive for mass importation of pre-paid meters as against upscaling of local production.

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Sultan Speaks on Southern Kaduna Killings, Accuses Politicians of Feasting on Crisis

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 8, 2020

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images (24) — Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III

Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has condemned the killings in the Southern part of Kaduna State, describing the heinous act as “madness that must stop immediately.”

“No man in his right senses will go on a killing spree of innocent people under whatever guise.

“You keep on igniting killings based on ethno-religious differences because it is the innocent children that are killed while those of the elites are protected,” Abubakar declared.

The Sultan stated this while speaking on Monday at the opening of a meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Kaduna.

He called on sponsors of the killings to stop the dastardly act, declaring “enough is enough.”

Abubakar criticised politicians, alleging that they are behind the crisis. He declared that any politician who ignites violence does not mean well for the people and challenged the people to shun such politicians.

He, therefore, called on Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used by the politicians who would rather do everything to protect their family members than exposing them to such dastardly acts.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Photos: Buhari at 1st Year Ministerial Review and Performance Retreat

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 8, 2020

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President Buhari participates at the 1st Year Ministerial Review and Performance Retreat in State House on 8th Sep 2020.

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NLC Suspends Planned Protest in Port Harcourt

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 8, 2020

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The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday suspended its planned protest in Port Harcourt, over a lingering industrial dispute, which led to sealing of the group’s secretariat in the state.

After a six-hour dialogue, NLC President, Ayuba Wabba told journalists that the organised labour agreed to resolve contending issues after signing a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Rivers government.

In its reaction to the planned protest last Sunday, Rivers government had said it would be illegal for the NLC to hold a protest, alleging Wabba threatened that workers would rally in the state against unfair labour treatment.

According to the communique signed by both parties and read by Wabba, labour has agreed to suspend the planned protest.

”At the meeting between the organised labour and Rivers government, the parties agreed to sign the agreement on the implementation of the national minimum wage and consequential adjustment.

”The NLC secretariat sealed for correction of the structural deficit will immediately be unsealed, while the government continues with correctional work.

”Government shall restore the remittance of check-off dues and pay outstanding arrears to the respective labour union,” he said.

On salaries withheld from health workers because of their involvement in a 2017 strike action, the NLC president said that the state government has agreed to commence payment.

”Both parties agreed to set up a tripartite committee to discuss and resolve other outstanding issues.

”This include adjustment of pension in line with the constitution and payment of all pensions and gratuities.

”Parties shall take steps to discontinue all ongoing litigation in relation to the disputed matter,” Wabba said.

He added that the parties agreed that no worker would be victimised as a result of the planned rally.

Confirming the resolutions reached by the government and the organised labour, especially on suspending the planned protest, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, urged workers in the state to go about their normal businesses without fear.

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ECOWAS gives Mali junta 7day ultimatum to name civilian transitional president

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 8, 2020

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images (22) — Colonel Assimi Goita: Head of Mali military junta

By News Agency

ECOWAS leaders who met in Niamey, Niger on Monday have given the military junta in Mali until Sept. 15 to name a transitional president and a prime minister, according to a statement read at the end of a summit on Monday.

The 15-nation bloc said the president and prime minister, who will lead the transitional government, should be civilians.

The meeting maintained the sanctions it imposed on Mali in the aftermath of the coup.

But it also welcomed steps taken by the junta in the past week to start talks with Mali’s political parties and civil society groups over the transition.

ECOWAS closed its borders with landlocked Mali and halted financial flows amid concerns that the military coup could undermine the democratic gains in the region.

A group of army colonels has ruled Mali since ousting President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on Aug. 18.

No consensus has yet been reached on the make-up and duration of a transitional government ahead of promised elections.

ECOWAS is calling for a swift return to civilian rule and a vote within a year, a timeline the junta, the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), has not committed to.

ECOWAS Commission President Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, said both the president and prime minister must be appointed by Sept. 15 at the latest.

Talks in the capital Bamako about the transition period got off to a bumpy start on Saturday, when supporters of the influential M5-RFP political coalition accused the junta of sidelining them.

The junta’s negotiations, which are also being held in regional capitals across Mali, will continue later this week.

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Nollywood’s Veteran Yoruba Comic Actor Dies

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 8, 2020

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Veteran Nollywood actor, known for his sensational Yoruba comic, Yekini Omobolanle Oyedele widely referred to as Baba Legba, is dead.

The news of Oyedele’s death was made known in a Facebook post on Monday, September 7, 2020, by Adejumo Boisala Emmanuel, son of another late veteran, Baba Sala.

Adejumo confirmed that the actor has however been buried according to Islamic rites.

“Alhaji Yekini Omobolanle popularly known as Babalegba died in the early hours of today (midnight precisely).

”He joined Alawada Theatre Group in 1974 and was playing comic roles along with Baba Sala, sometimes he played Babalawo, Police officer but the most time one comic role to another.

”He is a friend of the family and supporter of my Daddy till his death. He used to be called Sunday Omobolanle then, before he went to Mecca and he turned Muslim. Personally, he contributed a lot to my success too”, Adejumo Boisala said.

Also, in an emotional laden message posted on Instagram, Nollywood actor, Foluke Daramola Salako expressed regret at the passing of Baba Legba.

“And we lost another veteran…though Baba Legba was old but we never want to see our loved ones die. I spoke with Baba last week but I was too busy with my restaurant to check like I always do because he told me he was under the weather, quite unfortunate I couldn’t bade him goodbye before he gave up the ghost, quite unfortunate we lost him.

“I feel kind of guilty I didn’t check on him when he called”, Salako stated.

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Adejobi Resumes as Lagos Police PPRO, Tasks Residents on Security

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 7, 2020

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Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, Monday took over from his predecessor, Elkana Bala, and subsequently released a contact mobile number for the public to ensure effective communication with the populace and Lagosians.

Adejobi was briefed by his predecessor on the general happenings in the state and he thereafter announced 08037168147 as his mobile number.

He charged Lagosians to share information and intelligence data for smooth partnership between the police and the general public.

Adejobi was last week appointed by the Inspector General of Police, Muhammadu Adamu.

He assured the general public of commitment to duties and responsiveness to issues that could promote effective policing, protection of human rights and sustainability of justice across board in the state

The new spokesperson primised to perform his duties in line with the policing agenda of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, describing image making and management of the command’s information as very key.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Olusegun Osunkeye at 80…Celebrating Nigeria’s Foremost Boardroom Guru and Excellent Administrator of All Times

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 7, 2020

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By Idowu Sowunmi

Today, I celebrate my father, mentor and helper, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, who clocks 80 today.

Since my encounter with you about 15 years, I have had every cause to appreciate God for granting me the opportunity to meet and know you. You’ve ever since then embraced and adopted me as your son, and you’re always ready to support my vision.

I would always appreciate your impactful words of wisdom and encouragement. You’re always everly ready to listen, advise, guide and guard me accordingly, counselling and providing alternative viewpoints where necessary to achieve better results.

Thank you for your fatherly support and wonderful show of love over the years. Thank you sir for granting me the initial capital for the ongoing project I’m executing. Thank you for supporting my vision. Thank you for offering me fresh and new perspectives all the times.

Even when I don’t remember to call or update you on the status of the project, you’ll call me to inquire to know and find out if there’s any difficulty on my way. What a wonderful father I’ve got in you!

Ten years ago, we gathered to mark your 70th birthday anniversary and it was indeed a celebration of your great deeds as one of Nigeria’s most influential personalities of all times.

At 80, you remain one of the greatest and most outstanding Nigerians who has essentially contributed to the development and transformation of our dear country.

Your indelible marks of achievement, most importantly, your quests for investment and encouragement of local content remain subjects of reference while you served as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nestle Nigeria Plc; Chairman, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria; Chairman, Lafarge Plc; Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria; and President, Society for Corporate Governance in Nigeria.

You have touched many lives with your managerial acumen, creating employment opportunities for a large number of people. And you remain one of Nigeria’s finest boardroom gurus and excellent administrators of all times.

As you celebrate your 80th birthday anniversary today, I pray Almighty God to continue to sustain you with good health and grant you fresh grace to enjoy your old age. Amen.

Happy birthday to you, my dearest father and mentor.

Idowu Sowunmi is a Lagos-based journalist

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Oba Lawal Unveils Economic Blueprint for Iruland in Lagos

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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September 7, 2020

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The installation rite of Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal as the 15th Oniru of Iru land in Lagos State came to peak over the weekend with the coronation reception and public presentation of the kingdom’s insignia.

Oba Lawal, at the event, unveiled his economic development plan for the kingdom – Let’s Develop Iruland Together – with the acronym “LeGIt.”

The blueprint, the monarch disclosed, was designed to reflect key deliverables of the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda being championed by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The event, held at Iru Palace, Victoria Island, was marked with a parade of royalty and culture.

The reception, which was initially suspended due to Lagos State’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols, came three months after Oba Lawal formally received traditional staff of office and instrument of appointment from Sanwo-Olu to ascend the Iru throne.

A roll call of VIPs, administrators and politicians, led by the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, his wife, Ibijoke, graced the occasion.

The event was also attended by traditional rulers within and outside Lagos State, including Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; and the representatives of Oba of Lagos, Alayeluwa Rilwan Akiolu.

Oba Lawal described the event as “another significant chapter” in the annals of the kingdom, thanking Sanwo-Olu for approving his selection by the kingmaker and the support since his installation.

He specially praised Tinubu, whom he called a mentor and father, for giving him the opportunity of his shots in public service.

The monarch said the priorities of his leadership would focus on socio-economic development of the kingdom, disclosing that the palace had established an independent nonprofit organisation – HRM Abisogun II Foundation for Peace and Development (HAIIF) – with the objective to drive multi-stakeholder partnerships for peace and prosperity of the kingdom.

According to him, “The burning desire to proffer pragmatic solutions to challenges facing Iru land has led to the initiative called LeGIT. This will be a rallying point and clarion call to all stakeholders to work with me to develop Iru into one of the most sustainable communities in Lagos. Our plans are in line with development agenda of the Governor.”

The monarch, thereafter, unveiled the traditional insignia of the kingdom, which reflects Iru culture and its dominant means of livelihood. The insignia depicts fishermen, newbouldia leaves and the iconic Iru crown in golden hues.

Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, described traditional institutions as “indispensable branch” of Yoruba society, noting that the socio-economic growth witnessed in Iru kingdom in the last two decades had contributed in no small measure to the development of Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, commended the monarch for keeping peace and for sustaining the effort to unite members of the royal families after ascending the throne.

The governor said he looked forward to more rewarding development activities in Iru land, but urged residents to rally round the Oniru and maintain peace in order to achieve the monarch’s outlined objectives.

Sanwo-Olu said he had absolute confidence in the leadership ability of Oba Lawal to transform the kingdom into a 21st Century city of commerce and culture, urging him to bring his wealth of experience in public service to bear in the administration of Iru land.

He said: “I have absolute confidence in the ability and capacity of His Royal Majesty to bring about greater transformation that will benefit everybody and further reposition Iru land within the metrics of development in Lagos State.

“During the installation ceremony in June, I enjoined the Oniru to strengthen the existing bond of unity within Iruland for the overall development of peace and progress of this kingdom.

“Two months on the throne, I’m pleased to note that the monarch took this advice to heart as exemplified by his very impressive actions characterised by wisdom, knowledge and large heartedness.

“My advice to all citizens of this great kingdom, as well as residents, is to continue to stand firm and united behind the king in order to advance the development and prosperity of this kingdom for the benefit of all.”

Also speaking at the event, Tinubu said the event should signal an end to the tussle and controversies that trailed the selection of Oba Lawal as Oniru, saying it was time the kingdom moved on.

He vouched for the leadership qualities of the monarch, pointing out that Oba Lawal has enormous capacity to endure, learned and listens.

Tinubu, who described the Oniru as a son, said the Oniru was a good choice for the kingdom and urged members of ruling houses in the kingdom to rally round the Oniru for the progress of Iru land.

He, however, urged the monarch to show good character as key component of his leadership, noting that his effort to move the kingdom forward would be futile without character.

Idowu Sowunmi

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