Adelabu urges Intellectuals and Professionals to participate in Politics for Nation's development.

There is need for professionals, technocrats and the academia to be actively involved in politics so as to contribute their quota towards the political development and advancement of the nation's nascent democracy.

The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Chief Adebayo Adelabu stated this at the Special round table programme to review and showcase the book written by the late Political Icon and Nationalist Late Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi in 1952 titled "African In Ebullition" in the light of contemporary political and governance issues. The event which was chaired by Ambasador Yemi Farounbi was held at Olusola Sanu Center for Euro - African Studies Lead City University Ibadan ( LCU-CEAS ), in conjunction with the Ibadan school for politics and governance. 

The book reviewers and debaters are Professor Alaba Ogunsanwo, Professor Ayo Olukotun, Professor Tayo Adeshina and Barister Edem Ossai. Goodwill messages were also presented by Oloye Lekan Alabi, the Chairman of Adegoke Adelabu foundation, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, a grandson of the author, Chief Mrs Olabisi Sangodoyin, a grassroot politician and Mr Jide Sanu, the son of Late Ambasador Olu Sanu. Delivering the welcome address was the Vice Chancellor of Lead City University, Professor Aderemi Adeyemo while the Pro-Chancelor and Proprietor of the university, Professor Jide Owoeye also graced the highly intellectual event. Dr Tunde Oseni was the moderator.

Chief Adebayo Adelabu in delivering his goodwill message at the event said participation in the political process is an avenue to serve humanity and contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

"Having served in top positions in both the private and public sector as Executive Director in the largest Bank in Nigeria, First Bank and as Deputy Governor of the CBN, i believe the least I can do is to dedicate the rest of my life to serve humanity. How can you serve humanity? Beyond philanthropic efforts of assisting and supporting the less priviledged, you must take part in politics at any of the various levels available depending on your political appetite. The least you can be is to be a registered voter. You can also be an active member of a political party or an aspirant to a political office. This provides a bigger platform to serve humanity and impact more people" Adelabu said.

According to Chief Adelabu, the book African In Ebullition written by his Grandfather Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu in 1952 about 68 years ago is still relevant till today.

"I have read the book very well from first page to last and If government can implement what is inside the book, Nigeria will not be where we are today because 90 percent of the problems facing the country today would have been solved"

The 2019 Governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress said the history of Nigeria Independence and its Political development can not be completed without acknowledging the immense contributions of his late grandfather Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu.

Chief Adelabu also charged citizens and well meaning Nigerians to continue to contribute their quota towards the progress of the country as Government alone can't solved many challenges facing the country. He however concluded that the challenge of this generation is to make our future better than our present because, as it is, our past is deemed better than our present. This is a failure of this generation. He claimed that the generation has not been able to sustain the legacies left behind by our founding fathers. He specifically made reference to the degenerated status of Oyo state and Ibadan in particular from its historical pre and post independece status. He said Ibadan was not only the Intellectual capital of the South West, but was the fulcrum for Health Care, Media, Culture and Entertainment, Tourism and Hospitality, Commerce, Real Estate etc. But today, we can not boast of any of this. 

In delivering his closing remark, the chairman of the event, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi also corroborated Adelabu's view concluding that the neglect of intellectual content is the bane of our politics in Nigeria. 

Adegoke Adelabu's family present at the event were, Alhaja Fatima Adelabu, Mr Taofeek Sadiq, Mr Gbenro Sadiq, Mrs Bola Adelabu, Mr Quasim Adelabu and Mr Yinka Adelabu who is the Secretary to Adegoke Adelabu foundation.

Oloye Lekan Alabi at 70: Bayo Adelabu Describe him as a Custodian of Yoruba Values, Style and Culture

Oloye Lekan Alabi at 70: Adelabu showers encomiums, describes him as custodian of Yoruba values, style and culture.

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu has described the Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi as one of the most intelligent sons of Ibadan extraction who had contributed greatly to the sustenance of Yoruba values, style and culture.

Chief Adelabu made this known in his 70th birthday anniversary congratulatory message to the foremost journalist and former General Manager, Public Relations of Odua group of companies and Chief Press Secretary to four of the past Oyo state governors, Oloye Lekan Alabi.

"It gladdens my heart to be associated with someone of your caliber and pedigree who is rich in culture, style and native intelligence which you have used over the years to sustain our heritage through the journalism profession. At 70, your relevance transcends the journalism profession, you have become a pillar in the preservation of Yoruba values and cultural heritage while your selfless services through your priceless counseling on the media and celebration of iconic late Yoruba entertainers are now reference points. It is therefore not a surprise to me when you were appointed the first cultural ambassador to the Yoruba Cultural museum in Ile-Ife by the Oonirisa of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi" Adelabu said.

Furthermore, the 2019 Gubernatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress said the immense contributions of Oloye Lekan Alabi who had served four Governors in Oyo state as Chief Press Secretary will surely be needed for the desired development of the state.

"If I call you father or Uncle, it is all well said because you're everything to me and to the entire Adegoke Adelabu's family because your wonderful contributions towards the historical documentation of the life and times of Adegoke Adelabu to the public is acknowledged and appreciated. As you joined the league of Septuagenarians, I wish you many more fruitful years on earth in good health and abundant blessings" Adelabu said.

"Congratulations my dear Uncle, Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadan land Oloye Lekan Alabi" He concluded.

End Sars: Justice for Jimoh Isiaq and Suspending #EndSARS Protests

The Lekki shooting stole the show from the many circulating Ibadan gory scenes during the #EndSARS protest, sounds like a good one for some sects, but nothing consolatory for those looking for justice, fair hearing and investigation into the Ibadan and Ogbomoso gruesome murders by the men of the Nigerian Police.

Follow ups to series of deaths in Ogbomoso and Ojoo is something that should be of greater concern to the state government at this time. We can't let it all slide under the carpet, what is to be fate of the families of Jimoh Isiaq and many others who lost their children or ward; the families of the police men who were victims of mob action. It is beyond mere giving their families 1 million naira. Whatever happened to serving justice on this matter.

And while we are still awaiting President Buhari to make comment on the Lekki shooting (if ever) and proffer a way forward from this quagmire we find ourselves as a nation, can the respective state government including our dear Oyo State also go ahead to set up their investigative panels and annihilate the incessant protest which obviously has been hijacked by miscreants.

A lot of properties and businesses have been destroyed in Lagos State. Certainly the investors, staff and other beneficiaries will know the level of impact this will have on them and by extension the economy of the state. Coming back home, a lot of properties are being destroyed in Ibadan, Ogbomoso and other regions which has further aided in grounding further the economy after the massive effect of the pandemic and only active stakeholders will care about the present state, they will be more concerned about getting to the roots of the protest and not by sponsoring or supporting the agitation that has obviously been hijacked by miscreants.

Miscreants will not stop at looting and destroying lives and properties of the people and investments. Remember, Justice for one is justice for all!

Financing Education: The Only Channel to National Development?

Nigerian naturally have a sense of entitlement across all department of government and rightly so, it has a lot to do with the inadequacies in governance since time immemorial. We have been a nation of citizens who have been less dependent on government so we have inadvertently made it a point of duty to critique every move of the government, which we are doing effortlessly.

However, there are other criticism which I somewhat feel we over indulge our capacity. The world is a changing dynamic and we have to switch on to the next gear of acceleration else, we can be caught napping or so to say, forever left basking on our past euphoria. The earlier we accept the reality of the present day fact and empirical figures, the better we admit the world is moving at the speed of light from how we left it barely last night before slumber.

Education is not the only solution to modern development and economic growth, there are way other sectors which contributes their respective quota to the growth of an economy. The entertainment industry is a prolific industry on its own, we also have the sports, arts and culture, hospitality, tourism, engineering, advertisement. Though most of these industries stem from primary and secondary education, but they also involve training and capacity building which is beyond the four walls of the educational system. Quite sadly, the proclivity is hinged on training and building oneself to being the best in one's department.

Some popular Nigeria banter is that Ronaldinho would have been a complete failure in the four wall;s of the classroom if there had been nothing called football and consequently, he would have been a failure in life. Needless to say that it did not happen that way, instead, he became one of the greatest footballers of all time. I can say the same thing about successful musical artistes, professional boxers, motivational speakers, even the great Mark Zuckerberg was a Harvard dropout, who just wanted to leave school and embark on his breathtaking project of starting Facebook.

More recently in Nigeria, Gov. Dapo Abiodun awarded a youth ambassadorial role to Laycon, the winner of the BBNaija Lockdown 2020 winner, with #5m and an apartment and as expected the governor has been getting the sticks for not awarding similar gesture to the past winners of the National Jets Competition from Ogun State. I quite align with the sentiment, but pitching Jets Competition side by side with BBNaija is not totally the way to go. All industry, be it Scientific research, Science and Technology and so on, have their economic value and none can be disposed at the expense of the other. We can't have a competition erected where there is none. Michael Jackson never competed with the best Havard graduate, instead they all evolved from their respective niche and build the future therein.

Fighting for the deficiencies in educational financies while also agitating for a decline in other sectors of the economy, even if it is the least important of them all is not the way forward. Education should not serve as a yardstick for comparing other sectors and vice versa, instead, let's agitate for an increase in appreciating educational activities more while not bringing down other department. The sky is big enough for all the birds to fly. Let's work together to make the government spend on educational program as it remains the foundation for career growth and capacity building, but not at the detriment of the other sector.

The entire country needs all sectors and departments excelling to reach a developed international standard. National economic boost is a function of all working sectors in a country, and even though education is the fundamental and basic foundation for all sectors to thrive, it subsequently needs all others very functional to move the entire country forward and functional.

Written By

Oluwatobi Adisa

@deeduke1

Bayo Adelabu - Oyo Golden Man at 50 years

50th birthday celebration at its finest. I have met few people who matches word with action, Bayo Adelabu is one of them and not my deserve such befitting landmark golden celebration.

Happy Birthday to a mentor, top boss, leader and brother on his historic birthday. It has been  a golden jubilee of gratitude to the Almighty Allah, Alms giving to the less privileged, the motherless and the disabled, social gatherings and commissioning of mega projects, that is -  tourism, estate and hospitality.

Very few can boast of retiring from their dream profession before the age of 50 especially when it primarily concerns the apex bank CBN. Bayo Adelabu is a rare gem whom Oyo State should embrace and appreciate even more. A man who surmounted every level of achievement and life goal way before the golden age celebration.

Your life achievement is unparalleled in modern day history, your sole impact in the economic hub and social life of Oyo state will not go unappreciated, your many investments which serves as a platform for jobs and business opportunities for many is one of the many goals that many governors are even yet to achieve.

Wish you more grace, more blessings, more life and more health to celebrate your 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110 and 120 years birthday, Insha Allah 🙏

Adelabu Felicitates with Olubadan Oba Saliu Adetunji on His Birthday

Chief Bayo Adelabu, the Agba-Akin Parakoyi of Ibadanland and the Oyo State guber candidate of All progressive Congress in the 2019 general election has congratulated Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, on the occasion of his 92nd birthday.

Adelabu in a release made available to journalist by one of his media aide Comrade Femi Awogboro described Oba Adetunji as an embodiment of royalty, objectivity and wisdom. He also thanked the Almighty Allah for preserving the life of our Number One custodian of traditional institutions in Ibadanland till date.

Adelabu said. "Attaining the age of 92 is not an easy feat especially in this clime with very low life expectancy, but God in His infinite mercy has kept you to this day".

"Your Majesty's love for your subjects, passion for unity of Ibadan and wisdom of leadership has brought great political, economic and social success to Ibadanland, making it prosperous and peaceful".

"As you celebrate, our heart is filled with joy for what God has helped you achieve all these past years and looking forward, we pray that all your dreams and wishes for the people of Ibadan and Oyo state will come to reality in your very presence".

The former CBN deputy governor prayed to God to grant Oba Adetunji long life and good health. 

''Kabiyesi, k'ade pelori, Ki bata pe lese. Asiko yin a tun bo tu'lu lara o. Amin'' Adelabu prayed.

Private Interment of our Patriarch, Chief Richard Osuolale Abimbola Akinjide SAN, CON

Our beloved Patriarch, Chief Richard Osuolale Abimbola Akinjide SAN, CON, who passed on peacefully to glory on 21st April, 2020, was laid to rest on Thursday, 13th August 2020 after a private funeral service by the family at The Chapel of St. Peter, The Rock, Jericho, Ibadan, within the family estate.

 

This was done, in consultation with the Archbishop of Ibadan, Anglican Communion and the Oyo State Government, due to the prevailing global public health crisis.

At the appropriate time, a  Celebration of Life Church Service and public events will be held in his honour.

 

The entire Akinjide family would like to thank the Federal and State Governments, our Royal Fathers and traditional institutions, the legal community comprising the Bar and Bench, our friends and well-wishers for their prayers and support. 

 

 

Abayomi Akinjide

MA. LLM (CANTAB).

For the Akinjide Family

Celebrating a Beacon Angel, Jumoke Akinjide on her Birthday by Isiaka Kehinde

Still evolving at her very best

"If you inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a leader". John Quincy Adams.

Some people come and leave certain impression, too feeble, too little, like a bubbling soap or a movie cameo, but she has come to sparkle the world with effinescent mind and create a lasting  impression. She is a beacon angel that illuminates the path of others. Thanks for always being there for us.

At over six decades, she is inching closer to her dreams, she sees life as a journey and inspite of all odds, she is enjoying every mile and every step comes at the right time. A birthday is not to ask for your number of years but to know how many cheerleaders you have raised. She is a typical leader of leaders.

You believe so much in supreme good and once said, quoting Althessaur "only the production of new knowledge keeps old knowledge alive".

Nothing gladdens her heart than to think ahead of the future. Both in politics and her chosen legal profession, she has blazed an exemplary  trail for others coming behind and she never rest on her oars.

Through her foundation, the OAF, she has put smiles on many sunken faces and brightens the hopes of many hopeless. She is not relenting in her efforts to raise several hopes and better lots of lives. She has helped many people as a public office holder and like a glowing moon her return is always desired.

Today being your birthday, I bring you an extra share of what makes you happy and pray for the fulfillment of your dreams. You are a lighthouse that brightens the lights of others, may your own path receive a divine light that will coruseate your own way. May your missions on earth be accomplished. You don't look frumpy at your age, you are a year older, but looking far younger, what a perfect combination of nature and nuture.

Join us in celebrating the rare leader, the Iya yYeye of Ona Ara land.

Happy Birthday ma.

Bayo Adelabu Writes APC, Urge ALGON To Proceed Supreme Court, Calls for Party Unity

Dear Progressives,

I received with amazement and utmost dissappointment the news of the unexpected and unfavourable Appeal court judgement delivered in Ibadan today on the ALGON vs Oyo State govt case. I want to enjoin our party members not to feel depressed or discouraged with this development as it is just a temporary setback. All we need to do now is to see this as an opportunity to bury all our differences, unite as a party more than ever before. This will enable us rally all the necessary support, moral, financial and political, for ALGON to proceed to the Supreme court to seek redress and achieve victory for our party. I believe we have a good case at hand. Given all the facts presented to the court and the precedents cited by the counsels during the hearing, victory for ALGON was expected and almost assured. I'm confident that the Supreme court will correct this injustice and rape of our constitutional democracy.

This case should not be seen as that of ALGON alone but a case to be taken up by every constitutional democracy loving member of our party and the general public to ensure that the rule of law prevails. I'm excited at developments and reactions within our party following this judgement as critical stakeholders within the party are now showing unwavering interest in pushing this case forward. I'm appealing to all and sundry to let us use this platform to unite all members and fight this case with unity of purpose and as a common cause to the end. I see light at the end of the tunnel.

I want to use this opportunity to appeal to our party leadership to immediately summon a stakeholders meeting on the next step as soon as the lawyers review and interpretation of the judgement is concluded. Evil can only prevail when the righteous are quiet. I'm renewing my dedication and commitment to this cause irrespective of steps taken to date on this same case and i also promise to reach out to other critical stakeholders and like minds to rally support for ALGON at the state, regional and national level. May God bless our struggle.

Aluta continua, Victoria Acerta.

Adebayo A. Adelabu FCA, FCIB

Mistura Oseni Akintude, Australian Based Spiritual Mother To Hold A 7-Day Virtual ‘Powerful Prayer’

Australian based Prophetess Mistura Oseni Akintunde, the popular Islamic spiritual mother is holding a 7-Day ‘Powerful Prayer’ which is scheduled to hold live on her Instagram pages – @missymoremoney and @dandanleri_prayermountain on Wednesday, the 15th of July.

Prophetess Mistura, the daughter of the grand mufti of Yoruba Land, South-West Nigeria, became widely popular on the social media with her Islamic evangelism and selfless assistance to her followers and fans.

The 7-Day prayer which is tagged 'Ogun Eje' translated 'Curse of Blood' will commence on the 15th of July at 2pm (Australia time), 5am (Nigeria time) and 12am (Eastern time).

Prophetess Mistura Oseni Akintunde is the sole founder of Dandanleri Prayer Mountain (DPM). Join in Live on Instagram to receive your divine blessings.

Adelabu Wishes Seyi Makinde Speedy Recovery, Donates Relief Material to the People

Following the announcement that my brother, Oyo State Governor, His excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde has tested positive to COVID19, I want to use this opportunity to wish him a speedy recovery and abundance of health going forward.

His decision to self-isolate in line with government’s measures to reduce the transmission of the virus is right and commendable. May God give us strength in these trying times.

This is a time for us all to shun petty politics, and for all hands to be on deck in order to contain and eradicate COVID19 in our dear state and Nigeria as a whole.

We must support the efforts of government by following the safeguarding guidelines they have provided as this will help reduce the spread of the virus.

The government must also be supported by capable and well meaning indigenes and residents  to provide adequate treatment to those who are already infected.

In my personal effort to provide support in these trying times, in addition to various programmes we currently have in place to provide succour to the people which include but not limited to distribution of preventive items like sanitisers, nose masks, hand gloves, palliatives like food, water and minimal cash transfers to the indigents and the needy, we will also be liaising with relevant authorities including the NCDC and UCH to see how we can support their current medical initiatives and crisis management plan.

COVID19 is a global medical epidemic that must be taken seriously by all and sundry, please stay safe and keep others safe by following government guidelines. At this crucial moment, we need not politicise any of our efforts and avoid hate speech as issues bothering on our health concern our lives and we must all be our brothers' keeper for us all to remain alive and fulfil our destinies. May God help us.

Bayo Adelabu FCA, FCIB

Adelabu Advises Makinde for Peace, Revoke the Appointment of Caretaker Chairmen

The All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 election in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has appealed to the warring parties in the Oyo State local government saga to thread the path of peace while the imbroglio is resolved.

Adelabu expressed concern over the loss of life and sustaining of injuries among supporters of the sacked LG and appointed caretaker chairmen following the tussle on who takes control of local government administration in Oyo State.

He disclosed that the current unfortunate but preventable crisis in the state compelled him to break his silence on the state of affairs in Oyo State.

It would be recalled that one person was reported to have lost his life in Surulere Local Government Area while others sustained various degrees of injury during a violent clash between the two chairmen.

According to him, no sane person will stand by while the state is set on fire by a situation that requires matured and sagacious handling by those at the helms of affairs.

Adelabu observed that "no struggle for reinstatement to the office of either of the parties is worth the shedding of blood of politicians and innocent citizens."

He reiterated that "the chairmen are fighting for their fundamental right to complete their tenure as duly elected chairmen and they have taken the right step by taking legal action to advance their cause.

"The crisis was aggravated by the current government which appointed caretaker chairmen where there was no vacancy."

He called on the governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde to do the right thing by revoking the appointment of the caretaker chairmen and either wait for the final court judgement on the case or enter into negotiation with the elected chairmen to see how they can work together and allow them to complete their terms."

He however called on security agencies both at the federal and the state levels to wade into the current situation and ensure that citizens are protected.

He charged politicians to calm their nerves while the law is allowed to take its full course. imbroglio: Adelabu calls for caution

The All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 election in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has appealed to the warring parties in the Oyo State local government saga to thread the path of peace while the imbroglio is resolved.

Adelabu expressed concern over the loss of life and sustaining of injuries among supporters of the sacked LG and appointed caretaker chairmen following the tussle on who takes control of local government administration in Oyo State.

He disclosed that the current unfortunate but preventable crisis in the state compelled him to break his silence on the state of affairs in Oyo State.

It would be recalled that one person was reported to have lost his life in Surulere Local Government Area while others sustained various degrees of injury during a violent clash between the two chairmen.

According to him, no sane person will stand by while the state is set on fire by a situation that requires matured and sagacious handling by those at the helms of affairs.

Adelabu observed that "no struggle for reinstatement to the office of either of the parties is worth the shedding of blood of politicians and innocent citizens."

He reiterated that "the chairmen are fighting for their fundamental right to complete their tenure as duly elected chairmen and they have taken the right step by taking legal action to advance their cause.

"The crisis was aggravated by the current government which appointed caretaker chairmen where there was no vacancy."

He called on the governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde to do the right thing by revoking the appointment of the caretaker chairmen and either wait for the final court judgement on the case or enter into negotiation with the elected chairmen to see how they can work together and allow them to complete their terms."

He however called on security agencies both at the federal and the state levels to wade into the current situation and ensure that citizens are protected.

He charged politicians to calm their nerves while the law is allowed to take its full course.

Salient Questions For South Western States' Security Model Codenamed Amotekun By Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo

The Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation was right only to the extent of tagging the outfit “Amotekun” as presently constituted as being illegal. However, he has no rights or powers whatsoever to declare it illegal as only a court of competent jurisdiction can do that.

The South-West Governors ought to have sought and received legal opinions and advice from their respective Attorneys-General before embarking on such a laudable move but which they have done in an illegal manner.

It does not matter that one of the South-West Governors is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. In the Ondo State executive council or cabinet as it is presently constituted, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, though a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a Past President of the Nigerian Bar Association is not the Chief Legal Officer or Chief Legal Adviser to the Ondo State Government. Aketi is just the head of the executive there as the Governor of the State and not a legal practitioner for now in the state. The only person who can speak authoritatively when issues and or matters relating to laws arise in Ondo State or in any other state is the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. Besides that, any other opinions or views expressed officially in any state by anybody other than the Attorney-General are mere orbiter dicta and are of no moment.

In 2012, when Oyo State Government under the father of the mordern Oyo State , Senator Abiola Ajimobi wanted to change the face of the state’s security architecture to an enduring and lasting legacy one, after we have perfected the blueprint of what we codenamed ”Operation Burst”, a crack joint security outfit, we sought and applied for the consent of the President and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the then President Gooldluck Ebele Jonathan who graciously approved same for us. The achievements of that efforts are there for posterity to judge, but it is on record and undeniable that Oyo State after the launch of Operation Burst moved away from being a state hitherto known for brigandage and chaos where lives were brutish, short and nasty (Hobbesian state) to become the most peaceful state in Nigeria till 29th May, 2019.

Had it been that we wanted to use our own personnel for the Operation Burst Model instead of relying on the conventional security apparatus of the Federal Government, we would have firstly forwarded a bill for a law to birth same to the Oyo State House of Assembly for passage and subsequent assent by the Governor.

In the Amotekun’s case , same was not done and I make bold to say that all the Governors of the states in the South-West who were parties to the operations goofed in that respect as they have placed the cart before the horse. But it is not too late for them to do the needful.

In 2013, when the security agencies in the state alerted us of the existence of a budding terrorist group in a camp along Iseyin- Shaki road, we got a court order to proscribe the group and same was declared by court to be an illegal outfit and they were dislodged from the camp.

As Hon. Attorney-General of Oyo State at that time, I did not use my discretion as Mr Mallami SAN did and neither were the functions of court usurped by our government.

The Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation obtained a court order to proscribe the El-Zakyzaky’s group which was the way to go and he was applauded by all and sundry for that.

However, his recent pronouncement on the Amotekun security model in which he declared same as illegal is clearly ultra vires of an Attorney-General who knows his onions and worth.

Afenifere and all other groups, bodies and persons goading the South-West Governors should please thread cautiously legally as their various comments are nothing but mere expressions of emotions, sentiments and sensationalism which have no legal basis, and if we may be blunt they are politically jaundiced motivated opinions.

Undoubtedly, South-West and indeed every part of Nigeria need to be secured in view of the total breakdown of security in Nigeria, but must it be done haphazardly and in an illegal manner without doing all things that are necessary for its take-off? It is even clear that the SW Governors are merely playing to the gallery because they are yet to have any framework for the operations of the much touted Amotekun.

And if I may ask –

Where is the operational headquarter of Amotekun?

Where are the respective States’ headquarters?

Who is the Commander In Chief of the operation or its head?

Who are the Operational Commanders?

And who are the footsoldiers or the field officers? And I can go on and on.

Besides the vehicles and the drivers that are displayed, where are the other ingredients?

Dont let us be emotional and we must do away with that feeble defence that because the Hisbah in Kano State did not have any law that birthed it, then , must we also go lawless? Have we forgotten that the Yorubas are the Pace-setters in Nigeria and we are always known and associate with the Rule of Laws and the Due Process of Law? Hence er must not lose that prime position in the scheme of doing things rightly.

Also, we must be very wary of further raising militias and bandits that we wont be able to control in the nearest future as we should remember how a North-East Governor nutured and midwifed the now dreaded Boko Haram into a full blown terrorist group. We should not forget the numbers of innocent souls that were gruesomely murdered by the activities of the Oodua People Congress during their factional rifts under Dr. Fredrick Fasheun and Aare Ona Kakanfo Gani Adams. The South-West Governors can partner with OPC under Aare Gani Adams or with any other group or body for that matter, but it must be well-thought out.

Let us thread softly and follow the laws and the Constitution in heralding the Operation Amotekun to secure the South-West. It must be wholesomely and comprehensively packaged rather than the present fire brigade Amotekun at outfit.

DATED this 18th day of January, 2020 at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, Kenya.

Asiwaju Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo is the Asiwaju of Ita-Ege & Idi-Aro, Ward 5 of Ibadan South East Local Government Area of Oyo State of Nigeria.

He is a former Attorney General of Oyo state.

He can be reached via Email- adebayoojo90@gmail.com and +234803375495 (WhatsApp only).

Adelabu Pays Condolence Visit, Says Lekan Aare lived a Fulfilled Life

The Oyo state Governorship candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the last year general election, Chief Bayo Adelabu has described Dr. Lekan Aare as a disciplinarian, an accomplished industrialist and an amiable Ibadan enthusiast whose vacuum will be difficult to fill.

Chief Adelabu made this remarks during his condolence visit to the family of the late philanthropist of note Dr Lekan Aare at his residence in Ibadan on Sunday.

According to him, the contributions of Dr Lekan Aare towards the development of Ibadan especially through his educational interventions, humanitarian activities and hospitality business is enormous.

He said that up till his death, Dr Lekan Aare took issues pertaining to development of Ibadan and Oyo state in general as paramount in his heart.

''His efforts towards the upliftment and development of Government College, Ibadan was invaluable as he championed the cause of the school as a patron and the President for almost twenty years ( 1989 - 2006 ).

Adelabu said further "He was quite close to my grandfather, the Late Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi. He was passionate about Adelabu's political ideology, outside their GCI connection, and kept referring to him as his mentor which inspired him to attend to me at all times"

He prayed to God to give the family of the deceased, the people of Ibadan and the entire state, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Adelabu Visits Akesan Market, Commiserate with Alaafin and Market Women

Bayo Adelabu, the Oyo State APC candidate in the last election, paid a visit to Oyo Town to commiserate with the entire market women of Akesan Market and the Alaafin of Oyo, HRH Oba Lamidi Adeyemi over the infamous inferno which razed the entire historic Akesan market on Sunday morning.

He first visited the Alaafin of Oyo at his palace, where he sympathised with the Yoruba monarch and prayed against such disastrous occurrence, never to happen again. He comforted the market women and men who have lost valuable properties to the unfateful inferno. He prayed against the plan of the evil ones on the people of Oyo and the entire Oyo State as a whole.

He vowed to Alaafin of Oyo and the entire market women present to contribute handsomely and within his capacity to the reconstruction of the market to express his love and solidarity towards the victims of the ghastly inferno.

He thereafter visited the remain of Akesan market and advised them to be strong willed, and that the Almighty Allah will comfort them amid all financial losses and replenish them with multiple folds of their investment.

Akesan Fire Disaster: Adelabu Sympathises with Alaafin and Oyo People

The governorship candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo State during last year general election, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has commiserated with Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and all the traders whose properties and wares were affected during the early morning fire that razed the popular Akesan market in the town.

Chief Adelabu described the incident as very unfortunate and prayed that the Almighty Allah will replenish the losses in folds.

"I was deeply touched when I received the news. More disheartening is that the fire service base that is less than 20 metres to the market could not be mobilised to stop the inferno due to dysfunctional equipments. It is high time the government woke up to its responsibilities as what is the essence of a government that cannot protect his people at a critical time of need such as this. I advise that Oyo state government  take a critical look at both the immediate and remote causes of this incident as well as circumstances surrounding the lack of capacity of the fire service personnel to rise to the occasion, with a view to preventing future re-occurence"

"I appeal to the affected traders to remain calm and be conscious of what they do especially during this harmattan period. I promise to visit shortly and extend little assistance within my personal capacity as a show of love to and solidarity with those affected".