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Ondo’s Adoption Of Indigenous Anthem: Ijaw Express Worry Over Marginalistion

Published

4 years ago

June 29, 2021

It is no longer news that Ondo State has adopted an indigenous anthem which is expected to be recited immediately after the national anthem. The state government had, in March 2021, ordered that the recitation of the anthem be done in all public and private primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the state.

The directive to this effect was contained in a circular dated 1st March, 2021, which was signed by the Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Education, Mr. Akin Asaniyan.

The state governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, had also disclosed shortly before the dissolution of the Executive Council in February that governors in the region will soon meet to ensure that other states in the South-West that are yet to adopt the anthem are also encouraged to follow the path of Osun and Ondo.

The governor explained that the adoption of the anthem, which was coined and composed by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as a cultural symbol of the Yoruba at home and abroad and as a call to reawaken their hearts to the rich values of the tribe, is revisited by the state to project the virtues, tradition and culture of the Yoruba tribe.

The state government had later clarified, in May 2021, that the anthem isn’t the Oodua Anthem, but an indigenous anthem for the state.

However, the non-Yoruba speaking ethnic group in the state, the Ijaw, has raised eyebrows over the state government’s adoption of the indigenous anthem. They have called on the state government to put the adoption of the anthem on hold and confer with Ijaw leaders to come up with an Ijaw version of the anthem, if it must be sung in public places.

The Ijaw ethnic nationalities have been part of the state from as long as many residents can remember, and they live in the coastal area. Although the Ijaw can be found in other areas of the South-South, they have long lived in locations near many sea trade routes, and it is said that wherever there is a river, an Ijaw born is not far off.

In Ondo state, the Ijaw have one out of the 18 local government areas in the state. The Ese-Odo Local Government Area is inhabited by the Ijaw, and happens to be one of the two oil-producing councils in Ondo state.

Speaking on the adoption of the anthem, the Ijaw have accused the governor of running the state without considering its pluralistic nature, and described the action as provocative, and a deliberate affront to the peace-loving Ijaw of Ondo State.

Government Should Be All-inclusive, Says Lawmaker

The representative of the Ijaw community in the state’s House of Assembly, Hon. Success Torhukerhijo, representing Ese-Odo constituency, said it was out of place to adopt an anthem for the state in Yoruba language without thinking of the concern of the Ijaw, knowing that the state has two ethnic nationalities – the majority Yoruba, and the minority Ijaw.

Torhukerhijo, in a statement in Akure, said it was a ploy to relegate the Ijaw from the history of Ondo state, and urged Governor Akeredolu to toe the path of his predecessors who created a subordinate area council, which enjoyed almost equal status with other local governments in the state in 1981.

The lawmaker, while citing other references to actions in which he said the Ijaw had been relegated, said the adoption of the anthem reflects the lack of social equality and an antithesis to a united, just and free society.

Torhukerhijo said: “It is perplexing that the governor, in spite of his pedigree, does not possess the political will for an all-inclusive government, and the Ijaw of Ondo State have been subjected to neglect and abandonment on issues of state by his executive and administrative actions.”

“It is pitiable that the Ijaw with a lot of qualified manpower do not have a permanent secretary, no judge in the state’s High Court, and we are short-changed in every facet of the state public service by Governor Akeredolu’s executive and administrative actions.

“It is pathetic that we have only one magistrates’ court in the whole of over 250 communities in Ijaw land and no magistrate is posted to the place.

“The governor is beckoned to strive to run an all-inclusive government by considering the interest of the Ijaw in Ondo State in his administrative and executive actions and in all aspects of governance.This is intolerable and is rejected by the Ijaw ethnic nationality.”

Torhukerhijo, the only Ijaw lawmaker among the 25 Yoruba-speaking parliamentarians, also presented the concerns of his people at the House of Assembly, and urged the state government to immediately put on hold the adoption of the indigenous anthem.

He noted that while the people of the state have always accommodated the Ijaw ethnic group, the Ijaw were not taken into consideration before the adoption of the indigenous anthem.

Buttressing his claim, Torhukerhijo referred to Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which states that “A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not by reason only that he is such a person(s) be subjected either expressly by, or in practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to disabilities or restriction to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religion or political opinions are not made subject or (b) be accorded either expressly by, or in practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any such executive or administrative action, any privilege or advantage that is not accorded to citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups and places of origin, sex, religions, or political opinions.”

‘Ondo Isn’t A Wholly Yoruba-speaking State’

Also expressing displeasure over the newly introduced indigenous anthem in Ondo, a leader of the Ijaw community in the state, Patrick Sorewei, said the people are not happy about the development, describing the action as a threat to the Ijaw identity.

Sorewei said: “For the fact that we are in Ondo State by virtue of geographical classification does not mean we are Yoruba because our culture, tradition and language differ from Yoruba.

“The Ijaw is the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria and the state government should consider that Ondo is not a wholly Yoruba-speaking state, and should not enforce the anthem on the Ijaw ethnic group.”

‘We Can’t Sing What We Don’t Know’

Also speaking, Suffy Ugorji, a politician in Ondo State, said the disposition of an average Ijaw is that “we are not Yoruba but a distinct people with different cultural background”, adding that “we don’t understand the language and can’t sing what we don’t know.”

Ugorji, who said the state government has always been recognised by the ijaw people in the past, said the people of the local government area should be excused from reciting the anthem.

“We are not against it and we are not for it, but we should not be coerced to recite or observe it,” he said.

He appealed to the governor to address years of marginalisation of the minority Ijaw of Ondo State, saying the Ijaw have been excluded from all critical committees, and have been “stripped of a sense of belonging in their own state”.

However, an official of the state who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the Ijaw have nothing to worry about over the adoption of the indigenous anthem, and said they should be exempted from observing or reciting the anthem.

The official noted that, despite being the minority, the present administration in the state has been identifying with the Ijaw, adding that the current Commissioner for Information and Orientation in the state is not only from the minority but also one of the strongest and most recognised personalities in Akeredolu’s cabinet.

The official, however, said the Ijaw should not feel threatened by the anthem, saying everyone understands their position and an issue should not be made out of nothing.

The official said: “This does not deny the fact that they are still and will always be citizens and part of this state, despite the difference in culture, tradition and customs. This should not be a controversial issue to cause division among the people of the state.”

(TRIBUNE ONLINE)

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Tension As Unknown Gunmen Kill Police Informant In Imo Community

Published

4 months ago

April 25, 2025

Editor

By Qosim Sulaiman

Palpable tension engulfed the residents of Nkwogwu community, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State following the killing of an elderly man, Pa Albert Nwanchukwu, believed to be a police informant.

The assailants, numbering about eight, who reportedly stormed the home of the late Nwanchukwu at about 10pm on Tuesday, 22 April, 2025, were said to have met him where he was relaxing in his compound and immediately opened fire on him.

According to our source who pleaded anonymity, before his assassination, the late Nwanchukwu, had reportedly went to a police station in the locality to inform them of the activities of the gunmen, just as he pleaded to the police to get them arrested.

Our source disclosed that the late Nwanchukwu never knew that some policemen are accomplished in the act, adding that the policemen no doubt informed the gunmen who in anger came and killed him.

Our source narrated: “They were about eight in number. They came with different weapons – guns, machetes. They were all masked except their leader.

“It was late but the floodlight from the streetlight was bright. They drove dangerously and went straight to Mr Albert Uwandu Nwachukwu house. The man was relaxing in the front of his house. Immediately they saw him, they opened fire,” he died on the spot”, an eyewitness who saw the entire scene from the balcony of his house recounts.

Our source added: “Further investigations proved that the spy had informed this notorious gang of late Pa Nwachukwu’s visit to the police, thereby leading to the attack on his household.”

After killing the man, the gang reportedly went inside the house searching for other family members.

While it was evident that the gang intended to eviscerate the entire members of the family, three of his children – Victor Onyedikachi Nwachukwu, Promise Rita Nwachukwu Yakubu and Blessing Nzebechi Nwachukwu escaped.

“I saw the three of them. They ran through the back door. Since that time, we have not seen them again”, the same eye-witness disclosed to our correspondent.

This particular incident has thrown the entire community and Aboh Mbaise Local Government in general, into mourning.

While some questioned the safety of police informants, other believed the incident shows the rot in the police force of the country.

Expressing his disappointment in the police, the chairman of Aboh Mabise LGA; Honourable Barrister Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe vowed a major crackdown on the unknown gunmen.

The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma promised a total clampdown and return of sanity to the community.

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Protect Oil Palm Host Communities; Address Spate Of Kidnapping, Violence, Govt Told

Published

6 months ago

February 26, 2025

Editor

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

A non-profit organization – African Law Foundation (AFRILAW), has appealed to the government at levels to ensure the protection of oil palm host communities and address the spate of kidnapping and violence in such areas.

AFRILAW further urged the governments to ensure that communities’ rights and privileges are respected in land deals with oil palm companies to avoid human rights violations.

Okereke Chinwike Esq,
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, AFRILAW, made the appeal in Benin on Tuesday at the Public Presentation and launching of ‘The Community-based Report on Human Rights Violations in the Palm Oil Supply Chain in Edo State.’

INFO DAILY reports that the event is part of AFRILAW activities under the “Promoting Human Rights in Palm Oil Supply Chain in Nigeria Project,” being implemented by AFRILAW in partnership with Zero Tolerance Initiative (ZTI) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) with funding support from True Cost Initiative (TCI) USA.

According to the AFRILAW founder, addressing companies’ human rights violations from their operations in host communities require evidence-based research, hence the research and report presentation.

“The Report we are presenting today documents evidence of community rights violations by major oil palm companies operating in the state. The research is informed by the increasing spate of violence and community protests against the operations of oil palm companies operating in Edo state, and provides greater understanding of the prevailing cases of community and human rights violations and nature of conflicts,” he noted.

He, therefore, urged the government to
“put in place a mandatory binding CSR laws and guidelines for companies to ensure that community rights and privileges are protected.”

He further appealed to the government to “ensure effective implementation of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and set forth clear expectations for business enterprises regarding the importance of respecting the rights of human rights defenders, indigenous people and communities in Nigeria.”

On his part, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Anthony Ojukwu (SAN), described the report as essential, stressing that beyond normal advocacy, research-based advocacy is more efficient and effective.

Represented by Mrs Mary Okoh, Deputy Director, Legal/Focal Point Business and Human Rights, NHRC, Ojukwu said beyond Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) organization should take seriously major issues of mainstreaming human rights into their operations.

“That means anyone who wants to set up a business must put into consideration the needs of the people and not what the organization or company needs. We have found out that this is where human rights violations start.

“Let them be part of the discussion and planning in the setting up of the business. Let them know what is at stake for them,” he said.

Goodwill messages were delivered by government agencies and ministries, while the presentation and launching also attracted security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Customs Service, and the Nigeria Immigration Service among others.

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#EndBadGovernance: Police Manhunt Activists, Others, As Artist Cries Out For Help In Benin

Published

1 year ago

August 15, 2024

Editor

The suspect, Osarenkhoe Destiny Oghosa,

The Nigeria Police Force has launched a manhunt for suspected sponsors of the #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protest that swept round the country last week.

Though police had arrested scores of such protesters across the country, many, especially vocal personalities and civil rights activists who have been criticising policies of the Tinubu administration in Nigeria have been penned down for arrest.

Also of interest to the police are those alleged to have massively produced and supplied Russian flags that were displayed during the protests, as they have vowed that none of the suspects would be spared.

It was gathered that undercover policemen are closing in on the social critics including one Osarenkhoe Destiny Oghosa, a vocal music artiste in Benin City.

This has raised fears and trepidation in that circle with many going underground for fear of being arrested by the police.

Oghosa is accused of masterminding an attempted jail break in the Benin metropolis similar to the End SARS protest in 2020, experience that resulted in the prison break and escape of prisoners and detainees alike.

Oghosa, in an interview with our correspondent, lamented that his music which focuses social justice, equality, societal ills among others in Nigeria, is now being as a crime.

He further lamented that despite several tactics to beat the security tab on him by agents of the government, he had faced persecution from invincible nocturnal groups.

Further lamenting how the government is hell bent in silencing voices speaking for the masses, Oghosa recalled how he was called at midnight to stop production of his song titled “OBI”, adding that he was seriously warned .

In a related development, Ahmed Bello, one of the suspect producers of the Russian flag hoist in some cities in Nigeria has been attested.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday at the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee joint press briefing.

He added that the police were on the trail of other suspects, especially the sponsors of the protest which led to the destruction of government properties in Kaduna and Kano States.

Adejobi said the suspects committed a treasonable felony, offence by waving a foreign country’s flag in Nigeria.

He said: “So, we need to set the record straight. It is important for us to know, so far so good we have been able to arrest some individuals who were engaging themselves in what I call a treasonable felony, while we are still going after their sponsors.

“To carry the flags of a foreign country in another country is a criminal offence. We have them arrested. Just this morning, we arrested one Ahmed Bello from Kano State fuor producing a large quantity of Russian flags given to young Nigerians to hoist for reasons best known to him.”

The police added that protesters in Benin City had made attempts to invade the DSS office in the state with the intention to free persons who in their opinion were being unjustly detained there-in forcing the law enforcement agencies to disperse them.