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[OPINION] The Unkingly Timi And Lousy Wasiu Ayinde (1)

Published

6 months ago

January 24, 2025

Tunde Odesola

If only the eyes could unsee the seen, the sin of abomination would fall off the heart; the scene of sacrilege would fade away from the mind; taboo and its punishment would remain in the communal pouch; and blood would not race higher than its pressure; life would be good. The soul would be at peace…if.

But the eyes cannot unsee that tragedy in Ilorin, where the reincarnated warrior with flaming arrows, the Timi Agbale of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, knelt to an ancestrally younger authority, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari. Abomination! Orí ó gbodó di írú: the head must not become the tail, says a Yoruba proverb.

Many eyes saw the eyesore and mouths flung wide open like crocodiles regulating body temperature on a sunny day, leaving many wondering if that horror truly happened in Ilorin Afonja founded by the Yoruba or if that was a scene from an episode in a mediocre movie titled, “The Timid King”.

Founded by Oyo Empire authorities in the 16th Century, Ede is not only older than Ilorin, which was founded in the 18th Century, Ede was also a frontier military outpost of the Old Oyo Empire with Aare Ona Kakanfo Afonja as the field marshall.

In the “History of the Yorubas”, Samuel Johnson says before the collapse of the Oyo Empire in 1796, a succession of Timis reigned in Ede-Ile, marking out the land of Mapo Arogun as one of the strongest military powers in Yorubaland.

By genealogical, cultural and traditional indices, the Timi stool, by a vast margin, predates the Ilorin emirate. In their seminal book, “The Entire Yorubaland”, Professors Isaac Akinjogbin and S. A. Akintoye, affirmed Ede as one of the established monarchies in Yorubaland – long before the birth of the caliphate in post-1800, let alone the Ilorin emirate, whose first emir reigned between1823 and 1836.

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This viewpoint is vividly expressed in the book, “Yoruba Warfare in the 19th Century”, written by Professor J.F. Ajayi, and “War and Peace in Yorubaland”, edited by Professor I. A. Akinjogbin. While Ilorin was a theocratic state, Ede was both a military and traditional state.

Oral tradition says the etymology of Ilorin is rooted in three Yoruba expressions: (1) Ìlo Irin (Iron Sharpening), (2) Ìlú Irin (Iron Town) and (3) Ìlú Erin (Elephant Town). Ìlo Irin suggests that the name Ilorin was derived from iron sharpening practice by its occupants. It connotes that Ilorin is a place noted for iron sharpening in its early days.

Ìlú Irin suggests that the name Ilorin evolves from iron smelting in the area while Ìlú Erin implies that the community is probably associated with elephants.

Also, a myth says Oláderin was a popular elephant hunter in the locality and that Oko Erin, the name of a settlement in Ilorin, shows the town’s relationship with elephants.

Ede is a town with a rich history and incredible people. Long after the reign of the first Timi Agbale Olofa Ina, Ede remains a town of no-nonsense indigenes – going by the way its people fiercely defend Abere, a large portion of Ede land – from external incursion.

Ede is a town I love. It was the first town I visited upon my arrival from Lagos State as state correspondent of The PUNCH in 2003. It was my first week on the job and I was about to go back to Lagos for the weekend when the multitalented Olumide Ajayi barged into my office and said, “Ha, egbon, e je ki a wo town; let’s go and have a drink.” “No, as you see me so, na Lagos I dey,” I replied him. “Ha, egbon, e le lo o. You can’t go; you must see my principal,” Olumide insisted. But I responded, “I’ll see your principal when I return.” “Ha, no, o ti o. Ede is just 10 minutes from Osogbo. It’s on the way to Lagos, we’ll just branch, see my principal and you’ll be on your way to Lagos,” he maintained. “Ok,” I gave in.

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Olumide jumped into my car and we drove to the residence of the first public figure I made friends with in Ede, Rt. Hon. Adejare Bello, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and former Ambassador to Mexico with concurrent accreditation to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama. May Olumide’s soul continue to rest in peace.

An embodiment of charisma, tact, intelligence and integrity, the immediate past Timi of Ede, Oba Tijani Oladokun Ajagbe Oyewusi, the Agbonran II, ruled from 1976 to 2008. Through a colleague, Wale Folarin PhD, I later came to closely know the colourful Oba Oyewusi, who stood for peace and united Ede sons and daughters at home and abroad.

A man of vision, class and character, the great Timi Oyewusi was schoolmates with the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; the late Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Olaolu Ayoola; the late Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin, the late Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), at the Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife.

Later, I became friends with the first executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Adetunji Isiaka Adeleke aka Serubawon, a jolly good fellow and gentleman. One day, Serubawon called me, “Tunde, I have an advert for you. Can you, please, come to the country house in Ede?” “I’m on the way, sir,” I said.

By the time I got to Adeleke’s home in Ede, the sun was fully up, but Adekele had lost his shine. I asked if there was anything the matter and he replied tersely, “We lost a family member.”

He gave me the artwork of the advert; it was an obituary of an extremely beautiful woman. “I don’t know where my chequebook is,” he said, looking for a piece of paper. He asked me the amount of the full-page colour advert, and I told him. Serubawon scribbled the amount on the piece of paper, signed it and gave it to me. “Please, go to Pacific Bank and ask for the manager. I’ll call him before you get there.”

The manager and the accountant of the bank were at the gate waiting for me. I presented the paper to them and they gave me the advert fee with tonnes of courtesy. I headed straight to the office to process the obituary of Mrs Vero Imade Adeleke PhD, Davido’s mother.

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I also know some other Ede politicians. They include ex-Ede LG chair, Alhaji Kamarudeen Adegoke; Dr B.T Salam, OSHA member, Taofeek Layiwola; Osun Special Adviser, Sunday Atidade; ex-House of Reps member, Mufutau Ayinde; the late Pa Fatai Rolling Dollars, the late Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Alhaji Laide Adeniran, who invented the popular political slogan, “Change ese re, Ede lo wa, Ede lo de,” among others.

I do not know for how long the reigning Timi stayed in ìpèbí – Yoruba’s kings’ college – but I know that no ìpèbí in the Land of Oduduwa will approve an oba to kneel in greeting to anyone mortal. This is why what the Timi did in public in Ilorin was an abomination. It was unheard of. It was an insult to the rich history of the Yoruba. I wished it was not the Timi.

I wished the Timi had just kept quiet after committing the taboo. But no, he did not. He issued a terrible statement in support of the sacrilege.

Timi’s statement said, “Oba Lawal, having an imposing frame, bent to exchange pleasantries with the Emir because Alhaji Sulu Gambari, possibly due to his age or other personal reasons, could not stand to greet the guests who went to pay him homage.

“At first, Oba Lawal leaned towards Sulu Gambari to greet him, but because the Emir could not still hear greetings from his visitor, Baba Timi had to bend and move closer for clearer communication to take place.

“We also note that it was not only Baba Timi that Emir Sulu Gambari did not rise on his feet to greet. The Emir did not leave his seat to greet any of the guests who entered the inner chamber to meet him.”

Timi’s statement elicits some questions, “Is the Timi saying Alhaji Sulu-Gambari hears better when subjects kneel to speak to him than when they move inch-close to him? “Does kneeling to Emir Sulu-Gambari bring his subjects closer to him than when they move some inches close to him while standing?” The Timi said in his statement that he bent? Did he bend or kneel? And must he kneel to move close to Sulu-Gambari?

I’m sure the Timi knows this Yoruba proverb, but if he does not, here’s it: Ka ka ki n dobale fun Gambari, ma kuku ku! It means, “Instead of me to prostrate to Gambari, I rather die.”

To be continued.

Email: tundeodes2003@yahoo.com

Facebook: @Tunde Odesola

X: @Tunde_Odesola

News

Immigration Issues Travel Advisory To Nigerians On US Visas

Published

13 minutes ago

August 2, 2025

Editor

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a travel advisory for Nigerians who currently hold or intend to apply for a US visa, highlighting strict warnings regarding recent developments related to the use of US visas.

The NIS’s Public Relations Officer, ACI Akimsola Akinlabi in Abuja on August 1, stated that the NIS and US mission in Abuja have reinforced their commitment to ensuring secure and efficient visa processes.

According to Akinlabi, “The NIS has issued a travel advisory to Nigerians on the responsible use of US visas, reminding visa holders to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications and comply with US immigration laws.”

The US government has expressed concerns regarding the misuse of US visas by Nigerians, and the NIS is working closely with the US Mission to address these issues.

Nigerian students in the US are required to maintain an active study status to avoid visa cancellation and potential future eligibility issues.

US consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they suspect that the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to secure US citizenship for the child.

The NIS and the US Mission in Abuja are collaborating to ensure that Nigeria is not subject to expanded visa restrictions.

This joint effort underscores the commitment of both countries to maintaining secure and transparent visa processes.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that our citizens comply with visa regulations and respect the laws of other countries,” said ACI Akinlabi.

News

FEC Approves N145bn Electrification Projects For UNILAG, UI, Six Others

Published

29 minutes ago

August 2, 2025

Editor

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Thursday approved ₦145 billion for electrification projects in eight federal universities and one teaching hospital.

The Council also approved the sum of ₦68.7 billion for solar power for some rural communities and agricultural clusters that remain off-grid.

The two strategic electrification projects are targeted at expanding access to clean, renewable energy across Nigeria’s educational and rural agricultural sectors, in line with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, speaking shortly after the FEC meeting, said the approved projects are part of a deliberate shift toward sustainable energy delivery, aimed at reducing dependence on the national grid while promoting development, innovation, and inclusivity.

Giving the breakdown of the projects, the Minister said the first major approval is for the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of solar hybrid power systems under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP), to be executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

This initiative targets eight federal universities and one teaching hospital and is funded through the Special Intervention Window of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.

According to Adelabu, the total cost of this component is ₦145 billion, which is inclusive of 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT). Implementation is scheduled for completion within 7 to 9 months.

“This is a major milestone in the transformation of our tertiary education infrastructure,” the Minister said.

“It will significantly lower energy costs, reduce reliance on diesel generators, and provide a clean, stable source of power to support learning, research, and healthcare delivery.”

The Minister disclosed that the beneficiary institutions under this new phase are:

University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), University of Ibadan (UI), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and Federal University, Wukari (Taraba State).

The Minister said the others are to be confirmed upon project kickoff.

This project builds on earlier World Bank-supported phases that delivered solar mini-grid systems to institutions such as the University of Abuja (3MW), UNN (12MW), University of Calabar (8MW), and the Nigerian Defence Academy (2.6MW).

The second approval covers the rollout of solar-powered infrastructure in Agricultural Centres of Excellence, also under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund and implemented by the REA.

According to the Minister, this phase targets rural communities and agricultural clusters that remain off-grid.

With a total contract value of ₦68.7 billion, inclusive of VAT, this component is expected to be delivered within three months. It is designed to power homes, agro-processing units, cold storage systems, and small rural enterprises, boosting productivity and rural economies.

“The goal here is not just lighting homes, but energizing agriculture, creating jobs, and enabling value addition right in the communities,” Adelabu said.

Both interventions, the Minister stressed, reflect the Tinubu administration’s resolve to make access to reliable electricity a key driver of inclusive development.

He added that the projects will serve as models for scaling renewable energy adoption across other sectors, particularly education, health, and agriculture.

“These approvals reaffirm our commitment to bridging the energy access gap, ensuring no Nigerian is left behind as we transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable, and economically viable power sector,” Adelabu added.

News

Over 35,000 Nigerians Apply For 27,000 RHEI Job Slots Within 24 Hours

Published

31 minutes ago

August 2, 2025

Editor

Barely 24 hours after the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) opened its portal for the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI), a staggering 35,819 unemployed Nigerians aged between 18 and 45 have already applied for the 27,000 available training and job slots.

The overwhelming response underscores the scale of youth unemployment and the eagerness of Nigerians to acquire skills that can secure them sustainable livelihoods.

The Director-General of NDE, Mr. Silas Agara, officially launched the digital portal for the initiative’s second phase on Monday 11 July. He said the rapid registration is a strong signal that the initiative is both timely and relevant to the realities facing Nigerians, especially the youth.

“In a determined effort to tackle youth unemployment and equip Nigerians with viable, state-relevant skills, we officially unveiled the registration portal for Phase Two of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative,” Mr. Agara stated.

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He emphasised that this second phase has undergone significant improvements and is fully digital. “After the first phase of RHEI, we went back to work for the second phase. Our directors tirelessly worked round the clock to ensure that this second phase is very robust and good. This time around our programme will be entirely digital,” he declared.

To ensure seamless operation across the country, the NDE has deployed extensive infrastructure upgrades. According to Agara, robust software and hardware, including internet facilities, have been installed in all 37 states of the Federation, including the FCT.

“As we speak today, we have robustly provided software and hardware, as well as internet facilities to all the 37 States of the Federation including FCT, so that they can link to the NDE Headquarters for the implementation of this second phase and help us achieve a hundred percent digital success. These facilities are made available even in all our six zonal offices,” he explained.

Mr. Agara stressed that registration must be done online and that only applicants who register within the two-week window will be considered. He also highlighted the importance of transparency, saying, “Nobody will be allowed to import any name into the system. So it is only those that have applied within the stipulated time that shall be processed and considered.”

A major eligibility requirement is the use of the National Identification Number (NIN), which is now mandatory for all NDE programmes. Mr. Agara further clarified that a person’s state of residence, not state of origin, is the determining factor for eligibility.

“Part of the guidelines to key into RHEI, which is very critical, is that all participants must register with their NIN. It is a mandatory requirement in all our programmes and activities today. And in this programme, the state of residence of beneficiaries is what matters, not state of origin. You are eligible to apply once you are a Nigerian and resident in any of the states of the Federation. The age bracket this time around is from 18 to 45 years,” he said.

Participants selected for this phase will undergo training in over 30 vocational and digital skills tailored to the economic needs of their respective states.

“Beneficiaries will be engaged in over 30 different skills. The skill sets vary from state to state. What is applicable to Abia may not be in Adamawa. We planned it in such a way that state-based skills—that is, certain skills that are very lucrative in specific states are considered,” he noted.

The online registration, which commenced on Monday, July 28, 2025, will close on Monday, August 11. Application processing is slated for August 12 to August 22.

Mr. Agara also issued a stern warning against fraudsters attempting to exploit the initiative. He appealed to both the media and the general public to help in exposing scammers and ensuring that applicants rely solely on official NDE channels.

“I want to plead with the members of the press to help us educate the public. Because even before we opened this website, we saw and noticed scammers are already out there deceiving members of the public. Some are asking for financial gratification and different kinds of requirements that are not what we in NDE require from participants,” he cautioned.

“We want to plead with the general public to be watchful. No staff of NDE will ask for any gratification from any members of the public. We have not commissioned anybody in any capacity to act on behalf of NDE. Solely, it is the responsibility of NDE Headquarters and state offices to manage this programme. Where any member of the public is confused about any information, such a person should contact our Headquarters, zonal or state offices for clarification. We have job centres in all 37 states of the Federation including FCT,” Mr. Agara added.