News
OPINION: Yahoo Boys And Destiny
Published
2 years agoon
By
Editor
By Suyi Ayodele
Two sad incidents provoked this piece. I encountered two funeral parties late last month – before the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, stopped all funeral rites in Benin Kingdom because of the annual Igue Festival – that got me thinking. There are two big morgues on the Ekenwan axis of Benin City. On that road, especially every Thursday, it is hell for drivers and commuters alike. The ‘mourners’, who usually accompany the deceased’s family members to the morgues, are the most-unruly lots one can ever come across. They block the road both ways and are never sober about it. When they move, they become reckless, doing stunts with their vehicles. It is also a common sight to find young boys, and at times, girls, hanging dangerously on the neck-speed vehicles! But in the two encounters I am talking about here, the reverse was the case. The funeral trains were organised, just as the ‘mourners’ were emotional and orderly.
I got intrigued by the exotic cars in the convoys. Besides, the ages of the ‘mourners’ and their signature hair styles, with the accompanying earrings fired my aproko (busybody) instinct. I knew that I needed to find out why those convoys were different from the usual ones. On the vehicles were colour posters of the photographs of the deceased. By my estimation, they would be in their late 20s or early 30s. I drove a bit away from them and parked. I came down and approached the elderly ones, who clustered in front of one of the shops close to an event centre, along the road. I joined the group. The people were also members of the aproko club. Then I got the gist. The two deceased were known Yahoo Plus guys in their areas. According to the gossip, the two boys came to wealth almost at the same time. One of the people, who appeared to be familiar with the histories of the deceased, volunteered the needed information.
According to him, the two boys did not finish secondary school before they left town. The informant said that they first went to Ghana, and then relocated to only God-knows-where. What happened next was that the duo later returned to Benin in solid wealth. They came back late 2021. The two boys, on arrival, were said to have bought different cars. They also built houses for their parents, and built mansions for themselves. Of course, ladies got attracted to them the same way ants swarm on sugar. They became the big boys of their areas. In Sapele Road, where they built their mansions, they were the real “happening guys”. Then suddenly, around mid-October, something strange happened. One of them fell ill. The second took him to hospital. A few days later, the other one too fell ill. Neighbours also rushed him to the same hospital. Within one week, the two young men died. Nobody, according to the informant, could say what happened to them. Then he concluded: “Their money ritual don expire.” I have heard enough. I shook my head and headed back to my car. I overtook the two convoys around the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ekenwan Campus, area. They were solemn in their movement. I took a brief look at the other ‘mourners’ in their exotic cars. I shook my head again. I remember the saying of our elders: “Oku nsun’kun oku…”- the dead also mourn the dead! How long will these ones too last before they will follow suit? If they too got their ‘wealth’ through rituals, what is the expiry date given to them? But the biggest question that troubled my mind as I drove to town to mind my own business like the typical Falana that I am, was: Is there anything like money-ritual – oogun owo?
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I had an uncle, who died in 1993. His name is Orilonise (your destiny does all for you). Ori in Yoruba means head. But if one goes deeper, its actual interpretation is Ayanmo. In further Yoruba semantics, Ori can also mean Ipin. Ipin, simply means one’s portion or lot. So, when used interchangeably, Ori or Ipin, means destiny. In the African belief system, destiny is believed to predate man’s sojourn here on earth. Whatever a man becomes, we believe has to do with the portion allotted to him by the Almighty. When you hear the Yoruba name for the Almighty as Orunmila, what it simply means is that only Heaven knows who will be rich (Orun-lo-mo-eni-to-ma-la). Yemi Elebuibon, the famous Ifa priest says of Ori in his “The Healing Power of Sacrifice” (2014) that: “Destiny is believed to have very strong imprints on the type of life one lives. Hence the saying: A kunle, a yan Ipin. A dele aye tan oju yan ni (We choose our destiny on bended knees. But arrive on earth to start struggling). This simply means that most of the problems with which man has to wrestle have been pre-destined…. In Yoruba language use, an individual may be referred to as Oloriire or Oloriburuku (a fortunate and unfortunate man, respectively), depending on the accomplishments and failures of the individual person concerned. However, the type of head chosen does not preclude hard-work, good character, sacrifice and prayers. These elements are to be present to assist everyone to achieve the lot apportioned to him” (Page 42-43). If we accept the quoted Ifa priest’s position on destiny, it then means that one can assist one’s destiny to achieve that which has been pre-destined by the Cosmic. Then how does one achieve that? Through ritual or sacrifice, or outright charm – oogun?
I know that people get wealthy through ritual or oogun. There were cases of such money-rituals when we were growing up. But it all ended up very badly. We knew about the harvest-propelling charm by farmers, known in the local parlance as Ako. Ako are in two forms. The first is deadlier; an epitome of wickedness in its naked form. It involves an individual killing others (relations, neighbours or just any other man) by metaphysical means. The dead victims afterwards transformed to physical beings, who are commanded to work on the farmlands of the ritualist. What this does for the ritualist is that his farms become larger, more productive than most of his contemporaries, even though he puts very little effort. A large farm would eventually translate to a large harvest and more money. The second degree of Ako is when two farmers share farm boundaries. For the ritualist, while his own farm produces, let’s say, yam tubers, would, on harvest, turn out bigger and healthier, the ones from his neighbour’s farm, miserable. The former achieves this by simply transferring his neighbour’s yam seedlings to his own (ritualist’s) farm. Such esoteric behaviour comes with grave repercussions.
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The other level is called Aworo. This is used mainly by traders. Aworo simply means customer-pulling charm. For the user, no matter where his business is located, customers must come looking for him. If anyone is unfortunate to share the same market store with the ritualist, while the Aworo ritualist would continue to sell and replenish his stock, the ope (naïve) trader would only be opening his or her shop as mere ‘ritual’ as he or she gets little or no patronage. The twin brother of Aworo is Awure – fortune-attracting charm. This is common among corporate workers or government officials, who do such to gain favour from their bosses, or to attract some perks to themselves. For someone using Awure, he can be promoted to higher responsibility above his superiors. It just happens and no one would be able to explain it. Like every other ritual, Awure can be positive or negative. There are instances too where someone using the charm is skipped when fortune is being shared. I heard about a very popular politician, who was very close to one of the ex-governors in the South-West states. There was a particular year the governor decided to buy Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for all the political leaders in the state. In a twist of fate, the governor was said to have given the vehicles to all other political leaders except that particular man, his Man Friday. When the attention of the governor was eventually drawn to the omission, the governor was quoted to have said: “Ha! Baba, awure ti po ju – ha, Baba, too much fortune-attracting charm! The Internet, these days, is awash with videos of young boys and girls involved in money-making rituals. Some are seen taking their bath in public all in the name of sacrifices to become rich. Do sacrifices bring about wealth?
I return to Elebuibon to answer this poser. In the second chapter of the quoted book above, with the title “The Importance of Sacrifice: The Conflict Between Sacrifice (Ebo) and Medicine (Oogun), the Ifa priest says: “A small sacrifice. A little medicine. While the medicine is for troubled days The sacrifice is for everyday” (page 78). My little knowledge of this issue would allow me to make a distinction between sacrifice (Ebo), which is always prescribed by a Babalawo (Diviner), and ritual (Etutu), which, most often than not are prescribed by an Adahunse (sorcerer), for their clients. I have read Professor Wande Abimbola’s “Ijinle Ohun Enu Ifa” (Parts 1 and 2), a couple of times. I also glanced through his “Awon Oju Odu Merindilogun”, twice or more. I have equally studied Elebuibon’s “Ifa Eleri Ipin” and Abosede Emmanuel’s English Translation of E. M. Lijadu’s “Ifa (as Literature) Nipa”. In my formative years, I watched, with keen interests, hundreds of raw divinations, I have never come across where a Babalawo engages in money-ritual- making divination. The only one close, which space would not allow me to relay here, is that of an ancient Olowo (king of Owo). Even at that, the sacrifice prescribed by Ifa for the ancient Olowo to make even in life is such that only a hard-working individual would be able to carry out! Hard work, diligence and perseverance are the ingredients of wealth as demonstrated by our forebears. So, from where do these young folks get their idea of Yahoo Plus or Yahoo Rituals? Definitely not from a Babalawo to gbo Ifa lotu Ife – A Babalawo who understands Ifa the way of old! The only possible way the boys in town get this sudden wealth is from sorcerers (Adahunse). In the ranking of spiritualists in my part of the world, Adahunse occupies the lowest level of the ladder. Not even Oloogun (Medicine man), who is senior to an Adahunse, can rival an Onisegun (Herbalist – those who cure through the herbs), who is also a younger brother of a Babalawo.
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For as long as we have many Adahunse roving around as Babalawo, we would continue to have a people with sudden wealth. And the result is that we would continue to have young boys and girls going to their graves in their primes. Even when one goes for rituals or sacrifices to hasten one’s destiny, the injunction of Elebuibon, to wit: “…However, the type of head chosen does not preclude hard-work, good character, sacrifice and prayers…”, must come to play. We are about to go to a new year. Parents and guardians have more important roles to play in molding, and re-shaping the lives of their children and wards. I still don’t get it how a father would re-park his own car in his own compound to accommodate the car of his year-three undergraduate son! I can’t place where the parents who supervise building projects of their secondary school-drop-out-20-year-old children place their morals. As long as we have Yahoo Boys Mothers’ Association protesting the arrest of their children by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), we will continue to have parents witnessing the funerals of their children in their prime. May that not be our portion in the new year. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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News
NCAA Seeks K1 De Ultimate’s Arrest, Petitions AGF, IG
Published
11 hours agoon
August 7, 2025By
Editor
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has formally petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police, asking them to investigate and prosecute veteran Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, over an incident that occurred aboard a domestic ValueJet flight.
The incident, which happened on Tuesday, reportedly disrupted standard operational procedures and has raised serious concerns about passenger behaviour and compliance with aviation safety protocols.
According to preliminary reports, K1 De Ultimate was allegedly involved in conduct during ValueJet flight VK201 that contravenes the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
According to a statement signed by the agency on Thursday, it noted that in the petition, the NCAA urged the Attorney-General and the IGP to “launch a thorough investigation into the incident” and commence “appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.”
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In a further move to reinforce compliance and accountability, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo has issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria recommending that K1 De Ultimate be placed on a No-Fly List for all commercial flights pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The advisory, according to the NCAA, is in line with international aviation best practices designed to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft operations.
The statement read, “In a letter addressed to both the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police, the NCAA called for a comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.
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“Furthermore, and in light of the growing concern, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, has also issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, urging the immediate consideration and institution of a No-Fly List for K1 De Ultimate (on any commercial flight), pending the outcome of official investigations.
“This advisory is in line with global aviation standards that prioritise the safety of passengers, crew, and airline operations.
“The NCAA reiterates its commitment to ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or public image, undermines the integrity of our aviation industry as passengers are held to the same standards of behavior and compliance within Nigeria’s airspace.”
The Authority emphasised that aviation safety and discipline remain non-negotiable and that the industry cannot afford to tolerate acts that could endanger lives or compromise the integrity of flight operations.
News
FG Unveils Four Water Projects In Ogoni, Commits To Implementing UNEP Report
Published
11 hours agoon
August 7, 2025By
Editor
The Federal Government has commissioned four new water projects in Ogoniland, with renewed commitment to addressing public health concerns and full implementation of the report of the United Nations Environment Programme.
The water projects located in Bodo community (Gokana LGA), Eteo (in Eleme LGA), Uegwere-Boue, and Taabaa communities (both in Khana LGA) now brings the number of Ogoni communities with reticulated potable water to 40, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, has said.
Also unveiled was a new HYPREP Area Office in Kpor, headquarters of Gokana LGA, which aims to improve engagement with host communities.
Speaking at the ceremony in Bodo community on Thursday, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas, described the development as a major step in the federal government’s resolve to restore the dignity of the Ogoni people after decades of environmental degradation from oil pollution.
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Abbas stated, “The biggest victim of pollution is water. Water is what gets polluted first, and so the whole essence of HYPREP is to restore water, land, and a better environment. Access to clean and safe water is not just a basic necessity, it is a fundamental human right.”
While noting that the projects are not just infrastructure, but “symbols of hope, equity, and justice” for communities that had long suffered the impacts of oil-related pollution.
He urged residents to take ownership of the facilities and protect them from vandalism.
“Today, as we commission these projects, we are not only laying a physical foundation but also upholding human rights. These commitments underscore our shared dedication to the health, dignity, and well-being of our people,” he stated.
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The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to full delivery of UNEP’s report and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region.
“On behalf of the federal government, I affirm our unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the UNEP report. The Ogonis have suffered for too long. It is our duty to address their worries,” Abbas said.
In his address, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, said progress is also being recorded across other UNEP-aligned thematic areas, including soil remediation, mangrove restoration, health infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
Zabbey stated, “We have completed remediation of 50 simple-risk sites, while work on medium-risk, complex sites is 38% done. Our mangrove restoration project is already 93% complete.”
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He stated that over 5,000 Ogoni youths and women have been trained in 20 skill sets, while 7,000 direct jobs have been created through the programme, which he described as a major boost to local livelihoods and stability.
He said, “Work on the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and Ogoni Power Project is 90% and 40% complete respectively, while the Buan Cottage Hospital and Ogoni Specialist Hospital are nearing completion at 98% and 86%.
“With the Ogoni Health Study now underway, HYPREP has reached the point of simultaneous implementation of key UNEP actions, remediation, water, health and livelihood, working together to transform Ogoni holistically.”
Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Engr. Tony Attah, represented by the General Manager of Relations and Sustainable Development, Igo Weli, praised the federal government and HYPREP for achieving a key milestone.
“This marks a significant moment in our journey to improve public health and the quality of life of Ogoni people. We also commend the resilience and commitment of the communities. Your support reflects a shared desire for progress,” Attah said.
News
FG Warns Of Flooding In Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, 26 Others
Published
11 hours agoon
August 7, 2025By
Editor
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency on Thursday warned of potential flooding in 198 local government areas across 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The alert, obtained by our correspondent, covers August 7 to August 21, 2025, a span of 15 days during which vulnerable communities are advised to take precautionary measures.
The alert categorised flood risk levels as very high, high and moderate, depending on local topography and rainfall intensity projections.
The affected states are Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, the Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
According to NiHSA, very high-risk states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara.
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While states categorised as facing high to moderate risk include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Cross-River, Ebonyi, Edo, FCT, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ondo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Taraba.
The agency also noted that 832 communities are at risk of varying degrees of flooding.
The alert also warned of the potential disruption of over 100 major transportation routes, particularly in flood-prone areas.
“High likelihood of displacement, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. NiHSA urges residents in affected regions to remain vigilant, adhere to early warning directives, and cooperate with emergency response agencies,” it stated.
To mitigate the potential impacts of flooding, NiHSA recommended that all emergency management stakeholders should get prepared for response protocols to ensure timely intervention.
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It added, “Communities at risk should put evacuation plans in place.
“Follow up on NIHSA’s state-level weekly forecast for community-specific forecast, and monitor updates from NIHSA.”
The Director General of NiHSA, Umar Mohammed, said, “This alert is issued in line with our commitment to safeguarding lives and property. We call on state governments, local authorities, and the public to take proactive measures to mitigate risk and ensure community safety.”
He emphasised that they will continue to monitor the hydrological situation and provide timely updates as necessary.
On Tuesday, the National Emergency Management Agency revealed that in 2025, no fewer than 191 lives have been lost to the floods that have ravaged parts of the country, while 94 people remain missing.
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The report by NEMA showed that Niger State recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 163 deaths, followed by Adamawa State, where 26 people lost their lives. One death each was reported in Borno and Gombe states.
The data further indicated that, so far this year, the floods have affected 134,435 people across 20 states and 47 local government areas.
Additionally, 48,056 people have been displaced, while 239 injuries have been reported. The floods have also damaged 9,499 houses and affected 9,450 farmlands.
NEMA’s dashboard also revealed that among those affected are 27,121 men, 41,539 women, 60,071 children, 5,704 elderly persons, and 1,874 persons with disabilities.
In 2024, the floods affected 5,264,097 individuals, displacing 1,243,638 people across 35 states and 401 local government areas. The disaster resulted in 1,237 deaths and left 16,469 individuals injured.
Also, 116,172 houses were destroyed, and 1,439,296 hectares of farmland were affected, further worsening the economic and humanitarian impact of the flooding across the country.
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