Connect with us

News

Strange! Male Priest Carries Sacred Calabash At Osun-Osogbo Festival

Published

on

This year’s annual Osun-Osogbo Cultural Festival witnessed a little adjustment in proceedings as a male carried the symbolic white calabash called ‘Igba Osun’, a duty usually performed by a votary maid.

In March this year, a new Arugba Osun by the name, Alimot Osunbunmi was selected.

The role is played by a female virgin from the royal family in the town that must have been chosen by the Ifa oracle.

Advertisement

Osunbunmi replaced Osuntomi Ewatomilola, who performed the duty for about 12 years.

She exited the role following her marriage last year August, shortly after concluding the year’s duty as Arugba Osun.

READ ALSO:Protest Rocks Abuja Over Osun LG Polls

Advertisement

Sources close to Ile Osun, located inside the Ataoja’s palace, that craved anonymity however, said the Osun Chief Priest, identified simply as Adesina carried the calabash rather than giving it to Osunbunmi, who was performing the duty for the first time.

When the procession that accompanied Arugba arrived at Osun grove, Adesina was the one who carried the calabash, while Osunbunmi walked in front of them.

The procession was heavily guarded by soldiers, DSS and operatives.

Advertisement

It could not be immediately ascertained why the votary maid did not carry the calabash, as it is usually done.

But a traditionalist, Olawale Osunfemi, while explaining the possible cause, said “It is not unusual. The likely reason may be due to the strength of the new Arugba.

READ ALSO:Floods: Ondo, Osun, Ekiti Map Risk Zones, Clear Waterways

Advertisement

She is still a kid. Most probably, her strength could not cope with the weight of items for sacrifice to the river goddess that are put in the calabash.”

He continued, “She will grow up and begin to perform that function before long. It is a duty that is spiritually and physically demanding.”

Meanwhile, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, in Osun State, Mr. Dotun Babayemi, has called for the preservation of cultural artefacts and relics of the Yoruba race in Nigeria.

Advertisement

Such a move, Babayemi contended, would help to secure the future of the race, especially in the area of the Yoruba language which he lamented, was gradually going into extinction.

READ ALSO:Police Arrest Cleric Over Alleged Defilement Of Underage Girl In Osun

In addition, he emphasised that consistent celebration of cultural festivals in Yoruba land would keep the consciousness of their historical backgrounds alive, a development he added, would always assist in fostering unity among the people.

Advertisement

The gubernatorial hopeful who made these known in a release by his media office, congratulated the people of the state, especially the indigenes of Osogbo on the celebration of this year’s annual Osun Osogbo Festival.

Our culture is our identity and our selling point. , we must all strive to protect and preserve. It’s our common ancestry heritage which separates us from others and this we must keep jealously.

“We need a conscious cultural rebirth that will help to re-engineer and inculcate an enduring belief in our younger generations. More importantly, the celebration of our various cultures links us with the past to foster our unity of today and tomorrow,” he said.
(PUNCH)

Advertisement

News

JUST IN: ASUU Issues Ultimatum To FG Over Unresolved Issues

Published

on

By

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The union made the decision following a National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday at the University of Abuja.

The national president of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna made this known in a copy of strike action he personally signed and made available to our correspondent in Abuja.

Advertisement

At the National Executive Council meeting held at the University of Abuja on the 28th of September, 2025, the Union decried the neglect of the University system and the government’s consistent refusal to heed to its demands.

READ ALSO:ASUU Threatens To Due JAMB Over UTME Mass Failure

“Accordingly, ASUU has given the Federal Government of Nigeria an Ultimatum of fourteen (14) days within which to address these issues. If at the end of the fourteen-day ultimatum, the Federal Government fails to address these issues, the Union may have no option but to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, a total and indefinite strike.”

Advertisement

Recall that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education set up a committee headed by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Abel Enitan to look into a proposal for ASUU in a bid to ensure stability across universities.

At the time of filing this report, the committee has yet to make any decision known to the public.

ASUU’s core demands remain largely unchanged: renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, adequate revitalisation funds for univer­sities, settlement of outstanding salary arrears, and sustainable funding mechanisms.

Advertisement

Details later

Continue Reading

News

JUST IN: NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA Shut As PENGASSAN Begins Strike

Published

on

By

The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria on Monday paralysed operations at key oil and gas regulatory institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

The industrial action, which followed the weekend directive by the union’s National Executive Council, saw members across the country withdrawing their services, effectively shutting down critical agencies that drive Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

It was observed that at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was firmly locked, leaving several employees stranded outside the premises. Security operatives on duty confirmed that no staff were allowed entry, in line with the strike directive issued by the union.

Advertisement

Similarly, activities at the NMDPRA headquarters in the busy Central Business District were completely grounded as workers fully complied with the industrial action.

READ ALSO:Dangote Hits Out At PENGASSAN, Says Union ‘Serial Saboteurs, Serving Oligarchs’

Confirming the situation, the PENGASSAN Chairman in NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, told The PUNCH that the union had achieved “100 per cent compliance,” effectively restricting access to staff and visitors.

Advertisement

He added that his colleagues had also enforced 100 per cent compliance at the NNPCL and other relevant agencies.

PENGASSAN said the strike became inevitable after the alleged wrongful dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The union’s directive to halt crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has sent shockwaves through the energy sector, with oil marketers warning of severe disruptions in fuel distribution. This move is expected to choke the domestic market, driving up demand and prices.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:JUST IN: PENGASSAN Strike May Trigger Nationwide Blackout, Thermal Plants Shut Down

On Sunday, PENGASSAN announced a nationwide strike, instructing all its members in various offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to cease all services starting at 12:01 am on Monday, September 29, 2025.

The union also directed members stationed in various field locations to down tools from 6:00 am on Sunday, September 28, and commence a round-the-clock prayer vigil.

Advertisement

In a strongly worded resolution signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions by sacking workers for joining the union. It alleged the dismissed workers had been replaced by foreigners.

READ ALSO:PENGASSAN Reacts As Dangote Refinery Misses Production Deadline

All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the resolution declared. “All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.”

Advertisement

The development has heightened fears of fuel scarcity and blackouts, as NNPC remains the sole importer of petrol while the midstream and downstream authority regulates supply and distribution. Similarly, NUPRC is responsible for monitoring crude production and enforcing gas supply obligations to power plants.

All eyes are now on Monday’s emergency meeting convened by the Minister of Labour. Whether dialogue can restore calm or whether Nigeria plunges deeper into crisis may depend on the willingness of both sides to compromise.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

‘We Cure Madness With Madness’: Five Things To know About Taye Currency

Published

on

By

The name ‘Taye Currency’ has continued to trend on social media following the Fuji music artiste’s performance at the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Friday.

Taye Currency, during his performance at the coronation event which took place at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, rendered a line in Yoruba, “Were la fi n wo were,” which translates to “we cure madness with madness.”

The line, which seems not to have sat well with many Nigerians, particularly those of Yoruba heritage, has continued to generate a lot of criticism, with many opining that such lyrics were not befitting for the occasion, which had in attendance dignitaries including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, ministers, traditional rulers, and other crème de la crème of society.

Advertisement

Reacting to the development, the Olu of Kemta Orile in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, criticised Taye Currency for what he described as “classless and unbefitting lyrics.”

According to him, the musician failed to accord the coronation its due respect, describing his lyrics as unbefitting of the sacred ceremony.

READ ALSO:Ogun Monarch Slams Taye Currency Over Performance At Olubadan Coronation

Advertisement

He said, “The throne of our ancestors is not a stage for mockery, nor the coronation of a great monarch a subject for careless entertainment.

“Kingship is sacred, adorned with honor and guarded by tradition. It demands reverence, dignity, honor, class and the utmost respect from all who stand in its presence.

“Listening to the musician (Taye Currency), who was invited to render music before the Crown, as a matter of fact before the entire world, to serenade the audience and sing in a way to express admiration, singing songs like (were lafi n wo were) We use madness to cure madness.

Advertisement

“Such lyrics were classless and unbefitting of such occasions, it is insulting to the sacredness of the gathering.”

While Taye Currency is well known among Fuji music lovers, especially those from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, his performance at the Olubadan coronation has made people want to know more about him.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Ladoja Crowned 44th Olubadan, Set To Receive Staff Of Office

Advertisement

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five things to know about the trending Fuji musician.

1. Full Name and Age

His full name is Taye Akande Adebisi. Apart from his popular stage name, Taye Currency, he is also known as ‘Apesin.’ He celebrated his 50th birthday on December 17, 2024.

Advertisement

2. Appointment as Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, appointed him as Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism in 2019 during the governor’s first tenure.

READ ALSO:Olubadan Unveils Economic Plan For Ibadanland

Advertisement

3. Father of a Lawmaker

In 2019, Taye Currency’s son, Yusuf Oladeni Adebisi, was elected into the Oyo State House of Assembly to represent Ibadan South-West Constituency 1, which earned Taye Currency another nickname, ’Baba Honorable’ (Honourable’s father). He was re-elected in 2023 as a lawmaker on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

4. Financial Setback

Advertisement

In April 2025, Taye Currency publicly lamented that he lost N10 million to CBEX, a crypto/investment scheme many now regard as a collapsed Ponzi platform. He explained that he was convinced to invest by close associates, only to see the scheme crumble shortly after.

5. Affiliation with Pasuma

Taye Currency has often maintained that although he never learnt Fuji music from his senior colleague, Wasiu Alabi Odetona, popularly known as Pasuma, whom he first met in 1993, he still considers him a boss.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version