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Oba-Elect Olowolekomoh Drops Charges, Grants Amnesty To Suspected Petty Thieves
In a rare show of forgiveness, Oba-elect of Odo-Nla kingdom, Ikorodu-Lagos, Alhaji Prince Olusoga Elias Adeyemi, has dropped the criminal charges of petty stealing and conspiracy to steal against Adesoji Omolaja and Idris Mukaila, both labourers at the building construction site of ILEDI OSUGBO (Traditional Court) of Odo-Nla.
Both workers were arrested by the Ikorodu police on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, and were billed to appear before the Magistrates Court, Ikorodu Division on Friday, September 8, but the UK-based astute businessman and philanthropist, dropped the charges and granted them amnesty last minute, early Friday.
In a statement made available to the press, Olowolekomoh said the reason for the amnesty was borne out of the desire to give the duo a second chance to turn a new leaf.
“As Oba-elect, every Odo-Nla son and daughter are his kindred, and as such, there is an African proverb that says “You beat a child with one hand and use the other hand to draw him closer”. Against this backdrop, it is pertinent to give them a second chance in life to live a better life”.
The Iledi Oshugbo building is among other projects the Oba-elect is undertaking as part of the activities leading to his coronation as Fuwagbade of Odo-Nla Kingdom.
Just recently, Olowolekomoh completed the second mega water project in the Oshugbo area of the town.
It will be recalled that the first water project in the ‘Water For Life’ initiative was cited at the Ijinla Fraternity (Irele Awo Opa) compound of the Kingdom in 2020.
Otunba David Afolabi Ekiyoyo, the Olootu Omooba Meta of Odo Nla, at the commissioning ceremony, described the occasion as a historic moment in the lives of all Indigenes and strangers living in the Odo-Nla kingdom. “The importance of water in the lives of the people cannot be over-emphasized, and that is the reason why Odo-Nla people sincerely believe that we made the right decision in choosing Alhaji (Prince) Olusoga Elias Adeyemi Olowolekomoh as the rightful candidate to be our Oba.”
Ekiyoyo recalled that long before the resuscitation of the Obaship of Odo Nla, Oba-Elect Olowolekomoh had never turned his back on the land and the people. “If we start naming some of the projects he had single-handedly sponsored in this kingdom dating back to two decades ago, we may not leave here today. So, on behalf of the Omo’ba Meta Royal family and the entire people of Odo-Nla, we say thank you, and may your reign be long and fruitful.”
Olowolekomoh, who was also represented by Otunba Ekiyoyo said: “It is no doubt a delightful experience to watch the events leading to the commissioning of the Odo-Nla Community Phase 2 Mega Water Project at Oshugbo area of the town for our people whose welfare has always taken a paramount place in my heart over the ages.”
“Essentially, I cannot at this point begin to emphasise that community projects like this are just a snippets of series of life-changing charitable initiatives that are lined up for developments to raise the quality of lives and aspirations of every individual and household domiciled in our kingdom in the context of a new deal for the enviable future before us. I use this opportunity to appreciate the cooperation of the Omo’ba Meta Royal family of Odonla, Fidipote Royal Descendants of Ijebu Ode and other critical stakeholders of Odo-Nla in ensuring a speedy delivery of this facility. Together, we can achieve greater things than these in the spirits of oneness, support and solidarity with which we have come this far and going forward as an indivisible Kingdom.”
So, it was against this background, that the Oba-elect was pained that a son of the soil accompanied by a non-Indigene conspired to sabotage the ongoing Iledi Osugbo Traditional Court building project by stealing cements, blocks and other items meant for the construction of the project. “Our Oba-elect is a man with a forgiving heart, that is why they are being pardoned today”, Ekiyoyo said when the suspects were brought to the home of the family head.
Ekiyoyo berated the two suspects and made them write an undertaking never to get themselves involved in such a criminal act again. “But if you choose not to turn a new leaf after this experience, you will spend a long time in prison if you get caught again”, he said.
Prince Olowolekomoh who called in on the telephone from his UK base admonished the duo on how to live a better life going forward. “You are working and getting paid for what you do, so why attempt to steal?”, he queried.
He praised the efforts of Ikorodu police, particularly the Sagamu Road Police Division for swinging into action on time and getting the two suspects arrested even as he called on the force to continue doing the best to keep the Odo-Nla Community society safe from criminal elements. “On our part as Odo-Nla Kingdom, we will continue to partner with the police to ensure that our society is clean and devoid of crime before and on ascension to the throne of my forefathers, I will ensure that we work closely with the police to make our society crime free. As for Adesoji Omolaja and Idris Mukaila, go and sin no more, as this is your last chance. If you do not learn from this experience, then, it is unfortunate because you may not be so lucky next time.”
The Oba-elect assured that his coronation would happen very soon as the major hurdle created by man has been surmounted.
Justice Pokanu recently granted the prayers of Odeyemi Ofinran royal family in suit IKD/4685MJR/2023, filed by the family’s attorney, Lukman Ogunsetan of PP Ogunsetan & Co, which sought “An order granting leave to the Applicants for an “Order of Mandamus to compel the Respondents to perform their legal or statutory duties of taking further or necessary steps towards the conduct of an inquiry into the Applicants’ proposal for the resuscitation of the Obaship Stool of Odo-Nla Town in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State as the Respondents are mandated to do by Sections 24 and 25 (1) & (2) of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State Ch.02 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.”
For allegedly refusing to perform their legal and statutory duties, the royal family of Odeyemi Adeesho of Fidipote descendant Odo Nla town, Ikorodu, Lagos recently took the Oba of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs and Ikorodu Divisional Chieftaincy Committee to the High Court of Lagos State, Ikorodu Judicial Division.
Other reliefs sought by Otunba Chief David Afolabi Ekiyoyo ( Olootu Omo’ba Meta) and Prince Tola Ogunsanmi (General Secretary) on behalf of the Odeyemi Adeesho ( Omo’ba Meta Royal Family) of Fidipote descendants include:
“An order granting leave to the Applicants to apply for an order of Mandamus to compel the Respondents to perform their legal or statutory duties of taking further or necessary steps towards the conduct of an inquiry into the Applicants’ proposal for the resuscitation of the Obaship Stool of Odo-Nla Town in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State as the Respondents are mandated to do by Sections 24 and 25 (1) & (2) of the Obas and Chiefs of Lagos State Law Ch.02 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015” among others.
A source close to the Odeyemi Ofinran Royal family said it was waiting for the go sign from the Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu for the coronation.
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has urged for necessary measures to protect journalists and other media workers during this weekend’s off-cycle elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States.
The group sent the request to the federal and state governments, as well as law enforcement and security agencies, stressing that the role of journalists in disseminating information about the electoral process is critical to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
In a statement issued ahead of the elections in Lagos and signed by the Communications Officer, Media Rights Agenda, Idowu Adewale, MRA also urged journalists to be cautious and to use its existing hotline (08138755660) to report any threat or attack they may encounter during the process, as well as any obstacle.
Adewale said in the statement: “Given the pattern of heightened attacks on journalists and the media during previous elections, including the recent 2023 general elections, as well as the tense political climate in the three states in the lead-up to the elections, measures must be taken to ensure general security during the elections and provide adequate protection for journalists covering the elections.”
“Access to information allows citizens and other members of the public to have the information they need about political and electoral processes, facilitating effective public participation in elections,” he says.
“Journalists and the media play an important role in ensuring residents and other members of the public have access to information and may participate in the process.
“As part of efforts to preserve the integrity of the polls, it is also critical that the safety and well-being of these interlocutors be assured and safeguarded.”
Lamenting the increased number of attacks on journalists in the run-up to the off-cycle elections, as well as earlier this year in the run-up to the general elections, he emphasised that “a free and vibrant media is fundamental to a healthy democracy, and journalists must be able to carry out their duties without fear, coercion, or violence.” During this vital phase, MRA stands ready to assist them and assure their safety.”
Men from the Edo State Police Command are said to have detained Mrs. Toluige Olokoobi’s husband after he allegedly murdered her.
Olokoobi was the mother of Oreofeoluwa Lawal-Babalola, the tiny boy whose video went viral in 2020 after he pleaded with his mother, “Mummy be calming down.”
Oreofeoluwa rose to prominence on social media after a video of him crying in an attempt to confidently appeal to his mother, who chastised him, went viral.
The film inspired Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who used it to deliver an Eid-el-Kabir appeal to Muslims and Lagos people in general to remain calm during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Following that, the youngster and his family met with the governor, who praised his bravery and poise.
While little has been heard about the family in three years, heartbreaking news broke on social media on Tuesday that the boy’s mother had committed suicide.
According to an X user, Olokoobi committed suicide in Benin, the capital of Edo State, for unknown reasons.
The X user, who stated that he was present at the site on Monday afternoon, went on to say that she had refused to disclose her difficulties with anyone before committing herself.
“The woman in the viral Mummy Calm Down video has just committed suicide here in Benin,” he stated in an email.
“She refused to discuss her problems with anyone.” She abandoned three children for her husband, including the well-known Mummy Calm Down boy.”
Meanwhile, confirming Olokoobi’s death in a chat with BBC Pidgin, the spokesperson of the Edo State police command, Chidi Nwabuzor, said her husband has been arrested and detained for questioning.
Nwabuzor said the husband reported the matter to the police.
The police spokesperson quoted the husband to have said that “he came home from the market when he saw his wife hanging with rope on her neck”.
Nwabuzor said she was rushed to the hospital and then to the mortuary after she was confirmed dead. (Adapted from a Vanguard report).
The Anambra State Police Command Headquarters Conference Hall was a hive of activity Thursday as CP Aderemi Adeoye took turns decorating around 18 promoted officers of the command with their new titles.
The delight of some of the officers whose wives assisted the CP in decorating their husbands with their new ranks knew no bounds, as their husbands duly saluted their wives and the CP for their new positions and responsibilities.
Obi Innocent, one of the officers elevated to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), whose wife joined CP Aderemi Adeoye in adorning him with his new rank, said it was wonderful that the Inspector General of Police thought him worthy.
CSP Obi Innocent, the officer in charge of the Legal Department at Zone 13, Police Zonal Headquarters Ukpo, stated that his new rank was a call to service and that he would do his best to uphold the charge given to them by CP Aderemi Adeoye to respect and protect the citizenry’s fundamental rights in the discharge of their new assignments.
Charity Akharame, who was honoured with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and was the only female officer among the 18 promoted officers decorated with new ranks, said it was not an easy feat but she was grateful to be among those who were decorated with their new ranks.
DSP Charity Akharame, the officer in charge of stores in the Anambra State Police Command, recalled how she began as a Police Constable and worked her way up to her current position as Deputy Superintendent of Police.
She stated that as a very disciplined police officer, she would follow the Police Commissioner’s directions regarding respect for all and sundry in the fulfillment of her constitutional obligations.
Jane-Frances Obi, one of the spouses of the officers elevated to the level of CSP, stated that being the wife of a police officer was not an easy assignment. As a result, she recommended any lady who is married to a police officer to be patient and understanding because the job is quite demanding.
Jane-Frances Obi, whose husband is Innocent Obi, the officer in charge of the Legal Department at Zone 13 Ukpo, believes the promotion is a reward for years of being patient, understanding, and standing in for them when they are not present.
Meanwhile, Emenike Chinenyenwa, who was decorated with the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and presented a vote of appreciation, expressed deep gratitude to the IGP and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission for considering them worthy of being adorned in their new ranks.
ACP Emenike, the officer in charge of Medicals, stated that the elevation comes with increased responsibility and that they will work harder in their new tasks.
CP Aderemi Adeoye praised the current promotion winners in his remarks, noting that two aspects make the police career very interesting and eventful. He stated that one is for promotion and the other is for positions.
CP Adeoye, on the other hand, urged the newly honored officers to develop more empathy, compassion, care, and dedication in the performance of their jobs.
The police chief insisted that newly promoted officers must first recognise that they share the same humanity as others, and as a result, they must treat all people with dignity and protect their fundamental human rights at all times.
CP Aderemi Adeoye stressed that without the enormous roles of spouses, they wouldn’t have been successful in their careers. He therefore congratulated all the promoted and prayed that God gives them good health to enjoy the new ranks and the energy to discharge the responsibilities of their new offices.
- Source: Independent
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