Residents alert Governor to looming Obaship crisis brewing in community
Crisis appears to be looming in Etikan kingdom in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State over a purported plan to install a new traditional ruler in Ereke community in allegedly against a court order.
The Akinrogun and Aare of Etikan, Chief Monday Oyetakin and High Chief Bode Ojabogun respectively raised the alarm in a statement jointly signed on behalf of the Council of Elders, youths and residents of the community on Thursday in Igbokoda.
Consequently, the chieftains have warned the state government to avert crisis by respecting the order of the court restraining it from presenting a staff of office to the new traditional ruler.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice D.I. Kolawole of an Akure High Court had, in a ruling delivered on July 1, ordered a stay of action on the presentation of staff of office to the Oba-elect of the community.
The elders warned against the looming crisis in the community and called on Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to stop the installation of the monarch, scheduled for Friday in the interest of peace and harmony.
“Our attention has been drawn to an arrangement being orchestrated by some highly-induced government functionaries within the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to install a king in Ereke community on Friday, Aug. 16.
“This community has been embroiled in a long legal battle between the Olikan of Etikan Kingdom and the Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom.
“We wish to draw the attention of Gov. Aiyedatiwa to a ruling of the High Court of Justice in Akure in the suit No: AK/350/2022 between his HRM Oba Temidayo Solomon-Omoyele, the Olikan of Etikan Kingdom and the governor of Ondo State and six others.
“The ruling held that the first and second defendants are to exercise their discretion to stay action on the presentation of the staff of office to the fourth defendant, pending the hearing of the application for interlocutory injunction.
“The case is still pending in the case file for determination of the case.
“This is because it has been insinuated in this same application that the issue can cause a breach of peace with the Certified True Copy of the ruling by Hon. Justice D.I. Kolawole, delivered on the July 1, 2024.
“Mr Governor, it is advisable, at this juncture, that the state government should err on the side of caution by distancing itself from any act capable of causing a breach of the fragile peace between the people of Etikan and Mahin kingdoms,” the statement said.
It warned the state government against derogating the ‘sacred’ judicial institution by flouting its orders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BAA/MA/WAS
Edited by Muftau Adediran and ‘Wale Sadeeq
The Sultan made the announcement in a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Friday, confirming the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan in various parts of the country.
He stated that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across Nigeria.
“After due verification and authentication by the National Moon Sighting Committee, as well as confirmations from state committees, the new moon of Ramadan was officially recognised, marking the end of Sha’aban 1446 AH.
“In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Saturday, March 1,” the Sultan declared.
He urged Muslim faithful to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT) throughout the holy month and to use this period to pray for prevailing peace across the country and also pray for the leaders.
Additionally, the Sultan encouraged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged, emphasising the importance of religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians.
He prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the leaders in their commitment to leading the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, refers to abstinent from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset with the intention of worshiping Almighty Allah.
NAN also reports that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period during which adult Muslims observe compulsory fasting from dawn to sunset for a complete month. (NAN)
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Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and maltreatment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, he said the allegations are grave and deserve to be investigated.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections affirmed that the Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people.
“Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve,” he said.
Atiku noted that as the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.
“As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation — not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles,” Atiku stated.
He admonished that the handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect,” Atiku concluded.
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Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, The wife of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, has strongly refuted the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), describing them as entirely false and unfounded.
In a statement to journalists on Friday, Mrs. Akpabio defended her husband’s character, describing him as a disciplined and respectful individual, known for his good humor and deep respect for women.
She stressed that the allegations were baseless and did not reflect the true nature of her husband, asserting that they were a misrepresentation of the man she knows.
The allegations were initially raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claimed that her challenges in the Senate began after she turned down inappropriate advances from Senator Akpabio.
Mrs. Akpabio quickly dismissed these accusations, emphasizing the longstanding cordial relationship between both families. She firmly rejected the notion that any such incident took place, asserting that it was merely a product of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s imagination.
Recalling the events of December 8, 2023—the date the alleged incident supposedly occurred—Mrs. Akpabio pointed out that she had been present at their family residence on that day. She also stressed the enduring relationship between their families, which had existed long before Natasha’s marriage, further underlining the improbability of the allegations.
Moreover, Mrs. Akpabio praised her husband’s track record in championing women’s participation in governance, citing his unwavering support for female inclusion long before he became Senate President.
In a stern message, she urged women to avoid making unfounded accusations and vowed to pursue legal action to address the matter.