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Demolition Of Ile Arugbo: Those Who Come To Equity, Must Come With Clean Hands, Gbemisola Saraki’s Full Reaction

Published

5 years ago

January 4, 2020

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Thursday 2nd of January 2020, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, gave orders to the Police to open fire on aged women, at the contested welfare home, popularly known as “Ile Arugbo” (Home for Aged), owned by my father, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki.

As a staunch and loyal member of APC, I have kept quiet to date on the happenings in my state, Kwara State. I had done this for a number of reasons including trying to “keep my head when all about me are losing theirs”.

But all in all, I had kept quiet, as being a loyal member and supporter of the party, i did not want to get into any squabble with the Governor despite so many provocations.

Again, as a loyal and dedicated daughter of my father, Dr. Abubakar Olusola
Saraki, whom I hold in very high esteem, I did not want to express my opinion on the propriety of the Governor’s recent political actions as it would be seen as biased because the late Waziri is my father.

However, given the turn of events and the violent nature of the Governor’s position, it is only right for me to speak now.

There might have been some elements within my party, APC, who wanted to change the OToGe narrative ofthe 2019 elections to be about the Sarakis, and not about what it was — the removal of a failing PDP Administration.

But clearly by some recent steps taken, especially with Thursday’s actions, Kwara State APC must be careful to not allow a few elements with their own agenda, other than governance, to turn their personal vendetta into the official
position of APC in the State.

They must not be allowed to hijack the narrative of what our party stands for.

The APC has, since its inception, preached and worked earnestly for genuine good governance, security, increased welfare, progress and development of the people, as exemplified by President Muhammadu Buhari, who in the face of direct provocation and deep personal attacks remains true to the oath he took to govern ALL Nigerians, in spite of allegiances.

That is why it is important that my silence is not misconstrued as tacit approval or support for the actions taken by the Governor.

As stated earlier, I chose to refrain from commenting on the onset of this landsaga and did so for three reasons:

(1) I believed that this was a matter that would go through the rightful forum and due process to ascertain and establish my father’s legal rights or otherwise.

(2) My family individually and/or collectively have NEVER derived and continue not to derive ANY commercial benefit from that piece of land.

At the end ofthe day, what is on that land is nothing — no block of flats that the family is getting rent from; no office building, no factory, or any other commercial venture. Just a bungalow where the old women gather and get their basic needs attended to.

(3) Nonetheless, were my father alive today, surely, he would have been saddened to see bulldozers in Ile Arugbo. However, I am comforted by the knowledge that my father’s good work and his respect, support and love for the aged, which was sadly lacking in the Governor’s activities of Thursday, simply cannot be erased by demolishing a bungalow.

When it comes down to it, Ile Arugbo is a piece of bare land that holds symbolic value of what my father stood for — humanitarianism, and that doesn’t start nor end with a building.

But after the events of Thursday when the aged women were tear gassed and shot at in the wee hours of the morning (3:00AM), I do not want my silence to be misconstrued, as mischief makers have used that silence to attribute false statements allegedly made by me.

The level of force and violence that the Governor chose to adopt was totally unwarranted.

What resistance to protest justifies firing live ammunition and tear gassing old women? Even my own personal home was not left out of the attack as numerous empty bullet shell casings and dispersed tear gas cannisters were found inside my home.

I feel that at this point not only as a child ofthe late Waziri but as a member of the APC, I need to speak.

I do so not only as a daughter but as a member of the party, to ensure that those thousands of members of APC who are Sarakites that supported the OToGe Movement are not alienated. In addition, I do so to ensure that the resounding victory that APC enjoyed in Kwara is not short-lived or diminished.

Governments acquire properties, even compulsorily without necessarily resorting to unprovoked violent attacks in the dead of night.

It is especially disrespectful to me personally, as a member ofthe APC since 2015, who welcomed and supported those who only joined us a couple of months to the elections, which includes the Governor himself, that my position as a member of the party was not given any consideration and/or regard when approaching this issue.

Furthermore, given how well and how long I have personally known the Governor beyond Kwara State, so much so that I have always regarded him as one of my older brothers.

Even in the political arena, over the years, we have known each other as political opponents and allies and I have always accorded him respect which he has not accorded me.

As one of the APC leaders in the State, I have consulted broadly and have also sent messages appealing to party members not to be provoked by this unwarranted assault on my late father.

I do this with all sense of responsibility so that party cohesion and unity is not undermined by arbitrariness to rush into an attempt to settle perceived old generational family political scores.

Revenge cannot be a policy thrust of governance.

I am also using this opportunity to appeal to our teeming supporters to remain calm and poised and maintain peace in the face of unwarranted provocation. “Allah Bring about ease after difficulty” Q 65 vrs 7.

I condemn in totality the actions taken on Thursday 2nd January 2020 by
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, especially unleashing terror and mayhem on innocent defenseless aged women simply exercising their right to peacefully protest.

I call upon the Inspector General of Police to call the State Commissioner of Police to order — using security agencies and live ammunition to settle political and personal scores is NOT what the Buhari Administration is about.

We must stand up against vindictive politics, driven by envy, motivated by jealousy and practiced without integrity.

Honour should be our code.

Senator Gbemisola Ruqayyat Saraki
Minister of State for Transportation

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Polaris Bank Inducted Premium Member of Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce

Published

2 hours ago

September 13, 2024

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Polaris Bank has been inducted a premium member of the prestigious Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), marking another milestone in the Bank’s journey towards enhancing profitable trade between businesses in Nigeria and promoting global commercial partnerships with businesses in United Kingdom.

The induction ceremony which took place recently in Lagos with few other enterprises has swelled current membership of the Chamber representing a broad sectoral spectrum of top players operating in the banking; consulting; education, energy, pharmaceuticals, oil & Gas, Trading, health, manufacturing companies, among many others.

The Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal speaking at the induction expressed gratitude to the Chamber for the recognition and highlighted Polaris Bank’s commitment to “leveraging this platform to drive sustainable economic development and deeper engagement with stakeholders.”

“Distinguished guests, members of the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce, and esteemed colleagues, it is truly an honour to accept this induction, on behalf of Polaris Bank. Being part of this esteemed Chamber is a significant milestone for us, as it aligns with our vision to build stronger partnerships and contribute meaningfully to the growth of trade and investment between businesses in Nigeria and the UK.”

He further added that Polaris Bank is committed to using its membership of the NBCC to exchange innovative ideas and provide long-term and mutually beneficial relationships that promote growth of businesses in Nigeria and beyond.

“We are available for business and ready to work with stakeholders to ensure impactful and a win-win collaboration,” Mr. Lawal reiterated.

The Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce continues to play a critical role in promoting trade relations and investment between Nigeria and the UK, and Polaris Bank’s induction reflects the Bank’s strategic focus on contributing to these bilateral efforts.

Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2023, 2022 and 2021 and MSME Bank of the Year 2022 and 2023 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI)
Awards.

Photo caption:
From right: Mr. Kayode Lawal, Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, receiving on behalf of the bank, Premium Membership Certificate into Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) from Mr. Kayode Falowo, NBCC’s Ex-President/Chairman, Greenwich Merchant Bank in Lagos recently.

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Seven Day Curfew Declared Over Monarch Owa Obokun’s Death

Published

11 hours ago

September 12, 2024

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A seven-day curfew has been imposed in six local government areas of Osun State following the death of Oba Adekunle Gabriel Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun of Ijesa land.

The 87-year-old monarch passed away on Wednesday evening after a brief illness, ending his 42-year reign.

The affected local government areas, which constitute Ijesa land are Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Ori-Ade, and Obokun.

The Ogboni of Ipole-Ijesa, Oba Oyebade Samson Kehinde Oyeleye, speaking on behalf of the Owa-in-Council and kingmakers, announced that the curfew will run from 10 pm to 6 am daily, effective Thursday

Additionally, all markets in the affected areas will be closed for three days.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, expressed his condolences over the monarch’s death.

He described the late Oba as “a father figure, a pillar of support, and a teacher” committed to the development of Ijesa land and Osun State.

Adeleke added, “Kabiyesi was a deeply selfless father, who took no prisoners when it came to matters of development and wellbeing of the people. He was a friend of good governance, no matter the colour or race.

“The last time I was with him was the flag off of the dualisation of Brewery – Palace road. I am glad our late erudite scholar witnessed a new phase of development for Ijeshaland.”

Former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, praised the late monarch’s contributions to the state and nation.

“Kabiesi was known for brilliance, bravery and bluntness as these virtues, exhibited throughout his reign, culminated to many successes recorded not only in Ijesaland but in the state and the country as a whole.

“No doubt, the departed Aromolaran was an epitome of culture, character, integrity and dignity. Being the symbol of Ijesas, he spent all his entire life to serve God and humanity. His over 42 years reign indeed witnessed a myriad of developments cutting across different aspects of life,” said Oyetola.

Prince Dotun Babayemi, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun West Senatorial District, described the monarch’s passing as a big loss.

“Late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran was a highly principled traditional ruler whose body of knowledge and reign, will never be forgotten in our history.

“He occupied his space robustly and contributed immensely to the growth and development of our dear state, Osun and beyond,” stated Babayemi.

Governor Ademola AdelekeOba Adekunle Gabriel Aromolaran IIOba Oyebade Samson Kehinde Oyeleye

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Adekunle Aromolaran, Owa-Obokun Of Ijesaland Dies At 86

“A monumental history closes! The lion departs the forest! The torch bearer Of Oduduwa relocates! The symbol Of Obokun Adimula transits!,”

Published

18 hours ago

September 12, 2024

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The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, has reportedly passed away at the age of 86. A palace source who craved anonymity died on Wednesday after a brief illness.

Though the Owa Obokun palace has not issued any official statement with regard to the monarch’s passing, sources within the palace confirmed the death of the popular monarch.

The source said, “Baba has passed, but we are waiting for an official announcement from the palace.

“You can see that they have started performing some traditional rites. This has to be done before any announcement can be made,” she added.

He was the 48th king of the ancient city, and succeeded Oba Peter Adeniran Olatunji Agunlejika who died in 1981.

Aromolaran ascended the throne on February 20, 1982. His reign spanned 42 years.

On Thursday, Yinka Fasuyi, Asiwaju of Ijesaland, announced the king’s passing after rumours of his ill health began circulating on social media.

In a tribute, Fasuyi extolled the reign of the king, describing him as the “pride of Yoruba traditional intellectualism.”

“A monumental history closes! The lion departs the forest! The torch bearer Of Oduduwa relocates! The symbol Of Obokun Adimula transits!,” the tribute reads.

“The elegance Of Ijesaland royalty takes a bow! The pride Of Yoruba traditional intellectualism exits! The conscience Of Yoruba traditional rulers departs!

“The Last Of the titans bids farewell! Ijesaland celebrates the life Of her idol! Ijesaland extolls the life Of our imperial majesty! Ijesaland eulogises the reign Of ur Owa Obokun Adimula! Ijesaland applauds the legacy Of our paramount ruler! 42 Years Of monumental reign comes to a glorious end!”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condoled with the people of Ijesa over the death of the king.

In a statement shared on his X page, Atiku described the late king as “a great monarch who personified boldness, courage, and discipline of the Ijesha progeny.”

“With a heavy heart, I received the news of the passing of the Owa Obokun of Ijesha land, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran. The late Owa was more than a father-in-law to me. Each time I visited him, he accorded me the homecoming welcome of a son,” he wrote.

“We all loved him dearly. He was a great monarch and personified the boldness, courage, and discipline of the Ijesha progeny.

“On behalf of my wife, Titi, I share my condolences with the Owa-in-Council and the entire indigenes and residents of Ijesha land, especially members of the royal family.

“As Oba Aromolaran turns his face to his Maker, I pray that his soul finds a gentle repose.”

Aromolaran was born in October 13, 1937 into the royal household of Oba Iluyomade Aromolaran I.

He started his primary school education at Otapete Methodist school, Ilesa and finally completed his primary education at the Agbeni Methodist school Oke Ado Ibadan.

Aromolaran attended Ilesa Grammar School, between 1970 and 1974 before attending the then University College Ibadan (UCI) which was then a College of the University of London (now the University of Ibadan) where he obtained the B.Sc. degree in economics.

In 1965, he did a post-graduate diploma in public administration of the University of Ife, then located at Ibadan, and also holds a master’s degree in mathematical economics.

He earned his PhD in development economics under the supervision of Prof Samson Olajuwon Kokumo Olayide, a former vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan.