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TEN YEARS ON A DECADE OF ROYAL SELFLESS SERVICE

www.obatejuosobooks.com______2 KABIYESIALAIYELUWA OBA DR ADEDAPO ADEWALE TEJUOSO (1989-1999) A DECADE OF ROYAL SELFLESS SERVICE

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KABIYESIALAIYELUWA

0BA DR. ADEDAPO ADEWALE TEJUOSO

M.A.; M.B; CH.B; DPH: D.I.H.; FMCGP; F.W.A.C.P.

(Oranmiyan)

Karunwi III Osile Oke-Ona Egba

By

Hon. Justice Udemola Kuti

Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital, ,

www.obatejuosobooks.com______4 © Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso (JP)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the publishers, Kabiyesi Oba Dr. Tejuoso and the author.

First Published April, 1999 ISBN: 978-34838-3-8

Printed by Intec Printers Limited, Ibadan

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table of contents Dedication ...... Author's Letter ...... Kabiyesi's Profile ...... Acknowledgement ...... Chapter 1 10 Years of Selfless Service on the throne (1989-1999) of Oke-Ona Egba Chapter 2 The King and the Royal Oloris ... Chapter 3 A Case for Unity in Diversity Chapter 4 Egba Confederation Chapter 5 Egba in the Hands of Destiny Chapter 6 A Touch of Strong Pedigrees Chapter 7 One Bone Two dogs Chapter 8 The Hunter and Hunted Chapter 9 The Strength of the Egbas Chapter 10 A Progressive Ethnic Group Chapter 11 Many Deities of the Egbas Chapter 12 Age of Cavalry Chapter 13 Oba Karunwi III, Evangelical Movement Chapter 14 Dialogues and Compromise Chapter 15 So far so Memorable Revisited Chapter 16 In Reflective Mood Chapter 17 Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso on Economic Issues Chapter 18 The Thoughts of Oba et al

www.obatejuosobooks.com______6 Chapter 19 Quo Vadis Nigeria? Chapter 20 Proferred Solutions Chapter 21 Epitaph for a Noble Mother Chapter 22 In Retrospect Chapter 23 The Epilogue Chapter 24 About the Author

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DEDICATION Even though this book has been written about me and of the service to my community, I feel honour bound to dedicate same I i rst and foremost to GOD and then to a Mother who gave all to enable me serve the people she loved so much. My father of Messed memory who taught me family values and civic responsibilities - the man who dreamt my royal ascendancy and has kept faith since - Chief Oluyombo Akoni, Oluwo Oke-Ona Egba. My late Uncle Chief Akitoye Tejuoso, the former Oluwo Oke-Ona Egba. Also to Papa Chief Oliyide, Balogun Oke-Ona Egba, the entire Chiefs of Oke-Ona Egba and people, the entire Oke-Ona Egba Royal Families and Circle for their support, prayers and devotion to duty. Finally to ALL EGBA sons and daughters at home, abroad and in diaspora for a continued well being and prosperity of our fatherland. And for the Truth we all seek, for the love we share and the Justice and peace we crave for, and need as a whiff of fresh air; we should open our hearts and allow that Justice and Peace to reign in our homes, in our lives and in our land. Just for a split second, imagine a world at peace - Oh what a wonderful world. Thanks you and God bless. KABIYESI ALAIYELUWA OBA DR. ADEDAPO TEJUOSO

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PROFILE - OF HIS MAJESTY OBA DR AOEOAPO ADEWALE TEJUOSO, KARUNWI III, OSILE OKE ONA, EGBA, NOVEMBER, 1997 Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, the eighth Osile Oke-Ona Egba in was born in Lagos on I ebruary 19,1938 to Mr. Joseph Somoye Tejuoso and Chief (Mrs.) Esther Bisoye Tejuoso (Both of blessed memory). His maternal great grandfather was Oba Karunwi I, the First Osile Oke-Ona, Egba in Abeokuta (1897 to 1899). Oba David Sokunbi Karunwi 11, (1904 to 1918) his maternal grand uncle was the first educated and Christian traditional ruler in Egbaland. He laid the foundation stone of St. James African Church, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta. He was crowned on a very unique day of Easter Monday 04/04/04 by the Late Bishop Oluwole. Young Adedapo attended St. George's School, Zaria from 1941 to 1946. At an impressionable age of eight, his parents - providentially sent him to Abeokuta (Abeokuta Girls' School 1946-1948) to have a feel of his roots and preparing him as it were for the great responsibility nature has in stock for him. His primary school years ended at Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome- Kuti's class in Kemta Abeokuta 1949 to 1950. In 1951, the young Tejuoso was admitted to Abeokuta grammar school easily one of the best schools of that period. He was lucky to have the respected Rev. Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, a disciplinarian as the principal of the school.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______14 Adedapo distinguished himself as a brilliant student and passed the West African School Certificate Examination in division one in 1956, the same year he was appointed the Senior Prefect of the school. As a young lad, Dapo Tejuoso had his own dreams; his ambition was to become a Medical Doctor because the profession was (is) highly respected in those days. As a major prerequisite for his medical training, he did his Advanced Level Studies at the Westham College of Technology, London between 1957 and 1958. Before completing his 'A' Level, he gained admission into the renowned University, Trinity College, Dublin (TCD) in the Republic of Ireland in October 1958 for his Medical Education. Given the strigent requirements of the first big three Universities in Great Britain and Ireland - Oxford, Cambridge and Trinity College - Dapo, as an undergraduate, had to study arts subjects along with the medical courses. So in June 1962, after four years, he bagged the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. In June 1964, he further bagged the degree of Bachelor of Medicine (M.B), Bachelor of Surgery (CH.B) and Bachelor of Arts in Obstetrics (BAO). In 1967 he was automatically awarded the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree of Trinity College, Dublin (T.C.D.). Dapo qualified as a Medical Doctor at the young age of 26 and returned to Nigeria bubbling with enthusiasm and high hopes to begin a medical career. For his housemanship he was at the

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Lagos University Teaching Hospital (Luth) under the watchful eyes of Professors Ade Elebute, Akin Adesola and Monnekoso, who combined to grill him in turns, in the practice of surgery and medicine. Not satisfied with his professional attainments and driven by the quest for professional excellence. In September 1966 Dr. Dapo Tejuoso went back to Britain and within a period of three and half years, he attended a number of Universities for his post-graduate programmes in Medicine - Universities of Liverpool for his Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (D.T.M. & H.), Bristol University for Diploma in Public Health (D.P.H.) and the University of London for his diploma in Industrial Health (D.I.H.). He has since become a fellow of the Medical Council of General Medical Practitioners (F.M.C.G.M.P.) and also a fellow of the West African College of Physicians (F.W.A.C.P). Dr. Tejuoso finally retuned to Nigeria in February 1970 to set up his highly successful Medical practice, the nucleus of which was, and still is the Teju Industrial Clinic Limited which has now metamorphosed into the Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso I lospital (I.B.T.H). Following the death of his father in December 1968, Dr. Tejuoso had to combine with his industrialist mother to establish and tend the fledging Teju Foam Industry which was incorporated in 1970. It was his experience in Foam which helped to develop his business ethics that a businessman needs not be dubious or ruthless to be successful. What is required,

www.obatejuosobooks.com______16 according to him, is the necessary foresight, honesty, perseverance, the fear of God and the blessing of God more importantly. In the immensely successful life of Dr. Dapo Tejuoso, his mother Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso (O.O.N.) until her death on September 19,1996, remained a veritable source of inspiration. In his autobiography "The Ultimate Honour" (1989), Dr. Tejuoso admitted that he got his business inspiration from the diligence and business acumen of his mothef. It was these qualities and much more which earned her the prestigious title of the third Iyalode Egba, a Chieftaincy title bestowed on the leading industrialist on the 24th of January 1982 by the Alake, Kabiyesi Oba Oyebade Lipede. It is possible that Dr. Dapo Tejuoso's wide ranging business endeavours may have made the idea of being a Rotarian attractive to him, given the high visibility of members of this International Elite Club. But more importantly, what inspired him into Rotary was that it is a selfless service-oriented organisation, as exemplified in its aim "Service Above Self". Dr. Tejuoso joined the Rotary Club of Ikeja on the 19th of February 1973. For the First five years he was not a very active member until July 1978 when he was made a director of community service, a feat he achieved without an election. He later rose (this time by election) to become the Vice-President of the Club, an elevation which also earned him the post of the president for 1980/81 Rotary year. His achievements were significant and it included the

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establishment of the Rotary Clubs in Isolo and Ilupeju. In 1980/81 under his presidency, his Club won the only meritorious award available in Rotary in Nigeria then, that is the significant achievement award. Dr. Tejuoso served meritoriously as the district governor of Rotary International District 911 in 1986/87. His records had been hard to surpass over the years. The Climax of his achievements in Rotary came when he became the proud recipient of the very prestigious award of Rotary International - "Patron of Rotary and Service above Self" 1998. Only a few Rotarians in the world have earned this highly coveted award thus far. Dr. Tejuoso is also a devout born-again Christian though as a student in Abeokuta Grammar School and fired by the probing spirit of Adolesence, He, like some of his mates, engaged in the academic debate on the existence of God common among agnostics. This invited a carefree attitude about religious beliefs and practices at a point in his life. But as he advanced in age, he began to reassess his relationship with God, and resolved to move closer to him. Since February 1988 during his 50th Birthday Anniversary when he made a solemn pledge to pay greater attention to his Creator, he has not looked back. He is a member of St. Jude's Parish Church, Ebute-Metta, a church he presented (on behalf of the family) with a guest house - Esther's (Now Joseph's) Bethany House - which was dedicated to his father's memory on the 27th of December 1988 the 20th

www.obatejuosobooks.com______18 anniversary of his death). He also built chapel Saint Joseph within their Dabis court in Surulere on behalf of the family and in memory of his late father in the same year to mark his 50th birthday on the 19th of February 1988 (and the 21st birthday of his daughter Bimpe on the same day) when the foundation was laid. The building of the chapel was completed in four (4) months and was dedicated on the 22nd of June 1988 to mark his mother's 72nd birthday anniversary. God sanctioned this by giving him a brand new baby daughter (Oluwatoyin) on that same day. Praise God, Halleluya. His contributions to the spread of the WORD are varied and need not be itemised as he believes that these are totems of his covenant with his Creator. He is a trustee, grand patron, patron, adviser, motivator, etc. of many religious bodies /organisations. He became a patron of the African Church of Nigeria a few years ago. The Osile of Oke-Ona Egba is also an avid sports lover. His keen interest in sports began during his Secondary School days when he was actively involved in hurdles, triple jump and table tennis (which he still plays) but his greatest contribution to sports is in the field of Badminton. He along with Late Isaac Odunlami pioneered the Badminton Association. In 1973, he was a moving spirit in the formation of the Amateur Badminton Association of Nigeria. For many years he also represented Nigeria at the International Badminton Federation (IBF) during which time he motivated Mr. W.W. Kente from Tanzania and

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between them and Mr. Patrick Okpomo of Nigeria, they formed the African Badminton Federation (ABF). He was the first African ever to be elected to the council of the International Badminton Federation (IBF - the world governing body) in 1981. He later received the meritorious service award of the International Badminton Federation in the year 1990. As a Nigerian Delegate at Sporting Fora, he used his position to finance and clout to campaign against racism and other discriminatory practices is sports all over the world including South Africa. He still continues to fight against discrimination or oppression in any form every where in the world including his country Nigeria and his home community of the Egbas. He believes very strongly in the words of psalm 103 verse 6 which reads "God is on the side of the oppressed and he gives them their rights". One could say Dr. Dapo Tejuoso's philosophy of life emanated from the ethics of his medical profession - service to humanity as against pecuniary interest. He believes that a medical practitioner who has taken the Hippocratic oath, especially in a poverty-ridden developing society must not place monetary reward above service to his clients patients. It was this belief which launched him unceasingly into the business world so that he would not rely entirely on his medical practice for his economic well-being. His personal policy is never to get involved in anything half-heartedly. What has been his motto over the years is "He touches nothing that he does not adorn" "Ohun a

www.obatejuosobooks.com______20 koni tunse, a ko ni fowo kan" "Nihil Quod Tetigit, Non Ornavit". He is a highly organised person, but he abhores routine. With his three books in circulation:- (1) The Ultimate Honour - An Autobiography (2) So far so Memorable and (3) Ripples on so far so memorable - Egba History in Focus (the last two are reflections on Egba politics) - one would be right to call him an accomplished author. He presents his views in a fearless, fluid and captivating prose with sound logic. There is nothing he cannot reveal in his books - his childhood pranks, his marital travails, his visits to Aladuras (prophets) rightful challenge of age-long conventions and credo. This is why most of his books, if not all, have ignited controversies. It is possible, that he is controversial himself, or may be the issues he dwells in are controversial. In any case he appears to thrive in controversy. At a period in 1993, when the South West of Nigeria resolved to stand on June 12 and boycott the military government's Abuja national constitutional conference in June 1994, he courageously participated as a nominated government delegate. He must have had a clear vision of his mission to avert a war in Yorubaland nay Nigeria. Thank God (and the 1994/95 constitutional conference) that Nigeria is still in one piece today. Long live Yorubaland, long live Nigeria. Amen. In February 1989, Dr. Tejuoso who was already Bantun of Oke Ona Egba and the first Bantun Egba was given the ultimate

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honour. He became a king, the eighth Osile Oke-Ona Egba in succession to Kabiyesi Oba Adedamola II. Kabiyesi Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso Karunwi III has been on the throne now for ten years, during which time, not only the Oke-Ona both home and abroad but also other Egbas and Non-Egbas must have seen the difference in having an educated, wealthy and influential Oba at the helm of affairs. Kabiyesi has galvanized his people along the line of socio-economic development. He saw to the establishment of the first Community Bank in Egbaland on the soil of Oke Ona Egba in 1991. He has succeeded in wiping out guinea worn from the length and breadth of Oke-Ona Egba. More importantly he has mated a new sense of political and human rights awareness. The Oke Ona Egba dynasty fund - A scholarship scheme can today boast of over two thousand beneficiaries, since inception. The Kabiyesi has also assisted in providing employment (through the help of God) for so many people irrespective of their places of birth, religious affiliations or status in life. Kabiyesi Osile is an active socialite and belongs to many clubs amongst which are the Island Club, Abeokuta Club, Lagos Country Club, Abok '56 Club, Club 38, The Royal Circle to mention just a few. Kabiyesi Osile Tejuoso believes that our traditional institutions have stupendous relevance to our modern society, despite the changing times. The institution of traditional rulers goes beyond

www.obatejuosobooks.com______22 symbolism of an ancient past. They are dynamic and virile. They should at least be allowed to perform, specific and meaningful advisory roles at local, state and federal levelsof Government. Kabiyesi Osile is happily married and blessed with many children and grandchildren. Kabiyesi, Ade a pe lori, Bata a pe lese, Irukere a di abere. Esin Oba a je oko pe, Igba odun odun kan, Ase a pe lenu o. (Amin o).

Presented by Chief Lekan Ogundimu R.I. District 9110 Past District governor plus 1996197 Akingbotun Oke-Ona, Egba. 20th May, 1999

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I wish to aknowledge with thanks the indefatigable efforts of I lie following: Miss Magdalene Iyoha and Mr. Harry Airueghian - Secretaries attached to Judiciary. Mrs. Otokola a i bnfidential Secretary in the Ekiti High Court Judiciary and Mrs. M.I. Oguntunwase also in the same office. Mr. Olu Olaseni eventually joined them working round the clock to get the project off the ground. My special thanks to Mr. Tomide who assisted in reading I h rough the manuscripts. Other Secretaries staff continued with this historic and monumental work in Edo State Judiciary Benin City. I must express my profound gratitude to His Majesty Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso J.P. who kept me on my toes to meet the deadline after my first submission. This made me to work relentlessly to produce a readable work. My specific thanks to Chief 'Lekan Ogundimu, Chairman Professional Executors, Trustees & Investiment Ltd who has to deal with the raw scripts to produce what we now have. He has performed a great task of editing and the arrangement of the book. Also thanks to Miss Praise Chinelo Nwafor, the Confidential Secretary of His Majesty Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, for the secretarial services rendered . Last but not the least are the Royal Oloris who were subject to my interviews "viva voce" and by telephones in a no-bar Socratic dialogues. And finally to my wife Folashade Safuratu

www.obatejuosobooks.com______24 Balogun-Kuti who supervised the work as an expert in her own field before it is subject to publication. I have to congratulate myself for my tremendous discipline as a writer of note. Mention must be made of the assistance of Chief Soniran Sowemimo one-time Commissioner for Information, Government whose encouragement made some Research possible and realistic. This will be one of the pinnacles of my oddssey as a biographer widely read and appreciated. As an Egbaman on the maternal side I thank God and my Ancestry for my root at Ikereku nita Ogboni, part of OKE ON A EGBA for the streak of Egba blood running in my veins. HON. JUSTICE DEMOLA-KUTI BENIN CITY 12/3/99

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CHAPTER 1 10 YEARS OF SELFLESS SERVICE ON THE THRONE (1989-1999) OF OKE-ONA EGBA When Destiny and Unambition met at cross roads, it was destiny that had the upper hand. It was Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso a medical practitioner that opened the door for Destiny to take control of events that led him to the throne of his forebears. Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso was destined to change the terrain of the erstwhile-unrivalled Egba Empire where other Ancient Monarchs sent their crown Princes for tutelage in being groomed in the conduct of public administration. The Egbaland is of great historical importance in terms of warfare and the excellent way in which the Native Administration was conducted by gifted Natural Rulers, of which the ALAKE OF ABEOKUTA became historically significant, and a reference point. But it was Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso that opened the floodgate of professionally qualified and wealthy princes seeking the thrones to offer their services and experience to Egbaland. After him, came Oba Dr. Olawale Adisa Odeleye, as the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, with a doctorate degree in Architecture and internationally known. Of course, the Alake of Abeokuta, Oba Oyebade Lipede is himself a well educated monarch with years of public administration experience in private sector before ascending the Ake throne in Egbaland with his wealth of

www.obatejuosobooks.com______26 experience. With this terrain of highly endowed disciplined thoroughbred Natural Rulers, Egbaland was geared to experience keen competition, new ideas, renewed regeneration of the titans on the four thrones. Egbaland (Abeokuta township and the neighbouring villages) consists of four independent and autonomous sections - Egba Alake, Oke-Ona, Gbagura and Owu. It is worthy of note that outside Abeokuta, the principal city and capital of Ogun State; there are other chieftains especially at Otta on the outskirt of Lagos State, Orile Ilugun, Odeda, Obafemi-Owode, Ifo and Ewekoro just to mention a few. All of these belong in various degrees to all the four sections of Egbaland. It was business, as usual, until Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso ascended the throne of Oke-Ona Egba on the 20th of May 1989 as the Osile Oke-Ona Egba and read the "Riot Act" in a letter titled "The beginning of it all" published in his book - "Ripples" and dated the 31st of January 1990 which was the anniversary of the 92nd year of the formation of the Egba United Government (E.U.G.). The hitherto assumed supremacy of the Alake over the three other sectional Obas in the Ancient town of Abeokuta was thus challenged. The letter: from the book - Ripples Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa Oba Oyebade Lipede, Alake of Egbaland) 31st January 1990 Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa Oba Oyebade Lipede JP

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The Alake of Egbaland Kabiyesi

Letter of Congratulations on the 92nd Anniversary of an historic event - The Coming Together of the Obas in Abeokuta I write to congratulate you very heartily on today's historic anniversary. It is exactly ninety-two (92) years today (to be precise 31st January, 1898) when the then Governor MacCullum of Nigeria, defiled a taboo, and brought the then four (4) Obas in Abeokuta face to face for the first time at a meeting. It was there and then that he opened their veils (beaded crowns) and look their photographs as a group. Present at that historic occasion were, the then: 1. Alake - Oba Sokalu 2. Osile - Oba Karunwi I (my maternal greatgrand-father) 3. Agura - Oba Olubunmi and 4. Olowu - Oba Adepegba

Prior to that day, the Obas could not and had not been fully involved in the administrative or political affairs of Egbaland as . i whole. Since then, they have been expected to be fully involved in the Governance of Egbaland. It is gratifying to note that the I people of Egba Alake, Egba Oke-Ona, Egba Gbagura and Egba Owu have lived together for those ninety-two (92) years in peace

www.obatejuosobooks.com______28 and harmony whether seemingly or not. This, no doubt, must have been a marriage of convenience with sacrifices made in varying degrees by the four (4) different sections constituting Egbaland. I am inspired to write today, this historical day, to remind all of us that we should try to re-think and discuss the pros and cons of our marriage of convenience and if need be, review and or restructure our systems and conventions. It is always better and beneficial to jaw-jaw at all times. This is food for thought and possible consideration. We should ponder on this for at most the next eight (8) years or so. That is when we should be celebrating the centenary of this historical event. Nigeria was once under the colonial rule. When it pleased God Almighty to grant Nigeria her independence, she was lucky to have been handed down a democratic government where every Nigerian has equal right. Thank God the Egbas are very much part of this democracy. This we should find ways and means to further strengthen amongst us so that the sacrifices of our forefathers would not have been in vain. I wonder how we would feel in Nigeria today if the Northerners (Hausas), who are presumed to have the largest population and land size are given the exclusive right to dominant and rule the South (Yorubas and Ibos) forever? Nigeria as we know it today, would have definitely become the abode of a marriage of inconvenience.

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We the Southerners would not have accepted to be treated as second-class citizens in our own country. Nigeria would have been sitting on a time bomb. (God forbid). Thank God, we, the Egbas should at least be more experienced and astitute in the art of Governance. But we must not continue to assume that all is well. I know it is not, having listened to some people from the three (3) minority sections of Egbaland in my short sojourn here in Abeokuta. Even if it is, talking about it and introducing necessary innovations and reforms can only make it better not worse. The time to start that is now. Our next hundred years together in marriage, starting from, the 31st January, 1998 must be a more blissful and tolerable one for all. It is then and only then that posterity will consider us justifiably as "The Progressives". If we go by reason of history, the whole world, including USA, USSR, Great Britain and the rest of Europe, would still be under the "Roman Empire" today. But is this the case? Certainly not. It is a changing world and the wind of change is bound to be universal. It is the only reason why the rest of the humane world is today employing every means to fight Apartheid in South Africa. They are beginning to succeed. I have the inspiration today to write these few lines. Why? I do not know. I am, however sure it can only be for the good of Egbaland. I know my views may not be looked upon with favour by some. But at least, my conscience will be clear henceforth. I

www.obatejuosobooks.com______30 always prefer to stand for the truth even at the risk of persecution I strongly believe we are in a modern world. We must all endeavour to move with time and also stand by the truth and fairness. That will eventually build better friendship and be beneficial to all concerned at all times. We must avoid being stagnant, much longer, lest we give room to attrition. We must act. And the time to act is now. I am sure there are quite a number of things that we need to discuss or review and or adjust if we decide to take the bull by the horn. For example: 1. What should be the involvement of the Obas when important Egba Chieftaincy recipients are to be decided. At what stage should the other Obas know about it? 2. What should be the involvement of the Oba of a section in chosing an indigene of that section for an Egba Chieftaincy title? 3. Should there be a long term planning of the year's calendar of events for the whole of Egba so as to avoid clashes with the year's calendar of events for the individual sections of Egbaland? 4. How easy is it for any township in Abeokuta or Egbaland, for that matter, to shift from one section of Egba to the other? What are the rules? What, for example, is the current situation with Idere, Imala, Idofin and Efon which are supposed to be townships of Oke-Ona, Egba but now appear to be taking a stand of Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI)?

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5. A lot more may arise at the Conference table from other people who would wish to speak up with all sincerity for the good and progress of our dear Egbaland. We only need to be called upon. Hoping I have made some sense, but more importantly, I wish you and all of us many happy returns of the day. Thank you Kabiyesi and God bless. Yours in community service, Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso JP Karunwi III Osile Oke-Ona, Egba cc: (1) Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa Oba Laloko II, Agura of Gbagura (Gbagura) (2) General (Owu) (3) Chief Aduramo Rotimi - Oluwo Egba (Egba Alake) (4) Chief Akitoye Tejuoso - Lisa Egba (Oke-Ona) (5) Chief D.A. Adeyinka - Odofin Egba (Gbagura) (6) Chief A. Sanyaolu - Balogun Egba (Egba Alake) (7) Chief (Dr.) Koye Mojekodunmi - Otun Egba (Oke-Ona) (8) Chief S.B. Sobande - Osi Egba (Gbagura) (9) Chief Toye Coker - Apena Egba (Egba Alake) (10) Chief Lasile - Baala Egba (Owu) - He was copied about 2 weeks later. Fortunately or unfortunately, the controversy would have been otiose or unnecessary. But by freak of irony, the late Alake of

www.obatejuosobooks.com______32 Ake assumed the title of Alake of Abeokuta and the incumbent who was installed as Alake of Abeokuta now styles himself the Alake of Egbaland thus wrongly purporting permanent paramountcy over the entire Egbaland. But in his historical and monumental book titled "So far so memorable", a book carefully and meticulously documented by Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso he contested the supremacy of the Alake over the three brother Obas in the Ancient hilly and rocky town of Abeokuta. Of course, the town itself is as historically important as it is culturally sacrosanct as the place of refuge where the Egba warriors put up a fortress to ward off the many unprofitable wars the Egba neighbours seemed to specialise in, especially the warriors from Ibadanland. The great ancient warrior, LISABI an Egba Alake man himself became not only a war General of note, but was deified into a mythical hero of Egbaland, as father of the nation (Egba omo Lisabi). The Oba Osile Oke-Ona was not alone in his proverbial protestations to the "supremacy syndrome", but readily won to his side two other brother Obas making it a 3 to 1 dialogue. Of course, the Alake does not rule alone by himself he has a powerful Council of Chiefs. If he were to be a "Primus interpares" like the British Prime Ministers among their cabinet colleagues, the fact of Royalty made him feel a more secured status in ascendancy and hierarchy of Royal structures in Egbaland. Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso felt otherwise and went on a

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historical "tour de force" adumbrating the issues in rational and pragmatic ways, stressing the nature of the federated Egbaland. He felt some rightful indignation that the History of Egbaland has been emasculated and that it was time we call in a new unler to redeem the structural imbalance of old. The presence of Egba Ogboni in the polity of Egbaland cannot be underestimated. Egba Ogboni is an established institution and a well-respected age-long administration of Egbaland. They play a dual role as supervisory peacekeeping institution and assist in resolving knotty problems facing traditional institutions. The Apena (Secretary) Egbaland happens to be Chief Toye Coker ' S.A.N. (Senior Advocate of Nigeria); an illustrious son of Egbaland like late Chief Aduramo Rotimi and others too are held in high esteem. Such matters of historical and traditional colouration cannot be made to escape their attention. Most Ogboni members are Chiefs and as principal titleholders act as special advisers to the Alake on cultural and traditional matters. Little wonder then, that the call of Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso for equitable distribution of powers (or to use the modem or current parlance in Nigeria - "Power Shift") among the traditional rulers of the various sections of Egbaland and the power for consultation and inter-personal relations among the Royal Fathers to such an extent, that harmony and peace among the Egba indigenes would be re-assured; was met with strong opposition.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______34 The thinking of the Osile, the Royal father of OKE-ONA EGBA is informed by the apparent domination and subservience by one section of the ancient City to the other three sections. The Osile OKE-ONA EGBA, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso based his claim on the fact that in the past the Egbas were not well educated, but were pioneers of industries in Abeokuta the ancient citadel town by the hilly rocks. And could be likened to the adage of the Oyo Nobility "A ji se bi Oyo la ri, Oyo ki se bi enikan" that is, Oyo never follows others footsteps, Oyo indigenes are always in the forefront of any enterprise. Similarly, by historical exploits, it could be said that" A ji se be Egba la nri, Egba ki se bi enikan", "mutatis mutandis" the Egbas too are torchbearers of Nigerian civilisation. Egbaland had produced great statesmen and erudite scholars such as the Late Chief Simeon O. Adebo; besides being the head of the Civil Service in the old Western Region of Nigeria, he rose to become Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and headed the UNO - Training Institute in New York. Professor Thomas Adeoye Lambo, first African Deputy Director- General of World Health Organisation and former Vice of the University of Ibadan. Prof. Olikoye Ransome- Kuti, former Federal Minister of Health and advisor to World Health Organisation on primary health and child care. The late Sir Adetokunbo, the first indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria; professor Saburi Biobaku an historian of International repute and

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former Vice Chancellor. Dr. Chief Koye Majekodunmi, first Administrator of Western Region of Nigeria and former Minister of Health of the First Republic, also an author in his own right, a "Homo suis Juris" an icon in the field of medicine who could be safely described as the "Father of Nigerian Gynaecological practice. His St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos ranks amongst the best in Nigeria as a private hospital. He comes from the "Prince Merchant Family". Prince Bola Ajibola former Federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General now at the court of Hague - all these people are outstanding role models as international civil servants who have done Egba proud. There are others who distinguished themselves in the law profession - who rose to the level of Senior Advocate of Nigeria hierarchy, the Late Sir Eric Moore was of Egba extraction; the foremost Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chief F.R.A. Williams too has his root in Egbaland; also late Chief Akitoye Tejuoso, Chief Sikuade, former Chief Justice Odunlami, Chief Justice of Ogun State Babatunde Delano to mention just a few notable names. In industrial development, banking, commerce and housing, the names that readily come to mind are Late Iya Oba Iyalode Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, Chief Olatunde Abudu, Chief Oluyombo Akoni, Chief Fred Okunola, Chief Kogbodoku, Chief Akin George, Chief Lampejo; Chief Osunkeye, Seke Phillips, a renowned former General Manager of the Nigerian Railways is a

www.obatejuosobooks.com______36 standard bearer of Egbaland, so is the Seriki of Egbaland - Iateef Adegbite now Baba Adinni Egbaland. Late Dr. Onibuje, late Dr. Otolorin, late Blaize are great names in Egbaland to spur one to lofty heights. Dr. John Sodipo, Chiefs Adeosun, Osoba other Sodipos and the Akin Olugbades and former Head of State General Olusegun Obasanjo and of course the largest single donor to all worthy deeds, Late Chief M.K.O. Abiola are all from Egbaland. The Ransome-Kutis deserve a whole chapter to themselves but briefly Late Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti the matriarch of the I mlily fought for "women emancipation" in Egbaland and got II She created the awareness of what a politically free people i mild do. Her late son Fela followed her footsteps for the emancipation of the common-man through his music. Bekololari the distinguished medical practitioner and human rights activist ways been on the side of the oppressed. For this singular belief that all men are born equal, that we all stand or fall before justice and equity - they suffered a lot of deprivations so that Nigeria could be free. In the field of education, the patriarch of I lie family, the Late Rev. Israel Olutodun Ransome-Kuti (Dao) can rightly be described as second to none in Nigeria in the field of education and the training of young men and women. In the field of education as a matter of fact, the Ashby Report that paved I lie way to higher education in Nigeria had the stamp of authority of Late Revd. Ransome Kuti firmly on it, so are the (Munjos and the

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Oyewoles too who are the fathers of Science in Egbaland and in the field of education and public administration. It is worthy of note that Oba Dr. Tejuoso was brought up by both Rev. I.O. Ransome-Kuti (Dao) and Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Bere) and that both Fela and Bekololari were his classmates. While Uncles Femi & Dotun Oyewole were their Science teachers. So it is, that controversy had not been wanting in Egbaland and as they are highly educated citizens who had the benefit of early missionary education they seem to thrive on controversy. So, it will be uncharitable to equate the sense of rationalism among the Egbas to the level of thriving in controversy. Even amongst themselves, they strive to show the way through dialogue and personal emancipation. It is against this background that the dispute among the Royalties should be viewed. It was said that in the olden days, it was Alake of Ake, not of Egbaland, and Oba Tejuoso would rightly want that position to be reverted to. The frivolous argument against this was, what did the olden days Oba Osile, Agura and Olowu do to revert the position? It is believed in some quarters that since 1989 a lot of dust had been raised in Egba on this issue of structural imbalance. This really ought to be so as the Egbas are the most rationale citizens in Yoruba speaking areas of Nigeria. A Yoruba adage says "Bi ko ba daru, konse tun to". The fact of a high

www.obatejuosobooks.com______38 incidence of Western Education amongst them had never beclouded their sense of unity and the need for homogeneity. Since the present Alake of Abeokuta had ascended the throne since 1972, most indigenes of Egbaland had trooped homeward in an attempt to establish industries and manufacturing establishments in the belief that Justice, fair-play and equity had come to stay in Egbaland and that the home coming had heralded a large measure of well-being and togetherness. This upsurge had been exacerbated in succeeding years with the apparent presence of injustice and the imbalance in fair-play and equity. There should be unity in diversity. It would be wrong to assume that citizens in the various sections that made up Egbaland would want to sow where they cannot reap fully. There is indeed a great and urgent need to make every Egbaman and every section of Egbaland feel a sense of belonging just as every Nigerian and every Nigerian state must have and feel a sense of belonging to Nigeria in equal rights. The matter might have taken a sour shape with the murder Of the mother of Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso (Chief Mrs. Esther Bisoye Tejuoso - the 3rd Iyalode of Egbaland) in a manner that smirks of brutality and in a way that admitted of no moral justification. For an upright citizen to die in such a manner could only aggravate a situation of disagreement that was subsisting. I The victim was no ordinary citizen, but a Royal Mother and the Iyalode of entire Egbaland, a Matriarch of great substance,

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influence, and moral rectitude (May her gentle Soul rest in perfect peace, Amen). If the only son, and a Royal Father in his own right, felt aggrieved, common sense demanded that concerned citizens should show great restraint and understanding to the extent that they should not result to umbrage, but rather, put themselves in position of a grieving son of a devoted and adoring Mother - hard to find like a needle in a haystack. A bridge of human understanding should have been built, because wise men abound in Egbaland and that domain is never in short supply of sages. I was dumb founded to know that as at this time of writing (March 1999) Kabiyesi Oba Oyebade Lipede, the Alake of Abeokuta had not deemed it fit to pay a personal visit to kabiyesi Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, Osile Oke-Ona Egba since I his dastardly incidence in September 1996. Could this really be happening between two descendants of Oduduwa or do they really not have the same heritage? The persons of Royal Fathers in our culture and tradition are sacred. In the Northern parts of Nigeria, their legs must not be seen when alighting from vehicles that carry them. The I longaris would form a circle round the vehicle to enable them I ouch the ground with their feet without being seen. In the past, they never speak or eat in public places. If they must speak, they do so through Envoys or Ambassadors or their Ciromas, or the Walis. In our culture in Yorubaland, Royal Fathers who wear beaded crowns and carry sceptres of earthy authority and untrammelled

www.obatejuosobooks.com______40 autocracy, at least do so with relics of their past history and are to be God's representatives on earth. Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa, Igba Keji Orisa. These are their praise worthy appellations literarilly Royal Fathers, owners of Heaven and Earth, the next in rank to the gods, and goddesses. In the past, they held the power of life and death over their subjects. In this way, they are deemed as incapable of wrong doings. The king can do no wrong KABIYESI (meaning Ka bi o osi). This even has its origin in the Holy Bible Ecclesiastes Chapter 8 vs 4. Even in England, it was part of the customs that the king cannot be tried in his own courts. This was the leftover of the Divine Rights of the English Kings where succession is direct from Father to Son. The claim of causation was broken by Edward VII when he sought and married Mrs. Simpson, a divorcee and this made the Royal father as head of the Church to abdicate the throne. One line succession still applies in Benin Kingdom till today. But where succession is divisive from various Royal Houses those who are on the thrones hold them in Trust for members of other Royal Houses, and while they reign, it is incumbent on them to put the record straight and do everything possible to obtain the best for the dynasty for the benefit of those coming behind. If Kabiyesi Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso opened up a dialogue for co-existence, it must not be seen as a mere intellectual exercise, but rather as food for thought to become vehicle for change and vibrant engine for evolution. Change is inevitable. The wind of change is

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blowing all over the world. Dogmas had to be challenged. Purpose of education is a trained mind. And no University can give what God has not endowed. If standard and conventions are challenged, the only visible and reasonable solution is dialogue. In any case, ALMOST all wars end up at the conference table. Egbas are peaceful people and no one should read the "Riot Act" over what one Royal Father had done or failed to do. The Egbas are not by nature power- hungry people. It is on record in the Nigerian history that General Olusegun Obasanjo had remained the only Head of State to voluntarily surrender power from stratocracy or Rule of Military to Civilian Regime, the fact that he fell from grace to grace due to the machination of diabolical power of army intrigue is part of human history of ups and downs, the ladder of human existence. And History can never be manufactured it must occur to be chronicled. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo is, however, now back on the ladder from grass to grace. Thank God he has now won the Presidential ticket for his party the P.D.P. (People’s Democratic Party). He is now on his way to Aso Rock by the grace of God. You should also remember that his success for the Yorubas was also part of the struggle that our highly revered Osile - Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso - stood for at the 1994/1995 National Constitutional Conference. It was the refusal to make Chief M.K.O. Abiola the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that brought about the principle of ROTATIONAL

www.obatejuosobooks.com______42 Presidency. If M.K.O. Abiola had been made the President, the issue of Rotational Presidency might not have arisen. This principle was meant to appease the aggrieved South Western Zone of Nigeria (the Yorubas). Everybody at the Conference (North and South) agreed on Rotational Presidency in principle but the disagreement was whether it should be entrenched in the country's constitution (the Southern position) or it should be left for the constitutions of the political parties (the Northern position). The Politicians happily enough lived up to their words by ensuring, during this present political dispensation, that the two Presidential Candidates that finally emerged were both Yorubas from the South Western Zone - General Olusegun Obasanjo P.D.P. and Chief Olu Falae A.P.P. The yearnings or aspirations or the prayers of the South Western delegates to the 1994/95 National Constitutional Conference at Abuja were thus more than fulfilled since General Olusegun Obasanjo, a Yoruba man, has now been declared the President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Yoruba delegates to the Constitutional Conference have now been vindicated and it would no longer matter whether the issue of ROTATIONAL PRESIDENCY features in the Country's Constitution or NOT, provided General Olusegun Obasanjo is finally installed as the next President of Nigeria on the 29th of May, 1999. God willing. The Egbas are still to be trusted individually and collectively. The likes of Chief Dr. Adekoye Majekodunmi are examples of

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the steadfastness and loyalty of Egbaland to the corporate body known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Adeoye Lambo is another living example so are other symbols of Egba greatness like Chief S.O. Lambo, former Chief Judge of the Federal Court of Appeal and Retired Chief Judges of Ogun State - Justice Odulami and Justice Craig. These are great names in loyalty, patriotism and devotion to public service in Nigeria. Even in the field of Alternative medicine, Chief Joseph Lambo had put traditional medicine in a new connotation and is working towards its acceptance by Western orthodox medical practitioners. In the field of Acupuncture, Dr. Joseph Deinde Sodipo, Doctor of medicine had also done Nigeria proud as a pioneer in this sphere. So also was the late Dr. Chief Oluyinka Olumide in the field of general medical practice. There are in the orthopaedic, the Baileys, Abudus, and the limb-fitter Chief Toye Kuti, of course there are the Bamgbose's, the Sogunles in the field of journalism, in the field of Insurance the late Prince G.O. Adesina with his brother Dr. Prince S.M. Adesina distinguished lawyer and Chief Babatunde Majekodunmi in the field of qualitative education. The Sodeindes, the Sodimus, the Tejuosos are legendary personalities and they made their impact on other communities in far away Ibadan, Lagos and Kaduna. Even the Egba Refugees at Onigbongbo settlement in Lagos enhanced the prominence of Lagos Metropolis. Great names

www.obatejuosobooks.com______44 abound, the descendants of Lisabi are no ordinary mortals. Two Heads of State of Nigeria (General Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief Ernest Sonekan) had been produced by Egbaland, besides contributing two Chief Justices of Nigeria (Justice Adetokunbo Ademola and Sowemimo) out of the present historic eight incumbents to date and countless numbers of Supreme Court Judges. Great names continue to re-echo from Egbaland like Professor Ransome-Kuti, a gentleman scholar of the highest calibre, an internationally renowned public Health expert and former Federal/Minister of Health with W.H.O. consultancy. Other great names in Egbaland include Ogun Suada, Fabiyi, 'Sodunke, Oluwoles, Sobayo, Ajanaku, Majiyagbe (SAN), Oba Dr. Tejuoso, Folarin, Ogundimu, Egberongbe, Dr. Shobanjo, Charles Adebiyi in the field of International Voluntary Service Organisations. Prof. , the first African Nobel Prize winner, Egbeyemi, Oyewole twins (for Qualitative education), Akinremi, Omololu, Osunrinde, Odeyemi, Laloko, Lampejo, Egba had also produced State Governors both in and outside their own State, Navy Captain Rasheed Raji, Chief Oluwole Kotimi, Chief Olusegun Osoba. How God does his work, nobody knows but there are other various ways He (God) gave us His grace and Inner peace. God in His infinite Mercy had given Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso this inner peace which exudes through his personality and creates an electrifying presence with whoever he meets. This is the

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enabling and lasting heritage inherited from the Oba's beloved Mother, hard to find, like a needle in the haystack. Critics felt comfortable to put up another political hopscotch in that Oba Tejuoso inherited the Crown from his maternal side - an uncommon thing in Yorubaland. The first Osile of Oke- (. )na Egba was his maternal great-grand father. These are blind critics. Even in Ado-Ekiti, young women are made Regents to avoid Inter-regnum or vacant traditional stool. In one of the Idos in Ekitiland, a titled Lady was made a Regent of Ajinare. In Yorubaland no one becomes a Traditional Ruler without the diviner making a selection and even where a male successor exists, he must have credentials that are unassailable and must be a good personality with impeccable character. Where such a person could not be found other Ruling Houses are called to present other candidates. It stands to reason where there is one line succession from Father to Son, if the son is noted for mistakes, the second son may have to be considered by the King Makers. In the Oyo Kingdom of old, the Oyomesi will have to have a hard nut to crack in making selection as the Aremo is almost King-in-waiting, all things being equal. It is the Crown Prince in the Benin Empire. Where a Crown Prince died when the Father is still reigning, God forbid, the second son could be presented to the throne and it is unlikely that the grand son of the monarch by the first child will be available. These are customary norms that

www.obatejuosobooks.com______46 both the Yoruba, the Benin Kingdom and Ife Dynasty are capable of resolving when such knotty problems rear their ugly heads. So for one to ascend the throne through the maternal side may not be a big deal after all. In the past, even those who are not members of Royalty often ascended to the throne where they had proved to be uncommon patriots whose loyalty was beyond question. In some cases, they were unique palace servants, and when such succession succeeded a new line of Royalty emerged. The Bugandans in Uganda, and Kingdoms of Toro and Ankole had paraded successful Rulers, whose dynamic rulerships were hallowed by time immemorial even their princess became well acclaimed internationally. How could anyone begrudge a Prince of the calibre of Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, even if he is on the matrilineal line? He is more than qualified, not only as a professional Medical Practitioner but also as an Industrialist. He has granite qualifications enough to let him hold any responsible Elder Statesman position in Nigeria.

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CHAPTER 2 THE KING AND THE ROVAL OLORIS Women throughout the ages have influenced the course of human history one way or the other. Solomon and Cleopatra. The Queen of Sheba and many more in human history had held fort in deciding the course of men, powers and palace intrigues. Not so with the happiness that abound in the God-directed home of Oba Dr. Tejuoso in the gift of his majesty's wives. Oba Adedapo Tejuoso had gone a step further than his fellow Obas. For instance Oba Ewuare the Great married three sisters of the same parentage one after the other. But Oba Dr. Tejuoso married three different women as his Oloris and they grew in I he marriage as three sisters of the same parentage. In the case of the Benin Monarch Oba Ewuare it was the second wife named Ewere that won his heart among the wives. The Monarch believed that his fame, wealth, riches and good luck came to him as a result of this woman named Ewere. Trade flourished, he won many wars and expanded the Benin frontiers North, East and West. As a sign of gratitude to his wife be introduced Igue ceremony in veneration of Ewere. It is celebrated yearly till today on the fifth day of Igue Festival that marks the end of I he Benin Calendar year. To say that Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso is very happy in his married life will be an understatement. He has shown quality of leadership and had refused to shy away from the polygamous

www.obatejuosobooks.com______48 aspect of a traditional Ruler. He is very happy with his three Oloris who interact in a way that shows that polygamous union too has its beauty and is shunned of hypocrisy. It could he real meaningful and absolutely pragmatic. The catalogue of events that would mark the Oba's ten years on the throne will be a celebration of successful marital life of the king himself.

The approach is simply again in the Benin traditional marriage set up which we shall have recourse to refer to later, as our guidelines. The background of the marriage is essential for appreciation of this novel experimentation.

Question: Kabiyesi Sir, your majesty is regarded as a sort of mystic. Answer: I have never thought of that. Question: You are having a Master inner peace. Answer: That is true enough. Question: Why did you leave the lodge? Answer: I read and understood, Gospel of John Chapter 3:16. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus of course is Light. It was a taboo in the Lodge to mention the name of Jesus Christ. To mention the name JESUS in the Lodge was seen as vulgar heresy. Question: You have tidied over martial problem. Before that

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which happened at a younger age. It was hurtful. How did you do things later? Answer: God did it, I invited God into my life and Jesus rules my home as of now. Question: You are kind and full of generosity. Answer: Thanks for the compliments. I could still be much better. Question: Your majesty, you now find peace with Jesus putting behind your youthful exuberances. Your status of leadership and responsibility had influence on your general outlook. Answer: True Question: Now you find the Oloris more sisterly than wives of one man - Molara, Yetunde and Olabisi - are all loving and devoted making Jesus to touch their hearts. That is true and thanks to God. INTERVIEW WITH OLORI MOLARA Question: Omolara, in the past 10 years, what had your life been like? Answer: Our lives have been blessed beyond our own understanding. We find fulfilment in being of service to God, our husband and his people in many wonderful ways. We have inner peace and our understanding of God increases daily. More importantly, we endeavour to win souls for Jesus Christ from time to time within our capabilities. Question: Kabiyesi, is giving you all comfort, affection and

www.obatejuosobooks.com______50 Answer: Yes Question: After Iyalode's death, what.....? Answer: Our instincts to be more helpful to Kabiyesi took a dynamic turn. Question: As a husband, How do you find him? Answer: He has been trying his best. No man is perfect, but I rate him highly. He takes good care of us and the children and radiates love among his family. Question: What about the Late Iyalode? Answer: I took her same level with my Mother. Mother and son are very similar in most cases they were likes twins. She did wonders in our lives. You can hardly distinguish between the children (her grand children). That was her work. Question: A man who has not seen poverty in life; How do you deal with him? Answer: He is simple. He does not take too much of material things to heart. Now That he finds Jesus he is very much at peace with himself and with us all. Question: If you come back to the world will you marry him? Answer: This has been answered by the Bible. There is no coming back so the question does not arise (So let's skip that). By divine intervention and prayers, the Egbas must unite. The Royal Father then said jocularly I shall now leave you (Justice Kuti) with the Oloris just in case they want to make some statements about me. When I am around they may not be free to

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do so. As luck will have it, they never did. I would rate the Oba myself 89% good. It is amazing to know what faith can do. The love of self, gives way to love one's neighbours. This time around lovely sisters all belong to one man.

INTERVIEW WITH OLORI YETUNDE Question: As a husband how do you find Kabiyesi? Answer: He is a nice man a good hubby, a good Father. He used to be short tempered and very strict. He is now a completely different man. The opposite. He is now a born again Christian very dependable and caring. Question: Children are not discernible, they all interact as if they belong to the same Mother. Answer: That is God's and Mama's handwork. Mama looked after them and said they Should not be separated, or discriminated against by any of the wives. Question: How do you cope with Olori's life? Ansiver: Big question. Destiny has brought us all together and in Abeokuta. We cannot do anything about it. We play and work together. We miss our friends and families in Lagos but we have reconciled ourselves to this. We do read the Bible for devotion. Kabiyesi is a kind man, philosophical man, deeply religious man, and a disciplinarian. He is an honest man to the core. Truth is constant with him. Question: You notice the problem in Egbaland. Other Obas

www.obatejuosobooks.com______52 seem to join your husband? Answer: That is true. One cannot truly say they joined him. Each and everyone has it's own axe to grind. And peace will surely come by Divine intervention. Question: You have made the best out of life. But surely at times it must be OK but sometimes you must get low, at other times life must continue with crowded programmes. Answer: How do you cope? Oh quite easy. God has taken full control and you know with God, everything is possible. Question: You all are highly intelligent people - how are you able to stabilise your situation? Answer: Every house ought to have God as the pillar. We believe that people who pray together can be happy and stay together. So it is with us. (So Olori Yetunde finally concluded her socratic dialogue with the Author)

OLORI OLABISI'S INTERVIEW Question: How do you find Kabiyesi? Answer: Good husband and good Father He is OK. Question: You are the youngest. You miss your friends in a way. Answer: Yes. I used to. Question: What do you find attractive in being a traditional woman behind the throne?

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Answer: Wherever we go, we are accorded respect and people admire us. We are also appreciated by different people that we serve when they pay Kabiyesi visits either officially or otherwise. Question: Has any of you ever contemplated writing books on your experience as Olori? Answer: No. Custom prevents us, if it is acceptable in other areas, it may not be in Egbaland. Question: Present debacle - an all Egba issue is not between Kabiyesi and others. Can you See others joining him. Kabiyesi is not fighting for himself. He is fighting for the oppressed in Egbaland. Lasting peace to all will surely come in the end by God's grace through Divine Intervention, justice and fair play.

CONCLUSION It is one of the few instances where polygamy has worked out because the three wives treat themselves as sisters of the same parents. They put their trust in Jesus Christ's wondrous spiritual guidance. This Author noted with satisfaction; this is a polygamous arrangement that had worked to the satisfaction of all the parties concerned. Without rancour or bitterness born of respect and adulation. Almost adopting the Koranic injunction to do good to all the women and love them equally and let their wardrobes be the same in quality and quantity. If they are three, let them share alike. In a Christian household and Royal traditional Palace, what is obtained is beyond human

www.obatejuosobooks.com______54 comprehension, it is equity at its best. Jesus Christ has truly become real in this household. May it please Him to continue forever and ever until He comes back to take us all with Him in RAPTURE (Amen). Olori Olabisi Oladunni Tejuoso (nee Badejo-Okusanya), the youngest of the Oloris had her Primary school education variously at Corona Creche the elitist school for youngsters St. Saviour School, later she went to Grange School Ikeja and became 2nd set member of that school. St. Theresa College Oke-Ado Ibadan was for her Secondary School Education. Lagoon Secretariat, she attended for Secretarial Studies and finished up at Pitman's. She worked briefly for Mobil, before she went to Grenoble in France to read for her degree in French. She went to Business School in London for HND in Marketing and advertisement still in search of golden fleece, finally went to American University Watford England for her degree of B.Sc. Business Administration. She returned to Nigeria, to participate in National Youth Corps and got married to Oba Tejuoso. 16 years had passed in this wonderful marriage which is blessed with children. It is a taboo in our tradition to count the number of children of the Royal family. The youngest Olori is a multilinguist who speaks Yoruba, English and French Languages. She had settled so well into the Royal Olori role and is like a kid sister to the other senior Oloris. The most exciting of the interview with the three Oloris of Dr.

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Adedapo Tejuoso seemed to strike this writer as to the . nu' voice they all speak of the greatness and gentleness imbedded in their husband, who they all see as a father, husband, brother and counsellor. The background of the Oloris is a pointer to the extreme in' the Oba would have undertaken in his choice of life partners. After lightning comes rain: The Oba's early experience in match making was not a happy one, but as if to compensate him the abundance of affection lavished on him by these beautiful angels must be seen to be appreciated. They radiate trust, absolute loyalty, devotedness and unquestioning obedience. One calls to mind the words of Olori Yetunde the middle wife, who described the Oba as a devoted father, an exceptionally caring lather and husband, and swore that this great Royal father has no rival as to the extent he would go to give his children sound and qualitative education. Olori Molara the senior wife of His Majesty Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso formerly Miss Omolara Adesola Odeneye. Her father was a Prince Merchant "G. Ade Million" who came from Ijebu Ode and Ogbogbo in Ijebuland. Her mother too was also a trader. They both hailed from the same place. She described her childhood as excellent. She lacked nothing, she was trained to be self-independent from youth. Reagan Memorial Yaba was for her Primary education. Her Secondary School was May Flower School, Ikenne. The famous Tai Solarin Institution added colour

www.obatejuosobooks.com______56 to her discipline Yaba College of Technology was where she did her post secondary education. She was a Technical Teacher for sometime at Ansarudeen High School Falolu Surulere, Lagos where she taught Mathematics and Technical Drawing. She resigned later and soon became a full time housewife. Before that she had a shop at Tinubu in Lagos called Larytej (Lara Tejuoso) where she sold shoes and cosmetics. She shared the Rotary passion of 'Service above self' with her husband as she toured many clubs with him during his service year as district governor of district 911 (now 9110) in the year 1986-87. She was a member and Past President Inner wheel Club Ikeja 1985/86 and rose to the level of Zonal Representative of Inner wheel International District 911 in 1988-89. Through service with a smile she confirmed that she met many wonderful people both at home and abroad. "Service is an expression of love" - she added. It was finally at Abeokuta, in the real sense, that she became a full-time house wife. "It would seem Rotary and Inner wheel clubs have prepared us for the roles we play now" She had been at it for 25 years in marriage with no regrets whatsoever. With these granite qualifications it could be seen that the Oba's Oloris are not just run-in-the mills sort of wives. They are well-educated women who could hold their own as career women in any decent society. It seemed as if His Majesty prevailed on them at every stage to give up not only lucrative careers and flourishing business to be at the home front bringing

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up the Royal Princes and Princesses for the challenges of the future - a duty to which they seem to be enjoying with full assurance from Christ as their Mentor and spiritual Guide. Again it is settled norms to refer to African traditional marriage and the standard set up in Benin Kingdom before any marriage could be contacted, the families of both the bride and the bridegroom carry out thorough investigations about each others families of both the bride and the bridegroom and past generations to determine the behaviours of their descendants, the havoc they might have committed, other vices, madness, epileptic traces, albinos and sickle cells, anaemia or Egbuakhuan (in Benin Language). The reasons for these investigations are to avoid cross breeding between the good and the bad so as not to pollute and tarnish each other's families' names in their communities and in the eye of the entire society. It is after the investigations following the formal introduction of the bride and bridegroom, a date is usually fixed for the traditional marriage. Whoever did the investigations for Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso in the choice of his three wives deserve a meritorious award. The pedigree is that of fellow "Prince Merchants" as their parents as well as inter-mixture of blue blood as in the case of Olori Yetunde Funmilayo Tejuoso (nee Akinluyi) the middle wife whose mother Mrs. Abiola Akinluyi is the first daughter of late General Saki, Oba Akinsanya, a political rarity and high ranking Royal father known and well respected as one and only one the first crowned

www.obatejuosobooks.com______58 Oba, the Odemo of Ishara in Isara Remo. A Ruler known for In . nationalistic fervour, a man of stature and principled ruler a disciplined statesman, an orator in his own class, and in his own days. Olori Yetunde the middle wife of His Majesty Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso has had 19 years in marriage. Her maiden name is Akinluyi from Ilesha-Esa-Oke home of Bola Ige (SAN) the Cicero. Her father, Chief Theophilus Omotosho Akinluyi, the Aro of Esa Oke worked as National Press Senior Circulation Manager Apapa for the Morning Post, also worked at Christabel and Farm Milk, after which he went into private business. Olori Yetunde had excellent childhood (St. Phillips Primary School was for her Primary Education), Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode where she studied for her Secondary Education. She holds diploma certificate in Catering having studied at Kitchen Equipment Surulere, Lagos. She worked with National Oil and Chemical Company PLC for a while until she got married to Kabiyesi. She was in catering business with a friend for a short while. She later became a full-time house wife. " A devoted father, very very good father who has no rival in the onerous duty of looking after the welfare of his children and providing them with the best available education". This is the description given to Oba Dr. Tejuoso by Olori Yetunde. It can be seen that from his choice of his Oloris, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso can be said to be extra lucky. He got married

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to women from well-to-do, honest and hardworking families like himself. From the youngest whom the Oba married when he was 45 years old and on his way to his late forties, and still going strong. The eldest Olori the Oba married when he was only 36 years old, and Olori Yetunde the middle wife he married when he was 42 years old. From the youngest Olori who had French and American education, to career ladies of the calibre of Olori Omolara and Yetunde one could see His Majesty in the midst of sophisticated women who are more than average educated housewives. It was the Oba who persuaded each and every one of them for love's sake to abandon their search for monies and social prestige and settle down in the home front and serving God. In obedience they did just what he had requested them to do. They complied. The sequel is an unforgettable association which had benefited the family tremendously and brought peace and stability into the Royal castle. An insight into the silver spoons in which all the wives were known to be fed. The Idumagbo Prince Merchant "G. Ade Million" (the late pa Odeneye) ranked among the wealthiest Lagos Prince Merchants of his time ranking high in personal fortunes like the Odutolas and Okunowos also of Ijebuland. He was a successful trader of note. That was where Olori Omolara had her illustrious pedigree, born with diamond spoon in the mouth, (more than silver spoon). That was when monies had their values and personal wealth was real. To own a

www.obatejuosobooks.com______60 motor vehicle then was a rarity. They had, and also they dressed well to show for it as great occasions demanded. Olori Yetunde the grand daughter of Odemo of Ishara the late Oba Akinsanya and therefore a Princess in her own right went for tremendous fame, prestige and great personality. The Odemo was well-to-do as well as a notable pillar of the political class. He was a great orator and unrepentant nationalist of unequalled calibre. She too came from the blue blood and the streak of Royalty in her blood blended her to suit the Royal system as traditional Olori. The youngest wife Olabisi is the daughter of the late Badejo Okusanya of the famous Badejo sound studio, an enterprising 'Prince Merchant' who waxed and produced records and gramma-phones, a socialite of note, member of Island Club and well-known wealthy personality. Olori 'Labisi's mother, Sumbo Omololu belonged to the paragon of Dr. Omololu of Aroloya lame. A generation of professional men who all had motor vehicles in Lagos when only a few could afford such personal property. Olori Olabisi's mother (now a Reverend Doctor) was born with diamond spoon in her mouth. She attended the best available primary and post primary schools in Lagos. And whenever she was taken to school, the driver would wait to bring her back home. Such was the affluence that it became legendary that she never lacked anything. Little wonder that C )lori Olabisi too had the privilege of the best possible education like her sister

61 10Years ON

Oloris. In some traditions when the sons of District Heads want to marry they prefer they choose daughters whose fathers are Judges, Councillors and Administrators, amongst families used to entertaining various people, who can inter relate easily and are hospitable and warm people. All the three Oloris have all these qualities and more, so they all blend into the traditional Royal system which their upbringing seem to absorb and to have prepared them for. They are greatly respected and whenever they accompany their husband Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, they carry themselves as well-groomed ladies and devoted mothers and housewives. As Oloris, the Royal Iyalode of Egbaland had influenced them, as they joined her household, on how to comport themselves Royally and interact with the public. She brought all the children together under one roof that it is so difficult to know which of the children belonged to a particular mother. She did not stop at that she brought Jesus into their hearts and they bade the devil farewell both in their daily undertakings and in words and deeds. They live decently, dignifying with gentleness and religious piety, and in obedience to the teaching of the Bible. It is this background that had motivated the blessings of their social interaction sisterhood and co-operations as sisters akin to those of the same parents. They cherish Bible reading and have imbibed instructions from the Holy words from Jesus teachings, everyday in every way they

www.obatejuosobooks.com______62 seem to be growing in stature and in the knowledge of Christ. They live contented lives with equanimity of mind.

63 10Years ON

CHAPTER 3 A CASE FOR UNITY IN DIVERSITY So, it was, that Governor McCullum forged a federated Egbaland on the 31st of January 1898 when the Obas up to this point were leaving separate independent existence and were never known to have met together face to face. That day, Governor McCullum of Lagos asked them to meet and to remove the beaded shrouds covering their faces. They lived separate existence without owing any allegiance to any other ruler since each of them was apposed to be next only to God (Igba Keji Orisa). The aim of federalism, as it were then, and as it should be now, was Union NOT Unity. It was consensus, and meeting of the mind, which by its nature ceases to be, once there is absence of consensus idem". As it has been pointed out "inter alios" Ake because of the power of Incumbency of Sodeke, and his successors, had the advantage of having educated people in its constituency and it was not difficult for Ake to project itself as a district. At the turn of the century, it should be reflected that New Returnees after slave trade abolition in America, England and other parts of the world, found their ways through West Coast - Sierra Leone to their fatherland - Nigeria - as it were Omobowales" back to Abeokuta - where Christian religion and education were gaining ground. These "returnees" accustomed to white man's ways of life, contributed to the growing knowledge of administration and civic responsibilities. A sort of "genteel"

www.obatejuosobooks.com______64 cultured people clustered around Wasinmi Ake, Igbein and Ibara which became the nerve centre for commodity trading. And it was a vogue to use colonial master's names outrightly in place of native names or in combination. It had to do with what one can describe as Trade and Christianity, Gun and Bible walked hand in hand, it was no exception to Egbaland. The Federation of Egbaland of 1898 culminated to Egbaland becoming part of a larger unit called Nigeria in 1914; under Lord Ludgard constitution. Up till then Egbaland was a viable common wealth with four federating units. The apex of this popularity and accumulation of power was the reign of the Alake of Abeokuta Sir Ladapo Ademola, the illustrious ruler and father of the first indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria to whom most Egbas deferred for his brilliance, judicial courage and Statesmanship. All these qualities conspired to make "Ake" a first port of call into Egbaland. In the 1950s, other prominent citizens along the line, the Koye Majekodunmis, the Sodipos of Ikereku, the Solankes, Akin Olugbades, the Adewolus of Owu, the Ransome-Kutis, Tejuosos, the Jibowus (the Ologbo Ijeun) these illustrious lineage continued until the Ijebus, the Remos, and people of Egbado or now Yewaland combined to make up Ogun State. This August event tended to expose the Egba units and Kingdoms into new exposure in which each component of the Egba Federation seeks to find its feet in a new freedom.

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The ascendancy of General Olusegun Obasanjo as the Nigerian Head of State in 1976 disturbed the equation of Egbaland and placed Owu into a prominence the Egbas could not ignore. On religious note, the emergence of the Celestial Church of Christ made another in road. Late Pa Pastor Oshoffa traced his lineage to an Owu Compound and claimed kinsmen in the corridor of power. An Architect and well known scholar eventually ascended the Owu throne. So while Ake was steadily progressing, Oke-Ona, Gbagura, Owu as Kingdoms were equally getting more enlightened and making their relevance felt. So if the Union is to be strengthened or dissolved then the partners must sit together to restructure the Federation of the Egbas. It is like saying, "I do not wish to be a second class citizen in a place where my grand parents laboured for. I am worried about what my grandson will be and say." If the forebears of the Egba Kings sat down like the Berlin Conference of 1884 and subsequent partition of Africa, surely, present enlightened Rulers cannot be made to inherit a truncated Empire of unequal potentates. They need to imagine that in the past and in a foreign country, things were done differently there. So, if these Traditional Rulers rightly feel superior to their neighbouring towns and Rulers in the Ogun State Complex based on historical perspectives, they deserve to be recognised whether by population of their citizens, well as natural resources and history. They have to cease to I

www.obatejuosobooks.com______66 play second fiddle in the body polity of Egbaland and of Ogun Mate. They are too enlightened not to share in the Rotational Chairmanship of Egbaland and of the Ogun State Council of Obas just because of their disadvantaged position in the historic Egba Federation, even though Obas with hamlets and much less historic importance virtually preside over them. It had reconsonant voice in the larger Council of Traditional Obas. Hence, the journey for well deserved identity and self actualisation. They hold great reverence to the person of the present Alake, Oba Oyebade Lipede. They accept without conditions his personality, wisdom and fatherly role and hold no animosity towards him personally. However, with circumstances of history, the federal policy or ideology is of course a different kettle of fish. It is against this background I bat the agitation to exist on a larger and wider plane and perspective arose. Please note that the Alake (Oba Oyebade 1 ipede) as a person is completely different and separate from t he Alake as an institution. It was not a case of futile competition in depreciation but rather an innovation to allow the Egbaland with its tremendous resources to play a larger than life role in the committee of Ogun State and indeed, Nigeria. So the question of paramountcy should be revisited so that while the Union remains strong and vibrant, individual traditional rulers could go out and function

67 10Years ON

effectively as individual Obas, and the vibrant voices of the Egbas would be louder or more noted in the committee of Egba

Traditional Rulers' Council. The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Egbadoland and also the Akarigbo of Remoland are both historically junior to the Osile, the Agura and the Olowu. Yet, both the Olu of Ilaro and the Akarigbo are today Paramount Rulers while the Osile, Agura and Olowu are not. Where is the justice and fair-play in this? This imbalance must be corrected. It is trite aphorism therefore that it is not what is happening to people that matters but how people are dealing with it and reacting to it. The clarion call is that the traditional rulers should sit down and get their motives right. They have to keep their motives right. They need not be told like Hausa proverb "Da zoho zuma Ake mangani" that is, it is from old honey that new wines are made. There are many sides to any major issue, it all depends who the audience would be. There is no doubt that Chieftaincy matters in Yorubaland is as significant as the symbolic Akoko leaves that sounded like stamp of Chieftaincy recognitions. People do not joke about these things. They regard them as part of our mores and culture and would not spare anyone Who tends to violate our customs. There are therefore traditional hostilities to changes in whatever form. So against this exposed background it is overwhelmingly

www.obatejuosobooks.com______68 imperative for the Egba Rulers to come to terms with reality and make each of the four Royal Fathers of the four Egba sections not only paramount in his own domain but also paramount in words and in deed to such extent that while the Alake rotates Chairmanship with other neighbouring Obas, his own brother Egba Obas too could be privileged to hold the Presidency of the Egba Traditional Council and the Chairmanship of the Ogun State Council of Obas. This unity in diversity would still be preserved and the Adage unity in diversity would be properly preserved, without bitterness and rank antagonism. Thus: Time past Time present Are perhaps both present In Time future T.S. Eliot

By this equation, history would have been made for the Egbas is versatile nature for dialogue, innovation, diplomacy, tact and, expediency. In this manner, lasting peace would be attained instead of distrust, suspicion and a state of futile competition in negation. A great Egbaland tomorrow would have emerged. Here His Majesty, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso rests his case. There are arguments for not having a dialogue, but more importantly, there are arguments for having a fruitful dialogue, i . dialogue is an added instrument for Conflict resolution. Dialogue is part of building bridges of human understanding. Egbaland has the unique privilege of having full time devotees

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as Custodians of Egba customs and tradition. Surely, it is not those Rulers who perform all the traditional functions. I hey rule by proxy. Chiefs and Traditional Rulers are an added instrument of governance in the modern concept of democratisation and Constitutional Government. Under such genuine arrangements, democratisation process becomes inevitable. All forms of domination have no place in any true form of federation and should be expunged for the sake of peace and stability in Egbaland. There is nothing inappropriate for the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta or the Agura of Gbagura to become Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas in rotational system. Such political and administrative clout is a fillip for the ascendancy of Egbaland. And if the Agura should be so privileged "mutatis mutandis" the Osile of Oke-Ona, as well as the Alake himself should be so privileged even at that global level of statecraft. Some of the Yoruba Obas in their various domains of traditional jurisdiction have no more population or resources, human and material than our Egba Sectional Monarchs. And what is good for the goose should be good for the gander. They should cease to be sectional Rulers. Historically they never originated from sectional roots they migrated after vicious inter-tribal wars and all sought refuge under the Olumo Rock which afforded natural refuge for fleeing warriors, and the like. In devastating warfares in which parents killed their own children

www.obatejuosobooks.com______70 and wives rather than allow them to be captured and mutilated, and great warriors committed suicide rather than suffer in-eluctable fate of slavery. The aphorism was "ona jin sugbon, Ona orun ko jin", that is the journey into slavery is far, long and tedious but the road to suicide is short and surer. It is against this historical background that unity of Egba refugees was forged and many waters had since passed under the bridge. They should all be "ascriptis glebae" or sons of the soil. They must be regarded as true Confederatists like the Swiss Cantons in terms of Confederation. They should not be intimidated by prospects of new freedom, years of playing second fiddles should only be regarded as products of human history. As such the games of generation should have been seen to have exhausted their own idiosyncrasies. To be nearer home even in Lagos Metropolis there are now as many Obas as there are Local Government Areas. Before such development, it was the Eleko of Eko (Lagos) that held sway. Even modernity had crept into tradition as a reigning Oba's son, not necessarily the heir apparent or Crown Prince ascended Obaship in another domain quite apart from his father's inheritance. The heavens did not fall. Only the heavens rejoiced. The Egbas on the other hand are ingenious, full of perseverance, strong-willed and enterprising to hold them to

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ransome by the miasma of traditional dogmas and norms would turn them into a vanishing breed, which they are not. Oba Dr. Tejuoso, Karunwi III better known as Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso. The Osile Oke-Ona Egba in his "So far so memorable" a review of one year in office written nine years ago made valuable contributions to sensitive traditional issues. The book was dedicated to his predecessors in office, all past Osile Oke-Ona Egba (especially the Karunwis) most of whom, he suffered tribulations, indignities, deprivations, persecutions and untimely deaths for the sake of the progress and greater glory of Egbaland. Water is the master of the washerman, so it is that modern history could only take care of the present by making reference to the past to ensure proper road map for the future. As the past is a strange country and there they did things lillcrently. And faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eye can see, Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso J.P., the Industrial Medical Doctor turned Kabiyesi, believes that there is no greater love than love that holds on where there seems be NOTHING left to hold on to, and one might as well recall the I. iv. of his beloved sister in December 1965 and his dear father in December 1968, both untimely losses and much devastating mil this in the twilight of his years, was exacerbated by the untimely loss of a doting mother, on the 19th of September, 1996 another with whom on issues on policies on employees the Kabiyesi may

www.obatejuosobooks.com______72 have the dynamics of modern economics to contend with Iyalode on certain variables may have to be taken into consideration, competing market forces the loyalty and dedication of supporting staff and their overall welfares over which they shared common interest. Thus stressing the technique of modern scientific management that it is not hard to make decisions when you know what values were the Late Iya Oba, and the Iyalode of Egbaland having managed successfully many enterprises like I Teju Foam among others had herself emerged as erudite practical economist, Kabiyesi had to do his homework well before engaging in economic discourse with her. It is good to remember that the Tea Kettle although up to its neck is hot water, still continues to sing. Be that as it may, the traumatic experiences which dogged Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso on the throne has not made his strong will to mellow, rather it had propelled his self esteem and self actualisation beyond what the eye could see. His mien is classical. Most men forget God in the daytime and ask him to remember them at night. Oba Dr. Tejuoso had moved nearer to his God even much more than hither to. So much so that it is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his sole helper is OMNIPOTENT. Having thus assumed the toga of the "shife" in the spiritual realm, his critics dubbed him a mystic and an enigma but to him, simply put, wisdom is the quality that keeps him from getting into

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situation where he would need it. He therefore applies tact, I ingenuity, diplomacy and personal discipline to see that impossibilities vanish when a man and his God confront a mountain, so it was "Tetigi Montis", I touched the mountain. An affair on the morning of 20th May 1989, Abeokuta, the capital City of Ogun State witnessed a coronation pageant, the like of which has never been experienced in the 159 years of the foundation of the city of Abeokuta. It was the installation and coronation of a Lagos based medical practitioner and a renowned Industrialist at the very centre of the city, the Sapon, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta Roundabout. Just a few yards from his palace. Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso a 5-Star Paul Harris fellow and former Rotarian Governor, the President of the National as well as the African Badminton Federations and an elected member of the International Badminton Federation (I.B.F.) as the 8th Osile Oke- Ona Egba, Karunwi III. By the 20th of May 1999 "ten years on"; history again is made as the first decade of this historic tenure of a majestic reign rolls by. In his autobiography "The Ultimate Honour" which was an expose perse of his journey through marital life, his philosophy and working psyche, his attachments to three-in-one, his mother, sister and self and many more exposures, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso in his 'Ultimate Honour' made a tour de force of an equally intellectual curiosity of a sort. He conceptualised his philosophy of a Christian King not relegating to the ultimate

www.obatejuosobooks.com______74 background the concept of a philosopher/king. He even called to witness the influence of his childhood when A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 37 .•.dlli was wealth and moral values scored highest. The i n 11 ucnce of his devout Christian parents and Bishop Onatolu's i .unily care and of course his Alma Mater Abeokuta Grammar .. I tool (Abeogram) whose mottoes are: "The fear of God is the i ■.'ginning of wisdom", "My character is greater than my books." I lirse guidelines and principles had helped to sharpen the i Kile's character especially with the influence of the great ■ I i .i iplinarian the Late Rev. I.O. Ransome-Kuti popularly known i, (l)ao) "Easily discernible in the Kabiyesi's exemplary and jugular Christian ethos, an unflinching belief in God and an obviously inseparable nexus between Kabiyesi and God his i ivator". This is very much manifested in the daily communal morning Christian worship at his residence. And family night I 'l ayers of praise and glory to the Almighty God. Osile demonstrates in a profound manner, affinity for anything religious. And from far and wide people come to share I >iritual and Christian fellowships with his Majesty - Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso. The Alake of Abeokuta, the Osile Oke-Ona Egba, the Agura of Gbagura and Olowu of Owu have appeared to have been living peacefully together in Abeokuta since January 31st 1898 over a

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century ago without let or hindrance. This according to ()ba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, as he chronicled, must have been a marriage of convenience with sacrifices in varying degrees by I lie four, nay three different sections constituting Egbaland. "So lar so memorable" was a book with a mission. It was an advocacy per excellence meant to remind the Egbas what need be done to attain lasting peace and harmony in Egbaland. The learned advocate of restructuring the system which gave rise to marriage of convenience he left the door open for future dialogue (8 years) as a veritable weapon for conflict resolutions and as an added instrument to time honoured Egba diplomacy. "E.U.G" was formed, the Egba United Government (NOT Egba UNITY NOR UNITARY Government) in 1898 it would 38 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service not have heralded a loose federation. When the Egba United Government was constituted, Obas from the four sections of Egbaland were the principal actors of the Council. Their contributions, in the main were central to the overall decisions of the Council. In later years, it is little wonder that Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso became an unrepentant advocate of dignified treatment for Obas in matters of protocol especially in Government circles. He would also want a meaningful role carved for Obas for the grassroot knowledge of the customs and

www.obatejuosobooks.com______76 the people. This you would remember was part of his contribution at the 1994/95 Abuja National Constitutional Conference. Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso grew into a colossus in terms of towering human being living a contemplative and contented life. ChApTER 4 EGBA CONFEDERATION 1 ,in.1 of Gbagura was on throne in 1870. The Olowu of Owu . mu' earlier in 1855, while the Osile Oke-Ona came to the throne m I S')7. Alake of Ake came in 1854. He was chosen as the first i i • .u lent of the Federation in 1898. It was in no way stated that i mild be apermanent position till the end of time. TheOsile ' 'I e Ona, was the Minister of Justice. The Agura was the 1 iilister of Works and the Olowu was the Minister of Finance ill in 1898. 11 was by consensus that the Alake became the 1st paramount i tiler and this was NEVER meant to be the permanent situation nor the last. The Osile, Agura and the Olowu have since, been h ipped of their positions and titles while the Alake is still holding on tenaciously, not only to his own title as President I nit also combining his duties (by usurpation) with those of the t >sile, Agura and Olowu as Ministers. What an Irony of fate? 11le Alake ceased to be called Alake of Ake and with the level of literacy and prominence of the successive rulers; the Alake unilaterally and autocratically assumed the title of Alake of Abeokuta during the reign of Sir Ladapo Ademola II. Tire Rocky t

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ity, was founded on the 5th of August, in 1830. It is now the prestigious State Capital of Ogun State with Egbaland laying claim to Satellite towns and villages numerous in number. They include Orile Oko, Orile Ilugun, Orile Ikereku, Ilawo, Ikija, Obafemi-Owode, Odeda, Wasimi , Itori, Ewekoro, Ifo, Sango- Otta, Orile Ibara, Ilewo. Ifo is a junction town with many villages attached to it. It draws lineage from some big sections of Abeokuta town. As a matter of history, the Egbas lay claim to outskirts villages and it is their tradition that their kinsmen who die in these villages sometimes find final resting-places, in their compounds 40 A Decade of Royal Selfless Sei~vice in the Metropolis (Abeokuta). The Egbas have great traditions and customs and being fiercely independent, is one of their political virtues. It is not strange therefore that Oba Dr. Tejuoso should be in any way different from the streak in the blood emancipated Egbaman. Of course, there are half-castes among the Egbas, those of double lineages of Egbas and Ijebus who are nicknamed the "Ijegba". These too are chips of the old block. It is so simplistic and over generalisation to stereotype the Egbas as controversial; nothing could be farther from the truth. So the issues identified with Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso could either make a Moses or a Joshua out of him leading his men to the promised land or he could be seen as a Daniel in the Lion's

www.obatejuosobooks.com______78 Den and whichever way he could not be dismissed as just another social critic on the throne. To reinstate that controversy trails the monarch is simply not to be objective. This is a highly educated personality like most Egbas are, he is one of their kind, the son of the soil; and to castigate him is to be non-objective and remove reality from the scene. To try to castigate him is to annihilate their traits of genealogy and age-long characteristic peculiar to all Egbas and syndrome of civilisation. The Egbas had sought refuge among the Rocks as they fled from intolerable neighbourhood. The Oke-Onas, Gbaguras and Owus certainly did not flee from wars in their homesteads only to come and submit to slavery under the Egba Alakes in Abeokuta. They were migratory and wanderlust, a breed of the restless clan. Now they tried very hard to settle down, they have to disagree to agree in a highly sophisticated and hyper-democratised community whose practice of freethinking is hallowed by time. The Aisegba Agura tribe left their domain and migrated to Ekiti and took up the new name - we are not Egbas!. Egbaland is a nation State with traditional monarchical system and well-tried system of Native Administration, with well-defined social structure of status, as well as professional and divisional ranks in society, and market-women ranked foremost in the social system. As agitators, it was such a pressure A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 41

79 10Years ON

iimp led by Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (Bere) in the 1940s ili.it once drove an Alake Sir Ladapo Ademola into exile when 11 ii • Mothers of human society tended to settle score by parading 11 ii | iopular streets in Abeokuta in their birthright suits - NAKED. \! oilier times, they were dressed in black or white wrappers, li.mting various war and dirge songs; and even held funeral pn n ess ion at Ake palace for days. The undressed women suffragettes were no child's play or < oca-Cola parade. It could only give a sombre picture of the 1111 u re of our society. For women to parade naked and publicly ci used as a last resort and it is the apex of protestation. It was more them a hen party. The brutal murder of Iyalode of Egbaland added a new • lunension to the already fragile situation. Such an incidence lud never happened in the long history of Egbaland, and the Ancestors of the Egbas would not doubly reel in their graves, the Sodekes, the Lunloyes, the Agbos, the Lara's and the spirit ol l .isabi Agbongbo Akala all great warriors of their time would i lever forgive such a vulgar heresy and gross violation of Human K ight in acts that fly in the face of protection to life and property. An act so senseless and indefensible that it admits of no justification either morally or socially. It is barbaric, anti-social, ilangerous and atavistic to say the least. But before this unfortunate incident, Oba Dr. Olawale Adisa (Meleye Lagbedu I, a renowned and wealthy architect before

www.obatejuosobooks.com______80 ascending the throne of Owu, and Oba, Halidu Laloko, Sobekun I he second the Agura of Gbagura supported Oba Adedapo Tejuoso in his quest for justice. This clearly showed that Oba Tejuoso, the Osile Oke-Ona Egba is not running a one-man show. "Deep called to deep" and it is birds of the same feather that flock together. Other high ranking citizens must reason with them to conceptualise that they must all seat together and reason together to find a lasting solution to the inevitable problem of co-existence. If one calls Egbaland a confederation, one cannot

42 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service be far from being right. You will also not be wrong to call Egbaland a Federation. It is a free association of ancient anil independent lineages. If our forefathers failed to question certain traditions, it is not in our interest to deviate from it, but modernity has no conscience, it is set out to put things right. Such line ol action makes nonsense of education. Education is to give a man a trained mind; that is what high level education had done to the Egbas, it is too late in the day to miseducate them now. Egbaland must move forward, by sheer dialogue and diplomacy, the paramountcy of the Alake can still be maintained without detriment to the inalienable rights of the other three sectional Obas to Paramountcy in their respective domains. This should be within the periphery of real dialogues and tact with Obas of

81 10Years ON

the three other sections who in every sense are real brothers. For example, an Owu man is a Yorubaman all right, but he is more virulent than an Iboman. He takes no nonsense, and would not suffer fools gladly. These are thorough bred farmers and hunters, they work very hard and are honest in all their dealings. They are frank and proud like the Ekitiman. They are equally principled. This may not be a generalisation but in the main that is the picture that is portrayed to the civilised world. There in Ekitiland is a town called Aisegba Agura meaning we are not Egba Agura whereas, they came from Egbaland; is an example already cited when principles take hold of an Egbaman. There is Orile Owu with long lineage to Owu municipality and Ifo the cosmopolitan j unction town is the farm town of Egba compound. The people of Ake are time honoured administrations and nobilities, and the same traits of hard nut to crack can be found in other sectors of Abeokuta among the Gbaguras, Owus, the Oke-Onas that years of assimilation made the Egbas homogeneous. So it will be erroneous to imagine that anybody would want to rally people behind himself only to cause disaffection and promote disunity. Such a surmise would undermine the great image of peace-loving nature that characterises the Egba nationhood, and in the main be counter productive to the much time honoured Lisabi heritage.

A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 43

www.obatejuosobooks.com______82 11 ir mass media had dished out cheap propaganda about i . mI'. m Egbaland. The issue of Rotational Chairmanship of i i i Traditional Council and the Ogun State Council of Obas is i mailer to be settled by the Government. A public inquiry .. . be evoked and traditional evidence taken. African history i ill documented even in Buganda, the Governor in Council i . decreed that no Bugandan land should be alienated to i m . and where this was done, reversionary rights were nr t lived and the loss fell when it laid. Such pieces of land usually 111HI I heir ways back to the Natives. In no dissimilar situation 'in i ights of each sectional OBA in Abeokuta could be revisited nd as the Egbas are highly sophisticated and democratised j . 11 mi lace a solution could easily be found if everyone approaches 11H ■ issue with passionate desire to do what is right. There is no i mallei imitation of the Modakekes, Ife polemics now settled, in tin' Egbaland issue. It is a question of democratisation and I Inman Rights as no single Royal Father or anyone for that mailer, can claim not to be the outcome of years of miscegenation , 11 ie to mobility of population and years of inter-marriages which lend to make Egbas really of one stock. With no precedence to si by, and with imperfect human machinery, the Egbas found themselves confined to hilly environments and for close to two . . nturies they found it difficult to reemigrate. There was no . I'libacy among the Egbas rather they are highly reproductive r. they are physically well and lived

83 10Years ON

well, mostly agrarian ■ (immunities with time-honoured farming systems so they multiplied and grew in numbers, their children became I imminent across the globe, they cannot be differentiated at home . 11 ter years of exposure and academic and intellectualised terrain abroad. Their Royal Rulers are stalwarts of immense scholarship. I hey have made fellowships across the high seas and are merchants in the competitive money markets. The Egbas are excellent in the fields of Law and Medicine. In Law, they produced two Chief Justices of Nigeria, and two Heads of (iovernment, and yet it is an Egbaman, a well groomed Nigerian, that will usher in the 4th Republic come May 29th 1999. 44 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service They reached their peak in governance, they take place next to none and in Universities, they are administrators to be reckoned with, in Islamic juris-prudence and Western Education, they are forerunners in hospitality industries, the Alamutu and the Phillips are also there to reckon with. They have so much to their advantages that it will be simplistic to underrate the restless psyche of an Egba indigene. It is even said that a simple farmer in the bush could surprisingly be literate, he simply took farming as a vocation, just like a Massai in Kenya leaning on a spear tendering his low flocks whereas he could be an alumnus of Makerere University with bias in English. The Olubara of Ibara

www.obatejuosobooks.com______84 did not feature in the imbroglio of the sectional Obas encounter with Kabiyesi Alake. The Olubara's position is of course very different as he is only an Oba in Egba Alake section and under the Alake. Alake of Abeokuta, as many other high class chieftains, tend to confine the problems to the professional class of new class of Obas who are no doubt fountain of great influence because of their world-wide connections before their homecoming. It should be known clearly that this class of Obas could be a veritable vehicle for economic development of the entire Egbaland, as well as being engines for industrial growth and transfer of technology. One has mooted the establishment of an eyebank as an arm of Healthcare delivery system in Egbaland. They all want to attract industries to Abeokuta. Mention had to be made of the contribution of Egbas to the development of Tertiary Education in Nigeria. Professor Eugene Odunjo M.D. of blessed memory and Dr. Otolorin M.D had in no mean ways contributed immensely to the good image of Egbaland as citadel of great learning and peerless achievement in the field of medicine; while Professor Adeoye Lambo had the privilege of combining Vice Chancellorship of a University with being the first African Deputy Director General of World Health Organisation. He had since set up a foundation to ventilate new ideas about Healthcare. He wrote his name in gold at Aro Psychiatric Centre Abeokuta. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service

85 10Years ON

45 ()ba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso is often forgotten to be a thorough l n il Hgbaman, he could be worse if he has come to life as an l|cgba". "But deep called unto deep". This humble chip of the . >ld block of Egbaland is recorded in world history as the only \lrican to-date to be elected into the Council of International badminton Federation. He did so well for Rotary, he was not mily a Five Star General Paul Harris fellow, which the writer i Iso is, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso rose to the Board of District i ,i ivernors and also Patron of Rotary and Service Above Self award recipient of Rotary International in 1997-98, a very rare ib linction in Rotary International. Like a Scottish man, he is .loical, slow to arouse to anger and quite unprotesting unless i I icn charged like a white charger horse reputed to proceed by I >ivine guidance, his stoicism when his mother died baffled so many people. He refused to shed tears but no one could easily fanthom II u’ depth of his sorrow. Again "Deep called unto deep" as there .no two kinds of crying the one where tears were shed profusely a nd internal tears like internal haemorrhage where tears are not discernible. But deep inside there is sore in the mind and tomach of great sorrow. It is this latter that befell Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, hence, his understandably sharp reactions in the wake of the unfortunate incident. As a matter of fact, those who shed tears, he was quick to console them. To this writer, the

www.obatejuosobooks.com______86 loss of Iyalode is an irreparable loss, and irreversible as it was, the wounds would take a long time to heal. It is a family wound and private sorrow of the highest degree. It is to be hoped that time will heal all wounds, and what appears to be the hatchet on those affected by the chains of reactions from (. )ba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso will also be healed. The very thought of the brutal murder of the Iyalode is horrendous to tend to put it behind us is a hocus-pocus. It is a Satanic induced episode. A revert to barbarism and mindlessness, an outrage is what such an event was. It shocked the conscience of all right thinking individuals in the society. 46 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service

It was a taboo, to say the least, and an indelible calamity and shame on its perpetrators and the Egba people as a whole indeed, to all Nigerians. A prophet is NOT without honour save in his own country and among his own people. Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso is of the mould of a Conservative comfortable human being bent on preserving the status quo. But to many of his admirers, he simply is an enigma in his first outing at publishing his first work the "Ultimate Honour". He narrated, and made a clean breast of every matter. He adumbrated the complexity of womanhood, the treachery of a spouse, the loss of an irreparable companionship in form of the bond of friendship

87 10Years ON

between himself and the mother, a mother in Israel, one in a million hard to find like a needle in a haystack. A mother without guile. He outlined his mission on the throne of his forefathers. He also expressed his own philosophy as a pacifist and the effect of and sacredness of the Lodge discipline on his own personality. His final return to God as the Being that could solve his earthly problems became a turning point per se. That he was the only Yoruba Natural Ruler at the National Constitutional Conference tended to highlight the confidence the Government had in the ability of the Egba people as a whole, as proper declaration of Nigerian unity. It tended to confirm that anybody from any part of Nigeria must be loyal and be trusted. To give a faint or general idea of his philosophies, can be gleaned in: (1) The Ultimate Honour (2) So far so Memorable (3) Ripples on So far so Memorable (Egba History in focus) (4) Role of traditional Rulers in ensuring the success of the 3rd Republic. This trend of philosophy must have origmated from "T.C.D." Trinity College, Dublin, the haven of freethinkers, be they budding lawyers or future physicians. He also spoke on the ...... A Decade of Royal Selfless Service

www.obatejuosobooks.com______88 47 I unlession. He wanted the establishment of a special commission md constitutional protection for Traditional Rulers among other Hungs. The Oba ventilates ideas freely and lavishly. On most i ties, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso could be forthright. He came In the throne on Saturday, 20th of May 1989 and by Thursday, ilie 20th of May 1999, by the good grace of God he would have I ni'ii ten years on the throne. People believe wrongly that Oba I >r. Adedapo Tejuoso is a sort of crusader or moral instructor of i kind, others simply dubbed him a Royal gladiator, which of nurse he is not and could never be. He is a "Master" and the «i implexity of his blunt countenance baffled all competitions put together. They did not want to admit this, hence they must be up to a I utile imagination of some sort. It depended largely then on who were the people talking and to whom their diatribes were directed. Otherwise, things would be more difficult to comprehend, as people will say things to please themselves and llieir gullible listeners. Impossibilities vanish when a man and II is God confront a mountain. And it is quite impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his helper is l )MNIPOTENT. All these and more are imbibed in the chest of his Majesty Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso in his addressing the multidimensional problems of survival like Daniel in a Lion's Den,

89 10Years ON

since getting to the throne of his forebears. The monarch holds C iod in highest esteem, and the Holy Spirit seems to thrive in his private affairs and his various actions. CHAPTER

EGBA IN THE HANDS OF DESTINY ...... Leadership in Egbaland admits of serious evaluation. The issues of democratic rulers and rulers with autocratic tendencies are yet to be elicited. Autocratic leadership need not be part of the group which make some sets of objectives to be attained rather such leadership could be remote using largesse to entice followership. Every African Empire and sit-tight autocratic ruler offers special examples about the travail of use of power, the power of governance. Leadership in Egbaland should consist essentially in knowing how to get people to work together. And the Egba has flair for this attitude of mind. The Obas of Egbaland should recognise each other's abilities and garner their resources to put their Royal Fathers in places best suited for them. They should not allow futile competition in dwarfism. It should be appreciated from now on that an office or responsibility or authority does not in itself project or make a person a leader. That demands something more. The Egbas are affable, and they are also appreciative. They

www.obatejuosobooks.com______90 know and agree among themselves that a true leader is one who has inner worth and who commands respect by all. It is truly a maxim that all cannot be leaders in every field and at all times. But everywhere someone has to command and someone has to take orders. "If J am a master and you are also a master, who is to drive the donkey? The Egbas have exhibited early traits of unborn leadership qualities and their Royal Fathers are the signposts for this attribute. They are all seasoned administrators and industrial technocrats and proven statesmen. As good leaders in their area of jurisdiction, leaders are born, not made in that case, leaders traverse and are above the common rim of ordinary men. They hold a position on account of certain A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 49 m dive intelligence and endowments but surely not on account I my functional relationship with their subjects in cases of Royal I ilhers. They are all leaders of their people in their own rights, i i uple who owe obeisance and fealty to them are those among ihem who are also above the common run of ordinary mortals. I hey are recognised and accepted into the distinguished Royal m les. Chieftaincy titles are their rewards for loyalty, dedication, iiminunal leadership and high level of social interaction. In most cases leadership could be the result of years of lul elage, dint of perseverance and business acumen, graduating

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mb) a new class of merchants and elitist groups as a result of lynamic relationship, evidently good leadership is always for ilie benefit of the group. Egbaland had over the centuries benefited from all these attributes. Leadership quality is well i

www.obatejuosobooks.com______92 50 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service tend to control and direct the Egba citizens in the selection and pursuit of their aims. "And told, every winter has its summer Every day its closing hours Face the bright and ambitious Rose Take your pleasure when you may For life is short, nasty and brutish. Hope not for another meeting". The Egbas must now take the current when it lasts or lose their ventures. In the language of clarity what is being advocated is the latent power of unity the Egbas could galvanise to be second to none in Nigeria because of their tremendous human resources. It is wise to imagine that when these leaders as a group are liked, respected as things had been from time immemorial their ideas, suggestions, insights would find more ready acceptance by the Egba citizenry than when they have acrimony among themselves. Such visions, ideas, insight and suggestions would never be a parvenu. Who would ever think of Egba Abeokuta without Ago-Oko or Ikereku near the Olumo Rocks? Where is the ancient city of Abeokuta without the Owus, or the hero image of Ake municipality without the Gbaguras? All the vital sections of this ancient city had been citadel of intermarriages (diplomatic unions of the blue blood) inter-personal actions and internal

93 10Years ON

trade connections hallowed by time and centuries of customary practices and social conventions purified by time and sanctioned by ageless norms. It will be late in the day to think of a body without the heart or absence of limbs, Abeokuta the citadel of learning and cultures corporate, community that could do better with the collective efforts of the Royal and highly sophisticated and enlightened Obas, and traditional rulers. Here, there are no psychological means used in which needs are created within the Egba Traditional Council which made it A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 51 .... ry for the fellow Royal Fathers to depend on the authority ,i any individual or body to have their needs satisfied. Each mlcr is independent of the other and on this note it is , i i i vvhelmingly imperative they forge an effective machine for i ■ iogress and sustainable economic growth among themselves i equal partners. This is unlike the cases of autocratic ruler where eternal llimats and dangers actual or speculative are exaggerated by i lie authoritarian head in order to make it out that only by doing he, bidding can various situation be resolved. Instances of this I'. 11 tern of rulership is replete in our national history even in leeent times. Autocratic leadership smacks of diligent planning,

www.obatejuosobooks.com______94 w.ourcefulness, insights and visions, rather such conveniently ignores the value interests and programmes of the peoplewhose welfare are to be protected. Such leader creates and maintains a •ocial group gap between the group on one side and him and 11is cronies and hangers on the other hand. He does not really participate in the activities of the sycophants and bootlickers who specialise in gerrymandering of shift selfish interests but wich leader specialises in remote controls to allow fortune seekers and economic prostitutes who front for illegal transactions to keep him caged in a comfortable false glass cage and like a mad man specialises in dancing naked in market places. So it is against this background that the Egbas must brazen up to face the future and its possibilities. In a large plane the generality of Ogun State where the Egbas are destined to play a decisive role, civil servants of International relevance had also i tominated the scene. Professor Adebayo Adedeji for many years was Executive Secretary of Economic Community for Africa (ECA) and Dr. Ademola Banjo too worked for UN body. Others are Ambassador Olusanya former Ambassador to France and in later years, Director-General of NIIA Victoria Island Lagos, Special Envoy of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General to Central African Republic and an International expert on conflict 52 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service resolutions. Others are Ambassadors Oye Adefope, Otunba

95 10Years ON

Emmanuel Fowora, Segun Olusola former Envoy to Ethiopia and a leader of NGO's with several International clout. So in the midst of this global achievement by the Egba citizens and also by Egba neighbours in the larger social unit of the corporate body known as Ogun State it stands to the test of time that the Egba Royal Fathers must unite for a better result oriented human societies. The Royal Fathers must apply the "four-way-test" to the things they THINK, SAY OR DO. This Rotary International philosophical tract can easily be applied and profitably too in relations with'others in the home, in Egba community of larger social unit, the Ogun State, in business and search for economic growth in Egbaland. It can equally be applied in national relations, international life, particularly to proposed plans, policies, to be nursed into existence by the communal collective wisdom and vision of the Egba Royal Fathers. It can also be applied to statements and advertising in business and professions, to Egba Traditional Council, even in government to proposed Legislation, and legal drafting processes, to relations between teachers and students and rulers and the ruled and to all issues relating to Human Rights and endeavours. The Rotary International "four-way-test" requires a "Yes" response to each part in order to come to the right decision; thus: "The first, Is it the truth?. Second, Is it fair to all concerned?. Third, Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP?.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______96 Fourth, Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? With these self-auditing honesty formulae it will be out of character for any one who utilises them to ever go wrong. In that sense, to do good would become the essence of LIVING. All Religions arise out of Faith. It is faith in one God. Be that religion take whatever form. Whatever it is Christianity, Islamic religion, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sintoism, Zuroastrianism, Ekcanker, Bahai Faith, Grail Movement, A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 53 '..ii lucianism. All these religions and many more rest on FAITH, i hi 11 in oneself, faith in others as we relate in our daily lives. I...l religions deny polytheism. Even in ancestral worship, the i.iie deity 'God' is supreme. With changing fortunes of time it is no wonder that there .ue pockets of resistance to sudden changes by conservative . Irmeats. But in the end it has no cheering news for the ruled .id the Rulers sometimes found to stand in antagonistic relations In each other. In Sierra Leone for centuries the Creoles were the toast of die societies while the natives in Bo districts and the hinterland made do with ethnic inferiority. In Liberia, it is the same old l»»ry as the rural people moved towards civilisation and tasted I s iwers. In South Africa the Afrikaners were up in arms in their h.ulitional hostilities to change. Today the winds of change .

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ontinue to blow unabated. The same wind of change must Mow in Egbaland sooner than later; for history has a way of repeating itself. In Kenya the Kikuyus held fast to power, until the Kalenjis under President Arap Moi started to call the shots and the I mx rblem was no less important when the Bugandans in the sixties . ontrolled the Civil Service with the best available education up lo eighty percent, the Numbians came through the Armies, the Northern citizens reversed the process with the changing lortunes of time. So it is that only those who resist changes will have to be swept aside by the avalanche of social reforms. It is evolution. Society is dynamic and social contracts must l>e adjusted with the changing fortunes of time. To ignore the signpost is to take illusion for reality and refuse to recognise I hat time past can never be recalled. You cannot change it; Time present is yours to influence the future. No one can interfere with the Egba confused situation who is not versed in Egba traditional behaviours. To do so for the uninitiated is like the sheep, in its wanderlust, which ventured into the Oro grove. It is as good as dead. Or is it like the stupid 54 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service goat that boldly shook hands with the hyena, such goat has no value for its life. "Karambani Akuva gei de kura" as the Hausa language connotes.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______98 The house whip to be used on the cat cannot be found in the hands of the house rat. Time is fleeting and would not wait for anyone. Time is money and Egba elders must rally round to unite. Water is the master of the launderer, the unity of the Egbas cannot be compromised and CANNOT be achieved without JUSTICE, FAIRPLAY and seriousness of purpose. It must come over and above sectional interests just as national interests must be placed above personal interests. Similarly it should never become a matter of personal feelings and individual idiosyncrasies. It is only a good harvest time when the ground started as fertile it is then only when the forest is fertile that good yams could be found. It is the cockroaches reckless approach to issues that could bolden them to go in delegation to the hen's compound on the pretext they want to help to look after the chicks. Let the Royal Fathers in Egbaland know they are the moon and the stars of Nigeria and they cannot afford to play lesser roles in the affairs of this nation or lag behind in the body polity and let no man or Royal Father hinder them. No delegations could come from outside to pretend to be able to settle the strife in Egbaland. The illustrious Egba sons and daughters themselves are endowed with tact, time honoured diplomacy and proven system of Native Authority Administration that conflict resolution should be an added instrument for forging ahead with collective leadership and expanded righteous and just programmes of live and let live. Eminent Egba sons and

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daughters should be opened to reconciliation as they have done in the past. It must be an internally generated move. No one should allow the absence of unity among the Egbas in high social standing and traditional Chiefs and Royal Natural Rulers be seen to hang and dangle the swords of Domocles over the heads of innocent Egba traditional and revered institutions A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 55 Ik ridicule, odium, contempt, and lower their esteem by the i ■ i >| ilo and those admirers of the Egbas' freedom for democracy mil liberal customs. I gbaland has experienced managers of human resources in II .ectors of human endeavours, men with international . I u >s u res as mentioned previously. Egbaland is rich in natural uni human resources, with tested technocrats and humane HI in i uistrators in the private and public sectors and a generation ill |irofessional men and successful farmers. What else could ,iny State in Nigeria wish for? To these distinguished Egbas, I pose the following questions: (i) Have you any copy of any history book on Abeokuta? (ii) Have you ever read it? (iii) Do you know the significance of the Egba United Government Emblem of four equal hands holding one another? II is our symbol of unity, of four equal partners in a federated I

www.obatejuosobooks.com______100 .gbaland freely entered into by our forefathers. You do not I i.i ve such a symbolic emblem between owner and slaves, master .aid servants or between a superior and lesser beings. It is i ertainly among equals. Does it diminish any Oba's status, if we have FOUR or more I i.iramount rulers in our region - which belongs to us by right .md history? After all, there are 9 Paramount Rulers in the I >resent and 17 Paramount Rulers in . The I icavens have not fallen. Even in some states e.g. , each Local Government has now started creating its own traditional Council as a legal right. What is wrong with us in I {gbaland or indeed in Ogun State? Do you think it is right and proper that royal houses created in the 1920s, 30, 50s etc should have precedence in status and recognition over and above those who had been in existence long before our land Abeokuta was colonised and amalgamated into Nigeria in 1914? Is it even right for the Alake and or the 56 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Government to now try and equate the Olubara of Ibara who is an Oba in Egba Alake section under the Alake with the Osile, Agura and Olowu who were parties and signatories to the agreement allowing the Olubara of Ibara to be installed in Abeokuta in 1952? What an irony of fate? No wonder Kabiyesi Oba Alake - Sir Ladapo Ademola II wrote about the Olubara

101 10Years ON

being installed in Abeokuta as follows: D.O. My Good Friend, Adequate representation of all that touches the interests of the Ibara and other Egbado people is embodied in our existing system whereby two seats are allocated to petitioners (a) The Ekerin of Ibara Sanusi Fabiyi and (b) Jaguna of Ilewo - Joseph A. Olufade. This is all that can be done for them as a tribal unit to whom (in common with other clans who migrated with them) Egba Alake allotted land upon settling in Abeokuta. 2. In their original homestead at Ishaga and at Ibara, Courts have been established for their benefit and convenience. Furthermore, we are prepared to consider either through the Medium of a standing committed of their recognized Council members any matter which they feel may be more satisfactorily dealt with by such special representations. 3. I do not see in what way the position of the Egbados are different in our polity to that, for instance, of the Ijaiyes or other clans who are also under the Egbas and reside in the country. 4. There is no room to-day for the creation of an Oba in the administration of Egbaland. It can only lead to complications or endless dissensions. Your Good Friend, if'f-i) hdwLvla f iUAKS.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______102 V12/41. Warri in of Nigeria has virtually the same problem amongst their Traditional Rulers just like we have today in A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 57 i c( >kuta. They have now taken the bull by the horn. Should . not now borrow a leaf from the solutions they have preferred 1.111u-ir problem as follows: The Sunday Diet Newspaper of March 28, 1999 on page 3 t ill dished the following: I >I LTA GOVT APPOINTS THREE NEW TRADITIONAL RULERS FOR WARRI ' I ' lie monopoly en- 1 joyed by the paramount traditional ruler I Itsekiri nation. ' iglumen Atuwatse II as lln' sole owner and ruler • ■I Warri has been bro- Imi following the ap- I ■< 'intment of three other traditional rulers of m|ual status with A t u watse II by the Delta Mate Military Administrator Navy Captain Walter Feghabo. In a just released I )elta State official gazette, the three traditional rulers have been given the powers to control the areas which were formerly under the control of Atuwatse II, alone. The promulgation of the Edict, Sunday Diet reliably gathered may not be unconnected with the recommendation of the Justice Alhasan Idoko Panel that looked into the bloody clashes that greeted the relocation of the Warri South local government headquarters From Ogbe-Ijoh an Ijaw town to Ogidigben an

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Itsekiri settlement and subsequently, rename it Warri South- West. The panel which recommended the creation of two additional local government councils for the Ijaws of Warri and Egbema clan and one for Urhobo of Warri also noted that the three ethnic groups of Urhobo. Itsekiri and Ijaw be given equal treatment as far as the ownership of Warri is concerned. The panel which frowned at the alleged monopoly of the oil city of Warri by the Itsekiri recommended the scrapping of the title of OIu of Warri or changed to Olu of Itsekiri of Olu of Jekri, its pre-1952 title before the western region Government of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo changed it to Olu of Warri. The Edict to be cited as the Traditional rulers Council and Chief Edict of 1998 which come into force since April 1998, recognises three other traditional Rulers for Warri, two for Urhobo of Okere and Agbassa and one for the Ijaws of Warri. Under Warri-South Local Government, the Edict recognised the Olu of Warri as the sole authority for Itsekiri while it recognise the Orosuen of Okere-Urhobo as the Sole authority for Urhobos of Okere- Warri. The Edict also recognised the Amakusu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri as the sole authority for the Ijaws of Warri while it finally recognised the Ovie of Agbassa Warri as the sole authority for the

www.obatejuosobooks.com______104 58 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Urhobo of Agbassa Culled from Sunday Diet, By Warri. March 28, 1999 Monday Whiskey The Diet Newspaper of April17,1999page 6, further elucidates I on the earlier publication as follows:- WARRI TRADITIONAL COUNCIL HEADSHIP FOR Barely two months after the Delta State Government enacted an edict, recognising the Urhobos and the Ijaws as co-owners of Warri who must co-exist on equal basis, Weekend Diet can now authoritatively reveal that the four royal fathers that would constitute the new Warri traditional council would rotate the chairmanship of the body. The plan, Weekend Diet investigation showed, is part of the recommendations of the five-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by the late Honourable Nushce Alhassan Idoko panel which identified tribal affinities and royal authority as some of the stumbling blocks on the path to a resolution of the Warri crisis. Also as part of the recommendation, the ROTATION chairmanship of the Warri South Local Government Council, is to hencforth rotate among the Urhobo clans to Okere-Warri, Agbarha-Warri, the Itsekiris and the Ijaws of Ogbe-Ijoh. The panel, Weekend Diet also learnt accepted the evidence of

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the Urhobos and the Ijaws of Warri that each of the four co-owners of the oil city have different kingdoms of Okere- Urhobo, Agbarha-Warri kingdom, Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom and Itsekiri kingdom. The panel seriously frowned at the use of the Warri Kingdom instead of the four different areas that constitute the present-day Warri township saying the phrase "Warri Kingdom" is an imposition by the Itsekiris' one of the coowners of Warri to continue to dominate the three other coowners of the town. The four traditional rulers of Warri, HRH Orhifi Orhovwagbasha, Ememoh II, The Ovie of Agbasa Warri, HRH Ogiamen Atuwalse II, The Olu of Warri, HRH the Oresuen of Okere- Urhobo and HRH Odwor Amakosu II, the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh would also have equal members of chiefs to members of the Warri traditional council. Weekend Diet learnt that the state government would defreeze the five per cent allocation to the local government accounts embagoed since 1997 following protests from traditional rulers that one of the royal fathers was using the allocation for personal gratifications to the detriment of member councils. The accounts which A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 59

www.obatejuosobooks.com______106 ... under the then ... .1 rat or, Colonel i ,. I i.ivid Dungs, may ippreciated over .mi"., since nothing I been withdrawn m it in the last two Meanwhile, Delta . 11.- ( iovernment has .. 11 i.ited moves towards . i mi position of the mi Traditional Rulers . nimcil as two ... inhers of the council, i,. Ovie of Agbarha ui.l the Oreseun of ■ 'I ere-Urhobo Warri . i ii' during the week I .i.' .ented mstrument of m| lice. The ceremony I ..a formed by the Delta Mate Commissioner of I’olice, Mr. Morris I v.inson who represent Navy Captain Walter lye Feghabo told traditional rulers to continue to use their royal authority to enhance peace in their domains." In another development, the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri, His Royal Highness Orhifi Orhovwagbarhon, Ememoh II has said chieftaincy titles in his kingdom would only be conferred on merit, to people of high intergrity whose contributions to the growth of the kingdom could be attested to by all. The Ovie who spoke while conferring high chieftaincy title on six distinguished sons of Agbarha-Warri, said his declaration was based principally on the need to maintain the rich traditions of the kingdom, which he said, "must not be dragged in the mud." He said, the occasion which also marked the 1st year

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anniversary of his ascension to the throne, was aimed at promoting the traditional and culture of the Urhobo of Agbarha-Warri. According to the royal father, "chieftaincy honours are strictly to be awarded on merit to male or female indigenes of Agbarha kingdom", adding that such conferment was for life. The beneficiaries of the chieftaincy title included Chief Victor Vowa Edema, who bagged the title of the Okpo of Agbarha kingdom, Chief Israel Abido, the Uririn of Agbarha Kingdom, Chief Austine Osifo, the Omamor Owho of Agbarha kingdom, Chief Mrs Ramatu Vowa Edema, the Ododo of Agbarha kingdom, Chief Mrs Love Vowa Edema, the Oroh of Agbarha kingdom and Chief Patrick Okere who bagged the title of Avweroto of Agbarha kingdom. Culled from Weekend Diet, Saturday, April 17, 1999 By Monday Whiskey We should not allow the Egbas to take up arms before we can apply the obvious solution. Prevention they say is better than cure. It is better to jaw-jaw, than to war-war. Like Paul in the Bible was told, "Thy much learning has turned thee into madness" Egba omo LISABI; RONU O. ChApTER 6 AVMHtUUUMl A TOV/CH OF STRONG PEDIGREES

www.obatejuosobooks.com______108 Most of the Egba gladiators are well known in Nigeria as unrivalled who are at the top of their professions. Egbas could earn being severe critics as their natural psyche why then should anyone tend to blame one of their own if they exhibited this age-long traits and behavioural instincts. If it is too much education and aristocracy of knowledge which accounted for this, the impact of early Missionary to establish an imprint on early education should take the blame and not individual Egba personality. Education after all said and done promotes trained mind and no one having gone through the mills could be seen as taking dictates of others without adequate evaluation. It is not true that the Egbas are their own enemies rather they could be regarded as forthright and honest people, frank, intelligent and proud people. It is not out of place to state that a large number of industries had been established in Abeokuta in the early history of Egbaland, the Blaizes had soft drinks, jam and marmalade industries while the tie and dye monopolistic cottage industry was peculiar to Egbaland. Most entrepreneurs grew out of this line of industrial enterprise and the input by the Lawsons, Abudus, Okukenus and the Obasanjos Seni Sodipo of latter years all constitute the testimony of virile and enterprising clan. In a community in which Egba intellectual creams dominated fields of Engineering, Insurance, Law, Medicine, Business, Public Administration, Broadcasting, Advertisement, Capital Market, Qualitative Education, little is really left for the indigenes

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of Egbaland to aspire to, they seem to dominate all spheres of human endeavours. In the past they made good in other climes especially Lagos, Ibadan, in Eastern and Northern parts of Nigeria even in Ghana, A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 61 lu nm Republic and Sierra Leone from where most Sierra i < onians claimed Egba ANCESTRY, and bear the testimonies, i. ill icir Yoruba first names. Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso is seen as i ii king hard to develop what he promised he has vision for in m egalitarian Egbaland to accelerate the development of huI ustries and industrial medicine, a special field in which he is mi pert and for which Teju Industrial Clinic Limited is already 11 a ii isehold name. He strongly believes that all the International ■I'ligations and portfolios of humanitarian activities could be ii. insisted to Egbaland in the scheme of things, to make a evolutionary change in people's ways of life and methods of 11 linking. In previous decades, the Egbas were not keen on laying at home in Abeokuta; today, most of them are coming liume because Egbaland is gradually becoming accommodating, elcoming and challenging. Being a capital City is another ill i action. The neighbouring towns of Ijebuland, Remoland and I gbado find Abeokuta as second homes. The intellectual rarities of Egbaland like moving regularly. I cole Nationale de Administrations like our own National

www.obatejuosobooks.com______110 II istitute of Strategic Studies awarder of mni trained civil servants mi how to reshape France, and learn about works of Government and administrations. There was no ENA in Egbaland but the I Todigious output of great sons and daughters is a reflection on II ic kind of Society Egbaland had evolved. They became great ail ministrators and captains of industries as if they were trained in special Institutions. It is against this background that the vibrant societal changes and the crises among Royal Fathers Mould be reviewed. It is a matter of evolution. No society ■ mild afford to be STATIC. The eminent Egbas and gentries are I icing warned not to go round in their aristocratic garbs thinking Ibis is 19th Century, that is to say 1898 when the Egbas came I ogether to build over the centuries of Confederation of the Egba dynasties. Egbas are not to be found worshipping at the altar of superior glorifications of ignorance. Early Educationists over the years 62 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service had been the lot of the Egbas. The Ransome-Kutis with their great and illustrious father Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti (Dao) as the touch bearer for what is now known as Tertiary Education in Nigeria in the Late forties. In the fields of Law and Medicine, the Egbas are second to none. Great people like the Majiyagbe's, Somolus, Craig,

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Odunlamis, Solankes, and Sodeindes bear witness to this fact. The landmark judgement of Sir Adetokunbo Ademola in the Lakanmi case had continued to re-echo several decades after it was delivered. The judgement frowned at "ouster-clause" as unconstitutional, although a Decree was promulgated so soon afterwards to presage the Supremacy of Military Decree, Stratocracy or Military Rule was put on notice and since, their "Ouster-Clause" has never known peace. Judicial activism or by whatever name had never allowed sleeping dogs to lie. The Sir Adetokunbo judgement remains a great act of judicial courage and tended to show an Egbaman full of bluntness and personal integrity such formidable institutions are part and parcel of African traditional political system. In Barotseland, in Buganda, then among the Kikuyus of Kenya and the Zulus in South Africa, the Akans and the Ashantis of Ghana in modem times ignore the traditions and CUSTOMS of the people to their own risks because it is on such customs the communities thrive. Kingship must be used as a veritable tool for peace and harmony in our societies find as an added instrument for diplomacy and as pillars for successful governmental administrations. The Obas accept kingship as the only avenue for closeness to the grassroot system of administration. Conflicts of course must exist for example the triangular conflicts and crises in Lagos at the Royal Houses in time of Temiyemi who left Abeokuta to contest for Kingship in Lagos, or

www.obatejuosobooks.com______112 the famous Adele - Adeyinka Oyekan Chieftaincy tussles reaching up to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council or the Kosoko Chieftaincy tussle that led to his exile to Epe, a fishing town near Lagos Island or even nearer still, the exile of Late A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 63 m| A lake of Abeokuta Sir Ladapo Ademola to in 1948 .11 arc in the nature of Conflict Resolution in Africa traditional ■d up. I ate Sir Ladapo Ademola, the Alake of Abeokuta was not in my way diminished in his momentous reign. Rather history onlinued to record him for his valour, steadfastness, courage a id t remendous strength of character and at best a father of the land. Today, history repeats itself by making Egba indigenes 11 ways in the forefront of Human Rights and Reforms and al >m>I ntely capable of resolving their own differences. This writer i, an Ikereku man from the maternal side, another "Ijegba" if mi so wish or "Egbaeko" as so many of us had been labeled, I also have a stake in lasting peace in Egbaland. In the long run I kerekuni ta Ogboni" will invariably benefit from such Conflict Resolution; peace, harmony and lasting unity in Egbaland till I he dawn of human history will be the products of such resolution.. Finally, and in the final analysis, the selection of an Oba under II ie Yoruba tradition people who talked and made the dangerous

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,md atavistic statement that Oba Tejuoso came from maternal .ide to the throne are reaping the wild winds and could be dismissed as old Cynics, who like failed writers had become .irtists at large, turning their cherished paintings upside down. In the African Society leaving aside the Acephalous communities or warrant Chieftaincy systems, the chiefly societies admitted of serious screening before an Oba is selected. Once selected the kingship had become "a fait accompli" you do not go looking for excuses when an Oba is already installed. It is a vulgar heresy and a load of rubbish which mass media must not tolerate for such diatribe to continue to exist. Even in some communities, the oldest in the society assumes the role of Headship. Once an Oba is an Oba, more so, as only strict categories of people could aspire to the throne having professional competence and qualifications aside as it is now the trend in 64 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service most Nigerian communities. An aspirant must not be a criminal or dishonest person, he must show a sense of community leadership, a recluse for example cannot aspire to lead his people so is an idiot or imbecile. One known to dabble in questionable dealings and fraudulent practices would surely not be tolerated even by his own people. The throne is reserved for gentlemen, noble men, considerate and compassionate

www.obatejuosobooks.com______114 individuals with impeccable portfolios of character and human touch. Such an individual is Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso and he has accomplished so much at International scene that his homecoming should be a source of joy and pride to most peace loving Egba indigenes. To buttress my point, please read one of the several letters of appreciation sent to Kabiyesi by eminent personalities in the society.

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ahead as our dear country walks towards solving many of our A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 65 i 11 >1 >lems. Our nation, more than at any other time, needs people ho can build bridges across different ethnic groups, and open 11 ic door to allow new ideas that can propel us to a position here peace, order and prosperity can be achieved. I wish you many more happy years ahead. May Almighty God ■ nntinue to bless you and members of your family. In African societies, Kingship is a sacred institution and not one to be bandied about in mass media with levity and vulgar I icresy. It is even a taboo to show disrespect for Royalties and it .1 lows bad breeding in case any citizen in a particular community • locides to court disaster by such line of action. In the olden < lays such person would be subjected to serious penalty by the < ommunity itself for no one is above the law in local community. 111 time of crisis the Traditional societies are known to have safety valves in restoring peace and for conflict resolution. Peace and conflict resolution seem to be the pastime of Egba Ogboni. It is even worse when community has decided who to rule for anyone to question ascension to the throne. This institution is as politically important as it is historically significant and no Native Administration could survive without

www.obatejuosobooks.com______116 their admirable support. It is not a club, it is a society that was meant to sanitize the communities and eliminate from its body polity all elements of corruption and filth. The Nobilities within their ranks are Chiefs as well and they serve as advisers to reigning Monarchs. There cannot be declaration of warfare in the olden days without their support. Today their role in ensuring peace and resolution of conflicts must be called into play to ensure unity, harmony and mutual understanding in Egbaland. Yours sincerely,,

ONU Former Governor 66 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service As Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso himself was a Lodge member in his own right, he is well acquainted with the working of such institution and they should meet themselves halfway. The system is fool proof and only godly people rise to the master position in the Lodge. However there are checks and balances and effective traditional ways of making sure the wishes of the people in a given community are respected and taken into consideration. An Oba is never imposed on his subjects, it is hereditary and popular institution. Once an Oba is installed he assumes the role of father of his people and brings every one

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unto harmonious relations. The post and status of Obaship should never be trivialized it is sacred institution and Obas are the gods' representatives on earth aptly described as "Igbakeji Orisa" Oba Alayeluwa ki ade pe lori, ki bata ileke pe lese, ki irukere di abere". They pray for them for the crowns to last on their heads, the subjects always wishing them well, praying for their longevity and a tranquil period of reign. The greeting KABIYESI signifies that their word is supreme which no one can query "Kabi o osi". "Oba does no wrong". To many misinformation and lack of proper researches in depth could only trivialise such noble institutions. But as luck will have it, among the highly educated and sophisticated Egbas such deduction is an uncommon thing in Yorubaland. CHAPTER ONE BONE TWO BOGS ' .1 inly in reflection of power reality stirring the bees hornet. 11 u I it been the issue of paramountcy alone no dust would have i i fii raised like in Ogun State and other Yoruba speaking State pition of Chairmanship of Council of Obas and Chiefs may i easily resolved by the Government. In most clear cut cases ilie issue resolved itself helped by historical and traditional ■ 1. 11 is tics and oral norms but in big towns and capital city like Alu-okuta the significance of Egba Confederation may be a most i h.illenging issue. That the issue was not raised by the forefathers of various 11 ii I

www.obatejuosobooks.com______118 igenes in their own sections of Abeokuta is NOT true. It is at I icst, merely an excuse that holds no water. Who ever says that II ic issue was not raised? If it is raised now the sophistication of I In* Egba top notchers and nobilities have weathered worst lorms that they cannot be seen to shy away from the discourse. II is like riding in the storm. It is believed that the Alake of Abeokuta can still retain his paramountcy with the tacit acceptance of his brother sectional Obas also being given their rights to Paramountcy, with the "No victor no vanquished" .yndrome and social consequences. The present Monarch Oba (fyebade Lipede is older in age (personal NOT institutional) Ilian the present other sectional Obas in Egbaland. He has also been on the throne since 1972 and longer than the three of them. The other three Obas came to their thrones 10, 18 and 6 years ago respectively. If in the distant future a much younger monarch ascends the throne of Ake, say under the age of fifty years he will have to yield grounds to the others as the Alake (as an Institution) is definitely NOT superior to any of the other three sectional Obas historically. But alas, some old die hards would wish the "status quo" be maintained that is "a primus 68 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service interpares" status. It is then and only then that we shall be asking for a show down. The issue of co-existence and Egba homogeneity is quil<

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negotiable as various sections came from some different hitherto independent roots but today due to years of co-existence am! miscegenation, the vital fact is being lost, and needs to be redressed. One may find it hard to conceive that a solution could not be found. And the supporters on both sides of the fence should cease to behave like fish women who are simply dreadful. A bone between two dogs is what had been contrived, there should be no contest whatever. People are not the same, as they seem, nevertheless with the level of education around the discussants, their affections should be mutual and Egba unity paramount in their thoughts. No one should be allowed to confuse the issues with their God endowed skills. Personalities and sentiments should NOT be confused with Institutions, ideologies, principles, policies and historical truths. ChApTER THE HVNTER AND HVNTED Hi. I gbas should fight against bad elements. It is necessary for i . i y I .andlord to pass on vital information about dubious iMilts or native foreigners in their midst. People of shady . i m racter should be reported to traditional rulers who will hand .■ it such people to Constituted Authorities and the police .. mnnand. In order to sanitise the Egba traditional societies, u'.ilante groups will continue to work in consonance with the I >|visional Police to ensure wrong persons are incarcerated and . nlry into vital

www.obatejuosobooks.com______120 security areas in Egbaland should be well secured i. is done in neighbouring towns with similar problems as AI x 'okuta and Egbaland generally. One calls to witness the native . v u rity network in such places as Offin and Makun in Sagamu I.Tnoland and where native night guards ensure strict vigilante stem in the early hours of the morning and late at night so ili.it night marauders and people of shady characters are denied entry into the towns after specific hours. Unemployment issue among the Egba youth should be I > roperly addressed and more bursary and scholarship awards 11) deserving students should be continued and encouraged. I .mi reliably informed that Oba Dr. Tejuoso through the Trust he .et up on assumption to the throne - "Oke-Ona Egba Dynasty I and", gives scholarships to students from all over Nigeria. Egba .tudents should be under constant monitoring and given necessary counselling to ensure that they do not participate in any form of cults at Tertiary Institutions. Communal Centres for youth, sports, and recreational purposes should be intensified to add to the efforts of Late Chief M.K.O. Abiola so that sport becomes an added instrument for physical education and an avenue for gainful employment in Ogun State. All these collective programmes should unite our traditional 70 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service rulers and Royal Fathers in making life more abundant for Egb.i

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indigenes and all Nigerians. Intensive Tourism programme-, should be pursued at Olumo Rocks with more chalets and more tourist attractions to attract more visitors to see the historic wonders of the Olumo Rocks and marvel at the quality ol Nature's craftsmanship. Perhaps in the fields of Co-operatives the Egba traditional rulers should engage in promoting economic interactions among their component jurisdictions in such a way that it cuts across all known social and traditional barriers as to ensure unity in diversity. Oke-Ona Egba has shown the way in this regard through its Community Bank. Centres for bulk purchases should be set up to ensure that there is reduction in the costs of commodities. Agricultural centres should be set up where distribution of essential commodities would be made available for "Egba and her neighbours". You would certainly remember the "GARIOSILE" scheme. This kind of Agrarian Revolution would promote unity among the Egba indigenes and would foster better co-operation among the Royal Fathers. These are part of the thoughts and philosophies which mould the entire outlook and personalities of the incumbent Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, Karunwi III, the Osile Oke-Ona Egba. Since it is a misnomer to call Obas public servants or civil servants because they receive stipends from their Local Government Areas. They hold office "quand in sine bene gesserint" during good behaviour and as such cannot resign

www.obatejuosobooks.com______122 their Royal appointments but could be sanctioned by removal, abdication or sent into exile. It is difficult to fit into ordinary citizen's life after appointment into Obaship or rulership as various traditional ceremonies refuse to recognise the installation of another Oba while one is already on the throne. It is a taboo and a vulgar heresy in the Yoruba well recognised tradition. The Yoruba precept is to the effect that if one Oba or Traditional ruler is alive it will be heretical to install another. As tradition goes, "Interregnum" is hardly recognised, a new Oba steps into A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 71 11.. .hoes of his predecessors. It is against this background that I 'I • i. must be seen to parade the highest ethical standards, and ilh the respects accorded them, they do not shake hands of ■lii'tr subject, people prostrate fully to greet them unless 11 irrwise exempted. They respond to greetings by shaking their in use whisk, they do not eat in public and do not indulge in l.lying late at functions or parties or stay outside their domain unless necessary. They sometimes find it convenient to go out - villi some of their Chiefs and palace advisers. In short, traditions ngard them as next in rank only to the gods of our ancestors. \gainst this background they should be their brothers-keepers. II n* fraternity that are abound with the Royal Fathers should be el very strong ties, that nothing should be allowed to disturb the

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bond of such brotherhood and more so, the tragic events that may set them asunder should always be prevented. It is lime to heal the wounds with effusion of time, as time heals almost all wounds. These problems did not start in Egbland but it is to be hoped I hey would stop here. In the course of human affairs reasonable men always disagree and in the course of such disagreement l hey eventually disagree to agree. When they bury their hatchets and do what is right, they would be stronger in bond of association than before. They will be happy to note that resolution of conflicts lies in peaceful dialogue and negotiations. Jefferson said clearly that war is the best way of solving international differences but this had been found to be false syllogism. War should come in the last resort. Destruction of material property is replaceable. War does not stop there, it destroys the human minds and is riddled with emotional and psychological consequences far beyond the pale of reasoning and human understanding. War occurs where diplomacy ends, and peaceful resolution of conflicts should employ diplomacy, tact, understanding and dialogue as necessary tools to give fillip to human understanding. All wars tend to end on the conference table. 72 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service The Egba Royal Fathers therefore being reasonable natural

www.obatejuosobooks.com______124 rulers are bound to disagree from time to time but must not as a matter of necessity allow their personal, domineering and ethnic instincts to override interests or the well being of the generality of the Egba citizenry. Everyone should be his brothers' keeper. "We should let Justice flow like a stream and righteousness like a river that never dries." On this note the problems facing the Egba traditional rulers admit of peaceful solutions in the spirit of "give and take". ChApTER

THE STRENGTH OE THE EGBAS lly the middle of February, 1999, it appeared then the wavelength of the Egbas as a people was at the Zenith. General ( Husegun Obasanjo was emerging as a second term President and Head of State for Nigeria the most populous black African . ountry in the world. What is history to date is that in Black AI rica he became the first Military Officer to hand-over power voluntarily to a civilian Regime on the 1st of October, 1979 and 1% much loved and respected in the Northern part of Nigeria than in the South to which he belongs. He now provides the vital link between the North and the South. Also the link I ictween the Army and the populace, between the National and I he World. He is fiercely loyal to his friends and his patriostism can never be faulted even by arm-chair, - Critics. He even ■offered at the hands of power despots. But he survived it all, I u* lives to tell the

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story of what a man and his God can do to heat all odds. Again, it was an Egbaman, the celebrated Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola whose free and fair election to the Presidency was scuttled m 1993, that gave the Nigerian populace the window of opportunity to protest against abuse of power and man's inhumanity to man. This national trend is also exacerbated by ■■till yet another "pure genuis" and intellectual giant in person of Professor Wole Soyinka the Nobel prize winner and an Internationally acclaimed Human Rights activist of no mean calibre. This triology of Egbas bright sons know themselves like the farmer knows the Odu leaves. They know themselves like the palms of their hands. They share one thing in common the greatest in Egba streak of blood. They are the great men of our times. It is against this background that the Egbas must be alive to 74 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service their national responsibilities to know it is high time the Egb.i recognised that the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, the Agura of Gbagura and the Osile Oke-Ona Egba are men of exceptions I achievements in public lives that these are men of extraordinary zeal and human talents who are indispensable to the development of Egbaland in particular and sustainable growth of Nigeria in general. These three great Obas should be the pillars of the award on

www.obatejuosobooks.com______126 Egba National Day along with their Royal colleague the Alake of Abeokuta. It should not be the case of one bone two dogs, the sky is too wide for the birds to fly around if one bird does not wish to take offence against the other that the air space is too small for them to manage. We are calling to witness the kind of co-operation which we see from time to time in terms of conferences and meetings of Northern Emirs, the meetings of Northern Governors and such laudable acts of brotherhood and solidarity. We should not allow injustice to eat deep into the fabrics of our very structure and thus serve as divisive forces. We must bend over backwards to make ammends. Nigeria as a dynamic nation is equally resilient and people had now learnt the hard way what body polity portends and that the press as a Fourth Estate of the Realm had emerged for good or ill as a virile unofficial opposition that combats bad governance and expose in large measures the fustiness of public corruption and lack of accountability wherever this malaise rears it's ugly head; when cost of living is rising and wages going down. It is even axiomatic that the common people that the so called Elite are not but sounding cymbals who have been taught lasting lessons that no one wins election on pages of newspapers and it is games of the generation that those not fit to be Assembly men scuttle to be elected President of this country almost dribbling the gullible public into believing that the traditional Royal Rulers should be so downgraded and reduced in circumstance as to prostrate to a

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village Head. Nigeria has grown the hard way and the Colonialists should be blamed for giving us A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 75 independence TOO SOON. It is like assigning a land train rliii le overloaded with national portfolios and social " .ponsibilities to toddlers to drive on a crowded road. ilionhood for most countries took centuries. Behind France ■ m I Britain, the Benelux countries even America are many years "I practical experimentation in democratic values and mores, these were the Rules rather than the exceptions in most i mergent African countries as it was a rush to emancipation. I lie result is that Africans cannot be seen to wear civilisation lil e an overcoat. So much so that all-divisive forces must be • luninated and bonds of unity enthroned in all facets of our national life. The emergence of anEgbaman once again may be I lie true signal towards our road to peace and national cohesion where no one can be oppressed any more. This is the vital link (■It he Egbas contribution to our national development. There is no going back on greatness. And charity they say begins at home, the Egba Royal fathers must brazen up to play their roles 10 the full in our journey to achieve national greatness. The i une is now. The descendants of the old Benin Empire, one of I lie most vibrant Custodians of our national culture and I 'hilosopher/kings, the relics of the old El-Kanemi Empire, the

www.obatejuosobooks.com______128 wonderful administrators of old, old caliphate of Sokoto, the 11 repressive administrators of the Egba Empire the philosopher/ kings of the old Oyo Empire must respect the spirits of their . i ncestors to bring into shape the Nigeria of our dream. A Nigeria which will cease to be a nation of poverty in the midst of plenty and abundance of human and material resources. A land full of milk and honey and a country which will cease to be a Utopia of equal opportunity for all, free education for all our children and end of domestic abuses to our women and children. A Nation where everything works from electricity to water supply where waiting long hours at petrol stations to obtain petrol or diesel for vehicles would be a thing of the past, where majority of our people would be housed even in modest dwelling places with cheap materials sourced locally, and where people will learn to save for their old age and engage intensively in investment 76 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service opportunities and beneficial co-operative members an«l revolving loans. Where the universities and tertiary institution* would again be well funded and once more become the citadrl of learning they are meant to project, where our great institution of learning would be centres of research and ventilation of idea , and inventions. Where the place of Agriculture will be a mattn of national pride and the vast expanse of land will yiehl abundantly from the womb of the soil. The Egbas should take up the new

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challenges as they had done in the past as the forerunner of Christendom. The first church in Nigeria was buill in Egbaland and Islam for centuries germinated in Nigeria with Islamic clerics and scholars of Note emerging all over the states of Nigeria. No nation, and no reasonable citizen one may add, could ask for more. If it requires prayers and Divine interventions to bring the Royal Egba Obas and Traditional Rulers to come together and dialogue on their peaceful coexistence, so let it be. Virile unity, justice and peace in diversity must be fully encouraged for the benefit of children yet unborn, and for each passing individual actor to have his or her name printed in gold on the sands of human history. Human existence is NOTHING except for the missions put into it. Life should not be frittered way, life is just a temporary lease which expires with uncertain duration. Then light is completely OUT. The Egbas have the unique relevance in the history of Nigeria. Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso was the first woman industrialist in Nigeria. Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti a renowned educationist and politician in her own right and wife of the illustrious disciplinarian teacher Rev. Israel Oludotun Ransome Kuti (DAO) both of blessed memory was the first woman to own, ride and drive a car in the whole of Nigeria when money was worth its value. What else remains, the Egbas have not succeeded in doing. The cradle of the Tertiary education was Ashby Report of

www.obatejuosobooks.com______130 which the same lengendary (DAO) Rev. Israel A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 77 (tin mine Kuti was the great motivator and contributor. 11 is also on record that it is in Egbaland, specifically Abeokuta • it 11 two Heads of State were produced General Olusegun • i i ,.mjo and Sir Ernest Shonekan KBE became Head of State • • • 11 i .overnment and General Olusegun Obasanjo by popular 11 huh racy rode the crest of waves to win the reins of power a . ttiiil time. The Rationale being he is, one of the few African ii I its not obsessed with power and wise enough to relinquish 11 >< -1 lower when ovation was loudest and was never a victim of d' .olute autocracy, and untrammelled dictatorship. Egbahistory on Id not be complete without paying glowing tribute to the i. ii id daughter of the late Rev. 1.0. Ransome-Kuti, Late Frances I ill >oye a dental surgeon in whose blood music was embedded, • I was she with her husband Kuboye an Engineer also by profession that gave Jazz a new lease of life and popular i

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The Egbas could constitute the most important sub-ethnic group in Yorubaland, Ogun State created from pre-1967 Western Region had rubbed most of its bureaucratic excellence especially on Ogun State even in terms of virile and efficient Civil Service. The Egbas had earliest contact with Western Education as well as early influence of Christianity. There is no doubt about this. The Egbas are regarded as the Athenians of the Yoruba race due to their democratic values and diplomatic finesse and the cradle of qualitative Western Education. Several examples had earlier been given. In the Military hierachy, the Egbas have not been found wanting. Colonel Sodeinde, Brigadier General Opaleye, Late Brigadier-General Gentleman Soldier and war Hero Late Foluso Emmanuel Sotomi, Vice-Admiral Jubrial Ayinla who on the maternal side is of Royal blood of the Gbadebo dynasty, Admiral Michael Adelanwa, Colonel Gbadebo, and Egba Brigadier- General Oluwole Rotimi former Military Governor Western Nigeria, Navy Captain Musibau Atanda Yusuff Military Administrator Ekiti State, his brother Colonel Yusuff, Commodore Bode George, General Olusegun Obasanjo an elder Statesman and President-elect Colonel Raji Rasheed former Military Administrator, Sokoto and Bauchi States and others. In the industrial sectors, are Otunba Kuforiji-Olubi, Chief Akin George, Chief Fred Qkunola, Chief Oke, Chief Lampejo, Chief

www.obatejuosobooks.com______132 Alamutu, Chief Sanusi, Chief Akoni, Dr. Lanre Tejuoso, Kola Abiola, Chief Dr. Olaiya Soboyejo, Chief Egunjobi, Late Alhaji D.S. Adegbenro, Chief Harold Sodipo, Pastor Ogun, Chief Sobowale, Professor G.O. Sowemimo a medical surgeon is another Egba successful academic, so is Late professor Emeritus Adewale Adekola CON who was another Egba erudite scholar, A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 79 i 'i Adebola Bailey a renowned Orthopaedic Surgeon with Dr. i i ml.i Abudu are unrivalled in the field. Emeritus Professor Irl ola CON became the first indigenous Dean of Faculty of i n,',i nee ring, he held a Doctor of Science in Engineering and ■ i ,mie a double fellow of Structural Engineering. There is i'ii 'lessor Teriba another Professor of Economics and Author of m,my books. In the field of International voluntary service organisation I'ul.iry & Lions - Egba has produced outstanding leaders in. |nn Majiyagbe (SAN); Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, Chief Oluwole I «*l.irin. Chief Sam Alamutu, Chief Lekan Ogundimu, Engr. I e.berongbe, Dr. Femi Sobanjo and Charles Olumide Adebiyi. I lie Egbas grew up in big compounds like the sprawling l.ijekodunmi compound at Ikereku, the Adeosun at Gbagura, llie Tejuoso and Karunwi compounds in Ago-Oko, Sowemimo • oker's compound. Olusomi compound in Owu, the Akin - (

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Mugbade's compound, Adewolu Village, also in Owu, ( knolashin compound also in Owu, Adila compound in Ake, II ic Shoaga compound. It was in Olusomi compound that Pastor ( Kshoffa with another root in Imeko emerged as the unrivalled I Evangelist of his days with thousands of Celestial Devotees as followers both at home and abroad. The Ogundipe Alatise compound in Ikija where the Oxford trained legal practitioner - Chief Ogundipe - Alatise hailed from. In terms of Courts performances Oba Dr. Tejuoso is of firm opinion that the Order of Court must be obeyed. It is either we want Law and Order in this Country or not. Obedience to the order of the Court is a necessity, just as political convention is a political virtue. There is no half way in matters of obedience to the orders of our Courts. It is not done in any Civilized Country to make dis-obedience a pastime. There is no Aristotlean midway to superior Orders of the Courts once given. The Military, the Police and Para-military Agencies must submit themselves to Civil Rule and rid themselves of arrogance of power. Tire trouble with corruption is that it is the degeneration of societal values 80 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service and only rejection of Bribery and Corruption by men of honou i and integrity could save this Nation. Even in a Manager in I Structure where the Chief Executive is corrupt, the followershi| > can not be left to look at Zuma Rock, they too will follow suit. So

www.obatejuosobooks.com______134 also it is in the public service; this then is the genesis of corruption in Nigeria. It is well known fact that it is only bad people mostly that make waves in the country as good ones hardly possess the survival kits and the wherewithal for tricky existence and Advanced Fraud Schemes, which had dominated many peoples' lives. Bad people in Nigeria do not allow good ones to shine and progress. But not with the Egbas as an important sub-tribe in the Nigerian pattern of behaviour they make good their names through honesty, hardwork and business acumen. Chief S.O. Abudu a Senior Advocate too in his own right is a member of the Oke-ONA Egba Royal Circle. He is not only a very successful Lawyer, he is an industrialist of note. Chief Musibau Ayinde Adeniran Msc is another role model. He attended prestigious Igbobi College Lagos (Yaba) and like Professor Lateef Salako FAS, he (Ade T..) as he is popularly known, never knew what it was to take a second place in any examination. He was formerly with West African Examination Council until he became a Prince Merchant and Industrialist. Chief Sulaiman is to Accountancy, what Chief Alamutu is to food technology and what Chief (Dr.) Bola Kuforiji Olubi is to the Capital Market as an Industrial giant. Chief (Dr.) Bola Kuforiji Olubi and Chief Executive Bewac is a household name for industry, honesty and business acumen. She was a Cabinet Minister and former President of the Institute of Accountancy

135 10Years ON

(ICAN). Mrs. Toy in Olakunrin is another top flight accountant and baroness of capital market and an Industrialist. The list on Egbas who did well is inexhaustible and include young up and coming ones like Mr. Lanre Akoni, Busola Akoni, Dr. Christopher Lipede, Miss Laloko an accountant, Dr. Lanre Tejuoso, Dr. Princess Odeleye, Titi Adebiyi, Mr. Toye-Coker (Jnr) Tosin, Adetutu A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 81

1.1iuno a lady and a Legal Practitioner Mr. Tokunbo Abudu a l ..ling businessman and Chief Ladi Williams, Chief Kenny .I.'osun Industrialist and broadcaster Mrs. Margaret Young, p.iing Mrs. Funlayo Adebo Kincke and many more too ... i ii htous to mention. This is Egbaland from generation to , • 11. ration in things that call for celebration. The Egbas parade . Ii h ig line of successful businesspersons and professionals. Let .... ,\sk a blunt question. What else do the Egbas want? What . hiKl make the Royal fathers not to close ranks having all seen i lir occasional displeasure of their subjects, knowing how they .in react if pushed to the walls. They must take the current I ten it serves or lose their ventures. It is now for them to UNITE li >i tomorrow. Today is too near, tomorrow is too far what shall f do? They must UNITE and allow National Interests to upersede their personal ego and self-pride Bridge the gap and umquer injustice.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______136 A word is enough for ONLY the wise. The i ords of the Elders are the words of wisdom. Let us all bury I lie hatchet and put our hands on the National Plough. By freak ii! irony, the Late Legal Pundit and political colossus Chief i )bafemi Awolowo SAN had streak of Egba blood in his veins. I le was aptly described by one and only one Visionary Leader i >1 the Igbos in the Civil War, Chief IkembaOdumegwu Ojukwu , is the best President Nigeria never had". Chief Awolowo hailed I mm Ikenne in Ogun State, the only other town in Nigeria with I lie Father and Son Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Kehinde ■md his son Kayode Sofola SAN of course Chief FRA Williams S.A.N. and his son Ladi Williams S.A.N. are Egbas. Peoples were wont to say "Se Ogun State ni Yoruba waye wa sin ni ?" which in translation means, are the Yorubas to be perpetually subservient to Ogun State? The answer is not far-fetched. It is in the Negative. But there is also a Caveat that the goodness is in our Stars. Let the best leadership come from the best place in Nigeria. Leaders who will think of this Nation first before themselves and their nuclear families. Leaders who are completely detribalised in words and deeds. Leaders who will 82 .4 Decade of Royal Selfless Service not sell us down the Rivers or drain this country of vast resource, of its BULLION. Leaders who will not deceive us. Leader who will lead by examples. Leaders who will not steal or enrich their own

137 10Years ON

families. Leaders who will respond to the basic needs of the massed, Leaders who can be followed because they arc honest, selfless, dedicated, God fearing and patriotic. May be all future Leaders should go to prison for three months orientation existence to see what it means to suffer so they can understand the yearning of the masses. There should be a total stoppage to mediocres being exposed to National Treasuries. They are like bulls in China shops. They contribute nothing to the Revenues of this great Nation and are fully prepared for profligacy in squandering the National Wealth and National Resources. This Nation must bid farewell to such adventurers and dishonest people who are easily identifiable. They are so conspicious in every State of the Federation, they are united in plundering and opportunism. The corrupt ones in government and politics are shameless as they come changing their colours like Cameleons and adepts at shifting changing alliances. They lack the necessary background for leadership. "They are to be called "Yaro ba wasa". In the Southern part of Nigeria, they are far worse than Area Boys. They are classless. They are the ones who turn Nigeria into a "Country of Profligacy" and with God-given vast human and material resources made this country to be dubbed one of the thirteen poorest country in the world. This should not be so. To sanitise the societies, the Nation must disconnect the National human mosquitoes and rats who give Nigerian success a bad

www.obatejuosobooks.com______138 name. Most are even fake business men who front for foreigners to swindle the National Resources in the most vital sectors of the economy. So in short, the problem with NIGERIA is NAKED Greed which in turn breeds bribery and corruption which bring about social injustice and oppression of the toiling masses. Time and space would not permit one to deal with the Ijegbas, the half-caste of Egba land. But let it be told that inside Egbaland there had been years of diplomatic marriages among

A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 83 • i ! ghas traditional Rulers that their citizens had followed suit |>> pursuit of this trend of miscegenation that today, there is I no influx of native foreigners in most of the well-known i I m i (impounds. The Gbagura man now is so much with streak • 11 )kc-ONA Egba as their maternal line is of Owu or Ake. This in iid had made the Egbas to become so fused that "he who mu mg them should cast the first stone in the market place would i . much surprised that the victim may end up being his cousin I nephew or even his step brother". So Egbas beware and let I n 11 y be your watch word. On corruption, in Africa generally, ill', muse of poverty among the toiling masses. It is so because • .1 w indows of opportunities open to mediocres, who contributed i ii ill ling to societies but spent everything. The emergency contractors top the list, so are the economic

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prostitutes who front for foreigners under Nigerianisation i nIcrprises. The Nigerian factor actually prevents the available ii sources form reaching the common people. It is not unlike I’rison contractors who conspire with the Warders to prevent I lie sustainance food getting to the Prison inmates. This is the • id picture Nigeria could be likened to and the earlier the it nation is corrected, the better for the lot of the toiling masses whose labour and sweats build this great Nation. The Egbas have done Nigerian image proud over the years - let us have more but let our Charity begin at Home. We must be firmly united at home in Egbaland - as united we stand, divided we tail - goes the well - known saying. We must give peace a chance I o be able to embark on a new Agenda for Reconstruction. Then let us all show the whole world this can be done. As a matter of I act, the rate of intermixture of the Egba people, the "miscegenation" this word is used advisedly, if one could call it so, has been total and frightening. The case of the "Ijegbas" apart, the social interactions amongst the Egbas had left them in a state of ineluctable moral fate. The inter-mixtures of the sub-ethnic group is almost leading to unhealthy HOMOGENEITY. Because of this miscegenation, in future it will be difficult to talk of a pure Egba Alake man or pure Owu

84 d Decade of Royal Selfless Service man or pure Oke-ONA man or pure Gbaguraman. Against this

www.obatejuosobooks.com______140 background, the Egbas had thrown up a cacophony of racial similarity and no one of them can be Hoity-toity. They already have similar qualities and a large measure of moral uprightness, honesty, personal integrity, diplomatic finesse, civilization and distinct culture interlaced with qualitative level of sound EDUCATION and brilliant levels of achievements. It has become common knowledge that meeting an ordinary farmer in the rural areas of Egbaland one will be surprised to hear such person speaking good English having had the rare opportunity of being in early contact with Western Education. Sound Education has played such a decisive role in the lives of the Egba people, people like Dr. Onaolapo Soleye, one time Cabinet Minister of Finance (in the Buhari-Idiagbon regime) when public accountability was the order of the day, had contributed positively to good government. The Egbas are mainly farmers and if their resources are fully realised, they could compete reasonably well with Katsina, Benue and Edo States as the food baskets of Nigeria. The Egbas should return to their roots in the coming millennium to give agriculture a place of pride in their sustainable growth. It is not uncommon in some parts of Nigeria where people are not monitored, where they obtain their wealth as long as they could revert to the homesteads and tar the roads, build centres and offer scholarships out of their ill-gotten wealth. Even in some areas, it is so bad that nobody respects your wealth unless the

141 10Years ON

person had once been jailed for stealing or fraud and obtaining monies by false pretences. One instance could be mentioned. One rich man defrauded firms of foreign Companies, he was charged to Court in the colonial era. He came to Court bedecked by damask and gold chains. The whiteman jailed him mercilessly and he murmured this expression to himself "Oyinbo mu yi" Damask. He was sentenced to maximum penalty. What he said if translated means the whiteman (the Judge) fail to appreciate the values A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 85 f *m. ! | acst ige of Damask - which was the litmus test of opulence in the colonial time. The Egbas would have none to these Ini 'ions ways of acquiring or amassing wealth hence they are m l.iy regarded as role models for Nigeria. Need one say more? We should make our children enjoy along with us too living u il lative comfort. There is a case already cited that the sky is 'iH i wide for two birds to continue to fly abreast. A child sent i. i. grey hairs to his ageing Father, who is a Royal Father telling .. . he too is growing old, the Royal Father replied by sending lum loo a port of honey indirectly beckoning on his heir to the t It rone, that he is enjoying himself and is in no hurry to quit yet. What Oba Tejuoso Karunwi III Evangelical Movement is all i! 'out simply means that love of Christ is the love that will pour nut

www.obatejuosobooks.com______142 to others (reach out) - Agape love. This is usually • Innonstrated in acts of Christian compassion. We cannot love Christ if the leaders do not show love for i lu ir sheep. Yes God ultimately brings goodness out of evil he 11 lows. This Evangelical Movement is to cure the evils of I ’.iganism of its grave and dangerous repercussions. This makes wrongful cover-up of wickedness ATAVISTIC. So let us all .11 pport God's work. But if nothing is done evils and Paganism will continue to thrive and that is like a Camel going through the Needle's eye. People soon get discouraged and frustrated. I he pointed question is; Is living a Christian life easy? It is like I l ying to break a rock. Devotees keep pounding. But we should never be discouraged. Seek you shall find, Knock it shall be opened unto you. Christians and believers can never be discouraged. If we love Jesus Christ, we must do something concrete to serve others. This then is the Holy message Oba Dr. Tejuoso has for the Egbas, bearing the same burden, resisting the same temptations daily and often. It is on this Notice it could be concluded that the Egbas streak of good fortunes, good and exemplary characters are born of years of tutelage in culture, good administration and 86 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service result of civilization and diplomacy. The Egbas never toleralr

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people whose behaviours become inappropriate. So let our progressive siblings like Chief Lekan Tejuoso, Tunde Tejuoso, Titilola Adebiyi (Mrs), Drs Olumide, Adesinas, Dr. Prince Lanre Tejuoso, Prince Kayode Tejuoso Princes Wole Tejuoso, Adetutu Tejuoso, Ladi Williams (SAN), Adetokunbo Abudu, Tosin Toye Coker, A. Alamutu (Jnr.) The young Soetans, Adewolus, Lalokos, Lipedes, Sorunmus and Shodeindes anti Lambos, Kola Abiola, the young Shonekans, Lanre Akoni, Odeleyes, Femi Tejuoso, Seyi Sowemimo, Akintoye Sowemimo (brilliant young Lawyers) siblings of the impregnable Chief Sobo Sowemimo Jagunna of Egbaland founding member of Committee of Ten of Balogun Sowemimo compound (Ogbe Abeokuta) and Dr. Bola Akin-Olugbade, Kunle Tejuoso, Niyi Ademola and the like of Mrs. Funmilayo Adebo Kiencke, Desmond Koye Majekodunmi and Dipo Adebo and others too numerous to mention. Let these up and coming young children already doing very well and carrying the excellent streak of blood, keep the good flag flying. Our services to this Nation should continue to be dedicated towards the upliftment of this great Nation, so that collectively, we could leave a positive legacy for the young generations following closely on our heels to emulate. We too, shall not hurry to depart this world while on the wings our children too can swing and enjoy richer and fuller lives, having made sure we put them on the narrow path of honest life and imbibed them with values of personal integrity.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______144 Once this had been done, the foundation for the future would have been firmly laid. The good name in the families would continue to flow like honey and the African personality we so much pray for would not be a stinker. Our children could draw inspiration from the following records of achievements. Of the 13 Heads of States, this Nation has produced Egba has produced 2, and one is scheduled to have another chance again to lead this Nation. Of the 13 Chief Justices, Abeokuta has produced two and a time there was when A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 87

I I ghas held away in the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Justice i i i m/er Craig, Justice G.B.A. Coker, Justice Madarikan, Sir i I. lokunbo Ademola, Hon. Justice S.G. Sowemimo and many .... Of the 13 of the Chief of Naval Staffs, again Abeokuta i, id | 'induced two top naval officers. I lie Egbas as a whole, suffered reverses as the Lisabi day in mt'inbrance of the Egba Legendary warlord could not be lil Mated in 1998. This was as a result of the riots which followed tin .udden death of Chief M.K.O. Abiolaonthe7thof July, 1998. I he Egbas should never be like the Cow which has lost its i a I because when the boil is bigger than the head it is the time i, ii I

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rouble to blow its whistle. For the Egbas the motto should lii iu eforth be "United we stand, divided we fall". May the spirit . .1 I he legendary Lisabi continue to propel the Egbas young and i i|i I and those unborn to greater heights of achievement and dynamic relevance in the scheme of things in Nigeria and for all nil tor States to see its development as a role model in the recovery nl African personality. ClfApTER 11 MANY DEITIES O? THE EGBAS The intensity of what the Egbas do and fail to do will invariably affect the fortune of Egba neighbours for good or ill. The Egbas inherited so many deities and loved to worship them. But everyday like in the City of Benin time had changed for the better. In Benin a city with over five centuries ol civilisation and enviable culture sending out Envoys as far back as 15th century to Europe. The light had shone! Christ has taken over the lives of many indigenes. The Olokun shrine was a common place in the front of many homesteads, today the story is different. Similarly, a silent revolution is at work, Oba Karunwi III Evangelical Movement has set things in place. Abeokuta, Abule Fashola, Abule Mawuko, Alapako Oni, and many other rural outposts had been called to witness in this spiritual resurgiment and evangelical rearrangements. The Egbas are intensive in pursuit of their different religious

www.obatejuosobooks.com______146 persuasions, they are pioneers and innovators, the Abudus, the Adenirans, the Baloguns, the Biobakus, the Adegbites, the Abiolas and Adegbenos in the field of Islam and its propagation. The first church was built in Abeokuta in Nigeria before any where else in Nigeria, the Lijadus, the Ransome Kutis, the Tejuosos, the Onatolus, the Ogundipe Alatises, the Okikiolus the Sopeins, the Sokeyes, the Lomodosis to mention just a few were torch bearers of Christianity in its ramifications. In the field of paganism, the intensity with which the Egbas pursued idolatry in the past cannot be surpassed by the sociocultural paganism witnessed in Benin City before the advent of Pentecostal and Evangelical movements within the city where the Idahosa Evangelical Movements had left its indelible marks. The Egbas and their religion and beliefs, could be a copious A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 89 hi,my any date. "Orisa Oko" is a common deity Which the Egbas • iinnot play with, Oni Kori the goddess invokedto give wealth a I, I | >rosperity, and in one swoop could ban bafrenness and or infertility. "Orisa Obatala" is another, this has a large whitely . l,ul followership. "Oni Buruku" is another peculiar strain of idol worshipper, these are mainly women clad in black clothes I. aving upper part of their chests bare, they their hands i mss their heads as if wailing and walk in rar^ks and file and airy their idols before them.. The men are confined to the di umming sections.

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Again in the wake of idol worshippers £*nd idolaters it becomes overwhelmingly imperative for us to speak out. The Koyal father Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso had don£ just that. This, 11ie Clod fearing and superby talented and highly dedicated Oba I >r. Adedapo Tejuoso had addressed with a dose °f Evangelism. I'be Majesty in him had made Oba Dr. AdedaP° Tejuoso to ■ ommit a large chunk of his own personal fortune to address I be issue of Evangelism in Egba rural areas and environs, and II > wipe out idolatry in Egbaland as it is being dode i*1 the ancient i ity of Benin. If it has been done in the city of B611^ it could be experimented elsewhere. The late Prince A'emi Eweka a renounced Chartered Accountant and offspring the Ancient Benin Empire, a noble Prince and gentleman to the core, rooted in Monarchical tradition died a Christian and renowned all forces of cultism. The Egbas share a lot in common With the culture conscious proud people of the Benin Empire. It is the Egbas who produced the first Afri£an Nobel Prize winner in the person of Professor Wole Soyinka, ft also produced the 1st African Deputy Director General of tlW World Health Organisation. This in the person of Professor Adeoye Lambo and the 1st literate Head of Herbal Practitioners Nigeria in Dr. Joseph Lambo. The 1st African Acunputufist in Professor Deinde Shodipo M.C. and Anaesthetician add Professor of Medicine, the 1st indigenous Chief Justice of Ni5er*a' was Chief

www.obatejuosobooks.com______148 Justice Adetokunbo Ademola, and another Chief Justice of 90 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Nigeria was Justice George Sowemimo Hon. Justice Sigismurul O. Lambo the first Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. Lal< Chief S.O. Adebo, a Lawyer and Head of Civil Service in the Old Western Region and in later years became Nigeria'?, permanent representative to the United Nations. The late Chicl M.K.O. Abiola was a Chartered Accountant and another besl President Nigeria never had. He won a landslide victory in .1 fair and free election (which was mischievously annulled) on June 12th 1993 in a game of generations called "Reflections of Power Reality". Nigeria had never been the same since then General Olusegun Obasanjo is an Egbaman who voluntarily surrendered power to civilian administration. He is a time tested administrator completely detribalised and a high profile intelligence war hero and a technocrat. The Egbas cannot ask for more. They have become the master piece of Nigeria socioeconomic and political history for all time. ON SECRET SOCIETIES On question of Secret Society, before this time the issue had been neither here nor there. But now the government has given a clear guideline that any group that seeks unfair advantage against a citizen who is not a member of that group is inimical to society by being a secretive body.

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Decree No. 5 of 1999 National Assembly (Basic Constitutional and Transitional Provision States: " Secret society" includes any association, group or body of persons (whether registered or not). (a) that uses secret signs, oaths, rites or symbols and which is formed to promote a cause, the purpose or part of the purposes of which is to foster the interest of its members and to aid one another under any circumstances without due regard to merit, fairplay or justice, to the detriment of the legitimate interest of those who are not members; (b) the membership of which is incompatible with the function of dignity of any public office under this Decree or any other A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 91 • ini merit and whose members are sworn to observe oaths of . • rec y; and i 11 u' activities of which are not known to the public at large, 111. n.i me of whose members are kept secret and whose meetings uul other activities are held in secret. Anybody, group or Association or Societies which meet the ihove criteria in being absolutely secret or secretive in i.u-mbership, meeting, enrolment of names, and in conduct of i. livities, should be regarded as secret societies or associations •tin I so are the members. But it would amount to public mischief in libel anyone who is not a member of secret as one, and such n

www.obatejuosobooks.com______150 livities or conduct should be regarded as a misdemeanour I imishable by law. On this note, anyone who offers bribe should also be guilty . I misdemeanour of public mischief, so also is the receiver of in h bribe or corruptive practice or practices. This should be a move towards sanitising our sick or degenerative society where I u-oples are on the fast lanes to achieve success and fame at all i ost and give success to bad name. So it is no more in doubt what a Secret society now means. II it is veiled under a religious body or club, or tribal group, or a kind of Mafia, the issue is now admitting of any ambiguity a ■.ociety is secret if all the above factors are present. Finally, in view of the high level of education of most I i aditional Rulers, the Constitutional provisions of this Country hould accomodate a House of Chiefs at the Federal level. It i nay be a bold initiative. It should be given a trial so arrangement with this vital system of governance should cease to be an "ad hoc" affair even if in advisory role. Chapter 1 2 AGE OF CAVALRY The Egbas have never been conquered. An individual Egbq had appeared through centuries of Egb.i streak as a man of extra-ordinary zeal and talent. Like a Judge, perhaps, Oba Dr. Tejuoso is used to being criticised than praised and like a good Judge he sticks to his guns to promote truth and the fear of Almighty God.

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A cache of beneficia] books on spiritual and religious matters could be found around his study, and a number ol these assist the Royal Wives (the OIoris) '\n their quest for Biblical knowledge and evangelical enthusiasm. But bn a more serious note, it could be argued that having succumbed to the ritueqs Gf coronation ceremony and ninety days of seclusion at "Ipebi" where all the traditional protocols of how to behave as a Royal father are carefully studied and imbibed with serious Understanding of how an Oba should not eat in public or keep Jate night out or lose one's tempers as a Royal father or even swear in public. All these and more/ fall under traditions, customs and mores. But when a decision had to be made and a Royal father is born again Christian and relmquishes such matters as lodge activities as name of Christ Jesus has no "locus standi" there. His decision was a doub]e-edged sword while he took Jesus as a friend and mentor to guard and guide him right in his Royal duties, his sense of justice did not spare the lodge where he rose rapidly to the Apux of the lodge hierachy (32 degrees) which ranks higher in dass than society of the Odd fellows (Manchester Chapter) whereas Scottish Lodge is elitist and class-conscious. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service •M I lie Royal father had shown and accepted the •.plrlln d , m etjuerice of a God-fearing and endowed decision To he i i "in

www.obatejuosobooks.com______152 .igain Christian is not a tea party but a very great spiritual ,| liltinent and unrivalled milestone in life. And when a man says no to paganism it means all that it ill-, for Keform. There is a wind of change sweeping through i ,1'aland. There is need for change in the attitudes of people 111< I their life styles and their attitudes of mind especially in ,ii.liters spiritual, people must feel the essence of change. I he ircnovative scheme embarked upon for some years now, i kurunwi III Evangelical Movement is a vehicle for significant . lunge in the right direction in Egbaland where Christianity lust took its root in NIGERIA in 1842. To Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, Evangelism is a Supreme task ,11 u| outreach is a vehicle to achieve it. The particular outreach i'inbarked, upon in February 1999 (one of the many specific programmes) by a spiritual train at Fashola Village on the i mtskirt of Abeokuta is a milestone and a case in point. When Royal Fathers are united their citizens too will be ready to mobilise themselves to remove road block to peace and road block to reconciliation also must be removed to make way for I 'ingress and prosperity and elimination of poverty in Egbaland, I arm settlement cottage industries would be set up to reduce the levels °f unemployment. In his life Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso Karunwi III had never known poverty or want and this had really bothered him so much that he has an heritage to ensure he elevates humanity mound

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him to the level of sustainable growth and eliminate poverty m their midst. He not only provides employment for t housarids to ensure their minds are geared towards common goods aiad saving their souls from the devil. In his life therefore he sees to it that success triumphs over failures. And the trouble with this Royal father is never to allow failures, in his struggle and constant battle with the tides of life. 94 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service The race against paganism, it is believed, could be won, and this Oba Karunwi III believes could be achieved in our lift* time in a world of too little monies and too few jobs a world of frustration and fatalism. Reading from the Bibles and religious tracts and lectures, staples on television are essential to the spirits. A society where many Restaurants in our societies would refuse to serve alcohol and commercial sex hawkers would be considerably reduced as more job opportunities are open to young female school leavers and windows of opportunities exist in vocational trainings. Our fragile economies could be replaced by fuller, better and richer lives, a world free of crime, violence and disorder, doubt and failure and confusions would be replaced by tolerant societies where spiritual and moral values would have places of pride in our hearts. We would all hold to ONE GOD through Jesus Christ. We would certainly all be the wiser for this change of attitudes of

www.obatejuosobooks.com______154 minds when achieved. The celebration of Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso Karunwi III ten years on the throne cannot be completed without his fervent prayers to thank Almighty God for his life and to express profound gratitude to both his illustrious Royal parentage. Need one say MORE. Chapter 1 5 DBA KARVNW1 111 EVANGELICAL MOVEMENT - A SPIRITUAL MOVEMENT Anyone on casual visit to Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso would lx- surprised to see a motor vehicle equipped with public .h I dress system and Pastors coming in and out as if the Palace I ms turned into a church. This is only an indication of the new II < 'nd of Christian Obas. It is not a vogue, but a sincere departure Imm paganism associated with the conservative nature of traditional rulership. Oba Alara of Aramoko-Ekiti had joined this group. So also is Oba Falade in . There are many others whom lack of space would not allow to mention in full details. We can all pray- to God to make us pure in words and in deeds. This is man's movement towards God the Creator. It is ideal. It is equally essential for meaningful existence. We are not to have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather, we all have a duty to expose them and guide them to the LIGHT. That is what Evangelism is all about

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and no man having put his hands on the plough and looking back is fit for the Kingdom of God. Most of our idolatries are shameful even to speak of them, we have to look into the windows of the future. And this time around, Islam and Christianity as Holy Scriptures, have classical abhorrence for idolatry, and with one voice vehemently condemn the practice. So let the books of our Scriptures work together to uproot from the Egbas all elements of the unfruitful works of darkness so goodness, righteousness and TRUTH shall reign in our hearts. Our brotherhood shall be pure, everyone will be his 96 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service brother's keeper. Evil thoughts, actions deeds shall forever, be banished in our midst. Ours, shall henceforth be God-directed actions. And the spirit in us shall be the fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Acts of Apostles, Chapter 1 verse 8. "You shall receive po wer when Holy Spirit has come, you shall be witnesses to ME in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. " Therefore brethren, let the Egbas unite to be able to play fully and competently, the role destiny has placed on them in a bigger, richer and virile Community - NIGERIA. It is by Jesus pure light that the powers of darkness and municipalities and blackness of sins will be exposed. And the

www.obatejuosobooks.com______156 stage will be set for the repentance that brings deliverance. This had already been done in a number of villages including Abule Mawuko, Abule Fashola in the outskirt of Abeokuta by Oba Karunwi III Evangelical Movement in the month of February close to the February 19th Birthday of the Oba himself. It will continue to the done in other places. It is an interesting programme to augment the activities on the throne, and a NON-Profit making Movement. It is unlike other money spinning spiritual ventures whose rewards are outward materialism. In the sense of people whose rewards are outward materialism and mammoth instead of Almighty God and like people who worship gold, they never learn how to stop. The Karunwi III Evangelical Movement is the crowning glory and the pinnacle of the decade on the throne, period of service, a tenure of mission to serve Humanity through the instrumentality of Christ. The Egbas too need unity, faith, peace and progress. It is through this love for others and charity to all that the Egbas must now engage as a second-phase and provide avenues for their youths to engage their times while on holidays in meaningful sportive and spiritual ventures. Youth Centres should spring up in Ake, Oke-Ona, Gbagura and Owu, to A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 97 . linage in youths in fora where they could ventilate ideas. So

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alien the leaders are no more, the young ones could rightfully i il e their places and continue the tradition of unity, solidarity, i race and progress of entire Egbaland. Bible classes, camping ■ ml ings, debates, inter-clubs sporting activities, cycling, athletics, I awn tennis, squash, badminton, racing all these things will a a long way in fulfilling their needs as the primary jobs of l mrents and community leaders and all our Royal Fathers. Where, however, the parents and our Community leaders fail, these young peoples, other do-gooders (supposedly) would fill ilie void, with something else, usually bad and sinful things messing their times up and taking drugs, smoking, porno-video ■ itching, college cults, late night parties will fill the void. The Wea Boys syndromes seen in Lagos streets will soon spread to the State Capitals, and life and property will be the worse for m b developments. 11 is true that God has provided enough food for everyone ■ a Nigeria, but starvation occurs daily for some people who m hardly help themselves because of human greed, mismanagement, corruption, ineptitude and mass II (employment. And the driving of competent and able public "Iticers under incompetent corrupt and indolent bosses. But if ilie society fails to provide the needs for young able boys and el. through apathy and indifference and or a state of mental mi inference to parental duties and community leadership, they i ill

www.obatejuosobooks.com______158 lay the doors open and drive these innocent youths into i lie open arms of evil people ready to meet their needs but who milortunately, care nothing about their future or welfare. We must not put up a fence of traditional hostility to change, i h.mge is inevitable and must come when it will come. I I SSON OF SPIRITUAL HUMILITY \ \ hen we look at the example Jesus set, we learn with humility th.it love and service are never a waste of time Oba Dr. Tejuoso 98 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service committing a chunk of his heard-earned monies to Evangelical Movement is a course many Royal Rulers should emulate. It i- a spiritual commitment and fulfilling and acute sense of service noticeable in the Egbas of all ranks and file. I recall with vividness the exemplary life and demonstrative sense of service ■ Late Fela the musical genius led. The positive side was the ability to cater and to serve men and women incapable of fending for themselves. This may seem insufficient for us but il is marvellous in the sight of God. How many tears were wiped off by the generosity of Late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti? We must ail learn that love and service are never a waste of time. The many deranged that a new lease of life were given to them by Professor Adeoye Lambo Foundation and the Aro Legendary Project ol Psychiatric Medicine or M.K.O. Philanthropy - On this note, il is necessary to ask God to help us all today to love others

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with the gifts of our time, our talents and treasures. So the Egbas present predicament could not be tied to the past, and people should ask why should the forefathers of the present Royal Rulers never challenge the forerunners of the Alakes. Why now? That is a dilemma of the Hobbesian fear and strict conformity with the Egbas traditional structure. "The past is a foreign country they do things differently then." What is good for our forefathers may not be good for the new generations. It may not even meet the dynamics of modernity, and modern age. The wind of change all over the world only started blowing in the recent past. It is also ordained by God. FASOLA VILLAGE OUTREACH (A Submitted Report) After the Ikija Crusade, we embarked on a Village Evangelism. Our focus to any village on Evangelism is determined by 1. The Village must be an unreached place without a single church or that the church there is not functioning. 2. We get in touch with Pastors that have interest in that area, so that after our Evangelism outing, a church can be planted A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 99 there with any interested Pastor to handle the follow-up of the new coverts, and the new church after our departure. We invite ministers from various denominations to join us during the Crusade.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______160 I We do personal Evangelism from House to House We conduct early morning worship service for the people in the village throughout our stay, and Evening service before they sleep at Night. II We have Night Vigil everyday during the crusade. A research Student from Community Bible Seminar said that Abeokuta area alone has over 419 unreached villages. In February 1999-Oba Karunwi III Evangelical Movement look a three (3) day crusade to FASOLA Village. I'asola Village Historical Background The Village was founded by one Dada, who was an Obatala priest. The year the village was established was not certain, but three of the surving children of the founder of the village were around; and the eldest must be around 120 years old. The village has 80 mud buildings. Their major occupation is farming, and they worship Obatala and Ogun; and some of their youths were Muslim. We noticed Obatala and Ogun shrines and a Mosque in the village. The nearest Anglican church is 2 kilometres to the village. Members of the village participate either in Egungun, Ogun, Alale, Aragbo, Ifa, Osun, or Obatala festivals. Darkeness Visible Fasola Village is a few kilometres to Ogunmakin in Obafemi Owode Local Government. It is a crime to have ordinary torch light. They allowed us to put on electric generator during our

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visit. When the generator is on, they gather outside their houses- playing, and when the generator is off-they move inside. 100 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Fasola village has no Electricity, and no pipe-borne watt'i They have only one small river. The male villagers have theii bath under the leaves at the right side of the river; and the females at the left side of the river. They bath in, and drink this muddy river. Early in the morning - they sell what they called "TEA." Later, we found out that the "TEA" was Ogogoro - Hot drink. Both Young and Old love to drink Ogogoro in the morning, afternoon and at night before they sleep. Pre Crusade Mobilisation Between Monday the 8th, and Wednesday the 10th February 1999, we went to the villages around Fasola Village, to mobilize them to come to Fasola Village for the 30-day open air crusade. Within those three days we ministered in the following villages 1. Boodo 8. Abujana 2. Elegunmefa 9. Alapako 3. Bamigboye 10. Omi Leragun 4. Odobadan 11. Omi Erunwon 5. Ekende 12. Anguna 6. Erunwon Lagba 13. Akingbogun 7. Ladijo 14. Owu

www.obatejuosobooks.com______162 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 101 I ,ich day, we returned to Abeokuta at 4p.m. - 6p.m. To . m 11 the unreached world around us is just not an easy task, ii i cry church in Abeokuta city can be going to some of these ■ ill.iges, those people would be delivered from oppression of 'h. devil. This is a duty for the Church. I'KI TARATION .1 ,i I ready knew few things about Fasola Village and the . nvironment. We took along first Aid Medical Box with enough • lings. We bought pure water, and other preventive medical aids, uni also had some food stuff with us. I VANGELISM t in Thursday, 11th February, 1999 we got there with full force vilh our lightening equipment and other gadgets. Life was irated immediately, before we knew it, people had gathered I min the surrounding villages, we dominated the whole area. At 5p.m the message started, the bible Text was taken from Fxodus 3 vs 7-8 "The Lord said "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of Ilirir slave drivers and I am concerned about their suffering, so I have come down to rescue them from the hands of the I pyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good mid gracious land; a land flowing with milk and honey".

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The Holy Spirit planted the text with these statement to the I >eople i. God sees their misery ii. God heard of their cry iii. God was concerned about their suffering iv.God has come down to rescue them. On Friday 12th of February 1999, business actvities was stopped, the early TEA selling and drinking (of Hot drink) stopped. Early morning prayer was conducted. 102 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service The fear of God filled every place. House to House Evangelism took place, people cried for their sins. They believed that ii they came to Christ, they could be forgiven. Before the Evening programme - the Elders of the viltogr gathered and planned against us. They threatened the villagei that no one should attend the Crusade again. To our surprise people attended - even more. Pastors from Abeokuta joined us More than 200 people were attracted especially when the whole place was lit. Some of them sat down on the few chairs made available; some sat in front of their houses listening to the word of God. People gave their lives to Christ. As the Crusade was over, the IGUNUKO Masquerader with over 20 people inside a Civilian Bus arrived. They started cursing us, discouraging people not to listen to us. They closed by midnight. Early the

www.obatejuosobooks.com______164 following morning by 5a.m. we preached and prayed again for the people. IGUNUKO ACTION GAVE US MORE CONVERTS On Saturday 13th February 1999, more Pastors joined us again from Abeokuta, and we turned the whole village upside down. People came from all villages around with over 1000 attendants. The people listened to the word of God with rapt attention. On Sunday - we started early by 3.00p.m. and finished by 5.30p.m. for security reasons people gave their lives to Christ. And with 20 (twenty) coverts, we started a church there on Sunday 14th February, 1999 with signs and wonders following. Fasola Village Crusade Profile Guest Speaker - Rev. Dr. J.A. Adeyemo Morning/Evening Services Coordinator - Rev. Adejare S.O. (Operating Team Member) Technical- Pastor Oyefisan - Christ Anglican Church Music - Pastor Oriola - Apple of God Church A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 103 I, ilh tw up - Pastor James Matthew li 111 r strike force - Evang. James Adekunle (Operation Team ' tnnber) le\t: - Exodus 3 vs 7 & 8 theme: - "Deliverance from Slavery." Ministers Present

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I Rev. Dr. J.A. Adeyemo Rev. S.O. Adejare \. Pastor Segun Oyefisan I Pastor Abel Oriola 5. Rev. Mrs. Titi Iyowu Evag. Mrs. Odude 7. Mrs. F. Alamutu 8. Pastor I.L. Babatola 9. Deaconess V. Adejare 10. Elder Matthew Salami 11. Rev. Mrs. Adeogun 12. Pastor Adeogun 13. Pastor James Matthew 14. Pastor Tokunbo 15. Pastor M. Yaya Coordinator Member Operation Team Christ Anglican Church Apple of God's Ministry The Everlasting Mission Abeokuta Lagos Living Bread -Abeokuta Signs an d Wonders Ministry Christ Last Command- Ab. Christ Last Command-Ab. Signs and Wonders C.A.C. Ogunmakin Christian Faith Mission. Chapter 14 DIALOGUES AND COMPROMISE ...... U WW| Gone are the days of power of untrammelled autocracy when the crown prince with his entourage will order the wares of the market women to be torched. His reason would be as it was

www.obatejuosobooks.com______166 going dark he could not see, or that of the diamond spoon fed Heir to the throne will persistently and consistently be wailing and His Majesty fretting would go to where the little blue blood brat is having his meal to enquire what was the matter. The Royal servants and eunuchs would disclose to the King that the infant heir apparent was disgusted because there were so much meat of different kinds covering the soup that it was impossible for his morsel to reach the bottom of the soup bowl. It is not unlike the Roman children who grew up with caries in their teeth as they could not resist leaking sweets before and after meals. As a result, most of their pre-molar and molar teeth are lost or decayed before they reach adolescence. Even some of the Heirs Apparents would send their Royal Fathers streak of grey hairs on their heads and the Fathers would send the same messengers to carry pots of honey to their siblings. The implications are clear the fretting heirs apparents are clearly indicating to their Royal Fathers that time was not on their side or time was running out and the wise Rulers would send pots of honey to them indicating that life had become so sweet for them they were not in a hurry to quit in double quick steps. So it was a King who could not be seen to resign from the throne. If he committed heinous crime or crimes all he needed to do was to open the calabash he was forbidden to open and that would bring an ultimate death- If he had a powerful monarch to whom he was a vassal then the Akoko wood would be sent to

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him, and that amounted to a death A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 105 ■ n fence for the vassal or village Head as the case may be. That i . a reign of naked power which is no more this time around, i >11 r Koyal Fathers are mostly educated urbane, civilised, just 11 it I C iod-fearing people of the like of Oba Karunwi III who is i t l moulding his entire life. In places where there is a system of primogeniture, or r.t endance to the throne from Father to son as in the Windsor Koyal House, in England, there may be difficulties in African Mnnarchial system, but the most undisputable culture of i xcellence is the Benin Empire system of primogeniture where llie Edaiken becomes the undisputed heir. The Owo dynasty lias also followed the Benin example even if temporarily, the oltl Oyo Empire has a structured system of Aremoship which also had cultural significance. But the Monarchical system in our Egbaland is informed of different Royal Houses bringing i nit the best from their midst. This system too had worked well on purely rotational basis. Why then could paramountcy not I H'come rotational as there is no custom making this a taboo so I hat the articulate and well educated Royal Fathers could play adequate roles in a larger entity called Ogun State. They would surely do so in the generality of the greater Nigerian context. ()therwise, why hide the light under a bushel? These are Obas I hat some

www.obatejuosobooks.com______168 larger Communities in Nigeria would pray to have. They represent the modernity in traditional Kingship and Institution. They had shed all the tramplings of the past when an Oba could place his leg on any young maid that strayed into his palace. It was automatic, she would join the Royal harems. If she was unfortunate to have a husband, the loss lies where it falls. The so called husband would have to look elsewhere for another partner. If he was still unlucky, his misfortune would be exacerbated by - being conscripted into palace as a palace servant or serf or be castrated to join the long line of palace eunuchs. The information network in the palace in unique. There is nothing that goes on in the King's compound that the vineyard 106 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service would not bring to King's notice, however minute the detail-. So goes the proverbs the King's ear in the farm is the same iH one in the home, the game of the generation is ordinary hum.m being. People tell the King all he needs to know without bothering to step down from the exalted throne. There i network of palace gossips, intrigues and home-made espionage The Power of unrestrained autocracy and despotism w.r demonstrated when a King on horseback proceeding on .1 journey once made a stop over in a hamlet or village, and it happened to be a date of bridal ceremony. The unfortunate maid

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was seen enjoying the bridal dance. The King at once would alight and cause a fence of clothes to be made around him while he grabbed the maid like a tiger pursuing a rabbit Thereafter, the maid became no more a maid and brought out the woman in her. The King would then abandon his white charger horse and decide to ride the husband of the humiliated maid to the next village or town. Such were instances of man's inhumanity to man in the olden days when the King could do no wrong. This scene was only fit then for matters of flying imaginations, and morbid moral gesticulations. But today, all these atrocities were not unknown in the then known world. They did happen because the past is a foreign country and they did strange things and differently there. Against the backdrop of these past atrocities who then would not commend the Oba Karunwi III Evangelical Movement as timeous and capable of making Christ touch our hearts. Repentance had come in a big way. The Egbas are being told to be awake and be alive. They should cease to be spiritually unconscious and unable to communicate. They should embrace the words of God and should not be dead to the WORD. When the Royal Wives, the Oloris disclosed that they are three wives and live like sisters of the same parents and they had banished the physical green eyed monsters of jealousy and rivalry, and A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 107

www.obatejuosobooks.com______170 I ,.!h illhy competitions. They went everywhere together and # i ■■■.( >(*cted. They become the cynosure of all eyes in all that |« good and pure. They carry themselves with dignity, and I . ,i .• They give Royal Wives new emblem of respect and lt">| in lability. They fill the plenty of time they have with Bible ■ ding, contemplation, meditation and allowing Christ to iinnl their daily household affairs as Christ is the Head of the i li .u .ehold and their husband the Royal Father, as the trustee, ■ ml |t\sus filled every soul in the household with wondrous II,111 They tend to reflect the light of Christ in a world that is Ink with sin. If Nigeria is part of that world Egbaland is part ■ a an integral part of it and Evangelism is the answer since I gbaland per se is part of this problem. So it is that these inestimable jewels of Oba Tejuoso's heart cannot be compared with other wives. They have come a very long way and as many water had passed under the bridge. So it is like the proverbial connotation the men clearing the farm and the women planting the seeds can never be heard to be singing the a me songs. The Oloris of Oba Karunwi III are singing the I vangelical songs and Ecumical choruses. Nigeria is now rated as one of the 13 poorest counties of the world on the same planet with Haiti. Whereas Nigeria has unmatched super abundance of human and material resources. Let the Egbas join hands together and help Nigeria to march forward to an Era of greatness and achievements.

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This is only possible if we repent and hold on to God. Repentance should be genuine. (a) It should bring Godly sorrow or repentance (b) It should provoke indignation against sin, darkness and powers of principalities. (c) It should contain fear to God. (d) There must be a zeal or enthusiasm to promote Godly things (e) There must be a fervent desire to do God's biddings. 108 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service (f) You now know and see the light and would hate to gu back into darkness or promote evil. (g) There must be purity of thoughts, actions and deeds. Therefore, Brethren, the sorrows for sins against thi-. background can be for good or bad. However, only when il eventually leads to change does it bring freedom. If no change, it leads to self guilt, self condemnation, hatred for those who are instrumental to make others fall, it could lead to sell amortisation and suicide so it is, that no man having laid hi?, hands on the plough and looking back is fit for the Kingdom of God. Reading the Bible is a spiritual exercise by itself. It is a beautiful experience that can never be quantified by time arul space and matters. The era of paganism and its attachment to traditional royal dynasties is being revisited with a view of severing the unbiblical

www.obatejuosobooks.com______172 cord from the slavish followership of customs. A refined, and fine-tuned royalty can still exist with fear of God and justice and equity reigning supreme between the rulers and the generality of the ruled. Let our Royal Fathers in Egbaland stand up and be counted and stand up firmly to rectify the situation. The Egbas should grow more on their farms, form co-operatives to harness the abundance of resources around them. Build sugar-cane factory at Lanlate and put up cottage industries on a scale never dreamt of before. Let the employable start small scale farm settlements. Let men of vision come together and ventilate concreted and meaningful ideas. Let there be economic committees for the entire Egbaland besides the mushrooms organisation of chamber of Commerce at town's levels. Let all hands be on deck. Instead of our immediate past Royal Fathers leading the vessels of unity to the rocks for us to wreck. Let us apply the rescue mission strategy and call in a new order to redeem the balance of the old. Let us be nearer to God so God can intervene in our intractable problems and direct us to solutions. Let it be known and totally accepted that once A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 109 • mi the throne, no Oba or Royal Father is capable of resigning "i promoting self-abdication or self-exile. It is God who ■ nllmmed Royal Kings. The Royal Fathers in the past held the I m iwer of life and death over their subjects "lus vitae necisque" i mi I no

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more these days as no one is above the law which the ' ,erspectives. The man clearing the farm and the man planting the seed ran never sing the same song. Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso has ;een victims of accumulated circumstances like cirrhosis of the liver, or the wounds that would not stop bleeding he had succeeded where others have failed. It is, man, know thyself. In this he had excelled. He won Christ to his side. As he who is with God is with majority and would need no fear or I repidation. Misfortunes and disappointments are like a wound that would not stop bleeding, he suffered in his friends. He suffered in his family. He suffered in his former marital life but today, he had put all these things

www.obatejuosobooks.com______174 behind him when he put the blood of Jesus to test. Christ has not failed him. The Oba is also a man who practised selfless encouragement. He has become an encouraging Christian and High Church man so much so that many other Royal Fathers are following his footsteps. The devotees of his new trend are LEGIONS. It is a 110 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service case of self-giving without self-pity. It must be rememberol that the ultimate source of encouragement is not people bni God. The injunction seems to be this:- Go to God for fresh encouragement - He is the (sole way of salvation) - then go oui and encourage others, hence, this king of Evangelical Movement Oba Karunwi III outfit and its pragmatism. Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso carefully chose his own gooil friends and he shows great concern for those who are not pai l of his Inner Royal Circle. He is quick to confront those among them he noticed flaws in their character. His inner happiness is that they all measure to the standard of behaviour and morality required of people close to Royalty. They have never once failed him despite the complexity of human nature and the chemistry of human foibles, and attractions to evil ways and deeds. It is like all are in God's direction with such aphorism that they should consider what they do right and be grateful to God for His proper direction. Then let them consider what they are doing wrong and

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make complete correction. Oba Dr. Tejuoso wants to change our society for God. So let it be, he is anxious to reflect the light of Jesus Christ into a world that is dark with sins. Hence, this sudden and persistent call for Evangelical Movement to usher in a new order to redeem the balance of the old. Evangelical Movement has come into being not because it is the popular thing to do, but because of the urgent thing to do to sanitise the society. For a place where Christianity first took root in the 19th century it is overwhelmingly imperative that idolatry should shift its place or infact, vanish into thin air for strong religious revival. This is what is happening. When there is crisis, people look to their leaders to provide adequate solutions and they look to the Royal Fathers for the answers. The Karunwi III Evangelical Movement is the answer to a state of melancholy catalogue of idolatry and spiritual pestilence. It must be embraced as one of noble solutions for our movement nearer to Almighty God. And in case others A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 111 hi li.ive solutions to our degenerative ailments let them come lot ward as God is still doing great things today. God would * i ays show a special kind of care for those who love Him - I' aim 55 vs 18 - 22. "Hehath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that i vas against me; for there were many with me. God shall heai-and

www.obatejuosobooks.com______176 afflict them even he thatabideth of old. Because they ha ve no changes therefore they fear not God. He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him; he had broken his covenant" The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart his words were softer than oil yet were they drawn swords. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee, he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Chapter 1 5 ■MWWOM8WOeMWWQ(0»OeMWaoaWW80WWOOW80i80M OOOM)OOOWW08W800tWCMOOtWetWMewmOOWWtOOM OOWt8eW8WWWW»WW8WW»»W»WWW>K)W SO FAR SO MEMORABLE REVISITED So far there had been a lot of misinformation on the situation in Egbaland vis-a-vis power tussle. Chieftaincy matters in African traditional setting admits of dialogue, compromise and skilful diplomacy of the "No victor no vanquished type" and the authored Book by Oba Tejuoso could be milestone in the march to traditional democratisation. Tussle for power, quest for Royal supremacy are not unknown in places like Oyo and Osun States. It all depends on the traditional environment. In a long line of successions the Awujale of Ijebu-Ode always fell on someone from outside the domain who happens to be an indigene. Other towns have their

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peculiarities, in others the Aroles could succeed to the throne. In other areas this will constitute a taboo and vulgar heresy. In some principalities it is a direct succession like in Britain from father to son or daughter, and son to grandson of the first make birth. In a matrilineal Royal lineage succession may be an open ballot to the throne. Among the Wukaris, a system of succession peculiar to them is well known and respected. In some areas like Tivland old age add to the Headship of ascension in rural environments. As a matter of fact the Tiv is far from being hereditary. Owo has now started what Benin was known for centuries direct ascension from father to son. The will of the people of Egbaland is peace. They have history of peace and good administration behind them. It will therefore be wrong to equate instability and absence of harmony with the Royal Fathers in their sections of traditional jurisdiction. The preoccupation of all well-meaning Egba sons and daughters is informed of the peaceful co-existence of the r A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 113 i 1 >.»•; in an environment of fairness, justice, brotherly love and ...minimal harmony. It is on record that the Egba Obas are i idl educated and enlightened and regarded as highly i Migressive. Confrontation and violence are alien to Egbas .. iimal intelligence. But they will always fight for their

www.obatejuosobooks.com______178 i.,-11 imate rights. No one can falsely make them aliens in their .. n town which their forefathers founded. The present current euphoria should not be taken for , i.mted, as no one knows what the future holds in store. But if 11 ic roles of the Egba traditional rulers are properly assessed .ml addressed, the Egba Royal Fathers in term of their roles would be an added instrument to more meaningful, greater I .irtici'pation, for Ogun State sustainable growth, the call for i ci I ress by the "OGO" Obas is for the greater glory of the l.ilherland. The Autocratic Ruler played various tricks to gain attention iml to ensure strict conformity to his wishes and commands in i he games of generation. He made himself the indispensable person. His authority did not originate within the followers. ‘ .1 rictly speaking, he was not a leader who had followers, but a person who dominated his subordinates or followers. The Democratic Leader was the opposite of the autocratic ruler. Egbaland should not have the misfortune of being in possession of such a ruler. Good leadership should carry the group forward collectively, not individually, to desirable goals and objectives. What the Egba Obas want is good leadership of the democratic leader that is in contradistinction. Such a leader should take decisions on the basis of consultation with members of the group, and not arbitrarily. Such a leader would seek the involvement, and participation of every member in the activities of the group. A group that would lead all the Royal Fathers to the

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signpost of participatory democracy for the greater benefit of the generality of Egbaland. No traditional ruler should undermine the authority of any traditional ruler by going direct to deal with the subjects or people of the latter. 114 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service The objectives and the means to promote the image of gre.il Egbaland shall be informed of such objectives being decidcil by the group. The leader should decentralise responsibility, ensure power sharing and federal character, and promote gooi I feeling and mutual respect among the members. Each membn should enjoy personal and sectional autonomy if indeeil Egbaland is a federation or a confederation. Leadership, of whatever kind, should not be a goal in itself but a means to achieving the goals of the group. This may seem a Machiavellian way of creating serious issues. In short, leadership is the activity of influencing people to co-operate towards some goal which they come to find desirable. It is the endeavour of this type of a leader to promote common activities of the group for the equal satisfaction of all the members. He encourages interpersonal contacts as a means to strengthen the structure and functioning of the group. Moreover, the leader identifies his own aspirations with the progress and welfare of the group. The democratic leader comes from within the group and his

www.obatejuosobooks.com______180 leadership is conferred and confirmed by the group itself. The Egbaland Royal Fathers parade an impressive list of wonderful leaders and possess pattern of personality traits which most States and Local Government areas lack. They have all individual and collectively brought renewed zest, certainly of rightness, surefooted zeal and faith to the fatherland. "Thus men hold him dear zvho practices righteousness who is truthful in words and performs his duty. The Buddha "Action is eloquence" Coriolanus Shakespeare A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 115

I lie Royal Fathers in Egbaland are lucky to have the 11* it (nonce of action. These are traditional rulers imbibed with 11111 u • cj ualities of leadership as Natural Rulers whose fire must i ilt 11 on their citizens. They are friends, philosophers, kings, . ii. and have been guides to their people. I he issue of growing concern to the Egba indigenes could i . lack of co-operation among them which could blur their r ums of great Egbaland. The future does not belong to those ho are content with TODAY, this truism seems to be the 11 hi iking of all progressive Egba Natural Rulers. And all the I r,l>a Royal

181 10Years ON

Fathers are progressive and honourable rulers. So Ii i it be with them. But one could call to mind the trite saying nl I'.S. Eliot the sage who was quick to note that: "Time past Time Present Are perhaps In Time Future...... " Flistory can never be manufactured and the Egba nobles .ind their Royal Rulers with their unequalled and impressive I >ackground of educational, entrepreneurship and enterprising .ind dynamic approaches to individual Royal Rulers may have I heir own agendas, but the most important factor is the precedence of a truly sincere and collective Egba national interests over personal and parochial interests. The Egba Royal fathers at this stage of our National life should keep in mind I lie overall interests of their people. As leaders they should also ever keep in mind that they as trusted Royal fathers are shaping history, shaping destiny of their people. Enthusiasm is a high-powered tonic, and as such enthusiasm should not be at a discount among the Egba Royal Rulers and the famed. They have to rethink. One must reiterate in the strongest terms that the greater Egba of our dreams had not emerged. As there should be Egba National Day in view of the tremendous success of Egba prominent and successful 116

www.obatejuosobooks.com______182 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service

Compatriots. This should be a way of bringing Egbas at home and abroad together and Endowment Funds on Annual basis should be generated to promote economic and social development. Evenly located industrial layouts should be mapped out and in all the satellite towns in Egbaland, within available resources new Enterprises should be established. There is no doubt the Egbas and her neighbours" which concept had become the lamppost of a new approach to motivating all other constituents of the Ogun State. Only by this can the Royal Fathers harness their collective wisdom to think positively and act progressively. Only then can the Natural Rulers acting in concert arouse enthusiasm and create improved morals among the Egbas citizenry whom they represent as Royal Fathers. Egbaland needs men "Tall as trees, men who will hold their heads high and shoulders up. Men who willproudly walk with confident steps, men who know the roads to success in life. And walk on the trodden paths " The Egbas should learn that the best way to get a "Yes" response is to put the other person in a "Yes" mood. The generality of our citizens should always create positive and

183 10Years ON

affirmative atmosphere. Royal Fathers in Egbaland have proven their worth and had shown the calibre of people they are made of in terms of the qualities of their individual leadership syndrome. From the days of Sir Ladapo Ademola KBE, the late Alake of Abeokuta, to great names of descendants of Sokenu and Lisabi, to the era of administrator of the Western Region and the regime of Chief Dr. Koye Majekodunmi in the 60s'. The memory Lane of Ashby Report the forerunner of Tertiary Education in Nigeria and the gift of Rev. Israel Oludotun Ransome Kuti (DAO) in the field of qualitative education. The unique attributes of Late Chief S.O. Adebo both at home and abroad as an illustrious Egba son. The equally laudable contributions in the field of medicine by Professors Olikoye Ransome Kuti and Prof. Adeoye A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 17 'Ladi Williams With these pctor General of World health I i mho before him as Deputy Dir' . , , , ,, ... r J md headship of the Nigerian Civilisation. The war heroism a • t , -.pasanjo, Governor Kotimi or J.ilion by General (Jlusegun O . , T , . c , T ' 0 /niral Jubrii Aymla as Chief of

www.obatejuosobooks.com______184 iiinner Western Region, Vice Adit . ,. ,, , , . , _ ° , T ,/>o in the field of traditional Aval Staff, Chief Joseph Lamb ™ , Ai j . r n, Chief Tunde Abudu, Chief .. I,cmf bfode B>s°ye Tejuos/;, field chief (Mrs) Dr Bola 1 Huyombo Akoni m the industry , , , , at, so are Chief Oluwole Alam I 11lorni Ulubi m the capital mark 1 r m the field of advertisement, \ileosun, and Kehmde Adeosun , , , , . . , ^ , ,,ie legal profession, late Chief | I nef FRA Williams Doyen of tr 6 G.. „ „ . , 7 Oluwo Oke-Ona Egba, Chief \kitoye Tejuoso - Lisa Lgba and. ic a nt \ H.iyo Kehinde, Chief Toye Co^j . /c . NT \ \ XT. , ' . , „ J , vadairo (S.A.N.). r > A.N.) and Chief Emmanuel F ,, .. . T ' . _ , . /res, the Akonis, Lampejos, the -m ays of prominent Egba indigeb „, . \ , , , J , r. ° P a, the Georges, what else could i Munios, the Okunolas, OtolormA„T „„ . XT™, , people so blessed asked for? T°LERANCH , A to recognise the tremendous It will be very difficult to fai/. i i j d, . . pese worthy sons of Egbaland

185 10Years ON

contributions of Egba citizens. T , , . . , . y . /y should see the wntmgs on I i.ive foresight and insight. The . , ,. , „ ° , , , ° , , signs of the times, and sense lhe wall. They should read the ,. , J , at work in their surroundings. I l ends and tendencies which are act, The Egba should be great in as they have been in though /£ Shakespearean adages. according to the tenets of tn / been in thought" Be great in act as you have King John Shakespeare . , scendancy is informed of this The essential to personal as. , , , r ten. Thousands of men have trite vision according to S. Marc/ .. . ., , , , . P jj did not go quite far enough, been failures in life because they „ T , . , , Je pomt of efficiency. In other they did not learn a trade to th , , „ , , , , , J . de of success. But what could words, they stopped lust this si' ., , T . , , ,

www.obatejuosobooks.com______186 ' . ■; rr 1 , Abraham Lincoln whose early be said of the great irrepressive , , . , ° r d with victims of accumulated attempts at success were dogge' 116 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Compatriots. This should be a way of bringing Egbas at honu and abroad together and Endowment Funds on Annual b.r.i should be generated to promote economic and soci.il development. Evenly located industrial layouts should In mapped out and in all the satellite towns in Egbaland, within available resources new Enterprises should be established. There is no doubt the Egbas and her neighbours" whiiT concept had become the lamppost of a new approach b> motivating all other constituents of the Ogun State. Only by this can the Royal Fathers harness their collective wisdom In think positively and act progressively. Only then can the Natural Rulers acting in concert arouse enthusiasm and crealc improved morals among the Egbas citizenry whom they represent as Royal Fathers. Egbaland needs men "Tall as trees, men who will hold theii heads high and shoulders up. Men who willproudly walk with confident steps, men who know the roads to success in life. And walk on the trodden paths " The Egbas should learn that the best way to get a "Yes"

187 10Years ON

response is to put the other person in a "Yes" mood. The generality of our citizens should always create positive and affirmative atmosphere. Royal Fathers in Egbaland have proven their worth and had shown the calibre of people they are made of in terms of the qualities of their individual leadership syndrome. From the days of Sir Ladapo Ademola KBE, the late Alake of Abeokuta, to great names of descendants of Sokenu and Lisabi, to the era of administrator of the Western Region and the regime of Chief Dr. Koye Majekodunmi in the 60s'. The memory Lane of Ashby Report the forerunner of Tertiary Education in Nigeria and the gift of Rev. Israel Oludotun Ransome Kuti (DAO) in the field of qualitative education. The unique attributes of Late Chief S.O. Adebo both at home and abroad as an illustrious Egba son. The equally laudable contributions in the field of medicine by Professors Olikoye Ransome Kuti and Prof. Adeoye A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 117 i ,ml)o before him as Deputy Director General of World health I itj'.nisation. The war heroism and headship of the Nigerian 1 11 ion by General Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Rotimi of i, ,i itkt Western Region, Vice Admiral Jubril Ayinla as Chief of ' i' til Staff, Chief Joseph Lambo in the field of traditional licine, Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso, Chief Tunde Abudu, Chief

www.obatejuosobooks.com______188 • iluyombo Akoni in the industrial field, Chief (Mrs.) Dr. Bola i 1111 > r i j i Olubi in the capital market, so are Chief Oluwole Alani \, Irosun, and Kehinde Adeosun in the field of advertisement, I lief FRA Williams Doyen of the legal profession, late Chief \ I itoye Tejuoso - Lisa Egba and Oluwo Oke-Ona Egba, Chief ll.iyo Kehinde, Chief Toye Coker (S.A.N.), 'Ladi Williams iS A N.) and Chief Emmanuel Fadairo (S.A.N.). With these ii rays of prominent Egba indigenes, the Akonis, Lampejos, the • )(111 njos, the Okunolas, Otolorins, the Georges, what else could i | >cople so blessed asked for? TOLERANCE! It will be very difficult to fail to recognise the tremendous i mtributions of Egba citizens. These worthy sons of Egbaland have foresight and insight. They should see the writings on I lie wall. They should read the signs of the times, and sense i rends and tendencies which are at work in their surroundings. The Egba should be great in act, as they have been in thought, according to the tenets of the Shakespearean adages. "Be great in act as you have been in thought" King John Shakespeare The essential to personal ascendancy is informed of this I rite vision according to S. Marden. "Thousands of men have been failures in life because they did not go quite far enough. They did not learn a trade to the point of efficiency." In other words, they stopped just this side of success. But what could be said of the

189 10Years ON

great irrepressive Abraham Lincoln whose early attempts at success were dogged with victims of accumulated 118 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service failures until he rose to become the President of a great nati»» the United States of America. The anti-climax came with li assassination at the pinnacle of his political career. His Mos« died when Canaan was in sight. And one could compare y« another Egba illustrious son, Chief Olusegun Osoba Veter.i Journalist who joined to blaze the trail of men of the pen taki n control of governments after the illustrious Bisi Onabanjo Chieftain of the mass-media Aiyekoto and as a Chieftain ovc his people as the First Civilian Governor of Ogun State, the. are social critics by calling and professionals who believe thii if good people shy away from politics they should be contends to be ruled by the tyranny of the idiots, or shameless tyrants (> benevolent despots and sadist autocrats. Each era has its owi destiny. "Every season has its summer". The thoughts and philosophies of Kabiyes Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso are informed of all these conceptualisations. He is the embodiment of Egba people. 1 l< is our illustrious son and father. He is one of us with the foible." and achievements of whatever our strength as Egba nationality exudes. If the leader is physically strong, a Badminton enthusiast and renowned International Sports Administrator, former Rotary Governor, a

www.obatejuosobooks.com______190 Physician, an Industrialist, Humanist, could fashion out his thoughts and philosophies. This "words - smith" of an illustrious pedigree is healthy, anil has well-defined and clear goals, naturally he is disciplined and also enthusiastic. Authors and writers are "no failed artists" they come by way of self-discipline to be able to put their thoughts down in permanent forms for generations yet unborn Enthusiasm is a VIRTUE rarely to be met with in seasons ot calm and unruffled prosperity. Enthusiasm flourishes in adversity, kindles in the hour of danger and wakens to deeds of renown. "The terror of persecution only serves to quicken the energy of its purpose. It can scatter defiance amidst hosts of enemies". Dr. Charmers. Truth has no meaning only purpose. It radiates and shines by the glamour of its own existence. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 119 < )ba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso makes some causes attractive, f indicative and indigenously delightful and absolutely . m.| tII ing. One calls to witness his concept that leaders should I. nearer to God, fear God and be grateful for his daily grace i.i the joy of existence, abundance of wealth and provisions of i iily needs. They should become the symbol of advancing the . hi .e of good health. A strong constitution is a great asset to leaders. Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso makes a forage into iniliilional therapy. Besides character, talents, virtues, good

191 10Years ON

111.11 it ies and progressive programmes, leaders are powerfully illccted by what they eat, as you are what you eat. If you are i.io obese you stand the danger of developing hypertension uni find difficulty in breathing. Beef Mutton Bread Soup Salad and Fruits in order to keep healthy and happy must be part of 11 iethotherapy of sort. One has to follow the common rules. Exercise without 1. 11 igue, generous living without excesses. Early rising and early morning of exhortation of God with songs of praise and intercession. After all before you could become a member of I lie Lodge fraternity your admission depends on if you believe m the existence of God. If your answer is in the negative, the loss lies where it falls. No matter how powerful your sponsors .ire, the institutions is no place for Atheists and Nihilists or Anarchists. It is expected to be the abode of gentlemen and men of impeccable records, of good character and upbringing". Afterall, good breeding counts. On the score board of 4 way Test of the things, we think, say or do, Rotary also teaches man's relation to man to ensure 120

www.obatejuosobooks.com______192 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service everything that is done is fair to all concerned. Things that would bring peace, good order, good government, stability ami good public relations and interactions are encouraged at .ill levels of societies. On this note, it should not be forgotten th.ii there is a certain organic rhythm of intake and output 01 inspiration and action of priming and discharging of work ami relaxation and meditation one can call to witness the industri.il machine and its mechanism, if the machine is not properly maintained the output will be low. So is the human factor. If bribery and corruption are the order of the day at the top, those who follow below too will want to take their share Who comes to Mandela to look at Zuma Rock? It is the games of generations. Public accountability remains the only way to minimise corruption, as it is unlikely that it can be totally eliminated. It is like the oldest profession known to the world. When Rulers send a convoy of busloads of Tertiary Institutions to convey students for all night parties not minding whose daughters they are using the weapon of dross of materialism to entice them. The Royal fathers must not rest on their oars in preaching to administrators and would be governors that such practice must stop in their domains and warn the Rectors and College Provosts that enough is enough, too much spoils. They must not shrink their responsibilities over their wards. The young shall grow; these are the future mothers of this nation.

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Here again, Oba Tejuoso goes to the pulpit as a moral teacher. His decade on the throne had also witnessed a long line of moral re-armament. Therefore to remain calm and self possessed, a leader must hold his cool in the face of fire, odds and insurmountable challenges. A leader must know how to spare himself. If he is worn out ivorried overzvorked he will not be able to handle a difficult situation. Active A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 121 i. ,nlcrship tends to consume the vital energies of a leader; as a iii.itter of fact it saps the energy. Work is not as in physics, the movement of a matter from one place to the other. In physical trims it is a combination of physical and mental exertion ieating a trauma and bordering on mental breakdown, if j. toper caution is not taken. t )bas like Judges are in sedentary positions and are bound h i suffer the fatigues and trauma associated with such postures not unlike taxi drivers, toll gate collectors, long distance lorry . 11 ivers or Bank Cashiers. Teachers suffer the opposite fatigues and standing aches, and Rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore they must, as a matter of necessity, take time off lor re-assessment, refreshment, acts of renewal; these are some of

www.obatejuosobooks.com______194 the finest services the Royal Fathers can do for themselves and their citizens. Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso the renowned I’hysidan is God sent to Egbaland and is capable of passing 11 lose vital messages round the benefit of society and for the I mnefit of all concerned without fear or favour, affection or ill will. While researching this book I had various discussions with Kabiyesi Oba Tejuoso on how the present misunderstanding in Egbaland could be resolved. He said in parts that: "People should be big hearted enough to allow changes to fake place in our lives, our domains, in our neigbourhood, in our townships, in our Nation and the world at large." He quoted from the Psalm 9 verse 18 "that the needy shall not always be forgotten and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever." Further he said, there must be a way to reason in the spirit of give and take, to iron out our differences as our brothers' keepers, for when something is wrong it is better to straighten in out. In fact, Rotary International, an internationally recognised nongovernmental organisation which I, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso 122 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service served as District Governor, some twelve years ago, 1986-1'HI has a publication titled Seven Paths to Peace, it is a book win. I

195 10Years ON

calls for conflict resolution and as a scientific pointer tow.n peace. Not only that, in recent times, other books have bn i published to show how conflict can be resolved and how tin have been used all over the world to resolve conflicts of vat i< in dimensions. Some of the techniques recommended are: (a) Active listening: can turn anger into problem solving while self-defence can be turned into self-questioning an*' examination. (b) Negotiation: defines a dispute as mutual problem rath* * than a contest. Negotiation identifies underlying interest., of persons involved, their emotions, perceptions behin.i declared positions and rationalises the agreement on son i> independent assessment, rather than on sheer will ol parties involved. (c) Meditation: is a process in which the parties discus:, their disputes with an impartial person who assists them in reaching a settlement. A mediator is appointed at th< request of the two parties to the dispute. (d) Arbitration: is yet another technical tool that can br employed in settling a conflict where mediation falls. The parties may agree to submit their dispute to arbitration for a binding decision. Arbitration is less formal than court proceedings. The hearing is private and the parties agree, normally to be bound by the decision of their arbitrator. In some cases, it is

www.obatejuosobooks.com______196 understood that any award or decision will only be advisory. Arbitrators are usually business, professional people with technical know-how in dispute at hand. (e) Confidence Buildine: involves a posture on the part of the third party as someone who can be trusted with absolute impartiality amongst the warring parties. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 123 ( )iir State Government over the years has been playing ll game of hide and seek and has not shown any serious In m in it merit to have this our laudable progressive agitation I. "I •■( I into for a permanent solution. I know, THE ALMIGHTY I Ml I HR, SHALL BRING A DANIEL TO GOVERNANCE TO li I X i I ! OVER THESE MATTERS OF PARAMOUNTCY, OUR l MMDS; ADDED TO OTHER PEOPLE'S BOUNDARY, OUR i II' . IX )RICAL ANTECEDENTS IGNORED AND DISTORTED. HOW LONG CAN A MAN SUFFER FOR WHAT IS IIM IFIABLY HIS? HOW LONG? HOW LONG? MY HEART i UIHS TO THE LORD. The final solution is taking the conflict to God in prayers, in tact Matthew 7 verse 7 states "ask you will be given" and dually if I may add also from the Holy Bible "for blessed are tin• peace makers for they shall be called the sons of God" Matthew 5 verse 9. I have tried to have this discussion highlighted only to illustrate the practical turn of mind the Kabiyesi possesses. He i Iocs not

197 10Years ON

only raise an issue but also tries to proffer the solution. I his is a challenge to all of us as "Egba omo Lisabi." We have I lie brains, we have the resources, I pray men and women of good will come forward and resolve all the issues at stake with I he help of God (Amen). Chapter 1 6 Mtttt-HemcomoMOomoMOMgMQOQMOMoeogooQMMOQMO MMOOOoooeQommomwo&ttwottttw&MWttvr»?*QQMQttwoxe momoMoomQQmomooQvv~-- !X - REFLECTIVE MOOD As an observer, a judge by vocation, I asked the Kabiyesi furthoi to update me on the current happenings in Abeokuta. Tin Kabiyesi this time around, chose not to speak but decided to make his library available to me. With a smile he invited me ti. avail myself of the opportunity offered. The reading of tin materials even a very small percentage of the volume would make interesting reading. It will throw more light on the subjei l at hand, create an awareness and without doubt help one to arrive at an informed opinion. You will be amazed, as I was dear reader, when you flick through the pages that follow 24th August, 1992 Chief (Dr.) M.K.O. Abiola Crescent, Ikeja. My dear M.K O., This is to congratulate you very heartily on behalf of the Iya Oba

www.obatejuosobooks.com______198 Oke-Ona Egba (Iyalode Egba), the Oloris, the entire Oke-Ona Egba Chiefs, People and myself on the occasion of your 55th Birthday anniversary which comes up today 24th August, 1992. No doubt, you have attained so much for your self in this hitherto short life of yours (which certainly, in no distant future, would become doubled). You have carved a nitche for yourself in the history of Nigeria, nay the world at large that no history of this world can be complete without a mention of M.K.O.

A Decade of Royal Selfless Service125 I li.it with your crusade for Reparations for the Black people nl the world? This is the one I admire most of all the things I hi have set your hands on in this world. You can be very iiv I am on your band wagon in this respect. I'nl let me remind you at this appropriate juncture that Charity i iyios at home. the Majority of our people in Egbaland (the people of i ilu--Orta Egba, Gbagura and Owu) are still in 'bondage'. We nerd to work with God, jointly and severally, to be able to first 11iv them from this bondage before we can then pursue the IIii'stion of reparations from the Egba Alake people of Egbaland. I. it not a shame that with all the nitche you have carved for i mrself in this world, you can NEVER become a number one nr Balogun Egba in the Ologun line. The limit of your ambition m the Ologun line of Egba Chieftaincy title can at best be No. 3 or

199 10Years ON

the Osi of Egba. (icneral Obasanjo's aspiration in Egbaland is permanently i ondemned to a limit of number 4 position (EKERIN). He can never become the Balogun Egba in the present set up. Yet he was once our Head of State (the No one citizen of Nigeria) and could have easily become the number one citizen of the world. Let us even assume that you are quite contented with this situation now. Would your great grant children or posterity ever forgive you if you do not do anything about it now despite your Crusade for Reparations? A word is sufficient for the wise and you are more than wise. I believe it is time for the Egbas to seat round a Conference table and review, revise, and amend where necessary - our 94 year old Constitution of Egbaland. This to my mind is the best 55th birthday present you can give to Egbaland. In the meantime, please accept this token 55th birthday anniversary present of a cheque for N5,500,00 from us. 126 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service We wish you many more happy returns of the day and grease to your elbows. Long live MKO and may your shat li >' never grow less. (Amen). Thank you and God bless. Yours sincerely. i

www.obatejuosobooks.com______200 KARUNWI III OSILE OKE ON A EGBA

ALE TEJUOSO A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 12 7 i MQRT ADDRESS FROM CHIEF MOSHQQD K ASI1IMAWO ABIOLA, THE ARE ONA KAKANFO OF nmUBALAND AS ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL l \HNCHERS OF THE BOOK BY OB A ADEDAPO i I■IIJOSO KARUNWI III, THE OSILE OF QKE-ONA. Mi i iiise of the sad incident in Jedda, Saudi Arabia, I will have in ).*,() to Sokoto this afternoon from Abuja and I will therefore M. iiliable to return to Lagos on time to be physically present at iIn- launching of the book of Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Karunwi III, I he Osile of Oke-Ona Egba. I congratulate Kabiyesi for his efforts at throwing fresh light into the history of the Egbas, a people who, more than ,uiy other people in Nigeria, have had the greatest impact on n t ually every aspect of life in Nigeria in particular, and in the West Coast of Africa sub-region in general. I do not wish to go into long historical details about how every section of our people arrived in Abeokuta during those I urbulent days of inter-tribal war, because as important as that history is, may be what is more important to us today is how we go faster forward as a people in order to develop upon the achievement of

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our forebearers, it has always been felt by all lair-minded Egba people in general and all the people in Egba, ()ke-Ona, Gbagura and Owu that the constitution of 1898 needs lo be looked into before the centenary celebration of that constitution. If it is realised that since 1898 when the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been created by the Lugard Constitution of 1914 and since then there have been the Richard Constitution of 1946 and the Macpherson Constitution of 1954 before the Independence Constitution of 1959, the Republican Constitutions of 1963 and the Constitution of 1979 and the recent one of 1989. Like Nigeria itself, every part of it had undergone tremendous changes since 1898. There should therefore be no doubt in everybody's mind that the Egba Constitution of 1898 128 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service is long overdue for a substantial revision to take account of 11 >• changes that had taken place in the last 93 years. The demand of Oba Adedapo Tejuoso in that reg.n i received my 100 per cent support. I would limit my comment at this occasion to this call I... a constitutional conference of Egba people for the reasons win. 1. I have stated above. I must say before closing that some atten\| were made unilaterally to re-write the constitution in the midi II. of 1940's. Although young at that time, I can still remem lx . the popular song of the Owu people: "E ma ran Baba ni Ifo, A.. ni lo",

www.obatejuosobooks.com______202 a song of defiance by the Owu people say in r, categorically, "Don't send Baba (Oba Gbogbo Ade) to Ifo, In will not go”. The matter was put beyond any doubt soon aftn because Oba Gbogbo Ade died not long aftei The point I want to make today is that the Ifo which at that time was considered a village is today probably the fourth largest city in Ogun State and is a local government capital in its own right. So if Olowu had infact moved to Ifo in the middle of 1940 he probably would today have been automatically be first class chief like the Olu of Ilaro and the Alaye of Ayetoro. So, it does not sound right to me that those other Obas in the Egbado Division can become first class Oba whilst the Osile, Agura and the Olowu remain second class chiefs because of an out-dated constitution. I think I have said enough, it only remains for me to congratulate Oba Adedapo Tejuoso for his patriotism and his concern for justice among all Egbas and to state openly and categorically that he has not only my support but the support of all other Gbagura people which I can categorically say have the Balogun of Ojo with all other people of Owu and Oke-Ona because I have spoken at great length to my people of all shades of opinion in this area. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 129 I wish Oba Adedapo Tejuoso long life, peace and i ingress

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and the same for the people of Oke-Ona and all • In- ligbas in general. I It.ink you. V) 7.91 i Iiief M.K.O. Abiola A similar speech was delivered personally by Chief M.K.O. \liiola at the Gateway Hotel in Abeokuta in the presence of II ic Alake - Oba Oyebade Lipede in late 1992. This was on the occasion of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Alake 1111 ring the Launching of a book written in honour of the Alake. Need we say more? It is in this light that you should now view a few of the events that happend at the Abuja 1994/95 National ( onstitutional Conference through the involvement of Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa, Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso as presented below by Dr. T. Uzodinma Nwala (Ph.D.) in his letter and the extract of his book: T. UZODINMA NWALA (Ph.D) Department of Philosophy University of Nigeria Nsukka, Bnugu State Date: 25/09/97 H.R.H. Oba (Dr.) Adedpo Tejuoso Karunwi III Osile Oke-Ona Egba Abeokuta

www.obatejuosobooks.com______204 Ogun State, Nigeria Your Royal Highness, NIGERIA: PATH TO UNITY AND STABILITY.... I salute you most humbly in the name of our fatherland. It is now about 27 months since we officially concluded our assignment at Abuja as Delegates to the 1994 - 95 National 130 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Constitutional Conference (NCC). Ever since then, the memm of that historic event has remained fresh in my mind. When I remember the role of Your Highness and those nl other patriots and statesmen like Chief Dr. Alex Ekwueim Alhaji Shehu Musa, Brigadier-General Abba Kyari, etc. I begin to feel confident that all is not lost. And I feel all the mim inspired when I recall the singular efforts and courage displayed I in ensuring that there was a new beginning and a new basin for reviving and rebuilding our fatherland made prostrate l>\ certain negative forces in our body politics. Since we left Abuja after handing in the Draft Constitution and Report to the Government, so many things have happened On a personal level, I remember and fell sad over the loss ol your dear mother and our mother. We thank God who has since then continued to comfort and guide Your Highness anil your entire family and people. For these past two years, while recuperating from the auto

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accident I had on my way to Abuja during the course of the' NCC, I have occupied myself with writing a book on the Abuja NCC. I have captioned: NIGERIA:PATH TO UNITY AND STABILITY: The Abuja National Constitutional Conference (1994 - 95) A Critical Review In the book, I have critically examined the Background to the NCC, recalling the delicate and critical situation our dear country found herself during the months preceding and in the course of that Conference. I have also x-rayed the Issues canvassed at the Conference, underscoring their social, political and constitutional underpinnings. It is on record that despite the scepticism that greeted the inception of that Conference, a number of its historic decisions were received with enthusiasm by our embattled nation and the International Community. Among those decisions were

A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 131 h, i horn/Presidency, Federal Character Commission, NewRevenue > nation Formula, Zoning for purposes of power sharing, \ i ohitionofPower, Tribunalfor the Recovery ofill-gotten Wealth, i r.titutionalCourt, etc. All these have become basic features !

www.obatejuosobooks.com______206 Hi ii I he 1994 - 95 National Constitutional Conference, not only . i ■ < •( I the nation from disintegration, but also has provided us u ilh a compass for steering the nation more constructively imi ward towards greater Unity, Peace, Justice and Stability. While the nation anxiously awaits the promulgation of the I >i .ilt Constitution into law, the Federal Government is already mnehow implementing some of these key decisions. NIGERIA: PATH TO UNITY AND STABILITY ... enables us in lollow the unfolding drama in our present political history. Your Highness, I consider my humble self, your servant, as in authentic chronicler of that event. I served in two of its key ommittees, namely: < ommittee on Political Structures and Framework of the i (institution, and i (institution Drafting Committee (CDC) In addition I served as Secretary to a number of bodies (particularly the Southern Solidarity Forum (SSF) that were instrumental in generating some of the key decisions of the ( (inference. Your Highness, your contribution at that Conference, particularly during the NCC's First Plenary session (on the fateful Tuesday, July 19th, 1994) helped immensely to set the lone for the Conference and put hardliners on the defensive. That your heroic and historic intervention remains a landmark in the history of that Conference. This book could not, therefore, be complete

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without placing it on record. Arrangements have been completed to present the book to the Nation on October 29th, 1997 at 11.00am. at the Federal 132 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Palace Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos. I am, therefore, besiIiti Your Highness to kindly grace the occasion as Royal Latin > the Day. A copy of the book will be sent to you in due ami Meanwhile, I enclose some relevant portion of the book rein i • to above. While awaiting your kind favourable response. I remain, Yours Most Respectfully,

DR. T. UZODINMA NWALA

A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 133 I In- < ourse of Debate at Plenary Session I lie Chairman and the Conference agreed that the delegates should ■ i h speak for about 10 minutes. For this purpose he drew up the list I'M each day. The first plenary session enabled each delegate to state in I'load terms his mandate, how he perceived the task before the ' 'inference, the source of the nation’s problems and possible solutions. Mmost all delegates spoke on the key issue of the corporate existence of Nigeria. While nearly everyone affirmed his belief in the continued

www.obatejuosobooks.com______208 niporate existence of the country, many warned that for Nigeria to innain united, its unity must be based bn the foundations of justice, "|iiity and democracy. The broad focus of the speech of Southern delegates was on Marginalisation and Justice. My humble contribution (of which time did not allow its full presentation) is contained in (App. V). Many delegates from the North were generally very tough talking and boldly defending the status quo. They also spoke about their own marginalisation in certain areas of the power equation, especially in the bureaucracy, economy and media. It was this dogmatic defence of the status quo that provoked Mallam Ahmadu Abubakar from to call on the North to relinquish power by allowing the Presidency to go to the South this time around. Several documents and memoranda on various issues flooded the Conference. The major focus was on the issues of National Unity, Peace, Justice, Equality, Structural Reforms, Forms of governance, Presidential system (French or American Models), Parliamentary System, "Authentic African Model", Tiers of government. Need for return to true federalism. Calls for regionalism, Confederation, Devolution of power, Power and resource sharing arrangements to end marginalisation and domination, Rotation of power. Zoning, New revenue allocation formula, economic reform. Problems of corruption. Early return to democracy and quick end to military rule in Nigeria, Proposals

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for ending the prevailing political crises, Calls for an Emergency National Government, Release of all political detainees including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, The issue of June 12, etc, etc. The Controversy over H.R.H. Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso’s Speech On Tuesday, July 19th, 1994, Oba Tejuoso made his own speech. He 134 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service was unduly and rudely interrupted by heckling delegates mostly from the North. This led to a walk-our by Yoruba delegates. The Oba’s speech began with his remarks that the source of the country’s problems is that "we have forgotten God in all aspects of our life' and "we have not given respect to the elders", and the traditional nilers. Then he went on to condemn the protocol list which puts the Traditional Rulers after Governors, Commissioners, Directors-General, Local Government Chairmen and Councillors and he urged that this be rectified. Asa medical Practitioner, he also lamented the marginalisation of the Medical Practitioners in the affairs of Nigeria, recalling that the Chief Medical Officer was once the second in command to the Governor- General. After condemning the Land Use Decree, the Oba went on to dwell on the need to enshrine in the new Constitution, the principle of equality and the right of every Nigerian to aspire to the highest post of the land. He then went on to declare, "It is

www.obatejuosobooks.com______210 only equitable that June 12, 1993 be revisited and justice done”. Its principles and issues, he said, must be upheld. At this point, the heckling began. The Oba then gave notice that he might be overstaying the ten minutes by asking for "injury time". Still on the June 12 issue, the Oba spoke frankly, saying: “The good thing about Nigeria and the Nigerians is -that we forgive and forget so easily, otherwise most of us will not be entitled to be here seated today. What indeed has Abiola done that has not been done by some or all of us here present? What makes his offence so great as to warrant such an annulment after he had been cleared for election? What makes deannulment impossible? These are serious issues yet to be answered publicly. These answers should come now". While acknowledging that there had been other injustices perpetrated in our political history, the Oba called for the revisiting of June 12 and the immediate release of all political detainees including Chief M.K.O. Abiola. June 12, he emphasised, was the main reason for the Constitutional Conference. At this point the heckling became unbearable. Some delegates felt that the reference to those who should not be at the Conference because of their past was a reference to Dr. Umani Dikko whose nomination to the Conference by the Government had sparked off much controversy. Again, the

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reference to June 12 election and Abiola had always been A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 135 itented as an anathema by some vocal conservative delegates, especially (torn the North. Despite the spirited effort by the presiding Deputy Chairman, Hon. Justice Mamman Nasir, to control the interrupting delegates, the Oba concluded his speech but without the delegates knowing what indeed he was saying. But for the Hansard we would not know what he said because of the noise by the hecklers. At the end of his speech, the Oba left the hall and was followed by all Yoruba delegates. Subsequently, the proceedings of the Conference were abruptly halted amidst general confusion and anger on the part of Southern delegates and their liberal Northern colleagues. Through the timely intervention of some key delegates like General Shehu Yar’adua, Dr. Alex I. Ekwueme, Chief Sam Mbakwe, Dr. Saraki and others, the delegates who had worked out returned to the Conference. The Oba walked in first, followed by the others. As he sat down, each Yoruba delegate approached him, knelt and bowed before him and then proceeded to his seat. It was a show of great affection, solidarity and respect of tradition. At the end of this, the Deputy Chairman addressed the delegates urging them to "give the Traditional rulers the dignity they deserve". He then called on the Oba to address the

www.obatejuosobooks.com______212 Conference again. In response, Oba Tejuoso decried the way things were going in Nigeria, especially the manifest injustices and inequalities. He expressed fear for the country's unity as well as his disappointment over the reluctance of people to address the discontent and grievances of a section of the country. The Oba said there was a manifestation of a great divide between the North and the South. For example, he said about seven traditional rulers from the North and eight from the South had gone to see General Abacha the previous day. At that meeting, he said, while the Northern traditional rulers spoke with one voice in the negative over the issues of June 12 and the release of Abiola. the Southern traditional rulers spoke with one voice in favour of revisiting June 12 and release of Abiola. He decried the treatment which he received earlier in the day, pointing out that what happened to him could not have happened to an Emir. In his reply, the Deputy Chairman expressed apologies to the Oba and decried the intolerance and lack of decorum on the part of those delegates who interrupted him. Certainly, heckling was a common feature of the 136 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Conference proceedings. The Southern delegates occasionally applied but not to any particular Northern leader.

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This episode wgs preceded by an informal meeting held at Sherato Hotel at the instance of the Yoruba delegates. During the meeting ill delegates spoke with tears in their eyes and appealed to their colleague at the Conference to show understanding and sympathy for their pligli and help to ensure that June 12 was discussed and resolved. They called for the release of Abiola from detention. Indeed, it was a moving am sorrowful spectacle to see some of them literarily in tears. More pathetic and irksome were the strictures against the late Chiel Obafemi Awolowo whom one speaker accused of being the architect of the plight of the Yorubas through the propagation of what he called n negative Yoruba nationalism. The scene provoked a distressful response from Southern delegates including Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Chief Ojukwu appealed to those present to respond positively to the appeal from their Yoruba colleagues to demonstrate goodwill and that we mean to live together. On the 20th of July, Dr. Alex I. Ekwueme circulated a memorandum in which he called for the release of Abiola and the setting up of an Emergency National Government and suggested that such a Government should be led by Abiola as a gesture of national reconciliation. At the end of that meeting a fifteen-man committee was set up to make recommendations on the issue of June 12 and the release of M.K.O. Abiola.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______214 As the meeting was winding up, Alhaji Mahmud Atta accused one of those on the high table of having asked him (Mahmud Atta) to tell General to annul the June 12 election when it was clear that Abiola had won. No discussion was held on this accusation which came in as an out-burst when Alhaji Atta was initially not allowed to speak by Dr. Saraki. The fifteen-man committee eventually met and recommended as follows: 1. That Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other political detainees be released unconditionally. 2 That steps should be taken to resolve the issue of the annulled election in the spirit of national reconciliation. 3 That Abiola and the other detainees should co-operate. 4 A delegation to be sent to the Head of State, General Abacha, on the position of Conference delegates. il II 0 I It I

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A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 137 Mdhbefs of this committee eventually went as a delegation to convey these recommendations to General Abacha. The members included Dr. Alex I. Ekwueme, Major-General Shehu Yif’adua (rtd.), Dr. Sola Saraki, etc. Unfortunately, no further meeting was Called to rfccdve report of this committee. Apparently its recommendations were opposed by. some landliners especially from the North. The delegation did convey the message, but unfortunately a member of the delegation spoke against those recommendations and asked General Abacha not to intervene by releasing Abiola but rather to leave the. Courts to handle the issue because it was a criminal matter. This move culminated in the aborted release of Chief Abjola after an Abuja High Court had granted'him bail. The ripples from this process caused tension within Jthc High Command and led to the eventual retirement of Vice-Admiral Allisdn Madueke, Chief of Naval Staff and Major-General Chris Ali. Chief of Army Staff.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______216 138 /I Decade of Royal Selfless Service OBA DR. ADEDAPO TEJUOSO, has said it on a numi.» of

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occasions that he had to go to the National Constitulmul Conference of Nigeria held at Abuja between June 199-1 n-4 June 1995 as an appointed delegate because he received a i! 1\1. >► message from God that he had a role to play there foi Hi* stability of Nigeria in general and the progress of the Yonilm race in particular. Cardinal J.O. Oyeniran has now confinm .1 this through his Divine Easter messages published on Paget < and 23 of the Sunday Sketch Newspaper of the 4th of Apill 1999, titled NIGERIA MUST REPENT TO SERVE. Hear what he said, and I quote: "Some people would i u >i know why the president-elect emerged from the Yorubalaiul Furthermore, the LORD warned Yoruba leaders to be carelul The Lord emphasises further, that it is the wish of Satan to influence the Yoruba leaders in bad faith, to boycott Unconstitutional Conference to their own injury. Whereas, tin LORD has inspired the Abacha regime to hold thr Constitutional Conference through which the LORD can restore the fortunes of the Yorubas on political basis, particularly on the presidential issue from future achievements. Hence, GOl) has schemed the presidential crown to be worn by a Yoruba at the next presidential election." On the June 12 1993 election that was later annulled, he had this to say and I quote: "In another GOD'S message to the nation "warning on foreign invasion", the LORD warned Nigerians further, "therefore the LORD reiterates that since He was the

www.obatejuosobooks.com______218 judge behind the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election results, it will not be realised, as He had announced the cancellation of the election before it took place " Cardinal J.O. Oyeniran went further to give reasons why GOD must have decided to use General Olusegun Obasanjo once again as president of Nigeria at this point in time. He said, and I quote: "In the days of our fathers, prophet Moses, who was regarded as an assassin and an outcast in Egypt, was A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 139 iimc servant of GOD, that the LORD chose among the .i■lien of Zion, to become the first spiritual Head, 11 .utn.mder-In-Chief and the Deliverer of the State of Israel li. m I lie house of bondage and the clutches of Satan in Egypt i S I v 7, Exodus 33 vs 12-23; Hebrews 12 vs 21-24. si 111 on General Obasanjo, he went further to say: "St. Paul, I i mri ly called Saul, who was regarded as a great terrorist, an * . i .sin, the persecutor of the Apostles and of Jesus Christ, Millie same disciple that the LORD chose to become the most II rliiI and profitable among the Apostles of Jesus. The least i hi .I ill become the greatest, while a sinner can still become a '.Mini. The LORD sees not as man sees, man looks on the mil ward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart - I • imuel 16 vs 7: Galatians 1 vs 12-16; I Corithians 15 vs 9-10.” About the Yorubas, Cardinal J.O. Oyeniran had this to say:

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this set of people should realise that they are without some blemishes like others, and if God is to punish all sinners, who would escape GOD'S judgement? They should remember the biblical injunction that a house that is divided against itself cannot stand. This is the time to heal all old wounds and embrace one another for the good of all. When the Northerners and the Easterners are politically in love with the Yorubas, the Yorubas are at enmity among themselves." He went further to warn the Yorubas as follows: "Therefore, unless the Yoruba politicians whole-heartedly repent to serve GOD and stand for the formation of a national Government, just for the welfare of this blessed nation, in order to make the promised blessing of presidency stand for the Yorubas, the bloody coup d'etat formerly planned by the devil agents, for this country before the death of late General Abacha can still take place, unless we pray fervently for a change of heart of the Yoruba politicians. For Nigerians as a whole, Cardinal J.O. Oyeniran had this message and I quote: "The election malpractices by the three political parties during the recent local government, the 140 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service governorship and the presidential elections, attracted reaction* of the heavenly hosts. During our regular prayerful sojourn for the welfare of the nation and for the Easter Celebration:., II was

www.obatejuosobooks.com______220 revealed that the souls of all those departed Nigeri.ii Martyrs, the victims of the first coup-d'etat of 1966 and tin > . that were burnt alive immediately after 1983 general election the sages, and the architects of Nigeria's independence, amony, them: General Aguiyi Ironsi, Sir Ahmadu Bello - the Sadaun.i of Sokoto, Sir Herbert Macaulay, General Murtala Mohammed Alhaji Sir , Chief Obafemi Awolown Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe et.c are praying fervently to tin- most High God, who is the judge of all Hebrews 12 vs 21 - 24 "Simultaneously, I saw their portraits in their full military, and legal regalia, led by some Saint to a temple. Among them were desirable past spiritual leaders, noble rulers, great anil renowned lords, worshipping the GOD of creation in adoration, praying fervently to the immortal God, to avenge their death and BLOOD. In bitterness, they were complaining that all the wrongs that they were said to have committed, which led to the loss of their lives, are more pronounced in the doings of the recent, past and the present politicians and those that are at the helm of affairs now. Unfortunately, it therefore appears that this country is still unrepentant, hence, the devil is still holding the reins of our government. During the course of GOD'S judgement, it was seen that many Nigerians including religious leaders, traditional rulers, military officers and politicians were running helter- skelter for their lives, but they could not escape because there

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has been no act of repentance in them and no atonement for the BLOOSHED of 1966 and 1983. This is why the BLOODSHED will continue - Ps. 79 vs 2-3. To this effect, the LORD asks: "Nigerians, do you think that those departed architects of Nigeria's Independence and top military men, who were victims of the past coup d'etat, those departed innocent Nigeria's sages that were persecuted and deprived of their A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 141 i h . i i lential aspirations but struggled till they pass veil and those ilt.it were burnt alive as victims during the 1983 general . In lions, were worse offenders than all the military men and l nlilicians in Nigeria today because they suffered thus? I tell im, No: but unless you repent of your ungodly acts, you will hi cwise perish. For day of his wrath is at hand and who shall I >f able to stand? Rev. 6 vs 9-17." Culled from Sunday Sketch April 4th 1999 Page 23 Chapter 1 OBA DR. ADEDAPO TEJVOSO ON ECONOMIC ISSUES The thoughts of the Royal Father, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoni J.P. on economic matters as varied and variegated as could on h be obtainable after years rumination. Besides, being a Capt. m of Industry and Titi his Chartered Accountant daughter ami Dr. Lanre, his Medical Doctor son, already imbibed with I In family

www.obatejuosobooks.com______222 economic portfolios and business acumen. Willi Adewole and Adetutu as Lawyers, the former having his LL.M and M.B.A. and the latter her LLM in Petroleum studies. Wil 11 Engineers like Femi (an M.B.A. holder), Kunle (M.B.A.) anil with Kay ode the Computer graduate set the Royal Father to expostulate his own opinions. He holds a caveat on economic subjects. Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso like the late president of Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) President Felix Houphouet-Biogny always makes sure of his facts before he takes a decision those who disagree with him may misunderstand him as well but they cannot fault his facts. He believes, for example, that the government's aim at curbing corruption may have come timeously, as all reasonable Nigerians believe too that "Enough is enough too much spoils" - according to the Italian proverb. Stirring the homest's Nest may not be the best approach but drastic disease requires drastic remedies. He had to cite the case of China. China should be particularly interesting to us. It is a huge country with over 1.2 billion population, as at now, it has become self-sufficient in food. Nigeria should study China's approach to agricultural organisation. Having benefited immensely from their Railway technology. We must strengthen our mission in China with Agricultural attaches (real and genuine experts) he should close A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 143

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*nl with Canada because it has not lost control of its niomy. It has used its public ownership and social policies ii H > luce a very high degree of foreign ownership. We should I 11111 lose things here in Nigeria to move the Nation forward. i I )r. Adedapo Tejuoso sets out the following in poetic style 1 < Mil NIGERIA. 0.2 0.3 0.5 FLAMES AT NIGHT Attreestops. Look lie a myth shades of flames flicker. It was from the fire Ants many of them crowdedandgamboling atop the Nigeria tree such many ants cluster. The Natives thoughtotherwise. Itwas flames treeoflhika Sacred tree that bows to no one. Tall as the Royal palms, pleasant to behold at youth with its old age environmental danger pose. In the gloom cloud soaks the high Heavens Like veritable bonfire with iridescent colours of the Rainbow Upon the Skyline Nigeria with her many varied tongues Wetness of our souls.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______224 In the distance furious on our brows sweat cover our foreheads As cracking shots blew Echoes of our sorrowspast As clarion men cry to be buried..... Now wean the threshold march And in tongues we differ Butin unity we remain Borin unity our strength would lie and togreatness we reach. By Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso 144 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service This is the poetic image of Nigeria aspiring to greater heigl il i putting the sorrows of her past behind her. As the Royal Fal I u

Chapter 1

THE THOUGHTS OF OBA DAPO TEJVOSO KARVNW1 111

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OH CORRUPTION - THE THOUGTHS PHILOSOPHIES AND GEHERAL I 'xperience and ideas are the results of years of visionary learning which could catapult into concrete policies if properly In messed by those in power. The qualifications of a man are completely useless unless lie uses such brilliance and God given gifts of intellect to improve the lots of his fellow men by concrete contributions lor humanity. Oba Karunwi III had successfully carried traits of his childhood into adulthood and workmanship. Hopefully, his contributions to human society would stand him in good stead in the nearest future. The New Nigeria we envisage should be dynamic, innovative, result-oriented and challenging. There should be Obas, Emirs and Ezes being made Federal Ministers without portfolio as was done with success in the old Western Region of Nigeria, even a Royal father was installed a Civilian Governor. The Heavens did not fall, rather the Heavens jubilated. Such innovation is what is needed now. The Royal Fathers touched the grassroots levels, but if like Judges, they should be "abstineto a fabis" that is, have nothing to do with electoral processes, it will be anethema to use them to mobilise the populace to promote popular policies. They are necessary vehicles at the three tiers level of public administration. This reality must be phased among them are Cambridge Blues - Ex

www.obatejuosobooks.com______226 146 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Generals, Educationists, Ex Administrators and Technocrat:. Medical Doctors, Architects, Chartered Accountants University Deans, Professors, Bankers, Lawyers, Publishers Authors, Insurance Executives, Diplomats, Industrialists, ainl lately, Evangelists. There is hardly any discipline in which om modern Royal Fathers have not excelled. It is high time we utilise the untapped human resources. They are so many ami worldly in knowledge and human experience, that they couUI fill the Roman Senate to the brim. It will be absolutely wrong and inappropriate to banish their vast storehouse of human resources and impeccable expertise in all fields of human endeavours, "to sit down look syndrome " They are indeed of specialized man power category and as Rulers in their own rights, they must be absorbed somehow into the main-stream of sustainable growth. They are quite ready to serve this great Country, NIGERIA and their wealth of experience should be of great asset to this Nation. They have been tested in various ways and over the years and in time of crises. People in America were known to have come into their own elements and rose to fame and to their peak in time of great economic recessions in the thirties. Similarly, most of our Royal fathers could rise to their own intellectual peak and International eminence at a time Nigeria is picking up to take her place of

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pride in the Community of Nations. Trade delegations abroad, and SPORTIVE delegations could accommodate more and more of our Royal Fathers, economic and technical missions going abroad, some could serve in advisory capacities. It is in this way, with all hands on deck, that this Nation could aspire to greater heights. Even when the concept is to make our Royal Fathers apolitical, nothing will be lost in making some of them part of the policy making processes. It is with this trend that most African Nations could start to learn from Nigeria and we shall set the pace, while others will follow. We have the human and material resources, we A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 147 have the emblems of Elephant and the pride and irrepressible I .igle with these notions, we are bound to be followed and i < speeded by our neighbours so that both at home and abroad our traditional systems shall be renewed and our internal and I oreign policies shall harmonise to the extent that African i oiinties shall have recourse to make pilgrimage to Nigeria to learn more of our own systems that could be of immense benefits to their own countries. We have the NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) to show the world, there is the process of privatization, there is TAC (Technical Assistance Corps) an i ssential arm of the Executive Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there is our Failed Bank Tribunal geared to sanitise the Banking I ndustry, to replace

www.obatejuosobooks.com______228 profligacy in private sector and give security In depositors funds, there is the ASCON, the Administrative ('ollege of Nigeria, the NDA (Nigeria Defence Academy), and I lie innovative War College (a Military thing-tank), there is I ’etroleum College in Warri, and the National Institute in Kuru, the VOM Veterinary Institute, and various Agricultural Universities of the same standard and quality as Njala in Sierra I .eone. With all these and such National Institutes like NIFOR in. Benin and NISER in Ibadan, the so-called technological era is on our thresholds, and with our Science village with laudable programmes, the SHESTCO (Sheda Science and Technological Complex) in Abuja, whose illustrious pioneer, Professor Emmanuel EMOVON FAS, former Minister of Science and Technology profoundly led it to technological eminence. It was this same pure genius of a Researcher that made Sorghum to be blended into beer and has saved NIGERIA from capital flight that the importation of barley would have necessitated. Several billions of foreign exchange was saved because of this technological break-through. And most Breweries are today, better off using the locally sourced materials. Oba Tejuoso Karunwi III is firm in his beliefs and philosophies that Nigeria has every cause to highlight her 148 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service greatness, rather than mourning our inadequacies, national

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weaknesses and short comings. All hands must be on dec 1 and all Nigerians must ask themselves what they can do lot NIGERIA and not what Nigeria can do for them. ON FOREIGN POLICIES The Oba does not oppose the appointments of non-careei diplomats into serving Nigeria abroad provided they an competent. This should be limited to at most 1/3rd of the working forces so as not to deprive serving career officers of prospect', of advancement. The new trend to allow princes of well established dynasties to have diplomatic experience is a good step in the right direction and would augur well for Nigeria. The injection of new blood into the foreign service is a desideratum as it helps to ventilate ideas at the highest level ol policy making. The appointments of diplomatic veterans like Dr. M.T. Mbu is another case in point, Nigeria needs the experience of proven technocrats now that our battered image is moving forward in a refurbished pattern. Articulate public officers like Chief Segun Olusola, Professor Galadachi, Ambassador Dogonyaro, Ambassador Adesola, Ambassador Guobadia, are all classical examples that would give serving officers food for thought so they do not rest on their oars. Nigeria's foreign policies have ceased to be a parvenu. Oba Karunwi III, believed fervently that the time had come for Nigeria to at least be a medium power and should take her rightful place in the Council of Nations, now that the Community of

www.obatejuosobooks.com______230 independent States had metamorphosed into a global village. The world community in the words of that legendary diplomatic sage, the Late Chief S.O. Adebo, should cease to be an arena where the Developed Nations would seek prosperity in order to beggar their African neighbours. The "deep divide" and economic disparity should be mended by debt forgiveness to allow all the erstwhile profligate African A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 149 ’■i.iU\s to redeem themselves and call in a new order to redeem 'In balance of the old. To allow itself to be governed by . ■ | icrienced and good leadership that would address the basic • ireds of the Nigerian citizenry, good housing facilities at illordable prices using locally sourced materials like our local l.iy, and other materials that could make building cheaper and more affordable for all an sundry. "Nigeria '99", should not be allowed to be mere sign post ol Nigeria's greatness. Our Nation should be prepared to utilise ports as an added instrument of diplomacy. Football had been used in the past for the same purpose. Now is the time for all to resolve to re-assert Nigeria's leadership of Mother Africa. Sports, all sports NOT just football should be generously 111 nded, this should not be left to tne Government alone. NGOs (Non Governmental Organisations), should also brace up to 11 ivert part of its Human Rights activities to promote sports in Nigeria to

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ensure brotherhood and prosperity in the country. In the Commonwealth, Nigeria should resume its leadership role with vast human resources in the Judiciary and public Administration, Commonwealth fellow Nations should be able to call in their various areas of developments. The Nigerian Technical Assistance Corps should be mobilised to expand its programmes so that the schemes like the American Youth Corps should spread the gospel of Nigeria's new image worldwide. That our human and material resources should benefit Africa, as a whole. Because Nigeria should start her charity at home by being our brother's keeper. This was done among the frontline States, liberation of Namibia and South Africa, democratisation of Liberia, and recovery of democracy in Sierra Leone, National restraint and good neighbourliness towards Camerouns despite anxious moments and areas of sovereign irritations. All these and many more, had set Nigeria up as one great African country now with a leadership that would be next to none in black Africa in terms of experience, 150 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service International clout, courage and vision, and quality nl leadership which as the Almighty God has chosen, fell on* > again on Egbaland's lap. It is against this background, lli.ti Egbaland should lead and others should follow. Aji se bi Egba la mi

www.obatejuosobooks.com______232 Egba ki nse bi enikan This is a proverb borrowed, hook line and sinker from tin historic old Oyo Empire to mean that Egbas set the pace, tin Egbas will never in that sense immitate any other people. It is on this note, the unity of the Egbas themselves at tin home front must be assured. The Royal Fathers must closi their ranks and know that the world is watching them. They are the cynosures of all eyes. They are indeed like Cinderall.i now in glass houses in the public glare. The Egbas have nevri been conquered, that is our historic song. It is time and high time indeed, we proved that concept. Oba Karunwi III calls also for democratisation of the Security council of the United Nations to enable Nigeria secure a permanent seat for African bloc, the Asia (the new tigers) should have a seat because of their power of new technology and affluence of their resilient national economies, South and Central America should be so represented, so is Council of Europe so that the myth of "veto" which had entrapped democratic process may be unearthed. The General Assembly of the U.N. with over 180 member States would cease to be a rubber stamp of an undemocratic body strewn with the anomally of veto system. In the field of Agriculture, Oba Tejuoso Karunwi III is an advocate of aggressive Agriculture Revolution. Local forms of fertilizers must be produced. NIGERIA must go back to the land like our ancestors did. Farming and Agriculture must be made

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compulsory at post primary Schools. Farm settlements must be re-established. There must be a place of pride for development of rural areas. The Railway systems must be A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 151 . jt.mded to reach the Mid West (now Edo State and Delta t ile), Railway should run directly from Lagos to Benin, Auchi .iml Northern Edo, other areas that had not benefited from I'.ulway network must be included in a new dynamic result- . merited master plan. There should be Railway network too I mm Abuja, Nigeria's Capital to Lagos, the commercial nerve cntre of the country. This trend would facilitate movements ul goods, persons and labour. The age of groundnut pyramid and cotton pyramid must lie recaptured, Cocoa industries must be galvanised in Edo, ('gun, Ondo and Ekiti States, and reliance on oil product must ■lop as oil is a wasting asset and there is a limited time for lliese resource and production of black gold. The palm oil industries and rubber plantations must be revitalised and the nil producing areas must have something very substantial to how for the nature's endowment in their own communities. The children must be given scholarship and be reared in other areas in the Country, especially in tertiary Institutions where I heir talents can come to the fore. Reliance of governments for contracts must be minimised and greater emphasis should be given to the private

www.obatejuosobooks.com______234 sectors modern technology and Banking industries to provide competitive labour. Computer Sciences must be taught from Post Primary Institutions and middle level manpower must be expanded to strengthen the Civil Service working force . Civil Service Reforms must be implemented to enable workers plan their own futures. Incentives must be written into the Civil Service Conditions of Service and Provident Funds must be streamlined to ensure security in retirement, Civil Servants who had spent their years serving the Nation retire from service in reasonable comfort. The Civil Service must have its Code of Conduct and the Oath to Secrecy so that governance could be made more meaningful and result- oriented. It is on this note and more, that this exceptional Royal Father Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso has articulated his thoughts, 152 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service philosophies and ideals to mark ten years on the throne of lit* forebears. It is his firm belief that qualifications of any Man

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position to mobilise their people to build commun i I \ centres, and people should engage in Community Funds Raisii i;, to build youth centres, rural community clinics, and cottag# industries all by community efforts. They should form co operatives and assist themselves in economic activities. Then should be clearing centres for food products, and Silos ami facilities for preserving farm products for reasonable length of time On corruption, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso did not mince his chosen words. He is of the view that the reality of corruption has not been over exaggerated in any way. It has become a cancer worm that has since eaten deep into the bones of society like malignant or a cancerous tumour. It has become so pervasive that many now accept it as the Nigerian way of life or the accepted way of doing things. The situation is so embarrassing that corruption is a matching forward material for social acceptability. The village urchin who returns from abroad to his village to celebrate, who must have acquired his wealth by fair or foul means is happy to be home knowing fully well that no questions will be asked, and that so sanctions will be incurred or applied against him. Poverty and dearth of access to goods and basic amenities can also exacerbate corruption or the search for graft. The absence of functional or reliable infrastructures and utilities such as electricity, water supply and telecommunications all lead many people to seek costly alternatives that are far beyond their legitimate earnings. It is also believed that underlying all these

www.obatejuosobooks.com______236 causes are to be found, greed and avarice. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 153 The cause of corruption are many and varied in its forms mi I ramifications only a few examples will suffice. One may lie I lie example of the cultural expectations of people generally. ' >11 ly a few of these causes need be mentioned here. Corruption i .i malaise into which abyss of degeneration the society itself I i.ul fallen. In a bid, for example, to meet certain cultural Icinands, like taking a Chieftaincy title, owning a car, or a IM • rsonal house, catering for a large extended family, performing limeral rites of a deceased parent, and organising multiple let my-people-know wedding ceremony, many easily slip into i orrupt practices, the bank Cashier is not spared the rottenness of this falling into devil's trap, so is the Director or Manager of .1 multi national Corporation, the toll gate collectors, the I leadmaster of a school wanting to take more pupils into limited ■.(ream, the police man on the road block, the immigration officers, whose task force would otherwise not spare a cunning smuggler. The man incharge of the Tenders Board in the Ministry, who cannot take off his eyes from the fat cheques due to the Contractors who went to Banking Institutions to raise monies to finance executing some jobs. He felt he must have his own share. So it is if the man at the top takes gratifications now and then those below his ranks would soon follow. This is bad

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leadership by example. These people continue - they are likened to people who worship gold and like those who worship gold, they do not know how to stop. The best avenue to deal with such people before they hide under the canopy of ethnic affinity is to set up Anti-corruption Tribunals to have them tried as they commit such offences and to forfeit all the proceeds of all their ill-gotten gains to the State. Where they are playing games by using names of their relatives and siblings as front, legislation should make the sanction double to be a deterrent to others who might wish to follow their devilish footsteps. Where they have taken ceremonious Chieftaincy titles, the Court should give orders that they should 154 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service never bear such titles again in their lives being dishonour, ill. individuals who took Chieftaincy titles in the first place to covi i their misdeeds. Such people should face the public odium th.n crimes do not pay. Where their children are accomplices tit* law too should take its course, and the punishment should In their various crimes. As drastic diseases deserve drastic cun so the elements of corruption need be wiped out by drast i. measures, as many of these half baked pen robbers use then social, political and religious connections to.take one step ahe.r i of the law all the time. The socio-economic and political system itself appears l<> be

www.obatejuosobooks.com______238 built solidly on corruption and thrives on it. Even the Chun 11 and other religious organisations are themselves not complete I \ free of corruption. Most vocal bodies playing games with concept of human rights and freedom for the oppressed, play to the gallery and many could not stand the light of scrutiny and financial Investigations, some of course, are genuine and free from graft, greed and self-serving syndrome. There is no gain saying that corruption had done incalculable damages to Nigeria at home and abroad. It had reduced a country flowing with milk and honey and a pride of Africa to abject penury and as one of the 13 poorest countries in the world ranking with poor Haiti and Dominican Republics and what is more, giving all Nigeria's successes a poor name as the most corrupt country in the world. One needs to visit the Foreign Countries Ministries of Trade to unveil how many so-called great men in our midst are listed as peoples who will take bribe without bating an eyelid. The rate former public servants rim to the political classes as Governorship aspirants leave much to be desired. In such a situation, people will go out to acquire wealth by fair or foul means, give their children the best education available. But they what their Fathers gathered with the rakes, they the children threw away with the shovels. They become extravagant and profligate siblings because they are never attuned to what it means to work hard for monies. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service

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155 It had all once happened in Kenya when the late "Burning I (Mr" President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta called his peoples to id tier, and described those who amongst them were used as i i (ii it by Asians and Europeans to drain the country of its bullion I'V facilitating capital flight. The capital market was almost mnihilated by unscrupulous deals and the Africans responsible ere aptly described as economic prostitutes. They were made Managing Directors when they directed nothing. They were lyled General Managers, when they had nothing to manage hut put in place of top hierachy in multi-national corporations to give the impression of genuine African participation in managerial entrepreneurship. They were exposed, kenyanisation set in, and the participation of Native foreigners, Asians, Europeans, were statutorily regulated. Foreign Kxchanges were therefore preserved, and there were less . ictivities in Swiss Banks where fraudulent foreign deposits were f he order of the day. Thus there was little doubt that the Coffin of uncertainty was sealed in societies where certain areas produced large amount of revenues, the agricultural sectors and other non-producing areas help to squander the funds, where the have-nots had no reprieve from abject poverty, and once there were financial Regulations to stabilise things, everyone became productive. The society will then become better. More people will have the opportunity of free education and these people will realise their

www.obatejuosobooks.com______240 potentialities and would play with future and all its possibilities. They can defend their rights. Their inalienable Human Rights could be protected under the law. Finally, corruption has led to diminished productivity in both the public and private sectors. It has also created a degree of poverty in Nigeria. Its cankerworm must be arrested. The Egbas suffered in the hands of their neighbours who were warlike and fond of the war booty instead of engaging in farming or trading according to the history of the Egbas by Ajisafe. 156 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Any excuse was as good for them as going to war. The Ij.i \ > war was the most virulent as both sides sought the alliance i >1 the Egbas. The Egbas got gifts from both sides but fought >m Ijaye's side. The Ibadan routed them. Sokenu opposed 11 it perfidy and predicted defeat for the Egbas and saw their delc.ii before he died. The Ijaiye war 1860 - 1862 was the Egba version of Law el Neutrality in war. The Ibadan warlords would have preferro I an Alliance with Egbaland failing which the Egbas could havr kept neutral. This was the genesis of Egba diplomatic war in the 19th century. And as the saying, the Egbas were nevu conquered. Egba too had expansionist policies. As far as 1842, Christianity had been firmly established in Egbaland about 157 years ago, to be precise. This year, 1999 May 20th being the ten years on the

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throne of his forebears. Precisely too, as an act of renewal, Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso is reviving the need for Evangelism in order of priority to order the affairs of the Egbas placing God through our Lord Jesus Christ as the solution of all our National problems. It must not be forgotten that these things are not done out of character, after all, Oba Sanyaolu the Osile died in 1902 about 97 years ago and Oba Karunwi II, 1904 - 1918 both embraced Christianity during their reigns. Today, the Royal Father Oba Karunwi III lives happily with his family and enjoys without let or hindrance, full Christian fellowship in his household. There is no doubt, with Christ as his shield and buckler, he will live the rest of his life a Christian King. Amen. Chapter 1 "QVO VAD1S" - NIGERIA? I he obvious blueprint for the ailment of Nigeria, is ouceptualised and informed of the bottomless waste into which mindless managers had deliberately thrown this resilient Nation. The abandoned Shagari estates all over the Nation hould be put into good use as farm settlements all over the i o untry, their inventory should be taken on State to State basis. I arm settlements would absorb countless able bodied but jobless young men and women roaming the streets of our capital towns and constituting a menace to rural areas and villages. If the National Youth Corps members cam be located to rural .

www.obatejuosobooks.com______242 i reas for their training, these army of unemployed people could he absorbed to turn their lives around; and be useful as good citizens. They too have gifts of intellect to become doctors, lawyers, accountants and what have you but lack the opportunities. In all the Ministries and Parastatals there are countless vehicles wasting away when all they need is the urgent need to refurbish them and put them to good use. To provide transportation for civil service workers for their mobility to work. This would boost the morale of the working forces in the public service. Many civil servants of all grades and cadres work for years without promotion and any visible advancement whatsoever should have their bosses queried and be relieved of their jobs if and when they are found to discriminate against their subordinates and abuse their powers of leadership in the service. The civil service should have a standing code of conduct so that no single individual is discriminated against by reasons of social, ethnic or economic factors. No amount of Civil Service Reform will work without addressing good welfare packages 158 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service and incentives for the workers. One does not need to lx . labour expert to know what is good for the citizenry. In all institutions where the welfare of middle level offio i and political heads are concerned in disbursement of pul>11 funds

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ought to know what amount of monies are received t >i > their behalf and the services rendered and who gets what. Alin all, these are taxpayers' monies and should be disburse. I judiciously and judicially. People should cease to use government funds to further their personal wealth where sucl > people are caught they should be arraigned before Anti corruption TRIBUNALS and their ill-gotten wealth should be forfeited to their Local Governments, States or the Federation as the case may be. If the "Asian Tigers" could perform wonders with theii economies, little wonder then that Nigerians could have theii own Nigerian "Damisa and fight corruption headlong. The heavens will not fall, rather the heavens will rejoice, roads at the State and Local Government levels should be rehabilitated on the basis of direct labour and communal efforts. There are many areas the problem of governance in Nigeria could be addressed properly. A "fortiori", it must be admitted that the true cry to bad leadership in Nigeria is neither here nor there. Just like in traditional Kingship a people choose the king of leadership they deserve. So it is with Government. A people, generally, choose the king of leadership they themselves deserve now with the hindsight of putting an Egba indigene on the saddle of power nation should rest assured that the tract record of Egba Administrators from the Sole Administrator for old Western Nigeria Chief Koye Majekodunmi, and Chief Ernest

www.obatejuosobooks.com______244 Shonekan who relinquished power to the Military. And General Olusegun Obasanjo who voluntarily relinquished to a Civilian Regime with billions of Naira as National reserve for future development and sustainable growth, it stands to reason that the Egbas are not greedy for naked power. With such historical guideline it is left for the followerships to audit its A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 159 tiwa character by doing their own civic duties to ensure they unalloyed loyalty and support to the leadership of this ,,irnt country. That done, the succession of leadership will fall into line in this Country and things would move in the right direction. Most of the teething periods associated with leadership crisis would have been overcome. Nigerians should not put too many burdens on the resilience of the government nl the day. They all look to the government as employers of labour and nothing more. Emergency contractors look to government as national cow to be milked to dehydration. They .ee inflation of contracts as a reflection of their own shares in I lie National cake. Auditors are settled or bought to give outstanding and glamorous figures that bear no relation to realities while government Accountants turn to pen robbers and burn government vouchers to cover their tracks, false receipt are issued and mobilisation fees taken for works or jobs that would never be executed. People in position of authorities recruit their kith and kins into public service without

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the least regard for Federal Character Commission. All these and more are the ailments pervading this great nation and make Nigeria a sick baby. And our problems are exacerbated like wounds that would not stop bleeding. The old recycle of powers contains the old breed who are adept at manipulation of powers some ranging from 30 to 40 years of body polity. Many wonderful and innovative engineers had joined the bandwagons of professional/politicians, brilliant physicians had abandoned the stethoscope for the campaign fields, erudite accountants are no more concerned with corporate AGM accounts, they now count party donations. Nigeria had misplaced her priorities and our bearings are almost lost. These are the lamentations we should find worrisome. True, Nigeria is still a baby compared with over 300 years of development in some other European Nations and over 700 years in terms of Britain and some Eastern European Countries where Dukedoms had existed. It is just less than four decades 160 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service of Independence and Democracy had been called into being n a new order to redeem the balance of the old. We still have .t long way to go to true Nationhood. This our new outing i good for Nigeria and good for our citizenry. Nigeria belong;, i• us all. Any Nigerian who is on a night journey and his vehi. I. breaks down must be able to sleep in the next village as if hi • i in his own

www.obatejuosobooks.com______246 place. He must be welcomed, assisted and earn I for. This is what Unity implies. We can only bow to social pressures to the extent of tli« Nation's resilience. We must set up TRUTH Commission whi> 11 shall include our periods of war, our moments of stress, tin Kataf crisis, the aftermath of Ogoni crisis, the Delta grievance:, the stolen billions and all other areas of national irritations musi be mended. The minorities fear must be extinguished once and for all. Fear of dominion by the Three major ethnic group:, must be squarely addressed. Nigeria can never be made up ol Ibos, Hausa and Yorubas as Major tribes they are only trustee:, of other 254 or so minority ethnic groups. They too have legendary Elias among them, they have Professor Shehu, they have Professor Iya Abubakar, they have Professor Eman Emovon, they have Professor Chukwuemeka Ike, they have their Professor Adeoye Lambo and Arc. Fola Alade OFR and Professor J.F. Ade Ajayi, and their own Prof. Ben. Nwa-bueze if only they are given the opportunity to exist and expand their own God's gift of intellect. If they have administrative asphyxiation they will only be "civilly dead" as opportunities and access to higher education eluded them. It is the Nigeria of our own generation which would be worse for it, their own Professor Wole Soyinka, and late Dr. Tai Solarin, and Dr. Lamorde would have been buried with them due to ethnic inertia. In their own small productive environments report of a deluge of pollution related

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cases will continue with horrible post mortem cases. Their rivers and streams would only produce infested fishes, their once luxurious greenland a shadow of its past, shallow, fallow and infertile due to pollutions A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 161 m 1.1ted cases brought about by Industrial Revolution. "Sweet Auburn Loveliest village of the plain where Wealth accumulated and men decay A breath can make them as a breath had Made But a bold peasantry Their country's pride when once Destroyed can ever be restored ...... " t he machine is here, so is the age of technology and computer, let Nigeria now fashion her own technology. Let us with unity of alarm fashion out our survival kits and lace the challenges of a global village. Let us go to the field, the farms and the paddy fields to grow our own rice and make our own Uncle Ben's Rice for others to consume. Let us make our own cars like India if it is a "Maputi" let us have this however small. Colonel Marwa did it in Lagos State with the three legged Marwa vehicles. That is good for a start it is good for Nigeria, it is good also for Ogun State for rural outposts. It is also very good for Egbaland. We have to fight cocoa diseases as they come with new proposals to combat the contaminants which will include flying

www.obatejuosobooks.com______248 helicopters over wide cocoa plantations to act as giant fans to fight the diseases of the black pod. The time is now for Nigeria to stop crawling and stagger on her feet. In China bicycles nearly outnumber the populations of youths, yet there is movement all the time. We cannot afford to be slumbering giants any more as one out of five Africans is a Nigerian. Those of our children abroad as they return let them bring with them the white man's technology. Like the Obasekis Foundation and Prof. Lambo Foundation let them set up viable establishments to give work to the idle hands. Let the prosperous Churches set up vocational training centres for young people so that they will be able to earn their own living 162 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service and bring more tithes to the Christian and Religious centiri Do not give the unemployment doles and donations, give th«*»n no more fishes, give them nets and teach them in their legion ■ how to fish, how to cast their nets and be prosperous. 1 H there be revolving funds for the disabled and destitutes amour, us, they may be the black sheep yet they are very much part ol the families and the various communities that make up thi great Nation. Let them have rehabilitation centres, Cheshin homes were established by foreigners let us have our own bran* I so such Institutions. There must be old people's homes. The various States in Nigeria must be mobilised to have them

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properly established. As all of us Nigerians must be old one day, and not everyone will be leaders so also old age discriminates against affluence, such rich people may be reduced in circumstances. Parents must do well to train their children properly and make them morally upright. Like the Agni tribe so demonstrated, "Feed your children well when you have your teeth so that they can feed you when you lose your teeth.” Nigerians do not prepare for old age, the Government must take care of the public service workers, organise timely seminars and workshops to prepare them for what to do on retirement and know how to manage themselves at old age. Government means no more than the people. It is the people who give power to the Government outside those who take power to rule by force and traumatise the populace by terror, sheer force and benevolence despotism all of which negate the power of free will and the concept of social contract and co-operative existence. No nation can be an island to itself and be indifferent to the fate of other Nations. That is why Nigeria had performed wonderful feats in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and in the past played significant roles in South Africa and Namibia. These have given us title to self-glorification. We have cause to congratulate ourselves. By the same token we must learn to move forward. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 163 I in ward ever backward Never" should henceforth be our ilional

www.obatejuosobooks.com______250 Psyche. "Let ivhat is broken so remain For the goods are hard to reconcile " ■ ommission and apologise to ourselves where we have ronged our brothers and sisters and our kiths and kins. Let i lu-re be no victors and no vanquished. Let the Democracy we ■von, have 3 RS, Reconstruction, Reconciliation and national Rehabilitation to enable any Nigeria so long as he or she is a good citizen law abiding, non-criminal, mature and of age for ilit- office sought, be able to aspire to the highest office in the land irrespective of where he or she hails from. The majority may be a by product of effective system of democracy the minorities must be heard in comfort where constructive criticisms exist. It is for the good of the Republic. "Pro Bono Publico," and in the national interests and for common good. We must bring back our logs and timber industry, deforestation and bush burning leave our land infertile and hollow and shallow. Mexico had been ranked as the most contaminated city in the World with pollution levels of at least double those considered safe for human habitation. In 1996, the City had some 250 bad air days out of 365 days (excepting leap years) loggers wear face masks; school advise children not to play outdoors during certain periods, a clear sky is front page news. Africa, and in particular West African sub-region is not far from this cruel dilemma our ozone layers had been adversely

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affected by industrial pollution, carbo monoxide gradually infiltrate the atmosphere, desertification continues while planting had lagged behind in replanting exercise. FEPA must come out with blue print for sanctions against violators. Environmental mobile courts must be established to keep our environment clean and bacteria and toxin free so that allergy related diseases could be eliminated. Life expectancy would be prolonged as Africa already has oddly enough a dismal record, and macular degeneration causing blindness for those over 65 164 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service years may be reduced, so also Appojlo as bacteria road rel.ilnl diseases. The cause of EBOLA in Central Africa is still a m.in for debate and conjecture but one thing is certain, environment, if dastardly neglected, could contribute to mu of increasing virus and bacteria related diseases which will dr I diagnosis and admit of no curable remedies. As Judges .u« perhaps more used to being criticised than praised Tradition i Rulers as Royal Fathers must take the umbrages as they conn But they should tell the TRUTH as only the TRUTH will mal them free and they should all with one voice be in position !• offer guidelines and advise the government of the day as to I In right directions the people need. It will be achieved by this method of dialogue and social commitments; instead of Royal Fathers being used and dumpn I

www.obatejuosobooks.com______252 as tissue papers. This surely can never be a token of God' Mercy! The Government should think of all the Royal Fathci as friends, no matter the odds. Governments go but the Royal Fathers would remain. So they have a lot to gain by making sure the Government behaves well, as good governance will permeate the State level would pass on to the local government level and back to the village level and the wards in a system ol hierarchy of the structure of government and social contact. Crime must be fought like tackling of a bull in a Chinawarc shop. Royal fathers all over the country must make their District Heads to have inventory of questionable characters in their areas of jurisdiction. Police Relations Committees should be for a disclosure of names of dubious characters, vigilante groups must work with the Police authorities, network of informants must be set up and State Attorney Generals and Commissioners of Justice must have a shift from prosecuting crimes to areas for which they could plan to prevent commission of crimes. The criminal justice system must be helped to actualise and appreciable reduction in the rate of crimes. There are no friendly thieves in any given society. They are out to steal everything in sight from their neighbours so it is best they are known by A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 165 |> ii h<". We must all stand for freedom, protection of life and i 1111 'ci ty.

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11ic issue of prisoners too must be properly addressed. The i 11 .on walls are busting. The cost of drug is more than cost of ■ mi-.ii and wheat. In Britain, the prison system (of England • ml Wales) plunged the nation into crisis in August 1996. When i I a ison population reached a record of 62,381 only 668 short .1 absolute capacity. In Nigeria, prisons built to accommodate 'i il 1-400 inmates now comfortably house 800-1000 prisoners - i large number of whom are awaiting trials. (TAT those awaiting trials). The Government had been tackling this I 't oblem for long. Dynamic Ministers who addressed the issues headlong soon leave their posts as new dispensation set in, to Its ucceeded by ministers who have no sensitivity for the vexing issue. The critical problem soon falls into abeyance and so the vicious cycle recommences. It is against this background of . ruel dilemma that reform of Nigeria Prisons should be viewed, prisoners should be encouraged to do farming, and market their I arm products. Those with vocational trainings inside the prisons had produced excellent products like doors, chairs, tables, iron doors and a wide range of excellent crafts and arts. Talented ones had also been exhibited. But the problem of medical attention for prisoners should also be addressed as many of them at times of trial look psychologically dejected and emotionally unstable and at best, their physical structures are skeletal, some are so fragile they could hardly stand the rigor of long trial. The Black Maria meant

www.obatejuosobooks.com______254 to transport most of them are rickety and some warders are not even better dressed or equipped. Nigerians by nature and national Psyche may be resilient, stoical, unprotesting and slow to rouse yet we know our Human Rights. It is by this token an advocacy is being made here to expostulate that "Prisoners too do have right" and the Nigeria press is to be commended highly for their vigilance and articulate investigatory journalism as the Fourth Estate of the Realm by 166 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service constituting itself as an effective opposition in times of national crisis and stress when the liberty of the subject is at stake. And whenever the government does its homework it equally earns the accolade of the Press for work well done. The Nigerian press should continue this Jihad of Human Rights. It has yielded great dividends, as some of the imprisoned journalists of yesteryears are now prospective Senators so are the Army Generals who are anxious to protect their personal wealth and vast investments. The Press has thus become the inspirations stories of Ordinary People who win extra-ordinary battles against tyranny, oppression and man's inhumanity to man and social inequality. Gubernatorial seats too have been won comfortably by the men of the pen to help them translate their dreams into concrete proposals to alleviate the sufferings of the common man. In terms of housing, good supply of water and continuous supply of

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electricity, establishment of schools in neighourhood centres not far from homes, employment, access to good medical healthy delivery, and welfare package for the toiling masses and reliable means of transportation. When these basic needs are not met the common man could patiently wait for another four years to exercise his power of casting his votes to replace a government that fails to fulfil its pledge or perform. This is a reflection of Power Reality instantaneously, this is the people's watchword. After years of bloodshed and unhappiness the people of Nigeria had come of age and are now determined that their future will be one of which they can now be proud. The citizens of this great resourceful nation can no longer begin to dance using a crutch for support. The travails of yesteryears had gone to the shores where all forgotten things would reappear. The Swan song of self-succession is dead. History had killed it. The cohorts of ill-gotten wealth had shif ted their system. Reality now strikes everyone in the face, truth had triumphed over falsehood. Like a person who has only one peanut to roast he will sure he does not allow it to fall into A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 167 fire. Nigeria is now with a tested leadership, sharp as the razor blade, honest beyond reproach and completely detribalised it is for the followership now to audit its own character and allow national interest to override personal, ethnic and other false

www.obatejuosobooks.com______256 considerations. Happiness is a product of mind of attitude and thought. Or better still Happiness is the condition of the mind and not the result of circumstances. We are happy once more; past sorrow had wiped out our tears. We do not feel sorry any more. No apathy. Nigerians can say with confidence and emphatically "Noiv I have gained my Country. We have freedom now." General Abubakar's era must be commended for His Civil Liberty - quota and the impressive records of Human Rights people say from the house tops this is a gentleman, a soldier and a man of great honour. That is the people's verdict "Voxpopuli vox dei". But let the critics rave they can no longer impress anyone anymore with their maniacal grim and devilish smiles. The Nihilists want No government, they want chaos and Nihilists are now better innovators they are self-serving. We want a Democracy that would address social inequality, brazen injustice and oppression and make NIGERIANS free. Please remember that what is good for Nigeria is equally good for Egbaland. So let it be and so it will be by God's grace (Amen). Chapter 20

PROPERTIED SOLV/TIONS There should be law to curb white-collar crimes to put an end to constant incidence of fraud and embezzlement of public funds. These days a civil servant who wants to make it in the service

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has to dish out money. Nothing again is done on merit. There are now so many indigenous ways of making money that the new government must meet this vexed problem headlong. As it is, it is dangerous and retrogressive considering that the salary structure is not all that attractive. Civil servants must be encouraged to do gardening, farming to produce their own little food of vegetables, yams and cereals and State governments should allocate small farming plots to that effect. It is common knowledge some "Smart Alecs", in garb of Accountants print their own receipt books thus depriving governments thousands of Naira in Revenue, some burn vouchers to regulate their Returns, these and many more, are simply criminal acts that the new administration must address headlong, and tackle decisively. Enough is enough as government continues to heap blames on itself, while the white-collar criminals smile all the way to the bank. The ways of making money on the side are many and varied. The past administrations knew about them but did not bat an eyelid numerous unfavourable audit reports. There had been a Mafia-like pressure from forces such as crass nepotism, party loyalties and other dubious affiliations, which exist on permanent basis to hush up such awful disclosures. Remittances should be verified. cross-checked and scrutinised in the first place to ensure accountability. Nigeria should reactivate and accelerate

www.obatejuosobooks.com______258 its liquefied natural gas plant projects. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 169 The government should increase exports and also increase employment and make sure there is reduction of all forms of expenditures to a more realistic level, government should also curb price increases and arrest galloping inflation. There should be a more rapid development of the economically insufficiently developed regions of the country. Free education should be introduced to all the States of Nigeria, while women education should be made compulsory as well. The general aim here is to encourage the priority branches of the economy, increase exports and reduce Nigeria's dependence on foreign imports and foreign technology - no short, sharp shock, this time around. New Government must provide adequate facilities and amenities to justify the tax being collected. They must endeavour to give adequate protection to Local industries by ensuring there are special tax incentives. The government should deal with privatisation with extreme caution so as not to recreate a new moneyed class of capital market gnomes. Government should set up a Tourist Development Corporation and fund it adequately. It should also liberalise immigration taxation but ensure resource of allocation and sustainance of efficiency. The government should address desertification problem which is particularly serious in Sahel region. Government should

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be a controlled reforestation programme, so as to arrest the conditions which caused the forest destruction. It is not only the areas that are affected by depletion of forests, as urban centres also suffer from unpredictability of weather in recent times. Their destruction is in many cases, having severe consequences for society in general. The spread of desert is on the increase, and forests are not playing their functional role maintaining productive watersheds, preventing soil erosion and reducing risk of flooding. It is also believed that widespread destruction of forests can effect changes in weather pattern, and balance of ecosystem. Nigeria should strive to build up its timber industry. 170 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service There is no doubt that economic recession has hit the timber market drastically, but there is still hope for tropical timbers, government should evolve its fiscal policy to avoid too much wealth in few hands as this would eventually head to class crises. Rural areas should be opened up by massive development of access roads otherwise agricultural development will be retarded. Government should also provide infrastructural facilities and farming-inputs. There should be diversified economy. Too much reliance on oil should stop, as oil is a wasting asset. Like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, new portfolios should be built up in partnership with other

www.obatejuosobooks.com______260 countries with proceeds of oil, Nigeria should seek technical co-operations with countries of Eastern Europe. Ajaokuta Steel Complex should be reactivated and Ajaokuta town should form a nucleus of expanding urbanisation in and should be developed as a viable industrial centre like Manchester in Northern England. Wild animals could be relocated to parts of Ajaokuta to turn part of it to Tourist centre because of the Topography. Europeans and Americans would be able to see our big games and this could be a vital source of revenue after oil and our agricultural products. This could rival Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, as against three National parks in Kenya it will lead to establishing more 5-Star Hotels to cope with Tourism. Chapter 21 EPITAPH TOR A HOULE MOTHER It all happened like a flash, the inestimable jewel of a blue blood Royal Mother died. It was on Thursday morning the 19th of September 1996. It was indeed a candle in the wind. For a Mother-in-Israel an accomplished philanthropist and successful industrialist, fondly described as one of the best Mother a person could have. Highly motivated, a staunch high church woman who "would rather light the candle than curse the darkness". This incomparable mother of a distinguished Physician cum Industrialist was the third Iyalode of Egbaland. She had also distinguished herself in business, church and community

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service. The first woman Industrialist in Nigeria. She sat atop, a chain of businesses and came into limelight with Teju Industries Limited a Company founded in 1971 to manufacture Polyurethane Foam products of mattresses, pillows, cushions etc. No complete epilogue of ten years on the throne of Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, Karunwi III, Osile Oke-Ona Egba her distinguished son would be complete without the chronicle of the life and times of this great crusader and missionary. The word "Missionary" is used here advisedly in terms of a fulfilled existence, a life without guile, bitterness or even rancour. She enjoyed so much social standing and goodness that her statue still adorns the Marina side of Lagos of the back of U.T.C. Department Stores, where she could be found doting over children. She was a symbol of strength, good breeding and enviable heritage. Her untimely departure was a lasting shock and a rude episode of man's inhumanity to man. A dangerous and atavistic aspect of base human nature and instincts. 172 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Born at Ago-Oko Area of Oke-Ona Egba in Abeokuta to the family of Chief Josiah Ajayi Karunwi, son of the first Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Karunwi I. The young Princess (as she then was) was among the privileged few to enjoy Western Education. Though a late starter at school. Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso attended

www.obatejuosobooks.com______262 Igbein Primary School (as it then was). It is now known as St. John's Primary School Igbein Abeokuta. According to her classmates in school especially the septuagenarian twin brothers, the Scientists Femi and Dotun Oyewole the pacesetters of Nigeria's qualitative education and erudite scholars. Both described Bisoye Karunwi (as she was then known) as the best student in the class. Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso also attended Idi-Aba Teachers Training College, but even after graduating as a qualified teacher, she was not destined to take up that profession. By freak of irony she never for one day practised as a teacher. Again by act of destiny, she later got married to her former teacher, Late Pa. Joseph Somoye Tejuoso in 1934 for whom she bore five children but four died mostly at childbirth. Today her only surviving son is the Royal Father Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, the Osile Oke-Ona Egba. Her bond of affection as a doting mother with Oba Dr. Tejuoso was so strong that close relations and friends described them as "Soul Mates " and at best, the best of friends. In his book the "Ultimate honour", Oba Dr. Tejuoso disclosed that his mother had been involved in trading in merchandise starting with buying and selling in Lagos and later in Zaria immediately after her marriage. A vacuum was created later by the death of her beloved husband on the 27th of December, 1968. As it would have been expected, but not one to be daunted by

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misfortune she concentrated her energy on building a vast business empire for herself and her growing family. She also worked tirelessly to fill the void occasioned by widowhood. She accomplished all she wanted in the world of entrepreneurship with singleness of purpose and efficiency. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 173 And in recognition of the laudable achievements, she was credited in the business world and she was honoured with the prestigious Nigerian National Award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on the same' day that Chief Obafemi Awolowo was also honoured with the G.C.O.N.; in 1982 during the President 's regime when national honours were the preserve of the diligent, the honest and the patriotic citizens who had added glamour to the image of Nigeria as of great physical beauty, comportment and exquisite elegance a peer among her contemporaries "Princess Merchants." She exuded warmth and the traditional African hospitality. She was never like the mother next door, she was special and full of her mission in life. Little wonder honour surrounded her as the historic title of the Iyalode Egba fell to her lot in January 1982. She attended to the office of this High Chieftaincy with matronly attention, dignity and rare candour. She also dignified the office amongst other Chiefs who owed her obeisance just as the Cheetah is swiftest of cats so she became one of the ablest

www.obatejuosobooks.com______264 of those title holders. The police are yet to perform any remarkable feat in their investigative mechanism on this vexed issue of cold-blooded assassination of an innocent Nigerian matriach, a personality of outstanding and remarkable contribution to our societies as Community leader, an effective communicator and innovator. "A pure genius" in the business world and capital market the like of whom is still hard to find. For those with convenient memory the gruesome murder of this light of Africa and Matriach of the highest calibre is no doubt an addition to a long list of unresolved and cowardly murders in recent years which are as dastardly repulsive as they are barbaric, and to say the least, unAfrican and baseless. The sequel was bad blood among the blue blooded Royalties, and the "Manipulations of some by others" were revisited. The coincidence was timorously and many challenges were raised leaving no one in doubt where democratisation is blowing. 174 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service The wind of change became an added instrument to skilful diplomacy among Royalties and even the cry of Justice, equity and contending syndrome of marginalisation became seasonal fever. "The Egbas are never conquered"became the sonorous adult rhymes for the elders. Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso was not alone

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in the scenario, the Arch. Dr. Oba Adisa Odeleye, the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta joined the chorus team while Oba Halidu Laloko, the Agura of Gbagura refused to be left behind. The clamour for the wind of change had come home to roost. The bone of contention as never before is peculiar to Egbaland. The pedigrees of Yoruba ancestry were not left out of this miasma of rotational contention. The dispute in Egbaland polarised the whole Egba Community with many prominent indigenes towing separate lines, when in sum, the Iyalode of Egbaland and beloved mother of Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, Karunwi III, Osile Oke-Ona Egba, died. All suspects were with conscience vibrating even in hiding. They soon became Cinderalla hanging on in glass houses. Eighteen Egba Chiefs were invited and questioned by the police over Iyalode's murder. These eighteen Egba Chiefs had earlier on, on the 25th of June, 1996 declared themselves publicly on the back-page of the Guardian Newspaper that they are the sworn enemies of Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso and her son Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso - See text Today the police are yet to unravel the mystery behind this dastardly act. Back Page of The Guardian of Tuesday June 25, 1996 EGBA CHIEFS PETITION AKINTONDE OVER SUPREMACY ROW Twenty-four Egba Chiefs have appealed to the Ogun State Administrator, Lt. Col. Daniel Akintonde to wade into the

www.obatejuosobooks.com______266 festering crisis within the Egba traditional council to forestall breakdown of law and order. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 175 In a petition to Akintonde, a copy of which was sent to the Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. , the chiefs fear that an alleged challenge of the authority of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oyebade Lipede, to preside over the traditional council by the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, may snowball into a social crisis in the city. Oba Tejuoso could not be reached yesterday, but the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Halidu Laloko, said the Osile was compelied to act the way he did. Signatories to the petition include Chief Toye Coker (SAN), Dr. Lateef Adegbite, Chiefs Nolla Edun, Adio Sonekan, E.A. Adeboye and Adefolu Koleoso, Femi Okuronmu, Bajomo -Bello. Others are Apagun Oluwole Olumide, Chief S.O. Akinremi, Chief Emmanuel Sorunke, L.A. Sofenwa, Sesan Soluade, Sobo Sowemimo, Alani Bankole, F.A. Oyalowo, A.O. Sobowale and Solomon Adeniyi. Alleging that Oba Tejuoso was inciting indigenes of Abeokuta against one another, they said: "The violent intra- Egba struggle which Kabiyesi Osile Tejuoso is provoking would not only destroy Egbaland if allowed to subsist, but could spell doom for the rest of the country. This is because an unrest within one part

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of the country might soon extend to other parts with dire consequences if not immediately and decisively arrested". The petitioners are specifically unpleased with Oba Tejuoso's version of history and the social realities of Egbaland which they allege were "distortions of established custom". They said the version portrayed Egbaland as a class society where some indigenes were unduly oppressed because of the place of origin. "We wish to stress, with due respect that Kabiyesi Osile's incitement to disaffection has gone too far and is becoming unbearable. He is relentless in twisting the arrangements that have for centuries sustained the unity, stability and peace of Egba federation," the chiefs alleged. 176 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service To contain the situation, the petitioners urged the government to ask the Oba of each sections to respect the laws which confer supremacy on the Alake and make them to purge themselves of any contempt of the office of the Alake by withdrawing all insulting letters and publications to the Alake. The resentment within the traditional council was publicly demonstrated last Saturday with the absence Alake and his chiefs from the 80th birthday celebration of Mrs. Bisoye Tejuoso, Oba Tejuoso's mother. The Egba Alake community also placed a newspaper

www.obatejuosobooks.com______268 advertisement to debunk Oba Tejuoso's claims about Egba history. Oba Laloko who is believed to be in league with Oba Tejuoso and the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adisa Odeleye, said he would not speak on behalf of his people not defend his position. He said: "We are not the community. We are just the incumbents; when the community reads (Egba Alake's reactions) they will take a position and whatever the position of the community, that will be my reaction." He added: "You just wait and see. He who laughs last laughs best." Abeokuta comprises four major sections of Egba people - Egba Alake, Oke-Ona, Gbagura and Owu. Traditionally, Egba Alake, being the most populous of the section, gets the greatest share of bounties and responsibilities than the other three sections while the Alake is recognised as the paramount of all the Obas. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service \rJrJ Tuesday June 25,1996 Egba chiefs petition AMntonde over supremacy row The resentment within the TWENTY-four Egba chiefs have appealed to the Ogun State Administrator, Li. Col. Daniel Akin- tonne to wade into the festering crisis within the Egba traditional council to forestall breakdown ot law and order. In a petition to Akintonda, a copy of

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which was sen: to the Chief of General Staff, Lb-Gen. Oladipo Diya, the chiefs fear that an aliened challenge of the authority of the /Jane of Egbaland, 'Oba Oycbace Lipctle, to preside over the traditional council by the Osiie of Oke-Or.a, .Oba Adedapo Tciuoso, may snowball into a social crisis in the city. Oba Tcjuoso could not be readied yesterday, but the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Halidu Laioko, said the Osilc was compelled to act the way be did. Signatories to the petition Sciudc Chief Toyc Coker (SAN"), Dr. Latccf Adegbitc, Chiefs Nolla Edun, Adio Soneknn, EA- Adcboye and Adcfolu Kolcoso, Femi Okuronmu, Bajomo-Ecllo. Others are Apagun Oluwolc Olumiddf Chief S.O. Atenre- mi, CTiiicf JZssisjusucI So- runke, I_A. Sofcnwa, Scsan Solu2dc, Sobo Sowemimo, Alani Bankolc, F_A. Oy- aiowo, A.O. Sobowale and Soiomon Adeniyi. Alleging that Oba Tejuoso was inciting indigenes of Abeokuia against one another, they said: "The violent intra-Egba struggle which Kabiyesi Osiie Tejuoso is provoking would not only destroy Egbaland if allowed to subsist, but could spell doom for the rest of the country'. This is because an unrest within one part of the From Tunde Oiadepc, Bead, Ogua Bureau country might soon extend to ether parts with dire con- secutnces if not immediately and decisively arrested.” The petitioners arc specifically unplcased with Oba Teiuoso’s

www.obatejuosobooks.com______270 version of history and the social realities of Egbaland which they alleged were "distortions of established custom." They said the version portrayed Egbaland as a class society where some indigenes were unduly oppressed because cf their place of origin. "We wish to stress, with due respect that Kabiyesi OsDc’s incitement to disaffection has gone too far and is becoming-unde arable. Ke is relentless in twisting the arrangements that have for cenruries sustained the unity, stability and peace of Ecba federation," the chiefs alleged. To contain the situation, the petitioners urged the government to ask the Oba of each section to respect the laws which confer supremacy on the Alakc and make them to purge themselves of any contempt of the office of the AJake by withdrawing all insulting letters and publications to the Alake. traditional council was publicly demonstrated last Saturday with the absence Alake and his chiefs from the 80th birthday celebration of Mrs. Bisovc Tejuo- so, Oba Tcjuoso’s motr.cr. The Egba Alike-commit, nity also placed a newspaper advertisement to debunk Oba Tejuoso's claims about Egba history. Oba Laioko who is believed to be in league with Oba Tejuoso and the Olowu of Owu, Ota Adisa Odelcyc, said he would not speak on behalf of his people nor defend his position. He said: “We arc not the community. We arc just the

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incumbents; when the community reads (Egba /Jake's reactions) they will take a position and whatever the position of the community, that wili be my reaction." He added: “You just wait and sec. He who laughs last laughs best.” Abeokuta comprises four major sections of Egba people — Egba Alake, Oke- Ona, Gbagura and Own. Traditionally, Egba Alake, being the most populous of the sections, gets the greatest share of bounties and responsibilities than the other three sections whEe the Alake is recognised 2s the paramount of all the Obas. 178 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Because in the East the traditional institutions are not an well developed, as in the North or South or South West there i less acrimony across the River Niger, in matters pertaining 11 > Chieftaincy and Kingship. Authentically, they were Acephalous societies whereas the North and West are Chief] \ Societies like the Ashantis, the Bugandans unlike the acepholou societies of the Kikuyus in East Africa. Even in some parts ol this then known world the oldest in the society sometime, assume leadership and emergence of Warrant Chiefs for purpose of traditional and administration and tax collection, were not unknown. On Saturday the 22nd of June 1996, the Iyalode of Egbaland and mother of Osile Chief (Mrs.) Bisoye Tejuoso celebrated her

www.obatejuosobooks.com______272 80th Birthday in Lagos amidst pomp and pageantry in a ceremony befitting her Royal status as Iyalode of Egbaland. Some Egba Chiefs and indigenes were conspicuously absent at the ceremony. Egbaland turned into a minefield, the Egba Chiefs had led the ship to the rocks leaving it to a latent incident to wreck it. The explosion did not take long to occur. It came sooner than expected. The Shakespearean adage came home to roost. "There is no heart that can read the minds construction in the face." This saying is not in any way assuaged by the dastardly act of barbarism that followed. The Yoruba proverb "all the Lizards crawl on their bellies no one can identify the ones with belly ache or stomach troubles" as all the postures are alike - posture of crawling. In similar fashions missiles of suspicions became the order of the day. The missiles flew indiscriminately showing the dance of nakedness in the market place. Only fools will wait to watch the scene. Egbaland is poised for self-auditing and to assuage injured feelings. They must chart the future for better human relations. The situation was unable to stem the shadow of discord creeping slowly over the fragile and unsettled period of peace in Abeokuta the City of Rocks. The Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso, Osile Oke-Ona Egba was said to have restated his vision with A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 179 justified indignation that Egbaland, "would know no peace until

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certain injustices were redressed." "The goose that laid the golden eggs in Egbaland was thus killed." During her lifetime she was the epitome of peace, lability, ORDER and good governance, with the Royal fathers including her beloved son. They all worked in harmony for growth and development of Egbaland and sustainable economic growth. But her absence meant the lack of motherly guidance and matriarchal directives, social, religious and economic contributions for the African Continent any day in terms of her indisputable pedigree and Royalty she would fit the stature of the African woman of the year any day. Critics and war mongers, however, felt they should give success a bad name. They made her pay a terrible price for her devotion to duty, devotion to her family, and her unalloyed patriotism to the country of her birth - NIGERIA for which she won accolades. It was not without cause that the honourable Chiefs and Royalties, the religious bodies and non-governmental organisations in Egbaland and market women conferred on her first, the Iyalaje and later, the Iyalode of Egbaland. What thoughts! What actions! Could have caused the imbalance in their assessment to make her pay a terrible price for piety, kind deeds and humanitarianism? The Iyalode Egba was also the recipient of a large number of award, the highest being given by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce. She also got a number of recognised high-ranking Chieftaincy titles besides the Iyalode of Egbaland.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______274 Prior to her becoming, the Iyalode Egba in January 1982, she was the IYALAJE of Egbaland since 1974. The Iyalode of Ago- Oko, Iyalode (Princess Merchant) of Oke-Ona, Iya Oba Oke- Ona Egba as well as Yeye-Oba of Ikeja in Lagos State. Just before she died, she was also slated to be the first Yeye Oba of Ala in Ijebuland. But death came earlier than installation. In the imbroglio that followed her untimely death which could be registered as a big shame on Egbaland and a blot on the 180 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service impressive records of administration in Egbaland, many prominent personalities were interrogated and some top Chiefs too were held behind the Bars in Lagos for a day or two. By .1 touchstone of Nigerian factor there is no progress report to date. It was all performances without achievements. In the Shakespearean connotations "some were born great, some achieve greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them. Iyalode Bisoye Tejuoso was the embodiment of all these three facets." She had the Midas touch as all she undertook, turned to pure gold. Adieu.

POEMS

OUR LATE MOTHER 1. Our late Mother was tough She was tenacious She was a

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Triplex with Brain beauty and Bravery She was an epitome of dedication 2. A colossus A woman with a mission The inestimable jewels of a Mother A Mother-in-Israel Rest in Peace 3. Rest in Perfect Peace Mama Orun re Mama Sun re O Sir Victor Uwaifo B.A. (Hons)M.A. (Uniben) MON. J.P. (Benin City) A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 181 THE CROSS SHE BORE BRAVELY Death came calling Like a thief in the night Your sleep rudely disturbed after a long hard day's work by vagabonds and beasts of no nation to the very end You carried out your civic duties to your church and its leaders You served. You donated as an act of charity A giant cross that adorns the new St. Peter's Church Cathedral Ake as a symbol of God's love to mankind In retrospect Our inestimable jewel, did you know

www.obatejuosobooks.com______276 they would nail you on the cross the cross you bore so bravely death, where is thy sting grave, where is your victory? Yours, our pioneer female industrialist Had been an exemplary life. An appropriate Epitaph on your cross should read: "As you are, so was I, As I am, so you will be. Be prepared". Requiem In Peace AJOKE OLABIWONNU Ibadan A Decade of Royal Selfless Service EPITAPH Deep calls to the Deep The water pot has broken The golden chain has snapped The Silver lamp has quenched The Fire of love disappeared Let what is broken so re-union For the gods are hard to reconcile The dryness of the Lake Many people baffled In the middle of wet seasons The oasis dried up While the desert sands are wet It is the sonorous song But never allowed to reach its pitch O Mother

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What a time What a season of anomie Hon. Justice Ademola Kuti (Abuja) IK3 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service DEEP CALLS TO THE DEEP 1. Emerald cool we may be As a water in cupped hands But Oh that we might be As splinters of glass in cupped hands 2. The falcon flew right into the cloudy sky Leaving her footprints On the sands of time. 3. A lone one without a guide That gave success its noble name May her gentle Soul Rest in perfect peace Sun re. Mama Rere Chief Tunde Osho-Eleku (Ikorodu)

You left us without a good-bye the cowardly assassins saw to that ^xactiy a week before the end came t“:,ieentireA^‘-cwh ynod of N.genam your home. Your hfe was exemplary of devotion to God of duty to all of hard work and diligence of honesty and humility of commitment to family life of generousity to all and sundrys in the claws of cruel death ou raised your voice in prayers or God

www.obatejuosobooks.com______278 to forgive your tormentors

Your courage and the manner of your death fed us to appreciate Jesus Christ on the Cross and True Mother's love PDG+ chief Lekan Ogundimu 19/9/96 (LAGOS) Chapter 22 •XWfOWSQCOW»K«0W»00«M««0O04M4MmO»WmWM0MW M0M«M0m«0«««««0O»MO»W0WWWW»»M«0»0«WM0W»« IN RETROSPECT Only time will tell. History, nay human history cannot be manufactured. It is a case of after forgiveness, receive peace; but events of yesteryears, persist like a wound that will not stop bleeding. It is to be hoped that time will heal all wounds. The late Iyalode Egba is a lasting lesson of what greatness portrayed. While many a man dissipated energies on resting their fortunes on the quicksand of uncertain political fortunes. And people lay claim to the evanescent lust for naked power. "The Egba Princess Merchant" built her fortune of legitimate affluence on commerce and merchandise entrepreneurship. In some other places people acquire wealth by questionable means. People love wealth and those who could, flaunt affluence in societies even if they probably have paid their prices

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to society on serving terms of imprisonment. The Egbas look down on this way of acquiring wealth. Once you soil your reputation by dubious mans, the Egbas would shun such a person like a social pariah. Greatness does not consist in falling but the ability to rise when one falls. The legendary sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a renowned Statesman and Nationalist was quoted on the rough of political life. The horse as a rule, does not fall a rider who is not capable of remounting it. "Esin ki danika ma le tun gun." It is a sign of valour never to give up in the journey for success in life. The ups and downs are worth every measure of human strength and the power of inner will. One can call to mind the travail of Abraham Lincoln. Success eluded him so frequently and he was inured to failures like multiple sclerosis. Until in the long struggle he finally emerged President of the United States. Even at the peak of his political career he was made to pay the price of success with assassination. The renowned Egba born 186 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service General Olusegun Obasanjo would remain forever the first African General who handed over power freely to a Civilian Administration and that in itself is a fact of history. The General therefore has the star to rise from the ashes of the past. His wide International connections and his contemporaneous leadership of the great African nation Nigeria when President Jimmy Carter

www.obatejuosobooks.com______280 was ruling the world through American hegemony had marked him out as a man of history. That is the Egba man's trait, it is an Egba National virtue inborn and embedded in them. Only a preserve of the valiant. The Egba's traits are unconquerable and like the Phoenix could rise any time from the ashes of its ruins. In most cases, they are usually bom great, they strive and achieve greatness and have greatness thrust upon them. Another Egba who strode like a Titan through "Egba and its neighbours" and could be described as an Tjegba' is the one and only Nobel prize winner Professor of Literature and Theatre Arts, Wole Soyinka, an alumnus of Government College Ibadan and a year junior to Senator Ayo Fasanmi. Wole had a lot to share in this trait of Egba tenacity of purpose stubbornness and justified indignation, obsession with democratisation, an ardent crusader of Human Rights and the enthronement of Justice and equity for all humans. The Egbas do all these with catholicity of purpose, and much more in the field of social welfarism. The late legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti a "pure genius of a musician"and a classmate of Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso along with his brother Dr. Bekolari Ransome-Kuti had the same message against oppression and victimisation. His crusade was never to lose touch with the grassroot populace for who the language was clear and uncompromising. His footprints were firmly planted in the golden sands of time. It is this tenacity that belongs to the Egbas where ever they find themselves. They

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tended to combine all the various aspects of greatness in such a way that the embodiment is colossal. Copious references A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 187 had been made to the Egbas individual contributions to the field of Medicine, preventive, health care delivery, psychiatry and orthopedic areas of medicine. In the field of Law they have no comperes so also is in the field of education. The Egbas were there when Ashby Report was in its infancy. In accountancy, Corporate bodies, capital market and International multinational complex organisations the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola was a primeness. Chief S.O. Adebo became the legendary leader of the Civil Service in the West, the culture of ruthless efficiency and excellence were translated to Ogun and Osun States by what seemed like immutable Laws. So while the Civil Service at the National level was nothing to write home about in terms of accountability and continuity of the Civil Service cadres due to the purge exercise of 1975, the Regions (former enclave of administration) retain their unalloyed loyalty and high sense of Public accountability. The nexus had since greatly affected the service at the national level where it is a free for all sort of draining the country of its bullion. The real cadres of great Civil Service traditional still lurk behind the relics of the Western Nigeria style of public administration which led to fruition, and veritable vehicle of sustainable growth.

www.obatejuosobooks.com______282 It is against this background that the likes of Oba Dr. Adedapo Tejuoso had emerged to play with future and its possibilities and to continue to do so against insurmountable odds and challenges. Even calling on prominent Egbas to the culture of excellence is indeed a social and professional roll call. And just before I write the epilogue let me state with all sincerity my grateful thanks to Kabiyesi Alaiyeluwa Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso, Oranmiyan, Karunwi III, Osile Oke-Ona Egba for giving me the opportunity to write this short dedication to his ten glorious years on the throne of his forefathers. I pray for your continued success in life, as you serve the fatherland selflessly; for I know your salaries in the last ten years, and much more go to finance the Oke-Ona Egba 188 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Dynasty Fund where the trustees regularly award scholarships to needy Nigerians. I know you propagate the message of JESUS CHRIST as a means of winning and saving souls for JESUS CHRIST. I also learnt that at a time you made foodstuffs affordable to the poor and successfully embarked on a Guineaworm Eradication Campaign in your domain. And the more you get to know the Lord the more you drop those things you consider offensive to HIM. For example, you do not sell alcoholic drinks in your complex nor do you serve your friends and visitors alcoholic drinks anymore because you believe that

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what you know is not good enough for you, should not be offered to your friends by you. I pray for your continued good health and equanimity of mind. I thank you, for allowing me a glimpse into your thought, to feel the burden of office you carry. Your decision to leave a legacy of Truth to generations yet unborn. Thank you. I thank you, for I remember, I promised to write this book nearly ten years ago when I wrote in December 1989 to congratulate you on your serious literary work, incisive and in depth, an academic tour-de-force of the first order - "The Ultimate Honour". Ten years have rolled by just like a twinkle of an eye, I recall I wrote "It is with deep insight and humility that I offer to write a biography of your Majesty by nay! In ten years time, I shall where possible amend where the "auto"goes astray. There is a lot of modestly in the work for now, but the biography would centre on an eventful reign of peace and prosperity role of Oke-Ona in Egba economic euphoria etc. A lot of water had gone under the bridge since. Yesterday is gone and we cannot recall it, but we have been wiser by its happenings, things done and undone. Life rolls on. I give thanks to the Almighty God for granting me His grace to fulfill my promise. And one thing more - the happenings of time past have also afforded me the opportunity to speak to the silent majority A Decade of Royal Selfless Service

www.obatejuosobooks.com______284 189 of your admirers and well wishers and those whom God will use for His glory to put right what is wrong in Egba polity. I believe an urgent and timely redress will be a welcome tonic because opportunities once lost can never be regained. The book has also given me the opportunity to point out some illustrious sons and daughters of Egbaland, for special mention. May the Almighty God always be with you, your family, the people of Oke-Ona Egba, Egba and Nigeria as a whole. May it please the good Lord to intervene very soon (Amen). May you enjoy good health and peaceful reign for a very, very long time to come (Amen). Thank you. And finally my sincere appreciation to Miss Praise Chinelo Nwafor for her Secretarial assistance and my Typist/Secretary Miss Iyona and Special thanks to Chief Lekan Ogundimu Chairman, Professional Executors, Trustees and Investments Ltd. Lagos for technical assistance and editorial work done.

Chapter 27

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The past still haunts the Egbas dynasty in all its glory. It was an era of untrammeled autocracy and the challengable Majesty of the Alake, next in rank to the Supreme deity the ORISA, of the African Society. The Alake majestically walked and surveyed the market place, a very important social factor in African Kingship, because of the political activism of market women and their influence in body polity. The song went thus: "Alake mbo lo na Oba ma gbese lokankan Kabiyesi mbo lo na Oba ma gbe se lokankan Alake mbo lo na Oba ma gbe se lokankan" Which when translated means, The Alake is coming and subjects in deference, warned that His Majesty should be stepping towards the people marching step by step, and not hurriedly. All this connotes the Majesty of his authority and the dignity of the office of Kingship. Now in the twentieth Century fading into the new millennium, the 21st Century, the swan song should now take a variety of Rhythm, such as: "Osile mbo lo na Oba ma gbe se lokankan Karunwi mbo lo na Oba ma gbe se lokankan Kabiyesi mbo lo na A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 191 Oba ma gbe se lokankan Tejuoso mbo lo na Oba ma gbe se lokankan" There should also be equal treatment for all the four sectional

www.obatejuosobooks.com______286 Obas in Egbaland (Alake, Osile, Agura and Olowu) as none is superior to the other since they all appeared in the 1903 Government gazette as part of the original 22 Obas in Yorubaland as at that time (1903). CONCLUSION Oba Dr Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso has this to say as a closing prayer: "ME AND MY GOD" God has taken care of me Throughout my life And I seem to have been in the right place At the right time God has worked for me In so many ways And I just want to thank Him for all He has done For me and my family Thank you Jesus

Chapter 24 ABOVTT THE AUTHOR WOTWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWlWWCWWWW BWWWBCWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWtWWWCMWWWW Wf)^/^ Hon. Justice ABDEL FATAYI DEMOLA KUTI, a Judge of the High Court of Abuja, a two term Chairman of the Robbery Tribunal; Chairman Newly constituted Miscellaneous Tribunal (Drug and drug related) 1990 - 1992. His Lordship is an accomplished Poet, Author, Diplomat, Scholar, Jurist,

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Philanthropist, a Folklorist, and a celebrated writer to wit. He was born on April 16, 1937 at Lagos of "Ijegba parentage". Educated at Igbobi College Lagos, Manchester College of Commerce and Law, the Universities of Hull and London. He bagged LL B (Hons) International Law and Administrative Law. He undertook postgraduate course at University of Makerere Uganda. Diploma - from the Institute of Legal Studies - Carnegie Endowment Scholar in Diplomacy, International Law and Development Economy (Mitchell Hall), Institute of Public Administration and Political Science. His Judicial appointments: Justice AFP Kuti acted for the Hon. Tustice M.D. Saleh Chief Tudge 1995 Chairman - Election petition tribunal, Ekiti State January/ February 1999. Chairman - Election petition tribunal (with 4 High Court Judges sitting as members) for Edo State March 1999. Member - The President Committee on the future administration of the FCT 1993 Member - Meeting of Experts on the use of criminal sanctions in the protection of environment: International, Domestically and Regionally. - New Miscellaneous offences tribunal (1990) Chairman A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 193

www.obatejuosobooks.com______288 On his appointment as a Judge of the High Court, Justice Kuti received a special letter - reads in part "I should like to convey my warm congratulations though belated of your well deserved appointment as a Judge of the High court of Abuja. I have full confidence in your competence, learning and integrity to discharge the duties of the office according to the law and by the will of ALLAH you will succeed." (Hon. Justice Mohammed Bello, Justice Supreme Court - 1985) Justice Demola Kuti as a learned man by profession holds membership of the Honourable Society of Middle Temple Inns of Court Holborn London and Royal Society of Literature, Hyde Park Gardens, London. Also member, International Society for reform of criminal law, parole and early release based in Ottawa and Quarterly book publications, criminal law forum; member Simon Fraser University - University Campus Vancouver Canada member, Criminal Forum Faculty of Administration of Rutgers University of Law at Camden; member and Governing Council, Center for Conflict Resolution and of Nigeria since 1997' Rostrum Club - Lagos city Muslim Professional, a foundation member since 1965; before his elevation to the higher bench in 1984, he was a member of the Nigerian Bar Association. Justice FATAYI KUTI, as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1964. The secrets of his success can be found in hard work, some hard

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work and more hard work. It would not be wrong to describe him as a workaholic. He is endowed with the ability of recognising and the giving of high esteem to others whom he considers to be deserving of such be they young or old; generous in giving of his talent, resources and time and above all his abiding trust in the Almighty Father as the sustainer and comforter of the world. Our subject - the Author - Justice Kuti could be viewed from many angles (Lecturer - Diplomat - Writer - Judge). As a visiting lecturer to University of Science and 194 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service Technology - this is what the Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. T.C. Nwodo wrote "Your presentation of legal matters to our law students, their lecturers, and we laymen is a thing to remember for a long time to come. Your style of presentation and delivery of legal issues is unbeatable and students are yearning for more of such visits to ESUT faculty of law if time permits". He was a one-time lecturer at ASCON Topo Badagry Lagos State for Senior Executive and Management courses. Guest Lecturer, Bendel State University (BENSU) on Islamic Jurisprudence. Paper presenter at the third workshop on the LAND USE ACT 1978 held on February 5th - 8th 1990 at University of Lagos (UNILAG). Topic "The law and Policy - Land use Act in perspective." Discussion Leader on "Rules of Customary Courts,

www.obatejuosobooks.com______290 Area courts and High courts 1995 - 1996 and many other public lectures. I must add the invaluable services he has constistently rendered regularly to (a) Rotaract Club of Abuja (b) Abuja Metro Junior Chamber (JAYCEES) (c) Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development also (d) Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) In terms of participation either as~guest lecturer, speaker or major donor. In fact the NUJ sent a letter of appreciation thus "In spite of your tight schedule, you managed to grace the occasion. Your philosophical wine, sipped by our colleagues during your visit, would continue to goad them in the dark abyss of life. You are a wonderful judge." Justice Kuti had delivered over 40 public lectures on legal and non-legal topics, from 1981 to date. A Decade of Royal Selfless Service 195 I IIS DIPLOMATIC CAREER II is Lordship's diplomatic career was varied and interesting, he started with his appointment as Assistant Secretary External Affairs in 1962. He was first Secretary and Head of Chancery Nigeria High Commission Nairobi Kenya; Counsellor Head of Chancery, Embassy of Nigeria to Jeddah Saudi, Kuwait and

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Jordan and culminating in his appointment as Nigeria's first Charge D'affairs to the Republic of Turkey, Iran and Jordan, Original Paper needed Counsellor and Head of Chancery in Iran (1975). He has attended 38 National and International Conferences from 1963 to 1997. Justice Abdul Fatayi Demola Kuti as a writer. With his latest work titled "Ten Years On" based on His Majesty Oba Dr. Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso the Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Karunwi III, tenth year anniversary on the throne; his lordship has twenty 'plus' published works in both legal and non legal topics to his credit. Some of his publications are: ♦ Ten Years On - being the latest ♦ Elias A man of his time ♦ Law and Policy - the Supreme Court approach ♦ Fables by the fireside ♦ Sentencing principles practice and prospects - a judge's overview etc. ♦ Reflection on Nigerian foreign policies Vol. 1 and 2 Some of the appreciative comments on various publications of his Lordship: " I congratulate you for making your debut at the world of writing, ft takes a lot of courage to write on a topic and analyse as you have done of thejudiciary. The book Law aiidPolicy- the Supreme Court Approach; will evoke much comment." Chief Judge Adeloye (1989)

www.obatejuosobooks.com______292 196 A Decade of Royal Selfless Service "Your contribution to the growth and development of literary work in the Federal Capital Territory and indeed the Nation is highly commendable". Abdullohi Maajimni (1992) "I warmly congratulate you for your efforts and indeed wish you good health to continue in this brilliant endeavours " Prof. MA., Owoade (1994) "In particular, the very kind words in your dedication are much appreciated. Reading your book will be a wonderful learning experience for me " Karl Franck (1996) "I must congratulate you for the authorship of a well thought and written book (Law and Policy etc.) and I wish you every success " Hon. Abubokar Alhaji (1989) "I congratulate you for finding the time to do honour to the Right Honourable Justice Taslim Olawale Elias whose life was dedicated to service and h umunity through the Law" J.O. Irukwu (1993) PHILANTROFHY Justice Kuti whose hobbies are Calligraphy, Poetry, Biographies and Travelling, also still creates time out of his very busy schedule to touch other needy people with his generosity, with

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his talents through lectures, seminar participation and writing. He shares his resources to promote his religion ISLAM, he spends his resources to promote education, health and peace programmes. To top it all, his lordship donated to the University of Abuja - for annual prize to the best final year student named after him justice ABDEL FATAYI KUTI Prize for the best final year student in jurisprudence. The Registrar Prof. Isa B. Mohammed confirmed the receipt of ten thousand naira (N 10,000.00) and added: "As an accomplished personality who has contributed to the development of the University, you have been chosen to institute a prize in the University. The prize will be known as Justice Abdel Fatayi Kuti Prize for the best final year student in Jurisprudence. This is with a view to immortalising your name in the annals of the University." Justice Kuti is a man who knows how to relax and thus belongs to some twelve social and service clubs. He is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He is happily married with children. He is an accomplished Islamic Scholar, he studied at Esfahan University Islamic Republic of Iran (1984). As a Judge the renowned scholar as a judge does not shirk his primary responsibility as a High Court Judge, he sends in his quarterly return of cases to the Chief Justice of Nigeria's Office regularly as and when due "in pronto".

www.obatejuosobooks.com______294 One is tempted to write more about him, in fact a book may just do; for his is an excellent, challenging eventful, splendid, celebrated, successful, happy life. I commend him to you as a Statesman, an outstanding scholar, teacher, an extremely cultured and rich author. One word - PEERLESS. Finally, if our indefatigable charismatic author, poet, erudite scholar, his lordship had been asked to say a word or two in his own defence seated in his own court before judgement is passed - I have no doubt he would have pleaded thus: "I see my entire life as simple mathematics. I try to add to my income through writing (authorship) - subtract from my weight share my time (paradox of time) - as time is money and avoid multiplying my worries. Do lots of meditation contemplation and prayers! I finally say this ORATION - O my God, what have I done to you with all my many foibles and imperfections you still love me so well. Deus Comitus est (God is loving)." Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you a man of honour, a man of outstanding talent, a man of integrity, a man of peace - Justice FATAYI DEMOLA KUTI (AFDK). Chief Lekan Ogundimu PDG + 1996/97 RID9110. AKINGBOTUN OKE-ONA EGBA

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