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january - MARCH 2013

ÀJÙMÒSEa publication of the media unit of the governor’s office,

ajimobi & the myth of iwo road

OYSG Bridges The Infrastructure Gap with 205 Projects plus Nation Building According to Ajimobi · Oranyan Festival: Promoting our Rich Cultural Heritage Kí Òyó le dá’a; Àjùmòse gbogbo wa ni o!

Happy New Year! O R-IN-CHI E F

rom all of us at Ajumose, the Newsletter, we are wishing through you, our readers, every citizen of Oyo State, at home and in the diaspora, a very happy and prosperous 2013. FR OM TH E DIT F I can tell you that this year for us in Oyo State will be a very exciting one. We are excited because of many things that will be happening in the state, as the administration is breaking new ground on the road we chose to travel, The Road to Restoration; we are excited about the new projects that we’ll be embarking upon and the opportunities they will bring for all citizens of Oyo We are excited State. Also, we cannot but be excited about the due coming on stream of many about the new projects on which the administration has expended time and treasure. We are projects that we’ll sure of the positive impact these projects will have on the everyday lives of the be embarking people of Oyo State. At a very small though representative level, this edition upon and the tells the Oyo State transformational story. It is packed full of interesting articles opportunities they for your information, orientation and education. In all, we make bold to say will bring for all citizens of Oyo State. that this New Year edition is a precursor to the exciting times awaiting us all in this year 2013. Please come along with us!

Festus Adedayo Ph.D Special Adviser to the Governor on Media

in this issue d nnecte Stay co e with onlin : ajumose .com/ twitter ajumose

k.com/ faceboo ajumose m/ scribd.co 2 From the Editor - Please come along 16 FESTIVAL - From one Adeyemi to another, ajumose with us with love at Oranyan Festival e.com/ 3 In the News 19 EVERYone’S OYO STATE - From one caring youtub 8 Cover - OYSG bridges infrastructure gap heart to thousands others ajumose with 205 projects 20 GALLERY 12 feature - Nation-building according to 21 PASSAGE - : Accepted to the m/ flickr.co Ajumose Ranks of Heroes Past ajumose 14 OPINION - Ajimobi and the myth of Iwo Road 2 ÀJÙMÒSE Kí Òyó le dá’a; Àjùmòse gbogbo wa ni o! pos

Our Long March to Restoration t o n e - DIR E Continues... New Year M essage from the Governor CT FR OM TH E G O My Dear Good People of Oyo State, As 2013 rolls send hearty greetings to you and congratulations on the New Year in, I make 2013. I trust that you would join the Oyo State Executive Council a solemn to thank the Creator for his grace and enablement that have seen us promise I to you on enter this Year 2013. behalf of the V E RN O R Thank you for the support and the goodwill those who have felt the temporary negative Government: you have shown to the Oyo State Government effects of ongoing infrastructure and urban we shall that I lead. You have appreciated our efforts at renewal efforts through demolitions and redouble infrastructure development and rejuvenation, removal of illegal structures. We will continue efforts to as well as the efforts in education, works and to treat such cases with empathy and a human housing, general administration, welfare of face, as we urge them to note that their pain deliver civil servants, agriculture and industry. today would bring gain to them and Oyo State a richer As 2013 rolls in, I make a solemn promise tomorrow. and more to you on behalf of the Government: we shall We will ensure completion of the beautifi- meaningful redouble efforts to deliver a richer and more cation of major cities of Oyo State, which we life for Oyo meaningful life for Oyo State citizens. have begun with , our capital. One of State citizens. We shall continue in 2013 the long journey of those infrastructure projects, the Neighbour- Restoration, Repositioning and Transformation hood Markets across the state, we will work to of Oyo State that we commenced on May 29, conclude in the first quarter of 2013. 2011. We are emboldened to make the promise I, once again, ask for your sup- to you based on what we have already done with port, cooperation and collaboration. your support. As they say in Human Resource Always bear in mind that, Ki Oyo le management, past performance is proof of da’a, ajumose gbogbo wa ni. potential. Have a prosperous 2013. Let me restate herewith our commitment to recreating the economy of Oyo State as our primary focus. We will work to empower our His Excellency, people for sustainable wealth creation and Sen. , develop the capacity of all economic agents. Executive Governor of Oyo State On this note, I seek the understanding of

ÀJÙMÒSE A publication of the Media Unit of the Governor’s Advisory Board Office, Oyo State. Dr. Adeolu Akande - Chief of Staff to the All correspondence to: The Editor, Àjùmòse, Editorial Governor Office of the Governor, The Secretariat, Agodi, Dr. Festus Adedayo (Special Adviser, Media) - Mr. Toye Arulogun - Special Adviser, Public Ibadan. Printed in Editor-in-Chief Affairs Mr. Wale Sadeeq (Special Assistant Print Mr. Gbolagade Busari - Special Adviser, Àjùmòse is the philosophical framework Media) - Editor Information & Orientation of the Ajimobi-led Oyo State Government. Mr. Tunde Muraina (Special Assistant, Editorial/Production Consultants Its unique semantic is descriptive of a task e-Media) - Deputy Editor Insider Concepts Limited accomplished by voluntary engagement of 11, Tafawa Balewa Crescent, Surulere, Mr. Seun Folarin - Photographer the collective efforts of the members of a Mr. Dauda Agboola - Photographer NG101014 Tel: 08111115050, 08111115555. community.

ÀJÙMÒSE 3 IN THE NEWS T 4 services free emergencymedical Govt. commences Oyo Kí Òyóledá’a;Àjùmòsegbogbowanio! away›,” he said. of programme, this help is now just ‹acall to turn to or whom With to call. flag-off the situations donot know what to do, where accidents, disasters and emergencies. to reduce mortality recorded being from was out borne ambulance of need the service ensure fastest the possible response times. ambulanceevery at any point to intime tracking system, to know location the of E-1 direct line, coupled with a GIS-based complete with a30-feet mast and adedicated of opened at had Health, been Ministry the a toll-free number. made with anetworkhad been provider for for ambulances the and that arrangements emergency road points provided had been Governor Abiola Ajimobi that disclosed and inauguration the of ambulances, the (YES-O) statethe Youth Empowerment Scheme nurses and technicians medical drawn from The governor noted that it is only ina Governor Ajimobi said that state the free He that added a24-hour control room Speaking at of flag-off the scheme the “It is well known that people inthese services with 34ambulances, doctors, services itsstarted emergency free medical Statehe Oyo Government has kick- ÀJÙMÒSE standards, cost the of healthcare and is high Despite lack the of and infrastructure good and equipment are obsolete and inadequate. years of neglect. state decay of due infrastructural to long and centres health primary ina had been to people. the and restore quality the of healthcare delivery urgent to need revamp state the health sector of his administration’s programme was the government. currentlydrugs being distributed by the due to N200million the worth of essential first 48hoursthe of his stay hospital, inthe would entitled be for to drugs free service any patient of made who use ambulance the or homes.” inthe situations,gency on whether highways the must able be to respond promptly to emer interventions. through lack of application of first-aid basic “such accident often victims dieneedlessly commercial or taxis Okada, adding that to hospital the carried inopen pickup trucks, primitive that accident society are victims “There are “There not personnel enough medical The governor lamented that hospitals He that recalled one of priority the areas Governor Ajimobi stated that further “It is our that belief any society modern - had received specialized traininghad received infirst aid. specialized careera new path for saying them, that they techniciansemergency medical was to create inclusion of scheme inthe YES-Ocadets as urban areasin both and rural of state. the accidents and common emergencies medical significantly improve rates survival from on roads the and inhomes. capability usually leading to deaths needless delivery, that is, lack the of first responder Governor a gap to fill noticed in healthcare system was anew conceived byservice the Gbadegesin, said that ambulance free the to cooperate with operators. the fully gramme had brought to doorstep their and maximize opportunity the pro the which - Teaching Hospitals. consultants from UI/UCHand LAUTECH consultingwith seasonal arrangements with stressing that would complemented they be cess for asustainable number of personnel, personnel and commenced recruitment pro- requiredtained the number of medical equipment. medical basic across state, the as well as provision the of renovation of government-owned hospitals administration the would begin soon privatethe sector. ance Plans for government employees and Programme and Formal Health Sector Insur State Community-Based Health Insurance programme, NHIS-MDG the Oyo the havewhich developed. been ing invarious Health Insurance Programmes minimize out-of-pocket by expenses enroll- aim is to ensure that citizens all are able to Universal Health Insurance Initiative whose month, his administration would launch a stakeholders. inaugurated wouldwhich involve key all Health Steering Committee would be of over sector health the next the five years. Federal Government to guidedevelopment (WHO), World UNICEF Bank, and the likepartners World Health Organization developed inconjunction with development Health Development Plan, which he said was ment would launch soon State the Strategic to treat most the common ailments.” fromto run pillar to insearch post of money beyond reach the of our people, leaving them The commissioner said that also the He said that fast the response would time Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muyiwa Governor Ajimobi urged people the to He said that his government had ascer The governor that disclosed his also Among programmes, the he said, were Governor Ajimobi said by also next He that added under plan, the a State The governor that disclosed govern- - - Kí Òyó le dá’a; Àjùmòse gbogbo wa ni o!

INFRASTRUCTURE IN TH E N W Osunkeye, Olajide laud Oyo Governor

on development S

he Chairman of Lafarge West African Governor Ajimobi in response thanked the Lafarge WAPCO; Chief Adebayo Jimoh, Portland Cement (WAPCO), Chief Lafarge Board and management for the visit. GMD/CEO, Odua Investment and Mrs Temi- TSegun Osunkeye, has commended He assured of the partnership of the Oyo State tope Oguntokun, Head of Communications Governor Abiola Ajimobi for the developmen- Government. of the company, accompanied Osunkeye on tal strides of his administration in Oyo State. “Lafarge has helped and indeed contrib- the visit. He gave this commendation when he led uted largely to the growth and development of Meanwhile, Former Secretary-General of the management of the company to the Gov- the construction industry in Nigeria. So, there the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Dr. Kunle ernor’s office on a courtesy call. is no better time to visit Oyo state than now. Olajide, has commended Sen. Ajimobi for his Osunkeye said that WAPCO, which had More so because of our own transformation efforts at restoring sanity to major highways been in the construction business since 1959, agenda based on infrastructural develop- in Ibadan. recognizes administrations that prioritize ment, knowledge-based economy and social In a letter of commendation, Dr. Olajide infrastructural development and was proud services. Your company can also help in mentioned the Iwo-Road interchange where to identify the government of Oyo State as a vocational training with skill acquisition to government effort has eliminated the traffic key player in that category. help artisans and middle-level manpower in bottleneck. He commended Sen. Ajimobi for the on- our state,” the governor said. AJUMOSE recalls that the state govern- going massive infrastructural development Ajimobi said he would set up a commit- ment had recently embarked on the removal across the state and hoped that the state would tee of four to look into infrastructure, skill of illegal structures that constituted environ- leverage on WAPCO’s years in the construc- acquisition, artisanship and training, so that mental nuisance; their presence earned the tion industry and its comparative advantages. the state could benefit from the partnership state the tag of the dirtiest in the country. Osunkeye said Lafarge seeks to revive the with WAPCO. He urged Lafarge to establish The government has also carried out mas- old bond between the Oyo State government a factory or warehouse in the state for easy sive beautification of the Ibadan metropolis and Lafarge Plc, which has its origin in the old accessibility and creation of employment and other towns and cities as well as construc- Western region, with headquarters in Ibadan. opportunities for the teeming youth of the tion of neighbourhood markets in some areas The Lafarge chairman promised that the state. within the state capital. organization would fulfil its corporate social Governor Ajimobi described Lafarge Plc as Dr Olajide said that the governor deserved responsibility to the Oyo state government one of the foremost cement producers in Nige- accolades for his efforts at sanitizing the envi- while also expressing readiness to collaborate ria, which has contributed immensely to the ronment and changing the face of the state. with it in the areas of infrastructural develop- growth of construction industry in Nigeria. “Nigerians are usually very quick to ment, skill acquisition and training of artisans. Joe Hudson, Managing Director/CEO, criticize leadership when things go wrong but often, they never commend government when they perform,’’ he said, adding that his (Ajimobi’s) brilliant performance had further confirmed the confidence he had earlier expressed about his administration. “I expressed con- fidence that your suc- cess in the election would bring a breath of fresh air to Oyo State and that you definitely will bring style, polish and panache to the gov- ernment of Oyo State. I thank you for not Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (second right), Mr. Joe Hudson, Managing Director/CEO, Lafarge WAPCO, (left), Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, Chairman, Lafarge WAPCO (second left) and Chief Adebayo Jimoh, GMD/CEO, Odua Investment, disappointing me,” during a courtesy call on the governor in his office. he wrote. ÀJÙMÒSE 5 IN THE NEWS “T jimobi A Abiola Governor Sastourie duringacourtesyllonAjimobiinIbadan ernment has for Governor them. Ajimobi reeled outas he his further gov goodies the - workers state inthe secretariat. Session with a cross-section of government brim,the as he spoke at Interactive the House the filled of auditorium Chiefs to project caught on to his audience who metropolis come February, 2013. tation for public Ibadan in the servants government to commence transpor free Ajimobi as he unveiled plan the of state the able to state this take to desired the height.” State.Oyo There is no stopping until we are and repositioning have moving started in 6 excites workers Oyo Free transportation transport Kí Òyóledá’a;Àjùmòsegbogbowanio! They clappedThey and shouted inapproval The Governor’s excitement about the Thus stated His Excellency, Abiola Sen. ÀJÙMÒSE of restoration, transformation train of train the pacesetting; he train of improvement; the tate S Oyo of (left) - and French developing human capital. emphasis the lined of government the on programmes last inthe 18months under attended servants 13, 000civil training statethe government. private developer would deliver soon to properties housing inthe project that a real estate dreams. access mortgage facilities to finance their Government would aid to servants civil would help workers inhome-ownership; that revealed ther state the government cent.per taxes deductible from income their by 48 cent Governmentper while has reduced for upgraded 100 has been servants civil thatdisclosed car the loan programme Ajimobi that said fact the more than He able would be said to they also access Not yet done, Governor Ajimobi fur Consular General Mr. (Lagos) Francois - -

G assumption of work subjected the office, Ibadan. at Governor’s the CarPark, Office Secretariat, prayer session organized to usher inYear 2013 andcivil public at servants an inter-religious dedication to work. livestheir year this for commitment their and handsomethem rewards and addvalue to approach, shocking treatment and pyra the for you to have our close-marking survived pressure that we have brought to on bear you; oriented. from and them making more them service- stormy sessions, aimed at all getting best the ofers to challenges series and created some A workersOyo - reward for 2013, Year of WELFARE it could deliver on its promises and the take continue to pray for his administration that so stress. to enable own them houses the without any and arrange for mortgage for workers the administration would build housing estates South-West zone. forthem 2013would among be inthe best the pledging that his administration’s package for and toGodly re-dedicate themselves year, this into insignificance. and repositioning state the would have paled said but for his efforts at God, transforming entire people of state, the Governor Ajimobi his administration, and servants civil the the programme.the thronged who servants civil the venue the of adequatelyyou be will compensated,’’ he told service-oriented, and make service civil the was aimed at instilling discipline system inthe have tsunami the of survived change which you have given us; and for of those you who ayear be year ofthis will reward for you. mid of checks and assured balances, be that The governor noted that he had, since He gave assurance this addressing while “For you to have able been to withstand the He urged religious state leaders inthe to The governor promised also that his He for stressed need the workers the to be for to God with While being giving glory “We have demanded alot from you and jimobi his administration’s readiness to give has assured workers state inthe of overnor Abiola Ajimobi of State Oyo - - IN THE NEWS

- - - 7 (NUT), Gover birthday 63rd teachers of union Chief Eddy Oyewole, ÀJÙMÒSE national 428 out of all the staff who sat for the for all the staff who of sat 428 out thesepromo approved “Thegovernor Kola Daisi, cutting A jimobi’s Development Centre (SASDC) conducted Centre Development Level Grade on workers for the examination 01 – 05. found were Fayokun, to according interview, “not promoteable.” tions because he realizes the importance therealizes importance because he tions per teacher motivating in promotion of the of boosting the image and formance repositioning at quest in its administration the in the state,” education transforming and said. commissioner President, and Bashorun Professor Adigun baje, Ag H igh the National of se gbogbo wa ni o! ni wa gbogbo òse Àjùm dá’a; le Òyó Kí Florence wife, his representative the Left, Ambassador Olu Saanu, Fayokun added that the promotion for the promotion added that Fayokun conducted MinistryThe Education of College of Staff Administrative The transformation agenda of the government. of agenda transformation strictly the 2010 adhered rules to 2009 and in their enshrined as promotion workers’ of service rules. interviews 2010 promotion the 2009 and staff non-teaching and 12,504 teaching for which of out in the state, schools public of 12,076 qualified. examinations conducted (ASCON) Nigeria Staff Adebo Levels while 6-15 the Simeon for From nor Abiola Ajimobi, Ibadan on December 15th, 2012 cake during a lecture organized for him in award from an - - - - receiving (middle), ajimobi

he Oyo State government has brought brought has government Oyohe State teach 12,076 the of faces smiles to public in staff non-teaching and ing

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Education, for Commissioner The The implementation of the exercise, the exercise, of implementation The Prof. Noibi, in particular, acknowledged in particular, Noibi, Prof. In their separate sermons, Rev. Francis Francis Rev. sermons, their separate In The Head of Service, Alhaji Tajudeen Service, of Tajudeen Head The Alhaji

secondary schools by approving theirpro approving secondary by schools Governor Abiola Tokunbo Fayokun, who announced the the who announced Fayokun, Tokunbo Sen. governor, the state said promotion, the with in line it approved Ajimobi, Abiola however, will cost the government N42, N42, will the government cost however, salaries and 339,993.18 being additional the teachers. to payable allowances motion. EDUCATION teachers promotion of 12,076 approves Government the various accomplishments which had been which had accomplishments the various and administration the Ajimobi by recorded running a government for it commended face. human with Omolade and Prof. D. O. S. Noibi admon Noibi S. O. D. Prof. and Omolade them the the needcivil servantsished for on God of the fear with their duties discharge to which they said tendencies corrupt shun and virtuallyhad a cankerworm, become eating the system. up ernment for the successful implementation thesuccessful implementation for ernment the Ajimobi of programmes the laudable of administration. Aremu had in his welcome address urged civil urged address welcome in his had Aremu the gov of the blueprint servants into key to state to greater heights. greater to state

left), who was also given an award, looks on in Ibadan Comrade Kolawole Amao (right) while Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso of ( T

cover 8 205 with gap infrastructure OYSGbridges Kí Òyóledá’a;Àjùmòsegbowanio!

ÀJÙM ÒSE

projects

cover

9 ÀJÙMÒSE A flyover, the first in 35 years in the35 years in first flyover, A

- reha has government Ajimobi’s Governor several built constructed roads, and bilitated canals 43 rivers, dredged and bridges eight streams. and democratically any the by first and the state at being constructed is elected government

“The transformation that we envision for Oyo for envision we that “The transformation ni o! wa bo g gbo òse Àjùm dá’a; le Òyó Kí

Twenty months later, later, months Twenty

Promise: he reality into be translated only can people our and State infrastructure. necessaryof public the provision with roads of rehabilitation extensive on shall embark We shall Our government new ones. of construction and The reality: 29, 2011, May office on into coming Since

insist on the construction of durable roads. Never again will our again Never roads. durable of the construction on insist 30 years ago over constructed roads of the irony with live people back”. months few constructed the ones than motorable beingmore on address inauguration his delivering Ajumobi Abiola –Senator 29, 2011. May T infrastructure projects covering roads, roads, covering infrastructure projects dredging as well as centres health bridges, canals. and rivers Oyo State Government has executed 205 executed has Government Oyo State cover 10 Motorists are now plying Ilero-Otu the and roadcompleted. has Saki-Ogberan the been Life-OlokoDeeper road inIgboho lar rehabilitation work is going on at the Oke-Ogun, rehabilitated. being is also road, major the road that Ibadan with links miningthe town of Igbeti; Moniya-Iseyin on Apinite-Otun the Town Hall in Saki. also workhis first year while inoffice is ongoing Isale Taba inSaki missioned receivingis also attention. Ajimobi Sen. com- –Ijaiye roads. Schemes Iand and IIinOyo Ilora-Imini the HospitalGeneral in Fiditi, to palace the Gedu the and Bridges Aladota development. is equitable siting of projects to ensure even concentrate on Ibadan, state the capital, there State. Though temptation the would to be has projects acrossistry length the of Oyo of wheel the administration, the min- the administration.the component Avital of development infrastructural the mission of Mokola, state Ibadan, the capital. Kí Òyóledá’a;Àjùmòsegbogbowanio! motor park the newtemidire modern Work inprogress is also Oke-Ogun, agrarian the of part state, the Works inprogress include Shanga the StateThe Oyo of Works Ministry drives Equitable distribution Owode-Afin, Fola Tyre-DurbarOwode-Afin, Stadium, ÀJÙMÒSE the roadthe from Town the Hall to during marking activities in Oyo. are Others

on aby-pass in while while Simi- Park. quarter of 2013. that bridge the is completed in first the is done being to as ensure everything while ofstruction flyover, the for be it alittle will some little discomfort of because con the - Roundabout route inIbadan are suffering completed. be soon will Iddo-Eruwa and Igboora-Idere the roads Ola-Aborerin-Igboora Junction; Eleyele- Junction to Lanlate Junction Oke- inEruwa; California-Ibapon Agric road. ernor has commissioned the Ipeba-Ajaawa roads Adu Phases I & II, Mowolowo-Iwo Ate and Otu-Alaga roads without tears. Roundabout inChallenge. The road, whose dualisationthe of Methodist to Efunsetan There are two motor parks, one flyover and 205 projects; bridges, roads and culverts. inaugurated. Ajimobithe administration had earlier been Temidire Park, constructed from scratch by Podo Motor Park. AJUMOSE recalls that the parks from down to Beere Challenge to Almost completed is Podo the Motor Though commuters plying Mokola the Mokola flyover In Ibarapa zone, Ibadan-New the Eruwa OYSG fixing is also Overall, OYSGOverall, is currently executing

OYSG plans to move unstructured the in Ogbomoso. The Iresa-Apa to Iresa- Ogbomoso Ogbomoso Gov- for designated be portions also there will while 10 kilometres for educational institutions, for be will industrial establishments, another MOSE AJU for purposes. classified being specific of developmental corridor as portions are And fittingly, it is not only aroad; it is aform Public-Private- Partnership arrangement. intensive project, a circular the be road will est after it was advertised. with four companies having shown inter rapid development of city. the increase along route the and ensure more situatedbe there. Prices of property also will amongmies of scale companies that would up areas the and encourage econo external - development open corridor that further will road pipeline. inthe is also The road road andOyo Apata finally on Abeokuta the through on Egbeda Ife to Akinyele Road on on Lagos-Ibadan Express the Way, run that offCircular take from Road will Akilapa receivesoon same the treatment. roads into Oyo, and Ogbomoso Iseyin will not only the road that be will pointentry into Ibadan from and Lagos it is contract recently, was signed is to enlarge the The project is now at pre-MOU the stage That is not The all. 110 kilometre major The Circular Road auto mart, electronics and gathered that first the 10 kilometres A highly capital A highly dualized. Major financial financial is a a - - cover - 11

at Mokola at Units of digital buses acquired On-going projects across

ÀJÙMÒSE Modern motor parks at parks motor Modern and Podo Temidire Flyover under Flyover construction Circular Road Minor Circular Road Neighbourhood market at Iwo Road mbers nu 1 2 1 1 205 1 100 OYSG PROJECTS in PROJECTS OYSG for mass transit the state is not an exertion. They, however, attribute attribute however, They, exertion. an not is Sen. leader’ God ‘team to their success and his be of to member a want you “If Ajimobi. in 26 hours work learn to should you team, success. behind our the magic is That a day. be to have you be to proactive, have You be focused avoid should and you visionary, and be proactive should You distractions. Gover (The he what think ahead know to wants.” nor) Oyo - criti water water

thefloods se gbogbo wa ni o! ni wa gbogbo òse Àjùm dá’a; le Òyó Kí because it does not make sense to invest senseinvest make to does becausenot it Though it has many projects going on going projects many has it Though A source disclosed: “It is not that we say we that not is disclosed: “It A source flooding Tackling the country, parts of Like other to destroy them. The committee has since has committee them. The destroy to going is government and report its submitted implementation. its about officials the Ministry of simultaneously, the territory with and comes it say Works cally for only infrastructure in so much spared not the country have ravaging 26, 2011 tragedy the August Following State. government in the state, lives claimed that the of orientation massive on embarked has flooding of how the causes and on people alsotechnical a has set up It it. prevent to the academic at an headed by committee the issue assess to Ibadan of University to meet with representatives of the traders of representatives meet with to they when theyso will that priority be given the neighbourhood to moved eventually are markets. Road, in Iwo neighbourhood market have we will We No. come. should people interested packing, sent those we people be relocating grounds human them on relocating are we a multi-ministerial is There the new site. to environment, works, comprising committee investment, trade and planning, physical lands.” and water on on

the purchase the purchase it is effecting is it

Sen. Ajimobi has, unknown to many, many, to unknown has, Sen. Ajimobi And to ensure that the traders are not the are traders that ensure to And A corollary to the massive on-going road on-going the massive to corollary A Neighbourhood markets - govern the Ajimobi of criticism A major major streets to clean up the state and restore restore and the state up clean to streets major - bull Government’s plan. the originalmaster illegal at pulled down structures have dozers other amongst Sango and Mokola Challenge, areas. the displaced for provision alternative made neighbourhood of thein form traders street renewal urban larger a part of markets, project. in place been put have structures cheated, beneficiaries direct they of are that ensure to bags who money some not and the markets the shops. buy to nowhere from come would officials in fact, has, delegated Governor, The institutions among others. among institutions - provi is reconstruction and construction executive state The transit. a mass for sion approved already has council and conditioned fully air of 100 units of mini this. The for buses digital 43-seater to Mokola, at Dandaru from road circular Way the Lagos-Ibadan Express on Sanyo will the to lanes be other dedicated some and Rapid exactly the Bus like not Though buses. the service Lagos, in system will be Transport will also be affordable. efficient. It and fast the demolitions is ment newly completed Bodija/ Secretariat bridge Kí Òyó le dá’a; Àjùmòse gbogbo wa ni o! t u r e f ea

Nation Building, According to Ajumose 2012 Chatham House Lecture: Ajimobi charts path to greater Nigeria

ever one to shy away from airing his views on national issues, Justice of Nigeria should appoint the INEC Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State made a number chairman. He also touched on the funding of Nof sound interventions on developments in Nigeria at a the electoral body, noting that: “INEC lecture titled ‘Review and Reform: Key Elements and Implications funding should be first line charge of the of Nigeria’s Constitution Review Process’ he delivered at Chatham Federation Account as a mechanism for House, London, recently. checks and balances. Only the recurrent expenses of INEC are at present excluded The Governor gave his objective public officers amongst others to a cos- from presidential approval. appraisal of issues including appoint- mopolitan audience of likeminded people “Extant constitutional provisions allow ment of the chairman of the Independent desiring a better Nigeria. the president to appoint INEC board that National Electoral Commission (INEC), On INEC will superintend the election in which he fiscal federalism, state police, independ- The Governor noted that instead of is likely to be a candidate. INEC reports ence of the judiciary and tenure of elected being appointed by the President, the Chief to the president. Its funding relies on the disposition of the president as well. 12 ÀJÙMÒSE feature 13 ÀJÙMÒSE - if erring is: presi the question “But why need look deeper to into “We The Judiciary - the judici praised Sen. Ajimobi to expensive is process judicial “Our - consti a review called of for He the determine can a state “Only newa that submitted governor The - good govern for “The responsibility - pros not were governors and dents whileecuted in office because they were of many how clause, the immunity of and president of the 1999-2007 class since been prosecuted have governors they left office in 2007? justice face so-calleddo not men big the on focusing than rather in Nigeria, needs a justice Nigeria clause. immunity sacrificewill on not that justice system need a We wealth. or class of the altar the so-called will where men system big frustrate or delay buy, to beable not submitted. he justice,” in role important an playing aryfor adding, Nigeria, of thedevelopment for still was room there that however, improvement. people our of a lot puts it that the extent judicial The disadvantage. a great at - peren it that also is too slow process delayed justice niallythat confirms Our denied. constitutional justice is retain this to emphasise review should in the people our of theconfidence judiciary.” allow would that provisions tutional Judicial the National than rather states, of thenumber Council determine to they needed. judges needs. national The it judges of number judges of number less led to has control the number to contrast in states some in said. he cases in the courts,” of the to the solution not is constitution confronting challenges of myriads only could the constitution as Nigeria the operation for the framework provide the government. of Nigeria of the development and ance a and leadership a responsible lies on readiness our is It following. vigilant will that work the constitution make to constitution the on-going that ensure said. he review worthwhile,” is - se gbogbo wa ni o! ni wa gbogbo òse Àjùm dá’a; le Òyó Kí state governments, especially especially governments, state “The provision for state governors as as governors state for “The provision cases in wasted time is “Valuable - adminis previous “Furthermore, security that in is “The implication police state of abuse against guard To Immunity Clause the that opined Ajimobi Governor has immunity for “The provision would guarantee fast and immediate immediate and fast guarantee would security and to challenges response police service indigenous that for allow the of knowledge its on leverage would prevent detect to and local communities crime. security theirchief respective officers of because the meaningless largely is states them. to report police do not securitybecause police of challenges for need seek to approval authorities the federal government action from on who are the governors than rather of the impact who feel and theground securitysuch challenges. used had the federal level at trations the security of apparatus this control under and arm-twist intimidate, to mine rival parties. to when they belonged the safety and compromised is the states received not has property and lives of this struc because of - the best attention stated. he problem,’’ tural called the Governor governors, state by checks for provisions constitutional for of the inclusion as such balances and - rulers, repre traditional paramount and the federal government of sentatives groups notable and forces, the armed and Bar Association the Nigerian like Service Police thejudiciary in the State Commissions. the controversial of removal or retention was in the constitution clause immunity the will by rather, but the problem not prosecute to system justice thenational theso-called in the society men big when the need arose. to the constitution been inserted into distraction officials against protect a as culture litigious our because of see anything I do not me, For people. the Immunity in removing wrong of will the integrity if it enhance clause, system. democratic our - ‘feeding bottle feder bottle ‘feeding in which states assemble monthly in monthly assemble whichin states He noted that many of the milestones of many that noted He rivalry healthy among “This for allowed the who highlighted governor, The of public officials Tenure the against kicked Ajimobi Governor limit provisions constitutional “Extant who governor and senator a former “As the system for “This unhealthy is the that also opined governor The Police State the supported Ajimobi Governor “All these have serious implications for serious implications these have “All federalism Fiscal described- the pre Ajimobi Governor alism’ allow does federal allocation not for Abuja work. hard for - accom the country were parts of in many when states Republic in the First plished their resources. on control more had - land the many is the outcome and states that the leaders of out still mark that marks said. he Nigeria,’’ of the heroes era as executed had he projects development would he that said 16 months, in the last been had given if the state more done have resources. its control to power which in the country, term politics second a distraction.” of much “too was said he their and governors and elected president of terms two of a maximum to deputies years. four times in this election three contested had elected allows this provision dispensation, service. of years two about only executives settle down to year one has he means This to year a newlyas elected one officer and a second wants election, if he for prepare term. - Nige that the development because for can that seek, needrians executives we the of task time to considerable devote governance.” the second from incumbents of removal the use of reduce would elections term the incumbency undermine to factor contestants other of rights democratic the general in parties the political or within elections. it that noting police, state of creation the independence of INEC and the pos- INEC and of the independence in elections fair free and having of sibility said. he the country,’’ as federal system sent Kí Òyó le dá’a; Àjùmòse gbogbo wa ni o! op ini o n

Ajimobi and the myth of

by dapo thomas

Iwo Roadacters: the money changers, hawkers of anything y all traditional indices and parameters, Iwo Road is qualified under the sun, madmen and specialists, beggars to be called “the crossroads that troubles the visitor”. It is a of diverse tactics, touts and thugs, assassins major road with several intersections. A section of the road and apprentices of evil, food vendors and their B consuming multitude, jobless graduates roam- takes you to Ife; another one leads you to Iwo Town; one also takes ing around and about, urchins with their tools you to Oyo via Ojo. of crisis, labourers and their implements of grit, security agents and their revenue collectors, The other two lead you to “Gate” in the heart around Iwo Road should not conflict with its street sweepers with their brooms of pity, goggle- of Ibadan and Lagos respectively. Iwo Road also political metaphor. eyed intellectuals and their observatory ladders, has its own traditional narratives. The myth Each time I pass through Iwo Road, I see the government officials with their tax files. The list about the road is that it is the crossroads where vacuity of our political leadership, the depravity is endless. Then the traffic. This is the major deities and other weird creatures converge in of humanity and the desperation of a struggling phenomenon of Iwo Road. It is a disservice to the dead of the night; and it is believed that people. I see the rejects of the society that are grammatical expression to say that what people such assembly is good for the state because of in the world but as mere walking corpses. I see experience daily at Iwo Road is ‘go slow’. No, it its divine returns. In Ibadan, as in other major disgruntled and angry women strapped their is more than that. Without being hyperbolic, Yoruba towns, the visit of the gods at any point future to their back with a loose sash, looking it is a gridlock. On a daily basis, travellers are in time is always a sign of blessing. It is therefore askance into a tomorrow that is already dead to trapped for hours in the gridlock, workers get in the interest of the state to allow the deities them. I see a colony of malcontents dramatising late to office because of it. The traffic wardens ascend and descend at will to avoid blessing the vanities and inanities of an unjust society. I end up creating traffic stalemate. They stand in deficit. It is this myth that was said to have con- see a people with mangled aspirations drooping the midst of the traffic not knowing what to do, strained past administrations in Oyo State from their heads in total submission to their failed where to start from or who to blame. The confu- lifting Iwo Road from its accustomed labyrinth. visions and the remnant of their expectations. sion begins from nowhere and ends at nowhere. The convocation of metaphysical agents Even in its present appearance of grandeur, This gridlock is tied to its mystery. and forces within and around Iwo Road and Iwo Road remains the theatre of the absurd where The Abiola Ajimobi government with its the conspiracy of previous administrations in people of diverse destinies connect with their ‘consensual sloganeering credo must have been Oyo State, evident in their unwillingness to liq- existential realities. Iwo Road is the crossroads intrigued by the Iwo Road mystery hence its uidate this evil assemblage, confirm the cultural that leads some people to their destinations and resolve to unravel it. Ajimobi must have realised indulgence the notorious road had enjoyed in frustrates others from reaching their destinies. that the secret of the success of his administra- the past years. But whatever may be the myth Iwo Road is home to different human char- tion lies in his ability to deal with this mystery 14 ÀJÙMÒSE Kí Òyó le dá’a; Àjùmòse gbogbo wa ni o! op ini o n

through a systemic despatch of its nuisance poetic logic, political theatrics, oratorical dra- personnel to the road for effective monitor- contents. The governor, therefore, decided to matics and above all, divine wisdom. When you ing. These days, movement around the road is engage the Iwo Road mafia in a battle of wits lack all these, you lack initiative. Any inspira- somehow smooth and stress-free. which he seems to be winning. The first move tional and creative administration must under- What Ajimobi is doing in Iwo Road was was the relocation of the parks. Though, some stand and appreciate the economic dynamics what did to Oshodi some of them have refused to obey this relocation of roads. When you have gridlock spots where years back. order, it is not as bad as it used to be. Then, vehicles are trapped for several hours, there is I am not too sure if Oshodi had its own some structures encroaching on the road were an alarming decline in economic activities and myth but what I do know is that Fashola’s inter- demolished while some traders were sent by extension, in revenue. Unrestricted move- vention has demystified the notorious Oshodi. packing. Some of the illegal bus parks are now ments of human personnel and the facilitation Since that intervention, Oshodi has remained undergoing beautification and landscaping of their economic goods are revenue-friendly quiet, fomenting no crisis, witnessing no trou- evolution. Thus, a new Iwo Road stripped of to a government that develops and maintains ble and engendering no conflict. The gridlock all forms of traditional razzmatazz is emerging. its infrastructure, especially roads. had since disappeared. Vehicular and human No responsible government in this modern The massive road constructions going on in traffic now flows without the stress of the past. age will subscribe to a risible myth or succumb states like Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Edo Ajimobi and Fashola’s action on Iwo Road and to the fallacy of a witch-cult fantasy. Why and Imo, confirm the linkage between roads, Oshodi respectively exemplifies how visionary should Iwo Road not undergo a revification economic growth and other development leadership and administration should respond simply because some weird creatures are said indicators. Strategic road networking is key to to obstacles of development. Myths are obsta- to have turned the place to a midnight eatery development and is also a major boost to regional cles to progress and until they are disparaged where they feast on “appeasement menu” in integration. Since all the states in the South West and treated with contempt and disdain, our assorted calabashes brought by patrons of are determined to forge ahead with the process society will be held hostage by mere soporific herbalists and promoters of “IÌc¹Ìce”? The best of integration, all efforts must be made towards narratives and antiquated traditions. the government can do for them in this regard upgrading their infrastructure by making it While crediting the Ajimobi administration is to relocate their eatery to places like Dugbe, trade-friendly. This way, they will stimulate and for its creativity and sagacity in coming up with Yemetu, Orita Challenge, Idi-Arere, Beere, Oje create massive opportunities for their peoples and the magic for the revival of Iwo Road, I am and the rest. Ibadan, and indeed, Oyo State as invariably guarantee their economic prosperity. proposing that the government should come a whole, does not appear to me like a state that The rehabilitation work at Iwo Road is, up with the mechanisms including legislations, will lack a convenient venue for the convocation therefore, the elixir that the Ajimobi govern- that will give an enduring value to the various and revelry of midnight principalities and other ment needs to provoke the inspiration it measures and structures that are being put in entities of darkness. requires in unlocking the problematics of other place at Iwo Road. All previous administrations before Ajimobi projects and similar policy gridlocks. •Thomas, a former Special Adviser to were unable to solve the Iwo Road mystery With the new law banning street begging Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a lecturer because they lacked the creativity to deconstruct in Oyo State, the transformation of Iwo Road at the Department of History and Inter- its metaphor and understand the contemporari- is nearing total completion. Besides, the Oyo national Studies, University. ness of its social construct. These days, govern- State Traffic Management and the Federal Road Culled from the Nation Newspaper, Sunday January 27, 2013 ance requires depth of ideas, good thinking, Safety Commission (FRSC) have deployed ÀJÙMÒSE 15 Kí Òyó le dá’a; Àjùmòse gbogbo wa ni o! al tiv f es

From One Adeyemi to Another, With Love at Oranyan Festival

16 ÀJÙMÒSE Kí Òyó le dá’a; Àjùmòse gbogbo wa ni o! f es he Son, “Adeyemi,” occupant of the Agodi House in Ibadan took the city through colourfully exciting

Festival Float, Live Radio Programme in tiv has assured the Baba Adeyemi, the Royal Father, Alaafin which the character, Oranyan was x-rayed T(Owner of the Palace) in Oyo that his administration would to the public as the first Alaafin of Oyo who al not relent in its efforts towards promoting the rich cultural heritage effectively transferred political power from Ile-Ife to Oyo. The history of the transition of the Pacesetting State. This transpired on Saturday, 15th Septem- was traced as found in extant written and oral ber 2012. It was at the Grand Finale of the Oranyan Festival, the traditions. In addition, there was the Arts and Crafts Exhibition at the Palace Ground first of its kind. as well as film shows featuring Oranyan and It was a high day, if any day could qualify race. Represented at this first festival were Sango, both Alaafin at different times in the for such designation. The ancient city of Yorubas from all parts of South-West Nigeria annals of Oyo. Young children, youths and Oyo was a-glitter and the elements were in and the larger diaspora in Benin Republic, the adventurous were not left out as they perfect agreement. The festival delivered on Togo, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire and others. too had their day. The beauties of Oyo were promise: that it would bring together, not Before this Day of Days, the week-long in their element at the unveiling of the Miss only the sons of Oyo, but the entire Yoruba activities, (it started the previous Saturday) Oranyan for the year while the “brawnies”

Former Gover- nor Olunloyo religious lead- with Some Oyo ers at oranyan Chiefs festival

Prof. Wande Shekere Abimbola oyo royal fathers Monument

Gov Ajimobi addressing the from one adeyemi event to another ÀJÙMÒSE 17 festival the the heritage” to delight the of He all. praise was all for initiative the of “at assured that them his administration would not relent inits efforts warm welcome of people the of through Oyo Alaafin the ashis he smiles acknowledged cheers from Responding them. to the peoplethe of ancient the city. A people’s man, he was generous with was warmly welcomed by crowned the all chiefs heads, their and lency, Abiola Sen. Ajimobi, made his entrance. he Long expected, the unfolded to applause the and admiration of mammoth the crowd. ous befitting of activities grand the finale aworld-class cultural event of entered Alaafin the arena, the there was not adull moment as vari- (now world-famous) From drum. talking moment the entourage the proverbs,poems, rency of communication festive by these all spirits insongs, speeches, rich insemantics Yoruba Language was on display as principal the cur Highness, Olayiwola Lamidi Oba Atanda Adeyemi. The beautifully compoundpalace to pay homage to Iku the Yeye, Baba orchestra to welcome various the entered dignitaries as they inner the 18 at grounds palace the were members of Royal the Dundun alongside formal the uniformed law enforcement agents. present Also organizations like Boys’ the Scout were on hand to maintain order Kabiyesi and people the of ahappy Oyo celebration. Various voluntary various points around to display palace the banners their wishing the Organisations; civil, institutional and corporate, had spaces at taken amala at grounds palace the people to was served Oyo accompanythe Oka Gbegiri of of finals Youth the the Competition. Very Soccer popular was the disported themselvesalso at Durbar the Stadium venue of staging the Kí Òyóledá’a;Àjùmòsegbogbowanio! promoting, presenting, and preserving developing our rich cultural The charged atmosphere however turned super-charged when Excitement had built to fever pitch on last the day of festival. the “Adeyemi” Alaafin SEKERE ORCHESTRA . Day at of popular the which Yorubas, the delicacy especially ÀJÙMÒSE in thinking out inthinking festival, this to highlight the seeks which of by Ibadan (as he Alaafin was the called Ifa passages, even on “mouth” the of ubiquitous the , Sen. Ajimobi, Sen. ), His Excel- and Sekere and His Royal -

do, governor the pointed out the warmed up to his people and responded. too they As he is wont to with brotherly his speech spersed advice and humorous remarks, he or things not intune and realities. with modern global to doaway that aspects are with those to our inimical development if properly packaged and managed. He however that advised we need human spirit of growth and social afulcrum and also development, future.”the He pointed out that culture is at nerve-centre the of the re-construction, inordersocial to inspire present the and embolden tohistory enlighten and educate ourselves about role the of culture in The governor pointed out that “it is essential for us to go back into return to cultural the values that us well have for centuries.” served and proudly lift aloft that is which glorious about our past. must guaranteed. be “labours of our heroes past,” pointing out that “the future of past the significantly to socio-economic the development of State. the generate employment, reduce and contribute poverty society inthe performance,effective transforming and repositioning state the to as to andso streamline its of function the agencies ministry the for of InformationMinistry of Culture Ministry new the and Tourism aims the hewhen recalled of his administration increating out of the

In element his best with wit and anecdotes, governor the inter

somersault To it do this, is incumbent on us to hold on to Ajumose

in cultural appreciation We should - everyone’s oyo state I when the family the when is not resident metropolis. inthe shelters within hospital the premises, especially would have to “squat” and huddle incorridors and provides for bedspace invalid, the relative the hospitalthe with himor her. As hospital the only relatives of patients are who on admission hospital, inthe it is grossly inad ofbereft dignity. their shewhen saw Ajimobi remarked that plight the of relatives these got her attention and Humanity by agrateful management of institution, health the Mrs. public-spirited entities. Conferred with title of the Ambassador of Peace Lady, Mrs Florence Ajimobi has joined ranks the of magnanimous, these for such relatives to pass night the incomfort and dignity. First Our Hospital,College Ibadan, where provide they comfortable living space and organizations initiated Alaanu the House Project at University the before project, this was which commissioned of memory inthe his mother, face ofin the pain and turmoil,” she observed. people’sthese privation. dignity of people the must “The even preserved, be intervene and contribute building the and furnishing project as to so alleviate for as long as was necessary.” plight informed Their sorry her decision to of needs the loved their ones and have they to make do with hanging around equate to cope with number the of people have who to oversleep to to see A Donates First L to Heart ThousandsOthers: From OneCaring “On enquiry, Ilearnt that though provision was made to accommodate It is for of kind that these scenarios large-hearted and wealthy Nigerians Governor Ajimobi, commending while First the Lady, remarked that such aperson may require also there being in admission hospital. inthe Having to care for promised by sickness and needing prolonged t is tough enough to have aloved one com- laanu House laanu them sprawledthem incorners and corridors of hospital, the ady ady

- giving back to society. the to orphanages. He urged wealthy Nigerians to emulate gesture good this of health centrehealth of excellence and nation’s the foremost teaching hospital. ment to hold fort health the state inthe along national with UCH, the the Adeoyo Hospital hospital to amodern with cutting-edge facilities and equip of charge. He that revealed his government is process inthe of upgrading institutionshealth treating more than amillion indigenes half of state the free tration’s programme on delivery, health various has which seen government

The governor remarked also that project the is insync with his adminis Kí Òyóledá’a;Àjùmòsegbogbowanio! including donation the of buildings out some humanitarian services his wife took it upon herself to carry his wife took it upon herself to carry that evenbefore he governor, became privileged society. inthe He recalled caring for and poor the under the wife had always involved herself in Madam Dhikrat Abeje Ajimobi, his ÀJÙMÒSE 19

- - -

r e v e e’s oyo s oyo e’s n yo e t a t Kí Òyó le dá’a; Àjùmòse gbogbo wa ni o! y wife of the governor of oyo state, mrs florence ajimobi gives out food packages from the ajumose food bank at oje market, ibadan g alle r

Mrs Ajimobi presenting a blood pressure monitoring kit and vitamins to a patient at Adeoyo Hospital during a free health programme organised by the OfFice of the First Lady The First Lady carrying the first baby delivered in 2013, Adebayo Bilkis

The Wife of The Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi presenting a gift to a cancer patient at UCH, Ibadan Mrs Ajimobi with members of OYSOWA during a sensitization walk on gender violence 20 ÀJÙMÒSE Kí Òyó le dá’a; Àjùmòse gbogbo wa ni o! passa orn to the family of Adesina in Ibadan State. It was therefore logical that he became on 20 January 1939, Uncle Lam went a vociferous voice in dissenting against the to the popular Loyola College before annulment of the vote. He was “captured” as

B g proceeding across the Niger to the University a “Prisoner-of-War” by the military authority e of Nigeria, Nsukka between 1961 and 1963 clamping down on dissenters and “disgruntled where he bagged a Bachelor of Arts in History. elements” and clamped into detention along His sojourn in the ivory tower was not over with other leaders of opposition. Lam until he had done a year stint at the University With the coming of this political dispensa- of Ibadan in 1971. tion, Great Lam rode on the pinion of popular Adesina: Alhaji Adesina turned to the classroom goodwill to emerge as the gubernatorial flag- soon after leaving the university, becoming bearer of the Action for Democracy, AD, instructor in many private institutions. But in Oyo State and thereafter won through to Accepted to the his restive spirit that would not keep still in become the occupier of the seat of the gov- the face of anarchy and mismanagement drove ernor in Agodi. He lost power in a deeply Ranks of Heroes him to the penning of critical editorials and controversial manner in the wave that swept Past articles in the Nigerian Tribune, all aimed almost all of the AD governors of the South- at effecting a change in the military govern- West geopolitical region. ment of the day. He was a natural choice, Since quitting power, Alhaji Adesina He lived in a time of then, when the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo had busied himself re-organising the party decisive struggle for at the dawn of the Second Republic, cobbled machinery that delivered the state to him. together a team that he christened Committee Largely due to his political strength, experi- the soul of the na- of Friends; which group later metamorphosed ence and wisdom, his party was able to recap- to the Unity party of Nigeria, UPN. He was to ture most South-West states back. tion; the footprints of emerge a member of the House of Representa- Alhaji Lam suffered a series of health the likes of the Great tives, where he diligently acquitted himself in challenges towards the end of his days, which the service of his constituency. culminated in his admission into St. Nicholas Lam, would form a With the coming of the Third Republic, the Hospital on Lagos Island. His struggle for progressive leaning of Alhaji Lam took him life ended on the 11th November 2012. part of our to the Social Democratic Party, SDP, where His burial according to Islamic rites he played a significant role in the landmark took place in his Felele, Ibadan nation’s victory of the enigmatic MKO Abiola in Oyo residence. story.

LAM OF THE PEOPLE

e will continue to celebrate the life of a Wgood leader. He had always mentored us; he mentored many of us; let us take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life, both spiritually and politically. He always said that what gladdens his heart is that he has political son in me. Whatever anybody may say, I am the foremost political son of Alhaji Lam Adesina. Talking about godliness, the former governor lived it and acted it. He was always praying and fasting. I used to call Alhaji Adesina my three-in-one. He was my teacher, my uncle and my political mentor. Whatever I am today in politics, he made me. In addition, when you remove the mundane politics of Oyo State; the pedestrian politics; the pull him down innuendoes of Oyo politics, there is no closer person to him as his politi- cal son than I, Abiola Ajimobi. -Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, Executive Governor, Oyo State. e was a great man. He was a warrior. He Hfought for democracy. He was impris- oned but did not yield. He was not a man who would trade his conscience for a pot of porridge or gold. He was com- mitted to the democratic ideals. He had

ÀJÙMÒSE 21 passage 22 Kí Òyóledá’a;Àjùmòsegbogbowanio! I H L H H A the people.Heledbyexample privilege anddidnotamasswealthtothedetrimentof called uponhimforleadership,heneverabusedthe from hisdayswhenhewasacolumnist. man wholivedanexemplarylifeinmanyways.Right had died. be calledatabout7amthismorning(Sunday)thathe politics. Hewasingoodspiritandalert,onlyforusto together, thethreeofusinhishospitalroom. fore hedied.WewatchedtheAstonVilla-ManUmatch - GovernorOlusegun M T - Aminu - ChiefN – ChiefSegun Osoba, ex-governorofOguState - OgbeniR State andACNNationalLeader. - well. Hisdeathcanneverbemoregloriousthanthis. state backinthefoldofprogressives.Andheexited loyal andhonesttohisfriends. great character.Hefoughtabattleandhewon.was of usleftnow Alliance fprDemocracyGovernors.Thereareonlyfour will bemissed.Asyouarewellaware,weusedtosix chamber ofNigeria. carved anicheforhimselfinthehallowedpolitical a meaningfullife,lifeworthyofemulationandhas selfless interest.Ihavestrongconvictionthatheled spoke volumesofaleader,freedomfighterwith racks. Hiscontributionduringdarkdaysofmilitary daunted untilthemilitarywithdrewbacktobar- General SaniAbacha. broad daylightinIbadanbythegovernmentoflate tion, ChiefBolaIge,roundedupasprisonersofwarin ers, includingthelateAttorneyGeneraloffedera- brutal militaryrule,Lamwasamongthepoliticallead- now enjoys. relentlessly withothersforthedemocracycountry now prostrates. needs itsbestcitizenstorescue itfromthepitwhere Senator ay his soul rest in peace. He really he hadpassedon.Mayhissoulrestinpeace.Hereally t cameasashockthismorningwhenIgotcallthat greatly missed at this hour when our country badly greatly missedatthishour when ourcountrybadly am Adesina,myclosefriend ofover50years,willbe e discussed We joked.spoke.laughed.discussed He was a battle man; a great general. He got this He wasabattleman;greatgeneral.gotthis These leadersneverwaveredandremainedun- Particularly, duringthelocustyearsandtwilightof Lam was very bold, selfless, altruistic and humane. Lam wasvery bold,selfless,altruisticand humane. hen his people power orinordinatelyambitious.Whenhispeople e wasnotknowntobeflippant,arrogantwith been averycommittedNigerian,nationalist.A is deathhascreatedaverybigvacuum.Lam and Iwerewithhiminthehospital,eighthoursbe- is deathmorethanshocking.ChiefNiyiAdebayo bridge builder and a listening leader. He fought bridge builderandalisteningleader.Hefought lhaji LamAdesinawasaninsightfulpolitician, ÀJÙMÒSE iyi Adebayo, ex-governor,EkitiState. ambuwal, Speaker,HouseofR epresentatives. auf, GovernorofOsu. Aregbesola Bola hmed Ahmed gos Lagos of nor gover former , Tinubu imiko ofOndoState. I L L T A mmanuel U - GovernorEmmanuel , Prelate,MethodistChurchofNigeria. - DrOlaMakinde – ChiefAreoye O - DrOmololu O lunloyo, formerOyoState Governor. the difficultiesoflife,from his youthtoadulthood. passed throughhardtimesbut hepersevered.Hesawall both thefamilyandentire community.Veryoften,he Tribune: TheSearchContinues. sionally, especiallyinconnectionwithhiscolumnthe - A mained withtheformergovernor. body ofOyoStatepolitics,thesoulpeoplere when thePeoplesDemocraticarty(PDP)captured or confidenceofhispeople.E ing thatallpoliticsislocal,LamAdesinaneverlostcontrol B - ChiefEbenezer outside ofoffice humanity. Thatexplainedwhyhewasrelevanteven May hissoulrestinpeace. Lam Adesinawasavisionaryandfearlesspolitician. go foranyreligiousgatheringpersonally. great anddispassionateman.Asagovernor,hewould free life.Hewasagoodteacherandleader. always deferredtomemostpolitely.Ivisitedhimocca the positionofaprincipal. Education. Hewasfirstaclassteacherbeforeheroseto to knowhimwhenIwascommissionerintheMinistryof was ferociouslyeffective.Aperfectvalidationofthesay governor oranelderstatesman. social andpoliticalcritic,prisonerofconscience,state columnist, memberoftheHouseRepresentatives, of uncompromisingintegritywhowaskindtoafault. of deepknowledge,athoughtfulcolumnistandman of Abacha.Nigeriawillmissagreateducationist,man carry outespionageontheactivitiesandmanoeuvres chairman ofathree-manad-hoccommitteeassignedto dogged fightingspirit. cratic Coalition(NADECO)meetings,demonstratedhis late GovernorAdekunleAjasinfortheNationalDemo- elled withmefromIbadantoOwo,thehomeof rule ofthelateGeneralSaniAbacha,Lam,whotrav- When thestrugglewasfierceagainsttyrannical cated lover of the unity of the Nigerian people. Alhaji cated loveroftheunityNigerianpeople.Alhaji am sadtolearnofthedeathapatriotanddedi- ction C first got younger. HewasahardworkingpersonandIfirstgot am wasalwaysverypolitetome,eventhoughhe polity foroverthreedecades,eitherasanewspaper am hasremainedaconstantfixtureinthenation’s Lam was a reliable person, who will be missed by Lam wasareliableperson,who willbemissedby Though we are on different sides of political divide, he Though weareondifferentsidesofpoliticaldivide,he Though deceptivelymeek,hewasapoliticallionwho At one of the meetings, he nominated me as the At oneofthemeetings,henominatedmeas He spent the better part of his life in the service of He spentthebetterpartofhislifeinservice here isnodoubtthathewasacommitteddemocrat. ria. Hehadreligioustolerance.livedacorrupt- desina lovedlbadan,OyoStateandheNige- ongress ofN ongress yebola. abatope. (ACN) igeria duaghan ofDeltaState. ven during the locust years ven duringthelocustyears - - - passage

- of 23 Gover Kayode the state of Governor mololu O Lagos state by Governor, dr. ÀJÙMÒSE Governor Former welcomes the adesina FamiLY anked FL

Governor biola A Ajimobi, of se gbogbo wa ni o! ni wa gbogbo òse Àjùm dá’a; le Òyó Kí Fayemi Olunloyo, oGbeni , Osun, An Ibadan High Chief and Hon. Moses Adeyemo Governor ajimobi Members ce Ajimobi nor, Mr. Babatunde FasHola and Mrs. Floren From eft, l

- - Lado I Lam adesina Chief Akande, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Asiwaju la Bo adesina; widow, aLhaja sarata adesina; Governor Rashidi wasiu Comrade Adams O shiomhole, dr Former Governor Ajimobi, with Florence Ajimobi, and aare abdul-Azeez arisekola aLao Daugh Adesina; Sarata haja Al deceased, ajimobi, deceased, the the 2nd left, ; Mrs. of of Governor, Mrs adesina of The aishat 8th-day fidau prayers for alhaj for prayers fidau 8th-day From Left, s on Wife Osoba and Mr. Oba Otudeko Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Governor of ,and Chief Akin Oke, State Chairman, ACN with Former President Olusegun Obasanjo Governor abiola ajimobi Governor Ajimobi, Widow left, From ter, of Oyo State ja and Hon. Moses Alake Adeyemo, Deputy Governor Aare Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao, A REMINDER FROM THE GOOD PEOPLE OF OYO STATE. Business Wondering how to succeed in the global economic downturn? Maybe it’s time to ask yourself where Success instead. Oyo State, an inland state in South Western Nigeria, is one of the most urbanized States in Nigeria. Its centralized location makes Hinges On it the ideal low-cost distribution point for the South West; it also guarantees accessibility to Location, the nation’s seaport and efficient transportation for both imports and exports. Location, For details about why Procter and Gamble, Nigerian Breweries, British American Tobbacco Location! and many others value Oyo State real estate so highly, Please call +234 (0) 806 375 3107 or visit the Oyo State Ministry of Trade, Investment and Cooperatives, Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

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