Month: June 2025

ABIA EX_ MILAD DENOUNCES MARGINALISATION OF OKPE KINGDOM.

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· RECOUNTS HOW OBOREVWORI EMERGED AS GOVERNOR · ATTRIBUTES OKPE BACKWARDNESS TO URHOBO AGENDA · SLAMS UGHELLI LEADERS OVER SCRAMBLE FOR GOVERNORSHIP SLOT · URGES OKPE LEADERS TO BRACE UP FOR 2027 CHALLENGES Air Vice Marshal (rtd) Frank Ajobena may have stirred another round of controversy among Delta political leaders where he observed that the Okpe Nation was the least in the pecking order in Delta Central. ‘’There is a pecking order in the state. Every time something good comes to Delta Central, it has to go first to the Ughelli people. The next in the pecking order are the Ethiope East people, the Agbon people. The Okpe, who are majority, are the least in the pecking order. You could see it even when the contest for the governorship was on. There was a gang up. They didn’t want an Okpe person to be governor. It took a lot of canvassing and the grace of God for the Okpe person to emerge as governor. That position is still being contested by those by those who think they are born to rule Delta State’’ Ajobena spoke in Lagos at the 95th anniversary of Okpe Union. ‘’The identity of a people is fundamental to their emancipation. If you look at the Bible, the issue of identity was the reason Jesus Christ came to the earth. If you look at Psalm 82, verses 5-7. They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the Most High. But ye shall die like men and fall like one of the princes. Each time Jesus Christ tries to introduce man as a divinity, they try to stone him’’. The military administrator of Abia State from 28th August 1991 until January 1992 maintained that Okpe was not Urhobo. ‘’The issue of identity is fundamental. I don’t know why our brothers are apprehensive of Okpe establishing itself as a nationality. If you go to Google and you look at the definition of ethnic nationality, it is well defined. It is a people that share a common ancestry. We do not share a common ancestry with Urhobo people. It further defined people that share the same language. We do not share the same language with the Urhobos. If you speak Okpe in the midst of Urhobo people, they will say you are speaking in tongues. They don’t understand what you are saying. All these questions that Okpe is Urhobo is for political adventure and political gains. They want to project the Urhobo as a large ethnic nationality. So, they use Okpe to feather their own nest’’ Ajobena stated that the political position of the Okpe Nation must be reviewed to save the kingdom from further backwardness. ‘’Whatever comes to the geographical space that is being referred to as Delta Central today is seen as Urhobo matter. The Okpe people are treated as second class citizens within that space. As long as we remain tied to the apron strings of Urhobo, we will not achieve anything. We need to let them know’’. He said the actions of leaders in the state have thrown Okpe Kingdom into the back burner position in the political affairs of Delta Central. ‘’Urhobos are our friendly neighbors. We are not quarrelling. We intermarry. I don’t see reason for this apprehension’’. He, however, warned those celebrating Okpe as the largest Urhobo ethnic nationality to admit their mistake and work for the recognition of Okpe identity.

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AON BERATES OSHIOMHOLE’S AIRPORT CONDUCT, SAYS UNRULY PASSENGER MUST FACE THE LAW.

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CHUKS OKOH Airline Operators of Nigeria, (AON),  has condemned the conduct of former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, where he was allegedly prevented other passengers from boarding following his inability to catch up with his flight Professor Obiora Okonkwo, AON spokesperson who condemned that act exhibited by the Senator said his attitude was unacceptable and an act of the growing trend of unruly passenger behaviour experienced by domestic carriers. Okonkwo noted that he had earlier in the year warned that the greatest threat to domestic airline survival was unruly passengers and expressed sadness that in has continued to be on the increase According to the AON spokesperson, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has refused to issue any statement to inform the public from their CCTV what actually transpired. “We are really not happy that as at today, FAAN has not given it’s own version. We the airline operators are watching to see what will happen and we don’t think there should be rules set doffently for high people and low people. As an unruly passenger, the person will have to face the law” He said there was no amount of any disappointment if at all from any airline that will give passenger the right to self help “So, what you saw was a typical case of unruly behavior. It is not acceptable. Airlines deserve respect, there are people investment and you don’t have to use a simple issue of whether you are late or not and start demonising an airline” “As AON, we have looked all the things and we did not see any logic in the things he said. There is no airline who will not want to carry it’s passengers” Okonkwo said the AON has plans to take action against Oshiomole as they were in touch with Air Peace over the issue but waiting to get feedback from the government as there were interventions on going .

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PASSENGER FACILITATION: UNA ADOPTS GDS SABRE TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE LIGHT SERVICES.

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CHUKS OKOH In order to ensure  facilitation of passengers through easy access to the airline’s platform, the United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has engaged the services of  Sabre Corporation on Global Distribution System (GDS). This is just at the UNA  prepares for the expansion of its operations outside the shores With this engagement, UNA has integrated over 50,000 travel agents across 200 countries would be able to access the carrier’s platform more easily. Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the Chairman of Una, Friday in Lagos said  the migration to Sabre network would ensure the airline matches its capacity and aircraft type with demand, adding that it would also enhance interlining planning for the airline across its network. Okonkwo,  said the partnership will make UNA the third Nigerian carrier on the Global Distribution System (GDS). He explained that the integration to Sabre was part of its promise at the beginning of the year to enhance its Information Technology (IT) and innovative ideas. According to Prof Okonkwo, the UNA Lagos-Accra route, slated to commence August 25, 2025, will be given a boost with the migration “This is in keeping our promise to go global as quickly as we can. These are things that we have lined up as part of our objectives that have been a little delayed by the turbulence in the country that we are seeing especially in the aviation sector in the last two to three years. We can be delayed, but can’t be stopped” He said they were aware of the challenges in the new engagement but with over 50,000 agents in 200 countries with the capacity to buy our tickets, it means we have more seats to sell. We need to increase our inventory. He noted that in the next one year,  the airline would have increased its capacity by over 2,000 per cent adding that from October to November this year, they will be inducing into their fleet, four big bodied aircraft while from February to April next year,  six Boeing 737-800NG will be added “We know it has been very challenging, but we are not less determined, we are not giving up, we will continue to do our best and continue to count on the public, hoping that they will understand what we do to make things better.”

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FORESTRY GROUP TO SYNERGISE WITH EDO FORESTRY COMMISSION.

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The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Forestry Commission, Hon Valentine Owamagbe Asuen, yesterday, in his office in Benin City, the state capital, received the Forestry Stakeholders of Edo State (FOSES), during a courtesy visit, in which the coalition declared its desire to collaborate with the commission, in its statutory mandate to protect and conserve forests and its related resources and help carry out its activities in the state. FOSES was led in the visit by Mallam Alasa H. Ikhelowa, a notable environmentalist and development expert, as the group’s Chairman, and Comrade Tony Erha, a frontline environmental journalist and activist, secretary of the coalition. Other members of the group, who were present at the meeting, include Prof Gideon U. Emenlue, a professor of Forestry and Wildlife, from the University of Benin and Mr Frederick Okoloise, a retired forester from the state’s Department of Forestry. Mallam Ikhelowa, who was a longtine serving Permanent Secretary of the state’s Environment ministry, stated that FOSES was desirous of collaborating in the areas of giving the needed forestry and its related expertise, mobilisation of a wider range of stakeholders and to help in fundraising and entrenchnnent of local and international backings for the activities of the commission. Whilst further quoting from a text prepared for the visit, Ikhelowa suggested that the commission would need to revisit and expunge from the controversial Bill, which allegedly established the Commission, as a replacement for the 1968 Forestry Act, hinting further that there are portions of the Amended Bill that are anti-people and may hinder the smooth work of the commission The group, amongst other things, also called for the establishment of a Forestry Trust Fund, immediate evaluation of existing forest reserves, reafforestation of forest reserves, revocation of vast forest land areas that were unduly ceded by past state governments, to single-crop plantation companies etc; effective protection by the state government for Benin Ogba Zoo and Nature Park (BENZOPA), state government support for Okomu National Park and establishment of additional protected forest areas for the state. Responding to the statements by the group, Hon Asuen expressed the optimism of working hand in hand with the group, which he said is obviously made up of seasoned professionals and reliable men and women, who could help to achieve his commission’s laudable mandate, as being propelled by the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo. Whilst regarding the positions advanced by the group as worthwhile, and that his commission would look into them, as it also works with other stakeholders for the same effects, he urged FOSES to use its widespread membership and the public to fastrack the good work of his commission, adding that its bid at “reforestation of Edo forests and carrying out tree planting exercises, also entails the re-orientation of the people, who the forests are primarily meant for”. It could be said that FOSES is a coalition of nature conservation groupings, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), conservationists, professional bodies, farmers, loggers, land users, youth groups and genders, who have been against land grabbing, undue deforestation and livelihood destruction, which had pitted them against the immediate-past government of the state.

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JUNE 12: GROUP PRESSES FOR CREDIBLE POLLS, ELECTORAL JUSTICE.

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  By Moses Uyi Osaretin As Nigeria marks 32 years since the watershed June 12, 1993 presidential election, the Non-Partisan Progressives Movement of Nigeria (NPPMN) has renewed its call for urgent electoral reform, advocating for credible polls, justice, and institutional accountability as indispensable pillars of a thriving democracy. In a deeply reflective Democracy Day statement signed by its Chairman and National Coordinator, Chief Chamberlain Owen Obaseki, the Otaifoh of Uromi Kingdom the NPPMN paid glowing tribute to Chief M.K.O. Abiola, describing him as “a visionary leader, philanthropist par excellence, trailblazer in African sports, and an eternal hero and mentor.” “Today, we commemorate 32 years since millions of Nigerians stood in solidarity, queuing to vote for MKO Abiola, the Aare Onakankanfo of Yoruba land. His campaign slogan — ‘Abolishment of Poverty’ — deeply resonated with the masses. He won the freest and fairest election in our history, even defeating his rival in his home state of Kano,” Obaseki stated. Despite Abiola’s overwhelming electoral victory, the mandate was annulled. Yet, he remained resolute in his democratic convictions. “He refused to surrender. Each time he was asked to give up, he would respond, ‘What about the over 14 million Nigerians who voted for me?’ He was imprisoned, held in solitary confinement for over four years, and ultimately paid the supreme price on July 7, 1998.” The group noted that Abiola’s martyrdom laid the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic journey. The zoning of the presidency to the Yoruba ethnic group in 1999, it emphasized, was a direct consequence of his sacrifice. As the nation reflects on this historic day, the NPPMN stressed that honouring Abiola must transcend symbolic gestures and be evident in reforms, leadership integrity, and genuine democratic development. Four Urgent National Demands The movement presented a four-point national agenda to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and democratic institutions across the country: 1. Enact a law mandating the electronic transmission of election results from polling units. The group insists this is essential for electoral transparency, credibility, and public trust. 2. Implement full local government autonomy in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the recent Supreme Court ruling. According to the NPPMN, empowering grassroots governance is crucial for inclusive development. 3. Restore democratic governance in Rivers State, where the current administration under a military administrator is deemed unconstitutional and detrimental to democratic order. 4. Promote meritocracy across all sectors—from public service to political appointments—emphasizing that rewarding mediocrity undermines national growth and dishonours the legacy of Nigeria’s democratic heroes. “Democracy is meaningless if elections are rigged, local governments are paralyzed, and institutions are weakened. We owe it to Abiola and countless others to get it right,” the statement asserted. The NPPMN reaffirmed its commitment to value-driven leadership, devoid of partisanship or ethnic bias. “At NPPMN, we will continue to raise our voices—not banners—for progress beyond politics,” Chief Obaseki declared. “M.K.O. Abiola’s legacy of courage, conviction, and compassion remains our guiding light.” As Nigerians across the country observe Democracy Day, the movement urged all citizens to uphold the ideals of justice, truth, accountability, and democratic excellence. “Let us not merely celebrate democracy , let us live it, defend it, and deepen it,” the statement concluded.

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RESIDENTS LAUD BEDC FOR SWIFT INTERVENTION IN UGBOR POWER CRISIS.

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Residents of the Omoregie transformer axis in Ugbor, Benin City, have expressed deep appreciation to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) for its swift and decisive response to the prolonged power supply challenge that had plagued the area. In a public statement signed by community advocate Moses Uyi Osaretin, the residents commended BEDC’s management and technical team for their prompt intervention following a recent media outcry. The quick response, which led to the restoration of electricity in the area, has brought significant relief to households and businesses that had endured years of erratic and insufficient power due to a faulty transformer. “We wish to express sincere appreciation to the management and technical team of BEDC for their swift response to the long-standing power supply challenge in our area,” Osaretin stated. “Your timely action has brought much-needed relief after a frustrating period of darkness and neglect.” While celebrating the progress made, the statement also called on BEDC to implement a more permanent solution, particularly to address the lingering issue of low voltage, which continues to compromise the quality of electricity supply. “Nonetheless, we recognize this progress as a sign of your commitment to improved service delivery, and we look forward to further collaborative engagement in ensuring that the residents of this area enjoy stable, reliable electricity going forward,” the statement concluded. The commendation from Ugbor residents highlights the growing demand for responsive and sustainable energy solutions across communities within the BEDC distribution network.

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UNIBEN : PROF IRABOR IS OUR MAN FOR GOVERNING COUNCIL.

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Good morning distinguished Colleagues and Members of the Congregation of the University of Benin. A new dawn has risen in the University and we are presented with another golden opportunity to make a choice of Representatives to the Governing Council of this prestigious University. It is an onerous task that should be taken seriously with the characters of persons to be voted as worthy representatives properly examined, the antecedents of individuals scrutinised in order to elect the best that will protect our collective interests, expound ideas that will lead to humane policies that will benefit staff and students; enhance the status of the University in global rating as a citadel of excellence. To this clarion call, I humbly present myself to you for consideration. I joined the services of the University in 2001. I was appointed Admission Clearance Officer of Faculty of Science in 2002/ 2003 and 2003/2004 sessions and was awarded Dean of Faculty of Science Commendation for the organisation of the Centre based on the Report of the Security Committee presented to the Senate of the University. In the course of time, I was elected Vice-Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),University of Benin Branch in 2008. It was during that period, an Acting Vice-Chancellor was illegally appointed by the connivance of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin and the Honourable Minister of Education. I exhumed the Universities Miscellaneous Amendment Act 2003 which was brought to the fore that terminated the illegality and restored constitutionality to the administration of the University of Benin in April, 2009. In 2018, as the Congregation Representative to the Students Disciplinary Committee, I authored a Minority Report which justified the constitutionally guaranteed rights of students to engage in peaceful protest due to the poor living conditions and hardship they faced that was poorly managed contrary to the position taken by 10 members. The suspension of the students’ Union leaders collapsed after only two weeks in the face of the facts contained in my unbiased report. In 2018, based on divine instruction, I got in touch with Miss Vannesa Osula and Mrs Sikirat Agbontaen both of Security Department who had their appointments unjustly terminated in 2013 despite being exonerated by the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee. I secured the cooperation of Professor Efosa Oviasu, then Provost of the College of Medicine and member of the Governing Council who spearheaded the recall of those innocent ladies. Finally, in October, 2019, both were recalled with full entitlements and without loss of seniority. When their letters of recall were delayed, I informed the Registrar at a social function of the possible cause of action I may likely undertake. Within three days, the letters were released. There are others who also benefited in similar gestures that were recalled back to work. As Congregation Representative in Senate, my voice has been loud and clear in defence of indigent students. As the Head of Department of Chemistry, within a space of one year, with the full support of the University Management, the Glass Blowing Laboratory which was moribund for 20 years has been reactivated, made functional for teaching and research amongs others. In the light of the above irrefutable facts which are only microscopic representation of my activities, I am fully persuaded that I can represent your interests fully, conscientiously and creditably. I humbly solicit your vote and support. Thank you. Professor Emmanuel Enoguan Ighodaro Irabor department of Chemistry.

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Good morning distinguished Colleagues and Members of the Congregation of the University of Benin. A new dawn has risen in the University and we are presented with another golden opportunity to make a choice of Representatives to the Governing Council of this prestigious University. It is an onerous task that should be taken seriously with the characters of persons to be voted as worthy representatives properly examined, the antecedents of individuals scrutinised in order to elect the best that will protect our collective interests, expound ideas that will lead to humane policies that will benefit staff and students; enhance the status of the University in global rating as a citadel of excellence. To this clarion call, I humbly present myself to you for consideration. I joined the services of the University in 2001. I was appointed Admission Clearance Officer of Faculty of Science in 2002/ 2003 and 2003/2004 sessions and was awarded Dean of Faculty of Science Commendation for the organisation of the Centre based on the Report of the Security Committee presented to the Senate of the University. In the course of time, I was elected Vice-Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),University of Benin Branch in 2008. It was during that period, an Acting Vice-Chancellor was illegally appointed by the connivance of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin and the Honourable Minister of Education. I exhumed the Universities Miscellaneous Amendment Act 2003 which was brought to the fore that terminated the illegality and restored constitutionality to the administration of the University of Benin in April, 2009. In 2018, as the Congregation Representative to the Students Disciplinary Committee, I authored a Minority Report which justified the constitutionally guaranteed rights of students to engage in peaceful protest due to the poor living conditions and hardship they faced that was poorly managed contrary to the position taken by 10 members. The suspension of the students’ Union leaders collapsed after only two weeks in the face of the facts contained in my unbiased report. In 2018, based on divine instruction, I got in touch with Miss Vannesa Osula and Mrs Sikirat Agbontaen both of Security Department who had their appointments unjustly terminated in 2013 despite being exonerated by the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee. I secured the cooperation of Professor Efosa Oviasu, then Provost of the College of Medicine and member of the Governing Council who spearheaded the recall of those innocent ladies. Finally, in October, 2019, both were recalled with full entitlements and without loss of seniority. When their letters of recall were delayed, I informed the Registrar at a social function of the possible cause of action I may likely undertake. Within three days, the letters were released. There are others who also benefited in similar gestures that were recalled back to work. As Congregation Representative in Senate, my voice has been loud and clear in defence of indigent students. As the Head of Department of Chemistry, within a space of one year, with the full support of the University Management, the Glass Blowing Laboratory which was moribund for 20 years has been reactivated, made functional for teaching and research amongs others. In the light of the above irrefutable facts which are only microscopic representation of my activities, I am fully persuaded that I can represent your interests fully, conscientiously and creditably. I humbly solicit your vote and support. Thank you. Professor Emmanuel Enoguan Ighodaro Irabor Department of Chemistry. 10/06/2025

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2024 REVENUE: AMINU KANO AIRPORT RAKES IN OVER N20BN , WITH OVER N3BN ABOVE TARGET.

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  GHUKS OKOH The management of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano (MAKIA) says, it generated over N20.83 billion naira revenue as against the targeted N17.3 billion naira in 2024   Disclosing this in an interview with aviation journalists in Kano on the state of the airport, the Regional manager of MAKIA, Comrade Ahmed Danjuma said, it recorded target with over N3.8 billion   According to Danjuma, the first quarter of 2025 was also very promising expressed optimism that by the end of the year the airport will surpass it’s target   DANJUMA explained, that the airport processed an average passenger movement  on domestic inbound of 20,472, while the outbound was 21,278 in April 2025   On the International route, Danjuma revealed that  a total of 18,687 inbound was recorded with outbound of 6,787 while domestic cargo moved 16,176 tons.   The Regional Manager further stated that for import on the International wing, it recorded 788,359 cargo movements with export of 161,367 in the same April 2025   Airlines operating into the domestic terminal are Maxair, Air Peace, Rano Airlines, United Nigeria, Umza, and Aerocontractor while Qatar Airways, Saudi Airlines, Ethiopian, and Egypt Airlines and Max air for international   He said the management of the airport will continue to focus mainly  on non-aeronautical areas to established a stream of income to make a difference for the growth of the airport.   “I actually have an ambitious plan for this airport. I have seen the potentials associated with this airport. I have seen ways and means we can improve our revenue generation, particularly on the non-Aero”   He noted that Kano Airport was statistically located at the heart of the city giving it a proximity to businesses that can cluster around the airport.   “Recently, we’ve given out some portion of land to a business entity that is going to build a hotel within the domestic terminal site. That will also bring in a lot of money for us. And like I said, you know, leveraging on the focus of the management, particularly the MD, on non-aero”   “So for that, I’ve already started discussion with some business owners in around Kano City, with whom I knew personally. And I’ve also seen some unused areas in the airport, particularly the private lounge, you know, that was built and abandoned”   On the current status of the airport, both local and international, Danjuma said both were operational with the domestic airlines operating from the old international terminal stressing that as the main domestic terminal that used to be called Dankabo terminal was under renovation.   According to him, that led to the movement of operations to the old international terminal. “So currently we operate that terminal as well as the international terminal. And they’re all operating to a reasonable extent”   On the collapsed POP roof, Danjuma disclosed that it was  due to heavy leakage from the roof for the POP for the past two years and effort has been made to fix it.   He maintained that as an old structure maintenance was always very difficult but to continue doing palliative to make a little quick fix to uplift the facelift to the building for the meantime.   With the staff strength of about 1,255, the airport manager noted that the fantastic edifice under construction, when completed, will provide the basic and the most conducive environment for workers and travelers   Danjuma revealed that the Managing Director of FAAN has has promised that the Dankabo terminal will be fully operational in the next few months and all operations will be moved to the place particularly the domestic   On the poor cooling system of the Domestic terminal being used, Danjuma said, those air conditions were installed for the past almost 17 years and worked nearly 24 hours adding that maintenance was  becoming difficult “but we are trying our best when i came in virtually all of them both at the arrival and the waiting lounge most of the Air conditioners were not in serviceable condition so we tried to fix all the ones at the waiting lounge”   Speaking on the welfare of staff and difficulties in getting shuttle vehicles from the airport to town, Danjuma said, a meeting with the unions was held and agreed that shuttle buses  particularly for staff be introduced so that they can be shuttling from the departure area of domestic, international and new block down to town   He stated that some  group have applied for registration as shuttle operators that will also checkmate the exorbitant rate the current ones were charging adding that by the time competition set in, the fare will come down.   According to MAKIA regional manager, his major concern as far as infrastructure was concerned in Kano remained the runway pavement.   He revealed that the runway of Kano airport needed to be totally resurfaced saying it has outlived its lifespan for about 14 years   “Thank God, the MD has assured us that Kano has been captured for resurfacing, so in the shortest possible time, some contractors have been coming around to take samples and measure all the two runways” .   “So, definitely, when that is done, I will be rest assured that at least the surface of the runway will be fantastic, but for now, we will keep on doing palliative to make it safe for aircraft operations, while other facilities too, all aged facilities, particularly the terminal building, until that terminal is put into use, we’ll continue to monitor it”.   Danjuma commended the management of FAAN, sister agencies and security operatives at the airport for their support and ensuring safety.

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THE POWERFUL MAN AND HIS FAECES

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This is a simple way to kill a man that is too powerful for the entire community to deal with. Simply splatter his faeces by his doorstep. Then allow him to do what all powerful men do to such audacity. I do not lay claim to the ownership of the above theory. And it is not fiction either. There is a true-life story to it. The event happened less than 50 years ago. My generation witnessed it. There was a powerful man in a community not too far from my hometown. He was the most esoteric man of his time and in his neighbourhood. He was a diviner, a wizard, a witch, a sorcerer and an inner member of the 16 esoteric club (Eléégbé Mérìndìnlógún). He was revered by many, feared by not a few and worshipped even by monarchs. At one time, he held procreation to ransom in his town. Yes, you don’t have to believe me, but it happened. For three years running, monthly menstrual cycles ceased in women. Those who were pregnant could not deliver; the barren rubbed their camwood-stained fingers on the dry walls (àgàn f’owó osùn ra ògiri gbígbe) and men’s reproductive fluids dried up. All because the powerful man was angry. Who offended him? Why did he have to punish the entire village? It was a simple matter. A married woman turned down the amorous advances of the powerful man towards her. She would rather die than warm the bed of the initiate. In anger, the man cast a spell on the entire community. He went further by withholding rain for almost a year. The draught was for all forms of productions and reproductions. He was wicked. He was unforgiving! The town did not sleep over his matter. The elders gathered and took counsel. Enough is enough, they agreed. The powerful man must be eliminated for the community to breathe. Diviners were consulted, sorcerers were engaged, and the services of the owners of the day and night were not left out. But all amounted to nothing. As many that were involved in the schemes did not live to tell the story. Many, who were sent on the mission to other lands over the matter did not return; they perished on the journey. In all this, the powerful man remained in his house, doing his normal things and feeding fat on the limbs of goats as accompaniment of his pounded yam and the torso of the ram to eat his yamflour mash (óhún fi ori ewúré je’yán, óhún fi àgbò mòmò je’ká). He was gaining weight while the town was getting dried up! The matter came to a head and the oba of the town decided to take the supreme action. After all, it is said that it is better for a man not to ascend the throne than to say he has no control over his domain (àfàì joyè sàn ju enu mi ò ká ìlú). The king decided to open the ancient calabash; he opted to join his ancestors. The king summoned the last Oba-in-Council meeting. He wanted to properly handover the affairs of what remained of his domain to the chiefs. That meeting was the worst ever. All attendees were sad. They knew what was to come, especially when the king requested that all attendees must come with their traditional paraphernalia of office. A princess, the king’s favourite, in her teens, eavesdropped on the conversation. She waited till the last man spoke. Then she stepped into the chamber and announced, defiantly, that she had a solution to the problem. Many of the chiefs were enraged. What audacity! How would a child step into the chamber uninvited to spew rubbish? What solution could a child have when those older than her father, the king, had died in the process of cracking the hard nut? Wisdom however, prevailed as someone suggested that the council of elders should listen to the small girl. The chief who spoke in that direction reminded the elders that Ile Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race, was created through the wisdom of both the young and the old (Omodé gbón, àgbà gbón, òhun la fi dá Ilé Ifè). They asked the girl to speak up. But rather than speak openly, the princess walked up to her father on his throne and whispered something to him for a few minutes. Done, she greeted the elders and went back to the inner parts of the palace to join her playmates. The oba looked at his chiefs and announced that he would try what the princess suggested. If that failed, he would then take the last option of suicide. But what did the princess say, Kabiyesi? The chiefs asked their king. The oba merely looked at them and stood up. They chorused ‘Kabiyesi’ once more. The message was clear: mòsínú, mòsíkùn ni awo Ilé Ifè (the greatest diviner of Ilé Ifè is the one who keeps secrets in his stomach). The Oba-in Council rose. Three days after the meeting, as the sun was setting, there was a great wailing from the powerful man’s house. At first, nobody responded. The old fox, the people said to themselves, had come out with another gimmick to kill people. Everybody stayed indoors. The wailing continued and louder as more wailers joined. It was followed by sharp dirges. Then a man took the risk. He ventured out and tiptoed to the powerful man’s compound. What he saw shocked him. The lifeless body of the man was by his bag of charms. He wanted to be sure. He touched the body and found it cold like the nose of a dog! The man leapt in joy. He ran to the palace to announce the good news. Sooner, the entire community was out. The news travelled far and near. The powerful man’s compound got filled up such that a needle thrown up had no space to land! The man died! But what killed him? Here is what the powerful

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