“A portrait of the President as he listened during a meeting with staff in the Rose Garden. The meeting was originally scheduled in the Oval Office but the President moved it outside because the weather was so pleasant.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

January 17, 2014

“Sometimes a unique angle makes all the difference. Lawrence Jackson scouted out a balcony position in the New Executive Office Building to photograph the President as he signed H.R. 3547, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, which at the time provided fiscal year 2014 appropriations.”
(Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

January 21, 2014

“A blanket of snow in the Rose Garden made for an interesting foreground as the President walked along the White House colonnade to the residence at the end of his day accompanied by Chief of Staff Denis McDonough.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

January 28, 2014

“At the annual State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol, Chuck Kennedy captured this poignant moment between the First Lady and U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg. Cory first met the President in 2009 at a D-Day ceremony in Normandy. Four months later, Cory was badly injured in Afghanistan and in a coma for three months. In early 2010, shortly after Cory came out of his coma, the President happened to be visiting patients at Walter Reed Hospital. As he walked into one of the patient’s rooms, hanging on the wall was a photo I had taken of the President and Cory in Normandy. The President then realized that he had met this badly injured Army Ranger at Normandy. Two years later, we were visiting Arizona, where Cory had gone home to further recuperate. The President asked if Cory would be able to greet him backstage. Amazingly, Cory was able to salute the President and walk across the room aided by a walker to shake hands with the President.”
(Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

February 4, 2014

“Members of Congress vie for the President’s attention following a meeting with the House Democratic Caucus in the East Room of the White House.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

February 7, 2014

“This is one of those photographs that needs some explanation. The President had been meeting with Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri, left, and Senior Communications Advisor Tara McGuinness, to prep for a radio interview. At one point, the President made a comment so humorous that Jenn and Tara bent over in laughter.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

February 11, 2014

“Ever the gentleman, the President helps the First Lady off the stage after she thanked the White House chefs during the State Dinner for President François Hollande of France on the South Lawn of the White House.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

February 18, 2014

“You gotta love Bill Murray. The actor had been invited to the White House along with other cast members of ‘The Monuments Men’ for a movie screening in the Family Theater of the White House. Prior to the screening, the President was to greet some of cast members in the Diplomatic Reception Room. A White House staff person had told Murray where to stand, meaning before the greet. But when the President walked into the room, Murray stayed put, saying ‘they told me to stand here.’”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

March 1, 2014

“The President talks with some of his national security advisors before a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the situation in Ukraine. I’m sure there will be people quick to comment about his wearing casual clothes and having his feet on his coffee table. Let’s keep perspective in mind: it was a Saturday, and a President is the President whether he’s wearing a suit on a weekday or casual clothes on a weekend. And a President, any President, isn’t disrespecting the office if he puts his feet on a table or a desk; he’s just being relaxed.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

March 4, 2014

“The President was visiting a classroom at Powell Elementary School in Washington, D.C. A young boy was using a stethoscope during the class, and as the President was about to leave the room, the President asked him to check his heartbeat.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

March 5, 2014

“I love all the reflections in the mirrors of the First Lady and her staff in this photograph by Amanda Lucidon backstage at the Leading Women Defined Summit hosted by BET Networks in Miami, Florida.”
(Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

March 7, 2014

“I’m always looking for different angles to frame the President as he boards Air Force One. I hadn’t thought about including this one of the President and First Lady until Netflix released a video promotion of ‘House of Cards’ Season 3 with a video clip eerily similar to this photograph.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

March 17, 2014

“Returning from a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, I asked the pilots of the Marine One helicopter if I could photograph from the cockpit as we approached the White House.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

March 18, 2014

“The President applauds Medal of Honor honorees, from left, Staff Sergeant Melvin Morris, Sergeant First Class Jose Rodela, and Specialist Four Santiago J. Erevia, during the Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House. The President awarded these three Army veterans plus 21 others posthumously the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry. These veterans received the Medal of Honor in recognition of their valor during major combat operations in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Each of these soldiers’ bravery was previously recognized with the award of the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest military award; that award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor in recognition of their gallantry, intrepidity and heroism above and beyond the call of duty. In 2002, Congress, through the Defense Authorization Act, called for a review of Jewish American and Hispanic American veteran war records from WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, to ensure those deserving the Medal of Honor were not denied because of prejudice. During the review, records of several Soldiers of neither Jewish nor Hispanic descent were also found to display criteria worthy of the Medal of Honor. The 2002 Act was amended to allow these Soldiers to be honored with the upgrade – in addition to the Jewish and Hispanic American Soldiers.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

March 23, 2014

“A great moment captured by Amanda Lucidon of the First Lady and daughters Sasha and Malia during their visit to the Great Wall of China.”
(Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

March 24, 2014

“POTUS meets Rembrandt. The President looks at Rembrandt’s ‘Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul’ during a tour of the Gallery of Honor at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

March 27, 2014

“The President talks with Pope Francis following a private audience at the Vatican.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

April 4, 2014

“Despite the haphazard framing, I love the expressions on the President and one-year-old Lincoln Rose Smith as she learns to walk in the Oval Office. This moment happened when former Deputy Press Secretary Jamie Smith and her family stopped by for a departure greet and photograph with the President.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

April 14, 2014

“Amanda Lucidon captured this spontaneous moment as the First Lady hugged family pets Sunny and Bo during a video taping in the Map Room of the White House.”
(Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

April 21, 2014

“When the President saw this photograph hanging on the walls of the West Wing, he laughed and said, ‘The two most famous sets of ears in Washington.’ He then asked me to make a print for him so he could show his daughters. The photograph shows the President and the Easter Bunny listening to the national anthem on the Blue Room Balcony at the annual Easter Egg Roll.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

April 23, 2014

“David Lienemann captured the filming of a scene for the White House Correspondents Dinner with the real Vice President and the TV Vice President, actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, near the gate at the Naval Observatory Residence in Washington, D.C.”
(Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

April 27, 2014

“Every photographer has probably experienced the challenge this situation presented: moving from an air-conditioned hotel to outside heat and humidity. It was all I could do to keep my camera lens from fogging up to be able to capture this scene just outside the motorcade as the President bid farewell to Prime Minister Mohammed Najib Abdul Razak of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

April 28, 2014

“‘Help me up!’, the President beckoned after posing for a photograph with children at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, the Philippines.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

April 28, 2014

“A U.S. Secret Service agent shines a flashlight for the President as he walked to the motorcade from Marine One upon arrival at the Florento landing zone in Manila, the Philippines. I’m still kind of amazed that the current digital DSLR cameras are able to capture a scene like this with very little ambient light.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

May 6, 2014

“Aides laugh as the President swats a fly that was invading his space in the Oval Office.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

May 16, 2014

“A pretty self-explanatory moment by Chuck Kennedy, as the First Lady toured the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, Kansas, with Stephanie Kyriazis, Chief of Interpretation and Education.”
(Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

May 16, 2014

“Call it the Shake Shack slide. As he is wont to do, the President normally does a group photo with restaurant staff when he stops for lunch or dinner somewhere. After having lunch with Vice President Biden at a Shake Shack in Washington, D.C., the President asked me where he should stand for the photo. Before I could even reply, the President jumped on the counter and slid onto the other side. The Vice President soon followed.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

May 24, 2014

“This photograph was from the annual White House Science Fair. It shows the President posing with Girl Scout Troop 2612 from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I think the 8-year-old girls — Avery Dodson, Natalie Hurley, Miriam Schaffer, Claibyre Winton and Lucy Claire Sharp — are called ‘Brownies.’ They had just shown the President their exhibit: a Lego flood-proof bridge project. The fair celebrated the student winners of a broad range of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competitions from across the country.”
(Official White House Photo Pete Souza)

May 25, 2014

“A big shout-out to country singer Brad Paisley after he performed for U.S. troops before the President spoke at a rally at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. Brad traveled with us on Air Force One to Afghanistan, which meant for security purposes he couldn’t tell anyone where he was going. Brad was genuinely a great traveling companion and even played guitar and sang Happy Birthday to one of the Air Force One crew members on the return flight.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

May 28, 2014

“Cadets toss their hats in the air as the Thunderbirds fly over Falcon Stadium at the United States Air Force Academy Commencement ceremony, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.”
(Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

June 6, 2014

“The President talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin after a lunch with other foreign leaders to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. I’m sure they were talking about a subject matter other than D-Day.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 6, 2014

“This isn’t so much a great photograph as it was just an honor to be in the presence of World War II veteran Kenneth (Rock) Merritt as he regaled President Obama with stories of D-Day aboard Marine One on the 70th French-American Commemoration D-Day Ceremony. The President invited ‘Rock’ to fly on the helicopter after leaving the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 9, 2014

“The President sits for a 3D portrait being produced by the Smithsonian Institution. There were so many cameras and strobe lights flashing but the end result was kind of cool. See the video at here.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 9, 2014

“Chief of Staff Denis McDonough came to the Oval Office one afternoon and said to the President, ‘let’s take a walk.’ So they proceeded outside the White House gates to a Starbucks on Pennsylvania Avenue. On the way back, the President stopped to greet street vendor Saied Abedy, who was born in Afghanistan. I later selected this photograph to hang as a ‘jumbo’ print on the walls of the West Wing. Several months later, after the jumbo print had been replaced with a newer photograph, we were tipped off that a White House staff member was giving Mr. Abedy and his family a tour of the West WIng one night. So we retrieved the jumbo print of him and hung it back on the walls of the West Wing. I later heard how emotional his family became when they saw the photograph on their tour.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 13, 2014

“Every morning the President convenes the ‘Presidential Daily Briefing.’ When world events dictate, aides that normally do not attend this meeting are called in to participate in the briefing. Here, Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, briefs the President and his team on the situation in Iraq.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 13, 2014

“The First Lady and the President hug Native American youth following a meeting with them at the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Reservation in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The Obama’s were so moved by this meeting that they arranged for these youth members to visit them at the White House later in the year. A photograph from that visit also appears in this gallery.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 23, 2014

“This was a photograph that went viral when we posted it on Flickr. Lawrence Jackson captured a young boy face-planting himself onto the sofa in the Oval Office as the President greeting his parents — a departing United States Secret Service agent and his wife.”
(Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

June 23, 2014

“The President kisses a baby girl as he and the Vice President greeted wounded warriors and their families during their tour in the East Room of the White House.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 25, 2014

“The Vice President talks to Alaska Senator Mark Begich during the President’s reception with Senate Democrats in the Cross Hall of the White House.”
(Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

June 26, 2014

“The President shares a laugh while having lunch with Rebekah Erler at Matt’s Bar in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Erler, a 36-year-old working wife and mother of two pre-school aged boys, had written the President a letter about the economic challenges of raising a family. When a trip to Minneapolis was scheduled, the President invited Rebekah to have lunch with him. He later met her family and the following day, Rebekah introduced the President at his economic speech.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

June 29, 2014

“The President shares a quiet moment with his daughter Sasha during a father and daughter hike at Great Falls, Virginia.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 7, 2014

“David Lienemann accompanied Dr. Jill Biden on her summer trip to Africa. Here, Dr. Biden and granddaughter Finnegan Biden wave to students assembled on the railings after a girls education event at the St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Freetown, Sierra Leone.”
(Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

July 8, 2014

“A woman slips a note into the President’s front shirt pocket as he greeted pedestrians during an impromptu walk in downtown Denver, Colorado.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 8, 2014

“The President whistles along to Van Morrison’s ‘Brown-Eyed Girl’ while shooting pool with Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper in Denver, Colorado. The President took great pride in beating the Governor at the bar the Governor founded.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 9, 2014

“The President salutes an Air Force member as he disembarks Air Force One to greet Texas Gov. Rick Perry upon arrival at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The President and Gov. Perry later discussed immigration aboard Marine One en route to a meeting with other officials.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 10, 2014

“During remarks on the economy in Austin, Texas, the President was heckled about immigration by two young men in the audience. After being interrupted again, the President told the men that he wanted to finish his speech but would be happy to have a conversation with them later. As soon as he left the stage, the President told his staff to bring the two men backstage so he could indeed talk to them about immigration.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 17, 2014

“Secure communications are always available to the President wherever he travels. The President happened to be in New York when Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 crashed in Ukraine, apparently shot down. In a holding room, the President held a conference call with CIA Director John Brennan and his national security team to discuss the U.S. response. Senior Advisor Dan Pfeiffer and Anita Decker Breckenridge, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, monitored updates on their Blackberrys.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 21, 2014

“The President shares a laugh backstage with Los Angeles Clippers basketball player Chris Paul, who was about to introduce the President at a ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ initiative town hall in Washington, D.C. A few minutes before this photograph was taken, I was talking to Chris and he told me how nervous he was about doing the introduction. It surprised me that a basketball superstar, who plays under enormous pressure every night in front of tens of thousands of people, would be nervous. The President then came over and before long, had Chris cracking up in laughter to help put him at ease. I’ll note that Chris did a great job in his introduction, and there were no visible signs of nervousness.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 23, 2014

“Surrounded by Secret Service agents, the President views the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Rather than immediately board the Marine One helicopter at Crissy Field, the President instead walked right past the helicopter to see a better view of the bridge on a clear summer day.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 23, 2014

“Occasionally, a graphic element becomes the key factor in an interesting photograph. Here, at Los Angeles International Airport, I ran out in front of Air Force One to preposition myself at a low angle to take advantage of the yellow stripe as the President walked off the plane.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 29, 2014

“An unusual angle can often be the key factor to an interesting photograph. Here, Chuck Kennedy was on the roof of the West Wing to capture the President as he walked from the Oval Office to the South Lawn of the White House to deliver a statement on the situation in Ukraine.”
(Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

July 29, 2014

“Sometimes you get lucky as a photographer. The President was greeting the crowd outside Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque in Kansas City. As he began talking to a young boy, actually giving him some life advice, someone’s smart phone briefly illuminated the President’s face. Without this light, the photograph wouldn’t have been nearly as successful.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 30, 2014

“I’m including this photograph because the President just loved looking around at Cool Vintage Watches in Parkville, Missouri. ‘A lot of cool stuff,’ was how he described it to me afterwards. He said he could have spent a lot more time looking around in the shop, which had much more than just watches.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

July 31, 2014

“It’s true that the President has a calm demeanor. Not always though. Here the President expresses his dismay at comments from a Republican member of Congress discussing the administration’s policy in Syria during a meeting with the chairs and ranking members of congressional national security committees. This frank exchange was later reported in the press.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

August 14, 2014

“‘Presidents don’t get vacations; they get a change of scenery,’ then First Lady Nancy Reagan once said about her husband’s trips to his California ranch. It doesn’t really matter if a President is in the Oval Office or on vacation in Martha’s Vineyard. He is still the President, capable of making decisions wherever he is. Here, while on vacation in Chilmark, Massachusetts, the President puts the finishing touches on his remarks after meeting with Attorney General Eric Holder and others about the the situation in Ferguson, Missouri.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

August 29, 2014

“This view of the President reading briefing material was taken with a remote camera set up on the mantel above the fireplace in the Oval Office.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

August 29, 2014

“I was on the second helicopter and arrived moments before Marine One touched down at Brenton Point in Newport, R.I. I bet one of the advance staff that after landing, instead of walking to the motorcade the President would walk across the road to view the ocean at sunset. I won the bet.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 4, 2014

“Meetings happen everywhere including on the escalator. Here, the President continues a conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel following their meeting with other leaders at the NATO Summit in Newport, Wales.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 5, 2014

“We were at the NATO Summit in Wales when someone mentioned to the President that Stonehenge wasn’t that far away. ‘Let’s go,’ he said. So when the Summit ended, we took a slight detour on the way back to Air Force One.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 8, 2014

“The First Lady is definitely a hugger. Chuck Kennedy captured this moment of her hug with someone in the audience following her remarks in support of the Reach Higher initiative in Atlanta, Georgia.”
(Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

September 8, 2014

“‘How Does Someone Get to Meet the President of the United States?’ Parker McAllen, 13, wrote such a letter to the President, and before long, the President invited Parker and her family to the White House.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 14, 2014

“The President, First Lady, and daughter Malia view a portrait of Abraham Lincoln while visiting the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 15, 2014

“The President checks out a baby’s foot while greeting guests at a picnic on the South Lawn of the White House.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 17, 2014

“‘Don’t make rabbit ears’, the President said to a group of students before taking a photo with them. Which of course some of them couldn’t resist doing. I especially love the girl with her arm wrapped around the President’s arm. The students were from an elementary school at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 18, 2014

“Given how much of the President’s time was occupied with Ukraine this year, I thought it was important to show the President meeting with President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine in the Oval Office.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 19, 2014

“Through a crack in the door, the President listens as Lilly Jay related her experience as a sexual assault survivor during the launch of the ‘It’s On Us’ campaign, a new public awareness and action campaign designed to prevent sexual assault at colleges and universities.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 19, 2014

“At the end of the day, the President walks along the White House colonnade with Anita Decker Breckenridge, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 22, 2014

“As the President was greeting wounded warriors and their families, I focused on this young girl as the President shook hands with her father. I love how she’s touching the President’s arm as she looks up at him almost in disbelief.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 22, 2014

“It’s called ‘Wrap with Denis’ on the schedule. The end of the day meeting between the President and Chief of Staff Denis McDonough often turns into a walk on the South Grounds of the White House. And Denis usually carries a red folder with him.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

September 27, 2014

“Lawrence Jackson captured the First Lady backstage watching the President deliver remarks at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 44th Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C.”
(Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

September 30, 2014

“I asked the President if I could ride in his vehicle as he traveled to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 2, 2014

“A view from the Nighthawk Two helicopter of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline as the President traveled aboard Marine One.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 6, 2014

“The President was taking a walk with former Chief of Staff and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel when they stopped to pet Sunny along the South Grounds of the White House.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 7, 2014

“I love all the different things happening in this photograph by David Lienemann, with the main moment being the Vice President greeting a baby during a campaign rally in Bakersfield, California.”
(Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

October 8, 2014

“A portrait of the President as he listened during a meeting with staff in the Rose Garden. The meeting was originally scheduled in the Oval Office but the President moved it outside because the weather was so pleasant.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 13, 2014

“During a meeting on Ebola, the President and Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell listen via speaker phone to Dr. Tom Frieden, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The President was dressed somewhat casually because it was Columbus Day, a federal holiday.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 14, 2014

“The President lifts the daughter of a departing staff member in the Oval Office.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 14, 2014

“The President was meeting with a group of mentees in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. As the meeting was coming to a close one of the participants challenged the President to a game of HORSE. ‘Let’s go,’ the President responded, and the entire group walked down to the basketball court on the South Lawn. In addition to the shooting competition, the President also used the opportunity to further talk to the young men about life lessons, not basketball.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 15, 2014

“When the skies opened up one fall afternoon, I ventured outside the Outer Oval Office with my iPhone to try and capture a good Instagram of the rainstorm. The President saw me standing out on the White House colonnade and stepped outside himself. Fortunately, I also had my DSLR with me to capture this photograph as the President reached out to feel the raindrops.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 16, 2014

“The President talks on the phone to Texas Gov. Rick Perry to make sure Texas had the necessary resources if more health-care workers became ill with the Ebola virus. Because there were several other people in the Oval Office, I tried to incorporate them into the photograph.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 17, 2014

“There are countless government employees who are doing unsung work on behalf of the American people. One of those is Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. When I introduce Lisa to friends and family, I tell them that she is working nonstop to help keep the American people safe. I’m including this photograph taken outside on the President’s patio of LIsa updating him on the Ebola virus because she spends almost all of her time in either her windowless office or in the Situation Room. It just so happened that an electric shortage had caused the Oval Office to be filled with a pungent smell, moving the meeting outside.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 20, 2014

“It was supposed to be just a simple early voting by the President at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Chicago, Illinois. When Aia Cooper, left, and her fiancé Mike Jones, far right, walked by to also cast their ballot, Jones quipped, ‘Mr. President, don’t touch my girlfriend.’ The President replied, ‘I really wasn’t planning on it,’ joking that Jones was ‘an example of a brother just embarrassing you for no reason.’ When the President finished voting, he reached over and gave Cooper a kiss on the cheek.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 24, 2014

“When Nina Pham walked into the Oval Office, the President gave her a big hug as her family and White House Dr. Ronny Jackson watched. Nina, a Dallas nurse diagnosed with Ebola after caring for an infected patient in Texas, was being treated at the National Institutes of Health in nearby Bethesda, Maryland, and the President invited her to the White House when she was released after being declared Ebola-free.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

October 31, 2014

“The President greets a youngster while he and the First Lady handed out Halloween treats to local children and children of military families at the White House.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 5, 2014

“‘It’s the fourth quarter and a lot of interesting things happen in the fourth quarter,’ was one of the President’s comments as he met with the White House staff in the Roosevelt Room the day after the mid-term elections. Though the Democrats did not fare well, the President wanted the staff to know that they, and he, could still accomplish a lot of good for the American people in the final two years of his Presidency.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 7, 2014

“While walking with incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from the Oval Office to a lunch with other Congressional leaders, the President stopped on the White House colonnade to discuss the upcoming Congressional session.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 11, 2014

“Access for me at foreign summits is usually quite limited. Somehow, I managed to be backstage with the President as he and other world leaders were waiting for the start of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Plenary Session in Beijing, China.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 13, 2014

“I almost tripped coming down the stairs trying to make this photograph as the President turned the corner at the bottom of the stairs coming into this beautiful light casting shadows and and his silhouette at the Parliamentary Resource Center in Naypyitaw, Burma.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 13, 2014

“The President was shopping for family gifts with local vendors at a hotel in Naypyitaw, Burma. When he found some earrings he thought would be good for his daughter Malia, he sought out a hotel employee to see how they might look.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 14, 2014

“The President walks to Air Force One at Naypuitaw International Airport in Burma for departure en route to Yangon.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 14, 2014

“The President walks with Aung San Suu Kyi back into her residence following their joint press conference in Yangon, Burma.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 15, 2014

“The President holds a koala backstage prior to the G20 Welcome to Country Ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Center in Brisbane, Australia.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 19, 2014

“Lawrence Jackson captured the President busting out in laughter as he and the First Lady recorded a holiday video message in the Map Room of the White House.”
(Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

November 19, 2014

“A lot of business is done during informal meetings and conversations, often away from the Oval Office. Here, the President ventured upstairs to the second floor of the West Wing to talk with Neil Eggleston, Counsel to the President, outside his office.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 20, 2014

“Fulfilling their promise, the President and First Lady have lunch with youth from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. Earlier in the day, the youth toured the White House and had meetings with the President and First Lady and other White House officials.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 25, 2014

“As a meeting in the Situation Room was about to break up, I focused on the Vice President’s hand as he held up his briefing book and assorted folders.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

November 26, 2014

“The President and his daughters Malia and Sasha look at ‘Mac’ the turkey in the East Room prior to the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey pardon ceremony at the White House. The President pardoned ‘Cheese’ publicly, though both ‘Mac’ and ‘Cheese’ were spared to live out their life at a farm in Ohio.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December 1, 2014

“Following the outcry over the shooting of Michael Brown by a policeman in Ferguson, Missouri, the President invited young civil rights leaders to a meeting in the Oval Office. Many of them had protested in Ferguson. A 30-minute scheduled meeting last more than an hour. As the meeting broke up, the President continued the conversation for a few minutes and I then managed to frame the bust of Martin Luther King, Jr. in the foreground.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December 3, 2014

“The First Lady and I both spotted the President standing under the mistletoe and she moved in to grab a kiss from him following a dinner for Combatant Commanders and military leadership at Blair House in Washington, D.C.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December 7, 2014

“While waiting to be introduced before the Kennedy Center Honors reception at the White House, the President began whistling a Christmas song in the Blue Room.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December 7, 2014

“The President and First Lady applaud Tom Hanks, one of the honorees at the Kennedy Center Honors.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December 8, 2014

“The President mimics a middle-school student overcome with emotion at meeting him during an ‘Hour of Code’ event to honor Computer Science Education Week at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.”
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December 11, 2014

“The President talks on the phone with Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes as Ferial Govashiri displays a photograph on her computer of Ben’s newborn daughter.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December 12, 2014

“The President walks through the Ground Floor Corridor of the White House as he heads back to the Oval Office following a holiday reception.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

December 16, 2014

“The President talks on the phone with President Raúl Castro of Cuba in the Oval Office. The next day, the President announced the U.S. would restore full relations with Cuba after more than 50 years.”
(Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Published by Sulaiman Adenekan, a Strategist/ Publisher, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

The post Photographic moments of President Barack Obama in 2014- The White House appeared first on TRADE NEWSWIRE.

(TRADNEWSWIRE): Vote General Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osibajo in the 2015 Presidential election for peaceful co-existence of Nigerians and development/ advancement of the country, TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

NIGERIA SHALL BE GREAT AND PEACEFULL

SIGNED BY: SULAIMAN ADENEKAN, a Strategist and Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE

(http://tradenewswire.net/ )

The post Nigeria: Vote Gen. Buhari & Prof. Osibajo in 2015 Presidential election appeared first on TRADE NEWSWIRE.

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): Vote General Muhammadu Buhari as President of Nigeria, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Akinwunmi Ambode as governors of Ogun and Lagos State respectively in the 2015 general elections for peace, development and advancement of Nigeria at the local, state and federal level, TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

I sincerely and specially thank Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) for is considerably outstanding efforts in entrenching good governance in Lagos State compared to other states.

May God rewarded you with good works done in Lagos state and forgive your shortcomings amin.

General Muhammadu Buhari

NIGERIA SHALL BE GREAT AND PEACEFUL
BY: SULAIMAN ADENEKAN, a Strategist and Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE (http://tradenewswire.net/ )

The post Vote Gen. Buhari, Amosun and Ambode in 2015 elections, kudos to Fashola appeared first on TRADE NEWSWIRE.

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): One of the greatest mistakes made by FG is to postpone the forthcoming Feb 14, 2015 elections, honestly, this postponement will further put PDP at a disadvantaged position, a good Political strategist shouldn’t have suggested the postponement if truly a party is a long-term going concern i.e enduring (institution) and not short term to that effect.

Inspite of security reasons alluded for the Election postponement to justify the action; the fact is that people’s opinion is that (the voice is Jacob’s, but the hands are Esau’s).

Surprising developments will take place within the six weeks postponement period and at the expiration of the six week period.

Effects of the election postponement:

-This will further down the popularity of the FG/PDP and its candidates

-Hike suspicion on every move taken by the FG/PDP

-Intended rational votes for PDP might be lost to the opposition party

-Increase sympathy for opposition party

-The postponement will justify all allegations made by opposition party(s) against FG/PDP

-Increase votes for the opposition party

-Will further embolden the citizenry to resist vehemently any further suspicious move by FG/PDP

-Surprising developments will take place within the six weeks
postponement period and at the expiration of the six week period.

-This postponement will create two camps i.e the people against the FG; don’t make the mistake that it is APC against the PDP, among other effects.

Advise

I only have one advice for politicians, “learn to have integrity” because there is no difference between a man that have no integrity and an animal.

May God Guide Our Leaders Right

NIGERIA SHALL BE GREAT AND PEACEFUL

BY: SULAIMAN ADENEKAN, a Strategist and Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE (http://tradenewswire.net/ )

The post Nigeria: Effects of Feb 14, 2015 elections’ postponement appeared first on TRADE NEWSWIRE.

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): 1, Kokoro to n je efo, idi efo ni owa: Meaning- (The insect that feeds on vegetable, lives very close to vegetable).

2, Bi iku ile oba pa ni, ti ode ole pani: Meaning – (It is very hard for an outsider to cause the death/ downfall of a man if an insider does not support the outsider)

3, Ara Ile eni na ni ota eni: Meaning- (Members of a man’s family, tribes and region are his number one enemy)

4, Bi iro ba lo logun odun , ojo kan ni ododo ma le ba: Meaning- (If lie reigns for twenty years, I know that the truth will catch up/ be revealed against it in just one day)

5, Iyan ogun odun, onjo ni lowo felifeli: Meaning- (An incident that took place twenty years ago, is still dictating the pace of things today ‘twenty years after’)

6, An ju wan ose wi lejo, ija Ilara otan bo ro: Meaning- (An envious person can never have a right case against the person that is over shadowing him, because hatred born out of envy does not stop easily)

7, Alabosi ama ni owo, alabosi ama kole, alabosi ama bi mo, sugbon atunbotan alaobisi oni dara: Meaning-(An hypocrite will continue to be wealthy; he will build houses/ mansions; give birth to children; but the end of his life/ hereafter will be miserable)

8, Eni aye nfe, ki n ni abuku kan lara: Meaning- (The person that is loved by the people is sinless to them no matter his previous mistakes)

9, Ki omo oni ile te jeje, nitori ile nyoo gidi gan: Meaning-(The landlord should trail the land softly because the land is slippery seriously)

10, Ohun eyan ni ohun olorun: Meaning – (Voice of the people is the voice of God)

11, Lasiko yi, ti olorun  ni oma se: Meaning- (This time around, it is God’s wish ‘es’ that will come supreme)

Nigerian leaders please think, fear God and make a change, because Nigerians are suffering seriously.

May God Guide Our Leaders Right

NIGERIA SHALL BE GREAT AND PEACEFUL

BY: SULAIMAN ADENEKAN, a Strategist and Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE (http://tradenewswire.net/ )

The post To Nigerian political leaders: Yoruba proverbs for taught on 2015 elections appeared first on TRADE NEWSWIRE.

The President of NISA, Captain Dada Labinjo,, Labinjo during NISA AGM meeting on Tuesday in Lagos- Photo: TRADE NEWSWIRE.

.Aggrieved executive members absent at AGM

.NISA sets up disciplinary committee

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): Members of the Nigeria Shipowners Association has unanimously absolved the association (NISA) from the vessel loan allegation reported in the media not (TRADE NEWSIRE) leveled against Captain. Dada Labinjo, the Managing Director, Global Shipping Activities Bureau and his associates, saying it’s a personal issue, TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

The association members, who unanimously made this known at NISA’s headquarters on Tuesday in Lagos, during the First Quarter 2015 General Meeting, equally passed votes of confidence on the President of NISA, Captain Dada Labinjo, saying, Labinjo had not in any way contravened NISA laws in his operations so far, as there was no fraud in the association.

President of NISA, Captain Dada Labinjo, and the the newly inaugurated Lagos State Co-ordinator,NISA, Captain Franklin Akinpelumi during NISA AGM meeting on Tueasday in Lagos- Photo: TRADE NEWSWIRE.

TRADE NEWSWIRE’s correspondent who monitored the proceeding of the meeting from beginning to the end noticed that aggrieved executives members of NISA were not in attendance, as only the president and the newly inaugurated Lagos State Co-ordinator of NISA, Captain Franklin Akinpelumi, Managing Director of Oceanic Energy, occupied the high table.

Asked by members at the AGM to explain why other executive members were not at the meeting, Labinjo, said, “I am not in the position to know why other members of the association are not here. They are all informed of the association’s First quarterly meeting. So, if anybody is not here, he is not here not because he was not informed, it is because the person has chosen not to be here.

“Apart from sending out notices of information to everybody, the association went ahead to publish in two Nigerian Newspapers i.e in The Guardian and Vanguard that there would be a meeting of the association today. I did not get any apology from them, so they are absent.

It was unanimously agreed at the meeting to set up a Five-man Standing committee responsible for Disciplinary Actions, which was followed by suggestion of names and voting accordingly and had Mr. Brendan Agbasielo, Managing Director, Quartermarine Services Limited, emerged as the Chairman of the Disciplinary committee.

Other members of the Disciplinary committee included Madam Florence Osagiedel; Mr. Rasaq Lawal; Captain Banji Agbebi and Mr. Sola Oluwadare, who were all sworn in immediately to look into issues that might arise in the association and suggest appropriate disciplinary measures/ sanctions to be meted where required; of which the currently brewing issue in the media with respect to Captain. Dada Labinjo, the president of NISA, was agreed to be looked into.

Swearing in of NISA disciplinary committee in at NISA AGM meeting in Lagos on Tuesday. – Photo: TRADE NEWSWIRE

Speaking on the issue of the vessel loan allegation brewing in the media, Captain Franklin Akinpelumi, Managing Director of Oceanic Energy, said the Captain Labinjo had not in any way brought the name of the association to disrepute as alleged in some quarters, rather, it was those alleging such, that were tarnishing the image of NISA by not following the dispute resolution channel in NISA where necessary.

He said. “Some people are saying that Mr. President should step aside because he brought the name of the association to disrepute, but I bring this before you members today, looking at the antecedents, I think most of you are aware of what is going on in the press in the past few weeks. If we are to dissect it appropriately, who have brought the name of the association to disrepute? Is it the president that was conducting his private business as Captain Labinjo or the members that decided to rush to the press throwing up the name of NISA?

“Whatever the president has done in his private capacity as Captain Labinjo has no business with this house. What I want us to look at is the person that has actually brought shame to NISA. The constitution is very clear even if I have issue with Captain Labinjo, it has nothing to do with NISA, for example, the issue is between Captain Labinjo and Captain Taiwo Akinpelumi, not NISA, but if Oceanic Energy has issue with GSAB, then, we have a dispute resolution mechanism in our constitution, thank you.”

Speaking in the same vein, The Managing Director, Victory Energy Resources Limited, Otunba Sola Olatunji, said there was no crisis in NISA, that the alleged issue was a private one, which does not require the name of NSA to be dragged into it.

Olatunji said, “NISA has no crisis, if an individual has problem with one another, we will not call that NISA’s problem that is a private matter. If somebody is now trying to orchestrate crisis because of bad blood, because the person is a NISA member, I am not going to be part of such impunity. I stand for justice.

“NISA has a mechanism for dispute resolution; you send a petition by writing to NISA as a body and we will look at it at the general house for appropriate decision making. Up till today, I am not aware of any crisis in NISA, but I am aware of sensational, non-existing stories that some people are trying to input in NISA, which has nothing to do with NISA.

“As a member of NISA, I can have business dispute with people, which do not mean that it is a NISA affair.”

Likewise, Mr. Brendan Agbasielo, Managing Director, Quartermarine Services Limited, also added his voice saying NISA had no crisis, adding that the alleged issue in the media was a private affair.

He said, “As far as I am concern, there is nothing like fraud in NISA, I think it is a personal issue to my understanding, it has to do with a private business between Captain Labinjo and his associates.

“There is no financial problem in NISA and the issue had been in existence even before the president was elected, not within this period that he was elected.”

Labinjo, who initially decided not to comment on the alleged vessel loan controversy, saying it was a personal issue as there was no need to discuss it at the AGM, was asked by members in the house to throw more light on the issue and he eventually obliged their request by saying;

“Concerning the continued proclamation by those who want to be heard by the press, I remain the president of Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA) and that is the position. I am very well guided by the constitution. It is improper for a group of people not being the electorate to say that they have removed the president.

“I have no problem with any one of them, the allegation against my person remains an allegation and can only be treated by competent government agency i.e The Police and EFCC, and they have looked into it and attended to it.

“I am Captain Labinjo, NISA president, I have not stolen NISA’s money, NISA money is not missing, so there is no fraud in NISA, I have not done anything inimical to NISA. However, if in my private business transaction, I have issues, NISA is enjoined by Section 2b of our constitution to resolve the issue I may have between myself and NISA member or between myself and non NISA member, if anything at all that is what is expected.

“So, the stories flying around remain allegation, but the constitution is very clear on it, the Nigeria constitution says a man is innocent until proven guilty. There is no amount of sensational stories that can make an allegation right and there is no amount of unconstitutional unanimous decision that can make an allegation right.

 NISA Headquarters at 1A, Rycroft street, off Liverpool Road, Apapa, Lagos   – Photo: TRADE NEWSWIRE

Labinjo listed amongst his achievements getting new accommodation office which serves as NISA headquarters; review of annual subscription fees in response to the call by members from N1m to N300, 000 for members and from N250, 000 to N150, 000 for associate members, while Registration fees remained N1m and N250, 000 for members and associates respectively.

Inauguration of Lagos zonal coordinator of NISA, also added that Warri, Port Hrcourt and Calabar chapter of NISA would also be inaugurated very soon.

He said. “On the 15^th December 2014 the president of Turkish Shipowners Association visited and we had a useful discussion with them on how to foster relationships on ship ownership and dockyard/ repair yards. The discussion is ongoing.

Notice of NISA AGM meeting published on Monday in the Vanguard Newspaper: TRADE NEWSWIRE

“I was in Greece between 6^th and 10^th of March 2015 where I met the Greek shipowners on collaboration with NISA on shiownership. The discussions are ongoing with Nigerian Ambassador in Greece, His Excellency Ambassador Ayodeji and Greek Ambassador in Nigeria, His Excellency Atekos Ikomomopoulos to arrange for a meeting in Greece between our members and the Hellenic Shipowners Association.

“To bring about a mutually beneficial relationship since they have the ships and we have the business. This relationship will be within the context of our Cabotage Law. I will continue to update you as events unfold.”

Notice of NISA AGM meeting published on Monday in The Guardian Newspaper: TRADE NEWSWIRE

On the disgruntled executive members, with respect to their absence at the AGM meeting, TRADE NEWSWIRE received a mail signed by General Secretary through NISA Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Ilori, stating their position on the just held AGM at NISA secretariat which reads as follow:

Dear Sulaiman

Please find below from the General Secretary. In the event of a public meeting I would have issued invitation to the press.

Thanks

Engr Ilori

Dear Member,

Kindly note the First Quarter 2015 General Meeting as stated below is not at the instance of the Executive Committee, that is the reason NOTICE OF MEETING did not emanate from myself; General Secretary or the Secretariat staffs.

The Exco resolved on the 4th of February, 2015 that our President (Captain DO Labinjo) should “step aside” full details concerning our action will be made available at the next General meeting.

The Exco comprising the following members currently run the Association from our Secretariat at 27, Abraham Adesanya Road, Apapa, Lagos.

1. Aminu Umar (Acting President)

2. Tunji Brown (General Secretary)

3. Ashinwo St Peters ( Assistant General Secretary)

4. Emmanuel Ilori ( Publicity Secretary)

5. Dele Lanisa ( Financial Secretary)

6. Peter Olorunfemi (Treasurer)

7. Gbolahan Adu ( Welfare Officer)We shall send out notice for First Quarter General meeting at the appropriate time.

Written by SULAIMAN ADENEKAN, a Strategist/ Publisher, TRADE NEWSWIRE

 COPYRIGHT:  TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

The post Nigeria: NISA members absolve association of vessel loan allegation, pass votes of confidence on President at AGM appeared first on TRADE NEWSWIRE.

Director, Programmes and Projects, Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Dr. Buno Nduka delivering his lecture at a-one day national sensitization training on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) for journalists held on Monday in Lagos, Nigeria. Photo: TRADE NEWSWIRE

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): The Director, Programmes and Projects, Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Dr. Buno Nduka, has said that crimes committed is a function of money laundering, TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

Nduka, who represented the Director-General, (GIABA), Mr. Adama Coulibaly, stated this, being one of the speakers at a-one day national sensitization training on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) for journalists held on Monday in Lagos, Nigeria.

“Money laundering is the conversion of criminal income into assets that cannot be traced to the underlying crime, so there must be criminal activities before money is laundered, it does not just happen,” he said.

Nduka said money laundered was used for terror financing, adding that if there was no terror financing, terrorism would not take place.

He said money laundering was an act of making dirty money to look clean while terror financing was an act of using clean money to do dirty business.

He said predicate offence of money laundering was the underlying criminal activities, stating types of predicate offences to include participation in an organized criminal group and racketeering; trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling; sexual exploitation including sexual exploitation of children; illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; illicit arms and trafficking.

Others include illicit trafficking in stolen and other goods; corruption and bribery; fraud; counterfeiting currency; counterfeiting and piracy of products; environmental crime; murder, grievous bodily injury; kidnapping, illegal restrain and hostage taking; robbery or theft; smuggling; extortion; forgery; piracy (i.e maritime); inside trading and market manipulation; and tax crime ( related to direct and indirect taxes) excise evasion.

Nduka said money launders don’t pay taxes because they don’t want government to detect them, as they could be caught through tax payment.

He stated effects of money laundering to include increase in crimes and corruption; negative image of a country at the international level; distortion of economic indicators; and weakening of the financial system.

He mentioned seven components of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to include AML/CFT policies and coordination; money laundering and confiscation; terrorist financing and financing of proliferation; preventive measures; transparency and beneficial ownership of legal persons and arrangements; powers and responsibilities of component authorities and other institutional measures; and international cooperation.

Nduka, rounded up his lecture with a quote by Mahatma Ghandi in ‘Young India’ 1925 called (seven social sins) which reads as follow: 1, Politics without principle; 2, Wealth without work; 3, Pleasure without conscience; 4, Knowledge without character; 5, Commerce without morality; 6, Science without humanity; and 7, Worship without sacrifice.

He urged journalists to be of good behavior and uphold the ethics of journalism to better the lots of the society at large.

Speaking in the same vein, was an anti-money laundering expert, the Managing Director, Datapro, Mr. Abimbola Adeseyoju, who delivered a paper tagged ‘Methodology and Techniques of Investigating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing for Media practitioners’.

He described crimes as an art and science, saying art of deceit was involved in crimes; likewise the science of crime was the manipulation of the process, as law enforcement agencies follow the movement of the money.

He listed methods and techniques of investigating money laundering to include due diligence; monitoring; peer to peer analysis; ability to recognize Red flag; forensic analysis; risk identification; link analysis; record keeping; and no tipping off.

Adeseyoju further listed seven indicators of Red flags as frequency of bribe; unusual complexities; no economic justification; no lawful objective; inconsistent pattern/ profile; unusual transaction; involvement in terrorist financing.

He said what constituted a crime was violation of law, adding that some Non Governmental Organization were accomplices and were used to commit criminal acts, adding that the question, ‘WHY’ of every crimes committed, must be asked to get to the root of criminal investigation.

He stated risk identification under legal persons to include place of incorporations OFC; structure, control, UBO; type of business; compliance level; assets; private or public; local presence; Shell/ shelf companies; audited financial statement.

He advised journalists to always keep records of their stories and pay attention to details by cross checking facts before publishing, adding that there should be no tip off.

According to the money laundering expert, tools needed by journalists for efficient and effective discharge of their duties included legal frame work; statutory obligations; regulatory framework; court files cases; subpoenas/ freeze orders; company registry; property/ landed registry; LEAS; NFIU- Nigerian Financial Intelligence Units.

Others are NSE and SEC records; assets declaration forms; technology, internet, digital devices; social media; Attorney relationship (Pro Bono); collaboration and cooperation; evidence-based activism; EFCC press releases; and LEAS websites.

In conclusion, the Information Manager, Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Lagos Zonal Office, Mr. Tim Melaye, in his brief lecture reminded journalists of their investigative role in the field of journalism.

He said what was seen as nobody’s business should be the real business of a good journalist for the betterment of the society.

He also said that the first person to commit money laundering in Nigeria wasn’t a Nigerian but an American, pointing to the fact that anybody could be culpable to that effect regardless of colour, race, social class or tribes.

Journalists who attended the training programme included Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net), Sulaiman Adenekan; Nasurudeen Muhammed of RFI; Umar Sheu Eleman of BBC; Mansur Bala Bello of Dutche Welle; Victor Asijeh of NAN; Chiamaka Ikechukwu of VON; Adesanya Adeyemi of FRCN; Kehinde Ibrahim of Nigeria Pilot; Hope Moses Ashike of Business Day; Kayode Ogunwale of Daily Trust; Dikko Raqeebah of The Truth; Bukola Idowu of Leadership;Jonah Nwokpoku of Vanguard; Johnson Okanlawan of National Mirror; Obinna Chima of ThisDay; Micheal Babajide of Radio Lagos Eko FM among others.

Written by SULAIMAN ADENEKAN, a Strategist/ Publisher, TRADE NEWSWIRE

 COPYRIGHT:  TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

The post ‘Crime must had been committed before money is laundered’- GIABA appeared first on TRADE NEWSWIRE.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Akanbi Tinubu, leader of the All Progressives, the party that won the just concluded Nigeria 2015 presidential election.

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): I wish Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Akanbi Tinubu, a POLITICAL STRATEGIST PER EXCELLENCE and  leader of the All Progressives Congress, happy 63rd birthday, long life and prosperity, igbaa odun, odun kan ni o, TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

Aigboo iku Oko, gbigbo ni Oko gbo; aigboo iku ile, si sa ni’le sa; aigboo iku aso, gbigbo ni aso gbo; Aburu kan oni se e; egberun odun loni, gboingboin oke, oke gboingboin.

Yusuf Olatunji Ajao, popularly known as (Baba legba), baba Taju, sang a song which i will sing to eulogise you at your 63rd birthday which goes thus:

Won se baje o, won n wa’nire kunra, won se baje o won n wa’nire kunra;

kilepe Tinubu se, ese wo lepe Tinubu see, ese wo lepe Tinubu see, te fi n fee, te fi n fee, te fi n f’ejo Tinubu sun, te fi n rojo e kiri kari aye

okiki o koni pa’ya eleko, okiki o ko ni pa’ya eleko, ariwo okiki o ko ni pa’ya eleko, okiki o ko ni pa’ya eleko, dami dami dami ariwo okiki o ko ni pa’ya eleko

Eni na’ka kan si omo lakeji, merin to ku ko je t’alabosi pata

Ore lo se fun won o, bi osi iku ile, t’ode ole pani, olorun aje won niya o

Ka l’akata lo no, l’akata lona o, Ka l’akata lo no o, ka fa bo so do adie, Tinubu abori won

Tinubu ose yin, irirra le nko, otito lo ma bori

Won n binu, lori asana nu, Won n binu oo, lori asana nu, Asiwaju Tinubu ose yin, Ahmed ma foya, wa a soju won logba yi dale ni, won n binu lori asan ni

Won n binu o, lori asana nu, Won n binu oo, lori asana nu, Asiwaju Tinubu ose yin, Ahmed ma foya, wa a soju won logba yi dale ni, won n binu lori asan ni

Fanran i.e Video to jade, ki’se Jagaban, Asiwaju Tinubu lo fe wi o, won s’oruko da ni, ki’se Jagaban, Asiwaju Tinubu lo fe wi o, won s’oruko da ni

Fanran i.e Video to jade ki’se Jagaban, Asiwaju Tinubu lo fe wi o, won s’oruko da ni, ki’se Jagaban, Asiwaju Tinubu lo fe wi o, won s’oruko da ni

This summarily means (What do you say Tinubu’s offenses are, cheap blackmail and envy cannot stop his destiny from coming to a fulfillment before antagonist. Also, the widely publicized video tagged the Lion of Bourdillon was  clear misrepresentation of Tinubu’s name and a mere cheap black mail).

Nice, alapomeji, the hiphop singer once sang a song:

Akannbi oju won lo, ma wo wan n’ran, ma wo wan n’ran,ma wo wan n’ran, Tinubu oju won lo, ma wo wan n’ran.

(Akanbi, Oni Ju Mu Wura, Omo Olodo Ide, Omo afide s’opo Ile).

TINUBU, YOU INDEED DESERVED TO BE CELEBRATED

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

2015 ELECTIONS: ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU, A POLITICAL STRATEGIST PER EXCELLENCE
http://www.tradenewswire.net/2015-elections-asiwaju-bola-t…/

By Sulaiman Adenekan,
A Strategist/ Publisher,
TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

The post To Asiwaju Bola Tinubu: Happy 63rd Birthday appeared first on TRADE NEWSWIRE.

(TRADE NEWSWIRE):Vote Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Akinwunmi Ambode as governor of  Ogun and Lagos States respectively in the 2015 elections for peace, development and advancement of the states under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

Yoruba elders say (Bi Lisa ba si walaye, asipa ole je oluwo) meaning (if ‘Lisa’ the second in command to the king is still alive, ‘Asipa’ head of the hunters and civil defenders of the city can never be crowned ‘Oluwo’ the divine and head of the oracle).

(Bi eniyan ba ni eni ni igbimo, are lo nje) meaning (When you have your people in the elders council, the judgment will always favour you)

(Oju ni a n mo ainiru, enu ni a n mo aini iyo, obe ti ko ba ni epo, ti ko ni ata, eeke lati n mo) meaning (it is from seeing that one knows a soup without locust beans, by taste one knows a saltless one. A soup that has no palm oil and no pepper will be known in the mouth)

(Oju ti oba ma bani kale, koni ti aro se ipinn) meaning (eyes that will see for a long time will no at dawn be soaked with ‘ipinn’ a white mucus that comes out of the eyes)

NIGERIA SHALL BE GREAT AND PEACEFUL

SULAIMAN ADENEKAN,
Strategist and Publisher
TRADE NEWSWIRE (http://tradenewswire.net/ )

The post 2015 elections: Vote Amosun, Ambode as governor of Ogun and Lagos States appeared first on TRADE NEWSWIRE.

Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): I have read comments on social media in response to the statement (ALLEGEDLY) made by the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

Firstly, one thing I know is that (Oni’lu oni je otu) meaning (the owners of a city won’t allow it disintegrates), and will do everything legally and humanly possible to keep the city intact.

Secondly, on the veracity of the statement, which I am yet to confirm, and ‘if it is actually true’, I appeal to Igbos not to be annoyed, forgive and forget. You should let us move forward and take Lagos to the desired destination that your tribe among other tribes in Lagos had contributed in no small measure to realising.

I want the igbos to know that it is not that you are hated, underrated or unrecognized by HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu, to have made the alleged statement, if actually it was made truly, but because of His love to make Lagos a better place for all of us.

I guessed it was born out of passion to HAVE THE BEST FOR LAGOS JUST LIKE EVERY KINGS IN EVERY REGIONS WANT THE BEST FOR HIS SUBJECTS IN LINE WITH THE OATH OF RESPONSIBILITY  TO THEIR THROWN THAT WAS SWORN TO.

To Igbos (Ej’ebure) meaning (the GREATEST APPEAL in Yoruba land for forgiveness and to forget whatever might have happened).
Last but not the least, to Kabiyesi, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, ki ade pe lori, ki bata pe le se, esin oko a je oko pe, irukere ad’abere.

E ma binu pe ma po’we ni wa ju yin, koto se bi owe, Eyin agba le sope: “Bi koko ba nfe’ni l’efe, a ki nje ori imado, bi a ba si je ori imado, a ki n lo si awujo kumo, bi a ba si lo si awujo kumo, ise ni a mo iwon ara eni.” Ki eleyi je ti eyin agba.

Omode ni mi o, mosi mo wipe “enu omo ogba iya mi e pa’di mo).

Eyi ti mo so yi, enu omode ni mofi so o, ki eba mi fi oye agba gbe, nitori, aki n tori gbigbo, ki apa aja; aki n tori kikan ki a pa agbo; aki n tori were were pa obuko; ki edariji wa eyin agba ; ki egba wipe omode lo nse wa, nitori, aki n fi omo’re bo’re, Ki eleyi je ti eyin agba.

AMUU NI’LU EKO, KO NIGBE LAYE LAYE (LAGOS IS A RIVER OF WEALTH AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROSPEROUS)

SULAIMAN ADENEKAN,
A Strategist/ Publisher
TRADE NEWSWIRE (http://tradenewswire.net/ )

The post HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu:(Oni’lu, oni je otu), Igbos should forgive and forget appeared first on TRADE NEWSWIRE.

BY: SULAIMAN ADENEKAN B.Sc (Hons) Bus Admin, MBA (Marketing), MNIMN, arpa

COMPANY: TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

POSITION: A STRATEGIST/ PUBLISHER

E-MAIL: sulaimanadenekan@yahoo.com

PHONE: 08168927415, 08099400135, 08024437214

NOTE: The information below is my personal and humble opinion that was drafted in 2012 as a concerned citizen of Nigeria; this proposal welcomes review, criticism, correction and condemnation from the public where necessary to the benefit of Nigeria.

Considering the (high rate of insecurity) in Nigeria which was borne out of (religious/ political extremism) among other factors like poverty, injustice and ignorance to mention a few, it is high time government makes (religion) its business for peace of this country, as against previous saying that government has no business in religion.
We need to address the course (extreme ideology) and not just the symptom (insecurity) of our problem for peace to reign. I foresee a more dangerous situation in future if drastic measure is not taken to curb the menace on time because people will continue to embrace such extreme ideology and believe they are doing what is right.
War of mentality is very hard to fight. We need to be strategic in that regard, because (mental war) is tougher than (physical war). Extremists are always passionate of their actions believing that (If they are not correct, nobody is correct).
However, inspite of the excesses of these religious extremists, the fact remains that (Islam and Christianity) are known for (PEACE) and should totally be excluded from any form of (violence) fomented by individuals, groups or institutions that might claim to be fighting for either of the religion.
The following strategies should be adopted by the government to engender peace in the country as soon as possible.

(1) Government should fund the establishment of Islamic and Christian radio and television stations across the country, i.e one station for each religion to disseminate words of God in an appropriate manner that will not promote hatred among humanity to the extent of making the state unsecured.
(2) The proposed religious media outfits should have extensive coverage across the country just like the National Television Authority (NTA) and Radio Nigeria but not owned and controlled by the government.
(3) Government should not make a mistake to deregulate the religious media sector by issuing licenses to private individuals, associations or group to own such a media outfits, as any attempt to do so will lead to proliferation of information and promotion of different ideology which would be disastrous to the peace of the country.
(4) The media outfits should be managed by religious professionals in each religion under the board and advisory control of (Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs) and (Christian Association of Nigeria) along with outstanding religious scholars in both religions respectively.
(5) No religion should abuse/ criticize each other’s religion in the broadcast operations of the proposed media outfits to avoid religious unrest.
(6) The media houses should be used to propagate beauty of the two religions respectively and for peaceful co-existence of Nigerians regardless of their religion, tribes, colour, race or social class.
(7) No media station should air or propagate political activities/ campaigns.
(8) Government should not intervene in the management of the media outfits.
(9) The media outfits will help put a stop to an era whereby wrong/extreme religious information is disseminated in the private aimed at taken advantage of the people’s social problems and tender-heartedness to God. This development will make religious followers to crosscheck any information received privately from their respective religious leaders through these religious media.

ADVANTAGES OF ESTABLISHING RELIGIOUS MEDIA OUTFITS
(1) Adequate monitoring and control of religious message disseminated to the public
(2) Ability to liberate Nigerians from being brainwashed to extremists’ ideology, as people would have access to listen to and watch religious programs 24 hours a day/ seven days a week because absence of such media outfits would not make people to have alternative source of religious information other than sermon privately received from scholars in various religious homes and which could be disastrous.
(3) It will reduce religious bigotry
(4) It will reduce insecurity associated with religious extremism
(5) It will reduce ignorance / religious and mental slavery
(6) It will make Nigerians to have the fear of God which will lead to truthfulness, and truthfulness leads to justice, justice leads to love, love leads to peace while peace leads to development/ advancement.
(Fear of God > Truthfulness > Justice > Love > Peace > Development/ Advancement)
(7) It will aid good governance engender peace in the country.
(8) It will reduce intra and inter religious conflicts to the barest minimum
(9) It will reduce poverty
(10) It will promote morality and preserve our social values.

CHALLENGES OF ESTABLISHING RELIGIOUS MEDIA OUTFITS
(1) Infiltration of the board of directors of the media outfits by religious bigotry with the aim of propagating extreme ideology that is capable of causing disunity within each religion, between both religions and the country as a whole
(2) Mismanagement of the media outfits
(3) Government would want to meddle into the affairs of the media outfits for cheap political gains
(4) Misuse of media outfits by different religions for wrong purposes rather than for reasons for which it is established.
(5) Hijacking of the media outfits by desperate individuals, organizations or groups to achieve their personal objectives as against the overall objective of the media outfits.
(6) Failure to fund establishment of religious media stations by the government because of the fear of being told the truth by religious scholars to discontinue their excesses in governance which they will consider as an affront.
(7) Condemnation by foreign countries, organization and their local agents, as it would be considered a threat to various selfish, destructive and anti-human agendas they intend to achieve in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
(8) Greedy rivalry on the part of the two religions by not wanting the message of each other’s religion to be heard, as they will prefer the media outfits are not established at all inspite of acknowledging the inherent benefits, but such self-centeredness, myopic, selfish mentality could spell doom for the country in the long run. However, endurance, tolerance and respect for each other’s religion are needed in this situation.
Note:
-Religious faithful should know that they can’t claim to (love) their respective religion more than God
– Religious faithful should not (coerce) people to practice their religion directly, indirectly or through the use of guile or deceit, rather, it should be embraced (willingly) by individuals.

NIGERIANS, PLEASE LET’S STOP FIGHTING ONE ANOTHER,WE ARE ONE, (1) I REPEAT

NOTE: The information above can as well be adopted by other African countries, underdeveloped, developing and developed economies.

May God Guide Our Leaders Right

NIGERIA SHALL BE GREAT AND PEACEFUL

. Madam Faramode’s corpse entered the grave at exactly 11.53 am

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): (Won se oku eye, aye gbo, orun mo- Ondo dialect) (won se oku iya won, aye gbo, orun mo- general Yoruba dialect) (they celebrated their mother’s burial grand stylishly to the knowledge of the living and the dead- English meaning), this was what was being mouthed by the people who attended the funeral ceremony of Madam Faromade in Ondo State, TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

Late Madam Esther Faromade Adeleye nee (Ese)

Madam Esther Faromade Adeleye nee (Ese), who died on August 20th, 2015, was buried at the Cathedral Church of Saint David, Ikomi, Akure, Ondo State on November 13th, 2015 glamorously.
TRADE NEWSWIRE, the official online media organization for exclusive coverage of the burial ceremony gathered that Madam Faramode’s corpse entered the grave at exactly 11.53 am on Friday.

Madam Faromade had four children, a female and three male while alive namely Prince Victor Akinwunmi Adeleye; Mrs. Olufunke Falade nee Adeleye, who is based in the United State Of America; Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited, an Engineering Services/ Spares
provider to manufacturing & construction Industries and Pastor Ayodele Adeleye respectively.

Madam Faromade goes home

The Service of Song held in honour of Madam Faromade at her residence in Oke- Ijebu, Akure, on Thursday had in attendance important personalities like the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mike Ogbodu; Deputy Inspector General of Police, David O. Omojola; Chief Executive Officer, Akin Zedomi &Company, Engr./ High Chief Tunde Zedomi to mention a few.

Madam Faromade’s former home

Revd E. Adedotun Adewale who gave scriptural sermon at the Service of Song reminded people of the inevitability of death and urge them to emulate the good behaviour of Madam Faromade as testified to by relatives and non relatives.

Madam Faromade’s former home

He said, “Thank God for the testimonies given about mama, what will people say about you when you die? Mama cannot make any amendments again, whatever she cannot do while alive, she cannot do it any longer.

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited set to go to the church for burial-Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited arrives the church for burial-Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

“There are three types of death, we all only run away from the physical death, some are leaving but are dead spiritually.

“If you are not part of the kingdom of God in life, you can’t be part of it in heaven.”

Arrival of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, David O. Omojola at the church- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Given a testimony about Madam Faromade, a family member named Mrs. Fehintola Jide Faloye, said when Pa Adekunle Ajasin was the governor of Ondo State, mama usually sell fishes to civil servants in the state on credit, while they pay back in the following month through their secretary when they receive salary, haven organised themselves into cooperative.

Mrs. Olufunke Falade nee Adeleye, praying for her mother- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

She said mama was appreciative of every good deed meted to her, as she notifies her children of any good acts did to her for them to thank the doer on her behalf.

Mrs. Olufunke Falade nee Adeleye,being consoled by her family members- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

She thanked the children for taken good care of mama, and prayed to God to reward them accordingly.

F-L: Dressed in white is the Deputy Inspector General of Police, David O. Omojola; and Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited, shortly before the church service- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Speaking in the same vein, Pastor Ajayi John Olusegun, a non relative testified that it pained him that it was late before he knew mama, saying that had it been he knew mama before 1983, he would have enjoyed her motherly care the more.

From R-L:Deputy Inspector General of Police, David O. Omojola; and the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mike Ogbodu during the Sevice of Song- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

“Anytime she sees me, mama will pray for me, she took me like a child. I know definitely, that mama is a child of God,”he said.

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited and his sister seeing their mum off to the grave side- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Speaking on mama, her only biological daughter, Mrs. Olufunke Falade nee Adeleye in a separate interview with TRADE NEWSWIRE, said mama was very prayerful while alife and known to be an astute fish importer back then.

The entrance of the grave yard- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

She said mama was popularly called (ejaloni’bu or mama eleja) because she once had a cold room where she sold fish.

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited and her sister Mrs. Olufunke Falade nee Adeleye, during the offering collection time in the church-Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

She said her mother’s philanthropic gesture knew no bound, as she assisted anybody that came her way for assistance.

Children of madam Faromade during the funeral procession into the church- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

“When mama was alive she attended Saint David Cathedral Church, and she was a member of Egbe Aya bishop.

“I come home every year from U.S. to take care of mama, and on every visit, i usually spend at least six weeks with her before going back. Mama has a special nurse that takes care of her and several other home assistants, “Falade said.

Cross section of relatives and well wishers at the church for the burial ceremony, sitting in front is Chief Executive Officer, Akin Zedomi &Company, Engr./ High Chief Tunde Zedomi- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Also speaking, was his son Dr. Olu Adeleye of Daid, according to him, mama once had a commercial farm that employed nothing less than 30 people working therein.

The administering man of God and Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited being called upon to be handed over to give support to the youth wing of the church- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

He said mama was also once the president of Association of Imported Fish Sellers at Nepa market in Akure for many years.

Given a vote of thanks at the Service of Song, he thanked all those that attended to show love and respect for mama.

The administering man of God handing over the youth leader of the church to Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited for support to the youth- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

The reception ceremony was well attended by the highs and mightiest in the society, as family and friends turned out to pay mama her last respect.

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited, observing the funeral prayer ashes to ashes dust to dust for his mother- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

There is no gainsaying the fact that money was modestly called by its first name at the burial ceremony, as the effect could be felt on the quality of everything done at the event.

Mrs. Olufunke Falade nee Adeleye observing the funeral prayer ashes to ashes dust to dust for her mother- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

The burial ceremony was heavily fortified with security men of The Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to forestall any form of trouble at the event.

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited and her sister Mrs. Olufunke Falade nee Adeleye, during the burial ceremony at the church-Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

grand children of madam Faramode being prayed for by the administering man of God in the church- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

The palatial home of late Madam Faromade spoke volume and signified that she, no doubt, leaved a fulfilled life materially, also matched with spiritual fulfillment in her service to God in the Christendom as testified to by the people.

Cross section of men of God during the Service of Song- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Brief Biography of Late Madam Esther Faromade Adeleye nee (Ese)

Late Madam Esther Faromade Adeleye was born sometimes in the 1909 to the large family of late Chief Ese of Idiagba quarters in Akure, Ondo State.

L-R: Children of madam Faromade, Mrs. Olufunke Falade nee Adeleye;Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited and others during the Service of Song

Mama was only child of her mother for a long time befor her mother was able to have other children.

Mama was married to late Prince Owaruayo Samuel of Obanla Area in Akure, a Civil Engineer and successful cocoa farmer who passed on in 1974 and they were blessed with four children, Akinwunmi, Olufunke, Olumuyiwa and Ayodele.

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited praying for his mother during the Service of Song- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Young Faromade was a very beautiful and industrious lady, very hardworking, generous and highly enlightened even though she did not have any formal education or training.

Mrs. Olufunke Falade nee Adeleye praying for her mother during the Service of Song- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Her human relationship with all the people she met during her life time was unparalleled, always impacting on all and sundry positively. She prefers to give out her last meal to strangers and go to bed with empty stomach to say a few.

A pianist playing the piano during the Service of Song- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Choir group during the Service of Song- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited and his family members at the end of the church service- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Musical group that played at the reception ceremony- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

The cooks are busy cooking the foods in the kitchen- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Men of The Nigeria Police maintaining security at the event- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited greeting well-wishers at the reception ground- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited greeting well-wishers at the reception ground- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited greeting well-wishers at the reception ground- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited greeting Chief Executive Officer, Akin Zedomi &Company, Engr./ High Chief Tunde Zedomiat the reception ground- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited greeting well-wishers at the reception ground- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited dancing with well-wishers at the reception ground- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited dancing with well-wishers at the reception ground- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

The children of Dr. Olu Adeleye, Chairman, Daid Nigeria Limited at the reception ceemony- Photo credit, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

BY: SULAIMAN ADENEKAN B.Sc (Hons) Bus Admin, MBA (Marketing), MNIMN, arpa

COMPANY: TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

POSITION: A STRATEGIST/ PUBLISHER

E-MAIL: sulaimanadenekan@yahoo.com

PHONE: 08099400135, 08024437214

As a concerned indigene of Ogun State, ensuring the greatness and that the State is not eluded of peace is what is paramount in my mind, as I supported and campaigned for Presidential, Ogun and Lagos state gubernatorial candidates of the All Progressives Congress party during the 2015 elections.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the existing All Progressives Congress party members in the state and former party members that had for sometime left to Social Democratic Party that are now back in the party will surely not want to let go for one another, unless we want to pretend that all is well, which will only result into having PEACE OF THE GRAVE YARD and it is the ordinary people that will suffer it and the APC as a party in the long run.

At this point, the responsibility of ensuring peace, removal of suspicion among the above stated various party members and that the party remain one lies on and should be selflessly and sacrificially championed by Aremo Olusegun Osoba to allay the fears of the existing party members, by so doing, it will make them to cooperate willingly without rancour.

WHAT PARTY LEADERSHIP SHOULD DO FOR PEACE TO REIGN

1, Aremo Olusegun Osoba should pay a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, The Alake of Egbaland following as he his back into the party.

2, Aremo Osoba should also pay a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, The Awujale of Ijebuland.

3, Aremo Osoba should pay a courtesy visit to His Excellency, The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, where a meeting would be held by Amosun alongside some key existing party chieftains in the state from his side and Aremo Osoba with some key members that had just been re-absorbed into the party to trash out issues of discord seriously for peace to finally reign, ego should be put aside,I know Aremo Osoba is a political leader, this is not to belittle him, but by doing this, he would have actually shown that he is a leader and he his truly and sincerely for peace, as the effect of his visit will be long lasting. (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT).

4, Aremo Osoba will now pay a courtesy call to the APC headquarters in the state, haven done the No (3) suggestion, Governor Amosun will in collaboration with present APC leadership organize Party members across the state up to the ward levels for a meeting with the Aremo Osoba and newly absorbed members from his side at the APC headquarters, where Amosun and Aremo Osoba would be seen together and appeal be made by Governor Amosun to his loyalist to give peace a chance that they are one with the coming of the Party leader Aremo Osoba on board, also Aremo will equally appeal to his people to also give peace a chance.

5, Extensive media coverage of the serial events as suggested should be covered to send a signal to the public that APC in the state is one.

6,Aremo Osoba must not allowed to be arm twisted and pushed by his loyalists against Governor Amosun, likewise Governor Amosun vice versa, because at this stage, no one can have all he desires fully. SACRIFICE, UNDERSTANDING AND MUTUAL RESPECT from both sides are required.

7, After all these, a joint political rally could now be held together which will now have the National leaders of the party in attendance to send a signal that APC is one and that there is no division again, that all had been settled. The rally should not only be held by Aremo Osoba and its people, it must be jointly held, and shouldn’t be a rally of re-absorption but a rally of ONENESS AND A STRONG PARTY THAN BEFORE

ADVANTAGES

1, The visit of Aremo Osoba to Governor Amosun will give Governor Amosun confidence and will enable him to have no choice than to extend hands of fellowship to Aremo Asoba and its people, and wholeheartedly accept Aremo Osoba as the party Leader in the state inspite of what might have happened in the past.

2, It will sent a strong signal that APC is undivided.

3, Make the party stronger.

CHALLENGES

1, Suggested ideas might not be done with sincere intentions

2, If the issue of absorption is not handled carefully, APC may likely lose the state, as no party is indispensable.

3, National leadership of the party should not interfere in the state affairs, they should let them resolve it as suggested, if the National leadership will interfere, then, they must deal with the two aggrieved parties justly and equitably.

NOTE: AREMO OSOBA HAS A LOT OF ROLE TO PLAY TO CONVINCE EXISTING PARTY MEMBERS THAT HE HIS INDEED A LEADER BY SPEARHEADING THE RECONCILIATION PROCESS AS SUGGESTED, LIKEWISE GOVERNOR AMOSUN SHOULD COOPERATE WITH HIM TO MOVE THE STATE TO A GREATER HEIGHT.

May God Guide our Leaders Right

OGUN STATE IN PARTICULAR SHALL BE GREAT/ PEACEFUL AND NIGERIA IN GENERAL

 Your Excellency sir,

BY: SULAIMAN ADENEKAN B.Sc (Hons) Bus Admin, MBA (Marketing), MNIMN, arpa

COMPANY: TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

POSITION: A STRATEGIST/ PUBLISHER

E-MAIL: sulaimanadenekan@yahoo.com

PHONE: +234 8099400135, 8024437214

NOTE: The information below is my personal and humble opinion that was drafted in 2011 as a concerned citizen of Nigeria; this proposal welcomes review, criticism, correction and condemnation from the public where necessary to the benefit of Nigeria.
The rate of insecurity in Nigeria and the world in general has continued to aggravate beyond human comprehension, as people lives in fear inspite of having government authority in place and there can never be good governance in an unsecured environment.

What could have made human society to be unsecured? Poverty, Ignorance, Injustice, intoxicants, Indiscipline, Lawlessness, Hopelessness, Frustration, Oppression, Corruption, Greed, Desperate quest for power, Desperate quest for wealth acquisition, Bad attitude to life, Wrong upbringing, Hatred, Envy, cultism, inequality, lack of fear of God among others are the answers.

Human beings will/ may not ordinarily performed acts of insecurity if he /she know that he might be reported, apprehended, face the wrath of the law or are under close watch of security agencies/ the society.

There is the need for Nigeria and other countries to set up National Complaint Agency which will strategically aid Intelligence gathering beyond combative strategy to forestall the rate of publicized/ unpublicized and known/unknown insecurity in the country. This is simply because intelligence gathering is the mother of security while combative strategy is the father of security.

Protection/ security of human lives are a symbol of civilization of a nation. Any country that attaches little or no value to human lives by allowing human beings to be killed unjustly and unquestionably without corrective actions is uncivilized regardless of her economic/industrial buoyancy, because wealth is only useful to a living soul not the dead.

Human existence on earth is naturally short, even if a man spends 150 years; it is still (ironically) short, not to talk of even living the life in poverty and ignorance? As if that is not enough, it is now crowned with existing on the surface of the earth (insecurity) in fear. It’s unfortunate.

Nigerian government and other world leaders should know that every government in power at any point in time will be meant to account and responsible for every lost soul under their dispensations and actions taking (sincerely or insincerely) to forestall future occurrence because the Number One Job of any constituted government authority is (SECURITY).

It should be noted that public governance is a serious business and should not be handled lightly or be selfishly left in the hands of mediocre all in a bid to have a firm control on the political system.

To forestall insecurity, reduce the rate of human oppression and achieve good governance, there is the need to set up National Complaints Agency as stated above along with the installations of CCTV cameras across the country to aid intelligence gathering, collates threats, treat issues accordingly and act proactively to address the needs of citizens in order to create a safe/ secured environment.

This development is expected to have a multiplying effect in all facets of human endeavours if rightly and sincerely implemented.

Government(s) Can Implement The Following Recommendations.

1. There is the need to set up National Complaint Agency across the country where citizens can lodge their complaints. It will be a civil-friendly /demilitarize agency.
2. Before setting up the Agency, I will suggest to government(s) to install Close Circuit Television cameras across the country to stem likely acts of insecurity on the society and threats to lives of complainants from those who might want to retaliate for being reported at the Agency; those who do not want to be reported at all; and those who do not want their excesses to be checkmated following the establishment of the Agency.
3. Installation of CCTV cameras on electricity poles across the nooks and cranny of the country to curtail further expenses on pole erection and because of the current state of our electrical power supply situation in the country, considering the fact that electricity poles are erected in virtually every community where there are human presence both in the rural and urban areas. (This is applicable to countries that still erect/ make use of electricity poles for power distribution, this particular method could change as the country develops in the supply and stability of electricity).
4. Installation of CCTV cameras on masts erected by telecoms companies.
5. Governments can make use of the Telecoms companies’ masts erected at their Base Stations thereby making the installed CCTV camera to continue operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unstopped. This is so because of the company’s alternative source of power generating capability through the use of generating set at the stations in case of power outage,
6. Telecoms companies also have the option of collaborating with the Government to have their Base Stations used for the installation of CCTV cameras as a form of Corporate Social Responsibility.
7. Government can also offer a form of a Tax-Rebate by reducing tax paid by telecoms companies who accommodates the installations of CCTV cameras, this will serve as a form of royalty paid by the government to these companies for making use of their masts.
8. Installation of CCTV cameras on official and residential buildings, especially high rise buildings.
9. Citizens should be sensitized to report anybody found tampering with the installed CCTV cameras.
10. The National Complaint Agency will consist of ex and serving lawyers, journalists, human right activist, religious clerics, law enforcement officers, civil servants among other professions.
11. NCA should be located on each street across the country or on each electorally-designated neighborhood population area.
12. Sensitive complaints that may require combative effort of the Police should immediately be reported to State /Area Control Unit of NCA for appropriate action/ directive.
13. Defendant should be given the grace of honouring an invitation three times, after which the National Complaint Agency has the power to order the arrest of the defendants.
14. The National Assembly/House of Parliament should make law to establish the National Complaint Agency as civil-friendly /demilitarize agency that has the power to hear complaints and refer to security/ appropriate agencies or the media houses where necessary.
15. Beyond physical complaint, virtual complaint via the website of National Complaint Agency without necessarily sending an mail to avoid having access to e-mail address of the sender. However, anybody who chooses to send an e-mail is free to do so. Complainants can also be made by phone call to the agency for information sharing.
16. Every call made by citizens to National Complaint Agency should attract no charge on the part of the complainants; rather the charge should be bored by the Agency. This is to support people who have information to share but are not financially capable to make phone calls.
17. Telecoms companies can also perform Corporate Social Responsibility act by given out free telephone credit-airtime to the Agency to aid its function.
18. Records of every complaint lodged daily via the agency’s website or physically at all levels should be forwarded to headquarters of the Agency for proper monitoring of how Citizen’s complaints are treated.
19. Every complainant should be given Complaint Acknowledgement form which will contain the complaint serial number, date, time, Agency district where the complaint was lodged, and receiver of the complaint for verification purposes.
20. A two or one hour programme should be aired on a National Network Radio station once or twice a week to address issues faced by complainants among other issues. This should continue until the Agency’s radio and television station would be established for proper discharge of their function.
21. Radio station is chosen for airing of the programme because it is easily accessible to both the rich and the poor to some extent.
22. If the management at the appropriate time deemed it fit to feature on television station, it should be accommodated for the benefit of citizens.
23. The National Complaint Agency should be headed by a Director-General who is expected to report directly to the President.
24. Complaint report should be submitted every month to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the Director-General.
25. The Agency should not be placed under any ministry but it should operate as an independent body that will report straight to the President of the country for it to perform its duty appropriately or else the Agency will be rubbished and the purpose of setting it up will be defeated.
26. Every citizen complaints must be treated to a logical conclusion not abandoned or half treated so as to reduce the rate of disgruntled/frustrated citizens, by so doing, it will help to curb rebellious/violent activities.
27. Selfless men and women of integrity, sincere minds, trust, commitment and impeccable character should make up the National Complaint Agency in order to achieve a peaceful environment and help clean Nigeria and other countries of the mess that is presently ravaging them.
28. Seminars should be held once in a week for the Agency’s staff at all Centers on the importance of having a peaceful environment and how to develop and advance the course of humanity in the society to enable them carry out their duties justly and equitably. This is essential because the Agency will be strategic and forms the bedrock of achieving a peaceful/ civilized society.
29. Government should have budgetary allocation for the Agency; also donations from international organization should be welcomed to finance the activities of the Agency.
30. The Agency should have Feedback department at all levels whereby feedbacks are given on the state of every lodged complaint on a weekly basis and it should be submitted to the headquarters for review.
31. Staff of the Agency should be taught on the need to keep the Agency’ secrete as part of their responsibility, considering the sensitivity of the Agency’s operations.

Advantages of National Complaint Agency

1, It will engender good governance

2, It will stem high rate of insecurity and foster peaceful co-existence of humanity

3, It will serve as a proactive instrument to detect and thwart any threats to the society

4, It will be a veritable source of intelligence gathering to the government

5, It will facilitate human development and advancement

6, It will facilitate societal development

7, It will give hope to citizens and boost their confidence

8, It will help to protect /secure human lives

9, It will aid socio-economic development

10, It will make government presence to be felt in all the nooks and cranny of the country.

Challenges of National Complaint Agency

1, Lives of complainants might be threatened

2, Staff of the Agency are likely to betray the trust of the agency by divulging secrete information

3, Staff of the Agency might sabotage the efforts of complainants by being corruptly-biased to either the plaintiff or defendant.

4, Lives of the Agency’s staff could be at risk for doing their jobs rightly

5, Saboteurs could starve the Agency of fund since it’s not a revenue generating Agency in order to frustrate its operation.

6, The agency’s activities might be unfruitful if people who have no integrity are elected/ appointed to positions of authority in the country, as they will compromise citizen’s rights to keep themselves in the position.

NOTE: The information above can as well be adopted by other African countries, underdeveloped, developing and developed economies.

May God Guide Our Leaders Aright
NIGERIA, AFRICA SHALL BE GREAT

THE WORLD SHALL BE PEACEFUL

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): June 27, 2016 marks my 40 years of existence on the surface of earth and had so far been full of several experiences which had made me to identify what I, based on years of several PRACTICAL tests, considered ten important powers of life, TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

1- GOD; 2- PARENT; 3- WIFE; 4- CHARACTER/ DISCIPLINE; 5- PRAYER; 6- PATIENCE/ ENDURANCE ; 7- DESTINY; 8- TIME; 9-SINCERITY OF PURPOSE; 10-MANKIND.

I thank the Almighty God, who speared my life up to this moment; I also pray for peace and blessings of God to be upon Prophet Muhammadu (SAW) for being my guiding principle on the way to live in life.

Sulaiman Adenekan, a Strategist/ Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

I equally thank my parent Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Alao Adenekan, a Chieftain of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Special Marshals and Alhaja Latifat Adenekan for being instrumental to my achievements recorded so far in life educationally, morally among others. My prayer for you is the one specially ordained by God for parent, no other one can be more golden and honourable than that, which goes thus ‘May the Almighty God shower his kindness and care on you more than you did for me at my younger age’ amin.

From L-R: Mrs. Halimah Adenekan, wife of Sulaiman Adenekan, a Strategist/ Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net) standing by his side during Sulaiman’s 40th birthday.

I also thank my elegantly-beautiful, supportive, gorgeous, aesthetically pleasing, responsible, reliable and exquisite wife Halimah Adenekan, may Allah reward you abundantly for your supports amin.

Yoruba elders say (Eyele kii ba Onile je, ki o ba Onile mu, ki o wa di ojo kan ijogbon, ojo kan idaamu, ki o ye’ri) English meaning (A pigeon, haven ate and dine with you when the condition was rosy, will never betray you in the day(s) of trouble), that is the best way I could describe my loving wife Halimah, you are indeed a wife worth emulating by other women.

Neighbours celebrating with Sulaiman Adenekan during his 40th birthday.

My special greetings equally goes to my good and supportive inlaws and the entire tribe of Ebira, as i never regretted for a day for marrying your daughter.I assure you my continuous care and respect for her as pledged 11 years ago to the family, while i also pray for the souls of my wife’s parent Mr and Mrs Audu to continue to rest in peace amin.

Parent of the celebrant Alhaja Latifat Adenekan standing on the extreme left and Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Adenekan standing on the extreme right with some wives, children and grandchildren of Adenekan’s family at the residence of Sulaiman Adenekan during his 40th birthday on Monday.

I also thank my children for their patience, endurance and supports all these years, may Allah’s blessings be on you all.

I thank my siblings at home and abroad, families, friends and eminent people who had equally in no small measure supported me so far in my 40 years sojourn on earth at one time or the other, I specially thank you all and pray to God Almighty to reward you abundantly.

Sulaiman Adenekan with his wife and children on 4oth birthday.

Sulaiman Adenekan with his wife and children on 4oth birthday.

From L-R: A neighbour and friend, Mr. Tajudeen Sorinolu (Show block); the presiding Alfa that led the prayer session,Alfa Said Arogundade; Mother of the clebrant Alhaja Latifat Adenekan; Mrs. Halimah Adenekan, wife of the celebrant; the celebrant Sulaiman Adenekan, a Strategist/ Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net); Father of the occasion, Alhaji Lasisi; father of the celebrant, Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Alao Adenekan; Spokesman of the team of Alfas that led the Islamic prayer session, Alfa Ahmad Olaimo and Mr. Lukman Yekini-Bello of the Bank of Industry, who is a neighbour and friend at the residence of Sulaiman Adenekan during his 40th birthday on Monday.

Mother of the celebrant Alhaja Latifat Adenekan standing on the extreme left; Mrs. Halimah Adenekan, wife of the celebrant; Sulaiman Adenekan, a Strategist/ Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net) and father of the celebrant, Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Alao Adenekan during Sulaiman’s 4oth birthday on Monday at his residence.

Mother of the clebrant Alhaja Latifat Adenekan; celebrant Sulaiman Adenekan, a Strategist/ Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net) and father of the celebrant, Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Adenekan during Sulaiman’s 4oth birthday on Monday at his residence.

Mother of the celebrant Alhaja Latifat Adenekan; celebrant Sulaiman Adenekan, a Strategist/ Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net); Father of the occasion, Alhaji Lasisi and father of the celebrant, Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Alao Adenekan during Sulaiman’s 4oth birthday on Monday at his residence.

The celebrant Sulaiman Adenekan, a Strategist/ Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net) with team of Alfas that led the prayer session at the residence of Sulaiman Adenekan during his 4oth birthday on Monday.

L-R: Father of the celebrant, Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Alao Adenekan; the celebrant Sulaiman Adenekan, a Strategist/ Publisher of TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net) and Mother of the clebrant Alhaja Latifat Adenekan inside Sulaiman’s house during his 4oth birthday on Monday.

I also pray for our leaders to be guided in governing the country rightly to a greater height amin.
HAPPY 4Oth BIRTHDAY

Sulaiman Adenekan
A Strategist / Publisher
TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net).

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): (I commence in the name of Almighty Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; There is neither might nor power except with Allah; and Special Praise be to Allah, the Sustainer of the creation) Arabic meaning (Bismillahi’r Rahmani’r Raheem; Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwwata Il-la Bil-laah; Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil ‘alamin), TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

Alhaji Alao Adenekan, a descendant of Oba Onika-mogu, the then 14th Alake of the Egbas, who reigned at Orile Ake- Egba forest, the original homestead of the Egba nation, clocks 70 years on August 26^th, 2017 princely and graciously.

Yoruba language (Toto o se bi owe, eyin agba e dari jin’mi) English meaning (I humbly seek the permission of the highly revered Yoruba elders to make some proverbs as i writes, kindly forgive me, as wisdom, knowledge and understanding belongs to you, not a show of pride or disrespect).

Alhaji Adenekan, Yoruba elders say: (Bi a ba pe’ri aparo, aa ja’ko) English meaning (If we call the patridge’s name, it breaks loose); Bi a ba pe’ri akoni, a o fi ida la ile gaaragaaa) English meaning (if we mention a brave man’s name, we will pay homage with the sword).

Prince Adenekan: (Ajanaku yin koja eran amu pa ileya, ologini koja eran amu bo orisa) English meaning (the elephant ‘Alao Adenekan’ is beyond an animal to be slaughtered, while the cat is beyond an animal to be used for sacrifice)

Prince Adenekan: (Ajanaku yin koja mori n kan firi, bi a ba ri erin ki amo pe ari erin (the elephant ‘Alao Adenekan’ is beyond saying ‘I saw something at a glance’ if one sees an elephant, one will surely know that one as seen an elephant).

WHO IS ALHAJI ALAO ADENEKAN

Alao Adenekan, a Chieftain of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Special Marshals, popularly known as Prince F.A.B Adenekan (F.A.B means: F-Fatai, A-Alao, B-Bandele), is the Otun of Itoko Muslims, Egbaland.

Prince Adenekan, an illustrious son of Egbaland, is the Vice President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation and Chairman of a Lagos-based Steel Structural Engineering company, Laofem Nigeria Limited.

Yoruba elders say: (Odo ki i san titii, ki o ma ni orisun ibi ti o ti san wa) English meaning (There is no way a river will flow through a long path, that it will not have a source of origin where it started from) a pointer to ‘IKA MOGU’ the Adenekan’s family traditional praise poetry – Oriki idile Adenekan, as answered by his ancestral forefather, Oba Alake Onika-mogu.

The FRSC chieftain, Alao Adenekan was born on the 26^th of August 1947, to the then (Awise of Itoko) English meaning (The Perfect Foreteller of Itoko) in Abeokuta, a renowned Ifa Priest, Chief Bandele Adenekan.

Note: ONLY THE GOD ALMIGHTY IS PERFECT IN SAYINGS AND DEEDS. ALLAH ALONE IS (AL-BASIR) THE ALL SEEING, (AL-ALIM) THE ALL KNOWING, (AL-KHABIR) THE AWARE, (AL-HAKIM), THE WISE AND (MULIK-UL-MULIK), THE ETERNAL OWNER OF SOVERINITY.

While the name of Alao Adenekan’s mother is Mrs. Aminat Adenekan popularly known as ‘Iya Onijogi’, an honest, famous, blunt, brave and straightforward woman, who laid down issues without fear of or favour to anyone, both parent are of blessed memories.

From L-R : A family Father-friend and very close ally of Late Chief M.K.O Abiola, a business mogul and winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Mr. T. Oladapo Adeleye, former Finance Director and Deputy Managing Director, ITT Nigeria; and the celebrant Alhaji Alao Adenekan.

Alao Adenekan’s paternal home is Awise House, Lukosi compound, Oju-Agemo, Itoko, while his maternal home is Arokoje compound, Oju-Agemo, Itoko, Abeokuta in Ogun state.

Yoruba language: (Bi e ba ti de Oju-Agemo ni Itoko, e bere Ile Awise ni agbo’le Lukosi, won a juwe fun yin) English meaning (Once you get to Oju Agemo in Itoko, just ask of Awise’s House situated at Lukosi compound, you will be directed).

(Iya onijogi): Jogi, is a food prepared from the use of grinded melon and beans cooked haven being packaged in a leaf), while ‘Iya’ means woman, meaning the woman who sells Jogi food.

Alao Adenekan, while growing up in the 50s/ 60s in Abeokuta, was fondly called (Alao omo Awise) English meaning (Alao, the son of Awise) or (Alao omo Iya onijogi) English meaning (Alao, the son of a woman- Jogi seller).

Alao Adenekan is married to Alhaja Latifat Adenekan, the Iya-Adeen of Itoko Muslims, Egbaland, who was born by Mr. Yinusa (Baba Carpenter) and Mrs. Wulemotu (Iya Alaro) Lasaki of Erunwon, Ake, Abeokuta. The Lasakis is a family in Erunwon, Abeokuta that is noted for Islamic practice, as the heir of the family named Alhaji Mumuni Lasaki, is currently the Chief Imam of Erunwon Mosque as at Press time.

Alhaji and Alhaja Alao Adenekan, who both came from Egba Eku division (Itoko and Erunwon) of the Egba Alake section, have six children namely:

1, Sulaiman Olayiwola Adenekan, a Strategist/ Publisher, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

2, Egnr. Lukman Olatunji Adenekan, a Director at Laofem Nigeria Limited (a Steel Structural engineering company)

3, Alhaja. Fatimah Fumilayo Ojeleye nee Adenekan, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University and Business woman

4, Abdul-Rasheed Akolawole Adenekan, Managing Director, Koratech Construction Company

5, Abdul-Azeez Olanrewaju Adenekan, Managing Director of Typical Naija Entertainment, an Hip-hop musician-turned music and entertainment International promoter based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

6, Mrs. Bilikis Bolanle Ayinde nee Adenekan, a graduate of Yaba College of Technology and Business woman

Alao Adenekan attended his Primary and Secondary education in Abeokuta and later proceeded to Yaba Technical College, Yaba, Lagos.

Alao Adenekan relocated from Abeokuta to Lagos after his secondary education to be trained in the artisanship of Steel Welding, where he graduated and gained employment with a Lagos-based British company that was then engaged in Shipbuilding/ Steel Fabrication at Burma Road, Apapa, Lagos, named Lilleshal Nigeria Limited.

Alao Adenekan solely established Laofem Nigeria Limited following the dissolution of Laoclem Nigeria Limited that was previously established and managed in partnership.

Alao Adenekan has contributed in no small measures to the industrial, sport and safety development of Nigeria as a whole.

Laofem Nigeria Limited, the company he chairs, is involved in steel construction of factories, warehouses and other specialized steel construction projects.

Adenekan, F.R.S.C chieftain rose in ranks from being an ordinary member of F.R.S.C Special Marshals, Unit 1, called ‘The Panthers’ to emerge as the Unit 1 Coordinator, from where he was elected to the position of Lagos State Co-coordinator and consequently moved to the position of Zonal Coordinator, Lagos/ Ogun State and later became the National Treasurer of the F.R.S.C Special Marshals.

L-R: President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation (NWF) Mr. Daniel Igali; and Vice President, NWF, Prince. F.A.B Adenekan

His love for sports also took him to Lagos State Wrestling Association as an ordinary member, where he was also elected as the Lagos State Chairman of the Association; He later rose to become the chairman of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation at the Zonal level comprising the entire South West Regional states. From where he proceeded to contest for the national election and eventually got elected as the Vice President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation.

Alao Adenekan, a philanthropist and socialite is a Life member of the Lagos Country Club; President 2017/ 2018, The International Association of Lions Club, Lagos Isolo Lions, District 404B-1, Nigeria; Associate member,Lagos Public Service Club; Associate member, Federal Civil Service Club;Member,Committee of Notable Friends of Egbaland [CNF] and member Excel Club of Nigeria and patron to many associations and clubs.

Alao Adenekan also bagged various awards from government agencies, tertiary institutions; religious bodies and social clubs.

ANCESTRAL HISTORY OF ADENEKAN FAMILY

The ancestral home of the Egbas in particular and Yorubas in general is Ife, where emigration took place to all the nooks and crannies of the entire Yoruba land.

Alake, one of the offsprings of Oduduwa, the father of the Yorubas, journeyed-through to Orile Ake, Egba forest with his/Yorubas ancestral mother and wife of Oduduwa called Omonide (Child is brass), who eventually died and buried at Ake place in the Egba forest.

Egbas, had 20 Oba Alake at Orile Ake, Egba forest, the initial place of aboard for the Egbas, of which the Adenekan family were descendant of the then 14th Alake who reigned at the Egba forest named ‘Oba Abara Onika-mogu,

Oba Onika-mogu reigned at the Homestead, in Orile Ake- Egba forest before the Egbas, after several years, eventually moved to Oko Adangba, Itoko, Abeokuta, their permanent home today after consulting Ifa oracle that selected the new place of aboard for them.

However, during the era of the 20 Alakes that reinged in the Egba forest, most of them answered to no proper names but their praise poerty titles called (Oriki) that was subsequently begotten by their respective descendants, as obtained in the ‘Ika Mogu’– the main title of the praise poetry of Adenekan family from Oba Onika-mogu.

The adoption of the name of an accomplished patriarch or matriarch; or the home he/ she originated from by his or her descendants as generational poetic praise (Oriki) or even as surnames of a family-clan is to show to generations yet-unborn that they are indeed proud of their forefathers and for easy traceability of their family lineage.

The first stanza of the ‘Praise poetry of Adenekan’s clan’ Yoruba meaning: (Oriki idile Adenekan) which is ‘Ika-mogu’, was the name answered by the then 14^th Alake of the Egbas during his reign in Orile Ake and remains the Praise poetry (Oriki) of Adenekan’s clan as a mark of honour to our ancestral forefather.

Prince F.A.B Adenekan when elected as the President of Isolo Lions Club with some members of the Club

As the journey of life continues, the family name of Adenekan owing to the subsequent contributions of our successive ancestral father(s) – Adenekan being the Awise of Itoko cannot be underestimated.

Yoruba elders say: (Ki a to fi eniyan je oye ni inu ilu, oni lati je eni rere) English meaning (Before a person can be bestowed with a chieftaincy title, he must be a good person)

Our ancestral forefather Chief Adenekan, lived from late 19th century i.e around 1880 or thereabout and died in 1940s and was the Awise of Itoko in Egbaland, just as his son Chief Bandele Adenekan, who fathered Alao Adenekan, was also made the Awise of Itoko after the demise of his father, thereby making the title of Awise of Itoko successive in Adenekan family, as both Awise’s were Ifa priest.

Our ancestral forefather, Chief Adenekan, was given the title Awise of Itoko, an influential traditional title bestowed on him for his traditional spiritual prowess and foretelling perfection.

Yoruba elders say:  (Bi omode ko ba ba itan, a ba aroba) English meaning (If a child was not opportuned to have access to historical stories, he will surely have access to narrated tales).

He was very spiritually powerful to the extent that whenever invited by the then-reigning Alake of Egbaland (s) while alive, whatever he foretold therein, most times even started coming to pass before he exited the palace.

Yoruba language: (Olorun n be, awon eniyan si wa) English meaning (God exists, and He also created some powerful people on earth)

The kings, our ancestral forefather, Chief Adenekan, had dealings with were the then Oba Gbadebo 1 of Larun Ruling House who reigned between1898-1920 and Oba sir Ladapo Ademola 11 of Jibodu Ruling House between 1920 and 1962.

The influence of Chief  Bandele Adenekan, his son, while alive also knows no bound, owing to his spiritual prowess, as people of different social status nt exempting eminent personalities from the length and breadth of Nigeria during that era visited him to seek for different spiritual assistance, Chief  Bandele Adenekan eventually died in 1978 in Abeokuta.

Alhaja Latifat and Alhaji Alao Adenekan

Yoruba language: (Awise itoko, bi oba ibomi nii) English meaning (Awise Itoko-a perfect foreteller, is like a king elsewhere considering his spiritual power and influential status).

(Bi egungun ba pe igba, ologbojo ni baba won) English meaning (If masquerades are two hundred in number, ologbojo is their head).

The traditional spiritual contributions of the Adenekans, both father and son as the Awise of Itoko was immense for societal peace/ security and upliftment of humanity at Itoko in particular and Egbaland in general.

The roles played by the Adenekans as the then Awise of Itoko, were so important, especially during the era of our ancestral forefather Chief Adenekan, as tradition was deeply rooted in the governance and day-to-day running of the affairs of the society then.

This is a pointer to the saying of Yoruba elders which goes thus: (Ida’lu ni ise’lu) English meaning (The governance of a country must be in line with her traditional establishment/ ancestral origin).

Settlements around Olumo Rock, Abeokuta in the olden days

 (ORIKI IDILE ADENEKAN) PRAISE POETRY OF ADENEKAN’S CLAN

Ika Mogu

Omo Alaaja

Omo afi oje se eye

Omo atan ina je isu

Omo Arokunnukunnu se genegene

Omo awu ile wu owo

Omo awu ile se oro

Omo a se ojo ki o to se akin

Omo a se alo siwaju ija

Omo bi won ba be e ki o ma gbo

Ika Ilara

Ilara gbagba

Ki ari aso ro

Ki ari Ile yanka

Ki ari omitutu se adiye

Sulaiman Ayilara Aremu a.k.a (Ajobiewe) Praise Poetry singer -Oriki Egba

PAST AND PRESENT ALAKEs IN EGBALAND

 The Following Alakes Reigned at the Homestead – Egba Forest

1, Oba Ajalake

2, Oba Arokonu

3, Oba ofi tete na obinrin

4, Oba a fi egungn tanna

5, Oba Oyigidi lu ote

6, Oba Akufunwon dari ile

7, Oba Oliyanarowo;

8, Oba Agbarin-mo’gi

9, Oba Lupo’mosu-leka

10, Oba Laro d’agbabi Oba Ejeun

11, Oba m’jawa, m’epo osi

12, Oba Larun abenoku-asolagege

13, Oba Lelu eringin-efinikan-af’owo seso

14, Oba Abara Onika-mogu

15, Oba Ose-rinro gbe’edun

16, Oba Alake gbogan abatimo

17,Oba Osifuwatan ara-igbeti ibi oye nruko

18, Oba gbongbo –bi-irin-atesiwaju agija

19, Oba Jibodu Oluyemo Asaramapa, erin-jogun-ola

20, Oba Okikilu, Agunl’oye-bi-oyinbo

OBA ALAKE OF EGBALAND FROM 1854 TO DATE

1, Oba Okukenu of Laarun Ruling House from 1854 to 1856

2, Oba Ademola of Jibodu Ruling House from 1869 to 1877

3, Oba Oyekan of Jibodu Ruling House from 1879 to 1881

4, Oba Luwaji of Jibodu Ruling House from 1885 1889

5, Oba Osokalu of Jibodu Ruling House from 1891 to 1898

6, Oba Gbadebo 1 of Laarun Ruling House from 1898 to 1920

7, Oba sir Ladapo Ademola 11 of Jibodu Ruling House from 1920 to 1962

8, Oba Adesina Gbadebo 11 of Laarun Ruling House from 1963 to 1971

9, Oba Oyebade Lipede of Jibodu Ruling House from 1972 to 2005

10, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo of Laarun Ruling House (the incumbent Alake of Egbaland)

Modern look of Olumo Rock Tourist center in Abeokuta

HOMAGE TO OUR KING- THE ALAKE AND PARAMOUNT RULER OF EGBALAND

His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukene IV, was elected the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland on 2 August 2005 and reigns till date. He is from Laarun Ruling House, a grandson of the sixth Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo, who ruled from 1898 to 1920.

Royal praise for The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo-Yoruba language

Egba ti ri oba gbo’ojule

Egba ti ri oba f’eyinti

Adedotun Aremu

Omo Gbadebo l’oba wa

Ade a pe l’ori

Bata a pe l’ese

Omo Laarun Abeloku

Okukenu kerin

Kabiyesi Oba wa

Kaaaaabiyesiooooo!!! ki ade pe lori, ki bata pe lese, ki ase pe lenu, ki irukere d’okini, ki e gbo, ki e to, ki emi ola yin o gun ni ori ite awon baba wa ase.

ADMINISTRATIVE SECTIONAL DIVISIONS OF EGBALAND, ABEOKUTA

1, Ake

2, Oke Ona- (His Royal Majesty) The Osile of Okeona, Egba

3, Gbagura- (His Royal Majesty) The Agura of Gbagura

4, Owu- (His Royal Majesty) The Olowu of Owu

EGBA ANTHEM (ORIN IYIN) YORUBA LANGUAGE

1, L’ori oke ati petele

N’be lagbe bi mi si o

Ni be l’agbe t’omi dagba o

Ile ominira

Emi o f’Abeokuta sogo

N’o duro l’ori Olumo

Mayo l’oruko Egba o

Emi omo Lisabi

Chorus:

Mayo, mayo mayo o

L’ori Olumo

Mayo, mayo, mayo o

L’ori Olumo

2, Abeokuta ilu Egba

Nko ni gbagbe re

N’o gbe o l’eke okan mi

Bi ilu odo oya

Emi o mayo lori Olumo

Emi o sogo yi l’eke okan mi

Wipe ilu olokiki o

L’awon Egba ngbe

Chorus:

Mayo, mayo mayo o

L’ori Olumo

Mayo, mayo, mayo o

L’ori Olumo

EGBA ANTHEM –ENGLISH MEANING

1, On the hills and in the valley

There I was born

There I was bred and brought up

In an independent state

I shall be proud of Abeokuta

I shall stand on the Olumo Rock

And rejoice in the name of Egbaland

I, a descendant of Lisabi

Chorus:

I shall rejoice, rejoice and rejoice

On the Olumo Rock

I shall rejoice, rejoice and rejoice

On the Olumo rock

2, Abeokuta, the land of the Egbas

I shall not forget thee

I shall put thee most in my heart

As a Nigeria town

I shall rejoice on the Olumo Rock

I shall boast of this in my heart

That in a famous town

There live the Egbas

Chorus:

I shall rejoice, rejoice and rejoice

On the Olumo Rock

I shall rejoice, rejoice and rejoice

On the Olumo rock

On the right hand side is Prince F.A.B Adenekan; standing third left to him is his friend Alhaji Shamsudeen Alamu Olalekan Koleoso, the Chairman, Koleteck Nigeria Limited and Samkol Gardens, Idimu Lagos, who is also the Baaloro of Gbagura Land during Lion members’ excursion to Olumo Rock during 2017 District 404 B1 Mini Convention.

Evangelist Ebenezer Obey (Juju Music) -Egba

(ORIKI EGBA) MEANING (EGBA PRAISE POETRY)

Egba mo’lisabi

Omo agbongbo akala

Omo erin j’ogun ola

Omo osi’lekun pa’lekun de

Aridi ogo l’oju Ogun

Baba t’emi la royin ogun baara fagbe

Omo eni dudu ko si nile, pupa t’owa n’le ko mo’bese

Egba ara ake majo

Omo majojo lofa, jojo lofa kunkun din jeni

Omo ajo gberu majo gbeko

Eru ni nsini eko ki n si ni’yan

Egba omo oru la nse’ka

Eni se’ka lo’san o ni f’ara re lo

Omo at’eni wijo wiijo wijo ti e ma a gbon le terere

Egba meji ko le j’ara won liyan, bi’kan ba’nwi baisi, ekeji ama wipe ba’wa

Ko s’ohun ti won n se ni mecca

T’awa ki i se L’egba Alake

Won n mumi semi semi ni Mecca

Awa n mumi Odo Ogun l’egba Alake

Won n g’Arafa ni Mecca

Awa n g’ori Olumo l’egba tiwa

Won bimi L’ake

Mo gbo l’enu bi jeje

Edumare jowo bawa da Ilu Egba sioooooooooo!!!

YORUBA TRADITIONAL POETIC PRAYERS FOR PRINCE ALAO ADENEKAN

(Adan n keee, alaro eyeee; adan n kee ooo, alaro eyeee; iku o kan miii, l’eye adan n kee) English meaning (Death does not befall me was what bat, the hanging bird, was singing)3-times.

Yoruba Language: (Aigbo iku oko, gbigbo ni oko gbo) English meaning (Hoe does not die not until it grows old)

(Iku o kan mi ni adan alaro eye nke) English meaning (Death does not befall me was what bat, the hanging bird, was singing)

(Aigbo iku ile, sisa ni ile sa) English meaning (Soil does not die not until it fades)

 (Iku o kan mi ni adan alaro eye nke) English meaning (Death does not befall me was what bat, the hanging bird, was singing)

(Aigbo iku aso, gbigbo ni aso gbo) English meaning (Garment does not die not until it fades)

(Iku o kan mi ni adan alaro eye nke) English meaning (Death does not befall me was what bat, the hanging bird, was singing)

(Aburu kan ko ni se yin) English meaning (No evil shall befall you)

(Iku o kan mi ni adan alaro eye nke) English meaning (Death does not befall me was what bat, the hanging bird, was singing)

(Ogun odun leni, gboin gboin oke, oke gboin gboin) English meaning (Twenty years to come, you will remain standing like a mountain)

(Iku o kan mi ni adan alaro eye nke) English meaning (Death does not befall me was what bat, the hanging bird, was singing)

(Ogorun odun leni, gboin gboin oke, oke gboin gboin) English meaning (One hundred years to come, you will remain standing like a mountain)

(Iku o kan mi ni adan alaro eye nke) English meaning (Death does not befall me was what bat, the hanging bird, was singing)

(Egberun odun leni, gboin gboin oke, oke gboin gboin) English meaning (One thousand years to come, will remain standing like a mountain)

(Iku o kan mi ni adan alaro eye nke) English meaning (Death does not befall me was what bat, the hanging bird, was singing)

(Nitori Akalamagbo ko ni s’alai lo egberun odun laye) English meaning (Because vulture don’t die not until it spends 1000 years on earth)

(Iku o kan mi ni adan alaro eye nke) English meaning (Death does not befall me was what bat, the hanging bird, was singing)

(Gunnugun ki ku lewe) English meaning (Vulture does not die young) – May you live long

(Iku o kan mi ni adan alaro eye nke) English meaning (Death does not befall me was what bat, the hanging bird, was singing)

Akalamagbo koni s’alai lo egberun odun laye (Vulture don’t die until it has spent 1000 years on earth)

(Iku o kan mi ni adan alaro eye nke) English meaning (Death does not befall me was what bat, the hanging bird, was singing)

May the God Almighty reward you and my mum’s parental deeds and efforts showered on me and siblings in manifolds in this life and hereafter amin.

Alhaji Yusufu Olatunji a.k.a (Baba Legba) Sakara Music –  Itoko Area

YORUBA TRADITION SONG FOR THE ROYALTIES

Alao Adenekan, (Sekere ni Oba n jo, Alao dide, ki ojo sekere, sekere ni Oba njo) English meaning (It is a drum made from calabash netted with stringe and cowries-‘Sekere’  that king dances to, Alao stand up on your feet and dance to the sound of ‘Sekere’.

(Alao dide, ki ojo sekere, sekere ni Oba njo) English meaning (Alao stand up on your feet and dance to the sound of ‘Sekere’ because it is Sekere that King dances to).

(Alao dide, ki ojo sekere, sekere ni Oba njo) English meaning (Alao stand up on your feet and dance to the sound of ‘Sekere’ because it is Sekere that King dances to).

ADVICE

Yoruba Language [Mi o to yin gba ni imoran o, sugbon eyin baba wa na ni e so wipe] English meaning [I am too young to advice you but It is you our Yoruba elders that say]

{Bi agba ba de bayi, ise ni aa  ye ogun ja] English meaning [As one becomes elderly, it is necessary and instructive to tread softly in all endeavours with increased patience and peaceful relationship with mankind].

ISLAMIC PRAYER

The Holy Quran, Surah al-Baqarah (The Cow) Chapter 2, Verse 255- Ayatul Kursi

Bismillahi’r Rahmani’r Raheem

Allahu la ilaha illa Huwa, Al-Haiyul-Qaiyum La ta’khudhuhu sinatun wa la nawm, lahu ma fis-samawati wa ma fil-‘ard Man dhal-ladhi yashfa’u ‘indahu illa bi-idhnihi Ya’lamu ma baina aidihim wa ma khalfahum, wa la yuhituna bi shai’im-min ‘ilmihi illa bima sha’a Wasi’a kursiyuhus-samawati wal ard, wa la ya’uduhu hifdhuhuma Wa Huwal ‘Aliyul-Adheem

English meaning

I commence in the name of Almighty Allah

Allah! There is no god but He – the Living, The Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him Nor Sleep. His are all things In the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede In His presence except As he permitteth? He knoweth What (appeareth to His creatures As) Before or After or Behind them. Nor shall they encompass Aught of his knowledge Except as He willeth. His throne doth extend over the heavens And on earth, and He feeleth No fatigue in guarding And preserving them, For He is the Most High. The Supreme (in glory).

(Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwwata Il-la Bil-laah) English meaning (There is neither might nor power except with Allah)

(Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwwata Il-la Bil-laah) English meaning (There is neither might nor power except with Allah)

(Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwwata Il-la Bil-laah) English meaning (There is neither might nor power except with Allah)

(Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwwata Il-la Bil-laah) English meaning (There is neither might nor power except with Allah)

(Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwwata Il-la Bil-laah) English meaning (There is neither might nor power except with Allah)

(Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwwata Il-la Bil-laah) English meaning (There is neither might nor power except with Allah)

(Laa Hawla Wa Laa Quwwata Il-la Bil-laah) English meaning (There is neither might nor power except with Allah)

(Alhamdu lillahiq Rabbil ‘alamin) English meaning (Special Praise be to Allah, the Sustainer of the creation)

HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY TO PRINCE F.A.B ADENEKAN, WISHING YOU LONG LIFE AND PROSPERITY.

EGBA AND NIGERIA SHALL BE GREAT

May God Guide Our Leaders Right

Sulaiman Adenekan, B.Sc (Hons) Bus Admin, MBA Marketing, MNIMN, arpa

A Strategist/ Publisher

TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

The post A descendant of Alake Onika-mogu: Egba-born F.R.S.C Chieftain Alhaji Alao Adenekan clocks 70 years princely appeared first on Trade Newswire.

 
YUSUF OLATUNJI (BABA LEGBA) OBA EGBA & OLOYE EGBA

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): Greetings from Egbas to our beloved king- Alake of Egbaland– Yoruba language: ( Ilẹ wọọọọọ!!! idobale la n ki oba, mo si fila fun Oba alade, Kaaaaabiyesiooooo!!!) English meaning (Full prostration demonstrated!!! You greet the king by prostrating to him, I remove my cap as a mark of honour for a crowned king, Your Highness!!!), TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

Greetings from women to the king– Yoruba language: (Kaaaaabiyesiooooo!!! Mo yirika otun, moyirika osi) English meaning (Your Highness) !!!, I honourably roll to the right and honourably roll to the left to greet you).

Yoruba language: (Kabiyesi wa n daun wipe ‘Oba n ki e’) English meaning (The king responded to greetings from his subject by saying ‘the king is greeting you in return’).

All for the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV.

Eyin aponle fun oriade: Yoruba language:(Ki ade pe l’ori, ki bata pe l’ese, ki ase pe l’enu, ki irukere d’okini, ki e gboo, ki e too, ki emi ola yin o gun ni ori ite awon baba wa, ase waa!!!)

Royal praise to the king: English meaning (May you live to wear the royal crown for long, may you put on the royal shoes for long, may you have multiple of horse tails in the palace because it is easier to have plenty of needles due to its tiny nature, may you grow old, may you have good health, may your reign be long on the thrown of our forefathers, so shall it be as prayed).

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, royally clocks 75 years on 14 September, 2018, serving humanity.

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV.

From L-R: Conscience of Democracy and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR; and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, at the Aso Villa, in Abuja.

Yoruba language: (Kabiyesi , Oba wa Alake gbogbo ile Egba, Oba Aremu Gbadebo; ti oba ni ase; Oluwa ni o fi oro si yin l’enu l’ori gbogbo Ile Egba ni apapo lati Ake, Oke-Ona Egba, Gbagura, Owu ti ti de Ibara, ti Oba Dr. Jacob Olufemi Omolade (Lafa II) n da ri;  eyin l’eni oro; e ma so loo).

English meaning (Your Highness, our dear King, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo, to give order for implementation is yours; the Almighty God has given you the power to have the final say on issues on the entire Egbaland kingdom from Ake to Oke-Ona Egba, Gbagura, Owu to Ibara that is headed by Oba Dr Jacob Olufemi Omolade (Lafa II); Alake continue to talk, as God Almighty has given you the power to do so).

Yoruba language (Kabiyesi Oba wa Aremu Gbadebo, mi o to yin pe ni oruko o, enu mi ago! Heeen!!! Mi o to be! E ma so wipe mo ba yin l’oye, mo pe yin ni oruko, e fi ori jin mi o, Sugbon, oruko ni won fi n pe Oba alade, mo juba oriade gbogbo Egba oo)

English meaning (Your Highness, our dear King Aremu Gbadebo, your royalty will not permit me to disrespectfully call you by name, I would not want to commit such a mouthly  blunder, I am not capable of doing that, however, I wouldn’t want you to see it as an affront to your royal thrown if I still went ahead to call you by your name because a crowned king is called by his name, by so doing, it’s not an act of disrespect, but a traditional sign of honour to the king, I hereby show a mark of reverence and honor to the royal crown of the entire Egba kingdom).

AN ILLUSTRIOUS SON OF EGBA, LATE CHIEF M.K.O ABIOLA GCFR SANG THE PRAISES OF EGBALAND-ABEOKUTA

From L-R:Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibajo; and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV.

Yoruba language: (Kabiyesi Oba wa Aremu Gbadebo, ile ni mo wa, mi o to oju yin wo, nitori, eni ba rin Oba fin ni Oba n pa, eni ba de fi oju di Oba, awowo a wo) English meaning (Your Highness, our dear King Aremu Gbadebo, I am prostrating, I can never disrespect you, because it is the person who disrespects the king that his ordered to be killed, anybody that disrespects the king will be punished).

The wife of Oba Gbadebo, Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo (nee Alawiye) and his children, honours Alake of Egbaland, her husband at 75, by paying homage to him, as she and the children wish him long life and prosperity on the thrown of his forefathers.

THE MUSLIM UMMAH OF EGBALAND- Muslim The Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Liadi Orunsolu at the middle, flanked on the right handside by ; the Pride and Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; and The Baba Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaji Sarafa Ishola; flanked on the left hand side by The former Military Administrator of Bauchi State, Navy Captain Rasheed Raji (rtd), and other Muslim faithful, at the Muslim praying ground, at the Muslim praying ground, Lantoro, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, August 21,2018 in commemoration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration. PHOTO CREDIT: The Ogun State Government, Rotimi Durojaiye

THE MUSLIM UMMAH OF EGBALAND – The Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Prof. Musa Olomu; The Ogun State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Afolabi Afuape; The Baba Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaji Sarafa Ishola; the Pride and Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; The former Military Administrator of Bauchi State, Navy Captain Rasheed Raji (rtd); The Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Governor’s Office, Alhaji Bisi Osolase; and the Ogun State Police Commissioner, Ahmed Iliyasu, at the Muslim praying ground, Lantoro, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, August 21,2018 in commemoration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration. PHOTO CREDIT: The Ogun State Government, Rotimi Durojaiye

THE MUSLIM UMMAH OF EGBALAND – From L-R: The Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Governor’s Office, Alhaji Bisi Osolase; The Pride and Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; The Ogun State Police Commissioner, Ahmed Iliyasu; The Baba Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaji Sarafa Ishola; and the Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Adedayo Adeneye, and other Muslim faithful, at the Muslim praying ground, at the Muslim praying ground, Lantoro, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, August 21,2018 in commemoration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration. PHOTO CREDIT: The Ogun State Government, Rotimi Durojaiye

ROYAL GREETINGS FROM MEMBERS OF THE EGBA CHIEFTAINCY INSTITUTION TO THE ALAKE OF EGBALAND, OBA GADEBO ON HIS 75 YEARS BIRTHDAY

1, The Oluwo of Egbaland: Oluwo agbagba gorogoro, anikan je owun ekun, Oluwo anikan f’omi eran la, Oluwo a je eyi ju, a se eyi ju, Oluwo a ni nkan meji, bi Ajanaku a lo ikan gbe ikan ti.

2, The Lisa of Egbaland: Lisa Bara ogo, ogo a rulu ma fi ori kan

3, The Odofin of Egbaland: Odofin a r’owo bus’oye, a da’so le d’oye

4, The Aro of Egbaland: Aro ogesi, a se bi oba, apakanija, oba gun oriara, Aro gun

Ori ara. Aro gun ori ara, Aro ati oba, ogbogba, Aro obako r’oye, Aro ti oko ilu was i ile.

5, The Bala of Egbaland: Bala agbe, Bala ebura

The Pride and Governor of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun, on tour of some ongoing projects across the state in company of His Royal Highness, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV., as Alake expressed satisfaction with development across the state. PHOTO CREDIT: The Ogun State Government, Eshomomoh Esh.

From L.R: The Pride and Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV.

6, The Apena of Egbaland: Apena ola a ko owo olowo pamo, olopo egbinrin, a fi koko gbe lojo, oko lehin ebebe, a fi oko koko kanrin ni ita ogbon.

7, The Olori Parakoyi of Egbaland: Olori igan banba oyin, olori kimi adugbo

8, The Balogun of Egbaland: Balogun dodo ndawa, a digbe matu, balogun ijanu aiye

9, The Otun of Egbaland: Otun ajagajigi, yagbo yaju, otun elegbeje ijanu

10, The Osi of Egbaland: Osi arowolo bi agba, osi jagunjagun bi abuke

ALAKE OF EGBALAND, OBA ADEDOTUN GBADEBO IN U.S, COUNSELS NIGERIANS – OGTV

The Palace of Alake of Egbaland

11, The Ekerin of Egbaland: Ekerin atol’oye, ekerin agba oye

12, The Seriki of Egbaland: Seriki mayaki, seriki kukute ko mira eniti oba mi kukute ara re lo mi

13, The Asipa of Egbaland: Asipa agboroun

14, The Akogun of Egbaland: kogun apaye, edan baba rin

15, The Aare of Egbaland: Aare oba kakanfo, oja ile oni’le bo tire mo’le. Aare apatafiri, oloku ayan, je ebo ko da, je omo o jire oja, Aare lo si atan o mu adie bo,  eledie n lo’gun, Aare n lo’ta, Aare ko ji adie, ki  owi? N se ni adie sa gba oko Aare.

16, The Asiwaju of Egbaland: Asiwaju, la ilu sa.

17, The Oganla of Egbaland: Oganla a risile gbodi, a to fi ise ogun ran

18, The Bada of Egbaland: Bada barawu, o tori oka ba’raje, o tori ounje lu iyawo re pa, O ra omo l’ese bi amala.

19, The Ogboye of Egbaland: A ri’pa ogun ma sa

20, The Sarunmi of Egbaland: Sarunmi olowe, ase’ru b’ote.

Other Chiefs also extend their royal greetings to the Alaka of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo.

The Pride and Governor of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun, on tour of some ongoing projects across the state in company of His the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV., as Alake expressed satisfaction with development across the state. PHOTO CREDIT: The Ogun State Government, Eshomomoh Esh.

From L-R: Former Deputy Governor, (Operation) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Tunde Lemo; Former Head of Interim National Government, Earnest Sonekan; Former President OF Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; the then Agura of Gbagura, Late Oba (Dr.) Halidu Olaloko (May his soul rest in peace amin); The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; The Pride and Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; the Osile of Oke Ona, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Tejuoso; and the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Dr.) Adegboyega Dosunmu after a meeting at the Government House in Abeokuta.

GREETINGS FROM OBAS IN OTHER DIVISIONS OF EGBALAND TO ALAKE OF EGBALAND, OBA GBADEBO

1, Oke Ona-The Osile of Okeona, Egba, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso

2, Gbagura- The Agura of Gbagura, ————————————————————–

3, Owu-The Olowu of Owu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu

ROYAL PRAISE FOR THE ALAKE AND PARAMOUNT RULER OF EGBALAND, OBA ADEDOTUN AREMU GBADEBO-YORUBA LANGUAGE

Egba ti ri oba gbo’ojule

Egba ti ri oba f’eyinti

Adedotun Aremu

Omo Gbadebo l’oba wa

Ade a pe l’ori

Bata a pe l’ese

Omo Laarun Abeloku

Okukenu kerin

Kabiyesi Oba wa

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV. Gbadebo flanked in the middle by former governor of Ogun state, the Akinrogun of Egbaland Aremo Segun Osoba ; Business mogul, Chief Tunde Abudu ; and the Oluwo of Iporo Ake and Seriki Jagunmolu of Egbaland, Chief Alani Bankole at the launch of the book, titled ‘Alake of Egbaland: The succession Dynamics’.

APALA MAESTRO, AYINLA OMOWURA- ILE AKOKO NI WON N GBEDO

Settlements around Olumo Rock, Abeokuta in the olden days

ABOUT THE STOOL OF ALAKE, KING OF EGBALAND, A DESCENDANT OF OODUA

Alake named (Ajalake) is one of the six sons of the seven children begotten to ‘Oduduwa’, father of the Yoruba race by ‘Omonide’ English meaning (Child is Brass), mother of the Yoruba race, who was highly cherished and loved by Oduduwa, who came from Mecca in Saudi Arabia to Ile Ife.

Some historians on the other hand said that Alake was born by Alaketu, who was among the sons born by Oodua and Omonide, thereby making Alake to be a grandson of Oodua.

In view of this, Alaketu and Alake with their mother Omonide, however, migrated from Ife to settle in Ketu now located in (Republic of Benin) and from there Alake along with his ‘mother’ or probably his ‘grandmother’ Omonide migrated to settle in Egba forest where Omonide, mother of the Yorubas died and was buried.

The reason Omonide chosed to migrate with Alake to Orile Ake- Egba forest could not be ascertained, whether it was for special maternal love as a mother to Alake or grandson.

Omonide, while migrating with Alake to Egba forest took along a native jar or pot of medicine (Ikoko awemo) from which her children were fed while in infancy, and the jar is still in Ake.

Note that while the father and progenitor of Yorubas, Oduduwa was buried in Ife; the mother of Yorubas, Omonide was buried in Orile Ake, Egba.

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV.

R-L: The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, flanked to the right by his wife-Olori; His Royal Majesty, the late Ooni of Ife Oba Okunade Sijuwade, flanked to the right by his wife-Olori.

It should be noted that the Oyo King, was the last son of Oodua, and became very powerful owing to inheritances of his brothers he begot and his forceful continuous collection of tributes from his nephews who were kings across the Yoruba land.

This oppression by the Oyo king, made the Egbas to fight in a war led by Lisabi, an Egba son, for their liberation from the Oyo king, as victory recorded in the war earned Lisabi the title of ‘Father of all Egba people’, as Egbas till date call themselves (Omo Lisiabi) English meaning (The Child of Lisabi).

In the olden days, as a matter of tradition, every new Oloyo must to send things of sacrifice to Alake in Egba to make sacrifices for their mother, Omonide, mother of the Yorubas, who was buried in Orile Ake.

Things of sacrifice that was usually sent by every newly crowned Oyo king then to Alake were two male and female slaves, oxen, sheep, beads, clothes, and many valuables to invoke the spirit of Omonide, the ancestral mother of the Yorubas.

The Pride and Governor of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun, on tour of some ongoing projects across the state in company of His Royal Highness, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV., as Alake expressed satisfaction with development across the state. PHOTO CREDIT: The Ogun State Government, Eshomomoh Esh.

From L-R: His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; HRM, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; HRM, The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; HRM, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and other dignitaries during the 10th Bola Tinubu Colloquium to commemorate the 66th Birthday celebration of Asiwaju Tinubu at the Eko Hotel and Towers, Victoria Island, on Thursday in Lagos.

HISTORICAL FACT ABOUT EGBA AND ITS PEOPLE

The Egba people are a subgroup of the Yoruba people, an ethnic group of western Nigeria, majorly from the central part of Ogun State that is Ogun central senatorial district, according to Wikipedia.

Ogun Central Senatorial district comprises of 6 local governments in Ogun state which includes Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi Owode and Odeda Local governments.

The Egba group originally under the Oyo Empire became independent following the spectacular collapse of Oyo in the first half of the 19th century. Wars with the Dahomey, in which the Egbas were successful partly due to the protection afforded by the Olumo Rock, led to the founding of the city of Abeokuta, which literally means “under the rock”.

It should be noted that the original town and settlement of the Egba nation was under and around Olumo rock, which is in Ikija/Ikereku area of the Egba Oke Ona. The Jagunna of Itoko, is the Chief Priest of Olumo. The area in Ikija, which is Oke Ona, is only an amusement park created as an entrance to the park.

From L-R: His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV.

L-R Wife of Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Folake; Prof Soyinka, the Pride and Governor of Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV.;HRM, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi and Anambra State Commissioner for Art Works, Tourism and Diaspora, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, during the closing ceremony of the African Drum Festival in Abeokuta.

The entire Olumo Rock is in the territory of, and under the control of the Itokos. Another reference name for Abeokuta by the founding fathers is Oko Adagba (Adagba’s Farm or Bush) in reference to the hunter that founded / discovered Olumo rock.

Adagba went hunting in search of game animal / food from the Obantoko township where his fellow Itoko citizens were stationed while wandering for a settlement.

Egbaland was not only where Henry Townsend lived but also boasted of being the home of the first newspaper in Nigeria (“Iwe Irohin”). Its people serve as the first of the many Nigerian nations (until recently, the only of them) to have had an anthem.

In 1832, Abeokuta was involved in war with the people of Ijebu Remo, and in 1834 with the Ibadan people. Sporadic fighting continued with the people of Ota (1842), Ado (1844), Ibarapa (1849), Dahomey (1851), Ijebu-Ere (1851), Ijaye (1860–1862) and the Makun War of 1862–1864.

On 18 January 1893, a treaty was signed with the governor and commander-in-chief of the British Lagos Colony for the purpose of trade; the British recognized Egbaland as an independent state. In 1898, the Egba United Government was formed.

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV.

From L-R: The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV; his wife, Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo (nee Alawiye).

In 1904, an agreement was made where the British assumed jurisdiction in certain legal cases, and in the same year, the Alake Gbadebo paid a state visit to England.

Over the following years, the British steadily assumed more responsibility for administration while continuing to formally recognize the Egba state. In 1914, the kingdom was incorporated into the newly amalgamated British Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

In 1949, as a result of agitation by the women’s rights leader Chief Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, the Alake Ladapo Ademola was forced to abdicate. He later returned to the throne.

The Egba nation is made up of the following sub-divisions – the Ake, Oke Ona, Gbagura and Owu each with its own king (historically, the Egba nation is made up of four divisions; Ibara, though geographically located in Abeokuta, is part of Yewaland).

During colonial rule the British recognised the Alake (or King of Ake) as the paramount ruler of the whole clan and their territory, and so, his successor is referred to as the Alake of Egbaland now.

The Egba Alake section is seen by traditionalists as Abeokuta’s aristocracy due to the fact that its principal noblemen, the Omo-Iya-Marun, serve as the kingmakers of the Alake, who himself must also come from this section.

The titles of the kings of the aforementioned sub-divisions are therefore Alake of Egbaland, Oshile of Oke Ona, Agura of Gbagura, and Olowu of Owu in order of settlement and seniority in Egba nation (the Olubara is not an Egba king; he is a Yewa king although his domain is located geographically within the present day Abeokuta), Wikipedia.

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV.

From L-R: Egba Chiefs- The Seriki of EgbaLand, Chief Tosin Fadare; The Asipa of Egbaland, Chief Adio Shonekan; The Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Alaba Lawson; An Egba son and former Military Administrator of Bauchi/ Sokoto State, Navy Captain Rasheed Adisa Raji; and the Bantu of Egbaland, Chief Kehinde Sofenwa.

ABOUT OBA GBADEBO

Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, born on 14 September 1943, is the current Alake of Egba, a clan in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He has ruled since 2 August 2005 to date.

Parent

The father of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, was Prince Adesanya Osolake Gbadebo, who lived between 1911 and 2003, while his mother, late Madam Anike Gbadebo, a native of Ikopa, was born in Abeokuta in 1922 and died in 1985.

Early life

Gbadebo was born on 14 September 1943, into the Laarun Ruling House. He is a grandson of the sixth Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo, who ruled from 1898 to 1920, and is a nephew of Oba Gbadebo II.

Gbadebo attended the Baptist Boys’ High School in Abeokuta and Ibadan Grammar School, then went on to University of Ibadan in 1965, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969. He joined the army in 1969, and attended the Command and Staff College, Jaji from September 1978 to August 1979.

He eventually became a Principal Staff Officer to Major-General Tunde Idiagbon, the Chief of Staff at the Supreme Headquarters, Dodan Barracks, from January 1984 to September 1985. He retired from the army as a Colonel.

Election

Gbadebo’s election as Alake in August 2005 ended a six-month period of uncertainty about who would succeed the former Alake, Oba Oyebade Lipede, who died on 3 February 2005. He scored 15 out of 23 votes in an election conducted by the Egba kingmakers, defeating eight competitors including his younger brother, Adeleke.

Dispute

In April 2010, a dispute between Gbadebo and the Olu of Igbein, Oba Festus Oluwole Makinde, was taken to the High Court of Ogun State, Abeokuta Judicial Division, Ogun State, Nigeria. The Olu of Igbein was contesting an attempt by the Alake to change his title from Olu of Igbein to Olu of Mowe, a change which would affect his rights to use certain traditional symbols including the Igbein stool.

Business life

Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, is the Chaierman and Chief Executive Officer of Dot Holdings Limited; Adegal Construction Company; First Dolphin Travels and Tours Limited; Global Haulage Resources; and  Director, Ocean and Oil Service Limited (Core Investors of Unipetrol Plc).

Marital life

Oba GBadebo got married to (Dr.) Mrs. Tokunbo Gbadebo (nee Ogunjo) in 1971. Dr. Tokunbo is the daughter of late Pa J.F Odunjo, the popular Yoruba novelist (Alawiye) and the Asiwaju of Egbaland, while her mother was late Chief (Mrs.) E.O Odunjo, the Iyalode of Ibarapa. Oba Gbadebo’s marriage to Dr. Tokunbo is blessed with four successful sons.

Egba sons: Former Judge of the International Court of Justice, Attorney General and the Minister of Justice of Nigeria, Prince Bola Ajibola, in a warm handshake with the Pride and Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, FCA, as Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka looks on at an event.

EVANGELIST EBENEZER OBEY (JUJU MUSIC) –EGBA

PAST AND PRESENT ALAKEs IN EGBALAND

The Following Alakes Reigned at the Homestead i.e Egba Forest/ Orile Ake before 1829 when the Egbas finally settled in Abeokuta

1, Oba Ajalake

2, Oba Arokonu

3, Oba ofi tete na obinrin

4, Oba a fi egungn tanna

5, Oba Oyigidi lu ote

6, Oba Akufunwon dari ile

7, Oba Oliyanarowo;

8, Oba Agbarin-mo’gi

9, Oba Lupo’mosu-leka

10, Oba Laro d’agbabi Oba Ejeun

11, Oba m’jawa, m’epo osi

12, Oba Larun abenoku-asolagege

13, Oba Lelu eringin-efinikan-af’owo seso

14, Oba Abara Onika-mogu

15, Oba Ose-rinro gbe’edun

16, Oba Alake gbogan abatimo

17,Oba Osifuwatan ara-igbeti ibi oye nruko

18, Oba gbongbo –bi-irin-atesiwaju agija

19, Oba Jibodu Oluyemo Asaramapa, erin-jogun-ola

20, Oba Okikilu, Agunl’oye-bi-oyinbo

SULAIMAN AYILARA AREMU A.K.A (AJOBIEWE) PRAISE POETRY SINGER -ORIKI EGBA

RULERS OF EGBA AND ALAKE OF EGBALAND FROM 1829 TILL DATE

Shodeke from 1829 to 1845

Shomoye -Regent (1st time) from 1845 to 1846

Sagbua Okukenu -Regent from 1846 to 1854

Okukenu (Sagbua Okukenu) of Laarun Ruling House, First Alake -from 8, Aug 1854 to 1862

Shomoye -Regent (2nd time) from 1862 to 1868

Ademola I of Jibodu Ruling House – from 28, Nov 1869 to 20, Dec 1877

Oyekan (d. 1881) of Jibodu Ruling House- from Jan 1879 to 15, Sep 1881

Oluwajin of Jibodu Ruling House -from 9, Feb 1885 to 27, Jan 1889

Oshokalu of Jibodu Ruling House -from 18, Sep 1891to 11, Jun 1898

Gbadebo I (1854–1920) of Laarun Ruling House -from 8, Aug 1898 to 28, May 1920

Ladapo Samuel Ademola II (1872–1962) (in exile 1948 – 3 Dec 1950) of Jibodu Ruling -from 27, Sep 1920 to 27, Dec 1962

Adeshina Samuel Gbadebo II (1908–1971) of Laarun Ruling House- from 29, Sep 1963 to 26, Oct 1971

Samuel Oyebade Mofolorunsho Lipede (1915–2005) of Jibodu Ruling House- from 5, Aug 1972 to 3, Feb 2005

Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III (Birth Year 1943) of Laarun Ruling House- from 24, Aug 2005- (The incumbent Alake of Egbaland)

From L-R: His Royal Majesty, the Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Adetona; The Governor and Pride of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, CON, FCA; and HRM, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

RULING HOUSES THAT CAN OCCUPY THE STOOL OF ALAKE OFEGBALAND

The Alake stool can only be occupied by two ruling houses which incorporated almost all the ruling houses of the 20 Alakes that reigned at the Homestead, Egba forest before 1829 when Seriki Sodeke of Iporo finally took the Egbas to settle in Abeokuta. The two ruling houses are:

1, Larun Ruling house- in which Oba Adedotun Aremu belongs and he is a descendant of the 12^th of the 20 Alakes that reigned in the Egba forest named Oba Larun abenoku-asolagege

2, Jibodu ruling house

ADMINISTRATIVE SECTIONAL DIVISIONS OF EGBALAND, ABEOKUTA

1, Ake

2, Oke Ona- (His Royal Majesty) The Osile of Okeona, Egba

3, Gbagura- (His Royal Majesty) The Agura of Gbagura

4, Owu- (His Royal Majesty) The Olowu of Owu

APALA MAESTRO, AYINLA OMOWURA – AWA KI SE OLODI WON

The Are Ago of Egbaland and National Leader of the Governing Party, the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Tinubu’s wife, the Erelu Are Ago of Egbaland Ereleu, Senator Remi Tinubu; The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV; Alake’s wife, Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo (nee Alawiye); The Pride and Governor of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun; Amosun’s wife, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun; The Federal Minister of Power, Works and Housing and former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN during the conferment of the chieftaincy title of Are Ago of Egbaland on Tinubu at Alake Palace in Abeokuta.

ORIKI IDILE LAARUN- PRAISE POETRY OF LAARUN FAMILY- THE ROYAL FAMILY LINEAGE OF THE ALAKE AND PARAMOUNT RULER OF EGBALAND, OBA ADEDOTUN AREMU GBADEBO

Ara Ake majo, Majo meji

Omo ajogb’eru, majo gb’eko

Eru ni I sin ni, eko kii sin eniyan

Omo lekeleke, ile iya re

Ase bi ondo’ko, afi’rin agbere l’ese

Iya o do’ko ri, ise re ni

Omo rore, omo mot’ayo

Omo ari’lu jo, omo keruwu jigi

Alabaja segi, omo Okukenu

Ajanaku se’nu madumadu

Erin ayo bi eni a nnu

Omo olokamerindilogun, omo elere-mefa

Eyi f’ori k’ori, eyi s’orun ara won gidi-gan

L’Akemeji, omo gba n’legbedu

Gbadebo omo Efunwunmi Kerewu jigin, abaja s’egi abaja

Ni idubu omo Okukenu

Omo ar’ojo j’oye, oba ade’le teji

An illustrious son of Egbaland, late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, GCFR, an highly influential and world-renowned multi-billionaire business tycoon late, who won the June 12, 1993 Presidential election held in Nigeria.

An illustrious son of Egbaland, Alhaji Dr. Abdu-Lateef Oladimeji Adegbite, former Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and Attorney General of the Western Region of Nigeria

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV; flanked on the right hand side by the Former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Nigeria, Sabur Oladimeji Bankole; flanked on the left hand side by the Egba chiefs.

Omo Banfoku ayegi, omo aranse, omo alagbayoi

Iya mi dara ni idi ate, omo orore, omo olanyo, omo motayo

Omo lika, Itoku, Oloja obirin, a fi eru wewe re omo

Lika ko bi’mo pupo, obi ogojo, eru kari omo re li kan kan

Eni ti ifa reti re li ikereku

Omo ate’ku ma te t’oropo

Omo a fi oku kan gbongbon

Omo ojowu birin, o nikan ka eree nitori ki orogun re ma t’ese bo’ko

Ewusu mi awo, Oso gbein m’ekun, a ki I fe omo elekun ki ekun pa ni je

Omo ajowu ajibgera, omo apahin keke ki o to m’emu

Oba Larun a benoku a s’ola gege

Ara Ake majo,

Omo ososo fi’di t’Egba

Ogbegbe f’ara Erunwon

Egba sons- L-R: Former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Nigeria, Sabur Oladimeji Bankole; and Alhaji Abdul-Lateef Kolawole Abiola, the first son of Late Chief M.K.O Abiola, GCFR winner of the 1993 June 12 Presidential election

The late King of Afro beat, Fela Anikulapo Kuti; with his mother, a teacher, political campaigner, women’s rights activist and traditional aristocrat in Nigeria, Late Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, MON

Omo a san ma set’oroki

Afi oruko yo Onitesi lenu Kabiyesi

Eepa! Eepa! Eepa!

Omo oba kabiyesi le

Ekun se wuru, o sa fuju won ni igede a bi di kuru a ye e

O sawo a fi di eye olotito aye

Yerolu o boluaye e, Yerosin a b’osin aye e

Esuru godogodo ko wa b’okukenu l’orun omo Moye olotito aye

Ore Oniru, ore Agura aye e, Ore Olowu aboji omo lehin, Ore ara Iporo

Agogo ara Moko olotito aye

Kabiyesi o

Dabirikada oko Seliya

The Pride and Governor of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun, on tour of some ongoing projects across the state in company of His Royal Highness, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV., as Alake expressed satisfaction with development across the state. PHOTO CREDIT: The Ogun State Government, Eshomomoh Esh.

Modern look of Olumo Rock Tourist center in Abeokuta

EGBA ANTHEM (ORIN IYIN) YORUBA LANGUAGE

1, L’ori oke ati petele

N’be lagbe bi mi si o

Ni be lagbe to mi dagba o

Ile ominira

Emi o f’Abeokuta sogo

N’o duro lori Olumo

Mayo loruko Egba o

Emi omo Lisabi

Chorus:

Mayo, mayo mayo o

Lori Olumo

Mayo, mayo, mayo o

Lori Olumo

2, Abeokuta ilu Egba

N ko ni gbagbe re

N’o gbe o l’eke okan mi

Bi ilu odo oya

Emi o ma yo lori Olumo

Emi o s’ogo yi l’eke okan mi

Wi pe ilu olokiki o

Lawon Egba ngbe

Chorus:

Mayo, mayo mayo o

L’ori Olumo

Mayo, mayo, mayo o

L’ori Olumo

The Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Gbadebo I, (1892-1920 fifth from left) with his Chiefs and British colonial administrator. Picture taken in 1905

The Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Gbedegbo I, 1898 – 1920. Creator: Johnston, Harry Hamilton, Sir, 1858-1927- Photo credit: Britain across the seas: Africa; a history and description of the British Empire in Africa.

The Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ladapo Samuel Ademola II, at Trowbridge 1937.

EGBA ANTHEM –ENGLISH MEANING

1, On the hills and in the valley

There I was born

There I was bred and brought up

In an independent state

I shall be proud of Abeokuta

I shall stand on the Olumo Rock

And rejoice in the name of Egbaland

I, a descendant of Lisabi

Chorus:

I shall rejoice, rejoice and rejoice

On the Olumo Rock

I shall rejoice, rejoice and rejoice

On the Olumo rock

2, Abeokuta, the land of the Egbas

I shall not forget thee

I shall put thee most in my heart

As a Nigeria town

I shall rejoice on the Olumo Rock

I shall boast of this in my heart

That in a famous town

There live the Egbas

Chorus:

I shall rejoice, rejoice and rejoice

On the Olumo Rock

I shall rejoice, rejoice and rejoice

On the Olumo rock

OGUN STATE ANTHEM (ISE YA) FEATURING MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT STARS THAT HAIL FROM OGUN 

The Pride and Governor of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun, on tour of some ongoing projects across the state in company of his Royal Highness, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebothe Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV., as Alake expressed satisfaction with development across the state. PHOTO CREDIT: The Ogun State Government, Eshomomoh Esh.

(ORIKI EGBA) MEANING (EGBA PRAISE POETRY)

Egba mo’lisabi

Omo agbongbo akala

Omo erin j’ogun ola

Omo osi’lekun pa’lekun de

Ari’di ogo l’oju Ogun

Baba t’emi la royin ogun baara f’agbe

Omo eni dudu ko si ni’le, pupa t’owa n’le ko mo obe se

Egba ara ake majo

Omo majojo l’ofa, jojo l’ofa kunkun din jeni

Omo ajo gbe’ru majo gbe’ko

Eru ni’n sin ni, eko ki n sin ni’yan

Egba omo oru la n se’ka

Eni se’ka lo’san o ni f’ara re lo

Omo at’eni wijo wiijo wijo ti e ma a gbon le terere

Egba meji ko le j’ara won liyan, bi’kan ba’nwi baisi, ekeji ama wipe ba’wa

Ko s’ohun ti won n se ni mecca

T’awa ki i se L’egba Alake

Won n mu’mi semi semi ni Mecca

Awa n mu’mi Odo Ogun l’egba Alake

Won n g’Arafa ni Mecca

Awa n g’ori Olumo l’egba ti wa

Won bi mi L’ake

Mo gbo l’enu bi jeje

Edumare jowo ba wa da Ilu Egba si oooooooooo!!!

Aerial view of Abeokuta from the Olumo Rock- Photo credit: TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

A Calabash beaded/ cowrie-weaved musical instrument’-‘Sekere’

YORUBA TRADITION SONG FOR THE ROYALTIES

Oba Gbadebo (Sekere ni Oba n jo, Oba Gbadebo dide, ki ojo sekere, sekere ni Oba njo) English meaning (It is a Calabash beaded/ cowrie-weaved musical instrument’-‘Sekere’  that king dances to, Oba Gbadebo stand up on your feet and dance to the sound of ‘Sekere’.

(Oba Gbadebo dide, ki ojo sekere, sekere ni Oba njo) English meaning (Oba Gbadebo stand up on your feet and dance to the sound of ‘Sekere’ because it is Sekere that King dances to).

(Oba Gbadebo dide, ki ojo sekere, sekere ni Oba njo) English meaning (Oba Gbadebo stand up on your feet and dance to the sound of ‘Sekere’ because it is Sekere that King dances to).

An illustrious son of Egbaland- Chief Akintola Williams, is the first African to qualify as a chartered accountant; and founding member and first president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

An illustrious son of Egbaland- Christopher Oluwole Rotimi is a retired Nigerian Army Brigadier General, diplomat and politician. He served during the Nigerian Civil War, and was the Governor of Western State while Nigeria was under military rule from 1971 – 1975. He the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States in 2007

An illustrious son of Egbaland- Late Chief Frederick Rotimi Alade Williams, QC, SAN, a prominent Nigerian lawyer, was the first Nigerian to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria

An illustrious son of Egbaland- Late Prince Adetokunbo Adegboyega Ademola, was the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1958 to 1972. Prince Ademola was a son of Oba Sir Ladapo Ademola II, the then Alake of the Egbaland. He is seeing in the picture standing by his father, the Late Oba Ademola.

An illustrious son of Egbaland- Late Simeon Olaosebikan Adebo, was a Nigerian administrator, lawyer and diplomat who served as a United Nations Under-Secretary General and the former head of the civil service in Nigeria’s old western region. He was appointed Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations in 1962.

An illustrious daughter of Egbaland- Late Oloye Bola Kuforiji-Olubi, was a Nigerian noblewoman, banker and federal Minister of Commerce in Nigeria.

An illustrious son of Egbaland- Late Saburi Oladeni Biobaku, was a Nigerian scholar, historian and politician. He was a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos and served as a pro-chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University.

An illustrious son of Egbaland- Late Chief George Sodeinde Sowemimo, SAN, CON, CON, GCFR was a Nigerian Jurist and former Chief Justice of Nigeria. Prior to becoming a Supreme Court judge,

An illustrious son of Egbaland- Late Chief Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi C.F.R, C.M.G. was a Nigerian gynaecologist and obstetrician. He was also Minister of Health in the Nigerian First Republic.

An illustrious son of Egbaland- Late Dr. Bekolari Ransome-Kuti was a Nigerian medical doctor known for his work as a human rights activist.

Late Joseph Folahan Odunjo, the father of Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo- wife of Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo, was a Nigerian writer, educator and politician best known for his works in Yoruba children’s literature, e. g Alawiye

Late Josiah Jesse Ransome-Kuti, father of late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was a Nigerian clergyman and music composer.He was the he first Nigerian to release a record album, as he was known for setting Christian hymns to indigenous music, and for writing Christian hymns in Yoruba

Madam Efunroye Tinubu (c. 1810 – 1887), named from birth as Efunporoye Osuntinubu,Tinubu was born in the Ojokodo forest area of Egbaland. was a politically significant figure in Nigerian history because of her role as a powerful female aristocrat and slave trader in pre-colonial and colonial Nigeria.She was a major figure in Lagos during the reigns of Obas Adele, Oluwole, Akitoye, and Dosunmu.Tinubu Square on Lagos Island, a place previously known as Independence Square, is named after her.

An illustrious son of Egbaland- Late Babatunde Akin-Olugbade, the Balogun of Owu and the Ekerin-Egba was a prominent lawyer, politician and businessman; and was a member of the House of Representatives between 1959 and 1966.The former Attorney-General and Justice Minister Prince Bola Ajibola, Chief Bayo Kehinde (SAN), and late Chief Adeniran Adepegba were among prominent lawyers that passed through Akin-Olugbade law chamber.

EGBA CULTURAL FOODS, SMALL CHOPS , FASHION-CLOTHING AND DIALECTICS

EGBA FOODS:

Bags of Mitros Ofada Rice planted and produced by the Ogun State Government

Ofada Rice: is an organically-planted and unpolished rice that is now being planted by the Government of the Ogun State, branded Miotros Ofada Rice, being a rice that is commonly eaten by the Egbas,

Ofada rice comes in its natural state with no chemical addition, and while cooking it, it is known for its special aroma and flavour. Ofada is an Egba food and it is sold in almost all the nooks and cranny of Egbaland. It is usually served in a leaf with specially fried/cooked stew on it so as to have the natural tasty and tantalising experience.

Cooked Ofada Rice with fried stew laden with varieties

Amala Lafun: is a fibrous powdery eatable substance made from cassava that is cooked into a swallow-able food. Amala lafun is usually eaten with either Obe eyo (Ewedu) or Gbure Oloboro (Plain waterleaf soup)

Obe Eyo or Ewedu: is generally known as a Ewedu leaf in Yoruba land but for better understanding, it is called  Achingbara in Igbo, Rama in Hausa or Jute leaves in English Language,

Amala lafun and Obe eyo (Ewedu)

Gbure Oloboro (Plain waterleaf soup) or (pade mi ni’gunpa) meet me at my elbow: is a plain vegetable waterleaf soup that is cooked without egusi but usually with dry fish like Eja agbodo (a bony fish sold by the Egun people) and other spicey ingredients. The soup is also called (Pade mi ni’gunpa) Englsih meaning (Meet me at the elbow) it is named so because of its watery nature, as the soup flows to one’s elbow while eating.

Aadun

SMALL CHOPS

Kokoro: It is a white-coloured roundly-shaped crunchy Egba snack made from corn meal and salt among other ingredients.

Aadun: is another small chop/ snack in Egba that is made with a combination of of dried maize or corn, salt, palm oil and dried pepper.

YORUBA LANGUAGE IN EGBA DIALECT

1, Egba dialect: Mo n la gbọn’sẹ

General Yoruba language: Mo fẹ lọ ya’gbe

Englsh meaning: I want to go and defecate

2, Egba dialect: Iya rẹ saa?

General Yoruba language: Iya ẹ da?

English meaning: Where is your mummy?

3, Egba dialect: Yun mi nuu!

General Yoruba language: Sọ mi si’lẹ!

English language: Leave me alone! or don’t disturb me!

4, Egba dialect: Jọọ rẹẹ

General Yoruba language: Fi si’lẹ fun

English language: Leave it for him or her

EGBA FASHION AND CLOTHING

Adire or Kampala (Tie and die): Adire is a dyed cloth commonly made by Egba women in Ogun State with the use of variety of resist-dyeing techniques. There is a market for Kampala in Itoku among other market places in Abeokuta for international trading opportunities.

Adire or Kampala (Tie and die)

EGBA TRADITIONAL SONGS

1,

Awa l’omo olumoo

Awa l’omo olumoo

Omo Egba e wo yaya

Awa l’omo olumoo

2nd

Awa l’omo olumoo

Awa l’omo olumoo

Omo Egba e wo yaya

Awa l’omo olumoo

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV

BIBLICAL PRAYERS/ PASSAGES FOR THE ALAKE OF EGBALAND, OBA GBADEBO

Deuteronomy 5:33 – Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and [that it may be] well with you, and [that] ye may prolong [your] days in the land which ye shall possess- Deuteronomy 5:33

Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known– Ecclesiastes 10:20

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God– Romans 13:1

Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king– 1 Peter 2:17

The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching- 1 Timothy 5:17

JUJU MAESTRO, CHIEF EBENEZER OBEY- OBA GBADEBO OKUKENU IV

THE ENTIRE EGBA SONS AND DAUGHTERS AT HOME AND ABROAD IN PARTICULAR; YORUBAS IN GENERAL; ALL THE KINGS IN EGBALAND AND OGUN STATE; THE PRIDE AND GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, SENATOR IBIKUNLE AMOSUN; AND ABOVE ALL THE CONSCIENCE OF DEMOCRACY AND PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, MUHAMADU BUHARI, GCFR.

The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Traditional Council, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV finally says all praise and honour belong to the Almighty God, the King of all kings.

EGBAS ARE ONE UNITED AND INDIVISIBLE FAMILY

EGBALAND AND NIGERIA SHALL BE GREAT

May God Guide Our Leaders Right

Sulaiman Adenekan, B.Sc (Hons) Bus Admin, MBA Marketing, MNIMN, arpa

A Strategist/ Publisher, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

A Cherie Blair Foundation Mentor

The post Kabiyesi ooo!!! The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV royally clocks 75 years serving humanity appeared first on Trade Newswire.

OSUN TRADITIONAL SONG – ISESE LAGBA

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): Yoruba language (Se’leru agbo, agbara agbo, l’osun fi n we omo re ki dokita o to de) English meaning is translated below, the Founding Chairman (Interim) The All Progressives’ Congress (APC) and former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, popularly called (‘Baba awon omo keke’- ‘Father of the little children’) tells the traditional story of Osun to Osun youth/ children being an Elder statesman, TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

-Yoruba language (Sẹ’l ẹru agbo) English meaning (A Stream of herbal medicine)

-Yoruba language (Agbara agbo) English meaning (A fast moving stream of herbal medicine)

-Yoruba language (l’ọsun fi n wẹ ọmọ rẹ) English meaning (It is this stream of herbal medicine that had been Osun’s healing water)

-Yoruba language (ki dọkita o to de) English meaning (Before the coming of doctors)

Osun, in her lifetime, whose name is Osun Seegesi Olooya Iyun, was the youngest and most cherished wife of the three wives namely Oya and Oba of Alaafin Sango in the 17th century of the Old Oyo.

Osun, wife of Sango, turned into a river after her husband, Sango the then Alaafin of the Old Oyo hanged himself along with her other two wives Oya and Oba who  became  the goddesses of  Rivers namely Oba in Osun State, and Oya (River  Niger)  in the Middle Belt of Nigeria respectively.

The original source of Osun River (river goddess) is in Igede Ekiti of the present day Ekiti State but the spiritual power/ shrine is in Oshogb, the present day Osun state. It was this development that gave birth to Osun Osogbo festival that is celebrated in Osun State.

However, the Yoruba traditional/ Osun song of ‘Sẹ’l ẹru agbo, agbara agbo, l’ọsun fi n wẹ ọm ọ rẹ ki dọkita o to de’ was to demonstrate the ancient healing power inherent in stream water (Osun).

Map of Osun

Osun River

PRAYERS: When Baba Akande finished relaying the story/ tales to Osun youth/ children, they all prayed for Baba Akande by saying in Yoruba language (Agba yin a da’le, agba ko dẹ ni tan lori’lẹ) English meaning (May you live long as an elder; may we also not be short of elders on the surface of the earth). 

NIGERIA SHALL BE GREAT

May God Guide Our Leaders Right

Sulaiman Adenekan, B.Sc (Hons) Bus Admin, MBA (Marketing), MNIMN, arpa

A Strategist/ Publisher, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

A Cherie Blair Foundation Mentor

The post Sẹ’lẹru agbo, agbara agbo, l’ọsun fi n wẹ ọmọ rẹ, ki dọkita o to de (A traditional song for eulogizing Osun- powerful wife of Alaafin Sango and goddess of Osun River) The story of Osun Oshogbo appeared first on Trade Newswire.

THE KING OF MUSIC: DR SAHEED OSUPA- ABEKE

The new wife Yeyeluwa Oodua Olori Shilekunola Moronke Oluwaseyi Naomi during the Traditional wedding ceremony at the Palace in Ife, Osun State.

(TRADE NEWSWIRE): Traditional prayers for newly married couples in Yoruba language: (A ku ori’re iyawo eni o, iyawo a fi owo gbe omo jo, a tun fi eying be omo pon; Okunrin a bi ro, obirin a bi ye, lai pe ojo, a n bo wa ko’mo o ase),TRADE NEWSWIRE reports.

English meaning (Congratulations on your wedding ceremony; the wife will curdle a child with her hand, so shall she back her own child; The wife will give birth to a strong male child, so shall she also give birth to a female child successfully; in no distant time we are coming for naming ceremony, so shall it be), these were the prayers being said to Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and his new wife Yeyeluwa Oodua Olori Shilekunola Moronke Oluwaseyi Naomi, as they just got married in line with Yoruba culture.

Oba Ogunwusi had earlier posted on his Instagram page to welcome the new wife: “I waited patiently upon the Almighty the King of kings, he eventually did it in the midst of many trials.

Shilekunola, Moronke, Naomi; the greatest Arsenal you can apply on this highly revered throne with many rules and regulations in the midst of undiluted tradition, heritage and culture is the “Fear Of God In You”, which is the beginning of your wisdom on this throne of Oduduwa.

You are welcome home my beautiful and adorable queen.”

The new wife who hails from Ondo State is aged 25, a prophetess and the Founder/President of En-Heralds, an interdenominational ministry located in Akure, Ondo state.

Osun- Camwood powder

Prayers for a new wife with Osun (Camwood) in Yoruba language:

Camwood is known as Majigi in Hausa, Ekui in Cross Rivers State and Uhie in Igbo, it redish in colour.

However, In the olden days in Yorubaland, the bottom of a new bride’s feet is usually adorned with Osun Camwood lotion to signify the Yoruba prayer point/ idiomatic sayings to a bride that:

1, (Iyawo elese osun) English meaning (A new bride with a camwood adorned feet)

2,  (Owo iyawo wa di owo Osun, omo ni yi o fi gbe, wa si fi pa omo lara) English meaning (The hand of our new bride is now adorned with camwood lotion, you will use it to curdle a child and equally rob it on the child).

3, Why the use of Osun (Camwood) to pray for a new bride? It is because Camwood is usually mixed with Ori (shea butter) or liquide and administered on baby’s body due to its anti-inflammatory efficacy on skin and hair, as it enhances skin beauty. In view of this, it is natural that the possibility of being able to use Camwood  on the body of a baby will only happen if the new bride was able to born a baby, this makes the elders to use Camwood as a prayer point for a new bride and it is believed that by so doing she will have babies in her new found home haven prayed for her with Camwood that is used in taken care of babies.

It should be noted that Yoruba elders usually use the efficacy, names or characteristics of a plants, animals among other creatures of God to pray and even use it in the formulation of their proverbs, as Camwood is not an exemption in this case as explained.

Infact in the olden days, while the bottom of the bride’s  feet is adorned with camwood for the purposes stated above, that of the groom a times is also adorned with camwood as well to differentiate him from other men in the village that he is the one taken a new wife on that day.

The new wife Yeyeluwa Oodua Olori Shilekunola Moronke Oluwaseyi Naomi walks on Osun (Camwood) during the Traditional wedding ceremony at the Palace in Ife, Osun State.

Watering of the new wife Yeyeluwa Oodua Olori Shilekunola Moronke Oluwaseyi Naomi’s feet as part of the traditional rites performance during the Traditional wedding ceremony at the Palace in Ife, Osun State.

Below is ‘Ekun Iyawo’ (Bride’s poetry) is a genre of poetry performed in traditional Yoruba land by spinsters who is about to marry on the eve of their wedding

YORUBA LANGUAGE- EKUN IYAWO

1, Iiiya iyaa n o ma fi eyi se Ilọọọọ

2, Baaaba babaa n o ma fi e yi se Ilọọọọ

3, Nitori ori ọmọ ni o n sin ọmọ

4, Bi ẹ ni ki egun ile o sin mi, yi o pa da ni ẹnu iloro

5, Bi ẹni ki osa ile o sin mi, yi o pa da ni ẹnu iloro

6, Iiiya iyaa n o ma fi eyi se Ilọọọọ

7, E mi Moronke ọmọ olodo kan o terereeeeee

8, E mi Moronke ọmọ olodo kan o tararaaaaaa

9, Ara iwaju o gbọdọ bu mu

10, Ero ẹyin o gbọdọ bu wẹ

11, E mi Moronke de’bẹ mo bu mu, mo bu wẹ

12, Oju mi wa di oju oge

13, Ibadi mi di ibadi ilẹkẹ

14, Ilẹkẹ mẹrindilogun lo n bẹ ni idi mi

15, Bi ẹ ba de’bẹ ti ko ba pe

16, Oun ẹ ba ri ni ẹ fi mi se

17, Iiiya iyaa n o ma fi eyi se Ilọọọọ

From L-R: The new wife Yeyeluwa Oodua Olori Shilekunola Moronke Oluwaseyi Naomi; and The Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, during the Traditional wedding ceremony at the Palace in Ife, Osun State.

ENGLISH MEANING OF EKUN IYAWO -(BRIDE’S POETRY)

1, My mother, my mother I am about to go

2, My father, my father I am about to go

3, Because a child destiny will surely follow a child on his or her journey

4, If you ask the masquerade to escort me on the journey, it will go back at the street gate

5, If you ask the idol to escort me on the journey, it will go back at the street gate

6, My mother, my mother I am about to go

7, I Moronke that beget a river with a long flowing path

8, I Moronke that beget a river with a long flowing path

9, Those present at the river must not drink from it

10, Those visiting the river must not take a birth from it

11, I Moronke got to the river to drink and take a birth from it

12, My facial look now becomes elegantly beautiful

13, My thigh joint becomes full of beads

14, The beads in my thigh joint are 16 in number

15, If you get to my thigh joint to count the beads and found it incomplete

16, You should do whatever you like to me

17, My mother, my mother I am about to go

Ekun Iyawo (Bride’s poetry) was translated to English language by Sulaiman Adenekan, A Strategist/ Publisher, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

The Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II appreciating his new wife Yeyeluwa Oodua Olori Shilekunola Moronke Oluwaseyi Naomi during the Traditional wedding ceremony at the Palace in Ife, Osun State.

(ORIKI) PRAISE POETRY OF OONI IFE OBA OGUNWUSI

Kabiyesi alayeluwa (His Royal Majesty), Oonirisa (Royal title name), Ooni Ife – eni ti o ni Ife (The Ooni of Ife- The owner of the land of Ife), Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II,

Ife ooye lagbo

Omo onife abure

Omo ad’ade oworemo

Ife omo olodo kan o tereree

Omo olodo kan o tararaaa

Omo olodo to n san wereke, to n san wereke

Enitan Oba Ogunwusi

E ma so pe mo ba yin loye mo pe yin ni oruko

Nitori oruko ni won fi n pe oba alade ni Ife Oodua

Omo Ojaja fidi ote jale

Omo Ayi kiti Ogun

Omo etiri Ogun

Kare o Leyoo aje okun Ooni

Ajere aboju jojo

Kaaabiyeesioooooo!

The new wife Yeyeluwa Oodua Olori Shilekunola Moronke Oluwaseyi Naomi during the Traditional wedding ceremony at the Palace in Ife, Osun State.

The new wife Yeyeluwa Oodua Olori Shilekunola Moronke Oluwaseyi Naomi

THE ENTIRE IFE SONS AND DAUGHTERS AT HOME AND ABROAD IN PARTICULAR; YORUBAS RACE IN GENERAL; ALL THE TRADITIONAL RULERS IN YORUBALAND; GOVERNOR OF OSUN STATE, OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA IN PARTICULAR, ALL THE GOVERNORS IN YORUBALAND AND BEYOND; THE CONSCIENCE OF DEMOCRACY AND PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR WISH YOU AND YOUR NEW WIFE (OLORI) HAPPY MARRIED LIFE.

(E KU ORI IRE NA!  EYIN IYAWO KO NI MO ENI) ENGLISH MEANING ( CONGRATULATIONS! THE WIFE BACK WILL NOT KNOW MAT).

THE OONI OF IFE, OBA ENITAN OGUNWUSI  SAYS ALL PRAISE AND HONOUR BELONGS TO THE ONE AND ONLY ALMIGHTY GOD OF THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING THEREIN, THE KING OF ALL KINGS.

NIGERIA SHALL BE GREAT

May God Guide Our Leaders Right

Sulaiman Adenekan, B.Sc (Hons) Bus Admin, MBA (Marketing), MNIMN, arpa

A Strategist/ Publisher, TRADE NEWSWIRE (www.tradenewswire.net)

A Cherie Blair Foundation Mentor

The post Igbeyawo Oba (Royal wedding): Ooni of Ife Oba Ogunwusi takes in new wife Yeyeluwa Oodua Olori Moronke appeared first on Trade Newswire.