Foluke Daramola’s Ex Husband, Babatunde Sobowale’s Second marriage crashed again
“He is a merciless wife beater”-Source
Foluke Daramola’s ex-hubby, Babatunde Sobowale’s second marriage has crashed.
An impeccable source has revealed to newsheadline247 that the celebrated marriage between Babatunde Sobowale and popular Lagos big girl, Faridat Ajayi collapsed over what is believed to be ‘regular merciless wife beating and battering.’
Information made available also indicates Babatunde Sobowale, son of former Lagos state commissioner for education, Professor Idowu Sobowale is not happy with the latest development in his marital life.
This is the second failed marriage of the Lagos society big boy who is also known as Tprime within his social circle.
His first was with Nollywood star actress, Foluke Daramola in 2005, a marriage which hit the rock in 2008 over the same allegations of merciless beating and battering. The incident shocked the entire social circles.
Babatunde Sobowale’s second marriage to Faridat Ajayi crashed
Newsheadline247 gathered not long after the break up with Foluke Daramola, the actress had alleged that she had been beaten and battered throughout the marriage. She added, “Tunde had believed i was seeing another man.”
Immediately after his separation with Foluke Daramola in a marriage that produced two kids, Babatunde Sobowale fell in love with Faridat Ajayi, a respected society figure. He got married to Faridat in a much publicised marriage rites at Ikoyi Federal Registry.
“They are now separated for real and I don’t think Faridat will go back to him because of the way he pummels the poor lady whenever there is dispute between them,” the source stated.
Foluke Daramola with hubby, Kayode Salako
It was also gathered that Foluke claimed she blindly hurried into her first marriage with Tunde without studying the man she got married to.
She insisted in an interview with theyesng that “just because I had kids in that marriage, I don’t regret it.”
She had as well since remarried to Kayode Salako, a man she described as “very kind-hearted and a good man.”
Saudi Arabia expected its Hajj revenues to exceed $4.2 billion for the current season, Al Sharq Al Awsat local newspaper reported on Monday.
A local study highlighted that the revenues are expected to jump to 5.6 billion dollars in five years due to the ongoing increase in the expenditures of pilgrims.
The study recommended benefiting from the Hajj season by attracting foreign investments.
It also highlighted the importance to consider the season as a tourism industry with respect to its religious aspects.
Pilgrims mainly spend on accommodation, transportation, food and gifts.
NAN reports that Saudi authorites say two million Muslims from across the globe are converging on Makkah
for the hajj pilgrimage, a religious duty and for some pilgrims the journey of a lifetime.
This year sees the return of pilgrims from Shiite Iran, regional rival to Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia, and comes with the Gulf mired in political crisis and Islamic State group jihadists squeezed in Iraq and Syria.
Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim nation, and it also provides the largest number of pilgrims for the hajj.
NAN also reports that Saudi Arabia said the Hajj 2016 received 1.8 million pilgrims.
The General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia said that the 2017 Hajj has seen a total of 1,862,909 pilgrims, of whom 1,325,372 pilgrims came from outside Saudi Arabia, while the total pilgrims inside totaled 537,537 pilgrims.(Xinhua/NAN)
•Shagaya sues Unity Bank, says accounts frozen without court order
•Freeze: I have lost business goodwill, can’t pay N514m debts on chartered aircraft, Shagaya tells court
•Unity Bank: Our hands are tied by the law
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen over N8, 627,458,773.36 billion in three accounts of Hajiya Muinat Bola Shagaya, an associate and friend of a former First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan.
Shagaya’s relationship with about 10 firms/account names are also being investigated by the anti-graft agency, The Nation learnt yesterday.
But Shagaya, who did not hold any public appointment during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has dragged Unity Bank to the High Court of Lagos State for allowing the EFCC to Post No Debit (PND) on her accounts without a valid court order.
She says the action taken on her accounts violates Section34 (1) of the EFCC Act, 2004.
Besides, the withdrawal ban placed on one of her accounts has prevented her from defraying N514, 800,000 incurred as cumulative costs in the course of an Aircraft Lease Agreement of a bombardier Jet, according to documents which Shagaya filed and deposed to at the Court alongside with her counsel, Napoleon Emeaso-Nwachukwu.
Hearing of the matter is slated for September 28.
However, Unity Bank says its hands are tied by the law in complying with the EFCC’s directives to freeze Shagaya’s accounts.
Unity Bank claims “our hands are tied by the law”
The EFCC in a letter to the Unity Bank Managing Director in respect of one of the frozen accounts said: “The commission is investigating a case in which the above-mentioned account featured.
“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly check the table below and provide us with Certified True Copies (CTC) of the following information, which should include but not limited to the following: (i) The deposit slips/telex copies (front and back) that conveyed the authority of the transactions; (ii) Any investment made with the funds in any of your products which should include fixed/term deposit and their liquidation and the interest incurred, Banks Acceptance, Commercial Papers and any other relevant information in relation to these.
The EFCC listed the transactions in the said account as “N300m(Bola Shagaya RTGS); N300m (Additional N300FTD at 15% TRAN); N500m (Time Deposit); N2,317,013,698.64 (BNG COLLAOS FOR FTD-CUSTOMER ACCOL); N2.3billion (Opening a Time Deposit Account); N292, 495, 029.82 (Withdrawal from Time Deposit); N292, 495, 029.82 (TAK Asset Mgt Limited); N300m (Term Loan booked for 356 days); and N2,025,455,015.08 (BNG COLLAPS OF FTD Customer Account.”
In a separate letter Cr: 3000/EFCC/LS/STF/ STF3MP/ Vol.11/182 which Shagaya made available to the court, the EFCC asked Unity Bank to Post No Debit(PND) on 10 accounts linked with her.
The account names are (i) First Deep Water Discovery Limited; (ii) Bola Shagaya; (iii) FAPLiNs Nigeria Limited (iv) Lingo Nigeria Limited; (v) Buri Barclays BDC; (vi) Links Global Synergy Ltd; (vii) OKIOIL Nig. Ltd; (vii) JEMARVIZ Nig Ltd; (ix) PJ Oil and Gas Ltd; and (x) AFDIN Ventures Ltd.
The anti-graft commission said: “The commission is investigating a case in which the above mentioned accounts featured.
“You are requested to kindly place the account on Post No Debit (PND) category pending the conclusion of the investigation.
“This request is made pursuant to Section 38(1) and (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and Section 21 of Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”
In the third letter, the EFCC said it was looking into two other accounts including Voyage Oil and Gas and Bola Shagaya from 2008 to date.
It said: “The commission is investigating a case in which the above mentioned accounts featured. In view of the above, you are requested to kindly provide us with Certified True Copies (CTC) of the following information which should include but not limited to the following: (i) The Mandate Card and statement(s) of all domiciliary and Naira account(s) in the above mentioned accounts from 2008 to date with letter of certification in accordance with Section 84 of the Evidence Act 2011; (ii) any investment made with the funds in any of your products which should include fixed/term deposit and their liquidation and the interest incurred, Bank Acceptance, Commercial Papers and any other relevant information related to these.
Hajia Bola Shagaya
“You are further requested to kindly place the account on Post No Debit (PND) category pending the conclusion of investigation.”
But Shagaya accused Unity Bank of complicity on her travails following the bank’s alleged failure to exercise the requisite due diligence.
She said the freezing of her accounts did not comply with Section 34(1) of the EFCC Act, 2004. She specifically referred to the bank’s refusal to allow her to make transactions on Account 000326118 including payment of N514, 800,000 to Global Apex Air Limited, through Heavy wind Integrated Services, for the lease of a bombardier Jet.
She said the Aircraft Lease Agreement between her and Global Apex Air Limited has been terminated with her forfeiting US$1million.
In an affidavit she deposed to, Shagaya said: “The official of the Defendant (Unity Bank) whom my Personal Assistant relayed the development to, informed him that on the 3rd of November, 2016, the Defendant received a letter from the EFCC through their Lagos office informing it that my account with it is under investigation and requested that the account be put on “Post No Debit” pending the outcome of the investigation hence the Defendant’s inability to honour my payment instruction.
“Initially I laughed off the excuse as a ploy of the Defendant to deter me from taking legal actions against it for dishonouring my payment instructions especially that of the 31st of October 2016 which ultimately led to the termination of the Aircraft Lease with Global Apex Air Ltd. And the loss of the sum of One Million United States Dollars deposited with the Lessor by me.
“By reason the Defendant’s action, I have suffered loss of reputation and damages and my person brought to disrepute, public opprobrium and odium.
“The actions of the Defendant which consist in unlawfully freezing my account without an Order of a Court of competent jurisdiction and failing to disclose same to me promptly was unreasonable as well as defamatory of me before my business associates who now see me as a criminal and an untrustworthy fellow who is in the habit of issuing due cheques and payment instructions that she knew would not be honoured.
She said she had lost a lot of business goodwill since her accounts were frozen including.
WANTED: Police hunts for Senator Misau for desertion, forgery
(NAN ) The Nigerian Police Force said today that Senator Isah Hamma Misau, is a deserter from the organisation and that he will be arrested for the crime and possible forgery of a retirement letter.
It was the twist in the financial allegation slammed against the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris by the Senator, who claimed that Idris diverted N10billion income made by the police.
The police responded by not only debunking the allegation, but also claiming that Senator Isah Mamman Misau deserted his post in Niger state seven years ago as a Deputy Superintendent.
According to the police, Misau still exists on the Nigeria Police Force Officers Staff List as AP. No 57300 DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman. His last posting was to Niger State Police Command on the 24 September, 2010. The police said the retirement letter which the Senator showed journalists may have been forged.
THE POLICE FULL STATEMENT:
“The Force’s attention was drawn to the publications in the media attributed to the Senator captioned “Senator accuses IG of cornering N10b monthly IGR, taking bribe to post CPs to juicy states”.
“It’s expedient to disabuse the minds of the members of the Public, most especially people that must have read the story or listened to the fabricated lies, unsubstantiated allegations and shallow imaginations of a personality claiming to be a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with premeditated evil plans to incite the public against the Nigeria Police Force. The misleading, misrepresentation of facts and concocted allegations by the Senator against the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force are unfounded fallacies aimed at casting aspersions on the renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure law and order and protection of lives and property across the country.
” For avoidance of doubt, as earlier stated on 23rd August, 2017 during the Force press briefing with the media, Senator Isah Hamman Misau dubiously absconded and deserted the Nigeria Police Force on 24th September, 2010 when he was redeployed to Niger State Command and he refused to report, consequent upon which he was queried in line with the Public Service Rules Sections 030301(b)(g)(m)&(o) and 030402(a)(b)(c)(e)&(w), in addition to the previous queries and disciplinary process he was facing when he refused to proceed on Junior Command Course(JCC) 49/2008 at Staff College Jos between 5th January, 2009 and 19th June, 2009.
Senator Isah Hamma Misau: declared wanted by the police for desertion and forgery
” The retirement letter presented to the journalists by DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman is suspiciously forged and dubiously obtained. The letter which was dated 5th March, 2014, a period of more than Four (4) years after AP No 57300 DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman (Senator Isah Hamman Misau) deserted the Force is now being investigated by the Force.
“It is on record for the public and the media to verify that, as AP No 57300 DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman was being wanted as a deserter, he contested and lost the Bauchi Central Senatorial Election in 2011 General Elections under Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), at the age of Thirty Seven (37). One Bappa Aliyu Misau contested against him under Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) Political Party; other contestants with him were Mohammed A. Mohammed (ANPP), Ibrahim Mohammed (Labour Party), Alh. Dansallah I. Ningi (MPPP), Ahmed Abdul Ningi (PDP) winner.
” AP. No 57300 DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman absconded from duty and deserted the Force on the 24th September, 2010 but contested the Bauchi Central Senatorial Election in 2011 General Elections under Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and got suspected forged retirement letter dated 5th March, 2014, this means that for four (4) years, he is still a Police Officer which made it a criminal act for him to contest election as a Police Officer in service and this is another fraud the Police is investigating against him. He also perpetrated an act of impersonation by acknowledging the receipt of the suspected forged retirement letter as a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP Hamman Isah) instead of his actual rank of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) (Ref Suspected fake retirement letter)
” DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman got the suspected forged retirement letter in 2014 but he contested the Bauchi Central Senatorial Election in 2011 General Elections under Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) at that time he was a Deputy Superintendent of Police and a deserter of the Force. This is a clear element and criminal liability of fraud and impersonation, because under the law, you cannot be a Police Officer and still stand for election.
” Furthermore, the evidences so far gathered revealed that the suspected forged retirement letter dated 5thMarch, 2014 which is currently a subject of investigation, was approved within six(6) working days by the Police Service Commission, this is very abnormal as the procedure for processing retirement must have been altered fraudulently. The suspicion of the Police on this is that the suspected forged letter was obtained to perpetuate deceit in furtherance of DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman’s fraudulent intentions and this is another reason why the suspected forged letter of retirement being brandished by DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman is being investigated.
“It is clearly a false allegation and severe distractions for DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman or any other person to wrongly without any proof or evidence accuse the Inspector General of Police of failure to remit money realized from Policemen attached to private citizens and oil companies amounting into about N10b monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), when the truth and facts are that Nigeria Police Force is not a Revenue Generating Agency. These allegations from a dubious and fraudulent deserter Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) are ridiculous, baseless and a bear parlour gossip which can only be from someone of unsound mind, unrepentant and habitual liar who patronises Indian hemps joints.
” It is also pertinent to clear the misgivings of the accusation from DSP Mohammed Isa Hamman and inform the public that the Force based postings, transfers and deployment of Commissioners of Police, Police Mobile Force Commanders, SPU Commanders and other Commanding Officers on merit and competence of such officer to perform in that capacity and not on monetary, ethnic or religious consideration. Posting and transfers are routine administrative tools to ensure the best performance of Police Officers toward optimum service delivery for the benefit of the public. The Inspector General of Police cannot compromise his integrity by receiving money before officers are posted. This allegation is also baseless, unfounded and so should be disregarded and discountenance by the public.
“His allegations against Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Police Command. CP Moses Jitoboh was promoted Commissioner of Police before the current Police Management Team and he is not a Nupe officer but was found to be capable and efficient which was why he was posted as Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command. Since his posting to Adamawa State, he has brought down crime rate to barest in the State and there has not been any complaint from the People and Government of Adamawa State on his performance. Therefore, there is no basis whatsoever for a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) to evaluate the performance of a Commissioner of Police. Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State and other Officers that DSP Mohammed Isah Hamman disparaged have been granted permission and liberty by the Inspector General of Police to take legal actions against him as deemed necessary for his reckless utterances on the reputation of these officers.
“Considering all the above, the Force is compelled to seek the prompt consideration of the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee to prevail on DSP Mohammed Isah Hamman to return to the Nigeria Police Force to face the Force Disciplinary Committee for various acts of serious misconduct, unprofessional wrong doings contrary to discipline, and other discreditable improper behaviours unbecoming of a Police Officer that he was charged with.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby declares DSP Mohammed Isah Hamman (Senator Isah Haman Misau) a deserter from the Nigeria Police Force; the Force will definitely take appropriate action in this circumstance as it has to do with a Deserter under the Police Act and Regulations, the Criminal and Penal Codes, stipulating a deserter as a suspected criminal under the law. All other security agencies in the Country are equally implored to assist the Nigeria Police Force in this regard.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard and discountenance all the allegations against the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force by DSP Mohammed Isah Hamman as totally unfounded and absolute falsehood.
” In conclusion, AP No 57300 DSP Mohammed Isah Hamman is still a Police Officer and not regarded as a Senator by the Nigeria Police Force. The retirement letter he is parading is a suspected forged document under investigation.” (NAN )
Liverpool swept aside a feeble Arsenal at Anfield, winning 4-0 to make it seven Premier League points from the first nine available.
Arsenal were rarely in the match as they crumbled to goals from Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Daniel Sturridge.
A second loss in a row for Arsenal leaves them with just three points from their opening three games and Arsene Wenger with some serious issues to address during the international break.
Goals from Cesc Fabregas and Alvaro Morata saw Chelsea run out 2-0 winners against Everton at Stamford Bridge.
The Premier League champions started their title defence in disarray, losing 3-2 to Burnley, but have since recovered to record impressive victories against Tottenham and now Everton.
Fabregas fired Chelsea ahead in the 27th minute, sidefooting past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after Alvaro Morata had created the chance.
Then, with five minutes remaining until the break, Chelsea added a second as Morata headed Cesar Azpilicueta’s perfect cross beyond Pickford.
Tottenham‘s winless run at Wembley continued as they were held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by Burnley.
Spurs took the lead through Dele Alli’s second-half strike.
But Burnley new boy Chris Wood scored in the second minute of added time to claim a point for the Clarets.
Substitute Peter Crouch took advantage of a terrible defensive mix-up to earn Stoke a 1-1 Premier League draw at West Brom.
The 36-year-old was gifted the easiest of chances in the 77th minute when Baggies defender Ahmed Hegazi seemed to fail to heed a call from Ben Foster and sliced his clearance almost out of his goalkeeper’s hands.
It was a comical way for the home side to concede their first league goal of the season, and one which had not looked like coming as Tony Pulis’ men kept their opponents at arm’s length, with Gareth Barry typically effective in his holding midfield role.
Jay Rodriguez’s first league goal for West Brom had earlier looked like maintaining their 100 percent start to the season, the summer signing from Southampton heading home smartly in the 61st minute to break the deadlock.
Mayweather Battered Macgregor, Knocks Him Out Technically
The notorious Ireland kick boxer, Conor Mcgregor, Sunday received the greatest pounce of his life from the unbeatable US boxer, Floyd Mayweather.
Mcgregor who was knocked-out technically in round 10, said, “Mayweather was more composed then I thought.” The match tagged, “Money fight” saw many conservative millionaires and billionaires in attendance at Las Vegas, paying huge amount of money for their ticket.
Mayweather destroying Macgregor
However, Mayweather, who equally spoke with newsmen said, “Mcgregor is a great boxer but I made up my mind with determination to win.
He is good but I am better.” The match which started around 05:14am, witnessed Robert Boyd, the referee who gave them professional tips on how to have a good fight. Similarly, the 12 round money fight saw Mcgregor disadvantaged, his fans complained. The notorious kicker boxer was not allowed to use his deadly kick against the unbeatable Mayweather.
Historically, Idumuje people trace their root to ancient Bini Kingdom, just like most of the Enuani people that left Benin in the 18th century. Idumuje Unor and Idumuje Ugboko are one people that settled in different locations. They went their separate ways following an Odogwu title dispute in which those who felt cheated left and wandered farther into the forest to their present location where they share boundaries with town like, Igbodo in Ika North East, Onicha Ugbo, Issele Uku, Ugbodu, in Aniocha North and Ewohinmi in Edo State.
Idumuje Ugbokoi is the epicenter of this analysis and it is said that to understand a people, you must look at their history, their mores, social and interpersonal relationship, religion, culture and other values that inform their world views.
Hence, they say that those who ignore the lessons of history would repeat its tragedy.
To understand the unfolding events, it is important to follow the historical trajectory of the hidden discontent and strictures in the Royal family and Idumuje Ugboko before the death of the king.
OBI NWOKO’S SON
NWABUOKEI
AMOJE
BIOSE
BIDOKWU
ELUMULE
UJOMOR
ESUZOR
OBI NWOKO’S BROTHERS
OMORHUSI
CHIMA
MEKE
OKOH
ODOR
ALIGBE
ANYAONICHA
DUNKWU
Nwoko’s sons and brothers made up the Umu-Ologbo Royal family.
When Nwoko, the first Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko died, his first son Nwabuokei being the crown Prince was to succeed him accordance with the tradition and customs of Idumuje and most Anioma monarchs. Unfortunately, that was the period of the Ekwumekwu war and Nwabuokei was busy organising a group of native warriors from within, including his best friend Osu (Osuozah, a renowned herbalist), to defend the palace from the invading colonialists.
When the colonialist over-powered and defeated the native warriors due to their superior arms power, Nwabuokei escaped to hide in a farm settlement called Agborma forest now located along Idumuje-Ugboko/Igbodo boundary. One of Nwabuokei kinsmen betrayed him when he led the colonialist army to Nwanuokei’s hideout at Agborma. Nwabuokei was, thereafter, arrested and taken as a prisoner by the colonial army. First, he was detained at Ogwashi-Uku before he was transferred with other suspect members of the dreaded Ekwumekwu warriors, including Onwuaduegbo (the legendary Idumuje-Ugboko warrior), Obi Idaboh of Issele-Azagba and Elumelu of Ogwashi-Uku among others to Bricksfield Prison, calabar.
Crown Prince Nwoko
While at the Bricksfield prison Calabar, words got to him that his pregnant wife had delivered a baby boy. Nwabuokei named that child Nkanya Emgwaim (when you grow up you will avenge this betrayal) abbreviated to Nkanya.
Nwabuokei was discharge and acquitted by the colonial court sitting in Calabar as he was found not guilty of the offences for which he was detained and charged. The news of his impending return caused apprehension of a possible revenge against those who betrayed him. A delegation was sent to meet him in Calabar and reconcile him with his relations. Their mission left more bitter taste in the mouth with the unexpected death of the Crown Prince. Nwabuokei as the first son of late Obi Nwoko and crown prince was buried at Idumuje Ugboko Royal Palace where his grave is till this day, signifying that his first son Prince Nkanya who was then a minor must succeed his father as the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko when he was of age but that plan was aborted by several circumstances.
With the death of Nkanya’s mother who was Nwaobuokei, the late Crown Prince’s first wife and daughter of Oko-Oniyimi from Ogbe-Ofu in Idumuje-Ugboko, Crown Prince Nkanya after the burial of his father, Nwabuokei now without a breadwinner, was on the instruction of the family placed in care of his uncle Prince Biose Nwoko supposedly pending when he is of age to take over the throne of his forefathers. Ujormor, one of Nwabuokei’s brother inherited Nwabuokei’s second wife (Ibia) in marriage according to tradition and she had two female children for Ujomor (Sitee and one other). When Ujomor died, Esuzor the youngest of Nwabuokei, also in line with tradition, inherited Ibia and she had two sons for Esuzor (Nwokolo the father of Prince Alex Ikpontu Esuzor Nwoko and Ezenwani the first postmaster in Idumuje-Ugboko and father of Ambrose Ezenwani and his siblings).
During the post Ekwumekwu period, one Mokobia from Ogbe-Ofu was overseeing the administration of the town affairs until Omorhusi (one of Nwoko’s junior brothers) took over the obiship on acting capacity pending when Nkanya (Nwabuokei’s only son) will be ready to take over the throne of his forefathers.
After the death of Obi Nwoko I, Omorhusi one of his younger brothers inherited one of his wives from Ogbe-Ofu, the mother of Esuzor in marriage which was acceptable by tradition and she gave birth to Nkeze Justin Oreze for Omorhusi. It is worthy to note here that Omorhusi already had a son (Megai) from his first wife who was not from Idumuje-Ugboko before he had Nkeze as a son from an Idumuje-Ugboko woman. Megai as the first son from a non-indigenous mother did not succeed his father Omorhusi to the throne; instead the second son who was the first son of an indigenous Idumuje_Ugboko mother Ukwelenwa from Ogbe-Ofu village acceded the throne of his fathers and in succession to his father Omorhusi by the virtue of the fact that both parents were from Idumuje-Ugboko regardless of the fact that he was second born son.
How did Omorhusi takeover the obaship?
Mokobia from Ogbe-Ofu village (who was over-seeing the affairs of the town after the death of Obi Nwoko and during the post incarceration of his first son, Crown Prince Nwabuokei, and other elders including Osu (Osuoza) Nwabuokei’s friend and strong herbalist from Ogbe-Ofu informed Biose and other Obi Nwoko the 1st’s children and brothers through Biose (Nkana’s Guardian) that they were coming to sit Nkanya on the stool of his fathers as a king and that the Nwoko children and brothers should prepare Nkanya for the day. Biose promised them that Nkanya will be prepared and all will be ready for the coronation.
On the set date, Biose sent Nkanya and other children to his farm and when Mokobia, Osu and others arrived, Nkanya was not found rather Biose and others who were waiting for the elders from Ogbe-Ofu suggested that Omorhusi (Nkanya’s uncle) should stand in for him especially as Nkanya was still a minor, pending when Nkanya will be of age to assume the throne. The people agreed and Omorhusi was sat on the stool to hold brief for Nkanya.
Biose so frustrated and humiliated Nkanya to the level that Biose made sure he married wives for all his children including Utomi (his first son), Ogbe etc. who were all juniors to Nkanya. Nkanya, out of frustration as a matured man, impregnated a woman from Idumugo in Idumuje-Ugboko. Biose and co. saw this as an act of gross indiscipline and or disobedience to them and in total frustration, Nkanya left Idumuje-Ugboko and went to Calabar where he learnt carpentry trade. The woman later gave birth and the child was named Ogoli (she was the mother of Lucky Ikemefuma currently based in Lagos and others including Agiliga late Soki Moemeke’s wife). Nobody knew the whereabout of Nkanya until an Onicha-Ugbo man who lived in Calabar (Panya) with him informed his people. Nkanya eventually visited home after many emissaries were sent to him and his father’s friend Osu insisted he must take a wife before going back to his location in Calabar. Nkanya married Christiana Okpohobuogor (the grandmother of this writer) from Idumuokohue in Ogbe-Ofu, Idumuje-Ugboko.
After the Ekwumekwu war, the whiteman returned to Idumuje-Ugboko in early 1900s and Omorhusi who was sitting on the throne of Idumuje-Ugboko received and welcomed them to Idumuje-Ugboko. The whiteman was so impressed with Omorhusi’s reception that they took his second son Nkeze (who later became the Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko) to school and trained him in Western culture.
Nkeze was trained by the White missionaries who founded the Anglican Church at Idumuje-Ugboko in 1908. The C.M.S missionaries, as they were then called, were settled at Idumuje-Ugboko land where the present day Idumuje-Aniofu is situated. When the missionaries were relocating to Inyienu in Onitsha, they took Nkeze along with them.
By the time Nkeze returned back to Idumuje-Ugboko, he was already a full grown man and a very powerful individual who was an interpreter. At the death of his father (Omorhusi) Nkeze, the second son of Omorhusi but the first from an Idumuje-Ugboko woman, became the Obi and adopted the name Obi Nwoko II. Megai, though the first son of Omorhusi could not ascend the throne because of his mother was not from Idumuje-Ugboko.
Nkeze (Omorhusi’s second son but first son from an Idumuje-Ugboko woman) became king. In the absence of Nkanya (the original heir to the Nwoko throne), who was at that time had left Idumuje-Ugboko and nobody knew where to find him.
Nkeze was the next qualified person to inherit the throne since his mother was from Idumuje-Ugboko as well as original wife of Obi Nwoko granted that Omorhusi inherited her after the death of Nwoko.
THE NAME NWOKO
The name Nwoko became known nationwide and worldwide as far back as the 1930s to 1940s, when Prince Alfred Elumele Nwoko (a grandson of Nwoko and son of Prince Elumelu Nwoko, one of the sons of Nwoko and younger brother to Nwabuokei), the first most senior black police officer in the entire western Nigeria, was gaining rapid promotion in the force, the name Nwoko became a door opener for every Midwestern in Nigeria and in the diaspora.
Nkeze, who before the 1940s was bearing Nkeze Justin Oreze Omorhusi changed his name to Nkeze Justin Oreze Nwoko because the name had been popularized by Prince Alfred Nwoko’s influence all over the place. Obi Nkeze Nwoko II changed from Omorhusi to Nwoko in the 1940s and directed all his children and brothers to change to Nwoko.
Some persons including Late Obika (Ernest Nwoko’s father) refused to change to Nwoko rather he changed to his direct fathers name Chukwuka and that was the name he answered until his death last year or thereabout. Prince Martin Ezedimbu Nwoko knows what i am talking about and i challenge him to say i have lied. Onwuamaonyeukwu Esuzor is alive and i know he knowns the truth and he is one of the living proofs to this emerging truth. Eze-Dibie Sunday Ochei from the Aligbe lineage is also a living witness. Aligbe, who is Ojeanyegbe Sunday Ochei’s (Chief Priest) grandfather, is one of Obi Nwoko 1st’s younger brothers.
When Obi Nkeze died in 1955, there were questions as to who will succeed him. Finally, it was agreed after 26years of regency, that since Nwabuokei lineage was not ready to contest for their inheritance of the throne, which belonged to their grandfather legitimately, decision was taken as a compromise that Prince Albert Okwuwadiegwu Nwoko, whose mother was not from Idumuje-Ugboko but from neighboring Ugbodu town, should become Obi Nwoko III, on the condition that the first son must marry an Idumuje-Ugboko woman, who will bear a successor to the throne. But if his son refused, he himself must marry an Idumuje-Ugboko woman who will bear him a successor.
Prince Albert consented to marrying an Idumuje-Ugboko woman when his first son, Prince Chukwunonso Nwoko refused to abide by these guidelines, preferring to marry a non-indigenous woman.
Prince Albert Nwoko was crowned in 1981 and he married women of Idumuje-Ugboko origin with the hope of raising his successor, according to the agreement. Prince Uche Nwoko is the product of that arrangement or agreement being first son from a woman of Idumuje-Ugboko origin.
Before he passed on, the family historian, Prof. Som Nwoko wrote a letter to HRM Obi Albert Nwoko III, in 2015, reminding him of the terms of becoming the king in 1981 and the need to address the issues of who succeeds him. The late monarch called a meeting of senior members of the Royal family to tell them that issue would be addressed when the time came. Unfortunately, the king joined his ancestors on February 6 this year, at about 11am. He was buried at 12midnight.
The culture of communities insisting that the mother of the King must be an indigene of the town is not exclusive to Idumuje-Ugboko. For instance, the people of Ubulu Uku denied Crown Prince Edward Okwuchukwu Ofulue the crown because the mother is not from Ubulu Uku.
Laws are made for the entire community and not tilted to favour or set any individual or group of people at a disadvantage. Hence, when it comes to culture and tradition, caution must be exercised to avoid disastrous consequences in future.
Therefore, like Obi Nkeze, who became king not as a result of being the first son of Omorhusi and inheritor of the throne, but a child of circumstance, especially being a Prince of both an indigenous father and mother, therefore establishing a new protocol to the throne, Prince Uche Nwoko can and should succeed Obi Albert Nwoko III, his father, legitimately, under the same circumstance as his grandfather Obi Nkeze Nwoko II, being a son of both father and mother being indigenes of Idumuje-Ugboko, as Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko.
Alternatively, the Nwabuokei lineage being the first indigenous and overall son of Obi Nwoko I, in line with traditions and customs of Idumuje people, in particular and Anioma nation’s monarch in general, should step forward and take hold of the crown as their birth right if they are ready.
Conclusion
These are facts that anybody who wants to hold the highest political office in Idumuje Ugboko must be familiar with. We must respect our institution and values; we must not reduce our culture to slices of drama from the home video and make mockery of our history.
An individual cannot usurp the ancient throne of our forebears based on his own world view and interpretation of history and culture no matter how persuasive and powerful he may be.
The culture of rushing to the social media to propagate half-truth and outright falsehood cannot alter historical facts.
The Imam of Mecca’s Grand Mosque has denounced those who “cause conflict among Muslims” as rifts widen among Gulf neighbours and wars rage across the Middle East.
“Anyone who causes conflict and discord among Muslims ignores the blessing of harmony, imitates those who lived in ignorance (before Islam), harms his people and cheats his nation,” Sheikh Saleh Mohammed al-Taleb told the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who have flocked to Mecca from around the world to perform the Hajj next week.
Taleb, in his sermon on the last Friday before the Hajj did not directly refer to the political and military divisions in the Arab world, some of them spearheaded by Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia, which hosts and supervises the haj, has with other Arab governments imposed sanctions on Qatar and cut all transport links with the country in recent months, accusing it of supporting Iran and backing Islamist terrorism – charges Doha denies.
Relations between Shi’ite Muslim-led Iran and predominately Sunni Saudi Arabia are at their worst in years, with each accusing the other of subverting regional security and supporting opposite sides in conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
Nearly 90,000 Iranians are expected to attend, after Tehran boycotted Mecca last year following a crush at the pilgrimage in 2015 in which hundreds of people died, many of them Iranians.
Saudi officials say over 400 Qatari pilgrims have also arrived through the land border in recent days, but Qatar has accused Saudi Arabia of deliberately making it hard for them. Saudi Arabia says Qatar is seeking to politicize the ritual for diplomatic gains.
The dispute has defied mediation attempts by the United States and Kuwait.
Worshippers on Friday filled the mosque’s haram sanctuary, the holiest place in Islam, and spilled into nearby streets, malls, hotel lobbies and garages, listening to the sermon through loudspeakers.
An elderly Tunisian pilgrim named Bakari Abdel Jalil attended in a white shirt and cap while other worshippers donned customary white robes. He said he hoped regional tensions would not affect the haj.
President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo met with the leadership of the ruling APC and opposition PDP at the State House on Friday.
It was the first bipartisan meeting ever presided over by Buhari.
President Buhari thanked the leaders for attending the meeting. He also thanked those who prayed for his recovery while in the U.K. for medical treatment.
Here is the President’s short speech:
I thank you sincerely, collectively and individually for finding time from your busy schedules to come all the way to Abuja and welcome me back home.
This visit signifies the unity of Nigeria. It is not a party occasion. It is not a political gathering. It is a symbol of our National unity. It is also an expression of the maturity of our democracy.
Multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of government. Opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism. Democracy needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible.
I am very pleased to see you assembled here all shades of opinion in Nigeria. Please convey to our countrymen and women in your respective states my deep gratitude to all those who prayed for my recovery. I am imploring all Nigerians to continue praying for peace and prosperity in Nigeria.
President Buhari, APC’s Odigie Oyegun and PDP’s Makarfi at a meeting in Villa
Earlier, the National Chairman, Caretaker Committee, PDP, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, said that his party believed that opposition was no madness and would therefore, never wish ill of anybody, let alone the president.
He said that the president was saddled with the responsibility of leading the country, and deserved everyone’s prayer and support.
According to him, PDP is poised to play the role of responsible opposition party energetically, vibrantly, but very decently and with all sense of responsibility.
“This, we shall do by giving you a good run for your money and constantly keeping you on your toes as we all strive to make this country better.
“We assure you of our cooperation as much as the opposition can possibly give to enable you give your best in the process of navigating the ship of our state to a better tomorrow.
“We are glad to note that already the legislators of our party are cooperating with those of the majority party in both arms of the National Assembly to ensure a smooth legislative sail for the system.
“We are also proud of the contributions of our governors to the deliberations and other activities of both the National Council of State and the National Economic Council,’’ he said.
Makarfi reiterated the offer and assurances of PDP’s cooperation with the government on any programme sincerely designed to take Nigeria to higher levels.
He stated that the party would continue to identify with and support the fight against terrorism as well as other crimes like kidnapping and banditry and farmers/herdsmen clashes.
Buhari (backing camera) facing Oyegun an dMakarfi with Vice President Osinbajo
“We also offer our support for the fight against corruption and appeal that the institutions saddled with this onerous task be given the necessary encouragement and independence to do the right thing.
“This will help in further strengthening our institutions and insulating them from undue political interferences. It will also help to give them a more credible outlook in the eyes of the public.
“There is no way we can have a respectable voice in the comity of civilized nations until we rebuild our institutions and imbue them with the necessary independence and confidence.
“This will improve both their visage and standing with the citizenry,’’ he added.
Makarfi, however, challenged the government to lead the change in strengthening the institutions, “especially in exhibiting greater respect to judicial pronouncements as well as respecting the fundamental rights of all Nigerians’’.
He assured that the PDP as “a great believer in the unity of the country’’ would also partner the government in any way that would strengthen the nation’s historic bond.
On his part, National Chairman of APC, Mr John Odigie-Oyegun, described the meeting as a welcomed development, and assured that the party would continue to promote harmonious political environment in the country.
Nigeria’s senior national women’s basketball team, D` Tigress, on Friday booked their seminal ticket in the ongoing Afrobasket basketball championships in Bamako, Mali crushing Cote d’Ivoire, 98-43.
D’Tigress have won all six games played so far since the tournament dunked off on Aug. 18.
Nigeria proved too hot for the Ivoirians’ and took the first and second quarters, 23-13, 23-2, and continued with a business approach overpowering their opponent with 25-17 when they tried to fight back.
The final quarter was obvious a giveaway for the D’Tigress who are looking good for the championship trophy come Aug. 27.
Evelyn Akhato, U.S based Dallas Wings sensational player, continued to shine in the competition contributing 21 points, 11 rebounds and two assists to lead the scoring chart.
First Bank of Lagos star player, Nkeshi Akashili, provided the support needed also with an impressive 13 points and four rebounds while Ezinne Kalu had 17 points and three rebounds.
In the previous matches, Nigeria dealt a blow to the defending champion, Senegal with a 58-54 well fought victory in the group stage of the competition.
They also recorded the highest points set in the competition with a 106-33 pummelling of Guinea while Egypt fell 106-72 to their supremacy.
Mozambique also fell 69-80 to their superiority, meanwhile.
D’Tigress will play the winner of the match between host country, Mali, and Egypt for the semi final.
The semi final match is scheduled for Saturday. NAN
