QUEEN LUWOO GBAGIDA; THE FIRST AND ONLY FEMALE OONI OF IFE.

QUEEN LUWOO GBAGIDA; THE FIRST AND ONLY FEMALE OONI OF IFE.

Researcher: Olamide Akinwumi James 

Luwoo Gbagida is the only female Queen Ooni in the history of Ile-Ife. Ooni Luwo Gbagida became Ooni around 1100CE. As reported, she was a woman of immense physical beauty - a proper "slay queen" who took pride in her attractiveness.

The Ooni of Ife is seen as the most supreme or paramount sovereign in Ile Ife, which is regarded as the source of the Yoruba race.

Generally, he is recognised by his subjects as their spiritual leader and Chief Custodian of traditions. 

There was no date to give an exact clue to how long she was on the thrown for. Dating only started from the 38th Ooni Akinmoyero 1770 – 1800, yet some historians claim that Ooni Luwo Gbagida reigned around 1100. 

Also, this revelation tells forgotten story of women involvement in contributing to the society, not just as workers but as a leaders.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION:

Ilè-Ifẹ̀ is a town in Osun state seen as the cradle and ancestral home and source of the Yoruba race, making any presiding ruler, the Ọọ̀ni, a reverred and very powerful leader.

Because Nigerian ancient history was mostly passed down through oral tradition, transcribed lists of the previous Oonis differ and sometimes, contradict each other. 

However, most accounts have stated that a female, Ooni Luwoo Gbagida, was the 21st Ooni of Ife, the supreme traditional ruler of Ile Ife. She succeeded the 21st Ooni of Ife, Ooni Giesi and was succeeded by the 22nd Ooni of Ife, Ooni Lumobi. 

Ooni Luwo Gbagida was crowned spiritual leader, and chief custodian of the source of the Yoruba race around 1100CE.

Lúwo Gbàgìdá, descendant of Otaataa from Owode compound, Okerewe. She was the first and only female to take the crown as Ooni after the demise of Ooni Giesi. 

She was said to have been married to Chief Ọbalọran of Ilode and became the mother of Adekola Telu, the founder and Oluwo of Iwo town.

(Some historical piece claims that Obaloran was also a king not a chief; there were many obas in Ile Ife, apart from the Ooni).

She was also known to be the one to commission unique Yoruba custom of construction of decorative pavements; open-air courtyards paved the pottery shreds.

She was also known to commission the unique Yoruba custom of construction of decorative pavements and open-air courtyards paved with pottery shreds.

The streets of Ile-Ife were paved with quartz pebbles and broken pottery as punishment for anyone who committed an offence.

The offenders were ordered to bake the clay, and afterwards use their bare hands to break it into pieces and then lay it on the floor for the queen to walk on.

WRONG MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT QUEEN LUWOO GBAGIDA:

It’s intriguing that Ile-Ife once had a female Ooni. There must be very good reasons Queen Luwoo was trusted to be crowned in her time – a concept known as “gender equality”.

Also, this revelation tells forgotten story of women involvement in contributing to the society, not just as workers but as a leaders.

There was no record of luw Gbagida marrying plenty of husbands just because she can, afterall kings are known for their taste in multiple women once they assume the throne.

She is known to birth a great king among others; Oluwo Adekola Telu. She started a dynasty that has thrived for centuries.

The current Oluwo of Iwo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi is from her bloodline.

No Birthday Celebrations For Me, Says Gov. Oyebanji.

No Birthday Celebrations For Me, Says Gov. Oyebanji. 

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has urged friends, family, well-wishers and the general public to halt any plan they might have for his 55th birthday slated for December 21st.

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said he wouldn’t want any birthday gift, newspaper advert, gathering or party in commemoration of his birthday.

Instead of advert placements, gifts or parties, Governor Oyebanji said anyone willing to celebrate with him should make donations to the less privileged children in the state.

Specifically, the Governor said that such plans should be converted to gifts and support to schools for the physically challenged in the three senatorial districts of the state vis: School for the Deaf, Ikoro-Ekiti; School for the Blind, Ikere-Ekiti; and School for the Mentally and Physically Challenged, Ido-Ekiti. 

He said financial and material gifts sent to these schools by his friends and well-wishers would be a more appreciated birthday celebration for him, adding that the country is at a point where citizens should make deliberate efforts at reaching out to the less privileged.

The Ikogosi-Ekiti born Oyebanji, a former University lecturer turned politician, will be 55 years old on December 21, 2022.

Gov. Oyebanji approves recruitment of Primary School Teachers.

Gov. Oyebanji approves recruitment of Primary School Teachers.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has approved the recruitment of teachers to fill some of the existing vacancies in public primary schools in the state.

According to a statement from the Office of the Executive Chairman of Ekiti SUBEB, Prof Femi Akinwumi in Ado-Ekiti, the approval was to further strengthen teaching and learning activities in the basic education sector in the State.

The statement explained that Government was already working out modalities for the commencement of the recruitment exercise, stressing that proper laid down procedure including advertising on the state website and in reputable media organizations would be duly followed for the recruitment exercise.

It however warned the public, particularly prospective applicants, to be wary of internet fraudsters parading their websites and blogs as recruitment platforms for the Board's 2022 and 2023 recruitment exercise.

"Ekiti SUBEB will soon recruit suitably qualified teachers for our public primary schools and procedures for the recruitment are already being put in place. As soon as this is completed, we will formally inform the public through the Ekiti State Website:www.ekitistate.gov.ng and through reputable media outlets "

"Applicants should however beware of internet recruitment fraudsters who might try to paint their websites and blogs as recruitment platforms for the Board's recruitment exercise. Application forms for

the exercise would never be downloaded on the social media, the statement warned."

It will be recalled that that the Board in 2021 recruited 600 primary school teachers .

Gov. Oyebanji Mourns Seriki.

Gov. Oyebanji Mourns Seriki.

...described his death as unfortunate and painful.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed condolences on the death of Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Demola Seriki who passed on Thursday, describing it as unfortunate and painful.

The Governor, in a statement in Ado- Ekiti on Thursday, described the news of Seriki’s death as shocking, worrisome and unfortunate; noting that the deceased did not show any sign of illness during their last meeting.

Oyebanji who described Seriki as a big brother and mentor, said the death of the Lagos politician was a personal loss to him. 

He described the late Ambassador as a highly refined politician, seasoned administrator, patriotic leader who saw politics and public service as avenue to serve and contribute to nation building.

The Governor said it is painful that Seriki who had been extremely committed to the presidential aspiration of the APC National Leader and Presidential flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, did not wait to witness the realization of the collective dream.

“Ambassador Seriki was known for his dedication to a worthy cause. He was a loyal party man and a patriotic Nigerian- always ready to serve. The news of his death is quite shocking, disheartening and painful. Losing such a committed and visionary public servant is a huge loss, not only to his family, friends and political associates, but to the country at large.

“My condolences and that of the government and people of Ekiti State to the Federal Government, the government and people of Lagos State as well as members of the immediate and extended families of the late politician. We pray God to grant his soul eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, Oyebanji said."

Yinka Oyebode

Special Adviser, Media

EKSG Will Address Teachers' Sufferings, Prioritise Their Welfare.

EKSG Will Address Teachers' Sufferings, Prioritise Their Welfare.

The Ekiti State Government, has reiterated the commitment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to the welfare of teachers, assuring that their wellbeing would be given an utmost  priority by his goverment.

The Deputy Governor,  Chief (Mrs) Monisade Christianah Afuye stated this in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, at a ceremony commemorating the occasion of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary School 2022 Gala Night.

Mrs Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, applauded teachers across Primary and Secondary levels for their display of discipline and passing knowledge across to students to build the nation's future.

The Deputy Governor stated that education remains the bedrock of the development of any society, describing it as the veritable weapon to instil  discipline and impact knowledge.

Mrs Afuye added that the Government of Ekiti would  pay their salaries, bonuses and gratuities  as and when due, adding that their welfare would not be taken with levity.

Chief Afuye who presented awards to some retirees of the union, however, appreciated the leadership of ASUSS for the gift  presented to her on the occasion of the dinner night.

In his welcome address, the State Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Comrade Sola Adigun, expressed his pleasure to welcome the presence of the audience for attending the August occasion stating that it was the second of its kind.

Adigun expressed that the instance of the previous year's celebration was ceased to celebrate the heroes and heroins who with their lives took risks to save the union when it mattered most, He added that  the comrades that were omitted in the last year celebration are part of those being celebrated in this year edition.

Comrade Adigun stated that the Pinnacle of teaching career in Ekiti State is the enviable position of Tutor-General, and also celebrate ASUSS member that are present occupiers of the positions, adding that the event is set in place to create an atmosphere for leisure and relaxation where members would forget work and family stress and take away normal aluta mood.

The  union leader, said it was a night to appreciate government, friends, fans, leaders and members of the union that have formed a formidable team that is taking teaching and education to its zenith in Nigeria, particularly, Ekiti State.

The ASUSS Chairman stressed that the  alarming rate at which teachers were dying is worrisome and that the leadership of the great union has thought it wise to introduce health insurance scheme for their members as there is always need of adequate daily meals.

Ekiti Speaker Canvasses More Effective Prosecution of Sex Offenders.

Ekiti Speaker Canvasses More Effective Prosecution of Sex Offenders.

....Says 'Rape Epidemic' Must Stop in Ekiti.

The Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba, had enlisted the support of traditional rulers, security agencies, judiciary, media and other stakeholders to reduce Gender-Based Violence in the state.

Speaking on Monday at a Special Plenary Session held by the Assembly on Prevention of Gender-Based Violence, the Speaker insisted that the epidemic of rape and other forms of sexual offences must in Ekiti State.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Speaker, Odunayo Ogunmola, the special plenary session was attended and chaired by the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji as part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Rt. Hon. Adelugba said she was alarmed and concerned that despite a robust legislative and policy intervention on the state, Gender-Based Violence, sexual and domestic violence appear to continue unabated in communities across the state.

She called for more vigorous and effective prosecution of sex offenders and other violators of Gender-Based Violence to end the culture of impunity and foster a culture of justice for the victims and deterrent for the offenders and potential offenders.

The Speaker emphasized that Gender-Based Violence represents a crime against individuals, the society and humanity saying it is a battle that must be won to make Ekiti safe for women, girl children and other vulnerable citizens of the state so that their rights will not be violated.

Rt. Hon. Adelugba noted that the Assembly is made up of representatives of the people of the state from all the twenty six (26) constituencies noting that the parley has made honourable members to take the message home to their constituents on the existence of laws and penalties against Gender-Based Violence.

She said: "I want to state at this juncture that more still needs to be done in the effective prosecution of sex offenders in Ekiti State and the task is a collaborative one among individuals, filed, communities, civil society organizations and stakeholders in the criminal justice system.

"I want to remind all and sundry that Gender-Based Violence represents a crime against individuals, the society and humanity. We must all join hands together to stop it; we must all rise and work together to fight and end rape epidemic in Ekiti State.

"Our collective response to the scourge of Gender-Based Violence must be proactive and efficient to end the culture of impunity and foster a culture of justice and deterrence. 

"I want to enlist the support of our traditional rulers, community leaders, the media, civil society organizations and other stakeholders for more public enlightenment and awareness on Gender-Based Violence laws in the grassroots to win this battle. This is a battle that is surmountable; with our collective resolve and determination, it is achievable."

The Speaker disclosed that the Assembly has enacted laws like Gender Based Violence (Prohibition) Law 2019, Sexual Violence Against Children (Compulsory Treatment and Care) Law 2020 and Child Rights Law 2012, among others as legislations aimed at fighting the scourge to a standstill.

The immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN presented an overview on Gender Based Violence in the state and what the state government had been doing to curb the incidence.

Fapohunda said the incidence of rape had assumed an alarming dimension which prompted the implementation of Name and Shame policy against sex offenders and opening of Sexual Offenders Register.

The Senior Advocate pointed out that gender based violence and rape offenders include the learned and the unlearned, highly placed individuals, lowly individuals, clergymen, lecturers, teachers, civil servants, among others.

He explained that gender based violence happen in all the local government areas of the state which called for a concerted effort to tackle the incidence.

The event was attended by stakeholders from Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, the Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association and Civil Society Organizations.

NYSC Corps members sensitise market sellers on market hygiene.

NYSC Corps members sensitise market sellers on market hygiene.

By: Olamide Akinwumi James 

Some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State has embarked on sensitisation of market sellers on the need to adopt hygienic practices and keep the market environment clean.

The corps members under the Community Development Service Group (Medical and Health CDS) on Thursday 8th December, stormed the Nkwo-Okija market at Okija Ihiala to sensitize the market people's. 

The President of the CDS, Etim Richard Friday, said the sensitisation programme was organised to create awareness, educate and enlighten the market men and women on cleanliness, and adopt a healthy market lifestyle for the health benefit of consumers.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness. Perishable and non-perishable products are sold here which has made it imperative to understand the essence of cleanliness. What we consume and the effect of these foods in our body system are determined by how they are handled before consumption, he explained”.