Solomon's Column

A group, Concerned Igbos Forum, recently called on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, to follow the steps of the Deji of Akure, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, who abolished the title of Ezendigbo in his domain. However, in this interview with Poverty Line, the Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr.)Alex Anozie counsels that Igbos should be allowed to choose their leader anywhere they reside. Excerpts : What is your reaction to the call by a group to the Olubadan of Ibadanland to abolish the title of Ezendigbo? My brief reaction to that is that the group mentioned is unknown to Igbos in Ibadan and Oyo state. And we are sure that they were sponsored by those who lost out in the court. Thirdly, our Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, is a king whom God has bestowed with wisdom as God bestowed on King Solomon in the Bible. Let us all remember the story of the Bible about the two women who went to King Solomon for th

In a society where justice and the rule of law prevails, the community leaders, members of the Landlords and Tenants Association, law enforcement agents(agencies), and residents of Olorunsogo, Molete, Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami,Oshodi,Scout Camp,Aluko/Barracksand Felele communities in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria who sponsored hoodlums wielding stones, matchets, and iron rods to attack and injured a resident of 3, Kehinde Aderibigbe Street, Olorunsogo, Molete ought to be brought to justice. Sadly, this is not the case. These attacks were on several occasions. Indeed, impunity in the above mentioned communities and several others, is the order of the day and way of life. Interestingly, cultists have now gained prominence and recogintion in these communities. In addition, those behind the vandalization and looting of 3, Kehinde Aderibigbe Street, Olorunsogo, Molete are still walking the streets freely full of boasts and acting persistently with impunity. Why is this so? On Tuesday, 4th

Persons in authority in Nigeria have hinted that the re-introduction of toll gates is imminent while at the same time facilitating the increase in the fees payable for vehicle plate numbers and the driver's license. Before now, impoverished Nigerians have been contending with persistent darkness even though at present, electricity bills are strangulating. Indeed, the high costs of foodstuff in the markets, the upward review of the Value Added Tax(VAT), PremiumMotor Spirit(PMS), and Kerosene are solid proofs that governance is on an unstable footing at all levels. The ranking of Nigeria as fifth in the list of countries with high debt risk exposure only confirms that political office holders, both elected and appointed, have done almost nothing to reinvigorate the country's health system, eradicate hunger and poverty, create convincing and satisfactory employment, ensure the growth of businesses. The Debt Management Office(DMO)has stated that Nigeriahasadebt of $11.5 billion t

Most communities in Oyo state among other states in Nigeria have been overwhelmed by criminals, a significant number of whom are residents. These criminals take time to observe happenings in these communities from shops, beer parlors, hotels, and abandoned buildings in these communities after which they facilitate heinous and grievous crimes. In Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami, Oshodi, Olorunsogo, Barracks, Aluko, Felele, and several other communities in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, electricians, petty traders, barbers, commercial motorcycle operators, and mechanics and beer parlor operators secure accommodation for questionable characters, who no terrorize these communities. Sadly, the Landlords and Tenants Associations in these communities know these criminals but overlook their criminal activities, perhaps because of the pecuniary benefits accruing to them. Although they ensure they facilitate the collection of night guards dues from residents with all vigor. Children of school a