Facts

The value of land in England had political, social and economic undertones. Land was mandatory prerequisite for election into Parliament,while in the counties,was a requirement for the right to vote. During this period,the landed class had political power and interestingly, Parliament was controlled by landowners. Furthermore,in the local sphere, the Justice of Peace-the squire-was the most important personality.He was the largest landowner in the village. As Magistrate and leader of the local society,he combined political and social power. In addition,the owner of the land made profits by selling its produce or leasing the land for high rents to tenant farmers. The foregoing resulted in the the emergence of wealthy traders,who bought land as investments which was converted as a means to political power and social ostentation. The House of Commons, influenced by a few big landowners, sponsored bills which became laws. These laws were against the wishes of a large number of small fa...

William the Conqueror and Henry 1 of England were leaders whose authorities were to a large extent personal and not in any way attributable to the dynamic structure of the Government. Both of them had the extraordinary force of character with despotic tendencies. Interestingly, when Stephen, a man of feeble traits, succeeded Henry, civil war broke out. This was as a result of a succession dispute, which snowballed into a confusion of an unimaginable dimension culminating in the termination of the royal court. After the demise of Henry 1, the Government drifted into anarchy. However, the Royal court was restored and extended by Henry 11. Henry 11 was the son of Geoffery Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, and Eleanor of Aquitaine. His personality impressed those of his time, while his friends and enemies were of the consensus that he was a man of ways, means, and passions beyond the imagination of average men. Henry 11 had an eye for details of law and administration and indeed relished legal ...

The Norman conquest of England in 1066-1154 was characterized by the migration of whole peoples who displaced the earlier inhabitants of the land by expulsion or extermination. However, Duke Williams'victory at the Hastings brought about the imposition of a few alien governing classes on the Anglo-Saxon population. In addition, the Conqueror played the role of the lawful successor of Edward the Confessor, even though he was not. Interestingly, the Norman Kings who had very few followers, residing among the conquered population went the extra mile to protect them. This was why William the Conqueror introduced a legal system of communal responsibility for the crime to favor the Norman. Happenings in Nigeria today, have semblance with the Norman period. Illiteracy, ignorance, hunger, poverty, and insecurity have over time emerged as tools of governance by successive leadership in Nigeria, since independence. Indeed, the behavior, choice of words, mode of dressing, hairdo of an unsp...

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...