News
Yoruba Community in Enugu Gets First Oba
▪︎Alhaji Abdulazeez Adebayo, the new Oba of Yoruba Community in Enugu State
The Yoruba community in Enugu State has unanimously selected Alhaji Abdulazeez Adebayo as its new traditional ruler.
Vanguard reports that Adebayo, who hails from Osun, became the first ever Oba of the community since the history of Yorubas living in Enugu.
Speaking during the community’s meeting on Tuesday in Enugu, the new traditional ruler, said that seven states of Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos, Kogi and Kwara, made up the Yoruba community in Enugu.
Adebayo revealed that Yoruba ethnic nationality in the state comprised Ibadan Progressive Union, Ede Descendants, as well as Olateji, Ekiti, Ondo, Ilorin Descendant Unions.
“Today, the Ibadan Progressive Union decided to associate and join the Progressive Yoruba Community in Enugu state since what we have been yearning for many years–to have an Oba– has come true.’’
“I came to Enugu on Feb.7, 1979 and since then, I have lived peacefully in the state,” he said.
On how he was chosen, Adebayo said the process entailed looking for somebody with good record, good behaviour and who could take care for his people.
According to him, the person must also be trustworthy and ensure quality representation of Yoruba people in the state.
Explaining how the clamour for Yorubas in Enugu to have an Oba started, he said some people indicated interest to contest for the position in 2018.
Adebayo added that after screening, a report about the aspirants was submitted to the Yoruba community.
“We lost about three persons in the process of waiting to choose who will be our Oba.
This is what the Yoruba elders saw and decided to bring a neutral person who is trusted and I was called upon to take the position.
“I came to Enugu on Feb.7, 1979 and since then, I have lived peacefully in the state,” he said.
While urging them for support, love and unity, Adebayo appealed to other Yorubas, who were not in the fold, to join the community.
In his remarks, one of the aspirants, Chief Valentine Adesina, noted that there had been leadership tussle among the aspirants.
“After the general meeting, they agreed to have a committee that will look into that; we were about seven including me but it was reduced to three.
We didn’t do an election but we considered certain criteria like age and character; at the end of the day, the elders came up with Adebayo.
“He has been one of the pioneer members piloting the affairs of the community for about 35 years now.
“For that singular reason, he knows more than most of us; most Yoruba elders that started with him had gone back home, while others had died.
“I decided to step down for him to move the community forward,” Adesina said.
The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, 2025, as public holidays to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday.
He emphasised the importance of embodying the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, who had to die for the redemption of man, while greeting Christians on the joyous occasion.
In a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.
Details later…
Some unknown gunmen have killed at least three policemen in Achi, Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State.
Ohibaba.com learnt that the incident occurred at a checkpoint close to Ozudaa Market, Auchi.
Details of the incident are still sketchy as of the time of filing this report.
However, a viral gory video seen on Facebook by Ohibaba.com shows lifeless bodies of the slain policemen.
More to follow….
Watch the video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Nasrk54MA/
In a decisive move to end the protracted land dispute between the Isinigbo and Igoba communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved the constitution of an Arbitration Committee to mediate the conflict and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, expert in conflict resolution and a Fellow of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Arbitratirs in the United Kingdom.
The Governor’s action aligns with a resolution of the Ondo State House of Assembly and underscores his administration’s commitment to peace, security, and communal harmony across the state.
The land dispute between Isinigbo and Igoba has lingered for years, leading to the loss of lives and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
The unrest has also strained social relations and disrupted the peaceful coexistence of residents in the affected communities.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s intervention is seen as a bold step toward restoring order and ensuring long-term stability.
The committee’s mandate includes identifying the root and immediate causes of the conflict, key actors involved, and facilitating peaceful dialogue between stakeholders.
Other members of the committee include Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency II in the State House of Assembly; Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilson Afolabi; Ondo State Surveyor-General, Surv. Idowu Owolabi; and Mr. F.O. Adaramola, Secretary of the Ondo State Boundary Commission, who will serve as secretary of the committee.
According to the appointment letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, the committee is also expected to recommend actionable solutions to the boundary issues and propose strategic policies to prevent similar conflicts in other parts of the state.
The committee has been given a three-month timeline to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Olayide Owolabi Adelami, for further action.
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