Why I want to be world best percussionist - Tayo Conga

Tayo congaTayo Conga is one of the best percussionist in Nigeria, he plays virtually all kind  of instrument but specilzes in a drum called Conga or Tumbadora drum, according to him his decision to settle for conga drum is not only to be unique  but to the the world best in the  Afro Caribbean eat and  promote African culture and tradition. Tayo Conga has done beats for several notable artistes in Nigeria like Iyanya, Davido, Wizkid and several others. 

How do you come about Tayo Conga

I came up with conga drum because of the name conga, Conga is a percussive instrument made from the maccota drum, its an afro Caribbean instrument whereby you can use  for salsa dance  and any kind of music  so I  decided to add my name to that of the drum for people to identify me with the drum and understand the essence of the name. Another name for conga is Tumbadora, it is a Spanish name for conga drum

 At what point did decide to go into drum beating

I was born into drumming I started drumming at the age of 4 , I developed an idea by my experience  of years of playing akuba or agbamole drum so in 1998n I advance into Conga drum  when I noticed that there are some certain music that Agbamole cannot be used and Conga drum can flow into any kind of genre of music  so I started by developing a passion for it and later learn about the technique of playing the drum so I watch some video, it inspire me more,

 And how has it been ?

It has been very fantastic, very OK and I learn everyday because no man is an island of knowledge, soed to  I decided to learn about percussion to create different sounds I decided to go into African  drumming in order to promote our culture because I see conga drum as an African instrument which we should not allow the western world to take away from us, sound itself has its origin in Africa they speak African language so I speak and communicate in  Africa

tayo conga and Iyanya

But conga is alien to Nigeria so many people do not like it

Yes it is possible because some people seen a professional conga player performing , and the reason is that we are just few in Nigeria today because people are scared of the hardness of the surface of the word  and skin, conga drum is made of different type of skin , we have the one of fiber, kangaroo and others  so people  are always scare of the drum because they don’t want their palm to be hurt but for me I care less  about that because as  professional I must not look at those things  what I considered before taking up conga as my instrument was the fact that I saw everybody playing lead guitar, keyboard, drums and others and I ask myself why wont I do something special  something uncommon  and I know Conga drum is not common  and I  told myself I want to be the best and make it know to the world, represent my country and promote my culture  and to the glory of God it has been  good I am gradually making impact and achieving my target

Some people said Conga drum is being used during festival and rituals, is it true?

Not at  all, conga drum is also been play in the church and any where as well so it is not, the beat or sound may be familiar but Conga drum is for music and anywhere good music is being , yeah Conga drum is a traditional instrument but that doesn’t limit it to traditional activities or occultism

 What is the future of Conga drum in Nigeria?

If you listen to the music our producers are producing now they cannot do without conga  tunes, you will surely have percussive sounds listen  to the sound  like  they have been using conga since the days of Orlando Owo, Sir, Victor Olaiya,, conga drum still exists  if you listen to all this circular musician  as well they uses conga beat in order to nourish their tunes, people like wizkid cannot do without conga, people like Banky  sings R and B  and he cant do without conga sound so Konga has a very bright future in  Nigeria entertainment industry.

Have you release any album?

I am working on my project , I am working on an album

 Do you look forward to collaborate with any of the reigning arts in Nigeria now

Yes I look forward for more collaboration

Have you done anyone before?

I have worked with different artists, I have worked with BankyW, Wizkid, Nyanya, praise, Waje and so many of them including gospel artists like midnight crew, mikeAremu, I have worked with Tosin Martins,  Soji Isreal Big Bolaji, tosin Sars, patricia kings  and many of them

  How do you maintained the band in term of loyalty

I maintained my band and we are cordial , always tell them that it is not every show you go that you will make money but irrespective of what happen at the show be a good ambassador of the group, be able to do well, be able to just do your ting let people see the originality  in you, its not about you playing it  without happiness, be happy , have passion for what you are doing and at the end of it you will enjoy your labour  and they are complying  because the policy is working out fine.

 Can you tell us one of the memorable events?

Ha  2015 felabration, I was opportune to perform  at the grand finale of the felabration  2015, and after my performance the atmosphere was hot and everybody was happy so to keep the tempo  on they called 2face idibia on stage immediately after my performance , it’s a day I can never  forger, it was a great privileged for me sharing a stage with 2face idibia, I’ve always been playing at felabration but with different artists but I coming there with my band is a great privileged and platform for me

 Lets have an insight into your background

I was born in Ajegunle, in Aj City most young guys like doing some crazy things with their talent and that stands them out in whatever they are doing so as a young boy, myself  and some of my neigbhour in the hood  use to set up a stage at the  front  of  our house or open arena  and be playing music with different funny instrument such as Milk tin, bottle, open tray bucket and other things that bring sounds so I always lead and direct what sound to play and lead the music and that was how it all started in Ajegunle, while we play some people will be dancing and it gradually developed into a gyrational thing  when people will come around to watch our performances on Friday and Sunday  we get some instruments  and later when I moved to Ibadan , I started wit Akuba, I went back to Lagos we have a vibrato things, from school we have a group  and after  graduation we form a group called The Vibrator which I was the PRO  we were able to move well, later  spitted  because some of us got corporate job and some of us decided not to go into corporate world but to continue with the music

Did your parent support you going into music?

I am an orphan, I lost my dad in 1989 and my mum in 1993 so ever since then I have been trying to work hard I belief in myself I am a superstar because that spirit that everything will be possible in this country, it has not been easy becoming a conga player, for people to accept that drum you have to just work, it has been very challenging in convincing Nigerians about the  drum conga  but we are making headway.

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Tope Eluyefa

Ooni: Custodian of Yoruba cradle

Ile-Ife in the history of the Yoruba nation is symbolic to their origin and culture. SINA FADARE in this report x-rays the importance and significance of the ancient city.

Ife is a symbol of Yoruba and the king of the ancient town is not only revered but seen as the mouth piece of the almighty God on earth.

Though, there are two schools of thoughts that traced the origin of Yoruba to Ile-ife in different circumstances, but the fact still remained that the ancient town is believed by as the origin and cradle of Yoruba and her progenitor.

The mythology

The first school of thought argued that the first settlers came all the way from the present Mecca and eventually settled in ile-ife. When there was crisis in Mecca, a powerful ifa priest was said to have been consulted and he told them to migrate to a place where the ground is flat. It was at the present Ile-Ife that the ground was flat and Oduduwa who is believed to be the father of Yoruba settled down. That was why the place was named Ile-Ife, a place that the ground was flat. This account was corroborated by archeological excavations of terracotta’s, carved figures, brass castings, stools and monoliths in granite and quartz found in several parts of the town. All these gave the suggestion that the Yorubas have the similarity of cultural origin with Egypt.

However, the second school of thought however argued that at the creation of the earth, God (Olodumare) ordered a deity ‘Obatala’ to create the earth but could not achieve it because he got intoxicated through excessive drinking of palm wine.

The prevailing situation prompted his younger brother ‘Oduduwa’ to take over from him. He took the three items of creation from him including a cockerel. Oduduwa climbed down from the heavens on a chain and threw a handful of earth on the ocean and got a cockerel to assist him spread the sand to form land on which Ile-Ife and the world thrive today.

According to historians, the town’s habitation can be traced as far back as 350 BCE The meaning of the word “ife” in the Yoruba language is “expansion;” “Ile-Ife” means in reference to the myth of origin “The House of Expansion”

It is also believed that all dead bodies have a ‘stop over’ in Ile-Ife before going to the world beyond, in some Yoruba burial rites, it’s often recited that the dead person should not stay too long in Ile-Ife but proceed straight to the other world. It is also believed that till date there is a path in Ile-Ife that leads straight to the other world which is only accessible by the dead.

However the common ground in all the various historical narrations of the origin of the Yoruba race is the undisputable acceptance of Oduduwa as their founder and progenitor. This has been the unbreakable bond of unification among the Yorubas.

Spiritual home of all Yoruba

Ile-Ife is the ancestral and spiritual home of all Yorubas, bonafide in Nigeria and the diaspora. The spiritual headship of the Yoruba race by the Oni cannot be queried either. Ile-Ife is well known as the city of 401 deities. It is said that every day of the year, except one day, which is not known to the general public, the traditional worshippers celebrate a festival of one of these deities. The most celebrated of the deities is the Ogun festival, which is named Olojo festival, when the king only appears in public, wearing a special crown called ‘Are’ and uses the occasion to bless his subjects.

Discovery

During the colonial era, a notable artefact known as Ori- Olokun which has been existing over a thousand of years was purportedly said to have been discovered by that renowned German archaeologist Leo Frobenius in 1910. The pure-copper sculpture took the entire arts world by storm at the time of its discovery to the extent that experts from the West argued that the artefact was a mystery that was too sophisticated to have been an handiwork of any African man.

However, after a thorough search of the ancient town it was discovered that there are other sophisticated arts work around the ancient town. It was then that the world accepted the facts that the people of Ile-Ife are advance in production of notable artefacts. They have the expertise of wielded the technology to turn iron to alloy but also of moulding abstract artworks out of the product. Consequently, it is now accepted by the curatorial community that the advanced artistic techniques used to create the sculpture were more advanced than those of Renaissance Italy, and comparable to those of Donatello (renowned artist). That was why the ancient city was referred to as ‘source’ of civilization.

Also, Ile-Ife is the site or Opa Oranmiyan that stands over five meters tall in moopa area of the town with a fenced wall. Few symbolic trees are scattered around the staff with some dotted marks, which the custodian says are marks of bullet during the several wars fought by Oranmiyan. High chief Johnson Owoyemi, the Akogun of Ife is the current custodian of the Opa Oranmiyan – a staff that Oranmiyan, the grandson of Oduduwa used to take to war. The staff made of granite obelisk with iron stud stands within the Oranmiyan shrine manned by Chief Eredumi as chief priest who is believed by Yoruba as the link between the dead and the living.

Ooni as the father of Yoruba

The palace of the Ooni is a monument of the highest order while the monarch himself is a symbol of Yoruba existence. The Oòni otherwise known as Arole Oodua, is traditionally considered the 401st spirit (Orisa), the only one that speaks. The royal dynasty of Ife traces its origin back to the founding of the city, more than two thousand years ago.

In the days of old the palace of the Ooni of Ife was a structure, built of authentic enameled bricks, decorated with artistic porcelain tiles and all sorts of ornaments. To show the highest respect the people have for the stool, the Ooni of Ife occasionally appears in the public and if he does his face is always covered with a special crown that has veils decorated with ornaments and beads.

To demonstrate how revered and highly placed the place of Ooni in the Yoruba Empire was , in 1903, the British Colonial government invited the then Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Olubuse ll, the great grand fathers of the immediate past Ooni, Oba Sijuwade Olubuse to testify in a case between the Akarigbo of Remo and Elepe if any of them qualify to wear the beaded crown In those days, no one could look in the face of the Ooni. All Yoruba kings under his authority and who domiciled along the route the Ooni was to pass to Lagos moved out of their bases and they did not return until the Ooni returned to Ile-Ife.

The aura, candour and the opulence surrounded the Ooni stool embedded with core values of Yoruba culture make whoever occupies the place to abhor speaking English within and outside the country, especially in public fora. That was why the late Ooni, Sijuwade engaged the service of an English lady secretary any time he was outside the country who translate for him and Funmilola Olorunisola was always available in the country to do same.

His Royal Highness claimed that the irumoles forbade him to speak any other language, other than his mother tongue, Yoruba. He is always maintaining the strict posture in commune with the gods, the irumoles and his ancestors.

Taye Currency New Album, “ BBM” Hits Market With Bang

Popular Musician and Apesin of Fuji, Alhaji Taiwo Adebisi has said that he would hit the music stand with his new album ``Birthday Bash and Message (BBM)’’ today 7th, Dec. 2015.
This was contained in a statement signed by his spokesperson Tope Eluyefa and made available to journalists.

He says, Taiwo Adebisi,  popularly known as `Taye Currency’ was not leaving any stone upturned to continue thrilling Nigerians to good music, adding that the album preaches peace.



“I can authoritatively confirm that people has been phoning while others are continuously besiege the house of Taye Currency and marketers within and outside the States including Abuja, Jos, Kaduna and Sokoto are booking for copies of the music and by the end of today all markers in Nigeria should have receive the copies of Birthday Bash and Message (BBM) CDs” Tope said

``As an hardworking man, who works everyday to improve on my music and to effect positive change in the fuji industry, I research carefully before coming up with evergreen songs for all categories of people,’’ Tope said.


He said that the upcoming album was unique and would reign in the history of mixing and production of fuji songs, describing it as educative, inspiring, entertaining and informative.


He said that the 2in1 album with 10 tracks is unique and totally different from other dual albums in town

Adebisi stressed that the album `BBM’ preaches the way of life and the importance of individuals sustaining high level of sound integrity.

The album being produced by Golden Point Music is expected to rock the airwaves across Nigeria, as people are eager having waited for almost two years to have the feel of the music


The fuji musician assured his fans of his best always, promising them that the album would not fall short of their expectation.

Press Week: Oyo NUJ commends NURTW over peaceful election

 

Mr Gbenga Opadotun , the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),Oyo State Chapter has commended the Nigerian Union of Road Transports Workers(NURTW), Oyo Chapter for conducting a peaceful election.
He disclosed this of Friday in Ibadan after the Jumat Service held at Letmauck Barracks, Mokola to herald the 2015 Oyo NUJ Press Week.
Opadotun, while commending the Oyo NURTW Chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, popularly known as `Fele’, who hosted the members to a reception, said that Oyerinde’s reign in the union had been peaceful.
``Gone are those days, when the Oyo NURTW is synonymous with violence. Their election is always conducted in a free for all atmospheres, which invariably disrupt the peace of the city.
``We thank God that the present administration of Oyo NURTW under the leadership of Oyerinde, who has just been returned for a second term, has written their name in gold.
``We pray that the good foundation laid by Oyerinde in the union be sustained,’’ he said.
He prayed that leaders like Oyerinde deserved higher positions in the union to inculcate into other members worthy legacies, a replica of his good works in Oyo.
In his response, Oyerinde commended the NUJ for the good work they have been doing as professionals.
He said that the NURTW would remain peaceful, having set the standard for peaceful co-existence of its members.
``We are always ready to be good partners of the NUJ and we will never relent in our efforts at sustaining peace in the NURTW and the state at large.
Oyerinde implored NUJ members to always discharge their duties diligently, adding that they should always be fair to all parties in their reportage.
``Please always verify any information bothering on the NURTW from our secretariat before publishing. I assure you that we will always be ready and willing to respond to you adequately,’’ he said.
Also, Mr Sulaiman Olanrewaju, the Chairman, NUJ Press Week Committee, urged members to turn out in large numbers for the ongoing 2015 Oyo NUJ Press Week.
He said that the theme of the week ``Nigeria beyond oil’’ has been carefully chosen and to be delivered by experts like Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) and Prof. Adeola Adenikinju to enrich the knowledge of members.
The event featured a prayer session  for the union, led by Imam Shuaibu Muhammed of Letmauck Barrack Central Mosque.

BY Tope Eluyefa

BOOK YOUR COPY.
"BIRTHDAY BASH AND MESSAGE" BBM
OUT ON MONDAY DECEMBER 7, 2015.

Bagii Chieftaincy Title: On Abdur-Rasheed we stand- Kingmakers

The eight Kingmakers of the Bagii chieftaincy council of Saki in Oyo State has insisted on the selection
of Prince Adegoke Abdur-Rasheed as the new Bagii of Saki They called on Gov. Abiola Ajimobi to approve the appointment in a letter signed by the kingmakers and which was made available to journalists in Ibadan today.
Those who signed the letter are Chief Shittu Olayiwola (Apeeki of Saki), Chief Samson Atanda (Agoro Bagii), Chief Ganiyu Adebayo (Sobaloju), Chief Yekeen Salami( Baale Ibata),Chief Kareem Abokede
(Baale Ayetoro).
Others are Chief Benjamin Olulande (Ikolaba Bagii), Chief Yekeen Oyedokun (Baba Bagii) and Chief Falohun (Baale Soloko)

The kingmakers had reacted over a purported directive of the state government through a letter dated Nov. 23 with reference number C.B 141/25/442 that the selection process, which has been concluded be
re-opened.
It was recalled that Abdur-Rasheed was selected by the kingmakers in an election between him and Prince Yusuff Olabode, who were presented by the Kujeniya ruling house.
The selection of new Bagii came up after the demise of the immediate past occupant of the stool, Late Chief Muritala Oladepo.
The kingmakers stated that the Management of Saki Local Government had on Sept. 29 wrote the Kujeniya ruling house of Baggi, whose turn it was to produce the next Bagii of Saki.
They said that the ruling house had at her meeting of Oct. 6 nominated Abdur-Rasheed and Olabode and forwarded to the kingmakers.
They said that they wrote a letter, dated 0ct. 7 to informant the management of Saki West local government, the head of Kujeniya ruling house with five members and the candidates.
The letter was to inform them about the selection meeting scheduled for Oct. 8 at the Apeeki palace, Oke-Odo in Otun area of Saki by 10am.
The kingmakers said that all the invited stakeholders and security agencies witnessed the election, which saw the emergence of Abdur-Rasheed.
They said that they unanimously voted for Abdur-Rasheed, having observed all customary rites and oath of allegiance as required by the tradition that governs the selection to the chieftaincy.
``The pattern of our votes was a product of not only physical consultation but spiritual and divine guidance,’’ they said.
They added that they have followed the Bagii Chieftaincy Declaration of 1958, which was approved and registered, and the Chiefs Law of Oyo State.
``Your Excellency, our respective titles and roles as kingmakers of Bagii of Saki is traditional and inherited from our forbears, from which we did not depart.
``There has never been a situation where kingmakers sit to re-conduct a selection process that has been concluded. It is a sacrilege,’’ they said.
They called on the governor to approve the appointment of Abdur-Rasheed and allow any aggrieved member to seek legal redress, pleading that they would be able to meet the governor’s judgment with
justice.

MODAKEKE COMMUNITY VISITS OONI OF IFE, OBA ENITAN ADEYEYE OGUNWUSI, OJAJA II

In the spirit of oneness and solidarity the Modakeke community led by Ogunsua of Modakeke HRM Oba (Dr) Francis Olatunji Adedoyin paid a courtesy visit to Arole odua Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja ll) Ooni of Ife yesterday.

In his 'Ile-Ife And Yoruba of My Dream' acceptance speech, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi has promised to set up a foundation that will support post war effects and the rebuilding of war torn Ife and Modakeke.

The Ife and Modakeke are both Yoruba of Osun State in southwestern Nigeria. According to oral tradition, both are descendants of Oduduwa, the perceived progenitor of the Yoruba people.

The socio-cultural and political systems of the two communities are essentially identical and their geographical distribution largely overlaps. As related as Ife and Modakeke are, however, both engaged in protracted conflict for over a century.

The impacts of these crises have led to loss of lives, displacement of people, destruction of properties, etc. Thus, the greatest challenge facing the the new Ooni of Ife Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi is the issue of maintaining lasting peace between Ile Ife and Modakeke comunities.

Oba Ogunwusi has promised to consolidate on all achievements of his predecesors which among othersthings includes aiming to resolve any ethnic conflicts through constructive means.

Ife-Modakeke crisis  remains the oldest intra-ethnic conflict in Nigeria which makes the process  of continuous engagement and dialogue highly imperative.

Historical accounts suggest that the people of Modakeke migrated and settled in Ile-Ife in the aftermath of the collapse of the Old Oyo empire in the nineteenth century, causing a refugee crisis to the south and resulting in the occupation of their contemporary location.

Two distinct categories of people were thus created: the original settlers (landlords) and the migrants, tenants, farmhands, and a resettled group considered as refugees (Modakeke).These categorizations form the remote causes of the conflicts between the two groups.

It is recognized that the causes of the conflicts between Ifes and  Modakekes are many and varied. Historians generally trace the crisis to pre-colonial Nigeria especially during the Yoruba internecine wars of the nineteenth century.

Some of the identified major conflicts that broke out between the two groups include:

    The two bloody battles of 1849.
    The communal war of December 1882.
    The conflict over selection of Imam by the Modakeke in 1934.
    The Isakole (Land Rent) dispute of 1946 – 47.
    The confrontation over the reception of a British parliamentarian (Rev. Sorenson) in January 1949.
    The conflict over the establishment of Modakeke High School.
    The conflict over the establishment of Olorunsogo Plank Market,
    The opposition to self help development projects by a Fund Raising activity of Modakeke in 1980.
    And the request for a separate Local Government Council which began in 1950s.6

Efforts of  both the Federal and the State Governments in resolving these crises have brought relative peace to the comunities.

By AuthenticNews Network

Nigerians Must Be Patiencewith PMB – Guru maharaji

The Living Perfect Master and leader of the One Love Family, Satguru Maharaj ji, has  called on President Muhammadu Buhari to pull the Nigerian economy off the grip of the  ‘’killer cartels.’’ in the oil industry’ and barnish then to snake island.

He also described  the concept of zoning and federal character as ‘’prime enemies of Nigeria’s destined progress,’’
Maharaj ji made these submissions while addressing journalist at  a press conference organised to celebrate the Golden Age Festival (GOLDFEAST 2015 edition) , held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Wednesday.
The religious leader of One Love Family, who said zoning of public offices was a political practice which robbed the country of the ability to build the right political capital, noted that every man must qualify for any position of leadership he sought to occupy.
While identifying the absence of a nationalist vision and drive as the bane of economic advancement in Nigeria, Maharaj-ji called for a thorough overhaul of the operating system of the oil industry to salvage the sector from corruption.
On insecurity and insurgency, the religious leader charged President Buhari to address the emerging variant of Boko Haram insurgents operating as cattle herdsmen and recommended the immediate construction of a cattle ranch each in Lagos, Oyo, Enugu, Rivers, Edo, Benue and Kano states.
 He also lamented the relegation of traditional rulers to the background of public administration and suggested that seven traditional rulers from each of the six geopolitical zones should be given constitutional roles to play in the National Assembly.
Maharaj ji, who denounced partisanship in politics, said he was the current custodian of ‘’The Power that sustains the universe, while also expressing his readiness to support the progress and enhancement of the fortunes of Nigeria and the whole world.
His words: ‘’ I will as such always give my full divine support to whoever leads Nigeria to the very last minute of his tenure. Divinity is not biased. It is perfectly fair. Maharaj ji never disappoints! My divine presence is for progress of all Nigerians!’’.
Also speaking on the recent NASS leadership crises, the perfect divine master called on the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, ‘’to step aside and allow the ongoing court process to run its objective course in the interest of the country.’’
He recommended the establishment of  special anti-corruption courts, saying ‘’ all ex-governors , local government chairmen and other ex-political office holders who have taken sanctuary in the Senate and elsewhere should be made to leave the offices they occupy to clear themselves at such courts.’’
Maharaj ji, however, charged the police to review their policies and return officers to wearing blue-coloured uniforms.
The chairman Nigerian union of journalists comrade Gbenga Opadotun in his welcome address congratulated maharaji and pray for his success.

TOPE ELUYEFA

Unknown Gummen Killed Prince Oyekoya and Two kids

Prince Ishola Oyekoya was murdered in cold blood along with two of his children Abayomi Oyekoya and Temidayo oyekoya by an unknown assailant.
The incident which occurred few days to the coronation ceremony at about 8:30  30th October 2015 at the traditional family house near Ikate river of the town.
It was also gathered exclusively that two of the children of the deceased Oyekoya Ayomikun and Oluwapelumi Oyekoya was on the United state with the deceased wife at the time of the i incident.
The situation had prompted the surviving kids to remain in the United state as the treat and protest from the opposition party continues .
It’s gathered that the opposition won’t rest until the entire Ishola Oyekoya heir to the throne are wiped out . Sources gather that even the wife of the deceased have been on run since the death of her husband.
The incident which occurred few days to the coronation ceremony at about 8:30pm 30th October 2015 at the traditional family house around Ikate river of the town.

Oyo SWAN election: members pass vote of no confidence on national secretary

Members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo state chapter has passed a vote of no confidence on the national secretary of the association, Mr Andrew Abah, for his role in the postponed association's election last week.

This was stated in a communique issued on Wednesday backed by over 35 members in the state who signed to that effect.

The members accused Andrew Abah of degrading the exalted position of the association national secretary and doctored the list meant for the conduct of the election.

The statement reads: "Following the botched election of Oyo State branch of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Friday October 9th, 2015, held at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, some members of the union reviewed the election and the ignoble roles played by some key actors and concluded as follows:

"Members of the Oyo State SWAN no longer have confidence in the National Secretary of the association, Mr Andrew Abah, following his role in the crisis that led to the postponement of the election.

"Mr Andrew Abah cannot represent the national SWAN in Oyo State again to either supervise or conduct any activity of the state chapter.

"Right from landing in the state, Mr Andrew Abah had shown his compromise by holding a meeting with the chairman of the association in the state, Mr. Ajayi-Obe and a few other members of the executive, who like Ajayi Obe are contesting in the election. The electoral list was badly altered and only friends and cronies of Ajayi Obe were in the list.

"The reason given is that only those who have submitted their membership forms were considered. But after reviewing the list, it was discovered that there are many strange names of people who have never written a line of sport story while well known sport writers were omitted. It was also discovered that more than half of the names in list have no medium.

"On the day of election, Friday, October 9th, when the election supposed to commence by 10am, Mr Andrew Abah only arrived at the venue of the event at 2.30pm.

"The electorate, including the members of the electoral committee only had access to the electoral list a few minutes to the commencement of the election. At the point, more than 50 members who were at the venue realised they had been disenfranchised.

"When some members protested against this, the chairman Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State council, Comrade Gbenga Opadotun, acting on the order of the national President of NUJ, Comrade Waheed Odusile, mediated which culminated in the postponement of the election till October 30th, 2015. Mr Andrew Abah and the South West zonal vice President, Mumini held a meeting with the representatives of the two candidates contesting for the chairmanship position where it was agreed that everybody would abide by the resolution of the meeting.

"It is however a surprise that Andrew Abah issued a release which he dated October 9 even when it was obvious that the letter was issued on October 12. The released contradicted the earlier resolution arrived at on October 9. He also said in the release the election is postponed indefinitely and that those who were disqualified remain disqualified. We want to point it out that nobody was disqualified, he doctored the list to reflect his intention of taking side.

"Abah also said in the release that only 35 persons will now vote while saying also that the disbanded electoral committee remains intact.

"It is important to state here that at the meeting presided over by the NUJ chairman after the botched election due to his absence at the venue and the hide and seek game he played in Ibadan, the electoral committee was disbanded by the chairman while a three-man-committee was named.

"He only arrived just as the meeting came to a close and the NUJ chairman intimated him of the development at another meeting he held with him, where representatives of the two main contestants were in attendance.

"Abah’s action has angered SWAN members in Oyo State and the chapter here states that it no longer has confidence in him as a national officer.

Akeredolu,Oyinlola,make second ministerial nominee lists

Rotimi Akeredolu,SAN

Feelers are beginning to emerge on those who made the second list of ministerial nominees submitted to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari on yesterday
evening.
The list was submitted to the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, 12 days after the first one was delivered.
The list was submitted to Saraki by the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House), Alhaji Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, at 4.25pm.
The Vanguard is reporting that among those who made the list are a former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Barrister Mohammed Bello (Adamawa); former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun); former Chairman of the National Population Commission, Chief Festus Odimegwu (Imo); former National President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN (Ondo); former spokesman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, Osita Okechukwu (Enugu); and former governorship candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party in Abia State, Ikechi Emenike (Abia).
Others on the list include Hadiza Abdullahi; Adamu Adamu (Bauchi), Hajia Bukar Ibrahim, the former first lady of Yobe State (Yobe); Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa); James Ocholi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (Kogi); Anthony Anwuka, a professor of education administration, who was Secretary to the Imo State Government; and Isaac Adewole, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology.
Others are Dan Ali, a brigadier-general, who was retired in 2013; Okechukwu Enelamah, the CEO of African Capital Alliance; Claudius Omoyele Daramola, a professor of sociology of education from Ondo State; and Aisha Abubakar.
The Senate is scheduled to begin the screening of the nominees on Tuesday (today).

There is nothing wrong with lesbianism – Popular Ghanaian actress

Juliet Ibrahim, has said she sees nothing wrong with a female who experiences romantic love or sexual attraction with other females.
The humanitarian of Lebanese, Liberian and Ghanaian descent, in a recent chat with Ghanagist revealed that she has only kissed a lady once but has never slept with a woman in her life.
Ibrahim said: “I’m not a lesbian.
“You will be wondering why I’m saying this because people always think I’m a lesbian.
“I always get questions when I play movie roles and stuffs but I’ve only kissed a girl once and that was in a movie and that was because I had to play a role.
“I’ve never been with a lady before.”
Ibrahim, however, see nothing wrong in being a lesbian.
She said: “There is nothing wrong with it.
“You can do your thing if you like it, but I haven’t been with a girl before.”

How Dodo Mayana, Fela's Best Dancer was killed in Lagos

Dodo Mayana, one of the popular dancers of late afro beat musician, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, is dead.
Mayana was said to have either been knocked down by a hit and run driver in Lagos or mugged to death.
Fela’s son, Femi Kuti, disclosed this on his Twitter handle.
Femi, however, believes more she could have been attacked and dumped at the spot where she was found at Grammar School Bus Stop in Omole area of Lagos State rather than the theory of the hit and run driver.

He said this was because nothing was found on her.
She was said to be on her way home from the African Shrine, where she runs a shop.
The opened the shop after she quit dancing.
After working with Fela until his death, Mayana declared loyalty for Femi and became one of his cage dancers.
On retirement, she took to selling drinks at the African Shrine, which is in Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos State.
Femi tweeted: “Heard that Dodo who sells outside the Shrine was hit by a car on her way home by Grammar sch. opposite Omole Estate. I’m so sad. Sounds more like Dodo was mugged ‘cos when we got to her, nothing was found on her, no money, no phone. Mehn sad sad sad.
“Dodo was such a nice and friendly person RIP. May those who did this not go free. Unfortunately, our police might never find them. She was mugged they now say most likely she took first chance, killed, dumped by Grammar sch.”

Robbers, again, hit banks in Lagos

Armed robbers on Tuesday morning attacked two banks in Festac Town, Lagos State.
The banks attacked were Diamond Bank and Access Bank.
The attacked banks are located at 4th Avenue in Festac Town.
It was learnt that the armed robbers arrived at the bank by road before the commencement of banking operations at 8am, mingling with customers.
The operation reportedly started at about 9am when the armed robbers blew open the vaults of the banks with dynamites.
They were said to have left before operatives of the Rapid Response Squad got to the scene.
They reportedly escaped by speed boat already at the river bank in the area.
Reports reaching The Eagle Online has it that no one was killed or injured during the operation.
The robbers were, however, said to have escaped with huge amount of money.
The state Police Command is said to be getting set to brief newsmen on the development as at press time.
No fewer than two operations of this nature had taken place in Lagos State before now.
A branch of First City Monument Bank in Lekki was attacked by robbers who escaped by speed boat after killing some people.
So also were two banks hit by armed robbers in Ikorodu area of the state after that.
The robbers also escaped by speed boat.




While Validating the election of Hon Dapo lam Adesina, the three men panel headed by  Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, said the petition lacks merit because the petitioner failed to prove his case sufficiently.

The panel also dismiss the petition against  Hon Olugbemi base on lack of merit and concrete evidence to back the claims.

Hon Dap Lam Adesina said his victory at the tribunal is a further affirmation of God's love and people'support for his candidate and assured that the victoy will spur him to do more for the people of his constituency.

While expressing confidence in the Judiciary sector of the country Hon Dapo Adesina said " we have now began to witness the true change we deserve as a nation and i am optimistic the Buhari led  APC government will trully take Nigeria to a greater height

Tribunal Upheld Two APC lawmakers election in Oyo

Hon. DapoLam-Adesina

The National Assembly election petition tribunal sitting in Ibadan has upheld the election another two All Progressive Congress Federal  lawmaker in Oyo state Hon.Dapo Lam-Adesina and Olusumbo Olugbemi  as winners of March 28 elections held in the state.

Hon Dapo Adesina ,son of a  former governor in the state late Lam Adesina represent Ibadan North East/ South East federal constituency and and Olugbemi is a representative of Oluyole federal constituency

Their election is being challenged by Accord party candidate Hon Gbenga Arole for Ibadan North and South East while Hon. Olugbemi's. Eligibility for the elections was challenged by the Hon Adeagbo of Accord party.