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Alaafin’s death a national tragedy, personal loss to me – Gani Adams

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Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Adams has described the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, as a national tragedy and personal loss to him.

The Yoruba generalisimo said the foremost Yoruba monarch had lived a worthy life all through his reign.

Iba Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media Kehinde Aderemi, expressed shock at the news of the
death of the top monarch, adding that Nigeria, Yoruba and the ancient town of Oyo has lost a great monarch whose life was a true reflection of a complete Yoruba monarch.

The statement personally signed by the Aareonakakanfo stated: “Kabiesi’s death is surely a national tragedy,it is a personal loss to me and it ended a chapter in the annals of this country.The Yoruba has loss a true and revered monarch and a repository of history and knowledge.

“A sudden cloud has overwhelmed the entire Yoruba land and we can hardly forget the roles of Alaafin
as the top Yoruba monarch in a hurry.

“There’s is no way I can figure out this collosal loss. Alaafin has been a strong pillar in the service of our race.He was an Iroko among all trees and a strong voice for the Yoruba race.Alaafin was,till date,the longest reigning monarch in Oyo history.No monarch had reigned for 35 years in Oyo,but Alaafin outlived that, spending 52 years on the throne.

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“He occupied the sacred stool with much understanding of his pivotal roles as the Alaafin.With much honour,reverence and candour that actually gave him the required confidence, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

“He showed great capacity, tenacity, and several qualities that made him a strong force to be reckoned with.

“I was at the palace last month where Kabiesi led us to Bishop Ladigbolu’s event in Oyo and he was hail and hearty.By virtue of my position,I always keep in touch and I know what it means to be an Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, so it was a personal loss and a rude shock to me.

“It was a national tragedy because of what the foremost Yoruba monarch symbolised to Nigeria,to Yoruba land and to Nigerians.

“The news of Alaafin’s death sounded like a thunderstorm. It reverberated as if there was an eclipse in the entire Yoruba land. That shows how important the Alaafin’s stool is to our race.

“Baba’s 52- year reign was full of outstanding moments,but it is sad we lost that encyclopaedia of Yoruba,African and global histories at this critical time in the history of our nation.

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“In his 52- year of reign, Alaafin brought enormous respect to the Yoruba traditional institution.So,I
am not only bereaved personally, I am also bereft of words to actually describe the extent of this huge loss.I think Kabiesi’s death has created a big lacuna for the Yoruba traditional institution.

“He brought development to Oyo town in all sectors, including social, political, economic,even in the area of education, sports and cultural development.He was a topmost cultural icon that is well respected across the world and symbol of true Yoruba distinct values and heritage.

“Alaafin was the only monarch that installed two Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land in his life.He installed the late MKO Abiola in 1988 and thirty years after,that was precisely in 2018,he installed my humble self as holder of the prestigious position that began in 1530.

“As far as I am concerned, Kabiesi’s life was full of great memories and his death was a national tragedy and huge loss.

“The news of his death today, really reminded me of the days I lost my father and mother.That was the saddest days in my life.

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“Though, Kabiesi died at a very old age,he was the vice chancellor of four universities.Two prominent universities in Nigeria and two abroad,and he had influenced four different universities located in Oyo town.

“In truth,we will sorely miss his wise counsel.We will miss his voice and resoluteness.We will miss his wisdom and knowledge of history.

“We will miss his comportment, and compassion. We will miss his character and strength.We will miss his articulate discourse, especially, on pertinent national issues.We will miss his strong conviction to the Yoruba cause.We will miss his ideas and ideologies. And in all,we will miss his whole being.

“I commiserate with the Oyo state governor,Eng. Seyi Makinde,and the good people of Oyo state.I also commiserate with the Oyo Mesi”,

“I commiserate with the Oloris and the princes and the princess and I share in the pain of the entire Oyo town and all the Obas in Yoruba land,because Alaafin’s death is very personal to me, and it is no doubt, one death too many.I pray God to give the entire Yorubaland, the strength and the fortitude to bear this collosal loss.”

 

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Woman jumps into Lagos lagoon, rescued by boat operators

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A yet-to-be-identified woman has been rescued after reportedly jumping into the lagoon from the Idumota end of the Carter Bridge in Lagos state.

The incident, which reportedly drew the attention of passersby and local boat operators, occurred on Tuesday afternoon.

According to eyewitnesses, nearby boat operators responded and brought the woman back to safety.

video circulating on social media showed the woman, seated in a rescue boat shortly after she was brought out of the water.

The footage, shared on X by a user identified as CHUKS, also showed people gathered on the bridge expressing concern about the woman’s condition.

Some bystanders could be heard appealing to the boat operators to ensure that she received appropriate care.

The circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident or confirm the woman’s identity and condition.

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Police seize truck-load of fake drug warehouses in Lagos, arrest two

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The Lagos State Police Command says its operatives have uncovered two warehouses allegedly used for repackaging counterfeit pharmaceutical products and arrested two suspected members of a syndicate involved in the interstate and cross-border distribution of fake drugs.

Fatai Tijani, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command,  disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen at the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit in the Ijora Olopa area of the state.

The suspects, identified as Eze Okwudilichukwu, 52, and Chukwudi Mba, 42, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by detectives attached to the unit.

The police boss said the suspects were apprehended at a warehouse located at Number 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were allegedly repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution to various parts of Nigeria.

He said the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of the syndicate.

According to the police commissioner, “The suspects, Eze Okwudilichukwu ‘m’ 52 years, and Chukwudi Mba ‘m’ 42 years, were arrested at their warehouse located at No. 7A Otto Causeway, Otto, Lagos, where they were found repackaging suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products for distribution to different parts of Nigeria.

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“Following their arrest and interrogation, the suspects led detectives to another warehouse, where a duly executed search warrant was carried out. During the search, a truck loaded with large quantities of suspected adulterated pharmaceutical products, bearing registration number KFR 241 XA (Katsina), was recovered alongside other exhibits.”

The police boss said items recovered during the operation included about 300 cartons of suspected adulterated Omeprazole; six bags containing unpackaged suspected adulterated Viagra, Ampiclox, Septrin, Piriton, and other pharmaceutical products; and about 10 cartons of suspected adulterated Ampiclox, Viagra, and other drugs.

The CP noted that more than 300 empty printed packs and cartons were used to repackage counterfeit medicines.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate had been involved in the repackaging and distribution of suspected adulterated drugs for over two years.

He added that detectives uncovered evidence suggesting that the products were supplied to different parts of Nigeria, while large consignments were also destined for Lomé, Togo, indicating the existence of a transnational distribution network.

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“The investigation also suggests that the suspected adulterated drugs are being manufactured somewhere within Lagos State.

“While the production facility has not yet been located, detectives have intensified efforts to identify and dismantle the factory, arrest all those connected with the operation, and bring them to justice,” Fatai said.

The commissioner also alleged that attempts were made to compromise the investigation after the suspects were arrested.

“It is pertinent to state that since the arrest of the suspects, desperate attempts have been made through different channels to induce officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit to release both the suspects and the recovered exhibits.

“I wish to categorically state that these attempts were firmly resisted. The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, integrity, and the rule of law, and no amount of pressure or inducement will derail the course of justice,” he added.

Tijani said the suspects, recovered exhibits, and case file had been handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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He explained that the handover was necessary because the case falls within the regulatory mandate of the agency.

The CP commended operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit for what he described as a professional and intelligence-driven operation while urging members of the public to provide useful information on the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit pharmaceutical products and other criminal activities.

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NDLEA uncovers cocaine hidden in wooden mortar, backpack bound for China, Italy

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives have uncovered fresh attempts by drug syndicates to export cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar and a specially modified backpack destined for China and Italy.

This was contained in a statement released by Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, and shared on X on Sunday.

According to Babafemi, one of the consignments involved cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar, a local tool commonly used for pounding yam and grains, which was being shipped to China.

The agency added that another cocaine shipment destined for Italy was discovered concealed in the false bottom of a backpack hidden among lace materials.

He wrote, “Mortar is a traditional local wooden tool commonly used for pounding yams or grains but was used to conceal cocaine consignment heading to China in one of the latest seizures by #ndlea_nigeria officers who also discovered another shipment of cocaine going to Italy in the false bottom of a backpack hidden in lace materials.

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“Beware of every parcel you’re given to deliver. Remember the key word for liability is possession!”

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