Traditional Religion is Supreme- Ebun Osunnike

Traditional Religion is Supreme- Ebun Osunnike
By Yemi Olakitan

Ebun Osunnike (Iya Adunbuyinbo) is the President of International Congress of Orisa Congress, Lagos state Chapter, an umbrella organization for all the Orisa Worship in Nigeria and in the Diasporas. Osunike is dedicated to the propagation of traditional religious worship. She fervently believes that a return to tradional religion will bring about a beter society. In the interview with Yemi Olakitan she bares her mind on various issues affecting tradional religion in Nigeria and while she believes that traditonal is the best. Excerpts

• It seems that most people have abandoned traditional religion and stick to Christianity and Islam, Why have you remained in it?
The Christians and Muslims have not abandoned our traditional religion. They are deceive themselves when they say that they have abandoned our traditional practices and I will tell you why this is so. There are ways in which they still observe our traditional religion. The Muslims still use what they call ‘‘Tira’’ which is a kind of Charm if look at it well. During the Salah celebrations, a good Muslim must slaughter his own ram and share such with the neighbors.
In the Christian Bible Jesus died for the sins of the world. The death of Christ was a sacrificial offering. In the old testament of the Christian Bible, God told them to make sacrificial offerings of bulls and rams. Therefore, it is all interwoven and related. Tradition is supreme and we are all involved in these practices in one form or the other. Each religion has its own rites and rituals. So, don’t tell me that they have abandon tradition. No, they have not abandon tradition because they all practice it in one disguise or the other. In actual fact, traditional religion is the first-born. Look at our Muslim and Christian bothers, particularly in Yoruba land, there are few names that do not have a connection with a Yoruba deity. Our names are either attached to Ogun the god of iron, Ifa the God of Divination, or Osun, the River Godess. These are deities that are attached to traditional religion, although these people may claim to be Christina’s or Muslims. The fact is that their traditional religion is the religion of our ancestors. Look at Governor Fashola. He may claim to be a Muslim; his name is derived from Ifa. Traditional religion is the first. Islam and Christianity are foreign religion. Islam was imported from Saudi Arabia while Christianity was imported from Europe. They are not our culture originally. We accepted these religions because we do not know the value of what we have. The white man knows what he has and he packages it well and he gave it to us and we accepted his own religion to the neglect of ours. I have been a Christian before, my Baptismal name was Ruth and I have been a Muslim as well, my Muslim was Falilat. I have examined the two and I am convinced that Orisa Worship is pleasing to me.

• Does it not feel a little odd sometimes, been a traditionalist among a sea of Muslims and Christians?

I grew with traditional religion. My father was a staunch traditionalist and so was my mother. I know the value of what we have. We have inherited a strong religion full of deep spirituality and strong philosophy of life. Honestly, there is nothing in Christianity or Islam that is not in Orisa Worship. My father’s name was Ogundeyi, my son’s name is Ogunshina and my other son’s name is Ifashola.
You see, traditional religion works if you practice it with truthfulness and right living. I believe in the Orisas. People have different problems. Christians, Muslims and even atheist they all come to us for help including those who condemn us in public. I want to appeal to Christians to stop castigating us. They say, all we do is evil. This is a lie!
People come to us with problems and we are able to help them. Some come with unemployment problems, some barrenness problems, some have business problems. We consult the Orisas for the solution and the solution is always there.

• Tell us about your work and your association
Well, I am the president of the Orisha Congress in the whole of Lagos state. I went to Abuja to establish it. I have established it in Minna, Sokoto, Benin Republic and every states of the Western Region. We are present in the United States of America. We are in Europe as well. Professor Wole Abimbola in Ile Ife established Orisa Congress, when he was a Professor at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife. He is the President of the Association, worldwide. Yemi Elebun Ibon is the National President of the Congress of Orisa Worshipers. Traditional religion is the first-born and it is supreme.
Let me use this opportunity to address some things, there are some people that go about parading themselves as Orisa Worshipers. They are dressed in white attire and they sit in public places begging for money. These people are not part of us. It is not a Yoruba Culture to beg for money. It is not even in the tenets of Orisa worship. It is completely unacceptable. You don’t beg for money. You work with you hands. This is what the Orisas instruct is to do, although there is a certain deity that instructs his followers to go and ask for money and pray for those who gives. However, this comes up at a particular season and when that season is past. You cannot continue to do as if you are beggar. It is totally out of the religious inclination of Orisa Worship to turn oneself into a beggar and be begin in the name of religion. I have trained several priestesses and some of them are in the United States and some are based in the UK. Some are in Ghana. You cannot find them beg for money. Those who are doing that have deviated from tradition.
Our Association is fully registered with the government. We are registered just like the Christian Association of Nigeria. However, the government does not recognize us. They give attention to the Muslims and the Christians but not to us. We want to move close to the government but our government be like a woman who gives birth to three children but abandon one. They have thrown traditional religion away. We are the true identity of the country. The others are foreign importation. In traditional religion, you cannot lie. If you do evil, evil will overtake you. Many people cannot be here that is why they hide under Christianity and Islam and yet many still come to us for deliverance. As an Osun Priestess for example, I cannot lie or cheat. It is what Osun ask for that I must ask for. If Osun does not ask for money, I cannot ask for money. Yet, you will never lack. All the Orisas do not encourage wickedness. Therefore, it is a lie to attribute traditional religion with evil. I also want to appeal to the Nollywood people who are making films to portray us in good light. When they portray us in a bad light, they are castigating our collective cultural heritage. Christianity and Islam are just a question of good branding. Let us portray our culture and tradition in a positive light to the outside world.

• What other advice do you have for the Government?
The government should recognize us more. A father who has three children but throws away one is not a good father. If the Christians can help in nation building, we can also help. The Boko Haram issue, for example, they are not spirits, they are human beings. The government should involve all of us in finding solutions to the problem of the nation.

At the Synod of the Methodist Chuch Lagos Central

Boko Haram Must be brought to Book- Rt. Rev. J.O Kehinde Adeyemi
Diocesan Bishop of Methodist Church
By Yemi Olakitan

The Federal Government has been called upon to urgently deal with perpetrators and sponsors of ethno-religious violence and insecurity in the country. The Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Lagos Central made the call at the 3rd Synod of the Diocese organized to mark 170 years of Methodism in Nigeria and 50 years of autonomy of the Diocese of Lagos Central. The theme of the synod was ‘Behold I am doing a new thing.’’ The Synod, which happened at the Adeniyi Oluwa Memorial Chuch, Olodi Apapa was presided over by the Diocesan Bishop. In his address on the state of the nation, he lamented the sad security situation in the country. In his words, ‘‘it is very sad that the nation has been enmeshed in complex social, economic and political problems for over two decades with no solution in sight. The security situation in the country is in dire straits for any meaningful development. The continuous reign of terrorists, armed banditry, monumental crime and violence will only make the touted drive for foreign investment and economic prosperity a mirage. It is unfortunate that criminals are overpowering the government and disrupting law and order. Our leaders must bring Boko Haram and their collaborators to book. Government must have the political will to deal with all those that have been arrested in connection with violence in the nation,’’ he said.
He said the Federal government must equip the Nigerian police with modern equipments and training to perform their statutory duties satisfactorily.
Church leaders, Members of the press and distinguished men and women from all walks of life, attended the synod.

A Community ’s Cry over Flooding in Lagos by Yemi Olakitan

A Community ’s Cry over Flooding in Lagos
By Yemi Olakitan

The problem of flooding is a major issue in Lagos state. Many administrations, including the present administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola have found that incessant flooding is a major problem to tackle during raining seasons. This is because of lack of proper drainage system and canals in most parts of the state. The result of these is that many communities suffer under the effects of flooding that often come after a heavy downpour. The most affected areas are those that are closer to the sea and the effects are usually loss of lives and property. These areas also have another problem added to flooding; the problem of erosion of the beaches.
This is the story of the people of Igbo-Efon community in Lekki-Epe Expressway, an ancient settlement of Lagosians who lives along the coastal areas of Alpha-Beach. This community has had to cry out on the problems they face in their fight against flooding during the raining seasons.
According to the Baale in council of Igbo Efon community. Historically, Igbo Efon has been in existence for more than 600 years and was founded along the coastline of Alpha beach. The community has not been experiencing much flooding before now until about four years ago when Chevron Nigeria, an international oil company came an acquire about 201 hectares of land with which they started a construction project in the community. The project was located on the central drainage system of Igbo Efon community. The site was also sand filled in such a way that it is higher than the rest of the community. This development has caused serious problems to the area on the issue of flooding. It means that incidence of flooding has more than doubled since the construction project started. A visit to the site shows that Chevron is building schools, shopping malls, and private estate on the landed property, which belongs to the families in the community.
In a chat with Chief Atiku Abogun, the spokesperson for the council of chiefs, Igbo Efon has made several appeals to Chevron Nigeria and even the Lagos State government on the issue to no avail. According to him, the people have cried out to Chevron to do something on the problem of flooding in the community but nothing has been done on the matter.
Speaking further, Chief Atiku said that experts say more of such heavy rains are expected this year and the people have started experiencing flooding beginning from the last rainfall in February.
‘‘These problems started in Igbo Efon Community when Chevron came and build a private construction site in the environment with making plans to contribute to the advancement of the people whose land they are occupying. Chevron has made various promises to the community but they have not fulfilled their promises to us. The land in the construction site is sand filled higher than the rest of the community, coupled with the Alpha Beach erosion. This have further compounded the problem.’’ He said.
The Baale in Council explained that the efforts of the community to get Chevron to help in solving some of the problems of the community have proved abortive. Igbo Efon is close to the sea and the people are suffering under the weight of incessant flooding. The erosion of Alpha Beach is another issue causing great damage to the fight against flooding.
Speaking further, Chief Atiku said, the flood in July 10th 20011 caused lot of damage to lives and properties because there is no proper drainage system in the area.
‘‘The Baale in Council has lodged complaints to the Chairman of Eti Osa Local government, Hon. Anafiu Elegushi who advised that we should take the matter to the Lagos state Government, Ministry of the Environment. There was no substantial response from them after the complaints were made. The matter was thereafter taken to the Lagos High court, igbosere, Lagos Island. On December 7th 2011, the court advised an out of court settlement. Nothing came out of the matter even after that. The court ordered Chevron to prepare a term of settlement after Igbo Efon Community Development Association take the matter to the court, justice Arinze of the Lagos high court, igbosere ordered a term of settlement. They have not done anything about the terms of settlement up until now. ‘’ He said.
According to him the terms of settlement stated by the court include community school, portable water, proper drainage system renovation of the community health care center, scholarship for teenagers and youths, and job creation. However, little was done in this respect. Chief Semiu Aniyalorun Abogun, a member of the Baale in Council said that at the initial stage, chevron consulted the Abogun and the Olukolu families as head of the families in the community but after that there was no further consultation with the families. There was no good roads, no electricity, as far away as Okun Ajah, Mopo, and Lafiaji.
‘‘They said they could only pay only N10, 000 naira for scholarships for each child. They occupy our land worth millions of Naira and their kids attend American and British international schools, He called on the Lagos state Government to come to the rescue of the people and challenge the chevron company so that they can alleviate the sufferings of the community. ‘’ He said.
Other members of the Baale in council include Mr. Yusuf Abogun, Mr.Mushafau Jinadu, and Musekiru Olukolu.

South Africa Apologizes To Nigeria by Romoke Amad

The South African government yesterday tendered an apology to Nigeria over the deportation saga that led to a diplomatic standoff between the two countries since last week.

South Africa deported 125 Nigerians last weekend over alleged possession of fake yellow fever cards, and in the resulting retaliation, Nigerian authorities also refused entry to dozens of South Africans since Monday. The Federal Government also threatened to go tough on South African companies operating in Nigeria.

The South African government conveyed the apology yesterday in a letter to the minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, and in a joint statement by the South African Department of International Relations and the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria.

"The governments of South Africa and Nigeria view these developments in a serious light. Accordingly, the two countries have, through diplomatic channels, consulted at the highest levels on ways of avoiding a recurrence of such developments," the statement said.

"The South African government has sent a letter of apology to the Nigerian government following this regrettable incident which the South African government believes could have been handled in a better way."

As part of measures to forestall a recurrence, the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission and the Immigration Working Groups would be revived, the two countries said.

"The National Department of Health and the Gauteng Health Department should consider re-opening the vaccination clinic at the Tambo International Airport so that passengers without the yellow fever card can be vaccinated upon arrival at the airport, rather than be deported while Immigration officials would be the first officials that deal with the passengers at the port of entry and if they experience challenges, they should invite other units (such as health) to help and not the other way round," the statement said.

It added that both countries' health authorities would exchange vaccine batch numbers and details about the official institutions that administer the vaccines for verification at the port of entry. This information would be made available to the South African missions in Lagos and Abuja that issue visas based on the proof of a yellow fever certificate. The airlines will also be informed about the verification process.

"When it comes to mass deportations, senior officials at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (including Protocol) should be consulted by Immigration and Health officials at the airport before undertaking such action. This will provide the senior officials to consult with the Department before deporting large numbers of people," the statement said.

In his reaction yesterday, Foreign Affairs Minister Ashiru said the apology has been accepted and that the letter would be forwarded to President Jonathan while a reply to communicate Nigeria's acceptance of apology would be sent to Pretoria.

Ashiru said during the Bi-National Commission meeting, "Nigeria would demand for waiver of the yellow fever vaccination card."

He urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to conduct themselves in a manner that will not bring disrepute to the country.

Also, minister of state for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Muhammed, said Nigeria will no longer tolerate any ill-treatment on its citizens based on flimsy excuses.

"We are not holding brief for Nigerians who commit crimes in another country, but our government is a people-oriented one that cares about her citizens and we would not tolerate maltreatment of any kind on our citizens from any country," he said.

BOBBY BROWN COMES TO NIGERIA

Last week, Lagos based Events Company -R28 Events officially announced plans to bring Bobby Brown and his former boy band to Nigeria. With the event just a week away, the question many fans and industry practitioners have been asking is “How did R28 Events get Bobby Brown to come to Nigeria at this time when many American artistes have developed a phobia for the country?”

“We have been in talks with Bobby Brown and BBD’s team since last year, we even went as far as bringing the team to come see what Nigeria has for them, and they sure had a nice time. All we are trying to do is bring the good old times back. We are promising an evening of good music, unbelievable fun and an opportunity to relive the good old times” Gbolahan Balogun spokesperson for R28 told news men in Lagos this week.

And as fans and music lovers gear up for the biggest indoor concert this year, the producers have confirmed the full set of Nigerian artistes who will join New Edition to deliver a world class event. Bonafide Nigerian stars Banky W, eLDee and Omawumi will deliver electrifying sets at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Friday March 9, 2011 while the combo of 2face, Duncan Mighty and Burna Boy will set the Port Harcourt Polo Club on fire on Sunday March 11, 2012.

“I am excited to go to Nigeria and I intend to give them a great performance, we are going to have fun in the motherland.” Bobby Brown says from his base in Boston last week.

Balogun says 39 members of New Edition’s talent, technical and management crew will leave their base in Boston on Tuesday March 6, 2012 to set up in readiness for New Edition’s arrival from LA on Thursday, March 8,. New Edition will arrive Nigeria with an 11 man crew including sound engineers, backup singers, security personnel, publicists and managers. The entire crew of 50 will work together in Lagos and PH to give Nigerians a rare experience of the New Edition classics.

This is the first time New Edition will be performing in Nigeria, a country where they have millions of fans and followers. It is also their first time performing on the African continent. We are told they are beyond excited about this trip; looking forward to connecting with African fans and talents – with a clear promise to give Nigerians ‘the concert of their lives’.

Bobby has been touring the world with his group New Edition since last year. Although he cancelled a performance in honor of Whitney Houston the day she died, the event producers say “Brown considers performing as therapy to get him through a difficult time. He wrote to us last week that he’d like to do this concert in memory of Whitney, and we said fine”.

R28 Events is a Lagos-based events solutions company set up to deliver simple, insightful and creative solutions through events, experimental marketing and corporate hospitality. The company says they are organizing the two-city concert as a way of redefining the quality of events in the country. ‘This promises to be a world-class concert, not like anything you’ve seen here before. Both in terms of production, and the quality of talent…’

The Lagos and Port Harcourt concerts will be dedicated to Bobby’s ex-wife Whitney Houston who passed on February 11. 2012.

New Edition is made up of Ronnie Devoe, Johnny Gill, Ricky Bell, Mike Bevins, Ralph Tresvant and Bobby Brown. The group's hits include "Candy Girl", "Cool It Now", and "Mr. Telephone Man”

Produced by R28 events with support from Play Centre the concerts will hold at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Friday March 9, 2012 and at the Polo Club, Port Harcourt on Sunday March 11, 2012.
Culled from Soundcity.Tv

Cleric call for urgent action on Natioonal security by Charles Coffie-Gyamfi

WORRIED by the precarious security situation in the country being worsened by activities of the Boko Haram Islamic sect, the Primate of the Anglican Church, Most Rev Nicholas Okoh, has urged the Federal Government to live up to its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property.

Okoh, who alleged that the government had not lived up to its statutory responsibility of providing security, warned that “if the Boko Haram sect is allowed to continue unabated, it will succeed in tearing Nigeria apart”.

The cleric spoke during the 2nd convocation ceremony for postgraduate students of Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary (CGTS), Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

At the well-attended ceremony, 138 missionaries graduated with various degrees, including Diploma in Anglican Communion Studies, Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Degree of Master of Divinity and Degree in Master of Theology.

Okoh, who is the chancellor of the institution, was flanked by other ministers of God from the Anglican Communion, including Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Most Rev. Ephraim Ademowo, the Chairman, Supervisory Board, CGTS, Prof. Adebayo Akinde and the Rector, Prof. Dapo Asaju.

While urging the Boko Haram members to register whatever grievances they have in a decent way, the Primate said: “We as Christians are ready to live peacefully with our Muslim brethren, but we must not continue to run away from them (sect) so we must find a way of defending ourselves”.

Okoh asked Moslem leaders to prevail on Boko Haram members to sheath their sword. “We call on the government to do more to protect lives and property of the citizens”.

On the alleged immorality in the church, Okoh advised churches in the country to ensure that “priests are spiritually called, mentally alert and morally sound. The days of just anybody joining the priesthood and becoming a disgrace and liability to the ministry are over. As we challenge evil and abominations in foreign lands, we must resist on-going attempts to infiltrate and corrupt our clergy”.

Akinde in his charge enjoined the graduating students to see the exercise as additional call to the service of God.

He disclosed that the institution, Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, was established as an outstanding institution for the training of students “who will promote the frontiers of God’s Kingdom in our generation”.

Proclaim Network Presents Christian Voice Magazine

Proclaim Network Presents Christian Voice Magazine
By Yemi Olakitan
The Christian Voice Magazine, a full coloured magazine on contemporary issues in Christendom has hit the newsstand. The magazine hopes to build a bridge across the interdenominational divides, as Christians will find a common voice in the magazine particularly on national issues. The magazine, which will be launched on the 11-11-2011 by 11am, is a master class magazine, published by Proclaim Network Limited. The magazine is positioned to give authoritative voice to the Christian ways of life as a sensible choice for a nation still drifting over 50 years after independence and a whisker away from the centenary of the marriage between the Northern and the Southern protectorates, which make op Nigeria. The Christian Voice inaugural Public Lecture and the launch of the inspirational masterpiece Whispers in the wilderness completes the picture. The key note speaker of the event that doubles as the inaugural public lecture commemorate the event is a legend of our time and an intellectual icon: Prof. Pat Utomi whose epic address will be the role of the Church in a developing Nation The event which took place at the Guiding light assembly ,Parkview Estate, Ikoyi. Dada Ajai-Ikhile, Media and strategy officer signed
the statement.
According to the chairman of the editorial Board, the General Overseer of the Guiding Light Assembly, Pator Adefarasin, the Christian community needs a unified voice to speak on issues of national concern. The media is very powerful. The shaping of the opinion is what the media takes active role in. The Christian voice will set out to represents the voice of Christians on issues of national importance in Nigeria. Why it is a Christian magazine, we would hope that everyone would find it interesting even a Christian.