Scam-dalous: Life of a Normal Lagos Boy

If you don't love your woman, she will go and ......

2024-11-05T16:20:00.000+01:00

“ Many of the women asked me to record it , None of them were forced” ... Ebanga

“ All the women are mature , I recorded with their permision , some even went and came back . They asked for more and I was just having fun . My health is good and I’ll sue any of the women if they lied about not being infected . “ Ebanga

The Police has already released him and he is on his way back home to his family . He has advised men to handle their women very well in bed since he can not keep helping them .

Moral lesson : If you don't love your woman, someone without a conscience will.

Much Ado About the PDiddy of Equatorial Guinea (Yes, that straight one... not the other one)

2024-11-04T11:51:00.003+01:00

Baltazar Ebang Egonga aka PDiddy E banger gates of Equatorial Guinea... First of his name. The powerful equal opportunity serial banger of Equatorial Guinea.

Let's call him E bang. E get why!

Guy is married to a beautiful wife and has six uncomplicated children.

Guy is the chairman National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea.

That agency fights money laundering, corruption and racketeering of weapons of mass destruction.

So it's like our EFCC + depts of our NIA.

So Ebang was a strong man until recently.

When his agency suspected fraud, they didn't look at their oga's face to get approval to raid his home.

It could have been a phishing expedition, but in that house they saw tapes.

Many tapes....

460 tapes!!!

Mr E bang had been making recordings of all his sexcapades.

So the agency started playing the tapes. What they saw was earth shaking.

Ebang had banged... and banged.... Now all the women in the entire country are unsafe from the threat of Ebanga's video documentaries.

His pastor's wife

His godfather's wife

His maiguard's wife

His bodyguard's wife

His younger sister's friends. 15 of them

His pastor's little brother's wife

The First Thing You See Here Will Reveal – What Kind of Mind Power You Have

2021-06-09T12:23:00.000+01:00

Psychobiologist and Nobel Prize winner Roger W. Sperry found that the brain’s 2 hemispheres—left and right—function differently, and the way you think depends on which of the sides is dominant. Based on his research there are numerous tests that can determine your thought process and personality traits.

Now scroll below to know more about how your mind works based on which animal you saw first.

The head of a tiger

The left hemisphere of your brain is more active than the right. You are an analytical person, very goal-oriented and organized. When faced with a problem you tend to be logical, calculative, and objective.

However, sometimes, because you know that the decision you made was made after a lot of thinking, you tend to be adamant. So, it is advisable that you hear the opinion of others and take it into consideration too. Remember that a little humility goes a long way.

Your personality traits:

Planned: You do things in a properly planned way, like in a to-do list.

Precise: You have clear, ear-marked goals and are clear about the path to be taken to achieve them.

Rational: Emotions and feelings do not get in the way of you achieving your goals.

Logical: You have an aptitude for math, science, and sequencing ideas.

Realistic: Your world is very real. In it, there is no place for fairy-tales and fiction. Similarly, however lofty your goals might seem to others, you know that they are realistic and achievable.

The Hanging Monkey

The right hemisphere of your brain is more active. You are a creative person who is full of innovative ideas. When faced with a problem you rely more on your intuition (which more often than not is correct) than on critical thinking.

You know perfectly well that every step you take in your life is a lesson for you and that even includes losing is a step toward achieving your goals. To you, the journey is more important than the goal. Since you are a dreamer, you often get lost in your own dreamland. It is essential for you to get a reality check every once in a while and to pay a little more attention to the world around you.

Your personality traits:

Impulsive: You do things spontaneously. You have a knack for taking an out of the box approach.

Emotional: You care a lot about a lot many things. You spend time pondering and act based on feelings.

Creative and artistic: You are skilled at music, arts, and other creative disciplines.

Intuitive: You don’t make a to-do list and don’t go by the rulebook. You solve problems intuitively.

Dreamy: You have dreams for life rather than goals and you put effort toward achieving those dreams, often succeeding.

Remember that the 2 hemispheres of the brain do not work in isolation, rather they work together and complement each other. So, while you may seem to possess more traits that identifiable with one of the hemispheres, you will surely also possess traits from the other hemisphere.

So which image did you see first? The head of the tiger or the hanging monkey? Do your personality traits match? Let us know in the comments.

FGN Sets Up Presidential Task Force National Pandemic Response Center

2020-04-22T09:40:00.000+01:00

We just ended another meeting of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. Today marked the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Taskforce National Pandemic Response Centre. I think it is important to let us know that the country is about to witness turbulent times induced
by the pandemic coronavirus. We may soon be hard hit. The reason for this is that, we, I mean the Nigerian Government, delayed in taking proactive action at the onset.

However, I can assure us that the government is serious about taking necessary steps to curtail the level of casualties. Well coordinated measures are about to be put in place from a broad, diverse spectrum. All the necessary Working Groups have been inaugurated today. International bodies such as WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, CDC, World Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as the private sector, civil society groups are partnering the Taskforce, providing technical and financial assistance and support. Donations are quite streaming in. From Global Fund we got $33m, another $3.3m came from another body I cannot give the name immediately. Max Air donated $200,000, the Chinese firm, Huawei, doled out #100m. There are a number of other handsome donations. We have been holding these meetings with some foreign experts. In the next few days, more concrete action will become manifest. All relevant institutions are being mobilized for action to tackle the scourge. The taskforce is also galvanizing the State Governments to ensure their is effective collaboration and cooperation.

More importantly, the purpose of this message is to give us the privileged information that a complete lockdown of the country is imminent. *Soon, very soon, perhaps, this weekend, this will take effect and may last for at least 14 days.* Therefore, I advise us to immediately make adequate arrangements for our families. Thank you and may God Almighty help Nigeria and Nigerians in these trying moments. Remain blessed.

*Dr Aliyu. Chairman Presidential Task Force on Covid 19*of

As COVID-19 Cases Continue to Rise .....

2020-04-22T09:14:00.001+01:00

My wonderful people, hope we all are keeping well. I wish to salute our patience at this time of lock down.

However, I wish to let you know the importance of our continuous staying at home at this time.

For those of us staying in Lagos and Environ, Lagos had been declared an Epicenter and for us as healthcare professionals, everyone in Lagos is a covid 19 suspect until proven otherwise.

This is for our safety as there are many asymptomatic cases of covid 19 now on the streets.

Furthermore, we have passed travel history to covid 19 area as yardstick to pick suspected cases. What we are now dealing with is community transmission cases of covid 19.

These are people who do not have travel history to Covid 19 pandemic area, in fact some do not even posses international passport, yet are
tested positive to the virus.

Worse still, many are not even exhibiting symptoms of the virus( asymptomatic cases).

This information is not designed to make you panic but for you to take decisions to protect yourself and your family.

I will talk on three important and unavoidably areas:

• Those of us that want to use ATM, please go along with your hand sanitizer which you have to use immediately you are done with the machine as it is an important and unavoidably but red flag area now.

• For our women that go out there to buy necessities to sustain the family please take it cool out there and ensure you maintain social distancing knowing fully well that other buyers may not.

• If you must be in any public place, please use your mask properly, covering your entire nose to your chin, remember everyone is a suspect now.

• Pray for the safety of any member of your family whenever they are out of your home.

Please celebrate, pray and encourage our women that have to be in the market to shop and sustain the family. Markets now are marked red zone.

• Finally Your home is still the safest place to be as long as it is possible

*please stay at home, stay safe !*

Aya Osungbesan

Tanzanian President Cancels $10 Billion Chinese Loan. Says only a Drunkard will Sign It

2020-04-20T11:32:00.000+01:00

Is Magufuli a demigod or the general African leadership has started stepping up to Chinese Killer loans? Let’s digest it. A few years back, African leaders developed a sudden inexplicable craze for Chinese killer loans with terms and conditions that beats logic.

They sign Chinese loan agreements that they know very well they cannot pay back within the agreed time frame but mostly proceed with the loans just for the kickbacks attached and the benefits some individual politicians stand to get from such contracts to the detriment of the development of their respective nations. In most cases, the defaulted loans lead to the seizure of major facilities to make-up for the amount involved.

Following a series of constructive criticisms by reputable organizations and general outcry by concerned African citizens about the dire consequences of these killer loans on the continent, some of the leaders seem to be taking certain commendable actions to save their dying reputations.

Tanzania President cancels $10billion Chinese loan; Refers to the Terms and Conditions As One That Can Only be Accepted by Drunkard Person.CLICK TO TWEET

Prior to the enlightenment and outrage by the African citizenry, the least was heard of African leaders or governments confronting China to loosen up their terms or face suspension of contracts but in recent times, they are building some courage to do the needful.

The Tanzanian head of state, John Magufuli canceled Chinese loan of ten billion US dollar (US$10billion) agreement signed by his predecessor, Jakaya Kikwete with Chinese investors to construct a port at Mbegani creek in Bagamoyo, just north of Da es Salaam.

YOU MISSED THIS: China Endorses Drug which Cures Coronavirus Effectively.

The Chinese investors initially agreed with the erstwhile Tanzanian administration to build the said port on condition that, they will be granted a 30years guarantee, 99years uninterrupted lease with an attached outrageous demand that, the Tanzanian government will have absolutely no power to raise concerns on whoever invests in the port during the period stated.

This sounds very ridiculous, but it was actually signed by a certain government which raises the question of whether our lead negotiators read and understand agreements before appending their signatures. In the words of Magufuli, the above terms and conditions could only be accepted by mad people. in effect, He initiated a renegotiation with the investors to bring down the lease period to 33 instead of the initial 99 years negotiated.

The government equally stated clearly that there will be no tax or utility exemption for the investors as has mostly been the case in the parasitic China-Africa trade relations. Additionally, the investors will need the approval of the government in order to operate any new business at the port. The government issued a time frame which the investors failed to meet, resulting in the suspension of the agreement.

Aside Tanzania, it could be remembered that, the Julius Maada Bio lead administration in Sierra Leon equally suspended a $400 million airport construction agreement in 2018. He was quoted to have said that: “it is uneconomical to proceed with the construction of the new airport when the existing one is grossly underutilized”.

Additionally, there have been several other resistances to Chinese backed contracts in Africa. The cancellation of a USD2 billion coal plant contract in Kenya, among few others, are typical examples of the growing awareness.

YOU MISSED THIS: Eliud Kipchoge Featured in GQMagazine Wearing Biggest & Expensive Fashion Brands in the World.

Does this imply that there are no countries in Africa that are still taking these killer Chinese loans? No! some countries still sign such agreements, mostly at the blind side of the public and the consequences will soon be seen.

The acknowledgment of the above bold steps taken is mainly to encourage the African leadership to move away from the killer Chinese loan mindset which is a looming neocolonial trap and focus more on transformational ideas to make good use of our resources. Even if they will consider signing such, they should come with reasonable and mutually beneficial terms.

Tanzania President cancels $10billion Chinese loan; Refers to the Terms and Conditions As One That Can Only be Accepted by Drunkard Person.CLICK TO TWEET

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FIVE DOCUMENTS YOUR PROPERTY MUST HAVE

2019-05-23T08:53:00.001+01:00

Ownership of real property is to be supported by documentary evidence. There are five documents every property must have. If you do not have any of them, there is a need to discuss with a real estate consultant at your earliest convenience. They are:

*1. Purchase receipt:* A purchase receipt is a written acknowledgement of the recipient of payment for a property. It may be required as an evidence of ownership or acquisition of property in certain circumstances.

*2. A registered Survey Plan:* A survey plan is a diagram that describes the margin and precise dimension of a parcel of land. A surveyor is an expert who is concerned with the official assessment for evaluation and measurement of land. The survey is expected to be lodged (registered) at the Surveyor General’s office of the state in which the land is situated.

*3. Deed of Assignment:* A Deed of Assignment is a document that shows the new legal owner of the property; i.e. the property has been transferred from the buyer to the seller. It is a contract from the seller to assign the property to the buyer.

*4. Certificate of Occupancy (C of O):* The C of O is a justifiable consent from the government that the property is in your possession. It is issued by the Governor of the state in which the property is situated.

*5. Approved Building Plan:* This is an endorsement to proceed with the construction or reconfiguration of a particular structure in a specific place, in accordance with the approved requirement. It is very essential that you ensure that the structure of the property corresponds with what is shown on the plans.

Prophet Alabi

2019-05-12T17:00:00.001+01:00

*Mazi Abe Idris*
Prophet Alabi was the head of the Cherubim and Seraphim church on Aggrey road, in PortHarcourt, back in the 70’s.

My dad was then ‘remarried’ to a lady from Abonnema, of Kalabari extraction.

Auntie Briggs was a fervent and senior member of the church and went by the title of “Mother in Israel”

On Sundays, she wore her crown with the inscription “Mother in Israel” with such pride, you would think she was on her way to Heaven as she made her way majestically downstairs to the car and church.

She was rich in her own right, so I knew she was able to afford spraying herself with a whole bottle of Joy perfume every sunday.

She probably believed the Angels would come down and dance with her in church, attracted by the gallon of lavender oozing off her sutànä.

At least it worked with Prophet Alabi.

The man will gum to her large backside, singing and praising Jah Jehovah, as the church drummers beat the hell out of the leather drums, Prophet Alabi trembling and shivering to a crescendo and climax screaming “Jehovah Emmanuellllllllllllll!!”

Auntie Briggs, half bent over, her wide ikebe stuck out in spiritual abandonment to the Gods and Prophet Alabi, eyes closed tight in supplication, will also tremble with passion.

I always suspected that they were cumming, but I jus minded my own business, me too looking out for any free shaking ikebe.

By that time, the whole church has gone wild in dancing and singing.

Me too, I will find any shaking Ikebe and glue my boner to it, shouting “Jehovah!” as I give my stiffy to Jesu Christi and the soft valley shaking in front of me.

Oh, I loved Cherubim and Seraphim in those days, especially when it was dancing time.

“Let us pray” Prophet Alabi will finally manage to extract himself from behind Auntie’s big thing, using the big Bible in his hand to cover his raging hard on.

My Dad never really bothered to go with us to church, but I used to wonder if he ever knew the method of praise worship at his wife’s church.

He knew Prophet Alabi fairly well, as the man always stopped by every Sunday for a ride to Church.

“Aaaa! Alhaji, èkarò sir. Are you going to honour us and come to church today, sir?”

Popsy will jus smile and offer him a drink.

He knew the man was a fraud, but if it meant his wife spending the whole Sunday away from the house with her nagging, then Pastor Alabi was welcome to climax on her ikebe. As long as he was left in peace to watch his favourite James Bond movies.

The Sunday ritual was always the same:

Prophet Alabi and his short Rasta hair will roll into the sitting room at exactly 9:05 am.

The Sunday Sunday jollof rice is always ready by 9: 10am.

The Prophets timing had become so legendary that the front door is already open, awaiting the arrival of Prophet Alabi.

After pleasantries:

“Abe!!!”

“Yes Daddy?”

“Get Prophet a Guinness from the fridge”

“Yes daddy”

“Aaaah! this one is too big o, Alhaji. I can’t finish it sir. Do you haff small stout instead, sir?”

“Erm..... no small stout o, but I will help you drink some of it”

Gist about Govt and politics will go on as the big stout decreases, popsy winking at me in amusement as Prophet Alabi’s voice gets louder and more excited.

He has forgotten to share the big stout with popsy.

Then the jollof rice arrives and they relocate to the dining table.

“Abe!!”

“Yes daddy?”

I know the drill, so I don’t need any prompting, as I place the second big stout besides Prophet Alabi, as he begins to tackle the jollof and fried chicken.

No protest this time, as to whether it is big or small.

Jollof and Guinness continue to battle for space inside Prophet’s fat stomach.

At a point, his untidy dreadlocks seem to be getting longer, but maybe it’s my imagination sha.

Finally: “Aaaah! look at the time. It’s almost 10 o’clock ké! Time for church”

Prophet lumbers to his feet, swaying a bit, but steadies himself.

Popsy smiles, a slight shake of his head as he shepherds the obviously tipsy Prophet toward the door.

Mother in Israel is not far behind them, giving her hubby a quick kiss, shuffling after Prophet Alabi on their way to another kokoma dance.

“Are you going with them?” Popsy will raise his eyebrows in surprise, knowing I don’t like the whole church charade.

But ever since I discovered the “one corner” dancing in her church, I had become a Cherubim and Seraphim covert, looking forward to glue on to available soft mountains during offering time.

“Yesh daddy, ayam going with them....”

To Be Continued

🚶🏽‍♂️🚶🏽‍♂️🚶🏽‍♂️🚶🏽‍♂️🚶🏽‍♂️

©️ Mazi Abe Media 2019

Who Are The Igbomina??

2019-05-11T15:17:00.001+01:00

Igbomina is among the main clans of Yorubaland. The Igbomina people are in the north-eastern part of Yorubaland and are reported to be more than one million. About 90percent of these native Yoruba people live in the present day Isin, Irepodun and Ifelodun local government parts of Kwara State, while the remaining occupy Ora and Ila - Orangun areas of Osun State.

Igbomina people were said to have migrated to the present place of settlement from various locations and at different times between the 14th and 17th centuries A.D (Dada, 1985:1) Majority of Igbomina clans claimed to have migrated to the area of present habitation from either Ile-Ife or Oyo, the two main nuclei of Yoruba. The progenitor of the Igbomina was a prince of Oduduwa (Johnson, 1921). According Yoruba-Igbomina tradition the area now called Igbomina was given to and founded by Orangun of Ila as his own share of inheritance from his grandfather, Ododuwa, the purported progenitor of the Yoruba race (Ibiloye, 1994: 33). According to this tradition, Orangun was the second son (and the fourth child) of Okanbi, the only son of Oduduwa. He founded Igbomina through the use of Ogbo. It was this Ogbo that was supposed to know the way to the bank of River Niger, the ultimate destination of this itinerant way-farer; hence the name Ogbomona (that is, Ogbo knows the way) literary translated (corrupted over a time) to Igbomina with the passage of time (Ibiloye, 1994: 33).

Apart from those found in Ila area, Igbominaland is more precisely aligned into sixteen administrative parts in Kwara State. The areas are Sare, Oke-Ode, Igbaja, Ajase, Omu-Aran, others are; Omupo, Isin, Oro, Ora, , Oko, Ola, Esie, Oro-Ago, Ile-Ire, Idofian and Idofin.

We have got known compartments of Igbomina towns and villages in few other locals of Kwara State including Apado in Iponrin area, Jeba in Lanwa district, Apa-Ole, Joromu, Fufu etc., in Akanbi district and Ogbondoroko in Afon area.

The Igbominas are often grouped into two; the Igbomina Mosan and Igbomina Moye.

The Moye group includes Oke-Ode , Oro-Ago, Ora, Oko-Ola, Idofin and Agunjin districts.

Mosan group comprises areas such as Omu-Aran, Ajase, Igbaja, Isin, Oro, Share, Esie, Omupo, Idofian and Ila-Orangun.

The cord that firmly holds the Igbomina clan together exhibits in their inseparable dialect, origins, values, culture, institutions and history.

All across Igbominaland, the habit of eating Ewu-iyan and Ikasin oka or oka alagbona, isn't unfamiliar. These foods are a remake of the overnight leftovers of amala and iyan, a delicacy that adds refreshingly new flavours of delicious tastes and aromas to the meals.

The “new” taste is highly cherished in especially Omu-Aran that its inhabitants have this refrain " ewu iyan d'omu o dotun" , meaning the re-make is no way inferior to the fresh one.

The Igbomina dialect is generally similar, however, there are slight to significant variations as one moves from one part to another within the land.

The Igbominas have overtime enjoyed Egungun Elewe, Layewu and Epa festivals.

Primitively, their occupations were generally hunting and farming just like the rest of the olden day Yoruba nation.

Some decades ago, they were known to settle for secondary school education, where they often continued into trading and or apprenticeship which they relied upon as means of livelihood

Modern day Igbomina thrive in trading still, they seem to be at the way top of wealth distribution in Yorubaland and Nigeria going by their renowned traits. They are industrious, selfless, full of agility and are often driven by willingness to succeed. An average Igbomina is second to none in entrepreneurship and small scale businesses. They start small (Kiosk stalls) and end big. Having said that, they are also now known to be university graduates and even professors. There are uncountable Igbomina who are medical doctors, lawyers, engineers and so forth They are found in all aspects of Nigerian economy, including banking and finance, industry and commerce, shipping and freighting, transportation, international trade, management and in government administrations.

By: Bola Olalekan

17-year-old Boy Breaks Record, Set To Marry His 15-year-old Fiancée In Sokoto.🤔🤔

2019-04-15T14:20:00.001+01:00

A 17-year-old boy identified as Aliyu and his 15-year-old fiancée, Aisha, have released their prewedding pictures ahead of their wedding, next week, in Sokoto.

According to inside reports, Aliyu is following his family tradition of marrying early. .

It’s gathered that male children of his family marry at the age of 17, while the female ones marry at 15. .

However, in extreme cases, they marry at the age of 19. The tradition was embraced by the family to prevent them from fornicating and also to allow them see their grandchildren.

Congratulations to this young couple🙆🙆

UTAH LEGALIZES SEX OUTSIDE MARRIAGE AFTER GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL ROLLING BACK 1973 ‘FORNICATION’ LAW

2019-03-31T19:21:00.001+01:00

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has signed a bill that decriminalizes sex outside of marriage in the state.

Herbert signed Senate Bill 43 into law on Wednesday, the governor’s office confirmed to TIME.

“Fornication,” which is sex outside of marriage, was classified as a class B misdemeanor and punishable by up to six months in jail, according to a 1973 Utah state law.
The bill includes a repeal of the offense of fornication and was sponsored by state Senate Minority Leader Karen Mayne. The bill amends other terms in the criminal code legislation, including penalties and offenses related to clandestine drug labs, electronic communications harassment and the return of a marriage license to a county clerk.
Utah’s state legislature passed the bill earlier in March.

Herbert on Monday signed a separate bill that decriminalizes adultery and sodomy between consenting adults, which also constituted misdemeanor crimes.

Tinubu to FG: increased VAT will put pressure on Nigerians| TheNation

2019-03-28T20:25:00.001+01:00

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advised federal government to jettison the proposed increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT).

The proposal if implemented, he said, will put a further burden on the Nigerians, especially the masses.

Tinubu also warned Nigeria must begin to look inward and initiate people- friendly policies based on the looming global economic recession.

The former Lagos governor, who spoke at the 11th Bola Tinubu colloquium in Abuja, also asked the government to revisit privatisation of the power sector.

This, he said, is necessary if Nigeria hopes to fast track industrial development and job creation.

He also demanded an end to estimated billing in the country.

According to him: “I want to appeal to Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President and his team to put a huge question mark on any increase on VAT.

“If you reduce the purchasing power of the people, we can further slowdown the economy.

“Let us widen the tax net. Those who are not paying now, even if they are relatives of Bola Tinubu, let the net be bigger and we take in more taxes. That is what we must do in the country instead of another layer of taxes for now.”

On needs to industrialise the country, Tinubu said: “We require serious and bold reforms to achieve this. What is happening to our gas pipelines?

“Whatever we have to invest now for our future is a task that must be done boldly.
Read Also: Tinubu icon of Nigeria’s contemporary politics, says Lalong

“The PDP administration shared out generation, distribution and transmission to their friends and cronies without very deep and thoughtful research and evaluation.

“It has now become pork chops. This privatisation must be revisited. Put experts together for a more constructive reform to improve generation, transmission and distribution by any means necessary.

We cannot afford to be too legalistic about this.”

He went on: “We should push to end the practice of billing people for electricity they never received.

“This practice is a vestige of the past that should not accompany us into the future. A person should be charged accurately and only for the power that they use.

“Government should continue to aggressively implement its national infrastructure plan.

“We must commit ourselves to a national highway system linking our major cities and towns, our centres of commerce with each other. This will save lives, spur commerce, cut costs and bring Nigerians closer together.”

The co-Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council stressed the next level slogan of the party during its campaign was not just a jargon that should be discarded after victory has been won.

He said: “The Next Level is not just a trendy campaign phrase to be quickly discarded once victory has been achieved.

“It has a much deeper and more profound meaning, perhaps even more than its authors contemplated.

“This is because we are a nation still in the process of defining itself politically and economically.

“In this process, it is tempting and easy to borrow indiscriminately from those nations that seem to have mastered the art of democratic governance and to have achieved economic prosperity.

“However, to achieve durable progress, we can’t afford to work hard but in mindless devotion to the ways of other nations.

“This truth is particularly acute when these very nations now face fundamental political and economic questions that cast doubt on the social utility and viability of the economic model under which they have travelled for the past 50 years.”

Bayelsa Tower Hotel

2019-03-28T08:38:00.001+01:00

Adiaspride (@FishermanSoup) Tweeted: This is the Bayelsa Tower Hotel, it is perhaps the oldest building under construction in the world, as it has been under construction since 1999... 20yrs after, this is still its look. Gov.t claim it has gulped about #30Billion plus. I weep for my state... Na who we offend??😭😭 https://t.co/8RAMXC10eX https://twitter.com/FishermanSoup/status/1111004675464151043?s=17

HOW POLICE OFFICERS ABUSE BANKERS' ORDERS TO FREEZE NIGERIANS' BANK ACCOUNTS

2019-03-28T08:28:00.001+01:00

- By Dele Igbinedion Esq.

While investigating suspects, the Nigeria Police usually sends a request for Bankers Order to a Magistrates Court.

It is common knowledge that Banks are very secretive, and rightly so. Thus, they always close their ears to any request to open their books for examination or inspection.

However, it is often necessary for police officers to be given access to suspect's bank accounts for the purpose of investigation. So, the law created what is now commonly referred to as a Bankers Order.

Consequently, a Bankers Order is an Order from a Court to a Bank to permit a police officer to inspect its books or records relating to a particular individual or individuals, and also to make copies of the documents. That is all. The police officer or officers will merely be permitted to inspect the books and take photocopies, if necessary, to assist their investigation. Nothing more. This is all the law allows.

But Bankers Order is usually abused by Police officers who furtively insert a clause in the application form requiring the Bank to freeze the account, pending completion of investigation. The problem does not end there.

With mush respect, experience shows that Magistrates and Judges usually sign these Bankers Orders, oftentimes, without as much as reading through them. Worse, no Judicial official even bothers to read the law authorising the issuance of Bankers Orders. I stand to be corrected, but, I wager anyone that no judicial or prosecutorial officer has ever seen the enabling laws.

There seems to be an assumption that either that the application is correct just because it was made by a police officer, or that the law permits the Police to make the application. But this is not so.

Okay, do not take up issues with me because the statements in the last two paragraphs above are not mine. They are actually the words of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria.

In ONAGORUWA V. I.G.P. (1991) 5 NWLR, the Police obtained a Bankers Order from the Lagos High Court and froze all of Dr. Olu Onagoruwa's accounts, including his law firm's accounts. Gani Fawehinmi led the legal challenge on appeal against the High Court's issuance of the Bankers Order, especially the clause which ordered the freezing of the bank accounts.

The Judgment was unanimous. The Bankers Order was struck down. But that was not all. The Justices at the Court of Appeal were appalled that the High Court Judge granted such an order, particularly the freezing Order. They wisely opined that the English Statutes (which the Police relied upon to support the application) did not authorise the Court to freeze the Account.

That, again, was not all. The Appeal Justices wondered if the Learned High Court Judge even read the Police application for the Bankers Order or the law pursuant to which the application was made. Of course the Judge did not read the law.

I am yet to come across any Judge or Magistrate who has ever read that law. Where will they find it? Well, before you laugh, let me quote from one such Bankers Order which the Police in Delta State used to freeze a client's account. Maybe it will help you understand.

Here it is:

"Application under section 7 of the Bankers Book Act 1879 (42 Vic C11) in conjunction with Section 40 Magistrate's Courts ER No. 10 of 19555 section 45 (i) of the Interpretation Act Cap 89 Vol. 3 Laws of Nigeria and section 96 (b) Evidence Act Cap 62 Vol. 2 law of Nigeria.

BOY DISGUISED AS DEVIL CAUSES STAMPEDE AT A WINNERS CHAPEL CHURCH AS PASTOR RUNS FOR HIS LIFE

2019-03-24T05:04:00.001+01:00

Worshipers at a Winners Chapel Pentecostal Church in Nairobi’s Umoja estate sustained serious wounds after a naughty 15 year old boy caused a stampede.

The faithful bolted out of the Church, falling on each other after the alleged rascal, hidden from their view pretended to be the Devil and scared them stiff.

It all began after worshipers closed their eyes and began chorusing a prayer before the sermon could begin. The boy is said to have tiptoed and picked the extra microphone at the lectern before hiding behind two loud speakers.

All of the sudden, the Church goers heard the booming voice with devilish guttural sound rasping through the Church public address system, announcing that they were now in hell and the voice speaking belonged to the devil himself.

After a loud silence rent in the air, the ‘devil’ ordered all those who truly believed in God to raise their hands, to which none responded. Instead, everyone was looking at each other with fear written all over their faces.

The ‘devil’ then announced that everyone sits down on the floor awaiting further instructions.

As the scared congregation shook and wet their pants before obeying the ‘devil’ to sit down, the pastor bolted out of the Church at maximum speed before they followed suit.

The sudden frenzied rush, coupled with “Shetani Ashindwe” shouts, created a fine mess, making some of the faithful to think it was the much talked about biblical end time.

It was the sight of elders jogging away as fast as they could, women and children wailing for help with other sacred worshipers fervently begging for mercy from the devil that tickled the offending boy, making him to laugh uncontrollably.

It was then that the technicians who maintain the sound system realized that they had been played. They looked around only to discover that an extra microphone was missing and suspected that the offending character was hiding within the Church. The technicians took it to the pulpit and announced that the incident was actually a hoax.

At this point, those who had taken off had been watching the drama unfold from a safe distance,returned. The Pastor took the microphone and began talking in serious tongues and mumbling gibberish as if to curse the offending character.

“Ragashando , ragalambanda … ropokolomashekele….” the Pastor went on as he denounced the devil, calling him a liar.

“Riswa! Riswa! shetani ashindwe!” he cursed
As few brave members trooped back, the boy who was hiding between two big speakers rose up still laughing off his head. He was almost roughed up, had it not been the timely intervention of elderly Churchgoers who pleaded with angry parishioners.

They told them to forgive the boy for he did not know what he was doing. Meanwhile, in his defense the ‘devil’ boy said he was only testing how faithful the parishioners are to God. The sermon went on uninterrupted afterwards.

Copied.

AN INTERVIEW WITH SOMEONE WHO HATED ME

2019-03-21T08:49:00.001+01:00

Six years ago a guy looked at me face to face, and boldly told me; "I don't like you!"
I immediately fired a response, I asked him that day; "Thank you for the honest feedback, but those that you like, how has it made their life better? How does your liking people pay their bills or take a bank loan? My brother keep your like, I need God's like And that's what guarantees my future.

Today I joined a CEO friend of mine in an interview Panel to recruit some new staff, it was a long session, as we returned from a coffee break to continue the hectic interview session, here was this same guy walked in with his grey jacket and CV coming for the interview.

Our eyes kissed by fluke, we immediately recognised each other; "the world is indeed spherical", I soliloquized.
He felt very uncomfortable through out the interview, one could clearly see the volcanic eruption ongoing in his whole nervous system, he even mistook his date of birth for his last date of employment. It wasn't yet my turn to ask him questions so I allowed everyone to take their turns with him and deliberately opted to interview him last.

When it got to my turn, the first thing I said was, "I LIKE YOU so much, you look to me like a brilliant and intelligent person, but it seems you are not doing well now because something bothers you, true?"

"That's very correct Sir!" He responded.

"Ok look at me straight in the eye, I was never offended that day, it is very normal that sometimes as humans you just don't like certain people, but I wasn't bothered either, because whether you liked me or not, it was inconsequential to my life and my success path - as you can see, fate has brought you to my lair"

I stood up and beckoned him to come and embrace me, everyone on the panel at this point were at sea - wondering if we had expeditiously recast an interview session to a Hollywood movie scene.

He hugged me so long and deeply that I felt it. Then I told him, "now get your confidence back bro and answer the questions like a Pro Shark that you are, we all burst into laughter, everyone suddenly liked him and the room became livelier - the interview became more like a discussion, well to cut the long story short, he got the job!

Lessons:

1. Be careful how you treat people when they appear to be in their vulnerable state, your next level may be hanging in their balance; somewhere in the future.

2. If you dislike someone, it is not their fault, it is YOUR FAULT, work on yourself to find good in people and reinvent your Mind to see everyone as likeable.

3. Don't spew hatred vocally just because it came into your heart, you may say it to someone who will keep it forever and use it against you when you find yourself in your own low moments and need them.

4. Learn to forgive, overlook people's dislike and hatred for you, dont punish people just because you have the position and privilege to do so, bless them rather - that's how you court God's blessings, favour and protection.

5. Share this post, someone needs it to heal from their past burdens of unforgiveness they have been carrying which has been hindering their promotions and inhibiting God's blessings flowing their way!

_*Addendum: I don't know the writer but the article blessed me beyond limits.*_

How Single Church Girls Search for Men in Nigerian Churches

2019-03-09T16:27:00.002+01:00

"Ndi Yoruba na Igbo-Phobia"

2019-03-09T08:32:00.001+01:00

Genevieve Nnaji wrote...✍🏽

The Igbos have never been the problem with Nigeria or wherever they find themselves.
This is not ethnic jingoism or
bigotry.

The Igbos will never foment troubles where they are because they know that "Isi kote ebu, ọgbaa ya".
They also know deep in their hearts that "Ife onye metalu, obulu."

The Igbos will never kill others to live because they believe that "ndụ bu ịsị."
Yes, murder or "ịgbu ọchu" is one of the most despicable crimes amongst the Igbos.
The Igbos believe that once you are alive, there is always a way left to succeed.
The "igba mbọ" is perhaps the best gift of the Igboman.
Yes, the Igbos struggle to make it in life.
They are industrious, assiduous & sedulous.
The Igbos also believe in helping one
another.
That's why you hear "onye aghana nwanne ya."

There is also no lateness in making it in life amongst the Igbos
because "ebe onye ọsọ ruru, ka onye ije geru" and uwa mgbede ka mma."
Igbo businessmen are scattered all over the world.
Wherever they are, they make their homes, building houses & gentrifying districts.
For most lgbos, "ala bu otu."
Igbos are liberal, accommodating & very friendly to foreigners.
This is because they are themselves scattered all over the world as
immigrants.

Na Lagos, Ndi Igbo n'agba ọsọ ahia, Igbo n'ere gala na go slow, Igbo n'aru conductor, ụmụ Igbo bụ importers bụrụ manufacturers, Igbo nọ into clearing and forwarding, Igbo n'esi
nri, ụmụnna n'ere motor parts, Igbo n'arụ police na ọrụ aka.

Ndi Igbo adirọ selective with jobs maka na onye rụọ, orie.
But the Igbos will never take your lands or countries from you.
The Igboman thinks about his native home.
Yes, you will never provide him with "akpu", bitter leaves soup, palm wine, isi ewu & other scrumptious dishes he misses at Igboland.
While living in your country or state, never you imagine the Igbo is not
thinking about his village.
My friend, he does that everyday.
Where ever the Igbos ubicate, their hearts are not far from their native homes.

Stop killing the Igbos.
They will only make their money & go
back to their land.
And they know how to make legitimate money.
Yes, where you see nothing, the Igbos with their gimlet eyes see "Ego."

So when next you meet an Igboman, ask him "Nna, how far?"
If you are lucky & he had done a successful business deal, he
might just take you out for lunch. Yes, the Igbos like sharing.
On the other hand, if business is low, he will tell you the normal clichés... "Obodo bu Igwe" or Ife an'eme adirọ easy" or "Ogbogu di tight."
Look at his face closely as he laments.
You will see no signs of defeatism. Mind you, he might just be carrying 1Million Naira in his pockets.
Just that the money had already been budgeted for "sontin es!!!"

Daalụ.

Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe wrote this beautiful piece, read and learn.

2019-03-06T04:48:00.001+01:00

Lagos State belongs as much to the ethnic Igbo as to the Yoruba, Ijaw, Hausa, Fulani, Efik, Idoma, Urhobo, Itshekiri, Edo, and so on who live in it, pay tax, identify with it, and settle in it. That compact was made the moment Nigeria became a single nation, and a successor power to the old principalities who were subdued and who ceded their sovereignty for the new commonwealth of Nigeria.

It was pragmatic. The Igbo had the skill and the industry, and Lagos was the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria and its major port. The Igbo have lived in Lagos since the 15th century when the Aro and other Igbo first settled in good number in a place we now call “Oyingbo” in the era of Benin and the Portuguese trade.

The arrival of Dr. Namdi Azikiwe to Lagos in 1937 from Accra after his studies in the United States, stimulated the political and cultural environment of Lagos as no other has before or after him. Zik literally resurrected the wizard of Kirsten hall from political death. Zik represented Lagos in the western house. The NCNC was the power in Lagos, and not the Action Group. The Igbo were prominent in the governance of Lagos in the Lagos City Hall.

The institutional development of Lagos – the railways, the ports and ship yards; the education and research facilities; the Banking and Commodities Exchange, the development of towns like Yaba, Surulere, Ebutta-Metta, Festac Town, Victoria Island, and now increasing the Ajah-Lekki axis, and of course, the ghettoes along the Orile-Badagry axis, have profound Igbo imprimatur.

The circulation of the image of Lagos is to date best reflected in the cosmopolitan Igbo imagination of one of the greatest African writers of the 20th century, Cyprian Ekwensi, a thorough Lagosian if there was any. Igbo have built industries in Lagos and have been drivers of commerce and exchange.

Interestingly, I was born at plot number 8, Okoya Street, Idumagbo- Lagos, while the Ojukwu families were residing at number one to three on the same street. I grew up to know the father of Odumegwu Ojukwu. Chimbizie and Azuka grew up with us on the same street. Even the Chibeze small parking space at the end of Okoya Street is called Ojukwu.

I later attended St. Patrick Primary School, Idumagbo, where I had very amiable classmates of Igbo origin in the persons of Azubike Ezenwa and Damian, Ihekuna, both now professors and doctors of today. They were brilliant, resourceful and friendly.

When we were playing bamboo and Tene Felele at Orikoriko at Onola playing ground, the Igbo participated actively. In the area of sports, school football and athletes, Igbo were dominant at Kings College, St. Gregory school, St. Finbars, Akoka, Igbobi College and Ahmadiyya College, Agege. Such boys, Njokwu, George Amu, Stephen Keshi, Henry Nwosu, Patrick Noquapor, Peter Anieke and Sammy Opone were dominant on the field of football, while Asiodu, Empire Kanu were prominent on the field of athletics.

Anytime we went to watch football match at Onikan stadium, my darling team, Stationery Stores and our adversary team I hated most was the E. C. N, where the centre forward, Paul Hamilton, the National Team, Fabian the captain who bit the dust. Our greatest captain was Duru, Oduah Onyenrekwa, Onyeador Onyeali and Opel, the greatest outside right Nigeria ever had, Cyril Azuluka. So, during my early life at primary school, the Igbo were always there and delightful to watch, both in athletes and on the football field.

When I listened to radio at that time, both the commentary and drama series, the Igbo were there for you. The likes of Chris Ndaguba, Ernest Okwonkwo, Ralph Okpara ‘Alawo Sekiseki the traveler’. The episode will end with – The script was written by Ralph Okpara and edited by Yemi Lijadu.

Anytime I visited where I was born today in Idumagbo at Lagos Island, the entire place is covered by Igbo traders in their thousands. They were never troublesome but decent and accommodating. They have virtually taken over all properties of the indigenes. They succeeded in developing all our properties, married to most of our children even from the royal families. There is no single house you will visit without an Igbo man selling wares there.

So, who is saying something else? Only the strangers in our midst will not notice participation of economic development in our state by the Igbos. Most houses and shops in Lagos Island have been purchased, developed and occupied by the Igbos. The value of their investments in Lagos Island alone is in trillions of naira.

Instead of deporting the Igbos, whose contributions to the development of Lagos state are immensurable, you must keep on praising and encouraging them to keep on developing Lagos State

Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe

Did you know....

2019-03-04T13:37:00.001+01:00

Ojota used to be a military settlement in the late 18th century and soldiers practised their shooting there. The area had several gun firing spots and became known as “Oju Ota” in Yoruba
which means “Bullet spots”. It later metamorphosed into Ojota which it is called now.

2.Abule Egba
This area is on the outskirts of Lagos and got its name from the early settlers who were Egba people from Abeokuta. The area was first called “Abule awon egba” in Yoruba, which means “Village of Egba people”. It later became “Abule Egba”.

3.Apongbon
Apongbon is one of Lagos’ most popular markets, and it’s also quite close to the popular Oke-Arin market. It got its name from the then acting governor of the Lagos colony, William McCoskry, who had a Red Beard. The Yorubas who couldn’t pronounce the colonial governor’s name decided to describe him by his red beard and started calling him “Oyinbo to pon ni igbon” meaning a red-bearded man. It later became Apongbon.

4.Magodo
Magodo is now a posh area, but in the past, it used to be sacred land. The residents had a lot of taboos and one of them was to avoid using mortars and pestles, “Ma gun odo” which means “Don’t pound it”. It later became ‘Magodo

5.Epetedo
Epe is named after the early settlers who were Epe traders. The area became dominated by the Epes and they still trade there until today.

6.Ebute-Metta
Ebute-Metta is one of the earliest harbour docks where British ships berthed at. It was a hub for trade and commerce in colonial times. Ebute-Metta is a fusion of the words “Ebute” which means the seaside in Yoruba, and “Metta” which means three. The three shores are Iddo, Otto and Oko baba.

7.Broad street
Broad street used to be one of the longest and widest streets in the city. It got its name from its broadness.

8.Agidingbi
The British Naval forces invaded Lagos in 1885 under the pretext of stopping slavery and human sacrifice. The noise their canon made was really loud, and the sound was heard round the streets of Lagos Island. The people described the sound as “A gb din gbinnn”. Which means a loud groundbreaking noise. The name Agidingbi was borne out of this.

9.Victoria Island
Victoria Island was also a major hub for commerce and British ships berthed there often. It’s named after Queen Victoria of England who was Queen from 1837-1901.

10.Ikeja
Ikeja, the capital of Lagos, is actually an abbreviation for “Ikorodu And Epe Joint Administration”. It was coined by the colonial masters for ease of administration.”
I hope we find this info useful.

The Origin Of ‘Ìyàwó’, The Yoruba Word For Wife !!!

2018-12-26T05:07:00.001+01:00

It is unknown to many speakers of the Yorùbá language that the original Yorùbá word for wife is ‘aya’ and not the commonly used ‘Ìyàwó’.
Back in the early years of the Yorùbá people, the word Iyawo did not have a place in the Yorùbá language not until an incident brought about its coinage and usage. Old Nigeria present you the origin of the Yorùbá word Ìyàwó .

Origin of the Yorùbá word Ìyàwó:
Long ago in Yorùbá land, a beautiful princess and daughter of the first king of Iwó town named Wúràọlá was in the quest of getting herself a patient, tolerant and well mannered husband.
Strong and good looking men, the likes of Sàngó, Ògún and others, had already traveled to Iwó town to seek the hand of Wúràọlá in marriage but left not with a wife but uncontrollable anger. Wúràọlá had been rude to everyone of them. In fact, she hurled insults and curses at her suitors which made them all leave on the same day they arrived the town of Iwo because they couldn’t tolerate her bad behaviors.
Ọ̀rúnmìlà, a good looking man, also journeyed to Iwó in the bid to win the hand of Wúràọlá in marriage. But before he set out, he had already consulted Olódùmarè, the supreme being, through Ifá . Olódùmarè revealed to Òrúnmìlà that he must be patient with Wúràọlá and endure her behaviors no matter how bad they are in order to succeed in the quest of marrying Wúràọlá .
When Òrúnmìlà got to the palace of the king of Iwó, he was greeted with a hiss and scornful look by Wúràọlá. The unperturbed Òrúnmìlà smiled and returned her greetings with kind and sweet words and also presented gifts to the king.
Òrúnmìlà stayed in Iwó for seven days which can be described as nothing but a hell on earth. Wúràọlá didn’t serve Òrúnmìlà water let alone food. She insulted the goodness out of Òrúnmìlà but he stayed calm and smiled at her. He even smiled when she used his opon ifa (divination board) as firewood and when she took his pouch (àpò ominijekun) from him. Though, Òrúnmìlà boiled with rage, still, he didn’t show it or leave Iwo according to the instructions of Olódùmarè .
On the sixth day of Òrúnmìlà's stay in Iwó town, the king of Iwó gave Wúràọlá in marriage to him after concluding that he is a patient, kind and tolerant man suitable to marry his daughter. Meanwhile, Wúràọlá's bad behaviors were planned to test her suitors so as to get her a husband with good manners and temper. She was a lovely, caring and well behaved lady. Òrúnmìlà was glad that he heeded to the instructions of Olódùmarè and on the seventh day, he and Wúràọlá journey back to his town.
Òrúnmìlà was welcomed and praised by his townspeople for his achievement. When they asked him about Wuraola, his wife, he responded, “Ìyà tí mo jẹ ní Iwó” (my sufferings in Iwó town) That was how wives became known as Ìyà-Iwó (sufferings in Iwó) and now Ìyàwó . So men don't be afraid or surprise by what u experience daily, it started from ages.

*Happy Holidays to All*
Shared by: Ade Oluwo

Did you know.....

2018-11-28T04:50:00.001+01:00

Apongbon street was named after Acting Governor McCrosky. Strange? Yes. Prior to his appointment as Acting Governor, he was a business man and Assessor to the court in Tinubu. He was a friend to Fagbemi Dawodu, the rich business man of Nupe origin(Tapa) turned Lagosian. When Fagbemi reverted to Christianity after abandoning Ifa that he was born into. McCrosky was his God-father at his baptism. Fagbemi was the owner of the giant house that sprawled from Broad Street to the Marina at Olowogbowo.
The CMS mission rented it to house offices and residence for Bishop Ajayi Crowther. The school founded by Crowther's son-in-law, Rev Thomas Babington Macaulay, (CMS Grammar School) was also initially housed there. The front of that building was named Bishop Street (till today). The street nearest to it is at the back was named Apongbon Street (till today) after Fagbemi's friend, McCrosky who was bald in the head but had a bushy ginger-colored beard. So all over Lagos he was known as Oyinbo a-pon-ni-gbon. (the white man with the reddish beard). A-pon-ni-gbon was shorteneded to Apongbon.

My Genuine Wish

2018-11-21T06:59:00.001+01:00

I genuinely wish I could be like Jesus Christ, not in holiness or godliness, but in temperament. I wish a side of my cheek could be slapped and I would have the temerity to turn the other side, overlook disrespect and refuse to fight back at the height of provocation.

How I wish that if someone calls me Stinking, I could compliment the person as smelling nice. My wishful inclination to emulate Jesus abounds, but my capacity to be close is afar. I guess nobody can be like Him, though some are better at striving to be than others.

I also wish I could be like Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther king or Indira Gandhi so that I would preach, tutor and befriend my oppressors and bullies about Love, peace and the importance of reconciliation, but I guess THE CREATOR made me to be like Moses, David and Malcom X, so that when you choose to kill my chicken I orchestrate to break your eggs, when you want to reincarnate to be modern day Goliath, I seek for strength to defeat you and when you choose to deny me my GOD given right, liberty and freedom, I go all the way to protect me.

Oh, I wish I could be like Henry Kissinger, not in personality but in diplomacy, so that I could have a good understanding of diplomatic gimmicks and pretend to like you when I am sure that you cannot stand my gut, but my innermost believe that diplomacy when individual is hypocrisy will not permit me. My sincere distaste for hypocrisy is so original and inborn that my mood and dispositions can not be faked. My love is for those that love me truly. I wish I could always be politically and empathetically correct all the time but my spontaneous reactions have no room for baloney and it's embellishment.

But all in all, my gratitude is to GOD, not only for the gift of easiness to be me, the endowment to enjoy and find strength in my personhood, my idiosyncrasies, my laxities and inadequacies, but most importantly for my ability to at all times have an unbelievable level of confidence in myself that friends and foes find incomprehensible.

ONÍRÈSÉ

2018-11-20T06:58:00.001+01:00

Before ÒYÓ became what we know today as Oyo town and Oyo state, it was known as ÒYÓ-ILÉ which Historians referred to as OLD OYO EMPIRE.
That was the Era when the ALÁÀFIN had the autonomous power and referred as;
"Alaşę ikeji Orişa" ( the 2nd in command to the gods). There was an absolute Power endowed to the Alaafin all over Yoruba Kingdom. The powers can only be checked by the OYOMESI, for the purpose of CHECK and BALANCE.
Infact, there was one Alaafin who ordered for the head of his father in-law, simply because the wife indirectly challenged his Authority while bathing the Alaafin in the bathroom. (You can grab a copy of BASHORUN GAA to see full story).
Thus, the trio phrase of; 'IKÚ BÀBÁ YÈYÉ" which is translated as; " THE DEATH, THE PATERNAL and THE MATERNAL" might not mean anything to us in this modern Democatic Era but in the ancient Yoruba Days, it meant a great deal.

Behind the Alaafin Oyo's Palace in the Ancient days were rows of stalls where wood and calabash carvers known as ONÍRÈSÉ engaged in their craft work. ONÍRÈSÉ as earlier said literally means CALABASH CARVERS but among these carvers, one was nicknamed ONÍRÈSÉ. He was a Divinely gifted Carver.
During his birth, an IFA priest who was consulted by his parent, informed that the new born baby will be a great leader and one day, he will find himself in a strange land across the Ocean among the white people. But he must not engage in any work than the Carving business.
His kinsmen were not surprised with the calibre of people that were patronising ONÍRÈSÉ as he was growing into the carving business. The Alaafin, his chiefs, Kings from neighbouring towns and all idol worshippers were all customers to this young man. His work was second to none in the entire Yoruba Region.
One day, some Europeans who had come to Oyo for tourism and to study the Monarchical system of the Oyo Empire stumbled into the stall of ONÍRÈSÉ and they were completely amazed by the excellent craft works done by him. After said and done, ONÍRÈSÉ found himself in an exhibition in Switzerland where his work became the best among others. ONÍRÈSÉ spent 13 years touring different part of Europe with the help of an European lady who had become his close Associate.
After tying the knot with this lady after an Exhibition in a small town in Sweden, ONÍRÈSÉ decided to return home with his new bride for proper African traditional wedding.
The entire Oyo township and its environ were filled to the brim with people who had come to witness this very rare marriage. It was a showcase of pure African tradition and the Europeans that witnessed the occasion were fully entertained.

After the wedding rites, the Alaafin bestowed the title of BAALE ÌRÈSÉ to ONÍRÈSÉ for the great honour he brought to Oyo kingdom. With the new title and responsibility, the Alaafin believed that the white woman would mot take the great man back to her strange land again.
At this period back home, ONÍRÈSÉ desist from making calabash again rather he focused on other lucrative businesses and the governing of his little Area.
His old customers who were highly placed all over Yoruba Kingdom approached him to make Calabash for them but he refused bluntly, encouraging them to patronize his kinsmen who are still into the business. This attitude annoyed some prominent chiefs in Oyo and they reported him to the Alaafin, saying the man had become so arrogant and disrespectful. They wanted Alaafin to give him him a marching order to continue with the carving skill.
The Alaafin in his wisdom replied thus;
Eyin Oyomesi, BÍ ONÍRÈSÉ BÁ KÒ TÓ LÓHUN Ò FÍN'GBÁ MÓ, ÈYÍ TÓ TI FÌN SÍLÈ KÒ LE PARUN LAELAE". This simply means; if ONÍRÈSÉ, the calabash carver desist from making calabash again, the ones he had made in the past can never be perished.

***

Credit- yinka egbeyemi.

PASTOR'S SECRET WIFE

2018-11-15T16:50:00.001+01:00

Episode One

The last abortion I did was the fourth time I'm doing abortion for you. You want to destroy all the children in my womb? When I finally get married, what will I give to my husband? I will not abort this pregnancy, I will keep it and face the shame. Stella lamented to her secret boyfriend after he asked her to go for abortion as usual. You know I am a pastor and my integrity is at stake if you keep this pregnancy. What will I tell my wife? What do you want me to tell my G.O? How will I stand my congregation? Those who wanted my downfall all this while will now have the opportunity to ground me. You can't keep the pregnancy Stella. These and more were the words of Pastor Olumodeji, when Stella insisted she will keep the pregnancy this time.

How did it go? I asked my friend. Stella has been my childhood friend for over two decades now. Every time she was pregnant for pastor Olumodeji, I was the only one she confided in. We were both members of the central choir until pastor Olumodeji transferred me to our new branch in the mainland and made me the head of the choir. He made it look like he was promoting me but I knew he was no longer comfortable seeing me in the same church he pastors, knowing how much of his secrets I have known. Before my transfer, whenever he preaches about righteousness and our eyes jammed, you could notice the uneasiness on him. I didn't know how my friend entered into this prison. All our attempts to stop their illicit relationship failed severally. They had used me most often to clean up their mess. Why I connived with them to continually help them cover up still remains a mystery to me.

Stella, you're keeping this pregnancy this time. How long will you continue to protect an integrity that does not exist? A man of integrity does not sleep with his church members. It is high time you let the church know what pastor Olumodeji has been doing in the secret. If we continue to cover this evil for him, God will not spare us in his judgement. He should just accept responsibility for his action, I told Stella. I have made up my mind to keep the pregnancy and there's no going back on that but I won't implicate pastor Olumodeji. I can't stand the shame and humiliation. I can't watch and see the church I helped built from the scratch crumble right in my face because of my illicit affair with the pastor. I will not be the one who will be the tool of destruction for the church of God. Pastor Olumodeji may be stained but there are still righteous people in the church. Hearing this will puncture the faith of the young believers who trust him so much. I will run away with my pregnancy to an unknown destination. This is what I will do and I don't want you to advice me against it. Stella said.

Very early in the morning before I woke up from the bed, my phone rang. when I checked my caller, it was our area pastor, my friend's secret boyfriend, pastor Olumodeji. Without doubt, I knew why he was calling me. It must be in connection with Stella's pregnancy. This time I wasn't going to be the good girl I used to be, I will be blunt and straight to pastor. I was still thinking of dirty and derogatory words to use against pastor when I picked his call, then the call ended. I was expecting him to call me back because I knew he must have had a sleepless night over the issue. While I was waiting for his call, Stella's call came in. I picked and couldn't hear her as the call kept breaking due to network problem. I can't hear you Stella, let me call you with my mtn line, I suggested. As I tried to dial her number, pastor's call interrupted. I refused to pick his call so I can speak with my friend first. The more I tried to reach Stella, the more his calls kept interrupting. At this time, I realized he was really desperate and agitated. I was literally confused but not answering his calls may send a wrong signal. I decided to pick his call. "Hello sister Mercy" he said. " Hello pastor" I replied.

I need to see you urgently sister Mercy. We have to talk now, I don't mind meeting you in your house or somewhere else. He said in a worried voice. Can you imagine my area pastor humble himself to this extent because he had defecated in the wrong place? No wonder the Bible says "there is no peace for the wicked". The thought of using this case to milk him started running through my mind while I was still on the phone with him. But on a second thought, is it not our church resources he will use to service the ransoms? I reasoned within me.

To be continued in Episode Two