HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST COMMENDS THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN THE COLONIAL ERA.

      During the symposium and lectures tagged “TAKING NIGERIAN AND AFRICA TO GREATER HEIGHTS, The place of the youth ’’ in commemoration of the 43rd birthday of Oba Enitan Ogunwusi the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Femi Falana (SAN), a human rights activist and keynote speaker praised the efforts of South Western traditional rulers during the  colonial era. In the preamble of his address to the youth, he stated that ;

      "Rather than what you have been taught in your history classes, the traditional rulers in the South West agreed to neither slavery or imperialism. Some of them like King Jaja of Opobo were exiled and some were killed. Even the annexation document that was said to have been signed by King Dosunmu of Lagos and Queen Victoria had an element of illegality. How could someone who did not understand English, sign a document written in English? "

   The occasion that was held in the noon of Tuesday, October 17 in Oduduwa hall of Obafemi Awolowo University, was graced by dignitaries, royal fathers and public office holders: Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, a special adviser to the Executive governor of Lagos state representing the Governor; Otunba Mrs. Olaoye Tomori, the deputy governor of Osun state representing the Governor; Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, the Vice chancellor of the university and many other important personalities.

   Falana, an alumnus of the university, lauded the maturity of the celebrant in restoring peace to the Yoruba kingdom, Nigeria and Africa as a whole, and described him as a 'cosmopolitan Oba'. He further appreciated the impact of the king's reign in the development of the youth vis-a-vis empowerment programmes, philanthropy and job creation. The legal luminary encouraged youths to be good leaders.

   " The leaders we've had since 1960 have been the enemy of our people. Shove aside the saying that 'youths are the leaders of tomorrow'. Let them know that you are to start leading today." he emphasized.

   Encomiums and praises of the noble King was sang in appreciation to the good works he has done since his ascension to the throne. Orphans from Covenant Orphanage home as well as different groups sang and danced, wishing the king a peaceful reign and long life.

   Moreover, the King, through his adviser on youth development and health creation, Mr. Awosunle Olamide,  expressed his intention to empower Five winners and 150 runner-ups with 10 million naira and bank loans respectively after a competition on business ideas relating to their fields of study. The competition is mainly for final year students of South Western Universities and they are urged to submit their business ideas to the website for the empowerment programme.

   Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, in his closing remarks and vote of thanks, appreciated all and sundry who came for the event. He promised not to renege in his promise to contribute immensely to the development and growth of the youth and humanity.


Olufemi Alfred .O.
Oau Kilonshele News outfit
Reporting...