Igarra Kingdom

The traditional ruler and prescribed Authority of Igarra and Akuku Clan, HRH Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II, the Otaru of Igarra has denied reports making rounds that he donated the sum of one million naira to the campaign funds of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), when he visited the palace to seek royal blessings during his campaign in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

A statement signed by five palace chiefs: Odovidi Okomayin, Okomayin Ojo; Oseh, Chief D. A. Ojo; Okomayin Obende, Emma Adebayo; and Ukana Agumagu, Chief Ezekiel Ukanah said the Otaru of Igarra is non-partisan and he is open to all political parties and politicians. The statement added that just like Pastor Ize-Iyamu and the APC did, Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) visited the palace for royal blessings.

The statement said some headlines that claiming “Igarra monarch donates N1m to Ize-Iyamu” was misleading as the said donor, referred to as Joseph Mayaki Akpeji is not the traditional ruler of Igarra and that he made the donation in his private capacity.

The statement said in part: “It should be pointed out that Joseph Mayaki Akpeji is someone who holds himself out as the Otu of Igarra. By law, the title of Out of Igarra is a minor chieftaincy exclusive to the Anona family of Igarra and over which the Otaru of Igarra is the prescribed authority (as the Otaru is the Prescribed Authority over the entire Igarra/Akuku Clan). It should be noted that Eziobe Traditional Council is not known to Igarra tradition and Chieftaincy laws of Edo State.

“For a fact, Joseph Mayaki Akpeji and a few other persons are challenging the legality of the law as it stands in suit no. B/553/2008. In the same suit, the Otaru of Igarra has himself challenged the validity of Akpeji’s claim to be the Otu of Igarra on the basis” that his purported nomination was never forwarded to the Otaru for approval.

“Suffice it to say however that Joseph Mayaki Akpeji is not a traditional ruler, much less being the traditional ruler over Igarra”.

“We therefore wish to set the records straight and state that the Otaru of Igarra is non-partisan and wishes all candidates well.

“His palace is open to all and sundry, more pointedly, the Otaru did not and could not have donated any money to any political cause whatsoever.

“Such is inconsistent with his status as the Royal Father to all political tendencies in Igarra (Etuno) Nation, please, be properly guided”, the statement concluded.

The Chiefs said the mis-information was deliberately sent by mischief makers who want to use the publication to “denigrate the stool of Otaru of Igarra and the occupier of that stool, HRH Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II (JP), and seek to expose him to public odium and ridicule”.

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended by another 14 days the lockdown of Abuja (the Federal Capital Territory), Lagos and Ogun States to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus global pandemic. He had on March 29, 2020, declared the initial 14-day stay-at-home starting March 30.

The President announced the extension of the lockdown in a nationwide broadcast at 7pm on April 13, 2020 saying “… having carefully considered the briefings and Report from the Presidential Task Force and the various options offered, it has become necessary to extend the current restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT for another 14 days effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of April, 2020. I am therefore once again asking you all to work with Government in this fight.”

Please read below, the full text of President Muhammadu Buhari’s broadcast extending the lockdown.

Address By H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the Extension of Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdown at the State House, Abuja
Monday, 13^th April, 2020

1. Fellow Nigerians

2. In my address on Sunday, 29th March, 2020, I asked the residents of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory to stay at home for an initial period of fourteen days starting from Monday, 30th March 2020.

3. Many State Governments also introduced similar restrictions.

4. As your democratically elected leaders, we made this very difficult decision knowing fully well it will severely disrupt your livelihoods and bring undue hardship to you, your loved ones and your communities.

5. However, such sacrifices are needed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our country. They were necessary to save lives.

6. Our objective was, and still remains, to contain the spread of the Coronavirus and to provide space, time and resources for an aggressive and collective action.

7. The level of compliance to the COVID-19 guidelines issued has been generally good across the country. I wish to thank you all most sincerely for the great sacrifice you are making for each other at this critical time.

8. I will take this opportunity to recognise the massive support from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) during this pandemic.

9. I also acknowledge the support and contributions received from public spirited individuals, the business community and our international partners and friends.

10. I must also thank the media houses, celebrities and other public figures for the great work they are doing in sensitizing our citizens on hygienic practices, social distancing and issues associated with social gatherings.

11. As a result of the overwhelming support and cooperation received, we were able to achieve a lot during these 14 days of initial lockdown.

12. We implemented comprehensive public health measures that intensified our case identification, testing, isolation and contact tracing capabilities.

13. To date, we have identified 92% of all identified contacts while doubling the number of testing laboratories in the country and raising our testing capacity to 1,500 tests per day.

14. We also trained over 7,000 Healthcare workers on infection prevention and control while deploying NCDC teams to 19 states of the federation.

15. Lagos and Abuja today have the capacity to admit some 1,000 patients each across several treatment centres.

16. Many State Governments have also made provisions for isolation wards and treatment centres. We will also build similar centers near our airports and land borders.

17. Using our resources and those provided through donations, we will adequately equip and man these centres in the coming weeks. Already, health care workers across all the treatment centers have been provided with the personal protective equipment that they need to safely carry out the care they provide.

18. Our hope and prayers are that we do not have to use all these centres. But we will be ready for all eventualities.

19. At this point, I must recognise the incredible work being done by our healthcare workers and volunteers across the country especially in frontline areas of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

20. You are our heroes and as a nation, we will forever remain grateful for your sacrifice during this very difficult time. More measures to motivate our health care workers are being introduced which we will announce in the coming weeks.

21. As a nation, we are on the right track to win the fight against COVID-19.

22. However, I remain concerned about the increase in number of confirmed cases and deaths being reported across the world and in Nigeria specifically.

23. On 30th March 2020, when we started our lockdown in conforming with medical and scientific advice, the total number of confirmed cases across the world was over 780,000.

24. Yesterday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases globally was over one million, eight hundred and fifty thousand. This figure is more than double in two weeks!

25. In the last fourteen days alone, over 70,000 people have died due to this disease.

26. In the same period, we have seen the health system of even the most developed nations being overwhelmed by this virus.

27. Here in Nigeria, we had 131 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 12 States on 30th March 2020. We had two fatalities then.

28. This morning, Nigeria had 323 confirmed cases in twenty States. Unfortunately we now have ten fatalities. Lagos State remains the center and accounts for 54% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria. When combined with the FCT, the two locations represent over 71% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria.

29. Most of our efforts will continue to focus in these two locations.

30. Majority of the confirmed cases in Lagos and the FCT are individuals with recent international travel history or those that came into contact with returnees from international trips.

31. By closing our airports and land borders and putting strict conditions for seaport activities, we have reduced the impact of external factors on our country. However, the increase in the number of States with positive cases is alarming.

32. The National Centre for Disease Control has informed me that, a large proportion of new infections are now occurring in our communities, through person-to-person contacts. So we must pay attention to the danger of close contact between person to person.

33. At this point, I will remind all Nigerians to continue to take responsibility for the recommended measures to prevent transmission, including maintaining physical distancing, good personal hygiene and staying at home.

34. In addition, I have signed the Quarantine Order in this regard and additional regulations to provide clarity in respect of the control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic which will be released soon.

35. The public health response to COVID-19 is built on our ability to detect, test and admit cases as well as trace all their contacts. While I note some appreciable progress, we can achieve a lot more.

36. Today, the cessation of movement, physical distancing measures and the prohibition of mass gatherings remain the most efficient and effective way of reducing the transmission of the virus. By sustaining these measures, combined with extensive testing and contact tracing, we can take control and limit the spread of the disease.

37. Our approach to the virus remains in 2 steps – First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners.

38. With this in mind and having carefully considered the briefings and Report from the Presidential Task Force and the various options offered, it has become necessary to extend the current restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT for another 14 days effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of April, 2020. I am therefore once again asking you all to work with Government in this fight.

39. This is not a joke. It is a matter of life and death. Mosques in Makkah and Madina have been closed. The Pope celebrated Mass on an empty St. Peter’s Square. The famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris held Easter Mass with less than 10 people. India, Italy and France are in complete lockdown. Other countries are in the process of following suit. We cannot be lax.

40. The previously issued guidelines on exempted services shall remain.

41. This is a difficult decision to take, but I am convinced that this is the right decision. The evidence is clear.

42. The repercussions of any premature end to the lockdown action are unimaginable.

43. We must not lose the gains achieved thus far. We must not allow a rapid increase in community transmission. We must endure a little longer.

44. I will therefore take this opportunity to urge you all to notify the relevant authorities if you or your loved ones develop any symptoms. I will also ask our health care professionals to redouble their efforts to identify all suspected cases, bring them into care and prevent transmission to others.

45. No country can afford the full impact of a sustained restriction of movement on its economy. I am fully aware of the great difficulties experienced especially by those who earn a daily wage such as traders, day-workers, artisans and manual workers.

46. For this group, their sustenance depends on their ability to go out. Their livelihoods depend on them mingling with others and about seeking work. But despite these realities we must not change the restrictions.

47. In the past two weeks, we announced palliative measures such as food distribution, cash transfers and loans repayment waivers to ease the pains of our restrictive policies during this difficult time. These palliatives will be sustained.

48. I have also directed that the current social register be expanded from 2.6 million households to 3.6 million households in the next two weeks. This means we will support an additional one million homes with our social investment programs. A technical committee is working on this and will submit a report to me by the end of this week.

49. The Security Agencies have risen to the challenges posed by this unprecedented situation with gallantry and I commend them. I urge them to continue to maintain utmost vigilance, firmness as well as restraint in enforcing the restriction orders while not neglecting statutory security responsibilities.

50. Fellow Nigerians, follow the instructions on social distancing. The irresponsibility of the few can lead to the death of the many. Your freedom ends where other people’s rights begin.

51. The response of our State Governors has been particularly impressive, especially in aligning their policies and actions to those of the Federal Government.

52. In the coming weeks, I want to assure you that the Federal Government, through the Presidential Task Force, will do whatever it takes to support you in this very difficult period. I have no doubt that, by working together and carefully following the rules, we shall get over this pandemic.

53. I must also thank the Legislative arm of Government for all its support and donations in this very difficult period. This collaboration is critical to the short and long-term success of all the measures that we have instituted in response to the pandemic.

54. As a result of this pandemic, the world as we know it has changed. The way we interact with each other, conduct our businesses and trade, travel, educate our children and earn our livelihoods will be different.

55. To ensure our economy adapts to this new reality, I am directing the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Communication and Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Transportation, Aviation, Interior, Health, Works and Housing, Labour and Employment and Education to jointly develop a comprehensive policy for a “Nigerian economy functioning with COVID-19”.

56. The Ministers will be supported by the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and Economic Sustainability Committee in executing this mandate.

57. I am also directing the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Security Adviser, the Vice Chairman, National Food Security Council and the Chairman, Presidential Fertiliser Initiative to work with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to ensure the impact of this pandemic on our 2020 farming season is minimized.

58. Finally, I want to thank the members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for all their hard work so far. Indeed, the patriotism shown in your work is exemplary and highly commendable.

58. Fellow Nigerians, I have no doubt that by working together and carefully following the rules, we shall get over this pandemic and emerge stronger in the end.

I thank you all for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

A United States of America based Foundaton, Mr. Kola & Bose Adeloye Foundation has sent relief materials to not less 50 vulnerable persons within the three quarters of Ugbogbo, Utua and Ufa in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo local government area.

Mr. Samuel Oboro, the personal aide of Barr. Nelson Kola Adeloye who anchored the distribution of the relief said that the kind-heartedness of his principal and his wife was a natural part of who they are; always believing that the best way a society can be smooth is for all to be well. This they said  made them strip themselves of their comfort to put smiles on the faces of the people.

Speaking from his base in the US, Adeloye said: “The effects of the unceremonious global lockdown which has brought the economies of nations to their knees are not a respecter of sentiments; and, therefore, it would be foolish of anyone or any organization to bow to any form of sentiments in responding to the crying of the people.”

Some beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to the Foundation for choosing to rekindle their hope for a better future.

A beneficiary, Mrs Abiodun Ukonga said “I am more than grateful at the uncommon magnanimity of Barr. Kola Adeloye and his wife for choosing to remember me at this crucial period when famine is already knocking at the door. May the Lord continue to bless them and may they be rewarded in Jesus’ name”.

Igarra, like every other community, woke up to the news of the spread of the Corona virus (COVID 19) pandemic across the globe.

Igarra kingdom is blessed with large and wonderful human resources. The people of Igarra are domiciled in many nation’s and across all the states in Nigeria.

It was not long, news began to filter in through the news media that some of our prominent sons in government had contact with some people that are positive to the Corona virus. God being on our side, they were tested and it came out negative.

The Traditional institution ably led by HRH Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II, the Otaru of Igarra, showed leadership by sensitising Igarra people to the pandemic and what needs to be done to curtail its spread. Family meetings that usually hold monthly and other statutory meetings involving more than 20 persons were cancelled. The Otaru also sent the Town Crier to disseminate crucial decisions of the Palace to Igarra people

The need to ensure that the messages are passed accurately and timely led a Benin- based Igarra Medical Doctor, Dr. Oizamesi James Adanini, to record an awareness campaign podcast in the Etuno dialect. In the audio, he took time to explain what the COVID 19 was all about with emphasis on the preventive measures that must be taken to reduce and possibly curtail the spread of the pandemic.

There is also a local musician that sang using the Etuno dialect to further enlighten the populace on this pandemic.

Notably, the Igarra Development Association (IDA) mobilized sound systems March 28 and 29, 2020 going around Igarra community sensitizing the people on this pandemic. The Association also went ahead to print educational materials which detailed the relevant information needed, and pasted across the streets in Igarra.

The Edo Development Organisation (EDO) also produced and disseminated a 4..33 minutes sensitisation audio message on the virus talking about what to do and what not to do to prevent contracting the virus including social distancing, constantly washing the hands etc. It also encouraged living hygienic lifestyles. Download the and listen to the EDO Sensitisation Message.

On his part, the Executive Chairman of Akoko Edo Local Government Council, Hon Don Oteh Umoru inaugurated a task force on Covid ’19 as measures of curbing the ravaging pandemic virus. The task force was set up to sensitize residents of Akoko Edo Local Government on keeping good hygiene that will help prevent the spread of the epidemic. They are also expected to report suspected cases to the appropriate authority.

The Council Boss emphatically said that the state government has banned any social gathering of any form more than 20 persons and that civil servants on level 1-12 were to work from their homes. He also charged them to take their hygiene seriously and maintain social distancing which is key to avoiding contamination.

Members of the committee were given lecture on possible ways of contamination, symptoms and preventive measures of the virus.

Umoru also assured members of the committee that sensisitization will be carried out with the help of public address system across the communities in the Local Government. He appealed to the task force to go into their various communities and enlighten the people on the need to keep good hygiene and social distancing and also report any suspected victim to the appropriate authority. Meanwhile the Council Boss instructed that a platform for easy communication amongst members be created.

The Covid 19 task force team is made up of the following:

1. Hon. Don Oteh Umoru (Chairman)
2. Titilayo Margaret Afadama (Member)
3. Gomina Effisue John (Member)  Supervising councilor for Health
4. Dr. Ehighai Aigbe (Member) Director of PHC
5. Mr Samson John (Member) HOD Environment
6. Mr Godwin Oboh (Member) HOD Information
7. Mr Owaiye Samson (Member) HOD WASH
8. All Councilors (Members)
9. Traditional Rulers (Members)
10. Market Leaders (Members)
11. Religious Leaders (Members)

Several weddings and burials ceremonies planned for the period were cancelled and postponed indefinitely. Of note is the burial of the oldest man of one of the Andas in Igarra, which would have been marked with the appearance of the IDOWO deity. All of these were aside for now.

The Igarra community continues to believe that Oshomoshi has all powers over sickness and diseases, yet not without hope that a medical breakthrough will be announced soon.

The Churches in Igarra also joined others in going live on Social Media and holding online, instead of physical services.

The Igarra Kingdom, as a peaceful people, will continue to support Government’s efforts to contain this Corona virus. We all need to stay safe, stay home, and practice social distancing.

The Lagos Branch of the 39th Opoze age group of Igarra, Opoze Osienwudo, recently elected an eight-man executive to run its affairs till the members elevate and take their Azebani titles. The Branch also wrote congratulatory letter to political office holders including those who were elected and those who were appointed.

In the election which was conducted on January 19, 2020, the following persons emerged for the various posts specified in the Branch’s constitution: Barrister Steve Dania was elected Chairman; Patrick Mayaki as Vice Chairman; Ayode Longe as Secretary and Paul Saiki as Assistant Secretary.

Other elected members of the executive are: Siaka Nasiru as Financial Secretary, Idowu Dania as Treasurer; Felix Bakare as Public Relations Officer; and Emmanuel Yahya Yussuf as Chief Whip.

Speaking after the election, Felix Bakare, the Public Relations Officer, thanked the members of the Branch for the confidence reposed in them and electing them to serve the group. He noted that the election is a call to service and promised the executive will not disappoint the members.

The group also wrote letters to political office holders congratulating them on their election and appointment, as the case may be.

In the letter dated February 17, 2020 and signed by the Chairman, Steve Dania and the Secretary, Ayode Longe, the Branch members said they rejoiced with them on their election/appointment and expressed confidence in them saying they deserved the positions.

The Opoze Osienwudo, Lagos Branch, in the congratulatory letters said: “As the legislative arm of the governance structure of Igarra, we, members of the Opoze Osienwudo Age Group, Lagos Branch, are confident that your influence will continue to bring developments to Igarra and we promise to work with you for the success of your appointment and for the development of Igarra, and Akoko-Edo.”

The group added that in due course, its representatives will be paying them a courtesy visits to discuss issues pertaining to the development of Igarra and Akoko-edo Local Government Area.

Speaking to Igarra Kingdom on why it took this long for the Branch to write the letters, Ayode Longe, the Secretary said: “We actually started coming together in July 2018 but the first few meetings were not all-inclusive and because we did not want a divided Opoze in Lagos, we had to bid our time.

“Again, once we began to hold meetings that we considered to be all-inclusive, we also needed time to reach out to all members living in Lagos and its environs to bring them in, give people time to blend before we conducted the election.”

Speaking further, Mr. Longe said the Branch also took time to draft, adopt and print its constitution, print its letterhead and thereafter conduct its election. “It was after all these necessary steps had been taken that we could really be able to do anything tangible and that is why, these letters are coming late. But we believe it is better late than never,” he added.

Those whom Branch wrote to are Prof. James A. Momoh, Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); Chief Taiwo Akerele, Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor; Hon. Peter Ohio Akpatason, Member, House of Representatives; Hon. Don Ote Umoru, Chairman, Akoko Edo LGA Council; and Hon. Kingsley Ogini, Councilor Ward 1, Akoko Edo LGA Council.

The others are: Hon. Emmanuel Agbaje, Akoko-Edo Constituency II, Edo State House of Assembly; Mr. Tunde Akpeji, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development; Mr. Monday Sule, Chairman, Edo State Waste Management Board; Mr. Monday Lawani, Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture and Business to the Governor of Edo State; Hon. Efisue Gomina, Supervisory Councillor, Akoko Edo LGA Council; Hon. Mrs. Titi Afadama, Secretary, Akoko Edo LGA Council; and Hon. Akin Agbaje Edo State Commissioner for Energy and Electricity.

The Opoze Osienwudo Age Group Lagos Branch comprises of members of the group in Lagos and its Ogun State environs.

The good people of Igarra Kingdom raise a toast to and heartily rejoice with one of their own, Mr. Kole Jagun, who clocks 53 years today, January 27, 2020. We felicitate with Kole, a conscientious, resourceful and innovative entrepreneur, who has etched his mark in the Hall of Fame of computer profession and the digital terrain in Nigeria and indeed, Africa.

We wish you a happy birthday and pray that you attain greater heights in all areas of endeavor.

Kole was born in Igarra on January 27, 1967 to the family of Okomayin Omeiza Josy Jagun and Mrs. Comfort Ayo Jagun. The eldest and first child of the family, he is from the Eshinogu Royal Family of Ubobo, Igarra.

He is the Managing Director of Greymouth Consulting Limited, www.greymouthconsulting.com, an Information Technology Company based in Lagos with an office in Abuja. He has over 30 years Management and Information Technology Consulting experience.

A graduate of Physics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, he also has an MBA in Financial Management from Lagos State University. He also has several certificates and diplomas in information technology.

Kole was, until December 31, 2017, the Managing Director of Peers Consulting Limited, a position he held for over 15 years. He was an Associate Director with Deloitte & Touché Consulting before establishing Peers Consulting Limited in 1996.

He has successfully managed system implementation projects for clients such as State House, Abuja; Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Abuja; Nigeria Shippers Council, Nigeria Governors Forum, Abuja; National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Abuja; Police Service Commission, Abuja; Oando Plc and African Alliance Insurance Company.

Kole has also been a member of implementation project team for key clients in Ghana and Cameroon.

He has attended various management and technical trainings in the United State, United Kingdom, Egypt, South Africa and Ghana.

Kole is a Fellow of Nigeria Computer Society (FNCS) and Member of Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria).

Kole was elected unopposed as the Vice President and Vice Chairman in Council of Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) CPN in July 2017 and was re-elected in June 2019 for another 2 years term.

He is an active member of the Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate and Igarra Development Association (IDA).

Mr. Kole Jagun has earned several enviable professional feathers to his cap of achievements worth listing here. These include:

• Member, Advisory Board, Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Lagos. (2013 – Date)
• National President, Federal Government College Minna, Old Students Association
• Chairman, Credentials Committee, Nigeria Computer Society, (2015 – 2017)
• Member, Credentials Committee, Nigeria Computer Society, (2013 – 2015)
• Council Member, Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) (2007 – 2013)
• Chairman, Parents Teachers Association, Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Lagos. (2006 – 2009)
• Chairman, Badminton Section, Ikoyi Club 1938 (2007 – 2009)
• General Secretary, Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate. District 9110. July 2017 – June, 2018
• Vice President, Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate, District 9110. July 2019 – Date.

Professional Organization

• Fellow, Nigeria Computer Society (FNCS)
• Member, Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (MCPN)

Awards Received

• NCS President’s Special Recognition Award, 2016
• NCS Professional Fellowship, 2011
• Ikoyi Club 1938 Performance Award – 2008 & 2009
• Peers Consulting Outstanding Performance Award, 1999 – 2006
• MCSS Maryland, 40th Anniversary Award – 2009
• Deloitte & Touché Consulting Outstanding Performance Award, 1993
• DPMS Limited Outstanding Performance Award, 1991.

As a frontline member of the Igarra Development Association (IDA), he has continued to seek for the economic prosperity of all Anetuno just as he works assiduously for the enhancement of the good health of Nigerians through his membership of Rotary Club of Lagos Palmgrove Estate, District 9110.

Once again, on behalf of the good and loving people of Igarra Kingdom, we say Happy Birthday to Mr. Kole Jagun, a man whose life is worthy of emulation!

Oshomoshi osi ife ogodo mewureiza, Amin!

Oba Emmanuel Adache Saiki II is the Otaru of Igarra and the crown head of Igarra/Akoko clan. In this interview with ALEXANDER OKERE and SOLA SHITTU, the Otaru talks about how Igarra has no link with the Benin Kingdom unlike many other towns and communities in Edo

Igarra is a community surrounded by rocks, what is the significance of these rocks to your history?
The rocks surround Igarra. When our forefathers got here, it was during the era of the slave trade when people were being kidnapped and sold into slavery. Our forefathers then used the rock as their hiding place, a form of security and protection against attacks, and used the surrounding lands for farming activities. So they would come down during the day to farm and then retire inside the cave in the rock in the evening to hide from marauders.

Do you have any link with Benin like some towns and communities in Edo State?
Not at all.

How?
Our forefathers migrated from the North. The founder of Igarra, Ariwo Ovejijo, came from Idah to Igarra around the 14th century. The original name of Igarra is Etuno because when our forefathers got here, they met the original inhabitants who were dwarfs. Their king was Uno, who became friends with our forefather (Ovejijo) and they lived together. But after some time, Uno decided to give way for our forefathers. There are reasons for that but I cannot go into the details now. Etuno is named after the king that we met here; that was the name of the aborigines that we met here. His name was Uno. Ete in Igarra means land, so we call it Eteuno which means the land of Uno. However, when the Europeans came and they asked us where we came from, we told them we were from Igala. So they called us Igala which was pronounced as Igarra; that is the name we have been bearing since then. But the original name of where we are now is Etuno.

What relationship do you have with Kogi and Ondo states?
We are very close to Kogi because Ebiraland – Okene – shares a common dialect with us and as a matter of fact, history tells us that the founders of Okene and Igarra migrated from the same place – Idah. We speak the same dialect and across the country, it is the only community that we can identify with, unlike Benin. We don’t share anything in common with Benin at all in Edo State.

What of Ondo?
Our relationship with Ondo is just because we were part of the old Western Region then under Chief Obafemi Awolowo. We were then known as Akoko Oke. And because of free education, all that we were doing then were in the Yoruba language. That was how we became conversant with Yoruba and started communicating in the language. But we have a relationship with Idah in Kogi State; one of our idols here, Idah-Koriko, is still found in Igala, around River Niger, up till now. It was when Ariwo Ovejijo, the founder of Igarra, was coming from Idah that he took some soil from that rock and put it down here. We also call it Idah-Koriko. That is one of the idols that we worship here. You can also find the same idol in Idah. Ariwo Ovejijo was a prince of Idah and his father was the king. It was when he was not allowed to ascend the throne of his father that he decided to come this way and establish Igarra.

Is Igarra kingship hereditary like it is in some other communities?
In Igarra, we have five ruling houses. Ariwo Ovejijo had six children; five boys and a girl. The Otaru stool is rotated among the five male children of Ariwo Ovejijo. The children then were Andede , Eshinagaga, Eshinogu, Eshinavaka and Andiba. These are the five male children that form the five ruling houses in Igarra. However, the female one has a role to play in the enthronement of Otaru and the role is that whenever an Otaru is nominated, she will be the one to crown him. Awovi was the only female child of Ariwo Ovejijo; her children crown the Otaru anytime a new Otaru is installed.

Were you born in Igarra?
Yes, I was born in Igarra on June 5, 1942.

How was your childhood?
I lost my mother early in life in 1949 when I was about seven years old. Then I had not started schooling. It was after I lost my mother that my father decided to put me in school. I was later withdrawn from school by my father because of his inability to pay the school fees and that was how I started following him to farm. But in 1955 when Chief Obafemi Awolowo introduced free education, I returned to school. However, my father had died by then so I sponsored myself to school. Education was free from Standard one to three or four then. But from Standard five above, you had to buy whatever you needed. The government provided a minimum level of support like the supply of exercise books and writing materials but you had to buy your textbooks. So I worked on the farm to get money to buy books so I sponsored myself.

Were you raised in the palace?
As I explained earlier, we have five ruling houses, my own side was not on the throne then although my father was a prince and I was also a prince. All male children are potential Otaru, but it is only when it is the turn of your own side of the family and you are selected that you can ascend the throne.

Did you continue your education beyond Standard Six?
After my Standard Six, I moved to Lagos in 1960 and while I was in Lagos, I tried so many things to survive there. First, I wanted to be a commercial driver but it did not work out. I also tried my hands on tailoring but that also did not work out. Later I got a job in a hotel on Lagos Island; I worked there as a steward. It was from there that I started taking evening classes in secretarial studies, typing and shorthand. After some time, I got a job in the University of Lagos.

Did you always know that one day you would become a king?
No, but I know that all princes from any of the ruling houses are potential kings. When my predecessor died, it happened that it was the turn of my side of the family to produce the king.

How were you chosen?
I was still working at the university when they said it was the turn of my family, Andiba family, to produce the king. Then I was asked to come home as the position was vacant. They felt that I was qualified to be the next king. But there were other members of the family who were also interested. The family of Andiba had a meeting and decided to select a person out of the three or four of us that were eligible. I was the one chosen. My name was then submitted to the five ruling houses that were to take the final decision. They fixed a date for a meeting with the senior Okumayin regent. The Okumayin title is next to Otaru title in Igarra. Whenever Otaru is not around, Okumayin takes over the position as the next in command. The meeting was held and I was finally chosen by the five ruling houses. That was in 1997; I have spent 22 years now on the throne.

Was any ritual performed during your coronation?
No, we don’t have traditions that involve spilling of blood here. There is a particular song that is sung immediately the name of the next king is confirmed at the regent’s place and from there; he is put in seclusion for 90 days. While in seclusion, you will not have any form of communication with other people except members of your family – your wife and children – during the period.

What is done in that room?
You would just be there; a lot of things would be coming into your head like what the ancestors would be passing on to you. After the three months, you would come out and there would be a big celebration. There would be a pronouncement from the king to the entire town about what you would do and what you would not do. But on the day that you return home from the regent’s place, before you go into seclusion, a sheep will be buried alive at the entrance of the house. That is on the first day you are pronounced as the new Otaru in the house of the regent. So you will step on it into the house and then remain in seclusion for 90 days.

What are the things considered as taboo in Igarra?
Whenever we are celebrating Enuh, the new yam festival, it is forbidden for anyone to use farm instruments like cutlass and hoe or even see them during the period.

What will happen to those who disobey?
It is believed that if you violate the taboo, you will not have a good harvest the following year because we are predominantly an agrarian community. Our dominant crops are yam and cash crops like cocoa and cashew.

Were you married before you became Otaru?
Yes, before I became king, I had two wives.

Did you marry another wife after you became Otaru?
No! (Laughs)

What are the things you have missed since you became king?
Initially, I missed going out for social outings when I ascended the throne. Even now, I still miss it because I can’t even pay an ordinary visit to friends.

How do you socialise then?
Occasionally, if I have an invitation (to attend an event), I can attend, stay for a while and then leave.

Did you attend parties before you became Otaru?
(Laughs) Of course, yes I did but that was when I was a young Lagosian.

That means you enjoyed Lagos’ ‘owambe’ (parties)?
That is true.

Are you missing it now?
Of course yes, but I’m used to this place now. I cannot go back to Lagos; I’m already used to this place but I do miss Lagos parties with ‘owambe’ music.

How do you relax as a king?
There is no room for that because I’m always in my office attending to people. If you decide to go and sleep, some people may come with an emergency or a serious issue and they will have to wake you up, which is not good for the health. So in order to avoid that, I attend to public issues from 11 am till 6 pm and then I rest for the day.

Are satisfied with the state of things in the country now?
I must tell you the truth, I am not happy and I believe nobody is happy because the security situation worries everybody. For instance, I’ve wanted to travel to Lagos for the past one month but because of the news coming to me about how unsafe our roads are now, how kidnappers and armed robbers are operating on the road, I’ve decided not to go yet. Even if I want to say that nothing will happen to me, what about those that will be with me? For instance, just last week, a professor who was on his way to Igarra from Ado-Ekiti, was kidnapped and killed. His body was found somewhere around where he was kidnapped. So we don’t even know whether it was kidnapping, armed robbery or a case of assassination. That on its own scares people; many of our people who are outside the country are afraid to come home because of the insecurity in the country.

What do you think is the way out of this situation?
There is no unity in this country because of politics. With unity, all of us, including the government, will decide on what to do because the situation is getting out of hand. Almost everywhere in the country is not safe. The politicians are to blame for what is happening now and except all of us are united, we will continue to have these problems.

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