News
District Head: Kwara community rejects appointment of non-native
- Says appointment illegal, unacceptable
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The people of Malete District in Moro local government area of Kwara State have kicked against the appointment of Mallam Mohammed Abdulkadir Baba of Basambo family in Isale-Oja, Ilorin as the new Daudu (District Head) of Malete by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, saying the
appointment was made in a bad light, and not only illegal but also unacceptable to them.
The people, numbering over 100, under the aegis of Community Leaders and Forum of Baales, comprising the Magajis and Alanguas from Malete District, vented their anger over the appointment at a meeting held in Malete town, the headquarters of the District.
They contended that the appointment was in gross violation of the “valid and unappealed Kwara State High Court Judgment of 22nd October, 1997, which was delivered by Hon. Justice J. A. Ibiwoye in favour of three of our illustrious sons from Malete District, Alhaji Saka Adeyemi, Bayo Akande and Jimoh Adio, all of blessed memories, who were the Plaintiffs in a Suit No KWS/231/89 at the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin in 1997.”
Justice Ibiwoye had in that historic 1997 ruling averred that “Moro local government area is not under the Ilorin Emirate Council”, noting that it would be absurd for a non-indigene to be imposed on the people of Malete as District Head.
“Since the four issues formulated by the learned State Counsel for the defendants are resolved against the defendants, the plaintiffs’ claims succeed. In consequence, all the three reliefs sought by the plaintiffs are hereby granted,” Justice Ibiwoye stated.
Addressing journalists in Malete, the spokesman for the people, Engr. (Hon.) AbdulKarim Layi Ayinde, said the court judgment, to the best of their knowledge, was never appealed and had since become statute barred, adding that it must, therefore, be respected and obeyed.
He said: “Consequently, the appointment of anyone as Daudu of Malete or District Head of Malete, as recently made, could not be a valid and sustainable action, coming from anybody or any authority.
“From the foregoing therefore, we the people of Malete District in Moro Local Government would like to state unequivocally that the recent announcement on Radio of the appointment of Mohammed Abdulkadir Baba as Daudu, which also pronounced him as Daudu (District Head) of Malete, is not only illegal but also unacceptable to our people in Malete District.
“It is also obnoxious and unsustainable. This is because the purported appointment was also against Government’s decision on appointment of Daudu/District Head for Malete as far back as 1977.
“More so, prior to the appointment of the new Daudu of Isale-Oja, we had earlier conveyed our objection to any further appointment of a Daudu or District Head for Malete from outside the indigenous people of the District to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin.
“Consequently, we want to state that the person, who is now appointed as Daudu of Isale-Oja, and parades himself as Daudu/District Head of Malete, is not only regarded as meddlesome interloper, but also acting in gross violation of the valid Kwara State High Court Judgment of 22nd October, 1997. His action is not only regarded as provocative to our people but also contemptuous of the valid Judgment of Court. Therefore, anyone who relates with him on behalf of Malete Community, does so at his/her own risk.”
While not opposing the Emir for appointing a Daudu for Isale-Oja in Ilorin, the people emphatically rejected “such a person, an outsider to Malete District, being also appointed or pronounced as Daudu/District Head of Malete henceforth, as previously proclaimed by Government”.
They reiterated: “Our opposition is therefore borne out of the need for everybody to respect the valid Judgment of a Court of competent jurisdiction, as delivered on 22nd October, 1997, on the matter.
“We are very hopeful and are rest assured that by his past acts of benevolence to the people and in consideration of our noble request, His Royal Highness and highly respected Emir of Ilorin, who having been a celebrated Judge of high repute, would take judicial notice of our genuine complaints by prevailing on the recently appointed Daudu of Isale-Oja to limit his operations and the activities of his office to Isale-Oja area in Ilorin. He should therefore not attempt to carry out any function in Malete District whatsoever, while parading himself under the guise of Daudu (District Head) of Malete, like it was done in Malete on Tuesday, 22nd October, 2024.”
They added: “We have already made our complaints on his action known to the Kwara State Commissioner of Police to call him to order and ensure that the police authority in Malete stopped any further attempt by the newly appointed Daudu of Isale-Oja, Mallam Mohammed Abdulkadir Baba, to impose himself as the Daudu or District Head of Malete on the people.
“While we are happy that our complaints on his illegal action is receiving due consideration and attention by the Kwara State Police Command appropriately, we would like to believe, with all sense of responsibility, that the State Police Command is supposed to uphold justice by enforcing the valid Judgment of a competent Court and not supporting those violating it in any way.”
They, however, warned that if such support is subsequently provided by the police to the “Basambo family of Ilorin, it might lead to the provocation of the sensibility of our people as it’s tantamount to infringements on their fundamental human rights, which might evoke some consequences.”
They, therefore, appealed to the State Government “to also intervene on this matter urgently by ensuring that members of the Basambo family of Isale-Oja, Ilorin, are prevented forthwith from their fraudulent incursions into Malete District as Daudu or District Head of Malete, whereby they have lately not only been making false and illegal claims of ownership over our ancestral lands.
“We are, therefore, not only vehemently rejecting their obnoxious claims entirely as incorrect, intimidating and untrue, but we also consider it as provocative. As a result, we want them to be cautioned to stop further actions against the sensibilities of our people, else it would surely provoke reactions, which might lead to breakdown of law and order in our Communities, God forbid.”
News
HON. JA’AFARU YAKUBU HONOURED WITH DOUBLE TRADITIONAL TITLES OF CHIROMAN GASSOL AND MARAFAN BAKUNDI BALI
The Member representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ja’afaru Chiroma Yakubu (ADC), has been conferred with two prestigious traditional titles — Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali — in recognition of his exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and immense contributions to community development.
The traditional honours were officially bestowed on the federal lawmaker by the revered traditional ruler of Bakundi Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Gidado Misa, the 10th Lamdo of Bakundi, during a colourful coronation ceremony attended by members of the royal family, community leaders, political associates, supporters, and well-wishers.
The conferment of the dual traditional titles has continued to attract widespread commendation from stakeholders across Taraba State and beyond, with many describing the recognition as a reflection of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s growing influence, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of his people.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Comrade Bashir Umar Dali, the lawmaker was described as a courageous, humble, and visionary leader whose commitment to humanity and community advancement has remained outstanding.
According to the statement, the titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are symbolic recognitions of the lawmaker’s selfless service, people-oriented representation, and tireless efforts towards promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency.
The statement further noted that Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu has consistently distinguished himself through impactful representation, empowerment initiatives, and developmental interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“Your commitment and selfless contributions to the growth and progress of the people continue to inspire many across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency and beyond,” the statement read.
Comrade Bashir Umar Dali also prayed for greater wisdom, strength, honour, and divine guidance for the federal lawmaker as he continues to shoulder greater traditional and leadership responsibilities in service to the people.
Observers have described the conferment of the two traditional titles as a major endorsement of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s leadership credentials and his increasing relevance in the socio-political and traditional landscape of Taraba State.
The titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are regarded as highly respected honours within the traditional institution, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional character, loyalty, service, and commitment to the development and unity of their communities.
News
EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
News
Dogara Celebrates Eid El-Adha, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Sacrifice, and Compassion
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid El-Adha.
In his Eid message, Dogara described the festival as one of the most profound moments in the Islamic faith — a sacred season that embodies the enduring virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and total devotion to God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, Eid El-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and love for humanity.
According to him, the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal, urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and mutual understanding. He observed that the true essence of Eid lies not merely in celebration, but in the willingness to serve others selflessly and uplift the less privileged.
“Eid El-Adha reminds us that greatness is found in sacrifice, service, and compassion for one another. It is a season that calls us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, extend kindness to those in need, and renew hope for a better and more united nation,” Dogara stated.
The former Speaker stressed that the lessons of Eid should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, especially at a time when Nigeria needs collective commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion. He called on citizens to rise above division and work together in the spirit of patriotism and shared destiny.
“As we celebrate this sacred festival, may the spirit of sacrifice inspire us to build bridges of understanding, promote harmony across our communities, and work collectively for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Dogara further prayed that the blessings of Eid El-Adha would bring joy to families, healing to communities, and progress to the nation. He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion as a time for spiritual renewal, deeper devotion to God, stronger family ties, and renewed commitment to the common good.
“As families gather in prayer and celebration, may this Eid remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to serve with humility, love, and sincerity. May the Almighty accept our prayers and sacrifices, bless our homes with peace and happiness, and guide our nation toward greater unity and prosperity,” he concluded.
Dogara wished all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Adha celebration filled with divine blessings, love, hope, and renewed faith in the future of Nigeria.
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