Opinion
Opinion:SHOULD LAGOS GO THROUGH ANOTHER RUIN?
IduwiniVoice
Opinion:SHOULD LAGOS GO THROUGH ANOTHER RUIN?
By Shola Oyeyipo
In Lagos, today, tensions are high and bursting at the seams. Isn’t a protest that is potentially violent another bad idea?
As an instructive takeaway from the story of Sango, the god of thunder and lightning, the Yoruba are quick to warn that, “whoever witnessed how Sango mysteriously vanished into thin air, in evident display of anger, would never knowingly denigrate the King of Koso.”
Obakoso or Olukoso as Sango is otherwise called, actually means the king did not hang himself. This conclusion followed speculations that Sango had hanged himself after the thunder he created struck his palace and burnt it down. He had left the palace for a high rock directly opposite, to re-affirm the potency of his thunderbolt (edun ara).
The fire disaster, which extended to a large part of the city, sparked a riot, forcing people to curse Sango and demand his ouster from the throne. Instead, he left town on his volition, followed by chiefs and members of his royal cult, then known as Baba-Mogba, who tried to persuade him not to quit.
After journeying with him for some time, some of the royal cult chiefs returned to Oyo with the news that the king had hanged himself. The twist, however, according to the other chiefs, who stayed the course, was that Sango was waylaid by Gbonka, one of his generals, who rebelled against him and ignited the crisis that consumed his reign.
Unwilling to fight Gbonka, Sango, history had it, varnished into thin air, only to appear in the sky to destroy Gbonka, and those peddling the rumour that he had hanged himself.
Here was the story of how the popular saying, “Eni Sango ba ti oju e wo’le, ko ni ba w’on bu Obakoso” came about.
Obakoso or Olukoso means the king did not hang himself.
This agelong saying, which seems to sum up the lesson of the last days of Sango, appears useful at this material time in the life of the nation, particularly in Lagos State. In other words, if the outcome of past protests was anything to ponder, then another protest is not advisable.
Some angry youths of this country are unhappy with the state of the nation, especially the economy that is on a downward slope. There’s no doubting the fact that the state of the nation requires some serious reflections with answers provided to the grey areas. But a protest, whose outcome no one could predict, is not the way to go at this delicate period.
Four years ago, the youths of this country protested alleged police brutality, a decision no one could fault, and it lasted many days of destruction across the country, running into billions, with several deaths recorded as well.
Tagged #EndsSARS, the protest designed as a demand for the ban of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, amongst others, following the alleged excesses of its operatives, was soon hijacked and the nation, especially Lagos, is yet to recover from the ruination that followed.
In February 2023, tensions generated by the paucity of the new Naira peaked, and materialised in violent protests in some states, including Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kwara, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, and Rivers.
“During the civil unrest in the different states, several bank branches and ATM points were vandalised, and major roads were blocked,” the United Nations recalled in a recent statement, warning against the idea of another protest.
The UN, therefore, added: “As the turnout for the ‘10 days of rage’ protest is expected to be high, large-scale disruptions to normal economic and social activities cannot be discounted.”
It is against this backdrop that the growing argument against another protest and solidarity with Lagos becomes expedient. This intervention is crucial to the prosperity of the state. It is evident that things are bad. But is an idea that is potentially violent the answer? No!
Like the proverbial hunter, who killed an elephant with a flip of his cap, and ended up with a fleeting moment of glory, the recent Kenya movement, which initially gained recognition across many nations, is fast paling into regrets. The damnation from the exercise is going to take many years to fix.
The man, who allegedly instigated the mass senselessness through his unbridled tongue, a member of the parliament, Hon. George Koimburi Ndung’u, now writhes in regrets. You can’t but ponder how his “Letter of Apology” to the Speaker of Kenya’s National Assembly, Hon. Moses Wetangule, could heal the wanton destruction wreaked on Kenya by the angry mob?
For Lagos, nay Nigeria, the good news, is that a majority of the people, coming from the recent past experiences, are totally against the idea of a protest, which appears designed to wrought yet another destruction on the state, and the nation.
While the demands for a better living condition is sacrosanct, the approach, too, is as important, before the whole essence of the agitation and demand for a better society is lost to the indiscretion of a few, who seek to exploit the situation for personal aggrandizement.
The position taken by students of the various tertiary institutions in Lagos State, who have distanced themselves from the move, and instead, mooted a solidarity walk with the state government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is a welcome development.
The students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), said instead of joining the planned protest, they would embark on a “Solidarity Walk” on the same dates as the protest to support and encourage Sanwo-Olu, who they said has been of great support to them.
Speaking to journalists at a press conference at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Ikeja, after a joint meeting, the student leaders across tertiary institutions in the state, said their solidarity walk would also be held from August 1 to 10 to drum support for peace, especially to ensure that the ugly incident of #EndSARS” of 2020 did not repeat itself.
Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lagos axis, Comrade Lekan Alimi, who addressed newsmen on behalf of the students of the various tertiary institutions in Lagos State, described the planned nationwide protests against the current hardship in the country as “absolutely uncalled for.”
He said, rather than join the protest, the students in Lagos would prefer to engage in constructive dialogue with governments in achieving collective goals.
While noting that the trying times in the country would soon ease, he appealed to Nigerians to persevere a little more to enjoy the dividends of democracy as being propounded by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
It’s also not in error that some social media influencers have started to campaign against any protest being staged in Lagos. They have realised the kindness, benevolence, and tolerance of the state and did not think the way to reciprocate such good deeds is by destroying its development pride.
It is true that things are tough. It is also true that the economy is still struggling and very true that the situation is breathing down heavily on everyone in the country, including a part of the leadership. But the way to get around it is not by willfully destroying state assets.
Without a doubt, the subsisting argument that protest – peaceful protest – is within the fundamental human rights of the citizens is immutable and an all-time constitutional reality. But what the prospective protesters should also know is that there is no absolute freedom anywhere in the world.
The state’s number one responsibility is to protect life and property. That’s also pegged strongly in the constitution. Therefore, since protesters are unable to tell when and if their peaceful rally could be hijacked and become violent, more so when there are parallel instances to cite, it speaks to wisdom to approach the matter cautiously and differently.
Lagos, a miniature of Nigeria, should not be turned into another theatre of violence and destruction, like the #EndSARS experience. Rather, constructive engagement in the overall interest of the state is the way to go.
Opinion
FLOODING: “Despite the Huge Amount Received, the Niger Delta States Still Experience Perennial Flooding” Mulade Laments
* Calls for Judicious Use of Ecological Funds, Blames Persistent Flooding on Governors’ Failure
Warri – Renowned Niger-Delta born environmental and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has re-emphasized the need for the state government to judiciously apply the ecological funds to address and tackle the perennial flooding and erosion in the region.
According to the environmental advocate, while the federal government has spent over N600 billion to various States in the country for ecological funding and erosion control, he lamented that though the Niger Delta governors received a larger chunk of the funds, no significant impact has been made over the last 10 years.
“We commend the federal government for the support towards reducing ecological impact in the various flood prone states with erosion issues.
“For the Niger Delta States, there has been no improvement in the past 10 years. Despite the huge amount received, the Niger Delta States still experience perennial flooding, loss of lives, destruction of livelihood, and shortage of food as well as increase in unemployment due to washing away of farmland and crops,” he lamented.
The development advocate took a swipe at the Niger Delta governors for turning the ecological fund into a looting jamboree through the setting up of what he described as “political Flood Management Committee” that are used to siphon away funds meant to address the perennial flood issue.
“It is imperative to State that failure of government at all levels is one of the greatest reason for the occurrence of the continuous flooding, loss of lives and destruction of properties in the Niger Delta States. Despite the huge investment of ecological funds in the region, the funds are diverted and swallowed up by political elites or gladiators of the region.
“Political overbearing coupled with corruption have made the Niger Delta governors not to properly put in place measures to tackle and address this critical issues.
“Rather, in order to cover their failure and mismanagement of the funds, they set up a political Flood Management Committee in some state to oversee the impact of the flood with the means to siphon millions of naira at the erection of temporal IDP Camps without regard for modern facilities, portable water, sanitation and hygienic environmental measures. There is no proper drainage system, natural waterways were blocked by building houses on water courses and deforestation by community members,” he added.
Mulade therefore called on the Niger Delta States to instead establish an agency that will tasked with oversight functions on the issue of perennial flooding in the region.
“The Niger Delta States need to create agencies saddled with specific responsibility to manage the funds, and respond to the construction of storm water dam systems, open existing drainage systems, and natural waterways,” he proffered.
In the annals of Ijaw history, whispers of a bygone era echo through the ages, recounting the tale of Agadagbabou, a fabled city on Wilberforce Island, where the Ijaw nation once thrived. This sacred land, imbued with the essence of their forebears, served as both a political and spiritual hub, where Agadagba, the revered spiritual and military general, once walked. The dispersal of the Ijaw people from this island, centuries ago, has left an indelible mark on their collective memory, a testament to their rich heritage.
Today, Wilberforce Island, nestled in the heart of Bayelsa State, lies dormant, its ancient spirituality awaiting rediscovery. As the island of origin, it cradles the remnants of a bygone era, where Ijaw ancestors rest, their spirits lingering, awaiting the revitalisation of their sacred land. The island’s significance extends beyond the realm of history, for it is the Jerusalem of the Ijaw nation, a land of unity, where the fragmented threads of Ijaw identity can be woven together.
Wilberforce Island is currently home to 13 communities, spread across four local government areas of the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State. It also hosts notable institutions, including the Niger Delta University and an international airport, which contribute to the island’s modern-day significance. Niger Delta University, established in 2000, is a state-owned institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programmes across various disciplines.
Since 2018, I have been advocating for the rebuilding of the Ijaw city on Wilberforce Island through public lectures, emphasising its historical and cultural importance. I must confess, I am not certain whether the island’s spirituality is passing through my agency, guiding me to underscore the need for its rebuilding, or if it is merely my passion for revitalising antiquity in our contemporary times that drives me. Whatever the catalyst, I am resolute in my conviction that Wilberforce Island is the foundation of Ijaw identity, a land that holds the secrets of our past and the key to our future.
Significance of Wilberforce Island
– *Spiritual Centre*: Restoration of the Ijaw city’s spiritual centre, reconnecting the people with their ancestral heritage
– *Unification*: Unification of the Ijaw nation, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose
– *Economic Growth*: Potential for economic growth, as the island’s development could attract investment and create opportunities for the local population
– *Cultural Preservation*: Preservation of cultural heritage, safeguarding the history and traditions of the Ijaw people for future generations.
Let the Ijaw people heed the call to reclaim their heritage, to rebuild the city of their ancestors, and to revitalise the spirituality that once defined their existence. By doing so, they may unlock the secrets of their past, forge a brighter future, and ensure the continuation of their legacy for generations to come.
* Urged Swift Implementation of Ward 0Delineation Report
June 9, 2025
Chief (Dr) God’s power Gbenekama JP, the Fiywwei spokesperson of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, has raised concerns over the lingering delay by the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in implementing the Warri Federal Constituency Ward Delineation Report, warning that the continued inaction could jeopardize the fragile peace in the region.
The Ijaw leader made these remarks during a media engagement with members of the Ijaw Publishers ‘Forum (IPF) at his residence in Effurun, Delta State, on Monday.
Calling for urgency from the electoral body, Gbenekama stated that postponing the implementation of the ward Delineation exercise does not serve the interests of peace or stability in Warri and it’s environs
“These noises that the Federal Government is listening to is not in the favour of peace”, he said, referencing objections reportedly raised by some Itsekiri groups regarding the outcome of the delineation process.
The Fiyewei noted that despite these tensions, the region has remained relatively calm, thanks in part to effort by traditional rulers who continue to advocate for unity and stability.
“Niger Delta kings, especially the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, has been going round the region with other kings to sustain the peace. Those that can sustain peace, if not properly handled, can bring about violence,” he cautioned.
He went further to criticize those opposing the delineation, describing their resistance as a reaction to the loss of unfair advantages.
“So, what the Itsekiri elements are saying shouldn’t be taken seriously. It is very clear that if you are enjoying something belonging to someone else with trickery and the truth comes out, you are bound to fight because food has been taken from your table.
“The Itsekiris are a sinking boat that is grappling for anything to stay afloat. We, Ijaw people of Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh, Egbema, Isaba, and Diebiri, are not taking them seriously because we are not ready to fight them. It is peace we want, and we will continue to maintain peace. ”
Reiterating his appeal to the federal government, Gbenekama urged for decisive action to enable INEC to finalise its work without further delays.
“The government should do what is necessary so that INEC can conclude their work. The delays of INEC work is not in the interest of peace,” he warned.
In a strong message of reconciliation, the Fiyewei extended an Olive branch to the Itsekiris, calling for mutual respect and coexistence.
“We are outstretching our hands of fellowship to the Itsekiri people, let them support what Aketekpe, Pere Oboro Gabaraun II, and other Ijaw monarchs are doing to maintain the peace in the Niger Delta.”
He also revealed that there are reports of plots to sabotage oil pipelines to undermine the credibility of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) and his security outfitTantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
“We have information that some elements are planning to attack pipelines to discredit Tompolo. Let it be said that nobody at this time can discredit Tompolo and Tantita. Many of the Ijaws and Itsekiris would have died if not for Tantita,” he asserted.
High Chief Gbenekama’s call comes amidst heightened anticipation over the electoral Wards delineation and reflects growing concerns from Niger Delta leaders about threats to the region’s delicate peace and development trajectory.