The Deposed Monarch

The Deji of Akure, Oba Oluwadare Adepoju Adesina (Osupa III) was recently deposed by the Ondo State Executive Council.

Oba Adepoju was found guilty of assaulting one of his wives. The decision to depose him was arrived at after he answered a query issued to him by the state council of chiefs.

It is very embarrassing that a monarch who should be the judge of his people in domestic affairs was engaged in such a show of shame by assaulting his defenceless wife on the streets.

Adepoju’s challenging of the state government at an Akure High Court only show how recalcitrant and remorseless he is and further justifies the decision of the state government.

The decision of the state government to depose him must be commended. It reflects some tenants of democracy: the rule of law, equality before the law, fundamental human rights and supremacy of the law.

For men who still believe that paying the dowry of a woman makes her a material property to be used as a punching bag, the battle line have been drawn. The women who have cried foul for so long a time against similar acts can now sigh with relief.

This singular act shows that the state supersedes the marriage institution. Senator Yerima must know this fact.

As we approach the 2011 elections, Nigerians expect that traditional rulers who allow politicians to use their palaces as election rigging grounds will desist. A repeat of this immoral act as witnessed in the 2003 and 2007 elections must not hold. If this happens, the full dignity of some of our traditional rulers will be restored. Our traditional institutions must be sanctified.

The ongoing constitutional amendment should also include roles for our traditional rulers. The recommendations of the presidential committee on the review of the 1999 constitution as submitted in February 2001 will suffice.

The 32 National ‘Waving’ Flags

32 National flags are now waving in South Africa. The 2010 World Cup in South Africa has just officially kicked off. It is the first World Cup ever to be held on African soil since its debut edition in 1930.

The 18 carat gold Silvio Gazzaniga designed trophy will be the ultimate prize of the battle between 32 nations. Africa is represented by hosts, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Ghana, Algeria and Nigeria.

Unsatisfactorily, only one African will coach at the home World Cup. He is Rabah Saadane of Algeria who will be coaching his country.

However, it will be 30 days of intense excitement all over the world as the tournament lasts.

The South Africans and other Africans at the tournament must continue to show the visitors the ageless hospitality of Africa that has been taken for granted especially by the West.

Already, the host country has given the tournament the most exciting hype in history.

The World Cup theme song by the Somalian born hip hop star, K’Naan has said it all: we have lost our inhibitions. We should now courageously ask for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. This will enhance the fair representation of Africa in deciding world events and decisions.

We must commend all artistes who have taken time to compose wonderful inspirational songs for the fiesta. Worthy of note is R. Kelly’s Sign of a Victory; Akon’s Oh Africa; and Shakira’s Waka Waka (this time for Africa).

For the Super Eagles, Banky W. & M.I. have said it all on the remix of the World Cup theme song. “...this is our chance of victory, we have to take it now...if we believe it, we can achieve it...”

Wave your flags high!

This Year's June 12

June 12 of each year is commemorated by many Nigerians to recollect the infamous decision by the General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida's administration to annul what is considered the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s 96 years history since its creation in 1914 by Lord Fredrick Lugard.

This year’s June 12 is significant in more ways than one. First, the appointment of an erudite professor of political science and Vice Chancellor of the Bayero University Kano, Professor Attahiru Jega (OFR), as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Secondly, Nigeria’s opening match against Argentina at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The appointment of Professor Attahiru Jega has been hailed by those who have worked with him in various capacities as well as students under his tutelage. However, Prof. Jega must realize the task that lies ahead of him.

Having worked with Professor Maurice Iwu as a superior officer in the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) between 1988 – 1994 and a consultant to INEC under Iwu’s administration; it is expected that he must have known Iwu’s weak points as an administrator and rise against his flaws.

Professor Jega must also resist the temptation of dubious Nigerian politicians who will soon besiege him with juicy offers of oil rigs, contracts and Ghana must go bags.

The government of the day must also ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission is truly independent in all ramifications.

Nigerians expect that if Professor Jega could turn down his nomination for appointment as a minister under the General Sani Abacha military regime, he should be able to do more in a democratic Nigeria by resigning his appointment should any attempt be made by the government of the day to bargain away his hard earned reputation.

On the other hand, the Super Eagles must play out their hearts in their opening match against Argentina at the first World Cup to be held on African soil.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s presence at the opening match should be an honour to boost their morale.

Nigerians must look beyond the weaknesses of the Super Eagles and their technical crew and speak positively about the team as there is no better way to support them.

...Naijamaniac Don Come O!

Ladies and gents, finally the much anticipated blog is just been created.

The blog is 100% Nigerian with referrals to other parts of Africa.

Works along the lines of the mission and vision of Naijamaniac will be published here in features, opinion, news and editorial style with pictorial illustrations where necessary.

Msugh ne kpishi...lu nen dedoo....Wait a minute, that isn't Chinese. Its a Nigerian language, Tiv language to be precise and it simply means, thank you all so much...be good!

I'll be back in a jiffy....