The Pendulum

12/03/2025

EXIT OF A KING
BY BABATUNDE OPOOLA.
( First published in The Herald Newspaper, March 15, 2010.)

A Tribute to the late Olofa of Offa, OBA MUSTAPHA OLANIPEKUN Ariwajoye 11, who died on March 11, 2010.

It was William Shakesphere who said in one of his epic plays,macbeth,that"when beggars die there are no comets seen but the heavens themselves blaze forth of princes". On March 11,2010, Oba Mustapha Olanipekun Ariwajoye 11, the 23rd Oloffa of Offa, a first class chief in Kwara state, a patriot, successful businessman and a man of peace,passed on.The burial on march 12,2010,witnessed an unprecedented assemblage of sympathizers.

Born on Thursday,1st of August,1935 and died on Thursday 11th March,2010,exactly seven weeks after 40years of being on the throne.He was 40years on the throne on Thursday 21st January,2010.

For a man who spent the better part of his life in the service of the people, tears flowed freely last Friday at his palace when his remains was brought out for the final rites of passage.

The late Oba Olanipekun was an extra ordinary person who combined all the sterling qualities of a leader. He was one of those rare kings that appear on this earth at rare intervals. Although he had a heart of steel,he was a mortal and so could not resist the cold hands of death when it finally came.

Early last year he was flown abroad for surgery,but last Wednesday's battle was different and he had to be rushed to the Unilorin teaching hospital but was discharged. But by 12.00noon the following day, a distress call was sent to the Chairman of Offa Local Government, Chief Olusegun Olawoyin, who was at World kidney day celebration.Few minutes before then, it was gathered that Oloffa's close friend,the Soun of Ogbomosho had breezed into the palace in a jiffy.

Close observers said it became clear then that an ominous pall was about to fall.By the time Oba Olanipekun was to be taken back to Ilorin, he was worried,gaunt and his gait unsteady.Thirty minutes after arriving the hospital,he died.

It was reliably gathered he would have been operated for tracheotomy,which according to Oxford Advanced Learner's dictionary is:"a medical operation to cut a hole in somebody's trachea so that they can breath",but the father of 121 would not wait;the spirit may be willing but the flesh was weak, and by the time Olanipekun was lowered into the mother earth, it was gathered that three of the wives had fainted. Buckets of water was to the rescue.

Born 75years ago,it was a celebration of sorts,as pointed out by Olawoyin,who said Olofa lived a fulfilled life.Honourable Ayantola,member of Kwara state House of Assembly corroborated Olawoyin, saying"what else can he ask for,he has achieved in all spheres".

Certainly,according to the biblical scriptures, a full life is three scores and ten,but Oba Olanipekun has added five more extra years.
The burial attracted many dignitaries and the grandeur of his final rites of passage was well deserved. His Excellency, the deputy Governor of Kwara state,Chief Joel Ogundeji led the government's delegation which comprised of the speaker of the state assembly,commissioners,members of the state house of assembly and many important personalities from all walks of life.

Surprisingly,the Elerin io Erin-Ile was the chief host for all the traditional rulers. Oba AbdulGaniyu Olusokun11, recieved all the visiting monarchs at the inner chambers of the palace.The presence of the representatives of the Emir of Ilorin was visible in the burial rites and final internment.

The late Olanipekun attended Offa Grammar School between 1949-1951.He followed his elder brother to Gombe in 1953 and by 1954 he had been a distinguished marketer of products for GB Olivant and CFAO which were colonial trading companies.

He left Gombe for Offa/Ilorin in 1968 and was appointed the distributor of Nigerian To***co Company NTC for Ilorin zone,which comprise the former Ilorin province.

He is blessed with five Doctors,14Engineers and one chartered Engineer,two chartered Accountants,one Lawyer,five nurses and several graduates.

16/06/2024

Senator Ashiru greets Muslims at Sallah.

The Deputy Leader of the Nigeria Senate, Architect Oyelola Yisa Ashiru has felicitated with muslim ummah worldwide on the celebration of the occasion of the Eid-el-kabir festival.

Ashiru, who is the senator representing Kwara South, while rejoicing with millions of the Muslim faithful all over the world, thanks Almighty Allah for sparing their lives to witness and celebrate this great occasion.

" On this blessed festival of Eid-El-Kabir and with gratitude to Almighty Allah, I send my warm and hearty greetings and best wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters particularly in Kwara South and the nation at large.

"We must make sacrifice to make the poor, orphans and the less privileged in the society happy in order to get the pleasure of our creator.

" We should always be good and show compassion to followers of other religions by showing natural inclination through the exhibition of respect, kindness, Love, and peacefulness to all fellow human beings, ” he stated.

Ashiru further urges all citizens to make a new resolve and find new strength in a common endeavour to sustain a fair, just and democratic society in Kwara State in particular and Nigeria in general.

12/06/2024

Democracy Day: Ashiru hails Nigerians, describes Tinubu as hero of democracy

The Deputy Leader of the Nigeria Senate, Architect Oyelola Yisa Ashiru has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the 2024 Democracy Day celebration, describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy for his forthright stance and sacrifices for the attainment of this noble cause.

Ashiru commended the President for his tolerance and commitment to rule of law in the art of compromise whenever there is a disagreement which is evidenced in the labour discussion on the issue of minimum wage without having to ignite combustible materials through intimidation, which is the hallmark of democracy.

" Tinubu is a genuine statesman who towers above others in exemplary conduct, and I would want to advise our politicians to understand and to put into practice, the art of Compromise when there is disagreement," Ashiru stated.

He commended Nigerians for ushering in an era of a government of the people by the people, and for the people 25 years ago and ensuring its sustenance and growth despite obvious challenges.

Ashiru also commended the past leaders of governments at all levels for their contributions to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

30/05/2024

Abdulrazaq Olaitan Bello is one journalist I will never forget in my career. I have still not recovered from the seismic blow of his death.

Despite this heavy blow, I have decided to pen my regards to the departed.

Bello, until his death was a staff of FRCN (Harmony FM), Idofian. I have worked closely with him for more than 10 Years as reporter. He was a reliable person, he was always my first contact in Harmony FM anytime I had any issue to deal with there and there was never a time he hesitated to provide solutions. Bello was never proud in his conduct.

For a man I spoke with on the phone many occasions , and sometimes when it might not be that convenient, he was always ready to assist in whatever way he could.

Though, Bello is resting his pen at noon, or has put off his mic untimely, he was a journalist that wanted an avenue to change the society for better.

It does not matter that the steadfast reporter has passed on, his noble spirit should be a guide to the younger generation of reporters that they should first and foremost be humanist in practicing journalism. This is so because fantastic as journalism is in shaping an individual's outlook to life, the profession does very little to change what person already had implanted in the soul. Bello was undoubtedly a humanist in character.

Through the story I heard from a colleague about your last hours, how you requested to be taken to the hospital, how you walked in unnoticed , only to give up the ghost, I had learnt that happiness has a delicate body. You can not always be too be sure of its treacherous embrace. How can one be sure he is going to a journey of no return.

I will always cherish the beats we shared together, the rough roads we traveled together to cover political events. Your sense of contributing to information dissemination , which was outstanding.

I pray for the family you have left behind , may God grant them the fortitude to bear this loss. I am trusting in God, for, He is the God of New Beginnings. I believe the future will be sunny for the family with fulfilled promises. Adieu Bello.

Babatunde Opoola.

22/05/2024

VeryDarkMan remanded in police custody till next week.

According to information shared by one of his associates, Kokopee, the Nigerian police have filed charges against him, and the activist will remain in custody till the next court hearing.

Photo credit: verydarkblackman/Instagram

18/05/2024

Tinubu's ADC loses father.

The death has been reported of the Elemona of Ilemona, in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara state, Oba Yusuf Omokanye Oyekanmi.
The late Oba Yusuf is the father of the ADC to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Lt.Col Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf.

12/05/2024

Happy six years anniversary to the Asalofa of Offa, High Chief, Alhaji Isiaka Adebayo Sh*ttu. Congratulations

11/05/2024

Manchester City beat Fulham wit four goals to go top of di Premier League table.

Two goals from Gvardiol, Foden Alvarez penalty give di City strong point to dominate wit two points above Arsenal.

Wit dis scoreline, Arsenal go need to work magic and beat Man United on Sunday so dem go fit top di league.

Man City currently dey 85 points while Arsenal dey 83 points and na wetin happun dis weekend go determine if di Gunners are gone or dem still get hope.

11/05/2024

11/05/2024

AMVCA na like di ‘Oscar’ of Nigeria and di award get several categories wey dem dey nominate actors and movies including crew members wey dey outstanding.