Protests in Warri as Olu of Warri abolishes ancient cultural practices

There have been protests and serious tension in Warri, Delta state for some days for now after the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase II, announced the abolition of some of the ancient Itshekiri cultural practices. The Olu of Warri who is a born again Christian with a Foursquare Worship Centre in his palace, had last Wednesday September 4th declared in a document titled, "The New Order of Iwere Kingdom," that the "Ogiame" title which had been in existence for over 500 years would no longer exist because it is purportedly associated to a river goddess. He now only wants to serve one God. The Olu of Warri in the document, said: "I also repent for the name and title of "Ogiame" that my ancestors and I have borne, as it connotes our allegiance to Umalokun (goddess of the river) and other deities of the sea, all of which are false gods. Today, I renounce our allegiance to Umalokun and other gods of the sea, land and sky. On behalf of the royal bloodline, the throne, the people of Iwere land, I publicly enter into a new covenant with God."  Not only did the King renounce his traditional title of Ogiame, he also dissociated himself from some of the kingdom's age-long traditional practices, which he described as paganism. This seeming born again position by the King has been seen to be an insult to the traditional history of the Itsekiris.  There are also indications that the King did not consult the Itsekiri Traditional Council of Chiefs and Ruling Houses before he took the decision. Now the people of Warri are asking him to either withdraw his statement or abdicate the throne.  Several people, including members of the royal family have tried to convince the Olu of Warri to change his mind on the matter, but the King has so far said there's no going back on his decision. On Sunday 8th Sept, angry Itsekiri youths took to the streets in Warri to register their displeasure on the Olu's new belief. The protest could have turned bloody but for for the timely intervention of Governor Uduaghan, who is also an itsekiri. He appealed to the youths to stay calm, promising that the issue would be addressed. No fewer than 5000 women are expected to embark on a protest today in Warri against the monarch

Protests in Warri as Olu of Warri abolishes ancient cultural practices

There have been protests and serious tension in Warri, Delta state for some days for now after the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase II, announced the abolition of some of the ancient Itshekiri cultural practices. The Olu of Warri who is a born again Christian with a Foursquare Worship Centre in his palace, had last Wednesday September 4th declared in a document titled, "The New Order of Iwere Kingdom," that the "Ogiame" title which had been in existence for over 500 years would no longer exist because it is purportedly associated to a river goddess. He now only wants to serve one God. The Olu of Warri in the document, said: "I also repent for the name and title of "Ogiame" that my ancestors and I have borne, as it connotes our allegiance to Umalokun (goddess of the river) and other deities of the sea, all of which are false gods. Today, I renounce our allegiance to Umalokun and other gods of the sea, land and sky. On behalf of the royal bloodline, the throne, the people of Iwere land, I publicly enter into a new covenant with God."  Not only did the King renounce his traditional title of Ogiame, he also dissociated himself from some of the kingdom's age-long traditional practices, which he described as paganism. This seeming born again position by the King has been seen to be an insult to the traditional history of the Itsekiris.  There are also indications that the King did not consult the Itsekiri Traditional Council of Chiefs and Ruling Houses before he took the decision. Now the people of Warri are asking him to either withdraw his statement or abdicate the throne.  Several people, including members of the royal family have tried to convince the Olu of Warri to change his mind on the matter, but the King has so far said there's no going back on his decision. On Sunday 8th Sept, angry Itsekiri youths took to the streets in Warri to register their displeasure on the Olu's new belief. The protest could have turned bloody but for for the timely intervention of Governor Uduaghan, who is also an itsekiri. He appealed to the youths to stay calm, promising that the issue would be addressed. No fewer than 5000 women are expected to embark on a protest today in Warri against the monarch

Ladies take over Glo X-Factor

Ladies take over Glo X-Factor September 10, 2013  It's an all-girls affair on GloXFactor with the shocking exit of ladies' favorite Pheel, last Friday. Awww, poor Pheel, wonder how he 'pheels' Lol. You go ladies! You can follow the conversation: www.gloxfactor.com, @GloXfactor

sandra bullock is now a super mom

It's official: Sandra Bullock is super mom (at least in her son's eyes). The super busy and talented actress and mother stopped to chat with E! News during the premiere of her space thriller flick Gravity at the Toronto International Film Festival and revealed that her baby boy Louis, who witnessed the star filming the movie, now thinks of her as a superhero. "He's got an astronaut doll and he says, 'Like you' but he has no idea why I was an astronaut cause it was like two years ago," she tells E! News. "He just thinks of me as a superhero." But even this superhero has her moments, and told us that during filming, the only thing that would help keep her going was seeing her cute tot's face--awww! "When they knew I was starting to crack, they were like, 'Bring in the kid. Bring in the kid, cause she needs a kid.' And all they would do is just pop him up because I was about nine feet up and you just see the little head come up and I was like [fake sob]." The Alfonso Cuarón movie finds the Hollywood actress and her costar George Clooney playing astronauts who become stranded in the blackness of space after a satellite crashes into their shuttle during a space walk. Gravity hits theaters Oct. 4

Everything Miley Cyrus Should Spoof on Saturday Night Live, Including Twerking, Syria and Liam Hemsworth

t's official: Miley Cyrus will host Saturday Night Live when it returns for its 39th season (Tina Fey is tapped to host the premiere, with Miley picking up the second week). Brace yourself now for one and one half hours--90 minutes, minus commercials--of Miley Cyrus shenanigans. And while Miley has said she "doesn't pay attention to the negative," we have a feeling the SNL writers are more than capable of picking out one or two things she can (and should) spoof during her hosting gig. Here, we picked out six topics that would make for perfect skits. You're welcome, SNL. 1. Opening Monologue: A Message to the Haters ("H8ers"): Picture it: "Live from New York...It's Saturday Night!" Miley walks out wearing something more conservative. Something that covers her butt and boobs and whatever else she's been showing off lately. She stands center stage and tells the crowd she wants to reveal all (not like that). She wants to bare herself (still not like that). She wants to feel naked, like she has nothing to hide (you get the gag by now, right?) She's ready to confront her haters. Various SNL castmembers stand up in the audience and ask Miley about all the crazy rumors out there about her. Bonus points if Liam Hemsworth makes a cameo. At the end, Miley says she feels like she's revealed everything. Then rips off the outfit to reveal her flesh-colored bikini from the VMAs. C'mon, this is Miley after all. 2. Twerkgate at the VMAs: Miley has to spoof the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards. It's required of her. We wouldn't be surprised if it's in her SNL contract. It's one of the most noteworthy news stories of the past month. A fact that doesn't bode well for coverage of Syria. SNL is never shy about mixing politics and pop culture, so combining the two--the Energize Bunny of Twerking, Miley Cyrus, challenges Jay Pharoah's Barack Obama to a twerk-off debate about Syria or something--could make for a funny, potentially controversial skit. 3. Miley vs. Miley: Another skit that's all but guaranteed: SNL genius Vanessa Bayer's Hannah Montana-era Miley interviews modern-day Miley on her talk show, The Miley Cyrus Show. Chaos ensues. And we think that's pretty cool. Hopefully SNL could bring Jason Sudeikis back for a spot as Billy Ray Cyrus. We'd love to finally see how he's reacting to his daughter's latest antics. 4. Miley Spoofs Justin Bieber, Round 2: Speaking of The Miley Cyrus Show, last time the real Miley guested on Live, she channeled Biebs opposite Bayer's Cyrus. Seeing as Bieber is the other big pop star currently making headlines for his sometimes-scandalous shenanigans, we'd love to see Miley don the Bieber 'do (and possibly his wispy little mustache?) once more. 5. Miley's Tongue Gives Its First Interview: During Weekend Update, talk turns to Miley's inability to keep her tongue in her mouth and the host (whoever that may be come this new season) announces that the tongue is finally going on record. Out comes Miley Cyrus in a tongue costume. The rest writes itself. 6. Something About Furries: Miley has gotten to at least second base with large, furry bears on at least two occasions. There's something there. (You know what a furry is, right?) Or maybe the SNL writers will come up with other skits we never even dreamed of. We'll find out Oct. 5

Miley Cyrus gets fully naked in her new music video

20 year old Miley Cyrus appeared completely naked in the music video for her new single, Wrecking Ball. She's really a wild child, isn't she?

Janet Jackson spotted shopping for Hijab in Dubai

Janet Jackson is married to a Muslim man so the hijab - the traditional dress for Muslim women - is a must for her. She was spotted shopping for them in Dubai last week... From Gulf News Dubai: Janet Jackson seems to be settling into her new role as a dutiful Qatari wife. The pop star was spotted in Dubai on Thursday shopping for abayas at Village Mall along the Jumeirah Beach Road. According to Gulf News reader Pylene, Jackson, who married Qatari business tycoon Wissam Al Mana last year, walked into abaya boutique Toushih at around four in the afternoon. "She was talking to the shop attendants and picking some of the clothes. She had a companion, another woman, who was dressed in an abaya." A person who was present at the store confirmed to that the visitor was indeed Jackson

Rapper DMX running naked down a hotel hallway

Troubled rapper DMX was caught on surveillance video running down a hotel hallway totally naked. TMZ got hold of the video which shows DMX causally stripping off his boxer shorts and doing a naked run down a Detroit hotel hallway last weekend.

The Countdown to Music Meets Runway 2013 Begins September 9, 2013  Le Re Events, the creators behind the hit stage production, Music Meets Runway (MMR), have announced preparations for this year's event scheduled to take place in just a few months at the Eko Hotel Expo Center, Victoria Island.  Music Meets Runway has set an unparalleled bar with not one but two successful shows; fusing haute couture and buzz-worthy performances from some of the best artistes and upcoming designers in Nigeria. This third season will be called 'The MMR Icons Edition', this year the team choose to spotlight, recognise and honor the most amazing and undisputed Fashion & Music Icons that have changed the industry and put Nigeria proudly on the world map. Continue...  "It's our third year anniversary so we wanted to do something very inspiring, prestigious and glamorous!" says Jennifer Olize, the producer of MMR. "We want our guests to enjoy every second of the event and leave with a memorable experience. This season our expectations are high and the bar will be unparalleled. So expect nothing but the very best!" Last year was nothing short of spectacular with the gorgeous Tanzanian model, Millen Magese and Oliver Twist crooner D'banj chosen as the hosts of the show.   Upcoming designers in the fashion industry like April by Kunbi, Kimono Kollection, Tiannah Styling, Nkili, Andrea Iyamah, David Bowler, Shakara Couture, Eclectic by Sasha, Rebahia and Moofa to name a few gave us timeless runway looks that we still see on red carpets today. Similarly, Wizkid, Naeto C, D'banj, May-D and Iyanya got the audience on their feet as they performed their hit singles on the MMR stage.  The Iconic designer, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi closed the show with Dbanj performing alongside. It was truly an amazing fuse of Fashion and Music. Selected guests were invited to the Music Meets Runway Pre-Party sponsored by Ciroc Premium Vodka, which took place two days before the main event and was deemed by attendees as the most entertaining party of the year.  Who will host this season? What artistes will be performing and which designers will be showcasing their pieces on the runway? Stay tuned, because the journey has only begun!

Comedian and radio host Ushbebe set to wed

Comedian and radio host Ushbebe set to wed September 9, 2013  Naija FM OAP and standup comedian, Justice Nuagbe, popularly known as Ushbebe is set to wed is heartthrob, Annette Osa-Agbontaen, a graduate of B.I.U. Their traditional wedding will hold in October while the white wedding will hold in November - both in Benin. Congrats to them.

Flood With Love Campaign with Funke 'Jenifa' Akindele

Flood a victim of the flood disaster with love today. Text Flood to 35388 and give N100. It's only N100 and 3seconds of your time but it's life to another person. God bless you abundantly as you give. Another of Funke after the cut.

LIB exclusive: Uche Jombo builds multi-million house in Lekki

LIB exclusive: Uche Jombo builds multi-million house in Lekki September 9, 2013  Actress and movie producer Uche Jombo is building a massive house in the Lekki area of Lagos and this is authoritative. The house, which I hear is quite massive, is located around Alpha Beach Road after Lekki second gate opposite Chevron. Uche started building the house in Lagos sometime last year after building one in her village in Abia state. The house in Lagos is in the finishing stages now. There's no pic of the house for now because like I said, it's not finished yet, but as soon as the house is completed, I will you bring you exclusive photos. Congrats to Uche!

Borno govt planning to demolish 20 churches & Christian schools in the state

The Borno State government are planning to demolish at least 20 churches and christian schools in Maiduguri after acquiring land they say they want to use for a 1000-unit housing estate. Demolition notice has been served to the present occupants of the acquired land, which includes owners of farmlands and several churches and schools built by churches. The state government have already dispatched a notice to the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Some people feel like the government isn't really planning to build any housing estate, just looking for an excuse to destroy the churches and private schools, with the alleged grand plan of gradually islamising the state as part of an alleged wider plan to Islamise the northern part of Nigeria. An information leaflet on the acquisition plan from the State Ministry of Lands and Survey has been released. Find it after the cut... The leaflet, entitled Notice of Acquisition and assessment/valuation of structures on proposed site for 1000 Housing Units along Gubio Road Highway,  reads: "I am directed to refer to you farmers and holders of structures on the proposed site for caption matter above and regret to inform you that the Executive Governor has on the power conferred on him by Section (2)b of the Land Use Act 1978 has directed through high powered committee on Construction Ref. no: HPCC/2500/HE/S/TEC/1 to notify you of his intention to acquire your farm lands and assessment/valuation of the structures on the proposed site situated along Gubio Road, Maiduguri. "The acquisition is necessary in view of requirements of the land by the state government for overriding public interest to construct Housing Estate. The affected farmers and holders of structures are to take note and appear on site for the above exercise, please." Meanwhile the General Secretary of CAN , Dr. Musa Asake, has reacted to the planned demolition. He said: "We have seen the  eviction notice from the Borno State Government. We are all Nigerians and there are other places where the State Government can develop. The areas being earmarked for demolition are already developed with churches and schools. "We have enough problems at hand and we don't want to add another problem. Christians have suffered enough in Borno State. If the State Government wants to destroy churches and build any Housing Estate, no Christian will see it as a sign of progress. "As soon as we authenticate the source of that letter, we are going to reach out to the State Government to make sure that Christians don't lose their churches and lands there. But we have no reason to doubt the source of that letter. We have suffered enough in Borno State and enough of all these things which are coming in another disguise. "Borno State Government should reconsider that decision to demolish Churches and their properties because in Borno State, there are many vast lands. They should do that instead of going to these areas where Christians have settled for long. We are asking the Borno State Government not to try it." Asake said.

Open Letter to the ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Isa Fagge by Nkannebe Raymond.

Sir, many greetings to you. It is my estimation that this piece meets you in good health of mind and body. As I take up my pen to write these letters, it is exactly half past 9pm by my wall clock hanging boldly against the wall at the tail corner of my apartment. All things being equal, I should have been sited on the first desk at the famous Lecture Theatre (6) in the academic area of my ‘school’ studying my books in between moments of chattering with my colleagues and senior colleagues; but since after the sad development of July 2nd, I am left with no option than burying my heads into the sea of Nigeria’s political drama in lieu of academic work. My names are Nkannebe Raymond. A 400 level student of the “Prestigious” faculty of Law university of Maiduguri, Borno state. I know it is the melting pot of the Islamic insurgents but I am willing to return back to school any moment to continue my studies if the union you superintend, could tender justice with mercy, find reason with this undoubtedly failed government and return back to the classes. Sir, as I write, Nigerian students are already totally overwhelmed and agitated over what has become an impasse between your union and the Federal government. Never has a year been faster. Only four days ago, the strike action entered its sixtieth day with the year hurrying to embrace the fast approaching yuletide season. Sir, the thought of this strike lasting into October alone, has led me and a great chunk of students out there, wanting to conclude that it will last into the next year but we do not want to wallow in that pool of pessimism and thus have remained optimistic that this standoff will be disentangled in time soon but hardly can that be, unless you and your colleagues are willing to shift grounds and hence the reason why I decided to use this medium to add to the ‘pool’ of letters of almost the same nature that has been corresponded to you in a plea to finding a quick and immediate end to the already frustrating strike. Sir, at a time when students cannot wait to become graduates and contribute their own quota in building the Nigeria of our dream that has defied the efforts of our cult of ‘gerontocrates’, at a time when schools are gearing up to welcome their new intakes to flag off a new academic session, it is unfortunate that our citadels of learning have remained under lock and key and as a result, forestalling the whole dream. It is indeed a situation sordid enough to draw tears from the tear duct of even a ‘Hercules’ amongst us. As I write, my eyes are soaked up in tears waiting to pay allegiance to Newton’s law of gravity. Here am I hoping that I am able to round up this letter before this sheet is soaked up with this salty liquid begging to drop from my eyes. I never intended using this medium to further play the blame game which I feel has been played more than enough across the online and print media. On the contrary, I have taken the troubles of this piece to let you understand somewhat further that sustainable progress doesn’t come to any sector in this current atmosphere of strife and rancor. If anything, it makes matters worse and doesn’t portray us in the positive light, outside the shores of this country. I understand the federal government’s insensitivity to your plight and how much they have dilly-dallied with the concord you claim they ‘freely’ entered with you even though you were not at the helm of affairs then, way back in 2009. From my diminutive knowledge of the Law, it is a trite that: Pacta Sunt Servanda to the effect that agreements are meant to be kept but much to my quagmire, this government has either consciously or unconsciously, sworn to re-write the doctrine. But haven said that, while we chastise the government, I will crave your indulgence a bit by asking you to momentarily put yourselves in their shoes. When this much touted agreement was reached some 3years ago, little did we know that we shall be subsumed in an insecurity situation that will defy every bid at solving. The security situation has continued to eat deep into our pockets and at the same time preventing us from committing our resources to the critical sectors where they are needed most. It is an unfortunate situation which we have collectively been drowned into and together we can only romance with hope to get through it. Therefore since we all know we are faced with a common problem, our demands it is expected naturally should not in any guise be emotional but must be geared towards the attainment of a peaceful compromise and not taking measures that will end up heating up an already boiling polity. Sir, it is against this backdrop, that I urge you and your union to sheathe your swords as they have psychologically “killed” too many a Nigerian student by calling a NEC meeting to consider what the government has offered and finding a lasting solution to this strike. If only you can take this uncommon step, history and not hysteria will forever remember you in its good books and not listing your name in the annals of infamy. 130 billion is undoubtedly a fair bargain if truth is anything to go by them. Sir, statements such as: “ ASUU will not call off strike until all her demands are met” which has always come from your office, has an undertone of “greed” when construed at the widest stretch Nothing has been achieved in an atmosphere where people are not willing to shift grounds. The same act by our second generation of leaders cost this nation 30 months of bloodletting which she still hasn’t gotten over even as I write. If there is any, I am always receptive to learning and will be honored to know, if you ever deem this letter worthy of a rejoinder. This country belongs to all of us and if we must insist that the problem of every sector must be completely solved, then I am afraid we may down tools and the country will stop working to the detriment of you and I. Poor as our educational standard might be today, I am not throwing in the towel as to its prospect of springing up tomorrow. That tomorrow, we will get to someday but obviously, not when the drivers of our economy are under lock and key. To think so, is to be drowned in illusion and living in a fool’s chalet. These may be my words, but I am upbeat that I have spoken the heart of the average Nigerian student and too many of them share my sentiment. Am sorry that this letter has refused to come to a grinding halt. If I continue to write, I may write until the tears start flowing. All that I crave for is that you use your good office to ‘drag’ your colleagues back to the negotiation table and not just that, but going there with a mind frame of bringing an end to this vendetta between your union and the FEDS. Our patient as students has been tried more than enough. How much more psychological trauma must we be made to condone? Sir, consider the plight of that Nigerian student out there depreciating in his potentials. Consider the feelings of that young chap in the street who had just come out with flying colurs in the just released WASSCE result and bagging hopes to secure admission into the university. How about you consider that young student in Maiduguri who cannot wait to graduate froma town which has become a near deathtrap lest he broker his degree with his life. Consider the plight of our parents who cannot wait to have us back to schools. In fact, the scenarios are just endless. Colin Powell was right when he said that, “Leadership is all about Solving Problems”. Without any prejudice to him albeit posthumously, I must add that Leaders who create more problems in a bid to solving a particular problem, are not and cannot be factored into the category of leaders in the real sense of the word. Civility has never stopped winning laurels. Need I say that this means will not be justified in the end? I beseech thee sir! The writer is a Law student, an academic Freelancer and a public affairs commentator. He is on twitter as @yung_silky Nkannebe_raymond@yahoo.co.uk

Students Don’t Want Us To End Strike – ASUU Presiden

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has said it is continuing its nationwide strike on the advice of university students. In a telephone interview with SUNDAY PUNCH, the President of the union, Dr. Isa Fagge, said students were tired of the incessant industrial actions by the university lecturers due to the Federal Government's failure to implement the agreement it had with ASUU since 2009. Fagge said the union had decided to heed the advice of the students to continue the strike until the Federal Government fully implemented the agreement. "Our students have come out to say they don't want us to call off the strike until the Federal Government answers us, because they don't want us to call off now and later we go back to strike again. So, we are heeding the advice of our students," he said. On the complaint by the Federal Government that it lacked the funds to implement the agreement, Fagge said it was not all about money, noting that government did not need funds to start implementing some parts of the agreement. "There are issues and agreement they can implement without money. Why don't they begin with those ones?" he asked. He added that it was unfortunate that the government had pulled out of dialogue with ASUU, stating that the union would not be intimidated. He said, "Now, government has pulled out of the dialogue. We thought we were the ones going on strike, but now government has also gone on strike." Last Thursday, university students under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian Students reportedly staged a peaceful protest in Ado-Ekiti and flayed the Federal Government for failing to honour the agreement it had with ASUU since 2009. The students, who were from public universities, threatened to disrupt activities of private universities, adding that the government was not bothered about their plight because children of government officials were studying either in private universities or studying overseas. The university lecturers began an indefinite strike on July 1 and have been demanding full implementation of the agreement ASUU had with the Federal Government in 2009, which among other things include the UNESCO-recommended 26 per cent budgetary allocation for education. However, the government said it could not implement the agreement, and is seeking re-negotiation. The Federal Government, last Wednesday, accused ASUU of being unrealistic by continuing its nationwide strike and asked it to rethink its demands, considering other commitments government has. The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who gave government's position on the strike when he briefed journalists at the end of the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council, said apart from security, education was one of the sectors the government had expended a lot of money on