ARTS & CULTURE

“I Am The Leader Of Yoruba Monarchs” – The Olugbo of Ugbo Land, Obateru Akinruntan

Published

8 years ago

May 15, 2017

The Olugbo of Ugbo Land, Obateru Akinruntan

The Olugbo of Ugbo land, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, has said he is the most prominent and leader of all the traditional leaders in Yoruba land and the custodian of the authentic history of the race.

Speaking at an event organised to mark the 30th anniversary of Kola Olootu as a radio presenter in Ibadan on Sunday, the monarch, who is also the Chairman, Yoruba Obas Conflicts Resolution Committee, said he had published a book on the true history of Yoruba race, which placed the Olugbo above all other monarchs in Yoruba land.

According to him, he is on the verge of publishing the volume two of the book.

The Olugbo said he was aware of some critics of his works and historical analysis, stressing that many of those who criticised his works were unhappy that the true position of their lineage was being put into proper place.

The Olugbo said, “I am the leader of all obas in Yoruba land. I speak with thunder in my mouth and I make bold to say so. No one is above me in Yoruba land in as much as it has been accepted that we are from Ife. I am the one that Oduduwa met at Ife. We are the husband of Moremi Ajasoro. Anyone who wants real Yoruba blessing should approach me. I am the one bestowed with the power.”

ALSO READ: “I am the real Kabiyesi and Oba of Ile Ife” – Olugbo of Ugbo Land [Watch Video]

Asked which of the various historical accounts of Yoruba land was authentic since his own version was the latest in the series, the Olugbo said his account was most accurate.

The Oba said, “People should face the truth. My account of the history of Yoruba race is the most accurate and authentic. I have published a book on it already. Like I said, Oduduwa met my people in Ife. Don’t mind my critics who use Facebook to abuse me. The truth is that many of them are children of slaves.

“They don’t want the true story of their fathers to be told. Slaves don’t want history to be told. I am bold because I am not a son of a slave. My book is there. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has accepted the book as the authentic history of the Yoruba race. I am about to publish another book on the same subject.”

Responding to the claim by the Olugbo, Mr Adeola Oloko, who is the Director, Media and Public Affairs to the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, said the Olubadan had yet to read Olugbo’s book on Yoruba history, saying that after reading the book, the monarch would be glad to respond.

-PUNCH

Related Topics:Obateru Akinruntan The Olugbo of Ugbo Land

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ARTS & CULTURE

Here’s The Interesting Story Behind The Word “Boycott”

Published

6 days ago

November 9, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Captain Charles Boycott: Story Behind The Word "Boycott" | fab.ng

The term “boycott” is now widely used to describe organized acts of protest where people refuse to engage with a company, product, or country as a form of pressure. While it’s globally accepted today, the word’s origin is surprisingly interesting. It traces back to a British land agent named Captain Charles Boycott.

Who was Captain Charles Boycott?

Captain Charles Boycott, a British land agent working for Lord Erne, a wealthy landowner in Ireland, played a key role in this term’s origin.

In the late 1800s, Ireland was under British rule, and tensions between British landlords and Irish tenant farmers were high.

Many tenant farmers faced unfair practices, including high rents and frequent evictions, especially during economic hardship or crop failures.

In 1880, a year marked by poor harvests, tenant farmers struggled to pay their rent and had no option but to request rent reductions. They hoped their landlords would understand their difficult situation and offer some relief. However, things didn’t go as they had anticipated.

The Conflict with Captain Boycott

In September 1880, tenants on one of Lord Erne’s estates approached Captain Boycott. They asked for reduced rents to help them survive the economic downturn.

To their disappointment, Boycott refused to grant their request and proceeded to evict tenants who couldn’t pay. This response seemed especially harsh, considering the widespread poverty at the time. Consequently, the community decided it was time to take a stand.

Irish politician Charles Stewart Parnell proposed a unique form of resistance at this critical moment. Rather than resorting to violence, he suggested a strategy of social ostracism as a way to protest.

Inspired by his advice, tenants and the entire community began to ignore Captain Boycott entirely. Workers on the estate refused to labour in the fields, local shops stopped serving him, and even the local postman refused to deliver his mail.

The Spread of the ‘Boycott’

The community’s collective action against Boycott escalated quickly, leaving him unable to find anyone willing to harvest the crops on Lord Erne’s estate.

Desperate to salvage the situation, Boycott hired workers from other parts of Ireland, but they required military protection due to hostility from the locals.

This effort became so costly that it far exceeded the value of the crops, highlighting the effectiveness of the community’s stand against unfair treatment.

The unprecedented event attracted significant media coverage. Soon, newspapers across Britain and Ireland began using the term “boycott”. They use it to describe the community’s collective refusal to interact with Boycott.

As news spread, “boycott” rapidly entered the English language as a term for nonviolent resistance through social or economic exclusion.

This form of protest, now known as ‘boycotting’, gained traction far beyond Ireland. It became a powerful tool for people worldwide to stand against injustice.

Captain Charles Boycott died long ago, but people still use his name when they use the term ‘boycott’. It symbolises the power of organized social resistance.

For more articles, check here.

ARTS & CULTURE

Here’s The Tallest Building In Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

The Tallest Building In Nigeria | fab.ng

The tallest buildings often shape a city’s skyline, and Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, proudly showcases this in its towering structures. Rising above the city, the tallest building in Nigeria, NECOM House, dominates the landscape with its impressive height and unique silhouette.

This iconic landmark, visible from miles away, has not only stood the test of time but continues to represent Lagos’s architectural identity and economic progress.

As the tallest building in Nigeria, NECOM House remains a powerful symbol of the country’s ambitions, offering a historical perspective amidst a modernizing skyline.

Indeed, the tallest building in Nigeria serves as both a structural feat and a testament to the city’s vibrant growth and resilience.

The Tallest Building in Nigeria

NECOM House, previously known as the NITEL Tower and NET Building, proudly holds the title of Nigeria’s tallest building. This impressive structure reaches a height of 160 meters (525 feet) and spans 32 floors, symbolizing Nigeria’s bold architectural pursuits of the 1970s.

Completed in 1979, NECOM House embodied Nigeria’s rapid economic growth and met the country’s telecommunications needs in an era of modernization.

Positioned strategically in Lagos, this towering building served as a hub for telecommunications and broadcasting and also rose high enough to function as a lighthouse beacon for Lagos Harbor—a unique feature among skyscrapers.

At its completion, NECOM House claimed the title of the tallest building in West Africa.

British architects Nickson and Borys designed it with a reinforced concrete frame that represented cutting-edge engineering for high-rise buildings of that time. The Costain Group, a prominent construction company, executed the project, incorporating a mast capable of supporting the heavy telecommunication and broadcasting equipment essential for Nigeria’s expanding communications network.

Despite its impressive stature and engineering, NECOM House has encountered challenges over the years. In 1983, a fire broke out on the upper floors, damaging offices and equipment. However, the building’s robust construction preserved its structural integrity, underscoring its resilience.

After extensive repairs and reinforcements, NECOM House resumed its role as a landmark of Nigeria’s architectural heritage, standing as a testament to the country’s determination and growth.

A Changing Skyline

Although NECOM House remains a significant landmark, Nigeria’s skyline continues to evolve with the development of newer and taller buildings. Notably, Lagos’s emerging financial district, Eko Atlantic, hosts the Champagne Pearl, a 34-floor skyscraper built in 2017.

However, at 134 meters (440 feet), it still falls short of NECOM House’s impressive height. As the city’s skyline grows, NECOM House maintains a unique place in Nigeria’s architectural and historical landscape. Also, it captures the spirit of a generation that sought to make a mark on the world stage.

For more updates, check here.

ARTS & CULTURE

The History Of Nok Culture

Published

3 weeks ago

October 26, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

The history of Nok culture, which flourished in what is now Nigeria from approximately 1000 BCE to 300 CE, remains one of the most enigmatic in West Africa. Its most notable legacy is its remarkable terracotta sculptures, which reveal a sophisticated understanding of artistry and craftsmanship.

Although they did not work with bronze, the Nok culture is often associated with the early development of ironworking in the region. This made their contributions to metallurgy significant in the broader context of African history.

History and Identity of Nok Culture

The history and identity of the Nok people and their culture have long puzzled researchers. While archaeological evidence suggests that they were among the earliest societies in Nigeria to produce terracotta sculptures, the specific details of their social structure, language, and cultural practices are still largely unknown.

Some scholars hypothesize that the Nok culture arose from a combination of indigenous practices and influences from neighboring regions. However, definitive proof remains elusive.

Artistic Achievements

The Nok people are particularly renowned for their terracotta figures. Consequently, it often depict human heads with intricate facial features and elaborate hairstyles.

These artifacts is not only as artistic expressions but also as important historical documents. They give glimpses into the aesthetic values and possibly the religious beliefs of the society.

Notably, many of these sculptures were found in burial sites. Apparently, they may have played a role in funerary practices or served as markers of social status.

Influence of Nok Culture on Later Cultures

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Nok civilization is its potential influence on later cultures. Particularly, this holds true for the Ife people who inhabited the region from around the 11th to 15th centuries CE.

The Ife civilization is celebrated for its exquisite metal sculptures, especially those of human heads. These sculptures exhibit a high degree of realism and technical skill. Scholars have debated whether the artistry of the Nok people laid the groundwork for the advancements seen in Ife art.

While there is no direct evidence linking Nok art to the Ife civilization, some researchers argue that the stylistic elements of Nok terracotta might have influenced Ife artists.

For instance, the intricate details seen in Nok sculptures, such as facial expressions and hair designs, could have informed the aesthetic sensibilities of later Nigerian cultures. Nonetheless, the lack of written records from both societies complicates this analysis. In turn, this leaves much to speculation.

Technological Innovations

In addition to their artistic achievements, the Nok people are believed to have developed advanced techniques in ironworking. Interestingly, this predates similar developments in other parts of West Africa.

This ability to smelt and forge iron was a transformative advancement. It allows for the creation of tools and weapons that improved agricultural productivity and defense capabilities.

Thus, this innovation likely played a role in the establishment of more complex societies in the region.

Societal Structure and Economy

Nok settlements were primarily located in the central part of Nigeria, an area rich in resources. The society relied on agriculture, cultivating crops such as millet and sorghum, which were staples in their diet.

Evidence from archaeological sites indicates that they engaged in farming as well as hunting and gathering, reflecting a diversified subsistence strategy.

Regarding social organization, the structure of the Nok people remains largely speculative due to the limited archaeological evidence. However, the scale and sophistication of their art suggest a society with a certain degree of social stratification.

The presence of large terracotta figures may indicate that some individuals held positions of significance, possibly as leaders or religious figures. This idea is supported by the discovery of large clusters of these sculptures in specific sites, suggesting communal or ceremonial uses.

Decline of the Nok Culture

The decline of the Nok culture is another area of interest that invites further exploration. Various theories have been proposed. These theories range from environmental changes, such as drought or soil depletion, to social upheaval or conflict.

By around 300 CE, the Nok culture had seemingly diminished, leading to a transformation in the region’s cultural landscape. This transition set the stage for the rise of subsequent societies. This includes the Ife, which inherited and adapted many aspects of earlier traditions.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Nok Civilization

In conclusion, while the Nok civilization remains shrouded in mystery, its impact on the history of West Africa is undeniable. The artistic and technological advancements of the Nok people laid important foundations for future cultures in the region. Even if the exact nature of their influence is still debated, it holds true.

As researchers continue to explore Nok artifacts and sites, a clearer picture of this ancient civilization may emerge. It would reveal the complexities of its society and the richness of its cultural heritage.

Ultimately, the Nok legacy, particularly through its terracotta art and early advancements in ironworking, continues to be a vital area of study for understanding the evolution of art and technology in African history.