LAGBAJA; OMO TAMEDU: Episode I

Featuredcredit: Hayden Phipps

Whereas, in the dark corner of Sugbon’s room; he is getting set for the day's work. Sugbon is the second child and first grandson of his father, first son, step-son and brother to his sister, a stepson and grandson to his mother. In fact, he is a 'child of abomination' as he is fondly tagged by everyone in the kingdom. We will discuss the reasons later. But today, he is the most prominent police officer of Araromi kingdom. Although, he was admitted into the force as an alien who saved one of the king’s daughter from a mysterious attack during her yearly birthday rites observed at the Igbo Ogini Forest – a forest which serves the rites of celebration, rituals and condemnation alike in the kingdom. The forest, owing to its antecedent records in the Kingdom, is deemed sacred and used for any spiritual rite.

LAGBAJA; OMO TAMEDU: Episode III

credit: Hayden Phipps

The rite began quite early the next morning; the Priest led the procession of young men and woman chanting in chorus as   they proceed into the forest. Although he was sure he got the backing of the gods to proceed with the rites, his instincts kept warning him of an imminent danger. But so far, there has been no cause for alarm. The journey into the middle of the forest where the rites shall soon be finalized seems fruitful so far. Once they get to the center, the rites must be concluded with concoction of meals prepared for the gods being dropped at the center of the forest. The Chief Priest will then chant the message and instruction of the king (as relayed by the chiefs) over it.

ASSU Strike: Another Episode from the Show of Shame

In my opinion, ASUU (like every other pressure groups in Nigeria) has crippled the meaning and efficacy of industrial action. As it stands, there seem to a clear difference between ‘strike’ and ‘industrial action’ in this country. Strike has grown and evolved into evolving series and episodes of the same storyline--Show of Shame.  A show characterizing greedy politicians and needy professionals with attempts to hold the country to a total lockdown. ASUU has just produced another, it’s time for the poor and innocent students to hit the cinemas.

Tribes and Culture: The Urhobo Community of South-south Nigeria

The Urhobo is the major ethnic group in Delta State, Nigeria. They speak Urhobo, a language in the Niger-Congo group. The Isoko and Urhobo are related in language and culture, leading to the missionaries erroneously labeling both peoples as Sobo. This name has been strongly rejected by both tribes. The Urhobo nation is made up of twenty two sub-groups, including Okpe which is arguably the largest of all Urhobo sub-groups. The Urhobos are noted for having their own unique style of speaking the Nigerian Pidgin English.

Limitless: Transcend Your Disability

You probably have also thought about how blind people cope without sight. As important and sensitive as the eyes can be, it often amazes me how certain individuals survive this busy world without it. In attempts to answer these questions, Eagles Foundation for Humanity (EFFH) met with some blinds and their helpers and inquired into their mode of survival. Findings revealed that living without sight can be so isolating and terrifying if the needed care, support and attention aren’t provided.

Death Sentence on Blasphemy: The Legality of the Shar’iah Court’s Judgement

Nigeria is an entity situated in a multifaceted society where cultural, religious and social propagation are largely welcomed and constitutionally endorsed. This unassailable factor (of course) reflects further in our legal system so much so that it has bequeathed the country with a pluralistic legal system. Hence, the influence of the cultural and religious practices (which includes Shari’ah) cannot be overshadowed in our legal system. Thanks to antecedents – from which various statutes were enacted. Two of which include the Kano State Shari’ah Penal Code Law and Shari’ah Penal Code that the Kano State Upper Shari’ah Court based its decision and sentencing. This article shall sail on the voyage of the legality of the court decision vis-à-vis the Nigerian legal system.