WHY OYO STATE MUST REJECT THE CONCURRENT/ROTATIONAL CHAIRMANSHIP BILL -COUNCIL OF OBAS AND CHIEFS (FURTHER AMENDMENTS) BILL 2025).

The Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments Bill 2025) represents not just a policy shift, but an existential threat to centuries of Yoruba tradition, cultural identity, and political stability. No doubt, this is a dangerous precedent in the making as the Oyo State House of Assembly has rushed to consider a legislative proposal that strikes at the very heart of Yoruba traditional governance. The Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments Bill 2025), which seeks to introduce rotational chairmanship among the Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadan, and Soun of Ogbomoso is not merely an administrative adjustment, it is an unprecedented assault on centuries of established Yoruba tradition, legal precedent, and cultural heritage. Who proposed the bill? Are the insurgents amidst us?

This editorial presents a comprehensive examination of why this bill must be immediately withdrawn after the second reading. The Alaafin's stool traces its authority to the Old Oyo Empire (13th-19th centuries), the most powerful political force in Yoruba history. Historical records from the writings of Samuel Johnson in The History of the Yorubas (1921) and archaeological findings at Oyo-Ile testifies to this. Accounts by early European travelers like Hugh Clapperton confirm the Alaafin's role as the supreme ruler whose authority extended across modern-day Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The Oyo’s sophisticated system of government included The Oyo Mesi (kingmakers), The Bashorun (prime minister) and other provincial rulers who all paid homage to the Alaafin. British colonial administrators, despite their disruptive policies,still recognized the Alaafin's unique position through the 1934 Native Authority Ordinance which established the Alaafin as President of the Oyo Provincial Court of Appeal. This created a clear hierarchy where Ooni oversaw Ife Division, Aremo Alaafin (Crown Prince) oversaw Oyo Division, Olubadan oversaw Ibadan Division, Owa oversaw Ijesha Divison, all under the Alaafin's overarching authority of the Oyo Province.

The 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration formally recognized the Alaafin as the highestranking Oba in Western Region in accordance with existing structure for centuries. Post independence, every military and civilian administration has maintained this structure. In the 1976 State Creation of Oyo State, General Murtala Mohammed preserved the Alaafin's position while the 1978 Chiefs Law codified the Alaafin's permanent chairmanship. The 2000 Law (Cap 37) maintained this tradition without controversy for 24 years among the traditional system stakeholders. Why the sudden change is direction by the government in the mist of peace among traditional stakeholders? Which Oyo State residents are supporting this bill? What is their mission? Is Yorubaland safe? Are the insurgents already in our mist? The proposed rotation isn't modernization, it's historical revisionism.

Since independence, Nigeria's courts have consistently ruled in favor of preserving traditional hierarchies. Example was Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III vs. Oyo State Government (2003) where the court held that the Alaafin's status cannot be altered by political fiat.Another was AG Oyo State vs. Council of Obas (2010) where it was affirmed that traditional institutions require consensus for changes and established that customary law protections apply. This Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments Bill 2025) despite passing through the 2nd reading must stop because of its constitutional Implications. The bill violates Section 20 (protection of cultural heritage), Section 315 (entrenched customary law) which treats customary law rules as an existing law, and the Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation in administrative law. If this bill is passed, I foresee the floodgate effect among which are an immediate lawsuits from the Alaafin's descendants, challenges from other Obas seeking rotation, destabilising the fragile peace in Yorubaland. The rotational chairmanship bill will plunge Oyo State into endless litigation because the Alaafin's historical status as permanent chairman constitutes an acquired right protected under Section 315(5)(d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The Elesi v. Eweka (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt.5) 177 is a case study. Every resident of Oyo State must resist this bill because any first-year law student can identify at least three grounds for invalidation. As pace setters, we do not need a bills that will polarise Yorubaland till insurgents overrun us. The Supreme Court many times ruled that traditional institutions enjoy constitutional protection as “living customary law."Justice Niki Tobi's ruling explicitly cautioned against using legislative power to rewrite history. This is the case of the Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments Bill 2025) at a time when the traditional leadership system should work as one and fight against insurgents in our land. The litigation domino effect is that the Alaafin's descendants will file suit of assent joined by a minimum of 14 other Obas with historical claims. The Olubadan chieftaincy families may demand rotation expansionalso while the Soun's council could challenge term duration. The case will move from High Court → Appeal Court → Supreme Court→ Potential ECOWAS Court action under cultural rights protocols costing billions of Naira in Oyo State tax payers money. Such a case may likely span years causing destructive governance at a time many residents are hungry.

It’s is also funy to see how the 2025 Bill attempts to override 1999 constitution Section 4(8) Constitution (Amendment procedures) and the Customary law requirements for traditional modifications. If this bill is passed, there will be administrative paralysiswhere the Traditional Council operations may be frozen during injunctions and all pending chieftaincy matters could be further delayed. It will be causing a huge reputational damage with the international perception that the Yorubas have an unstable traditional system. UNESCO may reconsider Oyo's intangible cultural heritage status like Sango festival, and so on at a time we should be moving forward. I see a judicial tsunami ahead. This bill is not just bad policy, it's a legal incendiary device. The courts have repeatedly shown they will not tolerate politically-motivated tampering with traditional institutions. Oyo State cannot afford years of litigation when it needs unity against pressing security and economic challenges. The Assembly has two choices by withdrawing the bill now and preserve institutional stability or proceed and guarantee years of expensive, divisive lawsuits. Consecutive Oyo State Government tried this in the past and failed at the court. The law is clear; the voice and choice of the people should be clearer. 

The rotational proposal has no historical basis as only the current law reflects centuries of practice. Any amendment ignoring the aforementioned evidence would dismiss 600+ years of documented history and disregard multiple government commissions. It will also undermine Nigeria's cultural heritage preservation. The Alaafin's stool isn't just an office, it's the living embodiment of Yoruba history. Let's not sacrifice centuries of tradition on the altar of political expediency. My call for the Oyo State Government is to immediately withdraw the bill, convene a stakeholders' forum with all Obas and explore inclusive alternatives that don't disrupt hierarchy. Oyo State would become an outlier by introducing rotation where no need exists. The Alaafin's supremacy was recognized through wars, treaties, and colonial administrations. Politically-motivated rotation dismantles this organic hierarchy. The 1983 deposition of the Emir of Kano by Governor Abubakar Rimi led to decades of mistrust between Kano's traditional and political institutions. Oyo State citizens should disallow the passage of this unpopular bill because governments all levels could manipulate rotation to punish uncooperative monarchs (e.g., 2019 suspension of Emir Sanusi). Politicians may start rewarding loyalists with elevated status, then traditional stools become political appointments, as it occurred with the proliferation of "certified Obas" in Osun State (2002-2010) or the Lagos' controversial creation of 37 new obaships in 2017 at a go.

My Comparative Models: A cross-section of States that Maintain Permanent Chairmen.

| Lagos | Oba of Lagos | Since 1980 | Chiefs Law 2015 |

| Osun | Ooni of Ife | Since 1991 | Traditional Laws |

| Edo | Oba of Benin | Since 1979 | Edo Traditional Law |

Why should Oyo State be different? The proposed rotation isn't traditional reform, it's political engineering that would reduce monarchs to pawns in electoral strategies. It will destroy one of Africa's last intact traditional systems and set dangerous precedent for other states, destabilising existing peace in Yorubaland at a time we should be concerned with delivering good governance. The Alaafin's permanent chairmanship isn't about individuals, it's about preserving an institution older than Nigeria itself. 

Engr. (Prince) Afolabi Aderemi Paul,Tella Gbaagi Olufunu Agunloye Royal House,Oyo Alaafin.

Prince Afolabi is a professional Engineer who promotes trade and sustainability through diaspora initiatives. He is the Chairman NIDO-Portuga

l, Continental Treasurer Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe President Afrocultural Institute, Portugal.

remmyafolabi@gmail.com

+351920417829

UK SANCTIONS LIST targeting Russia, individuals and global anti-corruption

 

UK SANCTIONS LIST
Last Updated: 2022-02-22
REGIME: GLOBAL ANTI-CORRUPTION SANCTIONS REGULATIONS 2021
INDIVIDUAL
Primary Name: Artem Konstantinovich KUZNETSOV Given Name Variations: Artyom Konstantinovich a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Артëм Константинович КУЗНЕЦОВ Title(s): Lt. Colonel Position(s): Deputy Division Head, Tax Crimes Department of the Moscow Branch of the Interior Ministry in 2007. After Magnitsky’s death he was promoted to the Interior Ministry’s Economic Security Department. D.O.B: 28/02/1975 Town of birth: Baku Country of birth: Former USSR, now Azerbaijan Nationality(/ies): Russia Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and Travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. KUZNETSOV participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular, in seizing documents used to secure the fraudulent tax rebate. He interfered in judicial processes and benefited financially from the proceeds of the serious corruption. His actions facilitated or provided support for serious corruption. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0001 OFSI ID: 14092
Primary Name: Pavel Aleksandrovich KARPOV Given Name Variations: Pavel Alexandrovich a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Павел Александрович КАРПОВ  Title(s): Major Position(s): Formerly described as Investigator of the Investigative Unit of the Moscow branch of the Interior Ministry and also Senior Investigating Officer for Major Cases. Retired July 2012. D.O.B: 27/08/1977 Town of birth: Moscow Country of birth: Russia Nationality(/ies): Russia Passport number: 604176957 (likely expired)  Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and Travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of US$ 230 million of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. KARPOV participated in the fraud through his role as an investigator of alleged tax fraud by the Kameya company. His actions facilitated or provided support for serious corruption, and he benefited financially from the proceeds of the serious corruption. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0002 OFSI ID: 14094
Primary Name: Stanislav Evgenievich GORDIEVSKY Given Name Variations: Stanislav Yevgyenyevich Last Name Variations: GORDIEVSKIY a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Станислав Евгеньевич ГОРДИЕВСКИЙ Title(s): Major Position(s): Investigator of the Investigative Department of the South Administrative District, of the Prosecutor Service in Moscow D.O.B: 09/09/1977 Country of birth: Russia Nationality(/ies): Russia Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and Travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. GORDIEVSKY participated in the fraud through his actions during the course of a tax investigation into companies involved in the serious corruption. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0003 OFSI ID: 14096
Primary Name: Olga Germanovna STEPANOVA Given Name Variations: Olga Hermanovna a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Ольга Германовна СТЕПАНОВА Position(s): Previous Head of Tax Office no. 28 D.O.B: 29/07/1962 Town of birth: Moscow Country of birth: Russia Nationality(/ies): Russia Gender: Female Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and Travel ban Other Information: Wife of Vladlen STEPANOV at the time of the serious corruption UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. STEPANOVA participated in the serious corruption through her approval of part of the fraudulent tax rebate. She was responsible for and her actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. She transferred or converted, or facilitated the transfer or conversion of, the proceeds of the serious corruption and benefitted financially from the serious corruption. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0004 OFSI ID: 14099
Primary Name: Vladlen Yurievich STEPANOV Given Name Variations: Vladlen Yuryevich a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Владлен Юрьевич СТЕПАНОВ D.O.B: 17/07/1962 Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and Travel ban Other Information: Husband of Olga STEPANOVA at the time of the serious corruption UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. STEPANOV participated in the serious corruption through his involvement, in particular, owning a bank account which received misappropriated funds. His actions provided support for or facilitated the misappropriation. He transferred or converted, or facilitated the transfer or conversion of, the proceeds the serious corruption, and benefitted financially from the serious corruption. Stepanov is also associated with Olga Stepanova, his then wife, who is also a person involved in serious corruption. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0005 OFSI ID: 14101
Primary Name: Yelena Ivanovna KHIMINA Given Name Variations: Elena Ivanovna a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Елена Ивановна ХИМИНА Position(s): Head of Moscow Tax Office No. 25 D.O.B: 11/09/1953 Town of birth: Moscow Country of birth: Russia Nationality(/ies): Russia Gender: Female Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and Travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. KHIMINA participated in the serious corruption through her approval of part of the fraudulent tax rebate. She was responsible for and her actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. She also transferred or converted, or facilitated the transfer or conversion of, the proceeds of the serious corruption. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0006 OFSI ID: 14083
Primary Name: Andrey Alekseyevich PAVLOV Given Name Variations: (1) Andrei  (2)  Alexeyevich  (3)  Alekseevich  (4)  Alexeevich a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Андрей Алексеевич ПАВЛОВ Position(s): Lawyer D.O.B: 07/08/1977 Nationality(/ies): Russia Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and Travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. PAVLOV participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular, in court processes based on fraudulent claims for damages, as the lawyer representing Rilend. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0007 OFSI ID: 14084
Primary Name: Aleksey Nikolaevich SHESHENYA Given Name Variations: Aleksei / Alexei / Alexey / Nikolayevich Last Name Variations: SHESHENIA a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Алексей Николаевич ШЕШЕНЯ D.O.B: 16/04/1971 Town of birth: Kommunarsk, Voroshilov region Country of birth: Former USSR, now Ukraine Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and Travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. SHESHENYA participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular, in court processes based on fraudulent claims for damages, as the director of Grand-Aktiv LLC. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0008 OFSI ID: 14085
Primary Name: Gennady Nikolaevich PLAKSIN Given Name Variations: (1) Gennadiy  (2)  Nikolayevich a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Геннадий Николаевич ПЛАКСИН Position(s): Former Chairman of the Universal Savings Bank D.O.B: 30/08/1961 Town of birth: Klin, Moscow Region, Country of birth: Russia Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and Travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. PLAKSIN participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular, in court processes based on fraudulent claims for damages, as the director of Instar LLC. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0009 OFSI ID: 14086
Primary Name: Vyacheslav Georgievich KHLEBNIKOV Given Name Variations: Viacheslav Georgiyevich a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Вячеслав Георгиевич ХЛЕБНИКОВ Position(s): Businessman D.O.B: 09/07/1967 Town of birth: Tambov Country of birth: Russia Nationality(/ies): Russia Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and Travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. KHLEBNIKOV participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular, in the improper transfer of ownership of the company Makhaon and the submission of applications for fraudulent tax rebates. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption.  Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0010 OFSI ID: 14103
Primary Name: Viktor Aleksandrovich MARKELOV  Given Name Variations: Viktor Alexandrovich a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Виктор Александрович МАРКЕЛОВ Position(s): Businessman D.O.B: 15/12/1957 Town of birth: Leninskoye village, Uzganskiy District, Osh region Country of birth: Former USSR, now Kyrgyzstan Nationality(/ies): Russia Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and Travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. MARKELOV participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular, in the improper transfer of ownership of the company Parfenion and the submission of applications for fraudulent tax rebates. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption.  Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0011 OFSI ID: 14104
Primary Name: Dmitry Vladislavovich KLYUEV Given Name Variations: Dmitriy Vladislovovich a.k.a: Dima Chelter a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Дмитрий Владиславович КЛЮЕВ Position(s): Owner of Universal Savings Bank D.O.B: 10/08/1967 Town of birth: Moscow Country of birth: Russia Nationality(/ies): Russia Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: asset freeze and travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. KLYUEV participated in the fraud through his involvement, in particular in planning the fraud, and through his ownership of Universal Savings Bank. He was responsible for, and his actions facilitated or provided support for, the serious corruption. He also transferred or converted, or facilitated the transfer or conversion of, the proceeds of the serious corruption. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0012 OFSI ID: 14091
Primary Name: Oleg Vyacheslavovich URZHUMTSEV a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Олег Вячеславович УРЖУМЦЕВ Title(s): Lt Col Position(s): Formerly Senior Investigator of the Department for Investigating Organised Economic Criminal Activity of the Investigative Committee under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. D.O.B: 22/10/1968 Nationality(/ies): Russia Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: asset freeze and travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. URZHUMTSEV was involved in the fraud, in particular, by closing an investigation into the re-registration of companies involved in the misappropriation. His actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption.  Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0013 OFSI ID: 14093
Primary Name: Yulia Mikhailovna MAYOROVA Given Name Variations: Yuliya Mikhaylovna Last Name Variations: MAIOROVA a.k.a (Non-Latin Script): Юлия Михаиловна МАЙОРОВА Position(s): Lawyer D.O.B: 23/04/1979 Town of birth: Moscow Country of birth: Russia Nationality(/ies): Russia Passport number: 622264502 (as of 2006) Gender: Female Sanctions Imposed: asset freeze and travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: In December 2007, an organised criminal group was involved in serious corruption through the misappropriation of the equivalent of $230m of Russian state property via a complex scheme involving a fraudulent tax rebate. MAYOROVA participated in the fraud through her involvement, in particular, in court processes based on fraudulent claims for damages, as the lawyer representing Makhaon. Her actions facilitated or provided support for the serious corruption. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0014 OFSI ID: 14095
Primary Name: Ashraf Said Ahmed Hussein ALI Given Name Variations: (1) Ashraf Seed Ahmed Hussein  (2)  Ashraf Seed Ahmed Hussein  (3)  Ashraf Said Ahmed Hussein  (4)  Asharaf Seed Ahmed  (5)  Ashraff Seed Ahmed  (6)  Ashiraf Seed Ahmed  (7)  Ashraf Sayed  (8)  Ashraf Hussein a.k.a: Al-Cardinal Position(s): Businessman Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) D.O.B: (1) dd/01/1957  (2)  01/04/1957 Nationality(/ies): (1) Sudan  (2)  South Sudan  (3)  possibly United Arab Emirates  Passport number: B00018325 Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: asset freeze and travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: Ashraf Seed Ahmed Hussein Ali, widely known as AL-CARDINAL, has been involved in serious corruption in South Sudan involving the misappropriation of state property to his benefit and the benefit of others. He has been the beneficiary of commitments from the State which constituted the improper diversion of significant amounts of government revenues and funds. His actions facilitated or provided support for serious corruption that has caused damage to South Sudan’s public finances and contributed to ongoing instability and conflict. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0015 OFSI ID: 14097
Primary Name: Ajay Kumar GUPTA Title(s): Mr Position(s): Businessperson Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)  D.O.B: 05/02/1956 Town of birth: Saharanpur Country of birth: India Nationality(/ies): (1) India  (2)  South Africa Passport number: (1) Z1876211 (Expiry: 03 Sep 2018)  (2)  Z1440582 (Expiry: - )  (3)  Z2325724 (Expiry: - ) Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: asset freeze and travel ban Other Information: Associated with: Atul Gupta (brother/business partner); Rajesh Kumar Gupta (brother/business partner); Salim Essa (business partner).  UK Statement of Reasons: Ajay GUPTA, in association with Atul Gupta, Rajesh Gupta and Salim Essa, has been involved in serious corruption in South Africa, involving the misappropriation of property. He has been responsible for this corruption by playing a key part in its organisation and has financially benefitted from it. This corruption caused serious damage to South Africa. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0016 OFSI ID: 14098
Primary Name: Atul Kumar GUPTA Title(s): Mr Position(s): Businessperson Address: Dubai,  United Arab Emirates (UAE)  D.O.B: 14/06/1968 Town of birth: Saharanpur Country of birth: India Nationality(/ies): (1) India  (2)  South Africa Passport number: (1) 233646059 (Expiry: 04 Jun 2018)  (2)  477486059 (Expiry: 04 Jun 2018)  (3)  589623059 (Expiry: 04 Jun 2018) Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: asset freeze and travel ban Other Information: Associated with: Ajay Kumar Gupta (brother/business partner); Rajesh Kumar Gupta (brother/business partner) Salim Essa (business partner).  UK Statement of Reasons: Atul GUPTA, in association with Ajay Gupta, Rajesh Gupta and Salim Essa, has been involved in serious corruption in South Africa, involving the misappropriation of property. He has been responsible for this corruption by playing a key part in its organisation and has financially benefitted from it. This corruption caused serious damage to South Africa. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0017 OFSI ID: 14100
Primary Name: Rajesh Kumar GUPTA a.k.a: Tony GUPTA Title(s): Mr Position(s): Businessperson Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)  D.O.B: 05/08/1972 Town of birth: Saharanpur Country of birth: India Nationality(/ies): (1) India  (2)  South Africa Passport number: (1) M00069726 (Expiry: 13 Sep 2022)  (2)  462064042 (Expiry: 26 Jul 2016)  (3)  M00006520 (Expiry: 26 Jul 2019)  (4)  M00138156 (Expiry: 04 Feb 2025)  Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: asset freeze and travel ban Other Information: Associated with: Ajay Kumar Gupta (brother/business partner); Atul Kumar Gupta (brother/business partner); Salim Essa (business partner)  UK Statement of Reasons: Rajesh “Tony” GUPTA, in association with Ajay Gupta, Atul Gupta and Salim Essa, has been involved in serious corruption in South Africa, involving the misappropriation of property. He has been responsible for this corruption by playing a key part in its organisation and has financially benefitted from it. This corruption caused serious damage to South Africa. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0018 OFSI ID: 14102
Primary Name: Salim Azziz ESSA Title(s): Mr Position(s): Businessperson Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)  D.O.B: 15/01/1978 Town of birth: Johannesburg Country of birth: South Africa Nationality(/ies): South Africa Passport number: (1) M00073786 (Expiry: 08 Nov 2022)  (2)  481034886 (Expiry: 06 Nov 2018)  (3)  M00134539 (Expiry: 28 Dec 2024)  (4)  48103 (Expiry: 08 Nov 2022)  Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: asset freeze and travel ban Other Information: Ajay Kumar Gupta (business partner); Atul Kumar Gupta (business partner); Rajesh Kumar Gupta (business partner) UK Statement of Reasons: Salim ESSA, in association with Ajay Gupta, Atul Gupta and Rajesh Gupta, has been involved in serious corruption in South Africa, involving the misappropriation of property. He has been responsible for this corruption by playing a key part in its organisation and has financially benefitted from it. This corruption caused serious damage to South Africa. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0019 OFSI ID: 14087
Primary Name: Oscar Ramón NÁJERA  Position(s): Congressman Address: Honduras D.O.B: 12/12/1950 Country of birth: Honduras Nationality(/ies): Honduras Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: asset freeze and travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: NAJERA is a Congressman in the Honduran Congress. He has been involved in serious corruption using his position to facilitate bribes that supported a major drug trafficking organisation, ‘Los Cachiros’, and which enabled the cartel to evade accountability. Conduct of this nature seriously undermines the rule of law and trust in public institutions in Honduras.  He is responsible for, and facilitated or provided support for, serious corruption, and financially benefitted from it. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0020 OFSI ID: 14088
Primary Name: Felipe ALEJOS LORENZANA Position(s): Deputy and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Congress of Guatemala. D.O.B: 03/10/1984 Nationality(/ies): Guatemala  Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: asset freeze and travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: ALEJOS LORENZANA is a Deputy and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Congress of Guatemala. He has been involved in serious corruption using his position to attract clients with the offer of expediting the refund of tax credits in exchange for bribes, and benefitting from commission charges He is responsible for, and facilitated or provided support for, and benefitted from, serious corruption. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0021 OFSI ID: 14089
Primary Name: Jose Francisco LÓPEZ CENTENO Given Name Variations: CHICO LOPEZ Last Name Variations: LOPEZ CENTENO Position(s): (1) Treasurer of Sandinista Party  (2)  Minister (Advisory) of Production and Trade Address: Nicaragua D.O.B: 17/09/1950 Country of birth: Nicaragua  Nationality(/ies): Nicaragua Passport number: C0915261 (Nicaragua) Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: asset freeze and travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: LOPEZ CENTENO was a high-ranking public official and Vice President of state-owned ALBANISA. He has been involved in serious corruption by presiding over misappropriation during his leadership whereby public funds were diverted to fake companies, or inflated projects. He has been responsible for serious corruption, and facilitated or supported it. This deprived the Nicaraguan state and its citizens of vital resources for development.  Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 26/04/2021 Last Updated: 26/04/2021 Unique ID: GAC0022 OFSI ID: 14090
Primary Name: Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei a.k.a: Kuda Address: 4 Luna Road Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe D.O.B: 12.02.1969 Town of birth: Shurugwi Country of birth: Zimbabwe Nationality(/ies): Zimbabwe/South Africa National Identifier number: 29135894Z66 Passport number: Zimbabwe: FN920256; EN183928/Canada: VUK491921 Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei profited or otherwise benefitted from the misappropriation of property when his company, Sakunda Holdings, redeemed Government of Zimbabwe Treasury Bills at up to ten times their official value. This meant that Sakunda Holdings and Tagwirei, as its CEO and owner, profited significantly at the expense of macroeconomic stability in Zimbabwe. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 22/07/2021 Last Updated: 22/07/2021 Unique ID: GAC0023 OFSI ID: 14126
Primary Name: Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue a.k.a: Teodorin Title(s): Vice President Position(s): Vice President Address: Malabo, Equatorial Guinea D.O.B: 25.06.1968 Town of birth: Malabo Country of birth: Equatorial Guinea Nationality(/ies): Equatorial Guinea Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue has been involved in the misappropriation of significant amounts of public assets from Equatorial Guinea as well as bribery, to fund a lavish lifestyle in various countries abroad including the United States and France, where he held assets which were vastly disproportionate in value by comparison to his official salary as an Equatorial Guinean government minister.  Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 22/07/2021 Last Updated: 22/07/2021 Unique ID: GAC0024 OFSI ID: 14127
Primary Name: Alex Nain Saab Moran Address: Cape Verde D.O.B: 21.12.1971 Town of birth: Barranquilla Country of birth: Colombia Nationality(/ies): Colombia/Venezuela National Identifier number: Colombian - 72180017; Venezuela - 21.495.350 Passport number: Colombia - PE085897; Venezuela - 085635076 Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: Alex Nain Saab Moran engaged in serious corruption in Venezuela through his participation in two of Venezuela’s public programmes: the ‘Local Committees for Supply and Production’ (CLAP) and the Great Housing Scheme Venezuela (Spanish acronym: GMVV).  In each case, contracts were improperly granted by public officials to companies owned or controlled by Saab Moran, for the benefit of the official(s) and/or for another person, including Saab Moran himself. In the CLAP programme, basic foodstuffs were provided at highly inflated prices. For GMVV, Saab Moran’s company only delivered a small proportion of the products they had agreed to deliver and for which it had been paid, misappropriating the remainder of the funds.  Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 22/07/2021 Last Updated: 22/07/2021 Unique ID: GAC0025 OFSI ID: 14128
Primary Name: Alvaro Enrique Pulido Vargas a.k.a: German Enrique Rubio Salas; Cuchi D.O.B: 10.12.1963 Town of birth: Bogota Country of birth: Colombia Nationality(/ies): Colombia National Identifier number: Colombian - 79324956 Passport number: Colombia - PE069914 Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: Alvaro Enrique Pulido Vargas (aka German Enrique Rubio Salas) is a close business associate of Alex Saab. With him, he engaged in serious corruption in Venezuela through his participation in two of Venezuela’s public programmes: the ‘Local Committees for Supply and Production’ (CLAP) and the Great Housing Scheme Venezuela (GMVV).  In each case, contracts were improperly granted for the benefit of an official and/or for another person including Pulido Vargas himself. In the CLAP programme, basic foodstuffs were provided at highly inflated prices. For GMVV, Global Construction Fund only delivered a small proportion of the products they had agreed to deliver, misappropriating the remainder of the funds.  Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 22/07/2021 Last Updated: 22/07/2021 Unique ID: GAC0026 OFSI ID: 14129
Primary Name: Nawfal Hammadi Al-Sultan a.k.a: Nawfel Akoub; Nawfel Al-Akoub; Nofal Hammadi al-Sultan; Nofal Hammadi Sultan Albu Hamad; Nawfal Hamadi Sultan Yousef; Nawful Humadi Sultan Yousif AlBohamad; Nofal Agub Address: Iraq D.O.B: 23.02.1964 Country of birth: Iraq Nationality(/ies): Iraq National Identifier number: 71719043 Gender: Male Sanctions Imposed: Asset freeze and travel ban UK Statement of Reasons: Nawfal Hammadi Al-Sultan has been involved in serious corruption in Nineveh province, Iraq involving the misappropriation of state property to his benefit and the benefit of others. In his role as governor of Nineveh province, he misappropriated public funds intended for reconstruction efforts and to provide support for civilians and improperly awarded contracts and other state property. Additional information: in February 2021 Al-Sultan was convicted by the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court in Iraq in relation to some of his corrupt activities when governor of Nineveh Governorate. He was convicted of two offences of “harming a public body” under Article 340 of Iraq’s Penal Code and sentenced to a total of five years in prison, for: (i) wasting five billion Iraqi Dinars of public funds of Nineveh Governorate through fictitious works and contracts, and (ii) improperly disposing of 50 tons of asphalt delivered to him for paving the streets and for reconstruction in 2017. Regime Type (UK, UN): UK Date Designated: 22/07/2021 Last Updated: 22/07/2021 Unique ID: GAC0027 OFSI ID: 14130  Sourced from gov.uk

VIDEO: Joe Biden calls Nigerian family to thank them for support, invites them to the White House.

VIDEO: Joe Biden calls Nigerian family to thank them for support, invites them to the White House.

 

 

U.S President Elect Joe Biden called a Nigerian family to thank them for supporting his election campaign. In the 12-minute long call, he noted that they were randomly selected from a list of campaign donors which included the Nigerian dad Doctor Oke from Ibadan, Oyo State.

 

President shared jokes with Dr Oke's daughters Josephine and Beatrice and also extended to them an invitation to the White House. The excited family also spoke with the First Lady Elect Jill Biden who also thanked them for their support. 

Joe Biden will be sworn-in later today as the 46th president of the United States of America

Watch the video:

 

 

 

Minister Of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, NCS Boss Dragged To Court By Soldiers

66 Nigerian soldiers who are currently serving their jail sentences in the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) facility, Kirikiri, Lagos have dragged the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola to court over their continued incarceration.

The soldiers filed the suits at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

In three separate suits filed through Falana & Falana Chambers on August 18, the soldiers listed the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Ja’afaru Ahmed, as first and second respondents respectively.

According to the soldiers, the defendants have refused to include them among beneficiaries of the amnesty granted by President Muhammadu Buhari in April when he ordered the decongestion of prisons to curb the spread of COVID-19, despite the fact that they had served 75% of their jail term.

Announcing the criteria for the pardon, Mr Aregbesola disclosed that those considered were inmates who were 60 years old and above, and those battling terminal illnesses.

Other criteria include convicts serving three years and lower who have less than six months to serve, those with mental health issues, and inmates with options of fines not exceeding N50,000 and who have no pending case.

According to Mr Aregbesola, the amnesty did not apply to inmates sentenced for violent extreme offences such as terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry, rape, human trafficking, and culpable homicide.

The 66 convicted soldiers sought an order for the respondents to release them in compliance with the “Presidential Amnesty granted on April 9, 2020, by President Muhammadu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pursuant to Prerogative of Mercy under Section 175 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended).”

Also, they prayed the court to direct the duo to pay them N20 million each as compensation for the violation of their fundamental rights to personal liberty.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, had earlier written to Mr Aregbesola, requesting the release of the soldiers, who he said have remained in prison custody despite qualifying for the amnesty.

In three separate letters to Mr Aregbesola, Mr Falana said the soldiers, who were convicted and had served more than 75 per cent of their time, had remained in custody

According to the application of August 18, 35 of the convicted soldiers were tried before a General Court-Martial on a six-count charge, including mutiny and attempted murder.

At the end of the trial, they were convicted and sentenced to death in a judgment delivered in December 2014.

It was stated that upon a review of the case, the confirming authority upheld their conviction but commuted the death sentence to 10 years imprisonment.

“Since the convicted soldiers are entitled to remission of the 10-year jail term they are required to spend a total of 80 months in prison custody. From August 2014 to May 2020 the Applicants have spent over 64 months in custody. Thus, the Applicants have spent over 75% of their prison term.

Mr Falana noted that one of the 35, Stephen Clement, a corporal, was released from prison custody on April 28 on the ground that he had spent more than 75 per cent of his 10-year prison term in line with the terms of the Presidential Amnesty of April 9, 2020.

Also qualified for the amnesty, according to the lawyer, is another set of 19 soldiers who were tried before a General Court-Martial on a six-count charge and sentenced to death in a judgment delivered in December 2014.

Similar to the 35, upon a review of the case, the confirming authority upheld the conviction but commuted the death sentence to 10 years imprisonment.

Since the convicted soldiers are entitled to remission of the 10-year jail term, Mr Falana said they are required to spend a total of 80 months in prison custody.

“From August 2014 to May 2020 the Applicants have spent over 64 months in custody. Thus, the Applicants have spent over 75% of their prison term,” the lawyer argued for the convicts.

Unlike the other two categories, 12 soldiers, including Yusuf Shuaibu, Friday Onuh, Igomu Emmanuel and Stephen Clement, all lance corporals; were sentenced to death between August and September 2014.