http://www.tribune.com.ng/04122007/arts.html
From left, Professor David Ijalaye, Chief (Mrs) Folake Solanke and Sikiru Olanrewaju Adeoye at the book launch.Emeritus professor David Ijalaye, SAN,FNIALS, FNSIL; Chief (Dr) Mrs. Olufolake Solanke, SAN,CON; Sikiru Adewoye,representative of the Ondo State State Governor-Chief Olusegun Agagu, Yeye Akilimali Funua Olade @ the book launch"LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR ANIMAL RIGHTS AND GAME MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA"
Eminent lawyers and artistes made a case for the protection of animal and game in Nigeria at a book launch.
In spite of the sombreness they effected, Ademola Adelabu, ewi (Yoruba oral poetry) exponent and another of his compatriot in the trade, Ajobiewe, recently caused some lawyers’ humourous side to be revealed at the launch of a book entitled Legal Framework for Animal Rights and Game Management in Nigeria, written by Sikiru Olanrewaju Adeoye.
Adelabu, renowned for his captivating rendition of Eru O Ba Omo Oyo, the old signature tune of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) and that of Opa Aje, the TV series produced by Uncle Laolu Oguniyi set the tone. Called to perform during the launch held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, Adelabu had the crowd comprising the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief (Mrs.) Folake Solanke, Emeritus Professor David Ijalaye, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Dr. Adeniyi Olatubosun, representatives of some state governors and kings including Oba Salaudeen Fagbemi, Onijagbo of Ijagbo; Oba Samuel Osunbade, Olugbon of Ile Igbon; Oba Aderemi Adedapo, Onido of Ido Osun and Oba Akadiri of Okinni, to laugh with his delightful use of Yoruba words stressing why animals should not be maltreated.
Ajobiewe, not long after, followed suit with his unique chant of the ancestral praise name of each eminent guest. It was the unique way he went about this that made a significant number of those present hold their sides in laughter. Apparently thrilled by his first performance, Mrs. Solanke requested that he perform again at the event where speakers strongly canvassed for the protection of animal and game rights in the country.
In her opening remarks, Mrs Solanke, chairperson at the launch, commended the author for his “interest and affection for animals in a society where many people have no regard whatsoever for animals and consequently no respect for their rights.” She also commented on the mode of transportation and slaughtering of animals which she noted showed a total disregard for the life of animals as beings: “ The pitiable suffering of those hapless animals which are twisted and strangled with ropes while crushed and cramped in the back of a vehicle is soul-destroying,” she said before further asserting that the book “ is quite unique and the title most fascinating. It deals with an important aspect of the law but which alas in many ways attract scant attention in many quarters even among lawyers”.
In his assessment of the book written by one of his former students, Professor David Ijalaye described the book as “very unique, beautiful and one that should be chewed and digested”. Prince Fagbemi, in whose firm the author practices also had good words about the book and the author. He said he felt challenged by the author and would try to complete a book he has been writing for nine years. Some of the kings at the event, Oba Samuel Osunbade and Oba Aderemi Adedapo, also commended the author for his trailblazing effort, noting that the diligence of Fagbemi, his principal, had rubbed off on him after Dr. Adeniyi Olatunbosun of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, did an illuminating review of the book.
Explaining why he wrote the book, Adewoye said it was because animal rights is not a well-known topic in Nigeria and that he wanted the orientations of Nigeria about the issue to change. “Animal rights is not a well-known topic in Africa, nay Nigeria. Although, it is often said that European-American countries care more about animal rights than human rights, we Africans, in this case, Nigerians, must learn to respect the natural rights of animal in modern society,” he said. To properly address animal rights issues in the country therefore, Adewoye recommended that “existing legal order should be reviewed with a view to making the statutes more aggressive towards the protection of rights of animal and game management; various governments should be more concerned with the enforcement of these laws by creating the requisite machineries and enabling environment; and the public should be sensitised towards realizing that animals are not only our neighbours on the planet earth but entrusted to our care by the Almighty God and for the needs of the generations unborn”.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 11th, 2007 at 2:49 pm and is filed under
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