Author: Taiwo Ismael

The wife of the current Olubadan of Ibadan land, Dr. Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun Alliwo Okumade II, Olori Joyce Balogun on Tuesday, converted to Islam.

Olori Joyce Balogun now Khadijat Balogun hails from Onitsha and she’s a princess to the throne of Obi of Onitsha

She took the Kalimatul Shahadah confirming her convertion to Islam in the presence of the Grand Imam of Oyo-State and Chief Imam of Ibadanland Land – Sheik Abdulganiy Abubakr Agbotomokekere at the Ibadan North East Local Government annual Ramadan Lecture held at Ibadan Central Praying Ground (Yidi Agodi).

It feels like yesterday you came on board as the 12th substantive Registrar (2018 till date) and the third female to occupy the position in the premier University.
Words can never be enough to praise your actions; the work and talent you bring to the table always exceed expectations.
You always think of new and different ways of approaching a challenge; your unique perspective is a tremendous asset to the Registry, nay the University of Ibadan.
Thank you for bringing your unique skills to the table. This has helped us advance the goals of the entire University system and governance in the areas of probity, excellence, teamwork, fair play, innovation and creativity with a net effect on the inclusion in the operations of the University of Ibadan. It is incredible to see you consistently pushing the bar, making you the toast of staff and students.
Your work ethic and involvement are admirable, and we are fortunate to have someone as dedicated as you on board at a critical stage in the life of this foremost University.
When you kneel for God, he stands up for you. Your life is a sermon!
A woman with the Midas touch, high perceptiveness, good devotion to principle, transparent truthfulness, outstanding mentor, and role model, I celebrate you on your special day.
May you continue to enjoy many years of prosperity, intelligence, success, happiness, and good health, Madam Registrar. The grace of God will continue to sustain you!
Happy turning a year older today and congratulations, ma!

Olatunji Oladejo
Pioneer Director of Public Communication (2012-2022)
Current Director, Ibadan University Press (Publishing House).

Forum of GCI parents has kicked against plans by the Oyo State Government to hand over the institution to Government College Ibadan Old Boys’ Association (GCIOBA).

The parents made this disclosure via a petition addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

You will recall that Oduduwanews reported the willingness of the state government to hand over the secondary school to GCIOBA led by Mr. Wale Babalakin.

The parents, in the letter signed by Prince Adeniji Adeniyi (P.T.A. Chairman, Senior School), Mr. Owosibo Olusegun, (P.T.A. Chairman (Junior School) and Mr. Adebamiji Olatunde (P.T.A.Chairman, Junior School 2) advised relevant agencies to beam their searchlight on the activities of GCIOBA.

They said that the people behind the College take over are after the resources in the school.

They accused that some old students are planing to use the land mass and the staff quarters scattered within the College environment for their own selfish interest.

The parents, in the letter made available to newsmen on Thursday said, “We (Parents) find this action as nothing but a betrayal of trust between the Government and the masses of the State, especially in the education sector as clearly stated in the inaugural address by Your Excellency during the Swearing-in-Ceremony at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan on May 29, 2019.

“The College that ought to serve the community is now to serve the selected few and the Government is indirectly ceding the heritage of the State to the selected few.

“The people behind the College take over are after the resources in the school, most especially, the land mass and the staff quarters scattered within the College environment for their own selfish interest.

“The planned hand over and takeover of the college using the strategy of the platform of old students claiming to be non-profit while operating as a profit making organization without adopting necessary financial controls of extant financial laws and regulation of the State. The promise of complying with the free education policy of the Oyo State Government is a bait and it does not reduce the likelihood that they will not engage in predatory behavior that harms the student, the school, the community and the people of Oyo State in general. Takeover of public asset without following the complete due process have characteristics that are cause for concern.

“Privatization of public schools in the state may spring up unprecedented crisis in the State, as we heard on good authority that some members of public, especially the communities who donated its land to the Government for public use are against the takeover of public schools by for- profit Executives or Associations and which may adversely affect this government thereby eroding all the gains and achievements achieved by this government in the last three years.

“We want the relevant agencies to beam their searchlight on the activities of the Old boys at Government College Ibadan. The Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue to look into the affairs of the Profit making Hall erected on Government landed property without any returns to the State Government, in terms of taxes or revenue.”

Magaji Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe a former chieftain and former Governorship aspirants under the All Progressive Party in the 2019 general election has confirmed his membership to the People’s Democratic party.

In a statement personally signed by Tegbe and made available to newsmen on Friday said he has resigned his membership in APC and now a PDP member.

“After careful consideration and deliberation with my support groups, I have resigned my membership in APC and I’m now a member of PDP”

Speaking further, he attributed his exit out of the party due to some minority who have hijacked the party structure.

The statement reads The statement read in full: “Good people of Oyo state.

“Many years ago, I made a commitment to always contribute to the development of our society in whatever God-given capacity. In 2018, after serving government in different non-political capacities, I offered to serve Oyo state as Governor, on the platform of the All Progressive Congress(APC). This decision was based on my commitment to offering my wealth of experience to the entrenchment of good governance and development in our dear state.

“Though I was a frontrunner in the 2018 campaign, I agreed to step down as a team player and continued to make my contribution to the party. Unfortunately the recent developments in the Oyo APC has become worrisome. We watched a minority hijack the party structure, backed by some powers at the top. We saw congress results, democratically agreed at Ward and LG level being altered to favour this minority group. Efforts to make the National Leadership of the party see reasons have yielded no fruits. A house divided against itself can not stand.

“After careful consideration and deliberation with my support groups, I have resigned my membership in APC and I am now a member of the People’s Democratic Party. This decision is in line with my commitment to serve our people, and contribute my quota to the development of our dear state with those who appreciate the power of a team. I thank the leadership of the PDP for welcoming us.

“In the days to come, our next steps will be communicated.

“Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”