Author: oduduwanews

The Oyo State House of Assembly has charged Chairmen of 33 Local Government Areas across the State to look inward for other means of improving their Internally Generated Revenue.

They were also advised to prioritize Grassroots Development in their domains.

Hon. Akintunde Olajide, representing Lagelu State Contituency, who also doubles as the Chairman House Committee on Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, and State Honours gave this charge during his closing remarks on the just concluded Oversight Visit to the Local Government and Local Council Development Areas across the State.

The Committee Chairman made it known that the State Assembly Oversight Visit to the Councils was aiming at ensuring effective governance, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots level.

“The Statewide Oversight Visit to all Local Government Areas ( LGAs ) and LCDAs is aimed at assessing the performance of Council Administration, evaluating revenue generation strategies, and inspecting developmental projects executed in various communities.”

“We are committed to ensuring that funds allocated for grassroots development are judiciously utilised in line with the Assembly’s constitutional responsibility to enhance accountability, and effective use of public resources.”

“The Oversight Visitation is part of the Assembly’s effort to strengthen Local Government and ensure the delivery of quality services to the public. The Assembly remains committed to working with LGAs and LCDAs to drive development and progress in Oyo State.”

He stressed the importance of regular Oversight Visitation by the House of Assembly to ensure adequacy in Local Government Administration. “The House must always engage with local government through Oversight Visitation to monitor their activities, identify challenges, and provide necessary support to enhance their performance.” He added

Hon. Olajide emphasized the need for Council Chairmen to focus on delivering meaningful developmental projects, ensuring functional Primary Health Care facilities, and other welfare of their local communities.

“Local Government remains the closest tier of Government to the people, and it must be felt through visible, impactful and sustainable projects that will yield long – term benefits for their people.”

“The Oversight teams which were divided into three groups have been visiting all LGAs and LCDAs across the State, inspecting both completed and ongoing projects, reviewing Internally Generated Revenue, records, and engaging community stakeholders to gather first hand feedback on governance at local level.” He stated

Hon. Olajide assured that the State Government will continue to invest in the capacity building of Council workers, noting that training and retraining programmes will be organised to equip them with necessary skills and knowledge to deliver quality services to the people.

In their various reactions, the team lead for the three Senatorial Districts in the State, Hon.Olusola Owolabi, Oyo North, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, Oyo South and Hon. Dele Adeola, Oyo Central noted that the Council Chairmen must intensify efforts in aligning their activities with the vision of the State Governor and working towards achieving common goals that benefit the people.

“The Council Chairmen must enhance the State Government’s performance on infrastructural facilities and ensure that people at the grassroots also benefit from dividends of democracy as this would help to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, promote inclusive development and improve the quality of life for all citizens.”

The team leaders also encouraged the council bosses to intensify efforts in proper documentation, accountability, and adequate performance in line with the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Administration.

“The State Assembly remains committed to collaborating with council Chairmen to enhance governance and service delivery, ultimately improving the lives of Oyo State residents. ” The team leaders concluded

In their separate reactions, the Chairman, Egbeda Local Government, Comrade Sikiru Sanda, who is also the ALGON Chairman, his counterparts from Iwajowa local government, Comrade Oyewumi Muritala, and Atisbo Local Government , Mr. Olumuyiwa Alade Commended Governor Seyi Makinde for creating a platform for all inclusive government and appreciate his efforts in striving for the best State of the Pacesetter amongst its equal.

They described the Oyo Assembly Oversight functions as a welcome idea that will gear them up to act on their calls and give back to their local communities as expected and promised while getting their mandate.

Ondo State has been thrown into tension following two separate kidnapping incidents that have rattled residents and heightened security concerns.

In the first incident, police operatives have arrested seven suspects in connection with the abduction of Mr. Omoniyi, a lecturer and faculty officer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), on August 4, 2025.

The suspects include 45-year-old commercial motorcyclist Benson Alaba, alleged to have monitored the victim’s movements and lured him into the gang’s trap. Also in custody is Ogungbemi Wasiu, 42, who allegedly supplied the handset used to demand ransom from the victim’s family. Other arrested gang members are Audu Shaibu (25), Ismaila Abdullahi (24), Nuru Bature (18), Usman Baba (20) and Yusuf Muhammed (23).

Police investigations revealed that the trusted motorcyclist had frequently conveyed the lecturer to work and visited his home on the day of the abduction under the guise of borrowing a phone. The gang allegedly demanded between ₦5 million and ₦7 million before the lecturer’s release. The victim is currently receiving treatment at the university’s health centre.

Meanwhile, in a separate attack on the night of August 14, suspected kidnappers stormed Ayede Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area, killing a 34-year-old man identified as Okudili Okoro and abducting a woman, Mrs. Orogun. Witnesses said the gunmen, numbering about 10, arrived in unregistered vehicles and shot sporadically before whisking the victim away.

Ondo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the assailants, urging residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to aid investigations.

Authorities have also warned against spreading unverified information, stressing the importance of relying on official security updates.

The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Yoruba actor, Segun Remi, widely known by his stage name, Chief Kanran.

The actor reportedly passed away on the morning of Friday, August 15, 2025, although the cause of death has not yet been disclosed. The news was confirmed by filmmaker and celebrity journalist Seun Oloketuyi in a social media post.

Chief Kanran, whose career spanned over four decades, was celebrated for his unique acting style, commanding stage presence, and memorable comedic delivery. He began his acting journey in the 1970s, first earning acclaim on stage with roles such as Kurunmi in Ola Rotimi’s historical play. His breakout television role came in 1988 when he portrayed the Alaafin Kanran on Lagos Television — a performance that earned him his popular nickname.

Over the years, Segun Remi featured in numerous Yoruba films, including Vigilante, Ose-Sango, Eri Okan, Itunnu, Eewo, Idunnu, Orire, Ofa Oro, Ajaka Oko, Great Bird of Eternity, Shattered Bridge, Oba Oluaiye, Bibi Ire, Ilu Le, and I50 Million.

Tributes have begun pouring in from colleagues and fans. Actor Yemi Solade expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Chief Kanran as “a giant of the stage and screen whose craft will continue to inspire generations.”

Segun Remi is remembered not only for his artistry but also for his enduring contribution to the Yoruba film industry. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.

Christ Apostolic Church CAC has slammed COZA’s Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo for calling Apostle Ayo Babalola a poor man.

They described him as a prosperity pastor exploiting the alter, monetizing spiritual gifts and promoting corruption in an already morally decaying society. Yet, in same stroke, lectured him.

Last month, Fatoyinbo was teaching on why poverty could hinder a person’s ability to fully serve God.

Asking his congregation to focus, make money, so they they will be able to fully express their ministry. Because poverty kills ministry.

Then he hailed and in same breath said Apostle Babalola died poor, and his kids are no where. So, poverty kills ministry.

CAC in reaction added that, Babalola was not a poor man. As he drove the best cars, funded alot of people through education, businesses, skills, weddings etc.

And if he died a poor man as Fatoyinbo suggests, why did Queen Elizabeth II honor him in 1956, if he wore rags. Accordingly, his kids are old enough to be Fatoyinbo’s grand parents and 66yrs later, Babalola continues to impact lives.

They querried Fatoyinbo’s knowledge of the Bible. As his utterance goes against several teachings of the Bible itself. Reminded him that the measure of anointing is not in material wealth. And most of all, prayed wisdom for him.

Nigerians are in a split. Some feel CAC’s reply was unnecessary, as it only validates Fatoyinbo, and ignoring would have been better. Others thought the response was perfect and timely.

Babalola’s eldest daughter, Mama Ogini also responded to Fatoyinbo.

Tensions are mounting in Ibadan North Federal Constituency as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) exchange verbal salvos ahead of Saturday’s by-election.

In a series of statements released on Wednesday, both parties accused each other of plotting to manipulate the electoral process. The APC alleged that the PDP-led Oyo State government was deploying state resources and influence to intimidate voters and sway the outcome in its favour.

Responding, the PDP dismissed the claims as baseless, accusing the APC of desperation and attempting to discredit the electoral process ahead of the polls. The ruling party insisted that its track record in the constituency would earn it a convincing victory without resorting to malpractice.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured residents that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure a free, fair, and credible election. Security agencies have also pledged to maintain peace and order before, during, and after the vote.

The Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat became vacant following the death of its former representative, and political activities in the area have since intensified as both major parties rally supporters for what promises to be a keenly contested race.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda,
has affirmed Ogun State as a strong base of the APC, saying that Ogun people will demonstrate this by voting massively for the party in Saturday’s by-election in the state.

He also described the Gateway International Airport as a game changer capable of creating a new economy by opening the state to the outside world.

Prof. Yilwatda stated this at the airport on his way to Abuja after attending the grand finale campaign of the party’s candidate for Remo Federal Constituency, Hon. Adesola Elegbeji, in Sagamu on Thursday.

The Chairman described the airport as a representation of the progressive transformation nature of the APC.

“We have known the APC as a progressive party with progressive policies and programs, and this is one of them.

“Creating a new economy out of Ogun State, ensuring that Ogun State is open to the world, and that is the reason we are here: to ensure that the National Assembly from Ogun State is populated by the APC, and we are sure that we will achieve this.

“I am not trying to look down on any political party, but I don’t think there is any other political party aside from the APC; we have only one party.

“Anyone who votes for any other party aside from the APC is wasting their vote. I look forward to winning massively in Ogun State. It is our terrain, it is our state, it is our environment.”

He said it is the desire of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the state to align with the centre.

He added: “He wants your votes to be given to our candidate; he needs her to be part of the National Assembly.

“We want to have the West, we want to have the South, we want to have the North; we want the party to be a national party, and she is that voice, she is that person, she is that woman that we await in the National Assembly.”

Also speaking, Governor Dapo Abiodun assured residents of the Federal Constituency that adequate security measures have been put in place to enable them to exercise their franchise in Saturday’s by-election.

He called on the electorate to come out en masse and vote for the candidate of the party, as security has been beefed up for their safety.

He said: “I am the executive governor of this state, and by the power conferred on me, as the Chief Security Officer of this state, it would not be right if I did not ensure that necessary steps are taken to ensure that we have free, transparent, and successful elections.

“I believe the security architecture is fully briefed. This election will be peaceful; we will do anything to ensure that our citizens go out and exercise their franchise without anyone disturbing them.

“I have warned that if you are not planning to go out and vote peacefully, stay at home and stay away from the ballot boxes because we will deal with you decisively.”

Abiodun, who recalled the violence that characterized the 2023 general election and the local government elections—marked by thuggery, ballot box snatching, and attempted assassination by the opposition—vowed that similar occurrences would not be tolerated this time.

“We will not tolerate any disturbances of any kind, and the truth is that it is the APC that lost a House of Representatives seat, and we are simply trying to replace it with another woman.

“We are adequately prepared, as we have gone to every ward, and I have visited all the local government areas in the constituency, campaigning for our candidate. I have mobilized all and sundry, so I expect that come Saturday, the election will go peacefully, transparently, and it will be a landslide victory in favour of the APC,” he added.

Abiodun said his administration has done the needful to ensure inter-party tolerance and to avoid unnecessary heating of the polity, emphasizing that the peaceful atmosphere in the state has boosted its ranking as the foremost state in Foreign Direct Investment.

The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 governorship election in the state, who is now a member of the ruling party, Hon. Abdukabir Adekunle Akinlade, called on the people of Remoland to come out in large numbers and cast their votes for the APC candidate.

Also, the State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Hon. (Mrs.) Adeyemo Folashade, described Adesola Elegbeji as a capable woman who will bring the dividends of democracy to the people of Remoland, urging the people to come out in large numbers and vote for the APC.

The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has confirmed the death of a part-two medical student, Ajibola Ibitayo, who reportedly committed suicide.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Abiodun Olarewaju, made available to Oduduwa News on Thursday, stated that the student with the matriculation number: DEN/2021/023), committed suicide after failing his examinations.

Olarewaju said the results of examinations were released on Wednesday and it would have required Ibitayo to repeat Part Two for the second time.

“The entire community of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been thrown into mourning following the death of a Part Two student of the Faculty of Dentistry.

“The student, identified as Ajibola Ibitayo (Matriculation Number: DEN/2021/023), committed suicide after learning that the results of the last semester examinations, released yesterday, would require him to repeat Part Two for another academic year.

“The student, whose father is a medical doctor, reportedly injected himself at his parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State,” the statement read partly.

Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has stated that the proposed bill to regulate the relationship between landlords and tenants will reduce the agency fee or commission on annual rent from ten to five per cent if passed into law.
Oduduwa News reports that Obasa made this known on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, during a one-day public hearing on the bill.

Represented by the lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency, Stephen Ogundipe, Obasa said section 3(4) of the proposed tenancy law will make it an offence for any agent collecting more than five per cent of the annual rent.

The speaker stated that such an agent commits an offence punishable by a fine of ₦1 million, two years’ imprisonment, or both.

Obasa added that Lagos’ housing deficit had increased by 15 per cent, from 2.95 million units in 2016 to 3.4 million units in 2025.

He stated that over 70 per cent of Lagos residents are tenants, with many spending between 40 and 60 per cent of their income on rent.

According to Obasa, the bill will provide a framework for tenancy agreements, rent payment, property maintenance, and the process for recovery of premises.

He added that the legislation outlines clear eviction procedures to protect tenants from arbitrary evictions, which is essential for stability, especially for families and small businesses.

Section 3(4) of the draft of the proposed law reads, “A commission or agency fee in respect of any tenancy shall be agreed upon by the Agent and the Landlord or Tenant who engaged the agent, and the amount shall not exceed 5% of the amount paid as one year’s rent.”

However, professional bodies at the public hearing raised concerns over the five per cent agency fee limit, stating that it conflicts with established professional charges.

The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has confirmed the tragic killing of one of its students during an unauthorised sign-out ceremony in the town.

The deceased, identified as Marvelous Olanrewaju Babalola, a 300-level student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was reportedly shot on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Ultramodern Wazo Market football pitch in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

In a statement signed by the university’s Registrar, Mrs. Olayinka Balogun, LAUTECH expressed deep sorrow over the incident and disclosed that the school had banned all forms of sign-out celebrations since 2023 due to safety concerns.

“Despite repeated warnings and formal notices to students, including directives to hospitality facilities not to host such activities, some students still went ahead to organise the event. Sadly, it ended in the loss of a precious life,” the statement read.

Balogun added that the Acting Dean of Student Affairs promptly alerted the Oyo State Police Command, whose personnel from the Monitoring Unit and the Area Command responded to the scene. The victim’s body was conveyed to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital morgue after identification through personal items found in his bag.

The university pledged full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation and assured the public that the family of the deceased had been duly informed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of the late Marvelous Olanrewaju Babalola during this difficult time,” the statement added.

The Oyo State Police Command has yet to announce any arrests in connection with the killing, but investigations are ongoing.

Former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has kicked off a mass membership drive for the party in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos, urging Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the well-attended event, Aregbesola took a swipe at the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP), accusing all three of failing to deliver good governance and meaningful development. He described the ADC as a “fresh alternative” capable of resetting Nigeria on the path of progress.

“Go out and spread the gospel of the ADC to all Nigerians, especially in your local government areas. Tell them that a new vista of hope and opportunity awaits them in our party,” Aregbesola charged the crowd, promising incentives to boost mobilisation efforts.

In a clear defiance to President Bola Tinubu and the Lagos APC leadership, the former Osun State governor encouraged party members to embark on grassroots sensitisation, register as voters during the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continuous voter registration, and prepare to protect their votes in 2027.

The rally, which drew a large turnout despite initial delays, featured speeches, campaign songs, and solidarity chants. Key party figures in attendance included Lagos State ADC Chairman George Ashiru, Lagos State Influencer Rahman Owokoniran, and Kosofe LGA Influencer Funmi Onita-Coker, all of whom stressed the importance of mass mobilisation ahead of the polls.

Ashiru welcomed prospective members, pledging “honest and transparent leadership” and equal opportunities for both newcomers and existing members.