Author: oduduwanews

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has explained how his administration blocked godfathers from milking the funds meant for the state.

In an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Adeleke said he was able to block all leakages to the extent that no godfather can take advantage of the system.

When asked how he was able to make money to carry out infrastructural projects despite the debt owed by the previous administration, Adeleye replied: “From taxes, from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). So we improved it, we changed the system. I blocked all the leakages to the extent that no godfather can take advantage of the system. Where it’s not necessary to spend money, I block it. I am a very prudent administrator. I check it myself, that is why I am successful. I didn’t owe anybody any favours because nobody financed my campaign.”

The governor also reeled out his achievements within the last two years in office as Osun leader.

“Two years with a lot of challenges. I was cheated in 2018. Everyone knew that I won that election but that one is over now. I went back to prepare more, and I believe in God. Then God said that my time will come and it was a street victory. It is not easy to defeat an incumbent in Africa, especially in Nigeria here. But I did, there’s nothing they could do about it. I see that as God telling me that it’s my time. A lot of people did not give me a chance because when I was a senator, they called me ‘dancing senator’, that oh, I will just go to the Government House. All I’ll be doing is to be partying. I mean, dancing every day, having parties and everything,” he said.

“Well, I didn’t listen to them because I know what I’m going to do. I laid out my blueprints silently and immediately I was sworn in, I began with action.

It was challenging at first. I first went around. I’m not a governor that sits around the office in the air conditioner. I put on my sneakers, my cap, and go around and inspect projects so that the contractors will know that I mean business.”

On probing the previous administration, Adeleke said he decided against taking any action, saying: “No, because if you try to do that, you will be wasting your time. I did not even probe anybody and the money they owed was crazy. I showed it to everyone, I even called all the obas (kings) that this is what I met on the ground. Osun State, with our little resources, owed close to N60 billion, apart from others that we discovered later. Why do I need to waste my time to start probing? So I just forgot about that and went straight to work.”

He also listed some of his accomplishments as governor of Osun state.

“Infrastructure is very important. I’m not doing the ones that people will see. I go inside villages and everything because our people are mostly farmers. And if they don’t have good roads, how are they going bring their goods to town? So that’s the first agenda. I made sure that I fit in the infrastructure, the roads and even bridges that I’m doing at the same time. The first plan that I had was N100 billion infrastructure plan but people believe that we’re just going to turn Osun State into the construction site and won’t be able to meet up. But guess what, two years, I met the target. If you come to Osogbo now, to other cities, I’ve done about 150 kilometres. As I’m doing it, I’m putting lights on the streetlight. When you come at night, it’s so beautiful. Everywhere you go, at least you have road construction. Every little town, we have at least 1.5 kilometres of roads, so you cannot say I did not touch anywhere.

“That makes me happy that I’m fixing the roads, fixing bridges in Osogbo. I am fixing bridges, fixing roads. In Ilesha, they’ve never had it so good.”

When asked if he collected any security vote, governor Adeleke said, “I don’t collect, it’s there. I use it like every month, whatever security challenge that we have.”

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended two drug kingpins who excreted a total of 125 wraps of heroin at the Port Harcourt International Airport and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

In a statement released on Sunday, Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, confirmed the arrests, stating that operatives successfully intercepted the illicit consignments before they could be smuggled into the country.

One of the suspects, identified as 30-year-old Onyekwonike Elochuckwu Sylvanus, was found to be using dual identities to facilitate his cross-border drug operations. He was also discovered to possess a Sierra Leonean passport under the name Kargbo Mohamed Foday.

The NDLEA continues its crackdown on drug trafficking, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to narcotics smuggling.

The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Saturday, met with the former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, at his Lagos residence.

While details of their discussion remain undisclosed, sources within the Osun chapter of the NNPP suggest that national politics was a key topic.

The meeting comes at a time when Aregbesola’s political future has become a subject of speculation following the recent exit of his loyalist group, Omoluabi Progressives, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State. The group cited victimization and internal conflicts as reasons for their departure, fueling rumors about their next political move.

Confirming the meeting, Osun NNPP Chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, emphasized its significance in shaping the country’s political landscape.

“The meeting reflected a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering national development. NNPP, as the third force in Nigeria’s political space, remains committed to making Nigeria great again,” Odeyemi stated.

With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the political alliance between Kwankwaso and Aregbesola may signal a major realignment in Nigeria’s opposition landscape. Observers are keenly watching for Aregbesola’s next move, as his departure from the APC could reshape the political dynamics in Osun and beyond.

The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has sealed a building in the Papa Ajao area of Mushin over the illegal storage and sales of retreaded tyres, citing serious environmental and safety concerns.

The premises, which had been unlawfully converted into a tyre storage and sales facility, were operating in a densely populated residential area, posing a significant risk to residents, especially school children in the neighborhood.

The Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known in a statement shared via his X handle on Friday, February 7.

“Following complaints from a concerned citizen, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has taken swift action to address a serious hazard at No. 6, Bello Street, Papa Ajao, Mushin. The premises in question had been illegally converted into a storage and sales facility for retreaded tyres, operating in a densely populated residential area, endangering residents, particularly the children attending the school,” the statement read.

The Ministry promptly sealed the building to prevent further risk and ensure compliance with environmental and urban planning regulations. This action highlights the importance of vigilance and community participation in reporting illegal or hazardous activities that threaten public safety.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental and planning laws to protect residents and maintain orderly urban development. Authorities urged citizens to report similar violations to relevant agencies to promote a safer and more sustainable Lagos.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved Governor Seyi Makinde’s request to seek for the release of the state entitlement on the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) from the federal government.

The request was contained in a letter forwarded by the governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to the House of Assembly and read by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi, who presided over the plenary session on Thursday.

The House gave the approval after the motion was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin and Seconded by the Chief Whip, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola.

Governor Seyi Makinde, in the letter appeal to the Federal Government to authorize the Federal Ministry of Finance to release the state entitlement from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) from 1999 to date.

The governor disclosed further that the entitlement, when released will enable the state to utilize it for various developmental projects, infrastructure and interventions in the state.

Passing the resolution of the House, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi, therefore, granted the approval as requested by the governor, Engr Seyi Makinde.

He expressed the readiness of the state House of Assembly to align with the executive arm of government on ideas, principles and policies that will bring development to the state.

The Ogun State Police on Thursday arraigned nine protégés of popular singer Habeeb Okikiola, known as Portable, before a Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, Abeokuta.

They were charged with allegedly assaulting officers from the Ota Zonal Planning office of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Those arraigned include Nurudeen Warris, 21; Adetola Alashe, 25; Samuel Adeleke, 28; Oluwaseun Ayenuwa, 19; Oluwapelumi Adeosun, 20; Gospel Kanu, 20; Precious Ohiegebo, 19; Ifeoluwa Babatunde, 27; and Fatimo Muhammed, 26.

The defendants were arraigned on five counts, including felony, assault, and restriction.

They were also accused of being armed with cutlasses and guns, engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and having the intent to kill.

However, they entered a not guilty plea to the allegations that were brought against them.

Sunday Ekong, the Police Prosecutor, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Oke-Osa in Tigbo Ilu, Sango-Ota, Ogun State.

Ekong equally said, “The defendants and Portable, who is at large, unlawfully assaulted, restricted and obstructed one Abidemi Onabanjo, Ramon Lateef, and Akinpelumi Oyero, who are town planners.

“The defendants and Portable assaulted the three town planning officers while performing their lawful duties at the Odogwu Bar being owned by Portable, a popular hip-pop musician.”

He went on to say that the accused and the musician were armed with dangerous weapons.

Ekong further stated that the defendants acted in a way that could disrupt public peace and had the intent to harm the town planning officers.

He then stated that the acts committed violated Sections 516, 356(3), 80, 249(d), and 320 of the Criminal Code laws of Ogun 2006.

In her ruling, Magistrate Mrs. O.M. Somefun granted the defendants bail in the amount of N5 million each, with sureties who are licensed bondsmen registered with the Ogun State Government.

She subsequently postponed the case to March 17, for a hearing.

The artiste had voiced his frustration after the Ogun State Government shut down his incomplete building and hotel.

A letter shared on the singer’s social media page stated that the government’s action was prompted by the alleged illegal development carried out without an approved permit.

Portable claimed that the government’s raid led to the arrest of more than 20 people, including artistes, customers, and individuals who had come to seek his assistance.

He also alleged that the authorities confiscated cars, bikes, and phones during the raid.

The singer stated that he was using the building to host events and shows, rather than solely for selling drinks.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the transition of the Alaperu of Iperu-Remo, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu-Basibo, as a deeply shocking, irreplaceable personal loss.

Abiodun, a prince of Iperu-Remo kingdom, added that even though he was still trying to come to terms with the news of the passing of the royal father, he acknowledged the immutability of the counsel of Almighty God whose decision on human life no mortal can question.

Abiodun, who described the late monarch as a royal father, friend and confidante, said he was devastated to learn of the sudden passing of the highly distinguished, revered and beloved traditional ruler whose reign brought peace and prosperity to Iperu-Remo kingdom, Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

He said: “To say the very least, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu-Basibo was a paragon of excellence. From his primary education at St James Primary School to his A-level at programme at The Polytechnic, Ibadan; University College London where he studied marine economics, the diploma programmes in importing and exporting at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, and his PhD programme at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu-Basibo demonstrated undiluted excellence, which also hallmarked his distinguished career at the Customs Service in Europe that spanned two decades.

“His reign brought remarkable progress and development to Iperu-Remo kingdom in so many areas, from infrastructure development to economic advancement, and the expansion of the borders of peace and progress.

” He was a man of great grace who carried himself with dignity and saw to the wellbeing of his people at all times, regardless of creed or political affiliation. He will be sorely missed.”

Ex Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi has commended President Bola Tinubu for making tough decision though he could have done enough to make life better for the people of the country.

Fayemi, who has not been in good term with Tinubu, said that the president meant well for the country. He was on Channels Television Politics Today on Thursday.

“He (Tinubu) is well-meaning but well-meaning is not enough in leadership; intentionality is critical to success.”

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done many good things, we all must acknowledge that. He’s been bold to take on some of the most difficult decisions that previous leaders have been reluctant to take on.

“The fallout of those decisions has caused us huge cost of living crisis. Fuel subsidy removal, convergence of FX window.

“Whether you talk about student loan or other efforts at resisting insurgency, taming insecurity, tax policy reform, increase revenue into the federal coffers, some elements are there but need to come together.

“This is where effective policy framework go side by side with leadership acumen to get a change of narrative to the story. Maybe that’s the area where we need to do lots more.”

The community of Iperu Remo in Ogun State is gripped with devastation following a circulating news that His Royal Majesty, Oba Idowu Basibo (Odoru V), the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, has passed away. The unsettling news broke on the evening of February 6, 2025, sending shockwaves throughout the community.

According to local sources, the news of the king’s death has ignited deep-seated cultural fears among the indigenous people, primarily due to the subsequent ritual rites mandated by tradition. Among these rites is the Oro, a solemn observance that requires every woman in the community to remain indoors until the rituals are fully performed. This practice, rooted in longstanding cultural beliefs, has intensified the emotional impact of the news.

The situation is further compounded by the poignant timing of the alleged death. It is reported that Oba Basibo’s passing comes exactly one year after the interment of his beloved wife, Olori Kehinde Idowu Basibo-Odoru, adding another layer of grief and reflection for the people of Iperu Remo. The close succession of these events has left the community in a state of mourning, with many struggling to reconcile the cultural significance of both losses.

Local leaders have yet to confirm the veracity of the rumour. However, community members are bracing themselves for the possibility of traditional rites being conducted, which could further restrict the daily activities of the residents, particularly affecting women who are expected to adhere to the Oro injunction.

At present, the community is in a wait-and-see mode as they monitor updates from the palace and local authorities. In the meantime, the mood remains somber, with many expressing hope that clear and accurate information will soon emerge to either confirm or dispel the rumour.

The coming days are expected to be critical as elders and traditional custodians of the culture deliberate on the next steps in accordance with customary laws. Residents are advised to stay tuned to official channels for further announcements regarding the status of His Royal Majesty and the forthcoming ritual rites.

Strong indications emerged on Wednesday that President Bola Tinubu may have finally stepped back from the ongoing crisis surrounding the Lagos State House of Assembly speakership following intense pressure from influential personalities and concerned citizens.

The leadership of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) had dispatched a high-powered delegation to Abuja to brief Tinubu on the outcome of its meeting with 39 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The meeting, which was moderated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aimed to resolve the leadership crisis that had divided the party.

However, the GAC delegation was unable to meet with the President in person, as he was preoccupied with state matters and preparations for an official visit to France. Instead, the matter was reportedly settled via a telephone conversation, where it was decided that the status quo would remain, allowing Mojisola Lasbat Meranda to continue as Speaker.

The crisis began when former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was removed in absentia by 32 out of 40 members of the Assembly on January 13, 2025. His removal, based on allegations of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness, was met with mixed reactions from the GAC, party faithful, and the general public. Obasa’s deputy, Meranda, was immediately installed as Speaker, a move that reportedly displeased President Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The GAC, led by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, convened an emergency meeting on Monday with the lawmakers in a bid to resolve the crisis. During the meeting, the majority of lawmakers reaffirmed their support for Meranda’s leadership.

Despite Tinubu’s reported preference for a Speaker from Lagos West—citing the need for regional balance since both the Governor and Speaker hail from Lagos Central—lawmakers rejected the proposal. Approximately 20 lawmakers from Lagos West, despite offers of strategic political concessions, declined to challenge Meranda’s leadership, insisting that the legislative arm should function independently in line with Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES developmental agenda.

With the President backing down and the GAC unable to overturn the Assembly’s decision, Meranda’s position as Speaker appears secure, at least for now. This outcome underscores a shift in political dynamics within the Lagos APC, highlighting the Assembly’s growing autonomy in governance matters.