The doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, started a strike action on Monday due to poor working conditions and unpaid wages for the years 2016 and 2017.
The Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) chapter of the institution’s chairman, Ayobami Alabi, and secretary, Taiwo Alatishe, announced the start of the industrial action on Monday.
They claimed that their decision to stop working for the institution was based on a congressional resolution reached after the expiration of an earlier ultimatum.
The association noted that it had taken steps to protect the hospital from total collapse and to reposition it for better training, research, and services for which it was established, but that there was no assurance that the issues in dispute would be resolved anytime soon, either partially or completely.
The Oyo State House of Assembly has tasked the members of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Committee, OYSIEC on credible election and to ensure that all aspirants seeking elective positions in the proposed council election are given level playing field.
This position was made known today at the meeting of the House Committee on Local Government held with the officials of OYSIEC to deliberate on the released guidelines and time table for the conduct of proposed local government council election.
The meeting which was held today at the Caucus meeting chaired by the Chairman House Committee on Local Government, Hon. Akintunde Olajide AKT.
Hon. Akintunde AKT while giving his opening remark, thanked all the participants for deeming it fit to honour the committee’s invitation. He discussed briefly on the time table released by OYSIEC on the proposed Local Government Council election, he stated that the purpose of the gathering was to be intimated with the plans and preparations of the members of the OYSIEC on the released timetable.
In his words, while discussing the rationale behind the prompt release of the time table, the Chairman of OYSIEC, Alhaji Isiaka Olagunju SAN said it was necessary to conduct new election due to the fact that the tenure of office of the incumbent chairmen is gradually coming to end, he cited a section of the constitution, which empowers the Commission to reel out at least 360 days notification before the election day. He further made clarification on the timeframe by making reference to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of Osun OSIEC/opposition parties which ruled that notice of 60 days could be given as well.
Hon. Wale Gbadamosi popularly known as Wale Canada while speaking, asked the OYSIEC chairman to clarify the insinuation from certain quarters that the OYSIEC election would not give everybody level playing ground as there was a grand plan for “selection” as against “election”.
While reacting to the question, the OYSIEC Chairman said, when he was appointed to lead the Commission, he asked a direct question from Gov Makinde if he would allow him to operate freely and conduct free and fair election in which the Governor acceded to his request. He however expressed his displeasure to the inability of the opposition parties to participate in the last election having done everything possible to convince them of his mission to conducting free and fair election without any fear or favour.
“I am reiterating my commitment now in the presence of PRESS that the commission I am leading would not condone any act that is capable of jeopardizing the smooth conduct of peaceful, free and fair election.
“If you are looking for someone that would rig election, count me out, my stance at the commission is to ensure that everybody is given level playing ground”, said the OYSIEC Chairman.
Angry mob, in the early hours of Tuesday, set ablaze two yet-to-be-identified individuals who were said to be suspected armed robbers, at Popo bridge, Oke Ado area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Some eyewitnesses who spoke with our correspondent at the scene of the incident, described it as unfortunate, adding that the suspects were nabbed after snatching a motorcycle from the owner in the area.
“We heard the voice of someone seeking help and we rushed out and saw him bleeding from the side of his neck. We could hear him aloud saying he is under attack, help me pls,” an eyewitness told our reporter.
Another eyewitness, who also sought anonymity, disclosed that “The man told us they forcefully took his bike and snapped his neck with cutlass. The man said they already took the bike from me but they didn’t stop at that. They also wanted to take my phone which made me stand the ground and hold one of them right and call on people to come to my rescue.
“We immediately arranged for him to be taken to the hospital while we screamed for help from people in the neighborhood “.
“We chased them, they ran inside the bridge and we apprehended the two of them in the long run”.
The Oyo State House Committee on Local Government today met with the members of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Committee, OYSIEC to deliberate on the released guidelines and time table for the conduct of local government council election.
The meeting held today at the Caucus Room of the Oyo State House of Assembly and was chaired by the Chairman House Committee on Local Government, Hon. Akintunde Olajide AKT.
Hon. Akintunde AKT while giving his opening remark, thanked all the participants for deeming it fit to honour the committee’s invitation. He discussed briefly on the time table released by OYSIEC on the proposed Local Government Council election, he stated that the purpose of the gathering was to be intimated with the plans and preparations of the members of the OYSIEC on the released timetable.
In his words, while discussing the rationale behind the prompt release of the time table, the Chairman of OYSIEC, Alhaji Isiaka Olagunju SAN said it was necessary to conduct new election due to the fact that the tenure of office of the incumbent chairmen is gradually coming to end, he cited a section of the constitution, which empowers the Commission to reel out at least 360 days notification before the election day. He further made clarification on the timeframe by making reference to the Supreme Court judgement in the case of Osun OSIEC/opposition parties which ruled that notice of 60 days could be given as well.
“We followed the section of our law that stated 360 days should be given before the commencement of election and this brought about the release of time table on the 27th April, 2023 which will culminate into election on the 27th of April, 2024”, said OYSIEC Chairman.
Hon. Wale Gbadamosi popularly known as Wale Canada while speaking, asked the OYSIEC chairman to clarify the insinuation from certain quarters that the OYSIEC election would not give everybody level playing ground as there was a grand plan for “selection” as against “election”.
While reacting to the question, the OYSIEC Chairman said, when he was appointed to lead the Commission, he asked a direct question from Gov Makinde if he would allow him to operate freely and conduct free and fair election in which the Governor acceded to his request. He however expressed his displeasure to the inability of the opposition parties to participate in the last election having done everything possible to convince them of his mission to conducting free and fair election without any fear or favour.
“I am reiterating my commitment now in the presence of PRESS that the commission I am leading would not condone any act that is capable of jeopardizing the smooth conduct of peaceful, free and fair election.
“If you are looking for someone that would rig election, count me out, my stance at the commission is to ensure that everybody is given level playing ground”, said the OYSIEC Chairman.
House of Representatives Member and an aspirant for the Speakership of the House of Representatives, Aliyu Betara have accused Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila of picking someone who’s not popular to succeed him as the next Speaker.
Betara who was referring to Tajudeen Abass who has also being picked by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) as its consensus candidate for the speakership vowed to go ahead to contest for the speakership during his official declaration in Abuja.
He said, “Femi Gbajabiamila gave me a name, He called me the “Head Boy”. I was surprised when my boss (Femi Gbajabiamila) nominated Tajudeen Abass outside of all of us seated here.
“If today, the deputy Speaker of the House is contesting, the chairman appropriation is contesting, the majority leader is contesting, then who’s closer to the speaker ?
Betara went on to say that Gbajabiamila is picking someone (Abass) that most members of the 9th assembly don’t know.
Idris Wase, Alhassan Doguwa and other members of the House of Representatives were also present during the official declaration of Aliyu Betara to run for the Speakership of the House of Representatives.
The Arole Oduduwa, Ooni of Ife; Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II (CFR) has made an appeal to all Nigerian across the country regardless of their party affiliation to sheath their swords and work together with the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the progress of Nigeria.
Ooni Adeyeye made this call in Lagos while hosting a high delegation sent by Kenyan President His Excellency; William Ruto headed by Kenya’s Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Francis Koskie also Chairman Dangote Groups Alhaji Aliko Dangote, CEO of Propetrol Harry Ebohen, Governor of Ogun State; Prince Dapo Abiodun and Fintech Guru Kunmi Demuren who met with the president Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence where series of discussion was held on how Africa can synergize to bring about national development; creating a platform for prosperity through African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) while creating an innovative future for our young people.
Ooni said; ‘Nigeria remains Africa’s largest economy, most populous nation, and a political powerhouse. During my last visit, the Kenyan President assured me of his government’s unwavering determination to improve its nations’ and businesses’ footprints in Nigeria. Africa is the world’s engine, and we must remodel its priceless natural resources and safeguard its age-old wealth for our progress.
After the meeting with the Kenyan Government representatives and Nigeria’s business communities, Asiwaju Tinubu also showed his readiness to partner with other business leaders in his quest to transform Nigeria’s economy and also transit Nigeria from a consuming dependent economy to producing economy. Making recourse to Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s $20Billion Refinery which is set to commence operation fully by the end of the month. Asiwaju also committed his readiness to partner with East Africa most especially Kenya by creating a more robust partnership; rejigging its long relationship which will help both governments grow astronomically in trade, cultural exchange and intergovernmental development.
Ooni also averred that as the country transitions to a new government, it’s best for all hands to be on deck regardless of candidate choice and party affiliations as the election has gone and governance and putting Nigeria on the right path to greatness should be a collective effort. “As the presidential inauguration approaches, I beseech you all, young and old, Obidients and Atikulates, hopeful and weary, amiable and passionate, to lay down your arms. There is no reason to waste time looking back; all we have is today and the future. Now is the time to embrace our diversity and uniqueness. We may differ in opinions and approaches to achieving a better Nigeria, but we all want a nation we can be proud of. Let us come together to support the vision of Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua.’
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, May 8, 2023, dismissed the No-case submission filed by one Balami Abdullahi, who is being prosecuted by the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N15, 800,000.00 (Fifteen Million, Eight Hundred Naira).
The defendant allegedly defrauded one Alhaji Buba Kimba of the said sum by falsely representing to him that he had 40,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil to sell.
The defendant was accused of failing to deliver the product.
All efforts by the complainant to retrieve the money from him also proved abortive.
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, when he was first arraigned by the EFCC on Friday, December 13, 2019 before Justice Dada on two counts bordering on obtaining by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N15, 800,000.
In the course of the trial, the prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, called three witnesses through whom several documentary evidence were presented in court and thereafter closed its case in November 2022.
Rather than open his defence, the defendant opted to file a no-case submission.
Ruling on the no-case submission, Justice Dada dismissed it as lacking in merit, noting that a prima facie case had been established by the prosecution linking the defendant to the alleged offence.
“The no-case submission fails and is hereby dismissed and the defendant is called upon to open his case,” Justice Dada ruled.
The case has been adjourned till Monday, July 10, 2023 for defence.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Sunday, May 7, paid a courtesy visit to the Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka.
The visit comes weeks after Soyinka clashed with Obidients, a nickname for the supporters of Peter Obi.
Recall that Soyinka received heat from Obidients after he accused them of Fascism, adding that they don’t ‘entertain corrective criticism’. He also stated that he warned Obi that his supporters may cost him the election.
He further incurred the wrath of the Obideint movement after publishing an article in which he described the ‘Obidients’ as one of the ‘’most repulsive, off-putting concoctions I ever encountered in any political arena”
Putting aside the political issues, Obi paid Soyinka a courtesy visit on Sunday.
The Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II has declared the African traditional religion as world’s oldest religion which can not be inferior to any other religion.
The African foremost monarch made this declaration yesterday at Ile-Ife, Nigeria during the annual celebration of Osara Festival, ably represented by his culturally endowed Queen, Olori Folasade Ashley Ogunwusi who doubles as the ‘Yeye Omi’ of Ife Kingdom.
While addressing newsmen before proceeding to the ancient Osara Groove amid cheers from natives and residents of Ife, Olori Afolasade Ogunwusi explained that the festival is laced with immeasurable spiritual components since time immemorial.
Queen Ogunwusi eulogised her husband the Ooni as not only the natural father but also the spiritual head of the entire Oduduwa race worldwide who has relentlessly worked for the advancement of traditional culture and traditions of the African people, describing him as a living deity and incorruptible Pan Africanist who, though has maximum respect for other religions but who can never trade African traditional cultures and religions for anything.
In her festival message during the event, the Ooni’s UK trained Chartered Accountant wife explained the historical background of Osara and why she should always be celebrated.
She pointed out that Osara, one of the wives of Oduduwa who happened to be a friend to Olokun her co wife. She narrated the strong bond between Olokun and Osara, imploring Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of Unity for the greatness Nigeria.
“Many are here with several prayer requests which is an attestation of their firm belief in Osara which doesn’t fail its devotees.
“I hereby pray that the Almighty Olodumare answers all our prayers through Osara, a committed servant of God the creator.”
“Our culture is very rich and we must support our father The Ooni who has taken it upon himself to showcase our culture and traditions to the world. He was recently hosted by President LULA of Brazil for the unveiling of Annual ISESE DAY(African Religion Day).
“Osara was one of the wives of Ooni Oduduwa, she was a close friend of Olokun who was also a wife of Oduduwa. She is the goddess of lagoon while Olokun is the goddess of the sea. Osara is known for purity and loyalty and if people can just emulate the purity and the loyalty of Osara, the deity is still right there to give children to the barren, job to the job seekers, peace to the conflict region, strength to the weak and healing to the sick.” Queen Ogunwusi said.
In his speech at the event, the Olosara of Ife, Oba Isoro Isola Osunwusi who is the chief priest of the deity narrated that Osara is the mother of Oduduwa race whose several children including Okanbi became founders of several kingdoms globally.
“Osara was a very good friend of Olokun, therefore, for historical clarification, the popular rift that people always talk about between the duo was a normal polygamous issue which is normal but that did not make them enemies. Celebrating Osara annually is celebrating our race annually, Olosara said.
