oduduwanews, Author at Oduduwa News

December 29, 2022December 29, 2022

Slain Lagos Lawyer, Bolanle Raheem Was Expecting Twins – Husband Insists

Lagos lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem, who was killed on Christmas Day by an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), was expecting twins, her husband, Gbenga said.

Bolanle was shot in the chest by the trigger-happy cop at Ajiwe, Ajah area of the state while returning home from church service with her family.

It was learnt that Bolanle, who left a five-year-old daughter, conceived again after years of trying.

Her husband disclosed this during the visit of the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to their Ajah residence on Tuesday December 27.

Secretary of the Ikeja NBA, Issa Adedokun, who reported on their visit, said Mr. Raheem confirmed his wife was four months pregnant with twins.

Adedokun said the NBA Ikeja delegation was led by Vice Chairman, Mrs. Amadigwe-Dike, who heads the Human Rights Committee.

During the visit, Mr. Gbenga Raheem, husband of the deceased narrated how his darling wife was shot by a police officer from Ajiwe police station, Ajah on their way back from a family Christmas outing.

“The most unpleasant part of the story is that our late colleague was four months pregnant with a set of twins,” Adedokun said.

The committee also paid a visit to the Ajiwe police station on a fact-finding mission and confirmed that the police officer in question has since been arrested and detained for further investigation.

“Our able Chairman also led the delegation of some members of NBA to the Commissioner of Police on the directive of the President of the Bar.

“While with the Commissioner of Police, he assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and any officer(s) found culpable in this dastard act will be brought to justice.

“We plead with our members to remain calm over this matter, be rest assured that the case will not be swept under the carpet, as our branch is already collaborating with other branches in Lagos State to ensure that our late colleague gets justice in this case.

“Be further assured that we will keep you updated as prompt as possible on further development over the matter.” Adedokon added.

December 29, 2022December 29, 2022

Assassination: PDP Making False Allegation Because They Are Jittery Of Members’ Defection – Oyo APC

The current vice chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo West Local Government Area, Alhaji Mumini Azeez, and Mr. Wumi Oladeji led hundreds of PDP leaders and members in Oyo Federal Constituency into the All Progressives Congress (APC) today at Oyo town in what has been described as serious depletion to the ranks of the ruling party in the state.

This was made known via a statement made available to ODUDUWA NEWS by the Spokesman of APC in Oyo State, Olawale Sadare as read in part:

“The loss of party faithful to Oyo APC did not only affect the PDP as leaders and members of Accord Party, African Democratic party (ADC) and Action Democratic Party (ADP) also defected to further populate the Broom Party which has indicated its readiness to defeat all the candidates of other political parties in the 2023 general election. The monumental welcoming of defectors into the APC took place at the Open Ground at Methodist Primary School, Apaara, Oyo.

“Other defectors who moved into the APC with hundreds of their followers include; Alhaja Ejide Saka (ADC), Mrs. Olawumi Kola (PDP), Mr. Nurudeen Abule (Accord), Mrs Olaide Akande Damo (ADP), Pastor Sulola Taiwo (Accord), Mrs Eniola Oyelere (Accord), Mr. Mustapha Sakiru, Mrs Fatimo (ADP) among others. They were also received by the APC candidate for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, the House of Representatives candidate for Afijio/Atiba/Oyo East/Oyo West, Hon. (Prince) Akeem Adeyemi and Hon. Kazeem Tunde Arole.

“The vice chairman of the PDP in Oyo West, Alh. Azeez, described his former party as a haven of deceit where no reasonable citizen should ply his politics. His words; “The state governor who is also the leader of Oyo PDP is full of deceit and pretence. He takes advantage of people’s patience and loyalty to enslave them. We suffered a lot in his hand and we are now sending a message to him that the masses will pay him back at the poll very soon”.

“Former Chairman of Akinyele Local Government Area and the Deputy Director-General of Oyo APC 2023 Campaign Council, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, represented the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Teslim Folarin, at the ceremony which was graced by other party leaders which included; Alh. Tajudeen Olanite (State Secretary), Olawale Sadare (State Publicity Secretary), Alh. Yinka Folarin, Hon. Femi Akintunde, Hon. Segun Taiwo, Hon. Billy Ogundele, Chief Ogundijo Ogundiran, Chief E. O Olaoye, and Chief Sunday Elegbede”.

Meanwhile, Oyo APC has faulted a story being circulated by the PDP that it masterminded the reported killing of one Mudashiru Baraka in Oyo town on Wednesday claiming that those making the accusation should be investigated if such ugly incident ever occured as orchestrated.

Reacting to the development through its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC condemned what it described as the ruling party’s penchant for playing politics with issues relating to security of lives and properties in the state. “Oyo town is not a recluse as it populated by good people who lived in peace and tranquility until the present PDP administration of Gov Seyi Makinde came with its mission of domestic terrorism.

“For the avoidance of doubt, some leaders of our great party (APC) were in Oyo town to welcome some defectors from the PDP, Accord and other parties. The ceremony went well and everybody present including the some of our candidates and leaders as well as party supporters enjoyed the atmosphere which was devoid of violence or tension. We do not know of any violent attack recorded in Oyo town yesterday and as such, we urge the State Police Command to investigate the allegation with a view to establishing the fact and punishing the culprits particularly those making false allegations against our Party.” Sadare said.

December 29, 2022December 29, 2022

Slain Lawyer: Police Suspends Errant Officer, Hints On Dismissal, Prosecution As Next Action

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, NEAPS, fdc, CFR, has recommended the immediate suspension of Assistant Superintendent of Police Drambi Vandi, the officer attached to the Ajah Divisional Headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command, responsible for the shooting and killing of Barrister Omobolanle Raheem while waiting for the detailed report on the incident. The IGP noted that the recommendation for the suspension of the officer is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force.

The IGP further noted that the suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for necessary legal procedures to uphold justice in the case without interference. The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.

Meanwhile, the IGP has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the Rule of Law and assured the public of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that justice is not just done but seen to have been manifestly done in the matter. He therefore appeals to the public to be calm as all hands are on deck to ensure justice prevails while measures have been put in place to prevent future occurrences.

December 28, 2022December 28, 2022

Gov Akeredolu Visits Eyitayo Jegede, Condoles Him Over Mother’s Death

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, on Wednesday visited the two-time governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, over the death of his mother, Mama Caroline Olutola Jegede.

Governor Akeredolu, who had earlier called and sent condolence letter, led the deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and other members of the State Executive Council to the Akure family house of Eyitayo Jegede to condole him and other members of his family.

The Governor and his entourage were received by Mr. Jegede, his wife, Mrs Eno Jegede and other family members.

Arakunrin Akeredolu noted that Mama Caroline Jegede departed at a ripe age of 96 years.

He charged the children of the late nonagenarian to thank God for surviving their mother, adding that it is a thing of joy.

He said: “We are not here to mourn with you. We are here to congratulate you. Mama has gone at the ripe age. We should thank God because when we survive our aged parents, we should be grateful.

“All the seven children are here and alive today. We should thank God. The issue is that when God gives us the opportunity, we should thank God. I am here to commiserate and congratulate you on surviving mama.”

Governor Akeredolu assured the PDP chieftain of the support of the state government for the burial ceremony of mama Caroline Jegede.

According to the Governor, Jegede, having served as the Attorney-General of the state, deserves all the respect and support from the state government.

His words: “I want to say that we will be here to support you for the burial. I must note this, when my mother died, you visited me. You came to the house during the wake keep. You were at the church. You have always shown me a lot of respect.

“We have come a long way. Politics can not separate us. You are somebody that I have a lot of respect for. The state should give you a lot of respect and support too. You have served this state.”

Responding, Jegede, who thanked the Governor, his deputy and other members of the State Executive council, described the visit as a great honour.

He said the relationship between him and Governor Akeredolu is beyond politics, adding that he has huge respect for the Governor.

“Let me start by thanking you, sir, for this honour. I know it is out of genuine love and respect. You have always shown me love and respect.

“I thank you. When mama died, you called me. And I later got a letter of condolence from your office. And now you are here personally with the deputy Governor and members of the state executive council. It can’t be more than this. This is a great honour. I do not belong to the APC. But you have honoured me.

“What is happening is beyond politics. I have so much respect for you. You have been President of the Bar, my own President. You have been our leader and you have never disappointed us.

“Politics will come, politics will go. Before politics, we were somewhere. You have made your marks before you came into politics. I thank you for the love you have shown to my family,” Jegede said.

Jegede also informed the Governor that the family has fixed January 27 and 28, 2023 for the final funeral ceremony of his late mother.

December 28, 2022December 28, 2022

Assassination: Oyo PDP Blames APC For Member’s Death, Wants Culprits Brought To Book

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state has accused the state chapter of All Progressives Congress APC of sponsoring a ‘Killer-squard’ to assassinate Mudashiru Baraka, a member of the PDP and grassroots mobilizer in Oyo town.

Lamenting the sustained attacks allegedly backed by some individuals in the opposition party, the ruling PDP said others who escaped from the scene sustained various degrees of injuries while appealing to the state Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Williams, to bring culprits of the dastardly acts to justice expeditiously.

A statement by the State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Akeem Olatunju on Wednesday December 28 indicated that the deceased was murdered in cold blood at his family house in Oyo town at the early hour of Wednesday and the matter has already been reported at Durbar Police Station in Oyo.

It would be recalled that the ruling PDP in the state recently raised the alarm after series of such security alert over replacements of Governor Makinde’s billboard banner with that of the presidential and vice presidential candidates of the APC.

The Oyo Central Senatorial Candidate of PDP, Chief Lukman Oyebisi Ilaka’s campaign organization also raised similar alarm two weeks ago when the billboard belonging to Chief Ilaka was deliberately obstructed from public views by another APC billboard in Surulere local government area under the same Senatorial district.

However, the late Baraka who was from ward 4 Tengba, Oyo East Local Government, according to the PDP, had gone to his family house in the spirit of the yuletide to celebrate with his parent Wednesday morning.

The ruling party added that PDP members who are witnesses present at the scene of the event told the party that the deceased was waylaid and threatened by notorious thugs who are APC supporters led by their gang leader popularly known as ‘Ade Ilaka’ after which the deceased reported the threats to Operation Burst in the area.

The security personnel of Operation Burst were said to have accompanied the deceased back to his family house to effect necessary security action but the assailants have absconded, the ruling party added.

The ruling PDP explained that after Personnel of Operation Burst had departed the area, the assailants however, returned more viciously and aggressively to the family house of the deceased where he was murdered in cold blood.

The Oyo state PDP said, the do or die approach by APC and some of its candidates in Oyo state may plunge the state into an avoidable theater of political war if not urgently arrested stressing that the party’s calmness and peaceful disposition to the already heightened political campaign was in the spirit of peace, freedom of the people to elect whoever they want as their leaders and particularly the peace accord that have restrained its members from resorting to self help in the face of imminent threats.

“It is very unfortunate that despite the peace accord APC jointly entered into alongside other political parties in the state ahead of the 2023 general elections, the opposition party has continued in its sustained and coordinated attacks against our members in its usual manner.

“We are aware that these attacks are fully backed by certain individuals including some of APC candidates who are not only desperate to win the 2023 election by either ‘hook or crook’ but also do so at whatever cost.

“Apart from being a very peaceful party, we also feel obligated and duty bound to the peace and tranquility in the state and more especially, the peace accord signed at the state police headquarters. We also know that actions and inactions of political players are inimical to the success or failure of the 2023 general elections.

“It is in this knowledge that we have deliberately restrained ourselves from reacting to needless provocations and threats by the APC in Oyo state. The opposition party has shown nothing but unrestrained desperation, utter recklessness, sheer political brigandage which is daily heightening the political campaign ahead of 2023.

“The gruesome killing of our members, Mudashiru Baraka, a PDP member from wars 4 Tengba, Oyo East local government is one that will not be allowed to be swept under the carpet. This is so because we have consistently raised series of alarms to forestall such ugly occurrence with no definite outcome.

“These have further emboldened APC in Oyo state and some of its candidates perhaps in the consciousness that it controls government at the centre to recklessly engage in such dastardly acts all in the spirit of winning elections at all cost. We need to once again remind APC in Oyo state that it is not the only opposition party in the 2023 race and must not turn Oyo state to a theatre of political war with the needless attacks and killings of perceived superior opponents.

“We call on the state Commissioner of Police who has done creditably well to bring about the relative peace in the state, to immediately step in and expedite action that will guarantee culprits of Baraka’s gruesome murder are brought to justice.” The ruling PDP stated.

December 28, 2022December 28, 2022

PDP Member Assassinated In Oyo

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Mudashiru Baraka, has been reportedly assassinated.

He was said to have been killed by rival political thugs on Wednesday morning in Oyo town.

It was gathered that Baraka, a PDP grassroots mobiliser in the town, was macheted to death by his assailants at his father’s house in the morning.

Efforts to get police reactions through the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, proved abortive as his mobile number was not reachable.

December 28, 2022December 28, 2022

PDP Crisis: Makinde, Wike, Other Aggrieved Govs To Announce Support For Peter Obi In January

There are strong indications that the five aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party governors may endorse their preferred presidential candidate on January 5, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

It was gathered on Tuesday that the governors, who are presently meeting in London, United Kingdom, might be influenced by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s advice that the Presidency should come to the South-East in 2023.

Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu states and some political heavyweights from the South had parted ways with the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his alleged refusal to prevail on the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu to resign after Atiku, a northerner clinched the presidential ticket of the party.

The governors insisted that Ayu’s resignation would ensure a balance in the leadership of the main opposition party.

Although Atiku and the governors held several meetings in Nigeria and the UK, there was no headway as they insisted on Ayu’s removal from office as a precondition for peace.

However, in deciding on the presidential candidate to support, a top source informed the newsmen that the governors might heed Obasanjo’s counsel that they should endorse the Labour Party presidential standard bearer, Peter Obi.

The former President had met with the governors in London in August where he reportedly lobbied for Obi.

Giving a background on the factors that might sway their decision, an aide to one of the governors stated, “The governors are considering Obasanjo’s advice that the Presidency should come to the South in 2023. Obasanjo has advised them to support Obi because he believes that if the Presidency comes to the South, it should go to the South East.

“That is why at their last meeting in London, he lobbied for Obi because justice and fairness demand that South-East should produce the next president.’’

Asked when the governors, known as Integrity Group would unveil their preferred candidate, the source said, “From all indications, the governors will announce their preferred candidate next week. If there is no major event before January 5 when Makinde will kick off his campaign, they will make the announcement on that day in Ibadan.’’

An aide to another governor dismissed reports that the group were divided over the choice of the presidential candidate to endorse.

According to the source, at the London meeting on Tuesday, the governors agreed that since Atiku failed to prevail on Ayu to step down, they should work for a southern candidate.

No division
Speaking on the alleged cracks in the rank of the governors, the source stated, “Not really, but they have different approaches to the issue. Some of them have nothing against Atiku. But none of the governors will come out to speak against the joint decision of the group that the presidency should come to the South. If Ayu has stepped down, they would have supported Atiku.’’

But other sources are insisting that the unity of the Integrity Group may be hanging by a thread, as there seems to be a crack in the fold.

The contention, it was learnt, involves who to support between Obi and the All Progressives Congress standard bearer, Bola Tinubu.

Wike had said at several fora that nobody can break the ranks of the G5, adding that attempts to do so by their detractors had collapsed.

It was learnt that the ambition of Ortom, who is gunning for the Senate and Makinde, who is seeking a second term in office may be hanging in the balance as a result of their faceoff with Ayu.

Besides this, the Benue State governor had not hidden his love and preference for the former Anambra State governor whom he said could deliver Nigeria.

December 28, 2022December 28, 2022

Ogun Female Students Directed By Islamic Leaders To Begin Wearing Of Hijabs January 9

Islamic leaders direct female students to wear hijabs to schools in Ogun, bemoan dearth of Islamic Religious Knowledge teachers in public schools

The League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State has asked “desiring and willing” female Muslim students in the state to start wearing Hijabs to public schools in the state when they resume for second term on January 9, 2023.
The pronouncement, according to the league, followed recent interactions with the state government and was made public in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi, on Tuesday.

The statement which was issued after the league’s December general meeting noted that “desiring and willing female Muslim students could adorn white colour shoulder length hijab as they resume for the second term of the 2022/2023 academic session on Monday 9th January, 2023 and henceforth without any fear of molestation or punishment.”

The group also pointed out that “all doubts or controversies on the matter have been put to rest by the pronouncement of the Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which reaffirmed the rights of Muslim students in Nigerian schools to use hijab as they so wished.”

The Muslim Ummah called on the state government to warn teachers and school heads to desist from depriving Muslim female students their human rights and accept the approval of the use of hijab in schools.

“We request the state government to warn overzealous and religious intolerant individuals among school heads and teachers as well as others who might want to take laws into their own hands by preventing Muslim students who are willing to express their fundamental human right.

“The Muslim Community had noted the previous intolerance and disdain from non-Muslim teachers and heads of schools against Muslim students on this matter, which include (but not limited to) molestation, affliction of physical injury and many forms of harassment.

“The hitherto tolerance from Muslims has been taken for granted and the Muslim community will not hesitate to take necessary actions against any individual that could frustrate the desire and the efforts in the exercise of the rights of any Muslim in any form or guise,” the statement further read.

It also frowned at the compulsory teaching on Christian Religious Knowledge to all students in some public schools as well as the dearth of Islamic Religious Knowledge teachers in public schools.

While pointing out that the constitution made it clear that educational instructions should not be given to anyone on a religion other his/her own, the religious leaders asked the state government to deploy Islamic Studies teachers to schools across the state to teach the subject.

“We appeal to the state government to follow this up with necessary instructions to the heads of schools to make them understand that Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution identifies no state religion and as such they should all desist from any act(s) that could create religious animosity in the state.

“The League of Imams and Alfas and the entire Ummah in Ogun State appreciate and respect other religions and their adherents and will continue to do so for our peaceful coexistence and stable religious atmosphere in Ogun State especially because there is no compulsion in religion. Together we can sustain the state in its stead as a model among the comity of states in the country,” the statement added.

December 27, 2022December 27, 2022

Popular Yoruba Actor, Sir Kay-Kamoru Is Dead

Popular Nollywood Actor, Alhaji Kamal Adebayo, popularly known as Sir Kay-Kamoru is dead.

Adebayo was the father of skit maker, Isbaeu Barbie and also a prominent transport union member in Lagos.

Actor Yomi Fabiyi confirmed his demise in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

“O di gba kan naa, Sir K Warrior. Wabili Kabbar. RIP senior man,” he wrote.

While the cause of his death is yet to be known, his colleagues and close associates have turned to their social media pages to express their grief.

The actor was a close acquaintance of the Chairman of the Lagos State Parks Management Committee, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya better known as MC Oluomo.

December 27, 2022December 27, 2022

Ex-Iseyin Council Chair, Alaran Organizes Special Islamic Prayer For Ariwoola, Raji, Alege, Others

The former Chairman Of Iseyin local government and Deputy Governorship candidate under the African Democratic Congress in the 2019 election, Alhaji Saheed Alaran has on Tuesday, organized a special Muslim prayer for the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kayode Ariwoola at Iseyin.

The focus of the prayer which had the Chief Imam of Iseyin local government, Alhaji Akeem Babatunde Olajori and members of the Iseyin League of Imam and Alfas in attendance was for God’s guidance and protection over the CJN in his national duties.

The prayer point was also centered on prominent sons and daughters of Iseyin community like Barrister Raji Ahmed SAN, who Alaran described as a strong pillar for the development of Oyo State, Oke-Ogun and Iseyin community.

Others that were prayed for at the occasion are the Nigerian envoy to Ukraine, Ambassador Shina Alege, Barrister Jelili Owonikoko SAN, Barrister Bimbo Atilola among many others.

In his words, Alaran said the prayer was important as the CJN has a national calling to rebuild the judicial system in Nigeria, so as to make justice available to all without segregation, adding that the distraction that followed his elevation was from elements that forgot that Nigeria remained a country that could only survive its current challenges by working on the unity of its tribal sections.

“The prayer is important because our brother who has assumed a national position upon which our country’s judicial system is anchored for survival and rebirth, he has gotten all that is needed to achieve the height and he has gotten there, what remains is for God Almighty to guide, protect and support him in all his doings.

“Also, we are here to pray for our brother who is the face of Oke-Ogun and Iseyin, a respected legal practitioner and philanthropist per excellence, Alhaji Ahmed Raji SAN, Oke-Ogun and Iseyin need him more now that development has started coming our way, may he never misstep, may all God continue to replenish him with wisdom and capabilities to do more for the people.

“So did we pray for others like Ambassador Shina Alege, Barrister Jelili Owonikoko and other sons and daughters of this community at home and abroad that are making us proud in their different endeavors.”

The Chief Imam of Iseyin, Alhaji Akeem Babatunde Olajori while praying, cautioned those he said were out to play politics with the future of Nigeria by attacking the CJN to desist, otherwise they would attract the wrath of Allah.

Olajori said the news of some people, sponsoring opposition against the CJN came to him as a shock in a nation that proclaimed unity as the bedrock of its existence.

“God is not a God of tribe, he created all equal and assigned everyone with his or her own time, why would they raise eyebrow when it is legitimately the turn of our own son? Although we appreciate the President of Nigeria for not allowing tribal sentiment get in his way and pray that the time of Justice Ariwoola will be favorable to our nation at large.”

The Ikolaba of Iseyinland, High Chief Ismahil Odubiyi Tikalosoro said the focus of the prayer was not only on the CJN, Barrister Ahmed Raji and other sons and daughters of Iseyin that have made national marks, but also for a prosperous Iseyin going forward.

He prayed that God Almighty will take control of the selection process of the new Aseyin of Iseyin, which he said has gotten to a considerable level.

Present at the prayer gathering were other traditional Chiefs and community leaders like retired Colonel John Ayegbonyin Fagbire and Alhaji Olanrewaju Azeez of the Iseyin Elders’ Council among many others.