oduduwanews, Author at Oduduwa News

June 11, 2022June 11, 2022

Owo Terror Attack Was A Message To Yoruba Land – Soyinka

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Friday received Nobel laureate and renowned playwright, Prof. Wole Soyinka in his office, Alagbaka, Akure.

Prof. Soyinka was at the Governor’s office on a condolence visit over the terror attack in Owo, last Sunday.

He described the terror attack as a message, adding that “We are dealing with people who are obsessed with domination; it is in their blood, it is in their Creed, their psyche that they need to dominate.”

**Waterfield Luxury Hotel, Akobo, Ibadan**

The Nobel laureate noted that the attack was on Governor Akeredolu who has been showing leadership in terms of internal liberation.

“He was targeted and there is no question about that. It was not an accident, and it is passing a massage to the rest of us. That is why I’m here. I want the Governor to know that we have received the message. We understand it and we came to sympathize with him that he was selected as a medium of that message.

“So, the answer we must give to the message we all received is that we are not slaves. Here, on our own soil, having had the experience of century of disdain, contempt about us as black poeple. Again some characters come along calling themselves whatever, ISWAP, Boko Haram. So, all those groups including those who are just opportunists – the herdsmen, they are making a mistake. I want the Governor to realize they are making a mistake.

“I have been on this issue for quite some times. This invasion has been on and these herdsmen are all over the forests. At a time we thought it was Boko Haram, we didn’t know that Fulani herdsmen were capitalising on the fundamentalist insurgency and brutality.

“And that is why we see a nexus of operation between ISWAP, Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen.They work singularly, individually and they work collectively. I Know Ondo State has always been at the forefront of awareness.” Prof. Soyinka said.

Governor Akeredolu appreciated the Nobel laureate
for the condolence visit, saying that the state will remain hugely indebted to him.

“It is a cause that he has dedicated his life to, and I thank God for his life. The state wants to appreciate you for finding time to come at this hours of grieve.

“This is like a dagger drawn to our heart, and it is an assault on our psyche. The psyche of those of us in the South-West and Western Region.

“I think they think they can create some fears in us but they made a mistake because this will make us more fierce in our condemnation of their actions. And we are not hiding it.” Governor Akeredolu said.

June 11, 2022June 11, 2022

Killers of Fasoranti’s daughter to die by hanging

Three persons involved in the killing of Olufunke Olakuri, daughter of Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, have been sentenced to death by hanging.

They were sentenced by an Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure.

Presiding Judge, Justice William Olamide, however, discharged and acquitted the fourth suspect, Auwàla Abubakar, who is the spokesman of Miyetti Allah.

Olufunke was shot dead in June, 2019 by gunmen in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

She was buried few weeks after her gruesome murder.

Her alleged killers were later arrested and arraigned six months after her death.

June 11, 2022June 11, 2022

Makinde Inspects PHCs, Vows To Personally Pay For 1500 Enrollees Into OYSHIA Scheme

The Governor of Oyo State inspected six Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) where renovation works had been completed as part of the administration’s ongoing renovation and equipment of 351 Primary Health Care Centres across the state.

The renovation and remodelling projects are according to the state government, aimed at improving health system at the grassroots.

The Governor, while inspecting the Primary Health Care Centres at Ikumapayi in Olodo; Irefin; Oke Are in Beere in Ibadan North LG; Odo-Ona, Elebu in Ido LG and Ring Road, said the facilities will be run by the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency Scheme(OYSHIA)

He pledged that he would personally pay for One Thousand (1,000) enrollees at the Ikumapayi PHC in Olodo and Five Hundred (500) enrollees at the Elebu PHC in Ido, Ibadan.

He explained that the government would commission the facilities when they are well-equipped and staffed for the usage of the people at the grassroots, saying: “What I have come to do is the inspection of the standard primary health care centre built here in Ikumapayi. From what I have seen inside, the facility is standard.

“Actually, I am supposed to come back here for commissioning but before that, I want them to meet with me so we can talk about the staffing, which must be done in a manner that is sustainable.

“Before I commission this facility, there has to be a template for the staffing, which must be sustainable.

“They already told me what they require to ensure that this is seen as a functional primary health care centre. They also told me that the community also contributed so much to this. “So, I am encouraging you to take care of it. Whatever the government needs to do will be done..

June 11, 2022June 11, 2022

Northern APC govs meet Tinubu, vow to make him Nigeria’s next president

Northern governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Friday met with the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

The meeting was aimed at congratulating Tinubu over his victory at the party’s just-concluded presidential election in Abuja.

Governor Bello Masari of Katsina State made the meeting public via a series of tweets.

Masari assured that Northern governors would work hard to ensure Tinubu becomes Nigeria’s next president in 2023.

He wrote: “Myself and other @OfficialAPCNg Governors from the north paid a congratulatory visit to our flag bearer in the 2023 Presidential elections, HE @officialABAT on his well-deserved victory at the primaries. You have paid your dues as the leader of the party.

“It is now our turn to rally round you, work hard and ensure a resounding victory in the 2023 elections. At hand to receive us was the Speaker @HouseNGR @femigbaja and the former Borno State Governor @KashimSM.”

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022

Owo Attack: Akeredolu Condemns FG’s Position On ISWAP, Says Conclusion Too Hasty

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has said that the Federal Government pronouncement of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) as the terrorist group behind the terror attack at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa Street, Owo on June 5th, 2022, was too hasty.

Governor Akeredolu noted that he took the conclusion with a pinch of salt, adding that ISWAP are known for claiming responsibility for their attacks.

The Governor spoke on Friday during a virtual interaction with a Swiss-based Christian human rights Organisation, Christian Solidarity International (CSI).

He said:”The statement is too hasty. I take their conclusion with a pinch of salt. ISWAP don’t hide their attacks. If they have done it, they would have owned up. We are yet to know their identity and our security people are still on their trail.”

Governor Akeredolu, who said the attack was a crime against humanity, stressed that the Southwest region has been a peaceful haven before the horrific attack.

He said despite the attack on the psyche of the people, the people of the state are indomitable and ready to fight insecurity.

The Governor also reiterated the call for state police, noting that the time for state police is now.

He emphasised that the present security architecture of the country can not provide adequate security of lives and property.

“A single police command can not guarantee safety in this country. We must have state police now. We are doing our best with Amotekun. But Amotekun is suffering a lot of limitations in getting all the equipments needed to fight these criminals.

The Governor commended the international community for their prompt reactions on the killings in Owo, saying it was unprecedented.

Governor Akeredolu disclosed that government is determined to help the Victims of the attack, particularly those who lost their loved ones and those on admission in the hospital.

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022

Osun Election: Defeat already staring PDP in the face – Oyetola’s Campaign DG

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Campaign Council for the Osun 2022 governorship election, has described as laughable and unfounded, the claim by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Ademola Adeleke that Governor Adegboyega Oyetola was asking civil servants in the State to surrender their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs.

A statement signed by the Director-General of the Campaign Council, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said the PDP was now running from pillar to post because defeat is already staring it in the face.

The Oyetola campaign team wondered where PDP and Ademola were when the workers’ union in the State openly endorsed the incumbent governor as its preferred choice one clear year before the election. It added that with what Governor Oyetola had done for workers in particular and generality of Osun people, he needs not coerce the electorate to vote for him come July 16.

“Ordinarily, we would have ignored the allegation by the Ademola Adeleke Campaign Council because it is laughable, unfortunate and unfounded. However, because those outside the State may be tempted to believe their lies, we felt compelled to puncture it with facts.

“It is sad that the Adeleke Campaign Council has consistently chosen the path of falsehood and misinformation as a campaign method and strategy. This is an indication that the PDP in Osun is down and it should stay down, accept its misfortune and stop making things worse for itself by polluting the political space with falsehood and propaganda.

“One, it is on record that since the creation of the State in 1991, this is the first time all workers’ unions will be unanimous in their decision to support a governorship candidate. Why does a popular and loved government need to threaten the workers that have already endorsed it for a second term? Why can’t the PDP candidate’s Council keep quiet when it has nothing meaningful to say? Must the Adeleke people embarrass themselves everywhere, everyday?

“Two, this is the first time workers will devote May Day to the adoption of a governorship candidate. They did it last year. They adopted our candidate even before his emergence. This is because he (Governor Oyetola) has consistently prioritised their welfare and fulfilled all the pledges he made to them. Our candidate has delivered the goods and the civil servants are happy.

“Therefore, the workers on their own have resolved to campaign and vote for him because they do not want any kindergarten politician to come experiment with Osun.

“Three, this is the first time since the creation of the State that an administration will run a government for four years without any industrial unrest. If workers were not treated well, can that feat be achieved? Why do we need to corece such people to vote for our party and candidate? They will naturally be our canvassers.

“Of course, we sympathise with the PDP’s desperation and lack of campaign prowess and materials. We feel their pain because nobody, no union, no group has found their candidate, Ademola Adeleke, good enough to adopt or support. They know they are a disappearing act. It is pathetic when a drowning man comes on air and spew out only misinformation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is worth repeating that Governor Oyetola did not, and will not ask civil servants to submit their PVCs under any guise. The Osun civil servants are in a good place and they know it. They also know that the PDP’s ship is at best a floundering and about-to-sink one.

“The PDP tried to use pensioners to blackmail the State government, it fell flat on their faces. This too, has failed. We therefore implore Mr Adeleke’s Campaign Council to stay down, hide its ignorance and prepare to attend the inauguration ceremony of Oyetola for second term,” the statement said.

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022

Oyetola’s Loyalists Behind Destruction Of Adeleke’s Billboards – Osun PDP Claims

The Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State has described the destruction of Senator Ademola Adeleke campaign billboards in several parts of Osogbo and other parts of Osun state as barbaric and dangerous plot to cause political crisis.

In a statement on Thursday by the caretaker committee of Osun PDP warned that the resort to violence and the desperation to prevent Osun people from making their leadership choice in the upcoming governorship election will backfire as the people are more than ready to ensure that their rights to choose who administer their affairs is not tampered with.

We must inform the whole world of a clandestine plan to unleash violence on Osun state by those who already feel rejected by overwhelming number of voters, thinking that this will scare them away from exercising their franchise on July 16. One of such plot is the willful destruction of Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke billboards to reverse the the increasing acceptability of the PDP Candidate all parts of the state.

Let us, for the purpose of emphasis, warn those behind this plot that they will be matched, not necessarily by equal measure of violence but whatever it takes legally to resist such attempt as to intimidate the good people of Osun State or coerce them into submission.

This will mean we will not hesitate to mobilize Osun people against the violence that is being promoted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It is on this note that we want to urge the whole world to hold the APC responsible for any breakdown of law and order in Osun as we will no longer watch destruction of billboards or any other attack on our campaign materials go without a response.

Osun people can attest to the fact that our campaign has been peaceful so far. In all our campaign so far we did not involve in any kind of destruction or attack, but kept focus on our message of hope and revival of Osun state and the suffering masses.

We know so well how much our rescue mission mean to Osun people and how such message had constituted a thorn in the flesh of the clueless APC but we will not allow their violence take shape as we are not unaware such show of frustration is the last kick of a dying horse of Apc take away expectations of Osun people.

Let the APC not mistaken our peaceful disposition for cowardness, and we must warn that we will no longer condone their deliberate provocations. We are peace loving but will not be cowed by those who think the only route to leadership is violence. Osun people will not accept this barbarity anymore.

We must also call on security agencies to rise up to their primary responsibilities and ensure that political thugs do not have a field day in their act of destructions.

We must again remind the security agencies of our earlier warning to the fact that the APC already built an army of thugs to use in the upcoming governorship election, and the need for security agencies to take necessary actions to stop them before they throw Osun State into unimaginable chaos.

June 9, 2022June 9, 2022

Igbo traders attacked for closing down Alaba market over PVC registration

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that some hoodlums trooped in their number and allegedly attacked Alaba traders, prevented them from getting their PVCs at Ojoo Local Government in Lagos.

It was learnt that the market leaders predominantly from Igbo tribe had unilaterally shut down the market today to enable their members get PVCs ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

This unilàteral decision did not go down well with some Yoruba traders who felt oppressed by their Igbo counterparts for unilaterally closing the whole market without due consultation and also denied them of their source of livelihood.

While the registration process was ongoing in the morning, some unknown hoodlums descended on the participants and disrupted the venue.

June 9, 2022June 9, 2022

Owo Attack: License Amotekun To Bear Sophisticated Arms, Afenifere Urges Govt

The fatal attack that occurred at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State last Sunday would have been averted were there to be States’ Police or Amotekun Corps allowed to carry weapons.

Stating this on Thursday was Chief Ayo Adebanjo, acting Leader of Afenifere, when he led a delegation of the organisation to Ondo State to commiserate with the people over the unfortunate Owo carnage as disclosed by the organisation’s national publicity secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi.

In the entourage were the Deputy Leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, former Secretary to the Federal Government, Oba Olu Falae, former Ogun State Deputy Governor, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Secretary General of the group, Chief Sola Ebiseni, the Ondo chapter secretary, Chief Korede Duyile and Otunba Tunji Alapinni, retired Inspector General of Police.

According to Pa Adebanjo, were Ondo State Government in total control of the state’s security, the terrorists’ planned attack would have been detected before the dastardly act was carried out.

He therefore used the opportunity to reiterate the calls for immediate establishment of State Police. He added that the States Security Network, Amotekun, should, in the meantime, be allowed to carry weapons so that the people of Western Nigeria can better be protected.

While commiserating with Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye II, the Afenifere leader urged the monarch to brace up for the protection of his people because “the Owo attack was a declaration of war on Yorubaland. They wanted to lure us out and use it as an excuse to unleash terror on our land.” Ajayi quoted Adebanjo as quickly adding that they will fail woefully. Just as he urged Olowo to enlist the support of his fellow Obas in confronting the warlike situation.

Afenifere delegation was also at the church where Pa Adebanjo totally condemned the attack. A sum of one point five million naira was donated to the church and victims of the attack.

Responding, Reverend Father Vincent Anadi expressed appreciation for the visit and for the financial support. From the church, scene of the incident, the delegation moved to the Governor’s Office in Akure where it was received by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Pa Adebanjo expressed regret that he was in the Governor’s Office for another commiseration. The last time he was there was in 2019 to condole over the assassination of Olufunnke, daughter of Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

As he did while in the palace of Olowo of Owo, Adebanjo urged Governor Akeredolu to, along with his fellow Governors in the South West, declare three days mourning in honour of the victims of Owo massacre.

He commended the governor for performing well especially in the area of providing security “which was why they went into your home town to carry out the attack.”

He exhorted the governor, along with his fellow Governors, to come up with strategies to tackle the warlike situation that we are presently in in Yorubaland.

Adebanjo, who again, called for a new Constitution, said that the document made Nigerian President the most powerful in the world. He insisted on Restructuring based on a new Constitution.

The team was joined in the Governor’s Office by former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

While responding, Governor Akeredolu thanked Pa Adebanjo and his team. He praised the old man for his tenacity even at a ripe old age.

The governor said that what happened at Owo on Sunday does not happen in a war situation as soldiers “would normally face themselves in a war situation”. He added that as at the last count the number of people who lost their lives to the incident has risen to 40 while several are still on hospital beds receiving treatment.

On the issues raised by Afenifere leader, the governor gave the assurance that he and his colleagues will work on some of them.

He urged Afenifere to engage the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu. This is to ensure that the issues raised are factored in when a new government comes on board next year.

Others in the delegation were Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin, Mrs Nike Olujembola, Otunba Femi Arowosola, Mr. Elias Matimini, Prince Adebanjo Edema, Chief Bayo Fajemilua, Barrister Dele Farotimi, Mr. Amusa Adebisi, Dr F. Agboola, Mr. Saheed Adewole and Mr Wasiu Jimoh Ayanwale.

June 9, 2022June 9, 2022

VP Osinbajo Congratulates Tinubu, Says He’s a Nation Builder

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday congratulated the winner of the All Progressive Congress Presidential Primary, Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement personally signed by Professor Yemi Osinbajo, he described Ashiwaju as a patriot who is determined to nation-building.

The Vice President further charges delegates to embrace the flagbearer of their party irrespective of who they voted for at the convention.

RECRUITMENT: Ready To Earn Extra Income, GAMUT Invites Applicants

“I congratulate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his victory at our party primaries and his emergence as the Presidential Candidate and Flagbearer of our great party, the APC for the forthcoming 2023 Presidential Elections”

“I also congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari and all leaders of the APC for a successful Special Convention and Presidential Primary”

“For many decades, our Flagbearer has shown passion, patriotism, courage and determination in the cause of nation-building. His sterling contributions to our democracy and its progress stand him out. His wealth of experience will certainly be critical in our party’s continued efforts to attain a more secure and prosperous Nigeria”

“To all members of our great party, regardless of who you voted for at the primaries, we must now unite behind our Presidential Candidate and Flagbearer to ensure victory for our party in the 2023 elections”

“As true progressives, we must remain strong and united in pursuing our collective vision as a party toward building a country that can provide a decent life and livelihoods for all our people.”