Author: oduduwanews

Sequel to a letter reportedly sent to a first generation bank at Owode in Oyo town, Oyo State, by armed robbers, intimating it of their planned invasion and attack, there has been an increase in security and convoy patrol by the state police command.

But the police command has said that there had been no such threat, as it operates security architecture for the protection of lives and property.

Information gathered had it that the letter to the bank was brought by a local courier about a month ago and handed over to a security guard at the gate, who, in turn, gave it to the branch manager.

The branch manager reportedly informed security agencies, particularly the Police about the letter, leading to an increase in patrol around all commercial banks and their branches, as it was believed that the armed robbers might be using the branch written to as a distraction from their target.

Before the letter, the operations department in the police command had been leading tactical teams and mobile policemen in convoy patrol around the state, particularly the metro, on a 24-hour basis, since the assumption of office by the State Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko.

However, when contacted, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Adewale Osifeso, said that the command was not aware of such threat.

The PPRO said that patrol had been the constant duty of police operatives to ensure safety.

According to him, “Oyo State Police Command under the constructive leadership of CP Ngozi Onadeko, operates a robust and formidable security architecture, which is all encompassing, for the protection of lives and property of the good citizens of the state.”

Following the motion alleging that the Oyo State government plans to acquire lands and buildings belonging to residents of Akinyele local Government, the Oyo State House of Assembly has summoned the Surveyor General and Permanent Secretary, ministry of lands and urban development in the State.

ODUDUWA NEWS Correspondent at the State Assembly gathered that the motion which was raised at the Monday Plenary by Hon. Taofeek Kehinde representing Akinyele 2 State constituency noted that fear gripped inhabitants of Olosaoko, Alabata, Ajibade, Agbedo and Alase villages when they saw strangers parading themselves as Government officials going about with various land measuring instruments in their areas.

He said, “The inhabitants of the mentioned villages are predominantly farmers who have no other means of livelihood other than farm practices. This justifies the cry from the people about the suspicious move by Government to acquire their means of livelihood without prior notice.

“Acquisition or confiscation of property is usually through appropriate processes and procedures as provided by extant laws. Therefore, the government should communicate the people through right channels on the proposed mission, it will benefit the people and of course the State.”

In his own words, the Majority leader of the house and lawmaker representing Ogbomoso South, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin added that the intention of the government is to expand the economy by attracting the dry port, railway and other major projects to the area.

Dele Adeola, lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju while speaking on the motion said he was aligned with the motion to call all stakeholders involved in order to be well briefed on what transpired in the said allegation of acquisition of land. He also used the ocassion to enlighten the residents not to be misled by the rumoured acquisition of 2000 hectares of land as being peddle around and that whatever action taken by the State Government is in line with overriding public interest.

However he insisted Government needed to consult the people and carry them along.

“They should inform the people and hold meeting with community leaders and affected residents,” he added.

The Speaker Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin this ruled for the permanent secretary of the concerned ministry and Surveyor General to appear before the lawmakers to explain the plan of the Oyo State Government

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, on Saturday said that among all Yoruba kings, he is the only monarch who has the exclusive rights to confer chieftaincy titles that would cover the whole Yoruba land on worthy individuals.

He made this disclosure in a statement he signed at the conferment of chieftaincy titles of Atobaase and Ayedero of Yoruba land on Engineer Babajide Ademola Agunbiade and Honorable Shina Peller respectively at the weekend.

Oba Adeyemi, who described the two awardees as eligible for the titles contended that “from time immemorial, he is the king and head of the Yoruba nation. He is the only king in Yoruba land who can confer chieftaincy title on a worthy individual, man or woman, to cover the whole of Yoruba land.

“In exercise of this right, successive Alaafin of Oyo had been guided by due process in the appointment of Yorubas to chieftaincies that covers the whole of Yoruba land.

It takes a lot to be invited into Yoruba royalty and be considered for these Yoruba-wide titles. US-based Dr Babajide Agunbiade and Hon. Shina Abiola Peller are the ones getting the chieftaincy titles.”

While justifying his decision to honour the awardees, he maintained that “they are indigenes with impeccable characters. I took the decision to confer historical titles on these two prominent Oyo and proud Yoruba sons of mine because of their contributions to society and outstanding representation in their various industries and fields of endeavours.

“Agunbiade is one of the most cerebral oil and gas experts and, most especially, representing Nigeria gallantly in global oil and gas, rising to the leadership in global oil and gas. I am proud to be associated with such intellect. He’s a passionate, competent, dependable and well vast guy that goes the extra mile to make sure people around him achieve their full potentials.

“Engr. (Dr.) Agunbiade is a distinguished Yoruba son, technocrat and one of the world’s leading offshore production experts with over 20 years experience in the oil industry.”

Speaking on newly conferred Ayedero of Yoruba Land, Hon. Shina Abiola Peller, the son of Alhaja Silifat and late Professor Moshood Abola Peller, Alaafin affirmed that he had excelled in business and as a serving member of the House of Representatives.

“As I have always made known at every occasion and event such as this one, that our pride as Yoruba is in our intrinsic traditions and cultural heritage. Yoruba as a race or nation evolved a superb constitution which though unwritten, is daintily and unequivocally observed by strong convention.”

“The Yoruba chieftaincy institution is the pillar indeed, the bedrock of our system of government. A traditional ruler cannot, therefore, afford to be despotic without dire consequences. He, therefore, must rule within honourable norms of our traditions.”

One of the awardees, Dr Agunbiade stated that “history has it that the Oyo empire existed since 1300 C.E. This very empire was one the wealthiest empires in Africa. The Oyo empire is reckoned as a major source of the Yoruba ancestral heritage. You will also agree with me that the Yoruba race remains a dominant cultural force in Africa since as far back as the 11th century.”

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied an online news publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) ordered the arrest of retired Navy Commodore Kunle Olawunmi for recently appearing on a Television programme in Lagos.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria according to a statement signed by Major General Benjamin Sawyerr, Director Defence Information said it may not want to join issues with Sahara Reporters for the scandalous and malicious publication insinuating that it’s Agency has ordered the arrest of Commodore Olawunmi (rtd) for sharing his views on matters of defence and national security.

It added that the retired military officer who is on the military reserve list was only invited via SMS and voice by DIA to further furnish the AFN with relevant and pressing security information which he may be opportuned to have knowledge of as a Professor of Global Security Studies.

The said proposed meeting according to the DHQ between DIA and the retired senior Navy officer was intended to get credible tips on boosting the fight against terrorism/insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes.

He was not asked to come along with his international passport adding that this in no way constitute any form of arrest speculated by Sahara Reporters.

The DHQ described as very sad that an online media like Sahara Reporters would capitalize on a proposed meeting between an agency and it’s stakeholder to paint the story in a manner intended to portray the military as draconic government agency acting in a crude manner.

The DHQ urged the general public to note that the AFN is a professional entity that will continue to be responsive to all credible information that will promote peace and unity of Nigeria.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor according to the statement has just completed his tour of the 6 Geo-Political Zones where he interacted with retired military officers with a view to rallying them to lend their support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The DHQ urged Commodore Kunle Olawunmi to come forward to give valuable information to the military authorities as a patriotic citizen who has served meritoriously in the Nigerian Navy and in various capacities before retirement.