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The court’s decision was disclosed by the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, via his X handle on Monday.
“The first hurdle was crossed. #DeleFarotimi was granted bail of N50 million surety in the like sum with someone with landed property. The case was adjourned to January 29, 2025,” the tweet read.
Details later…
The Osun State’s debt profile has pitched Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, said the debt portfolio had been reduced over the last two years following repayments by the current administration.
He dismissed a recent report suggesting that Adeleke’s government had increased the state’s debt burden and accused the APC of orchestrating the publication.
He said: “The truth remains that Osun State’s debt profile has reduced under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke in the last two years. Data doesn’t lie and cannot be hidden.
“The domestic debt of Osun was N148.37bn as of December 2022, but it has now reduced to N86.06bn as of June 2024. Similarly, foreign debt as of December 2022 was $91.78m, but it has now reduced to $78.17m as of June 2024.
“What this also means in terms of figures is that Governor Adeleke has paid back N62.31bn in domestic debt and $13.61m in foreign debt. This is the burden the APC-led past administration imposed on the people of the state. If this administration didn’t inherit those debts, these amounts would have been better used for the good people of Osun State.”
The APC, however, countered the claim in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary in the state, Kola Olabisi.
He said: “Whatever he is pushing to the public now regarding the state debt portfolio is an afterthought which cannot be relied upon.
“We didn’t cook what was published as it affects the debt portfolio of the state government under Adeleke. It is in the public domain already. Where did Olawale get his figures?”
Olabisi further accused the Adeleke administration of using the APC as a scapegoat for its alleged shortcomings.
“They can’t continue to blame us for their ineptitude.”
An elder statesman and founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has said the country is facing a deep economic crisis, thereby affecting the welfare and safety of its citizens.
Babalola, who demanded concerted efforts from stakeholders to salvage the situation, noted that the nation’s constitution is the root cause of the challenges confronting the country.
The renowned legal icon spoke in Ondo town at the weekend during the 2024 Ekimogun Day celebration, where he was decorated as the “Living Legend of 2024” and inducted into the Ondo Development Committee’s Hall of Fame by the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo.
An elder statesman and founder of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has said the country is facing a deep economic crisis, thereby affecting the welfare and safety of its citizens.
Babalola, who demanded concerted efforts from stakeholders to salvage the situation, noted that the nation’s constitution is the root cause of the challenges confronting the country.
The renowned legal icon spoke in Ondo town at the weekend during the 2024 Ekimogun Day celebration, where he was decorated as the “Living Legend of 2024” and inducted into the Ondo Development Committee’s Hall of Fame by the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo.
This recognition comes barely seven weeks after he was celebrated and October 18th was declared as “Afe Babalola Day” in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The nonagenarian, represented by the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, called on the traditional ruler and other stakeholders in the country to join his advocacy for a new people’s constitution that would guarantee social and economic prosperity for Nigeria.
He said, “It is common knowledge that Nigeria is going through economic crises, particularly in relation to the safety and welfare of the people. When I was young, and I am talking of over 90 years ago, there was no hunger, there were no thieves, life was safe, and people could go to their forests where they had their farms both during the day and under the moonlight.
“The reason was because the constitution at that time acknowledged a direct rule system, which the colonialists made use of. What this means is that when the colonial masters came, they found that Yoruba kingdoms were so well organised under the Obas. So, they relied on the Obas for the progress of the town.
“This was why, in 1960, the Independence Constitution provided for the House of Chiefs. The chiefs were close to the people, and they were given due recognition. That has been abolished.”
“Let me give you an example of the roles of the Obas and their importance and effectiveness. Some years back, the first armed robbery took place in Ado-Ekiti. The robbers came to the National Bank in broad daylight. The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti was contacted.
“He immediately sent emissaries to all villages surrounding Ado-Ekiti and asked them to block all roads out of Ado-Ekiti, including footpaths. So, when the thieves were done, they headed out of the town, not knowing that the Oba had sent messages to all the people around Ado. They were caught on one of the narrow routes in the forest. Congratulations.
TRIBUTE TO A MAN OF FAITH, COURAGE AND WISDOM : SHEIKH MUHYIDEEN AJANI BELLO (1940-2024)
The death of Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello on Friday, December 6, 2024, has caused shockwaves throughout Nigeria and beyond. Sheikh Bello, a renowned Islamic scholar, educator, and community leader, made an indelible impact on the lives of innumerable people and communities. Sheikh Bello’s life exemplified his unshakeable faith, courage, and wisdom. His lectures, dedication to education and community development motivated a new generation of Nigerians to strive for success and make a good difference in their communities.
My last contact with him was in April, this year, at the Ramadan Lecture of the Alasatu Irorun Oluwa Loni, Akobo, Ibadan, at the invitation of the wife of the former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Her Excellency, Prof. Amdalat Bolanle Olaniyan, where Sheikh Bello eulogised her wonderful virtues as well as those of a brother and friend, Senator Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.One of the most remarkable aspects of Sheikh Bello’s life was his acceptance of the divine will.
A day to his passing, which was Thursday, 5 December, 2024, Sheikh Bello delivered a lecture, where he spoke about the inevitability of death. Later that day, he fell ill and was hospitalised.
Despite his condition, he was lucid and conscious, engaging friends and relatives until 10:00 pm.According to the account, the following morning, Sheikh Bello requested assistance from his daughter in changing his attire. He proclaimed the Kalimah, a profession of faith that had served as the foundation of his life, just before taking his last breath, This moving moment serves as a striking reminder of Sheikh Bello’s unshakable devotion to his faith and acceptance of divine will.He was a true giant whose wisdom, compassion, and leadership inspired countless individuals and communities.As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary Ibadan indigene and Nigerian, we also celebrate his life, legacy, and impact.
I pray that Allah (SWT) expands the grave of this remarkable Muslim and reserves a place for him in Jannat Firdaus. May his legacy continue to inspire us to live a life of purpose, faith, and wisdom. May Allah grant Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello eternal peace and blessings. Aamin.
Tunji Oladejo Director, Ibadan University Press (Publishing House)University of Ibadan.Sunday, 8 December, 2024.
Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, Chairman of the 2022 and 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, and his dear wife, have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole and his wife on this monumental recognition as the Aare Atunluse and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland.
“Your remarkable leadership as the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has been a beacon of inspiration for us all. The honor bestowed upon you by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, is an acknowledgement of your unparalleled dedication, values, and commitment to the progress and preservation of Ibadanland”
“Your tenure has been a season of transformation and achievement. From the completion and commissioning of the Ibadan Modern Palace to your consistent efforts in uniting and uplifting the community, your impact will forever be etched in the annals of Ibadan’s history”
“As you and your beautiful wife receive this prestigious chieftaincy title, may Allah’s mercy and divine blessings continue to shine upon you both. May you enjoy this honor in good health, happiness, and prosperity as you continue to serve Ibadanland with grace and distinction”Balogun Gaphar Ojetola Chairman, Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee (2022 & 2024) & Asaaju Iyalode, Alhaja Ramat Kikelomo Ojetola.
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the state Governor Ademola Adeleke of fraudulently taking undeserved credit for the road projects done by the combined administrations of Mr Rauf Aregbesola and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola in order to deceive the people of the state and beyond.
It would be recalled that Governor Adeleke rolled out the drum yesterday by bringing in the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to commission the Stadium-Testing Ground-Oke-Baale-Ilesa-Garage Road along the Osogbo Ring Road without alluding to the fact that his administration had only 20 per cent intervention on the said road project while his predecessors had effected the 80 per cent of the commissioned phase of the road contract.
Based on his unenviable antecedents, we are not surprised that Governor Adeleke could go to the despicable length of fraudulently claiming the executor of the projects of his predecessors which could be likened to a brazen ignominious act of stealing dirty during the daylight.
Our surprise as a party at the untoward development on the dubious road commissioning saga, was the complicity of Governor Makinde who is a qualified Electrical Engineer, blessed with the administration of a populous state like Oyo for six years running not to have discovered that his Osun State counterpart invited him to commission an uncompleted project.
The original design of the road was to be in two layers but surprisingly, only binder course was done on the commissioned road while there is nothing to show that the wearing course of it has been done as contained in the road design which automatically qualified it for an uncompleted project .
It is important for Governor Makinde to investigate the nature and history of any project he is invited to commission especially by Governor Adeleke in future so that his plight would not be like that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was brought to Osun State last week for the commissioning of about two kilometres of Lameco-Old Garage Road which several portions of it are already in the state of disrepair.
We challenge the Osun State Governor Adeleke to prove to the whole world that his administration did 250 kilometres of light-up within the two years of his government contrary to what he told Makinde as the information available to us showed that what the government under Adeleke had done is within the range of only 20 kilometres of light-up.
We sympathize with Governor Makinde over his pledge to assist his counterpart return to the Bola Ige House in 2026 as Governor Adeleke knows where the shoe pinches and he is supposedly endowed to differentiate from an impossible Utopia and reality of the mere political statement credited to the Oyo State governor which is as good as Dead On Delivery.
We may excuse Governor Adeleke on his allegation that his immediate-past predecessor abandoned the said project in the sense that it might not be possible for him to know that the former Governor Oyetola did 5.3km single carriageway with median, two numbers of roundabout and slips road of the said road from Stadium Roundabout to Ilesa-Garage Roundabout as the period coincided with the time that it was expedient for Senator Adeleke to run away to America.
Inspite of paucity of funds during his administration, will it be proper and correct to believe by the discerning members of the society that the Oyetola administration that fully funded the single carriageway with median, two numbers of roundabout and slips road from Ilesa-Garage to Stadium Roundabout to complete the loop of the entire Osogbo East Bypass project to binder level as having abandoned the project?
Governor Adeleke undoubtedly needs tutorial to be in the know of the fact that a cumulative amount of over N15 billion was paid by both the Aregbesola and Oyetola administrations for the project, leaving a balance of about N3billion for total completion of the road which included complete overlaying to wearing course
It is so sad that the road that was stopped at a binder level without overlaying was lane marked by the laid-back and inept administration of Governor Adeleke.
The attempt of Governor Adeleke to obliterate the eventful four-year administration of former Governor Oyetola now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, will be an effort in futility as the history of the state cannot be whole without giving the workaholic and financial engineer his proper place. Recall that Oyetola administration paid N97billion of Osun debt without borrowing.
The earlier Governor Adeleke desists from incubating another fellow’s egg, the better it would be for his wobbled and rudderless administration which is largely being run by impulse rather than diligent planning.
Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello, Ibadan-born Islamic preacher, is dead.
Though details of his death were sketchy as at press time, ODUDUWA NEWS confirmed from the Facebook page of another preacher, Sheikh Taofeeq Akewugbagold
May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Details later.
The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, on Thursday evening nabbed one Abosede Ojo, a middle aged job seeker who allegedly falsified her job portal result.
Dr. Nureni Adeniran, OYOSUBEB’s Chairman, said the suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation.
Adeniran said that the suspect, who sat for the recruitment cbt examination scored 36, but decided to connive with an examination syndicate who allegedly produced a fake congratulatory message for her.
He explained that the suspect was apprehended during a verification exercise put in place by the Board, for qualified candidates.
Adeniran further explained that the suspect confessed that she did not come for the interview, but liaised with her husband to get herself a congratulatory message.
According to him, the police is on a trail of transactions between the suspect and the cyber-cafe where she got the printout.
He said “the suspect has be handed over to the police, and the board, would track and also apprehend others involved in the illicit act.”
”My advice to others is that they should stop such illicit acts”, Adeniran advised.
An head on collision between a heavy laden truck and a commercial Micra taxi has claimed four lives while two persons were seriously injured in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.
According to report by the Deputy state commander, rescue and recovery, OYRTMA, Mr. Adisa Oluwakayode the accident happened around General Gas Express way, along Iwo Road to Ojoo axis of Ibadan on Thursday 5th December, 2024 at about 11:45 pm.
It was gathered that the trailer drove against traffic through one way, colliding with a commercial Micra Taxi with registration number BDG680HL
Newsarena.ng also learnt that the dead bodies have been deposited in a mortuary while the injured victims were rushed to an undisclosed hospital by the Oyo state Road Transport Management Agency, OYRTMA’s rescue and recovery team in collaboration with Amotekun and Nigeria police personnel who were at the scene for quick intervention.
In a bid to strengthen education and digitalize educational learning in Oyo State, The State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde will be commissioning 200-capacity Computer Based Centre at the State Library located at Dugbe on January 15th, 2024.
The 200-capacity computer centre is a public private partnership between Oyo State Government and BINATECH Engineering Services Limited.
The computer centre when inaugurated will be equipped with modern facilities and will address the desires of Oyo State Students to access modern learning materials as well as a hub for JAMB CBT and other computer based exams.
While speaking, the Director of the engineering firm handling the construction of the Computer Centre, BINATECH, Engr O. A. Abiodun said the construction of the Computer Centre was borne out of the desire and vision of the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde towards the development of educational sector having invested heavily in human capacity development as a result of massive recruitment of qualified personnels in our public schools in recent time.
The Library which has not been given desired attention in the past has been brought back to life by the present administration with the ongoing construction of Computer Centre.
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