Category: Featured

Featured posts

Posted on

Northern Elders Forum Condemns Adoption of Oduduwa Anthem in Ondo Schools

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on Sunday described the adoption of Oduduwa anthem in public secondary schools in Ondo State as a very serious assault on the integrity of Nigeria.

The state government had, in a circular dated May 6, 2021, signed by Tolu Adeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Teaching Service Commission and addressed to the Tutors-General, All TESCOM zonal directors and principals of public secondary schools in the state, said it was mandatory to recite the Oduduwa anthem in all functions in public secondary schools across the state.

The incursion of Boko Haram, other terrorist
‘Dining with the devil’: How villagers co-habit with bandits
The circular read: “The present administration of Arakunrin Okuwarotimi Akeredolu has adopted Oduduwa anthem as part of the civic responsibility of all residents in the state.

“To this end, the singing of the Oduduwa anthem has become mandatory at all functions, in all public secondary schools in the state.

“Therefore, all school principals and other top functionaries in the public secondary schools are enjoined to adopt, teach and encourage the singing of Oduduwa anthem at all functions, especially at the morning assembly in all schools.

The state executive council had recently approved the adoption of the Oduduwa anthem which projects the virtues, tradition and culture of the Yoruba race.

Akeredolu had said the anthem would be rendered immediately after the National Anthem at state functions.

Northern Elders’ reaction

Reacting on Sunday, Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Northern Elders Forum, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said: “If this is true, it represents a very serious assault on the integrity of the country by people who have sworn to uphold and protect it.”

He said such an action cannot be defended in any terms other than a provocation and a play at the gallery seeking to widen the damaging divide between Nigerians along ethnic and regional lines.

He said: “There’s only one anthem our children should sing and recognize. If there are other symbols with cultural significance they should be made to identify with, it should not be elevated to the level of a national anthem, or even supersede it.

“It the federal government is on its toes protecting the boundaries of our unity and national integrity, it would challenge this in court. It would also raise its levels of vigilance over the drift by politicians enjoying the benefits of our constitution who are pandering to very dangerous divisive tendencies”.

It’s a welcome development — Afenifere

But the pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, commended the Ondo State Government for introducing the Oodua Anthem, saying the anthem means a lot to it.

Afenifere spokesman, Jare Ajayi, in a chat with Daily Trust, said it was a thing of joy that Akeredolu introduced the anthem and made the state the first in the southwest to embrace it.

He said the whole southwest would soon embrace the initiative.

He said: “The anthem means a lot to us in Afenifere because it encapsulates our mission and vision for our land, the Yoruba land. We’e happy that one of the states in Yorubaland has adopted and we are encouraging others to do that.

“I understand Osun State is contemplating the same thing. So, it’s a thing of joy for us that a government in Yorubaland is becoming much more conscious of the Yoruba interest.”

He said this indicated that the zone had started manifesting the Development Agenda for Western Region which was also witnessed in the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network.

Yoruba nation agitators on their own — Akeredolu

Meanwhile, Akeredolu has disowned the agitators of Yoruba nation led by self-acclaimed Yoruba freedom fighter, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho who shut down Akure for a rally on Saturday .

The governor, in a statement on Sunday by his spokesman, Richard Olatunde, said his acknowledgement of the right of individuals and groups to hold peaceful rallies, must not be misconstrued to mean support for secessionist agenda and or balkanization of the nation.

“Unequivocally, the Governor’s opinion on the Akure rally or any other of its ilk, is only to the effect that he is not opposed to any civil protest which is not in breach of the extant laws of the Nation.

“He neither believes, nor supports the quest for the Yoruba Nation outside of Nigeria in the manner canvassed. Governor Akeredolu stands by a virile, united and indivisible Nigeria as demanded by the Southern Governors’ Forum.

“It’s important, therefore, to state without any equivocation that the Yoruba Nation secessionist promoters do not enjoy any lending hand in Governor Akeredolu.”

Posted on

House of Reps To Consider Scrapping of NYSC As Bill Reaches Second Reading

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that National Youth Service Corps scheme has been debated today to be scrapped by the House of Representatives.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Alteration Bill, 2020, which is seeking to repeal the NYSC Act, is billed for the second reading.

The sponsor, Mr Awaji-Inombek Abiante, in the explanatory memorandum of the proposal, listed the various reasons why the NYSC should be scrapped.

It read in part, “This bill seeks to repeal Section 315(5)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended) on the following grounds:

“Incessant killing of innocent corps members in some parts of the country due to banditry, religious extremism and ethnic violence; incessant kidnapping of innocent corps members across the country;

“Public and private agencies/departments are no longer recruiting able and qualified Nigerian youths, thus relying heavily on the availability of corps members who are not being well remunerated and get discarded with impunity at the end of their service year without any hope of being gainfully employed;

“Due to insecurity across the country, the National Youth Service Corps management now gives considerations to posting corps members to their geopolitical zone, thus defeating one of the objectives of setting up the service corps, i.e. developing common ties among the Nigerian youths and promote national unity and integration.”

The military regime of General Yakubu Gowon had established the NYSC on May 22, 1973, under Decree No. 24 of 1973 as a way of reconciling and reintegrating Nigerians after the civil war between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970.

Posted on

JUST IN: OYSIEC presents certificates of return to 32 elected council chairmen

ODUDUWA NEWS has just gathered that the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commision (OYSIEC) has presented certificates of return to all the newly-elected local government chairmen in the state.

32 chairmanship candidates of the People’s Democratic Party were declared winner in the recently conducted election on Saturday.

Election couldn’t hold in Ido local government As ZLP logo was missing. The election has been fixed for Wednesday, 26th May 2021.

Chairman of OYSIEC, Barrister Isiaka Olagunju presented the certificates of return to all the elected council bosses on Monday.

Olagunju, while presenting the certificates, advised the newly elected council bosses to fulfil all the promises made to the people.

He urged them to work in order to leave lasting legacies in their respective councils.

“I want them to see themselves as servants of the people.

“They should work and ensure that they leave lasting legacies.

“They should fulfil their promised to the people, he said. 

Posted on

Tinubu, Akande, South-West APC Governors Frown At Seccession, Says United Nigeria Non-Negotiable

APC leaders and governors in the South West at the Lagos House in Marina on May 23, 2021.

Leaders and governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the south-west region have condemned separatist tendencies and violence in various parts of the country.

At a meeting held on Sunday at the Lagos House in Marina, the leaders expressed concerns over the insecurity situation in the country and asked the government to protect the victims.

Those in attendance included APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu; former interim national chairman of the party, Bisi Akande; former Chief of Army Staff, General Alani Akinrinade; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as well as his counterparts in Ogun and Osun States, Dapo Abiodun and Adegboyega Oyetola, also attended the meeting.

Briefing reporters at the end of the meeting, Akande noted that they have endorsed the position of the southern governors to ban open grazing and movement of cattle by foot.

As part of efforts to address the crisis between herders and farmers and douse the tension, the leaders asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to give support to those who want to set up ranching.

They also urged the Federal Government to consider the option of true federalism that would give more powers to the state governments.

True federalism, according to the APC leaders and governors, will help the states to better protect their territories.

“We endorse the position of the Southern Governors taken at their summit in Asaba regarding ranching.

“We do so because such a decision will lessen tensions between farmers and herders while also helping the long-term economic viability of both the farming and herding communities,” Akande told reporters.

He added, “We are mindful of the short-term dislocation this might cause but we are also mindful that this position is in the best interests of all parties concerned.

“We recommend that the Federal and state governments cooperate fully with one another to enact the necessary measures to encourage this more effective and modern method of cattle-rearing so that both farmers and herders can pursue their livelihoods with greater productivity and in a more cooperative relationship that minimises the friction between these two important pillars of our agricultural economy.”

Prior to the meeting, there have been calls for secession in parts of the country recently, especially in the south-west and south-east regions.

While some agitators held rallies to demand Yoruba nation in the west, others in the east have renewed their call for Biafra nation.

At a rally held on Saturday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was alleged to have given his support for Yoruba nation – a claim the governor has since refuted.

Rather, he declared his commitment to a virile, united, and indivisible Nigeria, stressing that separatist agitators were on their own.

Posted on

Embattled Seriki Fulani’s Sons Not Behind Insecurity in Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun, Miyetti Allah Refutes Claim

The Attention of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nig MACBAN Oyo State Chapter has been Drawn to an online publication alleging the sons of Sarkin Fulani of Oyo state (Alhaji Saliu Abdulkadri), Sarkin Samari Fulani of Oyo State, Sarkin Fulani Oyo town( Alhaji Lawal Galadima), Hajia Amina Galadima and former Chairman of MACBAN Ogun state Mumini Ibrahim of sponsoring kidnapping and Banditry in Ibarapa and Oke Ogun area of Oyo State.

This was contained in a statement signed and sent to Oduduwa News by Ibrahim Jiji, State Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter.

The association hereby wishes to dissociate itself from any publication using the name of Miyetti Allah in Oyo State because there is no Faction of Miyetti Allah in Oyo State
The names on the signed press release are not Member of Miyetti Allah in Oyo State according to our records.

The Children of Seriki FULANI OF OYO STATE are Educated and reliable people who have never and can never engage themselves in any criminality because they were born and brought up in Oyo State with good track records
The aforementioned names are known for their good records which Alaafin Oyo Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi verified to confer them with chieftaincy title in their respective domain.

As an Association we have made our investigation and found out that It’s handiwork of Yakubu Bello of Iseyin and Bani Abubakar, a self acclaimed Jowuro Fulani of Oke-Ogun because of chieftaincy title they are looking for from the Alaafin of Oyo which all Fulani leaders moved against because they are Disgruntled elements who are causing Crisis In their Respective Domain.

They have threatened to plan a kidnap in Oyo town to blackmail Sarkin Fulani of Oyo town, Alh lawal Galadima and make sure he is evicted Like Sarkin Fulani Of Oyo state, Because that’s what they told him to his face if he did not support Yakubu Bello as Ardo of Oyo State

It should be noted that, All Fulani leaders and Excos of Miyetti Allah held a meeting with DSS last Saturday in Ibadan on how to help the Oyo State Government in fighting kidnapping and Banditry in Oyo State with Sarkin Fulani Of Oyo state sons in attendance With exception of Bani Abubakar and his cohorts

The Association therefore urges the Oyo State Government and The Alaafin of Oyo to disregard any unwarranted rumour from enemies within because the enemies are spreading the rumours just because of their Selfish Interests

Signed

Posted on

Makinde, Amaechi agree to resolve issues delaying take-off of Ibadan Inland Dry Port

Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amechi met in Ibadan on Friday where they agreed to resolve all issues delaying the take-off of Ibadan Inland Dry Port (IDP).

The governor and the Minister, who also jointly inspected the location of the Dry Port and the Moniya Terminal of the Lagos-Ibadan rail line, said that the Dry Port would bring great economic benefits to Nigerians and relieve the Apapa Ports, Lagos of congestion.

While speaking when Amaechi led the delegation including officials of his Ministry and the Nigerian Shippers Council to Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Governor Makinde declared that the State wanted the Dry Port to start operation almost immediately adding that the government would do all that is necessary to ensure the bottlenecks are resolved.

He promised to further reinforce the synergy between the state government and the Federal government over the project.

The governor said that he was aware of most of the issues affecting the take off of the project and gave the commitment that all issues would be amicably resolved.

On Infastructure around the Dry Port corridor, Makinde said that his government had completely reconstructed the Moniya – Iseyin road, which linked the Inland Dry Port (IDP).

He said: “We are thinking of a very solid infrastructure that will ensure that the headache at Apapa in Lagos doesn’t happen here, we will be able to handle it very well and plan ahead in this place; that is the scheme and scope of infrastructure we are thinking about.

“For us, the whole area, the IDP, the rail corridor and the few acquisitions that will be done around that place; we think that should be our new world, a new business district for us.

“If what we are putting in place are not going to fit into the plan of the Inland Dry Port, we can always look at other areas for us to execute the same plan.”

On the plan by the state to have Equity in the project, Makinde stated that it was to smoothen the operations of the Port.
He said: “We feel that irrespective of who is in government, it’s better for the state to play a part in the project.

“So Oyo state is pushing to have 15 per cent equity in the dry port and industrial park, we believe that will help the project in the future.

“We think that model is actually good for the Federal Government and the project promoters as well.

“Because, further down the line, when there are challenges, such challenges can be quickly resolved if the state government is participating in the project.

Makinde assured the Minister of his commitment and that of the state government would do everything to ensure that the IDP project becomes a reality.

The Minister, while speaking during the courtesy visit said that the Federal Government plans to inaugurate the Lagos/Ibadan rail project in June.
Amechi said his visit to Ibadan was to intimate the governor on issues as regards the early commencement of the IDP project.

The Minister, who said Ibadan had been selected for the project before the Buhari administration came into power, said that the present Federal Government wanted to start the project and complete it before the end of its tenure in 2023.

He, however, noted that FG was having issues in securing the 90 hectares of land granted by the state government for the project, saying that only 40 hectares of land have been released.

He said his Ministry had complained to the state government because the preferred bidders needed to do construction design but was impossible because the entire land for the project has not been secured.
He further stated that “part of the regulations is that when state government acquire land and give to FG for IDP project, the state government will provide infrastructure.”

He, therefore, implored the state government; as part of the infastructure, to construct link road that will link the IDP with Ibadan-Oyo road.

On the 15 per cent equity requested by the Oyo state government, the Minister said the government has “to pay money for equity participation in the project.

“If Oyo state want 15 per cent equity in the project, then it has to contribute,” he said.

He, however, clarified that the donation of land for the project and provision of Infrastructure, such as roads and others, cannot be converted to equity.

The Minister posited that construction work on the site would commence once the Federal Executive Council gives approval and the state play its part.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers Council – Mr Hassan Bello was among the entourage of the Minister during the visit.

Signed
Taiwo Adisa
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde
May 21, 2021.

Posted on

Akala Condoles Family of Slain Ogbomosho Kid, Demands Justice For Victim

The erstwhile Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala has expressed his condolence message to the family of a kid that lost her life in motor accident suspected to be Governor Seyi Makinde’s convoy.

Otunba Alao-Akala, in a statement personally signed and made available to newsmen, commiserated with the good people of Ogbomoso and most especially the family of the young girl whose life was cut short on Thursday.

Recall that Oduduwa News reported yesterday on the accident that claim the life of a kid as was rummoured that it was governor Makinde’s convoy that killed her but Makinde in his response has refuted the claim saying he would unravel the mystery surrounding the death of the kid.

The former Governor described the incident as sad and unfortunate event, saying it is heart breaking seeing the father of the little girl carrying the lifeless body of his once upon a time go lucky, bubbly little girl in tears and anguish.

Akala, however, charged Governor Makinde to ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out on the incident and the findings be made public.

He pointed out that no matter how highly placed the person involved, such individual must be brought to book. He stressed that Governor Makinde must ensure that justice is served accordingly to serve as a deterrent to other reckless drivers.

Akala’s condolenc read in part:

CONDOLENCES

It is with heavy heart that I commiserate with the good people of Ogbomoso and most especially the family of the young, vibrant and energetic young girl that was cut short today.

The sad and unfortunate event is heart rendering seeing the father of the little carrying the lifeless body of his once upon a time go lucky, bubbly little girl in tears and anguish.

I therefore call on Gov. Seyi Makinde to ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out on this incident and the findings made public and that whoever, no matter how highly placed is involved in this dastardly act is brought to book and that Justice is served accordingly to serve as a deterrent to other reckless drivers.

I share in the pains of the poor father and the bitter memory this sad occurrence has left the good people of Ogbomoso with.

I urge you all to please in honour of the faithful departed remain calm and peaceful as you go about your daily activities and in reverence to the people of Ogbomosoland who are worst hit by this sad occurrence Immortalize the memory of the little girl.

Posted on

AGF Malami Is Wrong, Prohibition Of Open Grazing Is Constitutional, Adegboruwa, SAN Kicks

The constitutional lawyer, Ebun-Olu Aregboruwa has kicked against claim credited to Attorney General of The Federation, Abubakar Malami SAN.

This The proponents of open grazing support it with the right to freedom of movement granted under section 41 of the Constitution. This section cannot be interpreted to violate other constitutional provisions, especially section 43 that grants the right to private or public property.

You cannot deploy the right to movement of person and cattle to violate the right of another citizen to own property, such as land or farmland, or else you become a trespasser. It is in this regard that I disagree with the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami when he said that the ban on open grazing is unconstitutional. That cannot represent a proper interpretation of the Constitution, with all due respect.

The AGF is a member of the Executive arm of government, under section 5 of the Constitution. The Constitution has not assigned any role to the AGF to make proclamations for the country. To that extent, his comment is ultra vires, being beyond and outside his office as a Minister. The role of interpreting the Constitution is the exclusive preserve of the Courts under the Constitution.

Let the Houses of Assembly of the States that have proscribed open grazing go ahead to make laws to support their declarations. It is only after then that the AGF can approach the court for judicial interpretation.

I urge the Governors to proceed speedily, with the implementation of their lawful and courageous declarations and not be misled, intimidated or distracted by the comments from the federal government.

There is no doubt that we cannot generalize, to say that all “Fulani herdsmen” are guilty of violence and destruction, but we must tackle those criminals who have invaded their ranks, for other purposes other than grazing. Truth is, genuine Fulani herdsmen offer food, dairy, employment and prosperity for the land and this is desirable. The ban on open grazing is therefore necessary to protect the genuine herdsmen and help preserve their vocation from the marauders.

Posted on

Our decision on ban of open grazing is irreversible, Akeredolu fires back at Malami

The governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu SAN has responded to a statement credited to Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN where he claimed that the decision of Southwest Governors on ban of open grazing is unconstitutional.

This was contained in a statement signed and released by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as read in part:

“I have just read the press statement credited to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Shehu Malami SAN on the resolution of the Southern Governors Forum to ban open grazing in their respective States. The AGF is quoted to have said that this reasoned decision, among others, is akin to banning all spare parts dealers in the Northern parts of the country and is unconstitutional.

“It is most unfortunate that the AGF is unable to distill issues as expected of a Senior Advocate. Nothing can be more disconcerting. This outburst should, ordinarily, not elicit response from reasonable people who know the distinction between a legitimate business that is not in anyway injurious and a certain predilection for anarchy. Clinging to an anachronistic model of animal husbandry, which is evidently injurious to harmonious relationship between the herders and the farmers as well as the local populace, is wicked and arrogant.

“Comparing this anachronism, which has led to loss of lives, farmlands and property, and engendered untold hardship on the host communities, with buying and selling of auto parts is not only strange. It, annoyingly, betrays a terrible mindset.

“Mr Malami is advised to approach the court to challenge the legality of the Laws of the respective States baning open grazing and decision of the Southern Governor Forum taken in the interest of their people. We shall be most willing to meet him in Court.

“The decision to ban open grazing stays. It will be enforced with vigour”.

You cannot copy content of this page