The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Ayedatiwa has declared 3-Day mourning in the state to honour the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
This was contained in a statement made available by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniran and sent to newsmen as read in part:
“In a solemn declaration, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced a three-day period of State mourning in honour of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, former Governor of Ondo State, who died in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, 2023.
“This period of mourning, with fasting and prayer, takes effect from Thursday, December 28 to Saturday, December 30, 2023. Also, all national flags are to be flown at half-mast in reflection of the mood of the State for seven days.
“The Governor also announced the suspension of State government ceremonies during this period of mourning.
“Meanwhile, condolence registers have been opened at the Governor’s Office and the Government House in Akure, as well as State Liaison Offices in Lagos and Abuja.
May the soul of our late leader rest in perfect peace, Amen.
One person died on Tuesday in an accident along the Abeokuta-Sagamu highway, Ogun State.
VOA News reports that the lone accident occurred around Nestle Roundabout at about 9pm.
The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the incident, saying it involved six persons in a Highlander SUV with number plate JJJ721JB.
The FRSC spokesperson in Ogun State, Florence Okpe, said the crash was as a result of tyre burst and speeding.
“A total of six persons were involved in a crash along Sagamu-Abeokuta Road, around Nestle Roundabout, at about 2100 hrs.
“The six persons were all male adults, one was injured and unfortunately, one person died from the lone crash,” Okpe disclosed.
Okpe added that, “the suspected cause of the lone crash was tyre burst and speeding.
“The injured victim was taken to Idera Hospital for medical attention and the corpse was taken away by the family members.”
Meanwhile, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Ogun, Anthony Uga, has advised motorists to always carry out a routine check on vehicle and replace any defects detected from the vehicle.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun – MFR, on Wednesday described the death of his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, as tragic.
Akeredolu succumbed to leukaemia in Lagos on Wednesday. He was 67.
In his condolence message to the acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased and Ondo people, Prince Abiodun described Akeredolu, who until his death was the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, as a a dogged fighter throughout his life time.
According to him, Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), stood for equity and fairness in the run up to the 2023 presidential election when he was the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum.
Prince Abiodun said Akeredolu was a visionary leader with an unwavering dedication to his people and social justice.
Abiodun said: “Akeredolu made an indelible mark on Nigerian politics. From his tenure as the chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association to his role as the chairman of the South West Governors Forum, he continuously championed the cause of justice and the upliftment of his people.
“Known for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Ondo citizens, Akeredolu spearheaded major initiatives that brought about positive change. Under his leadership, the state witnessed significant advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and education. His commitment to sustainable development earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and citizens alike.
“As the nation mourns the loss of a formidable leader, Rotimi Akeredolu’s memory will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. His legacy of compassion, justice, and progress will endure, forever reminding Nigerians of the transformative power of dedicated leadership.
“In this time of immense grief, the people of Ondo State must unite, draw strength from their cherished memories of their late governor and resolve to honour his legacy by building upon the foundations he laid, ensuring that his vision for a better and brighter future for Ondo State lives on.”
There was general excitement in Iseyin Community yesterday when the youths embarked on fitness race and walked across some selected places in the town.
The marathon race which started at Aseyin Palace, OJaba at exactly 7:30am on Monday, 26th of December 2023 had participants drawn from various areas and towns in Iseyin Local Government Council.
The race started from Aseyin Palace, Ojaba and ended with a final destination at Technical College, Oluwole.
The President of Iseyin Youth Development Group, Babajide Oniyo while giving his opening remark said, the programme was organised purposely to sensitize the youths on the need to be responsible in their youthfulness and ensure they abide by the truth for the betterment of the society.
“Last year when we held this marathon race, we focused our attention on general election and we held lecture to sensitize the youths on their role as stakeholder. This year, we have come with a lecture that focuses on the development of Iseyin as the city continues to expand. The theme tagged: “The emerging role of youths as Iseyin expands” to be delivered by our amiable lecturer, Dr. Ridwan Bello.
“It’s our hope that the race is going to serve as an avenue to remind the youths of their values and their responsibilities in the peaceful growth and serenity of Iseyin and the country at large. It will also serve as an extracurricular activity for students and youths and promote cordial relationship among them. Furthermore, it will further project Iseyin Local government in high stance amongst its contemporaries in Oke-Ogun. It’s our great hope that subsequent ones will boost Iseyin economy and reputation as the race will be opened to the entire Oke -Ogun for participation”.
He equally charged all stakeholders to ensure that they continually support the scheme as they hope to expand the scope of the marathon to cover Nigeria in future.
He therefore commended Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola III, other notable indigenes of Iseyin and the entire members of the Committee for their support towards the realization of the programme.
Dr. Ridwan Bello who delivered lecture at the programme, affirmed that the development of any town solely lies in the resilience of the youths and called on youths to brace up for the challenges that may surface while the community continues to develop.
He highlighted the roles of youths in the development of the nation while charging community leaders to ensure they give chance to them in order to deploy their potentials for overall development of the society.
He enjoined all political and community leaders to begin massive investment in youths and fix them in appropriate places where they can harness their potentials for the development of the town.
He also used the occasion to spell out some areas where youths are needed and specific tasks that could be assigned to them.
The Marathon race was graced by several stakeholders which included by Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola III, Olori of Aseyin, Yeye Oba, Ikolaba of Iseyin, High Chief Tikalosoro, representative of Hon. Tosin Peller, among several others.
The executive governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has reportedly passed away at age 67.
This comes just two weeks after the ailing governor reportedly embarked on a medical trip to Germany, his second in about four months.
According to news report, a family source disclosed on Wednesday, December 27, that Akeredolu died in Lagos.
The news outlet reports that he was managed by State House doctors up to his death because they could not fly him abroad.
“Akeredolu is dead; he died in Lagos. They were looking for dialysis machines to be sent to his secret location in Lagos last week,” the source was quoted as saying.
Recall that the ailing governor returned to Nigeria in September following a three-month medical leave in Germany and only recently proceeded on another one after he was directed by President Bola Tinubu to hand over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
His deputy, Aiyedatiwa has been standing in as Acting Governor.
The Lagos State Police Command has taken swift action and apprehended the suspect. Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, provided a statement on his official X handle on Monday, December 25, confirming the arrest.
Hundeyin stated, “Recently, #followlasg had installed solar-powered streetlights in various locations across the state. Unfortunately, within a few weeks, the solar panels started disappearing due to thefts.”
Upon receiving this information, the police immediately launched an investigation and diligently worked towards solving the case. Finally, a breakthrough occurred a few days ago when officers from the Alausa Division on Ikosi Road apprehended Emmanuel Achogwu, a 30-year-old technician, in possession of four stolen solar panels.
Further investigation has revealed that Achogwu was previously contracted as one of the technicians responsible for installing the very same solar-powered streetlights he targeted for theft. It is disappointing that he misused his position of trust and expertise for his own personal gain.
The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the protection of public property and the well-being of its citizens. The suspect will face appropriate legal consequences for his actions, serving as a deterrent to others who may be considering similar acts of vandalism.
The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Post Primary Schools Teaching Service Commission TESCOM, Mr. Babajide Kafari Olasunmade has felicitated the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde on the occasion of his 56th birthday.
The Permanent Secretary in a statement made available to Oduduwa News, expressed his felicitation message to the Governor on behalf of the entire Teaching Service Commission TESCOM.
He was quoted in a statement personally signed by him and made available today to newsmen as read in part:
“On behalf of the Board, Management and the Staff (both Teaching and Non teaching) of Oyo State Post Primary Schools Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), I am joining the teeming populace of Oyo State indigenes to felicitate a rare gift and blessing to not only Oyo State but Nigeria and Africa in general, His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde FSNE on the occasion of his 56th birthday.
“Our amiable Governor is celebrating his birthday and the people of Oyo State at home and abroad are celebrating with him, he is not just a Governor like the rest, he is exemplary in action and programmes that have catapulted the name of our State to an enviable height in good governance.
“We are extremely happy and felicitate you for being pronounced exceptional and a leading light in governance in Nigeria. You are our pride, and hereby identify and share with you, your Excellency, this joyful moment of yours and salute your originality, courage and exhibition of a strong potential for excellence, innovation and leadership in governance and especially in education industry.
“On behalf of all of us in education industry, you are appreciated for the love for education, welfare of workers and mass employment of teaching staff into our various schools and to crown it all, appointment of twenty -two Permanent Secretaries in education industry, this is highly unprecedented. May God continue to envelope His Excellency with divine favours and understanding to lead the state to an enviable heights. Amen”.
Makinde who began the celebration of his birthday yesterday at the Fashola farm, along Oyo Iseyin road had many admirers and well wishers who thronged the place to join him in commemoration of his birthday occasion.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has advised Nigerians to keep the hope alive. He said this while he was expressing his greetings to Christian faithfuls on Christmas day.
“As we celebrate Christmas, I extend my warmest wishes to every Lagosian and Nigerian, especially Christians. Let’s remember the true essence of this season – reflecting on the birth of Jesus and spreading kindness and generosity.
“This Christmas, I urge everyone to live in harmony and peace with believers of all faiths. Let’s embody the virtues of humility, tolerance, and compassion, just as Jesus Christ taught us.
“In these challenging times, I emphasize the importance of hope and faith. Trust in God and have faith in the intentions of our administration.
“I assure Lagos residents of a safe and joyful celebration. Go about your activities without fear; our administration has taken proactive security measures for a peaceful Christmas. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas filled with love and unity”, said Sanwo-Olu.
A Yoruba traditional worshipper, who is the General Secretary of the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association of Oyo State and founder, Olodumare’s Temple of Light International, Dr. Fayemi Fakayode has said that the mistake made by late Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther by naming Esu as Satan while translating the English Bible to Yoruba has cost African traditionalists their true identity.
He said the wrong stereotype has been carried across centuries and led to wrongful discrimination, killing and unjust disposition of other religions towards Yoruba traditional religion adherents.
Fakayode said this at the 2023 annual Esu festival tagged “Walk For Esu” at Alade Town, Old Oyo Road, Ibadan on Sunday, where Isese worshippers gathered to celebrate after a sensitization campaign rally around major areas in Ibadan.
He stated that the campaign was meant to correct the error made by the late Bishop Ajayi Crowther, a freed slave of Yoruba descent, who later became an Anglican Bishop and was given the task of translating the Bible to Yoruba language.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate Esu, one of the most industrious of all Yoruba deities and who unfortunately was misconstrued to be of the same character with the Bible’s Satan.
“The sensitization rally, which has been on across the world for years is meant to change the stereotype caused by the Crowther’s mistake and restore the deserving respect that should be accorded Esu by all and sundry, an effort which we have seen is achieving success.
“Esu is a deity that Yorubas believe has always blessed them with good things as a messenger of God, he is not vile and bad as being characterized by the people of foreign religions,” Fakayode pointed.
The event culminated in a public lecture titled “Esu: The Wealth of The Society”, which was delivered by Chief Fakayode Olaonipekun, a traditionalist based in Ibadan.
Olaonipekun mentioned that Esu and Satan are two separate entities, adding that the Yoruba’s Esu has no equivalence in any other religion.
Signed:
Mogaji Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode,
Founder, Olodumare’s Temple of Light International, Ibadan and General Secretary, Traditional Worshippers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Branch. Sunday 25th December, 2023.
The Ogun state police command has confirmed that the Nollywood actor and director, Azeez Ijaduad, was unintentionally shot by a police officer on Sunday.
Earlier reports of Ijaduad being shot by a reckless policeman were made public by his colleague, Abiodun Adebanjo, on Instagram. However, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, clarified that the incident occurred when an officer attached to Bramajaj Company Limited accidentally discharged his rifle during the company’s end-of-year party at a hotel in Iperu.
Ijaduade, who was present at the hotel for a movie shoot along with his crew members and other actors, was unfortunate enough to be struck in the neck by the stray bullet. The police have informed that Ijaduad has been promptly taken to the hospital and is currently receiving treatment. Odutola assured that the actor’s condition is now stable.
