Category: News

The Osun State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Adewale Egbedun, is facing intense scrutiny for its recent alleged N1.03 billion expenditure on car purchases for lawmakers.

The controversy stemmed from the lack of transparency surrounding the transaction, coupled with the state’s current financial difficulties.

The distribution of the SUVs without prior public announcement or budgetary allocation drew sharp criticism from a coalition of civil society groups under the banner of “The Osun Mastermind” (TOM) which condemned the assembly’s spending spree.

Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, the Executive Director of TOM, also criticised the assembly’s failure to explain ambiguous spending of over N800 million in the third quarter of 2023, beyond the car purchase, which was not included in the budget.

Professor Oyedokun-Alli called for immediate disclosure of details surrounding the assembly’s N886.4 million expenditure for July, August, and September 2023.

He pointed out that a member organization, the Centre for Sustained Dialogue, had submitted a Freedom of Information request on November 22, 2023, but received no response.

He particularly criticised the assembly’s actions in light of its youthful leadership, represented by Speaker Egbedun.

He expressed disappointment that a generation supposedly advocating for positive change exhibited such blatant disregard for the people’s plight.

His words, “We keenly followed the debates that trailed the release of the Quarter 3 2023 Osun State budget performance and we are bothered that Osun assembly didn’t show accountability and provide details of ambiguous spending.

“One of our member organizations, Centre for Sustained Dialogue, on the 22nd day of November 2023, wrote a Freedom of Information request to the House of Assembly, demanding to know details of expenditure that amounted to N886,459,882.49 for the months of July, August and September which nothing has been done till now.

“This is disturbing because the Speaker of the Assembly is a young person who is supposed to belong to a generation that wants change. We also now make an open request to the Osun State House of Assembly, under Adewale Egbedun, to disclose within 7 days, details of its N886,459,882.49 expenditure for the months of July, August and September 2023.”

He added that “The Assembly recently splashed almost Forty Million Naira each on purchasing Toyota Fortuner SUVs for Members of the House of Assembly. The House, under Adewale Egbedun, must come out to give details of that expenditure of N1.04b that is not included in budget.

“We consider it sad that a House of Assembly populated by young people who are supposed to be our hopes for positive change in governance, is so insensitive to the plights of the people they represent.

“It is disheartening that in a State where government has repeatedly claimed it is frugally managing the finances of the State, the Assembly is splashing so much of Osun people’s collective resources on such frivolity.”

Responding to the criticism through his spokesperson, Olamide Tiamiyu, the speaker said, “The Osun State House of Assembly will continue to act within the purview that is been guided by the law and with reference to due process.

“There is a budgetary provision for the vehicles. But the price quoted is in the figment of the imagination of the person that said it.”

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his counterpart in Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, today, commissioned the Ikeja overpass bridge in the Ikeja area of Lagos state.

The Ikeja Overpass Bridge, which is the fourth to be commissioned by the Lagos State Government within the last two months, is one of the five overpass bridges ceded to the Lagos State Government for construction on the Red Line corridor where the Nigeria Railway Corporation and the Red Line will share tracks.

Sanwo-Olu warned commuters, and motorists against turning the bridge to a bus station.

Governor AbdulRasaq, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, in his remarks, commended the efforts of the Lagos State government, noting that the road project is focused on national development.

Two persons are confirmed dead as eight others sustained injuries in a road crash along the Idiroko-Ota road.

The Federal Road Safety Corps said the crash occurred around 8pm on Sunday, involving 10 persons – five male adults, four female adults and one female child.

“The crash claimed two lives (male adults) and left eight people injured (four female adults, three male adults and one female child),” the FRSC said on Monday.

According to the FRSC spokesperson in Ogun, Florence Oko, the clash involved a Man Diesel truck with number plate LSR10YD and a Toyota Carina with no number plate.

“The suspected cause of the crash was wrongful overtaking that led to a head-on collision.

“The injured victims were taken to General Hospital, Idiroko for treatment, and the corpses were taken away by the family.

“The Sector Commander, FRSC Ogun Sector Command, CC Anthony Uga, advised motorists to always have a clear vision of 150 to 200 meters at night and a controlled speed before overtaking,” Okpe said.

Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, on Thursday, December 14, 2023 convicted and sentenced Olaniyan Gbenga Amos to seventy five, 75, years imprisonment for multiple investment fraud.

He was convicted alongside his firm, Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited. They were prosecuted on 35-count count charges by the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, bordering on obtaining by false pretences, contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.

Count 35 of the charge reads: “That you Olaniyan Gbenga Amos and Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited on or about the 20th of February, 2020, at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N1,540,000 (One million, Five Hundred and Forty Thousand only) from Akinlabi Qasim Dada, when you falsely represented to him that the money was meant for registration and investment with Crime Alert Security Network with a promise of 30% return on investment in six weeks (30 working days), which representation you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence of obtaining money under false pretence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.”

Another Charge reads: “That you
OLANIYAN GBENGA AMOS and DETORRID HERITAGE INVESTMENT LIMITED on or about 27th of August, 2020, at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N170,000 (One Hundred and Seventy Thousand Naira) only from Alhaji Mukaila Odunayo, when you falsely represented to him that the money is meant for registration and investment with Crime Alert Security Network with a promise of 30% return on Investment in 6 weeks (30 working days), which representations you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence of obtaining money under false pretence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, EFCC Counsel, Sanusi Galadanchi opened the case on February 17, 2022 and called six witnesses, tendered eight exhibits and closed the case on January 24, 2023. At the end of the prosecution’s case, the defendant filed a “no case submission” which was overruled by the court. Consequently, the defendant opened and closed his case by calling three witnesses. Thereafter, Justice Taiwo reserved judgment in the matter till December 14, 2023.

At the resumption of the trial on Thursday, December 14, 2023, Justice Taiwo convicted and sentenced the defendant to fifteen (15) years imprisonment on each of counts 27, 32, 33, 34, and 35 but discharged and acquitted the defendant on counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ,8, 9; 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19; 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29; 30 and 31 respectively.

Furthermore, the court ordered that the sentence should run concurrently and the defendant should also restitute the victims. Amos has three other ongoing trials before Federal and State High Courts in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The convict’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested and arraigned before Justice Bayo Taiwo on December 14, 2021 by the EFCC. He swindled several individuals through fake investment ventures that led to the loss of money to the tune of over N1 billion by investors.

Amos deliberately reneged to meet up with the agreements he made with his investors, by not paying the agreed “Return on Investment” to those who invested in “Crime Alert Security Network”, a security investment programme under the umbrella of his firm.

The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of four hundred and thirty-eight billion, four hundred and forty-seven million, eight hundred and seventy-eight thousand, five hundred forty-eight naira, thirty-nine kobo (N438,447,878,548.39) into law.

This is higher than the initial N434,221,765,938.79 (Four hundred and thirty-four billion, two hundred and twenty-one million, seven hundred and sixty-five thousand, nine hundred and thirty-eight naira, seventy-nine kobo) presented to the House of Assembly by Governor Seyi Makinde.

The passage was sequel to the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance, Appropriation and State Economic Planning by its Chairman, Hon Sunkanmi Babaloja (Egbeda)

Recall that the 2024 Appropriation Bill was presented to the State legislature on Tuesday 5th December, 2023.

With this development, there is an upward review of Four billion, two hundred and twenty six million, one hundred and eleven thousand, six hundred and nine naira, sixty kobo only (N4,226,111,609.60) in the appropriation

In the budget, recurrent expenditure for the 2024 Appropriation changed from two hundred and eleven billion, eight hundred and eighty-four million, four hundred and fourty-five thousand, seven hundred and thirty-eight naira, ninety-four kobo only (N211,884,445,738.94) presented by the Governor to two hundred and thirteen billion, five hundred and thirty-eight million, four hundred and seventy-five thousand,(N213,538,475,738.94).

For the capital expenditure, the house approved a sum of two hundred and twenty-four billion, nine hundred and nine million, four hundred and two thousand, eight hundred and nine naira, fourty-five kobo kobo(N224,909,402,809.45) as against the two hundred and twenty-two billion, three hundred and thirty-seven million, three hundred and twenty thousand, one hundred and ninety-nine naira, eighty-five kobo (N222,337,320,199.85) earlier proposed.

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin who presided over the plenary commended all the Committee members and other lawmakers that worked round the clock to ensure early passage of the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

Hon. Ogundoyin said the house made some upward review of the 2024 Appropriation Bill to reflect the current economic realities and situations in the country, and to cater for some critical sectors.

” Special thanks to the House Committee on Finance, Appropriation and State Economic Planning for a thorough job done on the budget which led to the speedy completion of the process. I will like to also appreciate Oyo State Government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies for cooperating with the House of Assembly in this regard. I am optimistic that the budget will help drive the economic recovery agenda of Governor Seyi Makinde in the upcoming year.

” This is just the beginning of our job as Lawmakers. We will hit the ground running. We will embark on full legislative oversight to ensure optimum performance of the budget. We have told our MDAs to be ready to work their fingers to the bone towards the full and successful implementation of the 2024 Budget.” Oyo Speaker assured

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, presented the Instrument of Office and Staff of Office to the new Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye at Ogbomoso Township Stadium in Ogbomoso.

ODUDUWA NEWS reports that Makinde had approved the selection of Oba Olaoye from Olaoye Ruling House, on September 2; while the kingmakers in the ancient town led by the Areago of Ogbomoso, High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, installed him, on September 8, as the new Soun of Ogbomosoland.

Makinde, while presenting the staff of office to the new Soun, said, “I will now hand over the Instrument of Office and Staff of Office to Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III.”

In his acceptance speech, Oba Olaoye said, “My service is premised on a clear vision. I am very aware of the words that the wisest of Kings recorded for us in the book of Proverbs that without a vision, the people perish.Related News

“My vision for a prosperous and peaceful Ogbomosholand rests on a detailed 25-year plan, to be unveiled in the coming months. I promise to serve this vision with all I have, the relationships I have built over the years here in Nigeria and abroad, the experience I have garnered from running several successful businesses, and the skills garnered from more than 30 years of pastoring churches and other pastors. As I have said on several occasions, I have stopped being a church pastor and now become a shepherd of a people”, Oba Olaoye assured.

Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
The 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and six others have asked the state’s House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu “for abuse of office and misappropriation of state resources.”

In a letter dated December 14, 2023, Rhodes-Vivour, Prince Sheriff Adegbite Dosunmu (Executive Director of Our Lagos); Debo Daniel of Youth Initiatives for Good Governance (YIGG), Shina Ogunjimi of Save Democracy Group, Zainab Akorede of Integrity Alliance Network, Lasisi Idris of Organized Movement for Change and Jamiu Lanre Adebayo of Future Leaders Against Corruption (FLAC), said that their concerns revolve around alleged payment of N200 million to cover the personal legal fees of the governor and the provision of furniture for party secretariat.

They noted that considering the weight of the allegations, the state assembly needs to act.

“It is now public knowledge that there are credible allegations of abuse of office and gross misappropriation of state resources, which, in our view, warrant immediate attention and action by the Lagos State House of Assembly,” they said in the letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa.

“The allegations, supported by documented evidence, in the Lagos State Public Procurement Authority website (www.lagesppa.gov.ng), point to a disturbing pattern of behaviour by the Governor that raises significant doubts about his commitment to accountability, and responsible governance. As concemed citizens of Lagos State, we believe it is our collective duty to ensure that our elected officials adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and governance.

“Specifically, our concems revolve around the alleged payment of N200 million to cover the personal legal fees of the Governor (lagosppa.gov.ng January Award 2023-item 16-191), the provision of furniture for party secretariat (lagosppa.gov.ng June Award 2023 Item 52). These actions, if proven true, represent a grave violation of the trust placed in the governor by the people of Lagos State and constitute grounds for impeachment.

“Considering the seriousness of these allegations and immunity the governors office provides him, You and the state assembly are the only hope of the people of Lagos to safeguard against the looting of our common wealth. Therefore, we humbly request that the Lagos State House of Assembly initiates impeachment proceedings against Governor Sanwolu. It is crucial for our democratic institutions particularly the hallowed chambers which you preside over, to demonstrate their commitment to accountability and the rule of law.

“We understand that such proceedings require careful consideration and due process. However, given the urgency of the matter and the potential impact on the welfare of Lagos State residents, we implore you to priontize this issue and conduct a thorough and impartial investigation

“We trust that the Lagos State House of Assembly, under your esteemed leadership, will uphold its constitutional duty to safeguard the interests and well-being of the people. Your commitment to justice and accountability will undoubtedly will not only renew hope in the hearts of lagosians, It will also contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of Lagos State,” the letter added.

Recall that Rhodes-Vivour had in a document shared on his verified X handle @GRVlagos in November alleged that the state government paid four law firms N50 million each to defend Sanwo-Olu’s election victory.

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun on Monday launched the year 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem, promising that his administration would continue to prioritize the welfare of its serving and retired personnel.

Prince Abiodun, at the launch of the Remembrance Emblem at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, also donated N10 million to the Legionnaires.

He called on Nigerians to extend their support and care to the families left behind by the fallen heroes.

The governor also promised to look into the accommodation request of the Legion, adding that a beffiting ediface would be made available for them.

“As we celebrate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, let us also remember the family of these fallen heroes. They have endured countless tears and heartaches, yet they have remained resilient, steadfast in their support of their loved ones.

“We must continue to extend our support and care to these families, ensuring that they are never forgotten and are provided with the necessary assistance and opportunities to leave fulfilling lives.

“In this regard, we will prioritize the welfare and wellbeing of our serving and retired personnel. We owe it to them to ensure that they are taken care of and allowed to transit seamlessly to civilian life.

“I want to extend my biggest gratitude to the Nigerian Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment and selflessness against various threats to our peace and unity.

“Through their brilliant efforts, we have been able to maintain stability and ensure the safety of our citizens,” he said.

Prince Abiodun added that his administration would continue to collaborate with the armed forces in addressing various security challenges in the state.

The governor also said that his administration is fully committed to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure that the armed forces can carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.

Earlier in his remarks, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Master Warrant Officer Orukotan Olumuyiwa (rtd), noted that there is an increase in the number of widows and orphans in need of care and support as a result of security challenges that exerted pressure on the armed forces whose personnel have continually been drafted to tackle security issues in the country.

Orukotan commended the efforts of the state government to reposition the economy, even as he called for concerted efforts to ameliorate the hardship being faced by widows and orphans of falling heroes.

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has issued an order to freeze the accounts of the Oyo state government in ten commercial banks across the country.

The order was issued by Justice A. O. Ebong in a ruling on a proceeding initiated by ex-council chiefs in Oyo state, sacked on May 29, 2019 by Governor Seyi Makinde, and who in 2021 got a N4,874,889,425.60 judgment against Makinde and other officials/agencies of the state.

The other officials/agencies listed with Makinde as judgment debtors, by virtue of the May 7, 2021 judgment of the Supreme Court, are the Attorney General, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Accountant General of Oyo State, Speaker of the House of Assembly, the House of Assembly and the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

The garnishee proceeding is intended by the ex-council chiefs, led by Bashorun Majeed Ajuwon, to recover the balance of N3,424,889,425.60 (N3.5b) which is outstanding from the actual judgment sum, from which Makinde paid only N1.5m in 2022.

What was outstanding in respect of the Supreme Court judgment was N3,374,889,425.60, but the Court of Appeal in Abuja added N50million, which it awarded as cost against Makinde and others in a judgment on December 8, dismissing their appeal.

The banks in which the Oyo State Government’s accounts are blocked are Zenith Bank, United Bank of Africa (UBA), Wema Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, Ecobank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, Polaris Bank, Jaiz Bank and Union Bank.

Justice Ebong, in the ruling on a motion marked: BW/M/85/2023, ordered the garnishees (the banks) to “file affidavits and attend this court on the next adjourned date to show cause why the garnishee orders nisi hereby granted should not be made absolute.”

The judge awarded N300,000.00 as cost against the judgment debtors; ordered that a copy of the order be served on Makinde and others and adjourned till January 5 next year for hearing.

The 10,000-capacity auditorium of Beulah Baptist Centre, Ogbomoso was filled to a capacity as clerics, royal fathers, eminent personalities, including General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, graced the interdenominational service of coronation of Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, Orunmogege III.

It is recalled that after the official approval by Oyo State governor, Engr.Seyi Makinde, Oba Olaoye was installed on Friday, September 8, 2023 by Soun Kingmakers in a sacred place, Abata located at Ogbomoso palace as the 21st Soun of the ancient town of Ogbomoso.

In his short exhortation, Pastor Adeboye congratulated the new monarch, saying he was destined to rule the ancient town of Ogbomoso as the king as from 2023.

He added that the plan of God is superior to all and it can never be changed.

Adeboye enjoined Oba Olaoyeto ensure his reign embraces transparency,open door and accommodation to ensure peace,unity, progress and development in the town.

In his enthusiastic mood, Oba Olaoye glorified the existence of God over his existence and installation as Soun of Ogbomosolans, maintaining that his doors will be opened to constructive observations and that he would be the king for all Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers.

Oba Olaoye, who narrated the journey to becoming the Soun with great gratitude to God, saying, “I’m grateful to Almighty God for how he has favoured and chosen me.

“I thank my spiritual father, mentor and role model, Pastor Adeboye for his supports from ab initio. Therefore, as I say, I will be king for all. I was a pastor, but now a priest and shepherd for Ogbomosoland. From now on, God will continue to reign.in Ogbomoso land.”

Special prayers were offered for the new Soun,residents of the town,Ogbomoso,Oyo state and the country in general by eminent men of God.

The interdenominational seevice featured anointing of the new monarch by Baba Adeboye and various renditions by groups of choristers.