Category: Politics

The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the statement credited to Senator Teslim Folarin describing the PDP as being in vegetative state, and one in his past has exposed his political ignorance and naivety.

The PDP further described Folarin as a mere political opportunist, a barren politician with zero political clout
It described him a political orphan’ without any known stronghold or base.

According to a press statement by the Oyo State chapter of PDP signed by its state Publicity Secretary, Akeem Olatunji, and made available to newmen on Friday July 16, the party maintained that the Senator remains a liability he was to the PDP, which led the party to the collosal failure when he flew the party’s flag for governorship in 2015.
Recently, one of the leaders of PDP in Oyo state, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, while featuring in an interview with Ajibola Akinyefa Tv, was quoted to have said that former members of PDP in Oyo state including former governor Alao Akala and Teslim Folarin would return to the ruling party in the state.

However, in what was seen as a swift reaction, Folarin was quoted as saying that the PDP belongs to his past and APC belongs to his present adding that only dying politicians would return or remain in PDP which he said has being in a ‘vegetative state.’

The Oyo state PDP however stated that such remarks by Folarin could only emanate from a ‘nobody’ in the Nigeria’s political space adding that Folarin was a political opportunist and an ingrate who was privileged to have used the political party mechanisms and instrumentalities to win public office.

“The Oyo State PDP was thrown into amusement by our ‘Pakute setter’, Senator Folarin, who is reputable for being one of the foremost political opportunists in Oyo state in the last 25 years but instead of making impact in the lives of the people has turned himself into a great liability to every political party he belongs at every point in time.

“We are not unmindful of the fact that, as a political orphan without a political leader or mentor, chances are high that he would say and do things within his state of political nativity in a desperate attempt to curry political favour from his present political party, there was almost nothing he didn’t say against APC, his new darling, when he was in PDP, and as a politician without political integrity and clout he could say anything against the finger that not only fed him politically but also gave him everything he holds today politically.

“Senator Folarin has just one single ambition and that is to become Governor of Oyo state at all cost and be addressed as Mr Governor, nothing more
But it is clear he has absolutely nothing to offer the people of Oyo state in that capacity than plotting ‘pakute’, violence, and other forms of political ills.
He us only desperate to be governor.

“It is on record that the supposed governorship hopeful removed a power transformer donated by the federal government to a community in Ibadan through his office as a senator because members of the community rejected him at the election polls by voting against him.

“It is also a public knowledge how our great party, PDP, through our very revered baba and political icon in Nigeria, late Alhaji Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu took Folarin in as a political son being a political orphan and gave him an opportunity to become a senator in order to test his self proclaimed desire to effect positive change in our dear state.

“It is very sad and disturbing not only to us in the PDP that many of the undemocratic and unrefined traits and tendencies we saw in him which made PDP leaders and members reject him in the past across the state to reject his political aspiration to has not only remained but has grown worse in him.

“Witthout mincing words, we made bold to say as a party that if Oyo state PDP had given a roadside mechanic that senatorial slot given to Senator Folarin, such mechanic would have won and be in Folarin’s shoes today because of the popularity and acceptability of our great party not because of his individual personality, but the strength of our party.

“We urge Senator Folarin and his likes in his shattered ‘broom’ party to focus on their internal party misfortune and the political battle that lies ahead among others.

“Aside the ‘Mr Senator’ title he has to his name, we challenge Senator Folarin to mention one present PDP politicians in his Ona-Ara local government or ward he has the political clout to defeat square and fair in a transparent, free and fair election. We urge Senator Folarin not to overrate himself as his days in the Senate are numbered. He also must admit to the fact that he lacks all the ingredients required to become Governor of our pacesetter’s state.”

ODUDUWA NEWS has just gathered that some Police officers have been stationed at Gani Fawehinmi Park over another planned Yoruba Nation rally set to hold in Lagos tommorow as announced by a group, Yoruba Appraisal Forum.

The Police said, it has mobilized its boys immediately to forestall breakdown of laws when it received an information that a certain group identified as Yoruba Appraisal Forum YAF revealed its plan to hold another rally in Lagos.

Details later.

As part of major condition for the implementation of financial autonomy for State Legislatures across the Country, the Oyo State House of Assembly has passed its Funds Management Bill, 2021 into Law.

The Bill tagged Oyo State House of Assembly Funds Management Bill, 2021 was passed Thursday at a plenary session presided over by the Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin.

The Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon Akeem Mustapha, (Kajola) had earlier presented and submitted the report of the Committee on the bill before the House.

The bill was later read and considered clause-by-clause by the Committee of the whole House after which it was read for the third time and passed.

The Speaker while addressing the Press shortly after the passage of the Bill said it was meant to ensure accountability, transparency and efficient utilization of funds accruing to the Oyo State House of Assembly from the consolidated funds of the State.

“We are happy that we met up with the deadline. We had a forty-five day deadline. That’s why we did everything possible to scrutinize the bill thoroughly. And I can assure you that it was all inclusive. We are very happy with the Bill as it will strengthen the Legislature. With Legislative independence comes more responsibilities and this will be followed by more positive and outstanding results. Surely , the whole Oyo State House of Assembly is excited about the passage of the Bill. “

Hon Ogundoyin stated further that the Legislature was optimistic that the Bill will be assented to by Governor Seyi Makinde very soon.

The Bill which is meant to enhance and ensure proper management of the income and expenditure of the Legislature is being deliberated and considered by State Houses of Assembly across Nigeria.

When it becomes operational, the Funds Management Law wi give total freedom to the State Legislatures and put an end to their dependence on the Executive arm of Government.

It will also guarantee the rule of law, and enhance the concept of separation of power.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba on his 82 years birthday celebration.

He also congratulated ex-National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Babatunde Ogala (SAN) on his 60th birthday.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Osoba and Ogala who clock 82 and 60 respectively on Thursday, as Democrats and good ambassadors of the ruling party, APC.

He commended Aremo Osoba for his commitment to public service, describing the renowned journalist and politician as epitome of honesty, dedication and service, who used his elevated positions for improvement of the people in his spheres of influence.

“Chief Olusegun Osoba is a true democrat and member of the progressive camp, who has been playing active roles in party politics and governance in Nigeria. He was one of the performing governors who delivered dividends of democracy to the populace during the days of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Alliance for Democracy (AD) in South-West.

“Aremo Osoba’s selling point is not only in politics but journalism, his chosen profession. He made remarkable contributions to the media industry as a respected journalist and media manager. He used the power of the press to influence positive changes in the country’s social and political landscape as a reporter, editor and managing director in different media organisations,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu while congratulating Ogala on his 60th birthday described the former lawmaker as a worthy citizen of Lagos State, who has distinguished himself in the legal profession and legislative business with high level of professionalism and integrity.

He also commended Ogala’s selfless service and dedication to the growth and development of Lagos State as a member of the State House of Assembly.

“As you celebrate your 60th birthday, I pray that God will increase you in good health to enable you render more service to humanity,” the governor said.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has today visited Ado-Odo/Ota today to access its level of damages.

The governor made it known via his official Facebook account as read in part:

“Visiting Ado-Odo/Ota today, I promised that our Government and Lagos State’s will continue engaging the Hon. Minister of Works for possible quick and permanent solution to some of the key infrastructure challenges in that local government, as ceding the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta federal road project would ease discomfort for road users.

“After I had mandated the Ogun State Commissioner for Works to rehabilitate failed portions of the Ota-Idiroko Road, we also assessed the current works on the Joju Road rehabilitation project being done by our Administration.

“With this first-hand experience of the two vital roads, I feel our people’s pains and discomfort, and as an Administration, we will not renege on our promise to leave the State better than we met it”.

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that the National Association of Nigerian Students NANS Southwest Zone has honoured a member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, Hon. Dele Adeola with an award of excellence.

The members of NANS Zone D who visited the honourable at his office yesterday to give him the award, said they deemed it fit to honour the honourable for his outstanding performance at the Oyo State legislative house.

They said, they have been monitoring Hon. Dele Adeola and have no doubt than to conclude that his doggedness and and unrelenting effort towards the welfare and development of his people are second to none.

In his words, Adeola said, “today, I was honoured and awarded by National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, Southwest Zone. This award is dedicated to the people of Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency for the trust reposed in me to serve them at the Oyo State House of Assembly.

“This is a clarion call to do more as this award will no doubt spur us to continue using parliament as an instrument of social engineering and the development well-deserved by the people.

“I am immensely thankful to the entire team of NANS Zone D for deeming it fit to recognize our roles and responsibilities so far at the legislative house.

“As I always say, we have no excuse to fail our people and we shall continue to demand for what is just and right”.

Thanks once again.

The International Criminal Court, on Tuesday, acknowledged a 27-page petition filed by Yoruba Nation agitators.

The petition was signed by the Leader of Ilana Omo Oodua, Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye; Yoruba Activist, Sunday Igboho; and other 49 persons fighting for the actualization of Oduduwa Republic, an agitated sovereign state for the Yoruba Yoruba nation.

The petition was filed against against President Muhammadu Buhari; the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN; former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai; and former Inspectors General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and Muhammed Adamu.

In the petition, the Yoruba Nation agitators accused the Nigerian leaders and security chiefs of genocide and crimes against humanity against the Yoruba people of Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, Okun Land in Kogi, and Kwara states respectively.

According to a letter to the petitioners’ lawyer by the ICC’s Head of Information and Evidence Unit of the Office of the Prosecutor, Mr. Mark P. Dilon, read, “This communication has been duly entered in the Communications Register of the Office.

“We will give consideration to this communication, as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

“As soon as a decision is reached to formally commence investigation into this petition, we will inform you, in writing, and provide you, with reasons for this decision.”

The Aare-Ona-Kankanfo Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has begged every Yoruba King to forgive the popular Yoruba Activist and Human right fighter that his house was attacked by the DSS on July 1, the day he was also declared wanted.

Recall, ODUDUWA NEWS had earlier reported how DSS paraded many items like charms, phones, passports and dangerous weapons claimed to have allegedly recovered from Sunday Igboho’s house in which he has denied many of the items.

When Gani Adams was begging the Yoruba kings to forgive Igboho, according to Yoruba BBC monitored by ODUDUWA NEWS, he claimed he had already warned Sunday Igboho about the way he was agitating for the Oodua nation.

He said, many of the statements that used to come out of his mouth are not right for anybody that calls himself a powerful man.

Instead of him being patient and negotiate with the kings. He said he wanted to go to the Seme border and open it. I knew what he was doing would not end well and I warned him not to cause war in Yorubaland.

Gani Adams claimed that Sunday Igboho must stop his followers from abusing the Yoruba King and leaders that don’t support the agitation for the Oodua Republic because everybody is entitled to his opinion.

Gani Adams Narrated that he has warned Sunday Igboho to be careful with his followers because most of them are informants of politicians from Lagos. But almighty God has used him to fight for the Yorubas and we can never deny him.

He further begs that, Alake of Egba, Oni of Ife and other Kings to forgive Sunday Igboho. He claimed that Sunday has abused many people, including himself, but as the Aree-Ona-Kakanfo, I don’t have any other choice than to forgive him.

It is no longer new that the former Minister of Aviation, Femi-Fani Kayode started his journey tagged “Bridge Building” to State Governors’ in Nigeria few months ago.

The journey which was earlier suspended few weeks ago for best reason know to him has again started as the visitation this time was to the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The journey to Enugu State Government house was made known today by the Ex-Aviation Minister via his official Facebook handle as read in part:

*It is always an honor and pleasure to visit with my friend and brother, the great Gburugburu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state.

“We had a series of fruitful and productive discussions about our country and the way forward.

“Under his leadership Enugu has gone from strength to strength and I am very proud of his achievements.

“May God continue to be with him and the good people of Enugu state”.

Notable Yoruba traditional rulers from Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Kwara and Kogi states, under the auspices or Forum of Yoruba Obas on Sunday called for the immediate release of 13 aides of the Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, who were arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS) during a recent raid on his Ibadan residence.

The monarchs, under the banner of the Forum of Yoruba Obas, also demanded adequate compensation for the families of two aides who were shot dead by the DSS during the midnight invasion of Igboho’s house, located at Soka, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

In their statement released titled: “The Position of The Yoruba Obas on the Invasion of Sunday Adeyemo’s House by the DSS and State of The Nation”, the traditional rulers described the invasion as illegal and a gross violation of the fundamental human rights of Igboho, his aides and the deceased.

According to the statement signed by the president of the forum, Oba Samuel O. Adeoye, who is the Molokun of Atijere kingdom in Ondo State and his secretary, Olukotun of Ikotun Ile, Oba Abdurasaq Adebayo Abioye in Kwara, “We strongly condemn in its entirety the invasion and the gruesome murder of the people at Sunday Igboho’s house on the1st July, 2021.”

“As traditional rulers we cannot bury our heads in the sand like the ostrich on a very sensitive issue like this which if not well managed could further polarise the oneness and unity of Nigeria, considering the recent calls by prominent people in and outside the shores of Nigeria for the disintegration of Nigeria as one indissoluble and indivisible entity.

We believe that the killing by the officers of the DSS is unwarranted and unjustifiable, a violent breach of the fundamental right of those who were killed by the overzealous officers at Sunday Adeyemo’s house his residence.

“We hereby call for the immediate release of those arrested at his residence. We demand that there must be adequate compensation for the family of those people who were murdered during the operation. We equally in the same vein call on President Muhammadu Buhari to cause a discrete and holistic investigation on this volatile issue.

While we as custodians of tradition and advocates of peace will not shield or encourage anyone to break the law of the land, we make bold to state that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is very clear and unambiguous that the governor of the state is the Chief Security Officer of the state and as such Governor Seyi Makinde ought to be apprised of any move to cause the arrest of anyone in Oyo State who has or is likely to cause serious security breach before such a person or group of persons can be arrested.