Category: Politics

…Oyo State opted to be different in 2019

…I had no godfather, political experience, lost two Senate bids

…Why Nigeria mustn’t become a one-party state

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he is qualified and old enough to speak for himself on any issue without mincing words.

He was reacting to speculations that he was plotting to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

According to him, speculations about his political future were unsolicited.

Makinde warned Nigerians about the dangers inherent in allowing Nigeria to slide into a one-party state.

The governor who spoke to reporters in Fashola Farm in Oyo, yesterday, explained that, if he had anything to say about his political future, he would do so publicly.

He said, “ We didn’t do this (Host PDP reporters’ retreat) because somebody has a presidential ambition. No comment, nothing. But all I can say to you is, I’m old enough if I want to do something, I will come out and say, this is what I want to do.

“So, no speculation, nobody can push my agenda. I will push my agenda when the time comes.”

Makinde recalled that with the support of the people of Oyo State, he defied several odds including two failed Senate attempts before his election into office as Governor.

The Governor said, “Oyo State people took a decision in 2019. We did not have a godfather. Nobody sponsored me, nobody gave me a dime for us to get in here but the people of Oyo State decided, we wanted to give this opportunity to an outsider.

“And before that, you will see videos saying that Oh, Seyi, what has he done before? Has he been a councillor? No. Has he been to the House of Representatives? No. What about the Senate? I tried twice but was rejected.

“So, experience in politics – No experience in governance but I’ve done well for myself in business and they said we’ll give you the opportunity and before that time, the whole of the South West was APC, all six states.

“But in Oyo State, we chose to be different. Because I had no experience, I wanted to convince the people.

“We produced a document, Road Map to accelerated development of Oyo State, 2019-2023 and I said to the people, this is it in black and white, hold me accountable and they gave us the opportunity. Thank God it is being done. “

The governor also cautioned Nigerians against allowing the nation to slide into a one-party state.

He said, “Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state so that others will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.”

Makinde reiterated his commitment to re-enacting the development strides recorded by great leaders who put the South West on the global map with their innovative approach to governance.

He recalled that farm settlements such as Fashola Farms were conceptualized and made functional in the 1950s by Chief Obafemi Awolowo with breeds of cattle and other livestock.

Revenue generated from the proceeds of Cocoa he said were used to build Cocoa House which was the first skyscraper at the time.

He said, “If you go to Tel Aviv in Israel,. You’ll see the first one they built and many more have followed.”

Speaking on the legacy he desires to leave behind, Makinde said he would like to be remembered for building institutions that will guarantee good governance irrespective of whoever occupies the office of governor.

Ahead of the November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo state, the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), through it’s Southwest leader and Oyo state Governor, Engr.Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, called for the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.

There had been petitions before now by an independent body , against State REC to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)headquarters, about an alleged unholy alliance between the REC and Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa ,the All People’s Congress (APC) candidate in the scheduled election and the state governor.

The independent body had through the petition, revealed, at least two secret meetings the REC who is also an indigene of Ondo state, had with Aiyedatiwa who is believed to be the REC’s close ally.

Governor Makinde called for the removal of the REC in Akure during the Campaign Flag Off ceremony of the PDP which had major PDP stakeholders in attendance.

Calling for the REC’s removal, a visibly excited Makinde, facing the sea of heads at the flag off venue said ” I want to say emphatically and without mincing words , that the Resident Electoral Commissioner ( REC) in Ondo State must be removed and a neutral person used to replace her, because she is an indigene of Ondo State and our findings revealed that she is partisan.

” We must create a level playing ground for all the political parties involved in this coming gubernatorial election in Ondo State” Gov Makinde said

“The election must be free and fair and with all these am seeing here today , PDP will surely take Ondo State back from APC that has impoverished the masses” the Oyo State Governor and the leader of the party in the SouthWest said.

” I must also admonish my people in Ondo State that they should shun all forms of voting and collecting money ( Dibo ko sebe) because it won’t take us anywhere infact that’s what put Nigeria in the present problems we are having as a nation now ” the Governor submitted.

Also at the event where the Chairman PDP Governor’s forum, H E Bala Muhammad, Governor of Bauchi State who registered his confidence in the party’s victory on November 16, he assured the Party’s candidate , H E Agboola Ajayi and his running mate Festus Akingbaso a.k.a Fessywest, of the support of the party as a whole and all the governors elected on the platform of the party especially.

” All PDP Governors are with you in Ondo State, we are surely behind Agboola Ajayi in taking over Ondo State for PDP.” the Bauchi State governor maintained.

The carnival like event was a practical demonstration of love and support for the PDP candidate, Ajayi, as the party’s flag was handed over to him by the Party’s National Acting Chairman, Amb. Iliya Umar Damagun.

Also present at the event are the host Governor , Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun state and the National Chairman of the Ondo State Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Chairman of the PDP BOT, represented by the forner Governor of Ebony State, H E Sam Egwu, all members of the PDP National Working Committee, SouthWest National Secretary , Hon Ramon Owokoniran among others .

Agboola Ajayi and his running mate, Hon Festus Akingbaso will fly the PDP flag as the people of Ondo State go to the polls in a few weeks time .

This is contained in a statement released by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

Mr Ologunagba said the decision was reached after NWC of the party extensively considered the series of complaints raised against the affected seniors officials.

The party’s spokesperson said the compliants were with regard to the letter addressed by them to the Court of Appeal in Appeal No:CA/PH/307/2024 against the Party’s position in the case involving the 27 former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who, according to the statement, vacated their seats upon decamping from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Citing Sections 57, 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, Mr Ologunagba said the party consequently suspended Amb. Illiya Damagum and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party.

The newly elected Kajola Local Government Chairman, Hon. Mustapha Akeem has inaugurated 11-man committee saddled with the responsibility of organizing a smooth transitioning programme ahead of the swearing in ceremony.

11-man Committee inaugurated by the Kajola Local Government Chairman to be led by Alhaji Ogundijo Azeez Aderoju and members of the committee released as followed:

1. Alhaji Ogundijo A. A.
2. Alhaji Alaba Kareem
3. Mr. Fasasi Fatai Ateere
4. Mr. Olatedun Simeon
5. Mr. Suraju Adelani
6. Alhaji Wasiu Qazeem
7. Alhaji Biliaminu Kazeem
8. Mr. Oguntade Sunday
9. Mr. Yekeen Kabiru
10. Mr. Mustapha Rafiu.
11. Mr. Rafiu Ojeleye
    The swearing in ceremony for the newly elected council chairmen in Oyo State to be held on the 24th of May, 2023.

Renowned spiritual leader, Primate Ayodele, has forewarned of impending challenges for President Tinubu in the North, including betrayals by close allies and a series of political gang-ups.

In a statement released through his media aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele prophesied that despite Tinubu’s efforts, he would face aggressive conspiracies and betrayals from some northern leaders who will work against his interests.

Furthermore, the Primate cautioned about strained relations between President Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima, stemming from issues in the north that could lead to political setbacks in the upcoming elections.

Primate Ayodele also predicted a bleak future for northern development, highlighting persistent insecurity, poor infrastructure, and a lack of educational advancements until 2030. He emphasized the need for caution to prevent potential ethnic conflicts and urged Tinubu to be vigilant given the rising enmity from northerners.

Ibadan Compound Heads otherwise known as Mogaji, have called on the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan Land, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, to fast-track the installation process of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan Land.

The compound heads led by Chief Asimiyu Ariori, stressed the need for the installation of the new monarch during a courtesy call on Ladoja at his Bodija residence in Ibadan.

Ariori commended Ladoja for his love and commitment to Ibadan customs and tradition. He stated that there was no time they had cause to seek his assistance, even at very great inconvenience, that he didn’t render it.

In his response, High Chief Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, assured that the coronation of Oba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan is only a matter of time.

He said he had decided to withdraw the suit he filed against the high chiefs from the court to give Balogun Olakulehin a soft landing.

According to him, the agreement already prepared between him and the crown-wearing high chiefs was being signed, adding that when it is eventually brought to him, he won’t hesitate to sign immediately.

Part of the agreement is that if and when he (Ladoja) becomes Olubadan, he won’t remove their crowns and deny the crown-wearing high chiefs their right and privileges.

He said he was compelled to go to court when the crown-wearing high chiefs and Kingmakers threatened not to appoint him Olubadan if his turn to become monarch came.

Ladoja stated that while he was not favorably disposed to desperation by any means, he does not like to treat threats from any quarters with kid gloves.

The former governor recalled that as Olubadan-designate, Oba Olakulehin will do the traditional rite. This, he said, culminated to his appointment as Olubadan-elect about three weeks ago, which has also been communicated to the State governor.

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has announced results of the council poll held on Saturday, April 27.

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state won all chairmanship seats in 33 local government areas of the state.

OYSIEC chairman, Aare Isiaka Olagunju (SAN), the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebola Hamzat and other security agencies in the state commended conduct of the poll, describing it as free, fair, credible and violence-fre

However, All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has said the council election was a sham capable of causing the state untold disrepute if allowed to stand.

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged the residents of the state to accept the outcome of the ongoing local government election in good faith.

Mr Makinde stated this on Saturday shortly after voting at exactly 10.21 a.m. at Polling Unit 1, Ward 11, Abayomi area of Ibadan North-East Local Government.

He advised the residents to approach the appropriate authorities with any complaints arising from the exercise, promising they would be dealt with.

He said reports reaching him, however, showed that the exercise was hitch-free, saying that grass-roots democracy had come to stay in Oyo State.

According to him, the people are going about the exercise peacefully while traffic restrictions are being obeyed by the people.

“I commend our people for coming out to exercise their civic responsibility. Before we came in, it had always been caretakers’ administration at the grass-roots level without the people, really, having a say in government. But we are holding local government election for the second time in almost our fifth year in office,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the exercise would be successful at the end of the day.

However, in Oluyole Local Government Area, Peoples Democratic Party chairmanship candidate, Hakeem Olatunji, was seen still campaigning without restriction.

Queried by journalists, Mr Olatunji said he was not campaigning but rather going from house to house, urging people to come out and vote for their preferred candidates due to the low turnout of voters.

The Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin has advocated for more youthful inclusion in leadership positions in Nigeria.

The Speaker made this known at the maiden Adebo Ogundoyin Students Legislative Summit, organized on his behalf by the Students Representatives Council of the University of Ibadan.

The summit with the theme “Roles Of Quality Legislation In Nation Building” had in attendance, Governor Seyi Makinde, Minister of State for youths, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, lawmakers from the Southwest states, political office holders, student leaders, Soun Of Ogbomoso, other traditional rulers and Dr Timothy Golu who represented the guest speaker on the occassion, Dr Bukola Saraki.

Ogundoyin, during his remarks at the summit, said the proposal by the Students Representatives Council of the University of Ibadan and the SSA Student affairs to the Oyo State Governor, Victor Dideolu was immediately given needed attention by him because of his passion for supporting youth development.

He said: “Hence, when the idea of a students legislative summit was brought to my attention by the Students Representatives Council of the University of Ibadan and the SSA Student affairs to the Oyo State Governor (Victor Didiolomo), I immediately embraced it as channel and platform to advance my abiding belief and interest in moulding the youth and preparing them to take up the mantle of leadership in their various areas of interest in a not too distant a future.

“This Summit themed “Roles of quality legislation in nation building” is organised for members of Students Representatives Council, Students Union Governments and students of interest in higher institutions of learning across the Southwest states and Kwara, where over 65 institutions have been identified and invited.

Oduduwa News reports that the purpose of the summit was to Encourage students to critically analyze the impact of existing legislations on various aspects of the society, such as education, healthcare, and the economy.

The guest speaker, Dr Saraki represented by a senior aide to the Plateau State governor, Dr Timothy Golu, explained that the constant clamour for citizens fundamental rights, social justice and equality will be addressed if the nation prioritize implementation of laws.

The former senate president in the 8th National Assembly who said quality Legislation provides workable measures that maintain security of lives and property, promotes economic growth and support social welfare, said laws enacted would work more effectively in the realization of developing states of the federation.

In an address, minister of state for youths, Mr Ayodele Olawande said Nigerian youths have been given priority in the president Bola Tinubu’s administration with the appointment of appreciable number of youth, pledging the commitment of the younger generation to contribute meaningful to nation building

Declaring the summit opened, Oyo state governor, engineer Seyi Makinde while promising his commitment to youths involvement in governance, noted that his administration would continue to prepare the youth for the future.

On his part, chairman, southwest conference of speakers and Speaker, Ekiti State House of assembly, Mr Steven Aribasoye said for any society to be viable, there must be quality and robust legislation.

Earlier in an address, the speaker, students representatives council, University of Ibadan, Mr. Omotunde Olamide advocated proper funding of public tertiary institutions stressing that the nation cannot afford to commercialize its educational institutions.

Addressing the gathering, speaker of the Oyo state house of assembly who doubles as the chairman, conference of speakers of legislature in Nigeria, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin highlighted the importance of law making in the management of political, economic, social, legal and administrative affairs of a state or nation.

Mr Ogundoyin said quality legislation was the primary tool by which Government implement its policies and accomplish its set objectives, saying the maiden edition of the summit, would take a holistic look at the imperatives of quality legislation for national growth and development.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has begun drumming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election barely months into the president’s first term.

Addressing a gathering of state governors and federal lawmakers that paid Sallah homage to Tinubu at his residence in Lagos on Friday, Akpabio expressed confidence in the president’s leadership, going as far as praying for Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 general elections.

“As you coast home to victory for a second term, may all the governors seated here also coast home to a second term victory in their states,” Akpabio proclaimed, setting the tone for an early push for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Barely 11 months into Tinubu’s first term, Akpabio appears to be eager to secure Tinubu’s political future despite the administration having not marked its first anniversary.

Akpabio spoke at the Sallah homage that brought together 27 state governors, the leadership of the National Assembly, and some former governors.

“Let us unite, rally around our leader, and catapult this nation to a greater pedestal,” said Shettima, speaking on behalf of the president.

“By December, I hope we will have cause to celebrate. Let us coalesce to take the nation to a greater pedestal.”

Shettima expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic resurgence, noting that the gathering of 27 governors in Lagos, along with the legislative leadership, was a testament to Tinubu’s unifying leadership that transcends ethnic and religious lines.

“The future of the black man rests on Nigeria to make or mar. Our economy has turned the corner. By the coming months, the economy will roar back to glory,” Shettima declared.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who also chairs the Nigeria Governors Forum, praised the President’s efforts in stabilizing the economy and improving living conditions.

“We commend your efforts because the ship is gradually turning. We have seen how the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is coming down. The cost of food is coming down. The dry season harvest is commencing soon. Things are getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” the Governor said.

He urged President Tinubu to persevere in his efforts towards achieving economic stability.

AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Federal Government to states, particularly in distributing grains to alleviate food shortages.

”We are here to support you, and we also thank you for the support that you are giving to the sub-nationals. Trucks are wheeling up across the nation, distributing grains. I have received, and most of the states have.

”Because of what you are doing, those who are hoarding food items are releasing them, and that is why the prices of food are coming down,” he said.