No fewer than three persons have been reported killed in Agosasa, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State as some residents went violent over who becomes the next monarch of the town.
Following the death of the first Oja of Agosasa, Oba James Elegbede, in February 2022, there have been tension over who would take over the throne.
It was gathered that the Obaship tussle got to its climax on Sunday when the youths of Agosasa took to the streets to warn against the installation of an unpopular candidate as the next Oja.
Our correspondent learnt from an anonymous source that “the youths of Agosasa are against the steps being taken by a socialite and member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Akeem Adigun Socopao, to install a king.
On Sunday, about five persons were reportedly injured and taken to hospital when the face-off started.
The situation, however, got out of hand on Monday with the murder of one Nafiu Amosun, who was said to be the closest ally to the candidate being supported by the youths of Agosasa.
As of Monday evening, houses and vehicles belonging to Akeem Adigun; a former council Chairman and appointee of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Isiaka Aderounmu and others have been set on fire by some angry youths.
Also, two more persons were said to have been killed, making a total of three lives lost in the melee.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, has confirmed the incident, saying one person was confirmed to have been shot dead to the best of his knowledge.
The police spokesman disclosed that some arrests have been made, but he refused to give further details about those arrested.
The Osun Progressives, an APC group in the state sponsored by Rauf Aregbesola, the minister of interior, have claimed that Gboyega Famoodun, the party’s chairman, had dispatched thugs to attack its members about 15 times in the past.
This information was revealed by the group’s chairman, Lowo Adebiyi, in a statement on Monday in response to Famoodun’s earlier allegation that TOP members were working with the PDP to wreak havoc in the state.
In his statement, Famoodun also claimed that members of TOP and their PDP allies had come up with a plot to attack specific PDP members and party leaders.
The APC boss claimed that if the plan was approved for implementation, it might lead to avoidable loss of lives and destruction of movable and immovable property of the people.
The APC boss further alleged, “The intelligence further showed that the PDP which has indicated its willingness not to partake in the October 15, 2022, local government council election in the state has clandestinely resolved to collaborate with the TOP in order to disrupt the election through violence, thereby making the state ungovernable by the sitting Governor Gboyega Oyetola.”
But reacting, Adebiyi said Famodun’s allegations have no substance, adding that it was actually what the APC chairman planned to do that he was accusing TOP members of.
The statement read in parts, “We note with a sense of responsibilities that Famodun and his ilk sent gun and other dangerous weapons wielding hoodlums after us 15 times across the nook and crannies of the state at the apogee of struggles to making our party re-energised and restructured. We didn’t plan to burn down the state.
“The man who failed to win his unit, ward and local governments in the July 16, 2022 election is looking for a scapegoat at all costs and means of retaining the underserved Osun APC chairmanship seat. Issuing a dude security alert seems to be part of Famodun’s strategy to achieve his aim.
”The leadership of The Osun Progressives, a faction in the All Progressives Congress in the state backed by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has alleged that the party’s Chairman, Gboyega Famoodun, sent hoodlums to attack its members about 15 times in the past. The chairman of the group, ‘Lowo Adebiyi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday while reacting to an earlier claim by Famoodun, where he alleged members of TOP of colluding with PDP to cause mayhem in the state.
Famoodun in his statement also said members of TOP and their Peoples Democratic Party accomplices had concluded plan to attack some members and leaders of the ruling party.
Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the sum of six hundred and three million, eight hundred and eighty-one thousand, two hundred and fifty naira for the procurement of 25 functioning vehicles for the security operatives in the state.
This is part of the efforts of the government in improving the security situation of the state.
The Commissioner for information, culture and tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, made the submission while briefing the newsmen the outcome of the state executive council meeting, presided over by Governor Seyi Makinde.
He equally announced the purchase of security equipment for Oyo State Joint Security Task Force, Operation Burst, to enhance and protect the personnel of the outfit.
The money approved for the equipment is N175,498,50.00.
A yet-to-be-identified young man is currently on the run after allegedly inviting a group of culti$ts to murder his father, Oba G.O Olukunle of Gbokoto land in Ogun State.
It was gathered that the unfortunate incident occurred on Sunday, September 11, at the monarch’s place in Gbokoto.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, in a statement on Monday said six of the cultists were arrested while attempting to k#ll the traditional ruler in his palace.
He gave the names of the suspects as Michael Ayodele, Monday Samuel, Ademola Matthew, Hammed Jelili, Ogundele Ojeh and Sunkanmi Fadina.
“The suspects were arrested following a distress call received at Oja odan divisional headquarters from the Oba of Gbokoto land, Oba G.O Olukunle, at about 4:25 pm, that some cultists were about to kill him in his palace .
Upon the distress call, the DPO Oja- Odan division, quickly mobilized his men and moved to the palace, where they met the hoodlums shooting sporadically within the palace.
The policemen engaged them in shootout and eventually subdued the cultists and got six amongst them arrested.
On interrogation, the arrested suspects confessed been members of the dreaded Eiye confraternity. They also informed the police that, it was the son of the Oba who is now at large that invited them to come and eliminate his father because of an unresolved issue the Oba has been having with his mother.
Items recovered from them include one locally made double barrel pistol, two live cartridges and one expended cartridge, while the son of the Oba who has taken to flight was said to have escaped with another gun belonging to the group,” he said.
The Oyo State government has been urged to postpone the process of choosing a new Alaafin of Oyo by the Atiba royal family in Oyo town.
The families claimed that despite being their turn to produce the new Alaafin, they had been unfairly left out of the race for the throne.
Prince Ademola Afolabi of the Adeitan Royal Family, one of the aggrieved royal families’ heads, reportedly told journalists in Oyo on Monday that the selection process should be suspended pending the outcome of the legal challenges to the procedure that have been filed.
They said that because the procedure had broken the rule of law, the candidates who had already been shortlisted for the crown would not run.
The families said they had been unjustly excluded from the race to ascend the throne despite that it should be their turn.
They argued that it was wrong for the state government to sideline other families and pick the Agunloye Ruling House which is one of the two ruling houses that have been ascending the throne to nominate the next Alaafin.
They said the state government was not following the right path in the selection process and whatever conclusion was reached would not stand.
He said, “Out of 11 families, two are benefitting from the stool, and nine others have been sidelined.
“We have appealed to the government to discontinue the process of selection of the new Alaafin.
“We also appeal to the state government to allow the processes in court to be concluded before choosing or continuing with the process of selecting the new Alaafin. For these reasons we seek for the discontinuation of the processes.”
“This is meant to bring to the notice of the government that there are matters in court and we seek discontinuation of the process of selecting the new Alaafin if the government is indeed following the rule of law in the process.
“We want fairness, equity, and justice in the selection of the new Alaafin.
The constitution empowers people to challenge chieftaincy selection and that is why it is being challenged. Why were our families excluded in the process?”
Other princes at the briefing were: Prince Makanjuola Adediran of the Adediran Ese Apata Royal Family; Prince Remi Azeez of the Tella Okitipapa Royal Family; Prince Adediwura Lamola from Olanite Royal Family; Prince Agboyin Olayiwola of the Adelabu Royal Family; Prince Adebowale Adesiyan of the Adesiyan Royal Family; Prince Adetunji Adesokan of Baba Idode Royal Family; Prince Adekunle Bello of Iteade Abidekun Omo Atiba Family; Prince Tella Agbojulogun, who was away in Lagos.
Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), says like millions of Christians in the country, he is also worried about the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of his party, the All Progressives Congress.
The governor spoke on Sunday at the 40th Holy Ghost Convention Dinner of The Sword of the Spirit Ministries held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Agbawo, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
“I discussed with Bishop Francis Wale Oke that presidency must come to the South. Take it or leave it, it is the minimum we can get. It must come to the South. The North cannot produce President for eight years and still want to retain it for another eight years. It is not going to work.
“That is why under the Southern Governors’ Forum, where, luckily, God made me the chairman, kept hammering on that. It must come to the South. And when it also got to our party in APC, we fought that it must come to the South.
“Luckily, it did not only come to South, it came to the South West. Now, where do we stand? I understand our feelings because I’m one of you. I am a Christian. All of us here are worried. What will be our gain, and that, why is my party, the APC throwing up a Muslim/Muslim ticket?” he said, according to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde.
APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, had selected former governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate. His decision to run alongside a Muslim like himself was met with stark criticisms from the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria led by Oke.
Akeredolu said the struggle for the President of Nigeria to come from the Southern part of the country in 2023 should not be in vain.
The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, said the North cannot retain power after spending eight years in office.
“It has been a real issue for all of us. Even members of the party, it has been an issue for us. We have debated it, fought it and we have done so many things about it. I have always said to people, my fight was for Southern President,” he said.
The governor pleaded with Christians to look beyond religion and focus on the competency of Tinubu and Shettima.
Akeredolu added, “Now it has come to the South West, will I now throw the baby away with the bathwater? Can I, in all honesty, do it? Should I, in all honesty, do it?
“We call it a matter of coincidence. It is a matter of conscience. All of us are here, why don’t we look at it from one angle? The buck stops on the table of the President. Do we have a capable hand who can manage the affairs if given the opportunity? Do you have a man who is bold enough to challenge incursion into our land? That is it.
“All of us here have lived together for years and we didn’t allow religion to bring fight among us. We have Muslims in our families and there is no fight. We have many leaders in Yoruba land who have both Muslims and Christians in their families and there is no fight.
“So, we want to appeal to our people that this is our time. I want to appeal to all our senior Pastors and General Overseers to help talk to their followers. We politicians can only do little. This is our time, please don’t be angry.”
The honourable member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, Hon. Dele Adeola has congratulated Iseyin-born legal icon, Barr. Ahmed Raji SAN on his recent appointment as the President of Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum ODCF.
Adeola in a statement made available to newsmen today said he has no doubt that with resounding achievements and track records of the legal luminary, the Oke-Ogun dream would be greatly achieved.
“Barr. Ahmed Raji SAN has been a great father and has contributed immensely to the development of Iseyin and Oke-Ogun at large. His appointment comes at a time Oke-Ogun needs someone of his calibre who will be able to pull the string and use his great influence towards the development of our dear region”, said Adeola.
He commended the past president of the forum Dr. Segun Ajuwon OON for its resilient efforts at promoting Oke-Ogun project.
He however charged the entire team to always ensure that fostering of unity and love are always at the forefront of their struggle.
Long live Oke-Ogun! Long live Oyo State!! Long live Nigeria!!!
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will on Thursday, September 15th, 2022, commission some projects completed by the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration.
A statement by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun indicated this on Monday.
Dr. Olatubosun said some of the projects billed to be commissioned by Gov. Fayemi during his visit include the Idi-Ape-Odogbo Barrack Road (7.2km) and General Gas Flyover completed by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The statement further revealed that the commissioning ceremony will take place at Isabatudeen Girls Grammar School, Orita Basorun, Ibadan.
Olatubosun also disclosed that the commissioning of the projects is part of the Governor’s efforts at realising the four pillars to accelerated development of Oyo State.
The ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state has cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) against making baseless and frivolous allegations against Governor Seyi Makinde in order to remain relevant in political events ahead of the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
This was as the ruling party explained that only the nation’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the constitutional right and power to relocate or transfer polling unit(s) not Governor Seyi Makinde or any elected public office holder for that matter.
Consequently, the party warns that raising false alarm, spreading lies and mischiefs as political tools during political campaign season is old fashioned as the people have become more politically conscious and sophisticated to be swayed by cheap propaganda and as such APC in Oyo state should desist from what it called self destructive adventure.
The ruling party in Oyo state in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday morning (today) by its Spokesman, Akeem Olatunji, debunked any interference or connivance with INEC as the constitutionally empowered electoral umpire on any of its works stressing that the APC in Oyo state was merely exposing itself in terms of what it is capable of doing out of desperation and perceiving the PDP in such distasteful light
The Oyo state chapter of the APC on Sunday (yesterday) had alleged that it had purportedly uncovered a plot about Governor Makinde and the PDP conniving with INEC to change some polling units tagged as strongholds of the opposition party with a view to frustrating voters come 2023.
According to the Oyo state PDP, the entire content of the said allegation by the APC was laughable describing an example of a dog claiming to have a territory in a kingdom controlled by a Lion saying “you know it is either such dog was high on something or making taking itself to the Lion as a meal.”
The ruling party in the state said INEC in its wisdom to improve on Nigeria’s electoral system created no fewer than 56, 872 new polling units across the country in year 2021 taking the total number of polling units in Nigeria to 176, 974.
The party added that prior to the recently held governorship election in Osun state, the INEC announced and relocated some polling units to deepen the credibility of the process in its wisdom. The party added that INEC in exercising its constitutional powers had also relocated some polling units from churches, mosques, palaces and other areas for several reasons.
The Oyo state PDP described the APC’s allegation as mere blackmail aimed at portraying INEC, the ruling party and the Governor in bad light stressing that a political party that told brazen lies unremorsefully to get to power would boldly tell more and worse lies to retain power noting that the opposition party still grapples with the reality of its rejection by Nigerians at all levels.
The ruling party however, stated that the opposition party was defeated hands down where it described as its stronghold in the 2019 governorship and more of its acclaimed strongholds have succumbed to the PDP on account of good governance, qualitative and purposeful political leadership under Governor Makinde maintaining that 2023 victory will be greater and monumental as it would culminate into the final burial of the APC in Oyo state.
“The allegation levelled against INEC, PDP and the wonderfully performing Governor, Seyi Makinde by the APC in Oyo state was nothing more than attention seeking move that would pass for a baby crying to get mother’s attention to be fed with breast milk.
“As an informed stakeholder if they truly are, and as a political party that was at least once in government in the state, they should know that INEC as the nation’s electoral umpire has the powers to relocate or change polling units so long as such move is presumably good to deepen the electoral process.
“For Heaven’s sake, the entire nation is preparing for next year’s general elections not some ward or local government elections and the APC was busy crying foul and rasing false alarm just to be seen as still existing. At least if you want to noticed as a party engage in meaningful venture that’ll be of public interest.
“This is particularly so, because when you tell lies brazenly and unremorsefully just to lie your way to power, you will tell more horrendous and mouthwatering lies to keep such office and then we ask, how long are we going to allow these set of charlatans and political neophytes drag us backwards by at least 10 years every time we make landmark success of moving forward in just 3 years?
“It is sad that APC is yet to learn anything from our political development in the state and it is even more worrisome that the opposition party has continued to deny itself the obvious reality which is that Nigerians at all levels have publicly and openly rejected the APC as a calamitous party. This obviously occasioned why they’re incapable of engendering peace in their hearts as politicians other than sheer hate and consistent propagation of falsehood.
“Unfortunately for them, the good people of Oyo state have grown more politically conscious, sophisticated and are more participating more inclusively now than ever before therefore, the APC should wake up from its self inflicted delusion of thinking the good people of Oyo state could still fall for such cheap lies and political blackmail as political tools aimed at dissuading unsuspecting members of the public.
“Even their acclaimed stronghold, wherever that means to them is now firmly under PDP because in Oyo state, it is not just about political parties and politicking, it is primarily about delivery of good governance under a purposeful leadership and that leadership is what the PDP has provided and will continue to provide which is why the people passionately love Governor Makinde and the PDP. They should continue in their self destructive adventure while we continue to bring more happiness to our people.” The PDP stated.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that its result viewing (IReV) portal was attacked by hackers from Asia during Ekiti and Osun governorship election.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this in his keynote address at a stakeholders’ conference on election result management in Abuja on Friday September 9.
Yakubu who stated that INEC recorded several failed attempts to hack the cyber security system of the result viewing portal, also revealed they are working to address other challenges which are administrative in nature.
He said;
“Another technical concern for us is the repeated attempts to break through our cyber security system for the portal.
“Our engineers reported several cyberattacks on the portal during the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, some of them from as far as Asia. I am glad to note that all of them failed.
“However, while we are confident in the security solutions that we have deployed for IReV and all our web presence, we must remain vigilant and continue to strengthen our defences. We have tasked our engineers to do everything possible to fully protect the IReV and all our web resources.
“For example, we found that some of the low-quality uploads that occurred in the field, which some of the observers have also noted, were due to the unavailability or substitution of presiding officers that were trained prior to the elections.
“We shall administratively deal with this challenge and ensure that only adequately trained Presiding Officers are deployed for elections.
“Also, more hands-on training may be required to ensure that all those involved throughout the value chain of the IReV are fully ready for what is bound to be a major outing during the 2023 general election.”
Yakubu also announced that INEC would be introducing new legal provisions, administrative procedures and technological innovations to improve election conduct in 2023.
