As the administration began its fourth year in office, Oyo State Governor Engr Seyi Makinde made four significant appointments.
The individuals appointed were: Hon. Ademola Ojo, Deputy Chief of Staff; Hon. Ogunlade Busoye Soladoye, Chairman of OYSROMA; Hon. Wale Ajani, Director General of the Oyo State Liaison Office in Abuja; and Hon. Akanmu Kolawole Elijah, Special Assistant on Budget and Economic Planning.
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Through letters dated as of June 24, 2022 and signed by Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, Secretary to the Government, the appointments were made public.
All of the newly appointed officials received congratulations from Governor Makinde via his Special Assistant (Print Media), Moses Alao. He instructed them to carry out their responsibilities with care, commitment, and allegiance to the government.
Hon. Ademola Ojo, also known as Ijaya, is a native of the state’s Ibarapa zone.
He served as caretaker Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government Area between 2000 and 2003. He was elected as the two terms Chairman of the Local Government and emerged ALGON Chairman.
Hon. Ogunlade hails from Oyo town, he holds Master’s Degree in Computer Science from Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo.
Hon. Ajani was former president, National Youth Council of Nigeria between 2010 and 2015. He holds Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from prestigious University of Lagos.
The Ondo State Executive Council has approved the selection of Prince Olugbenga Ojo as the Iralepo of Isinkan in Akure south local government area of the State.
In a letter conveying the approval and signed by the Secretary to Ondo State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, the council congratulated the monarch for the feat.
Oba Oluwagbenga Ojo a trained legal practitioner, is the 38th Iralepo of Isinkan.
Meanwhile, the people of Isinkan have hailed the approval of Prince Olugbenga Ojo as the new monarch of the town and described it as a round peg in a round hole.
Speaking on behalf of the people, the Olori Omo Owa of Isinkan, Prince Durojaye Ariyo described the approval by the state government as unprecedented, noting the development was made possible through the understanding and better relationship among the people of the town.
He thanked the state executive council for Standing with Justice.
The Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has condemned the state’s rising debt profile under Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration.
The main opposition party spoke against the backdrop of a recent request by the state governor’s administration for a new N2bn loan facility from Fidelity Bank PLC at a concessional interest rate of 12 percent per annum.
Oyo State APC Chairman, Hon. Isaac Omodewu in a reaction made available to pressmen in Ibadan on Thursday, described the fresh loan request as an act of wickedness and recklessness on the part of the Governor Makinde.
The Oyo State APC wondered why an administration that regularly lists the improvement of the state’s IGR from N1.7bn to N3.3bn as one of its sterling achievements and executes many of the projects it claims on a public private partnership arrangement, would need to rely on domestic borrowing to pay salaries.
The party noted that salary payments being a recurrent item on the state budget should never have been financed by loans, especially a domestic loan for that matter, considering that the most basic of economic practice and wisdom dictates that loans should be taken to finance capital projects. Such naive and fundamentally inept economic policy can only lead Oyo State into insolvency and economic depression if not immediately stopped.
The party also noted that Oyo State is already ahead of Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states with her N141,193, 578,346.57 domestic debt burden, according to the domestic debt data for the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory released by the Debt Management Office of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as at March 20, 2022.
The statement reads in part, “We are still shocked as a political party to hear that Governor Seyi Makinde has obtained approval to take an additional N2bn loan from a domestic source at a concessional rate of 12 per cent per annum and a repayment period of 12 months as well as a N3.5bn overdraft to pay salaries despite claims of increased internally generated revenue and the deployment of public private partnership arrangements in financing many of the projects being undertaken. This is particularly appalling as many of the projects financed by the numerous loans remain unfinished and inconclusive.
“It is thus saddening and shocking that Oyo State economy has been pushed to the point where overdrafts are being taken to pay salaries while billions are wasted monthly on powering streetlights lights with diesel generators after the removal of cheaper and environmental-friendly solar powered street lights.
“Apart from routine contracts inflation, borrowing is another Makinde’s way of siphoning funds for his already-failed second term bid.
“It’s regrettable that the PDP-dominated Oyo State house of Assembly is only active when they are financially-induced to approve Governor Makinde’s loan requests. We hereby advise the lawmakers to stop acting as rubber stamps. They are expected to serve as checks and balances for the executive arm of the government, instead of routinely serving the governor’s selfish whims.”
The statement concluded by cautioning Gov. Makinde on the rising Oyo State debt profile, advising him to instead rejig his economic policies and repurpose the improved internally generated revenue he constantly claims, instead of mortgaging the future of Oyo State.
There was mild drama at the Supreme Court, Abuja, on Thursday as a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Malcom Omoirhobo caused a stir in the courtroom when he appeared in the full traditional attire of an “Olokun priest” to attend court proceedings.
The lawyer said he dressed to court in that manner to exercise his fundamental human rights following the judgment of the Supreme Court that allowed all Nigerians to express their way of worship and the use of hijab in schools and public places.
It would be recalled that the Supreme Court had on Friday given approval to female Muslim students to wear hijab to school in Lagos State.
Five out of the seven members of the court’s panel which sat on the case ruled in favour of hijab while the two remaining members dissented.
The lawyer, who arrived at the court at about 9:05 am, created a scene in the courtroom when other lawyers who had been seated were taken by surprise to see him robed in traditional attire to look like an herbalist.
The lawyer who gained entry into the court was barefooted with feathers attached to his wig.
He was also wearing a gourd on his necklace with cowries and a red wrapper tied around his waist.
He dared the police officers and security guards who approached him to go out saying that he has the right to come to the court in his traditional regalia without any harassment in line with the judgment.
The court proceedings were abruptly stopped when the presiding justice suddenly announced that they would be going for a short break.
Though it could not be immediately ascertained what was responsible for the short break.
The situation attracted a large crowd who thronged the courtroom to catch a glimpse as people were seen using their mobile phones to take his pictures.
Malcom who addressed journalists said, “I am very grateful to the Supreme Court just last week Friday they made a very resounding decision that promotes Section 38 of the constitution. That is our right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. That we are free to express our way of worship in our schools and in our courts. That decision was reached on Friday and that has encouraged me.
“Because I am a traditionalist and this is the way I worship. Based on the decision of the Supreme Court this is how I will be dressing henceforth in court because I am a strong adherent to “Olokun” the god of rivers.”
Malcom said the implication of the judgement was that every Nigerian, including doctors, police, military students, and journalists, can now wear their mode of worship in public places.
He added that he was not against the judgement rather he was happy with the decision because it strengthened and enriched the rights of all Nigerians as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
The governorship candidate of African Democratic Congress in Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election, Wole Oluyede, on Wednesday expressed regret for joining politics, following the turn of events in the poll.
Oluyede, an Australia-based medical doctor, who said he had lost hope in the electoral process in Ekiti State, said, “I am not going to run again because I think any contest now is for the highest bidder and I won’t waste my time and energy”.
Osun state governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has warned electorates not to see their votes as July 16 governorship election draws nearer.
Addressing his supporters in Iperindo and Osu in Atakumosa West and East, Oyetola urged the people to go and collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) is that they can vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming election.
He appealed to the people to vote for APC in the governorship election to enable him to continue the good work he started.
“In the forthcoming election please vote for APC. Please if you have not collected your PVC ensure you do so from tomorrow, it is not proper for members of our party not to have PVC.
“Don’t let them deceive you, they don’t have anything to offer you. Don’t sell your vote, doing so amount to selling your future,” Oyetola added.
A retired Methodist Archbishop of Ilesa and Ibadan, Ayo Ladigbolu, has spoken about his desire to become the next Alaafin of Oyo, amidst criticisms over his age and Christian background.
Mr Ladigbolu, 84, said he joined the race for the throne following “countless appeals and pleas from far and near.”“Especially those who are knowledgeable about my devotion to, and undying commitments to the greater progress and prosperity of Oyo Town, and my undeniable records of current contributions to uplifting the Yoruba culture as well as the honour, glory and splendour of the Alaafin both here at home and in the global community.”
On June 10, the Agunloye ruling house submitted the names of 48 princes to the Baba Iyaji of Oyo land. The Baba Iyaji, according to the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration, will forward the names to the Oyo Mesi, the kingmakers.Mr Ladigbolu’s name is among those sent to the kingmakers.
At 84, his inclusion drew criticisms from both within the ruling house and the community.The immediate past Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III, died aged 83. But Mr Ladigbolu said his age “is the greatest asset” which has helped his current contributions to the development of the community. “Most importantly, age has never been a negative factor in the selection of an Alaafin,” he said.
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“All previous Alaafins in New Oyo except one have had the advantage of age and maturity from which both Oyo and Yoruba Nation have benefited. The only odd single circumstance came about due to exigencies known to historians and most adult members of the public in the 1970s.
”Alaafin Adeyemi was crowned in 1970 at the age of 32. According to Oyo historians, the oldest Alaafin to ascend the throne was Lawani Agogoija, who was crowned in 1905. He died in 1911, his five-year reign recorded as the shortest of any Alaafin in the present-day Oyo.
There are also claims that the Alowolodu ruling house is sponsoring Mr Ladigbolu so that the throne would immediately return to their family. “My first reaction is a total denial of that false assumption,” said Mr Ladigbolu. “Nobody is sponsoring me to seek an opportunity to better serve a community which I have served and helped for about 40 years as a responsible citizen and community leader. The people are actually urging me and appealing to me to join the race. The pressure is not limited to well-meaning adults but also includes a lot of the common people who have been touched one way or another by my patriotic enthusiasm for the growth and development of Oyo Town and the Oyo Metropolitan Community.
While I don’t have any sponsor, I can claim the support of many admirers who crave “continuity and smooth transition. Thank you for raising these questions.”
Ahead of the July 16 governorship election, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, last night, received in audience, members and ambassadors of the Vote Not Fight (VNF) Campaign in South-West Nigeria that included Music superstar, Innocent Idibia (2face).
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At the end of the meeting, Governor Oyetola signed a peace pact and reiterated his commitment to a free, fair and violent-free election. Like he has always preached, the governor emphasized the need for politicians to play according to the rules of the game, saying that election shouldn’t be seen as a do-or-die affair.
The Director-General of the Osun APC Campaign Council, Senator Ajibola Basiru who was also at the meeting, seized the opportunity to draw further attention to the press conference the Campaign Council addressed few days ago over PDP’s destructive tendencies.
Member of the Federal House Of Representative, representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/ Kajola/ Iwajowa /Federal Constituency ,as today announced his defection from the ruling All Progressive Congress APC,to Accord Party.
This follow his failure to clinch the senatorial ticket of the ruling party in May,where he loss the ticket to Senator Fatai Buhari with wide gap merging of vote.
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He further explained that,he settled for Accord Party, after engaging other political parties, but later opted for Accord for a very peculiar reason.
“Accord party happens to be the first party in Oyo state to zone Oyo North Senatorial ticket to Oke Ogun considering that Ogbomosho Zone had done two terms.
The party has shown an unwavering commitment to the yearnings of the people of Oke-Ogun. It has given us hope and a sense of belonging.
In Oyo State, the Accord party is a force to reckon with, it’s internal democracy mechanism is intact, a component lacking in other parties.
Accord party is also strategic as it concerns balloting. On the ballot paper, Accord comes first before the two major parties. With Accord as our party, voting sensitization becomes easier for us to do.
Today, I would like to inform the general public that I am now with Accord party. The logo of the Accord constantly reminds me and other well meaning Nigerians of their civic responsibility – to vote for credible leaders.
In Oke-Ogun, Oyo North Senatorial District and Oyo State at large, Accord Party is our strength, it’s logo is our thumb – it’s our power and we shall make it count.” He said.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has advised Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho to always ask questions in order to be properly informed before forming his opinion on any issue
The monarch said this in a statement on Monday by his spokesman, Mr Oladele Ogunsola, while reacting to a video by Igboho that condemned the conferment of chieftaincy titles on some undeserved persons by some monarchs.
The Olubadan had on Saturday conferred chieftaincy titles on Kano State Governor, Abdulahi Ganduje and his wife, Prof. Hafsat at a ceremony attended by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Emir of Kano Ado-Bayero in Ibadan.
But Igboho in the video to felicitate the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, on his birthday urged the monarch to advise other traditional rulers against honouring those killing Yoruba people and destroying their property.
Although the Yoruba Nation activist did not specifically mention either the Olubadan or the titles, the spokesman for the Ibadan monarch said it was not hidden that Igboho was making allusion to the Saturday ceremony.
The statement from the palace read, “The attention of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has been drawn to the trending video of the Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho condemning his Saturday’s conferment of chieftaincy titles on both the Governor of Kano State and his wife, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Prof. Hafsat Umar Ganduje respectively.
“In the said video shot at the palace of Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba, Francis Olusola Alao, Igboho was seen advising the monarch not to join the Yoruba Obas conferring Chieftaincy titles on people that do no merit them and that Olugbon should advise his colleague Obas to desist from such.
“Although, there’s no particular mention of either the name or title of Olubadan in the said video, the fact that the Saturday occasion was being referenced was not hidden.
“As much as the Yoruba Nation activist is entitled to his opinion as well as a conviction on the Yoruba Nation project, he must concede to the fact that others too have the right to do certain things that in their wisdom are considered helpful to Yoruba cause.
“It must be placed on record that the present Olubadan is too refined to be seeking for who to honour with chieftaincy title for whatever purpose. But, when a case was made for the Kano State first couple by the Yoruba community in the ancient Kano city through their head, Alhaji Muritala Alimi Otisese and the adduced reasons were considered on their merit, Kabiyesi gave his consent.
“Even, as claimed in the video by Igboho that the Yoruba Nation project remains on course, do we close our eyes to whatever may be the interest of our kith and kin in other parts of the country?
“Here is a man (Governor Ganduje) said to have been compassionate to the Yoruba people in his domain. Presently, Dr Ganduje is undertaking an auditorium project at the Premier University, the University of Ibadan where he bagged his doctorate degree.
“As Kabiyesi noted at the installation ceremony on Saturday, the Kano State helmsman has proved himself a peace-loving person with the manner he flew down to douse tension at Sasa Market, here in Ibadan about two years ago when the crisis broke out at the market between Hausa traders and Sasa natives. We must not forget also that the Gandujes are Ibadan’s in-laws.
“It is advisable that Igboho asks questions before forming an opinion on anything that has to do with Yoruba as a nation to avoid the hasty conclusion.
“The fact that some people from the northern part of the country have taken to crimes and criminality doesn’t mean all northerners are criminals. What’s even more, if and when the Yoruba Nation project comes to be, are we saying there won’t be an interaction between the Yoruba people and others in the country again? I doubt it so much.
