Oduduwa News

Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced plans for Ogun State to take over the 9-megawatt hydro power plant at the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority. Speaking during an inspection of the facility, he stated that his administration is working with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to finalize the process. The integration of this hydro plant with the 30-megawatt gas-fired plant in Onijanganjangan will help create a balanced energy mix to improve electricity supply across the state.

The governor emphasized that the abandoned facility, commissioned in 1983, represents untapped renewable energy, which his administration is committed to revitalizing. A technical assessment will be conducted in the coming weeks to determine how to restore the plant as part of the Ogun State Light Up Project, which includes power plants in Abeokuta, Ijebu, Remo, and Yewa.

In addition to power generation, Governor Abiodun highlighted plans to transform the surrounding land into farm clusters, leveraging the available water resources for irrigation and year-round food production. This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Food Initiative, and the area will also be explored for cattle farming and other agribusiness opportunities.

He commended the vision behind the project but noted that, like many federal initiatives, it has not been fully optimized. His administration is determined to change this by ensuring the facility benefits the people of Ogun State. He also addressed concerns about flooding in Isheri, stating that the government will investigate the actual causes and implement appropriate solutions.

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has re-imposed a 12-hour curfew on Ifon and Ilobu communities following the resurgence of violent clashes between the two communities that has resulted into the death of several people while many injured.

A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Engagement, Kolapo Alimi, on Friday stated that the re-imposed curfew starts at 6 pm and ends by 6 am daily till further notice.

Alimi said Adeleke has also directed that an immediate meeting that would be attended by the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye, and Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, the Olobu of Ilobu, alongside other stakeholders from both communities, be held on Saturday to discuss further resolutions of the conflict.

“To this end, the governor has directed that the initial 10 pm to 4 am curfew now be extended to 6 pm to 6 am, effective today, Friday, 21st March 2025, until further notice.

“Mr. Governor has equally directed that the joint security team comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps continue to maintain their usual 24-hour surveillance to ensure zero tolerance for any act of lawlessness.

“In addition, the governor has directed that an immediate stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, HRM Oba Peter Oluwole Akinyooye, HRM Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, the Olobu of Ilobu, and other stakeholders from both communities, be held tomorrow, Saturday, 22nd March 2025, to discuss further resolutions of the conflict,” Alimi said.

Adeleke subsequently urged indigenes of the two communities and their traditional rulers to follow the path of peace and harmonious co-existence, warning that anyone or group of persons found aiding and abetting the pogrom would be dealt with.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused Adeleke University in Osun State of disrupting Ramadan activities and forcing Muslim students to attend church programmes.

Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director of MURIC, stated that Muslim students are compelled to attend church services on certain days and that practices of any faith other than Christianity are banned on campus.

He described these actions as signs of religious intolerance and urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to investigate the university’s policies, which he claims infringe on the religious rights of Muslim students.

Akintola highlighted that previous complaints about religious persecution at Adeleke University have gone unaddressed, and he called for greater transparency from private universities regarding their religious orientations. He emphasized the need for oversight to protect the rights of Muslim students in educational institutions.

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has condemned the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended the governor, Similayi Fubara; his deputy Ngozi Odu, as well as the House of Assembly for six months. The President then appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (Rtd.) as Sole Administrator for the state.

Governor Makinde, in his biweekly newsletter, The Business of Governance Issue 110, which was published on Thursday evening, noted that the suspension of democracy in Rivers State, through the declaration of State of Emergency, is an illegal act which must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.

The Governor in a statement by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, wrote further, “I stand today to say that the declaration of the State of Emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government by the presidency is an illegality that right-thinking members of society must oppose.

“Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with no matter our personal feelings and loyalties. This is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity and justice.”

The governor added: “As our democracy grows and unfolds, we must also be willing to speak up when we see anything that threatens our development as a nation. We must choose to stand up for what is right, even if it means standing alone.”

PDP’s plan on the State of Emergency declaration.

He continued, “I am glad that our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is demonstrating the needed strength and leadership. Yesterday (Wednesday), the PDP Governors’ Forum rose from an emergency meeting where we unanimously decided to challenge the actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a court of competent jurisdiction. We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we built for almost three decades be trampled upon.”

The House of Representatives has given its approval for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, despite widespread opposition from stakeholders. The decision, taken on Thursday, has ignited political controversy, with many questioning its necessity and implications.

During the session, lawmakers also confirmed the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The move was passed via a voice vote, overriding objections from opposing voices within the legislature and the broader political landscape.

With the declaration in place, Rivers State now falls under federal authority, effectively sidelining elected officials for the duration of the emergency. This has triggered concerns over governance, democratic norms, and the potential long-term effects on the state’s stability.

Opposition groups and civil society organizations have decried the action as an overreach of federal power, arguing that it sets a troubling precedent for handling political crises in Nigeria. However, supporters of the move insist that it is necessary to curb escalating tensions and restore order.

As reactions continue to pour in from different quarters, political analysts warn that this development could significantly alter the power dynamics in Rivers State and influence national politics in the coming months.

Stay tuned to Lagos Reporters for ongoing coverage of this unfolding situation.

The Oyo State Civil Service Commission has implemented a review of Entry Grade Level for University graduate nurses within the Civil service.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Provost, Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences, Ibadan, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi, during a meeting with 21 Nursing Tutors, whose entry Grade levels were reviewed to GL10 from from GL08.

Dr. Owolabi charged Nursing Tutors of the institution to be diligent in their duties and imbibe integrity and quality.

Recall that the National Council of Establishment (NCE) in its 43rd meeting in 2022, approved that University graduate nurses should be reviewed to grade level 10.

The provost said, “The institution is out to train nursing and health practitioners and churn out quality manpower who can function effectively in community, primary, secondary, tertiary, and industrial health settings. I urge you to key into this vision, even as the present administration will not deprive you of your rights.”

Dr. Owolabi, who said that the Oyo State government placed priority on integrity and quality, disclosed that “the institution has received necessary accreditations from the regulatory bodies for some courses.”

She lauded Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for approving the promotion of the 21 Nursing Tutors, saying such a gesture should be reciprocated with dedication to service.

In her vote of thanks, a Nursing Tutor, Mrs. Abiola Elizabeth, lauded the management of the institution, saying the approval from the civil service had further accentuated the priority placed on the health sector by Oyo State government.

The Oyo State Government has officially withdrawn the criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, over the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a children’s festive party in December 2024.

The defendants were visibly elated, smiling and exchanging pleasantries after the trial on Thursday, signalling their relief and release from the charges.

This development was later confirmed by the State’s Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, who addressed the media after the court session.

Speaking in a live coverage on Facebook, the Attorney General said: “It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course. So the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation.

“In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute but the affected persons showed empathy. They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they try to persuade the feelings of the affected parties.

“And the circumstance, we felt, the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them. It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today.”

This decision comes after an intense period of legal proceedings. Earlier, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had granted bail to Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi.

The ruling, pronounced by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, was made after the defendants had argued their bail applications before the court.

The court granted Naomi N10 million bail with two sureties, while Hamzat and Fasasi were also granted bail on similar terms.

In addition, the court ordered the suspects to deposit their passports with the court and barred them from granting interviews, effectively placing restrictions on their public engagements.

The drama surrounding the case began after the tragic stampede at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, during a children’s event in December 2024, where dozens of young children lost their lives in a chaotic rush.

The victims’ families and the public were left devastated by the horrifying incident. It was one of the most devastating tragedies in recent memory in Oyo State.

The prosecution team, led by Oyo State’s Attorney General, had initially opposed bail for the defendants, emphasising the gravity of the charges and the need for justice for the victims.

Angry protesters have shut down the Ondo State Governor’s Office in Alagbaka, Akure, following the killing of five farmers by armed herdsmen at Aba Oyinbo in Akure North Local Government Area.

The victims were reportedly shot dead during an attack by the assailants in the early hours of Wednesday. Outraged by the state government’s perceived inaction over the recurring killings, the protesters stormed the Governor’s Office, displaying the bod+es of the deceased.

Traffic was severely disrupted along the Akure/Owo Road as demonstrators gathered in Ogbese, blocking the highway in protest.

This latest attack comes just two weeks after armed herdsmen allegedly killed 20 farmers across four farm settlements in the same local government area.

The All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo state has vehemently opposed the approval granted Governor Seyi Makinde by a group of the State legislators to obtain a fresh loan facility totalling N200billion stating that eminent citizens across the country must rise up and prevail on the governor to drop the idea in the interest of the state.

Impeccable sources have it that Gov. Makinde sought and got express approval on Tuesday through the action of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Honorable Debo Ogundoyin, and few of his colleagues who treated a letter of request for loan said to have been dated March 13, 2025. The governor in his letter said that the reason for the fresh loan facility was to buy over an existing one from a named commercial bank.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC said that it opposed the idea of a fresh N200billion loan which Gov. Makinde clandestinely sought and got approval for from a handful number of the state lawmakers.

“Another devastating news came from the Oyo State House of Assembly today as the Speaker and a few members of the legislative chamber loyal to him approved the fraudulent loan request from the governor even without the knowledge of most of their colleagues even as the decision was contained in the post-plenary document released by the Clerk of the House.

“The reality on ground cannot justify the over N300billion debt which Gov. Makinde has incurred through fraudulent loans in the last six years. If the previous loans were committed to infrastructural growth, economic build up, food security through sustainable agricultural revolution among other things, there would not have been any cause to worry but the present PDP administration has demonstrated that it was out to ruin the future of the state by plunging the state into financial mess.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Gov. Makinde receives an average of N11billion in federal allocation and another N11billion from Abuja on behalf of the 33 local government councils while the least he gets in Internally Generated Revenue is N3billion making it, at least, N25billon every month. The question on the lips of the informed citizens now is about what he does with the huge resources and why the need for huge loan facilities again?

“Gov. Makinde sits on public funds totalling billions of naira every day but Oyo state cannot pay its workers in all the state-owned tertiary institutions living wages. The same Oyo state cannot boast of five good fire trucks to tackle emergencies. Farmers in the state cannot get tractors and other modern equipment to help their agricultural practices while teaching and learning in public primary and secondary schools across the state have been excruciating and the rots continue.

“Gov Makinde who has failed to deliver ordinary bus terminal in six years after taking over N20billion out the coffers of the state for the project has again discovered another conduit in an airport upgrade project and he wants us to pretend that everything is alright. By and large, the way and manner which the approval for the fresh N200billion was sought and got has further exposed the Speaker as a willing tool in the hands of Gov. Makinde but the truth of the matter is that no culprits would go scot free when it is time for justice.” Sadare added.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and indeed, Nigerians listened with dismay the national broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in which the President, in utter violation of the 1999 Constitution pronounced an imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State

The PDP outrightly rejects this attempt by the President to override the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and undermine the votes and Will of the people of Rivers State by seeking to depose a democratic government and foist an undemocratic rule in the State.

The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appointment of an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to govern the State is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy, an abrogation of the votes and democratic right of the people of Rivers State to choose their leader under the Constitution.

The action of Mr. President therefore clearly borders on attempt at state capture. It is the climax of a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers State for which the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been bent on stoking crisis to ensure that democracy is ultimately truncated in the State.

Nigerians are invited to note that the situation in Rivers State and the reasons adduced by the President cannot justify the declaration of a state of emergency in the State under the 1999 Constitution, rendering the declaration completely incompetent.

The PDP alerts that the unwarranted imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State is part of the larger vicious plot to foist a siege mentality across Nigeria, decimate opposition, impose a totalitarian one-Party State and turn the country into a fiefdom

In any case, nothing in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution relied upon by the President in the declaration grants him the exclusive powers to declare or execute the declaration of a state of emergency without recourse to the statutory approval of the National Assembly.

For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) provides that “The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation including the details of the emergency to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or Speaker, as the case may be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the proclamation”.

Mr. President should recognize that his order to an unelected individual to forthwith take over government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis, threat to the peace and stability of not only Rivers State but the entire nation.

For emphasis, Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a tenure of four years which tenure cannot be unconstitutionally abridged.

The PDP therefore cautions Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and ensure that he does not take any action or step which is capable of derailing smooth democratic Governance in Rivers State. Nigeria is not under a military rule where the Governance of a State is by appointment by a junta.