Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the appointment of board members for some agencies of government as part of moves to strengthen the governance process in the state.
The newly constituted board members are those of the Local Government Service Commission, Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Judicial Service Commission, Agricultural Development Commission, and the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE).
The Local Government Service Commission retained Olubukonla Onabanjo as chairman. Other members of the Commission are Hon. Lukman Olufemi, Martins Adekoyejo Ijaduoye, Olatunde Azeez Osunbiyi, and Olatunde Rasaki Rufai.
The Teaching Service Commission has Apostle Abiodun Sanyaolu as chairman. Other members are Olanrewaju Majekodunmi, Deola Akintonde, Hon. Ademola Adeleye, Adebajo Adesegun, Hon. Adeleke Salmon, Hon. (Mrs.) Atinuke Bello, and Hon. Kemi Oduwole.
Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi heads the House of Assembly Commission, with Samuel Odukoya, Alhaji Fasiu Ajadi, and Hon. Folakemi Akintayo as members.
The Judicial Service Commission has Hon. Justice M.A. Dipeolu as chairman. Other members of the Commission are Hon. Justice Femi-Segun Olusola, Mr. Olusina Ogungbade (SAN), Mrs. Oyinkansola Cole, Adeyemi Olumuyiwa, Dr. Saheed Oyede, and Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji.
Mr. Ifede Joshua (chairman), Alhaja Faidat Sarumi, Saheed Animashaun, Oluwaseun Adebowale, Hon. Musulumi Salako, Balogun Adebayo, Taofik Kashimawo, Otunba Olumuyiwa Sobambo, and Barrister Awodele Sunday are members of the Agricultural Development Commission.
Yemi Adelani is the chairman of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency. Other members are Hon. Bankole Akanbi, Hon. Mosunmola Oladipo, Ajani Babatunde, Olumide Emmanuel, Hon. Taye Whepetoji, Barrister Olumide Oduwole, Opaleye Rafuu, Hon. Olusegun Bankole, and Sunday Akinyemi.
A former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Kehinde Subair has been reported dead.
The cause of his death has not been announced as at the time of filing this report.
The news of his death is currently making rounds on the internet with party fellows and well wishers mourning his demise.
Hon. Kehinde Subair was a two-term member of the Oyo state house of Assembly from 2011 to 2019. He was the former Majority Leader under the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC.
The ex lawmaker born on the 21st of March, 1965, died 7 days to his 60th year birthday
The Oyo State House of Assembly has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the state-owned Pace Setter Transport Services (PTS).
This decision was made after the House Committee on Transport presented its interim report, which revealed several concerns, including the lack of a legal framework guiding the operations of PTS.
The Committee, chaired by Hon. Babajide Adebayo, was given a two-week ultimatum to interface with PTS management and officials.
The report highlighted that the Sole Administrator, Dr. Oladeji Salami Ibrahim, had recruited 106 additional staff without proper authorization.
The Deputy Speaker Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi countered the claim that PTS is an independent agency, stating that the House has the constitutional right to investigate any agency funded by taxpayers’ money.
Hon. Dele Adeola praised Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde for upgrading PTS to alleviate transportation costs following the fuel subsidy removal.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, instructed the Committee to conduct a thorough investigation into PTS, focusing on staff auditing, operations, and finances, including state government subventions and revenue generation.
The Speaker also urged the executive arm to establish laws governing PTS through the Ministry of Justice.
“This investigation will also examine state government subventions to the Pacesetter Transport Services and the revenue generated by the company. This becomes imperative towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the operations of PTS.” Oyo Speaker said
With deep gratitude and immense appreciation, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Chief (Engr.) Jubril Dotun Sanusi for his unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and progress within the JDS political movement. His visionary leadership and relentless dedication to humanity continue to inspire and bring together individuals from all walks of life, strengthening the foundation for a greater political future in Oyo State.
We also extend our profound appreciation to Hon. Arole Gbenga Adewusi and Hon. Adeyemi Kazeem, whose selfless efforts and peace-making initiatives have played a significant role in fostering harmony and unity within our movement. Their ability to mediate, reconcile, and build bridges of understanding is truly commendable, and we recognize them as vital pillars in ensuring the continued growth and stability of our collective political aspirations.
A special prayer of goodwill and appreciation goes to Alhaja Abegbo Lawal, whose tender and peaceful approach to leadership has been instrumental in uniting the various JDS groups across Oyo State. Beyond being a leader, Abegbo Lawal is a mother, a mentor, and a builder of people, tirelessly nurturing individuals and preparing them for greater political responsibility. Her ability to identify, support, and elevate emerging leaders within our movement is a testament to her selfless nature and unwavering commitment to the growth of our political structure. May Almighty Allah continue to bless her with wisdom, strength, and long life to keep guiding us toward a brighter future. Furthermore, we extend our deep appreciation to Hon. Adeyemo Amosun and several others for their understanding, trust, and love in the leadership of Jubril Dotun Sanusi. Their loyalty and belief in the cause have contributed immensely to the solidarity and resilience of our political family. The spirit of togetherness and commitment they have displayed is an assurance that our collective political future is strong and promising.
Lastly, to all inclusive JDS groups, we acknowledge your steadfast followership, unwavering trust, and relentless dedication to the movement. Your belief in Dotun Sanusi’s leadership and political ideology fuels the strength of our cause. Together, we will continue to work for a better, inclusive, and progressive Oyo State, driven by justice, fairness, and service to humanity. May our unity remain unshakable, and may we continue to grow stronger, together In valuable decision making.
Justices Ladiran Akintola, O.S. Adeyemi, K.B. Olawoyin, G.A. Sunmonu of the Oyo State High Court and Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan. Oyo State, have convicted and sentenced thirty-two persons to prison for fraud.
They were prosecuted by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation, internet-related offences.
The charge against Akinlosotu reads: “That you, Kolade Olayinka Akinlosotu sometime in May, 2023 at Ibadan, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud one Orlando Mejia, did falsely represent yourself as one Amanda Smith, a woman from Texas, United States of America through Facebook with account name Amanda Smith, thereby committed an offence of impersonation, contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”
They all pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to them, upon which prosecution counsel, Modupe Akinkoye, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Chidi Okoli, Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, Shamsuddeen Bashir, David Olubode and A.M. Aliyu prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
Consequently, Justice Olawoyin convicted and sentenced Peter to two years imprisonment or to pay N500, 000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, and Ayodeji to one year imprisonment or to pay N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, while Justice Maha convicted and sentenced Abayomi to one year imprisonment or to pay N250, 000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine.
Justice Adeyemi on her part, convicted and sentenced Oriyomi and Ibrahim to one year imprisonment each without option of fine. Ayobami, Abdullahi and Ayinde bagged six months community service each, without an option of fine. She convicted and sentenced Ojo, Mustapha and Adebesin to three months community service each without option of fine.
Justice Akintola convicted and slammed Oladimeji, Joseph and Olaoluwa with one year jail term each or to pay a fine of N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira, N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira) and N150, 000. 00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) respectively.
He slammed Adeniyi with six months jail term or to pay N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, while Jelili bagged six months community service or to pay N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) fine. Michael and Olamide got three months jail term each or to pay N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) fine, each.
Also convicted and sentenced by Justice Akintola were Kehinde Emmanuel, Babajide, Sodiq, James, Salam, Yakub, Omolade, Oluwanifemi Emmanuel, Agbaminoja, Okiki Michael and Friday who bagged three months of community service each or to pay N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N75, 000.00 (Seventy-five Thousand Naira), N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N75, 000.00 (Seventy-five Thousand Naira), N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira), N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira), N40, 000.00 (Forty Thousand Naira), N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) and N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) respectively.
Furthermore, Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Matthew and Damilola to a fine of N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) and N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) respectively.
Justice Sunmonu convicted and sentenced Akinlosotu to three months community service without an option of fine.
Besides their sentences, all the convicts forfeited items recovered from them to the federal government. These include money, phones and laptop computers. Others are a green-coloured Toyota Camry 2205 model car with registration number: EPE – 232 – GU recovered from Oriyomi, a wine-coloured Toyota Camry vehicle with registration number: MUS – 84 – GU recovered from Ibrahim, a red-coloured Toyota Corolla car with chassis number: 2T1BU4EE3AC495391, recovered from Olaoluwa, a black-coloured Toyota Camry car with registration number: MUS – 683 – HJ, recovered from Adeniyi and a golden-coloured Toyota Camry vehicle with chassis number: 411BE46KX8U203665 recovered from Abdullahi.
In addition, the court ordered that Ayobami pay the sum of N2.5million (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) as restitution to his victim. Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have arrived at the State House in Abuja for a crucial meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The meeting is seen as a significant development in the ongoing political crisis within the Assembly.
As of the time of filing this report, the legislators, who arrived in two coaster buses, had been granted access to the President’s office area, where they awaited their turn to engage with Tinubu.
Among those present were both the reinstated Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the recently ousted Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda. Their presence at the meeting signals an attempt to resolve the leadership tussle that has gripped the legislative body in recent weeks.
Meranda, who was removed from office and replaced by Obasa following a high-stakes power struggle, arrived with her colleagues a few minutes past 2 p.m. However, Obasa made a separate entrance at approximately 2:50 p.m., adding to speculation about the divisions within the Assembly.
It would be recalled that Hon. Obasa was impeached as Speaker by a majority of his colleagues but was later reinstated following the intervention of key political figures, including the influential Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC). Despite his reinstatement, sources indicate that tensions remain high among lawmakers, and the lingering discord has yet to be fully resolved.
The purpose of the meeting with President Tinubu remains undisclosed, but insiders suggest that efforts to restore harmony and ensure legislative stability in Lagos State are top on the agenda. Political analysts believe that Tinubu’s intervention could be decisive in quelling the unrest and fostering unity within the Assembly.
The Lagos State government has confirmed a diphtheria outbreak at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, leading to the death of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalisation of 14 others.
Authorities have identified 34 close contacts of the deceased and placed them under observation.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated that the index case, a 12-year-old boy, developed a sore throat and fever on February 22. He was referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he received treatment but succumbed to myocarditis, a severe diphtheria complication, on March 6.
Following his death, 14 students developed symptoms and were transferred to LUTH for screening. Twelve tested positive for early signs of diphtheria and are receiving antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum. All are reported to be recovering.
In response, the state government has activated an Emergency Response Committee and will begin a mass vaccination campaign targeting schoolchildren and healthcare providers. Nearly 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccine will be deployed to high-risk areas, and infection prevention measures will be strengthened at King’s College.
Public awareness campaigns are also underway, urging residents to recognize symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, and swollen neck glands. The Lagos State government is working closely with federal health agencies and the WHO to contain the outbreak.
Prof. Abayomi reassured residents that the situation is under control and emphasized the importance of good hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.
An Ikeja High Court has extended the hearing of the suit filed by reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to March 17, as fresh fraud allegations emerge in the ongoing legal battle.
Obasa, who was impeached on January 13 over accusations of fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct, is challenging his removal in court. The respondents in the case include members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and former Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
During the resumed hearing on Monday, Lead Counsel for the Assembly, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), informed the court that Obasa’s legal team, led by Mr. Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), had submitted additional affidavits. These documents contained new allegations of fraud against Meranda.
The latest development prompted Meranda’s counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), to seek an adjournment to respond adequately to the new claims.
“There are serious fraud allegations in the further affidavits my learned brother (Femi Falana) referred to. We shall be asking for an adjournment to respond to the new application,” Oyetibo said.
In a surprising turn of events, Obasa also attempted to unilaterally change the legal representation for the House of Assembly in the case. This move led to a confrontation in court, as Mr. Olusola Idowu (SAN) announced his appearance as an incoming counsel for the Assembly. However, Falana objected, citing a Court of Appeal decision that mandates a trial court to first hear an application for change of counsel before entertaining any other submissions.
Justice Yetunde Pinheiro ruled that all applications and processes must be heard together on the next adjourned date.
“All the applications will be taken at once. All applications, including those seeking injunction and those challenging jurisdiction, will be heard on March 17. The application regarding the change of counsel will also be heard on Monday, along with the counter-application,” Pinheiro stated.
The case was subsequently adjourned until March 17 for the hearing of the various applications filed by the parties. The legal battle continues to unfold, with observers keenly watching how the court will rule on the matter.
In a continued effort to support the academic aspirations of young students, Honourable representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, Hon. Dele Adeola through his Foundation, has successfully enrolled indigent students for the free registration of JAMB as well as organizing tutorial to aide their success. This initiative was designed to provide relief to students who are exceptionally brilliant but due to the present harsh economic realities find it difficult to further their educational goals.
In a statement made available to Oduduwa News by the Foundation as read in part:
“Following a careful selection process, eligible students from Iseyin and Itesiwaju Local Government Areas were finally enrolled into the programme, which includes free JAMB registration and intensive preparatory lessons to enhance their performance in the examination.
“With the registration phase now completed, the focus shifts to the free JAMB tutorial, which will soon commence. The tutorial sessions will be handled by experienced educators, ensuring that participants receive quality guidance to maximize their chances of excelling in the examination.
“It is evident that the programme signals the commitment of the lawmaker towards capacity development of youth through educational support programme, while reaffirming his dedication to creating opportunities for the younger generation. By easing the financial burden of JAMB registration and offering structured academic support, he has continued to demonstrate what true leadership and impactful representation entails”.
