The Councilor representing Ward One, Ado-Awaye, Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Adepoju Mathew Olaniyi has rehabilitated well of Ago Afin Area, Agelu Road, Ado-Awaye, Iseyin Local Government.
Well water before rehabilitation
The well water had in the past served the source of water for the people of Ado-Awaye but abandoned for over a decade not until recent time hat it was rehabilitated and given a facelift.
“As you know that our main function is little legislative work within the council and within my capability I have decided to do the rehabilitation for my constituents so that they can be having access to clean water especially at this dry season.
I am also planning to embark on several programmes such as medical outreach where several people will benefit.
“Once I perfect all plans I will begin the medical outreach to attend to urgent medical treatment for the aged and less privileged”, said Adepoju.
The Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Mr. Abdullah Fasasi, ex-Queen of Ooni of Ife, Silekunola Naomi and ace broadcaster, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat have just been remanded at the Nigeria correctional centre, Agodi, Oyo.
The trio alongside other six people were arrested following the demise of 35 children who lost their lives to a stampede at the funfair organized by enstranged Queen.
The Chief Magistrate sitting in Iyaganku, Bisi Ogunkanmi remanded the three defendants on four count charges bordering on conspiracy and murder in connection with the children funfair stampede in Ibadan on Wednesday.
The three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Meanwhile, The case has been adjourned till the 14th of January 2025.
Recall that thirty five people among whom are children lost their lives during a stampede at an end of year event held at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared his resolve to ensure the controversial tax reform efforts by his administration see the light of the day.
The President on Monday during his maiden media chat in Ikoyi, Lagos, noted that the reform has come to stay.
“Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot just continue to do what we do in yesteryears in today’s economy,” he said.
“The reform is pro-poor and it is to widen the tax net, so we can have more people paying.
“The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it ought to be done.”
When asked about his plans to manage the pushback from the Northern leaders, especially over proposed changes in sharing of Value Added Tax (VAT) following the introduction of the tax reform bills, he said “Tax matters are subject of debate, and negotiations until you reach concessions. I don’t mind cutting edges. I will.”
Recall that the bills, which caused uproar in sections of the country, including on the floors of the National Assembly, have passed second reading at the Senate.
Meanwhile, former Senate Chip Whip and Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, in a statement on Sunday, insisted that the tax reform bills should be withdrawn for more consultations, noting the bills are not only against the northern part but the entire nation.
According to Ndume, his opposition to the bills was not borne out of sentiment but the need to review certain sections of the bills, adding that the North is never a liability to any region but an asset to the country.
ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that the Principal of Islamic High School Bashorun Ibadan, Abdullah Fasasi will be charged to Court today alongside the ace broadcaster, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and Prophetess Naomi at the Magistrate Court, Iyaganku by 9am.
It was gathered that the ace broadcaster, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat was arrested immediately after the directive given to the State Police Command that everybody that took part in organizing the event be brought to book.
Recall, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun took over the investigation of the Ibadan funfair stampede that led to the demise of 35 children.
The ex-queen of Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi who was the organizer of the funfair along with six other accomplices had earlier been arrested by the Police but said to have been rushed to hospital to receive urgent medical attention. She was quickly rushed to the Police Hospital and responded immediately to treatment.
As at the time of filing this report, the chargess levelled against them have not been made known to the public but they might be charged for negligence and manslaughter.
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern directive mandating all individuals and groups intending to distribute gifts to vulnerable residents to seek clearance before proceeding. This measure is aimed at preventing potential stampedes and ensuring public safety.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, emphasized the importance of this new requirement in a statement released on Monday. According to Omotoso, the Lagos State Safety Commission will oversee the clearance process, ensuring that organizers meet the stipulated safety standards.
“The Lagos State Government has observed with serious concern the stampedes that have occurred during philanthropic activities in various parts of the country,” the statement read. “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu extends his sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones in such tragic incidents.”
To avert similar tragedies in Lagos, the government has urged organizers to collaborate with the Safety Commission, which is equipped to manage crowd control and ensure safety at large gatherings. The agency will work in partnership with security personnel to enforce these measures.
Organizers can register their events and obtain clearance through the Safety Commission’s platform, ensuring compliance with the government’s safety protocols.
The statement further warned that any individual or group found distributing items without prior clearance would face legal consequences.
“The Government has activated all its safety mechanisms following a directive from Mr. Governor, who has also summoned a meeting of all safety agencies to address this issue. Furthermore, ongoing advocacy against fire outbreaks, flooding, and other hazards will be intensified,” Omotoso added.
This directive underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and promoting responsible philanthropy within the state. Residents and organizations are urged to adhere strictly to these guidelines to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of all.
The Osuntoki Royal Family, under the auspices of Oloye Muritala Asamu Oyelami (Mogaji Baale Osuntoki Olosun Compound, Agbeni, Ibadan) and Osuntoki-In-Council, extends its heartfelt appreciation to:
1. The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) under the leadership of Oloye (Barr.) Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole.
2. The entire 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival team led by Oloye Abiola Alli.We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase the rich history of our progenitor, Baale Osuntoki, through the forthcoming stage play at the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival.
Your attendance at the presentation of Baale Osuntoki’s history is deeply appreciated.We also commend the Association of Ancient Ibadan Warlords Families (Warlords) under the leadership of President Oloye Adewale Ibikunle for their invaluable support during the presentation.
Thank you for your continued support and recognition of our family’s heritage.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, on Sunday identified poverty and criminal negligence as the main cause of the stampede that has led to the loss of Nigerians recently.
In a statement, the human rights lawyer also called for justice for the dead and injured victims, while chronicling some incidents that involved the distribution of food and cash distribution in the country.
He described the events as a national tragedy and called for systemic reforms to protect the dignity and lives of the citizens.
“There is also a sociological dimension to this national shame of episodic loss lives in stampedes triggered by mass hunger in the land,” Falana said.
“This should not be ignored. It is the unpardonable lack of respect for the dignity of the poor on the part of the members of the middle and upper classes involved in charity.”
He argued that organisers of charitable events should apply decency and demonstrate humanity while distributing food or cash items to the vulnerable.
To the senior lawyer, no member of the elite invites others to lunch by throwing the food. The class prejudice inherent in the humanitarian culture in Nigeria is worthy of reflection.
“Since the individuals whose criminal negligence led to the avoidable tragedies are members of the ruling class the federal government and state governments have not gone beyond sending condolence messages to the survivors and the family members of the casualties.
“Therefore, the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond has resolved to mobilise lawyers to institute civil suits to ensure that the survivors and family members of the casualties are adequately compensated,” he added.
In the last three days, at least 65 persons have lost their lives in stampedes that occurred during food distribution events in Anambra, Oyo, and the federal capital territory (FCT).
While over 35 persons, mostly children, died on Wednesday during a stampede that occurred at a carnival in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, 10 people died on Saturday during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama area of Abuja.
Many people had gathered at the church premises for an event to distribute relief items, just as the carnival organisers reportedly offered free food items to the first 5,000 attendees.
On Saturday, at least 20 people reportedly died in the Ojika community of Anambra during a stampede that occurred at a rice and gift-sharing event.
The Federal Government has announced Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th of December 2024, and Wednesday 1st of January, 2025 as public holidays for the celebration of Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year respectively.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, through the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to the statement, the minister extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of the season as a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.
The Minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development.
“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” said Dr. Tunji-Ojo.
He assured citizens of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.
“While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, the Minister expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world”, the statement added.
The 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes led by Chief Abiola Alli on Sunday, 22nd December, 2024 visited the family compound of Osuntoki to receive the story of the great Ibadan warlord, Baale Osuntoki.
You will recall, that stage play is that of the long week activities of the Ibadan Cultural Festival, and as 2025 won’t be an exception, it’s the tradition of the committee to visit the next warlord family whose story will be stage-played to collect real and authentic story of their hero from the family.
The Osuntoki Royal family led by Mogaji Muritala Asamu Oyelami received the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee with joy, and gave the team the story of Maye-Balogun Osuntoki of the Olosun compound Oke Agbeni of Ibadanland.
The family promised to give all other necessary support for the success of the cultural festival, particularly the stage play. In his remark, the Chairman,2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee,Chief Abiola Alli appreciated Mogaji Muritala Asamu Oyelami, Baale Tirimisiyu Gbolagade Olaoye, Elders and the entire members of the family for the warm reception accorded the Committee members present .He also intimated them that the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival will be the 35th edition and is scheduled to hold between Thursday 8th and Sunday 18th May ,2025.He reminded the family that the Stage play is embedded in the Cultural Festival programmes to showcase the immense contributions of the respective Warlord families to the making of Ibadanland to the whole world to straighten the history and records and also serves as a veritable avenue for research work by the history students in tertiary institutions within and outside the shore of the Country. He therefore enjoined the family to take ownership of the Stage featuring Oshuntoki by partnering with the CCII for the sponsorship of the programme.
In the entourage of the Chairman were Engr. Musa Busari Akere – Secretary, 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival, Prof; Lasisi Basiru – Chairman, Stage Play Sub-committee; Chief Olaide Oniyefun* – Vice Chairman, Stage Play Sub-committee; Chief (Mrs) Omogunsoye – Member, Stage Play Sub-committee; Mr. Nathaniel – Member, Stage Play Sub-committee; Saheed Oyebamiji- Asst. Secretary, 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival Committee.
Representatives of Warlords Families who were present at the event are: Chief Adewale Ibikunle – President Warlords Families Chief Amusat Alesinloye – Vice President 2 Chief Abass Ikunika Balogun – Fin sec warlords and other execitive members.
From the Osuntoki Royal Family, the following were present: Mogaji Muritala Asamu Oyelami- Mogaji Osuntoki (Olosun) family Baale Tirimisiyu Gbolagade Olaoye – Baale Osuntoki Village Chief Hamzat Oyebode – Olori Ebi Osuntoki Family Alh. Rahmoni Oyebamiji – Elder in the family Asiwaju Muritala Oyegoke- Asiwaju Odo Osuntoki family Saheed Oyebamiji – Member Oloye Tanwa Oyelami- Iya Osun Aishat Oyegoke Olosun Alhaja Alake Oyemuyiwa Asamu- Secretary, Osuntoki family and others
The Iyalode Ibadan in council under the leadership of Oloye Theresa Laduntan Oyekanmi – the Iyalode of Ibadanland and the entire members of the Iyalode in council are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 35 young lives at the Ibadan children’s funfair at Islamic High school Basorun in Ibadan.
We commiserate with Kabiyesi, HIM Oba Owolabi Ige Olakulehin 1, the Olubadan Of Ibadanland, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engineer Seyi Abiodun Makinde, the Government of Oyo State, the families of the victims, the Conveners of the event, and the people of Ibadanland.
This unfortunate incident has left us in a state of shock and grief. As mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers, we can not imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims and the conveners of the event must be going through. We pray that the Almighty God grants them the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.As traditional leaders, we recognize the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of our children. We urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and to take immediate action to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.In particular, we recommend that:
1. The government and event organizers ensure that all public events, especially those involving children, adhere to strict safety protocols.
2. Regular inspections and monitoring of public events be conducted to prevent overcrowding and ensure compliance with safety standards.
3. Emergency response plans should be put in place to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an incident.We also call on parents, guardians, and caregivers to remain vigilant and ensure that their children are aware of basic safety precautions when attending public events.
Once again, we offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Ibadanland. May the souls of the departed children rest in peace.Signed, Oloye Dr.Ayo AlagaAjia Iyalode of Ibadanland.Secretary For: Iyalode in council.
