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Makinde, Olakulehin, Ladoja, Others To Attend Symposium, Book Launch In Honour of 42nd Olubadan

Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadan land Oba Olakukehin, and other dignitaries are expected to attend the book launch for the late Oba Lekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan land, who passed away last March at the age of 81.

The book, titled The Life and Times of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Late Oba Lekan Balogun, is set to be launched on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Idiape, Ibadan. This event is expected to be the highlight of a symposium honoring the late monarch, who reigned from March 11, 2022, to March 14, 2024.

Governor Makinde will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, with the sitting Olubadan, Oba Olakukehin, as the Grand Host. The Ekerin Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Alhaji Chief Fatai Aremu Olanrewaju, and the Agba Akin Olubadan, High Chief Fijabi, will be the Chief Launchers at the event. According to the organizers, the book, written by educationist Dr. Layo Adeniyi, chronicles the Ibadan chieftaincy traditional system and delves deeply into the life and times of the late Oba Balogun.

The book consists of 221 pages and covers 21 chapters, focusing on past heroes in the city of Ibadan, the Ibadan Empire, its founders, notable Olubadan figures, ruling lines, and the emojis of Ibadanland. It also provides an in-depth explanation of the ascension to the Olubadan throne, the journey to becoming a high chief, and the roles of members of the Olubadan-in-Council. Furthermore, the organizers noted that the book details the unique process by which Ibadan chiefs ascend to the throne of Olubadan without any rancor. It also pays tribute to the eminent sons and daughters of the city and its fallen heroes.

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Imported Culture of Greed Behind Nigeria’s Economic Woes – ICIR President

The President, International Council For Ifa Religion, Chief Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode has opined that the present economic crisis bedeviling the country, emanated from the foreign culture of greed, acquired by Nigerians.

He said this over the weekend while delivering a special lecture titled “Foreign Culture In Yoruba Land: Its Negative Impacts On The Economy Of The Land,” at the 2024’s celebration of Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide, which held at Ilaji Resorts, Akanran, Ibadan.

In his address, Fakayode noted that foreign cultures came into Nigeria and Yoruba land through the introduction of alien religions, which made compulsory for the people to also accept their language, dressing mode, socioeconomic style and behaviors while the Yorubas have been known for the Omoluabi ethos of hard work, contentment, trustworthiness, before the advent of foreign culture, which he said contaminated the early characters.

Fatunde pointed that greedy acquisition syndrome among political, religious and traditional leaders led to formulation of policies, laws and regulations as well as actions that have secluded the majority from actualizing their economic potentials while the few people in the corridors of power, continue to amass wealth, to the detriment of all, calling on all to go back to the old habit of Omoluabi, speak the truth and lead others with the fear of God.

“Foreign culture is the alien traditions which are not indigenous to the Yoruba. Among the alien cultures that are popular in our midst are those from the white and that of the Arab. Nowadays, foreign cultures are dominant in our land and the introduction of foreign culture to our land were due to the following factors which include the coming of Islam in the 14th century and the British occupation of the 19th century.

“When we are talking about Yoruba people, the term ‘Omoluabi’ keeps surfacing. It is obvious that one of the names that the race was known for before being christened ‘Yoruba’ is Omoluabi. Unfortunately today, many Yoruba do not understand the meaning of the word Omoluabi because of the controversy surrounding the etymology of the term; some previous writers said it is the offspring of a man known as ‘Noah’ that are referred to as Omoluabi. While those who believe in such explanation are proud of it, those who know better will be chuckling.

“This is a serious issue because it is another way of subjugating Yoruba people, it is meant to turn the landlord to a tenant and turning aboriginals to strangers. The truth is that Omoluabi is used to refer to a child of Olu-Iwa, the one who takes after Olu-Iwa, that behaves like Olu-Iwa or followers of Olu-Iwa.

“Who is Olu-Iwa? Among the Divinities (Orisas), he is no other person than Ọ̀rúnmìlà. Whoever is of good character and patience like Orunmila is called ‘Abiwapele Omo Orunmila (one with gentle character like Ọ̀rúnmìlà).

“Omoluabi attitude shows good behavior with perseverance and patience, not greedy, fraudulent, selfish, proud and violent, which are traceable attitudes of the white and Arabians.

“Today, bad habits like lying, stealing, political and economic conspiracies, and human killing have trampled good habits to death in our politicians, leaders of thought, religious leaders and youths and the consequences are reflected in the economy. Farmers cannot harvest their farms without paying ransom to kidnappers while governments and security agencies collaborate or look the other way.

“For our economy to overcome all the challenges, we need to do away with foreign culture which has taken away good morals, so that we all become Omoluabi,” he admonished.

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100 Days in Office: Deacon Adegbite Omoniyi sets to empower ward members, health outreach, novelty football match

The Special Assistant on Road & Transport to the Chairman,Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Deacon Adegbite Omoniyi Felix has disclosed the scheduled activities to mark his 100 days in office.

According to Deacon Adegbite, the celebration is aimed to appreciate God for his mercy and grace and to give back to his community as a way of appreciation for their support over the years. The 100 days anniversary is to witness a public lecture titled Rediscovering Ancient Knowledge for Modern Solutions, GSM development Agenda as a case study to be delivered by the duo of Hon. Ogunwale Leke Saliu & Comrade Akunlolu Akinbode.

Also, the anniversary activities will feature novelty match to be played by Erunmu Vs Ayede, Health Talk & Exhibition and to be concluded by cash empowerment for ward 2 PDP members on the 3rd of November 2024.

Deacon Adegbite Omoniyi specially appreciate His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde for his exemplary leadership in the State, likewise the Executive Chairman of Egbeda Ambassador Sanda Sikiru Oyedele who’s the Guest of Honor for the 100 days anniversary activities.

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Court Restrains Lagos State Govt From Vaccinating School Children Without Parental Consent

A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an order restraining the Lagos State Government from vaccinating school children without the written consent of their parents or guardians. The ruling came after an application filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Equity International and Initiative, seeking to stop the state from administering vaccines to children in schools.

Presided over by Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, the court ruled that the Lagos State Government, along with its agents and officials, must halt any planned vaccination of children in schools until the Motion on Notice is determined. The respondents in the case include the Lagos State Government, Commissioner for Education, Permanent Secretary of Basic and Secondary Education, and others.

The ruling affects the proposed mass vaccination campaign that was set to begin on October 23, 2024, as outlined in official circulars. The court emphasized that no vaccination should be carried out without prior written consent from parents or guardians.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Barrister Mobisola Odimegwu stated that the court’s order puts the planned mass vaccination on hold until December 9, 2024, and urged Nigerians to stay informed about health measures and vaccination options.

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Osun Set To Begin Minimum Wage As Committee On Consequential Adjustment Gives Report

The state Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee set up by Governor Ademola Adeleke will soon complete its assignment for necessary approval by the State Governor, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi has disclosed.

Responding to recent news reports on the nationwide implementation of the new minimum wage, the Commissioner stated that the Committee approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke has been working assiduously to conclude the assignment without hitch.

He said the Negotiation Committee is mandated to come up with recommendations to the government on the consequential adjustments
arising from the minimum wage Law.

Quoting a circular from the Office of the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, the Commissioner listed the members of the committee with the Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Akinleye leading the government team.

The labour side is led by the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Arapasopo Abimbola Christopher.

Other members of the government team include the Head of Service, Commissioner for Finance; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Commissioner for Information; Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Human Resources; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning; Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office; Solicitor General / Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Governments; Accountant-General; Director (Public Service Establishments); and the Director (Labour & Industrial Relations).

Members from the trade union side include Comrade Bimbo Fasasi; Comrade Lasun Akindele; Comrade Kehinde N. Ogungbangbe; Comrade Victor Amusan; Comrade Emmanuel Olawuyi; Comrade Abdullateef Babatunde; Comrade Akinjide Akinlami; Comrade Ojo Akintunde; Comrade Akeem Adekunle; Comrade Johnson Adegoke; Comrade Ganiyu Salawu; Comrade Waheed Oyeyemi; and Comrade Adeniran Lekan.

The state government under Governor Ademola Adeleke is committed to a sustainable implementation of the minimum wage in line with the administration’s five point agenda.

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2027 presidential race: I’m qualified and old enough to decide my ambition – Makinde

…Oyo State opted to be different in 2019

…I had no godfather, political experience, lost two Senate bids

…Why Nigeria mustn’t become a one-party state

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that he is qualified and old enough to speak for himself on any issue without mincing words.

He was reacting to speculations that he was plotting to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

According to him, speculations about his political future were unsolicited.

Makinde warned Nigerians about the dangers inherent in allowing Nigeria to slide into a one-party state.

The governor who spoke to reporters in Fashola Farm in Oyo, yesterday, explained that, if he had anything to say about his political future, he would do so publicly.

He said, “ We didn’t do this (Host PDP reporters’ retreat) because somebody has a presidential ambition. No comment, nothing. But all I can say to you is, I’m old enough if I want to do something, I will come out and say, this is what I want to do.

“So, no speculation, nobody can push my agenda. I will push my agenda when the time comes.”

Makinde recalled that with the support of the people of Oyo State, he defied several odds including two failed Senate attempts before his election into office as Governor.

The Governor said, “Oyo State people took a decision in 2019. We did not have a godfather. Nobody sponsored me, nobody gave me a dime for us to get in here but the people of Oyo State decided, we wanted to give this opportunity to an outsider.

“And before that, you will see videos saying that Oh, Seyi, what has he done before? Has he been a councillor? No. Has he been to the House of Representatives? No. What about the Senate? I tried twice but was rejected.

“So, experience in politics – No experience in governance but I’ve done well for myself in business and they said we’ll give you the opportunity and before that time, the whole of the South West was APC, all six states.

“But in Oyo State, we chose to be different. Because I had no experience, I wanted to convince the people.

“We produced a document, Road Map to accelerated development of Oyo State, 2019-2023 and I said to the people, this is it in black and white, hold me accountable and they gave us the opportunity. Thank God it is being done. “

The governor also cautioned Nigerians against allowing the nation to slide into a one-party state.

He said, “Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state so that others will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.”

Makinde reiterated his commitment to re-enacting the development strides recorded by great leaders who put the South West on the global map with their innovative approach to governance.

He recalled that farm settlements such as Fashola Farms were conceptualized and made functional in the 1950s by Chief Obafemi Awolowo with breeds of cattle and other livestock.

Revenue generated from the proceeds of Cocoa he said were used to build Cocoa House which was the first skyscraper at the time.

He said, “If you go to Tel Aviv in Israel,. You’ll see the first one they built and many more have followed.”

Speaking on the legacy he desires to leave behind, Makinde said he would like to be remembered for building institutions that will guarantee good governance irrespective of whoever occupies the office of governor.

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Mob Attacks, Sets Thief Ablaze For Allegedly Snatching ‘Okada’ In Sagamu

The Ogun State Police Command on Friday confirmed the mob killing of a motorcycle thief, John Udoh, in the early hours of Friday at Atoyo Okeigbo community, Aruba Sagamu, while his partner, Peter Ubong, was critically injured.

An irate mob has beaten an alleged motorcycle thief identified as John Udoh, to death at Atoyo Okeigbo community, Aruba Sagamu, in Ogun State.

The suspect’s alleged accomplice, Peter Ubong, was critically injured during the incident which occurred in the early hours of Friday, October 18, 2024.

The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday said that a five-man gang invaded the community at about 2:am, attacked one Emeka Ruben and stole his motorcycle valued at N1.2m.

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BRT Driver Denies Rape, Murder Charges in Oluwabamise Ayanwola Case

A Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver in Lagos, Andrew Nice Omininikoron, has denied allegations of raping and murdering 22-year-old passenger Oluwabamise Ayanwola, claiming that three male passengers committed the crime.

Testifying before Justice Sherifat Sonaike during court proceedings, Omininikoron, led by his counsel Abayomi Omotubora, alleged that the men raped Ayanwola and threw her out of the bus.

Omininikoron was initially arraigned in March 2022 on charges of rape, conspiracy, and murder. Prosecutors accused him of conspiring to rape and kill Ayanwola on February 26, 2022, after she boarded his bus along the Lekki-Ajah expressway.

The defendant admitted to illegally picking up Ayanwola after official hours at Chevron bus stop, and described how three male passengers later boarded the bus and one pointed a gun at him. He claimed the men assaulted Ayanwola before pushing her out of the bus.

Despite his claims, Omininikoron fled after learning Ayanwola was missing and was later arrested in Ogun State. Under cross-examination, he denied knowledge of voice notes Ayanwola sent to a friend during the journey, expressing concern for her safety.

The trial has faced delays, with Justice Sonaike expressing displeasure and adjourning the case to October 21, 2024, for further examination.

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Forum 68 holds get-together, media talk, drum support for Local Government autonomy, says it’s fundamental necessity to grassroots development

Former ALGON executive in Oyo State, otherwise known as Forum 68, comprising of 68 ex-LG Chairmen, 68 ex- Vice Chairmen and 610 Councillors under the late Gov. Abiola Ajimobi administration on Thursday, 17th October 2024 holds a get-together and media parley to assess their journey so far.

The program which held at ALGON secretariat, Ringroad Ibadan featured prayers from both Muslim & Christian clerics.

The gathering disclosed that it had lost about 27 former Local Government Chairmen, Vice chairmen, as well as councillors since 2019.

This was made known by the former state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye, who’s also the Chair of Forum 68 during a get-together of Forum 68 (former Executive Chairmen of Local Government in the state).

He said, “Out of 746 past chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors during the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the party has lost some of its most committed party members in the state. We have lost four former chairmen, four vice chairmen and 19 councillors”

The gathering also specially offered prayers to the soul of the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and to the souls of other departed party men and women in the State.

Alesinloye stated that the Forum was a child of necessity, a product of their political ingenuity to continue the struggle for grassroots development, defence of constitutional democracy, and rule of law, after the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, illegally dissolved elected chairmen in the state.

He said, “A spontaneous, unconstitutional action of the governor carried out on the first hour of his swearing-in to office.This action of Governor Makinde was eventually declared illegal, unconstitutional, null and void by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on May 7, 2021, with a cost attached and full payment of our salaries and entitlements ordered to be paid.”

He therefore dedicated the unique victory to the late Ajimobi and prayed to God to repose his soul.

On local government autonomy, the former ALGON chairman said the party was fully in support of a fundamental necessity to grassroots and national developments.

“But our people should not see the recently granted autonomy by the Supreme Court in the case of the FGN vs State Governments as a mere government-to-government affair.“

It’s a call to duty for more popular participation by the people to guarantee free and fair elections, allocations and budget monitoring, project choice, and implementation monitoring. This is to make sure that transparency, integrity and accountability are not compromised,” he added.

Responding, the state Acting APC chairman, Olayide Abas, called for unity of purpose among the party chieftains and followers so as to return the lost glory of the party in the next elections.

Among the dignitaries were Senator Ayoade Adeseun, former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Asimiyu Alarape, the Public Relations Officer of the party, Adewale Sadare, party bigwigs, past political office holders and many others.

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Gunmen abduct journalist in Ijebu-Ode

Journalist and human rights advocate Oshibanjo Oluwatosin, the CEO of TMC News, has reportedly been kidnapped by suspected kidnappers in Ogun State.

The journalist was allegedly taken away by the gunmen after they broke into his home in Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday.

Details later.

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