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.
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.
Sanusi Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, the foremost Oyo Market Leader in Oyo State, join countless others in celebrating a remarkable leader, father, and elder statesman, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, Baba Egbe Onisowo of Oyo State, as he adds another glorious year to his illustrious life.
According to a statement made available by Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje media office, it described Chief Sanusi as not just an ordinary leader but a pillar of support and hope in our community.
“On behalf of all Marker women in Oyo State, I extend our felicitation to our Baba Egbe Onisowo of Oyo State, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi on the occasion of his birthday. His tireless efforts to elevate the status of traders across Oyo State have been a testament to his vision, dedication, and love for the people. His leadership within the Egbe Onisowo is defined by integrity, transparency, and a deep commitment to the progress of all traders, both big and small. Under his stewardship, we have seen remarkable improvements in the welfare of market traders, a more organized structure in the operation of our markets, and an unprecedented level of unity among members of the trade community. He has successfully bridged gaps, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie that has helped advance the economic fortunes of Oyo State’s trading sector”
Alhaja Saratu further stated that Chief Sanusi’s contributions extend beyond the markets. “he is a man of the people. His philanthropic gestures, his open-door policy, and his commitment to mentoring the younger generation of traders have earned him the respect and admiration of many”
“He is a man who has continually prioritized the well-being of his people, demonstrating in action and deeds that leadership is about service. His life has been one of relentless service to humanity, with his heart firmly rooted in uplifting those around him” the statement add.
Alhaja Abegbo Lawal on behalf of the no woman no nation renewed hope has congratulated Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
Alhaja Lawal while speaking with journalists emphasized that Chief Dotun Sanusi in the last couple of years has been providing examplary for all and sundry in the State.
“As the world celebrate the birth anniversary of Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, it’s important that we at the No Woman No Nation Renewed hope join hands to celebrate one of our pillars of support, who has contributed immensely to the advancement of humanity”
“We recognise all that he’s doing for humanity, he’s a purposeful leader who’s passionate about his people and the development of his community, we pray that God Almighty will grant him all his heart desires, aamin”
Agbele Sporting Chairman Hon. Omidiji Ponmile has felicitated Deacons Rachael Abisola Soname, a woman who has made a significant impact in improving the lives of the less fortunate, on her 95th birthday.
Hon. Omidiji Ponmile said, “It is gratifying to note that Mama Deacons Rachael Abisola Soname is not only a philanthropist but a quintessential woman of great virtues who has diligently impacted others, as exemplified in her son, Oloye Kunle Soname, the Chairman Remo Stars, and CEO ValueJet.”
Agbele Sporting Chairman congratulates the family of Soname for this rare privilege God has given them to see their mother clock the ripe age of 95. It is indeed worth celebrating.
The Chairman prayed for Mama and her family that Almighty God, whom she has always faithfully served, will grant her many more years in good health.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of popular Nollywood actor and Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) national secretary, Chief Alhaji Ayobami Olabiyi, also known as Bobo B. The actor reportedly passed away after a brief illness at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Olabiyi, a beloved figure in Nollywood, was the former governor of TAMPAN’s Oyo State chapter and was known for his contributions to the industry both on and off the screen. His death was confirmed by the current TAMPAN Oyo State governor, Bose Akinola, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
Olabiyi had been scheduled to appear on a movie set in Oyo last month but was unable to do so due to his declining health. He was later admitted to UCH, where he passed on.
In a statement, Akinola said, “I have a directive to announce the death of our TAMPAN national general secretary, Chief Alhaji Musadshir Ayobami Olabiyi ‘Bobo B.’ May God give his family and the entire TAMPAN members globally the fortitude to bear the loss. Insha Allah, Amen.”
Colleagues have taken to social media to express their grief, paying tribute to the late actor’s jovial nature and impact on the industry. Fellow actor Abidemi Temitayo recalled a fond memory from a movie set, expressing shock at his sudden death, while Princess Adenike Ajoke prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
Olabiyi’s passing marks a significant loss for Nollywood, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the growth of Nigerian theatre and film. The industry will miss him dearly.
The current minimum wage in Lagos state is N85k. I will come back in January and report that I have raised the minimum wage of public workers in Lagos to N100k. I believe my people deserve decent wages.
The statement was made known today by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sango-Olu while featuring in a programme Politics Today on Channels TV as anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.
Ahead of the November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo state, the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), through it’s Southwest leader and Oyo state Governor, Engr.Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, called for the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola.
There had been petitions before now by an independent body , against State REC to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)headquarters, about an alleged unholy alliance between the REC and Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa ,the All People’s Congress (APC) candidate in the scheduled election and the state governor.
The independent body had through the petition, revealed, at least two secret meetings the REC who is also an indigene of Ondo state, had with Aiyedatiwa who is believed to be the REC’s close ally.
Governor Makinde called for the removal of the REC in Akure during the Campaign Flag Off ceremony of the PDP which had major PDP stakeholders in attendance.
Calling for the REC’s removal, a visibly excited Makinde, facing the sea of heads at the flag off venue said ” I want to say emphatically and without mincing words , that the Resident Electoral Commissioner ( REC) in Ondo State must be removed and a neutral person used to replace her, because she is an indigene of Ondo State and our findings revealed that she is partisan.
” We must create a level playing ground for all the political parties involved in this coming gubernatorial election in Ondo State” Gov Makinde said
“The election must be free and fair and with all these am seeing here today , PDP will surely take Ondo State back from APC that has impoverished the masses” the Oyo State Governor and the leader of the party in the SouthWest said.
” I must also admonish my people in Ondo State that they should shun all forms of voting and collecting money ( Dibo ko sebe) because it won’t take us anywhere infact that’s what put Nigeria in the present problems we are having as a nation now ” the Governor submitted.
Also at the event where the Chairman PDP Governor’s forum, H E Bala Muhammad, Governor of Bauchi State who registered his confidence in the party’s victory on November 16, he assured the Party’s candidate , H E Agboola Ajayi and his running mate Festus Akingbaso a.k.a Fessywest, of the support of the party as a whole and all the governors elected on the platform of the party especially.
” All PDP Governors are with you in Ondo State, we are surely behind Agboola Ajayi in taking over Ondo State for PDP.” the Bauchi State governor maintained.
The carnival like event was a practical demonstration of love and support for the PDP candidate, Ajayi, as the party’s flag was handed over to him by the Party’s National Acting Chairman, Amb. Iliya Umar Damagun.
Also present at the event are the host Governor , Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun state and the National Chairman of the Ondo State Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Chairman of the PDP BOT, represented by the forner Governor of Ebony State, H E Sam Egwu, all members of the PDP National Working Committee, SouthWest National Secretary , Hon Ramon Owokoniran among others .
Agboola Ajayi and his running mate, Hon Festus Akingbaso will fly the PDP flag as the people of Ondo State go to the polls in a few weeks time .
The Renaissance Group, a socio-political organization domiciled in Egbeda Local Government area of Oyo state on Tuesday issued an official communiqué congratulating Hon. Mayowa Oladejo on his appointment as the Assistant Secretary of the local government.
In a remark by Akinloluwa Akinbode, one of the conveners during a gathering of advocates of rural and community development, which was made public by the group’s Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy; Olukunle Molomo Yar’Adua, the group lauded the appointment and termed it as a true reflection of Oladejo’s steadfast commitment to the ideals he has always upheld and a testament of his unwavering loyalty and eventual reward.
The Renaissance Group emphasized that it is a well-deserved reward for Hon. Oladejo’s astuteness, resilience and dedication to the People’s Democratic Party PDP under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, his leader, his immediate community and environs which by extension hosts the Ajorosun LCDA.
In the message, the Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy; Olukunle Molomo Yar’Adua also expressed his belief and confidence that Oladejo’s input will further strengthen the local government to reach new heights with this call to service.
