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I lost Oyo guber election to APC’s secret arrangement to win presidency — Folarin

•Says ‘I was thrown under the bus’

The standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oyo, during the March 28 governorship election, Senator Teslim Folarin, on Saturday, said he lost his bid to govern the state due to what he termed “political arrangement” for the party to win the presidential poll for President Bola Tinubu.

Describing the APC as the strongest party in the state, having won the three senatorial seats of Oyo South, Oyo Central and Oyo North, including nine federal constituency seats out of 14, he declared that “I was thrown under the bus” as part of the high wired politics and intrigues of our party to secure victory during the February 25 presidential election.

Folarin made this disclosure in Idigbaro, Ologuneru area of Ibadan while addressing APC members during a reception and victory party held in honour of a member, representing Ibarapa/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Remi Abasi Oseni.

Speaking in Yoruba, he stated: “If we are talking about the strongest party in Oyo State today, it is APC. We won three senatorial seats and nine out of federal constituency seats. Our people are already in the election tribunal and I can tell you that we would win two more federal constituency seats. On the governorship election, we were thrown under the bus.”

According to Folarin, “In politics, if I am asked to choose between governorship and presidency, I will choose the latter. We have taken the presidency and our president, Senator Bola Tinubu is doing well. Things are hard now, but I want Nigerians to bear and exercise patience because better days are coming soon.

“Let us stand with this government because it is our government. This is because if there’s a problem in the future regarding governance, they will say we need to call the Yoruba to fix it. Two things are constant in my life, which are Islam and politics. My own level has passed the fact that I have to become the governor before thanking God.”

Speaking at the event, Oseni expressed his gratitude for the support and love he received during and after his election, just as he promised to provide qualitative representation to his constituency in the House of Representatives.

He posted: “Nigerians should be patient with President Tinubu because he has the capacity to address the nation’s challenges and turn Nigeria’s situation around for good. I’m pleading with you to give him maximum support for him to succeed.”

Dignitaries, who graced the occasion include, Senator Teslim Folarin, former deputy governors of Oyo State, Iyiola Oladokun, Moses Alake, Shina Alabi, chairman of the APC in Oyo South senatorial district, Honourable Mojeed Olaoya, former chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Mr Ademola Omotosho, traditional rulers, clerics, among others

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Battle Of Throne Deepens In Ondo Over Akeredolu’s Prolonged Ill Health

The crack among members of the Ondo State Executive Council have further deepened due to the absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Akeredolu is expected to resume from his medical leave on Thursday, July 6th.

Akeredolu handed over power to his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa in a letter he sent to the Ondo Assembly.

It was gathered that some cabinet members refused to honour meetings called by Aiyedatiwa.

Sources said the State Executive Council meeting held only once since the Governor proceeded on medical leave.

Aiyedatiwa is said to be interested in succeeding his boss but he has not received the buy in of all the cabinet members.

Others cabinet members interested in the governorship race include Commissioner for Finance Wale Akinterinwa and Secretary to the State Government, Oladunni Odu.

A top government official said cabinet members loyal to Aiyedatiwa have pushed for more funding to his office by virtue of an Acting Governor but such move was said to be resisted.

Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, said the Acting Governor has not summoned State Executive Council meeting.

The Commissioner said all cabinet members would attend if the council meeting were to hold.

She also dismissed talks that some cabinet members refused to attend meeting called by Aiyedatiwa.

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Muslims In Ilorin threaten traditionalist for practising ‘Isese Festival’ after storming her residence in daylight

A Muslim group, Majlisu Shabab li Ulamahu Society, in Ilorin, Kwara State has stormed the residence of a traditional religion priestess to impose a ban on any form of isese festival in five local governments in the state.

Isese, the Yoruba word for tradition, is used to denote different kinds of festivals held by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion in Nigeria and Cuba, Brazil, the United States, Benin, and other countries.

The group listed four local governments in the state where any form of traditional religion is prohibited. The local governments are Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Asa.

The group warned a young woman who attended to them at the priestess’ residence that the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, sent them to convey the warning.

In a viral video published on Facebook on Monday by one Arowolo Abdulfatai (Sheikh Abdul Fathai Arowolo), members of this group located in the Oke Adini area of Ilorin said the visit was prompted by reports of an imminent traditional festival, known as isese, planned by the priestess.

The priestess, who is an Osun devotee, Yeye Adesikemi Olokun Omolara Olatunji, had reportedly released fliers announcing a three-day traditional event aimed at celebrating certain Yoruba deities.

Reacting to the social media post, members of the Muslim group stormed the home of Yeye Adesikemi where her sister simply identified as Alaba, whom many of the Imams present, took turns to either address or confront with statements and questions, to warn against the actualisation of said event.

Although the group stressed that the visit and their intentions were peaceful, the Imams, while making subtle threats, warned Alaba of the potentially dire consequences of holding the festival, while stressing that the state only supports Islamic activities.

Speaking in Yoruba, a member of the group, who described himself as an Imam, said, “Ilorin does not permit idol worshipping, we are ardent Muslims in the land of the emirate.”

Another Imam further reiterated the group’s stance adding that they were sent by the “Emir of Ilorin, to warn against this Isese festival.”

He continued saying traditional religious worshippers could celebrate in private but never publicly in the ’emirate’ as the only deity that could be publicly celebrated is the one Muslims in the state serve.

”We are here on behalf of the Emir of Ilorin to ask that you desist from any Isese. We are also backed by the laws of the land. We are not here to fight you but to warn you against this celebration.”

In a short video published after the visit, Yeye Omolara bemoaned the development.

Speaking in Yoruba she said, ”I have been living in Ilorin for many years and have experienced nothing but peace until recently. I have always been fair and kind to my neighbours and this has been reciprocated over the years.

”One of my people shared the invite online which caught the attention of the Imams. In a matter of hours, I was tagged on numerous posts and also began to receive death threats.

”I also heard that meetings were being held to ensure that the Aje festival does not hold in Ilorin.”

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Movement Restrictions In Ijebuland As Alagemo Festival Begins July 4

The people of Ogun State and other States have been cautioned of their movement to and fro Ijebuland as the 2023 Edition of the Agemo Festival is to hold between 4th & 5th July, 2023.

This according to a statement obtained by ODUDUWA NEWS on Saturday evening which reads in part:

“This is to inform the general public that the 2023 Edition of the Agemo Festival is to hold between 4th & 5th July, 2023.

“Please mind your movement for those days, especially the Agemo routes in Ijebu areas.

“Anywhere you hear “Ekeee, Obiren m wo, Iku Aye”. Don’t joke with it. Speak with your two legs.

May God be with us”.

AGEMO festival is a masked and masquerade festival traditionally held in many Yoruba cities but more popularly link with ijebu people of ogun state. The festival and accompanying rituals are celebrated to honor the spirit of Agemo deity, who is believe to be a protector of children and who safeguards ijebus future.

The festival is linked with the traditional african religion in particular the parties of Agemo cult and as such issues like restriction of movement during certain period of the festival is no longer new.

No woman is allowed to look at the Agemo when coming into Ijebu Ode and going out of the ancient town during the festival annually. Sixxteen Agemo masquerades from different villages proceed to their shrine at Imosan, via Ijebu Ode on annual pilgrimage.

Each Agemo carries items such as feathers by some Agemo followers. It is considered as taboo for a woman to see the Agemo masquerade during their pilgrimage, the Agemo masquerade stops to receive gifts and offer prayers to residents.

At imosan, the masquerades receive additional gifts sent by the Awujale, they spend three days at the Agemo shrine performing traditional religious rites and appeasement of the Agemo deity.

It is a doctrine believe among the people to have cultural significance and divine authority passed from generation to generation. Agemo is an annual festival in ijebuland that dates back to several centuries and consistently held in the month of July to usher in the new yam season.

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Association of Medical and Dental Officers of Oyo state (AMDO) suspends strike



Govt set up a negotiating committee.

The Association of Medical and Dental Officers of Oyo State has suspended its four weeks Industrial action embarked upon since 18th May, 2023.

This was disclosed by the Association executives after the state Congress held on 19th June, 2023 where all Members unanimously agreed to suspend the partial strike on the following conditions ;

  1. In the interest of the citizens of Oyo state who have been afffected by the industrial action.
  2. As a mark of respect to the workers friendly Gov. Engr Seyi Makinde who responded by setting up a committee to look into their demands.

3.To give the said committee time to sort the lingering issues and demand a better resolution.

  1. The suspension will stand for six weeks as requested by the negotiating committee.
  2. A Total strike to commence by July 31st 2023 if no headway from the said committee.

It was reported that the committee set up by the Oyo state government assured all issues will be resolved in a few weeks.

The Association executives salute the doggedness of its members and look forward to a speedy resolution of all lingering issues in a good time.

They further restated their loyalty to the govt of Oyo state under the Leadership of worker friendly Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde.

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Another chef, Adeola eyes Hilda Baci’s title, begins 150-hour cook-a-thon

An Ondo chef identified as Adeola Adeyeye has begun a 150-hour cook-a-thon in an attempt to break Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon of 93 hours and 11 minutes.

This is coming after another Nigerian chef, Adeparusi Damilola aka Chef Dammy embarked on a 120-hour cook-a-thon in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Adeyeye began the cook-a-thon on Friday, June 30, 2023, in the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State and is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

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Osun Eid Prayer Ground Clash: MURIC Faults Gov Adeleke

The Muslim Rights Concern ((MURIC) has warned politicians in Osun State against desecrating the Muslim prayer ground. The warning came after the clash between the state governor, Ademola Adeleke and Senator Ajibola Bashiru at the Oshogbo Muslim prayer ground yesterday, Wednesday, 28th June 2023.

The Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, who spoke on Thursday, 29th June 2023, described the incident as a show of shame.

He said: “A clash occurred at the Muslim prayer ground, Oshogbo, yesterday, Wednesday, 28th June 2023 between Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and a prominent senator, Ajibola Bashiru.

“Senator Ajibola Bashiru allegedly arrived at the Muslim prayer ground, Osogbo, earlier than the governor. Reports say he sat on the reserved front-row seat but a protocol of Adeleke approached to inform him it was the seat kept for the Governor.

He changed his seat to another front-row seat, which the protocol still opposed. In our opinion, that was the first wrong step and it was taken by the governor’s protocol.

“We strongly believe that a senator is also a distinguished personality who should not be disgraced at such a public function. Therefore the governor’s protocol should have allowed him to use the second seat occupied by him. Our sincere position is that the senator had respected the governor by leaving the seat which the protocol claimed was reserved for the governor.

“There was no need for the governor’s protocol to insist that the senator should leave the front row completely. The governor’s protocol was overzealous and he threw diplomacy to the winds. It was at that point that the wrong step was taken. A senator is not a Mr Nobody. He should have been accorded his respect as well particularly since he had respected the office of the governor by leaving his (the governor’s) seat.

“Unlike in other places of worship, no front rows are reserved for any individual inside mosques because all are equal in Islam. The Glorious Qur’an 49:13 says, ‘Oh mankind, We created you from a single male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other. The most honoured among you in the sight of Allah are the most righteous and Allah has full knowledge of what you do.’

“Even Prophet Muhammad asserted clearly, emphatically and authoritatively that all men are equal. ‘You are all equal’, he said, ‘like the teeth of a comb. There is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab except by righteousness (taqwah)…’

“Therefore there is nothing wrong if both the governor and the senator are on the front row. There is nothing like entitlement to front-row seats in Islam. The president, the governors, senators, etc may be given the front rows just for security reasons. Neither does Islam entertain an imperial mentality inside the mosque or on Muslim prayer grounds.

“What happened yesterday at the Muslim prayer ground in Oshogbo was a show of shame. It is also a security lapse because the state security apparel should have foreseen that ugly development and made adequate provision for it. There would not have been a clash if the governor’s protocol and the state’s security apparatus had worked together on the arrangements and taken strategic positions before the arrival of worshippers.

“MURIC condemns this manifestation of political Islam in a negative form. Governor Adeleke should not have left the prayer ground if he was there to worship Allah, no matter what happened. Adeleke should tell us loud and clear where he belongs. All politicians should drop their political garbs in their party secretariat. They are brothers and sisters once they enter the prayer ground as Muslims if indeed they truly belong to the Islamic faith.

“Politicians in Osun State should not desecrate the Muslim prayer ground again. They should not use political differences to permeate and consequently rupture the fabrics of the Muslim community.”
The Muslim Rights Concern ((MURIC) has warned politicians in Osun State against desecrating the Muslim prayer ground. The warning came after the clash between the state governor, Ademola Adeleke and Senator Ajibola Bashiru at the Oshogbo Muslim prayer ground yesterday, Wednesday, 28th June 2023.

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Makinde Appoints Operation Burst DG, 11 Others As SSAs, SAs

Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday approved the appointment of Col. Oladipo James Ajibola as the Director-General, Operation Burst.

The Governor also approved the appointments of Mrs Bosede Sodiq as Senior Special Assistant (Broadcast Media), Mr Kehinde Oluwaseyi Ogunsanya as Senior Special Assistant (Economic Planning) and Mr Moshope Adebayo Akande as Senior Special Assistant (Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Other appointments made are listed below:

(1) Mr Albert Adebowale Ogunyemi : Special Assistant (Photographer) to the Governor

(2) Mr Otuowho Jesse Onoriode :Special Assistant (Photographer 2) to the Governor

(3) Mr OYEBODE BABATUNDE -: Special Assistant (Transport) to the Governor.

(4) Mr Adeyanju Daniel Akinloye – Special Assistant (Transport 2) to the Governor;

(5) Mr Moses Adebayo Alao as Special Assistant Print Media;

(6) Mr Fisayo Daramola as Special Assistant Digital Media;

(7) Mr Ogunbowale Oladayo Olajuwon as Special Assistant Communication; and

(8) Mr Ademola Aderinto as Special Assistant Environment. .

This was contained in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi.

According to the letter, the appointment is with immediate effect.

The governor, while congratulating the new appointees asked them to see their appointment as a further call to service and urged them to discharge their duties with absolute loyalty, dedication and diligence.

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Oyo Gets New Commissioner Of Police, Ayinde Hamzat

Adebola Ayinde Hamzat is replacing Adebowale Williams as commissioner of police in Oyo State.

The immediate past CP, Adebowale Williams, who was recently promoted assistant inspector general of police, had last Friday assumed duty as the 32nd AIG in charge of Zone 7 headquarters, Abuja.

The appointment was made known in an approval issued by the Police Service Commission.

In a statement, the police listed the newly appointed State Commissioners of Police as; Godwin Aghaulor now CP Borno State Command;

Adelesi E. Oluwarotimi, CP Kwara State Command;

Adebola Ayinde Hamzat, CP Oyo State Command;

Augustina Ogbodo, CP Ebonyi State Command and Samuel Titus Musa, CP Kebbi State Command among others.

The Commission also applauded the acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun for adhering to its latest Policy on gender sensitivity as recommended by the PSC.

However, the commission says it expects the Acting IGP in his subsequent proposals to include more Officers of North East and South East geopolitical zones that are yet to record the benchmark of 15 percent as decided at its last Plenary Meeting .

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Weeks After Tinubu Sacks Army Chiefs, Over 100 Senior Military Officers To Resign On Monday

The Defence Headquarters has directed all Senior officers with “seniority on commission “above Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 39 to proceed on voluntary retirement. This development comes on the heels of the appointment of the new service chiefs by President Bola Tinubu. The notice of resignation was made known in a statement from the Defence Headquarters signed on Monday by Maj-Gen. Y. Yayaha for the Chief of Defence Staff.

“I am directed to respectfully request services to direct all officers with seniority on commission above that of Nigerian Defence Academy(NDA) regular course 39 to submit their applications for voluntary retirement from service with immediate effect,” the statement reads in part:

“I am to add that affected officers are to submit their applications to their respective service headquarters no later than on Monday, July 3, 2023.” According to military tradition, senior officers are unlikely to take orders from their juniors, thus the new appointments necessitate the compulsory retirement of about 100 top officers, including Generals, Brigadiers-General, Air Vice Marshals, and Admirals in the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force from the Force.

The affected senior officers who are expected to file in their voluntary retirement are officers above the NDA regular course 39, however, the new Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa is a member of 38 regular courses, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear admiral, Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, and Air Vice Marshal, Hassan Abubakar are members of 39 regular course.

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