Oduduwa News

In a bid to forestall the incidence of flash floods in Ogun State, the Ministry of Environment, has advised residents to desist from acts that can inhibit the free flow of excess precipitation during the rainy periods.

Commissioner in the Ministry, Mr. Ola Oresanya gave the advice while speaking at a press conference at the Olusegun Osoba Press Center, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying those living beside river banks and flood plains should also avoid dumping waste into drains and streams or rivers and prepare to relocate temporarily if need be.

The Commissioner noted that the alert was based on the predictions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), indicating that Ogun State would have two seasons of rainfalls, with the first season between April and July with rainfall averages of 1658mm, while the second would be between September to November with an average of 1988m.

He said residents in Onikoko, Sokori, Arakangba, Owa, Yemule, Eruwuru, Ebute Kimobi, Isaka Owode, Ogijo, Ilaro and Ijoko should therefore expect flash floods due to heavy rainfall within short periods, while those in Alagbole, Akute, Isheri, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Mowe- Ibafo, Kara, Onihale, Ebute-kimono and Riverside Estate would witness coastal flooding due to the tidal lock of Ogun River by Lagos Lagoon from the natural rise in sea-level coupled with the possible release of water from Oyan Dam.

Oresanya, while recalling the devastating effects of last year’s rain in the State, stated that flash floods were mitigated due to the efforts of the Governor Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun – MFR -led administration, adding that since 2019 the Ministry had commenced regular maintenance of drainages, opening water courses regularly, providing hydraulic structures on all-road constructions sites coupled with improved waste management practices.

He said, ‘’residents should ensure that they desist from building on run-off routes and placement or temporary structures and containers or extension of business premises on top of drains in markets and public places’’.

The Commissioner lauded the effort of the Presidential Committee for the Development of a Compressive Plan of Action for preventing flood disasters while acknowledging the impact of NEWMAP intervention projects in the State, adding that the following flood helplines – 0803640194 09010480056 for flood emergencies, assuring that the numbers would be available any time of the day.

Contributing, the Managing Director, Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority, Otunba Olufemi Odumosu said his agency is ready to work with the Ministry to make sure the State is better prepared, to reduce the effects of the rain, adding that residents would be duly informed ahead of time the dam was to be released.

The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has visited Bodija Plank Market to inspect the level of damage caused by the fire incident that occurred on Tuesday.

The Governor, along with his entourage visted the scene of the incident yesterday to ascertain level of damage.

In his words, he commiserated with traders who lost goods and directed that an immediate palliative of N25 million be given to them.

He also informed them that the Ibadan North Local Government Council would rehabilitate Bodija Market inner roads.

A source within the Palace has reacted to the news making the rounds indicating that a new Alaafin of Oyo has emerged.

The Source, who is also one of the kingmakers, has dispelled what he described as “a widely spread rumour” by one of the contestants to the throne, Prince Lukman Adelodu Gbadegesin, parading himself as the Alaafin-elect.

A source speaking under the condition of anonymity, the source said the process for the selection of a new Alaafin is still ongoing and the report of the consensus candidate has not been presented to the governor for final ratification.

He disclosed that Prince Gbadegesin has been over-ambitious using the media to achieve his personal ambition.

The source further noted that Governor Seyi Makinde just forwarded to the Oyomesi to expedite action on the selection process, and he said, the outcome of the process would be made known soon. Ki

He said: “He is only too ambitious. He is using the media to make himself popular. No new Alaafin has emerged. The selection process is still on and we must follow due process as instructed by the governor.”

“I am saying this without any equivocation that the public about disregard the news widely spread around by him.” No one has selected him as the Alaafin-elect.”
“You know, he did his birthday yesterday and he’s trying to use the media to help himself and find favour.”

“According to Oyo tradition and the Alaafin Chieftain Declaration, the law governing the process of succession, the Baba Iyaji would present the list of the princes to the Oyo Mesi whose head, the Bashorun, would then convene a decision after some screening.”
“The decision meeting, to be witnessed by government officials, would feature a consensus or voting where there is a plurality of choices,” he declared.

Source: Vanguard.

The Magistrate Court sitting in Ifo, Ogun State has adjourned the hearing of assault case between controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola popularly known as Portable and one his associates, Manny Money till May 29th, next month.

Portable who appeared today before the Magistrate Court was arraigned on 6-count charge bothering on assault of law enforcement agencies and evading of lawful arrest.

Recall, Portable had been in the news in the past few weeks when he assaulted the Police officers sent to effect his arrest having evaded several invitations sent to him.

He was later arrested by Ogun Police and charged for assault and obstruction of justice early this month after the disagreement and dispute between him and the Ogun State police officers.

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that some policemen mobilized themselves today at Moniya Axis with their armored tank to search for the suspected ‘Yahoo Boys’ that waylaid one of their colleagues during their “stop and search” operation.

A Police officer died after he was hit by a bullet during the fight that ensued between them and the suspected internet fraudsters.

Recall, ODUDUWA NEWS had earlier reported how people of Moniya axis were thrown into palpable fear as a result of the death of a Police Officer who died while the Police officers were engaging the suspected “Yahoo Boys”.

According to an eyewitness who spoke under condition of anonymity to ODUDUWA NEWS today, he said, “the Police who were armed to the teeth mobilized themselves today with their armored tank and started shooting sporadically. They were said to be on a revenge mission because one of their colleagues that died yesterday during the clash that occurred between them and “Yahoo Boys”.

In a viral video that also surfaced online today, Police were seeing shooting sporadically while residents were scampering for safety.

Details later.