Oduduwa News

Former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba has reacted to statement by a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George describing the Presidential ambition of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a huge joke.

Tinubu, who is the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Lagos State, had declared his interest in contesting the 2023 Presidential Election after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Osoba, who is also a chieftain of APC, said the comment of George was informed by the bitterness he (George) still nurse against Tinubu.

Osoba said George believed that Tinubu had a hand in “his problems.”

George was incarcerated for about two years after he was jailed by High Court in Lagos for corruption charges relating to his tenure as the Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The judgment was upheld by the Court of Appeal, however, George won at the Supreme Court.

Speaking on a television programme, Osoba said Tinubu had a right to express interest in occupying the highest office in the land, which he had done.

He said instead of George having headache over Tinubu’s declaration, he should rather concentrate on how his party, the PDP would also present a Presidential candidate in the 2023 election.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commiserated with Oyo State Government over the death of the ex-Oyo Governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala.

In a statement released by the Govenror via his official Facebook account as read in part:

“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos, I commiserate with Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, sons and daughters of Ogbomoso, people of Oyo State, family, friends and political associates on the death of Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala.

“Otunba Alao-Akala was more than a politician. He was a man of many parts who served Oyo State passionately, first as Deputy Governor and later Governor.

“He also did his best in contributing his quota to the growth and development of Ogbomoso as council chairman.

“Otunba Alao-Akala also made his mark in the NPF where he retired as Assistant Commissioner of Police in 1995 before eventually venturing into politics.

“I pray that Almighty God be pleased with his soul, grant him eternal rest, and give his family, friends, and the people of Ogbomoso and Oyo State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun has described the death of former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala, as a rude shock.

Similarly, the Governor has also commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Engineer Seyi Makinde, over the demise of his predecessor.

Otunba Alao-Akala who served as the governor of Oyo State between 2007 and 2011 died Wednesday morning at his country home of Ogbomoso.

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan, Governor Oyetola said he was pained and saddened by the sudden demise of the former Oyo political leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The Governor condoled Akala’s family, his political associates, government and people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incident.

He described Akala’s death as a personal loss because the deceased was “a good friend of Osun who was always ready to identify with our government and celebrate our humble accomplishments and achievements.”

Oyetola recalled the laudable role Akala played during the resolution of the age-long battle between Oyo and Osun over the joint ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, and gracing the State’s 30th anniversary Banquet and Awards which held last year.

He stated that the late Ogbomoso-born politician was an unassuming elder statesman and a seasoned political leader whose reputation is worth emulating, adding that he would be remembered for his Administration’s strides in Oyo.

“On behalf of my family, government and people of Osun, I commiserate with the family of late Otunba Adebayo Christopher Alao-Akala, his political associates, friends as well as the governor and government and people of Oyo State.

“I pray that God grant him eternal rest and watch over the family and loved ones he left behind,” Oyetola said.

The uncertainty over who will be crowned the next Olubadan of Ibadan was laid to rest yesterday, as kingmakers ratified the choice of the Otun Olubadan, Sen. Lekan Balogun.

The kingmakers, who are high chiefs and top members of the Olubadan-in-Council, ratified Balogun’s choice at their meeting held at the Olubadan palace, Oja’ba, Mapo, yesterday.

The meeting was convened by the Ibadan South East Local Government, which is in charge of the Olubadan affairs. It organised the formal meeting through the Olubadan Advisory Council.

The meeting was attended by seven high chiefs – Balogun of Ibadan, Owolabi Olakulehin; Asipa Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole; Otun Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Balogun, Lateef Gbadamosi; Ekerin Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola and Eekerin Balogun, Olubunmi Isioye.

The Iyalode of Ibadan land, High Chief Theresa Oyekanmi, sent a letter endorsing Lekan Balogun. The Olubadan-elect and Sen. Rashidi Ladoja were absent. There is no Seriki at the moment.

Also in attendance was the Head of Ibadan South East Local Government, Mrs. Grace Aremu, who represented the local government.

A source told The Nation that kingmakers put calls to Ladoja to find out why he was the only one absent without an apology, but the calls did not go through. Lekan Balogun was not expected to attend because he was already nominated.

The Nation gathered that the kingmakers would transmit a letter notifying Governor Seyi Makinde of their decision today.

The letter will be submitted through the local government and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

The kingmakers declined interview with reporters after the meeting. Reporters were also barred from entering the palace.

Entrances leading to the palace were barricaded by policemen, to avoid breach of law and order.

Ladoja’s lawyer, Mr. Michael Lana, had written to Makinde warning him against approving Lekan Balogun’s choice as the new Olubadan, based on the two suits he said were pending in court over elevation of high chiefs by the late governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2017.