The Government of the State of Osun has condoled the families of police officers killed by armed robbers in Iragbiji on Tuesday.
The State Government reaffirmed its commitment to security of lives and property.
Recall that on Tuesday, some armed robbers attacked a commercial bank and police divisional headquarters in Iragbiji, the headquarters of Boripe Local Government Area of the State, leaving two police officers dead.
The two officers that lost their lives to the ugly incident are Inspector Adebiyi Hammed and Inspector Odeyemi Ayinla.
Speaking during the condolence visits to the family members of the deceased, the Special Adviser to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola on Security, Mrs. Abiodun Ige, expressed heartfelt condolences of the Governor and the Government to the families of the deceased.
Ige, who led the delegation on the visit to Iragbiji and Osogbo where the families of the deceased reside, described the incident as most unfortunate and disheartening.
She said the Administration would continue to do the needful to guarantee the security of the people and ensure safety for all.
Ige condoled the deceased’s families to take solace in God as their loved ones ended their lives in the course of service to humanity and their fatherland.
She said: “We are here on behalf of the Governor and his government to express our condolences over the sudden deaths of the gallant officers who lost their lives to the unfortunate robbery incident at Iragbiji yesterday.
“We were sent by Goverment to come and condole you. We don’t know how and why it happened but God knows it.
“As a government, we are very pained; we are concerned and touched, and we equally shared in your pains at the moment. It is our prayer that such unfortunate circumstances will not reoccur in our State.
“Our appeal is for you to see the incident as the will of God as we pray God to uphold your families and grant you fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
The delegation visited members of the families of the deceased in Iragbiji and Osogbo respectively.
President Muhammadu Buhari has claimed that a member of the National Assembly is responsible for the agitation of the breakup of the country.
The president made this known while addressing the country as part of the independence day celeberation.
“The recent arrests of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Adeyemo, and the ongoing investigations being conducted have revealed certain high-profile financiers behind these individuals.
“We are vigorously pursuing these financiers including one identified as a serving member of the National Assembly”.
As the State Congress of the All Progressive Congress draws nearer, we present to you, a mother, community developer, and an advocate of good governance, who has been at the forefront of developing human capacity for the transformation of the society.
The All Progressive Congress women wing is safe and secure with Mrs Omolola Odekunbi, this is evident in her tremendous services to human development through the various position she has occupied in the past, and still occupying. There is no doubt, that she has paid the price, and there is no other person who can perform the work better than her.
On behalf of other well-meaning APC Women in Oyo State, we hereby solicit support from delegates for our mother and leader, Mrs Omolola for the position of Oyo State APC Women Leader.
Mrs Omolola Odekunbi believes that politics is a very powerful tool and should be used to better the life of all and sundry. This continues to drive her interest and passion for politics.
The below information speaks of our candidate, kindly read through.
Mrs Omolola Odekunbi is an indefatigable and erudite educationist who is an indigene of Oyo state.
Omolola Odekunbi attended St Paul primary school Yemetu Ibadan, for her primary School Education. She proceeded to Baptist High School, Iwo before she bagged her National Certificate in Education (NCE) at College of Education, Abraka, and then advanced to Delta State University, Abraka, for her B.Sc(Ed).
Mrs Omolola Odekunbi is a woman of honor, and a reputable tutor in the field of education. She worked as a tutor in the following educational institutions:
Rising to the peak of her educational career, Omolola Odekunbi, a renowned administrator, became the vice principal of Queen of Apostles School, Oluyoro, Ibadan. Also, she was the principal, Lagelu junior model school, and equally Principal, Bashorun high school, all in Ibadan.
Having given her best in tutorship and didactic service to the betterment of the coming generations, she happily retired from active teaching service at the peak of her career as a principal.
Omolola Odekunbi, because of her ability to organize, control, and manage human resources, became the first female president of Agbeni Methodist church Ibadan. She was an executive member of Torch bearer’s society of Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church (BAMAC), Iwo road, Ibadan.
She’s an Associate member, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators ( I.C.M.C.); Member, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria. (T.R.C.N.)
She is an active member of the Mother’s Union and Women’s Guild of Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church, Iwo road, Ibadan. She is still a delegate to Ibadan North Diocese Anglican communion
Mrs. Omolola Odekunbi is the national president of Ibadan Linker’s Club ’95. She was once the National social secretary, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). Her meticulousity and accountability earned her the position of the 2nd National Auditor, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
A woman of many firsts, Odekunbi was the first female president, NUT CICS Ltd, Agodi, Ibadan. She was the former branch vice chairman, N.U.T, Ibadan North East local government. The former President, Holy Trinity Grammar School mini-cooperative society.
She was a delegate member during the Zero party election in Nigeria.
She was a full time female member of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).
She was installed as the Otun Iya Ijo of St. Stephen Anglican Church, Ibadan.
She is a functional and current member of Nigeria Union of Teachers’ Elders’ Forum.
Mrs Omolola Odekunbi is the founder, Frontline Ladies’ Club of Ibadan, an affiliate of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes(CCII).
She is the initiator and founder, APC Teachers’ Forum in Oyo state.
She was national resource person, Nigeria Union of Teachers’ study circle program.
Mrs. Omolola Odekunbi has always been a trusted hand; very cooperative in nature, and an amiable and respectable philanthropist.
She loves being in the midst of people, irrespective of their cultural, tribal, religious and political affiliation. In her leisure, she enjoys writing, travelling, and spending time with her family.
The female aspirant for the post of Federal House Of Representatives under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) come 2023, who was birthed and brought up in Lagelu Local Government Area has joined the well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating 2021 Independence Day in glorious way with her people.
This was contained in a press statement signed and sent today to Oduduwa News by Ramata Agberemi.
She stated that words cannot adequately express her joy and pride to be privileged to come from Akinyele/Lagelu constituency and, It is a unique privilege to be a Nigerian which she would always remember forever, and it gives her strength and courage as she dedicates her life to the service of Nigeria and Oyo State in particular.
In furtherance, RAD used this year Independence day to charge the good people of Oyo State to fervently pray for the unity of our dear country Nigeria and uphold the good works and wills of our founding fathers.
In her message to her constituents, RAD urged them not to relent in doing their best for the state and pray more for the success of H.E Engr. Sèyì Makinde’s administration and finally soliciting for their supports and prayers towards her ambition come 2023. She was also quoted as saying in prayer to Nigeria.
“And, finally my prayers for my country: Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause Guide our leaders right Help our youth the truth to know In love and honesty to grow And living just and true Great lofty heights attain To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign Amen! Amen! Amen!”.
On Thursday, 30th of September, 2021, the student community of the institution lost a part four student of the Department of Foreign Language due to alleged negligence of the University Health workers.
According to OduduwaNews correspondent at the University, it was learnt that late Aisha Adesina was an Asthma patient who visited the University after feeling a little bit weak but was given a wrong medicine which complicated her initial ailment.
According to a release signed by the Students’ Union President and Secretary General Elect, they condemned the attitude of the Doctors and other health workers in the University Health Centre in strong terms and demanded that the University Management should investigate the death of Aisha and check the excesses of the Health Center Workers as the incident would not be the first occcurence.
“We call on the University Management to investigate the death of one of our colleagues and punish all health workers who failed in performing their duties when Aishat needed attendance which they failed to give but only transferred her in last moment to Seventh Day Hospital where she eventually died.
“Without a proper and quick investigation and punishment meted accordingly, the University Management will be endangering the lives of students. We cannot let our lives become toys. We will have to protest this, as we cannot afford to keep losing our lives like fowls”
OduduwaNews gathered that the students assembled at the University Health Centre on Thursday evening till the early hour of Friday, October 1st, 2021 to protest the death of their fellow student, while they also scheduled a protest for today, 1st of October to register their displeasure to the University.
Comrade Lekan Badmu is a Columnist With Oduduwa News And a Public Opinion Analyst.
The fact that Nigeria was left off- hook from the claws of colonial rule in October 1st, 1960 is incontestable. It is interesting to note that no contrary story has ever countered the ember date but what is still shrouded in confusion is the mover of the motion that set the agitation for self rule.
History is important. A nation that does not give priority to history is at the precipice of extinction. However, history cannot be re-written but could be distorted. Thus, the need to unravel the controversy trailing the identity of the parliamentarian that raised motion for independence. This is so important and inevitable in view of the academic relevance of the subject matter.
From the time immemorial, it has been stated that Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence in 1953 at the floor of the Federal House of Assembly, Tafawa Balewa Square; popularly known as Race Course in Lagos State. Enahoro was a member of Action Group, AG. A political party under the leadership of late sage, Obafemi Awolowo.
Recently, I stumbled on a contrary account. The music is changing but the lyrics and rhythm are incoherent. The account was given by that vocal lawyer cum politician, Femi Fani-Kayode who claimed that his father; not Enahoro, moved the historic motion for independence. FFK could not be said to be loquacious at this time. Without being prejudicial, his account could not be ignored judging from the raw information at the disposal of FFK in respect of his vantage positions as the son of Chief Remilekun Fani Fakayode.
This issue has become a matter of supreme importance in our quest towards putting the record straight without necessarily misleading the unborn child. It would be foolhardy to beckon on our former colonial masters to write our history. That would amount to an absurdity and abberration.
According to FFK; “On August 2nd 1958 my father successfully moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule. The truth is that almost 90 per cent of Nigerians have been brought up to believe that the motion for Nigeria’s independence was successfully moved by Chief Enahoro, a man that is undoubtedly one of our most revered nationalists and founding fathers.”
“Though, nothing can be taken away from Enahoro in terms of his monumental contributions in our quest for independence. I would argue that he kicked off the process for that struggle with his gallant efforts in 1953.”
An examination of the above statement shows that FFK was absolutely correct. Meanwhile, like the police would admonish someone under arrest; ” you had better don’t say anything because whatever you utter would be used against you in the court”; as a lawyer FFK is, the facts he adduced to establish and substantiate his claim are substantial enough to give a fair judgement. FFK has covertly or overtly provided the answer to the lingering question. There is a self-admittance to the obvious fact of who moved the motion in reference to the year. By simple calendar, 1953 preceeds 1958 !
Dissecting the second argument which bothers on the word; “successfully”; this is inconsequential. It is rather a matter of semantics. The 1958 motion was at the instance of 1953 agitation. FFK has given judgement in his own case when he posited above that; ” though, nothing can be taken away from Enahoro in terms of his monumental contributions in our quest for independence. I would argue that he kicked off the process for that struggle with his gallant efforts in 1953.” This is a statement made under no duress.
The truth, without any ambiguity is that, in July 1958, the former deputy premier of western region, Chief Remi Fani Fakayode successfully moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence in the Federal House of Assembly in Lagos. He argued that independence should take place on 2 April 1960.
In 1959, there was a further motion that was moved in the Nigerian Parliament asking for a slight amendment to the Fani-Kayode motion of July, 1958. This new motion, which was moved by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, asked that the 2nd April, 1960 date for independence, which had already been accepted and approved by Parliament and which had been acquiesced to by the British colonial authorities should be shifted from the 2nd of April of that year to the 1st of October instead.
This motion of amendment was subsequently passed and approved by Parliament and it was acquiesced to by the British. That is how the date for Nigeria’s independence, 1 October 1960, was finally arrived at. Evidently, Enahoro’s motion preceeded the two from Fani and Balewa viz; 1953, 1958 and 1959.
In a plain language, Enahoro was the first to move the motion in 1953 but which was not approved then. Fani re-opened the motion and wanted April 1960. This was approved but Balewa moved for a shift of date from April to October. Logically, the motion could not be ascribed to Senior Fani because his projected date of April was eventually jettisoned. It would have been better if Balewa had laid claim because it was he that suggested October.
Candidly writing however, history has not been fair to Fani power. He has not been sufficiently celebrated in this country like other heroes; even from south-west. A significant percentage of the people are not aware that FFK’s father was Awolowo’s deputy.
The reason for this may not be unconnected with his defection from AG to NCNC. Politics of that era was filled with acrimony. Awo was a deity and woe betides any member who decamped into opposition party. It is also on record that senior Fani was the Deputy National Chairman of NPN. All these are inconsequential to the fanatical fans of the late sage as long as you jumped ship. No matter your good antecedents, you remain a villain in the comity of Awoist as much as as you derailed.
In conclusion, the first two paragraphs of the statement of the motion for independence by Chief Enahoro is hereby reproduced for archive.
“Mr. President, sir, I rise to move the motion standing in my name, “that this House accepts as a primary political objective the attainment of self-government for Nigeria in 1956.
Sir, this motion is an invitation to the Honourable Members of this House to associate the highest legislature of our land with the expressed desire of the peoples of this country, whose views we all represent, for political autonomy in 1956.”
The Alaafin of Oyo has conferred a chieftaincy title, Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland on the Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In a communication signed by the Alaafin on September 7, 2021 and official letter presented on Thursday September 30, 2021 to the 4th Citizen of the country by the emissary of the Alaafin led the members of the Oyomesi Council and leadership of the Oyo Development Association led by Bishop. Ayo Ladigbolu ; Alaafin writes:
“Since your victory at the polls and subsequent swearing in as a member of Federal House of Representatives representing the good people of Surulere Federal Constituency of Lagos State in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and eventual emergence as the Rt Hon. Speaker of the 9th National Assembly House of Representatives via an overwhelming 283 votes out of 360 members. “
“I have watched with keen interest your unquantifiable contributions on the floor of the House as a member with the highest number of Bills and Motions, to your rise from a Member to Minority Leader, Leader of the House and eventually the Rt. Hon. Speaker, and your Centrality in the federating unit Nigeria have placed you in the legislative realm just like our forefathers who were actively involved in nation building. “
“….Going by the above, you have demonstrated as a Legislator the uniqueness inherent in the Yoruba race participating effectively in nation building; you have participated in ensuring that the practice of separation power to check abuses of the Executive and ensure smooth running of government. “
“After due consideration and indeed consultation, the Alaafin in Council has identified you with the aforementioned attributes and considered you worthy of being honored. It is on this basis that I have decided on behalf of Yoruba land to pick you as ‘AARE – BAASOFIN OF YORUBA LAND’ “
“This new title bestowed on you is a clear reflection of your outstanding success as an astute legislator accomplished Legal Luminary, successful Representative of Yoruba race and Nigeria in general. With this title, you are placed in the rank of great Empire builders and defender of Yoruba race. The least I can expect from you in your new title is to put all the states attributes of yours for the service of Yoruba land and advancement of balanced system of government. “
The hullabaloo on which zone will likely produce president might have prompted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to have recently concluded the zoning of National Chairmanship Slot to the North.
This development may pave way for the South to produce the presidential aspirant of the party as the National Chairman is emerged from the northern region of the country.
This decision was announced today by the party’s National Zoning Committee.
The decision was contained in a communique issued on Thursday following the meetings of the committee held in Enugu and Abuja.
“The decision of the PDP Zoning Committee is in line with the Constitution of the party on zoning and rotation of party and national offices in the interest of justice, equity, and fairness,” the statement read.
“Consequently, the current offices being held by officers in the southern zones of the country, namely South West, South East, and South South zones, should swap places with the offices currently in the northern zones of Nigeria, namely North West, North East, and North Central zones.”
The Government of Nigeria has approved a two-week paternity leave for civil servants.
This signifies a major shift in the country’s civil service rules and comes after years of debate around the issue.
Nigeria’s Head of Civil Service Folasade Yemi-Esan said that the 14-day paternity leave is to enable fathers and their newborns “bond well together”.
She says the leave is applicable to men whose spouses have given birth and those who have adopted a baby who is less than four months old.
Prior to this policy, only women were entitled to a maternity leave.
The introduction of the paternity leave in Nigeria comes as campaigners continue to advocate for men to be more involved in childcare and to support mothers.
This is an attempt to shift from the tradition of leaving childcare responsibility solely with the mothers.
The government of Oyo State has asked the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for joinder in the suit instituted by the Rivers State government against the Attorney-General of the Federation in respect to the bid by the state to take over the collection of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from the Federal Government.
The suit, instituted by the Attorney-General of Oyo State, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, is seeking an order of the Appellate Court to enable Oyo State to join the suit as an interested party.
In the suit, the government of Oyo State is seeking two orders, viz: an order of the Honourable Court joining the Attorney-General of Oyo State as a respondent on the appeal with suit number FHC/PH/CS/149/2020 and appeal number CA/PH/282/2021, and any other order the Court may deem fit.
According to the Attorney-General of Oyo State, the government of Oyo State was unaware of the suit between the Attorney-General of Rivers State and the Federal Inland Revenue Service at the Federal High Court until the judgement was delivered.
Other grounds upon which the application was based include that the decision of the appellate court will affect the collection of VAT by the government of Oyo State, being one of the States which the judgement of the lower court recognised as entitled to collect VAT within its territorial jurisdiction.
Oyo State government also indicates that the applicant (Attorney-General of the State) “represents the interest of the Oyo State government, whose interest in the collection of Value Added Tax within Oyo State will be impacted one way or another by any judgment delivered by this Honourable Court in this Appeal.”
The grounds claimed by the Oyo State government include that: “The Applicant is a necessary party to this suit being a party who will be bound by the judgment of this Honourable Court in this Appeal.
“The interests of the Applicant and that of the Respondent, in this case, are similar, being States within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
In a 12-paragraph affidavit in support of the motion, which was filed by the Director of Civil Litigation in the chambers of the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ministry of Justice, Oyo State, Olatunji Sunday Thomas, the government of Oyo State said that it is in the interest of justice that the Honourable Court grants the application, adding that the joinder would not prejudice the Appellants/Respondents.
It stated that the state, being one of the 36 states of Nigeria, will be affected by the decision of the Appellate Court, adding that joining the state to the suit already instituted by Rivers State will help to avoid multiplicity of suits by the states against the Federal Government.
In a motion on notice also attached to the proceedings already filed before the court, Oyo State said it relied on eight grounds and declared that the state is a necessary party to be joined since it has sufficient interest in the outcome of the appeal.
The state further argued that after going through its processes, the Appellate Court will find that the application is necessary and that it has sufficient interest in the determination of the appeal as one of the states of the Federation.
It quoted several legal authorities and concluded thus: “We, therefore, urge the honourable court to resolve the sole issue raised in this application in favour of the Applicant and hold that the Applicant is a proper, desirable and necessary party to be joined in this appeal…
“In conclusion, we humbly urge your Lordships to grant this application in the interest of justice and effective determination of the issues before the Court.”
