Oduduwa News

The signing of the Anti-open grazing law by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has been rejected by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

Recall that the governor had on Tuesday signed the anti-open grazing bill into law to prohibit the open grazing of cattle in the state and to curb insecurity in the state.

Akeredolu said he assented to the bill in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum at its last meeting in Lagos where the governors set September 1st as the deadline for signing of the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law.

But in an interview on Thursday on Arise News, MACBAN Secretary-General, Usman Baba-Ngelzerma, accused the Ondo State House of Assembly of not following due processes in making the anti-open grazing law.

He stated that none of the MACBAN members was invited for a public hearing and to make inputs to the law before it was signed by the governor.

“In most of the states, none of our members has been invited for a public hearing and makes inputs to the law and this law is done to affect us 100%, to affect our members 100%. We are part of the critical stakeholders that are supposed to be invited to hear our views and protect our positions and that of the government of the states where we exist.

“So, we will wait and see how this law is going to be implemented but I will like to draw the attention of Ondo to Benue where a law has been put in place. Go and appraise the Benue law, has it succeeded in bringing peace to Benue? It has never succeeded in bringing peace to Benue. Rather, it has further aggravated the situation to become worse, day in day out.

“Laws are supposed to bring harmony and understanding in a community.”

As part of activities lined up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Osun State, the government has unveiled plans to honour 28 distinguished and prominent citizens of the State.

This was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola, while addressing journalists at a press conference on Wednesday, on the imperatives of the anniversary celebration.

According to Akinola, the celebration, which began last week with the Governor featuring on special TV and Radio interview sessions, will on Thursday, September 9, feature an anniversary colloquium fielding high-profile resource persons like Chief Bisi Akande (former Governor, Osun State), Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar (Sultan of Sokoto), Dr. Reuben Abati (former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity), Dr Yemi Farounbi (former Nigerian Ambassador to the Phillipines), among others.

According to Akinola, the anniversary colloquium will be a hybrid event, organised both in the physical and virtual spheres, adding that the decision was necessary because of the peculiarity of the season.

“This is an anniversary worth celebrating because of the illustrious struggles and successes the state has recorded in its journey, and also an opportunity to catalogue milestones recorded in the journey so far.

“The objective of the colloquium, among others, is to discuss the developmental strides in the State of Osun since creation, the roles played by actors till date, key lessons and suggestions for attaining greater heights”, he said.

Akinola added that the anniversary colloquium will be followed by a State Banquet and Award ceremony at a date to be determined, for some distinguished citizens in recognition of exceptional productivity and significant contributions to the social and economic development of the State and humanity in general.

The awardee, totalling 28 distinguished citizens under four broad categories, were selected by a Jury, on the basis of their service to Osun and contribution to the global and local society.

“Both indigenes and non-indigenes who have contributed to the development of Osun were meticulously selected, and there is no restriction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity or tribe.

“It is our conviction that this will serve as inspiration to others to contribute to the progress of the State”, Akinola said.

The honourees, under the Osun Lifetime Achievement Award, include: Chief Bisi Akande (former Governor, Osun State), Pastor Enoch Adeboye (General Overseer, RCCG worldwide), Sheikh Abdur’rasheed Hadiyatulla (President, Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria), and General Ipoola Alani Akinrinnade, rtd. (former Chief of Army Staff, Nigeria from October 1979 to April 1980, and then Chief of Defence Staff until 1981 during the Nigerian Second Republic).

Others in the lifetime achievement category are: Asiwaju Hammed Omidiran, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, Prince Tunde Ponle, Professor Olu Aina, Chief Akinwande Akinola, Engr. Joanah Olu Maduka, and Chief Dr. Benjamin Adigun.

The state, under the Legacy Award category, also recognised Dr. (Mrs) Folorunsho Alakija (Chancellor, Osun State University and dynamic philanthropist), and Madam Susan Wenger (a culture and tourism icon).

The Osun Merit Award honourees include: Emeritus Prof. Ademola Oyejide, Chief Nike Okundaye, Professor Oye Gureje, Professor Isaac Adewole, and Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN.

The Osun Distinguished Citizens Award honourees include: Pastor Matthew Asimolowo, Alagba Yemi Elebuibon, Brigadier General Leo Segun Ajiborisha (retired), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus, Prince Lawal Obelawo, Chief Moses Inaolaji Aboaba, Mr. Adewale Adeyemo, Mr. Kola Adeniji, and Mr. Mike Awoyinfa.

The Government of Oyo State, on Thursday, explained that two first class monarchs, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, were not stopped from entering the Lekan Salami Stadium Complex during the unveiling of its main bowl on Wednesday.

The government, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said that the two foremost royal fathers were too important to the state government to be prevented from attending the event, to which they had been duly invited.

According to the statement, the inability of the monarchs to gain access into the main bowl was because of the huge enthusiastic crowd that swarmed on the stadium and obstructed the movement of the monarchs’ convoys to the designated VVIP Drop Off zone, which was the easiest channel to their reserved seats.

“What happened was that security operatives advised that the drivers of the revered monarchs make their way through another gate, since their convoys were unable to access the VVIP Drop Off Zone from the gate they entered through.
“From the VVIP Drop Off Zone, it would be easy for the monarchs to access the VVIP box without meandering through the stairs, as that would have unduly stressed them given their age.” the statement said.

It added that seats of the monarchs were already reserved, and that the government valued their presence, saying: “It is unthinkable that some individuals would try to create a wedge between the palaces of the respective monarchs and the state government, which holds them in high esteem.”

The statement noted that all other monarchs who were inside the VVIP box including the Olugbon of Ile Igbon, Aseyin of Iseyin, the Okere of Saki, the Olu of Igboora were well recognized, stating that “this was an evidence that the government places huge premium of respect on the stools of our forebears as occupied by the Kabiyesis.

“His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde wishes to categorically state that the Alaafin and the Olubadan were well-expected at the event and that their seats were reserved.

“The government frowns on reports indicating that the convoys of the revered monarchs were not treated accordingly and would take appropriate steps to correct any untoward indication,” the statement added.
The statement, however, cautioned fake news mongers, whom it said were seeking avenues to punctuate the glorious event at the Lekan Salami Stadium by circulating bad news.

“For instance, some online reports claimed that the Aseyin of Iseyin was not allowed entry. That is very far from the truth. The Aseyin was inside the stadium and he stayed throughout the event.

“It is instructive that the Kabiyesi has come out to clarify that falsehood and also adduce reasons, which could have been responsible for the inability of the Alaafin of Oyo and Olubadan of Ibadanland to gain access into the Stadium.
“Some of the mischief makers also alleged that former Governor Rashidi Ladoja boycotted the event and this too, is a big lie, as the Osi Olubadan attended and gave a goodwill message at the event.

“We can only advise mischief makers and fake news carriers to stop their ploys, as no antic would work against the good intentions of the governor and the positive impact that the remodelling of the once-neglected Lekan Salami Stadium has made on Oyo State.”

The governor’s media aide equally described attempts to rubbish the stadium project by some opposition elements as misguided, stating that the claim that only the stadium cost N5 billion was untrue and mischievous.

He maintained that the amount being touted was for the cost of fixing the entire sports complex, which is in phases.
“Some critics have attempted to blow the cost of fixing the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba out of proportion, especially in view of the water that logged on sections of the pitch due to heavy rain.

“Let it be placed on record that the main bowl of the stadium was only the first phase of the entire project which comes in phases. There is the main bowl, the gymnasium and indoor sports hall for a variety of sporting activities, a world class Tennis court as well as the luxury apartments which will be given out on annual subscription.
“Besides, the pitch as seen on Wednesday is work in progress, because the contractor has not handed over the project to the state government. The contractor had explained that the pitch needed three more months to fully solidify so that the automatic drainage system would become fully functional.

“But the unveiling had to be done to ensure that our darling Shooting Stars Sports Club returns to Ibadan, having been forced to play their matches outside the state for so long owing to absence of a good pitch in Ibadan.
“The contractor has given his assurance to address the challenges of the pitch and by the time the works are completed, Oyo State would definitely have the value for its money, which has always been the priority and intention of Governor Makinde.”

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Monday welcomed a new Airline, Green Africa Airways, into the state as it made its first Lagos-Akure commercial flight.

Governor Akeredolu welcomed the new Airline to the state at the Akure Airport alongside his Deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; members of the House of Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Samuel Aderoboye; Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, and other members of the State Executive Council among other dignitaries.

Arakunrin Akeredolu expressed delight at the commencement of the Airline operations in the sunshine state, stressing that it will boost the economy growth of the state.

The Governor said with the new airline, the state now has access to three airlines with different routes from Akure to Lagos and Abuja.

He said: “We are looking at increasing accessibility of the air flight. Now we have three and it is a thing of joy. We welcome you with open arms.

“As you know, air transportation is one of the most lucrative businesses but we know your limitations. Your services would assist in boasting the economic growth of our state.

“Your Services are needed at this time. We want our investors to feel safe while coming to Akure. When we started our investment drive, investors would drive from Lagos to Akure and spend five hours on the road while coming and same going back. They don’t ever come back again. But with this facility, in 45 minutes, you are here and another 45 minute you are back.”

While assuring of his administration’s commitment to more economic development, the Governor said the Airport terminal under construction will be completed before December.

He said investors will appreciate to come into the state with the accessibility to the airlines, adding that hospitality facilities are also coming up in the state with the Big Hotels that are under construction at various areas in the State capital.

Governor Akeredolu, who described the Green Africa Airline as a notable player in the aviation industry in the country, urged the Founder, Babawande Afolabi, to also fly the Akure-Abuja route.

In his remark, Afolabi said the goal of the airline is to make air travel accessible to everyone and contribute to the economic development of Ondo State.

“We do hope that we open Ondo State. We look forward to a great future,” He said.

Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, under the aegis of PDP Action 2023, has appealed to the party to avoid repeating the mistake of wasting its Presidential ticket on former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

The group made the appeal in a statement titled, “Atiku Should Not Waste PDP Ticket Again,” signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Rufus Omeire, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Omeire said, “The PDP Action 2023 warns once again, that to give Atiku Abubakar another chance as PDP Presidential Candidate is to ensure a clear defeat for PDP in 2023, and admonishes the former Vice-President of Nigeria not to deceive PDP members a second time.

“In our last Press Statement, we frowned at Atiku for abandoning PDP members by running away to live in Dubai, after the elections, shielding himself from PDP members, only for him to resurface now that the Presidential primaries are at hand.

“In his response, we are surprised Atiku claimed that his absence from Nigeria for so long was to acquire a Degree from Cambridge University.

“On the contrary, the entire country is aware that he relocated to Dubai, where he even had his highly advertised COVID Vaccination even before the vaccine was available to ordinary Nigerians.”

The group further said, “It is disingenuous for Atiku to claim that he was in school in Cambridge, London when he actually lived in Dubai.

“If he enrolled in University of Cambridge, for a part time course, he could have as well done the programme from Nigeria.”

Attempts to get a response from the Media Office of the former Vice President were futile. Calls to the mobile telephone number of the Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe indicated that it was switched off.
A response to a text message sent to him was still being awaited as at the time of filing this report.