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Osun Gov, Oyetola mourns passing of Olufon, says death a colossal loss

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has described the passing of the Olufon of Ifon in Orolu Local Government Area of the State, Oba Almorouf Adekunle Magbagbeola, as a colossal loss.

The Governor in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan on Thursday in Osogbo, offered his sympathies and prayers to the Royal Family and the people of Ifon.

Oyetola who described Oba Almorouf as a symbol of history, culture and heritage, said the late monarch would be remembered as a visionary leader who made important contributions to cultural identity, national unity, peace and progress of Osun and Nigeria as a whole.

He prayed Allah to grant him Aljana Fridaus and equally grant the family and people of Ifon the fortitude to bear the loss.

Governor Oyetola said “I sympathise with the royal family and the people of Ifon, Orolu Local Government Area of the State on the passing of our father, the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Almorouf Adekunle Magbagbeola. His passing is a colossal loss not only to the State but to Nigeria as a whole.

“The late Olufon was an important symbol of history, culture and heritage whose contributions to cultural identity, national unity, peace and progress of Osun and Nigeria as a whole won’t be forgotten.

“I pray Allah to grant him Aljana Fridaus and equally grant the family and people of Ifon the fortitude to bear the loss”.

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Lagos Environmental Task Office Impounds 81 commercial motorcycles on restricted routes

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) has impounded 81 commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, for plying restricted routes and endangering the lives of other road users at Jakande Estate, Isolo area of the State.

The Chairman, Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit, CSP Shola Jejeloye, who led the operation, stated that the seizure was in line with the Lagos State Traffic Law, as well as the need to halt its flagrant abuse by the Okada riders.

He noted that Government is concerned about the recklessness of some motorcyclists on restricted routes and it, therefore, became necessary to clamp down on them, not only to protect the lives of other road users but theirs as well.

While maintaining that the State Government would not fold its arms and allow Okada riders to create chaos for other roads users on prohibited routes, the Taskforce Chairman stated that it is crucial for the Task Force to prevent an increase in the trend of crimes perpetrated by some of the commercial motorcyclists in the metropolis, particularly on prohibited routes.

Jejeloye restated the Agency’s commitment to continue the clampdown on recalcitrant motorcyclists plying restricted routes, adding that the move would help safeguard the security of lives and property in the State.

The Chairman, however, called for the co-operation of Lagosians by desisting from boarding commercial motorcycles in prohibited areas, emphasising that the State Traffic Law is in the larger interest of the society.

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Oyo LG Poll: OYSIEC Shifts Election Date By One Week

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has announced the shift in the date for the conduct of local government election in the state.

The election which was earlier scheduled for May 15 date has been shifted by a week to now hold on May 22.

Chairman, OYSIEC, Mr. Isiaka Olagunju made the announcement at the flag off of the statewide voter education and mobilisation campaign towards the local government election organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in Ibadan, on Wednesday.

According to the OYSIEC Chairman, the one week shift became imperative in view of the discovery that the Ed-el-Fitr celebration and holidays will fall around the previous May 15 date.

Assuring that the OYSIEC will be impartial and declare only ballots cast, Olagunju said the success of the election is dependent on residents coming out enmasse on election day.

The event also saw the OYSIEC boss list four other documents aside from Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) that will be tenable by voters to cast their ballot.

He listed the other acceptable items to vote as Temporary Voters Slip, Drivers Licence, National Identity Card and International Passport.

Speaking further, Olagunju said what was imperative was for a person’s name on any of the identification documents to match the name on the Voters Register, which he said will he displayed across the 33 local government election areas from next week.

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National Confab: 1999 Nigerian constitution is fraudulent, skewed against the South – Afenifere

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has described the 1999 Nigerian Consitution as a “fraudulent” document that favours the North than the South.

Adebanjo said this during an interview on Arise TV monitored by ODUDUWA NEWS on Wednesday.

He also accused President Muhammadu Buhari of being Nigeria’s “number one enemy” over his refusal to address issues raised by Nigerians, especially on restructuring the country.

“When Jonathan was handing over to Buhari in 2015, he told him that the document on restructuring was the most important document he was handing over but Buhari said he was going to toss it in the archives. This is why Nigeria is in trouble.

“Except Nigerians are just pretending, we know our problem. The major problem is this constitution where everything in it is skewed against the South. I have always said that the constitution is a fraudulent document made by the Military. Buhari’s refusal to convene a National Conference is imposing the constitution on us.”

The Afenifere leader stated further that the constitution was the reason why some Nigerians feel cheated, hence their calls for secession.

“All the provisions we are complaining about are in this constitution. If there is any change that Nigerians want, it is in this constitution. When everything is addressed and adjustments are made, Nigerians will remain together knowing that every region is treated equally.

“President Buhari’s refusal to attend to the issues raised makes him the number one enemy of unity in Nigeria. This is why people keep saying he wants to Fulanize this country. He keeps pretending that there is nothing wrong,” he said.

Adebanjo also tackled a spokesman to the President, Garba Shehu over his statement on calls for secession.

Shehu had said that President Buhari will not be bullied by secessionists who want him to “open the nation’s purse to pay them.”

“How can Garba Shehu say something like that? How can a President refuse to attend to issues raised by the citizens? When we say this administration is a dictatorship, they will say we do not know what we are saying.

“Who is Garba Shehu to say the President will not attend to the grievances of the people? Is this democracy? Everything we have been accusing this administration of is coming to play. This is a civilian dictatorship,” he said.

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Unknown gunmen ambush, kill Amotekun officer in Oyo State

An Oyo State Amotekun Corps operative was killed on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 after an ambush by unknown assailants. Along with some other Amotekun operatives, the deceased was escorting farmers to their farm in Fiditi when they were ambushed by unknown gunmen.

Suleiman Quadri died at the scene while one of his fellow operatives, Amoo Yisau received gunshot wounds but luckily, is still alive and is currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Owode, Oyo.

Reports say the gunmen were about 11 and the reason for the ambush is still unknown. The commander of the Amotekun Corps, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd) has since confirmed the incident and promised to share further updates when a proper investigation commences.

Quadri, 25, has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

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LAUTECH: NCC Boss, Adeolu Akande Urges Makinde to Respect Autonomy Of Tertiary Institutions

The Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Communication(NCC),Professor Adeolu Akande has called on the governor of Oyo State,Engr Seyi Makinde, to respect the autonomy of tertiary institutions in the state to ensure quality education and academic freedom in the institutions.

According to Akande, a Professor of Political Science, Makinde’s frequent interference in the administration of tertiary institutions has the danger of turning them into mere departments of government with the attendant consequence of stifling the performance of the institutions in their primary duties of research,manpower development and community service.

It will be recalled that Engr Makinde recently directed the Vice Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University(LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Professor Michael Ologunde to resign from office. In addition, the governor introduced consultants to the management of tertiary institutions, undermining the authority of their governing councils.

Professor Akande said the removal of the Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH is against the laws setting up the University and global best practice in the administration of universities.

“The governor, as the Visitor to the university, has appointed a governing council to oversee the affairs of the university. Whatever inadequacies noticed in the conduct of the Vice-Chancellor should have been reported to the governing council, who will investigate and decide the necessary course of action in accordance with the laws of the university.

“The approach adopted by Engr Makinde violates the spirit of the law and is tantamount to a miscarriage of justice.

The allegations against the Vice-Chancellor were not investigated according to the regulations of the university and the victim may have been punished for an offence he did not commit. This is against natural justice.

“The approach of Governor Makinde is fraught with danger. Oyo State is not a one-man business; due process must be followed in the exercise of power otherwise the governor will unleash a chain of crisis that will undermine the development of the state.”

“LAUTECH is an important institution that is dear to the people of Oyo State and its affairs should be handled with care to avoid a return to the crisis that had slowed down the giant strides of the institution.

“The institution started strong in April 1990 and it quickly established itself not only as the best state university but one of the best universities in the country. I commend Engr Makinde for the initiatives that brought the University out of its ownership crisis. I however plead that he should respect the time-worn tradition of university autonomy to return LAUTECH to its old glory and avoid a relapse into crisis.

“Engr Makinde should extend this respect for the autonomy of tertiary institutions to other higher institutions in Oyo state so that they can discharge their responsibilities without undue official interference.”

“The introduction of a consultant to collect revenue and supervise expenditure is alien to the autonomy of the institutions. The law allows the governor to appoint a governing council of his choice to superintend the affairs of the institutions. It is incumbent on the governor to appoint men of honour and integrity into the governing councils which will ensure they respect government financial regulations in their transactions. The introduction of consultants to perform the functions of the councils under the guise of seeking financial integrity is a suggestion by the governor that he appointed men of shady characters to the councils. That would be sad if it is so.”

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Amotekun Frees Ekiti Monarch, Arrests Kidnap Kingpin

The Obadu of Ilemeso Ekiti, Oba David Oyewumi, who was abducted in his place on Thursday, has regained freedom after spending five days in his kidnapper’s den.
A source, who said the monarch had been taken for medical attention, said, “Kabiyesi has been released. We are happy about this, but I do not know whether any ransom was paid or not.”

The monarch was abducted by six gunmen, while a family source on Monday said the abductors demanded N20m ransom.

The Commander of Amotekun Corps in Ekiti State, Brig Gen. Joe Komolafe, disclosed that the traditional ruler was rescued at Obbo Ile in Kwara State with the support of the vigilante members in Kwara State and Amotekun operatives.

The spokesman of the Ekiti State Police Command, Sunday Abutu, said, “The traditional ruler has been reunited with his family, though he is at present receiving treatment in hospital because of the trauma”

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps on Monday arrested 35-year-old Mohammed Bello, aka Yellow, alleged to be the mastermind of kidnapping in the Ilejemeje, Oye, Ikole areas of the state.

He noted that the suspect was arrested on his way from Ajase in Kwara State to Isan Ekiti in the Oye council area.

The Amotekun boss said, “He is the one giving information and directing kidnappers to their victims in the area.

“We have been looking for him since December 25 last year when he was fingered in the kidnap of a businessman, Happiness Ajayi, at Iludun Ekiti in the Ilejemeje council area on Christmas day.

“He was involved in the kidnap a fortnight ago of a petrol station manager at Isan Ekiti, as well that of the Obadu of Ilemeso Ekiti, Oba Oyewunmi on Thursday. He was arrested while returning to Isan Ekiti after the kidnap of the traditional ruler.”

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I never slept without reading what I was taught daily –Babalola, Mountain Top University best graduate with 5.00 CGPA

Benjamin Babalola, 22, had a perfect score of 5.00 CGPA at the Mountain Top University, Ogun State, to emerge as the overall best student of the institution in the 2018/2019 academic session. Babatope while being interviewed, told ODUDUWA NEWS crew what motivated him as an undergraduate.


What fond memories of your growing up do you still have?

Among many other things, I remember seeing my dad dressed in a smart way and leaving for work. I loved the way he looked and I envisioned myself also in a shirt and tie around my neck, adorned with a nice suit and a nice hair-cut someday.

At that time, what profession did you envision?

My dream profession was to become a Medical Doctor.

When you applied for Medicine at the University of Lagos, do you know why you were denied admission?

I was admitted into the University of Lagos Foundation Programme for Medicine and Surgery in 2015. After the final examination, I wasn’t admitted into the Medicine and Surgery programme.

Even though I had the requisite point (16/16; 5.0/5.0 CGPA) for admission into the 200-level Direct Entry programme, I was offered Physiology, which I wasn’t ready to settle for.

That year, quite a number of candidates scored a perfect point for direct entry into Medicine but UNILAG could not admit all of us alongside those coming in through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Due to the competitive nature of the programme, some were shortlisted and others were offered different courses while some were advised to re-apply the following year.

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LG Polls: Oyo Govt Approves N279.5M For Production Of Ballot Papers

The Oyo State Executive Council has approved the sum of N279.2 million for the production of ballot papers to be used for forthcoming local government election.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr.Wasiu Olatunbosun, who disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the 9th executive council meeting of year 2021, also stated that the production is directly awarded to the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, NSPMC.

He said the government did this to show its seriousness and commitment towards conducting free and fair local government election.
He said: “The Council approved the production of ballot papers to be used for the forthcoming local government election, which is scheduled to hold on May 15, 2021. And the production is directly awarded to Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company.
“We did this to show how serious and transparent we are and how prepared this administration is towards the forthcoming election. We are giving the contract for the production out to a reputable printing company known for printing of security materials.
“In the past elections in the state, they made use of the government printing press, but, this time around, we want a third party to handle this sensitive material so that nobody will have access to the ballot papers.”
Also, the council approved the construction of a new Oyo State Governor’s Lodge at No 2, John Kadiya Close, Abuja, through alternative project funding approach (APFA) at the cost of N1,201,760,000.
The Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure, Prof. Kehinde Sangodoyin, who stated this while addressing newsmen on the outcome of the executive council meeting, added that the project will be completed in the next six months.
The commissioner stated that the lodge will have the Governor’s Lodge, Deputy Governor’s Lodge, some chalets, fittings and some furniture, which he said will be of modern type, adding that this is part of what the present administration will leave behind as legacy.
“The executive council has approved the construction of the new Governor’s Lodge at No 2. John Kadiya Close, Abuja, which is under APFA.
“The lodge has been there for a while and our government noticed the dilapidated condition. The new lodge will have the Governor’s Lodge, Deputy Governor’s Lodge, some chalets, fittings and some furniture, which will be of modern type. This is part of what the administration will leave behind.
“The edifice will cost the government of Oyo State the sum of N1,201,760,000 only. Once the construction has been awarded, the duration for the completion of the project is just six months. So, it is believed that six months after the award of the contract, the project will be completed and it will have the facilities I have mentioned earlier.”
Similarly, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Barr. Abiodun Abdu-Raheem, said the council approved the construction of two modern Government Reserved Areas for residents of Oyo State, adding that new GRAs will be well-packaged so that they can meet the test of time.
He said the two GRAs are the late Lere Adigun GRA, which is behind the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) and the other one is named after Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, which is along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
“Furthermore, we have two GRAs that we have packaged in a way that shows a new narrative that is different from what we are used to.
“You know that the GRAs we have in Ibadan don’t have the infrastructure but the new ones we are bringing on board are well-packaged and they can meet the test of time.
“The GRAs on the ground now are late Lere Adigun GRA, which is behind BCOS, and the other one is named after Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, which is along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. We have been welcoming applications on these GRAs.”
He also used the medium to explain the activities of the ministry and some products available for the benefit of the people of Oyo State
“This afternoon, we showcased the products of the Ministry in a very symbolic way and that is why we made a request that all members of the exco, including the governor, should dorn our customised shirts, which indicate that we are working for the state.
“We are with the good people of Oyo State, which is a sort of obligation on our part that, within a certain period of time, we are going to make some products available for the benefit of the people of Oyo State.”
He said that the ministry is vigorously marketing the payment of Land Use Charge, 60 days C of O and collection of land and property titles.
“We are using members of the Executive as a point of contact to the people with regards to our activities. We noticed that before the inception of this government, the trust index has been very low but we thank God that with the activities of the present government and other laudable programmes that this government is coming up with, the trust index has improved and we want to leverage on that to sell our products to the people.”
Signed
Taiwo Adisa
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde
April 20, 2021.

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Ondo Guber Election: Tribunal Upholds Akeredolu’s Victory, Strikes Out Jegede’s Petition

A photo collage of Rotimi Akeredolu and Eyitayo Jegede

The Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal on Tuesday struck out the case filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the October 10, 2020 governorship poll in the state, Eyitayo Jegede against the victory of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Jegede had approached the tribunal seeking the nullification of Akeredolu as the winner of the election on the ground of irregularities and invalid nomination of Akeredolu as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the election.

The three-man panel led by Justice Umar Abubakar in a verdict delivered on Tuesday via zoom dismissed Jegede’s petition.

The verdict was delivered via zoom as the regular venue of the panel was not open due to the strike action embarked upon by members of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

The tribunal dismissed all the grounds of the PDP candidate’s petition for lack of merit.

“The issue raised therein in this petition are settled issue of internal affairs and Management of a political party which this Tribunal has no Jurisdiction,” Abubakar ruled.

Reacting to the outcome, Akeredolu addressed journalists at the Government House, Akure, the state capital on the judgement.

While thanking the tribunal for the judgement and the people of the state for their support, asking the PDP candidate to join hands with him to move the state forward.

The tribunal had last week announced in a notice made available to journalists that judgment had been fixed for Wednesday.

However, in another notice issued on Monday evening by the Tribunal Secretary, parties involved in the case were informed that the date has changed to Tuesday.

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