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#EndSARS: Ooni hosts Obasanjo, appeals to youth protesters, commends Oyetola

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Monday played host to former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at his Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, during which he appealed to the youths calling for the cancelation of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police to retreat.

Ooni Ogunwusi who described the #EndSARS struggle as Nigerian youths clear message to the government, particularly about their ability to get things done in a coordinated manner, urged the youths to allow the government to fully attend to their yearnings.

“If you look at the #EndSars protest, you will see that our youths have what it takes to rule the country. Since day one, they have shown leadership, accountability and huge sense of responsibility which have sent a clear message to the government.

“As a youth leader myself, I am proud that we all have communicated our ideas and it is heartwarming that we have been heard.

“Dear youths, it is time to retreat particularly to prevent those with ulterior motives from hijacking the peaceful message of peace. The whole world is aware of our peaceful conduct and we must not let some bad elements tarnish this enviable integrity.

“Once again, I wish to urge our youths to stop the protest for now and give peace a chance. This would disallow the government from using force.” Ooni admonished.

Earlier in his speech, former President Obasanjo explained that the #EndSARS protest is a product of an extensive agitation of the Nigerian youths that needed to be attended to by the government.

“Over 65 percent of our population are under the age of 35 who look up to the best in life who struggle for education, some of them didn’t even get educated while those who are educated get frustrated because of lack of opportunities. We must realize that the lid on the boiling steam would have to be removed.

“But I believe that there are windows of opportunity which the government can explore to show that it cares about the people, especially the youths welfare as the father of the country particularly as the father of the youths.

“Fortunately by experience, the president has children and he knows how youths behave. I believe that the opportunities can still be taken to let the youths know that he as a father understands their plight and his government understands their plight and he is ready to make life better for them.” Chief Obasanjo said.

On the attack on Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s convoy by some suspected political thugs at the venue of an #EndSARS protest in Osogbo, the Ooni who is the permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, described the incidence as unfortunate.

“It is sad and we cannot but condemn it as it is against the ethos of Omoluabi which we portray in Osun.

“Similarly, I want to commend Mr. Governor for his maturity in handling the sensitive issue despite all provocation. It shows him as a father that he is, may God continue to protect him.” The Ooni said.

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Protesters block major roads in Ibadan, paralyze economic activities

OduduwaNews has gathered that the #EndSARS protesters troop out today in Ibadan to continue their agitation for an end to Police brutality as well as pressing further their 23 demands from Nigerian government.

Some of the protesters carrying placards with various inscriptions blocked major roads linking to various places in Ibadan.

Economic activities across the city of Ibadan were grounded as a result of inability of motorists to ply some roads while leaving commuters stranded in various places.

Some people were seeing trekking to their various destinations while some were struggling to have their cars passing through the blocked roads.

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Assassination attempt on Oyetola undeserving, barbaric – Oluwo

Oluwo of Iwoland, HRM Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has described the attack on Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State as barbaric, calling on protesting youth to be law abiding.

Osun state Government under Governor Oyetola is doing great when it comes to good governance and I will still implore the Governor to keep leading in a transparent, more accountability and prudent way of handling the state. Everyone in the state knows that Governor Oyetola is a great administrator in the history of this state and does not deserve this kind of disrespect and assassination attempt on his life.

He said the circumstances that warranted the attack is questionable, saying only recalcitrant leaders unlike the listening Oyetola could deserve such.

Oba Akanbi equally called for the probe of the two killed, urging the police to give true picture as against diverse stories surrounding their death.

Oluwo, who has earlier warned the protesting youth against likely hijack of the protest by hoodlums advised patriotic protesters to exercise caution to avoid mistaken of identity.

The monarch described Oyetola as a peace loving governor who cares for his citizen, who doesn’t deserve such an attack.

He appealed to protesting youth most especially in Osun to act within the ambit of law to protect human lives and properties.

A statement by the Monarch’s press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, reads “As a patriotic ambassador of The State of Virtues, the ethos must always be demonstrated in us. Many state governors have joined the protest and addressed protesters. There was no cases of attack. I’m sure many governors will still address their citizen on the same issue. What credit are hoodlums given to Osun ?”

“The attack on Governor Gboyega Oyetola is Undeserving and barbaric. In all sincerity, he is a leader by merit. He is a political material that should be encouraged. His intention for Osun is superb. The protesters should avoid impersonation and drive out touts amongst them. If they are to be taken serious, they should stay focused. I can see derailment.

“I feel the pain of endsars protesters. Peaceful protest is an understandable language and very legitimate. It only becomes questionable when hoodlums hijack”

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“The incident that led to the two who died in Osogbo yesterday should be probed by the police. There are different versions of report resulting to their death. We need a true, holistic investigation. May their souls rest in peace”

“I want to appeal to the protesting youth to act within the ambit of law in the interest of the state that our fathers laboured to build. What you can’t construct, don’t destroy it”

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Viral audio: Makinde orders probe of environmental Task Force, school proprietress involved

The Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has ordered a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the incident reported in a viral audio in which a school proprietress, Mrs. Olayemi Sylva, alleged that officials of the State’s Environmental Task Force manhandled her.

In the said audio, Mrs. Sylva alleged that she visited the headquarters of the Task Force in order to secure the release of one of her students who was arrested for illegal dumping of waste within Ibadan metropolis and that things turned awry after her encounter with some of the Taskforce men, who allegedly accused her of obstructing their work and ordered her arrested.

A scuffle allegedly ensued in the process of taking her to the police station, she said.

A statement made public on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, confirmed that the governor has ordered a full-scale investigation into the viral audio and the claims by the school proprietress.

The statement read: “The attention of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, has been drawn to the contents of a viral audio credited to a school proprietress, Mrs. Olayemi Sylva.

“The governor has since directed the state’s Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. Idowu Oyeleke, to commence full and immediate investigations into the matter and apportion blame accordingly.

“Governor Makinde has also given the commitment that no one found guilty of infractions in the matter would be spared at the end of the day and that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.”

The statement also quoted the Commissioner for Environment as saying that his office had taken up the governor’s directives, while keeping in touch with the woman and her family members.

He said: “In line with the directives of the Governor, I have immediately established contact with the affected woman and when it became clear that she had gone for medical checks, I visited her and made an initial deposit to take care of her medical bill.

“I have also been briefed by the Chairman of the Task Force, ACP Francis Ojomo, whose men have been striving hard to rid the city of Ibadan and Oyo state of dirt and refuse. We are fully cooperating on this matter.

“As a Ministry, we have taken full responsibility for the issue and we plan to conduct a full-scale investigation as directed by the Governor.

“We want it to be on record that while the government of Oyo State will not empower any group or agency to brutalise any of its residents, it will also not permit any resident to disobey the law and violate laid down regulations.

“I want to assure everyone that the Ministry of Environment and the Task Force on Environment will get to the roots of this incident and punish whoever is on the wrong side of the law.”

The Commissioner declared that his Ministry was on top of the situation, adding that there was no cause for alarm.

The statement further urged every resident of the state to go about their businesses peacefully while disposing of their refuse in accordance with the directives of the Environmental Officers.

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#EndSARS protesters launch ‘Soro Soke’ online FM radio

The Soro Soke radio has a bouquet of programmes aimed at educating and communicating with protesters and also coordinate activities nationwide.

Soro Soke radio which has gone live will also serve as a platform to report missing persons.

The mantra, Soro Soke, a Yoruba phrase which means ‘Speak Up,’ gained traction last week after protesters in Lagos told Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ‘soro soke’ whilst addressing them.

Soro Soke radio has also opened a Twitter handle to serve as a link between listeners and the media outlet.

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JUST IN: Vehicles destroyed as hoodlums clash in Ikorodu

OduduwaNews has just gathered that pandemonium broke out as hoodlums clashed again at Ogolonto roundabout, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State on Sunday.

During the clash, the hoodlums, involving the Ogolonto Boys and Idiroko Boys, used cutlasses, axes, stones, and bottles to engage themselves in a fight.

It was learnt that the hoodlums took advantage of the clash to rob unsuspecting members of the public of their valuables.

Speaking with our correspondent, an eyewitness, who gave his name simply as Bolaji, said the clash had been ongoing since Friday and usually happens between 7am to 10am.

Another eyewitness, who identified himself as Adigun, said, “The hoodlums have been robbing people of their phones and other valuables. They don’t want anybody to record the clash. When commercial drivers get to Ogolonto, they usually disembark passengers from their vehicles and turn back so that their vehicles won’t be destroyed.”

As of the time of filing this report, stranded passengers had to take cover in peoples houses, shops, and commercial centres to escape being attacked.

Broken bottles had littered the roundabout at Ogolonto in Ikorodu.

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#EndSARS protest was peaceful before armed thugs hijacked it – Oyetola

The Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola has said the #EndSARS protest was peaceful while he was addressing the protesters before the armed thugs hired by some people later came and turned the protest ground to a theatre of war in their bid to assassinate him.

The statement was made known today by the Chief Press Secretary to Osun State Government, Oyebamiji via his official Twitter handle which reads in part:

“The report as can be seen from the pictures, the environment was calm and peaceful before some hoodlums who were obviously on a mission to assassinate Governor Oyetola hijacked the protest.

“The protesters welcomed governor Gboyega Oyetola and the environment was peaceful and we suddenly heard sporadic gunshots from unknown destination and later saw some hoodlums brandishing weapons in their bid to advance to our side to carryout their dastardly act.

“Contrary to the report that two people were killed in the spot, nobody was killed but we heard two people died as a result of accident that occured 5km far to the protest ground”.

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Armed men wanted to assasinate gov Oyetola at protest ground -Commissioner

There was an attempt Saturday on the life of the Governor of the State of Osun, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola. Armed with guns, cutlasses, hoodlums swooped on the Governor at Olaiya junction, while he was addressing the #EndSARS protesters at the state capital.

Governor Oyetola had joined protesters in the walk from Alekuwodo area to Olaiya junction, singing with them and promising them that their demands would be looked into. He assured them of his support, saying peaceful agitations were a part of the democratic process.

However, while still addressing the youths, the armed men and women started shooting, hurling stones at the Governor’s car.

Speaking about the incident, the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, who was also at the site of the incident, said the attack was beyond the #EndSARS protest, but a premeditated attempt to take the governor out.

According to her: “It was an assassination attempt. This was certainly beyond the #EndSARS protest. The people who launched the attack were not protesters at all.

“Protests have been going on in the State for some days now, and there had been no attack on any government official since the beginning of the protest.

“However, today’s attack changed the narrative. It was not a spontaneous attempt. The attackers had it all planned. They had guns and other weapons. In fact, it was a woman who smashed the windscreen of the vehicle of the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji where I was.

“It is really sad that these people infiltrated the ranks of the peaceful protesters and took advantage of the Governor’s walk with the youths to execute their sinister intentions.

“It was simply a street coup to take out the Governor, his Deputy and the Secretary to the State Government, all of whom were exposed during the protest and had to be smuggled into vehicles when the attack was launched”, Egbemode stated.

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Two protesters killed as angry youths attack Oyetola’s convoy

OduduwaNews has just gathered that at least two protesters have been killed by armed thugs who attacked Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s convoy in Osogbo, Osun State, during the #EndSARS protest on Saturday, witnesses said.

Three witnesses who spoke with our correspondent said the killing occurred in Ayepe area of Osogbo some minutes past 4 p.m.

Pictures and videos showing the victims are also trending on social media, particularly, Twitter.

The incident happened when Mr Oyetola convoy was attacked in the state capital. The attackers were armed with cutlass, broken bottles and all sorts of weapons.

This incident occurred as the governor addressed protesters.

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#EndSARS: Ogun govt sets up Victim Support Fund, Judicial Panel of Investigation

The Ogun State Government has set up committees on Victim Support Fund and Judicial Panel of Investigation among others.

This was contained in a statement released today by Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun via his official Twitter handle which reads in part:

“Impressive results have emerged from our #EndPoliceBrutality agitations following the resolutions of the virtual National Economic Council, NEC meeting held yesterday.

“Ogun State will be setting up one each of a support fund, panel, committee, and office.

“The first, Victim Support Fund, will enable monetary compensation to deserving victims of Police brutality from the now allocated, start-up 50million Naira.

“The panel, Judicial Panel of Investigation, to be chaired by Hon. Justice Solomon Olugbemi (Rtd) with members from Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, youth and student populations, Human Right Commission, NHRC, State Attorney General’s Office and retired Police league, will act upon complaints of Police brutality.

“The Special Security and Human Rights Committee, which I will chair, will monitor the conduct and excesses of any special or tactical unit that may be set up in Ogun State by the Nigeria Police, with membership of the heads of such a unit and other security agencies, youths, and CSOs.

“The Human Rights Complaints Office, with Mr Joseph Ogunniyi, Esq as Chairman, will facilitate easy access of complainants to assistance via modern technology channels, and give regular reports to the Special Security and Human Rights Committee for action.

“While we are setting up, in addition to these, a Forensics Laboratory to aid crime investigation, we will provide the Ogun State Human Rights Complaints Reporting Portal, via which Ogun State citizens can upload documentary, video or audio evidence of abuse.

“This transformation will make a significant difference, and this Administration will not relent in representing the interests of the people who voted her in.

“I therefore call on all protesters to bring an end to the demonstrations, while the joint initiatives of the Federal and Ogun State Governments are implemented for practical change”.

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