The People’s Democratic Party, House of Assembly Aspirant, Ibadan North Constituency 2 Hon. Makanjuola Oluwatosin Taofeek on Thursday, 5th of May 2022 sent his appreciation message to all the people of Ibadan North Constituency 2 for the love shown to him during his official declaration.
Hon. Makanjuola Taofeek Oluwatosin aka Tosin Gboye officially declared his interest to represents the people of Ibadan North Constituency 2 on Wednesday, 4th May, 2022 at the party’s meeting venue, Salvation Army School, Yemetu.
Following his supporters who came from far and near, including the constituents, eligible voters, party leaders and community leaders who graced the event, it’s necessary and important for him to acknowledged their presence and the time they sacrificed which will not be taken for granted.
Furthermore, Tosin Gboye also uses this medium to seek for further support most especially from party leaders as the primary election approaches.
Lastly, after unveiling his manifesto yesterday, and if given the opportunity, Tosin Gboye promises to live up to expectation, facilitate development to different communities in the constituency and at the same time, ensure the growth and development of constituents.
It is an incontrovertible fact that every man is a selfish being. That is a law of natural justice. This aptly informs my vehement objection to the biblical admonition of ” Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”( Mark 12:31) The injunction here is practically impossible unless we want to be economical with the truth. It is an opium. This admonition is a sharp contrast to the Yoruba maxim that; ‘ Bi’na ba jo’ni, j’omo eni, t’ara eni, la a koko gbon”. The interpretation goes thus: it is logical to quench the raging fire on oneself before attempting to quench the fire on one’s son.
Globally, politics is about interest and alliance. Alliance could be swayed but interest remains sacrosanct.
People dabble into politics for numerous reasons. Numero uno, the quest for power tops the reason. Intention to impact on lives through good governance trails behind.
Succinctly, every politician adopted various strategy: mathematical and diplomatic, to curry favour and attract sympathy.
Arguably, a significant number of politicians are gluttonous. However, the fact that many of them are callous and dubious does not foreclose the fact that some are relatively good. The word ‘relatively’ is intentional, purposeful. Few days ago, I stumbled on the vituperation of the embattled senator Kola Balogun representing Oyo south senatorial district. I was captivated when I saw his reaction which I had been expecting, consequent upon his “disenfranchisement” to return to the senate. His reaction was conveyed and publicized by Oduduwa News, a reputable media.
So, one could imagine the interest I would divert to peruse such explanation from the horse’s mouth. His case is of paramount importance to me as a freelance and a public opinion analyst who cherish balance reportage.
So, one could imagine the interest I would divert to peruse such explanation from the horse’s mouth. His case is of paramount importance to me as a freelancer, human right crusader and a public opinion analyst who cherish balance reportage. I don’t engage in jungle journalism but care no hoot to say it, the way it is. Undiluted. No matter whose ox is gored.
Background to his Anger
In a bid to assert authority and reposition himself for the next election, the executive governor of the state, Engineer Seyi Makinde had entered into a political contractual bargaining with Chief Tegbe. It is not a misnormer to appease, entice and lure politicians with clout. Pedigree differs.
In view of the alliance, the governor, in his wisdom, had promised a senatorial ticket for the big fish from the ocean of APC. In reminiscence, Chief Tegbe was a staunch APC member and an uncompromised ally of former governor Ajimobi. The relationship between the late governor and chief Tegbe was so cordial that the former was the initial heir apparent and the anointed candidate of the tooth-gapped late governor. Power play from the above denied Chief Tegbe, otherwise, he would have been the APC flagbearer then.
As a human being, he never forgot the shortchange. Seemingly, he was embittered with venomous innuendoes. Therefore, because every man is selfish, one could not blame him for accepting the offer of the governor especially when it was not sure that he would be made the APC candidate come 2023.
Governor Makinde had previously wanted to snatch Oyo north senatorial ticket from Chief Bisi Ilaka who was the former Chief of staff to the governor. Yours sincerely had written on that; referring to Ilaka as “the most unfortunate loyal party man” in an article; ” Ilakaka Bisi Ilaka”. Despite serial disappointments, the Oyo – born politician never decamped from PDP. The governor met him in PDP. I make bold to say that.
Fortune however smiled on the bearded Chief when the governor reverted; opting instead to deny Senator Balogun who had enjoyed a term. So, the younger brother to the newly-crowned Olubadan became the eventual victim. ‘Ori wa ko ni gba abode.’
It is not unusual therefore that senator Balogun would react. Pinch yourself with a needle to fill the reflex action before you inflict such on others. The vituperation “…Governor Makinde reportedly made some claims that I am not performing and that I am not taking care of the party leaders in the nine local government areas in Oyo South Senatorial District.
“As a Christian, can he swear with the Holy Bible and with his life that those were the real and principal reasons he took that decision? I challenge him to publicly swear before the PDP stakeholders; before the people of Ibadan, Oyo South Senatorial District and the entire state that he took that decision solely because of the reasons stated in the report. If he can do this, I will come back to openly apologise to him.
“The allegation of non-performance against me is puerile. The record of my performance and achievements is in the public domain and it is hereby attached to this piece.
Governor Makinde was pressured by some powerful cartel in his Guest House who were of the fear that having a Balogun as the Olubadan and another Balogun as a senator would be too strong for the governor to control.”
The reaction above was encapsulated in a title; ” Why Makinde denied me second term senatorial ticket”. The nagging question is : why won’t he deny you?!
Senator Balogun needs to be conscious of two facts upon which I will draw the curtain on this piece. One, you may be good but some people may be better than you. Secondly, the governor cannot love you more than himself. He has his own interest as a sane man. For crying loud , he cannot prioritise you at his own detriment. Such would be at his own peril. It is though unfortunate that you have been traded but that is politics.
So, weep not ! If every other qualified person could have just a term, it would go round. It is not proper to castigate the governor publicly if the manner with which your elder brother ascended the throne is reverted to. If God had not used the governor, Senator Ladoja and destiny, the royal stool would have remained elusive to Ali-Iwo descendants.
Comrade Lekan Badmus is a columnist with Oduduwa News.
The Oyo State Government through the Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (Oyo CSDA) on Wednesday presented a cheque of over #4.4m to Ajia Ifesowapo CPMC in the presence of Inukan Development Forum and the elders of Ajia and its environs for the construction of Police Station.
According to the Chairman of Oyo CSDA, Mr Esuola Hamid said that the project is one of the many projects the Agency usually embark on, and it’s always a collaboration between community and the agency. Speaking on the project, he said that the agency will provide 90% while the community will provide 10% as part of their own commitment fee, after which a sum of #4,495,500 was presented to the chairman, Mr Wojuade Adesina.
Presents at the event were the Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, represented by Hon. Wakil Okunola, Supervisory Councilor for Culture & Tourism; Engr. Sunday Gbenjo, President Inukan Development Forum; Mrs Ige Olaronke Shera, Head of Local Government Administration of Inukan LCDA and other staff of the LCDA.
Speaking further, Mr Esuola Hamid appreciated Governor Oluseyi Makinde and equally seeked the support of the community for the administration of Engr. Oluseyi Makinde who’s a product of their community and doing everything possible to transform Ajia and its environs into a mini London.
Engr. Sunday Gbenjo, in his address commended the agency for deeming it fit to approve such project for them despite the numerous requests from different communities on their table. He said that the Police Station becomes necessary following the numerous developmental projects the government of Engr. Oluseyi Makinde has been doing to Ajia and its environs, he therefore appreciated His Excellency and reiterated the community’s support to His Excellency whenever he calls on them. He equally appreciated the presence of Ona-Ara Local Government Chairman, represented by Hon. Wakil Okunola.
In the entourage of Mr Esuola Hamid were Mr Salawu, General Manager of Oyo CSDA; Mrs Raji, Operation Manager, Mr Ojerinde and the PRO of Oyo CSDA.
Also, community elders presents Includes; Chief G.O Ajayi, Mr Tunde Aderonmu and Mr Ayoade J. O and other community members.
Mr Salawu, General Secretary of the Agency, while speaking charges the community to the transparent, accountable and ensure that quality and standard work is done, since it’s the community that will be constructing the Police Station while the agency will monitor and supervise the project, and said that the balance will be provided to them once the building reach the stage equivalent to the #4.4m first part payment.
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Wojuade Adesina, Chairman of the Project Monitoring Committee appreciated His Excellency Engr. Oluseyi Makinde and Oyo CSDA for the project and assured them that the community will make judicial use of the project, including its mantainace.
As the world celebrates the Easter Festival, Executive Chairman of Oorelope Local Government, Hon. Akeem Adepoju Raheem, has called on Christians in the Council to reflect on the season by following the examples of love, faith and submission to the will of God, which remain the major themes of Easter. Raheem, who stated this in a statement at the weekend, equally enjoined Christians to use the opportunity provided by the solemn season to make supplications for Oorelope Local Government, Oyo State.
He specifically charged them to pray for the leadership of the state, personified by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, under whose watch the state has moved from poverty to prosperity. “Today, I celebrate with my brothers and sisters in Christ as they observe the Easter Festival, a solemn festival marking the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. “The themes of Easter are hinged on God’s love for humanity, Christ’s faith, his absolute submission to the will of God, which also portray his love for mankind to the point of laying down his life and the awesome power of God, which was demonstrated through Christ’s resurrection. “My charge to Christians is that they should use this occasion to reflect again on these lessons and imbibe them in order to become better. “I also encourage them to use this sober moment to pray for the continued progress of our Local Government and for our leader, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, a man who means for Oyo State and has been doing everything possible to reposition the state and uplift its people. “I wish everyone a happy Easter filled with God’s love and blessings.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, party leaders in Ibadan North Local Government met with the Stakeholders and aspirants in the forthcoming General Election into the Oyo State House of Assembly.
You will recall, the Engr. Seyi Makinde met with some party leaders last Friday and informed them of his intention to present party tickets for National Assembly and State House of Assembly. Oduduwanews learnt that the Governor I structed the leaders of the 33 local governments in the State to meet with their people and present consensus candidates for a meeting scheduled for tomorrow 4th of April, 2022.
In the meeting attended yesterday, 2nd of April by leaders and stakeholders of Ibadan North, it was agreed that Ibadan North State House of Assembly Constituency 1&2 will conduct primary election and will not be going by consensus candidates same to National Assembly .
In attendance at the meeting were the Local Government Party Chairman, State Party Youth Leader, Women leader, Youth leader, LG party Secretary, all Local Government Party leaders in the local government, stakeholders and all aspirants…….
Oduduwanews learnt that agreement document was signed by all aspirants which authenticates their decision that primary election should be conducted as against the wish of the Governor to present a consensus candidate.
ODUDUWA NEWS: Can we meet you Sir? My name is Professor Raphael Afonja, now known as Professor Rahmon Afonja, I was a former Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State, former Dean of Faculty at City University of New York, USA and former military personnel in US Army. I am a Professor of Civil Engineering and I have several other degrees related to the field. I am also a fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineer and the CEO/Managing Director of GAMUT Security and Escort Services.
Q: Recently, media space was awash with your conversion to Islam, what was the motivation behind it? I had wanted to become a Muslim since my childhood age because I was given birth by parents with mixed religion, my father was a Christian while my mother was a practicing Muslim and it gave me a privilege to be nurtured and groomed along the doctrines of Islam and Christianity.
Q: How has it been combining politics with academics? For me, when I think about politics, I think about service to the people. I always tell people that intention matters a lot. I came to Nigeria to serve my people and I have been channeling my strength towards the service to humanity. Particularly, the people of Oyo and Ogbomoso land and that is the reason why I am here. My motivation is to serve people and I have come to serve. My intention for coming to politics has always been the interest of the people.
Q: Can you give us an insight into your experiences during your time as the Commissioner for Works and Transport? I had good and bad experiences. It’s unfortunate that sycophancy was at the forefront instead of commitment, dedication and sacrifice. I used to work from 6am to 11pm and most nights I would be out there checking one or two projects in order to ensure timely delivery. I used to engage consultants outside to help in designing structural plans of roads and bridges and I never sacrificed meritocracy for mediocrity. Most of the projects currently embarked on by the Ministry of Works and Transport were structurally planned by me before I left office. I used to dedicate myself to the duties assigned to me by my principal and my target was to see him succeed. That has always been my philosophy whenever I am carrying out my responsibilities and duties. His landmark achievements while in office would be of great benefit to the people of Oyo State and I was dedicated and committed to the course because the governor was elected to serve the people of Oyo State.
I should inform you that this is the first interview I am granting after I left office. Let me use this medium to condemn certain misinformation out there where it was alleged that some files would be on my desk for weeks and months without being attended to, that’s a blatant lie. No file would spend more than 24hrs on my desk without being attended to. My philosophy at the Ministry was that no file should spend more than two days on my desk without being attended to. It must be treated and go to the appropriate channel. At times, my directors would come to work on Saturdays and Sundays and they would have to work day and night for the purpose of making things work out properly. The story out there that Professor Afonja used to delay files is a blatant lie and it was an attempt to smear my name.
Q: Immediately after you left office, there was a rumor that it was one inflated contract awarded by your Ministry that led to your removal by the State Governor, what can you say about this? Nothing special in my removal, that was an appropriate time for me to exit as destined by God. I believe that every contractor must do his job; the issue of disagreement on the said contract was the Olodo road that goes towards Iwo and COVID-19 Centre. Then, the road was very bad and the Director of Highway at the Ministry submitted a bill to me which was very reasonable and I defended it at the State Executive meeting, because the road according to the proposal, if completed would last for a very long time. However, politics came into play as some people who had wanted to take the job felt that the best way was to come up with a lower bill and had their way. Though, I looked at the bill and concluded it was not going to work. Today, the rest has become history.
Q: From your experience while in the office having come across ‘toxic politicians’ and sycophants, are you still interested in politics or you want to take your leave? Well, I always tell people that I’m not a full time politician, I am God sent to come and ameliorate the sufferings of the people and that has been my interest. One of the major reasons I left my job as the Dean of Faculty in a University in America to come and take the position of Commissioner was the interest of my people. The interest of my people has always been the motivation behind any step I take. On that note, I still remain a politician.
I met the Governor recently and we discussed at length. When I was the Commissioner, I knew I was there for an appointed time and a time would come that I would leave. I saw my exit coming and I have never regretted ever serving as a Commissioner. I am fulfilled with what I have done in that capacity and I am glad that most of the things being carried out by the Ministry today were my handiwork before I left. Everybody should remember that when you are given a seat, it is a privilege not an entitlement because at some point you either leave the office or the office leaves you. So painful, Kehinde Ayoola of blessed memory died while in the office, I pray for him often. The point I am making is that everyone would leave one day.
Q: Which party do you belong to currently? I’m a PDP member, I never thought of decamping.
Q: There is no gainsaying in the fact that there are factions in PDP, which faction do you belong to? Smiles! Let me say this, I don’t believe in factions and I pray and do hope that the crisis within our party gets resolved very soon because I believe if we want to win from the LG to FG we have to resolve all internal crises. I want the faction to understand that the Governor is the Governor, he was put in that position by God, and no matter how young he is, he should be respected.
I also want the Governor to understand that as a leader, you also need to appreciate the people that work tirelessly to get you elected; they should be heard and listened to. There should be certain level of compromise with them. The governor must be recognized and respected and whatever he does we should have it in mind that he has been given mandate to do that. We must work together as PDP and not to sell ourselves out. We have to support the Governor and he should also avoid sycophants who might want to mislead him. He should take his time to investigate and should endeavour to go extra mile to get his information right.
Q: 2023 is approaching, what’s your political plan? For me, I’m praying for God’s directive on what I should do. My first assignment is to ensure that our party remains at the forefront, and make sure that we win across board. Secondly, like I said, the Governor is the leader of the Party in the State; we are looking forward to his leadership as to what role we should play.
Q: What can you say about Rt. Hon Mulikat Adeola’s Camp? Let me speak about her as a person, Alhaja Mulikat is a very selfless person. I love her as a mother because she always desires best for all. I can boldly say that Alhaja is the most consistent person in the PDP for a very long time. When I was in office, the misconception was that we were fighting. People insinuated that I distanced myself from her, but a lot of people don’t understand that I was in a different position which required my dedication and full commitment to the vision and aspiration of my boss. My work for the governor required my loyalty at all times no matter how the circumstances.
Hon. Mulikat is a respected leader of the party and I wasn’t disloyal to her but I was only being careful due to the crisis rocking our party. Though, I made my own mistakes and hold myself responsible to them. She’s a very good woman that wants the best for her people and the people of Oyo State. I just pray that the crisis within the party gets resolved very soon so that we can come together and work for the progress of the party.
Q: Was Rt. Hon Mulikat Adeola instrumental to your nomination as Commissioner? Let me say that I am thankful to her, she later nominated me and I thank the Governor for accepting me and I am most grateful to everyone that was instrumental to getting the position.
I also found out that Hon. Ogunwuyi also played vital role that I didn’t know, let me say thank you to him also. I was told he said he doesn’t know who I am until when he checked my CV and was greatly convinced. He said I would be the right person for the job. That word, I think goes a long way. If he had said something differently; it would have gone the other way. I wasn’t the only person nominated by Alhaja because she also nominated two other persons before me and the Governor rejected them. I am most grateful to her. Upon my announcement as Commissioner for Works, I had to resign my appointment as the Dean of a University at the United States of America after my screening.
Q: What’s your general advice to the youths, Nigerian leaders and the followers? I am disappointed in our leadership from Presidency down to the Local Government. Let’s say the LGs do not really have the autonomy they supposed to have. I would say from the Presidency to National Assembly to Governors. I would say that I am disappointed that youths are not given opportunity to succeed.
There’s no support system that would give them the opportunity to make something out of themselves. Government can’t create employment for everybody, but government needs to create policies and enabling environment that would help people to come up with ideas. The health care system is nothing to talk about; our leaders are very quick at jetting out for medical attention. The politicians, leaders and the rest of us need to put politics aside and step up and do the right thing. Otherwise, there comes a point in time there might be a revolution whereby the youths would start fighting back. Again, there has to be control on money spent on electioneering. A lot of good people would love to come out and contest elective positions but they cannot compete with moneybags who usually hold sway every electioneering time.
Also, the so called delegates who usually collect money for nomination of candidates are not helping our democracy too. The youths need to be given more opportunities to be part of governance. The Youths should also get their PVCs and be part of the process. Vote for the right people and don’t vote based on party.
Also, to you journalists, a lot of journalists have been sold out; they won’t ask the right questions from politicians. I am of the opinion that we need to start screening our candidates as individuals not as party members.
I am asking the youths to stand up, ask questions, and assess their CV. What have they done before? What about major achievements in their chosen careers or businesses and their capacities? Those should be our parameters for assessment rather than protesting every time.
On Security, there’s a lot to be done because we are lagging behind. Our security agencies need to be taken care of, including their welfare and everything that concerns them. The government needs to effectively engage everyone, including the traditional rulers and community leaders on security of lives and properties.
Lastly, I strongly believe in the strength of the youths, they should know that Yahoo Yahoo is not the way out, there are better things to do and some are striving day and night to make it. They should get a mentor, I’m also accessible and I would continue to do my best.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Environment & Natural Resources, Hon. Abiodun Oni on Monday, 14th of February 2022 approved the appointment of Adesina Julius as his Media Aide.
Adesina Julius is a graduate of Public Administration from the Prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University and hails from Oke-Ogun.
Adesina Julius pka Prestige was also an aspirant for the position of President during the last election of FOSSU National.
The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde on Thursday responded to the Robbery Attack that took place in the early hour of the Thursday in the State where unknown masked armed robbers attacked a bullion van carrying money to a bank around Idi-Ape.
According to the Governor “I received the sad news of the robbery attack at the Idi-Ape axis of Ibadan which resulted in death and injuries of residents”
The Governor also assured the residents not to panic as security agencies are already investigating the incident “The security agencies are investigating the incident. I pray that the souls of the dead rest in peace and ask that we keep their families in our prayers”
“We are grateful to those who called 615 to report during the incident. We will continue to improve our response times using the apparatus available to us at the state level. We remain grateful to all security officers who continue to put their lives on the line for us”
Ngozi Onadeko, Oyo state Commissioner of Police visited the scene of the robbery incident, where a van transporting money to a bank at Idi-Ape in Ibadan, Oyo state was attacked by Unknown Armed Robbers.
While speaking at the Crime Scene, the Commissioner said that her men also killed one of the robbers but the corpse was taken away by the robbery gang.
The police boss said that in and out of the state had been locked down with a view to preventing the robbers from getting out of the state.
The CP said the police in connection with other security agencies in the state were working assiduously to arrest the robbers, assuring that more details would be provided on the matter.
Her words: “First of all, I have to say it is an unfortunate incident. We just finished the retreat and I am coming from the airport directly here.
“It was a coordinated attack, which we are still trying to find out what actually happened, because they trailed the bullion van from where it got the money from and where it want to dispatched it. We could see the shot they made.
“I can’t definitely say now what actually went on. All the exit and entry points into Oyo State have all been blocked. So, we are trying our possible best to get them to know what actually happened.
“I can tell you for sure that two of my men were shot on the leg. Let’s just do our investigation and then we will be able to tell you and give you more details.”
The Former First Lady of Oyo State, and wife of the Current Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja on Tuesday was decorated as the Grant Ambassador of Ibadan Cultural.
According to the Chairman of Ibadan Cultural Festival Central Committee 2022 Chairman, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, the award was part of activities marking the yearly Ibadan Cultural Festival organised by the Central Council of Ibadanland Indigiens (CCII).
Speaking at the event, the CCII President General, Prince Yemisi Adeaga noted that the award was to appreciate the former First Lady for her contributions toward upholding Ibadan culture and tradition.
He added that CCII, which consists of over 300 clubs deem it fit to bestowed the award on Ladoja for tourching lives of the poor and less privileges in Oyo State particularly Ibadanland.
He said Ladoja’s pedigree and anticedent qualified her for the award, which was the first thing that has ever happened in the history of Ibadanland.
“Before we could have single out someone for an award, he/she must have been someone that transverses in Ibadan culture and heritage, which shows her as true Ibadan daughter, she always promoted our culture.”
In her remark, the former first lady expressed her gratitude to CCII for counting her worthy for the award, promising to continue to uphold Ibadan tradition in high extreme.
Other Personality Presents Includes; Elder Brother of Governor Seyi Makinde, Barr. Muyiwa Makinde, the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Chief Mrs Iswat Ameringun, Ekeefa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Alabi, Local Government Chairmen, Representatives of Ibadan Prime Youths Forum, and Government Appointees Among Others.
