Tag: Politics

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, on Tuesday, met the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, in a bid to reconcile him and his estranged political godfather, Bola Tinubu.

Though the details of the meeting are sketchy, it was gathered that the meeting took place at the Ibadan residence of the Alaafin.

Tinubu and Aregbesola quarrelled over the choice of who becomes the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the upcoming Osun State election.

Ekiti State Governor, John Kayode Fayemi has advocated comprehensive national response to win battle against insurgency.

He made the statement known today at a programme in Abuja where he was asked to speak on the topic, “Beyond Boko Haram: Addressing Insurgency, Banditry, and Kidnapping in Nigeria” at the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) Annual Lecture in Abuja at the invitation of my friend, the CEO of MMF, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode.

The event was chaired by former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and I was accompanied by my colleagues, Governors Simon Lalong and Rotimi Akeredolu, Chairmen, Northern and Southern Governors Forums respectively.

“I spoke extensively about the need for a comprehensive national response to win the battle against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of security challenges afflicting our polity.

“Our country has the talents, agricultural, and natural endowments to create opportunities for skills acquisition and gainful employment to reduce violent crimes in the Land. But we must look inward and work assiduously to provide enabling environment and investments in basic amenities and skills necessary to navigate life in dignity.

“I have always held that we cannot meaningfully speak of citizenship in our country today without underpinning it with a comprehensive social compact based on which a civic culture and identity can be built and expanded.

“Let us reorganise in order to rise from our challenges stronger and better”.

Governors elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Southwest, have congratulated the Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, over his victory at the last Saturday’s governorship primary election of the party in Osun State.

At a meeting held at the Ondo Governor’s lodge, Asokoro, Abuja on Monday, the Chairman, Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor , Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, said the five Governors from the region elected under the APC platform converged to congratulate and felicitate their brother Governor, Oyetola, over his victory.

“Most importantly, all of us decided to meet so that we will have the opportunity of congratulating our colleague, the Governor of Osun State who won his primary in a manner which we expected.

“So all of us are happy for him, that’s why we all stayed so long, congratulating our colleague who won the election.” Governor Akeredolu said.

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Ogun State counterpart, Governor Dapo Abiodun as well as Governor Gboyega Oyetola were present at the meeting.

Ajiboye Omodewu, newly inaugurated chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has sworn in other members of his executive committee in the state.

At the event which took place at the party’s Oke Ado permanent secretariat, Omodewu urged members to embrace reconciliation as the APC is poised to takeover from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the coming election.

He also assured that though he belongs to the Ajimobi political bloc, he belongs to all forward-looking members of APC.

BEING A SPEECH DELIVERED BY OYO STATE CHAIRMAN OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC), HON. ISAAC AJIBOYE OMODEWU AT THE INAUGURATION OF PARTY’S 35 STATE EXECUTIVES AND 33 LOCAL CHAIRMEN AT OKE-ADO STATE SECRETARIAT ON 7TH FEBRUARY 2022*

[Protocols]

All glories and adorations are due to Almighty God for making today possible. Forever we shall be grateful.

I consider it a great honour and privilege to stand before this august gathering to perform my first official duty as Oyo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is an official inauguration of other state executives and the 33 local chairmen of our great party.

Before I proceed with my speech, I would like us to stand up to observe a minute silence in memories of our great leaders and heroes: His Excellency (Dr.) Lamidi Onaolapo Majiyagbe Adesina (Great Lam), His Excellency Senator (Dr.) Isiaq Abiola Adeyemi Ajimobi (Shehu), His Excellency Otunba (Dr.) Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyato Governor) and all leaders who are no longer in the land of livings.

[A Minute Silence Please]. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace.

The aforementioned great leaders died in active services. I solemnly pledge to religiously preserve their legacies and aggressively carry on with their unfurnished agenda, which is reclaiming Oyo State in 2023 from the misruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The journey to take back Oyo State in 2023 general elections starts today.

There is no gainsaying that APC is an hybrid political party – merger of defunct legacy parties, which are ACN, CPC, PDP, APGA, ANPP and LP. Therefore, this great party (APC) belongs to no one but all the members. All members have equal stakes.

Soldiers go, Soldiers come but the barracks remain! It is on this note I recognise the efforts and sacrifices of the immediate past state, local and ward executives of our great party. It’s my pledge that I’ll build on the achievements of Chief Akin Oke’s more than 8 years achievements as State Chairman of APC. Since a tree cannot make a forest, I therefore commend all other executives, staff and leaders that served with Baba Oke. May Almighty God Preserve you as we jointly lead Oyo APC to electoral victories in 2023 and beyond. Once again, thank you for excellently serving our great party for that long period of years.

Fellow members of our great party, the congresses have come and gone; there is no victor, no vanquished. It’s time to get united and mobilised for the 2023 general elections. Though I am of Ajimobi political bloc, I belong to all forward-looking members of APC. My main tasks are to unite all tendencies within the party and to lead APC to victories in 2023 general elections.

To be in charge of a very sophisticated political party like APC is a heavy responsibility; I assure our teeming members, it is a responsibility we will not take very lightly. I pledge to do my utmost, God being on my side, to justify the faith and the confidence all APC members have imposed on me and other executives at all levels.

To whom much is given, much is expected. Therefore, I pledge to run an open and transparent administration where all party members will be carried along. Also, our administration will instill discipline, respect for rule of law and constituted authorities within and outside the party.

Apart from genuine reconciliation and harmonisation, our administration shall also embark on aggressive membership drive.

Let me reiterate that APC is a party built on the principles of democracy and human development; the party provides equal opportunity for every party member and any Nigerian that is willing to join the party.

To the state and local party executives being inaugurated today, I charge you to work in line with the party’s constitution and also ensure you carry all party members along without discrimination or nepotism. You are also expected to work hard to settle all disputes and differences in the party living no aggrieved party member behind.

While I congratulate all of you on your inauguration, I seek your understanding, cooperation and support in order to pilot the affairs of Oyo APC to electoral victories in 2023.

I am open to progressive ideas, advises and suggestions. Therefore, feel free to relate with me.

According to Winston Churchill, jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war. To this end, I urge you to extend hands of fellowship to members who are aggrieved because we cannot do the tasks alone.

I thank all former deputy governors, Oyo APC Elders Advisory Council led by His Excellency Barrister Iyiola Oladokun; former first ladies, former speakers, former and serving National Assembly members; former and serving state lawmakers; former and servings political appointees; party elders and critical stakeholders; youth and women wings of our great party. I look forward to your maximum cooperation and support. May we succeed together.

I am assuring our party leaders, aspirants and their supporters that era of impunity and imposition of candidates is over. Our administration shall create a level-playing field for members jostling for one position or the other in 2023 elections. We’re returning the party to the members; they will determine the faiths of all aspirants. No leader or group will be allowed to impose candidates on the party.

I’ll close my speech by thanking His Excellency Mai Mala Buni-led APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) for achieving a lot for our great party. I wish our great party, a crisis-free and successful national convention on 26th February 2022.

The state of Osun Police Commissioner, CP Wale Olokode has reacted to the allegation made by members of the Osun Progressives (TOP) following an attack on Oranmiyan House by some unknown gunmen on Thursday.

The caucus has earlier accused the Commissioner of being aware of the attack during a press conference on Friday, as he failed to provide covers during the activities of the group.

While reacting to the allegation, Olokode in a press conference on Sunday at the police command said police in the state will never be an appendage of any political party or group and no amount of inducement will change his character.

He stressed that the despite that the command was not informed of any meeting at Oranmiyan House where the attack was reported, the command quickly mobilised its men to the place and investigated all the attacks.

Olokode noted that the recent attack on some APC members in Ikirun, the Headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government was thoroughly investigated, and those suspected to be behind the crime were arrested.

He said: “The attention of the Osun State Police Command has been drawn to the statement credited to the Osun Progressives. While the Command under my watch will not engage in political matters, but the prominence of my name and the Command in the statement, coupled with journalists’ request for our side, prompt this response. It aims at clearing the air on the matters raised.

“I wish to state as follows, the Osun State Police Command is never and will never be an appendage of any political party or group and our actions and activities have shown such.

“We have been professional in the discharge of our duties by upholding our constitutional mandates as a Force. At no point have we deviated and we will never do at anytime.

“I wish to state that we have been working on every petition received. The latest one that has to do with the SUBEB Chairman came to my knowledge recently, and our State Criminal Investigation Department under a Deputy Commissioner is seriously working on it.

“The petitioners came a couple of days ago, and they were assured of our readiness to get to the root of the matter.

“On the allegations of de-humanization, I wish to state that it has never been in my character, and those who know me can testify that I have never engaged in such. No amount of inducement can make me change my character.

“It is also pertinent to state that the recent attack on some APC members in Ikirun, Ifelodun local government was thoroughly investigated, and those suspected to be behind the crime were arrested. Among those arrested are two members of the TOP group, one from IleriOluwa and two persons who confirmed not to be politicians at all. They were all charged to court, and at no point did my office interfere with the investigation. So no persecution or de-humanization at any point.

“To continue maintaining fairness, all Area Commanders, Departmental Heads, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officer are put on their toes. This was done ensure that the Command is not only doing the needful but also showing fairness to all.

“On why police was not present at the venue of their parallel Congress on October 16, 2021. It is a known fact that the Congress of the APC was a national affairs and a letter was sent to the Inspector General of Police. The venue of each State was stated and no other venue other than the Osogbo township stadium was stated in the letter I received. The Committee from Abuja, including INEC officials were at the stadium and that’s why we mobilized our men to the stadium to provide security. No other letter was sent to my office by any other group.

” Notwithstanding this, upon receiving their petitions, all those fingered were invited during the course of our investigation and no one was found culpable. Police does not work on emotions but with facts unraveled during our investigations.

“On the allegation that I masterminded the disruption and attack at the APC secretariat on August 13, 2021. I see this as a complete attack on my personality. I left everything I was doing to personally lead operations at the said building and till the end. The attack was investigated and those fingered by suspects were charged accordingly. The group should provide more empirical facts to substantiate these allegations.

“It is on record that the Appeal committee, led by Ambassador Obed Wazdani upon completion of its assignment praised the effort of Osun Police Command, by being ‘very professional’ in providing protection for them. Their full statement and report can be accessed on the internet.

“I wish to state that no meeting we were invited to and refused to attend. We do attend programmes when invited and I have personally led my men to some of such meetings. Those I can remember vividly was the commissioning of computer sets at Muslim Grammar School, Ilesha, in January 14, this year. The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, surprised by my presence, made some comments and advice about our operations. Another one was at Zenabab Hotel and Resorts on 6 June, 2021, when an Awolowo Center for Philosophy was honouring the Minister at 64.

” I want to state that despite that the command was not informed of any meeting at Oranmiyan House where attack was reported, we quickly mobilized our men to the place. Apart from this, the police have investigated all the attacks, including the recent one at the Oranmiyan House in Osogbo and when needs be, suspects will be prosecuted.

“For the record, since I have been posted to the state in December 2020, I have done my best to ensure that Osun State remains one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. We are all aware of the hitherto prevalent cases of kidnapping across Osun State which has now been subdued by the war we waged against them. We promptly deploy our officers to the volatile parts of the state where cases of kidnapping were rising, freed many victims, and arrest kidnappers many of whom have been prosecuted. We can all testify that kidnapping case in Osun is becoming a thing of the past.

“I also want to state that Osun State Police Command has done well to curtail ritual killings. Those who perpetrated the acts in Iwo, Ikirun, Osogbo and may others were arrested with exhibits and were charged to court for prosecution.

“The gentlemen of press can also testify to the successes made on armed robbery, car, tricycle and motorcycle snatching, burgling of shops, cultism/thuggery and many more. All those arrested confessed, and were charged to court accordingly. It is note-worthy that, fighting these crimes have had a toll on the police, as we have lost some of our men, and some got maimed.

“Osun State Police Command has not and will not be an instrument of any political party as we remain independent and work according to the rules and regulations guiding the Nigerian Police Force. I, as the Commissioner of Police in the state have not derailed in my job and I will never do. I therefore want to say that all allegations against me, my personality and the command are fallacies and far from the truth.

“I see the petition as a deliberate attempt to malign my name and bring disrepute to the command under me and it is unfortunate. I therefore wish to say that, if this does not stop, I, and the command will not hesitate to take legal action against all form of lies and unfounded allegations from any corner.

“I wish to categorically state that democracy cannot thrive in the atmosphere of chaos and violence. There should be cordial relationship between the police, other security agencies, the media and all political parties who should perform their roles as expected. I urge all our political parties and different groups to eschew violence and focus on the way to move the country forward.

“Finally, as political atmosphere get tense, Osun Police Command under my watch will not tolerate any act that can throw away the peace of the State. We will continue, not only to respond to issues, but be proactive in tackling any matter that can jeopardize the peace of the State. We’re ever ready to continue working with all stakeholders to prevent breakdown of laws and orders. We want to warn politicians to do their politics without dragging the Force into it.

“We wish to reassure all residents of Osun State to continue with their lawful activities without entertaining any fear”.

The Honourable member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, Hon. Dele Adeola has empowered his constituents with various items and cash donations.

Recall, the first phase of the empowerment was held last year where 2 acres of land were ploughed with tractors for farmers drawn across his constituency.

The second phase of the empowerment which started yesterday by 12pm had several dignatories in attendance, the Chairman of the State Party, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, Chairman, Iseyin Local Government, Hon. Muftau Abilawon; Chairman, Itesiwaju Local Govt, Hon. Abiodun Ojo among several party faithfuls.

In his words, the State PDP Chairman, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro lauded the outstanding performance of Hon. Dele Adeola for his legislative role at the floor of the House. He equally attributed the monumental achievements of Gov Makinde in Oke-Ogun particularly in Iseyin to the collaborative efforts of both the executive and the legislature.

Some of the items distributed as empowerment were sewing machines, pepper grinding machines, generators, farm sprayers, gas cyclinders, and cash gifts were also donated to disabled.

Adeola while speaking, thanked all guests for honouring his invitation, he however highlighted some of his achievements at the floor of the State Assembly which included several motions and bills that attracted development to his Constituency.

He attributed some infrastructural development projects in Iseyin to his unrelented efforts at the legislative house which had seen the completion of Ibadan/Iseyin road, the ongoing reconstruction of Oyo/Ogbomosho road, Oyo/Iseyin road among other several other infrastructural projects.

“The role of legislature is primarily the enactment of laws, this we have been utilizing at the State House for overall development of the my Constituency”, said Adeola.

While speaking further, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, the State PDP Chairman was quoted as saying, “if I am permitted to raise Adeola’s hands for second term at this programme, I would not hesitate to do so owing to his laudable performance but with voices of your constituents being loud at this event, it is a pointer that you all want him for second term as the voice of people is the voice of God”.

He however thanked him for his performance which has made PDP in Iseyin to be well established as it would not stress the party to campaign too much come 2023.

The programme came to an end at exactly 4pm while the beneficiaries were assembled to carry their various empowerment items.

A Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo on Wednesday denied jurisdiction to entertain the case instituted by 2,517 aggrieved members of All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola to invalidate ward congress held on July 31st 2021.

The presiding Judge, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola while giving his ruling said, the suit brought before the court was strictly party affairs which the court lacks jurisdiction on the matter.

He said, “The claims of the plaintiffs is to draw the court to the internal affairs of the party which is not enshrined in the constitution.

“Supreme Court has said court can’t interfere with the internal issue of party, unless it falls under Section 87(9) of the Electoral Act.

“The plaintiff the are not qualified to be called an aspirants in the said congress. Aspirant is someone who participated in election. PDP v Timprale Silva. APC v Marafa. Pltf has no status under or right under S. 87(9).

“The fact remains that this matter does relate to the nomination of any candidate, acordingly, the dispute does not fall under Section 87(8) of Electoral Act and Section 251 of the CFRN. The case of the plf isn’t covered by the law an can’t be adjudicated by the court.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has declared restriction of movement from 11pm to 5am daily, following a sudden rise in incidents of armed robbery within his domain.

Confirming the development owa Adimula of Ife, High Chief Abraham Adekola, who is the third in line to Ooni, said the Ooni-in-Council had to put up the measure on behalf of the monarch, to curtail criminality in the town.

Chief Adekola, who said Oba Ogunwusi was in Sokoto on official assignment when the armed robbery incidents started happening, added that the palace chiefs had to act after briefing the royal father in a bid to arrest the situation.

Adekola, who assured that no one would be molested before or during the curfew, said since the restriction was imposed, there was a drastic reduction in cases of armed robbery in the town.

“It is true, restriction of movement had been imposed in the name of Baba Ooni. He is in Sokoto on an official assignment but after consultation with him, we agreed to impose restrictions from 11pm to 5am daily until the situation improves.

“During the restriction, no night party, vigil or movement. It is just to check criminality in the town

“Armed robbers had invaded Ife. They killed and maimed people. We just have to act to arrest the situation and since we imposed restrictions, the situation has improved.

“Police, vigilante and even chiefs are not sleeping. We are all involved. No one will be molested but we just want to check movement to stop the sudden rise in the armed robbery cases,” Adekola stated

THOSE waiting for the announcement of a new Olubadan of Ibadanland may have their expectation dashed as such announcement is not likely to happen anytime soon.

It was learnt that there has been a new twist to the controversy surrounding the nomination, appointment, approval and announcement of Oba Lekan Balogun, who is the next in line to the throne, as the new Olubadan.

It was gathered that Balogun and other members of the Olubadan-in-Council who were crowned Obas in 2017 are yet to fulfill their pledge to Governor Seyi Makinde that they would withdraw a case challenging a consent judgment earlier given on the matter.

Rather than withdrawing the case as they promised Governor Seyi Makinde at a meeting held in Government House two weeks ago, they appear to have resolved to see it to the end.

At the hearing of the case on January 14, Justice Munta Abimbola, who is the Chief Judge of the state, directed parties in the suit to further address the court on the validity or otherwise of the consent judgment in view of the decision of the Appeal Court.

The parties, through their lawyers, are to address Justice Abimbola on Tuesday [February 1]. When pressed for comment on whether moves had been made to withdraw the case, a former Attorney General of the state, Michael Lana, told Sunday Tribune that he was surprised to see that Balogun’s lawyers have filed a further written address instead of filing a notice of withdrawal of the case.

Lana, who is counsel for one of the defendants, said he and other lawyers had wanted to appeal the decision of Justice Abimbola that the parties address the court on the validity or otherwise of the consent judgment, but decided against doing so since the claimants said they would withdraw the case.

“We had 14 days to appeal the decision, but waited in view of the claimants’ expression of intent to withdraw the case as expressed during their meeting with Governor Makinde.

“But instead of a notice of withdrawal of the case,” he said, “we received their argument which they have filed before the court on the validity or otherwise of the consent judgment,” he said.

He said he had no choice than to approach the Appeal Court to challenge the issue of validity or otherwise of the consent judgment raised by Justice Abimbola.

According to him, the appeal was filed on Thursday, January 27, one day to the expiry of 14 days within which such action must be taken.

On the implication of the appeal, he said the case at the High Court would have to wait for the appeal to be decided.

The High Chiefs made obas are in court to challenge the consent judgment which set aside the gazette that recognised them as obas. Reacting to the development, the Senator representing Oyo South and younger brother to the Olubadan-designate, Dr Kola Balogun, gave an assurance that “the whole world will clap for Ibadan and our unique approach to handling matters this week.

“The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has given a directive that no Ibadan person should make a comment on the matter again, whether on social media or in the conventional media.

“As a result and because I know prominent Ibadan people are working round the clock to ensure amicable resolution of the matter. For me or any other person to be speaking on the matter is tantamount to violating the directive of the CCII.

“From my knowledge of what is going on, the issue will be laid to rest next week. I may not be able to say more than that.

“By next week, the whole world will clap for Ibadan people and our unique approach to handling matters,” he said.

Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja had sued former governor Abiola Ajimobi and the inquiry commission that recommended the high chiefs for crowning as obas as acting in violation of the 1957 Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

Ladoja won at the state High Court as Justice Olajumoke Aiki set aside the gazette as well as the decisions made based on it.

But dissatisfied with the judgment, Ajimobi appealed.

The Appellate Court, in its decision, set aside Aiki’s decision on technical grounds and directed a retrial of the case.

Makinde, who inherited the case, said he was not willing to be distracted by the case and called for out-of-court settlement and a return to the status quo.

The terms of settlement were entered as consent judgment by the court, putting a closure on the matter.

But Balogun and others expressed displeasure over the consent judgment, arguing they were shut out.

Having been told they could not appeal, they filed a fresh suit against the judgment.

There had been controversy over the appropriateness of the emergence of Balogun as Olubadan, having been crowned oba, along with 20 others, by the immediate past governor, late Senator Ajimobi.

It will be recalled that Governor Makinde, during a visit to the family of the late Olubadan had insisted that the original concept used in appointing a new Olubadan be returned to.

Balogun is the most senior High Chief in the line that is producing the next Olubadan.

Since the late Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji joined his ancestors on January 2, a new one ought to have been named.

But the controversy sparked by the status of some high chiefs who were crowned obas and the court cases have stalled the process.