The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Ajulo dismisses allegations of contract racketeering in Ondo

    Ajulo dismisses allegations of contract racketeering in Ondo

    Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, , has dismissed as “laughable” allegations linking him to contract racketeering in the Judicial Village Project, describing the claims as a smear campaign targeted at his rising profile.

    The petition, reportedly filed by the Movement for the Redemption of Ondo State (MROS), had alleged that the Attorney General was involved in irregularities tied to the controversial project. Reacting to the allegation, Ajulo said the petitioners displayed a poor understanding of governance processes in the state.

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    His words:  “The execution and supervision of capital projects, including judiciary-related building infrastructure, fall strictly under the Ministry of Infrastructure,” he said.

    “As Attorney General, my role is to promote and defend initiatives that strengthen the justice sector, not to award or supervise contracts.”

    He further explained the distinction between the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice, saying: “The writer did not know the difference between Judiciary and Ministry of Justice. The Judiciary is an arm of government headed by the Chief Judge, while the Ministry of Justice is one of the ministries under the Executive. There’s no execution of such building contract at our ministry,” he said.

    Since assuming office, it was learnt that  Ajulo has earned recognition for spearheading justice sector reforms.

    Checks revealed that  his notable contributions include: Mobilizing over 273 volunteer senior and junior lawyers to provide free legal support to Ondo State; driving reforms to reduce case delays and make justice more accessible, strengthening institutional accountability in the Ministry of Justice;enhancing collaboration between the judiciary, executive, and security agencies and mentoring young lawyers and creating platforms for their professional development.

    Before joining the Ondo State cabinet, one of his allies said  Ajulo ran a successful legal practice in Abuja, representing both high-net-worth individuals and international clients. He said he left this lucrative career to return home in service to his state.

    “At the national level, his commitment to legal practice remains visible. He is a respected figure in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and currently serves as Chairman of the NBA Mentorship Committee, where he plays a pivotal role in grooming the next generation of Nigerian lawyers.

    “He  also has a history of political engagement, having served as National Secretary of the Labour Party 15 years ago—a role he later resigned voluntarily to concentrate on his professional career.”

    The ally argued that the latest attempt to link Ajulo to corruption reflects envy over his close working relationship with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the reforms he has championed. “Just last week, another civil society group warned of a coordinated plot to smear Ajulo and some government officials over alleged contract scams.

     “History will remember Dr. Ajulo kindly because he chose service to his people over personal gain. That decision alone speaks louder than any smear campaign.”

  • LASG kicks off Y2026 budget stakeholders’ consultative forum

    LASG kicks off Y2026 budget stakeholders’ consultative forum

    The Lagos State government has set machinery in motion to commence the stakeholders’ consultative sessions for the Year 2026 budget.

     According to a press statement by Busola Aroloye, from the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, the exercise was designed to provide Lagosians with the opportunity to make inputs that will shape the State’s developmental priorities for the coming year.

    The fora, she stressed, will bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including community development committees/associations, traditional rulers, professional and religious bodies, civil society groups, non-governmental and trade organisations, youths, people living with disabilities, and the general public.

    This inclusive approach reflects the State government’s commitment to participatory governance and evidence-based planning.

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    The consultative sessions will hold in the five divisions of Lagos State including Ikeja Division, Tuesday, 9th September 2025, Multipurpose Hall, Radio Lagos, Agidingbi, Lagos Division, Wednesday, 10th September 2025, Eko Club, Surulere, Ikorodu Division, Thursday, 11th September 2025, Ikorodu Town Hall, Epe Division, Friday, 12th September 2025, Jubilee Chalet, Epe Badagry Division, Tuesday, 16th September 2025, Makanjuola Auditorium, Lagos State University, Ojo.

    In addition to the physical sessions, provisions have been made for virtual participation. Interested residents are encouraged to send an email, indicating their division, to budget@lagosstate.gov.ng.

     Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George emphasised that the Stakeholders’ Forum is a cornerstone of Lagos State’s budgetary process, ensuring that the voices of the people remain at the center of governance.

    The government urges all residents and stakeholders to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to the vision of making Lagos a 21st Century Economy and a Greater Lagos for all.

  • Group calls for probe of Osun Speaker over threat to monarch amid recall process

    Group calls for probe of Osun Speaker over threat to monarch amid recall process

    A civil society group on Friday called for probe of the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun for allegedly threatening the life of monarch of his hometown, Alasi of Asi, Oba Isaac Oyewale.

    The Nation reports that Oba Oyewale absconded from the palace after Egbedun, representing Odo-Otin State Constituency, threatened to assault the monarch.

    The Speaker later apologised to supporters for the outburst, however, the State Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Hon Adewale Adebayo commenced process of the lawmaker’s recall by constituents.

    Amid the recall process by Egbedun’s constituents, a CSO under the auspices of Osun Youth Initiative for Good Governance (OYIGG), demanded the immediate arrest Egbedun, following the petition of the monarch to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone XI, Osogbo.

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    A statement by the group signed by its National Convener, Dr. Akande Adeyemi urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate and prosecute the Speaker, describing his outburst as “rascality of the highest order.”

    He said the outburst of the Speaker is a gross violation of democratic principles and a blatant act of intimidation against traditional institutions which should never be tolerated.

    Adeyemi noted that Egbedun’s derogatory remark against traditional institutions is worrisome and must be checked through the laws of the land before they gets out of the hand.

    ” No one is above the law. This is not just a personal attack on a royal father but a threat to our democratic and cultural institutions. The speaker must be held accountable for his words and actions, ” Adeyemi said.

    He urged the speaker to reflect on his behaviour, warning that power is transient and continued misconduct will damage his political standing and the traditional values of the Osun people.

    “We therefore call on the chairman of Osun State council of Obas, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) CFR, and his deputies not to allow this matter to be swept under carpet. Egbedun has rubbish the royal throne and must face the wrath of the law.”

    Meanwhile, efforts to get reaction of the Speaker proved abortive as calls to the mobile phone of his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Olamide Tiamiyu, were unanswered. He did not also respond to text message and inquiry sent to his him on WhatsApp at press time.

  • Two Amotekun operatives arrested for alleged cocoa theft in Ondo

    Two Amotekun operatives arrested for alleged cocoa theft in Ondo

    Two operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have been arrested for allegedly stealing cocoa beans in Idanre Local Government Area of the state.

    The suspects were reportedly caught inside a cocoa farm during a routine inspection around Gbalegi Camp in Idanre.

    It was gathered that the caretaker of the farm, Friday Abbah, had laid surveillance following repeated cases of cocoa theft on the farmland.

    During the operation, the two officers were allegedly apprehended with cocoa pods suspected to have been stolen, which were recovered as exhibits.

    A resident, who gave his name simply as Abel, said the suspects were immediately handed over to the divisional headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Idanre.

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    Confirming the development on Friday, the spokesman of the Ondo Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) said the arrest followed a series of complaints by the farm managers.

    He added that the suspects are now in custody and that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

    “The security operatives visited the farmland at Gbalegi Camp and were able to ascertain several empty cocoa pods on the farm. We have the two men in custody, and the case has been ordered to be transferred to the SCID for further investigation,” Ayanlade added.

    The incident has sparked discussions among residents in Idanre, a community renowned for cocoa production, with many expressing concern over the alleged involvement of security operatives in theft they were meant to prevent.

  • Lagos APC LG chairmanship aspirants back Tinubu for second term

    Lagos APC LG chairmanship aspirants back Tinubu for second term

    The Lagos State Conference of 2025 All Progressives’ Congress (APC) chairmanship aspirants have pledged their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

    The pledge was made during a meeting held on Wednesday at the Lagos NUT Pavilion, NERDC Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The aspirants unanimously passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the leadership of the APC. They reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty to the party hierarchy and emphasized that unity, discipline, and collective support for the leadership remain the pathway to strengthening the APC’s hold in Lagos and across Nigeria.

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    Convener of the conference, Hon. Shola Opeyemi Taiwo, in his welcome address, praised the leadership of the APC at the state and national levels, while commending fellow aspirants for their resilience and commitment despite the challenges encountered during the last local government elections.

    He stressed that the essence of the gathering went beyond the much-discussed issue of nomination form refunds, clarifying that the party itself initiated the refund process, not the aspirants.

    According to him, the refund should be handled transparently, but the group’s focus must remain on unity, loyalty, and inclusion in ongoing appointments.

    Taiwo emphasized that the aspirants were not rebels but grassroots commanders determined to work with the party’s leadership. He declared that their collective strength would be channelled towards ensuring Tinubu’s second-term victory in 2027 and supporting whoever emerges as the APC governorship candidate in Lagos.

    The meeting also featured contributions from key aspirants who reinforced Taiwo’s message of unity and loyalty. Hon. Wale Oluwa highlighted the importance of mobilizing support for Tinubu’s 2027 agenda, describing the aspirants as critical players in strengthening the party at the grassroots.

    Princess Folashade Olabanji Oba called for inclusiveness, urging the party leadership not to sideline the aspirants in appointments but to carry them along in recognition of their sacrifices and loyalty. In a similar vein,

    Tola Adebiyi revisited the issue of the ₦5 million nomination form fee, insisting that fairness and transparency in the refund process would strengthen trust and foster deeper commitment to the party.

    At the close of deliberations, the conference resolved to continue projecting loyalty, modesty, and visibility in service to the party, while remaining united under the supremacy of the APC as Lagos moves towards the 2027 elections.

  • Consolidated APC grassroots movement hails Tunji-Ojo

    Consolidated APC grassroots movement hails Tunji-Ojo

    Consolidated APC Grassroots Movement (CAGrAM) has commended what it described as the outstanding reforms of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    Speaking during CAGrAM visit to the Minister in his office, CAGrAM Deputy National Chairman, who is also the Special Adviser on Mobilisation to Ondo Governor, Hon. Agbi Omobamidele who led the delegation hailed the Minister for his numerous achievements.

    He described Tunji-Ojo as a Super Minister whose visionary leadership and reforms have repositioned the Ministry and brought efficiency to national service delivery.

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    He emphasised that the engagement was not just to acknowledge the Minister’s outstanding contributions but also to consolidate the APC grassroots movement nationwide through CAGrAM, particularly as the party prepares for the 2027 re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    In recognition of his sterling leadership and contributions to national development, the delegation presented Tunji-Ojo with a formal notification letter of his appointment as the National Patron of CAGrAM.

    Other pertinent issues relating to the unity, strength, and advancement of the APC were also deliberated upon during the visit, which was described as both strategic and symbolic in charting the future of the party.

  • UNICEF, VFN donate medical, ICT equipment to support SGBV survivors in Osun

    UNICEF, VFN donate medical, ICT equipment to support SGBV survivors in Osun

    The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with Value Female Network (VFN) Africa, has donated medical equipment, ICT items, and dignity kits to the Osun State Government to aid victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

    The donation was handed over to the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo, as part of efforts to restore hope and a positive future to survivors.

    Presenting the items to Governor Ademola Adeleke, UNICEF’s Child Protection Manager, Mona Aika, said the organisation is collaborating with the state government to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

    “Together, we are challenging harmful practices, raising awareness, and supporting communities to protect girls from a violation that has no place in their future,” she said.

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    Executive Director of VFN Africa, Dr. Costly Aderibigbe-Saba, described the fight as personal, sharing her own experience as a survivor of FGM.

    She said her mission is to ensure that women and girls grow up safe, empowered, and free from violence. She also called on stakeholders to unite in building a violence-free society.

    Governor Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola commended UNICEF and VFN for their commitment and urged other partners and individuals to emulate their support for survivors of SGBV.

  • Eid Maulud: Emulate teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Ajadi urges political leaders

    Eid Maulud: Emulate teachings of Prophet Muhammad, Ajadi urges political leaders

    A South West chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP), Amb. Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has urged political leaders to emulate teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

    He felicitated Muslim Ummah on celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad popularly known as Eid Maulud.

    A statement by Ajadi urged political leaders across the nation to reflect and emulate Prophet Muhammad’s attitudes of caring, equity, justice and fairness.

    Read Also: Eid Maulud: Tinubu urges Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad’s virtues

    He also called on both the states and the Federal government to find ways of ameliorating the suffering of the masses due to the current economic hardship .

    He urged Muslims to celebrate moderately and have tolerance for adherents of other religions.

    He said: “I felicitate Muslim Ummah on the occasion of this year’s Eid Maulud. I wish them peaceful celebration. I implore that as you celebrate, bare it in mind that no religion is superior to others. Imbibe religions tolerance. 

    “I also implore our political leaders to embrace the good deeds of Prophet Muhammad which includes attitudes of caring , justice, equity and fairness. They should also work towards reducing the hardship being faced by Nigerians due to the current economic hardship”.

  • Omotoso extols Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Saheed over achievements

    Omotoso extols Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Saheed over achievements

    Lagos Information and Strategy Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso yesterday commended the remarkable achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and House of Assembly member Femi Saheed.

    Omotoso, who spoke through his aide, Adeniyi Olutimehin, described the leadership of the trio as a true reflection of governance in action.

    He spoke on “Greater Lagos Initiative”at the 10th Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting organised by Saheed at Tamroyal Hall, Alapere-Ketu.

    This year’s stakeholders engagement has “Governance in Action: The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” its time.

    Describing the theme as timely and inspiring, Omotoso lauded President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA), citing bold reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy to redirect resources to infrastructure and social investment, the unification of exchange rates to boost investor confidence, the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund to accelerate nationwide projects, interventions in food security, and social investment schemes like student loans, cash transfers, and MSME support.

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    He emphasized the transformational leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu, whose vision of Greater Lagos Rising has translated into concrete progress across the state.

    In Agboyi-Ketu and Ikosi-Isheri LCDAs of Kosofe Constituency II, Sanwo-Olu has delivered landmark projects in roads, healthcare, schools, and grassroots empowerment, significantly improving the lives of residents and complementing federal reforms.

    Commending the lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Finance, Omotoso praised his consistency in facilitating developmental projects for Kosofe Constituency II and assured that his efforts would continue to attract dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

    The commissioner charged Lagosians to leverage technology and new media platforms such as AskLagos and Alausa Alert to stay informed and engage government.

    He urged them to take ownership of community projects for sustainability and to turn out en masse for the ongoing continuous voters’ registration, while pledging the ministry’s unwavering commitment to citizen engagement.

    The event was graced by Oba Babatunde Ogunjobi (Olu of Maidon, Mile 12); Oba Jamiu Lawal (Oba of Shangisha); Oba Isiaq Balogun Oyero (Oba of Ketu); Adetola Oyedele Abubakar (Chairman, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA) and Chief Stephen Adeola Oyedele, among others.

    Chairperson Abubakar extolled Saheed’s performance and reassured that her administration will be people-driven while sustaining collaboration with the lawmaker.

  • Yishawu reaffirms commitment to constituents at Lagos Assembly stakeholders’ meeting

    Yishawu reaffirms commitment to constituents at Lagos Assembly stakeholders’ meeting

    Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa Constituency II in the Lagos House of Assembly, has restated commitment to effective representation, emphasising the need for continuous engagement between lawmakers and the people they serve.

    Speaking at the 10th Constituency stakeholders’ Meeting of the Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Yishawu said legislators were elected to serve the people’s interests and not their own.

    “We are representatives of the people. They voted us to be their voice in the state. We must engage with them regularly, take their feedback, and report back on our activities,” he noted.

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    He explained that the annual stakeholders’ meeting, now in its 10th year, provides a platform for legislators to brief constituents, deliberate on community issues such as child abuse, drug abuse, and security, and receive fresh inputs to guide policymaking.

    Highlighting his interventions in education, health, and entrepreneurship, Yishawu disclosed that his office provides 1,000 JAMB forms, 300 GCE forms, and scholarships for students who secure university admission annually.

    He added that vocational training programmes, digital skills acquisition, and entrepreneurial support for traders and artisans have continued to empower residents of Eti-Osa.

    “From scholarships to vocational equipment, from youth empowerment to digital training labs, our goal is to provide opportunities for growth and self-reliance. These initiatives ensure that no young person has an excuse not to pursue education or a skill,” he said.

    Yishawu presented financial support to 15 students from his constituency who recently gained admission into higher institutions, some of whom had earlier benefitted from the free JAMB forms distributed by his office.

    He further urged residents to protect public infrastructure and hold leaders accountable, describing governance as “a two-way street” that requires active participation of both citizens and their representatives.

    Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), commended the initiative of the 10th Town Hall Meeting, describing it as a vital forum for constituents to interact with government.

    “I am pleased with the performance of our representative in the Assembly, Gbolahan Yishawu, and I urge residents to continue supporting him,” Olusi said, while also encouraging Lagosians who have yet to do so to take advantage of the ongoing INEC registration exercise.