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Category: South West

  • Ajisafe returns as Southwest PDP chair

    Ajisafe returns as Southwest PDP chair

    • Regions’ delegates elect new excos at Ibadan zonal congress

    Kamorudeen Ajisafe has been returned unopposed as the zonal chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest during the party’s elective zonal congress held yesterday at Emeritus Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, opposite University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

    The congress, which saw the return of most incumbent office holders, with only a few changes, was conducted peacefully under the supervision of former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel, who served as chairman of the Electoral Committee and chief electoral officer.

    Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the exercise, which was conducted amid tight security.

    Delegates from six Southwest states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti—were present at the congress, which was widely described as peaceful, well-organised and a demonstration of party unity.

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and his Osun counterpart, Governor Ademola Adeleke, hailed the party for its resilience and commitment to unity despite the ongoing internal challenges.

    They praised the spirit of cooperation that led to Ajisafe’s uncontested re-election.

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    Makinde lauded the peaceful conduct of the zonal congress to elect the party’s zonal executives for the next four years, noting that the Southwest PDP had given a foretaste of how the party’s National Convention would go later in the year.

    He said the conduct of the congress showed that Southwest would always lead the way in how democracy should be practised.

    Makinde said: “This elective congress is basically a funfair for us; it is for us to show the way democracy should be practised in Nigeria. So, Southwest is leading the way.

    “We are about to witness a rancour-free elective congress. All the people that are supposed to be here are here. INEC is here observing what we are doing and the security agents are here. This is democracy at its peak.

    “I can only wish the party well. This is a foundation we are about to lay and I believe this will also show the way towards what the PDP will do at the National Convention.”

    Governor Adeleke commended the peaceful election, saying the rancour-free process should be a lesson for other zones.

    He said: “Four years ago, things were not like this. But today, I am very happy and we can give glory to God Almighty for making it possible for us.

    “We want to send a signal to other states that in the Southwest, we speak with one voice. My brother (Governor ‘Seyi Makinde) and I love each other and speak with one voice so that other zones can emulate us.

    “Everybody came from different places to the capital city of the defunct Western Region and of course Southwest. This is a city full of history and another history has been made today. All the people that were elected today were chosen without rancour.”

    The election also saw re-emergence of Obagunwa Muyiwa as the Zonal Secretary, while Alhaja Bosede Adedibu was re-elected as the Zonal Woman Leader.

    Other executive members re-elected in the process included Adeyemo Adetunji (Zonal Treasurer), Yaya Adeleke (Zonal Financial Secretary) and Atofarati Olusanya (Zonal Publicity Secretary), among others.

    Giving his acceptance speech after he was declared validly elected, Ajisafe promised not to deviate from the rules and regulations of the PDP, assuring members that the party would work hard to win more states in the zone.

    He appreciated Governors Makinde and Adeleke for their support and encouragement, promising to serve meritoriously and move the party forward.

    The Chairman of Southwest Zonal Electoral Committee and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel, lauded the party leaders and stakeholders for their commitment and efforts to foster unity in the party.

    The congress was attended by leaders of the party from the zone, including former Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Olabode George, members of the PDP BOT, members of the National Working Committee from the zone, serving and former National Assembly members, House of Assembly members and local government chairmen from the six states, among others.

  • Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Fagbemi, others extol ex-AGF’s Ajibola’s virtues

    Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Fagbemi, others extol ex-AGF’s Ajibola’s virtues

    Eminent Nigerians have extolled the viruses of a former jurist at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), The Hague, Prince Bola Ajibola.

    They described him as a man of many parts who made feasible impacts as a lawyer, a judge, president, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation and founder, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    They spoke in Lagos last week at a book launch in his honour: “Tribulations and Trophies, Bola Ajibola in His own Words!”, an autobiography of the former AGF.  

    In his remarks, former President Olusegun Obasanjọ, said the late lawyer lived a life worth living. 

    Obasanjo, who shared stories of their upbringing, added that Ajibola’s legacies were loud enough for people to see.

    “Bola was committed to excellence and hard work. He was given outstanding performance and attainments. His legacies were worth emulating.”

    “Those of you who knew Bola, would agree that he was one of the most humorous human beings, who laughed and made others laugh at him.”

    According to him, Ajibola was a great dreamer, who always achieved his set goals, adding that reflected in all that he did.

    Also, the immediate vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) described Ajibola as a symbol of truth, trustworthiness, hard work, vision, and a goal-getter. 

    According to him, Prince Ajibola believed in project Nigeria and he remained so till he passed on. 

    “I worked closely with Prince Ajibola and I can attest to his unquenchable drive for hard work, diligence, promptness and forthrightness. 

    “He was a man of many parts, yet, excelled in all areas he decided to venture into.

    “As a bar man, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, a judge, an educationist, among others, he attained excellence”, he said.

    Former Lagos State governor and two-term minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who recommended the book for all said, Ajibola was a man of many parts and indisputably, a giant.

    “He was a role model for many of us in the legal profession.

    “He was born a leader and an actualiser, who stood against unfavorable policies.

    “He found opportunities in many adversities.

    “Prince Ajibola was also a man of excellence and distinction.

    As a bar man, he was consummate in all that he did.

    The incumbent Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Lateef Fagbemi described Ajibola as a reformer and an achiever, whose legacies in the justice sector live on.

    According to him, the ministry of justice under Ajibola’s headship went through several reforms that remain an inspiration to him and many other legal practitioners in the country.

    “He was a man of sterling qualities, impeccable character and integrity, who was always speaking the truth.

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    “In the Ministry of Justice, the records are there. He did so much in terms of law reforms, in the establishment of critical agencies and giving advice to the authorities at critique time.

    “Every lawyer should strive to emulate this great man, who did so much in Nigeria and beyond.”

    The scion of the late Ajibola, Adesegun (SAN) said he was happy for having the author as his father.

    He said his father’s legacies speak for themselves, adding that the children decided to publish the book his father wrote while alive to give further insight of himself to the public.

    “His national life is out there, his service speaks for itself and the heart of generosity with which he related with people was clearly stated in the book.”

    “He was selfless, and he felt the general public should benefit from. Otherwise, of what benefit was it to him to have established a university at the age of 70 years? That again, showed his person.”

  • Ekiti lawmaker seeks revival of Omoluabi values

    Ekiti lawmaker seeks revival of Omoluabi values

    A lawmaker representing Ado Constituency 1 in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Ayodeji Adegbite, has called for a statewide campaign to revive Omoluabi values and ethos.

    Adegbite said the Yoruba value system embodies integrity, honesty, and respect for elders.

    According to him, the re-awakening of the Omoluabi values is necessary to combat the rising wave of anti-social behaviour among youths in the state.

    Hon Adegbite made the call while moving a motion on the need to revitalise and promote the concept of Omoluabi among children and youths in Ekiti State.

    Hon Adegbite’s motion was seconded by Hon Temitope Longe, representing Oye Constituency 1, who described the Omoluabi value system as a concept that embodies the best of Yoruba culture and tradition.

    Adegbite lamented that the erosion of these values has led to various negative effects, including cybercrime, internet fraud, cultism, drug abuse, and money rituals.

    “We need to take the bull by the horns and embark on a statewide sensitisation and campaign programme to promote Omoluabi values,” Hon Adegbite said. “This will help to guide our youths towards the paths of integrity, excellence, and responsible citizenship.”

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    Adegbite urged the Ministry of Education, Information, and Value Orientation to take the lead in organising the campaign, which he believes will help to safeguard Ekiti’s cultural values and protect the future of its youths.

    He equally admonished his colleagues in the Assembly to rise against the menace by safeguarding the cultural values and protecting the future of the youths through the revitalization of the moral compass in our society and guiding the next generation towards the paths of integrity, excellence, and responsible citizenship.

  • Court revokes Oyo monarch’s co-defendants’ bail

    Court revokes Oyo monarch’s co-defendants’ bail

    An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan on Monday revoked the bail granted to two of the defendants standing trial along with Oba Solomon Akinola, the Oloko of Oko in a case of alleged land grabbing and attempted murder.

    The two defendants whose bail was revoked are Chief Sunday Aderinto and Adejare Adeleru.

    Other defendants in the case are: Chief Jimoh Asimiyu, Timothy Aderinto, Matthew Akintaro, Rafiu Ganiyu,Samson Ogunmola, Zacheus Adeleru, Kamorudeen Ajibade, Raji Rasaq, Mutiu Arowosaye, Oyeyemi Oyelekan, Olusegun Oyelekan and Sheriff Adio.

    Justice Kareem Adedokun revoked the bail of the two defendants after he was informed by the prosecutor, Mr Isa AbdulAzeez that the duo were among those that launched fresh attack on Aagba community on April 5.

    The judge stated that bail could be revoked when a defendant facing trial commits a fresh offence.

    He ordered the two defendants to be remanded in Agodi correctional facility.

    Adedokun further issued a bench warrant on Timothy Aderinto, the fourth defendant, Matthew Akintaro, the fifth defendant,Rafiu Ganiyu, the six defendant, Samson Ogunmola, seventh defendant, Zacheus Adeleru, the nineth defendant and Sheriff Adio, the 15th defendant for their absence in court.

    The court stated that Akintaro popularly called Paimo who had been constantly absent from court proceedings on the excuse of being mentally unstable must be brought to court on the next adjourned date either dead or alive.

    He subsequently adjourned the case until May 13 for the definite hearing of the defence.

    The prosecutor, AbdulAzeez had told the court that a fresh attack was launched on Aagba village which led to the burning down of no fewer than nine houses including the house of Baale of Aagba, Chief Adesola Ajiboye.

    He further said that the incident claimed the life of a 70 year-old woman, Madam Rachael Bamidele, and the destruction of many other properties

    In his response, the defence counsel, Hakeem Sabana said that he was not aware of the fresh attack, adding that he was no longer representing the first, second,third and the seventh defendants.

    Chief Adesola Ajiboye, the Baale of Aagba, who is an eye witness and a victim of the fresh attack also told the court that his house, property, and car were burnt and the only thing left with him was the cloth he put on to the court.

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    He also stated the background of the incident is that Oba Solomon Akinola, who allegedly sent thugs to carry out the attack wanted to forcefully annex Aagba land to Oko land despite losing the case up till the Supreme Court.

    The people of Aagba along with Tropical Farm Limited had in November 2023 instituted a case against the defendants on the alleged invasion of their community.

    It was alleged that the invaders were on the order of Oba Akinola, Oloko of Oko.

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) had directed the police to investigate the matter and handed the investigation to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) who ordered the Oyo State Ministry of Justice to take over the prosecution.(End)

  • Why I’m perfect candidate for chairmanship of Ikosi/Isheri LCDA – Adetunji

    Why I’m perfect candidate for chairmanship of Ikosi/Isheri LCDA – Adetunji

    A chairmanship aspirant in Ikosi/Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon Babatunde Adetunji, has shed light on why it is the turn of Isheri to occupy the post.

    Adetunji, who is vying under the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been in active politics for over two decades.

    He explained the peculiarity of Ikosi/Isheri LCDA as a “twin” local government, arguing that Ikosi, one half of the communities that form the LCDA, has been at the helm of affairs since its creation in 2003.

    “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a great master planner. If you look at what has been happening in Lagos State, the state has the senatorial districts and His Excellency, the President, makes sure that the governorship rotates among the senatorial districts. Why? It is for equitable development and to make sure that one side does not feel cheated,” Adetunji said.

    “The agitation that we have in our local government is that it is a twin local government; Ikosi and Isheri. Like I have been saying, Ikosi has been doing it since the creation of the local government.

    “That was in 2003 and we are now in 2025. My own view point is that we should allow equitable distribution, equitable representation, so at this time, I feel that Isheri should be given the opportunity to do it,” he added.

    Adetunji said he is the most qualified to occupy the chairmanship seat given his longstanding political participation in the APC.

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    According to him: “I’ve been fully involved since 2006. I’ve contested the primaries for the house of assembly, I did a lot of running around, I met a lot of people; made friends. And since 2006, I’ve remained consistent with the party. I’ve done everything possible to reach out to people that I know are involved in politics, since 2006, even until now.

    “And now, I just have that feeling that they are all waiting for me to emerge and I can tell you that the moment I’m the candidate, there will be a different political interest in Ikosi/Isheri. The enthusiasm for people to come out to vote will increase once I become the flag bearer of APC.”

    He, however, said he would obey the decision of the leadership of the party if its view of the matter is contrary to his.

    “If the leadership says there is a different person, leadership decision is sacrosanct. Whatever the leadership says, that is where I will go,” he noted.

    The politician boasts of special connection with his constituents, who he said cannot wait to have his name on the ballot in the upcoming chairmanship election.

    “I’m a grassroots man, who connects with the people, irrespective of background, religion and occupation. And that is one of the reasons that people have so much respect for me, because of my integrity. That is why my campaign slogan or campaign nickname is ‘Omoluabi Pataki’.

    “I will never tell you what I cannot do. Whatever I say is what I’ll do and I will stand by it. So I have a lot of people that are looking up to the time that Omoluabi will be given that opportunity and I believe “the time is now,”Adetunji said.

  • Why I joined Oyo APC, by Kareem

    Why I joined Oyo APC, by Kareem

    Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem, popularly known as ‘AKK’ said he joined All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, ahead of the 2027 elections for alignment with ideals and fulfill the desire to contribute meaningfully to governance.

    A statement by AKK noted that his decision to joined APC followed extensive consultations and personal reflection.

    He stated that APC has vision for good governance, emphasising on the party’s economic diversification and infrastructure development.

    He said he had been reflecting on this views in his public writings and political engagements, describing his entry into the APC as deliberate step towards actualising a shared vision for progress in Oyo State.

    While acknowledging challenges facing the party, Kareem maintained that these do not undermine its potential to deliver impactful governance.

    AKK also said his official entry into the APC would be celebrated with a grand rally on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, as members of the Aseyori Support Group (ASG) are expected to join him in large numbers, marching from the AKK House to the party’s state secretariat in Oke Ado, Ibadan, to show their support political figure.

    He further emphasised readiness to abide by the party’s structure and to contribute both his influence and the widespread support he commands across Oyo State to the APC’s objectives.

    According to him, the defection signifies a merger between personal vision and a broader political framework aimed at driving reforms and development in the state.

    He reiterated commitment to prioritising the welfare of the people of Oyo State, stressing that his move to the APC is a strategic partnership geared towards delivering practical results and ensuring governance that responds to the needs of the people.

    The statement reads: “This is a decision crystallised to define an important step in a journey long dedicated to the service of the people. After wider consultation across board and much reflection, I, Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem, wish to announce my entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party whose programs align with the ideals articulated in my writings over the past months.

    “This is not a leap taken lightly but a deliberate alignment with a platform that, despite its imperfections, offers a framework to pursue sustainable progress and growth in the affairs of the people. The APC’s vision, however tested, I believe mirrors my own: a commitment to governance that uplifts, unites, and innovates.

    “My entry will not just be a membership; it is a pledge to amplify these shared aspirations in the interest of the good people of Oyo State.

    “As I have previously opined in one of my earlier writings, political parties are not mere vehicles for power; they are ecosystems for ideas to take root and have solutions bloom or wither, if neglected. The APC has championed initiatives like economic diversification and infrastructure renewal, echoes of which can be traced in my past calls for transformative leadership.

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    “Yes, the party grapples with challenges at the federal level economic strains, public discontent, among others, are no secrets yet these are not indictments of intent, but rather tests of resolve. I join not to gloss over these hurdles but to lend my voice and wit to their resolution. Nation-building demands collaboration, and the APC, I believe, with its vast network, offers a stage to turn rhetoric into remedy.

    “Again, there will be a grand entry into the APC, which will be no quiet affair. God willing, on Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, thousands of Aseyori Support Group (ASG) members will be dressed in astonishing Ankara, vests, and white or green dress, moving in unison from the AKK House to the APC Oyo State Secretariat in Oke Ado, Ibadan. It will be a spectacle of solidarity, an affirmation of the collective spirit that has always fuelled my mission to lead our dear state.

    “Over the past months, I’ve worked and coordinated to have many loyal combatants as my shield our supporters are drawn from every corner of Oyo State and share in my vision. They are beyond numbers in the six geopolitical zones; they are the heartbeat of a movement that sees progress as a collective pursuit.

    “Throughout my adulthood, I have built a truth as my ideology I am aware that rules are the spine of any social order. Political parties, like the APC, thrive on this reality with the belief that structure breeds strength. I am coming into this fold ready to abide by its code and progressive ideology, bringing not just compliance but a spark to its engine.

    “I am convinced that my popularity and the trust I’ve earned from the people aren’t trinkets to flaunt they’re tools to hoist the APC’s cause higher, both in Oyo State and across Nigeria. With my ASG’s full-of-life supporters steadfast, spirited, and legion I’ll fuse my reach with the party’s mission and turn vision into victories.

    “The focus remains razor-sharp; the good people of Oyo State are the centrepiece of this journey. They’re why I’m here, why I’ve pledged reforms to lift their lives jobs, roads, dignity and I can’t steer that ship solo. A political party is the hull, and I’m subscribing myself beneath APC’s canopy to sail these promises home.

    “We can, together, push for growth and progress for our dear state, institute a pact with the people, sealed by action, powered by unity, and crowned by results. This is a call to readiness not only for ASG members or the people of Oyo, but for anyone who believes that governance can be more than optics. My arrival into the APC is a bridge between past promises and future possibilities a fusion of ideology and action.

    “The party’s history, from its 2015 triumph to its current trials, teaches that power without purpose is hollow; I aim to infuse it with both. On Tuesday, 3rd June 2025, when we march from AKK House to Oke Ado, we carry more than the AKK emblem we represent a vision of a state, and indeed a nation, where every headache is a collective one, and every solution is a victory shared together in the progressive folds. The APC is my new home, and together, we will build something worthy of the name ‘progress.’ Please join me on this journey. Thank you so much.”

  • Lions Club holds medical outreach

    Lions Club holds medical outreach

    Lagos Achievers Lions Club in Obalende area of Lagos State has held a medical outreach for members of the community and people living in the neighbourhood.

    President of the club, Imeobong Oluyemi, said the programme was targeted at 1,000 beneficiaries, adding that it was inspired by the outcome of needs assessment exercise carried out in the community.

    “A lot of them told us they had medical issues, but were not able to find time to see a doctor, or get medications; so we decided as a club to come over and give them free medical attention.”

    Oluyemi said the club could cater for more than 1,000 patients, especially with the support of Health Extra Medical Services, a medical services company.

    Chairman, Planning Committee for the event, Silvia Effah, said the club settled for Obalende community because Lions Clubs were community-based.

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    She said the outreach focused on checking patients’ basic vitals such as diabetes/sugar test and BP test.

    She said the club was compiling a database and would follow up on those with serious cases.

    Founder/CEO Health Extra Medical services, Dr. Credo Obiefuna, whose organisation provided support of medical experts and medication, said: “We decided to join Lions Club in the outreach because we realise it is a very good cause.”

    A Senior Registrar, Paediatrics Oncology Department, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Oladunni Okoduga, gave a talk on Childhood Cancer.

    Other supporters of the project are Assene Laborex, May & Baker, Emzor Pharamaceutical , EHA clinics and Colexa Biosensor, who donated pharmaceutical medications, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

  • Aspirant lauds Ibadan Northeast APC chair

    Aspirant lauds Ibadan Northeast APC chair

    The 2023 Oyo State House of Assembly aspirant and a stalwart of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan Northeast Local Government, Mr. Adewale Adegoke, has eulogised the Chairman of the party, Azeez Elewure.

    He described him as a fountain of grace in APC.

    In a birthday message issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Com. Durodola Abduljelil, Adegoke said Elewure’s leadership had been adjudged the best in grassroots administration in Ibadan Northeast.

    He said the leadership of the party under the chairman had formed bedrock for growth and development in the party.

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    The politician, popularly called ‘Alakowe’, said: “There is no doubt; Elewure is a good person with good heart. He supports vision to fruition at all times. He is a huge fountain of grace to APC in Ibadan Northeast, Oyo State and Nigeria.”

    He said Elewure usually sought peace and progress of members of the party. He appreciated him for rallying for his support in the build up to his 2023 political aspiration.

    Adegoke prayed for good health and knowledge for Elewure ‘’so that APC can regain power in 2027 in Oyo State.’’

  • Lagos underscores commitment to challenge-free retirement

    Lagos underscores commitment to challenge-free retirement

    Lagos State Head of Service (HoS), Mr Olabode Agoro, has reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to a challenge-free retirement process for civil servants. 

    Speaking yesterday at an interactive session with retirees at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Agoro emphasised government’s commitment to supporting civil servants throughout their career and in retirement.

    He said the initiative reflected the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the government’s commitment to empowering every segment of the society, to ensure no one was left behind.

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    The HoS said the interactive session with the theme: ‘Unlocking Retirees’ Potentials: Food Security and Entrepreneurship’, ‘’has always provided opportunities for retirees to have an insight into their area of concern, come up with ways to address themselves and get useful feedback on how well they have dealt with such concerns.’’

    Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, said the interaction would enable retirees to know areas they could venture into even in retirement.

    Guest lecturer, who is a former permanent secretary in Lagos State civil service, Dr. Olajide Bashorun, hailed the efforts of the state government in implementing robust welfare measures for serving and retired civil servants.

  • Olunloyo will get state burial, says Makinde

    Olunloyo will get state burial, says Makinde

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde says a former governor of the state, Dr Omololu Olunloyo, who died on April 6, will be honoured with a befitting state burial.

    Makinde said this yesterday when he paid a condolence visit to the deceased’s family in Molete, Ibadan.

    He said his administration and the deceased’s family had begun arrangements for the state funeral that would reflect the legacy and stature of the late elder statesman.

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    Makinde described Olunloyo as a towering figure in Oyo State’s political and intellectual history.

    He noted that the contributions of the deceased to governance, Mathematics and public service spanned decades and inspired many.

    The governor said Olunloyo was not just a former governor, “but a brilliant mind, a respected leader, and a symbol of integrity and excellence.”

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Makinde was received by Mrs Aderonke Olunloyo, the widow.