The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has inaugurated a seven-man committee to reconcile aggrieved party members over the outcome of the primary.

The committee will conclude its work before the campaign committee for the 2023 general elections will be constituted.

Chairman Ade Adetimehin, who inaugurated the committee, said every issue relating to the primaries will be addressed. He urged the committee to ‘painstakingly look into the post-primaries issues of our party and massage any aspirant that might be aggrieved by the processes of the exercise’.

Adetimehin also told the committee to address every agitation on merit and without bias.

He said: “A political party presents a platform that could be utilised any day, so long the party remains in power. Those who have gone to court should be persuaded to opt for out of court settlement. We want you to complete the assignment before setting up the campaign committee for the general elections.”

Committee Chairman Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo appealed to Adetimehin and the state executives to help them succeed.

Other members of the committee are Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Samuel Aderoboye (Secretary); Olayato Aribo, Prof. Tope Akinaw; Erelu Modupe Martins; Otito Atikase and Idowu Adebusoye.

The committee has five weeks to complete its assignment.

The Printing and Publishing Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is partnering with Ogun State to establish a paper mill.

Group Chairperson Mrs. Layo Okeowo said this when her team visited the state’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

Okeowo said LCCI had indicated interest in investing in the paper mill value chain in the state. She sought the allocation of 20 hectares of land from the government as its equity contribution toward establishment of a modern and functional paper mill.

According to her, the demand for paper and related products in Nigeria has grown to more than three million metric tonnes annually. She added that the installed production capacity had stagnated at 200,000 metric tonnes, thus making importation of raw materials and finished products inevitable.

“According to investment analysts, 4.3 million worth of investment machinery can produce 100 metric tonnes of paper per day,” she noted.

Okeowo added that paper products were being imported with scarce foreign exchange to meet the country’s current demands due to inadequate capacity, weak production and lack of enough investment in the sector.

She added: “LCCI’s plan to establish a modern and functional paper mill in Ogun is in line with the actualisation of the industrialisation agenda and the public private sector partnership framework of the government.

“The establishment of the paper mill will create opportunities for inclusive economic participation as well as engender direct and indirect jobs. It will also support the revenue drive of the government by facilitating income and wealth creation, which will sustain the economic development outcome.

“It will also bolster the industrial profile of the state as the industrial hub of Nigeria.”

Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment Mrs. Kikelomo Longe thanked LCCI for its resolve to partner with the government by establishing the firm in the state. She assured the group of government’s assistance in ensuring that the business thrived.

According to her, the setting up of a paper mill will further strengthen the relationship between Lagos and Ogun states, and create job opportunities.

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said the agro-allied cargo airport under construction will be opened before his tenure expires in October.

Fayemi, who spoke yesterday after an inspection tour of the airport and other projects in Ado- Ekiti, said he was delighted at the level of work done at the airport, and confident that the project will be delivered before he left office.

He added that various legacy projects of his administration were designed to completely change the character of the state by turning it to an economic zone.

The governor added that the idea of knowledge zone was about using knowledge for wealth creation in the drive to turn the state to a destination of choice for innovation and creativity, startup activities, talent city for engineers and medical tourism in line with the Afe Babalola multi-systems hospital.

According to Fayemi, the airport’s 3.2km runway was built with the capacity to accommodate all types of aircraft. He added that the airport will also have facilities for the Air Force to operate, as well as for maintenance and associated engineering components.

He added: “This is a routine visit again both to the knowledge zone and the international cargo airport, and I am here with one of our private sector partners, Managing Director of Axxess International, Cavista, Mr. John Olajide and his team, they are collaborating with us on the private sector aspect of this.

“The runway is completely done, the terminal building is progressing, and from what the project manager has just told me, they are still on course to completing this in September and just in time before we exit, but whatever is left, I have no fear again, I know the incoming administration wioll continue at pace with the vision that we’ve espoused for this.

“This is going to change the character of this state completely, and it’s going to make this a special economic zone that is linked to the knowledge zone, almost an Aerotropolis of all range of facilities.”

Other projects visited by the governor included the Knowledge Zone, Harding Memorial College and one of the just completed Secretariat complexes that is billed for commissioning before the end of his administration.

Some stakeholders in the Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have called on the Senator Iyorcha Ayu-led National Working Committee (NWC) to intervene in the crisis rocking the party.

The stakeholders, under the auspices of The Atiku Mobilisers (TAM), regretted the polarisation of the party in the state into factions, and said it was necessary for the national leadership to intervene and bring the warring camps together.

Some members of the State Working Committee (SWC) loyal to former Governor Ayodele Fayose, on Monday elected Alaba Agboola, a known protégé of Senator Biodun Olujimi, as factional chairman. And in another meeting convened in Ado-Ekiti by anti-Fayose forces in the SWC, former Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area, Deji Ogunsakin, was elected factional chairman.

The internal squabbles have largely been interpreted to be a resonation of the crisis between presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, a known Fayose ally.

But a communiqué issued after its Wednesday meeting, and signed by 22 members of the group, said neither the group nor its principal has anything to do with the internal crisis in Ekiti PDP.

Prominent among the signatories are former Assembly Speaker and Acting Governor Tunji Odeyemi; former Deputy Governor Sikuru Lawal; former party Chairmen Makanjuola Ogundipe and Idowu Faleye, former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. modupe Alade, a former Commissioner, Segun Akinwumi, among others.

The communiqué reads: “Rising from today’s meeting, we note with dismay the unhealthy political situation in our party, where two factions are rearing their ugly heads. We make bold to say that the unity of our party to deliver on its victory in 2023 is paramount to our group. To this end, our group is not in support of any of the factions presently constituted. More than before, our party needs peace in Ekiti State.

“We cannot encourage the factionalisation of our party at this election year. We, therefore, resolved that the situation must be called to order. The NWC is hereby called to please intervene to douse the lingering tension.

“Our group believes such step will help to sustain the party, and assuage the feelings of members in readiness for the 2023 general elections.”

 

Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, has fixed July 26 to deliver judgment on the impeachment suit brought before it by Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan.

The court fixed the date after hearing counsels involved on the originating summons and interlocutory injunctions on the propriety of an impeachment proceedings embarked upon by the House of Assembly.

The court also rejected an application by the lawmaker representing Oorelope State Constituency, Lateef Adebunmi, who sought to be joined in the suit as the fourth co-defendant.

Adebunmi’s lawyer, Sunday Aborishade, told the court that not granting the application to be joined in the suit before hearing the substantive suit will amount to injustice and denial of fair hearing. He noted that the implications of the matter had been deposited before the court.

While Olaniyan’s lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu asked for time to respond appropriately to the application, having been served in court on Wednesday morning, the defendants lawyer, Otunba Kunle Kalejaiye, opposed the application on the grounds that it is not relevant to the matter.

According to Kalejaiye, the application is part of the ploy by the claimant to waste more time before the substantive suit is heard. He urged the court to begin with the scheduled business of the day which was the hearing of the originating summons and interlocutory injunctions, however adding that he was ready to oppose the application headlong even if the court chooses to grant it.

After much deliberation, Justice Akintola for a recess to enable him write his ruling.

Reconvening about 45 minutes later, Justice Akintola said the lawmaker’s application to be joined as fourth co-defendant will not be entertained because he is relevant to the matters before the court.

He also rejected the application for adjournment by Chief Fashanu, who told the court that the House of Assembly, in obvious disregard to subsisting status quo order, had directed the Chief Judge, Muntar Abimbola, to set up an investigative panel on Olaniyan.

Fashanu called the court’s attention to social media reports of the motion adopted during plenary at the House of Assembly, saying the lawmakers had shown disregard for the court. He therefore urged the court to adjourn the hearing as he planned joining other parties in the suit before the court would hear the matter.

But Kalejaiye opposed the request on the ground that no court will adjourn a matter for the litigant to join another party as the matter is fully constituted.

After consultation with the lawyers, the court adjourned till July 26 to give its judgment on the matter. It was however silent on the status quo order earlier issued on the impeachment proceedings.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has directed the Chief Judge to set up a seven-man panel to investigate Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan over allegations of gross misconduct brought against him.

This is coming despite an order of the court for the Assembly to maintain Status quo on the impeachment proceedings.

The motion was jointly sponsored by Majority Leade Sanjo Adedoyin and Akintunde Olajide (Lagelu).

While reading the motion, Adedoyin said the deputy governor had not responded to the allegations. His claim however contradicts an earlier report by the House that the deputy governor had submitted a response to the allegations.

The motion reads: “With this development, the House needs to invoke the provision specified in Section 188(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”

The Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, said the matter was no longer in the House as it has been handed over to the Chief Judge, Justice Muntar Abimbola.

“We have no say whether the deputy governor is guilty or not. The issue will be determined by the seven-member panel to be constituted by the Chief Judge. We are only working in line with the constitution. We will only act upon the report submitted within or at the expiration of the three months.

“We are not in a position to judge in this case. We will ensure due process is followed. The vote was unanimous and we shall wait for the outcome of the investigation and report of the panel.”

The House thereafter adjourned till the July 19.

As part of the preparation for the 2023 gubernatorial election, the Young Progressives Party has begun its consultation in various regions in Oyo state.

Earlier, the flagbearer for the Young Progressive Party for the Oyo Gubernatorial election, Kehinde Ogunniyi, and deputy, Olamide Agbomeji began their visitation from the Office of the Iyaloja General of Oyo state, Alhaja Saratulahi Aduke in her house in Ibadan.

While yesterday, the flagbearer of the Party, Kehinde Ogunniyi, his deputy, Olamide Agbomeji, and other stakeholders in the party visited the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Dr. Abd Ganiy Adekunle Salau, Ajinase 1 and also met with the Ikolaba of Iseyinland, High Chief Ismail Odubiyi in his palace at Iseyin.

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In the Aseyin’s Palace, Kehinde Ogunniyi declared his intention of leading the youth’s emergence in the political space. He assured the traditional ruler of focusing on “youth investment and providing enabling environment for them to thrive among others”.

Aseyin ably represented by High Chief Ismail Odubiyi said, “It’s our turn in Oke Ogun, it’s the youth’s turn and we will render support needed”.

Later, the YPP gubernatorial candidate and his deputy made a trip to the palace of the King of Ago Aare, Oba Dr. Abodurin Kofoworola where the Aare Ona Council Chairman, J.K Adetoro observed that there is unity in diversity. He said, “we need to be united and stop thinking that we have little power, together Ants form a mob. We were the success of Ajimobi’s election and we are promising you our support and you will succeed”.

At the Ajowirin of Ìràwò palace, the monarch assured Ogunniyi and YPP of his support as he claimed, “you are the son of the land, your late father was so supportive, we will support you with all we have, this is a clarion call for every Oke Ogun Citizen to support our own and to benefit”.

The Onitede of Tede in his remark said, “You’re my son and I’m in support of you. Your success is guaranteed, take my words around to all the Kings in Oke Ogun that I endorse you”.

Wife of the Lagos State Governor Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has urged women to assume their rightful position and contribute their quota to the country’s development.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu made the call yesterday during the annual Muslim Sisters’ seminar with the theme ‘Women: Nurturing Lives to Secure a Better Future’, organised by her office.

The First Lady said the seminar was conceived in line with the vision of her Office to impact lives and build legacies, adding that it was carefully planned to serve as forerunner to the Eid-el-Adha which exemplifies sacrifice, love, unity, and wilful obedience to Allah’s command.

She added: “As an Office, we came to the inalienable conclusion to use this solemn season to sensitise Muslim women on contemporary social issues that affect our communities, especially to proffer solutions that will engender sustainable and positive change in our dear state and country.

“From the feedback about the inaugural edition last year, the seminar came in handy at expanding conversations around the expected role of women in bringing about a happy home, and also how they can contribute to national development. This year’s theme is ‘Women: Nurturing Lives to Secure a Better Future’, and I make bold to say that this speaks for itself about the strategic role of women in ensuring a better future for the younger generation and our society by extension.

“Judging by the contemporary issues that mothers grapple with, in training and appropriately guiding the millennial who are born in a world without social media and computers, but witnessed its evolution, and the Gen Zs who are born into a world with this technology, parenting today requires skills to match up with the pace of the younger generation.”

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu urged parents to strive and be at par, and even think ahead of their children ‘who are now smarter than their age as a result of the exposure they have had owing to interaction with social media and their peers’.

“Issues about drug abuse, sexual abuse, and other immoralities are traceable to their exposure to social media. Therefore, parents must look out for red flags and early signs. “Most importantly, the reality of today has made it imperative for all parents and guardians to imbue in their children and wards the virtues of love of God, respect for the rights of others, and prayers without ceasing. A family that prays together stays together and achieves phenomenal victory together,” she added.

The President of Eko Centennial Lions Club, Lion Lukman Olabiyi, has called on influential Nigerians to use their influence and effluence to serve and uplift the less-privileged.

Lion Olabiyi made the call when he led members of the club to donate relief materials to inmates of the Lagos State Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Agric, Ikorodu, to mark the beginning of the new Lion’s year which starts July 1.

Olabiyi said Lions Club understands its roles in the society, and so will continue to help the needy. He also urged the three tiers of government to be more committed to the cause of the less-privileged.

He added: “Kindness is free, let’s give it; it is only when we give that we get more; giving is living. If God has raised our standards of living, let’s raise the standard of our giving.

“Let all wealthy Nigerians come and join the Lions Club International to give back to the society. It is a place to serve the needy whole-heartedly. There are so many people seeking our help, we should rise up to help.

“Ours is a commitment to humanitarian service in our communities. We are passionate about the causes of the less-privileged and the commoners in our communities.”

Olabiyi also implored Nigerians to jettison the perception that someone needs to be a millionaire before he or she can join Lions Club, stressing that anyone who can buy drinks and share among people is qualified to be a member of the club.

An official of the rehabilitation centre, Arole Olamide, thanked the club for the gesture and also sought for more support from the organisation.

Justice O.A Adetujoye of Court 14, Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, has ordered a property development company, Adron Homes and Properties Limited, from trespassing, developing, meddling or interfering on the 594.757 hectares Olawoyin Orogun family land in Agangan Olawoyin Oleyo, Odo-Ona area of Ibadan.

Also affected by the interlocutory injunction is Mrs. Taibatu Oje, who was sued on behalf of herself and the entire Oje family.

The court also ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive case while ruling on a Motion on Notice filed on April 4, 2022, by a lawyer, Olugbenga Makinde, on behalf of 10 families including Adediran, Faniyi, Oke and Ojokaro.

Other families involved are Baba Ode, Adewole, Oyarinde, Esugbohun, Oparayi and Aba-N-gbe. The families are contesting a land which they claim belongs to their family but had been sold to other people.

Makinde had filed the Motion on Notice, asking the court for an order restraining Adron Homes and Properties Ltd, and Mrs. Oje, or their agents and privies, from interfering, entering or carrying out any activity on the disputed land pending the determination of the case, as well as any order the court may deem fit in the circumstance of the suit.

In his written address, Makinde had formulated ‘one issue for determination; whether the claimants are entitled to the preservatory order, adding that the granting of an interlocutory order is at the discretion of the court upon satisfaction of the principle of existence of legal right, serious issue to be tried in the substantive suit, having shown that damages cannot be an adequate compensation for injury if case succeeds, having shown that conduct is not reprehensible and after giving undertaking as to damages’.

But ADRON’s lawyer, Kehinde Olawumi, argued that interlocutory injunction does not exist as a tool to be used by a party to deprive another party the enjoyment of quiet and peaceful possession of a property.

The court, in its ruling, held that the damages may be inadequate to compensate either the claimants or even the subscribers on the land if the application is not granted, adding that “I am of the firm view that in the instant case, there will be irreparable loss which damages cannot compensate on the part of the claimants and the subscribers of ADRON Homes scheme.”

Men of the Amotekun Corps at the local government command in Isale-Osun, Osogbo, Osun State, were yesterday attacked by thugs.

A statement by the field commander, Amitolu Shittu, said: “The masked thugs alighted from a branded party SUV with dangerous weapons. They fired a close-range bullet on one Amotekun personnel, Adebisi, and Field Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, with new pump-action guns.

“The thugs said Chairperson of Osogbo South LCDA, Bolaji Jimoh, is conniving with an officer of the National Population Commission (NPC). They tried to bring Jimoh out but they were restricted by the Amotekun personnel, this led to the attack on the Amotekun personnel and boss.”

Amitolu appealed to all political parties saying, ‘they must see Amotekun as an outfit that belongs to all. It’s our responsibility to protect the lives and property of everyone in the state, we are not partisan’.