The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Court restrains Ayangburen of Ikorodu from removing family head

    Court restrains Ayangburen of Ikorodu from removing family head

    An Ikorodu High Court in Lagos has granted an interim injunction restraining the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotebi, from removing Chief Kameel Adisa Dada as the head of the Regun Family and Regun of Ikorodu.

    Justice Adeniyi Pokanu held that the order subsists, pending the hearing and determination of an April 20, 2022 motion on notice.

    The judge made the order in suit IKD/8738GCMW/2022 filed by Chief Kameeel Adisa Dada and Gbenga Oshin as first and second claimants, suing for themselves and on behalf of the Regun Family of Ikorodu.

    Oba Shotebi and Alhaji Jamiu Alao Shittu are the defendants in the suit.

    The claimants obtained the order via an April 20, 2022 motion ex parte filed and moved by their counsel, Yemi Okewoye of Universal Solicitors and Advocates, seeking two main reliefs.

    They are: “An order of interim injunction restraining the 1st defendant…from removing the 1st claimant as the head of Regun Family and Regun of Ikorodu pending the determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction already filed in this suit.

    “An order of interim injunction restraining the 2nd defendant from parading himself or holding himself out as the head of Regun Family of Ikorodu…”

    Justice Pokanu, in an April 26 ruling – seen by The Nation – after hearing Yemi Okewoye, held: “I hold that the claimant/applicant motion ex parte for injunctive reliefs in the interim has merit and I hereby order that both parties i.e. claimants and defendants are hereby mandated to maintain status quo as at today: to the effect that the 1st claimant is the head of Regun Family and Regun of Ikorodu as at today 27/04/2022; pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice dated 20/04/2022.

    “Parties shall refrain from taking any step that will undermine the jurisdiction of this court.

    “I have seen the claimant’s Form 01 dated 21 April 2022. It is further ordered that the parties are directed to take other steps to ensure full compliance with the directives in the Practice Direction No. 2 of 2019 of this court. I so order.”

    The judge adjourned till May 10, to hear the claimants/applicants’ motion on notice.”

     

     

  • Retirees to Oyetola: borrow N50b to offset our pension

    Retirees to Oyetola: borrow N50b to offset our pension

    Retirees under the aegis of the Joint Forum of Contributory Pensioners, Osun State chapter, yesterday protested in Osogbo over the failure of the government to pay their pension and gratuity.

    The retirees comprising primary school, secondary school, tertiary institution, state and local government pensioners, carried placards with inscriptions such as “No One Sponsor Us But Hunger and Thirsty”, “ We Are Not Politicians But Contributory Pensioners”, “Governor Oyetola Denying Us Our Money Is Abuse of Power”, “In Osun State, It Is From Service To Servitude”, among others. They chanted anti-government songs.

    The protesters urged Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to borrow N50 billion to pay off their entitlement, “since the government is continuously saying borrowing is the only way out.”

    The Chairman of the retirees, Gbenga Oyadare, addressing reporters, demanded the release of bond certificates and cash backing for the contributory pensioners, who had completed the processing of their retirement papers from August 2016 to date for final payment.

    They said the government should not sacrifice their welfare in repayment of the state debt.

    “Don’t sacrifice us for the debt of Osun State. The bailout obtained by the Rauf Aregbesola administration will be liquidated in 2035. Is this the time the government will pay us? They must not defray the debt at our detriment.”

    “We submitted our petition to the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) by hand to notify them that our salary was deducted for over three years without remitting to the PENCOM. We urge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to invite us and also Aregbesola for questions over our money he deducted.

    “The government should make it a policy to allocate at least N500 million monthly to the contributory pensions account to facilitate quick payment of retirees’ entitlements. Government should prioritise half salary arrears payment of contributory pensioners to serve as a veritable source of income for the past six years without earning anything. This will financially assist the contributory pension retirees.”

     

     

     

  • Assembly seeks arrest of majority leader’s attackers

    Assembly seeks arrest of majority leader’s attackers

    Lawmakers in Ondo State House of Assembly have asked security agencies to fish out the hoodlums who led attack on the Majority Leader, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi.

    He was reportedly attacked at Iloro Owo while attending a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ogunmolasuyi accused the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of orchestrating the attack, but the PDP said he was attacked by members of his party.

    Deputy Speaker Aderoboye Samuel said the attack on the majority leader by hoodlums should be condemned.

    He said Ogunmolasuyi had done quite enough for his constituents not to warrant the attack.

    Aderoboye said: “Ogunmolasuyi has given quality representation to his constituents in the current assembly. Political jobbers should look elsewhere to carry out their sponsored assignment.

    “This is a period for dirty politicking. I urge politicians to shun blackmail in all its ramifications. The political landscape is big enough to accommodate any politician, who may be willing to show interest in any political position.”

    Speaker Oleyelogun Bamidele advised politicians to desist from acts that could lead to breakdown of law and order ahead of the 2023 general election.

    He said attack on any lawmaker would not be tolerated and directed security agencies to fish out those involved in the attack.

    A vote of confidence was passed in Ogunmolasuyi for excellent performance, even as a ‘first timer’ in the house.

  • NUC accredits five programmes at LAUTECH

    NUC accredits five programmes at LAUTECH

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted full accreditation to five undergraduate programmes at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, which will last for five years.

    The commission in a letter dated April 14, 2022 and signed on behalf of its executive secretary by the organisation’s Director of Accreditation, Dr. Maryam Sali, listed the programmes to include: Fine and Applied Arts, Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering as well as Pure and Applied Physics and Statistics.

    The letter said the accreditation granted the programmes (which is not new), followed the exercise carried out at LAUTECH between last October and November.

     

     

  • Let’s play according to the rules, Oyetola urges politicians

    Let’s play according to the rules, Oyetola urges politicians

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has urged politicians to play according to the rules of the game and avoid anything that can threaten the state’s peace.

    The governor, who addressed reporters yesterday after observing the Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the Osogbo Central Eid Praying Ground, Osogbo, said politics should not be seen as a do-or-die affair.

    He urged supporters of candidates and parties to maintain decorum before, during and after the July 16 governorship election.

    Oyetola said his administration would maintain peace.

    He congratulated the Muslim Ummah for witnessing another Eid-el-Fitr, urging them to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan.

    The Chief Imam of Osogbo, Sheikh Musa Animasahun, also congratulated Muslim Ummah “on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr”, advising them to obey the commandments of Allah.

     

     

  • Akintola family to honour Makinde, Amaechi, others

    Akintola family to honour Makinde, Amaechi, others

    The family of former Premier of the defunct Western Region, the late Samuel Ladoke Akintola, will on Thursday honour Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi for their contributions towards upholding the legacy of the sage.

    The award will be presented to the awardees at this year’s Samuel Ladoke Akintola Memorial Lecture holding at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho.

    Dignitaries expected at the event include ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare, Sen. Ayo Adeseun and Segun Odebunmi, among others.

    A statement by spokesman for Samuel Ladoke Akintola Foundation Mr. Yemi Adedokun said Amaechi was considered for the award for naming a train station in Ibadan after the late politician.

    He said Makinde merited the award for gaining the sole ownership of LAUTECH.

    Adedokun said part of the event was the inauguration of a statue of Akintola, erected at Takie Square, Ogbomosho.

    He noted that Prof. Rotimi Animasahun, a public analyst and lecturer at the University of Ibadan, would be the guest speaker.

    Adedokun said the event was a yearly programme to remember the late Premier of Western Region, who contributed to the development of the country during his life.

     

  • PDP decries plans to deduct workers’ salaries to fund Amotekun

    PDP decries plans to deduct workers’ salaries to fund Amotekun

    THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has condemned alleged plans by the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration to begin deduction of workers’ salaries to fund the state’s security network popularly called Amotekun.

    It said it was insensitive for the workers to be impoverished at a time other states reeled out achievements in the area of workers’ welfare.Spokesman for the Ondo PDP Kennedy Peretei in a statement in Akure, said the state’s civil servants were the most pauperised and traumatised in the Southwest.He said the planned deduction, which would affect all grades, showed government’s insensitivity to workers’ plight.Peretei added: “Unfortunately, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have been compromised. Hence, no resistance is expected from these quarters. The workers are on their own.

    “Is it the case that the government is unable to sustain the funding of the Amotekun security outfit, or it is another ploy to syphon the limited resources in the state?

    “Ondo State economy is powered by civil servants. It is these same people that Akeredolu has treated with the highest level of disdain and callousness. We urge the governor to be more frugal in handling the state finances so as not to further impoverish the workers.”

    But the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akeredolu, Olatunde Richard, accused the PDP of twisting facts and disseminating falsehood to mask its dark intentions to hoodwink the public.

    He said there was no plan to deduct workers’ salaries for any purpose.

    Richard said: “The allegation of planned salary deduction is imaginary. No circular was issued to that effect. It’s an embarrassing falsehood fabricated by a party, whose penchant for lies is legendary.

    “Obviously, the workers through the organised labour have shown commitment and support for Amotekun. They in their wisdom have voluntarily supported the state’s security network, Amotekun, with the donation of 30 motorcycles. The government is grateful to receive this generous donation.”We challenge the PDP to publish or make public any circular on their imaginary deductions.”

     

  • Residents block Ado-Akure road over kidnapping

    Residents block Ado-Akure road over kidnapping

    Travellers on the Ado-Akure road were stranded for hours yesterday, following protest by residents of Irede community in Ajebandele area of Ado-Ekiti metropolis, over the alleged kidnapping of a pastor, Julius Osunluyi, in the area on Sunday evening by suspected abductors.

    The placard-carrying protesters blocked the highway, causing gridlock for almost four hours.

    Commuters to Ado-Ekiti from either Akure or Ikere and those travelling out of the metropolis were trapped for hours with their vehicles due to the blockade by visibly angered protesters.

    Gun-wielding men, suspected to be kidnappers, reportedly besieged the pastor’s church on Sunday evening and abducted him.

    Addressing the people, one of the protesters, who identified himself as Ajayi Olayiwola, said the protest became imperative to compel the police to provide security.

    Police spokesman Sunday Abutu said the command was investigating the incident.

    He said Commissioner Mr. Moronkeji Adesina had ordered patrol across the state to reduce crime.

     

     

  • Lagos East APC leaders endorse Abiru for re-election

    Lagos East APC leaders endorse Abiru for re-election

    All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Lagos East Senatorial District yesterday endorsed Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru for a fresh term in the Senate.

    They said in terms of quality representation, sponsorship of bills and resolutions, devotion to oversight functions, loyalty to the party, demonstration of good character, respect for party leaders and multiple empowerment programmes for constituents, he had lived up to expectation.

    Three Governance Advisory Council (GAC) members-Senatorial Leader Busura Alebiosu, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun and Chief Akanni Seriki Bamu-praised Abiru for not letting the zone down in the Senate.

    Alebiosu, a former House of Assembly member and Basorun, ex-Second Republic Secretary to Lagos State Government, described the senator as a political incarnate of his illustrious father, Justice Akanbi Abiru, who also served as a senator between 1979 and 1983.

    Basorun, who said he would sign his nomination form, saluted his passion for service, urging other politicians to emulate his style and good deeds.

    At the Eid-Fitri celebrations organised by Abiru at his Ibeshe, Ikorodu home, former Works Minister Senator Seye Ogunlewe described him as a man of the future, noting that the sky could not be his limit and that his future was bright.

    The celebration became an endorsement ceremony for the senator, whose colleague from the Lagos West, Senator Yayi Olamilekan Adeola, described him as an asset to the Senate, the party and the district.

    “There is no rival. It is good for Lagos that he will come back as a ranking senator.”

    Adeola also thanked Lagos East leaders for supporting the presidential aspiration of the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, saying: “Our prayer is that on May 31, he will become the presidential candidate of our party.”

    Alebiosu, who urged Abiru to sustain his good work, said: “He is like his father; always performing well, visiting us, taking care of us. He deserves to continue in office as a senator. If he is not doing well, many rivals would have come to compete for the ticket with him.”

    Basorun noted that it took Lagos East leaders to persuade Abiru to go to the Senate, stressing that they had no regret for drafting him to serve the district.

    He thanked him for giving 600 indigent tertiary students N50,000 each to augment their cost of education.

    Seriki-Bamu said:”Abiru is an epitome of good behaviour. You have done well and got a pass mark. You are a senator with a difference. You have impressed the party and constituents with numerous developmental projects. When you look back, you will see us.”

    Abiru thanked the leaders and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for upholding the lofty and admirable tradition of excellence in Lagos State due to his achievements in infrastructure, health care, transportation and education.

    He hailed Asiwaju Tinubu for his leadership vision and political astuteness, “which are unparalled in the development of progressives politics in Nigeria.”

    Abiru said:” I pray that our collective support for his 2023 presidential aspiration will be fulfilled in order to re-set Nigeria for true greatness.”

    The senator said he would continue to fulfil his promises to the district.

    Said he:”I also promise to honour and improve the legacy of my predecessors including the late Senator (The Honourable Justice) M.A.O. Abiru, the late Senator Ogidan, Senator Anthony Adefuye, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, Olorunnimbe Mamora, Gbenga Ashafa and the late Adebayo Osinowo.”

  • Lagos APC: we don’t recognise Ambode campaign group

    Lagos APC: we don’t recognise Ambode campaign group

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State yesterday described the activities of a faceless organisation, ‘Akinwunmi Ambode Campaign Group,’ as a distraction.

    It reminded those behind the body led by Olawale Oluwo that caucuses had been banned by the state party leadership

    “The promoters of the group, if they are truly members of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress, ought to know that the activities of clandestine groups have been banned because of their divisive tendencies,” the party said.

    Lagos APC, in a statement by its Acting Publicity Secretary, Yesiro Karamo, wondered why it had taken three years after the ouster of the Ambode administration for such a group to spring up and claim relevance.

    He said they could be pardoned because it was in the spirit of the season.

    Karamo stressed that the chapter had earlier made it clear that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement by the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) for another term did not foreclose the ambition of any other member.

    He said: “As a democratic party, we remain committed to providing a level playing field for all aspirants for various offices and ensuring internal democracy.

    “It is distasteful and unacceptable for a group purportedly committed to our party to take on the role of the opposition.

    “While we want to welcome back our members who hitherto left our party, we need to caution them not to unnecessarily heat up the polity with unguided utterances.

    “In their absence, the party successfully conducted congresses at the ward, local, state and national levels to fill party offices.

    “The process of reconciliation in Lagos State is also making steady progress.

    Therefore, our returning members will be expected to conduct themselves in a manner acceptable under our party’s constitution, rules and guidelines.

    “As a party, we remain proud of the landmark achievements of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    He has not only kept faith with kernel of his social contract with Lagosians, the THEMES agenda, he has also returned the state to the path of steady progress.

    “He has been a symbol of responsible, stable, responsive, humane and humble leadership. He has indeed delivered on the policies and the politics.”