Category: South West

Members of the All Progressives Congress in Odigbo local government area have staged a peaceful protest over alleged plot to impose an unpopular aspirant as candidate of the party for the Odigbo constituency 1 in the Ondo State House of Assembly.

The protesting APC members blocked the busy Akure-Ore-Okitipupa highway thereby causing heavy vehicular traffic.

Placards carried by the APC protesters had inscriptions such as “Odigbo is not Kwara”, “Odigbo constituency is sufferering”, “We do not want imposition”,”We want free and fair primaries”, amongst others.

Leader of APC in Ajue Ward, Odigbo local government, Mr. Omosuyi Adelegan, said the protest was to stop plans to impose one Tunji Fabiyi as sole candidate of the party for the Odigbo 1 constituency.

Adelegan stated that the people would not support an aspirant that hails from Kwara State.

“We heard some persons have come to hijack the party primary processes. That is why we are protesting. We do not want imposition. They are trying to impose somebody from Kwara State. The person they are trying to impose have been a Special Assistant but we have not seen him here for the past four years.

“We want the party leaders to listen to us. We do not want imposition.”

An APC woman leader in the locality, Ms Omosuyi Kehinde, said the protest was to stop a stranger from representing them in the State Assembly.

“We do not want a stranger to represent us. The man we want has been doing empowerment for the people.”

But Hon Fabiyi who denied plotting to be imposed as sole candidate of the party said he was prepared for the party primary.

Hon Fabiyi stated that his forefathers had lived in Ajue for many years and that he had held several politcal positions including winning election as a councillor.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Special Marshals Unit – 15 (Wold Mission Agency(WMA), last weekend organised love feast for its members and honoured their past coordinators who have served in various capacities within the unit with service of excellence awards.

The colourful event was held in Otta, Ogun State. In attendance were both Regulars, Special Marshals and other guests across Lagos and Ogun states.

Those honoured included Lagos and Ogun Zonal Coordinator of Special Marshals who doubled as the Assistant National Secretary of the FRSC volunteer arm, Pastor Olusola Olojede; retired Corps Commander Daniel Doherty; Omosefe Osaro Iyobosa; Olatunde Stephen Daniel and Elder S.O. Martins.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Pastor Olojede, thanked the Unit’s Special Marshals over the glorious event, saying it will further encourage others to be more effective in the service to humanity.

He urged the Special Marshals to be focused, passionate and dedicated to the efforts of saving lives from perishing on the road, adding that the Lord will also reward them.

The Unit Coordinator, Akin Owolabi  while welcoming the guests, said the event was organised as a get-together and to honour their past leaders who had served in various capacities and made the unit retain the title as the best Special Marshal unit in the Zone.He charged them to continue with their commitment and dedication to the task of saving lives on the roads.

The Chairman of Hilton Hotel and Resort, Dr Rahmon Adedoyin standing trial along six staff over the alleged murder of a master’s student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Timothy Adegoke has petitioned the Deputy Inspector-General of Police over defamation, false alarm, incitement, unlawful interference with the police investigation and judicial proceedings.

A copy of the petition obtained by The Nation addressed to DIG, Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Area 10, Garki, FCT, Abuja was also copied Department of State Service (DSS), Osun State Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Ojo and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Dr Adedoyin in his letter through his lawyer, Mr Ahmed Aderoju complained of criminal defamation, false alarm, incitement, false publication, cyberstalking and criminal threat against him by radio proprietor of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, Babagbade Imo, Woibile and IJKFMB Music yard.

The letter read; “The four persons who are bloggers, online media practitioners and/or social media influencers have been criminally defaming, threatening, cyberstalking/cyberbullying our client over the circumstances surrounding the death of a lodger, Late Timothy Adegoke, in one of our client’s hotels {Hilton Hotel (Honours)} in Ile Ife, Osun State in November 2021.

“This is an issue being the subject matter of judicial proceedings and investigation by the Nigeria Police which, on 15th November 2021, invited and subsequently arrested our client for the purpose of investigation. But these bloggers embarked on a series of campaigns of calumny against our client, discrediting the police investigation and impugning the constitutional  credibility of the Nigerian Police to incite the public against the constituted authorities, against our client and engendering violent breakdown of law and order.

“They alleged human killings and body dismemberment, fake Autopsy reports, made allegations of fake CCTV footage and secret cultism against our Dr Adedoyin. They carry out these crude illegalities via online outreaches like Facebook, YouTube and Agidigbo FM Radio and others.”

The Nigeria police are urged by Adedoyin’a counsel to invite and investigate Oriyomi Hamzat and others stating that their actions are against Sections 373, 374 and 375, of the Criminal Code Act Cap. C38 LFN 2004 and Section 6 of Libel Act 1843.

A Lagos State House of Assembly aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Sunkanmi David Faniyi, has urged Nigerians to intensify more on prayers for peace and tranquility to prevail in the country.

Faniyi popularly called SDF, who is contesting for a ticket to represent the Apapa Constituency 1 made the call at a special Ramadan lecture/prayer-themed ‘’Quality of a good leader’’ organized in honour of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu held at Astrotuff in Apapa.

Leading the prayer, Fadilatul Sheikh Abdul Ganiyu Nureni (Aboto) said: “Allah likes seeing His servants persisting in supplications and seeking for His forgiveness, mercies, and protection. It is important to engage in prayer massively.

“Women were so special in the sight of Allah, hence the need for them to always use their time to pray for the peace, security, and tranquility of the society, state, and nation at large,” he added.

He urged the Nigerian government to always give priority to prayer sessions and the rich should have the spirit of assisting the less privileged in the society.

The aspirant, Honourable Faniyi, while speaking with newsmen, said despite being a Christian, decided to shoulder the Ramadan lecture and prayer session to seek God’s face for love, peace, and unity in Nigeria.

He said proper caring for both youths and the aged will be his priority if he could be elected to represent the constituency.

“I sponsored this Ramadan lecture to fully participate in preaching peace and unity in the country. Religion should not be our barrier. I believed we can achieve a better Nigeria if we are in unity. The title of this programme “quality of a good leader” was chosen to enable Nigerian leaders to understand what it takes to be a leader. A good leader should treat fellow human beings the way he/she to be treated,” he said.

The Owa Obokun of Ijesha land, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran has disagreed with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Osun State, and its governorship candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke over the procedure for upgrading the College of Education, Ilesha to a university.

The leadership of PDP and Senator Adeleke on Thursday visited the palace of Owa Obokun for royal blessing ahead of Osun 2022 gubernatorial election.

Addressing the first-class monarch, a former Chairman of PDP and Director-General of Adeleke campaign organisation, Sunday Bisi said, “Osun is not that in good condition. What is important to Ijesha is establishing a university, I won’t comment on the upgrade that Oyetola announced but I will tell you that during the administration of PDP between 2003 to 2010 the day we announced that we will establish a university was the day we commence foundation laying. Osun State University is one of the best today with six campuses. We never played politics with establishing a university nor announce it in vain.

Similarly, Senator Adeleke disclosed that he came to see the monarch for royal blessings and promised to establish a university in Ilesha if elected as governor in the July 16th, 2022 election.

He said:” Osun is suffering too much, we are tired of promise and fail. The road is bad, it is even worse in Ilesha senatorial District. When we are coming to the palace the people thronged out to meet us, lamenting that they are suffering. The roads in Ilesha are bad even the road that led to the palace is in a bad condition.

“In 2018, I talked about university for Ijesha people, when I raised it, they said they will also do it. If they are truly willing to do it they ought to have taken steps since he assumed office, by now the university ought to have commenced operating now. I am promising you that when I get to the office I will start what is called procedure and when we proceed like this, the university will start operating. Give us your royal blessing.”

However, Oba Aromolaran disagreed with Senator Adeleke and the director-general of his campaign organization over the upgrade of the College of Education, Ilesha to a varsity. The monarch explained that there are procedures to be followed for the institution to be upgraded.

”You are here to visit us, we are not here to abuse anybody. You said the other time that the people of Ijesha are suffering, we are hungry truly but God will continue to feed us. In Ijesha, we are independent of the government, we built the palace ourselves without collecting a dime from outsiders. The only thing we demanded from the governor was to help us inaugurate it.

‘’We don’t need any money from anybody. We built a hospital for the aged. The appeal I want to make is that when you become the governor, don’t forget us. I am grateful for visiting us, we are very fine.

The monarch added: “After this palace, the current governor approved the upgrade of our university. They will start very soon. You know when the government makes the pronouncement of upgrading the College of Education to a university, the government follows the law, everything and action of government must be gazetted, the present government is working on the gazette before June 2022 they will start the upgrade to university. They cannot announce it in a day and change it to a university that same day, it is not possible!

“Not that they just make the announcement, it requires time and several steps. It is not possible for government not to make a promise and not fulfil it. I congratulate the Ijesha people for the promise which has come to fruition. We are united in Ijesha over the matter.

“When we want to vote I will hold meetings with my people to decide who to vote for. We don’t have rebels in Ijesha.”

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday received the report of the panel of inquiry on the Hijab question at Oyun Baptist School, Ijagbo, promising to convoke inter-faith dialogue that will strengthen peace, tolerance, and understanding among adherents of different faiths in the state.

“As you have recommended, we will definitely commence interfaith dialogue while the government looks quickly into the report. From what you have said before we read the report, it is obvious you have done a thorough job

“We thank you very much. You have done a good job. It’s not an easy job. We do understand the sensitivity of the issues and we ensure to do what is right,” AbdulRazaq said when he received the panel report from its chairman, Dr. Shehu Omoniyi Ibrahim at the Presidential Lodge Ilorin.

AbdulRazaq assured the people of the state that the government would soon reopen the school for academic activities in a peaceful atmosphere.

“We have been eagerly awaiting the report. The government is in a hurry to reopen the school but we also want to make sure there’s peace within the community before that is done.”

In his remarks, Ibrahim, called on the government to institute a periodic interfaith dialogue or bi-annual interfaith convention to promote religious harmony in the state.

“We thank you sincerely for finding us worthy to handle this assignment. We strongly hope that this report will be a roadmap to peaceful coexistence in our public schools, not only on Hijab, but on other conflicting inter-faith matters,” he said, flanked by the co-chairman of the panel and Secretary-General of Ijagbo Descendants Progressive Union, Mr. Emmanuel Adebayo Fatola.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele on Thursday picked the All Progressive Congress (APC) nomination form to return to the Senate of the National Assembly, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District.

A statement issued by his media office said that Bamidele obtained the nomination form at the International Conference Center in Abuja.

Bamidele, who sponsored several Bills and Motions for the advancement of the people of Ekiti Central as well as the enhancement of good governance in the  Federal Republic of Nigeria,  vowed to ensure more dividends of democracy to his people.

The statement reads,  “On April 27, 2022, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele picked the  Senatorial form in order to ensure more dividends of democracy to the people of Ekiti Central and enhance good governance in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“ Within three years of Senator Bamidele in the Senate, the people of Ekiti Central and Federal Republic of Nigeria have benefited from numerous bills and motions sponsored by him and are ready to do more for the people if given a further opportunity and an extended mandate to serve.

“ The ambition of Senator Bamidele is all about service to the people of Ekiti Central and Nigeria at large.”

Members of a Yoruba self-determination group, Oodua Peoples’ Congress Reformed (OPC-R), have commiserated with the bereaved family of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who joined his ancestors penultimate Friday.

A statement issued by its national president, Ambassador Dare Adesope, noted that ‘’it is well known that Alaafin throne represents the only direct surviving symbol of the sacred royal Atiba of Oduduwa dynasty today in Yorubaland, after terrible destructions of other sacred Atiba Royal heritage extensions by European colonial imperialist.

The statement read in part: ‘’The news of the great monarch came as a rude shock to us all as until death, our grand patron but we took solace that he lived a good life, a royal life well spent with much regality befitting the important throne in Yoruba land. Oyo and indeed Yoruba Nation may not have the privilege of another great Alaafin like Oba Lamidi Adeyemi lll because he was the most valid authority that links us to Yoruba history, arts and artefacts, custom, culture and tradition.

‘’Although, Kabiyesi, is no longer with us having joined his ancestors, which is the spirit world of Yoruba cultural worldview but spending 52 years on Oyo Atiba sacred throne is not a joke so we believe Oba Lamidi Olayiwola’s spirit will definitely continue to be around us, as he shall be resting in Peace with our heritage Ancestors.’’

Similarly,  traditional religion adherents under the aegis of the Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council (ARSADIC) have said there are great lessons to take away from the life and times of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III, who last Friday joined his ancestors.

In a statement by its President, Fagbenusola Atanda, and the Secretary, Fatah Toromade, the ARSADIC described the 44th Alaafin as an extraordinary monarch, saying he lived for the preservation and sustenance of the indigenous Yoruba tradition and culture.

The traditionalists said the late Alaafin would be missed for his unequalled efforts in championing good causes that have proved the Yoruba people’s invaluable contributions to a peaceful and united Nigeria.

The statement read in part: “Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s leadership style transcended a parochial interest in a particular religion, he lived up to the name and traditional status of his stool by embracing all religious faiths of his people.

“As traditional religion worshippers, we equally enjoyed a robust relationship that was devoid of deceit with him. He was a strong pillar, who provided support for the promotion and advancement of Orisa principles and practices.’’

Kwara state police command has banned political activities at any praying arena at this year’s eid-el-Fitri day.

The command added that “political campaigns, hailing political gladiators, and shouting of party slogans, would not be accepted in the praying arena.”

It said vehicles, tricycles, and motorbikes are to be parked at designated parking lots within the Eid praying ground. Spokesperson of the command, Ajayi Okasanmi added.” observing prayers at roadsides and along the routes to the praying ground would not also be allowed, hence restrictions of vehicular movements by 8 am into the Eid praying ground would be strictly enforced.”

To ensure security, Okasanmi said that “the eight Area commands, officers and men attached to all the divisional police headquarters, heads of tactical units, command’s special forces, including Force Animal Department, Mounted troop, Dog section and Explosive Ordinance Department(EOD) , have all been briefed and reminded of their professional responsibilities of ensuring a smooth and hitch -free Eid-fitri  celebrations.

“The forces deployed for the exercise would work in conjunction with the security committee set up specially for the purpose by the State government.

“Muslim faithfuls coming to the Eid praying ground are advised to obey  all traffic control mechanisms emplaced for easy access into and out of the praying ground.

“The Command is ready to do all within its powers to make the Eid praying ground the  solemn place that it  has always been  known to be.”

Similarly, the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it will deploy over 800 uniformed and plain cloth personnel across all the 16 local government areas of the state.

“We are going to work  together with other sister agencies towards ensuring adequate protection of lives and property of the law-abiding citizen across the state.”

Stakeholders have urged Nigerians to see the duty of civic space protection as their inalienable rights and collective responsibility.

They made the call at the Civic Space Guard Conference themed ‘Hushed voices and the media’s defence of the civic space’, organised by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) on Thursday.

While declaring the MacArthur Foundation, Open Society Initiative for West Africa, Luminate Group, and Ford Foundation supported programme held on Thursday, 28 of April opened, Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director/CEO, WSCIJ, described the civic space as a commonwealth that belongs to all Nigerians.

“This is a free space and that is what the civic space is about. We have the right to demand good governance. We have the right to speak up.”, she said, in her statement for the event,  she emphasised that, “A vibrant civic space is compulsory for democracy.

To kick-start conversations, Bukola Wemimo-Samuel, a news anchor and reporter with Channels Television, asked the panelists what their opinion was about the comparison between the status of the civic space during the military era and under democracy.

Public relations officer, of the Lagos Police Command,  Benjamin Hundeyin commended WSCIJ for bringing stakeholders to a round table to discuss such an important matter. According to him, “The civic space is opening up and can be better. Nigeria is a work in progress and engagement like this will make it better.” He emphasised that the first responsibility of the police was to ensure safety first and that this may sometimes mean dispersing a protesting crowd that may get violent. He encouraged groups planning a protest to inform the police so they may deploy officers to maintain order.

On his part, Debo Adedayo, another panelist, said successive governments have continuously disrespected Nigerians and their human rights. The victim of police brutality during the Lekki toll gate protest argued that,, “Nigerian democracy is cosmetic. It is a cover. There is something under the face. Nothing has changed because still cannot enjoy those basic human rights.” He however advised security personnel not to see themselves as targets but as victims of a flawed system.

Head of Weekend Crime Desk of The Nation newspaper, Olukunle Akinrinade, whose unlawful arrest and detention formed the foundation of his fight against societal injustice using journalism said the animosity of Nigerians against security agencies stemmed from past experiences.

“You cannot ask a man whose rights have been violated not to cry out. There is a need to build trust between the people and members of the security forces which makes policing better and effective.” He commended the Nigerian media for their efforts to protect the civil space despite operating in a harsh space. He called for a paradigm shift in the industry with journalists mining their data rather than depending on data from institutions.

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong reminded the gathering of the laws that clearly state that no person or group needs police permission to protest. He lamented that despite existing laws protecting the rights of individuals, many are ignorant or too timid to test these laws in court.

“You should not be afraid to challenge the government in court. Most media houses are reluctant to go to court and challenge the violation of their rights”.

Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri stated that governments all over the world have become more authoritarian so they tag those with superior arguments and dissenting views as enemies. For the Executive Director of Spaces for Change, the mantra called national security and interest is the most popular refrain used to justify attacks on the media and other active stakeholders in the civic space.

Abolurin Oluwaseun Olumide, public relations officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos Command said, “Nigeria belongs to us all and we need to protect it at all costs. In carrying out our civic activities, we should also realise that human lives are precious.”

To close the event, Juliana Francis, Programme Manager, WSCIJ thanked all participants. She appealed to all to continue the civic space conversation beyond the walls of the conference venue.