Category: South West

Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Dr. Ayokunle Olasupo and Global Ambassador, The American Bible Society, James Catford, are billed to attend the Christian Leadership Summit.

The event, which will hold tomorrow at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos, is organised by The Bible Society of Nigeria.

The summit is tagged: “The Holy Bible: Our Reliable Foundation for Maximising Personal and National Well-being”

A statement by the Manager, Media & PR, The Bible Society of Nigeria, Benjamin Mordi, said the summit would also be attended by General Secretaries/CEOs of Bible Societies across Africa.

Other dignitaries expected are church leaders, captains of industries, Christian governors and monarchs.

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and veteran journalist, Dr. Patrick Dele Cole, have been selected as recipients of the 2022 Leadership without Title (LWT) award, organised by the Centre for Values in Leadership, (CVL).

A statement by CVL Founder Prof. Pat Utomi said the award ceremony and a leadership colloquium tagged: ‘Professionalism in Service’, would hold tomorrow at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

Utomi said the award and colloquium were initiated a few years ago to honour outstanding sector leaders for their special contributions in the sector where they worked.

He said the programme was meant to keep with his organisation’s commitment to affect the next generation, to become leaders without care for title, stressing that it was an honour for people above 65 years, who had left a mark worth emulating.

Utomi said other personalities who had received the award included Mr. Akintola Williams, Dr. Thomas John, Dr. Michael Omolayole, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, Mr. Richard Kramer, the late Chief Ernest Shonekan, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Prof. (Mrs.) Oyinade Elebute, Chief Folake Solanke (SAN) and Elder Felix Ohiwerei.

Others are His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Chief Philip Asiodu, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Dr. Christopher Kolade, Prof. Pai Obanya, Prof. Grace Alele Williams, Chief Olu Akinkugbe, Prof. Anya O. Anya, Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, Otunba Michael Balogun and Dr. Pascal Dozie.

The chairmen of the 11 local governments in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have assured the incoming Olubadan of Ibadan, Dr. Lekan Balogun, of their support.

They spoke yesterday when they visited the monarch-in-waiting at his Alarere, Ibadan home.

Balogun will be crowned as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday.

Led by Egbeda Local Government Chairman Sikiru Sanda, the chairmen described the new Olubadan as their father with whom some of them had worked together politically in the past.

The chairmen, who expressed happiness that Ibadan, for the first time in history, now has a monarch that is highly cerebral and politically connected, said: “We are to leverage on his pedigree to make the throne conducive for him and Ibadan as a whole.

“As part of our plans, we are happy to inform our revered father that the ancient Mapo Hall, which is second-to-none in the country in terms of design and aesthetics, will wear a new look,” Sanda said.

Dwelling on the intricacies of Ibadan traditional system, the council bosses urged the queen, who received them on behalf of Olubadan, to be conscious of their responses to the people, so as not to be dragged into unnecessary controversies.

“We implore you to be mindful of how you react to issues because people will be coming to the palace with different motives and before you know it, they are out there using your names to do things that are contrary to your aims and objectives,” they said.

Praying for robust and sound health for Balogun to enable him direct the affairs of Ibadanland, they said they will do everything to ensure his reign ushers in peace and progress in the ancient metropolis.

Olori Olufunmilayo Balogun, who responded on behalf of the monarch, thanked the chairmen for their visit as well as their advice and urged them not to be far away from the monarch, who they described as their father.

She said: “Kabiyesi, as you all know, is very open and very accommodating. He will not change because of his new status. He will remain receptive and welcome your advice and suggestions.”

Kwara State Government has beefed up security in Baruten, Kaiama and Ekiti local governments, to prevent hibernation of criminals.

The exercise, according to the state government, is part of efforts to prevent criminals from gaining a foothold in the state.

In a statement, the media aide to Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the state Joint Security Task Force had begun a fresh round of operation in Kaiama and Baruten councils to further beef up security in the state.

“The task force comprises operatives from security agencies, including the military, police and others.

“The show of force, an initiative of the state government, has seen the security operatives combing communities in the local governments to flush out criminals, who may want to hibernate in the areas.

“The security team has so far patrolled Kanikoko, Gegeji, Kokobigbe, Duse Dogo, Sabi Fili, Tunga Yakubu, Grichangi, Woro, and Venra. Other communities being patrolled are Gweria, Moshegada, Aboki, Gugiji, Nanu, Jonbiga, Karonji, Gwentte, Chikanda, the border town between Nigeria and Benin Republic, Yashikira, Gure, Shinatoko, Kuburufu, Yanri and Kosubosu, among others.

“The security team enjoins the residents not to allow strange people hibernate in their communities, urging them to report any strange movement for the safety of lives and security in the axis of the state.

“The security operatives also urge members of the vigilance groups and community folks not to accommodate any criminal in the area,” the statement said.

Senator Ademola Adeleke and Prince Dotun Babayemi have emerged as the ‘candidate’ of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, ahead of the July 16 governorship election.

Primaries of the party took place at two venues in Osogbo, yesterday.

A faction of the party chaired by Sunday Bisi held primary election at Osogbo Township Stadium. The Wale Ojo-led faction held theirs at WOCDIF Event Centre.

The PDP Primary Committee from the national secretariat led by the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewurujakpo and ex-Minister of Transport Abiye Sekibo conducted the exercise in the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the Bisi faction.

At the primary election were Sen.  Adeleke, Sanya Omirin (aspirant), Sen. Francis Fadahunsi, ex-deputy PDP Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi, lawmakers, Wole Oke, Bamidele Salam, Gani Olaoluwa, among others.

The faction began voting at 2:45pm, as delegates cast their votes into the ballot box. After the exercise, votes were sorted and counted by the committee.

Ewurujakpo announced the result. He said: “At the end of the primary election,  Sen. Adeleke had 1,887 votes, Fatai Akinbade had zero, Dotun Babayemi scored zero, Akin Ogunbiyi had zero, Sanya Omirin scored four, Dele Adeleke had one and 24 votes were voided.”

He added: “By the power conferred on me as the Chief Returning Officer of this governorship primary, we hereby collectively declare Adeleke Ademola Jackson as the winner of the governorship primary election of the PDP in Osun State.

“Any other primary held outside this place is invalid and will not be recognised. The crown is here, the palace is here and the authority is here. Any exercise not done here cannot be recognised.”

Delivering his acceptance speech, Sen. Adeleke said: “No victor no vanquished. We are all winners. Let’s work together to rescue the people of Osun State from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

“The good people of Osun State have suffered enough under the APC administration. Pensioners are dying everyday. Salaries are not being paid as and when due. Our roads are in a terrible state of disrepair. I call on everyone to work together with the good people of Osun State and by the grace of God, PDP will win on July 16.”

A member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Shuib Oyedokun, ex-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Erelu Olushola Obada, Prince Dotun Babayemi, Sen.  Olu Alabi and Dele Adeleke (cousin of Sen. Ademola Adeleke), among others, were at the primary election conducted by the Ojo faction at WOCDIF Event Centre.

Delegates from the 332 wards in the 30 local governments also cast their votes.

At the end of the exercise, the Returning Officer, Adelani Ajanaku, and Electoral Officer, Abioye Musibau, gave a breakdown of the result.

Ajanaku said: “Total votes are 1,907, voided votes, 27; valid votes, 1,880; Omirin scored six, Ogunbiyi got 23, Fatai Akinbade had 28, Dele Adeleke polled 32 and Dotun Babayemi garnered 1,781.”

He declared Babayemi as the winner of the primary.

Laurel came in double for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the weekend.

The Lagos State governor picked two coveted leadership prizes for redefining governance in the current dispensation.

Independent Newspaper, a foremost national daily, named Sanwo-Olu as Governor of the Year for Infrastructure and Urban Renewal.

The governor, the newspaper said, has matched his campaign promises with actions, delivering tangible projects across local governments in Lagos.

Also, Sanwo-Olu was voted by Nigerians as Silverbird Man of the Year, becoming the 20th recipient of the prestigious award initiated by the Silverbird Group to celebrate public and private citizens, whose actions have shaped the course of development positively.

The governor received both awards at separate events organised by the awarding institutions at Eko Hotels and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos. The newspaper held its own event on Saturday, Silverbird Group’s ceremony was held on Sunday evening.

Independent Newspaper said Sanwo-Olu was shortlisted for the prize for providing service-centred leadership, stressing that the governor had become the reference point for excellence in public service in contemporary time.

Independent newspaper said: “The methodical implementation of the THEMES Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration is an eloquent testimony to the governor’s resolve to transform Lagos State into a leading mega-city. From Ikorodu to Badagry, from Epe to Alimosho, from Agege to Satellite Town, more than 301 inner roads were rehabilitated and modern infrastructures in schools, health care and transportation spring up daily.

“His magic wand is visible in education, with the introduction of Eko EXCEL programme to revolutionise primary school in Lagos. Education appears to be the dearest project to Sanwo-Olu. He is determined to leave no child behind in his drive for quality education. The Eko EXCEL has reached over 1,000 primary schools, while over 13,000 teachers and 450,000 pupils have benefitted from the scheme.”

Presenting the plaque to Sanwo-Olu at the well-attended event, the Silverbird Group Chairman, Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce, said the approach adopted by the governor in the implementation of his administration’s development agenda, known as THEMES Agenda, showed Sanwo-Olu fully prepared for the position of leadership and had been discharging on his mandate with good results.

Murray-Bruce said the governor’s footprint had been felt across sectors, stressing that his recognition as Silverbird Man of the Year affirmed legitimacy and people’s trust in Sanwo-Olu’s leadership.

The Silverbird award, which started 20 years ago, subjects its nominees to a public voting mechanism through which recipients are picked for the recognition.

Murray-Bruce said: “Sanwo-Olu got the highest number of votes to win the prize. What we are seeing here reflects the wishes of the people of Nigeria. The governor is a great man, who has achieved great things while still in office.”

Sanwo-Olu dedicated both awards to Nigerians who toiled daily to make the country work for all citizens and particularly to residents of Lagos for standing by his government.

The governor said he did not accept the recognitions with the belief that all set objectives to take Lagos on higher pedestal in growth and development had been achieved by his administration, but took the awards as an unbiased acknowledgment of his modest effort to rekindle the hope of the citizens in the development of the country.

Sanwo-Olu reiterated that he would keep his campaign promises to the residents of Lagos.

He said: “The awards are indeed an expression of what it means to be of humble service to the people. For every breath that we have, I’ll continue to ensure that all the promises that we have given to Lagosians, we keep them. Our journey to Greater Lagos is not complete; our work is not done yet. We are convinced that with the support of all of our citizens, we are on the right track.

“We get to fix things, because we have no other country. Whether we are youth, middle-aged or senior citizens, we have one property in common; our country. We all must get to work, roll up our sleeves and contribute efforts to fix this country for the current and coming generations. I strongly believe we have the potential, energy and commitment; it is only the leadership we must get right.”

A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday fixed April 26 for ruling in a N3,451,970,000 suit filed against Chevron Nigeria Ltd by an Ondo community, over alleged damage to their ecosystem.

Justice Lewis Allagoa fixed the date to rule on Chevron’s preliminary objection to the suit or judgment on the substantive suit against it.

The plaintiff’s counsel, Mr. Ige Asemudara, told the court, among others, that the second defendant – Minister of Petroleum – despite being served with all processes did not file any response in defence to the suit.

But Chevron’s lawyer, Mr. Ama Etuwewe, SAN, opposed him, asking the court to strike out the suit for want of jurisdiction and, according to him, for being statute-barred.

The plaintiffs in the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1815/2020, are Elisha Omomowo; Abiye Ehinmore; John Omomowo; Benson Omomowo; Omotola Omomowo; Eyisogo Omomowo and Shiloh Ebun Omomowo, suing for themselves and as descendants of Adeli Oriyomi Awoye of Awoye, llaje Local Government, Ondo State.

The plaintiffs – descendants of Adeli Oriyomi Awoye in Ilaje Local Government of Ondo State – have asked the court to order Chevron to pay them the N3.4billion as general and exemplary damages for alleged breach of their rights and loss of earnings occasioned by the loss of their fishing grounds, fishing lines, fishing fences, gears and surface rights to Chevron’s oil operations.

They prayed for an order awarding N1,451,970;000billion, as special damages, and another order awarding N500million against Chevron, as compensation to them for Chevron’s alleged breach of their rights under Section 38 of the Constitution and the terms of the applicable Oil Mining Lease as it relates to the killing or displacement of their object of veneration, namely Aghon Erin Adeli.

But Chevron in its notice of preliminary objection brought pursuant Order 29 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure Rules) and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction, asked for an order striking out the suit for want of jurisdiction.

Chevron asserted that by the continued effect of Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 7 of the Federal High Court Act, the Federal High Court is not statutorily empowered to determine the plaintiffs/respondents’ claims, which border on compensation for land and matters incidental thereto.

It also averred that under Section 19 of the Oil Pipelines Act, the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction to entertain the plaintiffs’ claims.

It added that the plaintiffs’ action was statute-barred, as their claim was caught up by Section 4 of the Limitation Law of Ondo State CAP 83 Laws of Ondo State 2006.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo – Olu has appointed acting vice chancellors for the two newly- established universities- Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu and Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin and Epe.

A statement yesterday by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education , Tokunbo Wahab, said Sanwo –Olu has approved the appointments of Prof. Bidemi Bilikis Lafiaji-Okuneye, a Professor of Health Education and current Provost, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, as the Acting Vice  Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Ijanikin and Epe campuses and Dr. Nurudeen Olaleye, a PhD holder in Microbiology and current Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu as the Ag. Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUST), Ikorodu.

Prof. Okuneye, according to the statement, would be assisted by an Associate Professor and current Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED), now University of Education, Epe, Nosiru Onibon as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor .

On the other hand, Dr. Olumide Metilelu,  Chief Lecturer, Hospitality Management Technology would serve as LASUST  Deputy Vice  Chancellor (Academics), while Dr. Gbemavo Kolawole Godonu, LASPOTECH’s current Deputy Rector (Administration), would serve as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin) of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUST).

Wahab said the two acting vice–chancellors and other management heads would serve in acting capacities for three months (90) days, effective from 1st of March to 29th May, 2022 pending the appointments of substantive vice chancellors and principal officers of the universities.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Elders’ Caucus has said it has endorsed Prince Dotun Babayemi as its governorship candidate in today’s  primary election in Osun State.

In a statement yesterday by its Chairman, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, the caucus said it had unanimously endorsed Babayemi as its candidate for the governorship ticket.

The statement said: “On behalf of Osun State PDP executives, BoT members, apex party leaders and the entire members of our party in the state, after a painstaking deliberation of the elders of the party, and in preparation for the state congress to elect the governorship candidate of our party slated to hold on March 8, it was unanimously agreed that Prince Babayemi should fly the party’s flag in the impending state congress.

“This decision is with the full backing and concurrence of other aspirants in attendance, who are also eminently qualified to occupy the exalted position.”

An aspirant, a former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, has withdrawn from the exercise to support Babayemi.

A statement by Akinbade said he withdrew in fulfilment of the elders’ decision to support Babayemi.

Also, a cousin of Sen. Adeleke, Dele Adeleke, said he pulled out of the race to submit to the will of party leaders.

Three governorship aspirants in the PDP in Osun State have pulled out of the race ahead of today’s primary election.

The aspirants for the governorship race are: Sen. Ademola Adeleke, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Prince Dotun Babayemi, Mr. Sanya Omirin, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade and Dele Adeleke.

The three aspirants that pulled out of the primary include: Ogunbiyi, Akingbade and Dele Adeleke.

Ogunbiyi, one of the leading aspirants in the race, alleged that the national leadership of the PDP had taken side with Sen. Adeleke.

The aspirant, at a news conference yesterday at his campaign office, alleged that his withdrawal was hinged on the bias of the national leadership of the party and planned violence against his supporters.

He said: “It is a very difficult decision, but I came to this decision because of the amount of investment, the hope, my personality and the leadership I would have given to Osun State. But when you have an umpire who is so biased to the extent of planning with the other group, what can you do?

“This decision became imperative since the process leading to the primaries is already skewed towards a predetermined outcome, despite the presentations made to the NWC for a level playing field for the aspirants. Consequently, I will not be participating in the primaries scheduled for Tuesday (today).”

Reacting to Ogunbiyi’s stand, the ex-Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Diran Odeyemi, on behalf of the Adeleke Campaign Group, said: “It is very wrong of him to accuse the national secretariat of bias. It is very unfortunate that somebody that calls himself a stakeholder of the party will accuse the national hierarchy without any verifiable evidence. So far so good, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu and the national officers have been neutral in the conduct of this election, according to the promises to the aspirants.

“Nobody is planning to attack anyone. It is like just saying something to your supporter in the face of failure, to win sympathy. The process is going to be peaceful.”

Sen. Adeleke, Omirin and Babayemi are still in the race.

There was, however, confusion last night over the delegates’ list and the venue of the primary election.

Four ward chairmen have denied being part of a suit filed by executives in 215 wards to enlist ahead of the primary. They are Ayeni Sunday, Ward One Atakumosa West; Aderemi Kabiru, Ward One Ifelodun; Adebayo Dare, Ward Four  Atakumosa and Ojo Alegbeleye, Ward Three Atakumosa West.

They swore to an affidavit before the court to deny their involvement in the matter.

 

 

 

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, has denied being aware of the withdrawal of  Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi from today’s primary election.

Speaking through his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Simon Imobo-Tswam, Ayu said: “We are not aware that any governorship aspirant in Osun State has withdrawn from the governorship primaries, scheduled for tomorrow (today). We are just hearing it from you and we hope it’s not true.

“But if it’s true, that decision has nothing to do with the PDP national secretariat, and least of all, the National Chairman, Dr. Ayu.

“The party, under Dr. Ayu’s leadership, subscribes fully to the principle of internal democracy. This is why the party is guaranteeing all aspirants to every elective office in our party a level playing field.

“We advise and encourage all aspirants in Osun State under our banner to take advantage of this democratic stand and test their popularity at the primary.

“We wish all aspirants the best, but it’s the people who will decide on the pitch. We assure all that we have put in place every necessary machinery to ensure that the process is free, fair, transparent and credible.”