The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Renowned philanthropist Akinyele dies at 78

    Renowned philanthropist Akinyele dies at 78

    The founder of prominent manufacturing firms AkinOcean Nigeria and Allison Foam,
    Alhaji Ali Oladeinde Akinyele, passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness.

    Born on April 18, 1947 into the prestigious royal family of Agata Shokun Onilegbale in Isale Eko, the deceased began his career as a draughtsman.

    Akinyele honed his business acumen as a Trainee Business Associate at Isiaka Rabiu and Sons in Kano, where he worked for years under the mentorship of a tycoon, Alhaji Isiaka Rabiu.

    During the period, he mentored a host of young entrepreneurs, including the future BUA Group Chairman, and subsequently ventured out to establish successful enterprises.

    Read Also: IMF urges Nigeria to prioritise infrastructure funding

    A devoted Muslim and renowned philanthropist, Alhaji Akinyele was known for widespread generous support for various human development initiatives.

    Survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, he assisted many small businesses to grow and donated handsomely to religious and charity organisations.

    Islamic funeral prayers will be held at the Community Central Mosque at Alausa Secretariat, followed by interment at the Abari Cemetery in Lagos Island.

  • Olubadan goes tough on land grabbers

    Olubadan goes tough on land grabbers

    • Monarch inaugurates committee

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has inaugurated a legal luminary, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), Yinka Okunade, Rahman AbdulRaheem and Tunji Thomas as members of a committee to tackle land grabbing in Ibadan.

    Noting that hard times awaited land grabbers who gave Ibadan a bad reputation, the first-class monarch, who spoke at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan where the inauguration was held, said the five-member committee of legal practitioners was charged with the task of tackling land grabbing from the legal perspective.

    He urged the committee to co-opt anybody from any profession, including town planning, survey, security agencies, the bar and bench who could assist in giving them sufficient green light to fight the scourge.

    Adetunbi was, however, absent during the inauguration.

    Flanked by members of Olubadan-in-council, Oba Ladoja said Oyo State Government and Olubadan-in-council were on the same page in ridding Ibadan of land grabbing.

    He said land grabbing was like an interlocking web of complex connections involving diverse interests that needed to be unravelled.

    Read Also: Olubadan: CCII, Ibadan Mogajis, Senators, others attend Ladoja’s coronation jumat thanksgiving in Ibadan

    Olubadan said: “I know each of you very well. While we entertain no illusion as to the gravity of your responsibility, I have no doubt that you have the capacity to carry out the responsibility.”

    He told the committee to hit the ground running, giving them 21 days within which to make their recommendations.

    The monarch said the inauguration of the committee was meant to strengthen the existing committee on land matters headed by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori.

    Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, corroborated Olubadan’s position, saying it had become desirable for Ibadan to take action against land grabbing because it had put the people in harm’s way.

    He said if it were possible, there should be the establishment of anti-land grabbing tribunals in the 11 local governments in Ibadanland.

    Responding on behalf of the committee, Chief Akintola expressed the members’ gratitude to Olubadan and Olubadan-in-council for giving them the privilege to serve their fatherland.

    Saying their inauguration was a call to serve their fatherland, he sought the co-operation and support of the state government and Ibadan people in curbing land grabbing.

    He noted that the government was not favourably disposed to land grabbing, and as such, the committee would strengthen the state government’s resolve to tackle the menace.

    The Olubadan-in-Council meeting presided over by Oba Ladoja, was attended by Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Otun Olubadan-Designate, Oba Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada; Osi Olubadan-Designate, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Olubadan-Designate, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Adewoyin; Ekerin Olubadan-Designate, Oba Adebayo Akande.

    Also present were Bobajiro of Ibadanland, former Oyo State Head of Service, Chief Tajudeen Aremu and Ajiroba, Prof Soji Adejumo.

  • Councillors suspend Ondo council chair over alleged fraud

    Councillors suspend Ondo council chair over alleged fraud

    Owo Local Government Secretariat in Ondo State was thrown into confusion on Tuesday, as councillors suspended the Chairman, Tope Omolayo, over allegations of financial impropriety and misconduct.

    The suspension letter was signed by 11 councillors under the House Leader, Doyin Adebayo. The councillors accused Omolayo of financial irregularities, gross violation of statutory budget and internally generated revenue (IGR) regulations, disrespect for traditional rulers and failure to conduct himself appropriately.

    In the letter, the councillors said they would conduct a transparent and an impartial investigation into the allegations, assuring the public of fairness throughout the process.

    But Omolayo has kicked against his suspension, describing the councillors as jesters.

    Following the suspension, the lawmakers unanimously appointed the council’s Vice Chairman, Hamed Ibrahim, as acting chairman.

    “The council assures the good people of Owo Local Government that this suspension is necessary to ensure good governance and accountability. We urge stakeholders to remain calm and cooperative as we work towards resolving the issues at hand,” the letter read in part.

    The councillors directed the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA) to effect changes in the council’s bank signatories, recognising Ibrahim as the acting chairman.

    They ordered Omolayo to hand over council’s belongings in his possession to the HLGA.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Kidnapped tipper driver regains freedom in Ondo

    “The Legislative Council remains committed to serving the people of Owo Local Government and assures them of good governance and accountability,’’ the statement said.

    Omolayo’s suspension comes barely a month after he raised the alarm that local government chairmen in the state had access to only N5 million monthly, despite receiving larger allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    He alleged that a major portion of council funds was being centrally managed under a joint account system, limiting councils’ ability to carry out their statutory responsibilities.

    Omolayo dismissed the suspension as baseless and politically-motivated.

    He said: “They are elements of destruction. I didn’t receive any letter from them, we didn’t even argue. But I knew there were some leaders who were not happy with what we were doing. When I asked them what their bone of contention was, someone said it was for me to stop all security activities in Owo.

    “All they wanted was for me to give them money. When they gave me project money, they said I should give them 30 per cent. I said no. They said I should go and bring N25 million. All they were agitating for was money.’’

    Omolayo insisted he remained in control of the council.

    “As far as we are concerned, nothing is happening. I’ve not been impeached. I’ve not been suspended. Nothing is happening. It’s just an online kangaroo announcement. That’s all I can say now,” he said.

  • Ondo PDP, House of Assembly clash over defection of opposition lawmakers

    Ondo PDP, House of Assembly clash over defection of opposition lawmakers

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State and House of Assembly have traded words over the recent defection of two opposition lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The lawmakers – Oladiji Oguntudo, representing Akure South Constituency I, and Raymond Oluwatoyin Daodu, Deputy Minority Leader representing Akoko South West Constituency I – formally announced their defection during last Thursday’s plenary session.

    Until their defection, Oguntudo and Daodu were the only remaining PDP members in the 10th House of Assembly.

    Their exit came barely a month after they resigned from the PDP, citing leadership crises and internal wrangling in the party.

    In their resignation letters, both lawmakers said their decision followed “wide consultations with family members, constituents and political leaders,” who advised them to align with the ruling party.

    However, speaking on Fresh

    FM 102.9 Akure, monitored by The Nation, the state PDP Chairman, Dupe Aisida, condemned the lawmakers’ action, describing it as a “betrayal” of the mandate given to them by the PDP.

    Aisida said he was not surprised by their decision, but maintained it was driven by “personal interest and political survival”, rather than public service.

    “They didn’t defect because APC is performing well. Everyone knows the government is underperforming. It’s purely about survival,” he said.

    The PDP chairman also berated the House of Assembly, describing it as “toothless” and ineffective in discharging its constitutional oversight duties.

    He accused the assembly of failing to hold the executive accountable, leading to what he termed growing opacity in the management of public finances.

    Read Also: PDP replaces Mbah with Senator Ben Obi as convention committee secretary

    “Most people in the state don’t even know we still have a House of Assembly. If they were truly performing their oversight functions, things wouldn’t have been this bad,” Aisida said.

    He alleged that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration lacked transparency in handling contracts and public funds, noting that basic fiscal information such as project costs and budget performance had become inaccessible to citizens.

    “It’s not as if there’s no money now. After the removal of fuel subsidy, the state and local governments have been getting more funds, yet there’s little to show for it. What is the percentage of budget implementation? What have they done with local government allocations? These are the questions the assembly should be asking,” he said.

    Aisida said the opposition party was reorganising to provide credible leadership and hold the government accountable.

    “We are not sleeping. We have started well, and our people will soon begin to see the difference. Governance affects everyone, not just politicians. We all share the same destiny,” he said.

    Contacted, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Olatunji Oshati, dismissed Aisida’s claims as “baseless and unfounded.”

    He said PDP should attend to its internal crises instead of making “vague and reckless” allegations against the legislature.

    “We don’t need to dignify PDP’s accusations with excuses. The records are there for everyone to see. Their problem is that they can’t manage their own house – that’s why it’s leaking.

    “The PDP chairman is only angry because their house is now empty. If their house was good, nobody would leave,” he said.

    Oshati maintained that the state and federal governments were performing creditably, urging the opposition to “look inward and fix themselves.”

  • Memorial service for AFRIMA boss’ wife holds Sunday

    Memorial service for AFRIMA boss’ wife holds Sunday

    The one year memorial service in honour of the late Mrs. Modupe Dada, wife of President and Executive Producer of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA),

    Mr. Mike Dada, will be held on Sunday, at Grace Assembly Church, Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun-Ikeja, Lagos, from noon to 1pm.

    The event will be a day of reflection, worship and gratitude, bringing together family, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the life and legacy of a woman fondly remembered as “kindness personified.”

    Mr. Dada, who also serves as managing director of PRM Africa Marketing and Communications, expressed deep appreciation about the outpouring of love and support his family had received over the past year.

    Read Also: AFRIMA releases nominations as Lagos prepares to host Africa for 2025 edition

    ‘’It’s been a year since my beloved wife, Modupe, went to be with the Lord. You are warmly invited as we worship, remember and give thanks for her inspiring life,” he wrote.

    Until her death, Mrs. Dada, a committed banking professional, served with distinction at banks in Nigeria, where she earned a well-deserved promotion and respect for her superb performance— a testament to her diligence, excellence and commitment to her profession.

    The memorial service, scheduled to be superintended by Rev. Femi Paul, will not only honour Modupe’s memory, but also celebrate her legacy of faith, compassion, friendship and genuine love — virtues that continue to inspire those she left behind.

  • Edo Governor Okpebholo employs 5,000 teachers

    Edo Governor Okpebholo employs 5,000 teachers

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has absorbed over 5,000 contract teachers into the Ministry of Education as permanent workers.

    The teachers, who for years were on contract with a monthly stipend of N65,000 during the administration of former governor Godwin Obaseki, were given appointment letters during a ceremony held at the Government House yesterday, a landmark move hailed as historic in Nigeria’s education sector.

    Governor Okpebholo, who oversaw the distribution of the letters, emphasised the significance of the occasion and the government’s commitment to valuing its educators.

    He said: “Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way, because I had asked several times if you had received your letters. The answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fares because I know many of you have travelled long distances.”

    He acknowledged the vital role teachers played in shaping the future of Edo State, underscoring the administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of educators.

    He noted: “You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch.”

    Addressing the teachers earlier, Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, expressed appreciation about their perseverance over the past three years despite the challenges of being on contract.

    He said: “You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes. Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: Okpebholo sacks Edo Attorney-General 

    He highlighted the achievements of Okpebholo’s administration in the education sector, noting the building of over 68 schools within one year, aimed at benefiting children from all walks of life.

    Iyamu said: “He met Ambrose Alli University with a N41 million subvention and increased it to N500 million. Right now, a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel are under construction.”

    He added that the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.

    ‘’This historic regularisation marks a new chapter for Edo State’s education workforce, reflecting Governor Okpebholo’s pledge to prioritise education and the welfare of teachers, who remain the backbone of the state’s development.’’

    The ceremony was also attended by key government officials, including Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor; Head of Service, Anthony Okugbonwa; special advisers, among others

  • Patron eulogises Seyi Tinubu at 40

    Patron eulogises Seyi Tinubu at 40

    The patron of Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FoST) in Osun State, Amb. Francis Olaniyi, has joined others to eulogise Oluwaseyi Tinubu on his 40th birthday anniversary.

    Speaking during the birthday bash at Balmoral Hall, Sheraton Hotels, Lagos, Olaniyi, who is also an Osun East senatorial aspirant, said: “We are here to celebrate and welcome our friend to the 4th ladder of life. We are happy because the event of today symbolises the fact that he has come of age and is now a complete man; qualified for any office or elective position in Nigeria.’’

    Olaniyi, who is equally the Majebaote of Ipetu Ijesa, noted: “As youths, this is our time. We need to support ourselves. This is why we are here today to give him a befitting 40th birthday celebration. Seyi has distinguished himself through entrepreneurship, philanthropy and youth empowerment. He has carved an identity beyond being the son of the President.’’

    Read Also: Seyi Tinubu launches drug bank at National Hospital Abuja

    Olaniyi, whose political structure is popularly known as Ijoba Federal, said: “Seyi is a God-fearing man, who loves his compatriots passionately. He has surrendered himself for the cause of the masses, either at home or in the diaspora, and he is a good example to youths.’’

    The event was witnessed by people from all walks of life. There was enough food and drinks for all present.

    While a popular musician electrified the event’s hall with melodious songs and fantastic beats, the heavily decorated hall with images and signs of Seyi Tinubu was filled, and associates of Seyi Tinubu were on the ground to give him a befitting birthday bash.

    The son of the president, who was all smiles throughout the event, was overwhelmed by the turnout of people and the honour done to him by his friends.

  • Strike: Cleric calls for balance, fairness between govt, ASUU

    Strike: Cleric calls for balance, fairness between govt, ASUU

    The Presiding Bishop, Victory International Church, Rehoboth Cathedral, Ibadan, Victor Adelakun, has called for what he described as a balanced, fair, and honest response between the government and university lecturers if there must be a lasting solution to the perennial strike in public universities in the country.

    He spoke on Tuesday while fielding questions from reporters during a Press conference to announce events of activities to celebrate the 36th Anniversary of the Church, held at Wonder City, opposite Dominion University, Lagos Expressway, Ibadan.

    The anniversary themed, “The glory of the latter house”, is slated for October 16th-19th, 2025.

    Bishop Adelakun said the government must do beyond mere words and live by what it wants others to do in its bid to show sincerity.

    READ ALSO: CBN, finance ministry present Nigeria’s economic progress at G24 meetings

    He said, if the government is claiming paucity of funds to attend to the challenges facing public universities and the demands of the lecturers, such must also reflect in the lifestyle of those in public offices.

    According to the National Vice President (Southwest), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, if the political class would cut down on the cost of governance and benefits of political offices, it would be easy to persuade the university lecturers to also sacrifice for the development of the sector.

    On the other side, he challenged the university lecturers to do more in terms of research that can make an impact on society, which he said can foster economic development and prosperity for both the institution and society at large.

    Bishop Adelakun said, “If the lifestyle of those in government does not change, we will keep coming back to strike. A nation that will not educate its youth is a time bomb.

    “If the members of the National Assembly and those in elective positions will not slash their benefits, income, and perks of office, members of the Academic Staff Unions (ASUU) and others generally will not agree that there is no money to meet their demands because they can see that those in government are allocating monies for themselves.

    “How much has the government allocated to education? If the cost of governance is cut down, everyone will sit up and reason, but as long as the cost keeps increasing, they will also keep fighting for whatever interest they have.”

    Apparently challenging the lecturers, the cleric who also doubles as the Chancellor, Dominion University said, “How many universities are still involved in research? Many of such should translate to an impact on the nation and its economy. The people in the academic sector need to wake up and do research of value to the institution and society.

    “With all the various departments and fields in the various schools, let it translate to an outcome that will benefit all.

    “Let’s balance it, we know those who are living large and asking others to live small. It won’t work. I believe ASUU members have facts on what those in government are spending and enjoying, and members of the society too can see.”

    Speaking on the anniversary, the cleric said the Church has come a long way, from humble beginnings, which were despised by many, but have emerged to be a cynosure by the grace of God.

    He said he would only be ungrateful if he didn’t acknowledge what God has done in the ministry in the last 36years, recounting the various challenges that the Church had faced and how God helped out.

    He noted that, for the anniversary, God has only instructed the church to give him praise and worship, assuring that many wonders would be done in the lives of the people.

    He said the event, a four-day “fearful praise” and two mornings of “appreciation” was instructed by God and would hold at the Wonder Hall at the Wonder City, as the main venue, while the Rehoboth Cathedral, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, will be for virtual centre.

    He also disclosed plans for the foundation laying ceremony of a 16,000 capacity mega city Cathedral, which would be completed within a year.

    “Anybody who is ungrateful will eventually be grounded. We have been on the journey for 36years and only the ungrateful will say God has not done anything.

    “From a congregation that was despised to the one that built the first Pentecostal Cathedral. We have reasons to praise God because when we started, many people were looking down on us.

    “If leadership is strong, there is hope. If leadership is selfless, there is hope. God asked us to give him four days of fearful praise and two mornings of appreciation”, he added.

  • OMG celebrates Gov Abiodun’s mother on birthday

    OMG celebrates Gov Abiodun’s mother on birthday

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Olanrewaju Michael George (OMG), has felicitated Mrs. Victoria Abiodun, mother of Governor Dapo Abiodun, on her birthday.

    In a goodwill message, George extended warm wishes to Mrs. Abiodun on behalf of his family and the youth of Ogun State, describing her as “a great example of kindness, strength, and faith.”

    Read Also: Abiodun hailed on Ogun airport inaugural flight

    He commended her for raising a son whose leadership, he said, “has touched many lives and continues to inspire us all.”

    While praying for her continued good health and happiness, George wished Mrs. Abiodun many more years of peace and fulfillment to enjoy the fruits of her labour.

  • Intensify mobilisation for PDP victory in 2027, Aborisade urges party leaders

    Intensify mobilisation for PDP victory in 2027, Aborisade urges party leaders

    A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Niyi Aborisade, has urged leaders and members of the party to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and unite to ensure victory in 2027 general elections.

    Aborisade stressed importance of collective efforts and unity ahead of the party primaries.

    Speaking during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting in Yemetu, Ibadan, which drew PDP chieftains from across the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland, Aborisade assured that Governor Seyi Makinde would provide a level-playing field for all aspirants in the 2027 elections.

    The stakeholders meeting formed part of Aborisade’s ongoing statewide consultations in pursuit of his governorship ambition under the PDP.

    He said: “We have visited Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, and Ibarapa zones on multiple occasions. We are loyal to the PDP and not leaving. The party is our home. The primary election is near, and we must mobilise from the wards, compounds, and zones to secure victory. 

    Read Also: PDP aspirant Aborisade hails Makinde, ex-Minister, others for smooth LG Congress

    “Unity is key. We cannot do this alone. We will use Oyo State to reposition the Yoruba people as Balogun Oderinlo did in his time. I am your son, and I know your efforts will not be in vain.

    “This meeting was to engage PDP leaders in all 11 local government areas of Ibadanland. It was about strategy. I am grateful that the leaders unanimously endorsed my candidature. They were pleased that someone with a long record of standing for the people is stepping forward to serve.”

    In a show of solidarity, key PDP stakeholders at the meeting declared their support for Aborisade’s ambition, describing him as a man of integrity, strong character, and proven loyalty to the party.

    Present at the meeting were Mallam Muideen Yusuf, Hon. Ibrahim Adelabu, Rafiu Ibrahim and other grassroots  mobilisers.

    Mallam Yusuf said: “We must intensify our efforts for this project. Balogun Oderinlo conquered invaders; he is Aborisade’s forefather. This is more than politics. It  is destiny.”

    On his part. Hon. Adelabu added: “Chief Niyi Aborisade is God-fearing, consistent, and deeply rooted in the PDP. He is an author, lawyer, industrialist, and rights activist. We are fully behind him. What we need now is strong, strategic mobilisation at all levels.”

    The leaders highlighted Aborisade’s family background, referencing his father, Chief Abel Aborisade, as a loyal and long-serving party member.