The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Nobody can incite Ekiti against Tinubu, says Oyebanji

    Nobody can incite Ekiti against Tinubu, says Oyebanji

    • ‘President supportive of our state’

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has warned certain unpatriotic elements against peddling falsehoods against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the the condition of federal instrastructure in the fountain of knowledge. 

    He berated the misguided elements, saying that efforts to incite the people against the Federal Government has failed. 

    Oyebanji said President Tinubu is doing everything humanly possible to fight infrastructure battle in Ekiti, urging indigenes and residents to exercise patience. 

    The governor dispelled the allegation of federal neglect during the yearly ‘Udiroko Festival’ in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital by the Ewi, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi 111.

    He lamented the contradition in the Ekiti chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), wondering why such insinuations can be peddled by subjective chieftains. 

    Oyebanji drew attention to the presidential directives on the major federal roads linking Ado-Ekiti with the neighbouring states, adding that the projects are on-going. 

    He said Ekiti should be grateful to the president who love the state and ordered the execution of the projects. 

    Oyebanji said:”Let me use this opportunity to tell Ekiti people that the President of this country is supportive of Ekiti State. The president of Nigeria is doing everything humanly possible to assist Ekiti State, and I stand here to give a testimony to that effect. 

    “The president has supported us. But it is not possible for him in two years to solve all the probles. He is trying his best. As I am speaking, the construction of the Ado-Ikere-Iju-Ita Ogbolu-Akure road is being done by the president. The Ijan-Afe Babalola, Ado road is ongoing. 

    “There is a little glitch,but we are resolving it, and the contractor would soon move to the site. It is unfair for any any Ekiti person to use the condition of Aramoko-Ita-Awure road to measure the performance of this government. Ekiti people are not ingrate. 

    “We reject the narrative and we say the president is supporting us and Ekiti people are in support of the president. I need to state it clearly: ‘aa i fi ibi sun olore (we don’t need to repay our benefactor with wikedness). We also know that: ‘adiye nlaagun, iye ni o je ka mo (The president is trying, but there are many constraints).”

    Oyebanji rejected moves by some chieftains to create confusion by sacrificing the truth on the altar of politics. 

    He stressed:”President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing his best. We reject any narrative that now want to pigeon hole the president as not loving Ekiti people, especially when it is coming from people, tendencies that want to be governor of this state and are from the same party with the president. 

    “We reject it. It is not correct. It is not everytime we must play politics with everything.”

    ‘Opposition planning social media attacks on BAO’

    Ahead of the October governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ekiti State government also alerted the public to “coordinated social media attack on the governor.”

    The media adviser, Yinka Oyebode, said in a statement that the plot is being hatched by some opposition elements. 

    The statement reads: “It was gathered that over 150 persons across various social media platforms, including notable influencers at the national level, have been paid to carry out the attack beginning from next week.

    Read Also: Oyebanji inaugurates Ekiti Agric-meal team to boost food security

    “The sponsors of this grand plot, sadly, are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who are bent on heating up the polity in a bid to make a cheap political point. Part of their grand design, as uncovered, is to discredit the Governor, as well as some key figures within the party and the Government, through spurious and malicious allegations, including forged documents and AI generated graphics.

    “Those behind this planned social media onslaught are the same people who clandestinely launched a social media attack against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week, using one of the federal roads in the state- the Itawure-Aramoko-Igede road as an alibi.

    “Whereas the poorly coordinated social media attack on the President failed woefully because the vast majority of Ekiti people, and indeed the general public, rejected the narratives. These characters went back to the drawing board and came up with another action plan, which include inducing 150 social media attackers with huge sum of money (in foreign currency) to carry out the nefarious act of character assassination and cheap blackmail through online trending of forged documents.

    “The Government has chosen to alert the public on this grand plot in order to avert likely breach of the peace, recourse to self-help and unnecessary tension in the polity which are the main intention of the masterminds of this ignoble plot.

    “Unlike previous sponsored media attacks on the Governor and the State Government that were treated with kids glove, this new plot would be treated with the seriousness it deserves. Hence, the general public, security agencies and all relevant institutions are hereby put on notice.

    “All political gladiators, especially those aspiring to public offices are advised to maintain some decorum and play according to set rules and regulations as we approach the electoral season.

    “The Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration welcomes constructive criticism and is ready to provide sincere answers to genuine enquiries about governance and the management of our commonwealth. All Aspirants are also urged to make their campaigns and public engagements issue-based, and stay clear of any sponsored social media attack on the person of the Governor as well as sponsored violent attacks on any citizen of the State.

    “As Secretary to the Committee for the Creation of Ekiti State, Governor Oyebanji understands the desires and aspirations of the founding fathers for a united people working in one accord to ensure peace, progress and development in Ekiti. This has been the guiding principles of his administration.”

    Primary: it may be a two-horse race

    Two governorship aspirants may compete for the APC governorship ticket for next year’s poll, it was learnt yesterday.

    The primary is expected to hold in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, in October. 

    The state chapter, led by Sola Elesin, a lawyer, has to decide whether the shadow poll should be direct, indirect or consensus, subject to ratification by the APC national leadership. 

    The Ekiti poll is crucial, being the first exercise ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The leading aspirant is Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who has been endorsed by the generality of stakeholders across the local governments, constituencies, senatorial districts and state. 

    Four former governors – Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni, an engineer, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi- had tipped him for re-election.

    Although the belief is that Oyebanji has no rival, some people are on the social media urging an engineer, Kayode Ojo, to run. 

    Ojo, a rich businessman from Ikoro, is not new to the race, having competed with former Governor Fayemi and Oyebanji, who he took to court after the 2022 poll. Despite pleas by APC leaders, he followed the suit up to the Supreme Court.

    Currently, he is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

  • Ondo institutions lament non-payment of salaries

    Ondo institutions lament non-payment of salaries

    • Only AAUA affected, says commissioner

    Workers in Ondo State-owned tertiary institutions have cried out to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the non-payment of their accumulated salaries and allowances.

    They were last paid in June.

    It was learnt that the subvention given to the schools by the state government is unable to cover salary payment.

    Besides, the schools are not generating enough funds to augment the subvention.

    Those affected are workers in four tertiary institutions – Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) Okitipupa, University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, (RUGIPO).

    According to them, the non-payment has affected their personal and social life.

    Commissioner for Education Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun said only the workers in AAUA are still being owed. He said workers of the other tertiary institutions have been paid up to date.

    Speaking on behalf of the workers, the Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the state-owned tertiary institutions, Comrade Olutayo Ogungbeni, said they are dying of hunger as result of the non-payment of their salaries.

    He decried that the situation was getting worse for the tertiary institutions workers, stressing that many could no longer feed their families and offset their children’s school fees with the existing cost of living crisis.

    Appealing to Governor Aiyedatiwa to facilitate immediate payment of their salaries, Ogungbeni said the subvention to the school, particularly Adekunle Ajasin University, is no longer sustainable to pay workers’ salaries and arrears.

    Read Also: Ondo tertiary institution workers lament unpaid salaries, appeal to Aiyedatiwa

    “As of today, we are yet to receive the July salary. So, if we should count August, which will end this week, it shows we are automatically being owed two months’ salaries.

    “And as I speak, there’s no hope that by this week they will pay us the salary. I remember during our struggle; an increase in subvention to the schools, especially AAUA, was a major issue we discussed with the governor.

    “N560 million monthly subvention to AAUA where salary would be paid including for pensioners, but the state government is releasing only N223 million, thereby leaving the school to augment it. You can imagine that the margin is far,” he said.

    Ogungbeni added: “Apart from AAUA, the challenge with other state owned-institution, especially in RUGIPO and UNIMED, is that they are yet to be paid the 2024 National minimum wage.”

    He called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to help the workers in the payment of their salary, saying there are those who depend solely on them to survive financially.

    Ogungbeni said: “As I speak with you, some of our colleagues (university workers) are ill. They don’t have the money to buy drugs or pay for hospital treatment. Many can’t even afford food. We go to school hungry and return hungry.

    “Although we know the problem confronted by the state is the issue of the multi-tertiary institutions, but the state is capable if you are to consider the increase in the federation account allocation to the state every month.”

    Prof. Ajibefun said the institutions have been paid, except workers of the AAUA, whose arrears are still outstanding.

    Ajibefun confirmed that some of the state owned-institutions are finding it difficult to pay salaries because of the subventions accruable to the schools, noting that the government would soon address the wide margin created by the fund.

  • Edo APC suspends Okpebholo’s aide

    Edo APC suspends Okpebholo’s aide

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has suspended the Chairman of Edo State Forestry Commission, Mr. Valentine Asuen, for alleged infraction.

    Asuen, a former state youth leader of the party and Edo South Senatorial District aspirant, was alleged to have committed actions amounting to incitement and divisiveness within the party.

    His suspension was contained in a statement signed by the APC state Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadia.

    The letter said Asuen was suspended from the party in accordance with the provisions of the party’s Constitution 2022, as amended.

    It said the disciplinary action became necessary because Asuen’s conduct ran contrary to the spirit of unity, loyalty and collective progress enshrined in the APC constitution.

    The statement said: “His actions have been deemed to amount to inciting division within the party, thereby undermining the cohesion and discipline expected of every member.

    Read Also: APC aspirant gets support for Reps’ seat

    “In line with Article 21:2 (ii) & (v) of the Party Constitution 2022, as amended, such conduct constitutes a violation of the obligations of a member.

    “APC remains committed to internal democracy, discipline and the protection of its integrity. No act capable of destabilising the party or inciting disaffection among members will be condoned.

    “Let it be stated that all appointments made thus far by Governor Monday Okpebholo have been evenly distributed across the state, including Oredo Local Government, without any undue influence from the party’s Secretary, Lawrence Okah.

    “The party urges all members to remain steadfast, united, and focused on the collective vision of the APC, as we continue to work towards delivering good governance and democratic dividends to the people.”

    Last week, Asuen was fingered to have sponsored the calls for the resignation of Okah as secretary of the party.

    He, however, denied the allegations.

  • Adeleke blamed for seized allocation

    Adeleke blamed for seized allocation

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State yesterday blamed Governor Ademola Adeleke over continued seizure of local government allocation and using the leadership of National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to ground the running of the councils amid control crisis.

    The Nation recalls that there is crisis over control of local governments in Osun State, fuelled by disputes between APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over conflicting court rulings, which stalled governance at the grassroots level and withholding of its allocation since February.

    APC in a statement by its Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, cautioned Adeleke to stop misinforming the public about the authentic reason the federal allocations had not been accessed by the local governments.

    He said the Court of Appeal verdict of February 10 reinstated the October 2022 APC local government chairmen and councillors.

    Read Also: Lojay opens up on relationship with Folasade Adeleke

    “Why is it that Governor Adeleke is not bold enough to tell the public that he is the one who has been working in cahoot with the leadership of the state chapter of the NULGE to withdraw the services of the council workers in a sympathy protest since then?

    “What could be the rationale behind a state chief executive sponsoring a strike of the council workers against his own government for a selfish reason, when it is known to all and sundry that such a protest will affect the people negatively at the grassroots level?”

    Olabisi said stakeholders in the Osun State project both from within and outside the state should impress it on Adeleke that it was only an act of wickedness and lack of empathy on the part of the governor that could make him imbibe such unpopular and anti-democratic route.

    He said: “Must Adeleke be playing politics with everything without thinking of the untoward effects it will have on the people? The sponsored interest groups who have been labelling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being responsible for the inability of the council chairmen to access the accumulated local government allocations from the federation account should redirect their plea to the governor to allow the NULGE to resume work at the councils.’’

    Efforts to get reaction from the spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, were abortive at press time.

  • ‘We’re revolutionising agric sector’

    ‘We’re revolutionising agric sector’

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reiterated his administration’s commitment to exploring modern technologies to improve and transform agricultural practices.

    He spoke through his deputy, Bayo Lawal, yesterday while receiving, on a courtesy visit, Chinese investors from China Overseas Engineering Group Co. Limited, at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

    The governor noted that investments in agriculture development and value chain were part of the visions of the current administration to expand the economy of the state and attract more investors.

    He said the state had a comparative advantage in agriculture and had also invested in enablers such as infrastructure and security, calling on the Chinese investors to partner with the state government to guarantee food security, boost agricultural productivity and make the state a hub for agro-industrial processing, which he noted, would generate thousands of employment opportunities and improve revenue drive.

    He said the government would provide an enabling environment to support the investors’ vision of partnering with the state.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Saudi target deals in energy, agric sectors

    The Director General, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, Dr Debo Akande, appreciated the Chinese team’s vision and mission, which he noted, aligned with the state’s agriculture strategies.

    He said rural transformation, building industrial hubs and development of agro-processing zones in the state were geared towards taking comparative advantages of the state in agribusiness to expand the economy.

    The team lead, who is also the Director, Strategic Services, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Abuja, Alhaji Abubakar Yerima, commended Governor Makinde for transforming the state through laudable infrastructural projects and investment in agribusiness.

    The leader of the Chinese team, Ms Dong Gwping, stressed that the team’s intervention was expected to revolutionise the agricultural landscape by stimulating socio-economic growth and development in the state for complete value chain with the provision of Chinese technologies and expertise for partnership.

    The event was also attended by the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Adeniyi Adebisi; Director-General, Oyo State Investment Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), Mr Tilewa Folami; permanent secretaries from the two agencies present, Mr Adewale Bolarinwa and Alhaji Kolawole Badmus and the Assistant Director, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, South-West Zonal Office, Mr Samuel Ajewole, among others.

  • Awujale: Abiodun urges kingmakers to be fair

    Awujale: Abiodun urges kingmakers to be fair

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged the Awujale- Chiefs-in-Council to ensure a level playing field in the process of appointing a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Speaking after a meeting with members of the Awujale-Chiefs-in- Council at Iperu, Prince Abiodun noted that it was imperative for the people of Ijebuland to have a new Awujale as soon as possible, as “nature abhors a vacuum.”

    He assured the people of Ijebuland that his administration would support any candidate presented by the kingmakers at the end of the nomination process.

    “Nature abhors a vacuum, and the process of installing another Awujale has started. That was also what we discussed.

    “The pathway to having in place a regency is the pathway to ensuring that all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed, and to ensure that all the processes, which are enshrined in the laws of Ijebuland are strictly followed.“I must say that all of us agreed that we are on the same page, and I think this will put paid to all the rumours that have been making the rounds,” the governor said.

    Read Also: Abiodun seeks Chinese partnership in mineral resources exploration

    He hoped the process would be rancour-free, as those who would be lining up for the exalted position would be given equal opportunity.

    He described members of the Awujale Council as respectable personalities who contributed to the successful reign of the late Awujale by maintaining peace in the land.

    “I had to first of all wait for the 40 days to come and go before calling this meeting because all of us have been in mourning. I think what is most important is the fact that they are all deeply committed and dedicated chiefs of the Awujale, and I appreciate them.

    “This is my first meeting with them to commiserate with them on the passing of our revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and also to assure them that despite the rumours that have been ongoing, I have absolute confidence in them.

    “The Council is intact, with no disharmony among them. There is no pluralisation; they are all working hand in glove with each other, and I am happy with today’s meeting, and I thank them,” the governor concluded.

    The Olootu Olowa and Deputy Chairman of the Council, Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, stressed the resolve of the Council to continue its peace-building duties. He said members would continue to unite and work as a team for the peace and progress of Ijebuland.

  • AbdulRazaq: we’re working to eliminate insecurity

    AbdulRazaq: we’re working to eliminate insecurity

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterday said his administration was doing everything to eliminate insecurity in Ifelodun, Patigi and Edu local governments.

    The three councils have been hot spots for bandits’ attacks.

    The governor acknowledged constant collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser and all security agencies.

    He spoke during a meeting with Ifelodun stakeholders, listing his efforts to scale up infrastructure development and keep the people safe for shared prosperity.

    Led by the Chairman of the council, Hadji Femi Yusuf, the stakeholders were drawn from layers of the local government, including serving and former public officers, monarchs, clerics, politicians, youths and others.

    He itemised some of the ongoing and proposed projects in Ifelodun to include Ajase-Ipo-Oke Ode-Sagbe Road; Alabe-Oreke Road; Oro Ago Road; Ora Township Road (which is to be re-awarded) and Orisa Bridge.

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq visits Babanla, other communities as new security deployments boost public safety

    He said Akamo Bridge is also on the radar as well as spot rehabilitation of Share-Babanla Road, and commended the  community-led initiatives in Ifelodun such as ICT Centre in Igbaja.

    He thanked the stakeholders for the visit, urging citizens to consider the implications of exaggerated claims regarding security issues on investment and development.

    “I assure you of our efforts to eliminate the threats. As we work together to make our communities safer, I want to advise that investments may be affected if we don’t strike a balance in how we project our communities to the outside world,” he said.

    He said other developmental initiatives were also in the pipeline, urging the stakeholders to continue to engage the government in a constructive way.

    The stakeholders commended the “proactive” efforts of the governor on security and his developmental strides in the region.

    Yusuf hailed the seriousness with which the government had tackled the issues in the area as well as the many projects of the state government.

    “We appreciate the swift response and unwavering support of the state government in collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser, in adopting multi-layered strategies to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace to our affected communities,” he said.

    “Your commitment to development in our local government is evident in many state-driven projects currently ongoing, particularly the Ajase to Sagbe Road project and other strategic interventions that have further boosted public confidence in your administration and in the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

    Former House of Representatives member Alhaji Kola Yusuf and Elder Oyin Zubair, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, said Ifelodun leaders appreciated the efforts of the governor on security and development.

    “We are very grateful for your visible efforts. We can see it, and we thank you. After chasing these criminals away, we need to also get their promoters and informants,” Yusuf said.

    Zubair urged the government to support those affected in the recent incidents, expressing confidence that the recent security deployment would permanently restore calm.

  • Group makes case for more involvement of women in decision-making, political participation

    Group makes case for more involvement of women in decision-making, political participation

    Speakers from various walks of life have identified the lack of involvement of women in the decision-making process as one of the reasons the country has been plagued by various challenges.

    The speakers, whose backgrounds cut across the formal and informal sectors, asserted at the weekend during a sensitisation program aimed at promoting women’s participation in politics.

    The event also drew attention to what they described as the underrepresentation of women in politics and governance at various levels of governance in the country.

    Tagged “Women in Politics Sensitisation,” the event with the theme “Understanding Our Role in Active Politics,” was convened by Farmer Omolara Svensson-Busari and attended by women across political divides, ages, and statuses. The event, the second in the month, was held at De Ace Event Centre, Yemetu, Ibadan.

    Speaking on the motive for the sensitisation, Farmer Omolara said women, as the bedrock and active managers of the home, must not be relegated to the background when issues affecting the larger society are concerned.

    She said many women are not interested in politics, which has resulted in their low representation in governance, policy-making, and general affairs.

    She charged women to take the initiative, noting that no matter their potential or capabilities, power will not be served to them on a platter of gold unless they also show interest and play an active role in politics.

    She said, “When you are not there, they cannot bring you down to where you are. You have to come out, show that you are interested, and show that you have the capability to do whatever you want to do. So, we are encouraging them to come out first.”

    “This is not a politically funded movement. This is a movement that is funded by me and all my women who are the founding members of this initiative. So, we’re determined. We’re tired of the status quo. We’re determined. We want the situation of the nation to change.”

    Also sharing her experience, a former councillor, Honourable Okeare Aina, said what discourages women from political participation is that most of them don’t have mentors but just dabble in the tide of politics and get consumed.

    She also identified other challenges women face in politics, including a lack of support and societal perceptions, noting that the sensitisation program is out to address the challenges and help women succeed.

    She said, “Most women don’t have mentors. They take the risk of joining politics. With this great opportunity given to women, I see it as a great deal. It’s going to be a platform where most women who need someone to mentor them and put them through can be helped.

    “There are times people don’t believe in women. Giving the woman the kind of support that she will need. After putting so much effort into showcasing herself, many still believe politics is not a thing for a woman.”

    She, however, charged women interested in politics to “know your onions. Know what you want. Stand your ground. Know what it takes. Get some education, and be bold. Have self-confidence. All you need is yourself. Self-confidence. And you must assure yourself that whatever you want to go for, you are capable.”

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    Also speaking, another leader, Ronke Adedeji, said the program is impactful “because we are trying to sensitise women to be active in politics, to know what their fundamental rights are, as Nigerian citizens, to come out, be active, and participate in politics, to ask for what is duly theirs. This is one of the important reasons for this gathering.”

    In her remarks, the Oyo APC Woman Leader, Alhaja Tinuade Adigun, said the sensitisation is a welcome development, noting that the move will encourage more women to contribute their quota beyond the cheerleading role they have been confined to playing over the years.

    She said, with this kind of sensitisation, many husbands will be encouraged to allow their wives to participate actively in politics, especially by seeking elective positions from the local government level to federal seats.

    She added that when women are more involved in political affairs, things are bound to take a different turn across all tiers of government.

  • Ozekhome slams FG for withholding Osun LG funds

    Ozekhome slams FG for withholding Osun LG funds

    Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Mike Ozekhome, has criticised the Federal Government for withholding allocations meant for Osun State local governments, describing the move as “highly political” and a violation of constitutional provisions and Supreme Court rulings.

    Speaking on a television programme, Ozekhome said the people of Osun should not be punished for partisan reasons, stressing that Section 162 of the Constitution and a 2024 Supreme Court judgment mandate direct payment of funds to local governments.

    He noted that the state had conducted elections on February 22, 2025, producing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officials, who are now the legitimate chairmen and councillors. “They ought to receive their allocation. There should be nothing barring it at all,” he said.

    Ozekhome accused the Attorney General of the Federation of acting improperly by directing funds to sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) officials. He also urged President Bola Tinubu to remember his own legal battles as Lagos governor, warning against repeating past mistakes.

    Read Also: Nigeria to channel World Bank funds into infrastructure, jobs, investment

    “As governor of Lagos State, he challenged the withholding of funds made for Lagos State by the then President Obasanjo government. 

    “The Supreme Court held that the Federal Government could never withhold the funds made for local governments in a state. All you could say is that Lagos State has 20 recognised local governments, and the creation of additional 37 was not recognised, but the funds must still be released,” he said.

    Ozekhome added that failure of the Attorney General to give proper advice was a dereliction of duty. 

    “If the Attorney General failed to give the President the right advice, it is a failure on his part. And if he did give that advice, and Mr President refused, all he needed to do is to resign from office. If I were Attorney General and I gave advice to the President which I know is grounded in law, and he refused to take the advice, I would resign,” he stated.

    He stressed that the rule of law must prevail above political manoeuvring. “The people of Osun should not suffer because of politics. Once elections have been held and officials are in place, their allocations must flow without hindrance. That is the law, and that is justice,” he concluded.

  • Olubadan-designate Ladoja harps on Ibadan urban renewal

    Olubadan-designate Ladoja harps on Ibadan urban renewal

    The Olubadan-elect, Oba Rasidi Ladoja has urged compound heads and community leaders to help chart a course to make the left-over of ancient houses in Ibadan liveable. 

    Oba Ladoja made this call over the weekend while welcoming hundreds of Ibadan Mogajis who came to congratulate him on his emergence as the next Olubadan to his Ondo Street, Bodija, Ibadan residence. 

    The monarch noted that a good number of Mogajis were well off to personally initiate developmental programme in their ancestral homes, but regretted that many had chosen to live in the high brow areas in town like Bodija, Oluyole, Iyaganku, Jericho, Akobo, if not outrightly outside Ibadan and NIgeria where lives are relatively better. 

    He said some have not even summoned family meetings for a long time to discuss family developmental activities since they received chieftaincy titles, adding that being a Mogaji or Chief in Ibadan isn’t just a title but a responsibility. 

    Oba Ladoja said, “We are looking at a situation where Mogajis and chiefs would not abandon their ancestral homes. By so doing, you can positively impact the younger generation looking for mentorship. You lived in this same society and have become what God wants you to be. 

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    “Please, let’s encourage the people at the grassroots by staying with them and sharing with them”. 

    Oba Ladoja contended that if community leaders could renovate old buildings in terrible state of disrepair, and occasionally inhabit them, cases of drug abuse and other social vices would be reduced to the barest minimum. 

    According to him, it is in order to change the narratives that he has renovated his family house at Isale Osi, which he would be visiting as Olubadan from time to time. 

    He however, commended the efforts of some of the community leaders in assisting the needy in their homesteads through provision of scholarships for indigent students, and provision of conducive environment for genuine community development. 

    He enlisted the support and co-operation of the Mogajis and chiefs in his bid to restore Ibadan’s economic fortunes.

    Earlier, the leader of Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori congratulated the Olubadan-in-waiting. While commending Oba Ladoja for his vision, he pledged the support and co-operation of the family compound heads to the monarch. He prayed God to give him long life to rule and reign over Ibadanland.