The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Gbagi traders protest alleged conversion of car park to shops

    Gbagi traders protest alleged conversion of car park to shops

    Allegation false, mischievous – Oyo govt

    Traders at the popular Bola Ige International market (Gbagi market) Ibadan have berated the Oyo State Government over alleged conversion of car park at the market to new shops.

    The traders lamented hardship posed by the new shop on their daily living, saying most of them, particularly petty traders cannot afford to pay N7.5 millon to buy the newly constructed shops being sold by the State Government.

    Some of the traders, who spoke with The Nation, described construction of the new shops at the car park of the market, allegedly carried out at midnight as unfortunate.

    They said they have written several petitions to Governor Seyi Makinde, his Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi, Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, Majority Leader of the House, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, and Babaloja General of Oyo State to no avail.

    The traders, who lamented the discomfort denial of a car park has caused to customers, passers-by as well as market men and women, said the development was insensitive and demoralising.

    One of them, who pleaded anonymity said: “Right now, there’s no designated place to park in the market. All day, everywhere has been clumsy because people had to park right inside the market.

    “It’s happening out of nowhere. We just got to the market today and they said they are acting on the orders of (Governor) Seyi Makinde.”

    The traders also pointed to the clandestine nature of the construction, which started in the middle of the night, as a pointer to what they describe as an unacceptable disorganisation of the market.

    The construction, which was said to have started in the middle of the night to prevent the unsuspecting traders from halting it, has sparked outrage in the market.

    The Nation gathered that the shop* occupied by traders in the market were recently allocated by the State Government, with each trader paying N5 million naira for a very small store.

    “I collected a loan to be able to afford this shop. I collected a loan of N5 million and I have to pay back six million,” one of the affected traders explained.

    However, the construction of new shops at the market’s car park has created a gridlock, making accessibility to current shops in the market difficult for potential customers. 

    “How do they expect us to make enough sales,” another trader in the market asked rhetorically. “My mother has a stroke. If I don’t make sales, how do I take care of her,” another trader added.

    Multiple sources further explained that the construction of the new shops, which the government reportedly intend to allocate at N7.5 million each, is happening in spite of various protest letters written to the State government about its potential negative impact on trading activities in the market.

    Some traders further alleged that the State Government has resorted to ‘threats of military intervention’ to clampdown on traders.

    Read Also: Ibadan traders beg Makinde to stop planned demolition at Gbagi market

    But Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperative and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi ,debunked the allegations, saying they were entirely false, mischievous, and an intentional misrepresentation of an ongoing, well-planned redevelopment project.

    According to him, Gbagi market redevelopment effort is being spearheaded in phases by the Oyo State Government, under the supervision of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, in close partnership with the market leadership and representatives of zonal traders’ associations.

    Adebisi said the portion of land being referred to was not an official car park but an underutilised area, prone to illegal vending and security risks.

    The Commissioner said following broad consultation with stakeholders, the space was approved for formal stall development to promote orderliness and improve access and safety within the market environment.

  • Group celebrates Canada-based lawyer Olaojo Vincent on birthday

    Group celebrates Canada-based lawyer Olaojo Vincent on birthday

    A socio-political group, Oye-Ekiti Progressives, has congratulated Canada-based lawyer and CEO of WhiteRock Energy Resources, Olaojo Temitope Vincent, on the occasion of his birthday.

    In a statement jointly signed by the group’s president, Mrs. Ronke Olaoba, and youth leader, Comrade Dayo Ogunbiyi, the group described Olaojo as a beacon of visionary leadership and a strong pillar of support for the people of Oye-Ekiti and Ekiti State as a whole.

    The group commended Olaojo for his consistent humanitarian efforts, support for small-scale businesses, and commitment to youth empowerment, noting that his contributions have made a lasting impact on the lives of many within the community.

    The statement reads, “Today, we join thousands of Oye-Ekiti indigenes at home and in the diaspora to celebrate a man whose name has become synonymous with purposeful leadership. Olaojo Temitope Vincent is a committed son of Oye-Ekiti who has never abandoned his roots.”

    Read Also: Canada-based lawyer Olaojo condemns Benue killings, demands justice, compensation for victims

    The group praised his contributions to youth and women empowerment, citing skill acquisition programs and educational scholarships, among others.

    “Through the provision of grants to our women, Olaojo has shown us what humanity truly looks like. He is a purposeful bridge between the grassroots and privileged persons in the power circle, Mrs. Ajayi stated. 

    The statement concluded with prayers for long life, renewed strength, and greater political elevation.

  • SafeKids Consult champions child safety, digital protection awareness

    SafeKids Consult champions child safety, digital protection awareness

    With growing concerns over child safety in Nigeria, a non-profit group, SafeKids Consult, is stepping up efforts to bridge gaps in protection for children both at home and in schools.

    Founded by Adejumoke Sangolana, the organisation is at the forefront of advocacy to curb negligence, raise awareness, and promote digital and physical safety education for Nigerian children.

    It focuses particularly on low- and middle-income schools, many of which lack the infrastructure and training to prevent avoidable accidents or address emerging digital threats.

    According to data from the National Safety Council, National Centre for Injury Prevention and Control, and the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), injuries remain the leading cause of death among children and young adults.

    The CDC notes that about 12,000 individuals aged 1 to 19 die annually from unintentional injuries. While Nigeria lacks corresponding national data, incidents of school-related accidents and inadequate safety measures in learning environments are not uncommon.

    To address this, SafeKids Consult recently held the second edition of its Child Safety Outreach in Lagos, with the theme “Enabling the Guardians of the Digital Age.” The programme focused on educating school staff, parents, and children on the evolving landscape of child safety, particularly the risks associated with technology.

    “This outreach was about helping schools and parents understand both the opportunities and the risks,” said Sangolana, who also convened the event. “Technology has opened up the world for our children, but it has also exposed them to online predators, harmful content, and emotional vulnerabilities.”

    Keynote speaker and founder of QHSES Academy, Engr. Jamiu Badmos decried the recurring neglect of safety planning in Nigerian schools.

    “We have lost children in Lagos to preventable incidents during school events because there were no emergency plans or first aid support,” he said. “We must begin to prioritise risk assessment and prevention in every school.”

    Also speaking at the event, the pioneer Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Odebunmi, commended the initiative and encouraged schools to embrace digital safety learning tools, such as AskPaddie, a YouTube-based child safety platform.

    “Nigeria must become safer, and that starts with ensuring our children learn safety from an early age,” she said.

    CEO of HSENations, Femi DaSilva, echoed the call for early safety education, describing SafeKids Consult’s outreach as a catalyst for long-term behavioural change.

    “Teaching safety from childhood creates a culture that values life, health, and well-being,” he noted. “SafeKids is not just raising awareness, they’re changing the narrative.”

    The event featured a robust expert-led panel moderated by Habeeb Salaudeen, Governor of SustainablePEOPLE. Panellists included Omonefe Francis of Kennedia HMO Ltd, Elizabeth Oyinlola of The Trusted Advisors, digital safety expert Udoh Bassey, RC Oluwafemi Runsewe of the Federal Road Safety Corps, and Odufuye Akinbowale of Kevron Consulting Ltd.

    Discussions centred on practical interventions for school safety gaps, digital exposure, and the role of parents in child protection. Participants explored tools, policies, and innovations that can make communities more responsive to safety threats affecting children.

    Other highlights included a safety quiz competition for pupils, first aid demonstrations, and a school debate. The organisation also unveiled safety flashcards and staged a play adaptation of its debut children’s storybook, “Sam Learns Safety,” designed to make safety education more engaging for young learners.

    Participants received back-to-school items and safety equipment, while teachers and parents gained hands-on training to better safeguard children under their care.

    “The impact of this outreach was visible even before the programme ended,” Sangolana remarked. “Parents, teachers, and children told us they were leaving with lessons that could one day save a life.”

    With initiatives like this, SafeKids Consult is pushing for a cultural shift, one that places child safety at the heart of parenting and education in Nigeria.

  • NECA partners Oyo govt on sustainability of business environment

    NECA partners Oyo govt on sustainability of business environment

    The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) is set to collaborate with the Oyo state government towards ensuring the sustainability of the business environment in the state.

    The step, according to the Director General of NECA, Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, was to strengthen public-private dialogue for business environmental sustainability across the state.

    Speaking in Ibadan during an engagement between the state government and organised private sector, theme: Strengthening Public-Private Dialogue for Environmental Sustainability in Oyo State, Oyerinde stated that one of the biggest signals to collaboration is the willingness to listen.

    He said the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has shown willingness to listen to the organised private sector to ensure sustainability of the business environment.

    He noted that the government needs the private sector to drive development across the state, adding that the private sector also needs the government to create an enabling environment through regulations and laws.

    “It is a mutually inclusive collaboration for all of us. If we don’t collaborate, the people we are trying to save, the masses, will suffer for it.

    “We are glad that we have taken this bold step with the Ministry of Environment, and we shall continue to deepen the engagement not only for the good of business, but for all citizens of the state.

    In his remark, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barr. Temilolu Ashamu said the Ministry remained committed towards fostering a transparent, fair and enabling regulatory environment that supported responsible partnership and businesses.

    He stated that his Ministry is ready to provide technical assistance, engage regularly with stakeholders in policy and implementation and promote collaborative initiatives that will advance and collective environmental goals.

    “Our doors are open for dialogue, partnership and innovation, as we strive to make environmental sustainability a cornerstone of development in Oyo State.”

    He, however, urged participants at the event to reflect on how their operations and investments can not only comply with environmental laws but also go beyond compliance to become champions of sustainability.

    He emphasised the critical role the private sector played in promoting environmental protection and sustainable business practices.

    “Your sector is a key driver of economic growth, innovation and job creation, and I believe that we can work together to achieve a more sustainable future

    “Sustainable development cannot be achieved alone by the government; it requires participation and active partnership with the private sector. Public-private partnerships have the potential to drive innovation, strengthen compliance and promote green investment.

    “Our mutual goal is to create a thriving economy that does not come at the expense of our land, air, water and well-being of our people.”

    In his remark, the Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Ecology and Water Resources, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman, said the Committee remained open for continuous collaboration both with the organised private sector, as a group or with individual companies.

    “Beyond conversation, we must see action that inspires, responsibility and strengthens our shared resolve to leave behind a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Oyo State.”

    Read Also: NECA makes case for reform policies alignment

    Also, the chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states, represented by the Treasurer, Sunday Aboriomoh, appealed to the Ministry of Environment to always carry MAN along in its decision-making and policy formulation that affect the environment in the state.

    He said the Oyo State House of Assembly must also collaborate with the Ministry of Environment so as to create an enabling environment for business to thrive in the state.

    He lamented that members of MAN are passing through various challenges such as high exchange rate, high bank interest rate and others, which forced some of their companies to fold up, while some are producing at 30 percent capacity.

    He, however, urged the government to prevail on banks to give MAN a low interest rate so as to foster an enabling environment and economic development across Oyo State.

  • Ododo praised for appointing Oganenigwu indigenes, urged to commence road project

    Ododo praised for appointing Oganenigwu indigenes, urged to commence road project

    Renowned philanthropist and national coordinator of the Super Eagles legends of Nigeria, Dr Hassan Ocholi, has lauded Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for appointing sons and daughters of Oganenigwu Ward in Dekina Local Government Area into his administration.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Lokoja on Tuesday, Ocholi described the appointments as inclusive and strategic, saying they reflect the governor’s commitment to grassroots development and recognition of local talents.

    He commended the governor for what he termed astute leadership, calling him a “Chief Servant” and “perpetual promise keeper” whose style of governance has brought remarkable progress across key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, security, and infrastructure.

    Ocholi also appealed to the governor to prioritise the long-overdue construction of the Iyale–Odolu Efu–Oganenigwu Road, a major route linking several agrarian communities in the state.

    “The commencement of this road project is crucial to unlocking the full economic potential of our communities,” he said. “Improved infrastructure will boost the transportation of agricultural produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and connect rural dwellers to essential services.”

    According to him, the Oganenigwu region is highly productive in crops such as cashew, maize, cassava, oil palm, soybeans, and yams, but decades of poor road infrastructure have stifled economic growth and limited access to healthcare and markets.

    Dr Ocholi reaffirmed his unwavering support for Governor Ododo’s developmental agenda and pledged to mobilise community support to ensure the success of the road project.

    Read Also: Ododo welcomes defectors into APC

    He urged the governor to set a specific date for the flag-off of the construction and to be physically present at the ceremony, citing the symbolic importance of such a move given the long-standing neglect of the Iyale–Oganenigwu road.

    “The presence of His Excellency at the flag-off will restore hope to the people and mark a new beginning for the Oganenigwu community,” he said.

    Community leaders and stakeholders have also expressed readiness to cooperate with contractors and support the state government’s efforts once mobilisation begins.

    They expressed hope that the project’s commencement would usher in improved economic opportunities, smoother access to markets, and better integration of their communities into the state’s development agenda.

  • Ladipo market harps on cleanliness at quarterly sanitation

    Ladipo market harps on cleanliness at quarterly sanitation

    The multimillion Ladipo Automobile Spare parts market in Mushin, Lagos, has held its quarterly sanitation with a call for cleanliness.

    During the exercise, as usual, the leaders of the market shut their members’ shops for six hours from 7 am to ensure full compliance by traders. non-compliance attracts sanctions.

    The traders, as well as sanitation workers, worked hard to clean every nook and cranny of the market. On hand to move the debris to designated spots in the state were officials of the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), who ensured that the refuse was left unattended to and ended up littering their environment, thereby leading to a waste of their efforts.

    The President-General, Ladipo Central Executive Committee of Auto Dealers Association (LACEC), Africanus Ogudoro, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of this edition of the programme held every three months. He said the market’s executive fixed a separate day for the cleaning of the market, apart from one ordered by the government on Thursday every week because they want the market to be very clean.

    He affirmed that gone were the days when Ladipo market was referred to as a dirty market, adding one of the executives’ focal area is cleanliness, noting that cleanliness is next to godliness. He also said no customer would do business in a dirty environment.

    Read Also: Ladipo auto market holds sanitation

    He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Mushin Local Government for harping on clean environment. He pledged the market’s support to the government’s policies aimed at making the state a cleaner and better place.

    Also, the market’s Environmental Sanitation, Mazi Nonso Chuifo, praised his colleagues for their performance, adding that there were no plans to stop the programme.

    He urged them not to rest on their oars to keep the market continually clean.

    Specifically, he thanked LAWMA officials for being alive to their responsibility.

  • Mosan-Okunola LCDA chair Akindele promises inclusive growth, security reforms

    Mosan-Okunola LCDA chair Akindele promises inclusive growth, security reforms

    The newly inaugurated Chairman of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, Akindele Adunni Opeyemi, has pledged a new chapter of purposeful leadership and tangible development across all wards.

    Addressing a crowd of dignitaries, party faithful, and residents at the LCDA Secretariat after her swearing-in by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu earlier at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, Akindele reiterated her 10-point agenda, encapsulated in the acronym L.E.A.D.E.R.S.H.I.P.

    She described it as “not just a slogan, but a practical roadmap for responsible, inclusive, and visionary governance.”

    Her blueprint outlines a series of people-focused interventions. Among them is the Light Up Mosan-Okunola Project, which will see the deployment of solar-powered streetlights to boost security and support local businesses. 

    In education, her no child left behind initiative will provide free G.C.E and JAMB coaching, revamp public schools, and introduce adult literacy classes.

    Healthcare reforms under her administration include the upgrade of primary health centres, subsidised medication, and enhanced maternal care. 

    For young people, she pledged inter-ward sports tournaments, skill acquisition programmes, and youth engagement platforms.

    Environmental sanitation and beautification will be driven by strict waste management enforcement, routine desilting of drains, and partnerships with CDAs and CDCs. 

    On infrastructure, she declared a zero-tolerance policy for potholes, promising ongoing road rehabilitation across all wards.

    Akindele also committed to free healthcare and adult education for senior citizens, while women, youths, and persons with disabilities will benefit from empowerment schemes, including microcredit and vocational training.

    Security remains a key priority, with plans to strengthen community policing and deepen collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

    She also pledged to promote agriculture through urban farming and to rejuvenate local markets with subsidised food programmes and upgraded facilities.

    The chairman expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a mentor whose “bold reforms and leadership continue to reshape the nation.” 

    She praised his efforts, including the removal of fuel subsidy, the ₦1 trillion intervention fund, the Student Loan Act, and initiatives in national security.

    “I urge all Nigerians, especially our people at the grassroots, to be patient and hopeful. The seeds of reform are already planted — and in no distant time, we shall all reap the dividends of his leadership,” she affirmed.

    She also lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for his strides in transport, education, and health under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda.

    Special acknowledgment was given to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, whom she described as “the oxygen to her political career,” citing her time serving under him as Senior Special Assistant on Political Affairs in the 9th Assembly and on Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in the 10th Assembly as a turning point in her journey.

    “You are the vessel God used to reignite my political journey — the oxygen to my public service career. May the Almighty continue to uplift and reward you,” she prayed.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham rekindle friendship

    Akindele recognized the support of prominent APC leaders, including Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the President’s SSA on SDGs, and Prince Bisi Yusuf, the apex leader of Alimosho Federal Constituency.

    She thanked the electorate for their trust, saying, “Your votes were your voices — and we heard you.” She commended her team, including Vice Chairman Akintola Falade and the newly elected councillors, as “not just a team, but a movement.”

    Vowing to lead with transparency and accountability, she declared: “I stand here not as a ruler, but as your servant. Your trust is my sacred mandate. I will not let you down.”

    Akindele called on residents to rally behind the collective vision of progress: “This is not just a victory. It is a new dawn. A fresh chapter for Mosan-Okunola. So let us rise together. Let us build together. Let us lead — together.”

  • Doctors’ strike paralyses services at LASUTH, others

    Doctors’ strike paralyses services at LASUTH, others

    Medical services at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, were yesterday disrupted, as doctors began strike over unresolved salary deductions and welfare issues.

    The Nation observed that the usually bustling medical facility was deserted, with many wards and consulting rooms under lock and key. No patients were seen around the hospital premises, and workers not directly affected by the strike carried on with minimal activities.

     A visit to LASUTH showed that doctors stayed away from duty posts, leaving patients stranded. At the maternity and laboratory wings, many patients, who had scheduled appointments, were forced to return home due to the absence of medical personnel.

    A patient, Mrs. Temilade Ojo, who had come to receive her test results at the labour facility within LASUTH, said she was disappointed to learn that there was no doctor to attend to her.

    “I came from Egbeda to get my results and hopefully see the doctor, but after waiting for more than an hour, someone told me the doctors are on strike. I had to go back home,” she said.

    Read Also: Atiku, Peter Obi should step down for Tinubu’s reelection-Aiyedatiwa

    Confirming the development, a card registrar at the hospital, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “There’s no work today. The doctors have joined the strike. Most of the departments are not functioning.”

    Similarly, at Isolo General Hospital, skeletal services were rendered. A hairstylist, who visited the facility in the morning, told The Nation that only a few doctors were on duty.

    “There were some nurses around, but only one or two doctors were attending to patients. Many people left after waiting for long without being attended to,” she said.

    Igando General Hospital was also affected by the strike. A worker at the facility, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he had heard that doctors at the northern part of Nigeria were planning to commence their own strike the following day.

    The warning strike, declared by the Medical Guild,  the umbrella body of doctors employed by the Lagos State Government, is in protest over alleged unilateral deductions from salaries, poor welfare conditions and unresolved discrepancies in remuneration.

    The Guild announced the commencement of a three-day warning strike during a news conference on July 26. According to its leadership, the industrial action became inevitable following government’s failure to address their concerns despite meetings and assurances.

    Addressing the situation, Lagos State Ministry of Health in a statement appealed to the doctors to reconsider their stance and allow ongoing negotiations to reach a peaceful resolution.

    “We acknowledge the concerns raised and wish to assure the public that all grievances are being looked into with utmost sincerity and urgency,” said Dr. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, director of Public Affairs at the ministry.

    The ministry said contingency plans had been activated to minimise the impact on health care delivery during the strike. However, The Nation’s findings show that these plans have yet to significantly bridge the gap created by the absence of doctors.

  • Concerned APC members demand removal of Lagos State chair

    Concerned APC members demand removal of Lagos State chair

    Concerned and loyal All Progressives Congress (APC) members have demanded the removal of Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi as the Lagos State chairman of the party.

    The group yesterday stormed the premises of Lagos State House of Assembly to submit their petition.

    The body led by Apostle Faleye Segun described Ojelabi’s leadership as rudderless and lacking in vision and integrity since he took over in 2021.

    In a letter addressed to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, titled: ‘An Appeal to Urgently Save Our Party and Secure Our Lagos’, the group further  criticised Ojelabi’s handling of the 2025 local government elections, describing the primaries as the worst in the party’s history in Lagos State.

    The statement said: “The highest point of his political chicanery was the mismanagement of the 2025 local government elections throughout the 57 local governments and local council development areas where he assembled the notoriously biased team to conduct the worst primary election in the history of our progressive party in Lagos State.

    “Since 1998, Abiodun Ogunleye, Otunba Henry Ajomale and Alhaji Babatunde Balogun ran very inclusive and successful progressive party with all members’ interests at the heart of their administrations and enhanced electoral fortunes of our party.

    “For the first time since the advent of Fourth Republic, Ojelabi-led party lost Lagos State to the opposition in 2023!

    Read Also: FG launches YouthCred credit scheme to support 400,000 young Nigerians

    “This electoral disaster was followed by shabby performance in the recently concluded local government elections.

    “As if that was not enough, Ojelabi, Faleke and their parochial, narrow-minded and self-centred team are planning to further polarise the party with one-side composition of the local government executives to further entrench their winner-takes-all agenda and positioning for 2027 electoral contests.

    “The members of the party are not happy. We are tired of his selfish leadership and the plot of his team to derail from the progressive ideals championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    The group reiterated their loyalty to the party and their support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda.

    They urged the party leaders to ask Ojelabi to step down to avoid further disaster in the party’s administration in Lagos State.

    Responding to the protesters, Bonu Solomon, the lawmaker representing Badagry 1, received the group’s letter and escorted them to the Governor’s Office.

    It was gathered that the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hazmat, stopped by and assured the protesters that their concerns would be looked into.

  • Osun 2026: APC Elders’ Caucus meets with 11 governorship aspirants ahead November primary

    Osun 2026: APC Elders’ Caucus meets with 11 governorship aspirants ahead November primary

    • ’Adeleke’s defection  to APC a closed chapter’

    Ahead of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) primary election in Osun State, proposed for November, the party’s Elders’ Caucus yesterday held a closed door meeting with the party’s governorship aspirants.

    Several aspirants have shown interest within APC to emerge as the party’s standard-bearer, as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who lost to Governor Ademola Adeleke in 2022, has dropped his ambition.

    The Elders’ Caucus members, including its Chairman, Sola Akinwumi, an engineer, held closed door meeting with the aspirants at his home in Ilobu, Osun State.

    A source, who confided in The Nation, said 11 aspirants were invited for the meeting, but only six showed up.

    The six aspirants include: Senator Jide Omoworare (Ile-Ife), Kunle Adegoke, SAN (Osogbo), Prince Dotun Babayemi (Gbongan), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (Ikire), Peter Babalola (Ikire) and Senator Mudashiru Hussein (Ejigbo).

    Read Also: Atiku, Peter Obi should step down for Tinubu’s reelection-Aiyedatiwa

    APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, former deputy governor, Benedict Alabi, Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, Professor of Mathematics from the United States of America (USA), Rafiu Durodoye, among others were not present at the meeting.

    Addressing reporters at the end of the meeting, Akinwumi said the meeting was convened because of the November 2025 primary election.

    He said: ‘’We are here purposely because of the APC in the state, in preparation towards the primary in November. We are preparing the aspirants for the primary election that will be held this year and the message is that we should all work as one family. What people should expect is a rancour-free exercise; it will go smoothly without any issue.

    “We have 11 governorship aspirants. Our aspirants are gentlemen, they are responsible men. At the end of the day when anybody emerges, they will all support such a person for APC to win at the end of the day.”

    Commenting on Governor Ademola Adeleke’s possible defection into APC, Akinwumi said: “Adeleke’s moving to the APC is a closed chapter.”