The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Adeleke condemns level of destruction at Ifon, Ilobu

    Adeleke condemns level of destruction at Ifon, Ilobu

    • Three arrested with gun

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday visited Ifon in Orolu Local Government and Ilobu in Irepodun Council to inspect the level of destruction in the warring communities.

    The Nation reports that over 100,000 residents were displaced; lives were lost and over N2billon property were destroyed during the clash, which later spread to Erin-Osun, over land dispute.

    Subsequently, Adeleke imposed 24 hours curfew on the communities and handed over warning letters of dethronement to the affected monarchs.

    Yesterday, Adeleke, with some members of his executive council (exco) conducted an on-the-spot assessment on the warring communities, which lasted for about two hours.

    The governor and his entourage toured Ilobu, Ifon and Erin-Osun.  The Nation learnt that several buildings were burnt in Ilobu, including two filling stations.

    There were countless empty bullet shells in the places affected by the clash.

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    Most Ilobu residents have moved to the boundary of Okini via Ojutu bridge, a neighbouring town to the warring communities. They stood beside the road, lamenting the level of destruction.

    Speaking to reporters after the assessment, Governor Adeleke condemned the level of destruction, lamenting that such crisis would give the state a bad image.

    He aid: “We have gone round and as you can see, there are security operatives in all the places. The curfew imposed has been very effective because we went round the three communities- Ilobu, Ifon and Erin Osun.

    “I am happy that the whole place is calm now. I want to commend security agencies for restoring peace.”

    Osun State Police Command through its spokesperson, SP Adeola Adeoye, said: “Three suspects have been arrested in possession of a Dane gun.

    “Thorough investigation will be conducted and suspects will be charged to court for prosecution. The command is monitoring the situation to fish out trouble makers and their sponsors, who will face the full wrath of the law.”

  • Court stops eviction of farmers from Oluwa Forest

    Court stops eviction of farmers from Oluwa Forest

    An Ondo State High Court has barred the state government from evicting farmers from the 10,000 hectares Oluwa Forest Reserve.

    It said there was need to preserve economic trees such as cocoa, kola nut, and palm trees that constituted the farmers’ livelihoods.

    Ondo State Government had relied on an order of injunction granted by a customary court to ask farmers and Sao Capital Ltd from further entering into the forest reserve.

    Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Agric and Agribusiness, Rotimi Akinsola, in a statement, said anybody that trespassed on the land or found violating the order would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    But Justice Aderemi Adegoroye yesterday granted an interlocutory injunction restraining Ondo State Government and Sao Agro-Allied Services Ltd from forcefully evicting the farmers or further grading or destroying farmlands within the Oluwa Forest Reserve.

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    Counsel for the farmers, Tope Temokun, said Justice Adegoroye’s order countered the customary court ruling that had ordered the farmers’ eviction.

    He said: “This development reaffirms the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rights of the farmers amid conflicting legal directives.

    “This ruling overrides and supersedes the earlier interim order from the customary court, which was surreptitiously obtained by OSAEC, an agricultural agency of Ondo State Government, purportedly ordering the farmers to vacate the 10,000-hectare reserve.”

    The case was adjourned till May 26 for further proceedings.

  • Makinde makes fresh appointments into institutions’, pilgrims’ welfare boards

    Makinde makes fresh appointments into institutions’, pilgrims’ welfare boards

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has made appointments to the boards of three tertiary institutions.

    He also approved the appointments of nine part-time members into the Oyo State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (Christian Wing).

    The appointments were announced in a letter by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi.

    Prof. Ayodeji Omole was reappointed as the chairman of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Governing Council, while Mrs Titilayomi Ahmadu, Mr Idowu Adeosun, Mr Jelili Busari and Dr Teslim Adediran were appointed as members of the council.

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    Their appointments take effect from April 1.

    The governor has also approved the appointment of Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, former chief executive officer of First Bank Nigeria PLC, as the chairman of the Governing Council of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan.

    The newly-appointed members of the council include a former member of the House of Assembly, Seyi Adisa, Prof. Samson Ojoawo, Dr. Aminat Ahmed and Prof Mojeed Akinsola.

    The tenure of the council takes effect immediately.

    Similarly, Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi was appointed as the chairman of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, to serve out the term of the former chairman, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, who died last year.

    His appointment takes immediate effect.

    In a related development, the governor appointed nine part-time members to work with the Chairman of Oyo State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (Christian Wing), Bishop David Moradeyo. 

    The new part-time members are: Pastor Biodun Popoola, Pastor Iyiola Israel, Rev. Mathew Ojo, Rev. Father Vincent Alabi, Mrs Sarah Amuda, Bishop Ezekiel Adeleke, Rev. Dr. Mathew Oludare, Emmanuel Akanbi and Mrs. Femi Odekunle.

    Their appointments take immediate effect.

    Governor Makinde urged the appointees to discharge their duties with commitment, dedication and loyalty to the state.

  • Ruling House seeks reversal of Adegbola’s appointment as Eleruwa

    Ruling House seeks reversal of Adegbola’s appointment as Eleruwa

    Laribikusi Ruling House has told Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to reverse appointment of Samuel Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwaland in Ibarapa East Local Government or face lawsuits.

    The family promised to approach the court again to seek redress if the governor failed to do the needful, insisting that it’s still the turn of Laribikusi Ruling House to produce the new Eleruwa of Eruwa land.

    The family said the majority of people in the town were against the decision of the governor, who appointed and gave staff of office to the deposed Oba Samuel Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwaland.

    It will be recalled that the Supreme Court a few years ago deposed Adegbola after spending 21 years on the throne. He was later appointed, given certificate and staff of office by Governor Makinde as the new Eleruwa of Eruwaland.

    Speaking with reporters in Ibadan, the Secretary of Laribikusi Ruling House, Ijaola Abolade, said the nomination process of the new Eleruwa should be shifted back to their family as directed by the Supreme Court.

    According to him, if not that Eruwa people are peace loving, crisis would have erupted as a result of the action of the governor.

    Read Also: The Sani Abacha in each of us

    Reacting to a statement by Governor Makinde that whoever goes to court to challenge the appointment of Adegbola again is just wasting his resources, Ijaola says the court remains the last hope of the common man.

    He said: “We are the members of Laribikusi Ruling House, Eruwa, in Ibarapa East Local Government of Oyo State. Laribikusi Ruling House is one of the two ruling houses recognised by Eruwa tradition and Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration of 1958.

    “The confirmation and recognition of these two ruling houses by the Chieftaincy Declaration of 1958 also provide for the order of rotation between these ruling houses, that is, Laribikusi and Akalako. The rotation is one after the other.”

  • Lawmaker empowers 217 farmers

    Lawmaker empowers 217 farmers

    The lawmaker representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Prince Sesi Whingan, has empowered 217 farmers in Badagry, Lagos State with farm tools and start-up capital.

    He said the beneficiaries were trained in crop and fish farming.

    Whingan was represented by Chief Sedegla Pot-Balogun, director of Sesi Whingan Campaign Organisation.

    The lawmaker said the aim of the initiative was to boost agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency in Badagry and Lagos State.

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    He said the training was organised in collaboration with Centre for Management Development and Stonemill Nigeria Ltd, the consulting firm overseeing the programme.

    The beneficiaries were presented with certificates of participation.

    Participants received start-up capital, with the least being N100,000.

    The beneficiaries received farming tools, which included fish tanks, water pumps, hoes and safety boots.

    Others are knapsack sprayers, pesticides, fish nets, herbicides, sprinklers, weighing scales, cutlasses and ph meters. 

  • Seyi Tinubu will transform Lagos to Dubai, Obidike assured

    Seyi Tinubu will transform Lagos to Dubai, Obidike assured

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Obidike Chukwuebuka has expressed confidence in Seyi Tinubu’s ability to transform Lagos into a world-class city, rivaling Dubai. 

    According to Obidike, critics of Seyi Tinubu will live to see him achieve this vision as Lagos Governor. 

    He spoke on the heels of Seyi Tinubu’s endorsement by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) as the ideal candidate for the Lagos governorship seat in 2027. 

    Despite some opposition, many believe Seyi Tinubu has the potential to build on his father’s legacy and bring about significant positive changes to Lagos.

    Read Also: Northern advocate commends Seyi Tinubu’s philanthropy amid criticism 

    He said: “As a capable and competent individual, Seyi Tinubu is expected to focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare. 

    His vision for Lagos is aligned with the APC’s goals of promoting progress and prosperity for all Nigerians.”

    While some critics have expressed doubts about Seyi Tinubu’s candidacy, Obidike’s statement serves as a testament to the confidence many have in his ability to lead Lagos towards a brighter future. 

  • IGP’s order on unlawful detentions will curb human rights abuses – SPANCI

    IGP’s order on unlawful detentions will curb human rights abuses – SPANCI

    A human rights organization, Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative (SPANCI), has commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for his directive warning officers against unlawful and prolonged detentions, describing it as a necessary step to curb human rights abuses by policemen nationwide.

    SPANCI made this known in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Yemi Ezekiel Bello, and released to journalists on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The IGP’s order, issued in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday, emphasized that any officer found violating citizens’ constitutional rights would face serious consequences.

    Reacting to the directive, Bello noted that the issue of unlawful detentions has led to the unjust killing of innocent Nigerians and the wrongful imprisonment of citizens accused of crimes they did not commit.

    He expressed optimism that the IGP’s warning would help reduce police misconduct and foster greater respect for human rights within the force.

    While applauding Egbetokun’s stance, Bello urged police officers to uphold the fundamental human rights of citizens, stressing that unlawful detentions have contributed to widespread public distrust of the police.

    He added that it will be a good thing if the police officers across the country can comply with the IGP ‘s order. 

    He maintained that this will redeem the image of the Nigerian police force tainted by the unprofessional conduct of some officers.

    He said, “IGP through the force PRO frankly told the Police officers to respect the fundamental human rights of the citizens while carrying out their duties even on pre-trial detention and that they should respect the rights to dignity of human persons and personal liberty of the citizens as enshrined in section 34 and 35 of the Nigeria 1999 constitution as amended. 

    Read Also: IGP warn officers against unlawful detention

    “He also warned against violating these fundamental rights and clearly said there would be punishment for erring officers. We need to say clearly that the IGP deserves appreciation. Since his resumption to office he has been speaking of the defence of the human rights of the citizens though alot of violations has happened by some of his officers. 

    “If we went against violation of fundamental human rights by the police we should also appreciate the IGP ‘s efforts in the re – orientation of the officers and his continuous affirmations on respecting the fundamental human rights of the citizens as disregard of this has killed some innocent citizens and others has been unlawfully punished for offences not committed. 

    “Some officers are so power drunk and usual abusers of office which is against their rules of engagement as stipulated in the police act 2020 as amended and code of conduct for professional officers. It will be a good thing if the police can comply with the IGP ‘s order and the rules of engagement as this will redeem the image of the Nigerian police force tainted by the unprofessional conduct of some officers.

    “Once again SPANCI appreciates IGP Egbetokun on his speech to his officers to respect the fundamental human rights of the citizens. May God help him to succeed in his duty.”

  • Lagos street sweepers’ welfare a priority, says LAWMA

    Lagos street sweepers’ welfare a priority, says LAWMA

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin has reaffirmed the commitment of the agency to the welfare of street sweepers.

    According to him, street sweepers, who operate mainly as part-time employees under employees have access to various social programmes of the government.

    Gbadegesin described the person in a viral video which accused the agency of ill-treatment for sweepers, as a disgruntled former employee.

    Gbadegesin elucidated that the workers are not only accorded welfare benefits that accrue to government staff, besides regular minimum wage adjustments and access to health care, but there are also the targets of empowerment schemes designed to enhance their incomes. Currently, sweepers earn N40,000 for four hours of work daily, which, if scaled to full-time work, would exceed the national

    Speaking on a television programme, Gbadegesin said: “If they were full-time staff, at that rate they would be making N80,000 a month, which is N10,000 above the national minimum wage. So it’s untrue that we’re not, you know, that the government doesn’t care about them,” Gbadegesin stated. Still, the sweepers are being considered for support in pursuing other alternate vocations, after their day’s jobs, towards enhancing their incomes.

    Read Also: IG warns against unlawful detention

    He further noted that, “the street-sweeping programme is a flagship initiative of LAWMA, and the government has consistently prioritised their welfare. We recently introduced health checkups, and upon discovering that some sweepers had vision problems, we arranged for free cataract surgeries.”

    Beyond wages, LAWMA is also implementing biometric registration for the sweepers through the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRA) to facilitate their access to health insurance (ILERA EKO) and other social support programmes. In addition, the support for boosting their livelihoods being explored by the agency includes the provision of tools for those engaged in businesses like hairdressing.

    In terms of the concerns expressed by the sweepers, the LAWMA boss acknowledged the possibility of their having issues with the vendor companies managing them, and he pledged continued investigation of any claims of their being shortchanged, as they have been doing.

    However, he urged the public to be aware of what might be driving some of these complaints that are increasing on social media, because “we’re moving into a political space now. This is two years to 2027. So you’re going to see a lot of this,” Gbadegesin stated. As such, the activities of naysayers should not be overlooked, particularly as we are entering into a political season in which discontent – as expressed in some videos – is being weaponised to discredit the government.

  • Osun communal war: FHA boss tasks NEMA to provide relief materials for displaced victims 

    Osun communal war: FHA boss tasks NEMA to provide relief materials for displaced victims 

    Following the recent communal clash between Ifon and Ilobu communities over a land dispute, Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Abuja, Mr. Oluremi Omowaiye, has urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide urgent relief for displaced residents in Osun State.

    The violent conflict, which later spread to Erin-Osun, claimed three lives, left 30 people with gunshot injuries, and displaced over 100,000 residents. Property worth more than N2 billion was also destroyed.

    Reacting to the incident, Omowaiye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed dismay that more than 72 hours after the violence erupted, there had been no significant relief effort from the Osun State Government.

    In a statement to journalists on Sunday, he condoled with families who lost loved ones and properties, describing the aftermath of the clash as devastating.

    Read Also: 2027 presidency: Kalu rejects call to run, restates commitment to Tinubu’s re-election

    Omowaiye called for swift intervention to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities.

    According to him “Over 72-hour after, we can’t see anyone set up camp or provide any form of succor for those displaced in the violent clashes in Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun by the Osun State Government. 

    “These are people living in their various houses and having places of work till Thursday evening that the crises erupted and they have suddenly become displaced right in their own state. They should be treated better and I find it hard to believe that authorities directly concerned are not acting yet.

    Omowaiye pleaded with the Vice President, Kashim Shettima who surpevises National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to direct the agency to come around and provide relief materials for the victims. 

    He lamented that “These people are hanging around, sleeping in churches and mosques for those that could find, while others have been at sleeping at different spots along Osogbo/Ogbomoso road. 

    “I am also using this medium to call on ex governor and our political Leader HE Adegboyega Oyetola, to use his connections and goodwill to get immediate aid for these people.“

  • Ekiti monarch seeks more support for Oyebanji

    Ekiti monarch seeks more support for Oyebanji

    The Olukere of Ikere, Odo Oja in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State Oba Ayodele Abdulganiyu Obasoyin, has called on traditional rulers in Ekiti State to support the state governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, in his efforts to develop the state.

    Oba Obasoyin made the call during a meeting of the Majority Obas of Ekiti land (MOBEL), held in Ikere Ekiti which was attended by over 70 traditional rulers from across the state.

    The Olukere praised Governor Oyebanji and his Deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye for prioritizing the welfare of traditional institutions and ensuring peace as well as development in the state. 

    He encouraged his fellow monarchs in the state to continue cooperating with Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration to achieve the best for their people and communities.

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    “We must continue to support Governor Oyebanji’s administration, as he has shown that he is committed to the development of our state.

    “Governor Oyebanji since inception of his administration has prioritize the welfare of Obas also ensure prevalence of peace and development of our various towns, I think there is the need for us to continue to cooperate with this People’s Friendly Governor as well as support his policies and programmes geared towards actualising his Shared Prosperity Agenda,” Olukere said.

    He also called for more encouragement and constitutional recognition for the traditional institution in ensuring that they discharge their roles in achieving peace and security of the society.

    He expressed optimism that the montly meeting would go a long way to further illuminate minds of both the monarchs as they synergize with the political class for the overall development of the state and country.

    The newly elected Chairman of MOBEL, Ojurin of Ijurin, Oba Joachim Adeyemi Afolabi, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation among traditional rulers.

    Oba Afolabi called for the constitutional recognition for the traditional rulers in order to ensure that they can effectively discharge their roles in achieving peace and security in the society.

    He also enjoined the the traditional rulers in the state to continue to work in unity for the progress and development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.