The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Owa Obokun: Arimoro vows to fight on

    Owa Obokun: Arimoro vows to fight on

    A contestant in the race for the throne of Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Prince Kayode Micheal Adewale Arimoro, has vowed to fight on until justice is done.

    Arimoro urged his teeming supporters to remain calm and peaceful. He assured them that he would continue to pursue his aspiration for the throne through all legitimate means until justice prevailed.

     In a statement in issued in Ilesha, Prince Arimoro, from the Arimoro lineage within the Bilaro Oluodo Dynasty, said that as a prince, patriotic son of Ijeshaland, and believer in the rule of law, he had confidence in the capability and integrity of the judiciary to right the wrong perpetrated by the Osun State Government in imposing Adesuyi Haastrup as Owa Obokun on the Ijesha people.

     He faulted the selection processes adopted in installing Owa Obokun.

    The statement reads: “While recognizing the right of other candidates to aspire for the throne, the process implemented by the Osun State Government was flawed, opaque, lacked integrity, orchestrated, and skewed to favour a particular candidate.

     “As a young, educated, and responsible citizen, I would toe the path of peace, honour, and reason in the pursuit of my aspiration. I am out to challenge the degradation of Ijesha tradition and heritage, resist the insult to Ijesha people, and put on record the overbearing influence of governmental institutions in the selection of the new Owa,” he stated.

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     According to him, history is replete with records of  similar wrongdoings which were later redressed through the court of law no matter how long it takes, stating that “I believe in the integrity of the nation’s judiciary to ensure justice is delivered based on the clear evidence of impunity and abuse of the established Ijesha tradition in the selection of the king.”

    It will be recalled that after a review of the process that led to the appointment of Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun, the Global Co-ordinator of Arimoro Family, Prince Adegoke Arimoro, faulted the process that led to Haastrup’s emergence.

     He said the family would resort to the judiciary to seek redress for the injustice and abuse in the selection of the new king to the detriment of their family.

    Other Ruling Houses that vied for the Owa Obokun throne also faulted the process that led to the selection of the new Owa Obokun on Friday, December 27, 2024, describing it as a gross violation of the established tradition, documented history, and existing chieftaincy laws by the Osun State government.

     The Ofokutu Royal Family through its Secretary,  Prince Adetoyese Adegbohungbe, had last year expressed exasperation on the process adopted to select the new king for Ijesha land.

    Adegoke said that Prince Kayode Arimoro had demonstrated the agility and intellectual requirements for the huge task of an Owa Obokun, saying: “He(prince Kayode Arimoro) is well read and well- travelled, yet he is a grassroot person who has provided welfare programmes in Ilesa even before the struggle for Owa’s stool began. He is not alien to Ijesa culture and has a listening ear. With his age, he has what it takes to move the huge youthful population while relying on the close relationship he has with Agba ljesa.”.

     Adegoke added:  “As a prince from the Bilaro Oluodo  Dynasty of Arimoro Lineage, KMA  is good enough for the position. At the Arimoro Lineage level, he commands the overwhelming support of our Elders and the youth.”

  • Ekiti adopts adire fabric as official attire for political office holders, civil servants

    Ekiti adopts adire fabric as official attire for political office holders, civil servants

    Ekiti State Government has approved the adoption of adire fabric as the official attire on the third Wednesday of every month.

    The decision was reached at the State Executive Council’s virtual meeting chaired by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

     According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the approval aimed to promote the state’s cultural heritage and preserve traditional craftsmanship.

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      Olatunbosun said the move would also create jobs, increase revenue generation for the state and provide employment opportunities for residents interested in the tie and dye craft.

    He added that the council also approved ₦2,002,062,725.83 for the construction of a standard synthetic football pitch and renovation of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti.

    Olatunbosun explained that the approval was part of the strategic moves of the Oyebanji’s administration in using sports development to discover and nurture talents to national and global reckoning as well as for wealth creation.

    He also said that the council also approved  ₦1,077,784,854.27 for the continuous maintenance of the state-owned cargo airport aimed at accelerating the closure of NCAA audit gaps and corrective action plans.

  • Obaship tussle: Orile-Owu indigenes urge Adeleke to implement Court of Appeal judgement

    Obaship tussle: Orile-Owu indigenes urge Adeleke to implement Court of Appeal judgement

    The indigenes of Orile-Owu in Osun State have called on the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to implement the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Akure on the Obaship tussle in the town.

    The Court of Appeal delivered its judgement in the two appeal cases on January 27, 2025, which saw the two appellants, both the Apena Compound as a whole and the Oba-elect Prince Samson Olubayo Adenrele victorious.

    In each case, the judgement of Appeal Court Akure states that the appeal succeeded and was allowed, wherein the judgement of the High Court Osogbo, Osun State was set aside.

    The indigenes under the auspices of Owu Development Foundation, (ODF) called on Adeleke to comply with the Appeal Court judgment which dethroned Oba Dauda Akinfalabi.

    Owu Development Foundation in a press statement signed by its president, Professor Gbolagade Ayoola and its General Secretary Dr. Ezekiel Oyemomi posited that “going by the Court of Appeal judgement, the implication is that Orile-Owu does not have a king in place at the moment, a situation that is highly dangerous owing to the long-standing tension in the town while the matter lasted.”

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    They called on Adeleke to ensure the completion of the original process of approval, appointment and installation of the Oba-elect, Prince Samson Olubayo Adenrele as previously selected/elected by the Kingmakers.

    According to ODF, “the good people of the ancient town of Orile Owu fervently await the action of Osun State Government, under its fair and just Governor His Excellency Isiaka Adeleke, to comply with the Appeal Court judgment dethroning Oba Dauda Akinfalabi thereby paving the way for completion of the original process of approving the appointment and installation of the Oba-elect Prince Samson Olubayo Adenrele.

    The foundation appealed to Adeleke to ensure the completion of the original process of approving the appointment and installation of the Oba-elect, Prince Samson Olubayo Adenrele as previously selected by the kingmakers.

  • Aiyedatiwa embraces Tinubu’s initiative on rural development

    Aiyedatiwa embraces Tinubu’s initiative on rural development

    Ondo State Government said it has embraced and begun implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to drive rural development through electricity.

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa stated this when he inaugurated the Steering Committee for the implementation of the e-HEART Initiative.

    Aiyedatiwa explained that the e-HEART Initiative was in partnership with the Federal Government and the private sector to enhance the use of electricity in various sectors, including health, education, agriculture and transport to drive development.

    He said the committee was expected to midwife the implementation of the initiative in the state.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State was one of the first states in the country to embrace and implement the initiative to drive rural development through electricity.

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    The Ondo Governor said the programme was specifically and deliberately set up to cater for the welfare of rural dwellers across the state.

    He said: “With States now empowered to generate and regulate electricity in their domain, Ondo is already taking steps towards improving power supply to its people.

     “The committee is to come up with a good template that will drive the implementation of the initiative.”

     Chairman of the Committee and Special Adviser to Aiyedatiwa on Power, Johnson Alabi, said the e-HEART programme was an initiative promoted by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to enhance sustainable electricity in rural areas.

    Alabi noted that the initiative would be funded at the ratio of 60:30:10 by the partners.

  • Mogaji Gbolagade mourns ex-Oyo lawmaker Subair

    Mogaji Gbolagade mourns ex-Oyo lawmaker Subair

    Mogaji Olubadan, Lato’s compound, Labo Ibadan, Mogaji (Prof) Gbolagade Abiodun, has mourned former Majority leader, Oyo Assembly, Hon. Kehinde Subair, describing his death as shocking and painful.

    A statement by Abiodun said the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo state has lost a rare gem and a politician per excellence.

    According to him, people of Ibadan Southwest local government and Oyo APC have lost a dynamic leader.

    Abiodun prayed that God will give family of the deceased fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    He described the exit of the late former Majority leader and party stalwart as sad and unfortunate, especially at this time his experience is needed.

    He commiserated with the family of the deceased and entire members members of APC in the state, praying God to grant he deceased a peaceful rest.

  • New Police Commissioner declares zero tolerance for crime in Oyo

    New Police Commissioner declares zero tolerance for crime in Oyo

    New Oyo Commissioner of Police Johnson Oluwole Adenola has declsred zero tolerance for crimes in the state.

    He assured of adequate safety of all residents through comprehensive security strategy.

    Speaking at the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, Adenola thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the Police Service Commission (PSC) for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Oyo State Command.

    Adenola, while unveiling his strategic action plan towards combating crime and criminality in the state, highlighted key areas of focus, including strict discipline within the force, upholding rule of law, enhancing Police capacity through training, embracing technology-driven policing, and deepening community collaboration among others.

    The new Police boss pledged to enforce all laws impartially while ensuring protection of rights of people in the state.

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    He said: “Discipline is the mainstay of effective law enforcement. We will maintain strict discipline at all policing levels and ensure professional and respectful conduct.”

    He further emphasised that the Command would leverage intelligence and technology to enhance crime prevention and investigation efforts.

    Acknowledging the unique security challenges facing the state such as kidnapping, armed robbery, herders/farmers clashes, illegal mining, and cult-related violence, Adenola assured residents that the Police under his leadership would be decisive and firm in tackling criminal activities.

    “With your continued support and cooperation, the Command under my leadership will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to criminal activities.”

    Adenola stressed the importance of community engagement saying, “By involving citizens in policing decision-making, we embody Robert Peel’s principle that ‘the police are the public and the public are the police,’ thus fostering trust, collaboration, and inclusive policing.”

    He also highlighted the significance of collaboration with sister security agencies to address complex security challenges effectively.

  • Alaafin Owoade vows to tackle youth unemployment

    Alaafin Owoade vows to tackle youth unemployment

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has said one of his agenda is to make sure graduate youths, who are seeking jobs, are taken away from the streets.

    He said he would create vocational skills for youths.

    In a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch said he would make sure graduates with BSc or HND were helped with cyber security knowledge, to curb seeking greener pastures abroad.

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    Alaafin Owoade, the statement said, would continue from where his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, stopped, towards promoting culture and improving on Sango and Oranmiyan festivals.

    He added that widows and widowers would be empowered to improve their socio-economic lives.

    The statement said: “Development of health facilities has been the new Alaafin’s priority. He wants to be remembered for it during his reign.

    “Alaafin Owoade has negotiated with international organisations and they have agreed to support him to develop his kingdom.

    “Oba Owoade will also make sure the artefacts taken away by the British in 1895 are brought back.”

  • How we’re turning our major towns into smart cities, by Abiodun

    How we’re turning our major towns into smart cities, by Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said the vision of his administration was taking shape, with the urban renewal initiative across major towns in the state.

    Abiodun, who disclosed this when he visited government houses around the Government Reservation Area, Abeokuta, said housing projects initiated by his administration had added lustre and beauty to all major cities across the state.

    He said the housing initiatives in Kobape, Iperu, Ijebu Ode and Ilaro had transformed the areas ‘’and they are consequently now being referred to as smart cities.’’

    The governor spoke about the urban renewal scheme of his administration as the first phase of 35 houses are completed at the Ibara Government Reservation Area, Abeokuta.

    Speaking during the inspection of the project site, Prince Abiodun said his administration was determined to turn GRAs, which he described as the state’s treasure, to what they should be.

    He decried the deplorable condition of the GRAs, which he said had become slums and unfit for humans to live in.

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    He said: “We began to carry out urban renewal projects in Abeokuta, the state capital, in phases with three hectares. The first phase has 30-35 houses and what we have done is exemplary.

    “The construction is done by our artisans, which is of course another way of creating employment. The houses are affordable despite their high quality. This project presents a new face of Abeokuta.”

    The governor expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far and noted that though work was still in progress, drainages, sidewalks, solar street lights, electricity and water reticulation were already in place.

    He said: “You can see that the designs are very pleasing to the eyes and the completion is also commendable. This project is not executed by a foreign contractor and it is not even in contract, but is constructed by direct labour to ensure our citizens who are artisans like painters, bricklayers, carpenters and welders participate in this construction.”

    Governor Abiodun hailed the Commissioner for Housing and his team for implementing his vision, saying “if you have a vision and there is no team, that is up scratch in terms of implementation. As we envisioned, the team has worked hand in gloves with us and the result is as clear as the day.”

    “Abeokuta is the capital of Ogun State and everything we do must be of Ogun standard. These structures can be compared to any structure you see anywhere in the world and I believe we have done this to further bring more people to come and live in Abeokuta,” he said.

    Assuring that similar project would be duplicated in other GRAs in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and Ota, Prince Abiodun affirmed the continued conversion of the push to pull factor from Lagos, saying his administration believed it would bring in more people to come, live and invest in Ogun State.

    At the President Muhammadu Buhari Estate, along Kobape Road, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun noted that the project was inherited from the previous administration, but lamented that it was fraught with litigations, which his administration successfully settled out of court.

    Abiodun, who described the project as noble and meant to provide decent accommodation for the people at a location that typified Abeokuta, said the initiative could not be abandoned, as the state’s commonwealth was expended on it.

    He said: “We broke down the construction of the estate into phases. We had to redesign the estate so that it could be functional. We reallocated and adjusted the plot sizes and today, we have about 116 houses of different types of fully detached and semi-detached houses, which are of high quality and can be compared to an estate that is befitting anywhere in the world.’’

  • Ekiti govt resolves Ilawe chieftaincy crisis

    Ekiti govt resolves Ilawe chieftaincy crisis

    Ekiti State Government has resolved the chieftaincy crisis in Ilawe-Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti South-West Local Government, over the installation of Mrs Regina Oluwafemi as the Ajakarinde of Okebedo Quarters.

    The Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, resolved the crisis yesterday while mediating in the chieftaincy crisis within Ogbojana family in Ado-Ekiti.

    She said the intervention stemmed from a petition written by the head of the family, Mr Maurice Agbadaola, alleging manipulation in the process leading to the installation of Oluwafemi with the traditional title.

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    The deputy governor said the installation performed by the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, remained valid.

    She advised the holder of the chieftaincy title to be proactive, and appealed to the aggrieved members to sheathe their sword.

    She, however, condemned Chief Maurice Adaramodu, who holds the traditional title of Ajana of Okebedo Quarters, for hoarding the information sent by Oba Alabi, when he called for nomination for the title from Agbadaola, who is the family head.

  • Lagos launches app to supportintegrated multi-modal transportation

    Lagos launches app to supportintegrated multi-modal transportation

    Lagos State Government, in partnership with MTN Nigeria, has launched MyLagosApp to support integrated multi-modal transportation in Lagos State.

    Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat said the app was developed to meet the needs of Lagosians by providing connectivity, efficiency and accessibility.

    He hailed the collaborative efforts of MTN and all MDAs that participated in the creation of the application. The governor said the success of the application depended on Lagosians, urging them to embrace, interact with and engage its features, as it would serve as an effective medium for citizens to connect with the government.

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    Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the application was designed to support the state’s multimodal transportation plan by showing users modes of transportation and how to navigate them.

    He said the application would provide real-time data on commuters and traffic conditions, enabling predictive modelling for road infrastructure and offering sufficient information to help Lagosians reach their destinations via transport modes in the shortest time possible.