The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Killings: Okpebholo vows to bring perpetrators to justice

    Killings: Okpebholo vows to bring perpetrators to justice

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised to ensure that the people responsible for the February 21 killings at seven communities in Ovia Southwest Local Government are brought to justice.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the area.

    Okpebholo, yesterday during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities, pledged to facilitate the establishment of a police outpost in the area, to prevent future attack and enhance security.

    He said peace and security remained his primary responsibility, stressing that no crime would go unpunished under his leadership.

    The governor said: “From the testimonies I have heard and the investigations conducted, these are criminals who invade your farms to steal the crops you have laboured for. As a government, we will go after them. I assure you that you will live here in peace. Our actions will prove that lasting peace is coming.

    “No individual should be more powerful than an entire community—burning houses and killing people, just to steal farm produce. Wherever they are hiding, we will hunt them down, bring them to justice and ensure peace prevails.”

    Read Also: Okpebholo demolishes houses linked to kidnap suspects

    He urged the residents to remain calm, and not take the law into their hands, assuring them of government’s intervention.

    He said: “I understand your pain, but I urge you to take heart. Do not fight anyone or resort to violence. Maintain the peace, as you have been doing. I assure you that we will work here, so you can feel the presence of the government and experience real development.

    “We have already deployed soldiers in the area, and we now have three additional Operation Rescue patrol vehicles to support them. Once I return to Benin, I will liaise with the Commissioner of Police to expedite the establishment of a police outpost here, to ensure sustained security.”

  • Alaafin Owoade returns for traditional rites

    Alaafin Owoade returns for traditional rites

    The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has returned to Nigeria for the beginning of traditional rites, The Nation can confirm.

    He landed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos  from Canada on Wednesday evening.

    Owoade arrived with his wife and was welcomed by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe, amid fanfare by traditional dancers and drummers.

    The new Alaafin’s arrival is in preparation for his traditional rites.

    Read Also: ​JUST IN: Alaafin Owoade returns for traditional rites

    He recently received the certificate of appointment and staff of office as the 46th monarch of the ancient town from Governor Seyi Makinde.

    Owoade’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, said on Monday that all was set for the mandatory rites.

    Durojaiye noted: “As part of the processes, Alaafin Owoade will visit a number of houses to offer sacrifices, make appeasements and even sleep over at some of the houses to carry out night rites.

    “After performing the traditional rites at some traditional homes in Oyo town, the new Alaafin will enter ‘Ipebi’ (seclusion) for the conclusion of the traditional rites within a secluded part of the Alaafin palace.’’

    He said the ancestral rituals to be done during Ipebi will be the crescendo of rituals before the monarch is crowned Alaafin.

  • Abiodun, Ogun APC commiserate with minister over mum’s death

    Abiodun, Ogun APC commiserate with minister over mum’s death

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commiserated with the Minister of State for Health, Mr. Isaaq Salako, over the death of his mother, Alhaja Fadilat Anike Salako, at the age of 95.

    Abiodun, who described the passing on of the matriarch of the Salako family at a ripe old age as a testament to the grace of God in her exemplarily well lived life, said he recognised the fact that the death of one’s precious mother was always a painful event.

    He, however, urged the minister to take consolation in the fact that the deceased left highly accomplished sons and daughters as well as grandchildren, who would carry on her legacy for generations to come.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has also commiserated with the minister.

    A statement by the state Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, quoted APC state Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, as taking consolation that the matriarch of the Salako family not only died at the ripe age of 95, but also passed on in the holy month of Ramadan, an occurrence that was considered spiritually positive and much-wished for by aged Muslims.

    Read Also: Abiodun to traditional rulers: emulate Ologere

    “The death of one’s loved ones, especially a mother, even at an advanced age of 95, is always very painful and emotionally exerting,” Sanusi said.

    “It is on this note that we are not only sympathising with you, but also asking you, as a devout Muslim yourself, to take solace in the fact that from Allah we all came from and to Him we shall all return,” he added.

    “Mama has left a good legacy in good offspring, including your honourable self, who continues to serve our nation diligently and selflessly. “

  • OAU don dies after attending meeting

    OAU don dies after attending meeting

    Tragedy struck at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State on Wednesday as a don, Prof. Jimoh Famakinwa, died after attending a departmental meeting.

    The Nation gathered that the professor attended the meeting at the Department of Philosophy, but was noticed breathing abnormally by his colleagues. Consequently, he was taken to the university health and medical centre.

    It was learnt that he was later rushed to the teaching hospital in the institution for treatment, but died before reaching the facility.

    Read Also: OAU to immortalise staff killed by lion

    Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the institution, Abiodun Olarewaju, said the management was sad about the incident.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, has led other members of the management team to pay a condolence visit to the widow and the children.

    He said: “Prof. Famakinwa lived a fulfilled life of positive impact on those who were fortunate to come across him. We should know that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away as He pleases.”

    It was learnt his body had been deposited at the Department of Anatomy.

  • Don’t raise rent, Sanwo-Olu urges landlords at roads inauguration

    Don’t raise rent, Sanwo-Olu urges landlords at roads inauguration

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday appealed to landlords not to increase rent.

    He said this at the inauguration of newly rehabilitated road-networks.

    The roads include Agidi Road and Church Street in Agboyi/Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), and Demurin Road in Kosofe Local Government.

    He said: “Please don’t increase your rents because Sanwo-Olu has just done connectivity. We are not doing it so you can put a burden on your tenants. The value of your houses may have gone up because of the dual carriageway, but please, take it that this is our responsibility to you.”

    The governor said the road upgrade aimed to enhance traffic flow, improve business activities and eliminate flood.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu praises FirstBank’s Iconic Tower, says project will redefine Lagos economy

    He urged residents to safeguard public infrastructure and refrain from indiscriminate waste disposal.

    Sanwo-Olu said the projects aligned with his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, which focused on providing critical infrastructure to support economic activities.

    The Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said the projects were designed to reduce travel time, boost economic growth and improve transport efficiency.

    The Chairman of Agboyi/Ketu LCDA, Dele Osinowo, hailed the governor’s developmental strides and joined in the appeal to landlords to avoid arbitrary rent increases.

  • New Eleruwa gets instruments of office

    New Eleruwa gets instruments of office

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has presented the staff and certificate of office to the newly appointed Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola.

    The governor presented the instruments of office to the new monarch at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, yesterday.

    He noted that he was glad that the lingering issues that prevented the historical town from having a traditional ruler had finally been settled.

    The governor said his administration would continue to look for ways to advance the cause of development in each domain, adding that the importance of traditional institution could not be overemphasised.

    He clarified that Oba Adegbola was nominated by the kingmakers of Eruwa and that all his administration did was to endorse the nomination.

    He said: “We are here today for a very important reason. This is an issue that has lingered since 2019, leaving Eruwa with no traditional ruler for over five years.

    “This administration came into office in May 2019 and we met the dispute surrounding the throne. We tried to appeal to everyone because Kabiyesi was Eleruwa for 21 years before November when we had that Supreme Court judgment and we had to obey the court order.

    “I took it upon myself to find out what the truth was and I learnt that the first judgment was delivered by the former Chief Judge, Mukthar Abimbola.

    “I called him and we sat down and I asked him to explain to me the cause of this matter. I asked, was it that Kabiyesi did not qualify or he did not come from the royal family? But he said Kabiyesi came from the royal family.

    Read Also: Eleruwa tussle: Ruling house dumps kinsman, backs Olaribikusi ruling house

    “He said the issue they were having was whether he came from the female side but was supposed to come from another side. So, I concluded that we should keep looking for ways to solve the problem.

    “From that November 2019 up till this moment, I asked myself if Eruwa town had been better off and the answer is no. A town that does not have a governing head, things are always very difficult, because somebody must stand up and talk to the authorities.

    “Today, I am glad that the issue has finally been resolved.

    “As I have said in the past, our administration will not interfere in the decisions of our traditional institutions as long as due process is followed.

    “I can say that for any issue that has to do with the traditional institution, anybody that goes to court will only go and waste his time and efforts.

    “Not that people did not come to me to lobby. As a matter of fact, a very important personality in this state came to me and said it is his person they are pushing for the Eruwa stool. But I said I will look into it and do what my conscience says is right, as I know that I will explain this one day before my own Maker.

    “So, Kabiyesi was nominated by the kingmakers and all we have done is to endorse the nomination.

    “The importance of our traditional institution to our dear state cannot be overemphasised. They are closer to the people and they do a bit in governance, especially as it concerns security.

    “They have also contributed so much to make this state safe. Also, in the preservation of our culture and tradition, they have played an important role.”

    Oba Adegbola appreciated the state government, declaring that he would invite everyone with grievances with a view to settling all differences in the overall interest of Eruwa.

    He promised to bring about greater developments to the town and also cooperate with the state government and traditional rulers in Ibarapaland and Oyo State to achieve the vision of securing the state.

    In attendance at the event were a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; representative of the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Ladiran Akintola; and Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo.

    Also in attendance were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Co-chairman of Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Asiwaju of Eruwaland, Asiwaju Olatunji Alao Fadairo; as well as wives of Oba Adegbola, Olori Caroline and Olori Oyefunke.

    Others were the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Demola Ojo; Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Mr Abiodun Aikomo; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor (Special Duties), Chief Mikhail Bayo Lawal and other government functionaries.

  • APC slams Adeleke for misinforming Traditional Council

    APC slams Adeleke for misinforming Traditional Council

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has berated Governor Ademola Adeleke for misinforming the Traditional Council headed by Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the control of local governments.

    Governor Adeleke had earlier yesterday attended the meeting of Osun Traditional Council where he said the Appeal Court never reinstated APC local government executives, noting that the opposition was spreading fake news to cause mayhem.

    However, APC through its Director of Media and Information, Chief Kola Olabisi, in a statement accused Governor Adeleke of feeding the traditional rulers with lies in order to whip up unmerited sentiment for himself and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Olabisi said the hallmark of Adeleke’s administration had been ceaseless lies, which he even brought before royal fathers concerning the Court of Appeal reinstated local government chairmen and councillors.

    Read Also: Landlords, residents beg Adeleke for N750m compensation after demolition

    He said: “Governor Adeleke should allow the highly respected traditional rulers to have their rest, as it is when he is in trouble that he remembers that there are traditional rulers in the state, whereas, he has exposed some of them to ridicule and odium through his obnoxious executive orders at the onset of his administration.

    “It is an elementary principle of law that a lower court does not have the power either to challenge or overturn the decision of the superior court. The Court of Appeal adjudicated on the issue at stake on February 10 and the appeal against same lies at the Supreme Court.”

    He added: “We challenge Governor Adeleke and his cohorts to approach the Supreme Court if they are convinced that they have sufficient cause of action, instead of shopping for the procurement of judgments in some obscured High Courts in the state.”

  • Lent/Ramadan: Pray for peace, unity, Olu Alo urges Nigerians

    Lent/Ramadan: Pray for peace, unity, Olu Alo urges Nigerians

    Planter of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain World-wide, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, has called on Nigerians, particularly Muslims and Christians to use their respective fasting periods of Ramadan and Lenten to pray for peace, unity, and progress of Nigeria.

    The Cleric, while congratulating practitioners of both religion urged them to embrace spirit of love, kindness, and generosity that defines the sacred holy period. 

    A statement by the Personal Assistant to the Cleric, Hon. Deji Ogunbusuyi stated that prayer and fasting are essential tools for spiritual growth and development, saying Nigerians should utilize this time to seek divine intervention in the country’s challenges.

    According to him, collective prayer and fasting can bring about a sense of unity and purpose among Nigerians, and ultimately lead to a more peaceful and prosperous nation.

    He urged Nigerians to remember the less privileged and vulnerable members in society during this period, noting that both Muslims and Christians should engage in acts of charity and kindness, such as providing food and clothing to those in need.

    As Muslims begin their 30-day fast, Prophet Alo reminded them that Ramadan is a time for spiritual rejuvenation and self-reflection, urging them to use this period to strengthen their faith, seek forgiveness, and renew their commitment to Allah.

    As Christians observe the 40-day Lenten period, Prophet Alo called on them to use this time for introspection, self-reflection, and spiritual growth. He encouraged them to pray for Nigeria, its leaders, and its people, and to seek divine guidance and wisdom.

    He called on Nigerians to pray for President Bola Tinubu, Ekiti Governor Abiodun Oyebanji and other leaders during the holy months of Ramadan and Lent.

    He said the prayer became necessary to seek divine guidance and wisdom for the leaders as they navigate the country’s challenges. 

    He however urged Nigerians to seek divine intervention in the country’s challenges and to work towards a more peaceful and prosperous nation.

    He said the decision of the United States President, Donald Trump to cut foreign aid to most African countries should not be seen as entirely negative.

    The Cleric noted that while the move might seem unsettling, Trump was acting in his country’s best interest.

    Read Also: Over 2,000 widows, less privileged get Olu Alo’s empowerment, scholarship

    “It may not be what we want to hear, but he is doing what is best for his nation. African leaders must also rise to do what is best for their own people.”

    Prophet Olu-Alo challenged African leaders to look inwards and develop strategies for self-sufficiency, reducing the continent’s reliance on foreign assistance.

    Reading from Psalm 25:10, he urged Christians to keep God’s commandments, stressing that divine mercy plays a crucial role in human success. “When people lose the mercy of God, failure becomes inevitable,” warning that pride, deceit and ingratitude often block people from receiving mercy.

    He urged Nigerians to make sacrifices for others, stating that giving without expecting rewards opens doors to divine favour.

  • Osun new council chairmen, NULGE sue APC, ‘sacked’ executives, IGP over invasion

    Osun new council chairmen, NULGE sue APC, ‘sacked’ executives, IGP over invasion

    The newly elected Osun State local government chairmen, who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have sued the All Progressives Congress (APC), its ‘sacked’ council executives, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and others over control logjam.

    It will be recalled that APC council executives, who were elected on October 15, 2022 were later sacked, but thereafter reinstated by the Court of Appeal. They took over the councils, which led to killings when they were resisted by PDP supporters.

    Read Also: Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan and politics of allegations

    Another council poll was held, which the PDP candidates won.

    Amid the control of council crisis, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) took APC to the state High Court in Ikirun, praying the court to restrain the reinstated executives from imposing themselves on the 30 councils.

    Also, Sharafadeen Awotunde, Rotimi Adeyenuwo and others on behalf of the newly elected chairmen of PDP in a suit filed before the High Court in Ilesa, against the reinstated chairmen, IGP, Director General DSS and others, prayed the court to stop the defendants from obstructing them from assuming office.

    They also prayed the court to order security operatives to stop aiding the reinstated council chairmen from taking over the councils.

  • Kwara Assembly confirms two commissioner-nominees

    Kwara Assembly confirms two commissioner-nominees

    Kwara State House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of Mariam Fatimah-Imam and Dr Lawal Olorungbebe as commissioner-nominees in the state Executive Council for confirmation.

    The confirmation was done at the plenary yesterday, presided over by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu.

    Read Also: Bomb for Badenoch

    The Speaker recalled the message from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, requesting the screening and confirmation of the nominees.

    During plenary session, both nominees appeared before the House and were screened accordingly before being confirmed after deliberations at the Committee of the Whole.

    Following their confirmation, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Abdulkareem Ahmed, to formally communicate the decision to the Governor.