A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Hon. Morufu Tosin Ibrahim, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Announcing his defection in Irun Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Government Area, Ibrahim – popularly known as Murphy – said his political focus is now centered on ensuring President Tinubu’s continuity in office beyond 2027.
According to him, his decision to join the APC and the increasing wave of support for the party across communities were not products of formal campaign activities but an organic expression of satisfaction with President Tinubu’s performance in office.
“I am here to make sure that Oke-Irun Surulere Ward is moving ahead and faster. I also want to rally round for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. At the grassroots, we are mobilising for him.
“I want to make sure 2027 is assured for President Tinubu. I have begun with my various groups to canvass support for him from the grassroots,” Ibrahim stated.
The former PDP stalwart commended President Tinubu for demonstrating exemplary leadership, noting that his economic reforms were beginning to yield positive results across the country.
He pledged to work tirelessly to mobilise grassroots support for the President and strengthen the APC’s base across Ondo State while urging party members to remain united and steadfast in preparation for future elections.
Receiving the defector, the APC Chairman of Irun Ward 7, Mr. Lasisi Ajongbolo described Ibrahim’s defection as a major boost for the party and President Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.
Ajongbolo praised Ibrahim as “a big pillar” whose selfless contributions to community development transcend political affiliations.
“His coming to the APC is an added advantage that will improve our chances ahead of the 2027 elections. There is no other party in this community than APC.
“Hon. Ibrahim is driven by compassion and a genuine desire to uplift others. He has continued to invest heavily in humanitarian and community development projects.
“His decision to come home and identify with his ward and community marks a new chapter of unity and leadership,” he said.
He added that the warm reception Ibrahim received in his political ward was a reflection of the immense love and trust his people have in him.
“Hon. Morufu Tosin Ibrahim, described by many as a visionary, compassionate, and people-oriented leader, is regarded as part of a new generation shaping the future of Ondo State politics.
“Ibrahim (Murphy) is more than a name; he is a movement of hope, an embodiment of integrity, and a symbol of transformational leadership.
“His journey inspires faith in the power of vision, compassion, and service to humanity,” Mr Ajongbolo said.
Category: Southwest
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Ondo PDP chieftain defects to APC, begins grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election
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Aggrieved youths storm Aiyedatiwa’s office
Aggrieved youths from Irekari Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have stormed the Governor’s Office in Akure to protest the deplorable condition of roads and lack of social amenities in their communities.
The protesters lamented the absence of hospitals, electricity and other basic infrastructures in the four towns that make up the LCDA – Afo, Imeri, Idogun and Idoani.
Armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as “Mr Governor, We Are Suffering”, “Irekari is Part of Ondo State”, “No Road, No Bank, No Light” and “No Hospital, No Court, No Road”, the youth decried years of neglect and marginalisation of the community by the state government.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Adewumi Adekola expressed concern about the worsening condition of roads linking the communities, noting that many residents had died due to the delay in accessing medical facilities in Owo.
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He cited a recent incident involving a reverend father, who reportedly died while being taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, through a road that should ordinarily take less than 30 minutes to travel on, but now takes about two hours.
Addressing the protesters, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Smart Omodunbi Jr., assured them that their grievances would be addressed.
He said: “I want to assure you that your letter will be delivered to the governor, who is already aware of your presence here. He has directed that relevant officials visit your communities and take immediate action.
“I commend you for your peaceful conduct. The governor is passionate about youth-related issues and will ensure your demands receive prompt attention.”
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APC, Adeleke trade words over governor’s alleged plan to join ADC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke are at loggerheads over an alleged plan of the governor to join African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national leadership crisis.
APC through its state Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, in a statement yesterday alleged that Adeleke was hobnobbing with the leadership of ADC ahead of the 2026 governorship primary election of the party.
He described the alleged plan of Adeleke as desperate, saying: “Such desperation to secure a second term ticket amounts to Adeleke going back to swallow his vomit, given his recent verbal attack on Aregbesola.”
The APC state chairman said: “Adeleke began the move after his plot to join our party failed in previous months due to poor public rating, which eroded public confidence in the progressive brand the party had built over the years.
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“No one would have envisaged that Adeleke would one day contemplate having a political rapprochement with Aregbesola he called unprintable names just four months ago. It is strange that Adeleke now sees Aregbesola as his political messiah without whom his second term ambition is in danger.”
Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, denied the alleged plan of joining ADC, describing it as false. “The entire assertions by the opposition are mere fabrication and fake news.”
He said: “Governor Adeleke is not negotiating with former Governor Aregbesola about ADC and the governor is not joining ADC. The public are hereby implored to ignore the fake news from the pit of hell.”
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Oni hails Oyebanji’s investment in technology
Ekiti State former Governor Segun Oni yesterday joined the league of ex-governors of the state to praise Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his efforts at repositioning Ekiti for equitable and aggressive development across sectors.
Oni, hailed the governor’s human capital development policy, with reference to the government’s huge investment in digital education and infrastructure.
He spoke at the inauguration of a 250 capacity ICT centre at the College of Nursing Sciences, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti. Oni stressed the importance of information technology to educational development and overall development of the state.
He lauded the Smart School, Ekiti Knowledge Zone and Digital Hub initiatives of the Oyebanji administration, which he said was preparing the citizens for the global stage.
Congratulating the students of the institution, who are the direct beneficiaries of the project, the former governor urged the management of the institution to also create an opportunity for former students, who have passed through the college, to update their skills and be digitally compliant to contribute their quota to the development of nursing.
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“Your Excellency, you are doing the right thing and this state will develop further under your watch. I want to say that you will do more and more inauguration and you will bring more improvement to the state in your time and your era will be a real good era for health services and human capital development in Ekiti State.
“The ICT centre we have come to inaugurate has now become the real deal, because without digital literacy, your literacy is not full. In the days when I was growing up, literacy was the ability to write and read, but now the ability has extended to digital literacy, so the use of computers in most examinations is now compulsory. Even in secondary schools, examinations are now CBT-based,’’ Oni said.
Governor Oyebanji thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attributing the development strides being witness across the state to the President’s far-reaching economic reforms that had provided a stable foundation for states to embark on meaningful infrastructure and human capital development
Explaining that the newly inaugurated ultra-modern 250-capacity ICT centre was part of his administration’s commitment to improving education and health care training through technology, the governor explained that the facility would not only enhance digital learning among students, but would also bridge the gap between classroom instruction and modern medical practice.
Governor Oyebanji said as part of activities marking his third anniversary, more than 10 roads across the state had been inaugurated, alongside six general hospitals and several electrifications projects to light up communities that had hitherto been in darkness for upward of 10 or more years.
Assuring the people of more aggressive infrastructure development across the state, Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s determination to sustain the momentum of progress through strategic investment in roads, health care, education and technology.
“The only thing I just need to say is to express my sincere appreciation on behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who made all these possible. If you don’t have a President who is futuristic, a President who is prepared to rule, a President who is prepared to confront the norms, a courageous man of conviction, it would have been impossible for us to achieve what we are achieving at state government level.
“ I sat down there and I was counting the number of projects we have inaugurated in this third anniversary, I couldn’t believe it, I know we have done 10 roads across the state, we have done like six General Hospitals fully renovated and equipped, we’ve done more than 30 electrification projects connecting communities that have not had electricity in 10-15 years to the national grid and we still have hundreds of projects across the health sector. We have also inaugurated six farm dormitories that we named after the President”, the governor stated.
Commissioner for Health and Human Service, Dr Oyebanji Filani, who expressed his profound appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for his commitment to transforming the health sector in the state, noted that the governor’s strategic interventions, ranging from rehabilitation of general hospitals, recruitment of health workers and provision of modern equipment, had improved access to quality health care across the state.
Dr Filani further revealed that maternal and child mortalities in Ekiti had reduced drastically as a result of the administration’s sustained focus on primary health care delivery and improved maternal support services.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Kayode Olabanji, expressed his profound gratitude to the World Bank and Ekiti State for their investment in human capital development through technology, which had gone a long way in shaping the future of Nursing Education in Ekiti State.
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Oyo, Lagos farmers train
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Kakehashi Africa Nigeria Initiative (KANI) have partnered Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) to train farmers and extension agents from Oyo and Lagos states in aquaponics technology.
The event, held in Ibadan, focused on design, installation, operation and maintenance of aquaponics systems, equipping participants with practical knowledge to improve productivity, reduce water waste and expand agribusiness opportunities.
A Senior Programme Officer at JICA, Nigeria office, Dr. Umar Alilu, said the initiative formed part of JICA’s commitment towards promoting knowledge exchange and food security in Nigeria through technology transfer.
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He said: “The idea is to build capacity of farmers with new technology known as aquaponics. Through this collaboration, we are training farmers and extension agents to combine fish and vegetable production in one system.”
Mrs. Folashade Jegede, who represented the Director-General of OYSADA, reaffirmed Oyo State’s vision to become a leading agribusiness hub in West Africa.
She highlighted the agency’s commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural innovation.
Jegede said: “The objective of OYSADA is to transform Oyo State into a major agribusiness hub. We have implemented several empowerment programmes, sponsored youths for training in Nasarawa State and disbursed funds to support agribusiness start-ups.”
The President of KANI, Dr. Bolu Sarumoh, described the training as a reflection of the group’s mission to build a bridge between Japan and Nigeria, focusing on skills, innovation and youth empowerment.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems in Lagos State, Mrs. Abisola Olusanya, represented by the deputy director at the ministry, Akeem Olajobi, praised the initiative for fostering interstate collaboration in modern agriculture.
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Why Alabi should be Osun governor, by group
A group, Osun Arise, has drummed up support for the former deputy governor in Osun State, Benedict Alabi, as the best among the candidates jostling to clinch the governorship ticket on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement by its state Coordinator, Prince Adedayo Mukaila, Osun Arise noted that Alabi had garnered experience under the tutelage of his boss, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and he was ready to utilise them.
The group said: “The recent decision of our respected leader and former governor, Oyetola, to graciously withdraw from the 2026 governorship race demonstrates his characteristic selflessness and commitment to the broader success of the APC.
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That singular decision marks such a pivotal moment for the APC in the state.
“It creates a healthy space for the party to unite behind a candidate who will not only secure victory, but also faithfully continue the developmental trajectory already established. It presents a strategic opportunity for all true progressives within and outside the party to present a candidate who embodies the party’s legacy, possesses the requisite experience, and can lead us to a resounding victory in 2026. That candidate is Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (BOA), the former deputy governor of Osun State, whose credentials, party loyalty and unifying presence make him the best consensus choice for the APC.’’
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‘Reasons NURTW crisis lingers’
A chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Bashiru Ishola, has blamed the crisis rocking Oyo State council of the union on inexperience and confrontational attitude of the leadership.
He was reacting to a statement credited to a former president of the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa, while speaking during a SPLASH FM radio programme.
Ishola in a statement titled: ‘Setting the record straight’, said: “We are compelled to respond to the recent statements made by Alhaji Baruwa, former president NURTW, regarding the crisis in Oyo State Council of the union. In his interview on Splash FM, Ibadan, Alhaji Baruwa attempted to shift the blame for the union’s problems to his predecessor, Alhaji Najeem Yasin.
“To set the records straight, when Alhaji Yasin completed his two terms in August 2019, all six state councils in the Southwest were intact and under the union’s control. In fact, the national headquarters had successfully held meetings with Oyo State Government in July 2019,0 resulting in an agreement to form an executive committee with equal representation. The NURTW was intact and operating in the state.
“Alhaji Yasin left office in August 2019, but shortly after Alhaji Baruwa took over, problems began to arise due to his inexperience in administration.
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He had confrontations with the state government and by October 2019, Oyo State governor suspended the union in the state. In its place, Parks Management System (PMS) was inaugurated. This move was later emulated by other states in the Southwest region, leading to the proscription of NURTW in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Ondo states.
‘’It should be noted that under the current national leadership, most of these states have since returned to the NURTW fold. Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti state councils are now back under the union’s umbrella, a testament to the effective leadership of our union. This scenario will tell you that Baruwa was the problem. Because less than a year after he left office, the new management under Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, all the state councils, except Oyo State, are now back in the union.”
On allegations that Alhaji Yasin brought thugs from Lagos to Abuja to sack him, he said: ‘’We must correct the narrative. The truth is that aggrieved members of the union in the Southwest, dissatisfied with Alhaji Baruwa’s leadership, approached the National Industrial Court in Lagos. And in the course of hearing the matter, the presiding judge gave order that all the parties in the matter should maintain status quo. But despite the court order to maintain status quo pending the determination of the case, Alhaji Baruwa and his cohorts disobeyed the order and organised a kangaroo delegates’ conference in Lafia, Nasarawa State. He disobeyed the court order.”
Alhaji Ishola said the matter relating to the leadership crisis in the union was still pending at the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division. “The matter was supposed to come up last month, but the presiding judge adjourned to January 28, 2026. We find it unfortunate that Alhaji Baruwa continues to mislead the public and feed them with lies,” he said.
He called on Alhaji Baruwa to desist from issuing misleading statements that could further inflame tension and instead allow the courts to determine the matters before them.
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Lagos unveils 540-metre road project in Alimosho
The Lagos State Government has flagged off the construction of a 540-metre road project at Alhaji Jimoh Drive/Baptist Church Street in Iba Local Council Development Area as part of efforts to improve rural and suburban infrastructure across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, described the project as another testament to the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to inclusive growth and balanced development across communities.
He said the initiative underlined the governor’s resolve to build a 21st-century economy that benefits all Lagosians.
The 540-metre road is among several ongoing projects under the Rural Infrastructure Development Initiative aimed at opening up inner communities, easing mobility, reducing travel time, and promoting economic inclusion.
The new project is also expected to enhance access to social and emergency services in Alimosho and its environs.
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Dr. Agbaje noted that within the last two months, the Lagos State Office of Rural Development has commenced three other key projects: a 360-metre road at Ladejobi Ita-Alaje in Ikorodu, a 4.2-kilometre road at Onosa Y-Junction/Fokunmade Road 4 in Ibeju-Lekki, and a 200-metre road at Sanni Street in Ifelodun council area.
“These projects are bold statements of intent by the governor, demonstrating his commitment to equitable rural development, curbing rural-urban migration, and improving the quality of life for residents,” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, in her remark, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for approving another major rural road, urging residents to take ownership of the project by protecting contractors and the completed infrastructure.
A community leader and retired Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yusuf Jimoh, praised the Governor for transforming rural communities through projects like the ongoing Ijagemo road, linking the area’s main road to inner communities.
Similarly, APC Chairman in Iba council, Alhaji Oyefolu Jamiu; CDC Chairman, Dr. Thomas Abogunleri; and Ijakemo Central CDA Chairman, Mr. Mukaila Bamigbade, lauded the government for its consistent investment in rural development, pledging to support timely and quality project delivery.
Representative of the contractor, Engineer Oriola Ajibola, assured that the road would be completed within the six-month timeline set by the Office of Rural Development, adding that the company was committed to delivering durable infrastructure.
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Southwest APC lauds Tinubu over creation of regional development commissions
The All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Southwes has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over creation of Development Commissions in all the nation’s six geopolitical zones of the country.
In a statement by its Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ayobami Afolabi, the party said the step would facilitate speedy growth and development to all the geographical components of the country.
Afolabi described the idea of geopolitical zone development commissions as a subtle way of acceding to the popular demand for true federalism as all the each zones are being given a veritable platform for partnership, collectivism and unity of purpose.
Reacting to the two-day South West Stakeholders’ Dialogue/Summit in Akure, Ondo state, organised by Development Agenda for the Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission) in collaboration with Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) and the governments of Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Oyo states, Afolabi urged Governors and other leaders from the zone to march word with actions.
He said they must ensure that all the developmental ideas and road maps generated from the recent regional summit are carefully worked out and Implemented for the benefit of all the six states in the zone.
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His words: “The quality of representation and deliberations at the recently concluded Akure summit was a pointer to the fact that the good people of the South West are ready again to reinvent the zeal, courage and bravery with which the affairs of the defunct Western Region was piloted by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other legendary personalities who mobilized little resources to generate unique ideas and actions which placed the Region at the forefront of good governance and enviable leadership.
“The organisers of the Akure Summit also deserve applause as they were able to make the dialogue devoid of politics or sentiments as people from all divides were involved.
“At the end of the dialogue, the whole world was made to see that sons and daughters of Yorubaland were mindful of the shared values, opportunities and prospects which could turn their land into an eldorado in no time.
“However, the major challenge now is for the concerned individuals, groups and authorities to speed up action and ensure that the gains of the Summit are translated into unprecedented holistic development for the South West geo-politcal zone.”
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Few notable things about Olumo rock
By Ayodeji Adebowale
1. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Olumo Rock served as a natural fortress for the Egba people during the inter-tribal wars of the 19th century. It provided them with safety and a strategic view of approaching enemies.
2. MEANING OF THE NAME: The name “Olumo” comes from two Yoruba words, “Olu” (God or deity) and “Mo” (molded), meaning “God has molded” or “the rock that God molded.”
3. LOCATION: It is located in the Ikija area of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Nigeria. The city itself, Abeokuta, means “under the rock,” which reflects its close relationship with Olumo Rock.
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4. HEIGHT AND STRUCTURE: Olumo Rock stands about 137 meters (450 feet) above sea level. It has natural tunnels, caves, and platforms, which make climbing both adventurous and educational.
5. REFUGE DURING WARS: During the Egba wars (around the 1800s), the rock sheltered the Egba people for over two decades. They lived, cooked, and even raised families within the rock’s natural protection.
6. THE ANCIENT PRIESTESS: A remarkable woman named Iya Orisa Olumo (believed to be over 130 years old before her passing) was the chief custodian of the rock, serving as a spiritual guardian for decades.
7. CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL SYMBOLISM: Olumo Rock is considered sacred. It is believed to be the abode of protective spirits, and annual sacrifices are made to honor the deities that dwell there.
8. TOURIST ATTRACTION AND MONUMENT: It is one of Nigeria’s most visited tourist destinations, attracting both local and international visitors. The Ogun State government has developed it with walkways, elevators, and viewing platforms.
9. BREATHTAKING VIEW: From the summit, visitors can see a panoramic view of Abeokuta, including landmarks like the First Church in Nigeria, the Ake Palace, and the Ogun River.
10. HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS AND INSCRIPTIONS: Within its caves and walls are ancient carvings, symbols, and relics that tell stories of the Egba people and their ancestors’ survival and ingenuity.
11. EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CENTER: Olumo Rock serves as a learning site for students, historians, and researchers interested in Yoruba culture, ancient architecture, and Nigeria’s precolonial history.
12. ANNUAL FESTIVALS: Every year, the Lisabi Festival is celebrated in Abeokuta, and Olumo Rock plays a central role in the festivities, celebrating Egba heritage, unity, and resilience.