The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Olori Afolabi launches NGO, lifts women with zero-interest loan

    Olori Afolabi launches NGO, lifts women with zero-interest loan

    Olori Janet Afolabi, CNN award winning journalist and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, has launched  Network of  Women in Rural Areas as part of activities to celebrate rural women and provide a platform for them to access financial support to boost their petty businesses. 

    Afolabi in the welcome speech, at the event which took place on October 15, at the Alapomu Palace Hall,  Apomu, headquarters of Isokan local government area of Osun state, said participating women will have access to no-interest loan to help them grow their small businesses and expand their economic prospects. 

    The financial support is expected to enable them increase their income, improve their livelihoods and contribute to the economic development of their communities. 

    ” I am committed to  supporting women in rural areas.This Network is a testament of my commitment to promoting women economic empowerment and reducing poverty in rural communities,” she said.

     Christiana  Akinlabu , the Otun Iyalode of Apomu, a high ranking  Chief and member of the Apomu Market Development Committee, said the launch was a welcome development for women in rural who face major challenges in accessing financial supports.

    Read Also: Olori Afolabi urges Youth Corpers to acquire skills for brighter future

    She said it was a significant step in promoting women’s enterprise “It will have positive impact on the lives of women and their families “

    Many of the women who attended the event were given zero-interest loans. They also got different gift items.

    The Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Afolabi, asked them to use the money for the purpose for which they got it. 

    He also enjoined them not to default when it is  time  to pay back the loan.

  • Christ School alumni renovates alma mater’s dormitory

    Christ School alumni renovates alma mater’s dormitory

    The 1980–1985 set of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti Alumni Association, has rolled out activities for its global homecoming celebration, marking 40 years since the members’ valedictory in 1985.

    The week-long celebration, themed ‘Reconnect, Reunite, Roister and Reciprocate,’ will feature a series of events including a road show, career talk, medical outreach, novelty football match, project commissioning, and award presentations.

    Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, the Chairman of the 1980/85 set, Prince Adejumoke Agunbiade, revealed that the alumni had spent millions of naira to renovate a dilapidated two-block dormitory in the school as part of their commitment to the institution’s development.

    Agunbiade further disclosed that the set also engaged the services of private teachers to prepare students for external examinations, noting that the intervention yielded excellent results.

    He added that the alumni body remains committed to enhancing the school’s infrastructure, improving the learning environment, empowering deserving students through incentives and aids, and providing mentorship programmes to guide and inspire current students.

    According to him, the homecoming celebration aims to “rekindle shared heritage, celebrate enduring friendships, academic excellence, and the proud brand of Christ’s School while strengthening ties between past and current students.”

    READ ALSO; What inspired me to write ‘Joromi’ song – Simi

    He said, “Our memorable celebration is designed to capture the essence and testament of the enduring bonds forged within the walls of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti.

    “It is a great opportunity to reconnect and rekindle friendships and networks as well as celebrating values of education that shaped our lives and strengthening our ties to the alma mater; and inspire current students and younger alumni through our shared experiences.”

    Agunbiade assured that the old students would continue to uphold the legacies of Christ’s School and contribute to its development for the benefit of future generations.

    In his remarks, the Principal of Christ’s School, Mr. Ebenezer Oluwarotimi, expressed appreciation to the old students for their various interventions, including dormitory and classroom renovations, and other physical projects.

    Oluwarotimi described the reunion as a time for reflection and reconnection, emphasizing that under his leadership, the school has continued to record tremendous achievements academically, morally, and in sports.

    “I want to thank you for what you have done. You have done more than what Napoleon could do,” he said. “Christ’s School today remains number one in academics, sports, and Christ-likeness.”

  • Epe LG unveils N10m business grants for vulnerable youths

    Epe LG unveils N10m business grants for vulnerable youths

    No fewer than 100 Epe residents selected across the eight (8) wards areas of the council will have access to N100,000 grants, payable monthly for over a 20-month period, as part of a strategic welfare scheme designed to boost household income and support micro-businesses.

     The Chairperson of Epe Local Government Council Area of Lagos State, Princess Surah Animashaun, made this known during the flag-off of the programme at the council secretariat, Ita-Marun, Epe, saying scheme was designed to give a lifting hand to many of the poorest and vulnerable citizens in the council area of Lagos state.

     She reaffirmed her vision of building a self-sustaining and prosperous Epe where every resident, regardless of social or economic status, can thrive, noting that the grant was expected to increase the income and productive assets of target beneficiaries, admonishing them to make good use of it.

     “I hope that the beneficiaries will use this opportunity to increase their income, enhance their food security, and contribute towards improving their family’s livelihood. This grant will go a long way in supporting any serious woman to start a business. What is most important is how judiciously you utilise the money.

    READ ALSO: No plans to join APC, says Lawal

     “This administration believes that true governance is not measured by the number of roads we constructed, but by the number of lives we have positively transformed and touched.

     “Today’s empowerment is not just a handout; it is a hand up, a push towards self-dependence, dignity, and renewed hope,” Animashaun said.

     She further emphasised that the programme aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, according to her, seeks to strengthen the nation’s social safety nets and empower grassroots citizens for sustainable economic growth.

     The Chairperson also distributed sewing machines, hairdryers, grinding machines, fishing nets, and safety jackets, in addition to the cash grants, she further empowered residents with tools to sustain livelihoods and promote self-reliance across communities in Epe.

     Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Fatai Oyesanya and Mrs. Funmilayo Oreagba thanked the Chairperson for deeming it fit to give them the grants, noting that the Chairman had done so much for them, through some intervention schemes, promising to ensure good use of the grant to enhance their livings.

  • Lagos to lead implementation of new industrial policy

    Lagos to lead implementation of new industrial policy

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Bada Ambrose has stated that the state has prioritised implementation of a new industrial policy designed to create a more enabling environment for businesses.

     The Commissioner who represented the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Cadbury @60 noted, “As part of our administration’s agenda to make Lagos a globally competitive 21st-century economy, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives is leading the implementation of a new Industrial Policy designed to create a more enabling environment for businesses.”

     According to her, the policy prioritises infrastructure, investment incentives, industrial clusters, and public-private collaboration.

    “We look forward to working closely with Cadbury Nigeria and other key stakeholders to ensure this policy translates into tangible outcomes, greater productivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity for all.

     “On behalf of Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, I bring you warm greetings and appreciation for your continued investment and operations in Lagos. Mr. Governor places great value on private sector players, especially manufacturing companies like Cadbury Nigeria, who serve as the engine of Lagos State’s economy, creating jobs, stimulating innovation, and supporting community development,” the Commissioner expressed.

     The Commissioner who was the Special Guest of Honour at the BRA NAN WAZOBIA DAY 2025 celebration, put together by Cadbury Nigeria Plc, noted that WAZOBIA DAY is a day set aside to celebrate Nigeria’s cultural diversity as a nation of over 200 million people, with over 250 different ethnic groups. It is part of Cadbury Nigeria’s commitment to creating a fun and inclusive workplace.

    READ ALSO; What inspired me to write ‘Joromi’ song – Simi

     Earlier in her welcome address, the Managing Director of Cadbury Plc, Ms Oyeyimika Adeboye, said the company was able to achieve this milestone due to its determination and focus, irrespective of the economic downturn.

     Adeboye noted that Cadbury is called the global snacking engine, as it has lots of products that are yet to be introduced into the Nigerian market, such as Cadbury Dairy Milk, Chocolate, Biscuits and others which will soon be on the Nigerian shelf.

     “WAZOBIA DAY initially celebration started in Nigeria, but later included Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire colleagues, to demonstrate our unity in diversity, as the business has footprints across West Africa.

    “The acronym, BRA NAN WAZOBIA, represents languages used by the major tribes in West Africa.

    “This year’s edition is special because Cadbury Nigeria turned 60 in 2025,” she stressed.

     Also speaking, Owen Ajinwande, Manufacturing Director, Cadbury, noted that people (workers) have been the main focus of the company, as the workers have been passionate about their duties,  that is why Cadbury has remained afloat, despite the daunting operational environment.

     According to Owen, “We have been able to maintain the big bond in Nigeria as the market leader due to the commitment of all our staff, as they know what to do at all times with little or no supervision.

     “Cadbury over the years has been consistent in its quality, quantity and has been relatively constant with price, because we do not believe in passing all the cost to the consumers. This has been one of our secrets over the years.

     “We have been able to cushion the impact of inflation with the system as we are able to identify and reduce the wastes that exist within the system. So that is how we have been able to maintain content and add value to be able to maintain stable prices without passing all the costs to the consumers.”

     On his part, the Human Resources Director, Dr Wole Odubayo, stated that as Cadbury is planning to introduce some products into the Nigerian market, that the company will be installing new lines of production for these new products.

     He noted that these new moves will mean more employment as it will reduce the current rate of unemployment in the country.

  • Sanwo-Olu launches €410m EU-funded Omi-Eko project to boost water transport

    Sanwo-Olu launches €410m EU-funded Omi-Eko project to boost water transport

    • Project to inject 70 hybrid electric ferries, develop 140km ferry routes, 25 modern terminals

    OMI EKO, Lagos State’s long-anticipated inland waterways transportation project being developed in partnership with the European Union has transited from the blueprint to a reality.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, formally launched the EUR 410 million waterways infrastructure project aimed at developing rapid transportation options that will address Lagosians’ mobility needs.

    The project, divided into two components, will be implemented by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), with the second component expected to be completed by 2030.

    According to a statement by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser – Media and Publicity to the governor,  Lagos secured the funding for the project via the Global Gateway Initiative, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), which earmarked a subsidised loan of EUR 360 for the project.

    The statement noted that the first component of the project covers channelisation, marking and dredging of 140km of ferry routes from which Lagos will be developing 15 priority ferry routes, including constructing high-quality infrastructure and facilities.

    It added that the entire Inland Waterways Transport infrastructure comprises 25 ferry terminals and jetties with electric charging facilities to power e-vessels. There will be onshore depots for routine vessel maintenance, while land connections, including road surfacing, will be developed for other transport services connecting to ferry terminals.

    Sanwo-Olu described the Omi-Eko launch as “historic”, noting that the event was not just an unveiling ceremony but a “bold statement” reaffirming Lagos’ frontline leadership in delivering a sustainable integrated water transportation ecosystem.

    READ ALSO; What inspired me to write ‘Joromi’ song – Simi

    The Governor said exploring the full range of waterways transportation was a critical priority in his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda to transform mobility in the metropolis.

    He said: “Every Lagosian knows the frustration of traffic. But a few will remember that Lagos began as a network of islands, knitted together by water. Long before bridges connected city, boats carried dreams, goods, and people across the lagoons. This water body nourishes us, shapes the State’s identity and now, it will carry us into the future.

    “The OMI-EKO project is a comprehensive, future-oriented blueprint for sustainable mobility in Lagos. It merges technology, environmental stewardship and smart design to create waterways that are not just navigated, but optimised. This is the kind of innovative projects cities around the world are building to confront the twin challenges of urban population growth and climate change. Lagos is not waiting to catch up, we are setting the pace.”

    The project, it was said, would reduce the negative impact of transport on health, while also reinforcing the State’s ability to fight climate change. It would promote inclusive, more resilient means of mobility.

    The investment would bring decarbonised transportation in Lagos, reducing CO2 emissions by 41,000 tonnes yearly. It is expected to take 25,000 passengers yearly, saving travel time by 3hrs on each trip.

    Sanwo-Olu said the investment’s objective was to make transportation through water seamless, reduce carbon footprint, the air cleaner and transform waterways from barriers of separation into corridors of opportunity.

    The Governor said: “The launch of this project is more than a ceremonial curtain pull. It is a covenant with our people, our planet, and with future generations. With OMI-EKO, we are lifting not only boats but lives, businesses, and communities. We are signaling that Lagos is ready to lead Africa’s urban transition by this bold, sustainable, and inclusive investment.”

    Former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who created LASWA in 2008, graced the ceremony to witness the historic project.

    The former Works and Housing Minister hailed the Sanwo-Olu administration for nurturing the agency to a viable global entity.

    Fashola said the OMI-EKO project would further expand the scope of the State’s integrated transportation network, expressing optimism that the project would not stall, given the commitment of the European partners.

    Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, said the project would unlock the full potential of Lagos inland waterways, bringing the final piece of the State’s Integrated Multimodal Transportation System to life.

    “OMI-EKO aligns with broader Lagos Transport Policy, which promotes sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, while ensuring that transport solutions serve the people while protecting the environment. The project is not just about ferry operations; it is about empowering communities, creating jobs, easing congestion, and reducing our carbon footprint.”

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, who doubles as LASWA’s head, noted that the OMI-EKO project was no longer a dream, but a reality that would be changing the course of transportation in Lagos.

    He said the 70 hybrid electric ferries that would be deployed after the completion of the project would reduce pollutants’ emissions and boost clean mobility

    The LASWA boss said 20 existing jetties would be upgraded with modern terminals across 15 major water routes.

    Emmanuel said: “In the first phase, there will be dredging and channelisation of 15 ferry routes for safer and faster transport. Part of the benefits include technology transfer and capacity development for key agencies in the waterways, especially LASWA.

    “There will be funding for the informal boat sector under our Vessel Industry. This is how we build a water-based economy that works for all — from operators to passengers, from private investors to our citizens.“

    French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, said the project received complete support from EU partners, given the untapped opportunities in Lagos waterways.

    The envoy said the OMI-EKO project represented the “best possible” example of what partnership could achieve for the benefit of the people, pointing out that the development was part of the success of the bilateral cooperation reached during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the French President Emmanuel Macron.

    The EU Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, noted the partnership was an historical milestone for Lagos and EU member states, stressing that the investment would enhance life quality.

    “This investment supports development of 12 strategic waterways corridors to enhance secure and efficient sustainable transport networks. Four of these corridors are located in West Africa. We are proud to be part of this project which showcases all the aspects of global gateway development,” Mignot said.

  • Family, friends to celebrate Eniola on 85th birthday

    Family, friends to celebrate Eniola on 85th birthday

    Family, friends and associates of Princess Caroline Abeke Eniola will gather in Ibadan on Saturday, October 25 to celebrate her 85th birthday.  

    The festivities to honour the life and achievements of the celebrant will continue on Sunday, October 26, at Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church (BAMAC), Ibadan by 10 am. 

    Born on October 3, 1940, in Ilesa, Osun State, to Prince Adebiyi Adetunji and Mrs Alice Babafemi Adebiyi Adetunji, she hailed from a royal lineage. 

    Her father, originally a soldier, was persuaded by family elders to return to Ilesa where he became a successful farmer. 

    Her mother was a trader. During her early years, the family relocated to Kaduna due to her father’s military service.

    She began her education at Joseph Babalola C.A.C. Primary School in Ilesa and later attended Anglican Girls’ School (now St. Margaret Anglican Girls’ School), Oke-Oye, Ilesa. 

    Financial difficulties interrupted her schooling, prompting her to move to Ibadan, where she worked for two years at the University College Hospital (UCH) to save money. 

    She joined her aunt in Kwale, present-day Delta State and started her teaching career at R.M.S. Primary School, Utaga Ogbe.

    Driven by a passion for professional growth, Caroline enrolled at Bishop Tugwell College, Igbudu, Warri, earning a Grade II Teacher’s Certificate. She subsequently taught at St. Paul’s Anglican School, Sapele Waterside, Delta State.

    At her parents’ urging to marry within the Yoruba community, she returned to Ilesa. While in Warri, she met her future husband, Engineer George Olufemi Eniola, then a student. 

    They married at the Chapel of the Resurrection, University of Ibadan. Engineer Eniola had a distinguished career as a broadcast engineer, working with notable figures such as Pa Adebayo Faleti, Prince Bayo Sanda and  Prince Aderopo Ogunwusi (Onirisa father Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II).

    Following state reorganisations, her husband moved from NTA Ibadan to BCOS Ibadan and later to Aha-Oje near Saki in Oyo State. 

    This relocation brought Princess Caroline to Saki, where she was appointed Headmistress of Army Children School, a role she performed with distinction. 

    Upon returning to Ibadan, she served as Headmistress at several schools, including H.L.A. Agodi, St. John’s Agodi, and Methodist School, Agodi, near NTA Ibadan.

    With the creation of Osun State, she was posted to Ikire as an Inspector of Education, a position she held until retiring in December 1993 after years of committed public service. 

    Princess Caroline’s life exemplifies dedication to education, family, and faith. Her marriage blessed with children and grandchildren, she leaves behind a legacy of grace, perseverance, and purpose, embodying faith in God and the value of hard work.

  • Renowned philanthropist Akinyele dies at 78

    Renowned philanthropist Akinyele dies at 78

    The founder of prominent manufacturing firms AkinOcean Nigeria and Allison Foam,
    Alhaji Ali Oladeinde Akinyele, passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness.

    Born on April 18, 1947 into the prestigious royal family of Agata Shokun Onilegbale in Isale Eko, the deceased began his career as a draughtsman.

    Akinyele honed his business acumen as a Trainee Business Associate at Isiaka Rabiu and Sons in Kano, where he worked for years under the mentorship of a tycoon, Alhaji Isiaka Rabiu.

    During the period, he mentored a host of young entrepreneurs, including the future BUA Group Chairman, and subsequently ventured out to establish successful enterprises.

    Read Also: IMF urges Nigeria to prioritise infrastructure funding

    A devoted Muslim and renowned philanthropist, Alhaji Akinyele was known for widespread generous support for various human development initiatives.

    Survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, he assisted many small businesses to grow and donated handsomely to religious and charity organisations.

    Islamic funeral prayers will be held at the Community Central Mosque at Alausa Secretariat, followed by interment at the Abari Cemetery in Lagos Island.

  • Olubadan goes tough on land grabbers

    Olubadan goes tough on land grabbers

    • Monarch inaugurates committee

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has inaugurated a legal luminary, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), Yinka Okunade, Rahman AbdulRaheem and Tunji Thomas as members of a committee to tackle land grabbing in Ibadan.

    Noting that hard times awaited land grabbers who gave Ibadan a bad reputation, the first-class monarch, who spoke at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan where the inauguration was held, said the five-member committee of legal practitioners was charged with the task of tackling land grabbing from the legal perspective.

    He urged the committee to co-opt anybody from any profession, including town planning, survey, security agencies, the bar and bench who could assist in giving them sufficient green light to fight the scourge.

    Adetunbi was, however, absent during the inauguration.

    Flanked by members of Olubadan-in-council, Oba Ladoja said Oyo State Government and Olubadan-in-council were on the same page in ridding Ibadan of land grabbing.

    He said land grabbing was like an interlocking web of complex connections involving diverse interests that needed to be unravelled.

    Read Also: Olubadan: CCII, Ibadan Mogajis, Senators, others attend Ladoja’s coronation jumat thanksgiving in Ibadan

    Olubadan said: “I know each of you very well. While we entertain no illusion as to the gravity of your responsibility, I have no doubt that you have the capacity to carry out the responsibility.”

    He told the committee to hit the ground running, giving them 21 days within which to make their recommendations.

    The monarch said the inauguration of the committee was meant to strengthen the existing committee on land matters headed by Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori.

    Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, corroborated Olubadan’s position, saying it had become desirable for Ibadan to take action against land grabbing because it had put the people in harm’s way.

    He said if it were possible, there should be the establishment of anti-land grabbing tribunals in the 11 local governments in Ibadanland.

    Responding on behalf of the committee, Chief Akintola expressed the members’ gratitude to Olubadan and Olubadan-in-council for giving them the privilege to serve their fatherland.

    Saying their inauguration was a call to serve their fatherland, he sought the co-operation and support of the state government and Ibadan people in curbing land grabbing.

    He noted that the government was not favourably disposed to land grabbing, and as such, the committee would strengthen the state government’s resolve to tackle the menace.

    The Olubadan-in-Council meeting presided over by Oba Ladoja, was attended by Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Otun Olubadan-Designate, Oba Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada; Osi Olubadan-Designate, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Olubadan-Designate, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Adewoyin; Ekerin Olubadan-Designate, Oba Adebayo Akande.

    Also present were Bobajiro of Ibadanland, former Oyo State Head of Service, Chief Tajudeen Aremu and Ajiroba, Prof Soji Adejumo.

  • Councillors suspend Ondo council chair over alleged fraud

    Councillors suspend Ondo council chair over alleged fraud

    Owo Local Government Secretariat in Ondo State was thrown into confusion on Tuesday, as councillors suspended the Chairman, Tope Omolayo, over allegations of financial impropriety and misconduct.

    The suspension letter was signed by 11 councillors under the House Leader, Doyin Adebayo. The councillors accused Omolayo of financial irregularities, gross violation of statutory budget and internally generated revenue (IGR) regulations, disrespect for traditional rulers and failure to conduct himself appropriately.

    In the letter, the councillors said they would conduct a transparent and an impartial investigation into the allegations, assuring the public of fairness throughout the process.

    But Omolayo has kicked against his suspension, describing the councillors as jesters.

    Following the suspension, the lawmakers unanimously appointed the council’s Vice Chairman, Hamed Ibrahim, as acting chairman.

    “The council assures the good people of Owo Local Government that this suspension is necessary to ensure good governance and accountability. We urge stakeholders to remain calm and cooperative as we work towards resolving the issues at hand,” the letter read in part.

    The councillors directed the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA) to effect changes in the council’s bank signatories, recognising Ibrahim as the acting chairman.

    They ordered Omolayo to hand over council’s belongings in his possession to the HLGA.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Kidnapped tipper driver regains freedom in Ondo

    “The Legislative Council remains committed to serving the people of Owo Local Government and assures them of good governance and accountability,’’ the statement said.

    Omolayo’s suspension comes barely a month after he raised the alarm that local government chairmen in the state had access to only N5 million monthly, despite receiving larger allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    He alleged that a major portion of council funds was being centrally managed under a joint account system, limiting councils’ ability to carry out their statutory responsibilities.

    Omolayo dismissed the suspension as baseless and politically-motivated.

    He said: “They are elements of destruction. I didn’t receive any letter from them, we didn’t even argue. But I knew there were some leaders who were not happy with what we were doing. When I asked them what their bone of contention was, someone said it was for me to stop all security activities in Owo.

    “All they wanted was for me to give them money. When they gave me project money, they said I should give them 30 per cent. I said no. They said I should go and bring N25 million. All they were agitating for was money.’’

    Omolayo insisted he remained in control of the council.

    “As far as we are concerned, nothing is happening. I’ve not been impeached. I’ve not been suspended. Nothing is happening. It’s just an online kangaroo announcement. That’s all I can say now,” he said.

  • Ondo PDP, House of Assembly clash over defection of opposition lawmakers

    Ondo PDP, House of Assembly clash over defection of opposition lawmakers

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State and House of Assembly have traded words over the recent defection of two opposition lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The lawmakers – Oladiji Oguntudo, representing Akure South Constituency I, and Raymond Oluwatoyin Daodu, Deputy Minority Leader representing Akoko South West Constituency I – formally announced their defection during last Thursday’s plenary session.

    Until their defection, Oguntudo and Daodu were the only remaining PDP members in the 10th House of Assembly.

    Their exit came barely a month after they resigned from the PDP, citing leadership crises and internal wrangling in the party.

    In their resignation letters, both lawmakers said their decision followed “wide consultations with family members, constituents and political leaders,” who advised them to align with the ruling party.

    However, speaking on Fresh

    FM 102.9 Akure, monitored by The Nation, the state PDP Chairman, Dupe Aisida, condemned the lawmakers’ action, describing it as a “betrayal” of the mandate given to them by the PDP.

    Aisida said he was not surprised by their decision, but maintained it was driven by “personal interest and political survival”, rather than public service.

    “They didn’t defect because APC is performing well. Everyone knows the government is underperforming. It’s purely about survival,” he said.

    The PDP chairman also berated the House of Assembly, describing it as “toothless” and ineffective in discharging its constitutional oversight duties.

    He accused the assembly of failing to hold the executive accountable, leading to what he termed growing opacity in the management of public finances.

    Read Also: PDP replaces Mbah with Senator Ben Obi as convention committee secretary

    “Most people in the state don’t even know we still have a House of Assembly. If they were truly performing their oversight functions, things wouldn’t have been this bad,” Aisida said.

    He alleged that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration lacked transparency in handling contracts and public funds, noting that basic fiscal information such as project costs and budget performance had become inaccessible to citizens.

    “It’s not as if there’s no money now. After the removal of fuel subsidy, the state and local governments have been getting more funds, yet there’s little to show for it. What is the percentage of budget implementation? What have they done with local government allocations? These are the questions the assembly should be asking,” he said.

    Aisida said the opposition party was reorganising to provide credible leadership and hold the government accountable.

    “We are not sleeping. We have started well, and our people will soon begin to see the difference. Governance affects everyone, not just politicians. We all share the same destiny,” he said.

    Contacted, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Olatunji Oshati, dismissed Aisida’s claims as “baseless and unfounded.”

    He said PDP should attend to its internal crises instead of making “vague and reckless” allegations against the legislature.

    “We don’t need to dignify PDP’s accusations with excuses. The records are there for everyone to see. Their problem is that they can’t manage their own house – that’s why it’s leaking.

    “The PDP chairman is only angry because their house is now empty. If their house was good, nobody would leave,” he said.

    Oshati maintained that the state and federal governments were performing creditably, urging the opposition to “look inward and fix themselves.”