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  • Aggrieved Ondo varsity workers demand full budget implementation, begs Aiyedatiwa over unpaid salary 

    Aggrieved Ondo varsity workers demand full budget implementation, begs Aiyedatiwa over unpaid salary 

    • …threaten action over arrears
    • …Ondo poly workers still earn N18,000 as minimum wage – Union cries out 

    The Joint Action Committee of Ondo State-Owned Tertiary Institutions (JAC-ODSTI) has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to fully implement the 2025 and 2026 budgetary allocations to tertiary institutions in the state, warning that continued delays could worsen the crisis rocking the tertiary institutions sector of the state. 

    The committee made the appeal in a communiqué issued after its first-quarter congress held at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa, on Friday. 

    The communiqué was jointly signed by the Committee’s Chairman, Comrade Tayo Ogungbeni, and Secretary, Kunle Akinwonmi.

    JAC-ODSTI comprises the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SANU) Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANP), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). 

    The affected institutions include OAUSTECH, Okitipupa; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, (UNIMED) and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO). 

    The committee said the congress reviewed critical issues affecting staff welfare and the sustainability of tertiary education in the state, noting that unresolved financial and administrative challenges were undermining the effective running of the institutions.

    The unions, however, commended the governor for paying the last tranche of the wage award and releasing the outstanding January 2017 subventions to state-owned institutions, describing the steps as encouraging.

    Read Also: Ondo at 50: River Basin chief lauds Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to state

    They, nonetheless, demanded the immediate and full implementation of the 2026 approved budget for all tertiary institutions to enable them meet their financial obligations to both staff and students.

    The committee also lamented that the 2025 budgetary allocations earlier acknowledged by the state government were not fully implemented, urging the governor to take swift corrective action to avert what it described as further institutional decline.

    The workers specifically called for the release of three months’ salary arrears owed to staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, saying the payment was earlier promised during the institution’s 2025 convocation ceremony.

    They also demanded the immediate implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage for RUGIPO workers, alleging that staff were still earning N18,000.

    The unions further expressed concern over the delay in releasing the report of the staff verification and audit exercise conducted across the institutions in 2025, urging the government to make the findings public without further delay.

    They noted that the eight-year tenure of the governing councils of the state-owned institutions would expire in March and called for their urgent reconstitution.

    The committee warned that failure to constitute new councils within the stipulated time might compel it to withdraw recognition of the affected councils.

    “We demand the full implementation of the 2026 approved budget for all state-owned tertiary institutions to enable them to meet their financial obligations to both staff and students. Congress recalled that the governor’s earlier acknowledgement over the 2025 budgetary allocations was not fully implemented and urged immediate corrective action to avert further institutional decline.

    “Congress calls on the state government to urgently release the three months’ staff salary arrears to the staff of RUGIPO, earlier pronounced during the 2025 convocation ceremony of the institution. Congress also demands the immediate implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for staff of RUGIPO, as against the current N18,000 being paid.

    “Congress also expressed deep concern over the continued delay in the release of the report of the staff verification and audit exercise conducted across the various tertiary institutions in 2025; we urge the state government to make the report public without further delay,” the communique read.

    “Congress calls on the state government to urgently release the three months’ staff salary arrears to the staff of RUGIPO earlier pronounced during the 2025 convocation ceremony of the institution,” the communiqué read.

    Despite the grievances, the aggrieved workers reaffirmed their commitment to the stability and development of tertiary education in the state and congratulated the government and residents on the successful celebration of Ondo State’s golden jubilee.

  • Ondo at 50: River Basin chief lauds Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to state

    Ondo at 50: River Basin chief lauds Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to state

    Managing Director of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Femi Adekanmbi, has lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his leadership as Ondo State marks its 50th anniversary.

    In a statement to mark the Golden Jubilee, he described the governor’s commitment to improving lives of residents as unparalleled, underscoring Aiyedatiwa’s resolve to drive the state toward progress and prosperity.

    He said the achievements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare sectors have enhanced residents’ quality of life and boosted investor confidence in the state.

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    Dr. Adekanmbi described the governor’s vision and purposeful leadership as a demonstration of his capability, positioning Ondo as a beacon of development and sustained growth.

    The APC stalwart urged the people to rally behind the administration, assuring them that continued support would enable the governor to deliver even more impactful results in the years ahead.

    He hoped that with this track record, Ondo State is on course to become one of Nigeria’s leading states, harnessing its potential for a more prosperous and united future.

  • Ondo @50: Ogunjobi hails Aiyedatiwa, lauds founding fathers

    Ondo @50: Ogunjobi hails Aiyedatiwa, lauds founding fathers

    As Ondo State celebrates her 50th anniversary, the Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Ryders, Atlanta, Georgia, Engineer Abayomi Ogunjobi, has lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his giant developmental strides and economic growth.

    Ogunjobi, in a congratulatory message to the governor on Monday, described the golden jubilee as a significant milestone in the history of the state.

    The cybersecurity expert specifically commended the governor for what he called purposeful leadership and impactful governance.

    He commended the administration’s ongoing developmental projects across the state, noting that they have improved infrastructure, boosted economic activities, and enhanced the living standards of residents.

    Read Also: Why Ondo is yet to generate, distribute electricity independently, by Aiyedatiwa

    Ogunjobi said the government’s people-centred policies and commitment to social welfare have placed Ondo on the path of sustainable growth and progress.

    According to him, the 50th anniversary offers an opportunity for reflection, renewed commitment, and collective resolve to advance peace, development, and good governance in Ondo State.

    The engineer also paid tribute to the founding fathers and past leaders of the state for laying a solid foundation that has sustained stability and development over the years.

    He, however, asked the traditional rulers and residents of the state to remain united and continue to support government efforts aimed at building a more prosperous and inclusive state.

  • Why Ondo is yet to generate, distribute electricity independently, by Aiyedatiwa

    Why Ondo is yet to generate, distribute electricity independently, by Aiyedatiwa

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has explained why the state is yet to commence ‘independent electricity generation’ despite the transfer of regulatory oversight to the state by the federal government. 

    Aiyedatiwa said his administration is not relenting in jumping at the opportunity provided by the federal government at ensuring the state generates electricity independently and distributes for the benefit of residents of the state. 

    Last year, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced the completion of the transfer of regulatory oversight to four states in the country. 

    NERC listed the states to include: Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, and Imo, which are now fully responsible for the regulation of their electricity markets.

    Speaking to journalists at the event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Ondo state, Governor Aiyedatiwa said that his administration is presently concentrating on strengthening regulation, improving distribution and partnering with existing power distribution companies to enhance supply to residents.

    He explained that although the state does not currently generate its own electricity, it has established structures to oversee and regulate the sector through the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Commission, which interfaces directly with distribution companies operating within the state.

    The governor admitted that the state has not started generating electricity independently but emphasised that his government has been actively engaging the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to ensure better service delivery and protect consumers from exploitation.

    “Yes, we are not generating one for now, but in terms of regulation and distribution, we are very active,” he added.

    Read Also: Ribadu, Aiyedatiwa, others receive MAU’s honorary doctorate degrees

    Aiyedatiwa added, “We have been doing a lot in that sector. You can see that all the DISCOs operating in Ondo State, we are working together with them. 

    “We have the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Commission. We regulate and interface with them, so we are in charge of our own electricity.”

    Aiyedatiwa highlighted the introduction of the ‘O’ Datiwa Meter’ initiative as one of the key interventions by his administration to address the challenge of estimated billing, popularly known as “crazy bills,” imposed on consumers.

    According to him, the state government had to subsidise the distribution of meters to residents to ensure transparency and fairness in electricity charges.

    “Don’t forget the O’ Datiwa meter that we took up when they were giving crazy bills to our people. We had to take it upon ourselves to subsidise the distribution of meters to our people,” he said.

    He noted that the intervention has helped reduce disputes between consumers and service providers while improving accountability in billing. 

    The governor also said electricity supply has improved in several parts of the state due to sustained engagement with the distribution companies, stressing that many communities now enjoy more stable and consistent power.

    “If you look at it, electricity has been very, very constant in some parts of Ondo state since we came on board. It is because of the engagement we have been having with the distribution company,” he stated. 

    Aiyedatiwa referenced the band classification system introduced by electricity providers, explaining that customers on higher bands receive longer hours of supply.

    “Yes, there is Band A, Band B, and all of that. If you are on Band A, you can be having up to 18 hours in a day out of 24 hours, if I am not mistaken,” he said.

    He acknowledged that electricity tariffs remain high for many residents but expressed optimism that costs would reduce over time as the system improves.

    “Over time, just like when GSM started, it was expensive, but today it is cheap. It is the same thing. So, with time, we are going to improve on our administration, and then it becomes cheaper for all,” he explained.

    The governor further pointed to improved electricification and lighting across parts of Akure and other areas, noting that both solar-powered lights and those connected to the national grid are functioning due to better supply.

    Aiyedatiwa reiterated that while independent power generation remains a future goal, the immediate priority is to stabilise distribution, strengthen regulation, and protect consumers from excessive billing.

    He, however, assured the residents of the government’s commitment to making power more reliable and affordable.

  • Ribadu, Aiyedatiwa, others receive MAU’s honorary doctorate degrees

    Ribadu, Aiyedatiwa, others receive MAU’s honorary doctorate degrees

    National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State have bagged honorary doctorate degrees from the Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola.

    Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State and his Zamfara State counterpart Abdulaziz Yari were the other two prominent personalities who were bestowed similar honour on Saturday when MAU held its 29th and 30th combined convocation.

    Read Also: Brains behind alleged coup know the consequences – Defence Minister

    The four were handed the symbols of their recognition just as over 7,000 regular graduands of the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 sessions for whom the combined convocation was organised were also awarded their respective undergraduate, postgraduate and academic doctoral degrees.

    Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ibrahim Umar, said the four honorary degree recipients were carefully selected for reward in recognition of their exceptional contributions to a better Nigeria.

    He said that since its establishment in 1981, the university has been contributing significantly to the intellectual and moral development of Nigerian youths, but said the university faced certain challenges, including lack of all-round perimeter fencing to fully secure the expansive main campus.

    The Adamawa State governor who personally attended the convocation as a guest announced plans by his government to construct a five-kilometre internal road network within the university.

  • Ribadu, Aiyedatiwa, two others receive MAU Yola’s honourary doctorate degrees

    Ribadu, Aiyedatiwa, two others receive MAU Yola’s honourary doctorate degrees

    National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu and Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa have bagged honorary doctorate degrees from the Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola.

    Cross River Governor Bassey Otu and his Zamfara counterpart Abdulaziz Yari were the other two prominent personalities bestowed similar honour on Saturday when MAU held its 29th and 30th combined convocation.

    The four were handed the symbols of their recognition just as over 7,000 regular graduands of the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 sessions for whom  the combined convocation was organised were also awarded their respective undergraduate, postgraduate and academic doctoral degrees.

    Read Also: TETFund sponsors 185 workers in MAU Yola

    Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Ibrahim Umar, said the four honorary degree recipients were carefully selected for reward in recognition of their exceptional contributions to a better Nigeria.

    He said that since its establishment in 1981, the university has been contributing significantly to the intellectual and moral development of Nigerian youths, but said the university faced certain challenges, including lack of all-round perimeter fencing to fully secure the expansive main campus.

    Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who attended the convocation as a guest, announced plans by his government to construct a five-kilometre internal road network within the university.

    The Governor said the project is part of his administration’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Federal Government and improving infrastructure in tertiary institutions across the state.

  • APC Ward 8 suspends Aiyedatiwa’s aide, one other over gross misconduct

    APC Ward 8 suspends Aiyedatiwa’s aide, one other over gross misconduct

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Oke Aro Ward 8, Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, has announced indefinite suspension of Mr. Femi Fadairo, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Community Engagement to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Comrade Toba Ogunsami, over allegations of gross misconduct, breach of party discipline and violation of constitutional provisions.

    In a petition dated January 26, 2026, addressed to Governor Aiyedatiwa through the SSA on Political Matters, Omodunbi Smart, the Ward Chairman, Comrade Oluwadare Olarenwaju, outlined series of offences allegedly committed by Fadairo and Ogunsami. These include unlawful suspension of the ward chairman, use of thugs to intimidate party leaders and members, diversion of party funds and materials, personalisation of the party’s registration process, and abuse of the governor’s name to intimidate others.

    The petition also highlights a pattern of violent behaviour attributed to Fadairo and his gang in the community. Notable incidents include an attack on elders and leaders meeting at the ward chairman’s father’s house, which allegedly produced Femi Ajayi as ward councillor against majority votes; an attack on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for holding a meeting in the ward, with claims of acting on the governor’s instructions; and recent attacks on the ward chairman and notable leaders in the ward.

    The APC Oke Aro Ward 8 leadership expressed concern about Fadairo’s use of a slang phrase, “a pa, a de, a gesiwewe,” which has allegedly become his nickname in town, and called on security operatives to demand an explanation from him.

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    ‘’People are of the view and warns that Boko Haram started by arming thugs, which has now blossomed into a terrorist group Nigeria is battling with today, drawing a parallel to the potential dangers of unchecked thuggery and violence in the community.’’

    The suspension, which takes immediate effect, was decided at a duly convened Ward Executive Meeting in accordance with Article 21 of the APC Constitution. The decision has been communicated to stakeholders, including the National Chairman of APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; state Party Chairman, Ade Adetimehin; and security agencies in Ondo State.

    Efforts to reach Fadairo and Ogunsami for comments were unsuccessful at press time.

    The development underscores tensions within the APC in Oke Aro Ward 8 and raises concerns about political violence and thuggery in Ondo State. Security agencies are expected to investigate the allegations and take necessary actions to maintain peace and order in the community.

  • Appeal Court stops judgment on Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility

    Appeal Court stops judgment on Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility

    Akure Division of the Court of Appeal has suspended the judgment of the Federal High Court in a suit challenging the eligibility of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to contest for a second term.

    Aiyedatiwa’s tenure will end in 2028.

    The appellate court also ordered a stay of proceedings in a suit filed by an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr Akin Egbuwalo, seeking an interpretation of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on whether Aiyedatiwa is qualified to re-contest.

    Justice Toyin Adegoke of the Federal High Court, Akure, has slated today to deliver judgment on the matter.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa was first sworn in on December 27, 2024, to complete the tenure of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    He was sworn in again on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 16, 2024 governorship election, in which he defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi.

    The suit, instituted by Egbuwalo through his counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), listed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Governor Aiyedatiwa, All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, as defendants.

    However, the defendants, through their counsel led by Chief Solomon Awomolo (SAN), approached the Court of Appeal, challenging the conduct of proceedings at the trial court and urging the appellate court to restrain Justice Adegoke from delivering the judgment, pending the determination of interlocutory appeals.

    Read Also: ‘Appeal Court did not overturn Nestoil – FBN Quest ruling’

    Although Akintola (SAN) urged the court to discountenance the application, arguing that there was no competent appeal before the appellate court, the panel of justices led by Justice P. O. Affen, with Justices M. S. Hassan and P. C. Obiorah – held that it would be in the interest of justice to allow the trial judge respond to what it described as weighty allegations raised against him.

    The appellate court noted that while it was not the general practice to arrest judgments of lower courts or stay proceedings, there were exceptional circumstances warranting such intervention.

    Consequently, the Court of Appeal ordered the suspension of the judgment scheduled for January 28 and directed that proceedings at the Federal High Court be stayed pending the determination of the appeal.

    Reacting to the ruling, Awomolo (SAN) said the decision effectively halted further proceedings at the trial court.

    “The implication of the ruling is that the judgment of Honourable Justice Adegoke scheduled for January 28 is suspended until further notice. Everything is now on hold until the Court of Appeal determines the pending applications and appeal.

    “The court predicated its ruling on respect for due process, the rule of law and the hierarchy of courts, to ensure the appeal is not rendered academic.”

  • Appeal court stops judgment on Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility to recontest Ondo guber poll

    Appeal court stops judgment on Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility to recontest Ondo guber poll

    The Akure Division of the Court of Appeal has suspended the judgment of the Federal High Court in a suit challenging the eligibility of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to contest for a second term in office.

    Mr Aiyedatiwa’s tenure expired in 2028.

    The appellate court also ordered a stay of proceedings in the suit filed by an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr Akin Egbuwalo, seeking an interpretation of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on whether Aiyedatiwa is qualified to re-contest.

    Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court, Akure, has slated tomorrow (February 28, 2026) to deliver judgment on the matter.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa was first sworn in on December 27, 2024, to complete the tenure of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    He was sworn in again on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 16, 2024, governorship election, in which he defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi.

    The suit, instituted by Egbuwalo through his counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), listed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Governor Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, as defendants.

    However, the defendants, through their counsel led by Chief Solomon Awomolo (SAN), approached the Court of Appeal, challenging the conduct of proceedings at the trial court and urging the appellate court to restrain Justice Adegoke from delivering the judgment pending the determination of interlocutory appeals.

    Although Akintola (SAN) urged the court to discountenance the application, arguing that there was no competent appeal before the appellate court, the panel of justices – led by Justice P. O. Affen, with Justices M. S. Hassan and P. C. Obiorah – held that it would be in the interest of justice to allow the trial judge to respond to what it described as weighty allegations raised against him.

    The appellate court noted that while it was not the general practice to arrest judgments of lower courts or stay proceedings, exceptional circumstances warranted such intervention.

    Consequently, the Court of Appeal ordered the suspension of the judgment scheduled for January 28 and directed that proceedings at the Federal High Court be stayed pending the determination of the appeal.

    Reacting to the ruling, Awomolo (SAN) said the decision effectively halted further proceedings at the trial court.

    “The ruling implies that the judgment of Honourable Justice Adegoke scheduled for January 28 is suspended until further notice. Everything is now on hold until the Court of Appeal determines the pending applications and appeal.

    “The court predicated its ruling on respect for due process, the rule of law, and the hierarchy of courts, to ensure that the appeal is not rendered academic.”

  • APC candidates ‘ll emerge through consensus- Aiyedatiwa

    APC candidates ‘ll emerge through consensus- Aiyedatiwa

    As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared candidates of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state would emerge through ‘consensus.’

    Aiyedatiwa, at the APC stakeholders’ meeting at The International Culture and Event Centre, The Dome, in Akure, on Sunday, stated that he has not endorsed or promised any aspirants the ‘elective ticket’ of the party. 

    He noted that it had become necessary to clearly state his position in view of widespread insinuations in the political space ahead of primaries for elective positions. 

    Aiyedatiwa warned party memebers, especially those vying for the House of Assembly and National Assembly tickets against rumours, assumptions and political falsehoods capable of creating division within the governing APC in the state. 

    “Let me quickly correct this because we know in the political climate there are many falsehoods, lies, insinuations, and assumptions that fly around and try to create cracks and divisions. I want to emphasise that I have not promised anyone a ticket.

    “I have not promised anyone that I am giving you a ticket of State Assembly or National Assembly. I have not said I will deny anyone a return ticket,” the Governor declared. 

    Aiyedatiwa further added that the leaders of the party will participate in the process of picking candidates for elective positions in the state, reaffirming that the governing party will explore the “consensus arrangement.”

    He, however, urged party members to remain firm and disciplined, stressing that it is now in their hands to protect what the party has built and warning against actions capable of emboldening factions within the party. 

    Read Also: Ondo federal lawmakers pledge support for Aiyedatiwa, seek APC unity

    The Governor emphasised unity, noting that most national assembly members from the state were present at the meeting, while those absent had sent apologies due to national assignments.

    He said APC remained the only viable party in the state and urged members to work together to build Ondo State.

    Aiyedatiwa also placed strong emphasis on the APC e-registration exercise, describing it as critical to the party’s future. 

    He explained that the meeting was convened ahead of the January 31 deadline to mobilise leaders across wards and local governments.

    He infirmed, as of the day of the meeting, Ondo State had recorded 128,770 registered members, ranking third in the South-West zone, adding that there was still room for improvement.

    According to him, challenges associated with National Identification Number (NIN) registration were being addressed in collaboration with relevant agencies while logistics and decentralisation efforts were being strengthened to boost participation.