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  • Nigeria @65: Aiyedatiwa hails Tinubu as visionary leader steering Nigeria’s progress

    Nigeria @65: Aiyedatiwa hails Tinubu as visionary leader steering Nigeria’s progress

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has described Nigeria as fortunate to have President Bola Tinubu at the helm of affairs, commending his bold economic reforms and developmental strides.

    Speaking on Wednesday at the 65th Independence Day celebration held at the Arcade Ground in Akure, Aiyedatiwa said Nigeria is on the right path under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He added, “Our country is blessed at a time like this to have a visionary leader like His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “We must continue to appreciate Mr. President for his bold economic reforms, social re-engineering, and massive infrastructural development.

    “Indications are that Nigeria is certainly making progress and on the path of glory under the Renewed Hope Initiatives,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria @ 65: Wike hails Tinubu’s progress, urges Nigerians to embrace peace, unity

    Reflecting on the essence of Independence Day, the governor urged Nigerians to remember the courage of the nation’s founding fathers and to draw lessons from the country’s journey since 1960.

    “This celebration is not just about remembering a date in history. It is about reflecting on our journey as a people. Independence gave us more than self-rule – it gave us the dignity of identity, the right to dream as Nigerians, and the opportunity to chart a course for our future,” he noted.

    Aiyedatiwa said his administration has remained committed to its promises under the ‘OUR EASE’ agenda, highlighting key projects across the state, including the dualisation and rehabilitation of roads, improvements in the health sector, bursaries and scholarships for indigent students, and support for security agencies.

    “None of these projects and programmes would have been possible without your trust, patience, and support. To the good people of Ondo State who believe in this administration, and even to those who watch silently, I say thank you,” the governor said.

    He further urged the people to remain optimistic, resilient, and united in the face of challenges, stressing the need for peace, love, and hard work in building a prosperous nation.

    “Let me assure you, in the coming months, you will see more progress. As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us remember that freedom comes with responsibility. We must remain united as a people, committed to peace, and focused on building a better future.

    “Ondo State is moving forward, Nigeria is moving forward; the sun of a new dawn is rising over our state. Let us walk together into that dawn with love, diligence, courage, and faith,” he concluded.

  •  Aiyedatiwa raises the alarm over probe into ex-SDP candidate Akingboye’s death

     Aiyedatiwa raises the alarm over probe into ex-SDP candidate Akingboye’s death

    Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has expressed grave concerns over the ongoing investigation into the gruesome death of Mr. Bamide Akingboye, the former governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the November 16, 2024 election.

    Akingboye, who contested against Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 12 others, was found dead in early September at his residence in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos.

    Following his death, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, ordered a forensic investigation after disturbing images of the deceased, purportedly showing head bruises, surfaced on social media – raising suspicions about the real cause of death.

    In a statement on Friday in Akure by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), Governor Aiyedatiwa said he had written to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, demanding a thorough, impartial, and uncompromised probe into the matter.

    The Governor described Akingboye as a “prominent indigene of Ondo State and respected political figure” whose death raised troubling questions that must not be ignored. 

    He expressed dissatisfaction with the level of transparency, urgency, and seriousness so far demonstrated by the police in handling the case.

    Read Also: 65th Independence: Tinubu charges Nigerians to unite for nation’s progress

    “Every Ondo citizen’s life is valuable. The circumstances surrounding Otunba Akingboye’s death must be thoroughly investigated, and justice must be upheld.

    “We owe it to our people to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done. No influence, status, or circumstance should be allowed to obstruct the truth,” Aiyedatiwa said. 

    The Governor further warned that the people of the state must be reassured that “neither status, influence, nor manipulation can subvert justice in our communities,” urging the IGP to pursue the case with renewed vigour, diligence, and transparency.

    Citing Section 214 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 4 and 6 of the Police Act Cap. P19 LFN 2004, and Sections 115–116 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, Aiyedatiwa underscored the statutory responsibility of the police to conduct thorough investigations, particularly in suspected murder cases.

    He added that his administration would not hesitate to engage private forensic and investigative experts, if necessary, to complement the police in unravelling the truth.

    “Our paramount duty is to uphold justice, protect our people, and secure their trust in the system,” he affirmed.

  • 2027: Aiyedatiwa backs movement’s support for Tinubu’s reelection 

    2027: Aiyedatiwa backs movement’s support for Tinubu’s reelection 

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has openly declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The governor made this declaration during a weekend meeting with the Director General of the City Boy Movement, Hon. Francis Shoga, and his team in Akure.

    The meeting had in attendance Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami; Executive Secretary of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; member representing Ilaje Constituency at the Ondo State House of Assembly, Princess Wunmi Fagbemi Obayelu; National Executive Coordinator of City Boy Movement, Mr. Favour Abayomi; and Imo State Director of the Movement, Goodluck Nwaneri, among others.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa, who praised the resident’s performance, stressed, “The President has performed. It is what he has been able to do that has impacted the entire country. And he is doing more already.”

    On the reasons behind Ondo State’s full support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, the governor cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a remarkable achievement, saying, “Look at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. From Lagos through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, and Cross River. For us, it is one of the most beautiful things that I have ever seen.”

    Aiyedatiwa, who witnessed the commissioning of a 30-kilometre section of the project, said the experience renewed his confidence in its feasibility. 

    “I was there and I saw it. So, that has given me hope that it is possible. That has actually renewed my hope,” he added.

    While acknowledging the economic challenges facing the country, the governor defended the government’s policies, noting that salary increases and improved allocations were being implemented despite global pressures.

    The governor, however, encouraged support groups to intensify grassroots sensitization, saying, “Whoever is coming in any form, whether from different groups, as you are the media team, go there and spread the word.”

    Earlier, Hon. Shoga briefed the Governor on the City Boy Movement’s mission to promote President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda nationwide. 

    He said the team was in Akure to engage key stakeholders ahead of an upcoming town hall meeting, while also felicitating with the Governor on his recent Supreme Court victory.

    “We are here to educate young Nigerians to partake in government and promote policies and programmes of the President for youth to be well informed,” Shoga explained.

  • Supreme Court: Judiciary remains bedrock of democracy, says Aiyedatiwa

    Supreme Court: Judiciary remains bedrock of democracy, says Aiyedatiwa

    • Jubilant citizens hail victory

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has described the judiciary as the bedrock of society, stressing that fairness, equity, and justice are indispensable for the sustenance of democracy, following the recent Supreme Court’s judgment affirming his election.

    Speaking at the Democracy Park in Akure, where he was given a rousing welcome from jubilant supporters following his Supreme Court victory, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed profound gratitude to God, the people of the state, and all who stood by him throughout the legal battle.

    The governor commended his legal team for their professionalism and lauded the judiciary for delivering justice without fear or favour.

    Aiyedatiwa equally appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, noting that “when a good leader steers the affairs of a nation, fairness and equity prevail.”

    Read Also: LAUTECH working with police to unravel student’s death off-campus – Registrar

    “I thank the people of Ondo State for entrusting us with their mandate and for standing by us during the election and the court process. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every citizen of this state,” he said.

    In his goodwill message, the Director of Corporate Affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, hailed the governor’s triumph as a victory for the people, affirming that their votes were not wasted.

    Also, former Deputy Governor Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo praised Aiyedatiwa for making history by winning across all local government areas of the state, assuring citizens of quality leadership and delivery of democratic dividends under his administration.

    Remarking, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Omowumi Ohwovoriole, described the Supreme Court judgment as “the end of discussion” over the last election, expressing confidence that the governor would usher in development, peace, and tranquility across the state

  • Aiyedatiwa’s Supreme Court victory triumph of democracy – IPN

    Aiyedatiwa’s Supreme Court victory triumph of democracy – IPN

    The Director-General of the Imole Progressive Network (IPN), Michael Abayomi Adeyanju, has described the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s electoral victory as a triumph for democracy and a rallying call for unity and progress in Ondo State.

    Adeyanju noted that the ruling not only validates the will of the people but also reinforces the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, urging all stakeholders to move beyond political distractions and embrace a shared commitment to development and good governance.

    Describing the verdict as a ‘triumph of truth and justice,’ Adeyanju urged political actors and citizens alike to move beyond legal distractions and embrace a shared vision for development and inclusive governance.

    Reacting to the judgment in a statement by him, Adeyanju hailed the verdict as a “victory for democracy, justice, and the will of the good people of Ondo State.”

    According to him, the ruling is not just a political triumph, “but a collective victory that reaffirms democratic values and a call to collective purpose.

    READ ALSO: How Nigerians have transformed BBNaija reality TV show

    “This triumph is not merely personal,” Adeyanju stated.

     “It is a vindication of truth and fairness. It sends a clear message that the democratic process remains resilient, even in the face of distractions and political turbulence.”

    He urged stakeholders across party lines to embrace the ruling as an opportunity to harmonise divisions, heal old wounds, and refocus on governance for the benefit of all.

    He expressed unwavering confidence in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s ability to deliver inclusive development, now unencumbered by legal distractions, instilling hope for a brighter future.

    ”Ambitious infrastructural projects and a commitment to transparent governance have marked Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

    ”With the Supreme Court’s decision serving as a judicial seal of legitimacy, political observers and analysts anticipate renewed momentum in policy delivery and civic engagement.”

    The IPN, therefore, reiterated its continued collaboration and support to the state government to promote accountability and empower citizens through initiatives such as [specific initiative or program]. Adeyanju, a grassroots politician and philanthropist of international repute, reiterated that the verdict should galvanise all Ondo residents toward a shared vision of prosperity.

    ”As the dust settles, the ruling stands not only as a legal resolution but—as Adeyanju puts it—a “call to unity, progress, and democratic resilience,” he added.

  • Aiyedatiwa hails Supreme Court judgment, pledges accelerated development in Ondo

    Aiyedatiwa hails Supreme Court judgment, pledges accelerated development in Ondo

    Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has commended the Supreme Court judgment, which affirmed his victory in the November 16, 2024 governorship election, describing it as a validation of the people’s mandate.

    The apex court on Tuesday dismissed the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Allied People’s Movement (APM) against the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s victory.

    Also, the PDP governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, formally withdrew his appeal at the Supreme Court, citing consultations with family, associates, party members, and his legal team. 

    Ajayi, the major rival in the election, said his decision was driven by a commitment to peace and good governance in the state.

    Reacting in a statement on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, Aiyedatiwa said the verdict marked the end of all litigations arising from the polls.

    READ ALSO: Fayose’s brother quits PDP, withdraws from Ekiti governorship race

    “The verdict affirms the overwhelming victory of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who won convincingly across all 18 Local Government Areas of the state, a remarkable feat popularly celebrated as the ‘18–0 Promax’ mandate.

    “This judgment has not only validated the popular will of the people but also reinforced their confidence in the democratic process,” the statement read.

    The Governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his “fatherly guidance,” the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and party members at all levels. 

    He also acknowledged the judiciary for upholding democracy and praised his legal team for their professionalism.

    While commending all opposition candidates for their participation, Aiyedatiwa singled out Ajayi for his “sportsmanship before and after the polls,” and urged all political stakeholders to support his administration. 

    He reassured the people of the state of his commitment to the “OUR EASE Agenda,” which he said was already yielding dividends in critical sectors.

    “Now that the legal contest is over, the focus is fully back on governance. The coming months will witness accelerated development, purposeful leadership, and transformational projects that will lift the state to new heights of progress and prosperity,” Aiyedatiwa said.

  • Tuition hike: Parents protest tuition hike, appeal to Aiyedatiwa for intervention

    Tuition hike: Parents protest tuition hike, appeal to Aiyedatiwa for intervention

    Aggrieved parents of students at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo City, have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene following a sharp increase in tuition fees for the 2025/2026 academic session.

    In a statement titled “Astronomical Increase of School Fees at University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State: Save Our Souls (SOS) to Mr. Governor,” the parents described the increment as “outrageous,” warning it could push many students out of school.

    They noted that tuition for medicine, surgery, and dentistry has risen from ₦1,683,500 for indigenes in 2024/2025 to ₦2,000,000, while non-indigenes are now expected to pay ₦2,600,000, up from ₦2,245,000.

    The hike, they stressed, excludes other mandatory charges, including ₦20,000 for Post-UTME forms and ₦100,000 as acceptance fees.

    Describing the move as “insensitive” amid current economic hardship, the parents warned that many students may be forced to abandon their studies.

    “Most parents and guardians who had children and wards in the institution up to the end of the 2024/2025 academic year were paying through their noses, borrowing money everywhere, even with the option of paying in two instalments of 60% and 40%.

    “We are calling on our amiable Governor and all well-meaning individuals and organisations to please weigh in on the management of UNIMED, not only to reverse the new increases but also to drastically reduce the previous fees, so our children and wards will not drop out of school.

    “We trust that our Executive Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, would help us out by intervening immediately so that we would not die paying our children’s school fees at UNIMED,” they pleaded.

    One of the medical students, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the new fees could shatter their aspirations.

    “It’s true that the school has increased the fee, and our parents are already lamenting. This is a way of killing our dreams. How on earth should we pay such a high amount? It is still unbelievable,” the student said.

    However, a spokesman for the institution, Mr Isaac Oluyi, described new fees being charged as a ‘slight adjustment’ and in tandem with economic realities.

    Oluyi, who added the fee being charged by the medical institution is not out of place, said that the university, through the state government, had been subsidising professional programmes in the school.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa urged to upgrade Ondo Township Stadium

    “At UNIMED, there are two categories of programmes – Professional and non-professional. In the last 5 years, there has not been any increase in fees.

    “The slight adjustment in the fees for professional programmes such as medicine, nursing, etc, is to be able to continue to deliver the best.

    “As a specialised university, the fees being charged are still competitive. It may interest you to know that there are still programmes whose fees are not more than N150,000.00 at UNIMED.

    “The university is aware of the economic realities of the country and ensures that the fees being charged are not out of place.

    “To give the best medical and health sciences education, there is a need to put in place the best infrastructure that will make our graduates globally competitive,” he said.

  • S’Court affirms Aiyedatiwa’s victory in 2024 governorship election

    S’Court affirms Aiyedatiwa’s victory in 2024 governorship election

    • APC hails decision, congratulates governor
    • PDP’s Ajayi withdraws appeal, pledges support

    All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has called on candidates of the opposition parties to accept their defeat in the November 16, 2024 governorship election and back Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the task of developing the state.

    It said it was time for stakeholders to support the Aiyedatiwa-led administration in its reforms across  sectors aimed at revitalising the economy.

    The call came after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, formally withdrew his appeal at the Supreme Court against Governor Aiyedatiwa’s election victory.

    Ajayi, who was Aiyedatiwa’s major rival in the election, contested alongside 15 other candidates.

    In a letter to the Chief Registrar of the apex court, he said the decision to discontinue the case was reached after consultations with his family, associates, party members and legal team.

    “After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I hereby so do. Having served as former deputy governor and legislator, my foremost commitment is to good governance and peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and Nigeria,” Ajayi said in a statement yesterday.

    Reacting, Ondo State APC described the withdrawal as not just a legal closure, but also an endorsement of the people’s mandate freely given to Governor Aiyedatiwa.

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    In a statement by its spokesperson, Alex Kalejaye, the party hailed the roles played by the judiciary, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies while the litigation lasted.

    The state Chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin, congratulated Governor Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, Olade Adelami, APC chieftains and residents of Ondo State on what he described as “a well-deserved victory.”

    The Supreme Court yesterday struck out the election petitions filed by three opposition parties- PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Allied People’s Movement (APM) – against APC’s victory at the polls.

    Speaking yesterday at the Supreme Court in Abuja, Governor Aiyedatiwa said: ‘’Today, at the Supreme Court, Abuja, I secured the final legal victory on the November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State.

    ‘’The court dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) case following its withdrawal by the appellant, Agboola Ajayi.

    ‘’All other cases; SDP and APM, were also dismissed due to the oral application of withdrawal by the appellants’ lawyers.

    ‘’This is unprecedented. All glory to God Almighty.’’

  • Supreme Court affirms Aiyedatiwa’s election as Ondo Governor

    Supreme Court affirms Aiyedatiwa’s election as Ondo Governor

    *Cautions lawyers, politicians against filing frivolous cases

    The Supreme Court has affirmed the victory of Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progress Congress (APC) in the last governorship election held in Ondo State on 16 November 2024.

    A five-member panel of the apex court, presided over by Justice John Okoro, dismissed the three appeals on Wednesday for lacking in merit.

    The appeals were challenging the earlier decisions of the Court Appeal, which upheld the outcome of the election.

    The appeals were filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Agboola Ajayi; the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye; and All Peoples Movement (APM) and its candidate, Ogunfeyimi Kolawole.

    When the appeal by the PDP and Ajayi was called, their lawyer, Reuben Egwuaba told the court that his clients instructed him to withdraw the appeal, which informed why he filed a notice of withdrawal on September 16.

    Lawyer to the SDP and Akingboye, Adewole Adebayo informed that the party’s candidate (Akingboye) died on August 13 prompting his decision to withdraw the appeal.

    Adebayo, who also represented the APM and Kolawole equally withdrew the appeal filed by them.

    Lawyers to the respondents in the three appeals did not object to appellants’ lawyers applications to withdraw.

    They however, expressed displeasure over what they described as frivolous appeals intended solely to waste time, money and the Supreme Court’s resources. 

    Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, (SAN) represented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, (SAN) represented 

    Aiyedatiwa; Hakeem Afolabi (SAN) represented the Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, while Olusola Oke (SAN) represented the APC.

    Ruling, Justice Okoro, expressed disappointment about the decision by the appellants to file the cases which relate to issues that had already been settled in law. 

    As it relates to the case by APM, for example, Justice Okoro noted that the party only called one witness at the tribunal to prove a petition that was challenging the election results from 18 Local Government Areas and over 3,000 polling units. 

    The judge said, but for the PDP’s decision to withdraw and the death of the SDP candidate, the court would have sanctioned the appellants and their lawyers for abusing judicial process. 

    Justice Okoro, while dismissing the appeals, cautioned lawyers against filing such frivolous appeals in the future. 

    Aiyedatiwa was in court to witness Wednesday’s proceedings.

    Speaking after the proceedings, Adegboruwa commended the Supreme Court’s handling of the cases.

    Adegboruwa said: “I commend the Supreme Court for its proactive stand in identifying frivolous cases for dismissal and for hearing these appeals during its vacation period, given the constitutional timeline. 

    “| also salute the industry of the Justices in managing their heavy workload. There must, however, be consequences for filing frivolous cases, and | call for reforms to strengthen ethics and accountability.” 

    Adegboruwa added that with the governor’s mandate now fully affirmed, the administration would focus on development and delivery of campaign promises.

  • S’Court judgement: Join Aiyedatiwa in moving Ondo forward, APC tells PDP, SDP candidates

    S’Court judgement: Join Aiyedatiwa in moving Ondo forward, APC tells PDP, SDP candidates

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has called on the candidates of the opposition parties to accept their defeat in the November 16, 2024, governorship election and rally behind Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the task of developing the state.

    The ruling party said it was time for all stakeholders to support the Aiyedatiwa-led administration in its ongoing reforms across critical sectors aimed at revitalising the economy.

    The call came after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, formally withdrew his appeal at the Supreme Court against Governor Aiyedatiwa’s election victory.

    Ajayi, who was Aiyedatiwa’s major rival in the poll, contested alongside 15 other candidates.

    In a letter to the Chief Registrar of the apex court, he explained that the decision to discontinue the case was reached after consultations with his family, associates, party members, and legal team.

    “After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I hereby so do. Having served as a former deputy governor and legislator, my foremost commitment is to good governance and peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and Nigeria,” Ajayi said in a statement on Wednesday.

    Reacting, the Ondo ruling APC described the withdrawal as not just a legal closure but also an endorsement of the people’s mandate freely given to Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    In a statement by its spokesperson, Alex Kalejaye, the party commended the roles played by the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies while the litigation lasted.

    The state chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin, also congratulated Governor Aiyedatiwa, his deputy, Olade Adelami, APC chieftains, and residents of Ondo State on what he described as “a well-deserved victory.”

    The Supreme Court on Wednesday struck out the election petitions filed by three opposition parties – the PDP, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) – against the APC’s victory at the polls.