The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ajimobi

  • Ibadan Mogajis back Ajimobi

    The Ibadan Council of recognised Mogajis has supported Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s proposed review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

    It advocated the introduction of second-class Obaship in Ibadanland, saying “this is a positive way to reduce the steps to be climbed by a prospective Olubadan.”

    The council, in a memorandum to the Secretary of the Judicial Commission of Enquiry on the Review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Panel, signed by the Chairman of the Council’s Succession Reform Commission, Chief John Babatunde Soares as well as Chief Asimiyu Adepoju and Chief Isiaka, insisted that “this is the only way to ensure speedy and accelerated development in Ibadanland as well as enhance the image of Olubadan stool.”

    “Under the proposal, the Olubadan of Ibadanland will be the only first- class Oba and he will be addressed as His Imperial Majesty, while the High Chiefs will become second-class Obas in their administrative areas and be addressed as His Royal Majesty,” the Council added.

    Saying the Council was formed over 70 years ago, the signatories said in the memorandum that the Abese, Maye, Ekefa, Agbaakin and Jagun will be in Otun Olubadan line and the Balogun line will comprise Abese, Maye, Ekefa, Agbaakin, Aare Alaasa and Jagun.

  • Ajimobi: my successor ‘ll emerge next May

    Ajimobi: my successor ‘ll emerge next May

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi said yesterday his successor would be known by next May.
    He addressed reporters at the Democracy Day celebration on the premises of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Ibadan.
    Ajimobi said although about 34 aspirants have been going round to make known their ambition to succeed him, the person that would take over from him should possess the qualities that would help him sustain the good work he had started.
    He said his successor should be “a visionary, courageous, intelligent, deep, passionate and compassionate leader, who has people’s interest at heart.”
    “By next May, I believe we should have an idea of who will succeed me.”
    On the controversy surrounding his administration’s effort to review the Olubadan chieftaincy system, Ajimobi said a 60-year-old system is due for a review.
    He promised to complete all projects by the time he leaves in 2019.
    “I will complete the projects I’ve started. No government has built roads as we have. We have constructed roads in major cities.”

  • Ladoja, Balogun sue Ajimobi over Olubadan chieftaincy law reform

    The Otun and Osi Olubadan, High Chiefs Lekan Balogun and Rashidi Ladoja, who are Otun and Osi Olubadan respectively, have dragged Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state before a state high court over his plan to reform the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Law. The commission of inquiry set up by the government to recommend the reform was also joined in the suit.

    Senators Ladoja and Balogun are asking the court in the suit number m/317/2017 to restrain the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry from sitting, accepting any memorandum or in any way taking any step in furtherance of its assignment, pending the determination of motion on notice in respect of the subject.

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi had on May 19, inaugurated the commission headed by retired Justice Akintunde Boade, with the mandate to, among others, review the existing requirement and qualification for ascendancy to the throne of the Olubadan and submit its report in four weeks.

    In the suit filed by their counsel, Michael Lana, on Friday, the Otun and Osi Olubadan contend that the judicial panel which was said to have been constituted under sections 10, 12 and 25 of the Chiefs Law 2000 was invalid, arguing that the governor lacks the power to change or amend the customary law relating to the selection of Olubadan.

    They insist that the primary aim of the Chiefs Law was that traditional institutions must be guided and operated not in accordance with modern dictates as argued by the governor but by the customary rules of each community. Ladoja and Balogun contend that only the Chieftaincy Committee which made the 1957 Olubadan Declaration and which must be peopled by recognised chiefs and not any judicial commission could amend the law.

    “Before setting up the commission, the governor never said that any of the situations happened to the 1957 Olubadan Declaration that has been used seamlessly without conflict, dispute or rancor to enthrone successive Olubadans. The provision relating to the declaration is mainly to put the customary law into written instrument in the custody of the government and not that it gives the government the right to change the customary law relating to a chieftaincy to suit its own purpose.

    Apart from the alleged illegality of the commission, the claimants said only two members of the panel are Ibadan indigenes, adding that it was improper for non-Ibadans to determine the fate of Ibadan indigenes on issues relating to the emergence of the Olubadan. “That Ibadan has issues with Oyo over the Council of Obas and one of the members of the commission, Prince Wasiu Gbadegesin, is in line to the throne of Alaafin of Oyo and will therefore be biased against the peaceful and rancor-free method of selecting the Olubadan of Ibadanland.”

  • Ajimobi launches projects

    Oyo State government will mark six years of the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration with the launch of road projects.

    It will also launch free trade zone, government reserved area, health insurance scheme, Aso oke market, tutorial centre and inaugurate a bridge.

    Secretary to the State Government Mr. Olalekan Alli said the governor will launch the statewide N200 health insurance scheme today and 4,000 hectares Pacesetter-Polaris free trade zone tomorrow.

    Alli, who spoke in company of the Head of Service, Mr. Soji Eniade; Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Bimbo Kolade and Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, allayed the fears of villagers to be affected by the free trade zone project, saying they would be resettled and compensated.

  • Olubadan: Ajimobi explains review

    Olubadan: Ajimobi explains review

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has advised ex-Governor Rashidi Ladoja not to dabble in governance, but should face his traditional line.
    This followed a statement credited to Ladoja last weekend on the proposed review of the chieftaincy declaration of Ibadan land by the government.
    Ajimobi, who addressed participants at this year’s World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, said the review was overdue, adding that Ibadan had expanded.
    He said: “The population of Ibadan has increased. We believe that such as it has been done in many Yoruba cities and towns, we need to have more Obas under the Olubadan. It has been done in many states in the Southwest, such as Lagos and Ogun.
    “We will do it, no going back. That was why the former Olubadan, Oba Odugade Odulana, urged people in politics to leave the traditional chieftaincy lines. I am surprised that they politicise everything in this country.”

  • Ajimobi inaugurates panel to review Olubadan chieftaincy declaration

    Ajimobi inaugurates panel to review Olubadan chieftaincy declaration

    Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has taken a major step towards the review of the Olubadan chieftaincy declaration and other related chieftaincies in Ibadanland with the inauguration of a seven-man judicial commission of inquiry.

    The commission, headed by a retired High Court judge, Justice Akintunde Boade, was inaugurated by the governor at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, in Ibadan, on Friday. It was given four weeks to submit its report.

    Other members of the commission are a retired permanent secretary in the ministry of local government, Chief Onaolapo Ajibola; and the state’s Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the ministry of justice, Mr. Wasiu Gbadegesin.

    Also on the list are Messrs Joseph Oladele, Paul Ayoola, Ogunniyi Ogunjinmi, and Abiodun Adegbaye, while the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the ministry of justice, Mr. Olanrewaju Jaiyeola, will serve as the secretary.

    The commission was saddled with the responsibility of “reviewing the existing requirements and qualification for ascendancy to the throne of Olubadan, as well as to review the selection process of Olubadan from Otun and Balogun lines.

    “(It was also mandated) to look into the possibilities of having more beaded crown Obas in Ibadanland, taken into consideration the present size and population of the city.

    “(The panel is also expected) to review the existing 1957 Declaration of Olubadan of Ibadanland in line with the proposed change in chieftaincy institution in Ibadaland.”

    In an address at the occasion, Ajimobi said that the review was long overdue, considering the fact that the existing declaration made in 1957 was no longer in tune with the current reality and modern trend in Yorubaland.

    He said: “The primary purpose of this commission is to facilitate the development, modernisation and effectiveness of our traditional chieftaincy system in Ibadanland in particular and across the state in general.

    “Similar exercises will be instituted across the state in order to create the enabling environment for active contribution of our traditional institutions to the socio-economic development of our state.

  • Ajimobi, wife celebrate media aide Yomi Layinka at 60

    Ajimobi, wife celebrate media aide Yomi Layinka at 60

    Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Wednesday, extolled his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, for standing by him during the 2011 and 2015 governorship electioneering that culminated in his becoming the first two-term holder of the office.

    The governor gave the encomium during a private thanksgiving service organized by his media aide to mark his 60th birthday, at his residence in Jericho area of Ibadan, on Wednesday.

    Ajimobi was in company with his wife, Chief Florence Ajimobi, who graced the occasion with the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Janet Adeyemo, and wives of other top officials of the state government.

    The governor said, “I have known Yomi for quite a while. Since he was introduced to me as a fine broadcaster and strategist, he had contributed immensely to the success of my political campaigns. To those who might not know, my campaign strategies were developed in his house. We shot some campaign videos here as well.

    “He is an intelligent, committed and dedicated member of my administration. We have a lot in common and that is why we have been able to work together. He does not suffer fools gladly and I also don’t. He has a knack for quality and finesse; that is my person.

    “Yomi shares a lot of things with me when you consider his doggedness and stubbornness towards success. I see in Yomi another me. Yomi is a committed family man and I love your family as I love you. Because if a man succeeds at work and fails at home, he is a failure.

    “If I score anybody 70 per cent on anything, that person must have impressed a lot and must have given more than his or her best, but Yomi, I give you 75 per cent for these your uncommon attributes. I wish you the very best today and always.”

    Other speakers at the event, who spoke glowingly of Layinka were his son, Fela; the governor’s wife; Florence; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Akin Oyedele; Senior Pastor of Scripture Pasture Christian Centre, Ibadan, Pastor Olubi Johnson and his wife, Dr. Sarah Johnson.

    The wife of the man of the hour, Bisi, was effusive in her eulogies for her husband of more than 30 years, whom he described as a loving, caring and committed husband and father to their children.

    Also on hand to serenade Layinka were close family members, appointees of the Communication and Strategy Unit; members of the Scripture Pasture Christian Church and Choir; members of the Silver Knight Club, where Layinka is a prominent member; and the first Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Kola Adefemi.

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, was represented at the event by the Agbaakin-Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi.

     

  • Ajimobi supports Oke-Ogun’s agitation for 2019

    Ajimobi supports Oke-Ogun’s agitation for 2019

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has backed the agitation by Oke-Ogun people to produce the next governor.
    He, however, advised that they must seek the support of other zones for the dream to be actualised; noting, for instance that Ibadan alone constitutes 52 per cent of the state’s population.
    The governor spoke in Okeho, headquarters of Kajola Local Government, at the fidau for a stalwart of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Salami Oloola.
    He acknowledged the role played by Oke Ogun people in his election.
    Ajimobi said: “I can recall that during the 2015 governorship election, I won in nine out of 10 local governments in Oke-Ogun. This aided my emergence as the first governor to secure a second term in office in Oyo State.
    “I cannot thank you enough. I will forever cherish you my people from Oke-Ogun. I assure you that I will reciprocate your love for me.
    “Without prejudice to the competence and legitimacy of aspirants from other zones nursing the ambition of succeeding me, I can say the people of Oke Ogun deserve my support.
    “But I will advise that you seek the support of people from other zones. You must win them over to win a governorship election.”
    The Onjo of Okeho, Oba Abdulrafiu Adekiitan, praised the governor for his gesture towards Oke-Ogun people, particularly in locating the Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology in his domain.

  • Adeleke’s death disheartening, say Ajimobi, Amosun, Akeredolu

    Adeleke’s death disheartening, say Ajimobi, Amosun, Akeredolu

    GOVERNORS Abiola Ajimobi(Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Osun) and Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) have described the death of the first civilian Osun State Governor and serving senator, Isiaka Adeleke, as shocking, disheartening and sad.

    Ajimobi, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, in lbadan yesterday, said he received the news of Adeleke’s sudden death with shock and disbelief.

    The governor described the late senator as a celebrated and committed politician, distinguished senator, grassroots mobiliser, socialite and great philanthropist.

    Ajimobi said: “When the news filtered in that Senator Adeleke was dead, l was extremely shocked and amazed. I found it very difficult to believe, because he was bubbling with life when l saw him last.

    “Senator Adeleke was one person l admired for being a fine politician, who committed his life to the service of humanity and his native Ede land.

    “Right from his days as the first elected governor of Osun State up till his death, he never wavered in stretching his helping hands to the poor and the needy.

    “His role in the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State from when he decided to team up with the progressives and till death is noteworthy. Senator Adeleke was an asset to our party. He will be greatly missed.”

    Ajimobi also hailed the late senator’s contributions to debates on the floor of the Senate, which, he said, contributed immensely to quality legislation by the National Assembly.

    He added: “His sudden death is even more regrettable because the people of Osun State, members of the APC nationwide and indeed all Nigerians will henceforth miss his gregarious personality, his zeal for development as well as his great mobilisation skills.”

    Ajimobi prayed that the Almighty Allah should grant the soul of the late senator Aljanah Firdaus and for God to grant the bereaved family, the late senator’s friends and people in Ede the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Amosun, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Adejuwon Soyinka, described Adeleke’s death as “a shock.”

    The governor stated that the death was “a great loss not just to Osun State but to the entire nation”.

    The governor noted that the two-time senator and first elected governor of Osun State was “an experienced politician and administrator, who will be sorely missed by his immediate family and his political family and the nation at large.”

    He said the late Adeleke would be remembered for, among other things, his love for education.

    Amosun said this was exemplified by the senator’s decision, as governor, to establish a Polytechnic at Iree, a College of Technology at Esa Oke as well as award of scholarship to indigent students.

    He commiserated with the government and people of Osun State on the sudden death of Adeleke, praying that God grants his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Akeredolu described the senator’s death, as sad and a great loss to his family, the Yoruba race Nigeria.

    Consoling the family of the late popular politician, Akeredolu said Adeleke’s deep reservoir of knowledge about the country’s politics would be missed by all.

    The governor described the former governor as a consummate gentleman, whose brand of politics endeared him to many.

    Akeredolu said: “Late Senator Isiaka Adeleke was a perfect gentleman, who will be missed all.

    “He was a peacemaker, who believed in the principle of justice and fair play. I pray that God almighty will grant the family and indeed our great country the fortitude to bear this great loss. “

  • Ajimobi charges police to tame killer-herdsmen, kidnapers

    Ajimobi charges police to tame killer-herdsmen, kidnapers

    Oyo State governor, Senator AbiolaAjimobi, has appealed to the police authority to clamp down on the murderous herdsmen and kidnappers disturbing the peace of the country with the same intensity it crushed the Boko Haram insurgents.

    The governor made the appeal through his Deputy, Chief Alake Adeyemo, who received the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Southwest, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, at the executive chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, on Thursday.

    Ajimobi restated the need for the police to continue to collaborate with other security and intelligence agencies across the country to overcome the menace of kidnappers and herdsmen ravaging the country.

    Emphasising the need for unity and peaceful co-existence among citizens, he said it was only in an atmosphere of peace that businesses could thrive and investors attracted.

    Ajimobi said:  “Our first priority on assumption of office in 2011 was to foster peaceful atmosphere in the state. We are happy today that Oyo State is one of the most secured in the country.

    “We want to appeal to the police authority to replicate the collaborative efforts employed in overcoming the Boko Haram menace in battling herdsmen crisis as well as the recent spate of kidnapping in the country”.