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Tag: Ajimobi

  • Ajimobi seeks state police, modern technology to tackle armed banditry

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has renewed his advocacy for the introduction of state police to curb armed banditry and insecurity threatening the country.

    He restated this position yesterday while hosting the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, Mr. Leye Oyebade, in his office, in Ibadan.

    He appealed to the Federal Government to invest in cutting-edge technology that would aid reconnaissance and intelligence gathering to preempt crimes before being committed.

    If established, he said state police would have the benefit of good community relations, adding that increase in the funding of the police force and adequate provision of logistics would also boost the morale of the personnel.

    Ajimobi said: “I am one of the pioneer advocates of state police. There is nowhere in the world where crime is effectively combated without state police. We refer to state governors as chief security officers, but we have no control over the Commissioner of Police.

    “Some will argue that the governor will take undue advantage of a state police under his watch. But, do they consider the challenges of having only one person controlling the police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Until we do some structural adjustment to the policing system in Nigeria, we may not have the desired results. Having said that, generally,  Nigeria and Oyo State, in particular, still have security challenges.

    “In order to ensure effective and more efficient policing, I opine that the police needs modern technology. Technology must help policing. Look at the developed countries, when a crime is committed, even before it happens the police would have been hinted.

    “They have informants that are working very well. They have a communication system that is very effective and they have the public supporting them. How well are members of the public supporting the police here?”

    The governor, however, urged the rank and file of the police to change the perception of the masses, who did not see the police as their friends as the police would want them to believe.

    Ajimobi said the police must go beyond mere sloganeering that they were friends of the people by exhibiting civility, cordiality and friendship in their relationship with members of the public.

    In line with internationally established protocol, he said the police must relate with suspects on the basis of being seen as innocent until they were proved guilty of an offence.

    Nonetheless, the governor hailed the police and other security agencies in the state, without whose support he said his administration would not have succeeded in restoring peace and security to the state in the last eight years.

    Oyebade, who was a former Commissioner of Police in the state before his elevation, said he was determined to ensure that the peace being enjoyed in the state, as well as in Osun and Ondo states under his supervision was not truncated.

    Judging by the efforts of the present administration in the country and in Oyo State, the AIG said the Southwest states had shed the toga of “Wild wild west” for “wise wise west”.

    The police boss told the governor that officers under the zone would benefit from training and retraining programmes, upgrade of police stations to divisional headquarters as well as firing range training

  • Sugar’s brother accuses Ajimobi of alleged release of ‘killers’

    An elder brother to the late lawmaker representing Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Olatoye Temitope  aka Sugar, Mr. Olajide Olatoye, has accused Governor Abiola Ajimobi of facilitating the release of the suspected killers.

    He spoke yesterday during the lying-in-state of the slain lawmaker, held at the House of Chiefs, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Olajide alleged that he learnt that Governor Ajimobi, in conjunction with some members of the House of Assembly, facilitated the release of some suspects arrested in connection with the killing.

    “Governor Ajimobi should desist from facilitating the release of the killers of my brother. Let justice prevail. Oyo State Government should remove its hand in the investigation of the incident and allow the perpetrators of the evil act to face the wrath of the law. Being a serving Oyo State House of Assembly member does not mean you are untouchable,” Olatoye said.

    Speaking on behalf of the Olatoye family, the deceased’s younger brother, Mr. Dotun Olatoye, said despite the support the Olatoye family had received from the federal and state governments since the incident happened, the government still found it difficult to arrest the killers and prosecute them.

    Earlier in his tribute, House of Assembly Speaker Mr. Olagunju Ojo said the death of the late lawmaker showed that the state had lost an illustrious son, who would not be forgotten.

    A member of the House of Assembly, Mr. Segun Olaleye, who advised the bereaved family not to take vengeance on anybody, said how to take care of the deceased wife and children should be their concern.

    He promised to sponsor two of the deceased’s children to the university, noting that the state had lost a freedom fighter and a goal getter.

     

  • Ajimobi inaugurates 26-member transition committee

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday inaugurated a 26-man committee to prepare the ground for the May 29 inauguration of new governor.

    The Committee christened “Koseleri” comprises 16 members from the ruling, All Progressive Congress (APC)-led administration while the incoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government has 10 members.

    Speaking at the brief inauguration, which held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s office, Ajimobi recounted the various historical feats his administration had achieved in the  state.

    The committee his chaired by the Secretary to Government, Olalekan Alli has top government functionaries including the governor’s aides, commissioners, special advisers and civil servant. David Olatunde (Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission) will serve as the secretary.

    Other members include the Head of Service, Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan, Ajimobi’s Executive Assistance on Administration, Soji Eniade, Commissioners Toye Arulogun (Information, Culture and Tourism), Oluseun Abimbola (Attorney-General/Justice), Isaac Ishola (Environment and water resources), Oyewole Oyewumi (Agriculture, natural resources and rural development) and Dr. Azeez Adeduntan (Health).

    Others are Commissioners Isaac Omodewu (Lands, housing and survey), Abimbola Kolade  (Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters), Prof. Joseph Olowofela (Education, Science and Technology) and Abimbola Adekanmbi (Finance, Planning and Budget).

    The Special Advisers in the committee include Dr Isiaka Kolawole (Economic Planning and Budget), Dr Ayandele Ayanyinka (Efficiency) and Mr Segun Bolarinwa (Security).

    The Governor-elect team includes a former Senate Deputy Whip, Hosea Agboola, the PDP candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial district in the last election, Mr Bisi Ilaka and the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East state constituency, Mr Debo Ogundoyin.

    The list also has, Miss Loalde Ajibola, Mr Adeniyi Babatunde, Mr Seun Ashamu, Dr D.V Bello, Mr Wale Adepoju, Mr Temi Adibi and Mrs Oyedijo Ayo-Famola.

     

     

  • Ajimobi mourns as Soun ‘s wife dies

    Oyo State Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi has commiserated with the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, over the death of his wife, Olori Ashiawu Igbayilola.

    The governor described the late olori as a pillar of strength to the monarch.

    In a condolence letter to Soun yesterday, the governor said he was pained by the death of the matriarch of the Oyewumi royal family.

    Ajimobi, who described the deceased as a devout Muslim and caring mother, said she devoted her life to service to Almighty Allah and the growth and progress of Ogbomosoland and its people.

    The letter reads: “She was a lifelong partner and supportive wife of Kabiyesi. A devout Muslim and community leader, whose generosity of spirit had endeared her to the larger Oyewumi family and the people of Ogbomosoland.

    “Because of her warmth and effervescence, I have no doubt that she will be sorely missed by Kabiyesi, the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who have found her company comforting in her lifetime.

    “On behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, I condoled with our Baba over this loss. We will miss Mama’s welcoming smiles and hospitable dispositions at the palace. It is my prayer that the Almighty grants her Aljannah Firdaus.”

  • Oyo govt, APC tackle group over vote of confidence in Ajimobi

    THE vote of confidence in Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi by some party leaders after the last general elections has sparked off crisis within the party.

    A group within the state All Progressives Congress (APC), APC Reformers, has faulted the vote of confidence passed by the party leaders and members of the state chapter, describing it as self-deceit.

    The group admonished President Muhammadu Buhari and the party’s National stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, not to recommend Ajimobi for any appointment.

    The APC Reformers, which claimed it comprises APC former political appointees and leaders in Oyo State, in a statement signed by its acting secretary, Sulemon Ramoni, after a meeting in Ibadan on Tuesday, described the vote of confidence as “a continuation of self-deception by a congress of charlatans” that led to the party’s failure at the just concluded elections.

    But, the party’s spokesman, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde, in an interview with The Nation, said members of the group were unknown to the party.

    He explained that at the state APC meeting held on Monday, party candidates and leaders, including state elected officers and government appointees, senatorial zonal leaders, party chairmen and secretaries from the 33 local government areas (LGAs), members of state working committee and national executive members, the 33 local council chairmen, women and youth leaders and ward party leaders among others, were in attendance.

    Olatunde added that the party leaders, after about five-hour’s deliberations, resolved to pass the vote of confidence in Ajimobi, after considering the governor’s achievements so far and his contributions to the party.

    “Then, who are the so-called ‘reformers’? They should tell us their identities, positions in the party, their membership, their local government areas and wards.

    “We know that those who worked against the party during the elections will come out soon and the group might be part of those who worked against our interests.

    “We are ready to react to their lies at any time. They are the real charlatans in the party.”

    When contacted yesterday, the governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, in a statement, described the group as “a faceless association that is unknown to the party in Oyo State”.

    Tunji said: “In any case, the vote of confidence was passed on the governor by the party leadership in the state made up of the state EXCO, local govt party chairmen, secretaries,  women leader, youth leader, all party candidates in the general election,  party chieftains and stakeholders in the state. In all, we had nearly 300 party stakeholders in all the 33 LGAs. Elders like Pa Lasisi Lasunsi from Ibarapa, Alhaji Okaide Abass, Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, Chief Akin Ojebode, elected senators and House of Representatives’ members. These were the people in attendance at the stakeholders parley. You will agree with me that these are the major stakeholders of the party in the state. Are you now saying that some unknown entities know better than these people?

    “The vote of confidence was passed based on certain indices. The Ajimobi administration is the only one to have spent two terms. It is unprecedented. It is an administration that ensures that peace reigned in the state unlike what we use to have prior to the advent of this administration.

    “What about the unprecedented infrastructural renewal in the state. In any case, APC won two out of three senatorial seats and nine out of 14 House of Reps seats. We know what happened. So, the vote of confidence is totally justified.  What should be uppermost in the minds of faithful party members now is how to constitute a formidable opposition to keep the incoming administration on its toes to ensure the continued development of the state. So, that Oyo State does not go back again to the years of locust.”

    But, the group’s statement reads: “After spending almost eight years in office, the people of Oyo State have passed a vote of no confidence in Ajimobi by ensuring that he lost his unit, ward, local government and the state in the last election.

    “Of what benefit would the decision of his self-appointed leaders and handpicked executive be for the party, democracy and the good people of the state?

    “Mr. President and the national leadership of the party, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, should not be misled by the charlatans to consider Ajimobi for a ministerial or any federal appointment, which is their motive.

    “Any federal appointment for him will worsen the party’s situation, make reconciliation impossible and lead to more loses in future elections.

    “The party lost the presidential election in Oyo State because it held on the same day with Ajimobi’s senatorial election.

    “The state elections were lost because of his influence and interference.

    “After the 2015 general election, Ajimobi scolded the party chairman, Chief Akin Oke, for losing his unit and ward, as a matter of fact he advised him to resign.

    “Some local government caretaker chairmen were also removed by him for losing their constituencies. Now that he has lost woefully, he deserves no reprieve.”

     

  • Ajimobi to Ogun governor-elect: prioritise people’s welfare

    OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has advised the Ogun State Governor-elect Dapo Abiodun to prioritise the welfare of the people as a way of compensating them for their overwhelming support.

    He gave the advice when Abiodun visited him at his Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, private home on Saturday.

    On Abiodun’s entourage were the Deputy Governor-elect Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Senator Lanre Tejuoso; a former Deputy Governor of the state, Prince Segun Adesegun; Mr. Tunde Osibodu; Mr. Tunde Osinowo and Mr. Afolabi Salisu, among others.

    Ajimobi, who expressed appreciation to the people of Ogun State for electing Abiodun, urged the governor-elect to see his election as a rare opportunity to serve his people and better their lots.

    Congratulating Abiodun, who he said was his brother and close family friend, the governor described him as a gentle, kind-hearted and an epitome of humility.

    The governor said: “When my brother, Dapo Abiodun, intimated me about his intension to contest for the Ogun State governorship election, I told him that he should go ahead and that he would be victorious, by the grace of God.

    “I, therefore, thank God that today he has become the governor-elect of Ogun State. I have every cause to glorify God on his behalf. In the affairs of man, God has always been present. It is this divine presence that has brought him this victory.

    “Dapo is gentle, kind-hearted and an epitome of humility. All these he has demonstrated here today through this visit. While I’m congratulating you on this victory, let me state that an opportunity to serve is an opportunity to be Godly.

    “You must, therefore, do everything humanly possible to prioritise the welfare of your people as a way of compensating them for the overwhelming support they gave you, which led to your emergence as governor-elect.”

  • Ibadan building collapse: No life was lost – Ajimobi

    Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost in the Bode, Ibadan building collapse even as he gave directive that victims be moved to the state hospital and given immediate and free medical attention.

    The governor’s directive was contained in a statement issued in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, yesterday.

    The governor said that he was greatly saddened by the incident, which he described as avoidable.

    While sympathizing with the victims of the collapsed building, he, however, expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost in the incident.

    He said: “I have directed the relevant agencies to ensure that all the victims are transferred to government hospital and be given immediate medical attention at no cost to them,” he said.

  • Ajimobi to Makinde: beware of praise-singers, avoid acrimony

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has advised the Governor-elect, Seyi Makinde, to beware of praise-singers as he prepares to take over the state administration on May 29.

    The governor also enjoined Makinde to avoid acrimony and attract people from both his party and across other parties to help him in managing the state’s affairs.

    He gave the advice yesterday when playing host to the governor-elect, who visited him at the Agodi Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Also yesterday, former President  Olusegun Obasanjo advised the governor-elect to run a democratic system.

    Obasanjo said Makinde has the onerous task of striving to transform the capital of former old Western Region, urging the people to keep supporting him to succeed when he eventually take over.

    The elder statesman gave the advice when he received the governor-elect, his deputy, Akeem Ademola and others at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    But, Ajimobi, who received the visitors in the company of top government functionaries, urged the incoming administration to sustain the peace and security brought to the state by his administration among other achievements.

    He also urged Makinde to adjust in the areas his genuine intentions might have been resisted and opposed.

    He hailed Makinde for initiating the visit, saying such was a departure from the norm and urged the incoming government to sustain the level of relationship and cordiality.

    He assured the incoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of his readiness and availability to ensure the success of the government in the interest of the people.

    Ajimobi said: “I congratulate you on the opportunity nature has given you to serve humanity. For me, it is a matter of changing baton and I commend your noble move, which is different from the past when after someone lost the election, they will start making troubles and abusing each other.

    “To me, I am so happy that we are moving this state to a high level. Our own was relatively peaceful and for you to say you want to come and greet me, it is a departure from the past. For me, we must continue on this path.

    “The peace and security that we have created must be sustained and I know you as a man of peace, who is not criminally-inclined. I commend you for coming and for me, it is a reflection of your kind of person.

    “I will advise that in the spirit that you have started, reach out to all and sundry and make it all inclusive to bring in everybody, particularly your party members and others in Oyo State that can add value.

    “We have done our best in Oyo State, especially in terms of security and you must sustain it. In the last eight years, Oyo State has been ranked as one of the most peaceful in the country.

    “We will be available to you should you need our advice.

    “Beware of praise-singers, avoid acrimony. It is always better to leverage on relationship instead of dwelling in acrimonies.”

    Makinde said the visit was to see the governor first hand since after the conclusion of the elections and also said the incoming administration would be requiring the help of the incumbent in the interest of moving the state forward.

    The ex-Head of State also advised Makinde to shun corruption.

    “Be transparent and embark on developmental projects, which would be a delight to the people of Oyo State. Please run a government that will be making them to ask, where has this type of government been all these years in Oyo State.

    “You must give them something (positive), you must give them good democracy and not that one of my younger brothers will call democratic so sa po’ (pocketing democracy).

    “Where there is misunderstanding, call yourselves (your people) together and make peace in the overall interest of Oyo State.”

    He promised to support the incoming new government and be available anytime his service is needed.

    Makinde said the visit was meant to appreciate Obasanjo and seeks wisdom from the elder statesman.

    The governor-elect admitted that Oyo State was “in a bad shape but pledged to apply wisdom to make things better”.

    Former Deputy Chairman (South) of the People’s Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, who facilitated the visit, said he called Obasanjo barely 24hours ago to fix the appointment.

    Some of the personalities in the entourage of Makinde include a former Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Hosea Agboola; business mogul Femi Babalola, PDP state chairman Kunmi Mustapha, his Campaign Director General Bayo Lawal and campaign team’s spokesperson Prince Dotun Oyelade.

    Others are Mr. Olayemi Buhari, Mrs. Bosede Adedibu, Mr. Dare Adeleke, Mr. Akin Fagbemi, Mr. Tunde Tijani and Chief Jacob Adetoro.

     

     

  • Ajimobi to Makinde: beware of praise-singers, avoid acrimony

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has advised the Governor-Elect, Mr Seyi Makinde to beware of praise singers as he prepares to take over the administration of the state on May 29.

    The outgoing governor also enjoined Makinde to avoid acrimony and leverage on relationships by attracting people from both his party and others from across party divide in the state to help him in managing the affairs of the state.

    He gave the advice on Thursday when playing host to the Governor-Elect who paid him a courtesy call at the Agodi Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Addressing the visitor in the company of top government functionaries, Governor Ajimobi urged the incoming administration to sustain the peace and security brought to the state by his administration among others feats while also adjusting in the areas his genuine intentions might have been resisted and opposed.

    He commended Makinde for initiating the visit saying such was a departure from the norm and urged the incoming government to sustain the level of relationship and cordiality.

    He assured the incoming PDP government of his readiness and availability to ensure the success of the incoming administration in the interest of the people of the state as a whole.

    Ajimobi said “I congratulate you on the opportunity nature has given you to serve humanity. For me, it is a matter of changing baton and I commend your noble move which is different from the past when after someone lost the election, they will start making troubles and abusing each other.

    “To me, I am so happy that we are moving this state to a high level. Our own was relatively peaceful and for you to say you want to come and greet me, it is a departure from the past. For me, we must continue on this path.

    “The peace and security that we have created must be sustained and I know you as a man of peace who is not criminally inclined. I commend you for coming and for me, it is a reflection of your kind of person.

    “I will advise that in the spirit that you have started, reach out to all and sundry and make it all inclusive to bring in everybody, particularly your party members and others in Oyo state that can add value.

    “We have done our best in Oyo state especially in terms of security and you must sustain it. In the last eight years, Oyo state has been ranked as one of the most peaceful in the country.

    “We will be available to you should you need our advice. You should look at the areas we have done well and sustain it and in the areas we have not, please adjust it. We have always been brothers and I believe you deserve it and you have won irrespective of how you did it. The spirit we have started, we must be sustained.

    “Beware of praise singers, avoid acrimony. It is always better to leverage on relationship instead of dwelling in acrimonies.”

    Earlier in his remarks, Makinde said the visit was to see the governor first hand since after the conclusion of the elections and also said the incoming administration would be requiring the help of the incumbent in the interest of moving the state forward.

    Read Also: Ajimobi to election losers: Embrace peace, prepare for next election

    Makinde said “The visit is to see you first hand since after the election. We will require your help. Electioneering is over and certain things that we might have said were just for the campaign talks, but now is the time to face reality.

    “You have done your own part. Our state is dear to all of us and we shall share your vision like I had said in one of our numerous interactions before the elections. We want to work together with you and make sure that the transition is as smooth as possible.”

    Some of the personalities in the entourage of Makinde include, the deputy governor, Mr Rauf Olaniyan, a former Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Hosea Agboola, business mogul, Femi Babalola, PDP state chairman, Mr Kunmi Mustapha, the Campaign Director General, Bayo Lawal and Spokesperson of the Campain team, Prince Dotun Oyelade.

    Others are, Mr Olayemi Buhari, Mrs Bosede Adedibu, Mr Dare Adeleke, Mr Akin Fagbemi, Mr Tunde Tijani and Chief Jacob Adetoro.

  • Ajimobi preaches spirit of sportsmanship on election failures

    •Governor expresses readiness to support new govt

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has challenged those who lost in the general elections to in the spirit of sportsmanship embrace peace and begin to prepare for the next election.

    Instead of fomenting troubles, Ajimobi said those who think they have issues or suspected any untoward action or activities in the election result as announced by the electoral umpire should go to court.

    He spoke while addressing reporters yesterday at the governor’s office.

    The governor, who had congratulated the governor-elect, Mr. Seyi Makinde of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urged the incoming administration to learn and sustain the good things of his All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government. He promised to support the governor-elect.

    He warned trouble-makers that he would not compromise on his legacy of peace and security of lives and property until the last day of his administration.

    Ajimobi urged the incoming government to ensure that the state does not slip back into the days of brigandage, adding that such will be antithetical to growth.

    The governor said: “In all things, we must appreciate God and God has been very kind to our government. First, we have been able to for the first time, use eight years, and it was eight years of peace, security, safety and of development on all fronts.

    “When you talk about this last election, from the results that we have seen, the declared winners, the usual thing as a sportsman and democrat is to congratulate all those who won and to encourage those who lost to accept the losses.

    “Also is the fact that we encourage sustainability of peace and development. We must not allow Oyo State to slip back to the days of brigandage. It is antithetical to development.

    “So, all those who lost should accept and if they find reasons why they lost, and they believe that some maneuvering or manipulations have been done, they should take the legal course.”