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Tag: Ajimobi

  • Ajimobi, Ahmed, others mourn ex-IGP

    Ajimobi, Ahmed, others mourn ex-IGP

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said the death of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Chief Sunday Adewusi, is a great loss to the government and the people of the state.

    The governor regretted the death of the man who made history as the youngest police officer to occupy the IGP seat at the Louis Edet House in Abuja.

    He said the late Adewusi instilled discipline in the rank and file of the force.

    In a statement yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, the governor recalled that the era of the late Adewusi was a defining moment which brought the best out of the police.

    Ajimobi prayed God to grant the soul of the illustrious son of Ogbomoso eternal rest and give his family, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, and other residents of the state the fortitude to bear the sad loss.

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed noted that the death of the former IGP is a national loss.

    In a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary Abdulwahab Oba, the governor said the late Adewusi was a police officer who not only rose to the pinnacle of his career but contributed immensely to nation-building.

    He added that the late police chief, who lived in Ilorin for many years, was an elder statesman whose vast experience in security matters was of great value to the state and Nigeria.

    Ahmed commiserated with the family of the deceased, the Soun and other residents of Ogbomoso as well as the government and people of Oyo State.

    Also, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described Adewusi’s death as a colossal loss to the nation.

    The Emir also commiserated with the family of the deceased, Ogbomoso Traditional Council as well as the government and people of Oyo State for the loss.

    The Chairman of Senate Committee on ICT, Fatai Buhari, has condoled with the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladuni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, the family and people of Ogbomoso on Adewusi’s death.

    In a statement, Buhari, who is representing Oyo North in the National Assembly, said he received the death of the former IGP with shock and disbelief.

    He said: “Though Allah gives and takes, but Adewusi’s death is not expected at this moment, particularly when his wealth of experience and wise counsel is still needed by the people.

    “It is painful that he is no more in our midst to talk to us as father and leader. But we take solace in Almighty Allah that he lived a fulfilled and successful life. He will forever be remembered for his remarkable contribution to the Police Force and service to humanity…”

  • Buhari to attend Olubadan’s funeral

    Buhari to attend Olubadan’s funeral

    President Muhammadu Buhari will attend the forthcoming funeral of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odungade.

    Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimola, disclosed this to State House correspondents after meeting President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

    He also declared that claim by the Otun Seriki of Ibadan, Chief Adebayo Oyediji , to be  the next Olubadan of Ibadanland was an exercise in futility.

    He said: “My mission here basically is to see Mr. President and intimate him of the recent transition of the Olubadan who passed away a couple of days ago.

    “We had to wait for the traditional message from the palace before we could convey this to the President. I am glad that I have been able to convey it. You may even ask why conveying such to the President, at least he was just an Olubadan?

    “If you know, the Olubadan is not an ordinary King. Apart from the fact that he worked for the Federal Government, he was once a Minister of Labour under Alhaji Tafawa Balewa‘s government when he was prime minister, he worked as a parliamentarian and a minister.

    “He was part of the delegation to Britain for the Nigerian Conference, therefore, he was a national figure, hence he was honoured with a CFR. He contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria, so he stood out as a king.

    “I am glad to say that having seen the President, he has assured me that he would be attending the burial ceremony.”

     

     

  • Ajimobi eulogises Olubadan as chiefs brief governor on monarch’s death

    Ajimobi eulogises Olubadan as chiefs brief governor on monarch’s death

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has announced the death of the Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I.

    Ajimobi yesterday spoke when the Olubadan-in-Council,  led by the Balogun, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, met with him at the Governor’s Office in  Ibadan.

    Others on the team are the Otun Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun; Otun Balogun, Chief Owolabi Olakulehin; Ashipa Olubadan, Chief Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun,Ashipa Balogun, Chief Abimbola Ajibola and Ekerin Olubadan and High Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi,

    Oba Odulana’s children, Prof Femi Lana, Prince Gbade Lana and Princess Yemi Showunmi and the President of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Wole Akinwande were also part of the team.

    Chief Adetunji said:” Our Kabiyesi is dead and we pray to God to forgive him of all his shortcomings. We are here to inform you about the passing on of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I.

    “We were shocked about his demise because he was a good father to us all. We have taken heart because it is God that gives and takes.”

    The Balogun noted that the government ought to announce the death of Olubadan but the media broke the news without the knowledge of the Olubadan chiefs and his family members.

    “We want to apologise to you on this and want you to know that we did not do this purposely or intend to disrespect your office sir,” he said

    Ajimobi called for a minute silence and prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Olubadan.

    “It has been confirmed now to me by the chiefs that our father Olubadan passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2016. We commiserate with the family and Olubadan-in-Council. He lived a life worthy of emulation and left unbeatable legacies among all traditional rulers in the country” he said.

  • Ajimobi, Shittu, others for retreat

    Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi will declare open a two-day communications retreat being organised by Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Shittu will deliver the keynote address on the occasion.

    Other participants at the retreat include National Assembly members, key Ministry officials, chief Executive Officers of NCC, NIGCOMSAT, NITDA, NIPOST, Galaxy Backbone Ltd and Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), industry bigwigs and major stakeholders are set for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital this weekend to attend the 2016 Communications Sector Retreat.

    The two-day retreat, according to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Victor Oluwadamilare, with the theme: Repositioning the Nigeria Communications Sector as the Key Driver of the Nigerian Economy, is slated for International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan and will be held between Friday 22 and Saturday 23, January 2016.

    Barrister Shittu, in his avowed determination to reposition the Communications Sector in tandem with the Change Agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari, since assumption of duties as Minister of Communications, had embarked on various inquisitions and fact-finding exercises, the result of which culminated in the forthcoming retreat.

  • Ajimobi, Alao-Akala steal show at Akintola’s 50th memorial

    Ajimobi, Alao-Akala steal show at Akintola’s 50th memorial

    There was jubilation among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala yesterday, when Governor Abiola Ajimobi visited Alao-Akala’s home in Randa, Ogbomoso on his way to the 50th remembrance of former Western Region Premier Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.

    Alao-Akala, who hugged his successor, ushered him, and hundreds of his supporters, into his home.

    The supporters, who wore T-shirts, emblazoned with ‘APC Change’ and photographs of President Muhammadu Buhari, Ajimobi and Alao-Akala, sang praises of both leaders.

    Ajimobi and his predecessor, after exchanging pleasantries, went into his official Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), venue of the ceremony.

    The governor noted that the former governor executed many projects in Ibadan more than in his Ogbomoso hometown.

    According to him, nobody believed that they could come together as friends and brothers.

    “Today, we are united and in the same party. People are now warning me to be careful and that I should not eat in his house but not anymore because we are now united.

    “We need to practise developmental politics if we want to progress as a nation.

    “All of us cannot become governors, and our party cannot win elections the same time. We should all shun politics of bitterness and I won my second term because of that,” Ajimobi said

    In his tribute to the late Akintola, the governor described him as an unsung hero, who contributed immensely to the development of the old Western Region and Nigeria.

    Ajimobi said: “The evolution of Nigeria began with the outstanding performance of some heroes and Akintola was one of the accomplished politicians and founding fathers of modern Nigeria and a thorough breed politician.

    “S.L.A, as he was fondly called, was eloquent and an asset to government. I said he was an unsung hero because he was a bridge builder for Nigeria and was responsible for the establishment of the University College Hospital (UCH).

    “He scored many firsts in his lifetime because of his exemplary lifestyle. He was an orator and a front-line politician.”

    The governor blamed the family for “monopolising” him.

    He urged all Nigerians to celebrate the late Akintola, stressing that all scholars should do more to project his name for younger generation to emulate his lifestyle.

    In his lecture titled: “The challenges of building a viable Nigerian Nation State and the consensus resolution of the 2014 National Conference”, Prof. Enoch Oyedele, described Akintola as a great nationalist who fought Nigeria’s independence and contributed to its development.

    “He left landmark legacies in this country and no politician played a more controversial role in Nigeria politics. He was loved and hated and was a man who was greatly misunderstood.”

    The don noted that the outcome of the National Conference may herald a new political order capable of uniting the country if implemented.

    He said:”This should be anchored on the pillars of social justice, equity and fairness. These values will go a long way in addressing the national question and good governance.

    “We contend that Nigerians have no problem with one another; the issue is the manipulation of our diversity, ethnicity and religions to achieve class domination.”

    In his appreciation message, Akintola’s son, Yomi, said his father gave himself up to the Army because of his love for his family, adding that his father was not mutilated but was only shot.

    After the event, Ajimobi and Alao-Akala jointly inspected the ongoing dualisation of Takie/Sabo Ogbomoso Road.

    The governor promised that the road will be completed by January 31.

  • Oyo won’t sack workers, says Ajimobi

    Oyo won’t sack workers, says Ajimobi

    •’Alao-Akala a great sportsman’

    Oyo  State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has told civil servants that the government has no plans to retrench workers.

    The civil servants hailed the governor for his magnanimity at  the annual inter-religious service to formally herald the 2016 working year at the Governor’s Office Car Park in Ibadan.

    The event was attended by Deputy Governor Moses Alake Adeyemo; Chief Judge  Ladipo Abimbola; the governor’s wife, Florence, members of the House of Assembly, state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Akin Oke; party members as well as Christian and Muslim clerics.

    Ajimobi said instead of retrenching workers, he would restructure ministries, departments and agencies as well as the Board of Internal Revenue to shore up the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    He said he has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with labour that 90 per cent of the federal monthly allocation be devoted to the payment of salaries.

    Calling for the continued understanding and cooperation of civil servants in his quest to reposition the state, the governor said he would  identify ghost workers, truants and absentees.

    Ajimobi praised the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Waheed Olojede and other labour leaders for their support, understanding and maturity.

    On the recent defection of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala to the APC,  the governor hailed his predecessor as a great sportsman.

    He added that Alao-Akala’s coming to APC had shown that he had seen the light which the ruling party had brought to Nigeria.

    Ajimobi said: “We are happy to receive him into our house of light.

    “After all, the Holy Books talk about the need to love and accommodate each other and help ourselves to fulfill our destinies.

    “Alao-Akala is a respected leader in his own right and we are happy to have him on board.

    “In politics, there is no permanent friend or permanent enemy but permanent interest. Our permanent interest is the general good of our people and anyone who is committed to that interest is always welcome.”

    The Head of Service, Soji Eniade, praised the governor for the laudable measures, saying that the kind gesture must be reciprocated by hard work, diligence, commitment and loyalty.

     

    Alhaji Bello Rufai.

  • Ajimobi versus Ibadan chiefs

    SIR: It is heart-warming that the misunderstanding between the Oyo State government and Olubadan-in-council over the elevation of some Ibadan chiefs by Oba Odulana Odugade, in defiance of the directive of state government has been put to rest.

    My position is that where two elephants fight, the grass always suffers. If the issue is not resolved amicably, the loser may be age-long Ibadan succession system which is an innovation in Africa and if care is not taken, the crisis may be the beginning of the end of the peaceful succession culture. This is why Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Oba Odugade and the Ibadan Elders Forum deserve commendations for the maturity displayed.

    One of the earliest indigenous professors in Nigeria, Professor N.D. Oyerinde, once noted that the stability, strength, growth and greatness of Ibadan was as a result of its system of succession which was an innovation in Yoruba  history, and was evolved to reward service to the community rather than the hereditary system in other towns in Yorubaland. Kudos for the succession system is credited to the founding fathers of Ibadan who were mostly of Oyo stock and warriors. In their wisdom, they thought that to avoid the evil that befell the capital of their country, Oyo-Ile, towards the end of the 18th century, they had to jettison the hereditary system for republican system in their new home.

    As a matter of fact, Basorun Oluyole who tried to pave the way for the emergence of his son as his successor was opposed by other leaders. This system has been maintained and sustained for almost 200 years.  The benefits of the system to the greatness of Ibadan could not be over-emphasized. The system, unlike in the towns where hereditary kingship system is practiced, is devoid of succession disputes. This particular factor is responsible for the growth and expansion of Ibadan as no contender to the throne left the town to found his own town as common with other towns practicing hereditary kingship system. Moreover, the system encouraged Ibadan indigenes to give in their best in the service of the town, so as to get quick promotion and move up the ladder to become the monarch. Also, the system rewards bravery and service to the community just as it encourages all compounds in Ibadan to be involved in the affairs of the town. This is because every compound can produce Olubadan. Last but not the least, unlike in other towns where Ifa divination, which could be manipulated, council of chiefs which can be compromised, or state government that can be influenced and interferes in the selection of a king, Ibadan succession system does not give room for manipulation of the process. This last point is where in lies the strength of the system and long reign, fearlessness and support enjoyed by the Olubadan.

    Therefore, the decision of the Olubadan to promote the chiefs irrespective of the government directive may seem an affront to the government but as the custodian of Ibadan tradition and who will not let the system crash during his reign, he has to jettison the directive. However, no one can fault the position of the government also for insisting on due process in the elevation of the chiefs.

     

    • Adewuyi Adegbite,

    ayekooto05@gmail.com.

  • Ajimobi gives provisional approval to Ladoja’s, others’ promotion

    Ajimobi gives provisional approval to Ladoja’s, others’ promotion

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    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has approved the promotion of nine Ibadan high chiefs.

    This followed the last night intervention of the Ibadan Elders Forum (IEF), which brokered peace in the simmering crisis between the governor and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, over the promotion.

    The monarch elevated the high chiefs to their next rank on January 1, following the November deaths of Chief Sulaimon Omiyale, who was the Balogun of Ibadan and Chief Omowale Kuye, who was the Otun Olubadan.

    They were next in line to the throne from both lines that produce the Olubadan of Ibadan.

    The governor frowned at their promotion, saying it was in defiance to the government’s order to allow the chiefs go through security and medical examinations as stipulated by the Chieftaincy Law.

    He, consequently, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the monarch on Monday to reverse the elevation of the chiefs or face sanctions.

    The enlarged meeting held at the Agodi GRA residence of the IEF President, Ambassador Olusola Saanu, started at 6.34pm, when Governor Abiola arrived. It ended about an hour later.

    The meeting was attended by many high chiefs but the Osi Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, did not attend.

    Ladoja, according to a source, had travelled out of the state.

    The elders in attendance include: former Head of Service of the Federation Prof Oladapo Afolabi; former President of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Chief Bayo Oyero; former Commissioner for Information in Old Oyo State ýChief Adegboyega Arulogun; CCII President Chief Wole Akinwande; renowned industrialist Chief Bode Amoo; Chief Kola Daisi, Dr Lekan Are and the monarch’s son, Prince Femi Lana.

    Saanu told reporters after the meeting that they had successfully resolved the crisis.

    According to him, the governor had given a provisional approval for the Olubadan chiefs to retain their positions, but must follow the due process as stipulated in the extant law.

    “We thank God for using the good elders of this land to resolve this issue peacefully in one accord. We have been having this meeting since 10am and immediately we summoned the governor, he answered us.

    “After we have had a meeting with the governor in the morning, we later invited the affected chiefs to present their grievances to the governor themselves. It was only a misunderstanding and the matter has been resolved amicably. We are grateful to the governor and we promise that the chiefs will follow the regulations for their promotion,” he said.

    Ajimobi said: “We thank God for the elders. Our elders are committed to peace in Ibadanland and our king has shown that he is a good monarch. He contributed to my success as governor. In this case, brothers are fighting and elders have intervened.

    “There is no cause for further misunderstanding. We will perfect the papers because the issue has been resolved by men of impeccable character. Due process will now take place. Sometimes, you get married before perfecting the ceremony.

    “The Ibadan chiefs have agreed to follow the due process and I have also given them provisional approval to retain their position. ”

    Former Prelate of Methodist Church, Most Revd Sunday Ola Makinde, who was also in attendance, said God intervened.

    He said: “The chiefs have agreed to follow the due process and the governor has given them provisional approval to retain their positions.”

    The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Lekan Balogun, who spoke on behalf of the chiefs, confirmed that the issue had been resolved. He said the Ibadan elders should be commended for intervening.

    “We have all agreed with the governor because he is my brother and we are one family in Ibadan,” he said

    The Ibadan Progressives Union (IPU), one of the strong bodies in the CCII, led by Rev Ademola Moradeyo, also held a separate meeting with Ajimobi yesterday on the matter.

    The IPU members were also at last night’s meeting.

     

  • Ajimobi frowns at ‘give away’ sale of govt property

    Ajimobi frowns at ‘give away’ sale of govt property

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has decried the sale of government land and quarters by his predecessors.

    He said they did not consider the state’s interest.

    The governor spoke at the weekend’s inauguration of the first phase of a multi-million Naira housing estate in Agodi, Ibadan, the state capital.

    He accused his predecessors of selling choice property to their cronies at ridiculous prices.

    Ajimobi pledged that his administration would embark on infrastructural revolution.

    The estate, Olive Court, is located at Agodi Government Reserved Area (GRA).

    It will accommodate 45 duplexes, with the first phase of 15 buildings completed .

    The estate has its independent power supply, sewage system and water supply.

    It is a partnership between the government and UPDC, a subsidiary of United African Company (UAC).

    The governor said the estate was a further demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the development of the state through necessary social and economic infrastructure.

    His words: “This edifice is one of the legacy projects of this administration.

    “It is the actualisation of our dream for the physical infrastructural development of Oyo State.

    “This state must continue to be developed.

    “We are committed to actualising the development of this state.

    “A good leader must not only have dreams but must ensure that the dreams are actualised.”

    Ajimobi said the land had only four buildings designated as Governor’s Guest Houses.

    Instead of selling off choice government property at low prices, he said the governors should have considered the state’s interest.

    The governor added: “This is unfortunate. Even the large expanse of land used for the estate had only four houses designated as Governor’s Guest Houses.

    “How many guests is a governor expected to have that will occupy four houses?

    “So instead of selling four quarters for N20 million each, we said why don’t we look for a firm with quality to convert them into a modern estate to generate revenue for government; hence our resolve to engage UPDC to partner us in our housing revolution drive.

    “Let me invite more investors to embark on housing projects in other areas identified across the state to take care of our housing deficit.”

  • Group congratulates Buhari, Ajimobi

    Group congratulates Buhari, Ajimobi

    The Oyo State chapter of Buhari Youths Organisation (BYO) has congratulated its Grand Patron, President Muhamudu Buhari, and Governor Abiola Ajimobi for a successful 2015.

    It urged Nigerians to be patient with the President in his anti-corruption fight to achieve national greatness through collective efforts.

    In a statement in Ibadan, the state capital, by its State Coordinator Stanly Adeniyi, BYO also congratulated it members, including National Coordinator Ibrahim Khalil and Vice National Coordinator Mrs Luzy Ajayi, for uniting Nigerians.

    The statement said: “We congratulate our Grand Patron, President Buhari and the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi for a successful 2015. We pray God to give them more strength to steer the ship of their domain…

    “We also congratulate …Garba Umaru for sharing the same vision with President Buhari.

    “We appreciate our Southwest Coordinator, Mrs. Adesola Ayangbile, and members of our association for believing in President Buhari’s vision.

    “We implore all to continue to support the President in his effort to ensure that Nigeria achieve greater heights, despite the dwindling oil price at the international market.”