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Tag: Ajimobi

  • Oyo‘ll not ban okada, says Ajimobi

    Oyo‘ll not ban okada, says Ajimobi

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has debunked the rumour that it is planning to ban motorcycle riders.

    He said his administration will regulate and sanitise their operation through maximum compliance with traffic laws.

    Ajimobi, who was represented by Commissioner for Information Gbade Lana, spoke yesterday at the opening of the workshop organised for motorcycle riders by the Ministry of Transport and Honda Manufacturing Company.

    Commissioner for Transport Prof Nureni Tanimowo said: “It is my firm belief that these accidents will be minimised, if the riders are properly educated on safety measures that are expedient for their operations.”

  • Ajimobi, APC to join Accord, Ladoja to inspect materials

    Ajimobi, APC to join Accord, Ladoja to inspect materials

    • Ondo Tribunal grants APC’s applications
    •Judges call for security in Ekiti

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and its governorship candidate, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, have been allowed to join Accord and its candidate, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, to inspect the materials used for the April 11 election.

    Ladoja and his party are challenging Ajimobi’s victory.

    As a first step, they sought an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its resident electoral commissioner to allow them inspect the materials used for the election in the 33 local governments.

    But the APC’s and Ajimobi’s lawyers made an application to be joined in inspecting the materials.

    The application also sought an order compelling INEC and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to issue them the certified true copies of all forms, including all forms EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D, EC8E and EC8G used for the election.

    Others are all forms EC25B and EC25 (1), forms EC40A, EC40B and EC40C used in the state.

    The applicants are also seeking inspection of all incident forms and reports used for the election as well as data results from card readers and updated voters register, among others.

    The application was granted by the tribunal.

    The three-member tribunal is chaired by Justice F. C. Obieze.

    Justices I. M. Muhammad Karaye and J. E. Ikeade are members.

    In Ondo State, the tribunal sitting in Akure, the state capital, yesterday granted all the applications tendered by the APC and its candidates in the National and House of Assembly elections.

    This followed the motion on notice filed by their counsel, Dr Tunji Abayomi.

    The Chairman, Justice Anthony Ogar, scrutinised the applications and granted that the motions be used as evidence before the court.

    The tribunal also granted substituted service of the applications to the respondents.

    Counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidates Remi Olatubora told the court that his clients were yet to be served the motion on notice.

    Olatubora said the party would file its response as soon as the motion on notice is received from the petitioners.

    The tribunal in Ekiti State had its inaugural sitting yesterday, with a warning to counsel not to make frivolous allegations.

    It called for security for judges, lawyers, politicians and the public.

    The tribunal chairman, Justice A.N. Erahor, described the job at hand as a “crucial and critical national assignment that must be diligently prosecuted”.

    He will be assisted by Justice A.T. Lamina and Justice P.A. Obayi.

    Justice Erahor promised that the panel would handle all matters dispassionately and demonstrate impartiality.

    “If you notice any infraction in the course of the proceeding, just call our attention to it.

    “We don’t want any frivolous allegation against any member of this tribunal.

    “Nobody has monopoly of knowledge. I expect everyone to play their roles professionally so that all the issues can be handled firmly and fairly.”

    Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Owoseni Ajayi assured the tribunal members of safety and a conducive environment.

    “As a government, we are assuring you of a conducive atmosphere, but without compromise.

    “We are urging you not to be distracted by political sentiments,” he said.

    The APC is challenging the victory of the PDP in elections conducted in two senatorial districts and four House of Assembly constituencies.

    APC counsel Ibrahim Olanrewaju and his PDP counterpart, Kolapo Kolade, promised to cooperate with the tribunal to ensure timely conclusion of petitions.

  • Oyo students hail Ajimobi

    Governor urged to pay bursary

    Congratulatory messages are still pouring in for the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, on his re-election  during the April 11 governorship poll. Ajimobi is the first governor to break the second term jinx in the state.

    The Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) chapter of the Federation of Oyo State Union (FOSU) hailed him on the feat, saying his re-election calls for more work to bring the state out of the woods.

    Its President, Babalola Davies, in a letter to the governor, urged him to work hard to justify the people’s support.

    Oyo people, he said, invested their hope and aspirations in the mandate given to Ajimobi, urging him to take the state to greater heights.

    The letter reads: “On behalf of the entire students of Oyo State studying in Lagos State, we wish to congratulate Your Excellency on the successful re-election as the governor of our dear state. As you look forward to the commencement of your second term in office, we urge you to be prepared to work harder to justify the fresh mandate given to you by the people.

    “Governance is a sacrifice even as we urge you to be magnanimous in victory and carry every body along in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.”

    The Commissioner for Education Solomon Olaniyonu, who received the FOSU executive on behalf of the governor, promised to deliver their message to his principal.

    The students appealed to Governor Ajimobi to facilitate the payment of their bursary, scholarship allowance and other benefits they enjoy.

  • Ajimobi declares open Global Energy Conference tomorrow

    Ajimobi declares open Global Energy Conference tomorrow

    Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi will tomorrow declare open the 8th  edition of International Conference of the ?Nigerian Association for Energy Economics ?(NAEE) taking place at the University of Ibadan between April 27 and 28.

    This year’s conference, which is coming up at a time when Nigeria and other oil dependent countries are facing significant challenges as a result of the dynamics in the global energy market, according to the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics (NAEE), would contribute to the understanding ?of the dynamics, as well as formulating policy options to respond to the changes in the global energy sector.

    The conference with the theme: ‘Future Energy Policy Options: Assessment, Formulation and Implementation,’ will draw scholars, policy makers and stakeholders in the energy sector from across the globe, it was learnt.

    Nineteen papers alongside keynote addresses centred on issues like financial and energy markets, energy and the environment, non-fossil fuel energy, energy efficiency, energy research and development, political economy of energy, climate change and energy industry and clean energy technologies among others will be presented to the public.

    Some of the dignitaries and speakers expected at the two-day event include the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole; President, Nigerian Economic Society, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah, Austin O. Avuru, Dr. Mahmud Hassan of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), ?Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha, Prof. Sam Olofin, Dr. Paul Michael Wihbey, Prof. Akin Iwayemi, and Yunus Abiodun Akintunde of the Centre for Energy Economics, Petroleum and Law (CEEPL), University of Ibadan.

     

  • College hails Ajimobi

    The Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology in Igboora has described the re-election of Governor Abiola Ajimobi as well-deserved and a testimony of hard work.

    The Provost, Prof his Gbemiga Adewale, in a statement by the Registrar, Mr Niyi Fehintola, congratulated Ajimobi on his success at the polls, saying the state would benefit more from the governor’s  leadership.

    The statement reads: “The outstanding success of Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the polls and his breaking of second term jinx is a clear demonstration of the confidence reposed in him by the good people of Oyo State to lead the state to greater heights.

    “It is our belief that his re-election as the governor would uplift the state and the masses beyond the successes of the last four years. We also hope it would sustain the progress the governor has achieved in the state, especially in education sector. There is also no doubt, that he will leave the state better than he met it. May God renew our governor’s strength, wisdom and knowledge as he steers the ship of the state to an enviable height.”

  • Ajimobi thanks indigenes

    Ajimobi thanks indigenes

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has thanked the people of Oke Ogun for voting for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Accompanied by his deputy, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, members of the Executive Council and APC stalwarts, Ajimobi arrived at the zone through Iseyin and was received by a crowd of APC supporters and residents.

    The team visited Ayetoro, Iwere Ile and Ilero, in Kajola Local Government Area as well as Iganna in Iwajowa Local Government Area.

    The governor assured residents that his administration would improve on the socio-economic and physical development of the zone.

    The governor addressed community leaders in Saki on the OYSADEP premises in Saki-West Local Government Area.

    Ajimobi assured the people that APC would not disappoint them, pledging that Oke Ogun would witness transformation in his second term.

     

  • Why Ajimobi broke second term jinx, by Alaafin’s aide

    Why Ajimobi broke second term jinx, by Alaafin’s aide

    Not a few people thought the Royal Ambassador to the Alaafin of Oyo, Aare Ayandotun Ayanlakin, was spinning yarn in January 2014, when he predicted that Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State will be reelected.

    The governor, according to the Oyo chief took his prediction with a pinch of salt during a visit to his office in Ibadan. The countenance of the governor rather than discourage Ayanlakin, emboldened him to call a press conference, where he again reiterated that Ajimobi would be returned as governor of the pacesetter state.

    “Governor Ajimobi did not believe me when I told him that he would be returned as governor. Although, the governor did not utter a word when I told him that he would win the 2915 governorship election, but I noticed his reservations about my prediction in his countenance. I left his office that day and I immediately organized a press conference where I made it clear that Ajimobi will break the second term jinx. A lot of people queried my prediction but I stood my ground because I was so sure of Ajimobi’s victory. My prediction was published in several newspapers and I have been vindicated by the outcome of the governorship election.”

    What then could have made Ayanlakin to be so sure that Ajimobi would break a jinx that has endured for decades since the creation of Oyo State? If you think that he consulted an oracle or seer about what would be the outcome of Oyo governorship election, how mistaken you are. Rather, his prediction was based on the unprecedented achievements of Oyo State government under Ajimobi’s watch.

    Hear him: “I foretold Ajimobi’s victory without consulting any oracle or seer. My prediction was based on the uncommon transformation of Oyo State in the last four years under Ajimobi’s administration. Since its creation, Oyo State has not witnessed massive infrastructural development and innovative projects that Ajimobi has inaugurated so far.

    “The outstanding achievements of Ajimobi are the reasons why he has broken reelection jinx in the state. Ajimobi has done what others before him did not do. The achievements of his administration so far cannot be compared to that of any administration in the political history of the state. He has invested massively in infrastructural development, including the beautification of the environment; the construction of the Mokola flyover in Ibadan; building of roads; timely payment of worker’s salary as well as disbursement of N300 million loans to traders and artisans in the state.”

    “I predicted his reelection in January 2014 and I am happy that it has come to pass. He has established a harmonious relationship with the traditional institution in Oyo State in a way that has never been done before. It is to his credit that the Alaafin of Oyo, is now the permanent chairman of Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Ajimobi was divinely chosen as governor of the state and it was the reason the people of Oyo did not re-elect his predecessors for second term.”

    He however urged Ajimobi to intensify his efforts in providing more social amenities for residents of the state and to tackle infrastructure decay in some sectors.

    “Ajimobi should focus more on sectors such as education, health and the welfare of the aged. I also want him to fix bad roads and build low income housing estates, so that the masses can also afford to own houses. I expect him to continue to support traditional institutions in Oyo State and look after the wellbeing of monarchs in the state. I know that he has a good heart for people and he would justify his re-election which was made possible by his outstanding strides as governor during his first term in office.”

    Ayanlakin warned those who have been parading themselves as Yoruba leaders and castigating the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, urging them to beg for forgiveness adding that Tinubu is the authentic Yoruba leader.

    “I am saying it without any iota of doubt that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is the only authentic Yoruba leader. Anyone confronting or contesting the leadership of the Yoruba race with him will continue to fail. All those who are parading themselves as Yoruba leaders and tackling Tinubu should beg for his forgiveness because God has created him to lead the people of Southwest. Therefore, anyone that attacks Tinubu is wasting his time because nothing would affect him. Tinubu is not only our leader in Yoruba land, but an undisputed political leader in Nigeria.”

  • How juju forced me out of Govt House, by Ajimobi

    How juju forced me out of Govt House, by Ajimobi

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday explained why he relocated from the Government House to his private residence in Ibadan, the state capital.

    He said he fled because his opponents directed evil traditional sacrifices (known as ebo in Yoruba) at him.

    Ajimobi spoke in Ibadan at the eighth-day Fidau for the late Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Baosari Haruna.

    He said ahead of the just-concluded elections, some desperate politicians did their best to send him out of the Government House through many devilish means.

    “They first came to you Alfas to give them prayers that will send me out of office, but my own Alfa’s prayers superseded theirs.

    “Every morning, I go out for exercise. If you know the Government House very well, it has many interchanges, popularly called orita, I see all kinds of sacrifices (ebo) placed at these junctions.’’

    “Worried by these developments, some of you my Alfas here advised me to move out of the Government House to render their evil plots useless,’’ he said.

    The governor said his reason contradicts the tales by his opponents that he packed out of the Government House because he was afraid of defeat.

    The governor said he had to leave “to thwart the evil plots of these desperate politicians’’.

    The elated governor asked the Islamic scholars to select 10 of them to accompany him to Saudi Arabia to perform the lesser Hajj ( Umrah) to thank Allah for His mercies on him and the state.

    He thanked the people  for re-electing him.

  • Ajimobi warns Ladoja over violence threat

    Ajimobi warns Ladoja over violence threat

    OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi had a piece of advice for his predecessor and challenger, Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja, yesterday. It was over the latter’s threat to disrupt the peace in the Pacesetter State.

    Ajimobi, who defeated Ladoja of the Accord in the April 11 governorship election, urged the former governor to weigh the consequences of carrying out his threat. He said his administration will not tolerate any form of violence.

    Ajimobi spoke at a news conference in Ibadan, the state capital, on the reported plan by some politicians to instigate violence.

    His warning came even as prominent monarchs from Oyo, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso and Oke Ogun visited the Oluyole home of Ajimobi to felicitate with him on his re-election.

    The royal fathers were led by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi  Adeyemi, who believed the governor was re-elected because of his performance in the last four years.

    Warning against violence, Ajimobi said: “Surprisingly, the Accord party has been complaining that it will go to court. No problem. If you look at the results of the election and the conduct, it was the freest and fairest election ever held. Everybody said so. All it agents signed at the polling units. It was only at the final collation center that they declined to sign. Let him go to court.”

    Ladoja allegedly threatened on Tuesday to unleash members of his party if assaulted by any politicians.

    The governor said: “We brought peace and security to Oyo State. We have established that and we’ll not fold our arms and allow any individual to destroy it. Senator Ladoja’s administration was replete with violence.

    “Some people are sore losers and some are very sportsmanly. If he says he will resort to violence as reported, we will not tolerate it. Oyo state is a state where nobody is above the law. If he has complaints, let him go to the police. But if he wants to lead some people to resort to violence in the state, we will deal with him.

    “I guarantee that, should anybody lead any group to cause violence, the law will take its full weight to deal with that person. I assure them,” he said.

    Ajimobi said his All Progressives Congress (APC) won the governorship and State Assembly elections fair and square.

    His words: “If you look at the results, APC scored 25 per cent in 29 local governments. Other parties did not meet the statutory requirement of 25 per cent. Accord party had only 17 per cent. We won across the six political zones out of seven. Accord and Labour Party won one each. Where is the spread of Accord? Ladoja did not win in Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke Ogun I & II, and Ibadan city zones. He did not even meet the statutory requirement. Let him go to court, we are waiting,” the governor said.

    Oba Adeyemi, who led the royal delegation, described Ajimobi’s victory as well-deserved if his achievement in the last four years were the determining factor.

     The Oyo monarch said the contributions of Ajimobi to the development of the state surpassed those of his predecessors.

     He observed that the only person who had governed for two consecutive terms was the Premier of the defunct Western Region, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, adding that the people have been enjoying good governance and  since Ajimobi assumed office.

    In their separate contributions, the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Samuel Osunbade, Iba of Kisi, Oba Moshood Aweda Lawal and the Olokaka of Okaka, Oba Abdul Azeez Olatunji, called the governor-elect to implement his party’s manifesto.

    Responding, the governor expressed appreciation to the royal fathers for the support given to him and his party.

  • ‘Ajimobi, a trail blazer’

    ‘Ajimobi, a trail blazer’

    Senate Deputy-Whip Hosea Ayoola Agboola has congratulated Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, describing him as a trail blazer.

    Senator Agboola said Ajimobi had achieved what his predecessors could not achieve.

    In a congratulatory message, the lawmaker admonished the governor to be magnanimous in victory.

    He called on him to see his success as an act of God and therefore work to justify the confidence reposed in him by the electorate.

    Agboola said the election has come and gone, lessons have been leant and that not every mortal who aspire for victory could get such, “but it has pleased God to crown your own efforts with victory”.