The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akure

  • We won’t recognise Akure LP’s convention, says NLC

    We won’t recognise Akure LP’s convention, says NLC

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it will not accept any leadership emerging from Saturday’s National Convention of the Labour Party (LP).

    The convention elected the LP’s former National Chairman, Dan Nwanyanwu, as the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees.

    NLC General Secretary Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson told The Nation in a telephone interview that the workers’  body would not accept any leadership that emerged from the Akure convention, which he described as flawed.

    The NLC, he added, would come out with a definite position within the week after due consultation with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other stakeholders on the way forward.

    He noted that the LP was founded by the unions, adding that they were not parties to whatever came out of the convention, which took place in Akure.

    But the NLC and the TUC had, at a news conference two days to the convention, said that they would not accept attempt at making the LP an appendage of another political party.

    The unions said they were against a governor who belongs to another party sponsoring and hosting the national convention of LP.

    They called for the postponement of the convention for stakeholders to meet and decide on another venue and date for the convention, asking all members of the party to ignore the call to go to Akure to attend the convention.

  • Wanted: A new monarch for Akure

    Wanted: A new monarch for Akure

    Nine months after the death of the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, the search is still on for his successor but the battle for the exalted throne will no doubt be fierce as it had always been. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the historic succession battles in Akure Kingdom and the significance of the ‘Adesida factor’ in its socio-economic and political development in the last ten decades. 

    It is an ancient city. The population is huge. Indigenes and non-natives live in peace and unity. Akure indigenes are very accommodating to strangers. It is customary to see indigenes and non-indigenes from neighbouring southwest states, as well as farther places like Kwara, Kogi, Hausa/Fulani, Ebira, Igbo, Edo, Ijaw and Nupe tribes cohabiting in the same compound in the metropolis. This mixture accounts for almost 250,000 registered voters in the city, which is 25 percent of the total number of registered voters in the entire Ondo State.

    Migration to Akure increased geometrically, following the creation of Ondo State in 1976 and naming of Akure as the capital. But, during the colonial days, it was the headquarters of Ondo Province. The town was made popular by the pre-eminence of its famous paramount ruler, the late Oba Adesida Afunbiowo, whose four offspring inherited the exalted throne in quick succession, following his demise.

    In the beginning, Akure, the land of Ajanpada, was an Ekiti town which played a noble role in the activities of the famed Ekiti Confederation, the Pelupelu. The town also played reconciliatory roles in those days of yore in Yorubaland, although in later years, it was locked in a protracted land dispute with Idanre, its neighbour. The town maintained intimacy with Edo, Owo, Akoko, Ekiti and Ijesa. Oba Olofinlade Adesida Adesida 1, arguably the oldest Yoruba monarch of his days, was a father figure. Throughout his reign, he was responsible for the advantageous position of his kingdom in Yorubaland. When the British requested for facts on how to settle the protracted land dispute between Ido-Ajinare and Efon-Alaaye, it was the royal father who provided the historical facts. Although the colonial District Officer at Ado requested the much younger and educated Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the late Oba Anirare Aladesanmi, to speak on behalf of the Obas, he turned it down in reverence for Oba Adesida, who played the role. Since then, the colonial masters interacted more with the Akure monarch.

    One good turn deserves another. Oba Adesida was happy with Oba Aladesanmi, who honoured him in the presence of the colonial masters. He returned the honour and generosity later. When Ewi Anirare was temporarily sent packing from the palace by Ado people in the days of civil strife and rancour, it was to Deji Adesida he turned to for refuge. From Akure, he normalised his strained relations with his people and the District Officer. Also, when the riots led by Mrs. Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti led to the temporary abdication of the Egba throne by Alake Gbadebo, he ran to Akure for safety before he later regained his exalted seat. When the people of Jebu Owo faced persecution at home, they sought refuge in Akure. The then Deji settled them at a location which became known as Oke-Jebu till today

    Historians recall that, following the supremacy quarrel that broke out between Deji Adesida and the Alaaye of Efon,the late Oba Samuel Adeniran Kekereata, the esteemed monarch, already advanced in years, decided to pull out of the Ekiti Confederation. He convinced the Resident, who was domiciled in his domain, that Akure, Ilaramokin, Isarun and other villages were ready to follow suit. The Resident granted his request and Akure and its environs-Ilara, Isarun, Ogbese and Oba-Ile- severed the umbilical cord with Ekitiland. Akure grew in leaps and bounds afterwards.

    The Adesida factor:

    Akure is a great town. Historically, it can be argued that the town also achieved greatness because of the Adesida factor. Five Dejis of Akure have reigned from the Afunbiowo Adesida clan of the wider Ojijigogun Ruling House for almost 100 years. Townspeople who have continued to pay tribute to their memory, acknowledging that these esteemed monarchs ruled with dignity and grace. None of them was trailed by controversy, which exposed royalty to ridicule. As Akure grew in leaps and bounds under their rulerships, people savoured collective prosperity. Oba Adesida Afunbiowo 1, the progenitor, gave birth to many children. The lineage has produced five Dejis in succession-Alayeluwa Afunbiowo Adesida, Oba Ademuwagun Adesida, his elder brother, Oba Adenegan Adesida, his younger brother, Oba Adebobajo Adesida and Afunbiowo’s grandson, the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida Afunbiowo 11. In the last 100 years, the Osupa Branch of the single, extended ruling house has only produced one monarch, Oba Oluwadamilare Adesina, who was deposed. He spent five years on the throne.

    Alayeluwa Afunbiowo Adesida 1:

    Oba Adesida 1, who reigned for six decades, from 1897 to 1957, was from the only ruling house, the Asodeboyede Ruling House.  He was the 41st Deji. He was held in awe by the British colonial masters, who met him on the throne. In 1956, when Queen Elizabeth of England visited Nigeria, he was given recognition by the government. He could be described as the founder of modern Akureland. When Akure was still part of the Ekiti Pelupelu, Adesida was a reservoir of knowledge and experience. Whenever other Obas could not resolve a puzzle, he was the last resort. He was already advanced in years in the thirties and forties. The old Deji was always calm. The colonial District Officers and representatives of the Resident, who were usually present at the pelupelu meetings always listened to him and followed his advice in the resolution of problems. His rich experience and sense of history were invaluable. For example, when the British wanted to lump Mobaland with the Northern Province, he and the Ewi Aladesanmi cried foul, explaining that the move would further balkanise the Ekiti Confederation. Being an old man, the colonial officers listened to his pleas. His advice that Otun, the territory of the Oore, a descendant of Oduduwa, should remain in Ekiti, was followed by the officers.

    Oba Adesida’s disposition to strangers made Akure to enlarge its coast. He was very accommodating. When communal conflict rattled Owo, many people came from the town to seek refuge under the monarch. He gave them land to settle and did not demand for the customary Isakole (royalty) from the strangers. He believed that Yoruba was one. Oba Adesida 1 was also a great traditionalist who maintained intimacy with the Benin Kingdom. The late President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Oba Ereduwa, was always fond of him. Adesida was not lettered, but, he had a cosmopolitan disposition. Even, when Akure and Idanre were locked in a protracted land suit, he did not ignore the option of peaceful resolution along the path of custom and tradition.

    Deji Adesida was greatly missed in Ekiti Confederation when he pulled out of the arrangement. He opted out because he could no more endure the embarrassment and recalcitrant attitude of Alaaye Adeniran of Efon Kingdom, who did not accord respect to his age and status during discussions. Oba Adeniran was said to be a pompous and arrogant monarch. A war of words broke out between the aged Deji and the youthful Alaaye, apparently over traditional seniority as descendants of Oduduwa. The former took exception to the arrogance of the later. He cautioned Alaaye against arrogance of power, saying: “The world of honey, which we elders try to lick with our finger is what you have approached with a big wooden spoon.” In years to come, Alaaye’s youthful exuberance led to his waterloo.

    When Deji Adesida returned to Akure, he reported the incident between him and the Alaaye to the Resident and persuaded him to carve Akure and environs out of Ekitiland. The Resident obliged him and the chord was severed. Akure ceased to be an Ekiti town. That was how it later became the headquarters of the defunct Ondo Province and later, Ondo State.

    When the great monarch was approaching his grave, it was said that he assembled his children to pray for them. Many of them were literate. He gave them his parting words, which underscored his sensitivity and lack of selfishness. Community historians recalled that the Oba requested that his children should not succeed him. He noted that, as the representative of the esteemed royal house, the gods and ancestors had been kind to him by honouring him with long life and prosperity. He said Olodumare had answered his prayers to rule the kingdom, in spite of two futile attempts in the past. Oba Adesida 1 reigned for a long time spanning primitive and modern times. He was a father figure who understood tradition, custom and natural justice. During his reign, there was no tension between Akure and Isinkan, where the Aralepo, is the overlord. He and the Osolo of Isolo and other high chiefs also enjoyed intimacy. The great ruler was humble. But, he was also traditionally powerful. At 120 years, his then 19-year-old youngest wife had sued for a divorce, claiming that he could not satisfy her. When his evidence was being taken in the palace by court officials, he pleaded with them to appeal to her not to go because he loved her. The king did not intimidate the teenager. When a prominent lawyer who crossed examined him in court put him on the edge in the witness box, he protested the affront on his royal dignity. As the lawyer was coming out of the court, he fell down. The lawyer knew what was wrong. He sent emissaries to the Deji to beg him.

    Akure mourned the demise of a great ruler who presided over a peaceful and glorious era, a decent royal father who could not hurt a fly. However, his children did not heed his advice not to struggle with another branch of the single royal house for the prestigious throne. As educated elite, they perceived it as a special inheritance. The town was also divided over succession. When the next branch of the expanded ruling house was making preparations to select a successor, the educated elite were rooting for one of Adesida’s sons, the highly charismatic Prince Ademuwagun Adesida, a fearless lawyer and an apple of his father’s eyes. He became Oba Adesida 11. Townspeople could not confirm whether the prince was around when his father advised his siblings not to vie for the crown.

    Oba Adesida 11:

    Oba Agunsoyebioyibo Ademuagun Adesida 11 was the first educated Deji. He ascended the throne at the age of 32. He was the youngest aspirant. He was very popular among Yoruba Obas and elite. He also earned much respect from the government as a monarch who endowed the stool with visibility, honour and respect. As an educated person, he needed no interpreter or any intermediary between the palace and the government. The monarch continued in the footsteps of his illustrious father. Akure expanded during his reign and more social amenities were provided by the government. Unfortunately, his reign was very short. Townspeople were alarmed when news of his untimely death broke out. The royal household wailed. Oba Adesida 11 was a promising ruler. But, he could not reach his full potentials. He spent barely 16 years on the throne. He died at the age of 48. His daughter, Princess Adebusola, became the regent after his demise.

    Oba Adelegan Adesida 111:

    Oba Otutubiosun Adelegan Adesida was the elder brother of the departed Deji. For 11 years, he presided over the rapid growth and development of Akureland. The city rose to its zenith as the hub of social, economic, and political activities. The Akure musician of the period was the youthful Wale Glorious, who wax some records on the city’s social life. During his reign, more schools and colleges sprang up. Heath facilities were also expanded. When Akure became the capital of Ondo State in 1976, more people trooped into the town from Ibadan, Ekiti, Owo, Akoko, Ikale, Ilaje, Nupe and Ijaw enclaves. The boom in commerce robbed off on indigenes and the settlers. Industries, firms and trading flourished. Apart from hosting the seat of government, the Federal University of Technology was sited in the town. The institution honoured Oba Adesida 111 with an honorary degree. Akure’s name was imprinted on the world map. He was a gentle monarch. He was a man of peace. He daughter, Princess Aina, became the regent after his death.

    Oba Adebobajo Adesida 1V:

    Following Oba Adelegan Adesida’s death, his younger brother, Prince Adebobajo, a retired senior police officer and successful businessman, mounted the throne. He became Oba Atayese Adesida 1V.  One of his business legacies is the Adebobajo Motors Company, Akure. He supported his brother while he was alive. In fact, it was said that, when Deji Ademuwagun Adesida joined his ancestors, prominent people in the town wanted him as the successor. But, the amiable prince waited patiently for his time and it came. As a senior police officer, he had ploughed back to the society. Indeed, the prince had helped many indigenes. He avoided controversy like poison. Therefore, he did not soil his image as a prince. He was loved by many people. The monarch rallied the lesser Obas-Osolo, Aralepo, and other chiefs-Elemo, Aro, Odopetu-to forge ahead in the patriotic task of development. However, he did not become a king as a youth. Therefore, he was slowed down by illness on the throne, which diverted his attention. On some occasions, there were rumours that he had passed on. The central market, a stone thrown from the palace, dispersed abruptly. The people were sad because Oba Adebobajo was a good man. But, his high chiefs dispelled the rumour. Many people did not believe until few days later when he was discharged from the hospital. When he emerged at the palace, many trooped in to pay him homage. Smiles lit the face of all. But, the joy was shortlived. Less than a year after gloom enveloped the capital of Ondo State. Adebobajo had passed on in dignity. The news was confirmed by his high chiefs. His daughter, Princess Adeyinka, became the regent after him.

    Succession battle:

    Following his demise, a succession battle broke out. Some controversies were to be resolved by Akure chiefs. The descendants of Adesida were still interested in the throne. But, people from other branch of the ruling house, Osupa, resisted their ambition. Should another Adesida succeed Oba Adebobajo Adesida? Many influential people in Akure canvassed the doctrine of royal justice, stressing that the Osupa Ruling House should nominate a successor, in accordance with the recommendation of the judicial panel on Akure Obaship. On moral ground, the descendants of Adesida reluctantly conceded the throne and the children of Osupa begun the scramble for the stool.

    One of the candidates for the throne was Adelabu Adegbola, a businessman. He is hardworking and owns many properies in the city. He is also an employer of labour. But, Akure people understand themselves. Obviously, Adegbola was diplomatically rejected by the people and chiefs. However, luck smiled on another aspirant, Prince Adepoju Adesina.

    Oba Adesina:

    Oba Adesina was the choice of the Osupa Ruling House. He was crowned by his high chiefs and the governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, presented a staff of office to him. Akure entered a new era. However, the expectation of the people was dashed. From his first year on the throne, people started to express nostalgic feelings for the Adesida years.

    Shortly after he ascended the throne, crisis broke out between Oba Adesina and his chiefs led by Folorunso David, a retired major. The monarch was accused of unruly behaviour, disrespect for tradition, non-completion of coronation rites, thuggery, repression and high handedness. The street fight involving the monarch and one of his wives was the last straw that broke the back of the camel. The media feasted on the royal absurdity. The governor was inundated with complaints by community leaders. Fed up with the recurrent embarrassment, the monarch was removed by the government.    He was deposed on June 10, 2010.

    Oba Adebiyi Adesida V1:

    Since Oba Adesina mounted the throne, it was evident that the only ruling house, Ojjigogun, had split into two royal houses. While Adesida became a ruling house, the second royal house belonged to descendants of Osupa and Odundun. With the deposition of Oba Adesina, traditional power shifted to the Adesidas.

    Oba Adebiyi Adesida, who succeeded the deposed king, was the grandson of Oba Afunbiowo Adesida. His uncles were Ademuwagun, Adelegan and Adebobajo. His father was Prince Josiah Adegboye Adesida. He was selected as the traditional ruler on August 13, 2010. He was presented with the staff of office by Governor Mimiko. His rival at the monarchial primaries was Prince Ademola Adegoroye, a lawyer and politician. Eight high chiefs backed Adesida while seven supported Adegoroye. Before he mounted the throne, he was former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s aide. He died on November 30 last year. His daughter, Princess Adetutu, has been acting as the regent.

    Who becomes next Deji?

    To an average Akure indigene, there is no difference between the two ruling houses, which originated from the same source, despite the demarcation for traditional and political expediency. Naturally, princes from the seemingly two divides are throwing their hats into the ring. But, reminiscent of the struggle for the stool between Adesida clan and Osupa/Odundun clans, another epic scramble is in the offing. If it is resolved in favour of the latter, there will be another internal struggle between the descendants Osupa and Odundun.

    The deposed ruler, Prince Oluwadare Adesina, is the first contender. He has apologised for his mistakes while on the throne and promised to turn a new leaf. But, there is no evidence that Akure has forgiven his misdemeanor.

    Community sources said that prominent politician Prince Derin Adesida is interested. He is a former member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).

    Friends and associates are also encouraging Prince Adegoroye to revive his ambition. So far, it is doubtful, if he is giving it a thought.

    Eminent son of the soil, Prince Adelabu Adegbola, may also vie for the prestigious stool. He had gone through the traditional rites in the past before the crown eluded him.

     

  • Between Mimiko and Akure youths

    Between Mimiko and Akure youths

    Thursday April 17, would for sometime remain unforgettable by the sons, daughters and residents of Akure. It was another day their ‘beloved’ governor, (sorry, sole administrator) Olusegun Mimiko successfully undermined the interest of the people. This expectedly, was not the first time the Ondo State governor would do that but he has always played smart and the people have always allowed the sleeping dog to lie. But that Thursday, the youths resisted, protested on the streets and briefly exposed the antics of the governor.

    The state governor had suddenly cancelled a carnival which would have brought so many people, the young and old of the town together to enjoy themselves, garner resources for the development of the town. The youths became so worried because preparations had been concluded and the musician to thrill on the occasion was already in Akure. Beside this, Ondo youths (from where the governor hailed from) had their own carnival, a week to that time without the governor stopping it. Yet, Akure youths that had earlier sought and got permission of the state government were teargassed and harassed by the state government.

    Governor Mimiko’s activities and style of administration since he took over in Ondo State February 2009 are beginning to be clearer to the people particularly the people of Akure, the state capital. Shortly, after he took over, he cancelled all the people-oriented projects already embarked upon by the late Dr Olusegun Agagu’s administration in Akure. Some of the projects included the Alagbaka GRA intra estate roads, Odo-ikoyi street road, Ajipowo-Abe cocoa road, Akure-Igbatoro-Ala electricity resuscitation and so on. This is not to mention the way he always humiliates any Akure indigene aspiring to the position of governor or senator. A good example is Honourable Ifedayo Abegunde, whose political machinery he crushed with state apparatus. All the SUBUB primary schoold under Agagu administrator from Akure to Ikare Akoko and from Ore to Igbokoda were abandoned since then. The most painful aspect of it is that primary schools that have been roofed or those at roofing stage were never attended to by his government till date. Notable examples are Etioro Primary School Akoko and Anglican Church Primary School, Akungba Akoko. Even two faculty complexes (science and education) embarked upon by Agagu’s administration at the state university, Akungba Akoko were promptly thrown overboard. His younger brother, Professor Femi Mimiko who has been shouting 21st century university, has not thought it fit to reactivate the complexes not to talk of constructing hostels and staff quarters on the campus for students. One therefore wonders in whose interest the governor is serving?

    Akure people have a political culture and belief. The culture is the number of physical and beneficial projects you can do in the town to aid her development. So far, the governor has only constructed a three- kilometre Arakale road in Akure which took him three years. His claim to street light along Oba-Adesina road is not new. There have always been street light on the road since the time of Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin. What Mimiko can rightly lay claim to all over the state is market. There is modern market everywhere and the markets are always constructed in conspicuous places where visitors entering any town could see them. Akure is currently suffering from intra city roads. Granted that water is now a luxury, Mimiko also cancelled the second phase of the multi-billion naira Owena dam project which Agagu had paid counter part fund for. If that project had been completed, there would have been pipe borne water for the six local government namely Akure South, Akure North, Ondo East, Ondo West, Idanre and Ifedore.

    The second term of Governor Mimiko was spearheaded by Akure people particularly, Chief Sanya Oyinsan. Where is the man today? After the controversial election, Oyinsan and his group were never remembered for any good thing by sole administrator Mimiko. All the appointments promised Akure indigenes before the election never came to passs. Everything is not for Ondo people. Even the only major street laid with asphalt in Akure after hhis second term election is named after his younger brother, Femi Mimiko.

    Every where in Akure and other parts of the state, residents are groaning over bad intracity roads. The road projects cancelled at the wake of his assumption of office in 2009 have not been revisisted. Alagbaka GRA which is a stone throw to the Government House in now in a terrible shape. Drive to any street, you will his and ask if there is government in the state. To show his disgust for other sections of the state, the tree nominees of Ondo State to the National Conference are all from his (the governor) area. The governor nominated his vice-chancellor younger brother, two serving commissioners, one a woman who is married to an Ondo indidgene and another one from Irele. The same thing he did when he was to nominate people to the federal government for appointment as minister and special adviser to the president. The two nominees are from his home town, Ondo and Ile Oluji, a suburb of Ondo township. What stops an Akure indigene from being a minister when the governor is from Ondo and his deputy of from Akoko? Whereas, there are three senatorial districts in the state. There  was no slot for Akoko and the already forgotten people of the copastal area. The governor’s siblings are in charge of contract, government parastatals  and agencies. The governor has neglected it to put tangible infrastructure on the ground. Only God knows millions of naira he took to Ilaje-Ese Odo during the last inconclusive House of Representatives election.

    Local government administration is no longer in existence in Ondo State. We don’t know how much goes to the local government council areas. How on earth isit that a so-called democratic government hates to entrench democracy at the local government? There has not been election at the local government council areas look famished, unkempt and helpless. In January when I visited three local government in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, I wept for Ondo State. Every street in the headquarters laid with asphalt. That is one of the reasons why I will forever support autonomy of the local government. This is not obtainable in Ondo state and development os far away from all the 18 local government. I just hope one day the president, Dr Jonathan will, just as he did in Kano State recently, announce how much money has accrued to local government in Ondo State since 2009. We understand that our state ‘sole administrator’ has been taking sides with the president so as to cover his tracks. As a matter of fact, Ondo State is not in darkness, the state is suffering. It is high time we began to tell the governor that enough of market, enough of tricks, enough of egoism.

    • Williams sent in this piece from Akure.
  • ‘My many adventures as UI Vice-Chancellor’

    ‘My many adventures as UI Vice-Chancellor’

    Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole will be 60 years on May 5, his reign in the premier university has largely been described as successful, but very little is known about his personal life and foray into the medical profession. Recently in his office, he had a chat with a group of journalists, he spoke extensively about his birth, adventures, and challenges as a Vice-Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university. Tayo Johnson was there.

    SIR, how has life been at 60?

    I’m not yet 60 and I wouldn’t know how life is at 60. But you can say how has life been over the last 60 years? That will be a different story. It is a story of thanksgiving, appreciation simply because I was delivered inside a vehicle. So, by ordinary run of event maybe I shouldn’t be alive. For the fact that I’m alive is an evidence of God’s faithfulness, which is why I said thanksgiving.

    It’s thanksgiving because I was born into a happy family. I’m a lucky son with lucky parents. I was all over the place travelling even with my uncles and so on. I enjoyed my youth. I started from Ilesa and came to Ibadan and then went to Akure. From Akure I then moved back to Ilesa and I was then lucky to have attended a good school – lucky because of the good teachers we had. International teachers I was taught Physics by a Canadian teacher, taught Chemistry by a Pakistani teacher, taught Biology by an Indian teacher and I’m not too sure anybody would have that privilege nowadays. And then, I was lucky to attend the University of Ibadan. And that is why I must thank God for where I am today. I do tell people that the Vice Chancellor is not the best, but one of the best. So, to be in this office is a privilege. At 60, I have to look back and thank God. And I will then make a conscious decision that henceforth I want to give back. I have taken enough from my parents and the country, and now I must give back give back to the society, give back to the nation and also of importance, the people.

    You said you were born in a vehicle. Can you to shed light on that?

    Well, my mother was a trader. So she ran into labour in her shop and all they could do was to quickly call Mr. Seun Abimbola, a prominent medicine vendor in Ilesa at that time, who had a vehicle. He took my mother to the hospital, but I was delivered inside the vehicle on the way to the hospital. We know that in this part of the world, one of the factors for death during labour is lack of supervision. Someone who delivered inside a vehicle obviously would not have supervision. So, I’m not a candidate ordinarily who should survive. That is why I said I’m lucky to be alive.

    What impact does that have on you or what informed your choice of career?

    To be honest it did not. I think what informed my choice of career is what I must say is divine. My father who was a trader had an usual relationship with some of the missionaries – doctors and laboratory scientists. And through that relationship, I paid regular visits to Wesley and I think I got drawn into the serene environment. Wesley was a top grade hospital in those days. The environment was classic green, the walls were white and neat, and everything was set. And anytime I visit Wesley I just wept, it was not the Wesley I knew in those days. But then I visited them. Back then, I used to come back to recreate the hospital environment. I will barricade myself and start calling some fictitious names asking them to come and take injection and then their medications. And an uncle of mine right there said: “This boy will be a doctor”. But then that I studied medicine is also divine. Let me state clearly that my original plan was to do Mathematics, Physics and Geography. I think I was designed by plan and I wanted to do Aeronautic Engineering. But then, I got attracted to two bright young graduates from the University of Ibadan, one taught Chemistry, the other taught Physics and I can tell you these bright doctors captivated me. And I think the other one also taught Biology. So, I became a follower or disciple of these bright teachers. And of course, it was not too difficult for the guidance counselor in the school. He advised me: “Oh you have to do this and that and you’ll end up being a doctor”.

    Sir, talking about your background, you’ve been referring to your parents as traders, can you tell us more on that?

    Well, my father was a trader and also a unionist to some extent before he became a trader and then a community person. My father owned a shop in Ilesa, Osun State. It used to be a big shop in those days, but when I visited the place a couple of weeks ago, it looks so small. My father happened to be an agent of UAC and GB Olivant, and I learnt quite a number of things from him. He was very meticulous. He believed in transparency and accountability. He would take stock every month and I was his accountant and auditor. And I carried that into administration. I know so much about accounting, about reconciliation and auditing and so, people are quite shocked that how come a medical doctor be talking about reconciliation, auditing and so on. But I grew up in such practice and it has become part of me.

    Are from a rich background?

    By any standard, I came from a modest background. But not too poor, because my father was able to afford school fees. And to me by any standard, if your father can pay your school fees… then, my father had a bicycle. In those days, we don’t have cars.

    Do you have everything at your disposal to make life comfortable?

    I wouldn’t say so. I think I and others had what we needed to survive and then, my father one way or the other believed in education. In our house, he created a reading room. It was the biggest room downstairs in the storey building that it was created. It had a long table and chairs. He encouraged all my colleagues, friends including those of my brothers and sisters to come into the house and read. And we had electricity in those days. Quite a number of my classmates would come home to read with us. Many of us in those days read over night. Reading over night was quite fascinating.

    Sir, there are some life-changing adventures that you have experienced along the line.

    Let me say I’ve been a VC of interaction with so many adventures. And at various levels, those adventures have largely contributed to who I am today. I joined Medical Politics by sheer accident. I was encouraged by Dr. Kayode Obembe, who just came to me and said: “Dr. Adewole, I want you to be a Secretary”. And I couldn’t explain till today. So, I just told him: “Why not”. And I became the Secretary of the Association of Resident Doctors in UCH at that early level and from there rose to become the President of the association.  We led the nation-wide strike and we were dismissed. That was the turning point and everything appeared bleak and blank at that point, because we were sacked. That was during the Buhari-Idiagbon regime. We were not only sacked, we were asked to be picked dead or alive. And so some us went to Georgia. And till today, I tell people: “I won’t disclose to you how I got out of Nigeria for obvious reasons”. You know people knock doors to move out and you don’t want to put them in trouble – you don’t want them to regret helping you to escape. I escaped and I was away for about 15 months. But the experience I had in London also influenced who I am today and helped me when I returned, because while I was in exile, I wrote four papers. And so, by the time I came for interview and we were victims of some internal and complex national politics and one way or the other, some of those processes also helped us to come back and the then president, General Babangida gave us pardon when he was launching the then Political Bureau. He said: “I’m granting pardon to all the dismissed doctors, so they can participate in the national political discourse”. So, that was how we came back. I think I must thank some of my teachers, who believed in me and I must thank one of my teachers, Prof. Oladipo who is still alive, who took avid interest in me and brought me up. He is from Ogbomoso. He was one of those who encouraged me to come back. I almost did not want to come back, but he said: “I think you should come back”. And coming back means I’m now in the academic line.

    How did you meet your wife?

    Well, let me state clearly that I have had two marriages. I had the first and then the second one and I think I’m at the bus stop, much more matured. Sometimes when you are not matured things you would do. There are things you would not do as a matured person. So I think now I’m at the bus stop. I met both of them, the first and second in the hospital environment. My first wife is a nurse, while my second wife is a doctor. So that would explain that this is not somebody who believes in adventure. So, I’ve been able to fish in my local surroundings. (laughs)

    But what about the pressure around?

    What do you mean by pressure? I decided to fish in my local waters and that is why I didn’t go far beyond my environment.

    There would be other women that have had positive impact in your life. Can you just share?

    Let me just say that what I am today apart from God and then Professor Oladipo, women generally have contributed to what I am. And maybe that’s why I’m an Obstetrician Gynecologist. Maybe that is why I now believed I need to promote women health. My mother is a great woman, quite unique and has been likely influential to what I am today. I had quite a number of fantastic female teachers. One of them an Indian, Mrs. Mathew, who was my Biology teacher. Mrs. Mathew would take you home and ask: “Did you understand the lecture today?” I will say no and she will open the textbook and say go and read. The philosophy of Mrs. Mathew is that it is only those who read that can understand. To her you must read. So she encouraged me in the art of reading. When I became a doctor, Mrs. Abiola Oshoti taught me about resilience. As a woman, she would operate from evening till the next morning. And growing up under such a fantastic lady means a lot. We never complain, we were never tired, and we did one operation after another. And when I became top professional, quite a number of my collaborators internationally are women.

    At the beginning of this interview, you spoke about the job of a Vice Chancellor. Can you shed light on this?

    I said being a Vice Chancellor in U.I doesn’t mean you are the best, but one of the best. In other words, you are not the only person that can do this job. That is what I told myself. So you consider yourself lucky to be on this seat. And don’t let it get into your head that others can’t do it. I think the mistake most people make is that they believe they are the only one, but I say no, you are not!

    What came to your mind the day you were made Vice Chancellor?

    Well, let me paint this scenario. I had a fine CV. So, that is why I’m a bit different. I competed in 2005 for VC and came second. So, in other words, when the announcement was made to congratulate the man who won, I took my laptop and looked at what I presented and I said: “I will build it up for the next time, so I had enough period to work. And when I became Vice Chancellor, fortunately the announcement was made in August, I had three months to prepare and I thought that one of the things that would stand you out is to be prepared for the office. So, I put up a committee, gave them a vision and asked them to work with me, because you can’t do it alone. So I developed the Vice Chancellor Strategy Plan for five years and that plan is still what I’m using till today as my compass. So, with everything I’m doing today, I have four pillars. I promised to develop the welfare of the people, because the human capital is the most important factor in production. When the people are motivated and can go to anywhere. A highly motivated army would win wars. An ill-motivated or unprepared army cannot even conquer a terrain. So, we would work on infrastructure and governance so that we can put in place a system. So I was prepared for it and when I started, I was ready to fly.

    If you have that kind of a chance, what kind of successor will you desire?

    Well, I will look for a successor who will build and amend. I will look for a successor, who can build on what I have done. I told somebody this morning that I’m already unwinding and preparing for it. Because you can’t finish this job. Let the next person come and finish it. And I’m also going to make sure that my successor has a three-month period to work with me. We would travel around. So all the decisions that I am going to take in my last three months will be taken in conjunction with my successor. I will take him round and introduce him, because anybody can occupy this seat. I will take him or her around and make sure I tell what I ought to have done, which I could not do. This is because I still have two items left that I have not been able to achieve. I still hope we’ll be able to do it, but for chance we could not do it. I will give him or her a robust hand over it.

    The university has been transformed, how have you been able to achieve this with all the workload as a Vice Chancellor?

    Well, I did mention that we had a plan and this was a product of what one would call serious interaction. We sold the plan to the Senate and to the Council. The Senate said this is the first time we are having a Vice Chancellor present a strategy plan. This is a plan we approved so go and implement it. The Council said the same thing. “If this is a thing from you, we wish you luck”. And then, I must commend the people I have around me. It is not a one-person show. The Principal officers have been fantastic, the Director of Works. I pushed them and they keep on moving, and we’ve been able to achieve a lot as a team. And I also believe that what of the thing that we’ve done: one, we were also fortunate there was an investigation panel right at the beginning of the tenure. And I had a discussion with the Chairman of the investigation panel who gave me lots of advice and I have put it into use. And I will also tell my successor some of those tricks.

    Was one of it the seven-point agenda? And what has been your greatest challenge so far?

    No, it was a four-point agenda. My greatest challenge so far is to convince people that it can be done. There is a wide spread pessimism. And to move people from pessimist to optimist is to me the greatest challenge. You go around and ask why this is like this and they tell you: “Oh, we can’t do it. It is because of money”. You then ask them how much do you need? They have no idea. So how can you say you need money when you don’t even have an idea? Even when we provided some of the resources, people can’t still believe it is like can it be true? Money is good, but I tell people it is not the only solution, it is won with the solution. And I won’t be the one to start shouting we need money. We need money, we need people, we need ideas and when we marry all together, we can move mountains.

    Let’s look at the challenges you have so far. How would you describe the challenges that have affected the work or hinder what you have in mind for the school?

    Well, let me situate ASUU strike in proper context. One, is to say that we stand to be very unfortunate. The strike was completely preventable and avoidable, but we mismanaged it. And this country would not take decisions as at when due and when necessary. That to me was the unfortunate side. Otherwise, government can sign an MoU with ASUU. ASUU needed to go on strike for government to wake up. And then, the strike lasted for months… A solution came when Vice Chancellors were involved. And all we did was to marry ASUU and government positions. After finding a way of marrying both, someone said why have we not thought of this before? But in terms of how it has affected us in terms of positive and negative sides – first thing is that it has made government to honour the agreement. So in terms of resources, we are optimistic that there will be more resource for revitalization. Negatively because we lost for six months and it will take us up to two or three years to recover that. We are trying to readjust the calendar back September/June or October/July calendar that we use to operate. When we get there it will take us another two or three years.

    The issue of security challenges now, we are now witnessing a trend whereby schools are now been attacked. How prepared is the university in terms of this?

    Nigerian universities are part of the society, so I do not see how Nigerian universities can pretend not to be part of Nigeria. I think my message is that all of us must be security conscious.

    As a Vice Chancellor, what’s your position on ranking of universities in the world? U.I is number seven out of 100 universities in Africa.

    Well, let me say that rankings have their shortcomings but they are still ranking. And we believe we must reposition ourselves. We need to take it seriously. And I am a university Vice Chancellor, who can give a marching order to the staff. The rankings essentially measure the website. But we must not complain. I’m not going to be a Vice Chancellor, who will be chasing rankings.

    Sir, what is your happiest day and your saddest day?

    The saddest day was when I lost my sister. My happiest day was the day I was made a professor. I was made a professor in 1999.

    What would you want to do better if you have the chance?

    Let me tell you one thing I did in 1984 and 85. I declared a nation-wide strike as a doctor and in 1988 and 90 I was in a meeting in Hungary. There was another strike. And so I told someone sitting next to me that all the hospitals in Nigeria will go on strike and he said:”Is your country at war? Because even in war time situations hospitals are never completely shut.” So I came back a changed person, and I told my colleagues we can go on strike, but let’s create an emergency, where there will be intensive care unit, labour room and children emergency room. Four places in the hospitals were not to be closed.

    What will you do after your tenure as VC?

    I’ll go back to my department and lecture.

  • Ondo exco members commiserate with Mimiko

    Ondo exco members commiserate with Mimiko

    Members of the Ondo State Executive Council have commiserated with Governor Olusegun Mimiko on the death of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Felicia Modupe Adeniyi.

    Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Akin Adaramola described Mrs. Adeniyi, who died on Tuesday, as a virtuous woman, whose legacies as a mother and community leader are worthy of emulation.

    He prayed to God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    The chairmen of boards and parastatals, through the Chairman of Wealth Creation, Mrs Bola Olafunmiloye, extolled the virtues of the late Mrs Adeniyi, describing her as “humble and exemplary”.

    Representative of a Senior Special Assistant to the governor, Mr. Akinsanya Bawa, eulogised the deceased.

    The governor’s wife, Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko, thanked symphatisers for their concern, describing her mother’s death as “unexpected”.

    The governor thanked God that the late Mrs. Adeniyi did not mourn any of her children.

    He described his mother-in-law as a special woman, who was mentally and physically strong.

  • How fear of ‘Boko Haram’ scuttled Akure youth carnival

    How fear of ‘Boko Haram’ scuttled Akure youth carnival

    Though it happened hundreds of kilometers away, the April 14 terror attack at Nyanya Motor Park, in Abuja by the terrorist group, Boko Haram is causing trouble in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    The twin bomb blast at the popular bus station in the Federal Capital Territory, which claimed no fewer than 75 lives and left many more injured has driven fear into the Ondo State government which hurriedly cancelled the permit for a youth carnival planned for Thursday last week (three days after the Abuja blast) in the ancient town, citing security concerns.

    The carnival, which had been long in planning and on which no less than N18 million had been expended was scheduled to hold at Akure City Hall, but was cancelled at the eleventh hour by the government which sent security operatives to cordon off the venue to the chagrin of the organisers of the event and the youths.

    The much-publicised event which would have been the first ever in Akure was organised as a forum for the indigenes to deliberate on how the ancient town would progress and attract good things rather than unpalatable occurrences as has been the case of recent particularly the sudden death of its monarch, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, the Deji of Akure, who reigned for only three years.

    However, after much preparations and even the arrival of the popular Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa, billed to entertain the invited guests from within and outside the country, the state government allegedly issued a directive which abruptly scuttled the big event on the excuse that Boko Haram insurgents were in town.

    This development led to uneasy calm in Akure as aggrieved youths went on rampage to protest the refusal of the state government to allow them hold the carnival.

    The irate youths stalled commercial activities, barricaded the popular Oba Adesida road and vandalised many valuables in the capital city.

    It took the intervention of armed policemen from the anti riot squad to disperse the angry youths who made bon fires to show their grievances against the state government.

    They moved to the government offices at Alagbaka in an attempt to ‘deal’ with top government officials in protest against the development, but the officials had fled before the aggrieved youths stormed the area.

    The President, Akure Youth Coalition (AYC), Comrade Adekanbi Oluwatuyi, expressed his disappointment over the refusal of the government to allow the carnival to hold and the heavy presence of the security men at the City Hall, venue of the event.

    Oluwatuyi, who described the development as a slap on the face of Akure and its people, however said they would not resort to violence to show their grievances, a promise already negated by action of the irate youth.

    It was learnt that the carnival had been on the card for over two months.

    Scores of Akure indigenes at home and in the Diaspora had dressed in uniform ‘Ankara fabric’ before the carnival was stalled.

    While narrating his ordeal, the AYC President, Oluwatuyi, who wept profusely over the disappointment said, the event was initially scheduled to hold last year, but shifted to last Thurday following the death of Oba Adesida.

    He said a letter had been written to the state government alongside security agents intimating them of the event and also to formally request for the use of Democracy Park. A letter approving the use of the Park for the carnival, he said was sent to him on April 1.

    He said despite the fact that letters requesting security coverage had been sent to the Nigeria Police Force, Ondo State command, the Department of Security Service (DSS) and other security agencies in the state, the event was cancelled at the last minute.

    Oluwatuyi said, three days to the event, he was called that a letter was awaiting him at the Ministry of Transport.

    The letter was to terminate the approval of the Democracy Park for the carnival on the ground that the place was under construction.

    Oluwatuyi said, “a rational mind would know that, that place is not under construction, the government and other bodies have been using that place for over two years.

    “We went to the Regent, Princess Adetutu Adesida and in my presence she called concerned authorities, including the Commissioner for Transport, Nicholas Tofowo-mo, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), but to my utmost surprise they did not pick Kabiyesi’s call.

    “After many steps had been taken, the Regent concluded that we should make use of the Akure City Hall, since it was built by Akure Community.

    “We were surprised when we were told again by the state government through the DSS that we cannot hold the carnival because rival cult groups were coming to strike, I told them we are no cultists but Akure indigenes that want progress for our town. We explained to them that we are planning to give post humous awards to our dead heroes and bring Akure people together.”

    Oluwatuyi said, they were at the Akure City Hall, throughout the night before the planned event to prepare the stage for the musician.

    “We were surprised when we came here (Akure City Hall) and saw heavily armed security agents barricading the venue of the event.” Oluwatuyi said, adding that it was shocking when the security agents said there was a standing order that the event could no longer hold because Boko Haram members were in town.

    Oluwatuyi said, the Police Area Commander personally told him that members of Boko Haram were in Akure and the event had to be subsequently cancelled.

    Enraged by the development, the youths went to “Omolaree” House, a revered traditional haven by the people of Akure, to rain curses on whoever was behind the cancellation of the carnival.

    The youth leader explained that N18m had been expended on the carnival including payment to the popular musician, who was already in town for the event and checked into a hotel.

    Meanwhile, the state police command has washed its hands off the cancellation saying it had not only approved the carnival to hold but had also prepared to provide adequate security. The Command, however, explained that after all arrangements had been made, the state government made an observation and cancelled the event.

    The state Commissioner of Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, in his reaction said the state government cancelled the carnival because of the security challenge in the country. He did not elaborate.

  • Violence in Akure over stoppage of carnival

    Violence in Akure over stoppage of carnival

    Uneasy calm pervaded Akure,the Ondo State Capital on Friday as Youths and indigenes of Akure went on rampage to protest the refusal of the state government to allow them hold their much publicised”Akure Youth Carnival celebration”.

    The irate youths stalled commercial activities and  barricaded the popular Oba Adesida road and vandalised many facilities in the capital city.

    It took the intervention of the men of the riot policemen to disperse the angry youths who made bon fires to show their grievances against the ban. Earlier, at the Akure city hall the youths had been addressed by the President, Akure Youth Coalition(AYC) Comrade Adekanbi Oluwatuyi who expressed his disappointment over the refusal of the state government and the heavy presence of the security men at the improvised venue of the carnival.

    Oluwatuyi who described the development as a slap on the face of Akure and its people  said they would  not resort to violence to show their grievances. It was learnt that the carnival which was slated for Friday had been announced  for over two months.

    Popular musician, Saheed Osupa was billed to perform at the carnival with thousands of Akure in diaspora already invited and dressed in Uniform ‘Ankara fabric’ Trouble started when the youths got to the venue of the carnival only to realize that it  had been condoned off by men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    The expectation of the jubilant youths were however cut short as security authorities ordered them to vacate the venue of the event.

    While narrating his ordeal, the AYC President, Oluwatuyi who wept over the disappointment said the event was initially scheduled to hold last year but shifted to the  April 17 this year because of the death of the late Deji, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, Afunbiowo.

    He said a letter had been written to the state government alongside security agents intimating them of the event and also to formally request for the use of Democracy park. Oluwatuyi said on  April 1, a letter of approval was sent to him, approving the use of the Democracy park for the carnival.

    He said despite the fact that letters of security coverage had been sent to the Nigeria Police Force, Ondo state command, the State Security Service (SSS) and other security agents, the event was cancelled at the last minute.

    Oluwatuyi said three days to the event, he was called that a letter was awaiting him from the Ministry of Transport. He said the letter was meant to terminate the approval of the Democracy park to use for the carnival on the ground that the place was under construction.

    Oluwatuyi said ” a rational mind would know that that place is not under construction, the government and other bodies have been using that place for over two years.

    “We went to Kabiyesi, and told the king, our “Oba” in my presence called concern authorities, ranging from the Commissioner for Transport, Nicholas Tofowomo, the Secretary to the state government, (SSG) and others we don’t want to mention their names and to my utmost surprise they did not pick the Kabiyesi’s call.

    ” After many steps have been taken, the Regent concluded that we should make use of the Akure City hall, since it was built by Indigines of Akure.

    “We were surprised when we were told again by the state government through the SSS that we can not hold the carnival because the rival cult groups were coming to strike, I told them we are no cults but only Akure indigenes that want progress for our town.

    ” We explained to them that we are no cult group, we explain to them that we are only out to give post human award to our dead heros and bring Akure people together.

    “Infact I personally went to the SSS and told them that they should have given us the security report that cult groups are coming to strike instead of telling the government, but I was shocked when the SSS said they did not issue any report of such

    ” Oluwatuyi added. Oluwatuyi said himself and his colleagues were at the Akure City hall- improvised venue of the carnival all through the nite to prepare the stage for the musician and preparing ground for the event.

    “We were surprised this morning when we came here (Akure city hall) and saw heavily armed security agents barricading the venue of the event,” Oluwatuyi said.

    He said it was funny and shocking when the security agents said there was a standing order that the event could no longer hold because Boko Haram members are in town. Oluwatuyi said the Police Area Commander of Akure personally told him that members of Boko Haram are in Akure and the event was subsequently cancelled.

    Enraged by the development, the youths went to “Baba Omolaree” house to rain curses on whoever was instrumental to the cancellation of the carnival.

    Investigation revealed that the “Omolaree” house is a revered traditional place which means a lot to Akure people The youth leader explained that millions of Naira had been expended on the carnival including payment of the popular musician, Osupa who had been paid and also checked into a hotel in the town.

    Reacting to the development, the state police command said they are not involved in the cancellation process.

    Speaking on behalf of the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr Yemi Lawal said the police authority had approved the event to hold and had also prepared to provide security.

    The Police however said after all arrangements have been made, the state government made an observation and cancelled the event. But in a swift reaction, the Commissioner of Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade said the state government cancelled the carnival in view of the insecurity in the country.

  • Blackout imminent in Akure, Ado-Ekiti

    Blackout imminent in Akure, Ado-Ekiti

    •Transmission Company of Nigeria cries out for help

    Electricity consumers in Akure, Ondo State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State could face total blackout from the Osogbo region of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), following a fire that engulfed a major transformer that supplies the two cities and two other major cities in Osun State.

    The 4TI 150MVA transformer which got burnt on March 7, this year is yet to be repaired or replaced, a development that had adversely affected power supply to not just the two cities, but also Ilesa and Ile-Ife in Osun state.

    And to avert a major blackout in most of the Southwest states under its jurisdiction, the Osogbo TCN, which is also strategic to transmitting power to some other parts of the country, including some neighbouring countries has called for increased funding and overhauling of its ageing equipment, some of which had been in use since 1968.

    Speaking recently during a facility tour of the company’s operation by the governing board, the General Manager (Technical), Vincent Aligwara said, adequate funding had become necessary to avoid system collapse

    According to him, the Osogbo transmission region like other regions is facing a myriad of challenges, including paucity of fund, aging 132KV lines, lack of operational vehicles and most recently, replacement of the 4T1 150MVA transformer that got burnt at Osogbo. The transformer is yet to be replaced, a development he lamented had adversely affected power supply to areas like Ado-Ekiti, Akure, Ondo, Ife and Ilesa.

    The General Manager said that the company’s corporate headquarters was making arrangement to use another transformer earlier earmarked for reinforcement to replace the burnt one to make the station return to the status quo before the March 7 incident.

    Reeling out some of the other problems confronting the region, Aligwara said: “Some of our 132KV lines were constructed long time ago. In this regards, Osogbo-Akure and Ayede-Sagamu are mostly affected. These lines are not loaded optimally and as result can snap. The Osogbo-Akure line is more critical because it supplies two state capital cities – Akure (Ondo State) and Ado-Ekiti (Ekiti State). Work centres and sub-regions under Osogbo region lack healthy vehicles to effectively meet up with the increasing challenges of maintaining the sub-station equipment and transmission line patrol. We have been on minimal funding for a very long time. Our funding is not based on the present economic realities and no business can thrive when economic indices are ignored. A typical example is the unstable fuel crisis. Within Osogbo region, a litre of PMS sells for between N110 and N140”.

    The chairman of TCN Osogbo region’s Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, Comrade Samuel Alade, and secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees in Osogbo region, Comrade Mudasiru Adeniyi, implored the board to intervene and address some of the challenges facing the company.

    Responding, the leader of the visiting team, Prof. Peter Akpe, who is the chairman of the TCN board, assured that their complaints would receive urgent attention. He said that the board recently met and discussed the challenges of the company with the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, assuring that in the next two weeks they would be able to access fund to effect a positive change in the power sector.

    The Osogbo region has two sub-regions – Ayede (Oyo State) and Osogbo (Osun State), as well as two work centres – Omotoso (Ondo State) and Ganmo (Kwara State).

    The region, which falls within the grid triangle of Benin, Osogbo and Lagos, no doubt, is critical to the national grid. The stability of the grid, to a large extent, depends on the security of this axis and Osogbo region sits at its centre.

  • Akure Airport is perishable cargo terminal

    Akure Airport is perishable cargo terminal

    The Federal Government has designated the Akure Airport as a perishable cargo terminal.

    Minister for Aviation Princess Stella Oduah announced this yesterday while inspecting the airport in the company of Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    Princess Oduah said the perishable cargo terminal would be a gateway to farmers and industrialists and create jobs. She said the terminal would be one of the largest in Nigeria when completed.

    The terminal is to be completed in six months and the domestic terminal is to be completed in three months.

     

  • Illegal demolition threatens peace in Akure

    Illegal demolition threatens peace in Akure

    The relative peace in Akure, the Ondo State is being threatened following illegal demolition of structures in the outskirts of the state capital.

    Last Saturday, residents of Onigari area, along Irese road woke up to see a bull dozer pulling down their buildings on a purported Court order allegedly obtained by one Dr. Olumide Abiola.

    As the earth-moving equipment commenced the mass destruction of the buildings, the aggrieved residents trooped out in thousands to protect their rights which were being trampled upon by Abiola. The buildings in question were built on a disputed family land.

    Owners of the buildings were said to have purchased their plots of land several years ago from the original owner, Late Madam Oluwamarin Famese, with some of her children also involved in the sale.

    It was learnt that the problem started when Late Famese died and her death paved way for one of the children Dr Abiola to institute a legal action against the other children among whom is Mr Ojo Omojowo, who is presently residing in the area and also owning several buildings there.

    At the end of the protracted crisis, the Court gave judgment that since the land had not been demarcated for everyone (in the family) to have his or her own share, the entire land according to the presiding Judge Justice Yemi Akintan-Osadebe must be vested on the family with its head, Chief Moses Ogundulu as the person who has the prescribed authority to dispose any part of the land.

    Though, it was gathered that the said litigant is not the head of the family, he was said to have gone to Court without the knowledge of the owners of the existing structures on the land to obtain court order to take possession of the land. The court it was learnt was misled into believing that the owners of the buildings were duly served.

    It was a rude shock to the house owners when Policemen in large number led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Okuta Elerinla accompanied Dr Abiola to serve the Court Order to the people in order to take possession of their land.

    After few hours, some hefty men armed with dangerous weapons reportedly stormed the disputed area to ensure that some houses were pulled down.

    However, the timely intervention of Policemen from Okuta Elerinla, Ijapo Police Station and the Area Commander’s Office saved the situation from degenerating into bloody skirmishes.

    No fewer than eight residents were allegedly macheted by the hoodlums and were rushed to nearby private hospital.

    However, calm was eventually restored on the orders of the Area Commander, Edward Ajegun, who promised that his office would write a comprehensive report with the advice of the Police Commissioner and Commissioner for Justice, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).

    The affected residents have appealed to Governor Olusegun Mimiko to save their souls and urged him to investigate the true position on the issue for justice to prevail.

    They said the demolition of their buildings under any circumstance would bring untold hardship to them, particularly as most of the affected landlords are Public Servants who had obtained loans to provide shelter for themselves.

    The Legal Adviser to the Petitioners, Mr Dapo Agbede described the development as unfortunate, stressing that he has filed relevant papers to counter the action in Court and protest the injustice meted to his clients.

    He affirmed his trust in the Judiciary as the last hope of the common people.

    Agbede advised the affected people to maintain peace on the issue, promising that the issue would be resolve.