The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Alao-Akala

  • Oyo 2019: Alao-Akala says INEC, APC conniving to rig election

    Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Oyo governor and governorship candidate of Action Democratic Party (ADP), has alleged that some INEC officials were coniving with ruling party to rig 2019 elections.

    He made the allegation in Ibadan on Tuesday while being presented alongside Prof. Abideen Olaiya as ADP governorship candidate and deputy governorship candidate respectively, in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Alao-Akala was governor of Oyo State from 2007 to 2011 on the platform of PDP.

    He alleged that the ruling APC and INEC were conniving to disenfranchise thousands of voters across the state.

    “May I inform stakeholders in the Nigerian electoral system and the world at large that information reaching us from competent sources reveals INEC and APC are conniving to disenfranchise thousands of voters.

    “This action is aimed at weakening the leading opposition candidates in their strongholds by engaging in state wide illegal relocation of voters from their units/local government of origin to another,” he said.

    The ADP governorship candidate called on INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mammud and security agencies to put a stop to this advanced rigging method.

    “Let me also tell the people that I am healthy and mentally fit for the rigorous tasks of governance.

    “Holding a public office is not a function of age, but mental capacity, experience, maturity, sensitiveness, responsiveness, credibility, popular acceptability, good vision and mission,” he said.

    The former governor declared that he was in the governorship race to reposition the state for the betterment of the people, saying 90 per cent of the outgoing government’s policies, programmes and projects were anti – people.

    Alao-Akala promised that if elected to govern the state once more, he would hit the ground after inauguration on May 29, 2019.

    He pledged to declare state of emergency in the education and health sectors as well as implement policies that would transform the state.

    “My administration will also improve the welfare of the residents and create conducive environment for business growth. We will also improve the security network of the state,” he said.

    Alao-Akala said his running mate is a devout Muslim from birth, saying he was not an emergency Muslim who adopted name to falsify religious leaning and appeal for pity.(NAN).

  • Oyinlola ceded LAUTECH to Oyo, says Alao-Akala

    A former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala yesterday released the documents formally transferring the ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, to the state government.

    This followed claims and counterclaims trailing the revelations that the joint ownership of the institution had been severed between Oyo and Osun states.

    In a radio programme at the weekend in Ibadan, the state capital, Alao-Akala reiterated that himself and former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola finalised an arrangement to share the assets and liabilities of the institution in 2010.

    The former governor said Oyinlola signed the legal document to formalise the arrangement.

    The eight-page document, a copy of which was made available to The Nation, is titled: Legal Framework for the Sharing of the Assets and Liabilities of LAUTECH Between the owner states of Osun and Oyo.

    It was prepared by F. M. Kwede, Esq. of F. M. Kwede and Co., Barrister and Solicitors, with office address at Suite 212, Anbees Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

    The document was jointly signed by the former governors and their attorneys general on October 23, 2010.

    While Alao-Akala and Oyinlola signed with red ink, the states’ attorneys general signed with green ink.

    According to the former governor, the document spells out the new ownership status of the institution, while the National Universities Commission (NUC) set up a seven-man committee to administer the process.

    The document reads: “At the instance of the government of Oyo State, both parties, joint owners and proprietors of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), its subsidiaries and associated institutions (“the university”) have decided to terminate their joint ownership and management of the university, and share its assets and liabilities.

    “Whereas the parties, by an agreement dated September 2, 2010, mandated the National Universities Commission (NUC) to constitute a LAUTECH Transition Committee (the committee) to, inter alia, share the assets and liabilities of the university.

    “Whereas, pursuant to this mandate, the NUC constituted a seven-person committee consisting of the under-listed, without objection from any of the parties, inaugurated the committee on September 14, 2010; consequent upon which the committee formally assumed duty on September 20, 2010.”

    Members of the seven-man committee were: Prof C. F. Mafiana (Director, NUC), as the committee chairman, Profr Dakas C. J. Dakas (former Attorney-General), Mr Ahmad Muhammadu (quantity surveyor), Mr Paul Osaji (estate valuer), Dr Chris A. Tamuno (former Registrar), Mrs Ubong Etuk (chartered accountant) and Dr N. B. Saliu (Deputy Director, NUC).

    The committee’s mandate included sharing the assets and liabilities of the university between the parties.

    About 13 items were listed as assets and 10 listed as liabilities of LAUTECH at the time.

    Some other items were listed as the workers, students, verification, among others, after the two attorneys general, Niyi Owolade and Aare Abdulsalam Ladi Abdulllah, for Osun and Oyo states, signed the documents on October 23, 2010, after the governors.

    But the agreement stipulated that the interests of the workers and students, “irrespective of state of origin, shall be protected”.

    It added: “Without prejudice to the powers of the courts, the decision of the committee in respect of the assets and liabilities sharing exercise shall, without further assurance, be final and binding on both parties.”

     

     

     

     

  • Alleged N11.5b fraud: Absence of witnesses stalls trial of Alao-Akala, others

    Justice Muniru Owolabi of the Oyo State High Court yesterday adjourned the trial of former Governor Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala and two others for alleged N11.5 billion fraud due to the absence of prosecution witnesses in court.

    The trial judge of Court 15, Oyo State High Court, had adjourned the matter till November 30, following pleas by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Other accused persons in the matter are: former Commissioner, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as well as Senate Deputy Chief Whip Hosea Agboola and a businessman, Femi Babalola.

    At the resumed hearing yesterday, EFCC counsel, Dr. B. Uni, pleaded for a two-week grace to produce the witness in court, after the court could not proceed on the trial of the defendants.

    Justice Owolabi accepted the excuse by the EFCC counsel and adjourned the matter till November 30.

    According to the EFCC, the alleged fraud was committed when Alao-Akala (first defendant) was governor between 2007 and 2011.

    Agboola (the second defendant) was the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters while Babalola owns an engineering firm, Pentagon Engineering Services, which executed some contracts for the administration.

    On October 11, 2011, the anti-graft agency filed the matter before Justice Moshood Abass.

    The defendants were admitted to bail, which they perfected.

    Justices Akintunde Boade and Bayo Taiwo also sat on the matter before the former retired and the latter was transferred out of Ibadan Division.

    Alao-Akala was admitted to bail for N5 million with two sureties in like sum, while the second and third defendants were granted bail for N3 million each with two sureties in like sum.

    But the EFCC re-arraigned the three defendants before Justice Owolabi on March 5 on the same matter.

    The trio pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

    The defendants are facing 11-count charges of conspiracy, awarding contract without budgetary provision, obtaining by false pretence, acquiring property with money derived from illegal act and concealing the ownership of such property, among others.

    Alao-Akala allegedly ordered the supply of drilling machines on behalf of the 33 local government areas valued at N3.5 billion.

    The former governor was also said to have conspired with Ayoola to withdraw N2.9 billion from Oyo State Local Government Joint Account.

    He was also said to have illegally acquired some property on Old Bodija Road, off Rotimi Williams Road in Ibadan, the state capital, when he was the governor.

    The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene Section 22 (4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and Section 1 (18) of the Advanced Fee Fraud Act.

     

     

  • Alao-Akala boycotts Oyo guber primary

    Former oYo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala yesteday withdrew from the primary.

    He accused Governor Abiola Ajimobi of working towards imposing Joseph Tegbe in the contest.

    But the governor dismissed the allegation as ‘’unsubstantiated”.

    Eight aspirants are jostling to succeed Ajimobi in the party.

    In a statement by his media aide, Jeremiah Akande yesterday, Alao-Akala announced his boycott of the election and directed his supporters to do the same.

    The primary is scheduled to hold today in Ibadan, the state capital.

    Alao-Akala, in the statement, alleged that Ajimobi had sent words round to coerce and intimidate delegates into voting for Tegbe.

    He called on the national leadership of the party to come to the rescue of the party, which he said was heading towards collapse.

    The statement reads: “His Excellency, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, a true party man and committed loyalist to any cause he believes in, wishes to state categorically that he is not a push-over in the game of politics and as a well- grounded and groomed politician who has occupied the number one seat of a politically conscious state as Oyo State will not be part of any move or attempt to subvert the true will and wish of the people by the selfish interest of an individual.

    “The general public should also note Gov. Abiola Ajimobi has clandestinely offered Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala the ministerial slot of Oyo State in an attempt to pitch him against Barr. Adebayo Shittu, an offer he has rejected in its entirety as he is not one to be tailored or shown the way round in the game of politics.”

    But Ajimobi’s spokesman, Bolaji Tunji, described the allegation as unsubstantiated, stressing the governor has thoroughly demonstrated he has no preference for any aspirant.

    Tunji reminded Alao-Akala, who he described as a respected politician and who has played a good role in fostering unity in the party, that Ajimobi once met the aspirants and advised them to pick a few among them that will go into the primary.

    Tunji, who is the Special Adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Communication and Strategy, explained the governor has emphasised severally at the meeting that he has not anointed any of them.

    He added the aspirants, who were originally up to 26, did not get back to the governor on those they have chosen to participate in the primary.

    Tunji said it is not uncommon for aspirants to come up with excuses and unsubstantiated allegations when it becomes clear they may not win an election.

  • Alao-Akala restates commitment to APC over defection rumours

    Former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala has said the report of his plan to dump the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a “publicity stunt aimed at laundering the image of the ADC”.

    In a statement by the Head, New Media and Public Affairs, Alao-Akala Campaign Organisation, Mr Jeremiah Akande, the former governor said he was too busy with his campaign.

    He pledged not to engage in a media war or propaganda involving any group, body or political party.

    Read Also: Oshiomhole to Saraki: You’ll be impeached legally, not with thuggery

    The statement reads: “The attention of Alao-Akala Campaign Organisations has been drawn to a newspaper report with the headline: ‘OBJ to Ladoja, Alao-Akala: produce younger ADC governorship candidate’.

    “The Media and Publicity Directorate of Alao-Akala Campaign Organisation, after a careful study of the report and analysis of the disjointed and unfounded information pieced together in the body of the story, came to a professional conclusion that the idea behind the story was a mere ‘publicity stunt’ aimed at laundering the image of the political party in question.

    “The Alao-Akala Campaign Organisations wishes to state categorically that His Excellency, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, as an experienced politician who has tested the murky waters of politics and who is well schooled in the ‘Rules of Engagement’, is too busy with his campaign activities and will not engage in any form of media war or propaganda involving any group, body or political party.

    “The Legal Advisory and Monitoring Directorate of the Alao-Akala Campaign Organisation has been mandated to formally write to the affected groups and persons to henceforth desist from misleading the public with their distorted facts and to put a stop to defaming and involving the name and person of His Excellency, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, in acts, actions and activities that have nothing to do with him or face the legal consequences of their dirty actions…”

  • Defection: Alao-Akala restates commitment to APC, warns perpetrators

    Following the rumors of defection and media reports speculating his dumping the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala has described the report as mere “publicity stunt aimed at laundering the Image of the ADC.”

    In a statement issued and signed by the Head, New Media and Public Affairs, Alao-Akala Campaign Organisation, Mr Jeremiah Akande, the former governor said he is too busy with his campaign activities and will not engage in any form of media war or propaganda involving any group, body or political party.

    He reiterated his “unshaken commitment and dedication to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State and at the national level”, urging his supporters to remain steadfast and resolute in their belief in him, as the journey towards 2019 begins in earnest.

    The statement reads in parts, “The attention of Alao-Akala Campaign Organisations has been drawn to a newspaper report with the headline:

    “OBJ to Ladoja, Alao-Akala: Produce younger ADC Governorship Candidate’, currently making the rounds.

    “The Media and Publicity Directorate of  Alao-Akala Campaign Organisation after a careful study of the said media report and analysed the disjointed and unfounded information pieced together in the body of the story came to a professional conclusion that the idea behind the story was a mere “Publicity stunt” aimed at laundering the image of the political party in question.

    Read Also: Why I want to be Oyo governor again – Alao-Akala

    “The Alao-Akala campaign Organisations wishes to state categorically that His Excellency, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala as an experienced politician who has tested the murky waters of Politics and who is well schooled in the ‘Rules of Engagement’, is too busy with his campaign activities and will not engage in any form of media war or propaganda involving any group, body or political party.

    “The Legal Advisory and  Monitoring Directorate of the Alao-Akala Campaign Organisation has been mandated to formally write to the affected groups and persons to henceforth desist from misleading the public with their distorted facts and to put  a stop to defaming and involving the name and person of His Excellency, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala in acts, actions and activities that has nothing to do with him or face the Legal consequences of their dirty actions

    “The Alao-Akala Campaign Organisation wishes to once again reiterate His Excellency, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala’s unshaken commitment and dedication to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State and at the National Level and urge his teeming supporters to remain steadfast and resolute in their belief in him, as the Journey towards 2019 begins in earnest.”

  • Group picks nomination form for ex-Oyo Governor, Akala

    … says we are ready for direct or indirect primary

    Former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Alao Akala has joined the race for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he was not afraid of whatever form of primaries that will be adopted in the state as his credentials speaks for him.

    Loyalists of the former governor who stormed the APC national secretariat in their number to purchase his nomination form however said they would prefer the direct option since it allow the ordinary people participate in the selection of the candidate.

    Speaking on behalf of the Akala Support Group, their Leader. Chief Wale Otu said although it was fully prepared for either direct or indirect primaries, its main preference is for the use of direct primary because it involves the people.

    Chief Ohu said; “Whichever the party settles for is okay by us, but we know that direct primaries is the best for the party because whatever it takes, it gives an average party member the opportunity to have a say in who flies the tickets of the party at every level.

    “It is commonsense that in a democratic system like this, you should have direct primaries because it gives opportunity to almost everybody. I think it is the best option that one can think of. But be that as it may, what ever we agree in Oyo state, that is what we shall do”.

    On the chances of there principal at making it back to government, the group said Akala’s antecedents speak for him, saying “What he did when he was in office for four years are monumental. If you go to Oyo state today and look at the road network in the hinterlands because the state is agro-based, you would marvel.

    “He built a Teaching Hospital at LAUTECH that is of international standard. He established a College of Agriculture which our youths are now taking advantage of. He ran a humane government. His government had a human face and he was approachable by the people”.

    Read Also: Abuja tremor: No cause for alarm – DG NGSA

    They described Akala as a humane politician who would approach governance in Oyo state with a ‘human face’, adding that “the Akala Support Group is an embodiment of supporters and political associates of Otunba Alao Akala. Sometimes ago, we came together under an umbrella body to make a clarion call on him to run for governor for 2019.

    “This body comprises of artisans, market women, professionals and politicians who appreciated all the things he did in his first tenure and for his human face to governance. They went further to contribute money to purchase nomination and expression of interest forms for him because they were the people who convinced him to run and they mandated us to come and pick the form on behalf of the group”, they said.

    Chief Ohu was accompanied on the visit by Dr Fola Akinosun, Hon. Tajudeen Kareem, Barr. Yinka Lanipekun, Engr. Remi Adepoju and Alh. Yinusa Dakeja among others.

  • Why I want to be governor again, by Alao-Akala

    A former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala has declared his intention to contest the governorship seat in 2019.

    Alao-Akala said he was bowing to intense pressure from his admirers.

    The former governor spoke yesterday at his Bodija, Ibadan, home while hosting members of the Akala Support Group.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the group, at a programme held at Premier Hotel in Ibadan on March 29, urged Alao-Akala to re-contest in 2019.

    He said: “Patriotic people of Oyo State, for quite some time now, I have been inundated by telephone calls and text messages from well-meaning citizens and subjected to intense pressure.

    “I have been receiving these messages from Destiny Group, corporate bodies, political associates and friends alike to stage a comeback to the governorship seat in the state.

    “Having communed with my creator, the Almighty God, my immediate family and due consultations with critical stakeholders, I do solemnly offer myself to contest for the governorship seat in 2019. So help me God.”

    Alao-Akala said he was contesting with a view to consolidating on and surpassing the achievements of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    The former governor claimed that he endeavoured “to put smiles on the faces of people within available resources” when he was governor between 2007 and 2011.

    He lauded the efforts of Ajimobi, who has been governing the state in the last seven years.

    Alao-Akala said: “Ajimobi’s remarkable programmes and projects in the areas where people find tough to venture into have been impactful on the citizenry such that the people have tagged him Koseleri (Pathfinder) Governor.

    “My fellow compatriots, you can see vividly the similarities in our designations, Oyato (Unique) and Koseleri, both of which are clear evidence of purposeful governance.”

    The Chairman of Akala Support Group, Dr Fola Akinosun, described the former governor as the most qualified and experienced among those who have declared interest in the governorship race.

  • Court adjourns N11.5b case against Alao-Akala, two others

    An Oyo State High Court at Iyaganku in Ibadan, the state capital, has adjourned the trial of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and two others for alleged N11.5 billion fraud till June 29 and July 3 for trial.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was said to have failed to produce witnesses in court.

    The proceedings, which held at Court 15, was presided over by Justice Muniru Owolabi.

    The court dismissed an application for a stay of proceedings pending the determination of a suit at the Supreme Court filed by the defence team.

    The defendants, including Alao-Akala, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Senator Hosea Agboola as well as a contractor and Chief Executive Officer of Pentagon Consults, Mr Olufemi Ademola Babalola, are facing an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, awarding a contract without budgetary provision, obtaining money by false pretence, acquiring property with money derived from an illegal act and concealing the owner act of such property, among others.

    The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    But after arraignment, the trial was stalled, following their applications to stay further proceedings/trial, pending the determination of their suits at the Supreme Court by counsel to the first and third defendants, A. O. Afolabi (SAN) and A. Ogunwole (SAN).

    The lawyers filed the matter on April 9.

    The prosecuting counsel, Dr. Ben Ubi, opposed the motion, relying on his written submissions on points of law.

    Ubi urged the court to refuse the applications and order for accelerated hearing of the matter in accordance with the spirit and intendment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Oyo State, 2016 and Section 19(2)(b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.

    The EFCC lawyer sought leave of court and pleaded for an adjournment to enable him assemble his witnesses at a later date.

    He also cited exigencies of time, cost and distance as reasons for the absence of his witnesses in court.

    Counsel to the first to the third respondents aligned with the submission of prosecution for an adjournment.

    He informed the court of his readiness to go ahead with the defence, accusing the EFCC and its prosecution team of ill-preparedness for the matter.

    Alao-Akala had filed an interlocutory appeal before the Supreme Court on the N11.5 billion fraud case filed against him by the EFCC.

    Delivering ruling on an earlier application, which directed the trial court to allow the Supreme Court deliver its ruling on an earlier interlocutory appeal filed to determine the competence of the case, Justice Owolabi dismissed the application as being tantamount to asking for a stay of proceedings.

  • Court adjourns Alao-Akala’s fraud trial

    An Oyo State High Court sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Monday adjourned the ongoing trial of a former governor of the state, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala and two others for alleged N11.5billion fraud to June 29 and July 3.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to produce witnesses in court during Monday’s sitting.

    In the proceedings which took place at Court 15 and presided over by Justice Muniru Owolabi the court also dismissed the defendants’ application for stay of proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal at the Supreme Court.

    Other defendants in the matter are  former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in the state, Senator Hosea Agboola and Chief Executive Officer of Pentagon Consults, Mr. Olufemi Ademola Babalola.

    They were arraigned on 11-count charge of conspiracy, awarding contract without budgetary provision, obtaining money by false pretence, acquiring property with money derived from illegal acts and concealing the owner of such property, among others.

    The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.