The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Alao-Akala

  • EFCC re-arraigns Alao-Akala, two others for alleged N11.5b fraud

    EFCC re-arraigns Alao-Akala, two others for alleged N11.5b fraud

    THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and two others in the State High Court sitting in Ibadan over alleged N11.5 billion fraud.

    Other defendants are: a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Senator Hosea Agboola and an Ibadan-based businessman, Femi Babalola.

    The defendants are facing an 11-count charge 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.

    EFCC’s counsel Dr. B. Ubi told the court that when Alao-Akala was the governor, he awarded a road contract worth N8.5 billion between 2007 and 2009 to Pentagon Engineering Services.

    Ubi alleged, among others,  that the firm owned by Babalola handled the contract on behalf of the 33 local governments without budgetary provision.

    The counsel added that Alao-Akala ordered the supply of drilling machines on behalf of the 33 local governments for N3.5 billion.

    The prosecutor told the court that Alao-Akala also illegally acquired some property on Old Bodija Road, off Rotimi Williams Road, when he was the governor. He said the offences contravened Section 22 (4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and Section 1 (18) of the Advanced Fee Fraud Act.

    The defendants  pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Hakeem Afolabi, SAN, who is a counsel to Alao-Akala and Babalola, prayed the court to exercise its discretion in granting bail to the defendants.

    Afolabi said the charge before the court was not a fresh one but a re-arraignment. He said the matter was first filed on October 11, 2011, before Justice Moshood Abas and bail was granted after the defendants met the conditions.

    The defendants had also appeared before Justice Akintunde Boade and Justice Bayo Taiwo, who was recently transferred out of Ibadan Division.

    Afolabi urged the court to allow the defendants to enjoy the earlier bail condition granted to the defendants.

    Mr. Richard Ogunwole, SAN, who is counsel to Ayoola, aligned with the submission of Alao-Akala’s counsel.

    The EFCC counsel said he would not oppose the bail applications.

    Justice Muniru Owolabi granted the defendants’ prayers and adjourned the case till April 16 for trial.

     

  • The romantic side of Christopher Alao-Akala

    FOR former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Alao Akala, it is not all about politics.

    The ex-police officer and his wife, Kemi, have been married for some time now and are not one to shy from love displays in the public eye.

    Recently, the couple was spotted engaging in public display of affection as they vacationed with their son in Paris. They were together in the campaign train for the former governor re-election in the last governorship election.

    The graduate of English from the University of Ilorin is a woman of style and her frame is also something to behold.

  • Ladoja, Alao-Akala, others meet on 2019 polls

    Ladoja, Alao-Akala, others meet on 2019 polls

    Former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja yesterday led other top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to the home of his erstwhile deputy, Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, to broker peace ahead of the 2019 general election.

    Also at the parley was PDP’s National Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, and other national officers of the party.

    Makarfi confirmed the return of a former Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the state, Seyi Makinde, as well as Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, who was the running mate to Alao-Akala in the 2015 governorship election on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).

    The PDP chairman warned intending returnees to hurry up, adding: “While we reconcile and accommodate, we are not waiting for any individual to make up their mind.”

    For the second week, Ladoja, who left PDP for Accord in 2011, had hosted his erstwhile lieutenants who deserted his camp following irreconcilable political differences and worked for the success of then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    But a former Senate Deputy Chief Whip Hosea Ayoola Agboola and former PDP Chairman Jacob Adetoro, remained in PDP.

    Alli, Alhaji Alli Dodo Oyedeji and a former lawmaker, Tunde Adegbenjo, joined the ACN.

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who has been the major beneficiary of the crack within the hitherto solid Oyo PDP, left the country a few days ago and reportedly met with Alao-Akala and former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin.

    The social media have been agog with their meeting, regarded in the political circle as the governor’s subtle move to mend fence with the duo ahead of 2019 race.

    Makinde had reportedly been meeting with Ladoja and a few other political bigwigs before officially announcing his defection from the SDP to PDP two weeks ago.

    On arrival from London, Folarin told reporters on phone that he had not left PDP but was on consultations across political divides.

    He was said to have visited Ladoja 48 hours ago for a closed-door meeting.

    At yesterday’s meeting at Bodija in Ibadan, Alao-Akala was the first visitor to Ladoja at his home, but the latter was not around to receive him.

    On his return, Ladoja headed to Alao-Akala’s home, about one kilometre away, and had two-hour closed-door meeting with his erstwhile deputy.

    Pictures of the visit showed Ladoja, Akala and others in a happy mood as they wined and dined together.

    A PDP lawmaker, Segun Odebunmi, as well as Alhaji Ado Marafa and erstwhile the state’s Accord Chairman, Bashiru Lawal, among others, watched the scenario.

    Ladoja and Alao-Akala had been at loggerheads since January 12, last year, when Ladoja was “illegally” removed from office to pave the way for Alao-Akala as Acting Governor and later elected Governor under the PDP.

  • “I thank God I lost 2015 governorship election”

    “I thank God I lost 2015 governorship election”

    Former Oyo state governor, Otunba Christopher Alao Akala, has said that he was grateful to God for not allowing him to win the 2015 governorship election in Oyo state, saying he would not have been able to cope with the dwindling resources accruing to the states currently.

    He said he was at the APC national secretariat to hold talks with the leadership of the party.

    The former governor who contested the governorship of the state on the platform of Labour Party (LP) and lost to Governor Abiola Ajimobi said as someone who is hypertensive, he would not have known what to do if he had won the election.

    He said: “I said that because I pitied the governors because of what they are going through now. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep with these dwindling monthly allocations. That was the reason why I said that. I don’t know how I would have coped. I am hypertensive already and I don’t know what I would have done. I pray it doesn’t go beyond that”.

    On whether he intends to contest the 2019 governorship election, he said: “When we get to the bridge, we shall cross it. This is just 2016. Time will tell wherever anybody wants to go. Why do you try to ask God about 2019 now? Do you know whether you will sleep and wake up tomorrow? Let’s leave 2019 to God”

    Akala expressed satisfaction with the change agenda of the current government, saying “If I am not satisfied, I will not join the APC. I have a choice. I’m in the APC because I am satisfied with the change.

    “The change agenda has already started. It has not been business as usual. Things have started changing. I know it’s purely for good purpose by the grace of God. When you are just coming on board, you will have challenges here and there. But sooner or later, you will get over it.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The governor blamed the family for “monopolising” him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Oyo APC disowns Alao-Akala

    Oyo APC disowns Alao-Akala

    The All Progress Congress (APC) in Oyo State has disowned former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.

    Alao-Akala on Tuesday announced that he had joined the APC.

    But the party said yesterday that “the news was received with shock because APC is not aware that he (Alao-Akala) had joined the party”.

    The party’s Director of Publicity, Olawale Sadare, described the news as very strange, adding that “we do not know Alao-Akala as far as Oyo APC is concerned”.

    Sadare said: “He is not in APC, however if he wants to join APC he is welcome. Let him join from the ward level. That is how it is done.

    “It is very strange to us. We are not aware of his political moves. Here in Oyo APC, we don’t know him. He should start from the ward level and progress from there.”

    But the former governor said some people in the APC were jittery because of his entry into the party.

    Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Abraham Ojo, he said: “Alao-Akala did not only embrace the APC in a more celebrated way, but directed all his followers to return to their local governments and wards to register.

    “Whether or not they like it Alao-Akala is a big fish. May be they are jittery that he is coming on board. For him to have made a public declaration that he has joined the APC, he would have spoken with party leaders.

    “They should go and confirm. They should not be playing politics of animosity. If somebody of Alao-Akala’s status should come and make a public declaration that he has joined the APC and the Director of Publicity or anyone else is saying the party doesn’t know him, then he must be acting out of ignorance.”

  • Alao-Akala joins APC

    Alao-Akala joins APC

    Former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Alao- Akala was the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) in the 2011 and 2015 elections. He lost to Governor Abiola Ajimobi in the two elections.

    Speaking with The Nation last night, the former governor confirmed that he held the final meeting with leaders among his followers in his Bodija, Ibadan, home yesterday during which arrangement for formal joining was concluded.

    He said he has agreed with all his followers that everyone should join APC in their wards across the state as from today.

    “Things should be done properly. Members join party at the ward level. We have all agreed that everyone should go to their wards to join APC. So, I can confirm to you that my followers and I are now in APC.”

    Asked when the official welcome ceremony would hold, Alao-Akala said the party leaders would plan it, adding that it may not hold until the new year.

    The former governor has been attending some APC programmes in recent times just as LP lawmakers have been working with APC members in the House of Assembly.

    Akala polled 184,111 votes to come third in the 2015 governorship election, trailing Senator Rashidi Ladoja of Accord who scored 254,520 votes. Ajimobi polled 327,310 to emerge the winner.

    Akala is the most popular politician in Ogbomoso town which has a total of five local governments.

    His defection to the APC in Oyo State would most possibly spell death of the opposition in the state.

     

  • Alao-Akala: no exit from LP

    Alao-Akala: no exit from LP

    Former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala has denied his rumoured defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He said he remains the leader of the Labour Party (LP) in Oyo State and will provide purposeful opposition to the ruling APC.

    The LP governorship candidate said he does not need to join the APC to play significant roles though he understands the need for collective effort to build the state.

    Alao-Akala, in a statement by his Director of Public Affairs, Oludare Ogunlana, said doors are open for advice on how to move the nation forward.

    “The problem of unemployment, non-payment of workers’ salary; lack of fund and dwindling allocation require collective approach,” he said.

  • Ojoo community for Alao-Akala

    Ojoo community for Alao-Akala

    Residents of Ojoo in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have assured the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, of their support.

    Their spokesman, Alfa Wasiu Atidade, spoke when Alao-Akala’s wife, Oluwakemi, visited Akinyele Local Government Area yesterday.

    Atilade said: “We’re for Alao-Akala because of his good deed during his first term. He has achieved many things.

    “Today, we can count the several things that he did for our community. This time around, we have concluded that we’ll pay him back by delivering our votes for him during the April 11 election.

    “It is a consensus that all of us here- Hausa, Yoruba and even other tribes have resolved to vote for him. It is not about sentiment, God has ordained him to rule Oyo State again,” Atilade said.

  • Your deeds’ll haunt you, APC tells Alao-Akala

    Your deeds’ll haunt you, APC tells Alao-Akala

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has said the anti-workers’ policies of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, which climaxed with the mass sacking of 34,000 workers in 2007, will continue to haunt him.

    A statement by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, said the ex-governor, who is the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, had forgotten how he treated workers shabbily and plunged the state into needless industrial crises, until the intervention of the “500 wise men”.

    The party added that Alao-Akala’s predecessor, Rashidi Ladoja, who is the candidate of the Accord Party, did not fare better in the shoddy way it handled workers’ welfare and wellbeing.

    It said the mass sacking on September 19, 2007 by the Alao-Akala government was still fresh in the memory of discerning workers, labour leaders and the traditional institutions.

    The APC, therefore, cautioned workers in the public service, pensioners, market women, taxi drivers, food vendors, among others, who suffered during the labour crises against supporting his fresh governorship ambition.

    Sadare said: “Under Alao-Akala’s watch, the workforce embarked on a three-month strike, following his refusal to implement the N9,400 minimum wage.

    “It is instructive that Ladoja had approved the minimum wage shortly before the April 2007 governorship election to curry workers’ favour, following his failed calculation that he could wrest the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket from Alao-Akala.

    “Teachers cannot forget how the former governor hounded them and politicised the teaching service, culminating in the unprecedented formation of a splinter group known as Akala Teachers’ Vanguard to destabilise the union.

    “No teacher will support him again because many of them were beaten by the ex-governor’s goons during their delegate conference at the Teachers’ House in Ibadan, leading to the disruption of their election on November 16, 2009.

    “Teachers had to relocate to Ondo State to conduct the election when he made the state too hot for them.”

    The APC said it took the intervention of traditional rulers, led by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the clergy; professional mediators and the national leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by Abdulwaheed Omar, otherwise known as 500 wise men, before Alao-Akala reluctantly agreed to pay some categories of workers the N9,400 minimum wage.

    The statement advised political leaders entrusted with the people’s mandate to use their position to promote people’s welfare for posterity to be kind to them.