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  • 46 held as OPC men clash in Ibadan

    46 held as OPC men clash in Ibadan

    There was pandemonium yesterday at Oke-Ado area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when two suspected factions of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) engaged each other in a battle of supremacy.

    The police were said to have arrested 46 suspects in connection with the clash.

    The clash led to the looting of some shops and destruction of property.

    Residents of Oke-Ado, Oke-Bola, Imalefalaafia, Liberty Road and Anfaani Layout were thrown into chaos when the warring OPC factions shot sporadically into the air and brandished weapons as they unleashed mayhem on the residents.

    Sources told The Nation that the clash was between New Era faction of OPC and another group loyal to the Aare Gani Adams faction.

    It was learnt that nobody was killed in the mayhem.

    The crisis reportedly started on Sunday evening and continued till early yesterday.

    Both groups had reportedly been mobilising their members since Sunday for the showdown.

    Commercial and other economic activities around the area were paralysed as shops and homes were shut for business.

    Vehicular and human movements were restricted while property in the market, estimated at millions of naira, were destroyed.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said a factional state chairman of OPC living in Oke-Ado Market area had a misunderstanding with some members of another faction at a party on Saturday.

    The confrontation, the source added, continued till Sunday evening while the two factions attacked each other’s camp, deep into Oredein/Akuro area late Sunday night.

    The source added: “Though there are several angles to the perennial crisis along Oke-Ado axis, this particular one is purely between two factional OPC groups: New Era and a faction loyal to Aare Gani Adams.

    “At the weekend, a state chairman living around Oke-Ado went to a party and accused a member of the other faction of not paying homage to him. This accusation resulted in confrontation between the two groups, each justifying its stand.

    “Surprisingly, on that occasion, the two factions used dangerous weapons to press home their demands. The New Era group seemed to have the upper hand. So, at the weekend, the other group unleashed terror on the New Ear group, hitting them down to Oredein, Akuro down areas. As I learnt, early this morning, the New Era group took the war to the state chairman’s domain.

    “But the attack was foiled because their target, who probably had got wind of the impending attack, took refuge outside the area. On their way from his abode, they shot into the air, destroying properties.”

    Police Commissioner Ayodele Odude was said to have shelved his weekly Monday meetings with senior officers to mobilise sectional crime control officers to the scene of the incident.

    On arrival, the policemen reportedly combed the neighbourhood to arrest and restore peace.

    It was learnt that 15 suspects were arrested in their hideouts by men of the police force, the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), mobile policemen and other crime unit commanders to the scene.

    Our reporter noticed a heavy security presence in the area.

    Police officers were said to be in strategic positions to avert further breakdown of law and order.

    Police spokesman Adekunle Ajisebutu, a Superintendent of Police (SP), did not confirm if the warring groups were OPC factions.

    But he said 46 suspects had been arrested following the deployment of policemen on the scene.

    Confirming the presence of the police commissioner on the scene, Ajisebutu said only investigation will prove the true identity of the hoodlums.

    He assured the residents that investigation had begun into the incident.

    Ajisebutu said: “Forty-six suspects arrested. Normalcy has since been restored following prompt deployment of policemen on the scene. Police Commissioner Abiodun Odude visited the scene where he assured residents of adequate protection. He has directed that the CIID should begin a discreet investigation into the incident. I can’t confirm yet if it was a clash between factional OPC groups. Investigation will prove (this or otherwise).”

     

  • ‘CCTV installation to begin soon in Ibadan’

    The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Oyo State Governor on Public Affairs, Deji Aboderin, yesterday said the proposed Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) to monitor activities in volatile areas will begin soon.

    He said the governor had proven that he did not seek a second term for selfish reasons.

    Aboderin said Governor Abiola Ajimobi had dispelled the notion that second term governors don’t always perform well.

    The governor’s aide spoke in Ibadan, the state capital, on the achievements of the state government in the past two years.

    He said his ambition to seek election into the House of Representatives was still alive.

    Aboderin said: “I do not believe in praising or criticising a government that has not spent up to two years in power. Every government needs appreciable time to work before people can assess it. I have deliberately avoided making comments on the performance of Governor Ajimobi’s government in this second term.

    “To be fair to the government, it has achieved quite a lot to dispute the notion that second term governors don’t always perform. We all knew that he did well in the first term and he consolidated on it with the number of roads that are either being constructed or rehabilitated across the state.

    “For any economy to develop, you must put infrastructure and security in good shape. Soon, the installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) will begin in volatile areas of the state.

    “We are witnessing a huge improvement in the Education sector in the state. Apart from the governing boards for schools, six model schools are nearing completion. The establishment of a Technical University, creation of Education Trust Fund and reward for best pupils in final secondary school examination are some of the steps that the government.”

  • Herdsmen set 150 acres palm plantation ablaze in Ibadan

    Herdsmen set 150 acres palm plantation ablaze in Ibadan

    Two years after Fulani herdsmen invaded a multi-million Naira farmland in Lagun village destroying poultry valued at N100million, and maimed six attendants, the herdsmen again on Sunday invaded the palm trees farm of the settlement and set 150 acres ablaze in a night raid operation which left workers on the farm scampering for safety.

    In an emotion-laden voice, the farm owner who doubles as a former Secretary to Oyo State Government, Mr. Dele Adigun told journalists Tuesday evening after inspection of the gross damage inflicted on the farm that “farmers may be forced to begin to take laws into their hands if this stupidity and unguarded arson continue unabated”.

    He noted that about 1,500 palm trees were destroyed with value yet to be ascertained as at yesterday morning when he visited the place with a team of security agents.

    Said Adigun: “they set my farm ablaze and destroyed about 1,500 palm trees. You recall that six of my attendants were maimed and property destroyed two years ago, precisely March, 2016. We reported to the police and nothing has been done till date. In the 2016 attack, we lost about N100million. And we are yet to quantify this latest attack and that’s what we are contending with now. We have reported to the police and till now they are yet to make any arrest. I am disturbed; I am concerned because we are talking about diversification of economy but with these hoodlums now, there is a problem as many people would not like to go and farm again.

    “It is as if the law enforcement agencies are helpless to tackle this menace. What is DSS, police and other security agencies doing that they cannot make arrest? They go to farm at night and set it ablaze so that when it rains, their cattle can be fed with the new grass. How can you destroy someone’s property to feed your animals for your business to thrive? If care is not taken, farmers may be forced to take law into their hands. I hope we won’t get to such a situation. I am seriously disturbed,” a retired Permanent Secretary piqued.

    Meanwhile, Oyo state Police Command yesterday called for peaceful coexistence between the Fulani herdsmen and the farmers , stressing that there is no vacancy for bloodshed in the state.

    The Police Command who read riot act to all who are planning to cause disharmony in the state, appealed to such trouble maker to either leave the state or be prepared to face unpleasant consequences .

    Addressing a security interactive forum  organised by the state Police Command, the state Commissioner of police , Mr. Abiodun Odude said ” we have to organise this meeting so that we can address some issues that are affecting our farmers and the Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria and we have to take this proactive step in this state so that the existing peaceful atmosphere will not be hindered .”

    Odude said “Oyo state is a very peaceful state and we must make sure we do a lot of things in making sure we are having a peaceful society and that is the reason why we are here today.

    “We must make sure that we are doing  series of meetings with both the farmers and the Fulani herdsmen in the state so that we can address a lot of things that could have cause  serious crisis within them, once we are meeting with them some serious issues that can affect both parties will be discussed and settled amicably and in a peaceful manner without shedding blood.”

    In the same vein, the University of Ibadan Branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU ) has called on Nigerians to stand up for their rights and hold the present government accountable for promises not kept.

    He noted that ASUU, unlike Nigerian politician who will say one thing and do another, ASUU as union of intellectual would always fight for the right of the downtrodden.

    Omole noted that current administration seems to be taking Nigerians for a ride and prioritizing the lives of cows more than the enshrined right to live of Nigerians in the constitution saying that Nigerians must be ready to hold government accountable for their lapses.

  • Admission: UI recommends 3,783 out of 56,000

    Admission: UI recommends 3,783 out of 56,000

    Out of the total 56,172 candidates seeking to study at the University of Ibadan through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE), authorities of the institution have recommended 3,783 for admissions to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the 2017/2018 academic session.

    The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academi Vice-Chancellortution, Professor Adeyinka Aderinto gave the hint in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan, on Wednesday.

    According to Professor Aderinto, the admission for the 2017/2018 will end in January 2018 while screening of those already issued letters will soon commence.

    The DVC who noted that a total of 26, 769 candidates who scored 200 and above sat for the Post-UTME of the University added that out of the figure, only 9,268 scored 50 percent and above.

    He said that 3,783 who were finally recommended to JAMB for admission met the approved admission criteria, adding that the premier institution was committed to meeting NYSC mobilisation and as such have begun the second Semester examinations.

    He said: “The University of Ibadan is committed to mobilising students for 2017/2018 National Youth Service and to end the session (2016/2017), we have commenced the examinations and the students have started writing.

    “We have also recommended about 3,783 candidates to JAMB for admission and we are concluding the process by January ending. The University of Ibadan is committed to upholding its standards in admission. This is what makes us who we are in offering qualitative education to our students to be the best in Nigeria and have the capacity to compete globally.”

  • Olubadan throne tussle: Court fixes Feb.12 for hearing

    Olubadan throne tussle: Court fixes Feb.12 for hearing

    An Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, has fixed February 12  for hearing on a suit filed by Chief Adebayo Oyediji, challenging the installation of Oba Saliu Adetunji, as the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

    Oyediji of Seriki chieftaincy line and three others, were challenging the installation of Adetunji by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State as the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

    The other claimants in the suit were Chief Olalekan Fakunle, Chief Rasheed Abinupagun and Chief Gabriel Amao.

    Justice Moshood Abass on Wednesday fixed February 12 for hearing of the suit after the claimants’ counsel, Mr Sarafadeen Adebayo informed the court that all processes needed in prosecuting the case had been filed by both parties.

    Abass ordered that hearing notices be served on the counsel to the respondents because they were not present in court on Wednesday.

    The claimants’ counsel, Adebayo, had earlier informed the court that the counsel to Olubadan, Mr Michael Lana and Oyo State Government’s counsel, Mr Adegboyega Salawu were trying to delay the matter.

    He said that the respondents’ counsel were present in court on the last adjourned date of Dec. 15, 2017, where Jan.10 was agreed for  the closing of the Pre-Trial Conference (PTC).

    Read Also: You can’t remove me, Olubadan tells obas

    The claimants are claiming that it was the turn of Seriki chieftaincy line to produce the next Olubadan after the death of Oba Samuel Lana, against the appointment of Adetunji by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State.

    The claimants are also challenging the consistent occupation of the Olubadan throne by the Olubadan chieftaincy line and Balogun chieftaincy lines while excluding the Seriki line.

    It would be recalled that the claimant’s counsel, Adebayo, had told the court that there was a subsisting court ruling restraining the occupation of any vacant position of high chiefs and that of Olubadan.

    The other respondents in the suit were the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Oyo State Government.

    NAN

  • Poly Ibadan: Workers defy resumption order, shut gates

    Poly Ibadan: Workers defy resumption order, shut gates

    Despite the purported announcement of resumption by the management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, the strikings workers on Monday insisted that the gates of the institution remained until the demands of the workers are met by the state government.

    The management had at the weekend directed all students to resumed after about nine weeks of strike occasioned by the academic and non-academic staff unions across the six tertiary institutions owned by the Oyo state government.

    Particularly, the management had on Saturday asked new students to begin payment of acceptance fee from Monday while announcing January 15, 2017 as the date for resumption for the 2017/2018 session.

    But, the Chairman, Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the trade unions of the six Oyo state-owned tertiary institutions, Mr Babatunde Adeniyi said that the services of its striking staff remain withdrawn.

    According to the accounts of some students who had stormed the school entrance gate to resume in accordance to the directive of the management, members of the striking Non-Academic Staff Union who were on hand to ensure that the directive was defiled ensure both the student and staff were denied entrance into the institution.

    The accounts added that although the some of the students were almost making things go out of hand, the NASU officials took the pain to explain the implications of the government decision that led to the strike action to the students.

    Speaking on why the staff union picketed the institution and ensure the gates remained closed, Adeniyi insisted that the Oyo state government must settle its salary arrears before the unions would call off their two months old strike.

    “We picketed The Polytechnic, Ibadan, because Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) has withdrawn their services and we are here to ensure that the gate remains closed.

    “What the two unions, (NASU and SSANIP) are saying is that their services still stays withdrawn as long as the strike declared by the six institutions as a result of the reduction of salary to 25 percent by the Oyo state government still remains.

    “They can’t resume until we suspend our strike. The six unions declared the strike on November 2, 2017, and this remains. Their services stay withdrawn and the strike continues until the government of Oyo state does the needful,” Babatunde said.

    Meanwhile, state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela maintained that the state only gives support in form of monthly subvention to the tertiary institutions, adding that there is no month all the institutions don’t get “something” from the state government but in varying amounts.

    Olowofela who stated this, on Monday, said the state did not owe salaries of tertiary institutions’ staff but that it provided subventions to the institutions just as it paid out workers’ salaries.

    He pointed out that government only support the institutions since they all generate some revenue on their own and spend same without the government interference.

    He harped on the need for the management of the institutions to be ingenious on generating revenue internally and prioritizing how they expend the subventions they get.

    Olowofela, however, said that the state government would, in the next two weeks, name the governing council for the state-owned tertiary institutions, to give lasting recommendations on resolving the impasse.

  • Poly Ibadan reopens January 8

    Poly Ibadan reopens January 8

    The authorities of the Polytechnic, Ibadan, said on Saturday said the institution would reopen on January 8 for the 2017/18 academic Session.

    The Registrar of the polytechnic, Mr. Hezekiah Fehintola, urged candidates who had been offered admission to log on to the institution’s website to pay the acceptance fee

    He also asked old students to log on to the website for details on registration and other activities.

    The Registrar said academic activities would commence on January 15 for new and old students.

    The polytechnic, founded in 1970, was shut on November 2, 2017 after the academic staff union of the institution embarked on an indefinite strike over non- payment of salaries and other benefits by the state government.

    NAN

     

  • Back and forth in Ibadan

    Back and forth in Ibadan

    AFTER the chieftaincy review exercise carried out by the Oyo State government between May and August, 21 kings were in consequence enthroned in August in Ibadan even before the endorsement of the review by the House of Assembly. By October, state lawmakers were still insisting that the bill was not before them. In any case, that exercise has become embroiled in all sorts of controversies pitting the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, against the newly installed kings and the Oyo State government. That controversy became so bad-tempered a few months back that the governor, Abiola Ajimobi, briefly toyed with the idea of deposing the Olubadan. At least he claimed to have the power to depose the Olubadan but relied on his own counsel to perish the thought. He did not say anything about whether he needed the endorsement of the legislature.

    But while the bad-tempered exchange between the Olubadan and the governor was yet to die down, considering that the matter is still in court, the obviously elated 21 kings have nevertheless waded into the affray to protect their new crowns. Three weeks ago, the kings, claiming to be acting as the Ibadan Council of Obas, issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Olubadan to reconcile himself to the provisions of the Chieftaincy Review Law if he was not to be recommended for dethronement.

    Not only did the Olubadan describe the 21 kings and their ultimatum as end-of-year jesters, the lesser ranked Mogajis (family heads) have also joined the battle by issuing the 21 kings a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw their ultimatum or face the wrath of the Ibadan people. A standoff has developed.

    The controversy can only deepen. The state government may have the constitutional powers to amend or review the state’s chieftaincy laws, and get the amendment duly passed, it is, however, curious to find out whether without a crisis, or the threat of one, involving the Olubadan throne it was necessary to try to fix something that was not broken. The cut and thrust will continue, and if the matter is not sensibly resolved now, either out of court or in court, the Ibadan throne may be altered in ways that complicate the future and stability of that monarchy.

  • Ajimobi urges Nigerians to pray for Yusuf quick recovery

    Ajimobi urges Nigerians to pray for Yusuf quick recovery

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi has urged Nigerians to pray fervently for the first family, particularly for the quick recovery of President Buhari’s son, Yusuf.

    This appeal was made in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, made available to newsmen in Ibadan.

    Yusuf was on Tuesday involved in a bike accident around Gwarimpa in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    Ajimobi described the accident as unfortunate and depressing, praying that God Almighty would grant the president’s son quick recovery.

    Also read : We will pray for Buhari’s son’s recovery – PDP

     “The abiding grace of God that allowed the ebullient young man to survive the crash will see to his quick and complete recovery.

    “It is indeed heartwarming to hear that he is in a stable condition now and responding well to treatment.

    “In the African culture of being our brother’s keepers, I urge Nigerians to continue to remember the first family in their prayers and thoughts in this difficult period,’’ he said.

    The governor, on behalf of the government and people of Oyo State, prayed that Yusuf would soon be back on his feet.

    According to him, “the incident is a temporary setback and one of the vicissitudes of life. Yusuf will come out of it stronger and will live long to fulfill his destiny.’’

  • Police arrest soldier for hijacking fuel-laden truck in Oyo

    Police arrest soldier for hijacking fuel-laden truck in Oyo

    The Police Command in Oyo State has arrested a soldier serving at 81 Battalion, Makola, Ibadan, for allegedly hijacking a fuel-laden truck along  Akobo,Iwo road.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Abiodun Odunde, made the disclosure in Ibadan while presenting the suspects to newsmen at the command’s headquarters in Ibadan on Friday.

    Odunde said that the soldier and three others were arrested on November 11 along Akobo, Iwo road, Ibadan.

    The commissioner said that investigation revealed that the gang was responsible for waylaying and subsequently hijacking trucks along the expressway.

    “The gang led by the soldier hijacked a 40,000 litre truck with registration number ABJ 132XA at about 9:30 p.m. and abducted the driver and the conductor.

    “They later took them to Omi-Adio after robbing them of their money and valuables and thereafter drove the truck to Akure/Ilesa road.

    Read also: Police arrest suspected killers of oil firm manager in Rivers

    “The alarm raised by the victim attracted some members of the community who alerted the police that led to their arrest and also recovered the truck,’’ Odude said.

    The police also presenteed 17 other suspects including an employee of George Investment Company, Ibadan, who stole six Sino trucks and a Toyota Camry car belonging to the company.

    Odude said that investigation conducted by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad led to the arrest of the suspect and one other in Edo and Abuja.

    The CP said that the six trucks were sold in Kaduna at the rate of N20 million while the Camry car was given to a yet-to-be identified pastor in Abuja.

    “As a result of diligent investigation by the SARS, all the trucks and two other cars were recovered and the criminal receiver also arrested.”

    10 other suspects were arrested for alleged stealing, cultism, armed robbery, unlawful possession of counterfeit currency and impersonation.

    Items recovered are two cut-to-size single barrel guns, two Laptop computers, eight mobile phones, a mask and charms.

    NAN