The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ibadan

  • That horror at Bodija, Ibadan

    That horror at Bodija, Ibadan

    SIR: We never thought of reeling out dirges in Oyo State especially Ibadan the state capital now that the state is seen as one of the most peaceful in the country. But the evil ones have forced agony in our throats in the evening of January 16 when explosions rocked the city. What a day of horror!

    The truth is that we may not know the exact number of casualties. Bodija is one of the elite areas in the city of Ibadan that can boast of beautiful edifices and homes worth billions of naira. It is a place where people mind their own business. You are not your brother’s keeper. And when you see something you may not be in a good position to say something because if you do, it may boomerang due to lapses in our system. An accused may turn the heat on the informant.

    Read Also: Ibadan explosion: Residents faults rescue operations approach

    Be that as it may, government at the centre should mop up illegal arms and ammunition in the country. Our porous borders contribute majorly to the proliferation of illegal arms in the country. Rituals are performed not for the dead rat but for the covert benefit of rats still alive.

    The federal government must as a matter of urgency collaborate with Oyo State government to rehabilitate the displaced people and their houses. Efforts must be geared towards apprehending the perpetrators of the avoidable calamity

    I commiserate with Oyo State government, the affected people and the bereaved

    • Adelani Olawuyi, Obada/Odooba Ogo-Oluwa LGA, Oyo State.
  •  Ibadan radio station denies shutting down operation

     Ibadan radio station denies shutting down operation

    The management of 100.5FM Ibadan, Oyo State has debunked reports in a section of the media that it has shut down its operations.

    Speaking through the General Manager, Jadesola Ajibola, the broadcast company said it has only embarked on a routine restructuring to enhance service ahead of competition and has no plan of shutting down its operations in the state.

     She said the recent termination of the appointment of contract staff in the organisation was a step taken by the management to allow for total maintenance work and complete restructuring.

    She noted that the social media reports that all appointments of staff have been terminated were mischievous and misleading from a platform that did not verify the information.

    Read Also: Military neutralises 43 terrorists, arrests 115

     Ajibola said: “The Management of Inspiration 100.5FM has not closed down our operations and has no plans to do so as it has been peddled on social media. Our dial remains 100.5FM and our operations are ongoing.

    “We wish to inform the public, our dear clients, and esteemed listeners that our station is currently undergoing some maintenance work and complete restructuring, any other information apart from this, is false, orchestrated by the enemies of our station to tarnish our reputation and to discredit us in the industry.”

    “Our decision to disengage some of our contract staff is to prepare ourselves for better content and programming to serve you better and further in year 2024.’’

  • Ibadan metropolis witnesses first rain of the year

    Ibadan metropolis witnesses first rain of the year

    The city of Ibadan, Oyo state in the early hours of Thursday witnessed the first rain in the year 2024.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the heavy rain which started at about 3.40 a.m. lasted for about  40 minutes, stopping at about 4; 20 a.m.

    The unexpected downpour, devoid of lightning, heavy wind and thunderstorms, was witnessed at Omi-Adio, in Ido Local Government, Ibadan South West Local Government and other parts of the metropolis.

    The residents of the city expressed delight over the downpour, describing it as “showers of blessing in the new year’’.

    A resident of Omi Adio, Mr Paul Ademola said the rain was a relief from the heat being witnessed in the evening with mild harmattan early in the morning.

    “It is also a relief from the harmattan haze made worse by untarred roads, causing illnesses among residents of Omi – Adio.

    Read Also: Obi, Utomi pay condolence visit to Akeredolu’s family in Ibadan

    I think it is important for the local government authority to pay urgent attention to constructing the roads.

    Another resident, a farmer, Mr Nicholas Olabanji said the rain was not just a blessing, but an indication of early rainfall in the year.

    A roadside trader, Mrs Romoke Alao said the rain was a blessing and an indication that the new year would be good to everyone.

    NAN reports that some parts of the Ibadan metropolis like Oke -Itunu, Mokola in Ibadan South West did not witness any rain. (NAN)

  • Ibadan chief to Nigerians: remain steadfast, pray for Oyo, Nigeria

    Ibadan chief to Nigerians: remain steadfast, pray for Oyo, Nigeria

    The Aare-Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke (FCA), has urged residents of Oyo State and Nigerians to use opportunity of another New Year celebration to rededicate themselves and remain steadfast in prayers.

    He said this would have immense impact on the peace, security, unity and stability of the country.

    In a New Year message, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adegboyega Adegoke Resource Centre (AARC) stated that it is important for people of the State and Nigerians to inject healing and unifying spirit of love for their neighbours into the nation’s consciousness this season.

    He urged them to be intentional in embracing on productive thinking and actions that can make Oyo state and the country better and greater in the New Year as revival of the country’s economic glory is everyone’s responsibility.

    Adegoke, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solutions 93.9FM Ibadan, said: “On this significant occasion of the New Year, I felicitate with people of Oyo state and Nigeria for witnessing new year 2024. In the spirit of the season, I call on everyone to unite for the greater good of our dear state and the country.

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    “This period reminds us of the need to uphold the virtues of love, selflessness and tolerance. I call on all Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of the season, which present an opportunity to love and share.

    “The season is one of the unprecedented self-sacrifice to redeem humanity, so, it is the season of love, joy, generosity and forgiveness. Even as we celebrate with friends and family, we should also spend time to pray for a more peaceful and prosperous nation.

    “As a nation, we can achieve more if we stay united, extend hands of fellowship to one another and be law abiding. We must also rededicate ourselves to the virtues of faith in God, love for one another and make these virtues more evident and practical in our daily living.”

  • Ibadan-based fraudster gets 75 years imprisonment

    Ibadan-based fraudster gets 75 years imprisonment

    Ibadan-based fraudster, Olaniyan Gbenga Amos, popularly known as Crime Alert Security Network, has been sentenced to 75 years imprisonment for multiple investment fraud.

    Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, on December 14, convicted and sentenced Amos alongside his firm, Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited. They were prosecuted on 35-count count of false pretences, contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty.

    Counsel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Sanusi Galadanchi opened the case on February 17, 2022, and called six witnesses, tendered eight exhibits and closed the case on January 24, 2023. At the end of the prosecution’s case, the defendant filed a ‘no case submission’ which was overruled by the court. Consequently, the defendant opened and closed his case by calling three witnesses. Thereafter, Justice Taiwo reserved judgment in the matter till December 14, 2023.

    Read Also: Three dead, seven injured in Lagos-Ibadan expressway accident

    At the resumption of trial on December 14, Justice Taiwo convicted and sentenced the defendant to 15 years imprisonment on four counts but discharged and acquitted him on 31 coutns.

    The court also ordered that the sentence should run concurrently and the defendant should also restitute the victims.

    Amos has three other ongoing trials before Federal and State High Courts in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The convict was arrested and arraigned before Justice Bayo Taiwo on December 14, 2021 by the EFCC. He swindled several individuals of over N1 bullion through fake investment ventures.

  • Aare Afe Babalola SAN /Ibadan Bar Football League

    Aare Afe Babalola SAN /Ibadan Bar Football League

    • Indomitable Adebayo, Gbadamosi  & Co lifts trophy
    • By: Joseph Okwuofu, Ibadan

    The indomitable Adebayo ,Gbadamosi & Co  are the champions of this year’s Aare Afe Babalola SAN/ Ibadan Bar Five Aside Football Competition  after a  hard-fought 2-1 win over star studded Makanjuola Esan & Co.

    The final which attracted  legal luminaries  in the Ibadan branch of the Nigeria Bar Association ( NBA) ,  was played at  the Olubadan Stadium in the  Iyaganku area of the state’s capital on Tuesday.

    The champions also went home with a cash prize of N250,000 and gold medals  .

    Earlier , the runners up , the Crown Solicitors defeated Lafeef Fagbemi & Co 3-1 to clinch the third place in the football competition .

    Among eminent lawyers who were in attendance to watch the finals of the competition are the Principal Partner, Afe Babalola & Co , Mr Adebayo Adenipekun SAN, Assistant Inspection General of Police ( AIG) retired , Mr Bola Longe who is also a Partner  at Afe Babalola & Co and the former  Oyo state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice , Otunba Adebayo Ojo SAN , who is also Principal Partner, Adebayo, Gbadamosi & Co .

    Others are the Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch , Mrs Folasade Aladeniyi , the Deputy Head of Chambers , Afe Babalola & Co , Mr Kelly Ogbe , and  the Chairman , Sports Committee , NBA , Ibadan branch , Mogaji Rotimi Alli , among others .

    Read Also: Obaseki hails Edo-born Napoli striker, Osimhen, on AIC footballer-of-the-year award

    Adenipekun SAN ,who was excited at the brilliant performance of the players , commended the members of the Organising Committee led by Mogaji Rotimi Alli for ensuring a successful tournament.

    ” I must say that the Chamber ( Afe Babalola & Co) is highly impressed by the high level of participation and brilliant performance of the players on the field,” he said. “And we hope that next year’s edition, we will have another good one like this , if not better.”

    “I also commend members of the Organising Committee for the fantastic job to ensure that this year’s competition is a huge success,” he added.

    In her remarks, Mrs Folasade Aladeniyi, Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association ( NBA) , Ibadan branch, thanked the sponsor of the annual football competition, Aare Afe Babalola for fatherly role and mentorship.

    She described Aare Afe Babalola as a great philanthropist, who has continue to support upcoming generation of lawyers in the country.  

    ” Aare Afe Babalola is a great philanthropist and you can see that for about ten years now he has solely financing this annual football competition and I hope that they will take to beyond the branch . So, baba is our patron a very helpful one, and a very good mentor,” the NBA Chairman said.

    Captain of the winning team,  Mohammed Khan , expressed profound gratitude to the sponsor of the competition , and the Principal Partners of Adebayo & Gbadamosi & Co for their tremendous support and guidance.

    He earlier attributed their victory to team work and industry , while announcing his retirement from football .

    The football tournament which started with eight teams in 2019 at the Olubadan stadium, Ibadan

    is sponsored by Afe Babalola & Co (Emmanuel Chambers) to celebrate the legal icon who is the Founder/ Principal Partner of the firm.

  • Ibadan Chiefs to Oluwo: Ogburo part of Ibadanland

    Ibadan Chiefs to Oluwo: Ogburo part of Ibadanland

    The Chiefs in Ibadanland, including Baales and Mogajis, have told the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, that there is no controversy over ownership of Ogburo, a boundary community between Oyo and Osun State. 

    They said Ogburo has been part of Ibadanland from time immemorial.

    The Chiefs warned those causing crisis at Ogburo community to desist, saying the community belongs to Ibadanland and not Iwo in Osun State.

    A statement jointly signed by the President and the Coordinator, Ibadan Peace Initiative, Barr. Chief Niyi Ajewole and Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade respectively said Ogburo community can only have one monarch, which is the Ologburo of Ogburo, His Royal Highness, Oba Victor Oyedepo Olabamji recently installed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, saying any other monarch aside that is null and void.

    According to them: “Ibadanland owned Ogburo community from time immemorial, all the past Oluwo’s of Iwo are aware of the fact that the community falls within Ibadan area.”

    The statement sought the intervention of stakeholders in Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria before the issue generate to crisis.

    The statement lamented that despite the fact that the matter is with the National Boundary Commission, the issue persists.

    Read Also:I named my son Oduduwa to break myth – Oluwo

    The statement reads: “It has come to our notice that the Ologburo recently installed by Olubadan can not go to his community over fear of attack, intimidation and harassment by thugs in the community and alleged involvement of a mornach.”

    “Ologburo of Ogburo, HRH, Oba Victor Oyedepo Olabamji was one of the recently coronated Oba’s by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Ishola  Balogun, Alli Okunmade ll following the process generated by the administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, which was also restructured, reconfirmed, and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde.”

    “Odo Oba is natural a boundary between Oyo and Osun State, the river flows from Asejire through Odo Oba, which was recognised as a common boundary between Oyo and Osun State without any forms crises, wondere on their refusal to accept this at Odo Oba axis.”

    “Ogburo belongs to Ibadanland from time immemorial, all the past Oluwo also know this.”

  • Ex-Oyo Perm Sec reportedly murdered in Ibadan

    Ex-Oyo Perm Sec reportedly murdered in Ibadan

    A retired Permanent Secretary with the Oyo state government, Ms Olaitan Gbenle, has been murdered by unknown assailants.

    The Nation gathered that the 69-year-old Gbenle was gruesomely murdered at her residence, along All Saints College Road, Idi Ishin, near NIHORT, last week.

    The deceased was said to have been strangulated after her assailants tied her hands and legs.

    She was found with her hands and legs tied on Friday morning while she still had the dress she wore on Thursday on her.

    The assailants were said to have taken her two vehicles, phones and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards.

    Read Also: Workers resume at UI, UCH as NLC suspends strike

    It was learnt that the killers came to the deceased’s residence a day after she reported to the police that her life was being threatened by some hoodlums who used to smoke marijuana close to her house.

    She reportedly had a maid staying with her, but the maid left two months ago.

    It was gathered that the deceased was supposed to host a meeting of retired permanent secretaries and heads of service on Thursday, November 16.

    The deceased’s only child, a daughter, is said to be a medical doctor.

    A condolence message on the WhatsApp platform of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries of Oyo and Osun States (AREHSPSOOS), signed by its chairman, Chief Bisi Adesola, who is also a retired HOS, read: “With the greatest sore regrets, I, on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries of Oyo and Osun States, (AREHSPSOOS), announce the untimely death of Ms Elizabeth Olaniyan Gbenle.

    “She was not only a loyally committed member of the Association; she served on the last Executive Committee demonstrably ably!

    “Due to this sad event, our 16th November 2023 Quarterly meeting is hereby cancelled!

    “Further details on her funeral services shall be communicated as soon as they are made available to us by the family!”

    Detectives from Oyo State Police Command had begun investigations into the incident.

  • Ibadan Chief Ariori apologises over comment against Christians

    Ibadan Chief Ariori apologises over comment against Christians

    The President of Association of Mogajis in Ibadanland, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, has apologised over his comments while featuring on a live radio program on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    Ariori said his statement was just a mere response to a question asked by one of the anchors which should not be taken personal.

    He said the statement was not to attack any body or religion organisation.

    Ariori appeared on a live radio programme, “Bembe Oro” anchored by the duo of Saheed Alatise and Salawat Lukman on Noble 107.1 FM in Ibadan Tuesday morning where he was said to have claimed that he is not a Christian, who usually has only one wife with many concubines.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele launches production house

    His comment has generated reactions from some Christian leaders in the State, who described Ariori’s outburst as attack on Christianity and one that could cause a religious war in the ancient city.

    A statement by Ariori noted that he holds Christians in high regards and will never go against or say anything to tarnish image of the religion.

    He noted that he has children, family members, several friends and associates who are Christians, saying he apologised during the course of the programm when a caller called his attention to the statement during a phone call session.

    According to him, there is nothing he would gain in talking against Christianity, adding that he is a respecter of faith who has transverse across all religion.

    He said, “I want to apologise to our Christian brothers and sisters, my words wasn’t intentional, we are all one irrespective of our religion difference.”

    He affirmed his commitment and support towards development and progress of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large, saying people should not allow religion to divide them.

  • Ibadan Airport re-opens for flight operations

    Ibadan Airport re-opens for flight operations

    Flight activities resumed at Ibadan Airport on Sunday after the accident involving a HS 125 aircraft on a charter service.

    The aircraft skidded of the airport runway on Friday with a serving minister and other passengers on board.

    An official of FAAN told The Nation that many airlines including : Green Africa Airways , Overland Airways , and Air Peace operated flights into and out of Ibadan Airport.

    Read Also: NSIB probes aircraft crash at Ibadan airport

    The official said: “The airport is fully operational after the closure occasioned by the accident.

    “Green Africa departed for Abuja , Overland Airways departed for Abuja , another Green Africa flight from Abuja departed for Lagos with Air Peace departing for Abuja.”

    Meanwhile , investigation is ongoing on the cause of the accident.