A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kunle Sobaloju, has written to the Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde against restarting the process of choosing a new Alaafin of Oyo.
The Ibadan-based lawyer, who is representing the Oyomesi in a statement, said: “We wish to restate that in view of the pending appeals in appeal number APPEAL NO: CA/IB/134/24 High Chief Yusuf Akinade Ayoola Layinka & Ors v. Governor of Oyo State & Ors and the pending application for interlocutory orders of injunction restraining your Excellency, servants, agents, assigns, and or privies or otherwise and howsoever from aborting the process for the selection/appointment of the candidate for filling the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo duly conducted by the Kingmakers of Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy and or removing the appellants/applicants as the kingmakers of the Oyo Alaafin or dissolving the Oyomesi in Council and or appointing or selecting warrant chiefs to conduct or start a fresh process or exercise for the filling of the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo pending the determination of the appeal against the ruling of Justice Akintola of High Court Oyo delivered on 16h April 2024, it would be subjudice for your Excellency to take any step that may render the decisions of the Court of Appeal nugatory,” the letter read in part.
He also noted that if the governor proceeds to commence the fresh process for the filling of the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo, such action “would be subjudice and tantamount to lawlessness and disregard of the superior courts of record an act which your Excellency ought to distance yourself from.”
He explained that the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, has at various times frowned at parties before the court engaging in self-help.
“Particular reference is made to the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Ajuwon & Ors v. Governor of Oyo State & Ors. (2021) LPELR-55339(SC), where the Supreme Court states thus ‘ it is unthinkable for a democratically elected governor to embark on unwholesome and undemocratic tendencies.
“We therefore once more request and urge your Excellency to suspend any plan to kick start a fresh process for the filling of the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo during the pendency of a motion for injunction pending appeal in obedience to the law and integrity of our courts,” the letter added.
Moshood Alli, the media aide to lawmaker representing Ondo East/West federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiola Makinde, has described recent request for his boss plenary attendance by a group of people as mere political fallacy.
He said such requests connote ignorance of how committed the lawmaker was to his constituents.
A statement by Alli noted that records of attendance and proactiveness of Makinde as a federal legislator at the House of Representatives are easily obtainable on request.
He noted the closeness the lawmaker shares with his constituents back home has never been called into question either.
According to him: “The performance of Hon Makinde both in his primary and oversight functions are all on social media and easily verifiable. He has constantly shuttled Abuja and Ondo State almost every weekend in the past six months before the National Assembly recently went on recess.
“On March 27th, Hon Abiola Makinde paid an unscheduled visit to the Ondo City Children Park and Zoo currently under construction and due for commissioning soon.
“On April 1st, the MHR unveiled “Ekiwood Movie Village” which, when completed, it will be the biggest movie village in Ondo state. On April 5, Hon Makinde was also seen distributing welfare packages to the aged in his constituency tagged “Let the Old Rejoice 2.0.”
“On April 8th, Hon Makinde was seen receiving Prof Damilola Olawuyi SAN, Chairperson of the United Nations Working group on Business and Human Rights,as part of his oversight function as Chairman House Committee on Human Rights.
“Also on May 11th, Hon Makinde joined other well-wishers at the birthday of Pa Reuben Fasoranti in his Akure home. May 12th, he paid another visit to check on the progress of the Ondo City Children Park and Zoo.
“On May 15th, he attended Defense Space Administration Abuja Seminar 2024. On May 22, Fellowship of Adeyemi Federal University of Education was confered on Hon Makinde. May 30th, Hon Makinde was seen hosting Children’s day with children of his constituency, distributing books and educational materials to them.
“And finally, just before the House went on recess, Hon. Makinde was a discussant at the YemiFash Online News Platform interactive session and dinner on June 2nd, 2024. All of which now begs the question of how Hon Makinde has relocated to the US as alleged by the group.”
Chief Johnson Akinlosotu, a traditional chief in Ondo said: “All these groups are not known to the constituents, we have never heard of them and we do not know what they represent.
“We have not authorised them to speak on behalf of Ondo East and West Federal Constituency. Members of the public are assured that these allegations are for sinister or political motives.
“They have not carried out any progressive cause in this constituency at any point in time nor do they have any antecedents in the constituency.
“We are proud of the representation of Hon. (Dr) Abiola Peter Makinde PhD which has been the best form of representation in the history of this city.”
Also reacting, leader of the Student Union Government of Adeyemi University of Education, Com. Okunade Ibrahim, while condemning the group pushing the false narratives said:“where were they when Hon Makinde successfully pushed the bill to change the status of Adeyemi from a college of Education to a Federal University?
“Did they commend him anywhere? Where were they when Hon. Makinde annually distributed instructional materials to students in his constituency? Where were all these people when Hon Makinde also constructed a public library for Ondo students?
“Where were they to commend Hon. Makinde when he sponsored over 25 people for overseas abroad study in Uk, Sweden, Norway, Canada and many more? We are proud of our MHR in all ramifications.”
Chief Mrs Fayehun, Ondo West APC woman leader, described the publications as the handiwork of desperate politicians who started 2027 politics too early.
She urged them to instead of attacking the lawmaker to accelerate their political chances, and put in the hard work at grassroots level.
Comrade Kayode Folajogun, President of Ondo Ekimogun Youth Congress said: “As a youth body, we do not recognize Ekimogun Roundtable as well as its destructive allegations on the person of the MHR while masquerading it as advocacy for the good people of Ondo East and West.
“They are a group of disgruntled opposition whose formation is being sponsored solely to commence a political round of propaganda against Hon. Makinde.”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed his intention to embark on annual leave.
He made his intention known in a letter addressed to the lawmakers.
Makinde’s message was read on the floor of the House of Assembly by the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, during yesterday’s valedictory plenary in honour of Mrs. Yetunde Awe, clerk of the house, who is retiring from the civil service.
Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced his plan to embark on annual leave.
The governor communicated this intention in a letter addressed to state lawmakers.
The letter was read on the floor of the House by the speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin during Thursday’s valedictory plenary session honouring Mrs. Yetunde Awe, the retiring Clerk of the House.
In his message, Governor Makinde also expressed his intention to delegate executive powers to Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, who will serve as Acting Governor during his absence.
According to the letter, Makinde’s leave will begin on August 5th and end on September 6th, 2024.
The letter reads in part, “Annual vacation from 5th August 2024 to Friday, September 6th 2024.
“Pursuant to section 190 subsection 1 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby transmit that during the period indicated above, deputy governor Barr Bayo Lawal shall be active governor and shall be acting Governor and shall be back from vacation September 6th 2024”.
The House also during the plenary swore in Mrs. Taiwo Muraina-Akinola, formerly the deputy Clerk as the substantive Clerk of the House.
Her swearing in as the new clerk of the house follows her recommendation by the House of Assembly Commission.
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed his condolences to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, and the Olubadan-in-Council over the death of the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe, who died on Wednesday.
Governor Makinde, while describing the late Oba as a charismatic personality who will be missed by the people of Ibadan and Oyo state, commiserated with the immediate family of the royal father and the people of the metropolis.
He prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the Oba, while also granting his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
He said: “I express my condolences to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, and the Olubadan-in-Council on the demise of Oba Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe, the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland.
“Oba Adebimpe was a charismatic royal father, who will be missed by everyone. I pray to God to grant repose to his soul and grant the family members the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Towards the strategic implementation of a Blueprint for the social , economic development of Ogbomosoland, Ogbomoso Sons and Daughters in North America will host Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde, Soun of Ogbomosoland His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandhi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege 111 at their General Convention scheduled to take place in Atlanta from July 26th- 27th.
According to the President of the Ogbomoso Sons and Daughters in North America Omo Oba Mathew Akintade Oladele” We have specially invited Oyo State Governor his Excellence Engineer Seyi Makinde, His Majesty Oba Ghandhi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege 111 to the Convention of Ogbomoso Sons and Daughters in North America to lend support to our strategic Blueprint for the social, economic development of our great town .
“As Sons and Daughters of Ogbomoso in North America, we are totally committed to the growth of our town and Oyo state in general. We cannot wait for Government to do it alone, so we have created a road map which requires the buy-in of the Government, his Majesty’s Royal blessing and the support of every member of our of great Association.”
He added: ” Since his Majesty attained the throne of his forebears, he has displayed uncommon passion, commitment, courage and zeal towards the development of our town.
“As people in the diaspora, we are leading by example by replicating what we are doing in America back home. Kabiyesi who lived for so many years in America understands the dynamics of partnership between the state, private sector and patriotic individuals to bring about the long awaited development of our town.
“Ogbomoso is not just strategically located, but blessed with both rich natural and human resources which can change the economy landscape of Oyo state and the country at large. Ogbomoso people are great entrepreneurs, so it’s time to harness our business potentials and resources for the greater good of our people.”
Ogbomoso which was founded in the 17th century is the third largest city in the South West after Lagos and Ibadan with over 275 towns under the rulership of the Soun of Ogbomosoland.
The town is a centre of commerce and agric and is endowed with special species of mango, cashew and hybrid cassava.
Sir: It was a shock listening to Governor Seyi Makinde on his stand on the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which financially liberated all the local councils from the stranglehold of the state governors.
Makinde, in presenting his opposing view to the judgement, set up two committees to review the judgement and to come up with recommendations.
Although there is nothing wrong in setting up committees by a governor to chart the next cause of action for the development of his state, it’s not only laughable but also ridiculous to see a governor trying to review the verdict of a court whose decision constitutionally binds all.
The last time I checked, the role of a governor in the Nigerian constitution has not been changed from executing the laws that were created by the state’s legislative arm. Interpretation of law is still the responsibility of the judiciary. So, why did the governor believe he could hijack the role of the judiciary by trying to interpret the law after the Supreme Court had made its final judgement on the issue of LG financial autonomy known? Was the governor proposing to challenge the decision of the apex court?
Makinde maintained that the judgement created a constitutional lacuna that will throw up different challenges at the local government level. He said that the Supreme Court judgement “is not a silver bullet that will wash away Nigeria’s problems.”
What I understand is that the law is meant to correct abnormally in the land and initiate normality for peace and progress to reign. I think it is incumbent on Mr Governor to clarify his belief that the Supreme Court judgement lacks influence to wash away Nigeria’s problems.
I think it’s imperative to inform the governor that the consequence of his move could be fatal as the constitution frowns at disobedience to court decisions and disrespect for judicial officers.
Here is a note of warning to the elected chairmen and Heads of Local Government administration. Makinde, as governor of Oyo State, enjoys immunity that protects him from being prosecuted while in office. But they (chairmen and LG officials) have no immunity to protect them in case there is misappropriation of LG funds. It’s on this note they need to be very careful in whatever transaction they make in their various local government areas.
The elected chairmen are accounting officers – though they are excluded from signing cheques and vouchers, they authorize all payments – while the Heads of LG administration and the Directors of Finance in the local councils are signatories to the accounts of the LGs. These people should understand that if there’s any attempt to do the governor’s bidding and go against the directive of the Supreme Court, they may face full wrath of the law.
Apart from being protected by immunity, Makinde is never a signatory to the financial transactions of the local councils. He may not have a case to answer if there is any discrepancy or incompatibility between transactions and finances of the local councils. Hence, all the 33 local government chairmen in Oyo State are advised to desist from allowing themselves to be used to undermine the apex court judgment.
Does the governor still believe that the LG councils cannot function well unless they’re under surveillance? The performances of LG chairmen during the time that they depend financially on state governors are yet to be noticed because they (the chairmen) have no freedom to perform their duties to the fullest as a result of financial restrictions designed by the governors. Must the LGAs be left to suffer while the tradition continues?
Enough damage has been done to the LGAs across Nigeria; this is the reason the federal government took it upon itself to fiscally set free the chairmen from the governors’ hold for smooth and unhindered development at the grassroots. The governor should accept the judgement and allow the third tier of government to function without interference.
Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has praised the virtues of the late former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Soji Adagunodo-Oluwatukesi, who passed on to glory a year ago.
He stated that he would do everything to uphold the legacy of the former party chieftain, stating that he would complete the Southwest PDP Secretariat project named after the late politician within the next few months.
Governor Makinde stated this during a brief remembrance event held in honour of the former Southwest-PDP chairman at the Soji Adagunodo PDP Southwest Secretariat, Olaogun area, Ibadan.
At the event attended by family members, political associates, and PDP chieftains, the governor comforted the immediate family of Hon. Adagunodo, charging them to take solace in the fact that their loved one is resting in the bosom of the Lord.
He said: “I just want to thank God that our brother is in a good place, resting. I knew what he had to face towards the end. I know for sure that he is not experiencing any pain where he is and we bless the name of God for that.
“I am glad because it has been one year and we can still see the family together. We can still see the commitment to hold the family together. I say thank you, madam, for doing that on behalf of my brother.
“For some people, within one year of passing, the centre may not hold anymore. So, it is a demonstration and testimonial to how my brother handled the home front. Some people in politics do get carried away and the home front means nothing to them. They forget that when something happens on the political front, they fall back on the home front. So, I want to encourage you to keep looking at the family.
“I was looking forward to the first anniversary and I thought we would open this edifice but God said no. Within the next month, I will be coming here every week until the end of August. I like to encourage both SOJ’s immediate family and the political dynasty to continue to participate in the politics of our zone, not just in Osun State but also in Oyo State and the southwest.”
Also in their separate tributes, the Ogun State PDP chairman, Mr Sikiru Ogundele; PDP Southwest Youth Leader, Seyi Bamidele and the PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 election in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, all described the late Adagunodo as a patriotic and outstanding leader, who served the party diligently.
They added that he would always be remembered for his good deeds.
Speaking on behalf of the Adagunodo family, one of the sons of the deceased, Mr Soji Adagunodo Jr, appreciated the magnanimity of Governor Makinde towards the family since the demise of their beloved father.
The highlight of the event was a minute silence for the soul of the late politician as well as the inspection of the Adagunodo PDP Southwest Secretariat.
Recall that Governor Makinde named the building after the late Adagunodo during a commendation service held in honour a year ago.
Also in attendance at the event were the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; South-West PDP chairman, Chief Kamorudeen Ajisafe, and members of the Adagunodo family.
Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Elepe of Epe, Sagamu, Oba Wale Osiberu, Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Afolayan, Nigeria’s first female Senior Advocate, Chief Folake Solanke are among top dignitaries who poured encomiums on what they described as the glowing legacies of the former governor of Ekiti state Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu.
The event was the 68th posthumous birthday celebration of the late legal luminary and former chairman of the Southern Governors Forum of Nigeria.
The dignitaries who attended the events from all walks of life including family members, relatives, friends, old schoolmates, colleagues, professional associates, and partners among others said they are missing the late former governor for all his virtues and values.
The organisers under the aegis of Friends of Aketi (FOA) treated guests to varieties of fun, which they said represented the social and cheerful lifestyle of Aketi.
The event also so the public presentation of a book written in honour of the late governor, entitled “The Essential Aketi.”
It was also attended by Aketi’s widow, Betty, his children, his younger brothers, Wole, members of his immediate and extended family, political partners, and others.
Chairman of the planning committee, the Elepe of Epe, Shagamu, Ogun State, Oba Wale Osiberu said the Friends of Aketi saw the need to pay their last respect to their beloved friends as they could not be much involved in the burial when he died last year.
He said the friends saw the need to celebrate Aketi whom he described as “a great man”
He said: “A friend. He was a great man. He was a good man. We all came together as friends to say there was a need for us to celebrate him. When he was being buried, it was a state burial and as such we felt we could not really participate that much. Most of the things we wanted to do then had been done and were being planned by the state and the family.
“So we now said wait, let’s do some things after the burial and that was why we decided to come up with a book in his honour. It’s not necessarily the real book as such, photographs, writings, different things, speeches, and all that. We did this so that people can always remember him when they are always in their living rooms or offices.
“We (FOA) are all the authors of the book. You know everybody, all friends of Aketi. You can’t say there is somebody who is not an author. You know, if you look at the book it’s a compilation of different things and it was inspired, I mean we all came together as friends of Aketi.
“We want to immortalize him, that’s what we are trying to do. We are going to sit down, maybe after this and start planning the next thing to do, you know but definitely he’s somebody we will never forget and we will keep him living, you know and that’s the way it’s going to be.”
He said in the next two years, the friends are coming out in a bigger way to celebrate late Aketi on his 70th posthumous birthday.
Speaking, Governor Makinde who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Fola Oyekunle said the late Akeredolu’s leadership role in driving other governors in the Southwest birthed the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Operation Amotekun in the face of heightened insecurity in the region.
Noting that the impact of the former governor resonated beyond bothers, Makinde said his philanthropic gesture and legacies cannot go unnoticed.
In their separate remarks, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state who was represented by his deputy Olayide Adelami, Governor Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) who was represented by Taiwo Olatubosun, also lauded the deceased governor for his various feats and legacies which they said remained a huge motivation for the region.
Also speaking, the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Folake Solanke who described herself as the professional mother of late Akeredolu expressed pride to be so called.
Recounting her first encounter with the young Akeredolu in 1981, she said their first interaction didn’t leave any doubt in her as to whether he would succeed in the profession or not. She said up until his death, she kept monitoring the late governor’s career progression, in all spheres adding that he also brought him so much pride, as a professional mother.
Other speakers including, the President of African Development Bank, Dr Akinwunmi Adeshina, Head, Olujimi and Akeredolu Chambers who also doubles as the Chairman, Ibadan Branch, Nigeria Bar Association, Ibrahim Lawal said with Alwti, there was no dull moment.
He recounted that Aketi was fond of giving nicknames to almost everyone he met, and noted that death was a dark cloud and a great blow to every member of the chamber.
He disclosed that the chamber and staff had put together a financial endowment at the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University to be awarded to the best-graduating student and to be given at every graduation.
Other close friends, partners, and old schoolmates among others also shared fond memories and encounters with the late Aketi from his school days up to his professional and political years which made the guest burst into laughter.
The high point of the event was the cutting of the posthumous birthday cake and public presentation of the book to the admiration and applause of the guests who were treated to good music, stage play, and multi-media presentations.
A group, Ibadan Concerned Youths Movement (ICYM), has described those causing disunity among Governor Seyi Makinde, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja and the Aare-Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland, Olooye Taofeek Adegoke as political jobbers.
The group urged Ibadan sons and daughters home and abroad to ignore the political jobbers trying to soil the mutual relationships between the trio.
A statement by the Chairman of the group, Chief Omololu Ajani, claimed Chief Adegoke is known for always striving for peace and progress of Ibadanland.
The group described a statement by a group alleging the President of the Jericho Businessmen Club (JBC) that he wanted to use Oyo State Chieftaincy Gazette to cause disunity between Governor Seyi Makinde and High Chief Rashidi Ladoja as mere fallacy, uncoordinated and cheap means of attracting undue publicity.
The group said Adegoke is renowned for always striving to ensure the unity of Ibadanland and would not work for the division or confusion among the leaders in Ibadanland.
“Those who did the hatchet jobs have also showed their immaturity, inexperience and shallow minds as there is nothing in the sponsored story to buttress the allegation that Adegoke is trying to cause division within Ibadanland.
“The political jobbers who definitely had ulterior motive behind their dirty job failed woefully to link any particular phrase or quote from Chief Adegoke to buttress their assertion that he is trying to use the New Olubadan Gazette to cause confusion between Governor Makinde and Senator Ladoja,” it said.
It added: “We could recall that recently when Olooye Adegoke emerged the President of the Jericho Businessmen Club, what he hammered on in his acceptance speech was the progress and development of Ibadanland.
“We have painstakingly watch this Ibadan Chief over the years and we have seen that he loves Ibadanland and its people. He has helped the poor and the needy and no one can rubbish his good deeds as he has also created jobs for many residents of the ancient city.
“We want to use this medium to respectfully ask Gov Makinde and Chief Ladoja to ignore the ranting of these political jobbers. Ibadan Indigenes are brothers and nobody should use politics to divide our leaders.
“Otun Olubadan is a father to all while Engr Seyi Makinde is also a Governor to all irrespective of religion or political affiliations. Nobody can cause disaffection between Governor Seyi Makinde, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja and Aare-Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland, Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke”.
