Tag: Makinde

…sets up a review committee

Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde on Monday, July 15, summoned an emergency stakeholders’ consultative meeting of various interest groups to think on the way forward on the recent ruling of the Supreme Court which granted financial autonomy to local government areas in the country.

The governor who also set up two committees; technical and legal committees to review the apex court judgment expressed displeasure at what he referred to as a “lacuna” that existed in the court decision.

Addressing the stakeholders before a closed-door session with the members of the committee at the executive chamber of the Governor’s office, Agodi State Secretariat, Governor Makinde said the stakeholders’ engagement was to discuss the decision of the Supreme Court as it concerns financial autonomy for the local government Councils.

The committee was given four weeks to present her report to the government.

Some of the stakeholders who attended the meeting include members of the Oyo state chapter, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), the Attorney General of the state and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Abiodun Aikomo, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo, and Chairman House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

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Others in attendance are representatives of the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), and Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) among others.

While lamenting the challenges the Supreme Court judgement portends for state government, Makinde insisted that the problem confronting the nation was not how to share money but how to become more productive and create economic prosperity, noting that before his administration came on board, leave bonuses were last paid in 2017.

He added that his administration also paid that of 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 while highlighting some of the efforts to deliver good governance at the grassroots.

He maintained that Primary health care facilities, and inner roads among others were all in bad shape and that he has continuously worked collaboratively with the LGs to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

Makinde said: “Let me thank you all for joining this important consultative meeting. I want us to discuss the decision of the Supreme Court as it concerns the financial autonomy of the local government councils.

“I believe a lacuna has been created between the decision and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We all swore to uphold the constitution but the law is the law. If the law is in conflict, it behoves us to look for our home-grown solution that can ensure that we have transparency and operate with our people. This is because when two elephants are fighting, the grass will suffer.

“Let me also recall that since the beginning of this administration, we have conducted two local government elections and I dare to say ‘did I not tell you’? When I was sworn in, I dissolved the local government. The Supreme Court just basically said to us that governors don’t have the right to dissolve the councils but why did I dissolve them then?

“It was because elections were held into the LCDAs and the same Supreme Court has now said that only 774 LGAs are in Nigeria. So, there is confusion in the land, but when you have confusion, what it means is that the structure is shaking and we have to remove much of that confusion as much as possible.

“So, we will be outlining the major challenges we have at the local government areas so that we can develop our own solution. And the challenges if addressed, will ensure that we have a seamless implementation of the process that can allow Oyo State to continue to grow.”

He said further, “On the issue of LG elections in Oyo State, we don’t have caretaker committees at the local level. We planned the elections in a way that not a single day was given out. We have a responsible government in Oyo State, we don’t need the federal government to tell us what to do. We know what is good and we know what is good for our people.

“Go back a little bit, what we inherited as an administration in 2019 was a local government system that was owing backlog of salaries, gratuities, and pensions. I am saying this because Oyo State will get out of this even stronger. We are people that know what is good for our people. We can run our affairs by ourselves. The FG is not superior constitutionally to the state government though they have more resources than the states. So, we can do what is right in Oyo State and we have been doing what is right.

“For the primary school teachers, the Chairman of NUT is here. Before we came in, leave bonuses were last paid in 2017 and we paid that in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The Primary healthcare facilities and inner roads were all in bad shape. We have been working collaboratively with the LGs to deliver dividends of democracy to our people.

“We were able to clear those salary arrears. We paid N18bn in pension and gratuities over these periods. We upgraded about 209 PHCs, equipped about 264, and completed 60 model schools. We constructed and renovated hundreds of primary school classrooms and fixed some inner roads but there are still challenges that we have to address. We still have a backlog of gratuities and pensions.

“The local government is owing about N55bn in pension and gratuities. We are developing infrastructure that would push the economy and raise the living standard of their people and push their economy towards sustainable goals.

“But for us, at that time, our priority was not to deploy resources. What I am hearing right now is that our problem is not also money but how to share it. But I insist that our problem is not how to share money but how to bake a bigger cake and bring our people out of hunger and poverty and stop the anger in the land.

“Our people do not care if the road is fixed by the FG or the state government or the LG. They just want to see good roads. An example is the Oyo-Iseyin road through Fasola, which is a federal government road but the state government fixed it and I have the letter for the FG when I wrote it for approval. It is a critical road to the Oyo State economy.

“I believe it is our problem irrespective of what they are doing at the federal level. We know what is important to the lives of our own people here in Oyo State. I learnt FAAC is tomorrow (Tuesday) and all of you can come. We will delay the implementation for the next ninety days, which is three FAACs from now. They will still pay the money into the JAAC account.

“You make the law, you break it. So, the law is at your own peril. That is not how to run a country. If you make the law, let us all obey the law. For us in Oyo State, we can solve our own problems, deal with our situation, and prioritize our people. Our pass mark is to discuss among ourselves and whatever we agree upon.

“I am not saying things should not be transparent at the local government level but it is a distraction to say this is the magic bullet that will wash away our problems. NULGE is here, NUP, NUT, and others are here. So, let us sit down and discuss and fashion out our own way out of this issue”, Governor Makinde added.

Briefing newsmen at the Briefing Room of the Governor’s Office, after the closed-door meeting, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Abiodun Aikomo, and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo explained that the two newly set up committees have been tasked with the responsibility of reviewing the specifics of the Supreme Court ruling and proposing a detailed implementation plan that adheres to both constitutional requirements and practical considerations in the best interest of the people.

Aikomo also added that the mandate of the committees includes reviewing and recommending new frameworks for implementation of the financial autonomy and identifying potential challenges and solutions.

Barrister Aikomo noted that the committees have been given between four to six weeks to conclude the review of the ruling and come up with recommendations, however, said that as of press time, the state was yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court Judgement

While noting that the Supreme Court judgment has created a Lacuna, he said legal experts have been asked to look at it stressing that Governor Makinde, being a proactive leader, has decided to call the emergency consultative stakeholders meeting to fashion out a lasting solution in the best interest of the people of the state.

The Oyo state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has berated Governor Seyi Makinde over his condemnation of the Supreme Court’s judgement on local government autonomy.

This followed Makinde’s stands against the Apex Court’s verdict delivered last week which stopped state governors from mismanaging funds belonging to the local government councils in the country.

In a move described as necessary to wean the 774 local government councils in the country from the 36 state governors, President Tinubu had reportedly instructed the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, to approach the Supreme Court on the need to put a stop to the practice whereby governors dictated to officials on the management and utilization of funds accrued to the third tier of government and this effort yielded the desired fruits last Wednesday when the Court ruled that it was illegal for governors to cage the local government councils.

A statement by Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare urged Governor Makinde to desist from actions and utterances capable of portraying the Pacesetter state in bad light in the face of the global community as well as those work assiduously for Nigeria to get it right in the area of functional democracy.

APC also called on Makinde to adherence to the dictates of the rule of law and delivery of good governance to the citizenry.

Sadare said: “Governor Makinde’s outburst in a video which went viral at the weekend gave him out as selfish, clueless and anti-people since the same judgement he was protesting had received the wide applause of the generality of the people across the country and even beyond.

“As a matter of fact, the latest judgement has consolidated the verdict of the same Apex Court which had found Gov. Makinde guilty as charged in Ajuwon & Ors vs Governor of Oyo state (2021) otherwise known as the Oyo ALGON case).

“He (Makinde) was dragged to court over a breach of the constitution as it concerned local government administration and the court found him guilty.

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“Governor Makinde did not, at any time, hide his opposition to the popular campaign for local government autonomy because he is Chief among the current state governors who feed fat on the financial resources of the third tier of government in the name of Joint Account arrangement.

“Allocations and Internally Generated Revenue of the 33 LGAs in Oyo state running into trillions of naira since May 2019 cannot be accounted for. After payment of workers’ salaries, Gov. Makinde would be the one to dictate what to do with the balance and this has been the case for about 61 months.

“Sad enough, many people were stunned when Gov. Makinde described the Apex Court’s verdict as a distraction even as he heaped the blame of hunger and anger in the land on the Tinubu administration.

“The question on the lips of the discerning minds now is; “why blame lack of productivity and food crisis on a 13 months-old Tinubu administration when you that have been in power for over 61 months cannot lay claim to any visible achievement in agriculture and other key sectors of the economy?”

“As a matter of fact, we had cases of looting of government-owned livestock and farm produce by the PDP elements in some local government councils immediately they came into power in 2019 while the governor himself cannot account for many loans taken for the purpose of developing the agricultural sector in the state.

“Now that Gov. Makinde has almost succeeded in bringing virtually every critical institution in the state especially the Legislative Arm, Labour and Traditional institution under his authority, je should be told in clear terms that the Presidency and Supreme Court cannot be desecrated by anyone irrespective of his status in the society.

“Nigeria is operating a constitutional democracy which requires all citizens including governors to respect the nation’s Constitution as well as the rights of other citizens and authorities. Gov. Makinde can mourn his loss of grip on the treasury of the 33 LGAs in Oyo state without making any attempt to drag President Tinubu and the Judiciary in the mud.”

Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has described the Supreme Court’s judgement on local government autonomy as a distraction.

The Governor said this when he hosted the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) executives, led by national president Chief Chris Isiguzo, at the secretariat, Ibadan.
He called on his colleagues to focus on productivity rather than being distracted by the Supreme Court judgement.

He said: “There was a judgement at the Supreme Court, local government automony, financial autonomy and i will still say it I think its just a distraction.

“We must face the real issues that we have, and the issue that we have is that we are not producing enough, we are not productive.

“Whatever it is we are sharing in Abuja, which is what this FAAC is all about or whatever is in Abuja share it with the local governments, is that our problem?

“Maybe it is a part of the problem but yes you what to have value for what you want to share, but our rela problem is productivity.

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“But now this is going to be the discussion for the next one month when issue of hunger and anger in the land will still be under the table, it’s a big issue.

“The federal government is saying we have to import food, it’s a big shame, it’s a big shame on this country that we cannot feed ourselves.

“And then we are saying we should go back to those things that will allow us to bring confidence back to our people, and to ensure that this country is back on the path of growth and progress.”

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will today inaugurate 33 kilometres inner roads rehabilitated in Ibadan.

The roads are parts of the 84.7 kilometres Ibadan inner roads awarded by the state government last December.

The roads to be inaugurated by the governor include the Iyaganku-Seventh Day-Oke Bola Junction and Olubadan Stadium Junction-Vale College-NUJ Press Centre Junction with a spur to Total Filling Station-Radio Nigeria-Kobiowu Estate-Akinyemi Junction-Ring Road (3.85km), the dualised Mile 110-Mobil (Ring Road)-Challenge Road (8.50km), the dualised Bus Stop Agodi Gate-Oje-Beere-Oja’ba-Molete Under Bridge (10.80km) and Oke Adu-Ode Aje-Aremo-Orita Aperin Road (3.50km).

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Others are Idi Arere-Kudeti-Eleta-Idi Aro-Labo Junction-Orita Aperin Road (2.80km), Idi Arere-Popo Yemoja Road-Oke Ado-Molete Road (1.40km) and Oke Ado-Tribune-Imalefalafia-Ososami-Iyana Adeoyo Junction-Ring Road (2.15km).

Despite the torrential rain, dignitaries, residents of Ibadanland on Wednesday turned out in large number to witness and participate at the commissioning of the ultra modern palace for the Olubadan.

Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Chief Bode Amao, members of the Olubadan-in-Council led other dignitaries from all walks of life to the event.

Oba Olakulehin was represented by the Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe who presented a speech on his behalf.

The Nation reports that the Olubadan-designate has been in seclusion ahead of the Friday coronation as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Former Oyo Governor, who is also a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, Senator Rashidi Ladoja was absent at the event.

The new structure is the second but newest modern Palace to be inhabited by the Olubadan located at the Oke Aremo area of the capital city.

The completion of the project and its official commissioning brings to an end the project that started almost a decade ago.

Oba Olakulehin will be the first Olubadan to reside in the palace as plans have been concluded for him to move into the property immediate after his coronation on Friday.

The Nation reports that the first ultra modern Olubadan Palace situated at Oja’ba was constructed and commissioned over four decades ago.

But lack of space and other logistics challenges necessitated the construction of another Palace which was hugely facilitated by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene (CCII).

Speaking at the Commissioning, Makinde thanked every indigene who had contributed to make the project a reality.

He thanked his predecessor in office, late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi for taking the bold step that set the project in motion.

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He said the second phase of the palace project will see to the renovation of the Bowers Tower, to attract tourist to visit the palace and the state, adding that he will expand the economy of the state through tourism.

He added that a maintenance mechanism to ensure the palace is well maintained has also been put in place with monthly contributions expected from the 11 local government areas in Ibadan.

Makinde said: “This palace, we have put in place a maintenance system b3caueevwhat usually affects project as like is poor maintenance and we have as ked the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland to bring something every month to maintain the palace.

“The nearby Bowers Tower, we will fix it because tourism is one ofbthe things we would use to expand our economy and that will be part of the second phase of this project.

“I thank all those who have put innefforts that culminate in this palace today,, but there are two people I want to thank specifically for their roles and effort in actualisation this project.

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“First, I want to thank my predecessor in office, late former governor Abiola Ajimobi. He was bold in his action by kickstartjng the process..

“The second person I want to thank is Chief Bode Amao. He contributed so much in all areas and I recognise that he is an asset to Oyo stateband Nigeria as a whole.

“For all Ibadan indigenes who contributed to the success and actualisation of this project, I thank you all.

Oba Olakulehin said the idea of the palace was conceived nine years ago during the time of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Olakulehin, who was represented by Oba Lateef Adebimpe, noted that former Governor Rashidi Ladoja gave approval of the allocation of land for the Palace.

He said the story of the palace will not be complete without appreciating effort of governor Makinde, adding that Ibadan will remain greatful for the effort of the governor towards the completion of the project.

He however said no palace in Southwest can compete with the newly commissioned palace

Some of the dignitaries who attended the event include: Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; Secretary to State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; Oyo Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin who was represented by his Deputy among other top government functionaries.

The list also include Ex-First Lady, Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarunmi; Chief Adebayo Akande and his wife, Chief Mrs Onikepo, former and serving Presidents General of the CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, Senator Kola Baolgun, former Minister of Sports, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, among others.

Governor Seyi Makinde has arrived at Oke Aremo Palace of the Olubadan.

He arrived in the company of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, and his Olori.

The arrival signals the official commencement of the ceremony.

The new structure is the second but newest modern Palace to be inhabited by the Olubadan.

The completion of the project and its official commissioning brings to an end the project that started more than a decade ago.

The Nation reports that the first ultra-modern Olubadan Palace situated at Oja’ba was constructed and commissioned over four decades ago.

But lack of space and other logistics challenges necessitated the construction of another Palace which was hugely facilitated by the CCII.

The land where the new Palace is situated was approved during the administration of Chief Kolapo Ishola while further extension was done during the regime of Ex-Governor Rashid Ladoja.

The first grand breaking of the Palace Construction was done during the Administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who equally supported the commencement of the construction from scratch.

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But the commitment of Governor Makinde among other notable prominent indigenes of Ibadan in ensuring speedy completion of the new Olubadan Palace located at Oke Aremo, Ibadan has been hugely commended by all stakeholders, saying history will not forget the governor’s effort towards completion of the palace.

The likes of Compound heads under the aegis of the Association of Ibadan Mogajis, Ibadan Chiefs, and the Central Council have commended the Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his commitment to ensuring the speedy completion.

They expressed joy that at last, the highly respected traditional institution of Ibadanland will once again have a decent Palace.

A former governor of Oyo state, Rashidi Ladoja, was on Wednesday, July 10, absent at the commissioning of the new ultra-modern Olubadan palace, Oke-Aremo.

Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo state and a prominent Ibadan elder was expected to be in attendance at the event, given his stature and influence in the state.

His absence has been interpreted by some as a snub to the current administration, while others believe it may be due to personal reasons.

His absence has sparked a debate about the politics of exclusion and the need for unity among stakeholders in the state.

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The commissioning of the new Olubadan palace is a significant milestone in the history of Ibadan, and Ladoja’s absence has been widely discussed.

Many have expressed dismay at his non-attendance, while others have praised his decision to stay away from what they describe as a politically motivated event.

Despite Ladoja’s absence, the commissioning ceremony was a success, with Governor Seyi Makinde and other dignitaries in attendance.

The new Olubadan palace is a testament to the progress and development of Ibadanland, and it is hoped that it will serve as a symbol of unity and progress for the city and its people.

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the demise of a House of Representatives member, Mr Olaide Akinremi, as shocking and a great loss to the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the news of the death of Akinremi representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber was announced on Wednesday morning.

NAN also reports that the two-term All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science Research Institutes, died in an Abuja hospital during a brief illness.

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Makinde, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade, said that Akinremi’s death was a great loss to the state.

The governor, who prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased, ordered that flags be flown at half-mast across the state in honour of the late lawmaker.

(NAN)

Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed condolences to the deputy national chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taofeek Arapaja, over the death of his mother, Alhaja Limotalai Arapaja.

The governor, who commiserated with the former deputy governor and his family, prayed to God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

He also prayed to Allah SWT to grant Mama Aljana Firdausi.

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According to the governor, though Mama lived up to 95, no one would want any loved one to die, saying that Arapaja and the family must take solace in the fact that Alhaja lived a good life and left great legacies that can be seen in her children.

He charged the PDP deputy national chairman and his siblings to continue on the good path Mama laid their feet on, noting that she would be fulfilled when those she left behind continue to do good and fly high in different endeavours.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the coronation and presentation of staff of office to three monarchs.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, made the disclosure in a statement yesterday.

He gave the names of the traditional rulers to include: Oba Sakiru Oyewole Akanni Oyelere, the Onifiditi of Fiditi, who will be presented with the staff of office and coronated on July 3.

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On July 5, Oba Cornelius Abiola Taiwo Oladokun will be coronated and presented with the staff of office as the Alaawe of Awe.

While the coronation of the Elempe of Tapa, Oba Titiloye Oyekanmi Sunday, will take place on July 8, and he will be presented with the staff of office

The Seyi Makinde administration has since inception five years ago installed and coronated more than 30 Obas and Baales across the state.