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Tag: Ogun state

  • 19-year-old drowns in Ogun abandoned quarry pool

    19-year-old drowns in Ogun abandoned quarry pool

    • Police, local divers launch rescue operations

    A 19-YEAR-OLD boy identified as Oluwaferanmi Olasupo has drowned at an abandoned quarry pool near Eseke Village in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State.

    The tragic incident occurred on February 21, 2025 when the boy and his friends went to the pool to swim but got drowned in the process.

    Although, some local divers were assembled and mobilised to the pool site shortly after the drowning incident, the rescue efforts were postponed till Saturday due to poor visibility as night fell.

    In the mean time, the Divisional Police Officer, Odeda has launched an investigation and search operation, police spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, said in a statement, adding that the victim was an inexperienced swimmer.

    CSP Odutola said the boy’s grandfather, Olaseinde Sunday, reported the incident to the police at about 6:39 pm, afterhe was informed about it by villagers.

    “According reports, the victim, an inexperienced swimmer, had gone to the quarry site with friends to swim when he got drowned.

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    “His grandfather, Olaseinde Sunday, reported the incident to the police at about 6:39 PM, after being informed by villagers.

    “Immediately the divisional police officer received the report, he detailed his detectives to swiftly mobilise to the scene to rescue the victim.

    “However, due to poor visibility as night fell, rescue efforts were postponed.

    “Local divers have been contacted to assist in retrieving the body, and the search will resume at dawn.

    “Meanwhile, the victim’s friends, who were present at the scene, fled and are currently in hiding.

    “Authorities have instructed their parents to produce them for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.

    “This unfortunate incident underscores the dangers of swimming in unsecured water bodies, particularly abandoned quarry sites.

    “Authorities urge the public to exercise caution and avoid such hazardous areas.

    “Further updates on the search efforts will be communicated as more information becomes available,” she stated.

  • Police advisory

    Police advisory

    The Ogun State Police Command has advised the public, especially those who lost their vehicles/motorcycles to theft or left abandoned around the city to report at Warewa, Ogbere and Adatan Divisional Headquarters for identification and claims within 14 days.

    • Warewa vehicles: One Mazda bus with registered number FKJ 317 XC;one Toyota Hiace Libra bus with number EPE 166XF; one Toyota Tercel car with no APP 465 DL and one unregistered Ford Explorer.

    • Motorcycles:One Honda with no SRA 617 UV and one unregistered Kuwasaki.

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    • Ogbere vehicles: One Toyota Camry with no GAR 160 LY.

    • Motorcycle: Unregistered Bajaj; one Bajaj with no KNN 961 WI and another Bajaj with no AGL 479 QH.

    • Adatan vehicle: One Nissan Almeria with no 710 XA.

    • Motorcycle: One Honda with no PKA 943 VU, according to Police Public Relations Officer Omolola Odutola.

  • Don’s death: We did no wrong, says Ogun govt

    Don’s death: We did no wrong, says Ogun govt

    The Ogun State government has absolved itself of blame over the death of a resident of Wole Soyinka-Kemta-Idi-Aba-Somorin Road, Prof. Oladipo Ademuyiwa, caused by a reckless hit-and-run driver.

    The government noted that it was unfair for anyone to blame it for the death of the professor.

    In a statement, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the governor, Kayode Akinmade, regretted that the same residents were blaming the government when the road was in a terrible state.

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    The statement stated that the 7.3 km road is one of over 700 kilometres of roads rehabilitated or constructed by the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration, pointing out that apart from providing infrastructure in line with international standards, speed breakers and other safety measures were also installed to protect road users and their properties and check reckless driving on the road.

    It has been established that Ademuyiwa was knocked down by a reckless driver who did not comply with traffic rules and regulations.

  • Teaching, non-teaching staff undergo promotion interview in Ogun

    Teaching, non-teaching staff undergo promotion interview in Ogun

    Over 5000 eligible teaching and non-teaching staff in secondary schools across the four divisions of Ogun State, have undergone oral promotion interview in anticipation to be elevated to higher levels.

     Speaking at the end of the 3-days promotion exercises for year 2023/2024, Commissioner II in the State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Moruf Adesegun, who led the interview panel in Ijebu Division, stated that the participants displayed high sense of responsibility in the test of their knowledge, skill, attitude and dressing.

     A statement jointly signed by Tope Adewunmi and Waliyat Odemakin, Information and Public Relations Officers, TESCOM, said Adesegun noted that the State workforce was known for excellence across the world.

    ”It is a thing of joy to say that our teaching and non-teaching staff in the State did well while assessing them, they have demonstrated their worth as qualified staff in their various fields,” he said.

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    Adesegun assured that Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration would continue to enhance teaching and create a conducive learning environment in schools across the State.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner IV in the Commission,  Ademola Adeleye, who spearheaded the interview team in Yewa Division, described the promotion exercise as a call to higher responsibility for the candidates, admonishing them to serve as role models to the students in their attitude and dressing, while admonishing them to acquire more knowledge.

  • Missing 76-year-old man found dead in Ogun forest

    Missing 76-year-old man found dead in Ogun forest

    The body of 76-year-old Pa Sikiru Olatunji has been found in a Imasayi forest in Yewa North Local Government of Ogun State, barely four days after he was declared missing.

    Pa Olatunji was declared missing February 8, but his remains were later discovered in a forest about one and a half kilometres from Wasinmi Abule Maria, Balogun Village in Yewa North.

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ogun State Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police,  Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the discovery said: “No clue yet” on the cause of death.

    CSP Odutola said the deceased was found lying face up with his cutlass by his side without sign of violence.

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    “The discovery was made known following an extensive bush-clearing and a coordinated search by police officers from Imasayi Division, assisted by Amotekun operatives, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), the Baale, and hunters.

    “Following the recovery, the deceased’s family requested and was granted custody of the body for burial. However, the police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and are soliciting useful information from the public to aid their inquiry.

    “The Ogun State Police Command urges anyone with relevant details to come forward and assist in ensuring a thorough investigation,” PPRO said.

  • The Ogun State ‘Baale’ who ‘owns’ the Police

    The Ogun State ‘Baale’ who ‘owns’ the Police

    Across Yorubaland, there are Obas who reign over kingdoms and Baales who hold lordships over smaller territories, often under the authority of an Oba. It is customary for these Obas and Baales to embody the great virtues of an Omoluwabi—the Yoruba ideal of a well-mannered, morally upright individual. However, as with every rule, there are exceptions. A former Baale, whose shocking mistreatment of an elderly man recently went viral on social media, appears to be one of these rare exceptions.

    Before January 2025, when he decided to publicly strip himself of any pretense of dignity by exposing the arrogance with which he controls his small fiefdom, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, the Orile Ifo, was largely unknown. Despite his boastful claims of having the power to kill, maim, and destroy, Ogunjobi was a bully, albeit an anonymous one. A retired police officer, Sergeant Ogunjobi was one of the many hamlet Baales elevated to the position of kingship purely for political expediency during the tenure of Ibikunle Amosun as governor of Ogun State, rather than for any notable socio-political or traditional reasons.

    I must admit, from the outset, that the cherished cultural and traditional values that the Yoruba people hold dear are being eroded by the actions and inactions of powerful political figures in the region. Were it not for their penchant for exploiting everything for political gain, characters like Ogunjobi, with their utter lack of substance, would never have risen beyond the status of village ruffians. But, alas, he became a king, adorned with all the symbols of office and accompanied by a coterie of sycophants.

    Before delving further, let me take a moment to discuss the significance of Yoruba culture, language, and traditions. The Yoruba are a tightly-knit people primarily located in the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria, though their roots extend beyond the nation’s borders, reaching as far as Brazil. A key distinguishing factor among the Yoruba is the concept of Omoluwabi, which demands that one exhibits the traits of a well-trained individual, not only in the manner in which we interact with each other but also in personal conduct. This concept, passed down through generations, embodies the ideals of good character, moral excellence, and virtuous living. Omoluwabi refers to a person of integrity, respect, responsibility, humility, self-discipline, and empathy. It is an essential philosophy that encourages individuals to lead lives of integrity and responsibility, and it is the bedrock of Yoruba tradition. The Omoluwabi culture plays a vital role in fostering strong, harmonious communities.

    Equally significant in Yoruba culture is the honorific nature of their language. Yoruba speech is structured with a complex system of address forms and speech levels that convey respect, deference, and social hierarchy. It is common to see members of the community reprimanding those who step out of line by addressing elders disrespectfully. This respect is not about power, influence, or wealth; rather, it is the Yoruba way of enforcing humility, irrespective of one’s status. A prime example of this reverence for elders can be seen in the uproar that followed the way Fuji music maestro King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall addressed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a recent viral video. While I digress, one could also mention the “Ganusi” controversy, though it is largely a product of a musician pushing an unnecessary narrative.

    Of note is the vital role language plays in showing respect, especially when interacting with elders, royalty, or those of higher social status in Yoruba culture. The language is rich in various polite expressions, honorifics, and formalities designed to show respect and maintain social harmony. Words and phrases differ depending on the person’s social standing, with distinct pronouns, verb conjugations, and honorific suffixes employed to convey deference. The language’s nuanced complexity reflects the Yoruba people’s core cultural values of respect and humility, and mastering these forms of speech is essential for effective communication.

    This brings us back to Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, whose actions have been a stark contrast to the values I have just discussed. The disgraceful treatment he meted out to Chief Abraham Areola, a 73-year-old subject, is a deplorable reflection of the king’s utter lack of respect for his elders. The video that went viral, which ultimately led to the intervention of the Ogun State Government, shows Ogunjobi humiliating Areola as the elderly man knelt on a busy road. Initially, one might have mistaken the video for one of the many mindless skits circulated by fame-seeking Nigerians. But as Oba Ogunjobi ranted, spouted ancestral curses, and boasted about his ability to make people “disappear,” it became clear this was a real-life incident unfolding in Orile Ifo, Ifo Local Government of Ogun State.

    Despite Areola’s pleas to be allowed to go home and return later to resolve a chieftaincy dispute, Ogunjobi continued his verbal assault. Worse still, one of his aides slapped Areola and forced him to roll in the dirt. It was an utterly shocking scene, especially in 2025 Nigeria. Ogunjobi’s hateful words included: “Die if you want to die. We will bury you, and nobody will know. The entire Ifo land belongs to me. I will send you to prison. I own the entire Nigeria Police Force. I will send you to prison.”

    It is difficult to comprehend that a figure of royalty, who should be held in the highest esteem, has so thoroughly debased himself and the stool he occupies. While it is not surprising, given the arrogance of many Nigerian elites, that Ogunjobi boasted about controlling the police, it is becoming increasingly disturbing that such claims are being normalised. Recently, a member of the House of Representatives bragged to a Bolt driver about his influence over the Inspector General of Police, and the matter was swept under the rug. Now, Ogunjobi, a low-level retired police officer, claims to “own” the entire Nigeria Police Force, allegedly under the leadership of Kayode Egbetokun. Extraordinary!

    As I write this, it is somewhat reassuring to note that Ogunjobi is reportedly enjoying the comforts of Ilaro Correctional Centre after failing to meet his bail conditions following his arraignment for assault. The irony is that the Yoruba say ‘ori ade ko gbodo sun ita’ which means the royalty should never be seen wandering outside the palace. But this particular royalty has been confined to the four walls of a prison by the same police he claims to own. Pity!

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    However, it is deeply troubling that we have arrived at this point, due in large part to the undue influence of politicians in traditional and cultural matters. In times past, characters like Ogunjobi would never have even been considered for a chieftaincy title, let alone a revered traditional stool. But today, we find ourselves with a troubling array of unqualified individuals—drug barons, political thugs, pastors, all manner of clerics, and moneybags—being thrust into traditional offices for political gain. The consequences of such abuse of power are evident in many parts of Yorubaland.

    Without naming names, we are all aware of several traditional rulers who have sold their dignity to musicians, other traditional leaders, women, and even politicians. Some of these individuals now speak and behave like touts, spewing empty rhetoric while donning the trappings of royalty. Many of them are clueless about what it means to truly uphold the dignity of their office. It is a sad state of affairs, and a direct consequence of a society that elevates the worst among us to positions of honour, without regard for what the gods and traditions have to say. This is why we now have figures like Ogunjobi, who, despite not being a legitimate traditional ruler, arrogantly claims control over the Nigerian Police Force. If this madness continues unchecked, it won’t be long before someone else claims ownership of Aso Rock, and the rest of us will have to contend with such absurdities.

  • Burial for Ogun community leader holds today

    Burial for Ogun community leader holds today

    The family of the late Baale of Ilusin community in Ogun-Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State, Chief Benjamin Awobotu, has announced the burial arrangement for its patriarch and community leader, Otunba Oladapo Awobotu, who died on January 9, 2025.

    He was 71.

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    A statement by the family said a wake keep will hold today at St. Matthias Anglican Church, Ilusin, at 5 p.m., while a funeral service will hold tomorrow at the same church at 10 a.m.

    The statement added that a reception will hold tomorrow at St. Matthias Primary School’s open field in Iusin after the funeral service.

  • Ogun monarch arraigned over assault

    Ogun monarch arraigned over assault

    The Ogun State Police have arraigned the embattled Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Ogun State, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, for allegedly assaulting an elder in public.

    Oba Ogunjobi was arraigned on three-count charge of conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to lead to a breach of peace yesterday.Force spokesman, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Muyiwa Adejobi, said this in his latest social media post, stating that the monarch was charged to court yesterday morning and granted bail afterwards.

    Read Also: Police grill suspended Ogun monarch over public assault, unguarded remarks 

    “The Kabiyesi Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, who assaulted  one elderly man in a viral video, in Ifo Ogun State, has been charged to court today 4th February, 2025, on three-count charge of conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to lead to breach of peace.

    “He was granted bail while the case was adjourned to 06/03/2025. The police will continue to uphold the rule of law and the core values of the noble profession,” Adejobi stated.

  • Ogun rewards physically challenged

    Ogun rewards physically challenged

    Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has presented an award of excellence to a physically challenged member of staff, Mr. Sola Alabede, who beat a dozen of other workers to emerge the most outstanding senior staff of the ministry.

    The ministry said the award was bestowed on Mr. Alabede in recognition of his efficiency and quality service delivery, and urged him to further raise the bar of performance through quality contributions to the reforms in the ministry targeted towards protecting women, children and the vulnerable groups.

    Six other workers were also given various categories of awards.

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    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye, said this yesterday in an interview shortly after the Ministry’s 3-in-1 programme, which featured an annual lecture, award ceremony and new year party, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    She said the moment was a clarion call for the awardees to always aim higher, noting that their achievements served as a reminder that hard work and innovation were not to elevate themselves, but the entire ministry, state and nation at large.

  • Amosun’s bid to scrap TASUED our darkest moment – VC Banjo

    Amosun’s bid to scrap TASUED our darkest moment – VC Banjo

    The Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, on Wednesday, described the spirited bids by Senator Ibikunle Amosun to scrap TASUED as the “darkest moment” in the annals of the first education varsity in the country.

    The Nation reports that TASUED was established on January 25, 2005, by the administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel but his successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun through the then Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Odubela, announced on February 12, 2012, the scrapping of TASUED and following robust resistance and court action, Amosun rescinded the decision.

    However, likening the onslaught to a “wolf attack,” Banjo said the era cast a pall of gloom over the university, staff, and students as well as other concerned stakeholders as no father would like to see his child being attacked by a wolf and be happy.

    The vice-chancellor who disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen on the challenges the institution has had to contend with while addressing a press conference at the TASUED Senate building to commence the 20th anniversary of the university said they were able to overcome Amosun’s moves which he termed sad and terrible era through the efforts of meaningful people in the society, prayer and fasting.

    Banjo said: “I want to tell you that nobody would see his growing child being attacked by a wolf. The father looking at that would be very sad and that was exactly what happened when that thing was on when they wanted to scrap the university and we all know that this(TASUED) is the first of its kind in the country and 8th in the world.

    “I wonder how somebody can wake up one day and say he wanted to scrap TASUED, he wanted to kill the vision that many people are looking up to. Well, I want to say with the help of meaningful people in society, with prayer and fasting we were able to overcome that. That is why you see us being happy today and we are celebrating what God has done for us. And I want to believe that was the darkest moment of this university. We have not seen something as terrible as that right from that time up till this moment.”

    Highlighting some of the university’s achievements in his address, he said despite the challenges experienced as a pioneer education varsity in Nigeria, he said that TASUED has consistently strived to break new ground, adding that it remains the only university in the country that bestows upon its graduates two certificates – one for their academic degree and another for the invaluable vocational skills.

    The vice-chancellor also identified the installation of an independent power supply system to facilitate an uninterrupted 24-hour power supply to make learning and working easier for the staff and students as another of its feat.

    He attributed the achievements to the contributions of the Colleges, staff, and alumni whom he said were instrumental to shaping the trajectory of TASUED, explaining that their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to excellence, laid the foundation for the remarkable feats being celebrated at the 20th anniversary.

    He noted in the last 20 years, TASUED has produced over 50,000 graduates and continuously boldly made significant impacts in the human capital development of the teaching profession in Nigeria and across the globe, stressing that TASUED has truly provided the compass for other universities of Education established after it in the country. 

    “The journey that led to this momentous occasion was fraught with challenges. The very existence of this institution hung in the balance, threatened by the spectre of closure. Yet, through the unwavering support of the people and successive administrations in Ogun State, the resilience of our founding fathers, and the unwavering belief in the importance of this institution, TASUED emerged, not just as a university, but as a beacon of hope, a testament to the indomitable spirit of human endeavour. Here we are, celebrating 20 years of impact: Educating Educators. We are the pride of the nation teaching both the content and pedagogy.

    “I consider it a profound honour to participate in this significant milestone, particularly as I approach the conclusion of my tenure as Vice-Chancellor. To think that I began my service in 2020 and I am now addressing you during the University’s 20th Anniversary celebration is a truly remarkable experience

    “That we are the first University of Education in Nigeria is a distinction that carries with it a profound responsibility. We are entrusted with the sacred duty of shaping the minds of future generations, of nurturing educators who will inspire and empower, who will ignite the flames of curiosity, and foster a lifelong love of learning.

    “Looking back on these two decades, we witness a tapestry woven with threads of dedication, innovation, and perseverance. We have witnessed the metamorphosis of a fledgling institution into a vibrant hub of academic excellence. We have celebrated the achievements of our students, who have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields, contributing significantly to the social, economic, and cultural development of our nation and the world at large.

    The contributions of our Colleges, staff, and alumni have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of this institution. Their tireless efforts, and their unwavering commitment to excellence, have laid the foundation for the remarkable achievements that we celebrate today.

    He said: “TASUED has consistently strived to break new ground. We are the only university in Nigeria that proudly bestows upon our graduates two certificates – one for their academic degree and another for the invaluable vocational skills they acquire during their time with us. This unique approach reflects our commitment to holistic education, equipping our graduates not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the practical skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving world.

    “Our commitment to research and innovation has been unwavering. 31 inaugural lectures have provided a platform for our esteemed Colleges to share their groundbreaking research findings with the wider academic community. These intellectual exchanges have not only enriched our academic discourse but have also contributed significantly to the advancement of knowledge in various fields.

    “We have also made a great feat, in getting an independent power supply to facilitate an uninterrupted 24-hour power supply to make learning and working easier for the staff and students of this university.

    “… perhaps the most significant achievement of TASUED lies in the impact our graduates have made on society. They are shaping the minds of tomorrow’s leaders, inspiring a new generation of learners, and contributing to the betterment of our world. The recognition of Mr. Kayode Adewale as one of the top 50 teachers globally serves as a powerful testament to the calibre of educators that TASUED produces.

    “As I stand before you reflecting on these past twenty years, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and optimism. We have come a long way, but our journey is far from over. We must continue to strive for excellence, to push the boundaries of knowledge, and to remain at the forefront of educational innovation.

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    “We must cultivate a culture of critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, empowering our students to become agents of change, to address the challenges of the 21st century with courage and determination. We must foster a strong sense of community, where colleges, staff, students, and alumni work together to create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.

    “The future of TASUED is bright. I envision a future where we are not merely a leading university of education in Nigeria, but a globally recognized institution, renowned for its academic excellence, its innovative teaching methodologies, and its transformative impact on society.”

    “Let us, therefore, renew our commitment to this noble mission. Let us work together, with dedication and perseverance, to build a brighter future for TASUED, a future where we continue to educate the educators who will shape the destiny of our nation and inspire generations to come.”