The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Olaitan Oyerinde

  • Oyerinde: Edo CJ orders accelerated trial of suspects

    The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, has ordered the accelerated trial of suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Principal Private Secretary to former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde.

    Comrade Oyerinde was shot dead in 2012 at his Benin City residence by unknown gunmen.

    In a bid to unravel his killers, the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigerian Police paraded two different gangs as being responsible for the killing.

    Suspects paraded by the police were – Garba Usman Maisamari, Danjuma Musa, Muritala Usman, Auta Umaru Ali and Moses Asamah Okoro, while the DSS paraded Mohammed Ibrahim Abdullahi, Raymond Onajite Origbo and Edeh Chikezie as suspects in the murder.

    Justice Idahosa gave the order for the accelerated trial when one of the suspects, Danjuma Musa, was found with abdominal infection.

    The CJ, who will retire on January 25, said only the court could pronounce guilty verdict on suspects.

    Justice Idahosa spoke when he visited the Oko Security prison as part of his farewell visits to prisons.

    He granted clemency to seven inmates who have been in prison for between seven and 10 years without trial.

     

     

  • Edo Executive Council holds valedictory session

    Edo Executive Council holds valedictory session

    The Edo State Executive Council held a valedictory session in Benin on Wednesday preparatory to handing over to new government on Saturday.

    Gov. Adams Oshiomhole who presided over the session appreciated the council members for their selfless service to the people of the state.

    Oshiomhole said he was convinced that the council did and gave it best for the people as there were evidences that the members were the least paid in the country but worked the hardest.

    He stressed that the development in the state was as a result of the collective industry and commitment of all.

    The governor lamented the death of his Principal Private Secretary, Olaitan Oyerinde, in 2012.
    The governor, who became very emotional and shed tears, said he also regretted the death of his wife, Clara.

    He said she was irreplaceable as she was the only woman who agreed to marry him when he was anonymous, adding, “I miss her.’’

    He described her as a counselor and the person who thought him to pray, adding that she was with him in 2008 during his swearing in, but sadly won’t be around when he hands over to a new administration.

    He urged the council to take a solemn moment to pray for the continued repose of their souls.
    The exco members took turn to express their experiences in working with the governor.

    Mr Osarodion Ogie, Commissioner for Works, said he was a pioneer student of what he called Oshiomhole’s school of governance.

    He said he learnt courage and being positive from the governor.

    He added that “although Oshiomhole is a hard person but he was very humane.’’

    Mr Henry Idahagbon, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice described the governor as a pacesetter, path finder and a beacon of development.

    He said it was difficult to work with him because “he is a perfectionist.’’

    Mr John Inegbedion, Commissioner for Finance described the governor as God sent to the state adding that the situation on ground when the administration assumed office eight ago financially could not support what was on ground today.

    He said the governor took a bold decision and that had kept state afloat.

    His Information counterpart Kassim Afegbua, advised the governor to work on his temper and learn to manage time.

    Commissioners for Budget and Planning, Lawrence Aghedo, Water Resources, Washinton Osifo, Head of Service Mrs Gladys Idaho, SSG Julius Ihonvbere, and Deputy Gov. Pius Odubu also spoke.

  • Fish out Olaitan’s killers, wife tells Buhari

    Fish out Olaitan’s killers, wife tells Buhari

    Funke, wife of the slain Private Secretary to Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, Olaitan Oyerinde, has appealed to the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to help fish out the killers.

    Olaitan was killed at his Benin City resident three years ago by unknown gunmen.

    The Directorate of State Security and the Nigerian Police Force arrested different suspects in connection with the killing but the case is yet to come up in court.

    Funke said her call on the President-elect was because she was tired of excuses from the DSS and the police over the killing.

    She spoke in Benin City at a three- year remembrance lecture organised in honour of late Olaitan.

    Her words evoked tears from the gathering as she recalled how her son cried for three days asking for the father.

    She said,”This is injustice to my family and especially to my son. He needs justice. In Nigeria, when a minister’s son is affected or kidnap, they will fish out the killers. Why is Olaitan’s own different? We need justice.”

    “It is good to have husband and wife living together. I have been living in sorrow. It has not been easy. My husband considered people before his own. He cared for people.”

    Olaitan’s wife however urged activists present at the event to compel the Executive Director of African Network for Environment and Economic Justice, Rev. David Ugolor, to release documents relating to her husband’s property.

    Ugolor was among the suspects arrested in connection with the killing, but an Edo State High Court awarded N5million to Ugolor against the Nigerian Police for unlawful arrest and detention.

    She said, “I am not saying Ugolor is the killer, God knows the killer. But Ugolor should release my husband’s document. He is still holding it.

    “If he knows that he loves himself, he should release my husband’s document. I have lodged complaints, I have told the governor but nothing has been done about it. I know that my husband has a property in GRA but Ugolor has not given me any reason for not releasing the documents in his possession.”

    Former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Osagie Obayuwana, said Olaitan’s vision for a better Nigeria must be realised.

     

     

  • Posthumous birthday wishes for Oshiomhole’s aide

    Posthumous birthday wishes for Oshiomhole’s aide

    He would have been a year older on December 7, but Olaitan Oyerinde’s life was cut short by assassins — he was until his death the Private Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole.

    Oyerinde was gruesomely murdered by four assailants in the early hours of May 42012 in the presence of his helpless wife and other family members.

    Facebook friends of the late comrade whose killers are yet to be brought to justice posted their wishes on the social media platform.

    Below are some of the posts:


    Jagunmolu ‘OluwaDare Lasisi

    Today is Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde‘s birthday. Do we still remember this Nigerian human rights activist and former Special Adviser to Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomole? He was brutally gunned down in his bedroom in Benin City 2 years ago and his killers are yet to be arrested. Many friends not aware of his assassination are still saying ‘Happy birthday’ on his Facebook wall. Anyway, life goes on, may Olaitan’s killers never smell peace in this world and hereafter. If they and their sponsors have the power, let them live beyond 500 years on earth. Fellow Nigerians, let us remember this great guy murdered in cold blood. No evil deed shall go unpunished.*Sun re o Olaitan Abdulkabir Oyerinde*

     

    Yemisi Ilesanmi

    Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde today, I cannot help but wonder if his killers will ever be brought to justice. Is there hope for a true democracy in Nigeria and where exactly did the left go wrong?  Olaitan, I really do miss our fights, laughter, banter and all the office drama. R.I.P. Adieu and Goodbye.
    The Dictators are not only those

    Who terrorized us in military clothes

    Banned the ballot boxes, rolled out armored tanks

    From their hallowed barracks their records stank

    The dictators are not only those

    Who unleashed on us bullets doses
    Arrests we endured, Teargas we inhaled
    Bullets we survived, in victory we exhaled

    The dictators are more than men in khakis
    Now they strut around with official cardkeys
    They dined with the military killers
    Frolicking and posing as civilian rulers

    The dictators are the beneficiaries of our struggle
    The throats of the people they now strangle
    Feeding fat on the carcass of the masses
    Belching on empty electoral promises

    The dictators are the pot bellied old men
    Toasting their ‘do or die’ politics with a mien
    Drinking the blood of our youth
    While our treasury they loot

    With our blood we paved the way for elections
    With our limbs new mansions are now erected
    Assassins they wantonly hire to come and raid
    As they willfully gun down our trusted comrades

    Arise comrades, for our work is far from done
    From the wrinkled, bloodstained hands of the dons
    Our country we shall capture and reclaim
    Our comrades’ blood shall not be in vain

    The dictators are the 1 percent
    We the masses are the 99 percent
    With unity, might and strength
    We shall sniff out their odious scent

    The dictators we shall once again oust
    Our flag they shall no longer hoist
    They shall all be gone
    Before we are done.
    BY © YEMISI ILESANMI

     

    Oladoyin Siyanbola

    Though u’re gone Sir, U’re always remembered. May ur soul continue 2 rest in perfect peace. Happy post humous birthday

    Okey Onwuchekwa

    Evil men and their self-imposed hapless security operatives who remained clueless to bring justice to you may be having their wicked laugh, but God will not allow your blood remain uncounted forever.  Happy birthday, in the world beyond.

     

    Aderiike Kolawole

    Continue to rest in peace. And may those that sent you to your early grave never know peace. Their unborn generation shall share in their pains and bitterness. May the Lord continue to be with your wife and the children you left behind. .

    Izekor Amen-Joy

    Dis household will continue 2 remember u. I’m sure it would have been a great day if u were to be alive. Continue 2 rest in peace.

    Rilwan Olowo Eko

    May the happiest day of the year bring you what you care for the most. Continue to rest in peace

    Oghene Olu Dester

    Posthumously we shall continue to celebrate you! May your gentle soul continue to rest in Perfect peace!!!

    Adeyemo Adeyinka

    Happy posthumous birthday comrade. May you continue to rest in Lord’s bosom and may peace elude those that cut your life @ your prime.

    Comrade Femi Taiwo

    My Great Comrade! May ur gentle Soul continue to rest in d blossom of Almighty God, Till we meet and part no more, I love u bro,but God love u more.

    Orish Mayor

    Happy post-mortem birthday comrade,don’t let your assailants rest until they are hacked down too.Farewell comrade!!!Aluta continua,victoria ascerta!

    Juliana Taiwo Obalonye

    Continue to RIP comrade & may God continue to keep your family you left behind. Amen

    Rasheed Raji Ropo

    As we remember you today comrade… Pls continue to rest in peace… Still your killer has not been found but we know that one day you killer will also join you in the underworld and from there God that has power over everything will pass judgement on every soul.. Rest in perfect peace comrade Olaitan Oyerinde