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Tag: Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

  • Tinubu, Akande, Ajimobi, others grace Akeredolu daughter’s wedding

    ALL roads led to the ancient town of Owo in Ondo State, on Saturday where Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu gave out his daughter’s (Teniola) hand in marriage.

    The occasion had in attendance dignitaries from all walks of life including the National Leader of the All Progressives congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former National Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye among others

    At the occasion, held at the Mydas Hotel and Resort, Owo, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Lola Fagbemi, charged couples in the country to always put everything on God and desist from extramarital affairs which could lead to the detriment of matrimonial journey.

    Read Also: Tinubu: it’s vindication of Buhari’s character

    Mrs Fagbemi pointed out that inability of many couples to pray to God before and after marriage and lack of sincerity among them had made many relationships to collapse as they cannot cope with life situations.

    She therefore enjoined the new couple to cooperate with each other as they continue to start their journey of life.

    The Commissioner prayed to God for the fruit of womb.

    Other dignitaries at the occasion were Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Kayode Fayemi his Ekiti State counterpart, some Eastern and Northern States Governors, National Assembly Members, and APC stalwarts.

     

  • Southwest governors flay call for Fulani to leave Southern Nigeria

    Governors in southwest states, on Friday, reacted to a statement credited to the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), asking persons of Fulani extraction, resident in the southern part of the country, to return to the north.

    They described the claim as most unfortunate, divisive and retrogressive.

    A statement personally signed by the forum’s chairman and the Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, said, “With no intention to engage anyone, it is incumbent on us, as elected representatives of our people in the southwest region of the country, to denounce this divisive and retrogressive statement in the strongest terms possible.

    Akeredolu said, “It is appalling, to assert the least, that the tragic incident, which claimed the life of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of Pa Fasoranti, the leader of Afenifere, would be used by certain persons to advance the cause of parochial and prebendal politics.

    ”We intend to get to the root of the sad occurrence as we await the findings of security agencies on the unfortunate incident,” he said.

    Akeredolu said the governors and the people of the southwest are working assiduously, to find lasting solutions to the current security challenges and curtail the nefarious activities of undesirable elements bent on wrecking the country’s peace.

    He said: “We are not unaware of the antics of certain elements, who hope to garner political mileage from the contrived crises in virtually all parts of the country. We are equally convinced that this confusion serves the narrow interests of some persons.

    Read Also: Akeredolu is chair Southwest Governors’ Forum

    ”The country has a rich history; she has had to encounter adversities in the course of her transition to nationhood. She has overcome them all. This distraction will also pass. We look up to the security agencies to take cohesive steps to curtail this major challenge of insecurity which engenders hopelessness.

    ”We can only enjoin all citizens, on our part, to be patient and continue to cooperate with them as they combat the festering crises. We on our part have taken great strides with the hope that great success will be achieved.

    ”We, however, note, with discomfiture, the unpatriotic acts of some Nigerians, who will stop at nothing in their bid to undermine the Federal Government.

    The forum reiterated the commitment of the governors and the people of the southwest to the nationhood project, as they continue to address the challenges confronting the people, saying: ”We will promote, with renewed vigour, all activities which encourage amity among our people”.

    The southwest governors called on all persons of Fulani extraction, and indeed all Nigerians from other parts of the country, resident in the southwest region, to discountenance NEF’s unpatriotic outburst and other self-serving organisations of opportunists.

    The forum welcomed all Nigerians, who have legitimate reasons to be in the region, stressing that the governments and people of the southwest would protect all persons regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds.

  • Olowo-elect Ogunoye, 26 others appointed permanent secretaries

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has approved the appointment of 27 new permanent secretaries for the state public service and the local government service.

    The governor also approved the appointment of three tutors-general for the teaching service.

    The Permanent Secretaries are Prince Ajibade Ogunoye, Jenyo Ajomole, Tope Kolawole, Kayode Ogundele, Akpoebi Iwabi, Frederick Oladiran, Bunmi Omotola, Mrs. Boluwaduro Sanni, Segun Odusanya, Sunday Lebi, Victor Olajorin, Bayo Philip, Tokunbo Ayejoto, Johnson Olayeye, Olufemi Aladenola and Dr. Dipo Durojaye.

    Read Also: Ondo empowers youths with skills

    Others are Dr. (Mrs.) Arinola Akinsete, Oluwemimo Ogunsanmi, Olabode Yusuf, Ajibola Ogidan, Alex Alake, Lanke Olamisegbe, Joshua Folayemi and Mrs. Bola Akinyanmi .

    Those approved for the Local Government Service are Babatunde Monehin, Kehinde Ige and Bunmi Eniayewu.

    Also, Olabode Ariyo, Akinboboye Akinnusi and Abiodun Adeuga are tutors-general.

    Akeredolu in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Segundo Ajiboye, congratulated the newly-promoted permanent secretaries and tutors-generals.

    He urged them to see their new positions as a challenge to do more and rededicate themselves to the state service .

     

     

     

  • We’re proud of Soyinka’s, Fagunwa’s works, says Akeredolu

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has declared that the Yoruba race is lucky to have Nobel laureate Prof.  Wole Soyinka and the late D.O. Fagunwa, whose works have projected the image of Yoruba people to the global audience.

    The governor said the state was particularly proud that the “Forest of a thousand demon”, which was popularised by the late Fagunwa exists in the state.

    Akeredolu, while receiving members of the Fagunwa Study Group (FSG), led by Prof. Tunde Babawale in his office in Alagbaka, Akure, said the state is ready to welcome Prof. Soyinka for the FSG International Conference, billed to hold in Akure.

    Read Also: Akeredolu hails Olowo-elect

    The governor said the state government is ready to give total support to any individual or corporate bodies interested in turning the Igbo Eledumare at Okeigbo into a tourist site.

    He said the tourist site will boost the state economy and also keep the work of the late author alive for future generations.

    Prof. Babawale thanked the governor for always assisting the group, especially with the launch of a compilation of books written by the late Fagunwa, who hailed from Okeigbo in Ondo State.

    He told the governor of their plans for the four-day international conference that will attract dignitaries from within and around the globe.

  • ‘We’ll brief media on steps to take in curtailing criminality in Ondo – Akeredolu

    Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Saturday said he would intimate the media on the step to take in unravelling the killers of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

    Akeredolu, who commiserated with the leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, also sympathised with the widower, Mr. Idowu Olakunrin.

    The governor, who cut short his trip to Lagos State, to condole with the foremost Yoruba leader and his family over the painful loss, was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Chief Gbenga Ale, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Ade Adetimehin, and other members of the state executive council.

    Read Also: Ondo is NYSC friendly state, says Akeredolu

    The governor described the murder of Mrs Olakunrin as an ugly incident, stressing that it is undoubtedly a death too many.

    Akeredolu, who expressed his worry over the incident, said that some measures must be taken to prevent another occurrence of the ugly incident.

     

  • Outrage over Fasoranti’s daughter’s killing

    •Buhari orders security agencies to fish out, prosecute perpetrators
    •Speaks with bereaved father
    •Tinubu too, says it’s a personal loss to him
    •We’ll find them, IGP vows; deploys crack detectives to scene of attack
    •Obasanjo: Nigeria diminished with the act
    •Jonathan, PDP others react

     

    Nigerians were united  on Saturday in denouncing Friday’s killing of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, daughter  of elder statesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, by unknown gunmen.

    Mrs. Olakunrin was shot at Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State when the hoodlums opened fire on her car.

    President Muhammadu Buhari directed security agencies to swing into action and bring the brains behind the killing to justice in the shortest possible time.

    Buhari personally spoke with Chief Fasoranti by  phone on Saturday to commiserate  with him on the death of Mrs. Olakunrin.

    The president prayed that God might comfort and give him the fortitude to bear the grievous loss.

    National leader of the  All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, also spoke with Chief Fasoranti on phone Saturday, expressing shock at the killing.

    Tinubu said Mrs Olakunrin’s death was a personal loss to him in view of his relationship with the bereaved family.

    He is expected to be in Akure today on a condolence visit to Chief Fasoranti.

    A similar challenge to the security agencies came yesterday from Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.

    He asked them to fish out the killers and make them face justice.

    The governor who personally visited the bereaved elder statesman at his Akure residence condemned the killing and said the security agencies should do everything to apprehend the killers.

    “This sad development once again, heightens the level of fear that has pervaded our nation even as it represents a despicable commentary in all ramifications,” he said.

    “To say the least, it represents an unenviable turning point, the depth of everything that is evil.”

    Police Inspector General Mohammed Adamu said the hunt for the killers is already on with the deployment of crack detectives to the state to hunt down the suspects.

    Governor Kayode  Fayemi of Ekiti State also paid a condolence visit to Pa Fasoranti as were the deputy governor of Ondo State, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae, former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, and Senator Tayo Alasoadura as well as clergies notably the  Bishop of Akure Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican communion) the Rt. Rev. Simeon Borokini.

    Condolence messages came from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Yoruba Unity Forum, Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Ohanaeze Youths.

    Sympathizers took turns to sign the condolence register and pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for her family.

    Governor Akeredolu appealed to the people of the state to remain calm and allow the Police to unravel the perpetrators of this murder.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Undie Adie, said he had been directed to comb all the forests of Ondo State to bring the murderers to book.

    Akeredolu said he would keep the media abreast of steps being taken to unravel the killers.

    Hunt on for the killers, says IGP

    Police Inspector General Mohammed Adamu  said yesterday that  operatives from different  police units have  been deployed to Ondo State to commence a manhunt for the killers with a view to tracking, arresting and bringing them to justice.

    The units which are expected to work with the State Police Command in the manhunt  include special forces and seasoned investigators from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU).

    He promised that the perpetrators would not escape justice.

    Adamu, in a statement through the Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, condemned the “heinous and barbaric crime” and ordered an overhaul of the security architecture on highways across the southern states.

    The Commissioners of Police in the affected States were ordered by the IG to emplace adequate security arrangement in their areas of jurisdiction (AOR).

    The IG said the Force Headquarters has perfected plans to replicate on major highways in the south, the special security arrangement powered by “Operation Puff Adder” on the Kaduna- Abuja expressway.

    He called for calm and support from all Nigerians, especially residents of Ondo State, in aid of the current investigation.

    Nigeria diminished with the killing, says Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared that Nigeria has been diminished by the killing of Mrs Funke Olakunri.

    He described the incident as a worrisome development in the polity, especially, at a time when all well-meaning Nigerians are preaching tolerance and political accommodation.

    Obasanjo, in a condolence letter to Pa Fasoranti, said: “I must say Nigeria as a whole is diminished by the manner of Funke’s death.

    “We deplore this dastardly act and seize this opportunity to call on governments at all levels to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that our security agents vigorously pursue and find the perpetrators of such heinous crime and make them face the full weight of the law.

    “We must, together, find solution to all acts of insecurity in the country, particularly acts of banditry, kidnapping, robbery and killing.

    “As you mourn the tragic loss of our very dear Funke, please be assured of the sympathy and profound sorrow of many others like me who are saddened by the manner of her demise, especially as she still had a lot to contribute to the nation and her family to which she was highly devoted.

    “Let me also implore you to be strong for the entire family. I pray that God Himself will comfort you and sustain the whole family in this hour of painful trial. And may the soul of the dear departed rest in perfect peace.

    “Because I have to be in Morocco, I am sending a delegation of Otunba Oluwole Fasawe and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola with this letter and to personally deliver my condolence.”

    Jonathan to Fasoranti: My heart goes out to you

    Immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan took to Twitter to pour out his grief on the shooting.

    He said: “My heart goes out to Chief Reuben Fasoranti and his entire family over the untimely death of his daughter, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, at the hands of suspected herdsmen.

    “No one deserves to hear such news, not the least being Pa Fasoranti, a man that has given so much to Nigeria and asked so little.

    “I am encouraged by the message from the Governor of Ondo State and his assurances that those behind this heinous and callous crime will be brought to book.

    “Baba, may God comfort you and your family and grant you the fortitude to bear the loss, even as we pray that the Almighty returns peace to Nigeria.

    “My family and I offer you our deepest solidarity now and always. We also extend our arm in love to Afenifere.”

    It’s heartrending, says PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was heartrending that Nigeria has  “become a killing field and large funeral palour with insurgents, bandits and assassins having a field day waylaying and killing innocent compatriots, especially those making very useful contributions to the development of our nation.”

    The opposition party in a statement said it was “worried that security agencies are rather engaging in debates over the identity of the killers and hurriedly pointing to a case of abduction even before any extensive investigation has been carried out on the horrific and dastardly act.

    “The party bewails that the killing of Funke Olakunrin marks yet another national loss occasioned by the failure of the Buhari administration to secure the nation beyond lip service, a development that has emboldened marauders in our country.

    “The PDP posits that Funke Olakunrin must not die in vain. Our dear nation must not continue to lose her finest and brightest in the hands of bandits. Our party therefore charges the authorities to go beyond condolence messages from Abuja and take concrete steps to apprehend Funke Olakunrin’s killers, as well as ensure security of lives in our nation.

    “The PDP, while condoling Pa Fasoranti, charges the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, to take immediate and decisive steps, beyond the lip service of the Buhari administration, to track down the killers without further delay and make them face the full wrath of the law, no matter who they are.”

    Oyetola calls for probe

    Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State described the killing of Mrs Olufunke Olakunri as a dastardly act that should be probed.

    The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, condemned the killing and called on security agents not to leave any stone unturned in the probe to ensure that the killers are nabbed and brought to justice.

    “This should not be another case of unresolved murder. All efforts should be made to get to the root of this,” Oyetola said.

    He condoled with Pa Fasoranti and Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, over the death.

    Makinde: It’s darkest hour of our contemporary history

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State said the killing was not only shocking but also saddening, despicable and darkest hour of our contemporary history as a nation.

    He tasked the security agencies to urgently fish out the perpetrators of the evil incident said that the perpetrators must be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    He also called on the Yoruba to take heart and be strong following Olakunrin’s killing, adding that the death further signified a dark spot in the history of the Yoruba’s renewed struggle to protect its land from invaders.

    He commiserated with Pa Fasoranti and the family as well as Governor Akeredolu on the killing.

    ARG demands ‘appropriate action’

    The Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) also condemned the killing.

    Chairman of the group, Olawale Oshun, in a statement said: “ARG shares in this colossal loss and condole with the bereaved family, especially Pa Fasoranti and Mrs. Olakunrin’s nucleus family. This loss is a burden too heavy and a steep price to pay for steadfastly serving this nation and our people.

    “Mrs. Olakunrin’s death at the hands of these savage herdsmen could not but have been part of a grand plan to break the soul of Yorubaland and set the roof on fire. But the fire this time will consume the perpetrators and their collaborators.

    “ARG therefore challenge the Yoruba governors and the socio-political leadership to rise up to the occasion, as it would now seem that the central government and its clinging to central policing has failed woefully in providing Nigerians the needed security.

    “Our governors must realize that they shall be held responsible, individually and collectively, should they fail to prioritize and support one another in securing their people. The time to act is now.

    “We dare say that Mrs Olakunrin’s is the latest victim of Nigeria’s wobbling and ineffective unitary governance structure. The gory stories of kidnapping, maiming, raping and killing that emanate daily from Yoruba land should be stopped by whatever means possible including pursuing the dismantling of this unworkable unitary constitution and replacing it with a truly federal constitution.

    “The time for our governors to stand up on our behalf is now, they can count on the support of our people in their bid to drive out  these senseless criminals from our land. It is only by doing this that Mrs. Olakunrin and all those murdered by these beasts would not have died in vain.”

    Killing is baseless, mindless, grossly unacceptable- Yoruba Unity Forum

    The Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) said it received news of the incident with shock, sadness and trepidation.

    The Publicity Secretary of the group, Mr Lanre Ogundipe, said the killing stemmed from alleged ineptitude of the security agencies.

    It said it was alarmed by the claim that Mrs. Olakunrin’s killing was a failed armed robbery attack, saying: “we’re yet to see where armed robbers, whose primary motive is to dispossess victims of their belongings, will kidnap or riddle the same victim’s car with bullets. YUF finds this claim spineless and absolutely ill thought;

    “YUF reiterates her call for the total restructuring of the country, as that in our well informed opinion, is the panacea to the myriads of problems confronting a disjointed and faulty union like Nigeria’s. Failure to adhere restructuring principles.

    “Without immediate restructuring along the lines of the 2014 National Conference Resolutions, the continued existence of Nigeria as one country is very much open to doubt.”

     

    It’s time for action by Southwest governors- Gani Adams

    The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, asked the Southwest governors to begin the immediate implementation of the decisions they took on the security of the region at a recent meeting in Ibadan.

    He also advised traditional rulers in the region to take bold steps to stamp out killings by herdsmen in their domains and devise means of identifying visitors or new settlers in every community.

    Adams, in a statement by his Media Assistant, Kehinde Aderemi, said: “We only want the whole world to know what has been done and being done to our people. They should be aware of the actions that preceded our reaction when it eventually comes. We are not bereft of ideas of how to stop this criminality on our land.

    “It is just so that we should not be blamed when the reaction comes. We are like the proverbial goat that is being chased. When it gets to the wall, it will certainly react. We are at that stage now.”

    “Yoruba people are not paper tigers and dogs who can only bark without biting.”

    He commiserated with Pa Fasoranti, and prayed that God might comfort him and his entire household.

    “Papa, these are trying times but it is certain justice will come”, he said.

     

    SDP condemns killing

    The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP) Professor Tunde Adeniran  called the killing repugnant and  unacceptable to Nigerians.

    He asked the Federal Government to intensify  action to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay and urged President Buhari and the security agencies to deploy more resources to the fight against banditry  in the country.

    His words: “This is one death too-many. What a sad day, what a great loss for the family and humanity.

    “This is a tragic moment for the family. We pray that God will console the family she left behind and also grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

     

  • Akeredolu warns against environmental degradation

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has warned residents against engaging in acts capable of damaging the environment.

    The governor listed the hazardous acts as including bush burning, deforestation, carbon emission, gas flaring, indiscriminate waste disposal, poaching, heavy dependence on fossil fuel for transportation and industrialisation.

    According to him, such acts are detrimental to human health because they pollute the air, thereby leading to earth temperature, global warming, climate change and flood, among others.

    Akeredolu, who spoke during the World Environment Day in Akure, said the theme for this year: “Beat Air Pollution”, was designed to consider how to reduce the amount of air pollution.

    Read Also: Akeredolu swears in new Commissioners, others

    He said: “The growing concern and need for preservation and improvement of the human environment had been a major issue that affected the well-being of people and economic development throughout the world.

    “This moved the United Nations in December 1972 to adopt a resolution designating June 5 every year as the World Environment Day.”

  • Akeredolu, Fayemi, Ambode, others hail Osun governorship judgment

    Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and former Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday joined millions of other Nigerians to congratulate Governor Gboyega Oyetola on the Supreme Court judgment affirming him as the governor of Osun State.

    Akeredolu described the Supreme Court judgement as an affirmation of the decision made by the people of Osun State when they filed out in their hundreds of thousands to freely give their votes to Oyetola as their governor in November, 2018.

    The governor noted that the judgment has finally laid to rest the legal battle which arose from the governorship poll.

    He expressed hope that with the judgment, Governor Oyetola can now fully concentrate on the implementation of his administration’s policies towards the development of Osun State.

    He described the judgment as a victory for the people of Osun State and democracy.

    On his part, Governor Fayemi described the judgment of the Apex Court as an affirmation of the people’s will.

    He said the judgment was triumph of popular sovereignty as expressed through the peoples’ votes in the 2018 governorship election in the state.

    In a congratulatory statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, the governor congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the people of Osun State for remaining calm and optimistic all through the judicial process.

    He urged Governor Oyetola to be magnanimous in victory and extend a hand of fellowship to his opponent in the bid to move the state forward.

    He said: “It is a great day for democracy. The highest court in the country has finally settled the controversies surrounding the Osun governorship election and affirmed Governor Oyetola as the true winner of the election.

    “Hearty congratulations to my brother governor, Oyetola. A bigger congratulations to the people of Osun State, who are the real winners in the context.”

    Congratulating Oyetola in a statement signed by his media aide, Habib Aruna, former Governor Ambode of Lagos State said it was a well-deserved victory and an affirmation of the mandate given to the victorious governor by the people of Osun State on September 22, 2018.

    “I congratulate my brother, Governor Gboyega Oyetola on this resounding victory at the apex court. It is not only a victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) but also an attestation to the fact that the judiciary remains the last hope for the common man.

    “With this victory, I strongly believe that it would enable the governor to focus on delivering on his campaign promises and implementing policies that would make life more comfortable for the people of Osun State,” Ambode said.

    Southwest APC calls for celebration

    The leadership of APC in the South West on Friday congratulated Governor Oyetola on his victory at the apex court, noting that the feat called for great celebration.

    In a release signed by the Zonal Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Karounwi Oladapo, the party said Oyetola will certainly accelerate the pace of development in Osun now that there would be no unnecessary distraction any longer.

    “The party felicitates with the people of Osun for the victory and thanks them for keeping faith with the  APC  and  Oyetola  during  the litigation period. We seek for more support for the governor now that all the doubts over his legitimacy have been cleared.

    “The Southwest APC guarantees that the governor will tackle the welfare of the people and address the security challenges in a measurable and more impactful manner,” Karounwi said in the release.

    The APC Zonal Publicity Secretary also urged the PDP candidate and challenger, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to accept the judgment in good faith and cooperate with the governor in the task of making the state the envy of all.

    Oyetola’s victory symbolic, says Ondo APC

    The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, Friday noted the Supreme Court verdict on the governorship election in Osun State as a vindication of the party’s sincerity.

    Adetimehin in a statement signed by the party’s spokesman, Alex Kalejaye, commended the courage of the judiciary, particularly that of the Justices of the highest court in the land for dispensing justice without sentiments.

    “The judiciary has once again made us proud. The Supreme Court justices have convinced all observers that they cannot be intimidated or bribed,” he said.

    With the judgment, he argued, the elected governor could now settle down to attend to the development and welfare needs of the good people of the state.

    He also advised political parties to see elections as contest to serve, and not a do-or-die affair.

    Afenifere leader Fasanmi felicitates with governor

    The National Leader of Afenifere, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, has joined in congratulating the Governor Oyetola on his victory at the Supreme Court.

    In a statement released in Osogbo, Osun State capital through his media Assistant Mr. Temitope Adebayo Friday, the Afenifere leader, who served as a lawmaker in the first and second republics, described the victory recorded by Oyetola at the Supreme Court as one that is well deserved.

    Senator Fasanmi said: “It is my joy to witness Oyetola’s victory at the Supreme Court.

    This really shows that Osun people’s votes were counted.

    “This victory will enable Oyetola to concentrate on the good governance he has started since the beginning of his administration.”

    Senator Fasanmi urge Governor Oyetola to keep the flag of progressives flying in the state.

    He assured the people of Osun that under the administration of Oyetola, the dawn of a new and progressive era has begun in Osun State.

    Omoworare hails judiciary, congratulates Oyetola

    Osun State senator, Babajide Omoworare, on Friday applauded Supreme Court judges for the verdict on Osun State governorship election dispute, describing the judgement as conscientious and fair.

    In his congratulatory message to Governor Gboyega Oyetola, which was made available to the media by his media assistant, Tunde Dairo, the senator thanked the people of the state for standing by the government and APC while the judicial process lasted.

    He said: “Mr Governor, I am congratulating you  and t he good people of the State of Osun for this well-deserved and long-won victory at the poll.

    “It is rather unfortunate that the victory was delayed due to oppositions’ antics of power through the back door.

    “May I equally explore this medium to appreciate the people of Osun for believing in the Oyetola-led APC government in the state and standing resolute in embracing good governance and democracy. You spoke with your votes, you backed it up with your prayers and support. I say a big thank you.”

    Also commending the judgment in a statement yesterday, the Coalition of Oodua Self-determination Group (COSEG) congratulated Governor Oyetola as well as his immediate predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for acting as true democrats in displaying uncommon patience and resilience during the court processes.

    The coalition said the duo were vindicated that the election of September 22, 2018 was peacefully conducted and followed dues process as affirmed by the highest court in the land.

    Signed by the chairman of its coordinating council, Comrade Dayo Ogunlana, the statement described the judgment that nullified the appeal of the PDP candidate in the election as the triumph of truth over falsehood. COSEG also hailed the justices of the Supreme Court for doing a thorough job and affirming the victory of Alhaji Oyetola, saying it is an indication that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man.

    It’s victory well deserved – Osinowo

    Following Supreme Court judgment that upheld the victory of the APC governorship candidate in the last governorship election in Osun State, the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Bayo Osinowo, has congratulated the executive governor of Osun Sate, Gboyega Oyetola, saying his victory is a well-deserved one.

    In a statement signed by his media aide, Prince Oladega Ibrahim, Senator Osinowo also congratulated the people of the Osun State and members of APC in the state for standing firmly with the party while the legal battle lasted.

    In the same vein, Osinowo congratulated the judiciary for living up to expectations as the bedrock of the society and the last hope of the masses even as it served victory to the deserving party. He added that the judgment of the Supreme will further boost the trust of the people in the judiciary system.

    Giving kudos to the leadership of APC for fielding a credible candidate like Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Osinowo likened the action to what is obtainable in Lagos State where the fact that party has always gotten it right with its candidate is the reason why the state has not derailed as far as developmental programmes are concerned, as every in-coming administration has built on the foundation laid since 1999 towards achieving a mega Lagos.

    He said he was sure that Osun State would attain the next level as Oyetola will build on the legacy of his predecessor with whom he worked closely as the Chief of Staff

  • Akeredolu swears in HoS

    Ondo State  Head of Service Oluwadare  Aragbaiye has been sworn in by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu with an advice to rededicate himself to service.

    The governor expressed confidence in the ability of Aragbaiye to give the state civil service a new direction.

    Akeredolu said: “I proclaim, confidently, that the celebration of today is about excellence, dedication to duty, unalloyed loyalty to the government of Ondo State and her people, through selfless service spanning more than three decades, competence, humility, continence, honesty and decency.

    “I congratulate the people of this state for being able to reap, bountifully, from their investment in this wonderful gift, Oluwadare Aragbaiye, the new Head of Service.”

    “Let me join numerous well-wishers, colleagues, friends and members of the family to rejoice with the newly-appointed first public servant of the state.

    “Regaling the audience with the sterling qualities of this patriot is needless. No good deeds are hidden; our people are keen observers of events. They are efficient chroniclers. They hardly forget. But I make bold to assert, with palpable joy, that the state is lucky to have him in the saddle at this crucial moment. He has served the people of Ondo State, meritoriously, for over three decades. All good people will agree with this statement.”

    The governor also used the occasion to justify the recent government decision to rejig the state civil service.

    Akeredolu said: “There have always been some expressions of concern from certain quarters consequent upon  routine decisions taken for the sake of equity and smooth-running of the administration.

    Read Also: Akeredolu drops three commissioners

    “I must say that all our decisions are usually taken in overall public interest.  It is, however, sad to note that some of us usually jump into uninformed conclusions about such decisions without thorough examination of the full information that guided the decisions.

    “The recent retirement of some top-notch civil servants was based on the need to inject fresh blood into the system.  You will agree with me that if an officer has put in not less than nine years into the system at the top-most level of his career and has to retire, as supported by extant rules, it will thus not be right to input some mundane reasons for government action.”

  • Ondo Assembly confirms 17 caretaker chairmen, drops one

    Seventeen out of the eighteen interim chairmen for local governments were on Friday confirmed by the Ondo State House of Assembly.

    The lawmakers however refused to confirm the nominee for Odigbo local government, Mrs Margaret Akinsuroju for undisclosed  reasons, and referred her for further scrutiny.

    Akinsuroju, served as Commissioner for Women o under the administration of late former governor Olusegun Agagu.

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu sent the names of the nominees to the Assembly last week.

    The lawmakers at a plenary presided over by speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun after screening the nominees sent in by the Governor Akeredolu confirmed their eligibility to serve the people of the state.

    The Speaker, Oleyelogun after the House Selection Committee submitted their report noted that the confirmation of the interim chairmen became imperative in order to avoid vacuum in the local govt administration in the state.

    Read Also: Court resolves 15-year-old land dispute in Ondo

    The interim chairmen are expected to spend six months in office.

    Some of the interim chairmen described the screening process as thorough and assured of people oriented projects for the development of their council areas.

    The lawmakers also approved the sum of seven hundred and thirty n.ine million, four hundred thousand n.aira for the purchase of official vehicles for the state Judiciary.