The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ondo community

  • Flood sacks Ondo community

    Residents of Ikare, headquarters of Akoko North East local government of Ondo State, yesterday urged the federal and state government to declare the community an ecological disaster area.

    The community witnessed a four-day torrential rainfall, which flooded most parts of the ancient town.

    Mostly affected areas are Hospital junction, First Bank area and Jubilee Market. Okoja-Iku-Awara Dam Road was washed off, thereby making it impossible for vehicles to ply the area.

    As a temporary measure to douse the consequence of an impending disaster which may lead to loss of lives and properties, the caretaker chairman for the local government, Rafiu Eniayewu, mobilised local government workers, market women, members of NURTW and community leaders to clear debris deposited on the gutters to give way for easy passage of water.

    The Director of Environmental Services, Mrs. Yemisi Adeniyi, cautioned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on water passage, particularly during rainy season.

    The Are Iyalaje of Ikareland, Chief Risikat Mohammed, who mobilised Ikare market women for a clean-up exercise, noted that the topography of Ikare Akoko called for both Ondo and the federal governments to come to their aid in area of channelisation now that the population of the town was growing daily.

     

  • Ondo community backs Borofice for third term

    Residents of Oka Akoko, headquarters of Akoko Southwest Local Government Area of Ondo State yesterday endorsed the senator representing Ondo North, Prof. Ajayi Borofice, for a third term.

    Borofice was ratified at Oka town hall meeting, attended by the representative of the paramount ruler in the community, the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko, chiefs, youths, market women, artisans and others.

    Residents of the district said their decision was borne out of the remarkable achievements the area recorded since Borofice became their senator.

    They hoped giving him a third term would sustain his robust representation in the Senate.

    The meeting urged the Asiwaju of Akoko to re-contest for the seat for the third time.

    They urged residents of the area to support him, warning against politics of bitterness and acrimony.

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, who accepted the request of his people, enumerated his achievements in the past seven years.

    He pledged not to disappoint them.

    Borofice said: “I will continue to represent the interest of my people well in the Red Chamber by facilitating more dividends of democracy to them.”

     

  • Ondo community cries out over alleged marginalisation

    Concerned citizens of Akoko Northwest constituency 1 in Ondo State at the weekend expressed their grievances over alleged marginalisation over rotational seat of the federal constituency at the National Assembly.

    The aggrieved indigenes urged Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and other stakeholders to ensure equity and fairness.

    They insisted that the slot for the House of Representatives in 2019 should go to Akoko Northwest 1 in the interest of harmony.

    At a stakeholders forum, two leaders of the group, Mayowa Adojutelegan and Oluwanifise Osho said they came together because of the need to fight against marginalisation of their people .

    They noted that their agitation will be better understood considering the manner the position has been rotated in sequence between the two constituencies from 1990 to the present tenure of Friday Olemija,who is representing Akoko Northeast/west from constituency 11.

    Adojutelegan said,” if you follow this trend, you will realise that there is a trend which follow between the two local governments that makes up the federal constituency. No local government has been allowed to produce a member twice(succession).

    “There seems to be a gentlemanly agreement between the two local governments to ensure that both local governments are represented fairly. But when it comes to the turn of Akoko Northwest I, it seems as if constituency 11 has taken representation at the House of Representatives and are bent on denying constituency 1 chance to represent their people in 2019 elections.

    “Expectedly, people from Akoko Northeast realised that it is the turn of Akoko Northwest to contest but in the interest of equity, we believe that only people from Akoko Northwest constituency 1 should be considered to represent our people at the green chambers.

    The aggrieved residents pleaded with the different political parties that will field candidates for the election in 2019 to consider Akoko Northwest 1 constituency, urging governor Akeredolu to allow fairness, equity and justice by allowing contestants from constituency 1 to become the next representative for the area.

     

  • Gunman kills herdsman in Ondo community

    There was tension yesterday among residents of Ikaram in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State as a 25-year-old herdsman, Momodu Shuaib, was reportedly shot dead on his farm on the outskirts of the town by an unknown assailant.

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu swiftly sent his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Security Matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, to douse tension and meet stakeholders.

    Among those he met were the Akala of Ikaram, Oba Andrew Momodu, his chiefs, farmers and members of the Fulani community.

    The Fulanis expressed misgivings about how they had allegedly been maltreated in the community.

    Oba Momodu said the relationship between the host community and the Fulanis was cordial with regular meetings held among stakeholders in his palace.

    He said he was sad on the sudden death of the herdsman.

    The Police Area Commander for Akoko, Razak Rauf, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), assured the Fulani community that a thorough investigation would be conducted on the incident and the culprits would be prosecuted.

    The police chief told the bereaved family that the government would not encourage lawlessness, adding that they should be law-abiding.

    The father of the slain boy urged the government to ensure justice for his son and prevent the matter from being swept under the carpet.

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Okeagbe, Adetarami Ibitayo, a Superintendent of Police (SP), was mandated to conduct further investigation on the incident.

    The meeting resolved that there should be no reprisal attack over the incident.

    The Fulani community and other stakeholders are billed to attend a parley with Governor Akeredolu on the development.

     

  • Herbalist’s death sparks row in Ondo community

    The killing of a 45-year-old herbalist, Ademuyiwa Adelogba, at Oke Ifira-Akoko in Ondo State by suspected members of his wife’s (Itunu’s) family has led to the destruction of property in the community.

    It was learnt that a building was set ablaze by irate youths who were protesting the killing of the man.

    The Ike-Ifira section of the ancient town was said to be in mournful mood and tension was high in the community over the incident.

    Sources said the house of the late Adelogba had been attracting sympathisers, who wailed and discussed the incident in hushed tones.

    The Asiwaju of Ifira-Akoko, Chief Boboye Ojomo said series of meetings and consultations were ongoing to douse the tension and further destruction of property in the community.

    He hailed the police for timely intervention, which reduced destruction of property.

    One of the principal suspects in the matter, Adegboyega Adeola, has been arrested, according to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Isua Division, Abiodun Ojediran, a Superintendent of Police (SP).

    He assured the residents that other suspects on the run would be apprehended.

     

  • Tension in Ondo community as farmer kills herdsman

    Fear gripped residents of Imo-Arigidi, in Akoko Northwest local government area of Ondo State, yesterday as a middle-aged farmer reportedly shot a 26-year-old Fulani herdsman grazing on his farm to death. He alleged that the cattle brought by the herdsman vandalised his crop. The victim’s colleagues instantly overpowered the farmer and left him for dead after severely matchetting him. But he survived the attack.

    Policemen were said to have rushed the farmer to Ikare-Akoko State Specialist Hospital for treatment. He is still there, guarded by the police, as at the time of filing this report. Sources alleged that the Fulani herdsmen later planned further attack on residents of the town, but the prompt intervention of the police averted what would have been a bloody clash.

    The development led to an emergency meeting convened by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu represented by his Chief of Staff, Olugbenga Ale, at the palace of Akala of Ikaram, Oba Andrew Momoh. The monarch commended the police for prompt action on the incident. He promised that the law will take its course while justice will prevail in the matter. The chairman, Miyyeti-Allah Association, Alhaji Garuba Bello, urged the Fulanis in the area to see the incident as an act of God, urging relevant  authorities to do justice. He condoled with the family of the victim who, according to him, was the only child of his mother.

    The Area Commander of Police for Akoko, Razak Rauf, pledged that the police will conduct a thorough investigation into the attack while culprits will be brought to book. Former Minister of Defence, Prince Tokunbo Kayode (SAN), appealed to both parties to give peace a chance. Father of the victim, Alhaji Haruna Fulani, who was at the meeting, lamented the sudden death of his son.

     

  • Tantalizers opens new outlet in Ondo community

    Tantalizers, one of Nigeria’s leading brands in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector, has said it will open more outlets across the country in response to the demands of its customers.

    The company said it had identified new restaurant locations, including its new outlet at Ikare Akoko in Ondo State to bring the brand’s outlets to over 60 across the country.

    At the opening of the outlet located within Forte Oil filling station complex on Ikare-Arigidi-Akoko road, Deputy Managing Director of Tantalizers Plc, Mr. Gbolahan Labinjo, urged Nigerians to be a part of the brand’s growing franchise programme.

    He said the new outlet was opened in response to the desires of consumerism in Ikare Akoko and environs to enable residents get qualitative QSR outlet to serve and excite consumers in Akungba, Oba and Arigidi.

    Labinjo added that the new outlet will offer Tantalizers products, including popular local dishes.

    Tantalizers, a wholly indigenous QSR company, is the only quoted company in its category on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), with over 60 outlets.

    The QSR is a one-stop restaurant brand offering a variety of products and services, such as ‘local favourites,’ serving meals of the locality where it is sited.

  • Ondo riverine community gets Monarch

    The kingmakers in Igbekebo , headquarters of Ese-Odo Local Government area of Ondo State has elected Prince Dele Dabo as the new Odogun of Igbekebo kingdom.

    The stool became vacant in 2016 following the death of the former traditional ruler,Oba Emmanuel Omotumilara Eginkunyomi who ruled for 23 years .

    The selection process of the new monarch which took place at the Igbekebo Civic Center, Igbekebo was keenly contested among five other princes from the Maga Okotun ruling house and others in Igbekebo before Prince Dabo of Maga ruling house was selected through voting.

    After his selection, Dabo was taken to the palace of the kalasuwe of Apoi land Oba (Prof) Sunday Amuseghan for traditional rites and blessing.

    Oba Ademiluga prayed for the new monarch to live long,stresding that his reign will bring rapid development, not only to Igbekebo, but the entire Apoi land.

    The chairman of the kingmakers, Chief Alex Mehin hailed the new Monarch on his selection and appealed to him to work with other contestants and seek their advice when necessary in the overall interest of the community.

    In his message, the Obateru of Apoi land,High Chief Folarin Dabo hailed the new monarch and prayed for God’s protection on him to lift Igbekebo higher.

    Read Also: Ogun community gets monarch

    His words” As a young man , I wish him well . He should be focus and endeavour to harmonize with with other co-contestants so as to bring the desired development to the community.

    “You should also forget to seek advice from elders when necessary in other to avoid avoidable mistakes.

    The new monarch thanked the people of Igbekebo for their massive support during the selection process .

    He extended his appreciation to the State Government through the Igbekebo Local Government for their support.

    Besides, he extended hands of fellowship to his co-contestants in order to develop the ancient community together .

    Prince Dabo promised to build on the legacy of his ancestors by transforming the cultural heritage, infrastructure and social development of the community.
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  • Chieftaincy crisis deepens in Ondo community

    Soldiers and naval officers have allegedly been drafted to Arogbo in Eseodo Local Government of Ondo State, following an 11-year-old tussle over the selection of the monarch.

    Sources alleged that the military personnel were deployed in the coastal town on the orders of an indigene, who is a contender for the Agadagba of Arogbo stool. It became vacant in 2007.

    They alleged that the military personnel intimidated residents.

    The development, it was learnt, followed a crisis between Perebiri and Perebiyenmo linages.

    A member of the Perebiri Ruling House, who addressed reporters in Akure yesterday, alleged: “On April 7, the riverine community of Arogbo was besieged by armed security personnel, including soldiers and naval officers, over the Agadagba of Arogbo stool. The action was masterminded by an indigene.

    “The chieftaincy matter is a subject of litigation at a state High Court in Okitipupa, the headquarters of Okitipupa Local Government.

    “Mischief-makers are misinforming the government on the position of things.

    “The police commissioner has warned parties involved in the matter to desist from parading themselves as the Agadagba of Arogbo until the determination of the case in court.”

  • Ondo community protests against lawmaker’s purported endorsement for 2019

    THE youths of Okeigbo community in Ondo State, under the auspices of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Vanguard, Patriotic Front and Grassroots Mobilisers, have protested against the purported endorsement of Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, the member representing Ileoluji/Okeigbo/Odigbo  Constituency in the House of representatives for another tenure, by some traditional rulers. They said it is the turn of Okeigbo to produce a candidate for the seat in next year’s general elections.

    In a statement made available to The Nation, a representative of the youths, Prince Rufus Adekanye, said there are three principal towns in the constituency and that two of them, Odigbo and Ileoluji, have represented the area four times each since the return to civil rule in 1999, while Okeigbo is yet to get the opportunity to do so. “In the interest of justice, equity and fair-play, it is now the time for Okeigbo to present a mutually acceptable candidate that will make the party proud,” he added.

    Adekanye said the seat was zoned to Okeigbo in the last general elections within the APC, but unfortunately for the community the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate from Odigbo, Hon. Akinfolarin, won the election and later dumped the opposition party for the APC.

    He said: “It was reported in The Nation newspaper on of March 20, 2018. The way the people reacted was so unusual. There were lots of protests, following the report and the monarchs who purportedly endorsed the incumbent have denied it. The monarchs were merely invited to attend a training programme by Hon. Akinfolarin and it was during the training that one of the monarchs made the announcement, endorsing the incumbent lawmaker. The issue was not discussed prior to the announcement.

    “With the endorsement now being rocked by protests, the monarch that made the announcement has confessed that he did it based on the fact that the lawmaker is his personal friend. We see every aspirant in all the political parties as equal subjects and our children; we shall refrain from being partisan, no matter the amount of pressure from any quarter.”

    Adekanye who visited The Nation with Mr. Tope Ojo, another concerned member of Okeigbo community, with a copy of the press release, said the development is capable of causing a breakdown of law and order, because traditional rulers were expected to stick to their constitutional role of being the custodian of customs and tradition, without dabbling into partisan politics.

    Ojo said Okeigbo is probably being marginalised because it is considered a minority in Ondo State, as majority of the kiths and kin of the indigenes are domiciled in Osun State. He said: “I am talking to you historically now. So, Okeigbo is a town where virtually everybody born there is connected to Osun State historically. In politics, we are usually marginalised in appointments and elective positions.

    “With regards to the purported endorsement of Hon. Akinfolarin for a second term, we are here to affirm that nothing like that took place; that no Kabiyesi endorsed him, and even if they did, they don’t have the moral right to decide for the entire community.”