Tag: Ondo govt

The Ondo state government has vowed to deal decisively with any individual or group found responsible for the communal crisis that rocked the Idogun community in the Ose Local Government Area of the state.

Idogun was plunged into violence on October 3, 2025, when some irate youths allegedly attacked the community’s traditional ruler, the Onidogun of Idogun, Oba Moses Bakare, during the annual Yam Festival.

The monarch reportedly sustained severe injuries, while his wife was beaten and stripped half-naked during the incident.

Their son was also said to have been assaulted.

Speaking on Tuesday at the sitting of the state administrative panel of inquiry set up by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the panel warned that anyone found culpable in the crisis would be held accountable.

The sitting was attended by Oba Bakare, several chiefs, community leaders, and their legal representatives.

Chairman of the panel, Mr Idowu Mafimisebi, described the crisis as more complex and deep-rooted than initially assumed, noting that the panel was determined to uncover both the remote and immediate causes of the unrest.

According to him, the panel has received no fewer than 58 memoranda from stakeholders and community groups.

“Our intention is to bring to book whoever is found wanting in all the shenanigans that led to this crisis. We will not care whose ox is gored. Any person who contributed, one way or the other, to the breakdown of law and order will be held accountable,” Mafimisebi declared.

He stressed that the panel was set up to ensure justice, fairness, and lasting peace in the community, urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding while the inquiry runs its course.

“We implore the people of Idogun to keep the peace and not take the law into their hands. Justice will be done, and at the end of the day, peace will return to the community,” he said.

Mafimisebi disclosed that although the panel was initially given six weeks to complete its assignment, logistical challenges and the volume of memoranda received had already consumed nearly four weeks, raising the possibility of seeking an extension.

“With the number of memoranda submitted and the depth of the issues raised, the matter is more deep-rooted than we earlier thought. We will do our best to conclude within the time given, but if necessary, we may request an extension from the government,” he added.

Mafimisebi further assured that the panel would be honest, firm, and thorough in its work.

“People should expect justice. We will be sincere, tenacious, and committed to finding out the exact causes of the problem in Idogun,” he said.

The counsel to the king, Mr Bode Akinyemi, attributed the cause of the crisis to the plans by some “disgruntled persons” in the community to dethrone the king, who has ruled for 19 years.

Akinyemi added that his client is confident that the panel would do justice to all memoranda submitted.

“Our position is simple: we believe in due process. The traditional institution has nothing to hide and will continue to cooperate with the panel. We are confident that the truth will come out and justice will prevail,” the counsel said.

He also appealed to residents to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

“This is not the time for self-help. Everyone should allow the panel to do its work so that peace can permanently return to Idogun,” he added.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, lauded the government for setting up the panel to settle differences among aggrieved groups of interest in the community.

Ajanaku, who is from the community, asked the panel to look at all memoranda from fair and clear eyes for justice to prevail, urging sons and daughters of the community to see one another as a team for the development of the community.

The Ondo state government has declared zero tolerance for all forms of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) as part of renewed efforts to curb the rising cases of abuse across the state.

Dr. Seun Osamaye, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, made the declaration at an event heralding the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Osamaye said the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would no longer condone any form of GBV, including rape, defilement, domestic violence, and all forms of sexual or psychological abuse.

She noted that the government remained committed to building an inclusive society “where gender-based violence is not tolerated and where justice is accessible, timely, and uncompromised.”

According to her, this year’s campaign places special emphasis on digital violence, which she described as “silent, pervasive, and often overlooked.”

“Fighting against gender-based violence cannot be achieved effectively if digital violence is ignored,” she said.

Reaffirming the government’s resolve to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls, Osamaye assured residents that the state would continue to work closely with civil society groups, traditional institutions, security agencies, and development partners to strengthen protection systems.

She added that every woman and girl has the right to live in dignity, safety, and equality, and directed relevant ministries and agencies to reinforce existing frameworks, enhance community sensitisation, and ensure full enforcement of laws safeguarding women and girls.

Osamaye further highlighted the urgency of tackling rising cases of online harassment, cyberstalking, revenge pornography, and other forms of digital abuse targeting women and girls.

“Technology should empower, not endanger our women and girls,” she said.

She announced that the 16-day campaign, scheduled for November 25 to December 10, 2025, will feature a series of activities aimed at raising awareness, strengthening response systems, and fostering collective action statewide.

Key events include the official launch and press briefing alongside the symbolic “Orange the World” illumination at the ministry on Tuesday, November 25, and an awareness walk and roadshow across major streets in Akure on November 26.

She said the campaign is being organised in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Justice, the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, UNFPA, UNICEF, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, media organisations, and disability groups to ensure wide reach and impact.

The Director of the Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence, Tunde Emoruwa, also raised alarm over the increasing prevalence of gender-based violence, warning that many victims continue to suffer and die in silence.

He lamented the erosion of moral values and societal discipline, which he said is creating an environment where abuse thrives unchecked.

Emoruwa said the menace is not only rising but “increasing at a geometric rate,” causing devastating harm to families, communities, and society at large.

He, however, called for urgent collective action to halt the growing trend and protect vulnerable groups, especially women and girls.

The Ondo state government has announced the abolition of graduation ceremonies in nursery schools and Junior Secondary School III (JSS3) across the state.

The Nation report that the ban, which affects both public and private schools, was part of new reforms introduced to reposition the state’s education sector under the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration. 

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, disclosed this on Wednesday after a stakeholders’ meeting with proprietors and owners of private schools from the 18 local government areas of the state.

Ajibefun explained that the move was a deliberate step to regulate and sanitize school operations.

“To reposition the education sector to its former enviable pedigree, the ministry has made some critical decisions to sanitize private school activities. Part of these decisions includes the prohibition of illegal and unregistered schools, the banning of graduation ceremonies for nursery and JSS3 classes, and the re-accreditation of all private schools for quality assurance,” he said.

The commissioner emphasized that private schools play a critical role in education but warned that things had deteriorated, requiring urgent reforms. 

He urged strict compliance with ministry directives on the use of recommended textbooks, adherence to the approved curriculum, observance of the official school calendar, and respect for public holidays.

He also announced a six-month grace period for unapproved schools to secure government approval, noting that conditions for registration would soon be reviewed to make the process easier.

Read Also: Flooding: Ondo govt warns against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, threatens clampdown on violators

Ajibefun further cautioned against the use of unapproved or foreign curricula, underage admissions, excursions without clearance, and compulsory extra lessons. 

He frowned at exploitative practices such as compelling parents to buy new textbooks every year, stressing that siblings should be allowed to reuse books for a reasonable period.

He revealed that the ministry was working on digitising the education system, with plans to migrate all primary and secondary school students in the state to a digital learning platform.

Ajibefun warned that schools unable to meet the “irreducible minimum” standards set by the government should “find another business.” 

The Ondo state government has warned residents against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drainage channels and waterways to avert flooding.

The special adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on erosion control and related matters, Elisha Ebijimi, gave the warning on Wednesday during an inspection tour of ongoing dredging and clearing of canals in Akure.

Ebijimi decried the persistent habit of dumping waste on road medians and waterways, especially in the state capital, Akure, describing it as a major setback to the government’s flood control efforts.

To tackle the trend, he disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration had commenced plans to mitigate the effects of flooding across all 18 local government areas of the state.

“So far, we have worked in Ilaje, Ese Odo, Odigbo, and Ile-Oluji. For some weeks now, we have been in Akure, after which we will move to Oba-Ile. All the 18 local government areas will be covered,” he said.

Ebijimi warned that indiscriminate waste disposal not only contributes to flooding but also pollutes the environment, causing health hazards.

Read Also: Ondo govt orders mass burial of 402 unclaimed corpses at UNIMEDTH

He stressed that anyone caught dumping refuse illegally would be arrested.

“We have promised the people of Ondo State that, under this administration, we will say goodbye to flooding. Governor Aiyedatiwa has mandated us to be on the field, and we have been working since last year,” he added.

Ebijimi further revealed that the government had widened a four-meter water channel to 25 meters and deepened it by four meters.

He noted that beyond clearing, concrete works would be added to strengthen the canals.

According to him, the state government is partnering with the World Bank to provide a lasting solution to flooding.

“After the rains, there are plans to return and ensure that the drainage channels are concreted through the assistance of the World Bank,” he stated.

Ondo State Government has resolved the rift between Okitipupa Oil Palm Company (OOPC) and host communities.

It reaffirmed its commitment to a harmonious relationship between private companies and local communities.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa called for formal negotiations between OOPC and the communities, to address the expressed grievances.

The government said: “The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, is expected to facilitate the discussions and ensure stakeholders collaborate towards a constructive resolution.

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“We recognise the crucial role Okitipupa Oil Palm PLC has played in our economy over the years, significantly enhancing investment and enriching our local landscape.

“We are determined to ensure all enterprises within our jurisdiction operate in accordance with legal standards while making substantial contributions to their surrounding communities. We, therefore, urge parties to exercise restraint and explore every available avenue for communication and resolution before resorting to more drastic measures.