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Tag: Ondo state

  • Suspected herdsmen attack farmer in Ondo

    Some suspected herdsmen have reportedly macheted a farmer, Ahmed Arogurerin, in Auga-Akoko, Ondo State who allegedly confronting them for destroying his farm crops by cattle.

    The injured farmer reported the case to the police before he was assisted to a nearby hospital.

    Read Also: Three suspected herdsmen arrested in Ondo

    The Alauga of Auga, Oba Samuel Agunloye, said many of the herders were fond of destroying farmers crops.

    The monarch said he had refused to be involved in such case since his wife was kidnapped for days and captors were referring to such civil settlement, hence they needed to contact law enforcement agencies to intervene.

    The Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on Hausa/ Fulani Matters, Alhaj Umar Bala, noted that he would wade into the matter.

    Alauga hailed the state Police Command for patrolling Ise-Auga Akunu road axis that is notorious for kidnappings and robberies.

    The monarch also pleaded with the governor to activate the multi-million Agric village in Auga-Akoko.

  • 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

  • Five shortlisted for Olowo

    A new  Olowo of Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State may emerge any moment from now, it was learnt on Tuesday.

    Sources hinted that the Senior Omolowos have shortlisted five names out of 18 aspirants from the Elewuokun Dynasty.

    They are two from Ogunoye Royal House, two from Olateru-Olagbegi and one from Ajike Atanaye lineages.

    It was learnt that the date and time for election of the new Olowo will be made known soon.

    Eighteen princes  from the Elewuokun Dynasty were pencilled down for the screening exercise.

    The President of the Senior Omolowos and Ojomoluda of Ijebu Owo, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo Ojomo, promised to carry the media along. He pledged that the exercise would be fair and transparent.

    Oba Ojomo appealed to the people to help the Omolowos make the selection process devoid of rancour and ill-feelings.

    According to him, the town cannot progress in the midst of strife.

    Read Also: Don’t politicise selection of Olowo, says prince

    Those already screened are Princes Ogunoye Akinola Olawamide, Ogunoye Philip Adegoke Adegbite, Olatunde Aragun Ogunoye, Ogunoye Adekolajo, Ogunoye Olanrewaju Adelotan, Ogunoyeyi Ajibade Gbadegesin, Ogunoye Olatunde Aragun, Ogunoye Olugbemiga Peter and Ajike Olatubosun Oluwayemi.

    Others are Olagbegi Mowasola, Ogunoye Michael Gboyega, Olateru-Olagbegi Adesuyi, Olateru-Olagbegi Olaleke, Ogunoye Emmanuel Ademola, Ogunoye Adegboyega Victor, Ajike Charles Adedayo, Ogunoye Monday Ogundeji and Ogunoye Olanrewaju Bernard.

    The throne of Olowo became vacant following the demise of Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III, who joined his ancestors on Tuesday, April 16, this year.

  • ADC national chairman affirms Ogungbemi as Ondo chair

    The National Secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has affirmed Hon. Bisi Ogungbemi and his deputy, Iyalode Tokunbo Saka as credible leaders of the party in Ondo State.

    In an affirmation letter by the national chairman, Dr. Ralph Nwosu, the party noted it had declared the purported suspension of the chairman and his deputy as unacceptable, null and void.

    It added the few disgruntled members of the party lack the power to carry out a suspension of the chairman.

    “Hon. Bisi Ogungbemi and Mrs Tokunbo Saka remain the Chairman and deputy chairman of the party in Ondo State as stipulated in the party’s constitution.

    “The NWC directs all parties to maintain status quo as the party has set up a disciplinary committee to look into the matter”

    In a related development, The Ondo State chapter has suspended some members for gross misconduct and anti-party activities.

    Read Also: Broadcast journalists to benefit from $150,000 award

    While reading the suspension letter, the chapter chairman Ogungbemi said the members were suspended for conniving with the opposition to work against the party in the last elections and also working with opposition to destabilise the party.

    He added that they were also said to have disrupted a reconciliatory meeting chaired by Dr Bode Iwaloye to resolve the issues in the party.

    Those suspended are; Jephthah Obapolo- secretary, Samuel Adeusi-Treasurer, Barr Femi Balogun, legal adviser, Idowu Akinrinlola – PRO, Helen K Ogunboye-Women leader, chief John Olatunji- Welfare,  Com Fape Omodara- Youth leader, Adeola Omoogun-Financial secretary, Evang. Olympus Akinlosotu.

    Ogungbemi stated that a disciplinary committee would be subsequently set up to look into the matter and submit their report in two weeks.

  • Ondo shares 511 phones for health data capturing

    The Ondo State government has distributed over 500 tablet and android phones to assessors and supervisors at the Hospitals Management Board and Local Government Areas.

    This is to ensure effective data gathering.

    Commissioner for Health Dr. Wahab Adegbenro distributed the phones during the District Health Information 2 mobile application cascade training for HMB and LGA supervisors in Ondo.

    He explained that such gesture would improve data quality and change from paper method of quality assessment to electronics system.

    Adegbenro, who lauded ‘Bluesquare Electronics’ for designing the phone for the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency for the Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) states, under the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, urged participants to key-in and take full advantage of the initiative.

    The commissioner reiterated the government’s determination to ensure that adequate data are gathered at all times, and hoped that the phones would further enhance effective performance and timely reporting.

    He also urged users to handle them with care, warning that the phones should be used for the purpose they were meant for.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye was confident that with the new development, the quality of data gathering would improve tremendously.

    Read Also: Ondo monarch urges youths to shun cultism

    Adeyeye, who was represented by Rotimi Akinola, stressed the need for all and sundry to be ICT compliant, noting that the world is fast becoming digital and the state should not be left behind.

    Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr. Francis Akanbiemu thanked the government for its health intervention aimed at bringing smiles to the people’s faces.

    According to him, this is the second time the government would be distributing Tablets to the Health workers for improved data gathering. He said 300 Tablets were distributed to health workers in different Health facilities across the state in 2018.

    Project Coordinator of NSHIP Dr. Paulinus Omode promised that all would be done to achieve the project’s desired objectives.

  • 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.”

  • Justify confidence reposed on you, APC supporters urge Buhari

    Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are indigenes of Ondo state in the United Kingdom(UK) have sought a permanent relief for Nigerians who they noted, are presently facing economic hardship.

    They urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his second term in office to put smiles on the faces of the masses supporters.

    In a statement signed by its chairman,Julius Adeyeye, Secretary, Olu Esho and Publicity Secretary, Fola Olagbegi appealed to the President to justify the confidence reposed in his administration which necessitated the massive votes he garnered at the polls to retain his position of another four-year time.

    Besides, the APC stalwarts urged the president to carefully constitute the next federal cabinet with much emphasis on next level agenda to ensure adequate security to life and property, reduction of poverty level as well as provision of food security in Nigeria.

    It hailed the smooth transition of leadership at the National Assembly and peaceful inauguration of Buhari/Osinbajo second term.

    According to the group, the successful completion of the first four-year in spite of all odds would ginger unprecedented breakthrough in the ongoing dispensation.

    Read Also: Buhari launches initiative to stop communal clashes

    The APC supporters in the diaspora noted with delight that Nigeria now has a dedicated leadership in the two legislative chambers in Abuja with Senator Ahmad Lawan as Senate President and Hon.Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker,House of Representatives.

    They expressed optimism that the duo would provide robust leadership and national service devoid of selfish interest unlike in the last eighth assembly.

    The group also rejoiced with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for the smooth transition at the Ondo State Assembly, urging him not to relent in providing impactful governance to the citizenry in the state.

    They pledged its commitment to support his administration in order to uplift the state in all facets of life.

    The party men also promised to rally round Akeredolu’s government in its bid to make the state, an industrial hub of the Southwest.

     

  • 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.

  • ‘We’re concerned over APC crises in Ondo, Imo, Ogun, others’

    THE All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth League (NYL) at the weekend lamented over lingering disputes in some state chapters of the party.

    It urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to review activities of the affected states to instill discipline.

    This is to fortify the party ahead of governorship elections in some states like Bayelsa, Kogi, Edo, Ondo and others.

    The president of the group, Atir Solomon Faeren, who spoke with reporters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday listed some APC crisis-ridden states as Ondo, Ogun, Imo, Zamfara, Oyo and others.

    Besides, he said, all groups that worked for APC and President Muhammadu Buhari should be rewarded, especially those that started the merger process.

    The group appreciated the massive infrastructural development across the country and the efforts in revamping the economy, especially on diversification policy.

    However, it expressed concern over security challenges in the country, stressing that the federal government should strategise on how to curtail insecurity in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Oredo APC leaders to lawmaker-elect: apologise to Obaseki, or risk recall

    According to Faeren, “We shall soon come up with our comprehensive policy document in line with the APC’s next level agenda to support Buhari’s government.”

    The youth league says it has confidence in the leadership of President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for another four-year term.

    Similarly, it hailed the national assembly members for electing APC’s approved candidates, Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila, as leaders in both the Senate and House of Representatives respectively.

     

  • Olowo stool: Why I’m most qualified –Ogunoye

    Selection of the candidate to ascend the vacant stool of the Olowo of Owo in Ondo State by the senior ‘Omolowos’ is getting tougher by the day, as more aspirants have been indicating interest. One of the strong contenders, Prince Olanrewaju Ogunoye, who led other princes of Ogunoye Royal Linage to a consensus arrangement, spoke with Damisi Ojo.

    What motivated you to join in the jostle for the vacant Olowo stool?

    My eligibility to the throne of Olowo in the ancient city, Owo flows from my being a direct descendant of Ogwa Elewuokun family tree from which my lineage Ogunoye emanated. My interest in the Olowo stool will be to promote the legitimate expectations, goodness and welfare of the vast majority of the good people of Owo Kingdom both within and in the diaspora. In addition, the sustenance of the legacies of Ogunoye family lineage in the critical area of development, and in harnessing the full potentials and cooperation of Owo citizens is imperative.

    Can you give us a glimpse into your background?

    I am Prince Olanrewaju Adelotan Ogunoye, born in the year 1947 to Prince Moses Adelotan Ogunoye and Madam Folake Ogunoye (Nee Olutoge). I had my Primary School at CAC Primary School, Igboroko, Owo, LA Modern School, Owo, before proceeding to Methodist High School, Owo. I had my B.Sc in Food Science and Technology from Alabama A&M University, Huntsville Alabama and MBA in Accounting and Taxation from the University of North Texas, Denton Texas.

    Would you say that you have the required impetus to become the next Olowo?

    The revered and highly cherished throne of Olowo within Ondo State and Nigeria is essentially a very serious responsibility. Aside age and experience of life, I have the intellectual abilities, competence and capacity to comprehend, intercept, analyse and conceptualise issues from different perspectives. It is all about the people.

    What gives you the impression that you are better qualified than other princes of the Elewuokun Ruling House?

    I will admit with all sense of responsibility and humility as well as by my pedigree, that I am well qualified and equipped for the task and challenges ahead. I differ from others due to my innate ability to see the larger picture, tenacity of purpose, strive for excellence, absorptive capacity, respect for others, simplicity, desire to cooperate with people and discharge my duties within the context of our custom and tradition.

    In case you get selected, what are your plans for Owo town?

    I intend to promote peace and tranquillity in Owo Kingdom. I will pursue reconciliation among factions, build confidence and trust between and among perceived and real conflicting interests. The annual Igogo festival will be further elevated from its current local status to national and international significance. There will be quarterly meetings with all our traditional chiefs, whereby inputs into our strategic plans and implementation will be obtained. The arrowhead of the structural-function of integration will be led by senior Omoolowo to drive the process in which all our kingmakers will jointly participate.

    Which magic will you be using to achieve all these?

    I will be working with the support of the kingmakers. A register for the documentation of all prominent citizens of Owo in Nigeria and the diaspora will be opened for the purpose of identifying the legitimate aspirations and projects development. The need to build a befitting new royal palace in Owo within the present location is imperative and extremely important. It shall be a monument and legacy with the input of the state government and our people. A think-thank shall be anchored to work out the modalities, while the full cooperation and support of the state and local government will be sought at all times. With these, the aspirations will be met.

    What will be your strategy to bring other traditional rulers in the Owo suburbs into the mainstream?

    It will be my onerous duty to endear the full cooperation of other traditional rulers in the suburbs as partners in progress. This will be done through meetings with them quarterly, with the full involvement of Owo kingmakers. The aim is to bring us close for the promotion of cooperation and understanding.

    What is your advice to the Omoolowos and kingmakers in the selection process?

    Our revered Kabiyesi Ojomoluda has spoken on this one and I am standing on the protocol of justice and fairness. He spoke eloquently about it in a well published and documented press conference a few days ago, as the run-off kicked off.

    Are you ready to support any other prince that eventually emerges?

    I will like to put it on record that my full support for any candidate that eventually emerges in the final decision is guaranteed. However, this is with a view that the process is devoid of ambiguity, political shenanigans and impunity, which is characteristic of human tendencies and aberrations. The need to continue with the good name of Oghwa Elewookun family of which the good people of Owo have put there hope and cultural destiny must be protected and preserved at all times. My personal trust and confidence remain incontrovertible in the person and institution of Omolowo in this critical moment of our historical trajectory.