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Tag: Ondo state

  • Ondo community celebrates festival

    Ondo community celebrates festival

    The people of Irun Akoko community in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State have expressed their preparedness to make the 2025 edition of the annual Idebi Oba festival.

    The age-long annual festival, which will be held on Saturday, 18 October, 2025, is celebrated every year to round off the annual Ogun festival.

    Indigenous people of the town from across the world will seize the opportunity to gather and celebrate with families and kinsmen.

    For the people of Irun Akoko, the Idebi Oba festival is a revered celebration that promotes very rich cultural heritage of the people, and weaves together spiritual and cultural significance, reinforcing the people’s connection to their heritage.

    The highlights of the Ide Oba Festival will include the open display of ancestral crowns won by the various monarchs that have resigned, starting from the first ruler.

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    Speaking on the significance of the festival, the monarch, HRM Oba Samuel Bayode Agboola, the Onirun of Irun, expressed extreme joy, adding that this serves as a rally point for him and his subjects to gather and offer prayers for peace and development of their community.

    “The Idebi Oba is one of the major traditional festivals in Irun Akoko. We have several other festivals, but the Idebi Oba is very unique. Irun is several centuries old, so on that day all of us will offer prayers of peace and prosperity for our town,” Kabiyesi Onirun explained.

    Oba Agboola called on the state government to join hands with the community to make Irun Akoko a tourist destination.

    “While we are prepared to make this year’s Idebi Oba Festival a festival to remember for a long time all over Akokoland and Ondo State in general, I want to plead with the state Ministry of Culture to come join hands with us. Our location makes us the honey pot of Akoko and some communities in Ekiti state.”

     Beyond the merriment, the festival is expected to contribute significantly to the economy of the town, as large crowd of indigenes, tourists and people from neighbouring communities will troop in to witness the once-in-a-year traditional spectacle.

    Expectedly, local businessmen and women are ready to seize the opportunity to make some cash for themselves.

    The chiefs and elders are not left out of the celebration and business opportunities that the festival presents. In preparation, beautiful aso ebi and other colorful fabrics have been purchased to make 2025 Idebi Oba as grand as possible.

  • Ondo monarch escapes assassination attempt

    Ondo monarch escapes assassination attempt

    Oba John Adinlewa, the Olugoba of Igoba Community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, The Nation can report.

    The incident occurred during a cultural festival when a group of armed hoodlums invaded the monarch’s palace, wielding firearms, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons, with the intent to wreak havoc.

    Sources disclosed that the attackers, who stormed the community in commando style, violently assaulted the monarch, his wife, and several indigenes.

    Properties worth millions of naira were reportedly destroyed in the chaos.

    Confirming the attack in a statement yesterday, the spokesman for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said ten suspects had been apprehended in connection with the assassination attempt.

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    Ayanlade stated that while the royal father narrowly escaped the life-threatening assault, one of his chiefs, Mrs Ogunoye Oluomo, was severely injured and dispossessed of her belongings during the attack.

    According to him,  “Upon receipt of the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, promptly deployed all necessary operational assets and manpower to the area. Led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the tactical team effected the arrest of ten suspects.”

    He added that the arrested suspects had confessed to their roles in the attack and would be charged in court upon completion of investigations.

    Items recovered from the suspects include two locally fabricated pistols, one single-barreled gun, several rounds of live ammunition, assorted charms, knives, machetes, and other dangerous weapons used during the attack.

    Ayanlade also disclosed that injured victims are currently receiving treatment and responding positively, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

    He assured that normalcy had been restored to the Igoba community, with security presence reinforced to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

    The Police Commissioner, according to him, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

  • Politician lifts widows with cash, donates books to schools

    Politician lifts widows with cash, donates books to schools

    Fashua Orisunmibare, councillor for Ward 1, Ijare, in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo state, has donated cash, school bags and books to widows and schools in his constituency.

     The gesture, Orisunmibare said, was motivated by his longtime desire to help ease the burden of the indigents in the society.

     “This is a dream that I have nurtured since I was a little boy. I really don’t like to see people suffering. So, this is my own little way of putting smiles on the faces of my people,” the councillor explained.

     Among the schools the benefited are Anglican Grammar School; St, Michael Primary School; Saint Mary’s Primary School; Manga Primary School; Community Primary School; Saint John’s Primary School and CAC Primary School, all in Ijare town.

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     Meanwhile, as part of his contribution to enhance the work of security outfits in the community, Orisunmibare also donated two solar panels to the Amotekun security team in Ijare.

     According to him, the donations were his contributions to the efforts of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure that the people enjoy the dividends of democracy.

     “Whatever I am doing is a little drop in the efforts of our governor to develop our state. This is my own way of supporting in my little ways the great things the governor is doing,” Orisunmibare stated.

  • Ondo State Government reassures communities on road rehabilitation

    Ondo State Government reassures communities on road rehabilitation

    Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku and the Majority Leader in the House of Assembly, Olatunji Oshati, have appealed to the protesting youths of Ireakari Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to remain calm and hopeful.  They assured them that government had not neglected them.

    The commissioner said Ireakari axis was mentioned at the last State Executive Council meeting under the Operation Emergency Road Construction programme, and expressed confidence that the roads in Idoani, Idogun, Imeri and Afo communities would soon be attended to as a matter of urgency.

    Ajanaku said the state and federal roads serving the communities, including Ipele-Idoani-Isua Road and Oba-Ikun-Afo Road had been brought to government’s attention.

    He said remedial works and major interventions would begin as soon as the rainy season subsided.

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    He said the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would never abandon any part of the state in its developmental agenda, adding that ‘Our Ease Agenda’ remained a guiding principle to ensure every citizen enjoyed the dividends of democracy. “The government of Dr. Aiyedatiwa is responsive and people-oriented. I want to assure our people in Ireakari that they have not been forgotten. Their concerns are already on the table, and as soon as weather permits, the road rehabilitation programme will extend to their axis,” Ajanaku said.

    On behalf of the state government, he urged youths to remain peaceful and continue to engage constructively with government, stressing that their sacrifices and patience would soon yield positive result.

  • Ondo NSCDC charges stakeholders on protection of national assets

    Ondo NSCDC charges stakeholders on protection of national assets

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, has called on stakeholders to prioritise the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) as a means of boosting the nation’s economy.

    The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Oluyemi Ibiloye, made the call during a stakeholders’ coordination meeting on CNAI held in Akure.

    Ibiloye explained that the forum was in line with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Commandant-General of the Corps.

    According to him, safeguarding national assets should be regarded as a shared responsibility between security agencies and the public.

    Ibiloye noted that vandalism of facilities such as roads, power installations, and communication lines often results in loss of lives and economic hardship.

    “Although the rate of destruction in Ondo State remains relatively low, some vandals have already been arrested and are currently facing prosecution,” he added. 

    In his remarks, Regional Head of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in Akure, Mr Olumide Atilara decried the impact of vandalism on power supply.

    Similarly, the Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr. Sule Abdulaziz, represented by the Akure Principal Manager, Mr. Okedele Sunday appealed to community leaders to support security agencies in protecting power infrastructure.

    Chairman of the Ondo State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Mr. Tomide Akiribido assured that the government was considering deploying CCTV cameras and remote sensors to safeguard critical facilities.

  • Ondo Action Alliance joins forces with Pro-Tinubu group for 2027 election

    Ondo Action Alliance joins forces with Pro-Tinubu group for 2027 election

    The opposition Action Alliance (AA) in Ondo State has pledged to collaborate with the Progressives Network for Tinubu (PNT) to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

    The partnership was formalised at a high-level meeting between AA leaders and the pro-Tinubu group on Thursday in Akure, the state capital.

    Director General of PNT, Pastor Olumide Obadele, described the alliance as a landmark step toward consolidating Tinubu’s support base in Ondo, adding that both groups aim to deliver over 80 percent of the state’s votes for the president.

    “Today, history is being made as we welcome the entire structure of the Action Alliance in Ondo into the Progressives Network for Tinubu. This is part of our pursuit to secure more than 80 percent of votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” Obadele said.

    He credited the alliance to the efforts of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Ondo APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, while stressing that the coalition is committed to driving massive voter turnout in 2027, unlike in past elections marked by apathy.

    “It is against this backdrop that we have picked up the challenge to educate, enlighten, and mobilise the electorate in the nooks and crannies of Ondo State.

    “They must be part of the emergence of a new Nigeria by supporting President Tinubu for a second term,” Obadele said.

    He added that the Tinubu administration has made significant progress in the economy, agriculture, infrastructure, and other sectors, which would be showcased during the campaign.

    Explaining the PNT’s approach, Obadele noted that the group would engage all eligible voters regardless of party affiliation.

    “We talk to groups, opposition parties, organisations, religious bodies, elites as well as ordinary people. Though we belong to the APC, it is not just about party politics. We are for Asiwaju.”

    He further described the group as a blend of old and new politicians united by passion and energy.

    “We are not violent. We are not cantankerous, and we hold no grudge against anyone. We are peace ambassadors answerable to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo,” he added.

    Also speaking, the state chairman of the Action Alliance and former governorship candidate of the party, Fred Akinuli, said the opposition party had resolved to support and promote President Tinubu’s achievements in strategic alignment with PNT across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

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    “This is a meeting to synergise with PNT and not a campaign effort, as we are fully aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to lift the ban on open campaigns.

    “We have resolved to support, propagate, and promote the good work of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a strategic alignment with PNT across Ondo State to deliver not less than 80,000 votes come the 2027 general election.

    “Let me assure the leadership of PNT that our party shall work assiduously with you in all the 18 local governments and 203 wards in Ondo State to achieve good results in the task ahead.

    “We believe God has chosen President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be in the vanguard of reformation and positive change in Nigeria,” Akinuli added.

  • Ondo Guber: Attorney General hails PDP candidate Ajayi for withdrawing petition from S’Court

    Ondo Guber: Attorney General hails PDP candidate Ajayi for withdrawing petition from S’Court

    The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has commended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, for withdrawing his appeal pending before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    The Attorney General in a statement described the former Deputy Governor’s decision to withdraw the petition as patriotic and statesmanlike.

    Ajulo said his office had taken notice of reports of the letter dated September 16, 2025, addressed by Ajayi to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, in which he formally withdrew appeal No. SC/CV/757/2025 – MR. AJAYI ALFRED AGBOOLA & ANOR V. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION & 3 ORS.

    The Attorney General said Ajayi’s decision was a rare attribute of statesmanship, maturity, and unwavering commitment to peace and democratic stability.

    According to him, the move demonstrates Ajayi’s resolve to place the greater interest of Ondo State above partisan considerations, which he noted will further strengthen the legitimacy of democratic institutions and foster political harmony in the state.

    “I acknowledge this patriotic decision and wish to place on record our deep appreciation for the statesmanship, maturity, and unwavering commitment to peace and democratic stability demonstrated by Hon. Agboola Ajayi. 

    “His resolve to put the greater interest of Ondo State above partisan considerations is a rare attribute that underscores his enduring devotion to the principles of good governance, harmony, and collective progress,” Ajulo stated.

    “It note worthy, that this decision has further validated the overwhelming victory of Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the November 16, 2024 Governorship election in Ondo State, where he emerged as the first ever candidate of a political party, to secure victory in all the 18 Local Government areas of the State, while this also marks the first election judicial dispute in the history of our state, that was not fought to the very end, by aggrieved candidates and political parties. 

    “No doubt, this is a precedent, that will historically positively impact on democracy in our state.”

    The Attorney General recalled that he had previously urged Hon. Ajayi to end what he described as endless litigation, adding that the withdrawal of the appeal now vindicates his earlier call. 

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    He also expressed gratitude to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), singling out Chief Eddy Olafeso as a point of contact, for supporting the reconciliatory process that culminated in Ajayi’s decision.

    Ajulo further stressed that on behalf of the government and people of Ondo State, he extended “profound appreciation” to Ajayi for the bold step, describing it as one that would contribute to consolidating peace and unity across political divides.

    Looking ahead, the Attorney General revealed that his office would collaborate with the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment and other relevant officials to initiate a statewide public engagement platform. 

    The initiative, he said, would provide an avenue for aggrieved politicians and citizens to dialogue, reconcile, and contribute towards the overall development of the state, now that election-related disputes have been put to rest.

    Ajulo reaffirmed the commitment of the Ondo State Government to building an inclusive society where leaders, regardless of political affiliation, can contribute meaningfully to governance and development.

  • Ondo women endorse Tinubu for second term, pledge 95% votes in 2027

    Ondo women endorse Tinubu for second term, pledge 95% votes in 2027

    A group of women in Ondo State, under the banner of the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s strides in human capital and infrastructural development, declaring that he deserves a second term to consolidate his vision for Nigeria.

    Speaking in Akure on Thursday, the coordinator of AMG’s women wing in Ondo, Mrs. Yetunde Adeyanju, praised the President for driving equitable growth, reviving the economy, and giving women strategic roles in governance.

    Adeyanju, a former commissioner in the state, said the group is committed to delivering 95 percent of the votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election across the 18 local government areas.

    She added that the women have already begun rolling out grassroots mobilization strategies to penetrate “every community in Ondo State, up to the smallest villages and hamlets.”

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     “The women in Ondo State know us, and they know what we stand for. Definitely, they will listen to us. Our President deserves to be re-elected because of the developmental programmes he has begun implementing for Nigeria,” Mrs Adeyanju said.

    She added that the group is working tirelessly to secure massive support for President Tinubu across the South-West, stressing that the mandate given to them by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is to mobilize women and sensitize them on the importance of re-electing the incumbent President.

    “Our mandate is basically to go to all the 18 local governments of Ondo State, mobilize our women, educate and sensitise them.

    “By the special grace of God, we’ve been around for a while, we have track records, and we have been part of the government in this state for over two decades,” she added.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of AMG, Mr Olumuyiwa Asagunla, said the group has intensified grassroots mobilization to ensure massive support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu in 2027.

    “What we are out for is to sensitize our people about the good works of our President through the Renewed Hope Agenda so that he can continue,” Asagunla said.

  • Former Ondo First Lady urges female lawmakers to champion maternal health reforms

    Former Ondo First Lady urges female lawmakers to champion maternal health reforms

    Former First Lady of Ondo State, Dr. (Mrs.) Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has urged female lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly to prioritise legislation that guarantees full funding, accountability, and effective monitoring of maternal health services in Nigeria.

    In an open letter dated September 4, 2025, and forwarded to The Nation, she expressed grief over the tragic case of an Abuja woman who lost her twins after being denied care at multiple hospitals.

    Anyanwu-Akeredolu blamed Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate on inadequate funding and lack of accountability in the health sector. 

    She called on female senators and representatives, including Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Mariam Onuoha, Kafilat Ogbara, and others, to urgently address the crisis.

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    She tasked them with ensuring that no hospital turns away women in labor, pushing for stronger legislation to secure maternal health funding, exercising oversight over state and local governments to improve primary healthcare, and rallying support for the Constitution Alteration Bill 2024 (HB 1349) to increase women’s representation in parliament.

    “Representation without impact is meaningless. Nigerian women deserve leaders who will speak and act decisively to protect them. History will not be kind to silence,” she warned.

  • JUST IN: Ex-Ondo guber candidate Akingboye dies

    JUST IN: Ex-Ondo guber candidate Akingboye dies

    The former governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Bamidele Akingboye, is dead. 

    Mr Akingboye died in the early hours of Wednesday at his residence in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos. 

    The deceased contested with incumbent governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and 12 others in the last year gubernatorial election. 

    A spokesman to the deceased, Oyeniyi Iwakun, confirmed his passing in a statement signed and issued to journalists in Akure, the state capital. 

    “With deep sorrow and a heavy heart, we announce the passing of our father, brother, mentor, and leader, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA). The Social Democratic Party (SDP) Governorship Candidate in the 2024 Gubernatorial Elections.

    “Otunba Akingboye passed away earlier today at his residence in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos. 

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    “He was a man of unwavering integrity, an accomplished businessman, philanthropist, visionary leader, and community builder who lived a fulfilled and purposeful life,” the statement read. 

    According to the statement, Akingboye is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and siblings. 

    “Burial arrangements and further details will be communicated in due course,” it further read. 

    Akingboye, until his death, was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Benshore Maritime and Clog Oil Systems, as well as the President of WeAfrica Group. 

    He also held the traditional title of Olowomeye I of Ikaleland.