The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ondo state

  • 71,000 pupils sit for common entrance exam in Ondo

    71,000 pupils sit for common entrance exam in Ondo

    No fewer than 71,110 pupils from public and private primary schools sat for the Common Entrance Examination in Ondo State on Saturday.

    The examination known as Placement Examination was held simultaneously in the 280 designated centres across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

    The Common Entrance Examination, being conducted annually by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, would lead to the award of Primary School Leaving Certificate for the candidates.

    Monitoring the exercise, the Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Akindele Ige, said that the exercise held across designated centres in the state was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere.

    Read Also: FG declares emergency on Suleja-Minna road

    Ige revealed that the exercise would also enable candidates who score the required marks to secure admission into their secondary schools of choice across the three senatorial districts of the state.

    “The conduct was peaceful, and there are no reports of late arrival of examination materials or shortages of examination officials at all designated centres,” he said.

    Ige also applauded the turnout of the candidates for the examination and their orderly conduct, describing the exercise as impressive.

    While commending the examination management department of the ministry for putting in place a superb arrangement for the examination, the administrative secretary lauded the parents and guardians of candidates for their patience and peaceful disposition to the exercise.

    Some students, who spoke shortly after the examination, expressed great optimism for success in the concluded exercise.

  • Ondo monarch arrested for ‘raping 12-year-old girl’

    Ondo monarch arrested for ‘raping 12-year-old girl’

    A village head (Baale), Adeniyi Ifedayo, has been accused of sleeping with a 12-year-old girl in Ondo East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Ifedayo, who is the traditional ruler of the Laagba Community, was accused of luring the victim into his house, which served as his palace.

    The victim was said to have been rushed to the hospital after the escapades was exposed to the people.

    Sources said the monarch allegedly kept the girl for two weeks, where he sexually harassed her.

    “He (monarch) is now with the police where he would face the consequence of his action,” he said.

    Read Also: Nigeria partner Germany to tackle plastic waste in oceans

    Narrating her ordeal in an interview, the victim revealed how she was lured to the house of the monarch by a commercial motorcycle rider in the community.

    The girl said: “The Baale kept me in his house for two weeks and feed me with pap, while he assaulted me sexually on daily basis. My parents became worried about my whereabouts and eventually raised the alarm, declaring me missing. After two weeks, the Baale took me on a motorcycle and dumped me at a location in Akure, the Ondo state capital.”

    The Area Commander of the Ondo Area Command of the Nigeria Police, Mr. T. Y. Pickson, said the case had been transferred to the State Police Command in Akure for further investigation.

  • Ondo Catholic Bishop condemns demolition of memorial park

    Ondo Catholic Bishop condemns demolition of memorial park

    The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has described the demolition of the memorial park built to immortalise the victims of the terror attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo as a violation of the dignity of life and memories of those massacred in the violent attack.

    Condemning the demolition in a statement to journalists on Wednesday in Akure, the Catholic Bishop of the Ondo Diocese, Jude Arogundade, said that the pulling down of the memorial park has also reawakened the pains of families of victims and casualties of the attack.

    “There is no doubt that the demolition is a violation of our common respect for the dignity of life and the memory we share of our 41 brothers and sisters who were unjustly killed.

    “The Catholic Diocese of Ondo unequivocally condemns and finds unacceptable the sudden and unannounced demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo.

    “This site, established by the State Government, served as a neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and communal healing after the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack. Its demolition seems to have renewed the pain of everyone who was affected by the attack, and justifiably so,” he said.

    Arogundade recalled the intervention of the Ondo Diocese when the natives of the community first protested over the site of the memorial park at the front of the church.

    Read Also: Senate declares Yelewata, Mangu killings as acts of terror

    According to the Catholic Bishop, the Diocese issued a statement, making it clear that the space was a Memorial Park and NOT a graveyard.

    “In the letter, the misunderstanding by those who thought it was a burial ground, especially due to its proximity to the Palace, was addressed openly, and an appeal was made for understanding and mutual respect.”

    While explaining that the site of the cenotaph was legitimately acquired and developed by the State Government, Arogundade added that the demolited edifice was publicly designated as Memorial Park for honouring the victims.

    “It was commissioned and blessed by the state government and the church respectively,” he noted.

    The Ondo Catholic Bishop bemoaned the demolition without any prior notice or official dialogue, saying the worshippers were shocked and deeply saddened by the action of the state government in collaboration with the Olowo of Owo.

    He, however, said the church has also written to the Governor to demand explanations and know the motives behind the demolition.

  • Ondo govt grants financial autonomy to judiciary as JUSUN suspends strike

    Ondo govt grants financial autonomy to judiciary as JUSUN suspends strike

    The Ondo state government has approved financial autonomy for judiciary workers, leading to the suspension of the industrial action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

    The development was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday by JUSUN Secretary, Alade Kehinde, in Akure, a copy of which was obtained by The Nation.

    Alade said the government’s decision followed a meeting with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, whose invention brought an end to the two-week strike that had shut down courts across the state.

    He added that the state government has agreed to constitute a committee and commence full implementation of the judiciary’s financial independence starting next month.

    “Arising from the state administrative council of JUSUN Ondo State and due to consultations with our national headquarters, we considered the following and resolved to suspend the ongoing Ondo State JUSUN industrial action:

    “Commitment on the part of the state government to implement our demands on compliance with the provision of the law on release of funds to the Ondo State judiciary.

    “Commitment on the part of the state government to constitute a committee to work within a reasonable timeframe to fast-track the implementation in July 2025,” Alade said in the statement.

    He added, “The meeting also resolved that the judiciary will be allowed henceforth to manage its funds through the release of envelopes monthly starting from July 2025.

    “In view of this development, JUSUN members, Ondo State Branch, are hereby directed to resume work with immediate effect while engagement with the state government continues till commencement of the implementation of our demands.”

    Read Also: I don’t know why Ondo govt is after me, says ex-Attorney-General

    Meanwhile, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has assured the judiciary workers that the state remains committed to the principles of judicial independence and fiscal responsibility.

    In a statement to commend the judiciary workers for calling off their strike, Ajulo stated that the Aiyedatiwa-led government would continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure peaceful industrial relations across the state.

    He added, “Judicial autonomy is already well-established and constitutionally guaranteed, noting that what is required now is for all parties involved to demonstrate understanding and seek proper clarification on its practical implementation.”

    The AG also lauded Aiyedatiwa, whom he described as “visionary and responsive leadership,” for being instrumental in finding a sustainable solution to the industrial dispute.

  • Kidnappers to die by hanging in Ondo – Govt

    Kidnappers to die by hanging in Ondo – Govt

    The Ondo State Government has said that kidnappers found guilty in the state will face death penalty by hanging.

    The government also announced that buildings and facilities used by kidnappers in committing crime would be demolished after following due process in the court.

    The Attorney General and State Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, stated this at a news briefing after the State Executive Council meeting on Saturday in Akure.

    Ajulo explained that the anti-kidnapping law would be reviewed by the Ondo State House of Assembly that will prescribe death penalty for kidnappers by hanging.

    He said the council was also concerned about the spate of cultism in the state and would do everything necessary to decisively deal with the situation.

    He said penalty for kidnappers in the state would now be death by hanging after reviewing the law through the state House of Assembly.

    “The governor, being a lover of rule of law, would not go the way it’s being done in other states, without following necessary court due process.

    “We should know that we have investors coming to the state and as part of measures is to ensure we encourage them that they and their investment are safe,” he said.

    Also speaking, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the executive also approved installation of 6000 solar powered street lights across the three senatorial districts.

    Read Also: Ondo Assembly screens eight commissioner-nominees

    Olawoye said the construction of 24.75km dual carriageway from Okitipupa to Igbokoda Jetty was also approved at the meeting.

    He also disclosed that the council also approved the construction of 6.7km dual carriageway from Supare Junction–Akungba–Ikare road in Akoko.

    The Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Bola Taiwo, said that the state government had approved the selection process of Olu of Okeigbo by the warrant chiefs.

    (NAN)

  • Politicians blamed for cult clashes, killings in Ondo as police declare war on drug peddlers

    Politicians blamed for cult clashes, killings in Ondo as police declare war on drug peddlers

    Residents of Ondo town have blamed local politicians for the recent surge in cult-related violence, killings, and unrest disrupting daily life in the community.

    The accusations were made during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, in response to the escalating crisis.

    The concerned citizens lamented the frequent cult clashes that have claimed numerous lives, especially of young people, over the past three weeks.

    Angry residents alleged that political actors and wealthy individuals were arming youths to advance selfish ambitions, fuelling the bloodshed.

    “These politicians are behind the crimes. They arm the youths for their political goals,” one participant declared.

    A youth leader, Akintomide Akinkuolie, accused the police of arresting innocent individuals indiscriminately, particularly in motor parks, during clashes, and demanding money before releasing them.

    Also speaking, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Chairman, Akintayo Richard, urged the police to seek assistance from lawmakers to procure security tools such as vehicles and motorcycles to combat the crisis effectively.

    Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) linked the violence to the unchecked presence of hard drug peddlers in parks, calling for the installation of CCTV cameras in parks, hotels, and strategic locations across the town.

    In response, CP Afolabi issued a directive to his officers to aggressively clamp down on cult groups and eradicate drug peddling in identified hotspots, including Ondo East, Ondo West, and Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo local government areas.

    Read Also: Policeman receives healing at Prophet Fufeyin’s crusade

    He assured residents of increased collaboration with other security outfits, hunters, and vigilantes, urging the public to report any suspicious activity to ensure timely intervention.

    “We are going back to the drawing board and trying to see how these issues raised can be addressed, most especially the one of cult activities and the activities of people peddling drugs. I can give you this assurance that it will be holistically addressed.”

    Ayotunde Akinfolaranmi, Chairman, Ondo West Local Government Area, described the initiative as fantastic, saying it would go a long way in tackling security challenges being currently faced in the local government area.

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Akinlaja, appreciated the commissioner for the initiative, saying this would spur all stakeholders to play their own roles in checking crimes in their neighbourhood.

  • Ondo Muslims protest attack on Chief Imam’s family by masqueraders, demand justice

    Ondo Muslims protest attack on Chief Imam’s family by masqueraders, demand justice

    Members of the Muslim community in Ondo State staged a peaceful protest on Thursday to condemn the recent attack on the family of the Chief Imam of Oke-Agbe Akoko, Muhammed Hussain Jegede, by suspected masqueraders and traditionalists.

    The incident, which occurred last Thursday, saw the rampaging masqueraders forcefully enter a mosque in the heart of Oke-Agbe, assaulting the Imam’s wives and children.

    It was gathered that locals, who attempted to intervene, were reportedly overwhelmed and fled for safety.

    Leading the protest to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 17 office in Akure, prominent Islamic cleric Abdulazeez Surajudeen Folayemi condemned the assault and rejected what he described as a “so-called settlement” between the parties involved.

    “The proposed settlement holds no water and should be thrown into the trash bin,” Folayemi declared, demanding legal action and justice for the victims.

    AIG Ajani Musibau commended the Muslim community for their peaceful and mature response, assuring them the case would be treated in accordance with the law and resolved at the zonal level rather than being transferred to Abuja.

    Read Also: Ondo Muslims get Dangote palliative rice

    The protest followed a petition by the Muslim Initiative on Rights and Justice (MIRAJ), which called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. In the petition signed by Adeniyi Alimi Adams, National Amir of MIRAJ, the group accused the attackers of religious provocation, criminal assault, attempted murder, conspiracy, and violations of fundamental rights.

    “Why should these individuals violate the religious rights of peace and law-abiding Muslims in the community? Why must they trample on their constitutional rights to dignity and freedom of worship?” it queried.

  • Ondo lawmakers screen commissioners-designate today

    Ondo lawmakers screen commissioners-designate today

    The Ondo State House of Assembly would today screen the commissioners-designate appointed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Speaker of the Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, who made known this during the plenary yesterday in Akure, the state capital. said the screening was necessary after the state lawmakers received the letter of the nominees from the governor.

    Oladiji said the exercise would be carried out at the hallowed chamber of the parliament house, noting that it would also be done in batches starting from today, tomorrow, and next Monday.

     “The commissioner-nominees who were forwarded to the House by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa are expected to undergo thorough screening by the House Committee of the whole under his leadership,” he said.

    He asked the commissioner-nominees to come along with their certificates and curriculum vitae of at least 40 copies each.

    Read Also: Onyema hails Tinubu’s aviation reforms, says Nigerian Airlines can now access dry leasing opportunities

    The Majority Leader, Oshati Olatunji, moved the motion for the letter to be committed to the Committee of the Whole House for thorough screening.

    “As your representatives, we assured the people of Ondo State that we will conduct a thorough screening before confirmation. The screening is scheduled to commence from Thursday at 9 am,” he added.

     Aiyedatiwa had, on June 12, forwarded names of the 12 commissioner-nominees to the State Executive Council (SEC) for the assembly for confirmation.

    They are Sunday Olajide, Amidu Takuro, Olaolu Akindolire, Igbekele Ajibefun, Oluwaseun Abosede Osamaye, Wale Akinlosotu and Ayodele Akande.

    Others are Tob Loko, Idowu Ajanaku, Alabi Johnson, Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, and Omoyofunmi Segun Henry.

  • Ondo tertiary institutions’ workers threaten strike

    Ondo tertiary institutions’ workers threaten strike

    The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Ondo State-owned tertiary institutions has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led government over the alleged poor conditions of the schools, particularly failure to implement the national minimum wage in the institutions.

    The committee, which comprises members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union ((NASU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP), highlighted several complaints to include the alleged failure to pay their accumulated arrears and gratuities of retires and six months outstanding salary.

    In a statement yesterday in Akure, the state capital, by its Chairman, Olutayo Ogungbeni, and Secretary, Kunle Akinwonmi, JAC, which comprises members in the state’s four tertiary institutions of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, threatened to shut down the institutions, if the government failed to pay.

    “Having realised that the state government is playing politics with our lives and the lives of our children in all the state-owned institutions as well as tertiary education sector in Ondo State, we have no other alternative than to direct our members to embark on a 14-day warning strIke (at first instance) with effect from midnight of Thursday, 19th June, 2025.

    “Kindly note that the 14-day warning strike shall be total, hence, no concession is given to any of our members to perform any official duties during the period of this warning strike and any of our members found in their offices during this warning strike shall be seen as saboteurs and shall be treated as such,” the statement read. 

    Read Also: Tinubu at 2025 PPP Summit: Nigerians want infrastructure, not promises

    The Nation recalls that JAC had issued a similar ultimatum on June 2, where it gave a seven-day ultimatum to the government to meet the demands for workers in the state owned higher institutions.

    “We have written several letters to the state government, and we met with Mr. Governor on 1st May, 2025, where promises were made to resolve all our demands, but nothing has been done to put a smile on our faces as promised by Mr. Governor.

    “We hereby appeal to all the stakeholders in Ondo State, especially the political leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders to kindly intervene in this issue before it snowballs into total shutdown of academic activities in all the institutions in Ondo State,’’ it said.

    Spokesperson for Governor Aiyedatiwa, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the government through the office of the Head of Service is looking into the agitations of the workers.

    “Although their problem seems to be internal. If they’re agitating for the new minimum wage, the government has been on top of it, and it’s been addressed with the office of State Head of Service.

    “Also, I know the governor has increased the subventions coming to the various institutions twice aside from the Internally General Revenue (IGR) the various schools are making,” Adeniyan said.

  • Outrage in Ondo as masqueraders attack Imam’s wives, children

    Outrage in Ondo as masqueraders attack Imam’s wives, children

    •Monarch fines victims nine goats, seven sheep 200 Kolanuts
    •MUSWEN, MURIC: actions barbaric, invitation to chaos

    There was pandemonium in Oke-Agbe Akoko in the Akoko Local Government Area of Ondo State when masquerades and traditional worshippers invaded a mosque and the resident of the Chief Imam, attacking his family members.

    The attack reportedly happened last Thursday when the traditional worshippers allegedly forced their way into the mosque located in the heart of the town and descended heavily on the Chief Imam’s wives and children.

    The Nation gathered that some locals in the town tried to put up a defence but were overpowered and scared by the masquerades in the company of the traditionalists, forcing everyone to run for safety.

    A local resident in the Oke-Agbe, who witnessed the attack but preferred to remain anonymous, said no concrete reason could be given for the invasion.

    “We have been living in palpable fear since the attack happened. Everyone is just too scared,” he said.

    It was learnt that the monarch of the town imposed fines on the Muslim victims, after the attack allegedly because the Muslim women ‘screamed and cursed the masquerades while they were being beaten instead of crying and begging’.

    ”The Imam and his wives were, therefore, ordered to bring nine goats, seven sheep and 200 pieces of Kolanuts as fines not later than Monday (yesterday) or they would all be banished from the city while no one should practice Islam in the area henceforth. Nothing was said about the masquerades, who attacked the women,” a resident said.

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ayanlade Olayinka, said he could not immediately confirm the attack when contacted on Monday.

    Ayanlade promised to find out and get back.

    The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) called on the Ondo State Government and security agencies to arrest and punish those responsible for the actions.

    MUSWEN in a statement jointly signed by President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and  Executive Secretary Prof Muslih ‘Tayo Yahya, said: “Such acts, if left unaddressed, risk escalating communal tensions and eroding the harmony that Ondo State is known for.”

    “This unacceptable act of sacrilege and violation of the sanctity of a place of worship and the privacy of a religious leader’s home is deeply troubling and undermines the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and religious tolerance that our society upholds.

    Read Also: Why the Smartest Nigerians Are Racing to Buy iPhone 16 — And only from iStore and iConnect

    “We call on the Ondo State Government to immediately launch a thorough investigation into this incident to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the invasion, identify the culprits, and ensure they face the full weight of the law.

    “MUSWEN also appeals to all stakeholders—traditional, religious, and community leaders—to promote dialogue and mutual understanding to foster peace in Oke Agbe and beyond. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in Oke Agbe and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for justice, religious harmony, and respect for all faiths.”

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) confirmed the attack and also condemned the invasion, describing it as “barbaric, irrational and evidence of increasing anti-Muslim hostility” in parts of the Southwest.

    Its Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, called for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

    The Muslim group also described the action of monarch as ‘a miscarriage of justice’, saying his judgment stands in contradistinction to the principles of natural justice.

    “This fine must not stand. We demand justice for the victims,” it said.

    MURIC has called on the Ondo State Government to intervene and halt what it described as the “excesses” of the town’s traditional leadership.

    “We urge the Ondo State Government to curb the excesses of the king of OkeAgbe Akoko. Nothing must happen to the Imam, his wives and children. That banishment order must be rescinded.