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Tag: ONDO

  • NTA Staff, wife buried, brother slumps at grave side

    Symphatisers wept profusely Thursday as the remains of the staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Akure,the Ondo State Capital, late Alex Akinwale and his pregnant wife, Kehinde were buried   at his hometown, Ondo.

    Alex, 34, was a Pastor at Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Chairman,NTA Akure Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalism (NUJ) before he died with four members of his family which include, wife, daughter, Pauline and his housemaid.

     Only his four year-old first child, Paul survived the crash, but presently recuperating at the hospital.

    His daughter and maid had been buried on Wednesday. They died last Saturday in an accident along Ondo-Akure road which involved the convoy of the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi.

    The deceased was said to be coming from one of his brothers’ burial in Ondo town before the incident happened.

    A short service held for the couple at Orimolade Community Comprehensive High School in Ondo, turned into moment of tributes as friends, relatives and RCCG members bade the deceased farewell.

    Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by Deputy National President, Rotimi Obamuwagun, Vice-President Zone B, Dele Atunbi and the State Chairman of NUJ, Akinfolayan Owanikin betrayed their emotions as they gave last respect to their departed colleague.

    There was a confusion at the grave side as his elder brother, identified as Wale slumped when corpses were about to be lowered into the grave.

    It took the intervention of sympathizers before he was revived.

    In his exhortation, Pastor Tunji Ademuluyi said the couple had gone and could only be remembered of what they have done when on earth.

    He described death as inevitable and as such would happen to all human beings, stressing that late Pastor Alex had done his best.

    Quoting copiously from I Thessalonians, 4vs 18, Ademuluyi described the deceased as humble persons who by now have joined Jesus Christ in the heaven above.

    His words, “we should weep no more because Pastor Alex and Wife have completed their missions on earth and the joyful aspect of it is that both of them have dedicated themselves in serving God.

    “Alex, who served under me as a junior Pastor was a diligent person and always happy to serve God.

    “We are all going to die but the time, how, where and when this will happen is was we do not know. I want all of us to prepare and ensure that we give our life to Christ before this final day.

    One of the deceased church member, Mrs. Adeniyi said Alex would be sorely missed, adding that he was a powerful preacher.

    The NUJ Deputy National President, Obamuwagun described their death as a rude shock to members of the pen’s profession.

    He advised NUJ members to key into the Insurance scheme so that those left in this kind of circumstance would be taken care off.

    Obamuwagun said “if by now our late Alex has registered for the Insurance scheme, the NUJ would have given the family member close to N2million and this would have been spent on the surviving son of the deceased. So we are urging our members to embrace this programme. We pray we will not lose any member of NUJ in Nigeria again.

    NUJ state Chairman, Owanikin said the deceased would be missed by journalists in the State.

    The NUJ Zone B has advocated for the dualization of Akure – Ondo-Ore highway.

    In a statement issued by Dele Atunbi the union said the move was necessary to reduce the carnages being recorded in that axis of the state.

    The union posited that many young promising Nigerians have lost their lives while plying the road in question.

    It stated that the dualization of the road is equally important due to the density of the vehicular movement as the only link road to Ore en route Lagos State from Ondo State.

    The union recalled that the accident that claimed the life of a former Deputy Governor of the State Late Barrister Afolabi Iyantan occurred on that road.

    It also hinged its advocacy for the dualisation of the road on its economic viability to the state in view of turning Ore to a mega city.

  • Ondo community kicks against kingdoms’ merger

    Ondo community kicks against kingdoms’ merger

    The people of Ugbo in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have kicked against the plan to merge the four kingdoms in the council on the administration of oil matters.

    They said Ugbo should be allowed to remain independent and not merged with Mahin, Aheri and Etikan kingdoms.

    In an open letter to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Ugbo said it was the only oil producing community in the council, noting that the other three communities do not have oil.

    The letter was signed by the Chairman, Ugbo Council of Baales, Chief Oyetomi Andrew; the Secretary, Chief Oyetomi Andrew; Chief Abayomi Asumaga and the Chairman of Ugbo Youth Consultative Forum, Abaderu Babatunde.

    The community alleged that the planned merge was the handiwork of a senior Chevron official and the secretary to the state government (SSG).

    The letter reads: “The Chevron official empowered some Ilaje sons, who are not from the mandate area of oil producing communities, through frivolous contracts. This gave rise to agitation for the recognition of their communities as oil producing, in total disregard of the rules and standard for recognition.

    “This collaboration between the Chevron management staff and non-oil producing communities may provoke crisis in the peaceful oil producing community of Ilaje Ugbo, especially with Chevron, if urgent attention is not given to our demand.”

    “Ilaje Ugbo, Mahin, Aheri and Etikan have been living together for years without rancour and it will be inappropriate for Chevron Nigeria Limited to create disharmony among loving brothers with this intended unholy merger.

    “To prevent this and enhance our long existing cordial relationship, Ilaje Ugbo, Mahin, Aheri and Etikan must remain independent entities with sovereign status and should be treated as such.”

    The community said it would not be coerced into signing any merger agreement.

  • Auto crash : Deputy Gov survives ,four dead

    Four persons were on Saturday reportedly killed and a traditional ruler hospitalized in an auto crash which involved the convoy of the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi at Aponmu-Owena along Ondo road in Akure, the State Capital.

    Olanusi escaped unhurt, while a teenager who was in the same car with the monarch, Osunmakinde of Ife Tuntun, Osun State, Oba Obawure Taofeek Olaposi, sustained injuries.

    The four dead persons are said to be occupants of a vehicle belonging to a staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Akure which the Camry allegedly rammed into before hitting the Deputy Governor’s convoy.

    There were divergent eye witness accounts about how the incident occurred.

    An eyewitness blamed incident on Oba Olaposi’s driver, who he said has been overtaking vehicles, while in the process used his white Toyota Camry to hit the Deputy Governor’s convoy and other oncoming vehicles.

    But, another source said the monarch, who was said to be travelling from Ife to Akure was caught in the over speeding convoy of the deputy governor, who was rushing to Ondo town to attend a ceremony.

    The accident was said to have occurred as a result of reckless driving on the part of the convoy.

    The monarch and a teenager among the occupants of his vehicle were said to be responding to treatment at a Specialist hospital in Akure following injuries sustained in the incident, while the corpse of the victims had been deposited at the hospital mortuary.

    Confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Daisi Ajayi said the Deputy Governor was on his way to Ondo on official assignment when the incident occurred.

    He said one of the Security cars in the convoy and the Deputy Governor’s spare care were badly damaged as a result of the incident.

    However, Olanusi has returned to the State Government where he now been attended to by medical experts

  • Reinstated Ondo lawmaker narrates ‘suspension’ ordeal

    Reinstated Ondo lawmaker narrates ‘suspension’ ordeal

    •I’ve been vindicated

    After six months at home following her suspension by her colleagues in the Ondo State House of Assembly, the member representing Ose Constituency, Hon. (Mrs) Funmi Olaseinde Vincente, has returned to her legislative duties in the hallowed chambers.

    She was all smiles last Thursday unlike her pensive mood on June 18, 2013, when she was suspended by the leadership of the assembly over alleged misconduct

    Hon. Olaseinde-Vincente was accused of her keeping fetish objects in her rented apartment which she vehemently denied. The development led to the setting up of a five-man panel headed by Mr. Fatai Olotu to probe into the matter and report back in two-weeks.

    However, when the time frame lapsed and the matter still had not been resolved but instead was dragging for too long, the lawmaker approached the Court to seek redress.

    An Akure High Court presided over by Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi after listening to both parties struck out her case for lack of merit. The lawmaker was dissatisfied and was in the process of going on appeal when her colleagues reconsidered her case and she was recalled by the leadership of the Assembly.

    The Nation investigations revealed that there was more to her suspension than the stated offence of keeping fetish objects. Sources said her ordeal had political undertone and might not be unconnected to her rumoured closeness to one of the governors in the Southwest which did not go down well with some powerful forces in the corridors of power in Ondo State.

    The forces collaborated to get her suspended for six months an action that denied her constituents representation in the Assembly for that period.

    According to the Deputy Speaker of the House, Dare Emiola, the Assembly took the decision to reinstate her after the ad-hoc committee set up submitted its report and recommended that the suspension be lifted.

    He said: “Following the submission of the Committee’s report, the House has pardoned her all that should have been done concerning her recall has been done at parliamentary level.

    “She is back in the House to perform her duty and everything that transpired is within us.”

    The majority leader, Ifedayo Akinsoyinu said, the House recalled Olaseinde Vincente after she tendered an apology letter, adding that the lawmaker had also withdrawn the suit she instituted against the Assembly over the suspension.

    The reinstated lawmaker recalled that on June 18, 2013, a letter suspending her from the Ondo State House of Assembly was handed to her. The suspension she said was hinged on a trumped-up story that fetish objects were found in her apartment.

    This apartment, the legislator said she had vacated and handed over the keys to the owners long before the story which was well-dressed to paint her black in the eyes of the people of her constituency and the entire global audience

    In her speech, on the floor of the Assembly, Olaseinde-Vincente said, “despite denial to free and equitable hearing I was suspended as a law abiding citizen, lawyer and representative of the people of Ose constituency, I went to court to seek redress.

    “I approached the court because I have always believed in the potency of the rule of law to right the orchestrated politics of mudslinging that was targeted at my person.

    “While the court process continues, the leadership and members of the House of Assembly absolved me of the wicked story, lifted the suspension and reinstated me.

    “According to the letter of reinstatement authored by the leadership of the State House of Assembly, it took effect from December 1, 2013.

    “I am therefore glad to inform you that I have been vindicated by my colleagues with all my benefits attached.

    “I am grateful to God Almighty whose name is above every other name and under whose grace we the ordinary mortals enjoy the gift of free will and abundant life.

    “It takes the special grace of God for a widow like me to go through a torrential flow of emotional torture on a matter that was premised on falsehood and still came out strong and resolute.

    “I thank my colleagues in the House for upholding the truth and speaking truth to the power that be. They searched for the truth, found and stuck to it.

    “Ours is indeed an Assembly of hope and truth in pursuit of the mandates of our people given to us legitimately.

    “Also, I humbly wish to thank the people of my constituency for the support given to me throughout the period.

    “I am aware of the poignant grief and denial of representation my suspension brought to you. The fortitude with which you sailed through the period is incredible.

    “I know God that we serve will continue to fight our course and bring that development that we all crave to Ose constituency.”

    She also appreciated the women who according to never ceased from interceding for her and offered penetrating words of encouragement which made her cut through the thick cloud of intrigues of politics and attempt to despise her family name.

    The lawmaker said: “I further thank my leaders who stood by me, religious and opinion leaders of note for their prayers and words of wisdom, gentlemen of the press, print, electronic and social media for constant reportage of all sides.

    “I appreciate my friends who never compromised truth on the altars of propaganda and wicked politics designed to carve another image for a friend you have known for years. Those who know me right from my elementary school to University of Ife know who I am and what I stand for.

    “For those that conspired to bring me down, I leave you in the hand of God, for I take solace in the word of God that admonishes forgiveness.

    “I give glory to God Almighty and promise to serve humanity and continue to contribute to the growth and development of the state.”

    The lawyer noted that the last six months had been full of challenges, but said she was ready to continue to work for the people of Ose constituency despite that they were deprived the representation for six months.

  • Day soldiers feted civilians in Ondo

    Officers and men of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Akure, Ondo State had their 2013 end-of-year party at the Owena Cantonment penultimate weekend and it was a day to remember, LEKE AKERE-DOLU reports

    If you think the military is all about war and peacekeeping, then you need to attend a “West African Social Activities” or WASA as it is better known organised by the Nigerian Army to see the civilian side of the soldiers.

    Officers and men of 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Owena Cantonment in Akure, Ondo State capital had one recently and the civilians invited had the opportunity to rub shoulders with the soldiers and saw them in mufti or civilian clothes as against their normal khaki uniform.

    WASA or “Civilian day” as some would call it is an annual event meant to take officers away from their routine regimented life to an atmosphere where they unwind and relax freely with one another as well as with their civilian brothers and sisters.

    It was an event that dated back to the colonial era when Britain had the West African Frontier Forces comprising of units from her various colonies in the subregion, Nigeria being one of them.

    The forbearers of the West African units distinguished themselves in many battles under the British flag and due to the diverse cultural inclinations of the West African soldiers, the colonial authorities introduced the West African Social Activities as an annual social event in response to the requests by soldiers to participate in their local cultural rituals.

    The Nigerian Army derived its existence from the Frontier Forces and when Nigeria gained her Independence from the United Kingdom WASA was officially adopted in the Army, as a way of showcasing the cultural backgrounds of officers and soldiers from Nigeria’s rich and diverse heritage.

    Apart from the officers and men of 32 Artillery Brigade and their families, friends, retired Generals and other top ranking soldiers returned to the barracks at Owena Cantonment on that day to celebrate the event with their friends and colleagues.

    Not only this, other security agencies, like men of Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), State Security Service (SSS), Traditional rulers, Government officials and members of the public were all invited.

    The event was unique in the sense that, it was the second time the barrack was having its WASA under the leadership of the Brigade’s new Commander, Brigadier-General A. M. Dikko, who succeeded Brigadier-General Mansur Dan Ali (rtd).

    Cultural displays from various ethnic groups in the country were performed mainly by soldiers, their families, members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), in the barracks and members of Ondo State Cultural Troupe. Traditional dancers from Enugu and Delta States, and Ikale in Ondo State among others, were all allowed to showcase their talents at the event.

    In his address, Brigadier-General Dikko said, WASA was initiated for the purpose of strengthening the relationship of the civil populace and the military men.

    Dikko said: “WASA is a forum where the military shows appreciation to friends and the deserving personnel through the presentation of gifts and award as well. This event normally takes place in the last month of the year.

    “It was rescheduled to January this year in order to give allowance to festive celebration and to enable our good friends and good people of Ondo State to witness and have a feel of our culture.

     ”You might be surprised to know that most of the cultural shows that will be staged here will be performed by soldiers and their families. At the same time we have also leveraged on the rich cultural heritage of Akure and its environs.

     ”The Nigerian Army is constituted by people from almost all ethnic and cultural groups in the country. This is what makes it a unique organisation that is aware of its cultural and societal obligation and always seeks to promote and guard Nigeria heritage, particularly at formations and unit levels.

     ”WASA has come to stay like other events all over Nigerian Army formations and units. It is a means of bringing families of soldiers to interact and celebrate the end of year and as well as to preserve the rich cultural heritage of our nation.

    “The cordial relationship that had existed between the 32 Artillery Brigade and the people of Ondo State and also Ekiti State which is one of our areas of responsibility has been commendable.

    “We are also reaffirming our commitment to the aspirations of the two state governments and the protection of lives and property in the country.

     ”This event is remarkable to members of the 32 Artillery Brigade, during last year under review, the Brigade participated in a couple of activities. I am glad to inform you that the Brigade singled itself out and came third in all the competitions that we participated in 2013. We are grateful to the government of Ekiti and Ondo States for all the assistance rendered to the Brigade.

    “Our feeling also goes to the families of soldiers who went out for operations in other parts of the nation and also outside the country in response to national duties”.

    Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who was represented by his Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Bekekhimi Idhiarhi praised the soldiers for partnering with other security agencies in ensuring that the State is crime free.

    Mimiko, however called for more cordial relationship between the Military and the civilians, as the country prepares for another general elections in 2015.

  • Association says Ondo squash players performed creditably in 2013

    Association says Ondo squash players performed creditably in 2013

    The Ondo State Squash Association on Wednesday commended its players for their brilliant performances in the competitions they attended in 2013 and asked them to improve on them this year.

    The association’s coach, Ojo Aina, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure that the players “participated in many championships in 2013 and performed tremendously well in all.’’

    Some of the championships, he said, were the All Africa Senior Championships in Namibia and the Niger State Open. Others are the South West U-17 Championships in Ibadan and Cargolux U-17 Championships in Lagos.

    “There was no competition we went to without coming back with laurels. We even represented the country in Africa and we did well,’’ he said.

    Aina solicited the support of the private sector and government for the development of the game in the state in particular and Nigeria in general.

    The coach commended the association’s former chairman, Olusesan Fasesin, who is also known as Johnny Sports for providing the association with various squash equipment.

    He also appealed to the state government to rebuild the squash court at the Akure Township Stadium, saying it needed to be upgraded from wall to glass.

  • How Ondo lawmaker escaped assassination

    How Ondo lawmaker escaped assassination

    But for providence, what would have been a tearful Christmas and New Year celebration for the family of the lawmaker representing Okitipupa constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Soji Akinkurolere and the people of the state was averted on December 28, 2013 as the lawmaker narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in his Ilu-titun Osooro residence.

    Last year, the state witnessed series of deaths involving some of its prominent indigenes including a former governor, Olusegun Agagu, former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and son of a former Secretary to the Government of Federation, Chief Olu Falae, Deji Falae, the lawmaker representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Rafael Nomiye among others.

    Hon-Akin-241x300

    Who could have sent the five gunmen and what could have been the offence of the easy going lawmaker to warrant an attempt on his life were the questions on the lips of many, particularly residents of Okitipupa who either witnessed the assassination attempt or heard about the incident.

    His escapade in the hands of the suspects happened in a miraculous way as he thought the end had come on that fateful day. But the bravery of some of his aides who attempted to foil the attack by the gunmen gave the lawmaker who was inside his bedroom when the assassins came ample time to escape through another door with members of his family.

    And with their target having escaped, the gunmen turned their anger on his property and vandalised everything within site in the compound especially vehicles.

    One of Akinkurolere’s neighours who spoke with The Nation but does not want his name in print, said he praised the legislator’s aides whom he said engaged in hot verbal exchanges with the assassins before they forced their way into the compound.

    His words: “I was on the other side of the road when I saw a vehicle parked very close to my own house with some guys sitting inside. I was surprised when I saw that a man, who had been sitting in the front seat of the car, came out and started making phone calls. Few minutes later, he finished the calls and tapped the other guys sitting at the back seat and they headed to the residence of Honourable Akinkurolere. The next thing I heard was sporadic gunshots.

    “I ran inside my house, but I was hearing them shouting that they wanted to see the honourable and they were banging on the gate. I think it was in that process that they forced themselves in the house, but the lawmaker escaped with members of his family before they could get in. I will like to commend the lawmaker’s aides, they made attempt to stop the killers from entering the house, but I think the ammunition they carried was too much for them to fight against”.

    When contacted, Akinkurolere said it was through the grace of God that he escaped from the assassins’ net. He did not know why they were after his life.

    According to him, “how all of us in the residence including my aged father and mother, wife and children escaped the ordeal was inexplicable, but I thank God for everything”

    The Okitipupa Divisional Police Station could not comment on the assassination attempt, but vehicles belonging to the Akinkurolere, riddled with bullets  could be seen parked outside.

    But spokesman for the state police command, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the incident stressing that the case had been transferred to Akure while a business man has been arrested in connection with the assassination attempt, and he is helping police in their investigations.

  • Alleged forgery: Lawyer docked in Ondo

    A lawyer, Mr Olukayode Enitan, is facing trial at the Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court  for alleged forgery and irregular dealing with the records of Owena Oil and Gas Company Limited owned by the Ondo State government.

    Enitan was investigated by the police for the alleged offence with four others still at large, among whom are Samuel Kolajo and Kole Oluwajana,

    The charges filed against the accused states the irregular dealing with records of Owena Oil and Gas Limited with regards to allotting shares of Ondo State government to some individuals.

    Enitan was the only one among the five accused persons present in court at the commencement of the trial.

    He was arraigned on eight count charge including false declaration, falsification, forgery and altering official statements of Owena Oil and Gas Limited at the Corporate Affairs Commission.

    In the charges read against him, the accused was alleged to have deprived Owena Oil and Gas Company of proceeds, profits or dividends that should accrue to it from the company, offences punishable under section 516 of the criminal code cap 37 Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

    The accused objected to the charges against him through his counsel, Mr Kemi Phinero (SAN) urging the court to grant him bail on self recognition.

    He pleaded that he had provided a responsible surety to guarantee his presence in court at further hearing.

    The prosecuting police counsel, Barrister Ajiboye, however, objected to the bail application arguing that the accused may not show up for his trial because of the gravity of  his alleged offence.

    He said the accused person had previously been granted police bail at the Force Headquarters, Abuja which he jumped.

    According to him, given the fact that he was arrested by a bench warrant after several attempts to get him to turn himself in, there is the likelihood that he would not show up for trial especially when other accused persons are still at large.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Johnson Adelegan adjourned the case last Thursday for ruling on the bail application.

    Enitan was later granted bail by the court on Friday with the sum of N20m and two sureties who must be legal practitioners and must demonstrate records of impeccable character.

    Besides, he must “produce the certificate of ownership of landed properties and be residing within Ondo State,” the Judge ruled.

  • Ondo records forty five rape cases

    Amidst fear of increasing cases of rape across the country, the police in Ondo State have said no fewer than 45 cases of rape were recorded in the state in 2013 and the suspects charged to court.

    The State Police Commissioner, Mr. Patrick Dokumor who disclosed this in Akure while briefing reporters on the activities of the command in the year just ended, said all the suspects apprehended are presently facing prosecution in court.

    Dokumor disclosed that residents in the state witnessed a relatively peaceful year in 2013, in spite of the fact that no fewer than 105 suspected armed robbers were arrested by his officers in the same period.

    While acknowledging some cases of kidnapping in the state within the period under review, the police boss said the perpetrators are presently being prosecuted at the law court.

    The Police Commissioner attributed his command’s success in fighting crime in the state to policing strategies he had initiated since he was posted to the state.

    These strategies he said include; “visibility policing, intensive patrol, prompt response to distress calls, intelligence networking, integrated synergy with sister security agencies most especially in the area of intelligence sharing and a robust symbiotic relationship with members of public, corporate bodies and organisations”.

    Asked whether the police have arrested the armed bandits who killed a Divisional Crime Officer, (DCO), Iheme Wilfred in Ijare-Ifedore local governmentof the state, Dokumor said the police are still on the trail of the suspects.

    “The late officer had only three year left before retirement from the police before he was intercepted by group of robbers who robbed a bank in Ikere-Ekiti. We are still working on them; let me tell you nobody kills a police officer and goes freely. We are working on the available information at our disposal and we believe very soon we will track them,” the commissioner said.

     

  • Ondo Speaker under the weather

    Ondo Speaker under the weather

    Watchers of social and political events in Ondo State are worried about the well being of the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon Samuel Adesina. For some time now, Adesina’s presence in the House is said to have been quite irregular; a development that has left many wondering what the problem is.

    While no member of the Assembly appears willing to shed light on the issue, the rumour mill is awash with speculation that the Speaker is battling with an undisclosed ailment that has taken him on and off the scene. His illness is said to have taken him to a few hospitals in and outside Akure.

    He was said to have pleaded with his health managers to ensure that he got well last December in order to be able to preside over the presentation of the state’s 2014 Appropriation Bill, but his physicians could not achieve the target and Adesina could not witness the presentation. Governor Olusegun Mimiko had to be received by the Deputy Speaker, Dare Emiola, and only eight other members of the Assembly during the presentation of the 2014.