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Tag: ONDO

  • Couple ‘kills’ son in Ondo

    Couple ‘kills’ son in Ondo

    Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a 34-year-old man, Monday Elela, who allegedly connived with his wife to ‘kill’ their 14-year-old son, Tope, because he was arrested for criminal activities.

    The son was buried in a shallow grave at their residence in Ajowa Akoko axis of the state.

    Elela, who confessed to the crime, said he only beat his son and not to kill him.

    He said his late son was a regular visitor to various police stations and recently escaped from the Amotekun Corps custody.

    Read Also: PDP may boycott LG polls in Ondo as Aiyedatiwa urges APC leaders to avoid overconfidence

    The remorseful father said the constant theft of his late son was an embarrassment to the family.

    According to him, “Out of my seven children, he has been the one giving us problems. All he did was break into people’s houses. He is known around where we live, and he has been arrested many times by the police, but he won’t change.

    “The one he did last, it was Amotekun operatives, who arrested him, and they took him into their custody. But while in the custody of the Amotekun Corps, he escaped through the little opening created for air ventilation in the cell. He broke the iron bars and jumped the fence to escape. “We were at home when the Amotekun people called us and said our son had escaped. We began to look for him along with some Amotekun men. But we later saw him where he had gone to hide, and we took him home.’’

  • Abitogun salutes Ondo Governor at 60

    Abitogun salutes Ondo Governor at 60

    Chairman of  Ondo Assembly Committee on Judiciary and representative of Akure South Constituency II, Oluwarotimi Abitogun has described Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as a quintessential governor, whose commitment to the growth and development of the state is second to none. 

     In a congratulatory statement to mark his birthday, Abitogun acknowledged Aiyedatiwa’s deep-seated passion to transform Ondo State. 

     “Governor Aiyedatiwa is passionate about making the state a better place. “He has been investing in schools, hospitals, and programs that create jobs and support businesses.”

    Read Also: Makinde to APC: game not over on Edo, Ondo governorship polls

     “I join the governor’s family, friends, and political associates to rejoice with the governor of Ondo State on the auspicious occasion of his 60th birthday anniversary,” Abitogun said.

     “I pray the Almighty God grants him more rewarding years of service to God and humanity in good health.” 

     “On this special day, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s remarkable achievements and selfless service to Ondo State are a testament to his exceptional leadership and character”, the statement reads.

  • ‘Why full LG autonomy may not be possible in Ondo’

    ‘Why full LG autonomy may not be possible in Ondo’

    Officials of the Ondo State government have exaplained why it might not be possible for Local Government Councils to have full autonomy.

    The officials, who pleaded anonymity, said certain laws need to be amended for Local councils to enjoy full autonomy.

    They said the State gyovernment has been complying with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit laws in the administration of local government funds.

    One of the officials insisted that the present administration, since the days of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, never tampered with local government allocation from the federation account.

    He said the law setting up the Joint Allocation Committee has not been abolished 

    Another official said the State Government ensured local government funds are distributed to certain areas like security, pensions and gratuities, traditional rulers, and others.

    According to him: “We have no option than to respect the laws. The incoming elected Chairmen will enjoy autonomy. The federal government set-up a committee on the implementation of those judgement but the federal government needs to do something in the implementation of the judgment.

    “Some laws need to be amended for states to start implementing. 

    “The state only act like the central body for distributing money to the local government. There are lots of things that bind us together. We have to ensure the running of the local government is seamless and that funds for the training school, pension board. Attorney-General, security, traditional rulers are made available.”

    Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Wale Akinlosotu, could not be reached for comments.

  • Southern Governors mourn Ondo SSG

    Southern Governors mourn Ondo SSG

    Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Ogun Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed sadness over the death of Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG), Tayo Oluwatuyi.

    Abiodun, who commiserated with the Governor and the people of Ondo State over the passing of
    Oluwatuyi, said it was a great loss to the State.

    Abiodun, in a condolence letter he sent to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said Oluwatuyi was a consummate public servant, thoroughbred professional, and highly conscientious individual whose imprints and strides in and out of the government in Ondo State have been nothing short of phenomenal.

    “The news of his death came as a rude shock, but, as in all situations, we recognize that whatever deep affection and love we had for him pales into insignificance when placed side by side with the love of Almighty God, who has chosen this Yuletide period to call him into His bosom, and whose will remains inviolate.

    “He was a brilliant administrator and sagacious politician. He was an embodiment of virtues and a strong bridge between the political class and the career officers. His stabilizing role in government will be missed by all.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Ondo confirms SSG’s death

    “On behalf of the Southern States’ governors, I want to sympathize with His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the entire good people of Ondo State over the sudden demise of Oluwatuyi.

    “I urge my brother, the State Executive Council, and the family and friends of the deceased to take consolation in the fact that the deceased lived a life of service for which he will be remembered for a long time to come.

    “May God repose his soul and grant his immediate family the requisite fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss,” he said. 

  • UPDATED: Ondo confirms SSG’s death

    UPDATED: Ondo confirms SSG’s death

    Ondo State Government has confirmed death of the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi popularly known as Tukana.

    Oluwatuyi served as Chairman Akure South local government and was SSG to late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Wale Akinlosotu, in a statement, said the late SSG was involved in a car accident on Sunday December 15 2024, while travelling to Ibadan.

    Akinlosotu said Oluwatuyi was subsequently hospitalised until he succumbed to death.

    He described late Oluwatuyi as a dedicated public servant whose unwavering commitment to administrative coordination, policy advisory, and implementation had a significant impact on Ondo State.

    According to him: “He served with distinction and played a crucial role in the state government, working closely with the Governor and other top officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    ” Hon. Oluwatuyi will forever be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the development of Ondo State.

    “The Government of Ondo State extends its deepest condolences to the Oluwatuyi family of Akure, friends, and associates during this difficult time.

    “Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as they become available.”

    The All Progressives Congress in Ondo State  said the death of the Ondo SSG was a monumental loss to the Sunshine State.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Ondo loses SSG

    Chairman of the Ondo APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, in a statement, said Oluwatuyi was an exemplary leader who embodied the principles of equity and fairness.

    According to him: “His unwavering commitment to the well-being of our great state will forever be remembered and cherished.

    “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the government of Ondo State, and the people of the Sunshine State. May his gentle soul rest in peace. We will deeply miss Tukana’s presence, but his legacy will continue to inspire us.”

  • BREAKING: Ondo loses SSG

    BREAKING: Ondo loses SSG

    Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, has died few weeks after surviving an auto crash. 

    Oluwatuyi, popularly known as ‘Tukana, was said to have been receiving treatment in a hospital Akure before he died. 

    The Ondo State Government is yet to make an official statement on the incident but a source confirmed the death. 

    Details shortly…

  • Ondo receives 70 petitions on chieftaincy declarations

    Ondo receives 70 petitions on chieftaincy declarations

    Ondo State Government yesterday  said it had received 50 proposals and over 70 petitions on chieftaincy declarations from communities.

    It said it would address issues in the petitions and proposals at a public hearing to hold on January 6.

    The public hearing, according to Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, was not to allow any traditional ruler to impose his views or interest on other communities.

    Read Also: Ubi Franklin hails Tinubu’s New Year speech

    Takuro, who spoke at a press briefing in Akure, said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ordered traditional stools without Chieftaincy Declarations to register with the state government, as a strategy to ensure seamless transition and put at bay, agitations and tussles associated with Obaship selection process.

    Takuro explained that Chieftaincy Declaration was the law that stipulated enthronement guidelines for traditional stools in each community.

  • JUST IN: Resident doctors begin indefinite strike in Ondo hospital

    JUST IN: Resident doctors begin indefinite strike in Ondo hospital

    Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo town, have begun an indefinite strike over alleged poor condition of service.

    The striking resident doctors were said to have protested on Monday after management of the hospital refused to heed to their demands.

    They demanded a stop to illegal deductions from their salaries, check on huge payment of taxes, non-payment of hazard allowance amongst others.

    President of the UNIMEDTH ARD, Dr Olaogbe Kehinde, said the workload was too much for doctors in the hospital.

    He said many doctors have resigned while others left without prior notification due to poor conditions of service.

    Dr. Olaogbe stated that the hospital management refused to heed to their request for a review of their working conditions.

    Olaogbe said the strike action  was a difficult decision due to failure to address critical issues affecting its members, infrastructure, and the delivery of quality healthcare services.

    He said doctors could no longer work under conditions that undermine their well-being and compromise patient care.

    He urged the state government to expedite payment of all outstanding salaries and allowances, improve working conditions in the three centres across the state, and ensure prompt implementation of their demands.

    “We demand the correction of irregularities and discrepancies in salary payments, the implementation of the new minimum wage scale, and parity in salary payments with other tertiary hospitals as stipulated in the teaching hospital constitution, among other issues.

    “We deeply regret any inconvenience this strike may cause to patients and the public.”

    Immediate past President of the striking doctors, Dr. John Matthew, said the disparity between the salary of doctors in Ondo State and other states I’m were huge due to illegal deductions and taxes.

    Dr. Matthew said many doctors in the state have taken up appointments in other states.

    “We will not return to work until our demands are met. Money is the core issue because that is what is driving doctors away. There is a huge disparity in payment between Ondo and Ogun States. Doctors will go to states that are giving doctors good welfare packages but they are worsening the terrible welfare here.

    Read Also: Ondo hospital workers protest non-payment of 13-month salary arrears

    “The issues are Illegal deductions from our salary and the humugous taxes we are paying. It is killing the system and driving doctors away.

    “The hospital was disconnected from the national grid and we were sleeping and working in the dark.”

    Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Gbala Micheal, pleaded with the striking  doctors for more time to enable management address their grievances.

  • Ondo minimum wage not Akeredolu’s wish for civil servants, says family

    Ondo minimum wage not Akeredolu’s wish for civil servants, says family

    …knocks Aiyedatiwa on memorial service

    The family of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has said it was shocked and disappointed about the state-organised event to mark the one year anniversary of Akeredolu’s passing.

    It said it learnt about the event through social media, adding that what was more disappointing was that no member of the Akeredolu family was invited to the event. 

    Two seperate events were organised to celebrate Akeredolu’s memorial.

    The family held a church service and a book launch at Owo while the state government organised a lecture series in Akure, the state capital.

    A statement signed by a son of the former Governor, Babajide, said the lack of courtesy and respect was unheard of and unbecoming, “especially for an event meant to honour the memory of a former governor and patriarch.”

    The statement said protocol demanded 

    that the family of the deceased be informed and included in the event even though they recognised that the state government has the prerogative to organise such events.

    On Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s naming the yet to the completed ‘Judiciary Village’ after the former Governor, the statement noted that naming a project after someone before its completion was both premature and insincere. 

    It said true immortality was in completing the project and ensuring its functionality. 

    According to the statement, “This glaring oversight leads one to question if it was intentional mischief or based on erroneous advice from the governor’s aides.

    “If the governor is genuinely committed to honoring Arakunrin Akeredolu’s legacy, he must demonstrate this through actions, not empty gestures.”

    The statement advised Governor Aiyedatiwa to prioritize completing key projects initiated by their late patriarch if he (Aiyedatiwa) truly wished to immortalise Akeredolu. 

    Among the projects listed in the statement were upgrading Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a University completion of the first flyover in Akure and pay appropriate minimum wage.

    “The so-called minimum wage in Ondo State falls short of the lesser wages paid in other states. When deductions are considered, the high tax element compared to other SouthWest states has made nonsense of the minimum wage.

    “In Ondo State, the minimum wage table is short of what was promised and announced by the governor. Even after the approval of the table, Mr. Governor still directed further reduction of the amount again. This is not Akeredolu’s legacy to the civil service.

    “These are the meaningful ways to honour Arakunrin Akeredolu’s legacy. His love for Ondo State and its people must not be diminished by retrogressive policies or political gimmicks.  

    “Governor Aiyedatiwa must halt the vindictive and divisive acts of punishing or ostracizing anyone associated with Arakunrin Akeredolu. True loyalty and respect for the late governor cannot coexist with disdain for his policies, family, or vision. It is hypocritical and unbecoming of leadership that claims to want to honour the legacy of its predecessor every time the opportunity presents itself.”

    A statement by a government official who pleaded anonymity urged Babajide “to return all government properties he took away before arrogantly making statements on how to run government.”

    The official said Babajide could not dictate to the state government how it would honour a former Governor.

    Read Also: Ondo IGR workers protest exclusion from minimum wage

    “Akeredolu was more than a family man, he was an elected leader of the state.

    “The state government played its role in the events organised in Owo by the family where the Deputy Governor represented the Governor. The preparation for the Lecture event in Akure had commenced before the invitation for the Owo events was delivered to the state government. 

    “The condescending tone of Babajide in his statement over the unavailability of the Governor at the family events shows his lack of respect for the office of the Governor. 

    “That Babajide was privileged to hold a non-existent political office under the administration of his father does not confer on him the right to dictate how government projects and policies are handled by Governor Aiyedatiwa.”

  • Ondo moves to recover assets from ex-appointees

    Ondo moves to recover assets from ex-appointees

    Ondo state government has begun moves to recover its assets in the custody of former political appointees.

    It said the retention of its assets by private individuals one year after the death of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was worrisome.

    Ondo Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, in a statement issued in Akure, urged those unlawfully holding on to government property to return them immediately or face legal action.

    Ajulo said the state’s assets have been

    unlawfully transferred into private hands since the passing of Akeredolu.

    He said: “Only the guilty should fear” in the quest to recover the assets.

    Read Also: Ekiti community laments lack of social amenities, seeks govt intervention

    Ajulo urged those implicated in the alleged misappropriation of state assets to return them or ready to  face severe legal consequences.

    According to the statement, “One year after the untimely passing of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, a significant portion of the state’s assets had been unlawfully transferred into private hands. This is unacceptable.

    “As the chief law officer of the state, I must ensure that Ondo State operates within the framework of our constitution and laws. Our law enforcement and regulatory agencies must be fully accountable,” he noted.

    Ajulo faulted what he termed attempts to obstruct Governor Aiyedatiwa’s efforts to obtain critical information and cautioned against tactics such as blackmail and unfounded accusations targeting the governor and his commissioners.

    He described allegations against  Aiyedatiwa of tarnishing the legacy of the late Akeredolu and targeting his family as diversionary and refusal to address the substantive issues.