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Tag: ONDO

  • Akeredolu’s burial: Ondo may postpone local elections – Sources

    Akeredolu’s burial: Ondo may postpone local elections – Sources

    There are indications that local government elections in the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Councils Development Areas might be postponed.

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) had fixed February 17, as the date to conduct the polls.

    Sources said the local elections might be postponed due to the death of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    The source said burial activities of Akeredolu would commence on February 15, and end on February 23, when the former governor would be buried.

    Besides the burial of Akeredolu, another source said incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa might also push for the postponement to enable his loyalists to emerge as candidates.

    Primaries of the APC for the local government elections were conducted before the death of Akeredolu.

    According to the source, “The party primary is April this year and the fear in Aiyedatiwa’s camp is that those candidates would not be loyal to him if they became local government chairmen.

    “We are aware of plans to postpone the local government elections or a possibility of canceling the entire process.”

    Read Also: Ondo deputy governor pledges ‘total loyalty’ to Aiyedatiwa

    The chairman of ODIEC, Joseph Igbekele Aremo, did not confirm whether the election would be postponed.

    Aremo said the commission was working out something and that he would soon brief stakeholders in the state on the outcome.

    The spokesman for the Ondo PDP, Kennedy Peretei, said the February 17th date was no longer feasible for the conduct of the polls.

  • Ondo public servants accuse Ayedatiwa of extravagant spending

    Ondo public servants accuse Ayedatiwa of extravagant spending

    Public servants in Ondo state have expressed concern about the purported extravagant spending of government funds by Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa in recent weeks.

    The public servants under the auspices of Concerned Ondo Public Servants (COPS) alleged that the governor is diverting state resources towards political activities to bolster his gubernatorial ambition.

    Expressing concerns over the reckless spending, stressed the need to call the governor to order and stop wasting the taxpayers’ money.

    Segun Aderibigbe, the group’s spokesperson, in a statement, expressed dismay over the insensitive allocation of government funds to party members, notably highlighted during the recent stakeholders’ meeting.

    The statement read: “We have closely observed the events in our beloved state since the passing of our former Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who demonstrated immense care and respect for Ondo State workers.

    “Although he has departed this world, we take solace in the fact that he lived a purposeful life and left an indelible mark.

    “However, since Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa assumed leadership, the business of governance seems to have been reduced to serving political interests.

    “Decisions and policies are now driven solely by political ambition and self-interest. We are deeply alarmed by the Governor’s spending habits and the manner in which state resources are being utilized.

    “In particular, we are troubled by the sheer insensitivity displayed by promising monthly salary payments to party members from the grassroots to the state level. It is even more worrisome considering that the state has over N30 billion in unpaid gratuities.

    Aderibigbe further said that “Governor Aiyedatiwa gave N100,000 to each party member present at the stakeholders’ meeting.”

    He note: “With over 3,000 party members in attendance, this means that millions of our state’s resources have been spent solely to please party members in line with the governor’s gubernatorial ambition.

    “We are aware that there are monthly deductions from the salaries of political appointees, which are remitted to the party’s coffers.

    “We believe that the amount generated from these deductions is sufficient to fund the party and its members.

    Read Also: Kidnapping, killings in Abuja: FCTA uncovers pickpocket’s hotspots

    “State resources, on the other hand, should be allocated to benefit the entire population and serve the public good, rather than the party and its members”

    “In the past seven weeks alone, an astounding N17 billion has accrued to the state’s coffers.

    “The level of financial recklessness unfolding in our state is unimaginable.

    “Unless the people rise up and demand accountability, this mismanagement will persist throughout the year.

    “It is largely driven by the upcoming gubernatorial election. Within this short period, we have witnessed an alarming withdrawal of government funds.

    “Once again, we view the sharing of government funds to party members at the Dome as irresponsible and reckless.

    “We will not sit idly by and allow Governor Aiyedatiwa to exploit the resources of our beloved state for his political agenda. We will strongly oppose him.”

    The chief press secretary to Governor Ayedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, declined comments on the allegations.

    However, another aide to the governor, denied reckless spending by Aiyedatiwa, adding that the group was crying wolf where none existed.

    The aide said: “They’re just seeking relevance. It’s however true that money was given to those who attended the stakeholders meeting, but it was meant to appreciate party members and it was without the knowledge of the governor.”

  • Ondo lawmaker buys JAMB form for 200 students

    Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, has bought the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for 200 secondary school students in Owo, Owo local government area.

    Ogunmolasuyi said the gesture was to provide financial assistance to students as well as ensure that no talented student was left behind due to financial constraints.

    Ogunmolasuyi said investment in the future of the Sunshine State through educational support was a testament to his dedication to youth development.

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello pays JAMB fees for 15,033 students

    The Majority Leader, who spoke while presenting the forms to the beneficiaries, said they were carefully selected based on academic merit and financial need

    According to him, “Education is the cornerstone of development, and we must invest in our youth to secure a brighter future for Ondo State.

    “We are not only supporting individual students but also contributing to our beloved state’s overall progress and prosperity.

    “The purpose is to ensure these students have the opportunity to pursue higher education without the financial burden of the entrance examination process.”

    Hon. Ogunmolasuyi encouraged the recipients to seize opportunities and strive for academic excellence.   

  • An afternoon in Ondo

    An afternoon in Ondo

    To sedate and serene Ondo town, penultimate Saturday for the funeral of Madam Mojisola Agbeke Akintunde, nee Oyeneyin, and relic of late Pa Fredrick Olaleye Akintunde. Ondo is the home of the old monied class and proud aristocrats full of swank and swagger.

     You can always tell a well-heeled Ondo aristo from his gait and the stolid mien of some ancient royalty. Given the way the praises are tumbling out perhaps one should declare some consanguineous interest from the onset. Our own paternal grandmother, Madam Rainat Eketunde, was a proud, regal-looking descendant of the Jomu family.

      One has been in Ondo a few times in recent years. Once through the forbidding Ore route for the funeral of Madam Ose Fajemirokun, the mother of the man we call Odidimade, aka Baba Oba of Ifewara. The second time was via helicopter to dedicate a well-appointed Events Centre in memory of the late matriarch built by her children led by the selfsame Odidimade, a mysterious and reclusive billionaire magnate if you have ever seen one.

      This afternoon, the normally alluring and lush landscape enveloping Ondo town wore a parched and famished look from feverish expectations of the early rains. The last time one journeyed through the old pristine forest that connects Ile-Ife to Ondo via Fagunwa’s fabled territory was for the funeral of Madam Ademulegun, relic of the iconic Brigadier Julius Ademulegun who fell during the mutiny of January 15, 1966.

       Gbenga, the younger sibling,  was our boy at Federal government College, Kaduna. But he has since transformed into a banking mogul and a Lagos big boy. As the funeral reception got underway, Kole, his elder brother, had drawn yours sincerely aside to inform that he was putting finishing touches to a book about the life and times of the late brigadier and would want one to be the reviewer at the event. He was told to consider it a done deal. Now, Kole himself has gone to join his illustrious father.

       The funeral reception was well under way by the time one got to the hall. It was like a carnival. There was singing, drumming and dancing outside and inside the capacious hall. The entire Akintunde clan and their friends and well-wishers turned out in their resplendent best decked in gold-coloured fineries with sanyan caps and headgears to match. The lead mourner and oldest child of the deceased, Funmi Oluwole, expressed surprise that one had made it to Ondo even if a tad  late. If only she had known that this was a journey that began in Lagos about ten hours earlier.

     One had been ushered into a seat next to Professor Francis Oluwole, her husband. The normally placid features of the distinguished, globally celebrated physicist glowered with excitement at the prospects of some interesting intellectual exchanges which always mark our rare encounters. But it was not to be. The din was simply too much.

    Read Also: Ondo Guber: Jimoh Ibrahim waxes stronger, intensifies consultative tour in 203 wards

      Sitting next to the octogenarian scholar was his younger brother, Professor Soji Oluwole, the equally distinguished and acclaimed professor of Surgery at Columbia University, two winners of the highest national honours from the same loin. One had not seen him since our OAU days. Yours sincerely asked after his son in law, Omoyele Sowore, the fabled blogger and scourge of the Nigerian establishment, and was informed that he was around earlier but had since left.

      The Oluwole brothers from Ijare are an exemplary model for younger Nigerians. It is hard and rare to see human distinction conduct and comport itself with such grace, such simplicity, such humility and amazing equanimity. It was a lesson in the stellar alloy of true greatness.

     Snooper asked the younger Oluwole about an old woman of regal composure who had earlier dragged him out and who reminded this writer so much of his paternal grandmother, the ancient no-nonsense Dowager from the Jomu clan who had named him Mukaila and who passed almost seventy years ago in August 1956.

      “Oh she is an auntie from Ijare”, the younger Oluwole replied with polite diffidence. It was time to leave. Without any further ado, yours sincerely vanished into the darkening horizon. It has been quite an afternoon in Ondo. May God grant mama eternal repose.  

  • Better things are coming to Ondo, ex-Finance Commissioner

    Better things are coming to Ondo, ex-Finance Commissioner

    Immediate past Commissioner for Finance in Ondo State and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Wale Akinterinwa, has told residents in the state to expect better things in the days ahead.

    Akinterinwa spoke shortly after he was received by a crowd at the Akure airport upon his arrival from Abuja.

    The former Finance Commissioner thanked the people for showing him love and appreciating what he termed modest achievements in the state.

    He promised to speak on more issues in the days ahead.

    He said: “I am humbled by your perseverance. You have been here since morning. I came late due to a delay in my flight as a result of poor weather. A lot of flights were canceled due to the weather.

    Read Also: 15 escape death as private jet overshoots runway at Ibadan Airport 

    “We had the opportunity to fly when the weather became clear enough and approved by the authority.

    “I know you have been waiting for about eight hours to express your appreciation to me after my meritorious service to our state for about seven years.

    “Your gesture is a testimonial that when you do well, people will appreciate you. This is a manifestation of better things to come.”

    Akinterinwa’s supporters waited for several hours at the Akure airport with pomp and celebration.

  • Man kills neighbour over motorcycle in Ondo

    Man kills neighbour over motorcycle in Ondo

    A 30-year-old man, Sola Ayemibo, has been arrested for killing his neighbour, Olawale Bello, and stealing his motor-cycle.

    Ayemibo reportedly committed the act on October 11, 2023, at about 8:30 pm at Adegbemile area of Akure.

    He was arrested after mother of the deceased mentioned his name as being responsible for her son’s death.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Ondo Assembly to screen Aiyedatiwa’s nominee as deputy governor Thursday

    Ayemibo was arraigned before Akure Chief Magistrate Court on two counts of robbery and murder.

    Police prosecutor, Inspector Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the defendant killed the motorcyclist, having succeeded in robbing him of his TVS motorcycle.

    He said the offence contravened Sections 316 and 402 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2016.

    The plea of Ayemibo was not taken.

    Presiding Magistrate, Musa Al-Yunus, remanded the defendant to prison custody pending legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions.

    He adjourned the case to March 14, 2024, for mentioning.

  • Kidnapper disguises as scavenger, abducts girl in Ondo

    Kidnapper disguises as scavenger, abducts girl in Ondo

    A kidnapper who disguises himself as a scavenger has been arrested by operatives of the Ondo Amotekun Corps after he kidnapped an eight-year-old girl.

    The suspect reportedly used a charm to hypnotise his victim and put her in a sack.

    It was a cry for help by the girl that made passersby to rescue her.

    Ondo Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said an investigation showed the suspect pretended to be scavenging rubbles when he committed the act.

    Adeleye said it was the grandmother of the child who heard the cry of the girl and raised the alarm.

    “The suspect fought back and attacked people with different objects including burning firewood he picked from a woman cooking nearby. They were able to quickly alert Amotekun operatives and he was arrested.

    “Upon interrogation, we discovered that he is a kidnapper and he confessed that he has been in the trade for a while. Investigation continues on his case before we would finally hand him over to the court.

    ” We would like to know his sponsors, those who are his bosses, and what he does with the previous ones he had successfully taken away before his arrest today.

    Read Also: ’Strong forces’ for deployment against bandits, kidnappers

    “Luckily, the 8 years old child is mentally okay and the grandmother, despite the degree of the injury she sustained from the firewood attack, is equally responding to treatment from our health facility.

    ”But today, the long arm of the law has caught up with this one and we will make sure diligent prosecution is carried out to serve as a deterrent to others who are into the trade.”

    Father of the victim, Mr. Bose James, said they mistook the kidnapper for a scavenger.

    “Her incessant cries attracted my mother’s attention who went to the backyard and confirmed that an “Aboki’ whom we mistook for a scavenger had kidnapped and hidden her inside a Sac bag.

    “It was my mother’s ‘shout for help’ that made me went to check what’s really going on and before I could get there, he had hit her with a heavy wood on her chest while she was struggling to rescue my child from him.”

    “The kidnapper continued to attack whoever attempted to rescue my child from the sack bag where he kept her, but I held on to him, preventing him from escaping.

    “It was a motorcyclist who saw the scene, that went to alert Amotekun Corps stationed at the Maronu area of Araromi Road who swiftly arrived, rescued us, and arrested the suspected kidnapper”, he narrated.

  • How lover, hotelier dumped dead, naked Ondo socialite on street

    How lover, hotelier dumped dead, naked Ondo socialite on street

    Details have emerged on how an Ondo State socialite, Oladoyinbo Adebayo Sunday popularly known as Saybayo was dumped naked on the street of Akure after he reportedly slumped and died.

    It was learnt that the remains of Oladoyinbo were dumped inside his car by his 29 years old female lover, Atinuke Adeniyi and a hotelier, Adeojo Ilesanmi aged 50.

    The remains were found on the 10th of December 2023, abandoned in his car within Ijapo Estate, Akure.

    Read Also: Ondo philantrophist lifts 1200 orphans

    Speaking on the incident, the spokesman of Ondo Police State Police Command, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, in a statement, said police SWAT team through intelligence led policing apprehended Atinuke who was involved in a romantic affair with the deceased.

    The PPRO said Atinuke told police interrogators that she and the deceased made out at a brothel but that the deceased started convulsing and out of fear, she abandoned him and quietly left the room.

    “The suspect led the police team to the brothel where one Adeojo Ilesanmi aged 50 years, the owner of the brothel was arrested.

    “He confessed to have driven the corpse to the scene where it was found from his brothel with claims that he was afraid when he realized the deceased died in his brothel.

    “Investigation is still in progress while suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.”

  • Ondo 2024: How my military background will give me edge — APC aspirant

    Ondo 2024: How my military background will give me edge — APC aspirant

    A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, retired Brig.-Gen. Olumide Ohunyeye, said his military experience would give him edge over other contenders.

    According to Ohunyeye, his 36 years of military background will help him to clinch the ticket of the party ahead of the Nov. 16 governorship election in the state.

    He said this while declaring his governor ambition at the APC secretariat on Thursday in Akure.

    Ohunyeye said that if given the mandate to lead the state in November, there would be a turnaround across various sectors.

    “I am coming into this contest from a privileged position. And the privileged position is that I have been trained for 36 years in the military.

    “The 36-year training speaks for itself; right from my junior days as a cadet, spanning to Officer Second Lieutenant and even to Generalship, you are exposed to various classes of command, leadership, administrative, human, and financial resource management training.

    “The essence of those trainings is to achieve excellence in military service. I can without any doubt or equivocation tell you that it is a rare privilege to serve in the armed forces.

    “I have been more than equipped, and I believe I will be able to compete favourably and possibly surpass every other aspirant in the race.

    “There is no doubt that if I’m given the mandate, we are going to have a rebirth and a renewal of our Sunshine State, Ondo State,” he said.

    According to Ohunyeye, a blueprint that will be used to effect changes in the areas of health, infrastructure, and education, among others, has already been prepared.

    “There are plans to improve on the blueprints to ensure that Amotekun Corps is more potent, mobile, agile, and intelligently driven to perform within the state.

    Read Also: By-election: We conducted delegates’ congress, Ondo APC insists

    “On security, we have planned to deepen our collaborations with our neighbouring states and to ensure that not even one element of criminals and bandits infiltrates into Ondo State.

    “We will look at the architecture of development in Ondo State. We want to entirely x-ray the infrastructure, which will cut across various sectors of development within the state.

    “We are going to look at the urban renewal programmes, road networks within town, environmental-friendly issues within all towns in the state, drainages, and other support facilities within all our towns,” he said.

    He said as a party loyalist who believed in party structure and hierarchy, he would abide by the mode of primary as determined by the party.

    (NAN)

  • Ondo PDP defies national body, appoints acting chairman

    Ondo PDP defies national body, appoints acting chairman

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state has defied directive by its national body that the suspension of state chairman of the party, Fatai Adams was null and void. 

    But it appointed Tola Alabere as the acting state chairman of the party,

    The State Working Committee (SWC) of the PDP had approved suspension of Adams over alleged involvement in anti-party activities and engaging in activities likely to bring the party to disrepute.

    The national publicity secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, who declared the suspension as null and void, said the state committee lacked the authority to suspend the chairman without recourse to the national body.

    Addressing journalists Thursday, the Ondo PDP said nine out of eleven SWC members signed the suspension letter, signaling a lack of confidence in Adams’ leadership.

    Read Also: It’s not over for PDP in Nigeria – Chieftain

    The state publicity secretary, Kennedy Peretei, said the party’s constitution  stated that there should not be any vacuum in the administration of the party.

    He said: “So, in view of this, the Vice Chairman is now the acting Chairman of the party, so what we are saying now is that there is no crisis in PDP, we have the constitution that we follows and we have complied with the constitution.

    “Also, we will not allow anybody to compromise our chances of winning the primary election in Akoko North East and West of the state, neither we will not allow anybody to sabotage our march to victory in the November 16, 2024 governorship election in the state.

    “The National Working Committee and other executive body both at the state and local of the party, what we did is strictly in line with our constitution. What we have done is in accordance with our constitution. So we are all working in the same direction.”