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Tag: ONDO

  • Fayemi will justify confidence reposed in him – Ondo APC

    Ondo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured Ekiti State citizenry that the governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will justify the confidence reposed in him by the people.

    Its Chairman, Ade Adetimehin described the victory of Fayemi as worthy.

    It said the experience of the governor-elect both as a former governor, and as a former minister, would come handy in his administration of the State when sworn in.

    A statement by the party’s spokesman,Alex Kalejaye said” We have no doubt in the ability of Dr. Fayemi to transform the fortune of Ekiti within the next four years. I am very confident that he won’t disappoint the people”.

    Adetimehin expressed appreciation to the political class and the voters for finding the APC flag bearer worthy of trust, and urged them to support his government.

    He described APC’s victory in Ekiti as an indication that the party is acceptable in every party of Nigeria.

    The statement urged aggrieved members of the state to retrace their steps and explore the current moves to reconcile all parties within the fold, describing the APC as one to beat in 2019 elections.

    The chairman hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) for rising to the occasion and giving the Ekiti people a free, fair and credible election.

    He urged the electoral body to replicate the level of competence displayed in future elections.

  • “Opposition parties no longer viable in Ondo State”

    From his University days at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife, Osun State, where he studied Microbiology, Egunjobi Adeyinka Kamoru, popularly called Sileto, has carved a niche for himself as a leader. He is aspiring to represent Akoko Northeast state constituency at the Ondo State House of Assembly. He says Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, has nailed the coffins of opposition parties in Ondo with his performance in office. He spoke with Taiwo Alimi.

    WHAT are your thoughts on the last All Progressives Congress (APC) Convention?

    I would start from the state congress which was held last month. We had a peaceful Congress which further cemented All Progressives Congress (APC) strongholds in Ondo State. All party members came out in solidarity with the governor and the elections were conducted in a peaceful manner. Governor Akeredolu once again made bold his promise to unify all members because the emergence of Ade Adetimehin as the substantive chairman in the state was largely the true desire of party members.

    The governor allowed the popular will of the people to carry the day and I believe that is the essence of democracy. Adetimehin, who had been in acting capacity since 2016, got overwhelming votes on the day. And in aligning with aspiration of the governor, our chairman, Adetimehin has set about making sure there is sanity and discipline in the state chapter of the party and he has been talking with aggrieved members to ensure that APC is the only viable party in Ondo State.

    I make bold to say at this junction that all other parties in the state are dead. Dead not in the manner of not been alive, but in the sense that they are no longer viable opposition because the present administration of Akeredolu has been building bridges by aligning and reconciling his people to his aspirations and bring to his people the dividend of democracy. You can in-fact say APC is the only party in Ondo State.

    In my constituency, he has achieved wonderful feats in the area of road construction, by flaging off the dualization Ikare township road. There is a huge mountain in my community that governments before him have not been able to do anything about. He has taken it upon himself to bring down the hill and at the moment construction is on-going there. He is delivering the dividend of democracy to grassroots.

    How do you see the party a the national level?

    At the national level, the party has also exhibited the progressive spirit by electing a true progressive in the person of Adam Oshiomhole, who I have admired since he was a labour leader. His achievement in Edo State is still fresh and the manner with which he emerged national chairman is commendable because every member of the party unanimously gave him their mandate. This is a sign of unity in the party and the right way to go.

    In what areas do you think you would like to make a difference given the opportunity to represent Akoko north east?

    My people are agrarian in nature. They are into large and small scale farming and we are talking here about cash crops such as cocoa farming, kolanut and palm tree plantation. A good number of them are farmers. They also grow crop of different kinds and that is one aspect that I would like to use my office if given the opportunity to give a helping hand.  Our women will be empowered to help in the expansion of their businesses by organising them into cooperatives  and giving them revolving loan with little or no interest to help in stimulating there businesses. Also, my people don’t joke with education and I intend to encourage them the more, support and sponsor bill that will make education accessible to all irrespective of one’s social or economic class.

    What are your thoughts on the leadership of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu?

    It is evident that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has turned a lot of things around since becoming governor of Ondo State. In the area of infrastructure, he has touched the life of many people in different local government area including Ikare Akoko. He is the best thing to happen to Akoko people. The projects, spread across the three senatorial districts, is a proof of the governor’s promise to the people not to leave any part of the state untouched in his developmental strides. It is also a distant departure from the past when leaders concentrated projects in particular sections of the state, and leave other parts to suffer.

    Governor Akeredolu has brought peace and tranquillity in Ondo state and I can conveniently say that our state is poised to become the leading investment destination in no distant time.  The good people of our state, from the civil servant to the artisan and the common man on the street  recognises his good works and  are happy and ready to support him.   All you need to do to appreciate Gov. Akeredolu is to move round the state to see what Akeredolu’ s administration had done so far and is still doing.

    Realistically, do you stand a chance especially with the incumbent also in the race?

    I have a very good chance. In terms of popularity, I am the leading, the most loved and most trusted amongst the lots. I represent the totality of what my people want as their legislator. I am accessible, credible, humble and loyal to the yearnings and aspirations of my people. I have been interacting with the leaders and the good people of my constituency and they are happy to support me, because in me they saw the fulfilment of their hope and I am somebody they believed in. However, one thing is sure, it is God that ordains.

    The governor is people oriented and he has allowed internal democracy to strive under his leadership. And that is why we have little or no quarrels and less fight in the party. He has allowed the people’s choice to emerge as party executive at all level from the ward to the state chairman and given what is on ground now, I have a good chance of emerging as my party flag bearer in Akoko north east. Like I said before, Akeredolu was the choice of the people and that is why APC won in Ondo state and his administration is peaceful.

    How close are you to your local government Council?

    I am close to my local government, the party executive and even to the Chairman of Akoko North East Local Government, Rafiu Eniayewu. I am inspired too by the great work he’s doing. I am aware of his grassroots programmes that have touched the lives of my people, like vaccination against killer’s diseases prevalent amongst infant and children such as measles, diphtheria, polio among others, which he provided for children in the local council in conjunction with the state and federal government. I also commend him for the peace and orderliness in the local government area.

  • Ondo ex-deputy governor’s daughter found dead

    Khadijat, the daughter of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, has been reportedly found dead in the house of her boyfriend, Adeyemi Alao, in Akure, the state capital.

    Her decomposing remains were reportedly found under Alao’s bed after six days of search for the 20-year-girl.

    Khadijat was declared missing at her school, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Akungba Akoko.

    She was found under the bed of her boyfriend in what was suspected to be a strange circumstance.

    Sources said she left her school seven days ago to see Alao, who allegedly used her for money ritual.

    It was learnt that Alao is based in Abuja.

    Khadijat is said to have been dating him since their secondary school days. The tow lover reportedly met recently and rekindled their love affairs.

    Alao allegedly kept her body under his bed for six days to follow the instruction of a native doctor.

    Nemesis was said to have caught up with Alao on the sixth day when the remains of Khadijat was discovered by his younger brother.

    A family source said Khadijat was allegedly used for money ritual, adding that the herbalist who allegedly prepared the ritual for Alao had fled.

    He said the herbalist instructed Alao to keep the body for seven days, but luck ran out on him when his younger brother met the decomposing body of Oluboyo’s daughter in a mysterious manner and reported the incident to the police in Akure.

    Police spokesman Femi Joseph, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said the command had launched investigation into the matter.

    Joseph said the command’s officers discovered the body of the undergraduate at a house in Oke-Aro area of Akure, following a tip-off.

    The spokesman added that some arrest had been made in connection with the death.

    He said Police Commissioner Gbenga Adeyanju would brief the media on the incident after the completion of investigation.

     

  • Gunmen kidnap siblings in Ondo, demand N15m

    Two siblings, Alhaji Busari Olusa and Saka Olusa, from Ora quarters in Ajowa, Akoko Northwest local government area of Ondo State, have been kidnapped. The incident happened barely two weeks after the wife of Alauga of Auga-Akoko in the same vicinity, Olori Olukemi Agunloye and the driver, were seized for four days. They regained freedom after paying an undisclosed ransom.

    The two brothers were reportedly kidnapped by abductors, who left their highlander Toyota Jeep behind. The duo, according to a community leader from Ajowa Akoko, Chief Ahmed Asagunla, were going to Akunu-Akoko East to visit a relation when the ugly incident happened. The people of the community lamented the insecurity in the area due to the activities of the miscreants.

    The family of those kidnnaped had been reached by the gunmen who demanded N15m as ransom for their release. The Police Area Commander for Akoko, Razak Rauf, has ordered the immediate combing of the bush in the axis to rescue those in captivity. Recently, a stakeholders’ meeting on security situation in Akoko axis was held to find a lasting solution to incessant kidnapping, robbery and other criminality in the area. It was attended by Security agents,traditional rulers and community leaders,who are concerned on the development in the area.

  • ‘Ondo committed to Bitumen project’

    Ondo State govern-ment at the weekend said it is committed to early commencement of work on the bitumen exploration in Agbabu area of  the state. According to the Commissioner for  Regional Integration and Special Duties, Prof.Bayonile Ademodi, the Akeredolu’s led administration is set to break the jinx that has delayed the development of the massive bitumen resources.

    Ademodi disclosed this at the interactive session with license bitumen companies operating in the state held in Akure,the state capital, at the weekend. He affirmed that by the time the bitumen get to the level of commercial production, it will generate massive employment in the state. He said”I don’t know of any industry that can employ personnel as much as bitumen project because everything is involved,bitumen is a big project,what is important is the seriousness of the investors.

    “That is why we conveyed this meeting for the second time in order to be updated and be on the same page  as part of the mandate of the ministry which is to monitor the operation of the  project. The companies are at different stages.Some of them have exploration license while one has  mining license.Those that have license for exploration are pursuing exploration activities and at require level,they will apply to the federal ministry of solid minerals  for a mining license,at that stage they will started  mining and production.

    Prof. Ademodi noted that his ministry has fashioned out specific work plan to fast track the process of exploration. The  companies representatives of Dangote oil refining company, Kabara mining company ,Aspect petroleum, BEECON, and southwest bitumen gave presentations to the gathering on their activities so far on  the project. They commended the state government for their efforts and  engagement on the project and pledged their readiness to meet the set goal.

  • Youths protest alleged neglect in Ondo

    Youths in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, under the aegis of the Araromi-Obu Youth Development (AOYM), have protested alleged neglect by Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited (RENL) operating in the community.

    The youths chanted various war songs during their action.

    They also carried placards with various inscriptions, such as: “Our people are not slaves”; “Stop imposing strangers on us” and “Our people deserve promotion”, among others.

    The protesters accused the company of not fulfilling its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the community and its corporate social responsibilities (CRS).

    In the ensuing melee, the company’s operational activities were paralysed while its main gate was barricaded.

    It was learnt that series of letters had been written to the company without any response.

    President of the youths, Ikumawoyi Olalekan, averred that the company was occupying about 4,500 hectares of the community’s land, saying this denied the residents the opportunity of farming while it exposed them to environmental hazards.

    Ikumawoyi said during employment, youths were hardly considered, as the company preferred bringing expatriates and those he called strangers.

  • ‘Government must stop killings’

    Pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, Igboekulie has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address the orgy of killings in the country.

    The president of Igboekulie Prince Ben Onuora in a statement said last Saturday’s killings in Plateau State, where over 100 citizens were killed was condemnable.

    He said Nigerians were becoming hopeless on security

    He added:  “Our President cannot continue to do the same thing all over again and expect a different outcome. After each round of killings in Benue, Taraba, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu, Delta, Ondo and other places, Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari condemns the killings, promising to improve on the security of the nation.  These promises are hardly kept because nothing seems to change beyond the presidential commiseration.”

    The group said government’s failure to arrest and prosecute the killers and their collaborators was making the situation hopeless.

    “Igboekulie condemns in very strong terms the unabating massacre of innocent Nigerians by invading and rampaging herdsmen who appear to have immunity against arrest or prosecution.

    Read Also: Killings: Buhari to put more pressure on security chiefs

    “We also, condemn the unwholesome nonchalance of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the unprecedented loss of lives in the past three years.  An FGN that has successfully dealt with restive groups across Nigeria cannot suddenly be helpless, unless out of mischief, when it concerns the murderous herdsmen.

    “After three years of unrelenting bloodshed, it is time for the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to critically evaluate the performance of the security agencies and rejig same to reflect the diversity of the country in line with the federal character principle.

    “This nation is being brought to its knees daily with unprovoked violence by people who insist on illegally grazing their cattle on the farmlands of other Nigerians.  If this journey to anarchy is allowed to continue, no one is sure of how it would end.”

    “We call on all other socio-cultural groups to rise and condemn the spate of killings by the protected invaders against the weak in our society and the contrived helplessness of the FGN.  An injury to one is an injury to all.  If this madness is not halted, it could be the turn of your community tomorrow.”

  • Gunmen abduct monarch’s wife in Ondo

    •Victim escapes from kidnappers’ den

    Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped the wife of Alauga of Auga in Akoko Northeast Local Government Area of Ondo State, Princess Olukemi Agunloye.

    Eyewitness said the incident happened between Auga and Ise-Akoko when the princess was on her way to her home town, Ugbe Akoko.

    Her husband, Oba Samuel Agunloye, said his wife and his driver were seized on Auga-Ise road.

    The abductors were said to have abandoned the vehicle on the road, prompting the passersby to contact the monarch.

    Oba Agunloye said when he called his wife’s mobile phone as well as the driver’s, they had been switched off.

    The chairman of Akoko North East Local Government Area, Rafiu Eniayewu, said residents had been asked to notify his office and the police area command if they notice that strange elements attempt to settle down in the area.

    He said the axis had recently become peaceful and safe for travellers due to police regular patrol of Isua-Ise Auga-Akunu road.

    The Police Area Commander Razak Rauf said he had dispatched his men to rescue the abducted Olori and the driver.

    It was learnt that the abductors had not contacted the family for ransom.

    Also, residents were surprised at the weekend about the escapade of another victim, Jacob Daramola, from kidnappers’ captivity.

    The 50-year-old a school head teacher was reportedly abducted at Orisunbare area of Ikun in Akoko Southwest Local Government Area, while returning from his wife’s shop around 9 p.m.

    Narrating his ordeal, Daramola said: “I did not know that three gunmen were trailing me. As I opened the door to my house, one of them followed me inside and pointed his gun at me. He then asked for my co-operation.

    “The other two men entered my house and covered their faces with masks. They put a chain in my hands and carried me over the fence to an unknown destination inside the bush.

    “When it was getting too cold, they covered me with their pullover and cap. Then, I noticed they had slept off. I tried to unchain myself as I managed to escape.”

    The teacher said this is the new method kidnappers have adopted.

    He urged the people to watch out in the night.

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Oba-Akoko, Kunle Fabuluje, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said Daramola brought the pullover, cap and chain the hoodlums used to tie him up in the bush to the station.

    He said investigation had begun into the incident, adding that the hoodlums would be arrested.

    Scores of sympathisers besieged Daramola’s house to rejoice with him for escaping from abductors’ captivity.

     

  • Ondo agog for the Ademuleguns

    To the cultured and pleasant ambience of Ondo metropolis this last Friday for the final burial rites of Madam Juliana Ejiola Ademulegun, nee Awosika and relic of the late Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun, a military top notch who was assassinated during the first military putsch on January 15, 1966,  and beloved father of the media mogul, Kole, among other outstanding children.

    Snooper always finds Ondo city deeply fascinating and its people highly civilized with a hint of aristocratic swashbuckling. With their imperial carriage and lordly disposition, one often wonders how they arrived at that strategic corner piece of Yorubaland and where they came from. Something simply does not add up. With Ondo royal blood running deep in his own veins through his paternal grandmother, yours sincerely should know.

    This cool rainy Friday, it was as if the entire town poured out of its ancient redoubts to honour its most illustrious military son and one of its most distinguished families. It has been a good month for Ondo town. First, another illustrious son of the town, Gani Fawehinmi, famously described by this columnist as the legal Spartacus, was being posthumously decorated by the federal authorities for his noble and heroic stirring at the behest of a great nation stricken and brutalised by military rule. Now as if by some divinely ordained circuitous closure, the people of Ondo were saying goodbye to the wife of the highly regarded military chieftain fifty two years after he was murdered in bed.

    As it was to be expected, the atmosphere was exultant and triumphant. If only the dead can look back. Right from the church through the reception, it was clear that the Ademulegun children had cultivated the cream of the society. It was a glittering spectacle, shorn of the pomposity and pride of prevailing power. This was the old Yoruba High Society putting up a spectacle while quietly and calmly putting everyone in their place. The Yoruba people surely know how to put people in their place.

    The ancient crooner, King Sunny Ade, did not disappoint with his electrifying guitar and masterful footwork. You begin to wonder when age and accumulated physical overdraft will slow down this Ondo prince  but it is obvious that the septuagenarian lad is not for turning yet as he capered and cantered to his own infectious lyrics.

    Snooper found himself in a vantage position to observe the high and mighty of the society, courtesy of his former Higher School Certificate student at Federal Government College, Kaduna in the mid-seventies, Gbenga Ademulegun. How art the young grown!!! Gbenga has since gone on to higher things including executive directorships of two major banks. It has been a show-stopper and moveable feast from Ondo. It is good to be good.

     

  • Akeredolu intervenes as soldier shoots pupil dead in Ondo

    A 13-year-old schoolboy of Community Primary School at Ajowa in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State, Usman Saliu, has reportedly been shot dead “in error” by a soldier.

    The incident happened while some Fulani were displaying acrobatics with sticks and cutlasses.

    The scene, eyewitnesses said, became rowdy, leading to disorderliness.

    The soldiers were reportedly attracted from a nearby checkpoint.

    It was learnt that the schoolboy was mistakenly shot dead.

    Another Fulani, Badejo Abudulahi, was also hit by bullets; he is receiving treatment at Ikare Specialist Hospital.

    It was learnt that residents of Ajowa-Akoko remained indoor yesterday as tension mounted on the unusual appearance of soldiers in their community.

    They were also said to be afraid of possible revenge by Fulani herdsmen.

    Policemen from Oke-Agbe Division reportedly took the body to a mortuary while the injured was also admitted for treatment.

    It was learnt that on hearing about the incident, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu mandated his Special Adviser on Security Matter, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, and Special Assistant on Hausa/Fulani Matters, Bala Umaru, to resolve the matter.

    At Ajowa, the father of the deceased, Usman Saliu, 46, said his son was returning from school when the incident occurred.

    The distraught father described his late son as an asset.

    On behalf of the governor, Dojumo urged the parents to take the incident as an act of God because it was not deliberate.

    He added that the situation was incidental and regrettable.

    Akeredolu urged the residents to embrace peace, saying only peaceful co-existence would attract development to the state.

    The Akoko Area Commander of the police, Razak Rauf, hailed the Fulani for embracing peace and shunning confrontation.

    He assured them of peaceful resolution of the matter.

    A Senior Army Officer from the 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure, Lt.-Col. Ejiga said the soldier who fired the shot had no intention to kill anyone.

    He called for more understanding on the roles of military to maintain law and order.

    Ejiga apologised on behalf of the Army.

    The Chairman of Akoko Northwest Local Government Area, Morakinyo Ajayi said security agents had settled the matter.

    He also hailed the governor for his concern about the welfare of the residents.

    The team visited the injured at the State Specialist Hospital at Ikare, while the body of the schoolboy was released to his parents for burial.