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Tag: ONDO

  • Ondo Guber: Group faults Ajayi’s withdrawal of petition 

    Ondo Guber: Group faults Ajayi’s withdrawal of petition 

    The Sunshine Centre for Justice and Development has faulted the reports that the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2024 Ondo State election, Agboola Ajayi withdrew his petition at the Supreme Court based on patriotism.

    The group in a statement by its Coordinator, Prince Emmanuel Sehindemi, said Ajayi withdrew the case because he knew that his petition lacked merit.

    According to the group, if Ajayi was patriotic, he shouldn’t have challenged the outcome of the election in the first place.

    It said the former deputy governor challenged the election from the Tribunal to the Supreme Court before he decided to withdraw the case.

    The group said: “In a dramatic twist less than 24 hours before the Supreme Court was billed to deliver judgment on the keenly followed governorship dispute in Ondo State, Ajayi suddenly announced the withdrawal of his appeal against the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    “The decision, though dressed in the robes of patriotism, has sent shockwaves across political and legal circles, because from Tribunal to the Supreme Court he challenged the outcome of the election.

    “The November 2024 election in Ondo State produced a clear and overwhelming victory for Governor Aiyedatiwa, who coasted to power with a margin that observers described as undisputable. But Ajayi refused to concede.

    “Within weeks, he approached the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, citing alleged irregularities and demanding the nullification of Aiyedatiwa’s victory.

    “When the tribunal dismissed his petition for lack of merit, Ajayi swiftly proceeded to the Court of Appeal.

    “In May 2025, the appellate court upheld the tribunal’s ruling, reiterating that the PDP candidate had failed to substantiate his allegations.

    “Still undeterred, Ajayi escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, the last bus stop in Nigeria’s judicial hierarchy.

    “The apex court fixed September 17, 2025, as the date for judgment. But, to the shock of many, Ajayi abruptly filed a notice of withdrawal on September 16, a day before the ruling.

    “While Ajayi’s withdrawal has been widely hailed in some quarters as an act of statesmanship, observers argue that such praise is misplaced.

    “Shockingly, even senior members of the Aiyedatiwa administration, including the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who had initially called on Ajayi and other petitioners to withdraw their petitions, were quick to innocently commend the move, describing it as a patriotic sacrifice to end litigation and allow governance to thrive.”

    The group urged Ondo State citizens, particularly those in positions of public trust, to resist the urge to romanticise Ajayi’s decision.

    It said instead, the focus should shift to exposing the ignoble roles played by desperate politicians who attempt to hold the democratic process hostage.

    “With the withdrawal and eventual dismissal of the appeal, by the Supreme Court, the 2024 Ondo governorship election litigation chapter has been conclusively closed.

    “Governor Aiyedatiwa can now fully focus on governance without the distraction of legal fireworks.

    “In the final analysis, Ajayi’s withdrawal should not be mistaken for patriotism, it is a forced and the inevitable consequence of challenging free, fair and credible exercise,” it said.

  • Family urges Ondo Govt to stop stool crisis in Ese-Odo

    Family urges Ondo Govt to stop stool crisis in Ese-Odo

    The Atike family of Agadagba-Obon in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State has called on the State Government to intervene in the crisis over the Amananawei stool to avert breakdown of law and order.

    In a statement to newsmen on Friday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, by Ofoyeju Gbinmoye Medek, the family alleged the Kekemeke clan was attempting to impose a traditional ruler on the community despite a subsisting court case on the matter.

    Ofoyeju, who is the spokesperson of the family, said the move by the Kekemeke family was “strange, selfish and non-inclusive,” warning that such actions could destabilise the peace of Agadagba-Obon.

    It reads: “As a strong stakeholder in Agadagba-Obon, the attitude of the Kekemeke family to single-handedly select and install the Amananawei is a brazen embarrassment to the John Atike family.

    “The family will not play second fiddle to any family in the Amananawei issue. So, the Kekemeke family must be called to order as a matter of urgency to forestall peaceful co-existence in the community.”

    The family also accused the Kekemeke clan of boasting about political and judicial connections while ignoring peace moves initiated by the Agadagba of Arogbo kingdom, His Imperial Majesty Pere Doubra Zacchaeus Egbunu, Opukutu III.

    It alleged that despite the matter being in court, the Kekemeke family had allegedly secured approval to proceed with the selection process.

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    “In all these, the State Government has not done anything towards reconciliation of the two families.

    “Rather, the Kekemeke family succeeds in getting approval to continue with the selection process despite the fact that the matter is already in court. We smell a rat,” the statement added.

    The Atike family further alleged plans to attack its members before September 15, the date allegedly fixed for the stool selection, warning that it would resist any provocation.

    However, in a petition addressed to the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, the Kekemeke Royal Family accused some members of the Atike family of attempted murder, assault, wilful destruction of property and criminal trespass during the stool selection exercise.

    The petition, filed through their counsel, Oju Kekemeke, alleged that thugs led by named members of the Ofoyeju family and others invaded the Atimati Family House on September 2, 2025, where the selection of the Amananawei was being conducted.

    It claimed that the attackers made attempts on the lives of Hon. Justice U.P. Kekemeke, High Chief Richard Kekemeke, Prince Beligha Kekemeke and other members of the family, while also destroying chairs, canopies and other property at the venue.

    According to the petition, “Hon. Justice U.P. Kekemeke, who was presiding over the meeting as Head of the Ruling House, became an easy target as it took spirited efforts of his Police Orderly and two other Policemen to save his life, even at that, he was dispossessed of his iPad containing very important judicial documents.”

    The Kekemeke family stated that the alleged attack which occurred despite the presence of police and DSS operatives, caused panic and disrupted a lawful meeting convened at the instance of the state government.

    It urged the Commissioner of Police to launch a full investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that their clients were ready to provide evidence and cooperate fully with the authorities.

  • Angry residents lynch ‘Okada rider’ over alleged robbery in Ondo

    Angry residents lynch ‘Okada rider’ over alleged robbery in Ondo

    Pandemonium erupted on Thursday at the Ajipowo area of Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State after some angry residents lynched a popular commercial motorcyclist, Tunde Ilesanmi, to death.

    Ilesanmi, popularly called Dudu because of his dark complexion, was alleged to have taken part in a robbery attack in the community the previous night with two accomplices.

    Eyewitnesses said he was sighted in the area while dropping off a passenger on Thursday morning, prompting residents who claimed to have recognised him from the robbery to descend on him.

    “Immediately he was seen, they dragged him from his motorcycle and started beating him. Other residents, already angered by repeated robberies in the area, joined in until he died,” a witness told The Nation under anonymity.

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    However, the situation took a twist when relatives of the deceased arrived at the scene, insisting Ilesanmi was innocent and only a well-known motorcyclist in Ajipowo.

    The development sparked chaos as hundreds of commercial motorcyclists stormed the area in protest, blocking major roads to demand justice for their colleague.

    The protest forced residents indoors, with streets deserted for hours until police officers from the Fanibi Police Station intervened to disperse the mob and restore calm.

    The body of the deceased was later evacuated from the scene.

    Confirming the incident, Ondo police spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, condemned the act of jungle justice, stressing that an investigation had been launched into the case.

  • Four men arraigned for kidnapping, attempted murder in Ondo

    Four men arraigned for kidnapping, attempted murder in Ondo

    The Ondo State Police Command has arraigned four men before an Akure Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly kidnapping a 60-year-old man, Tijani Aremu, and attempting to murder a woman in the Akoko area of the state.

    The defendants – Yahaya Galejo, 30; Ismail Illa, 20; Muhammadu Usman, 25; and Muhammed Idrisa, 27 — were charged with five counts bordering on criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and unlawful gathering.

    Police prosecutor Sulieman Adebayo told the court that the accused persons, along with others still at large, committed the offences on August 17, 2025, at about 4:00 p.m. at Ikuiye Awara Farm within the Ondo State Magisterial District.

    Adebayo alleged that the defendants, armed with a short single-barreled gun, a dagger, and other dangerous weapons, abducted Aremu and took him to an undisclosed location, where he was held for two days while his family was coerced into paying a ransom.

    On the same date and location, the prosecutor further alleged that the defendants attempted to kill a woman, Omolayo Aremu, by locking her inside a reservoir tank.

    The court also heard that the suspects were found in possession of dangerous weapons, including a short single-barreled gun and a dagger, without a satisfactory explanation.

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    The charges, according to the prosecution, contravene Section 6(b), 2(a and b) of the Anti-Abduction and Anti-Kidnapping Law of Ondo State, 2010; Section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap. R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024; and Section 320 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

    Adebayo urged the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    However, the pleas of the accused were not taken, as their counsel sought an adjournment to enable him to file a counter-affidavit against the remand application.

    Magistrate Damilola Sekoni ordered that the defendants be remanded in police custody and adjourned the case until September 18 for ruling on the remand application.

  • Ondo, Globacom collaborate on digital innovations

    Ondo, Globacom collaborate on digital innovations

    Ondo state government is collaborating with one of the leading telecommunications companies, Globacom, to adopt advanced digital solutions that will enhance governance, education, security, and revenue collection.

    At a meeting with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and top government officials in Akure, Globacom’s Group Lead, Enterprise Business, Adeniyi Odejobi, assured that the collaboration would enhance efficiency and productivity across the state.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa welcomed the initiative, saying Globacom’s initiatives came at the right time for his government’s push for technology-driven administration. “I am proud of the rich array of solutions from the company,” he said.

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    The governor emphasizes ongoing efforts to integrate digital systems in governance, including the launch of iOndo, an electronic tax collection platform introduced three months ago. The platform allows residents to pay ground rents and other taxes online.

    “Adopting new technologies from Globacom will reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, increase efficiency, and limit human interference in government processes,” he added.

    The governor expressed optimism that the partnership would strengthen digital innovation and socio economic growth in Ondo state governance.

    In his words, Odejobi, explained that Globacom would deploy a Learning Management System (LMS) to benefit secondary and tertiary institutions. The company will also provide Glo Share, its sponsored data service that allows zero rated access to the LMS, enabling students to study online without data charges.

  • Ondo approves N350m for 2025 students’ scholarship, bursary

    Ondo approves N350m for 2025 students’ scholarship, bursary

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the sum of N350 million for the payment of the 2025 scholarship and bursary awards to students of the state origin studying in tertiary institutions across the country.

    In a statement issued by his spokesman, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Tuesday, the governor said the package covers five different categories of scholarship, including those for medical students, law students, and students with disabilities.

    According to him, the funds will benefit about 12,000 students, representing an increase from last year’s N335 million, which is disbursed to 11,200 students.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa recalled that in 2024, his administration had raised the annual bursary from N10,000 to N20,000, while students with disabilities received N75,000 each, and scholarship beneficiaries got N100,000 each.

    He stressed that education remains the cornerstone of development, adding that his government is determined to unlock the potential of young people through access to quality learning.

    “Many of our students face significant financial challenges in pursuing their academic dreams. That is why we provide bursary and scholarship awards, as well as financial assistance, to support them, alleviate financial burdens, and enable them to focus on their studies.

    “These awards are a testament to our commitment to investing in the future of our state and our country. We must ensure that our students have the necessary support to excel in their academic pursuits,” he said.

    The approval comes just two weeks after the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) commenced payment of its 2023/2024 scholarship and bursary scheme, benefitting 4,837 indigent students from its mandate areas.

  • Amotekun goes after crime financiers, godfathers in Ondo

    Amotekun goes after crime financiers, godfathers in Ondo

    The Ondo State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as the Amotekun Corps, has declared a clampdown on ‘financiers and masterminds’ of crimes across the state.

    State Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, made this known while parading 28 suspected criminals arrested before journalists in Akure on Tuesday. 

    Adeleye explained that the corps had gone beyond merely arresting criminals, stressing that efforts are now focused on dismantling the networks that sustain crime.

    “The criminal world is evolving, and we have gone beyond arresting suspects alone. Amotekun always strives to be ahead of them. We are now after their godfathers and backbones because until we uproot them, we won’t have total peace,” he said.

    The corps commander revealed that the 28 suspects had recently been arrested for various offences such kidnapping, armed robbery, rape and among others. 

    He emphasised that the corps is determined to break the chain of criminality in the state to pave the way for socio-economic growth.

    Adeleye noted that the agency’s interventions contributed to a significant boost in the state’s finances.

    “By the intervention of Amotekun, the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Ondo State increased by over 500 per cent in 2023,” he disclosed.

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    He added that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had directed the corps to ensure an enabling environment for investors, while assuring that the state’s security architecture remains solid.

    “The best criminals can do is to run away from Ondo State. Our joint patrol teams are still active, and we have also dominated the forests. Farmers can now return to their farms,” he said.

    Adeleye urged residents to always provide timely information to security agencies.

    “When you see something, quickly say something and let us intervene, because if you delay, the delay might be dangerous,” he advised.

  • Customs smashes smuggling ring, seized 15 assorted rifles, industrial drones in Ogun, Ondo

    Customs smashes smuggling ring, seized 15 assorted rifles, industrial drones in Ogun, Ondo

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ , Ikeja, has smashed a transborder smuggling ring that specialised in smuggling firearms, ammunition, and industrial drones into the country.

    The gang, which smuggles industrial drones, arms and ammunition using wooden box and Danu Spaghetti as decoys was ambushed by Customs officials in Ogun and Ondo States.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos on Tuesday, the Controller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu disclosed that two industrial drones, arms and ammunition were intercepted by officers and ment of the Unit along the bush paths near the border in Ogun State and Akure- Ore axis in Ondo state.

    According to him, “On Thursday, 7th August 2025, at approximately 0213hrs, one of our patrol teams, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a Nissan Almera vehicle suspected of conveying prohibited items via the Ilara bush paths near the border in Ogun State. Upon sighting our officers, the driver and one passenger abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush to evade arrest.”

    After a thorough search of the intercepted vehicle, he said, “revealed the following items, carefully concealed within second-hand clothing and cartons of spaghetti: 14 used JOJEF Magnum semi-automatic firearms (designed in Italy) with the following serial numbers: 22-0743, 602-H22YT-556

    602-H22YT-700, 698-H21PT-24 (Pump Action) 602-H22YT-586, 602-H22YT-551

    602-H22YT-566, 19KS-0193, 602-H22YT-415 22-1809, 22-1466, 602-H22YT-642

    602-H22YT-583 and 602-H22YT-572.

    Officers of the Unit, Shuaibu added, “also intercepted one used Mossberg pump action shotgun (Made in USA) Serial No. P256630.

    A total: 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two cartons of Danu Spaghetti (20 pieces per carton), two bales and one sack of used clothing that were used as decoys.

    Another patrol team, he said, “Made a separate interception of a Volkswagen sprinter bus suspected to convey drones in a wooden box along the Akure- Ore axis in Ondo state while on a routine patrol. The arrest occurred at about 0910hrs of 9th August 2025.”

    Further investigation of the bus, Shuaibu said, “Confirms the drones to be industrial drones without proper documents. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure. The drones, second-hand clothing, and cartons of spaghetti have a duty paid value (DPV) of N377, 110,800.00.”

    The interception of these security threatening items, Shuaibu added, “underscores the unwavering commitment of the Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to disrupt the activities of non-state actors and safeguard national security. These efforts reflect the Service’s dedication to combating smuggling and criminality at our borders while restoring law and order.”

    The Controller reiterate that the importation of arms, ammunition, or drones of this nature requires valid approval, permits, and an End User Certificate from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). 

    Any deviation from these regulatory requirements, he said, will be treated as a deliberate attempt to undermine national security and will be met with swift and decisive action by all relevant security agencies, including the NCS.

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    “These kinds of seizures are not achieved without serious planning, intelligence gathering, and tactical execution. I therefore commend the bravery, professionalism, and commitment of our officers, whose efforts made this successful interception possible. The unit remains resolute and vigilant in its mission to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum.

    “At a time when our nation faces complex security challenges, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain aligned in our collective efforts to prevent these non-state actors from achieving their criminal objectives. I, therefore, call on all well-meaning Nigerians to report suspicious movements or activities within their communities. Your vigilance is critical to enabling law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties effectively.

    He promised, “The intercepted arms and ammunition will be handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

  • Ondo Pastor rapes daughter, blames act on ‘generational curse’

    Ondo Pastor rapes daughter, blames act on ‘generational curse’

    A 42-year-old pastor, Samson Ajayi, has been arraigned before the Akure Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State for allegedly raping his 17-year-old biological daughter.

    Ajayi, a father of five, was accused of committing the incestuous act repeatedly over the past four years at his residence in Igoba, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

    The abuse reportedly came to light after his wife, who had been unaware of the assaults, discovered the incident last week and reported to the Igoba Police Station.

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    The pastor was later arrested at a prayer mountain.

    During his arraignment, Ajayi confessed to the crime, blaming it on what he described as a “generational curse.”

    “I eventually did it. But I didn’t know what came over me. I think it is a generational curse because my father also did it to my sister, his biological daughter. It was just an act to disgrace me,” he said in court.

  • Ondo pastor rapes daughter, blames act on ‘generational curse’

    Ondo pastor rapes daughter, blames act on ‘generational curse’

    A 42-year-old pastor, Samson Ajayi, has been arraigned before the Akure Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State for allegedly raping his 17-year-old biological daughter.

    Ajayi, a father of five, was accused of committing the incestuous act repeatedly over the past four years at his residence in Igoba, Akure North Local Government Area of the state. 

    The abuse reportedly came to light after his wife, who had been unaware of the assaults, discovered the incident last week and reported to the Igoba Police Station. 

    The pastor was later arrested at a prayer mountain.

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    During his arraignment, Ajayi confessed to the crime, blaming it on what he described as a “generational curse.”

    “I eventually did it. But I didn’t know what came over me. I think it is a generational curse because my father also did it to my sister, his biological daughter. It was just an act to disgrace me,” he said in court.

    He was charged with two counts of rape and defilement, contrary to Sections 3 (a, b, and c) 25 of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, 2021.

    Prosecution counsel Martins Olowofeso told the court that the offences were committed between March 2021 and August 2025.

    However, Ajayi’s counsel, Kehinde Osadugba, appealed for an out-of-court settlement, arguing that the victim’s mother had forgiven him since he was the family’s breadwinner.

    The presiding magistrate, Taiwo Lebi, rejected the request, ruling that the defendant’s confession provided sufficient grounds for his remand.

    Ajayi was ordered to be remanded at Olokuta Correctional Facility pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). 

    The prosecutor was also directed to duplicate the case file and forward it to the DPP.

    The case was adjourned to November 20, 2025, for further review.