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  • Aiyedatiwa urges Ondo traditional rulers to embrace peace, unity for grassroots development

    Aiyedatiwa urges Ondo traditional rulers to embrace peace, unity for grassroots development

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has charged traditional rulers in the state to embrace peace and unity in the interest of grassroots development and good governance. 

    Governor Aiyedatiwa made the appeal on Tuesday at the official presentation of the Instrument of appointment and staff of office to the first Olusin of Owalusin, Oba Stephen Oloruntele Ogunoye I, at Iwaro-Oka in Akoko Southwest Local Government Area of the state. 

    Represented by the state commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, the governor emphasised the crucial role monarchs play in maintaining peace and ensuring stability in their respective domains.

    “Where there is rancour among monarchs, development suffers. Peace is a precondition for progress, and our Obas, being the closest to the grassroots, must lead by example,” Aiyedatiwa said.

    He also warned against any form of power tussle or expansionist ambitions capable of disrupting the peace of the state, charging the royal fathers to work together and prioritise the well-being of their communities. 

    As traditional leaders and local security heads, the governor urged the monarchs to support the efforts at flushing out miscreants and criminals by promptly reporting suspicious activities to the authorities.

    He congratulated Oba Ogunoye for being the first monarch to ascend the throne under the recommendations of the Justice C.E.T. Ajama Commission of Inquiry into Chieftaincy Matters, urging him to use the opportunity to foster unity and development in his domain.

    Remarking, Takuro, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oladele Adesanmi, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to fairness and neutrality in filling vacant stools across communities.

    He also acknowledged the pivotal roles played by notable sons of the community, such as Dare Emiola and Chief Olugbenga Atiba, in actualising the event.

    The Olubaka of Oka land, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, expressed gratitude to the governor for responding positively to the wishes of the people and pledged continued support for the government.

    In his response, Oba Ogunoye thanked the state government and his people for the honour bestowed on him.

    The newly installed monarch promised to rule with the fear of God and seek the progress of his people, appealing for urgent intervention on the deplorable condition of roads in the area.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Akoko Southwest Local Government, Hon. Ayo Ajana, described the installation of Oba Ogunoye as a testament to the political will of the Governor Aiyedatiwa-led administration to ensure every community has a recognised traditional ruler.

  • Police arrest suspected cultist for shooting football fans in Ondo

    Police arrest suspected cultist for shooting football fans in Ondo

    A suspected cultist who allegedly opened fire on football fans in Ondo town has been arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Police Command.

    The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, who disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure, said the suspect was apprehended at his hideout following sustained intelligence gathering and a tactical operation by the command.

    Although the suspect’s identity remains undisclosed due to ongoing investigations, preliminary findings link him to a violent cult clash earlier this year, which resulted in the deaths of rival group members in Ondo town.

    The CP further revealed that the suspect was involved in the July 13, 2025, shooting at Template Bar and Club, Ondo, during the live broadcast of the FIFA Club World Cup final match between Chelsea and PSG.

    “During the attack, suspected cultists opened fire indiscriminately on unsuspecting football enthusiasts, resulting in multiple injuries,” Lawal said. “This reckless act not only endangered lives but posed a direct threat to public peace and safety—the very values the Command is committed to upholding.”

    The suspect, now in custody, is said to be cooperating with investigators as police intensify efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

    Read Also: Police swoop on criminals in Edo, Adamawa

    Meanwhile, the command also confirmed the arrest of 30 suspected cultists in Ondo town between June and July 2025. The arrests, made within Lawal’s first month in office, were disclosed in a statement issued by police spokesperson, SP Ayanlade Olayinka.

    All 30 suspects have since been charged in court, with items recovered including an English-made Beretta pistol with five rounds of live 3mm ammunition, a locally made pistol with two cartridges, three battle axes, cutlasses, daggers, cult insignias, charms, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

    Reiterating the command’s commitment to eradicating cultism and armed violence, Lawal urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to support security efforts in the state.

  • Ondo govt pledges zero tolerance for cultism, thuggery, civil unrest

    Ondo govt pledges zero tolerance for cultism, thuggery, civil unrest

    The Ondo State government has said the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa will not condole any form of social vices particularly cultism, thuggery and civil unrest in the state.

    In a statement issued on Monday by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, the state government declared zero tolerance for any form of criminal activity that could tarnish the state’s reputation or hinder its development.

    The government also affirmed its commitment to promoting the cherished ‘Omoluabi values’ rooted in Yoruba tradition that define the people of the state, emphasising respect, hard work, and value for life. 

    While highlighting the plans of Governor Aiyedatiwa towards sustainable growth under his OUR EASE (ODATIWA) Agenda, the government insists that moral discipline and communal vigilance remain essential tools in building a state of pride, peace, and prosperity.

    It called on traditional rulers, politicians, student leaders, market women, religious leaders, and the general public to join hands with governor Aiyedatiwa’s in combating cultism, political violence, kidnapping, and other destabilizing behaviors.

    “The rise in social vices is alarming and unacceptable. As people known for dignity, discipline, and hard work, we must all rise to defend our values. Ondo State cannot afford to be dragged into the mud of lawlessness,” the statement read. 

    Read Also: Ondo govt, SDP clash over ‘poor conditions of court rooms’

    He warned that development and investor confidence cannot thrive in a climate of insecurity and urged citizens to see the fight against crime as a collective responsibility.

    “The orientation must begin now. Every citizen has a role to play in upholding the ethics of good behaviour. Report crimes in your communities. Be ambassadors of peace and order. That is the way to build a safe, attractive, and economically vibrant Ondo State,” it added.

    The government, however, rolled out intensified civic education campaigns across the 18 local government areas, using community influencers, local media, and digital platforms to reinforce these values. 

  • Ondo youths protest rising cult activities

    Ondo youths protest rising cult activities

    • Demand justice for victims

    Scores of youths and indigenes of Ondo town yesterday trooped to the streets to stage a peaceful protest over the rising wave of cultism, drug abuse, violence and insecurity pervading the community.

    The protest, held across major streets of the town, led by the President of Ondo Kingdom Youth Forum, Mr Kayode Folayegun, was in response to the rising spate of cult-related killings and clashes in the town.

    The youth decried the activities of the proscribed cults, saying their activities had been threatening the peace of the community.

    Folayegun lamented the activities of the cults, demanding that urgent actions must be put in place to end violence.

    Calling for justice for slain youths that have fallen victims of the activities of the cults, he said people would not tolerate the continued silence of the government over the killings.

    “We can no longer fold our arms while our fellow youths are being murdered in cold blood. There must be consequences for these heinous crimes. Over 48 persons have died of cult-related killings and clashes,” Folayegun said.

    Olaitan Aseyege, a youth leader in the town, said cult-related activities and killings in the community had claimed  lives.

    Read Also: Cultists kill community’s deputy chairman in Rivers

    He called on security agencies and the government to intervene by ensuring peace and tranquillity were restored to the town.

    “What we are witnessing is heart-breaking. Our youths are being hunted down and executed. This carnage must stop,” he said, appealing to the security agencies for swift and decisive action.

    A community leader and former member of the House of Representatives in Ondo East/Ondo West, Joseph Akinlaja, hailed the youth for their resilience and asked them to be committed to the peace of the town.

    Akinlaja advised youths to stay away from crime, stressing that their roles in nation-building could not be underestimated.

  • ‘Oladele’s emergence as Ondo NANS General Secretary commended’

    ‘Oladele’s emergence as Ondo NANS General Secretary commended’

    The Director General of the Fresh Campaign Organisation, Comrade Emmanuel Amos, has congratulated Comrade Oladele Oluwafemi on his emergence as the newly elected General Secretary of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Ondo Axis.

    In a statement, Amos described Oladele’s victory as a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional leadership qualities, unwavering dedication, and passion for student advocacy.

    “Comrade Oladele’s vision for a more inclusive and prosperous student body has earned him the trust and mandate of the students. His ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and his strong commitment to their welfare are truly inspiring,” Amos said.

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    He noted that Oladele has shown remarkable tenacity and resilience throughout his journey and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver positive change within the student community.

    “We are confident that he will bring innovative ideas, a collaborative spirit, and experience to bear in driving progress, unity, and academic excellence within NANS JCC Ondo Axis,” the statement added.

    Amos also commended the leadership and Senators of the NANS JCC Ondo Axis for electing a leader who embodies the values of integrity, service, and hard work.

    “As he begins this new chapter, we pledge our support and look forward to working with him to achieve great things. Congratulations once again to Comrade Oladele Oluwafemi Emmanuel (Fresh Diamond) on his well-earned victory. May his tenure be marked by unprecedented growth and unity for the students,” the statement concluded.

  • Ajanaku vows to reposition Ondo information ministry, promote Aiyedatiwa’s govt

    Ajanaku vows to reposition Ondo information ministry, promote Aiyedatiwa’s govt

    Newly inaugurated Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, has pledged to strategically promote the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa through effective public communication.

    Ajanaku, one of the 16 commissioners sworn in on Monday at a ceremony held at the International Centre for Culture and Events in Akure, officially resumed office on Thursday to a warm reception by ministry staff.

    Speaking during his assumption of duty, Ajanaku expressed his determination to reposition the ministry as a dynamic hub for government communication. He also called for unity among media stakeholders in the state, stressing his readiness to use his experience to enhance the government’s image.

    He described the ministry as both “the image manager of the state” and “the voice of the people,” highlighting its crucial role in governance and public engagement.

    “My mission is to project the achievements of Mr. Governor, rebrand government communication, and foster genuine citizen engagement

    “I thank His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for the trust and opportunity to serve. I also thank God Almighty for life and this privilege,” Ajanaku said.

    Outlining his vision for the ministry, Ajanaku emphasized the importance of effectively telling the story of the Aiyedatiwa administration under the OUR EASE agenda, a policy framework focusing on inclusive growth, infrastructure, empowerment, and good governance.

    “Ondo State has a compelling story to tell, and it must be told effectively, creatively, and truthfully. This ministry will be lifted to a high pedestal, and all hands must be on deck as we take on this collective task.

    “I’m ready to deploy every experience I have gathered to promote the administration of Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and the enormous potential of Ondo State to the global community,” Ajanaku stated.

    Speaking earlier on a radio programme aired on Adaba 88.9 FM, Akure, which was monitored by the NATION, the commissioner called for harmony and collaboration among professionals to achieve the common goal of effective information dissemination.

    He said he is prepared to reposition the Ministry of Information as a strategic channel for government communication and public engagement, describing his appointment as a call to service and a responsibility he does not take lightly.

    Ajanaku, a seasoned media strategist with years of experience in journalism and political communication, assured the public of a transparent and proactive information dissemination approach.

    He added that his tenure will prioritize credibility, innovation, and professionalism.

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo Council, has congratulated Mr Ajanaku on his inauguration by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    In a congratulatory message jointly signed by the State Chairman, Leke Adegbite, and the State Secretary, Olaoluwa Meshack, NUJ expressed confidence in the ability of Ajanaku as a core senior journalist to harness the media potentials in the state and beyond for the benefit of the people and growth of the state.

    The union expressed the readiness of the NUJ leadership and members of the media profession in the state to support and work seamlessly with the new commissioner for a smooth running of the government’s activities in an informed society.

    It urged, “The new commissioner to form a formidable relationship with members of the pen profession in the state for a better service delivery.”

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa assigns portfolios to Ajanaku, Ajibefun, Awolowo, 13 other exco members

    Also, the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals (ACSPN), in the state, has congratulated Mr Ajanaku over his appointment and also expressed confidence in his capacity to reposition the ministry to drive effective public enlightenment and engagement with media stakeholders.

    In a statement jointly signed on Thursday by its Chairman of the Association, Sunday Kolawole, and the Secretary, Richard Ilesanmi, the association promised to collaborate with his ministry to enhance media literacy, strategic communication, and institutional research to promote civic engagement in the state.

    “The body of scholars, researchers and media professionals believes the new commissioner’s wealth of experience, especially in journalism and public affairs, will strengthen government-media relations and enhance citizens’ access to timely and credible information,” the statement. 

  • Ondo North Senator praised for transforming district

    Ondo North Senator praised for transforming district

    Senator representing Ondo North and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Olajide Ipinsagba, has been praised by his constituents for transforming the senatorial district within two years through landmark projects, including the facilitation of an Information Communications Technology (ICT) university in Ikare Akoko.

    In a statement issued by the office of the senator in Akure, constituents across all communities expressed deep gratitude for his achievements, noting that they have improved livelihoods through initiatives in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure.

    The statement noted that one of his most significant achievements is the ICT university bill.

    “Senator Ipinsagba sponsored and successfully passed the bill for the establishment of the ICT university in Ikare Akoko, a landmark achievement that provides the youths of Ondo North with access to cutting-edge digital education and skills development. A public hearing on the bill was held in December 2024, marking significant progress toward the university’s establishment.”

    Read Also: Reviving Nigerian sports after years of endemic struggles

    The statement also highlighted his efforts to promote inclusive governance, empowering farmers and youths with modern mechanised farming techniques to boost productivity, as well as his interventions in education.

    “The senator convened the first ever town hall meeting in Ondo North, engaging farmers, artisans, students, traditional leaders, women groups, and other stakeholders. This forum institutionalised participatory governance, ensuring community voices directly influence policy and development priorities.

    “He distributed fertilisers, seedlings, and equipment, and provided critical inputs to enhance local food security and support sustainable agriculture. Over 1,000 scholarships and bursaries were awarded to students of various tertiary institutions across Ondo North senatorial district. Free UTME forms are also given annually to more than 1,000 students, removing financial barriers to higher education.”

    Senator Ipinsagba was further lauded for facilitating federal employment opportunities for his constituents and enhancing electricity and water supply in communities.

    “He secured jobs for constituents in agencies such as the NNPC, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Rural Electrification Agency, Nigeria Customs Service, and Nigeria Air Force.

    “He installed transformers in Owo, Ikare, Isua, and Ogbagi, and deployed solar lighting in remote communities and Adekunle Ajasin University Senate Building. He also installed industrial boreholes in Okeagbe, Afo, Ikare, and Owo, and constructed modern restrooms at Ikare Police Area Command.”

  • Patients lament as Ondo hospitals scale down services over doctors’ strike 

    Patients lament as Ondo hospitals scale down services over doctors’ strike 

    Medical services have been scaled down across government-owned hospitals in Ondo State as doctors under the National Association of Government General and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) embarked on a three-day warning strike.

    The action, which began on Monday, follows what the doctors described as the government’s gross neglect of the health sector and the welfare of medical practitioners under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    In a joint statement issued in Akure, the State Chairman of NAGGMDP, Dr. Richard Obe, and Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Owolabi, decried the acute shortage of medical personnel, revealing that some government hospitals are being run by only one doctor per local government.

    The strike has disrupted healthcare delivery across the state, leaving many patients unable to access medical attention.

    A visit by The Nation to several government health facilities, including the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital, Akure complex, showed limited activity as the impact of the industrial action continues to bite.

    During the visit, it was observed how the health workers in the hospital were managing the situation to avoid the total collapse of the state health sector. 

    A few number of the patients were also turned back on arrival, while those with emergency cases were being attended to before they were referred to either private or federal government health centres within the state. 

    Lamenting over how the strike has been crippling medical activities at the hospital, one of the patients, Evelyn Jadesola, said medical attention has been slow since the beginning of the industrial action. 

    Read Also: BINL to establish $15b 500,000bpd refinery in Ondo

    Mrs Jadesola expressed frustration and disappointment over the ongoing warning strike, stating that she could not receive proper medical attention due to the reluctance of a few doctors available at work. 

    “It’s frustrating at the moment. It is only nurses and a few ones available that are attending to patients in the hospital. I’m not happy visiting today, and there is no proper attention from medical doctors because they’re on strike,” she lamented. 

    Another visiting patient, Obaniyi Ayomide, said the strike is already taking its tolls but observed that the medical practitioners have the right to agitate for their rights. 

    He told our reporter that before the strike, he always observed how the protesting medical doctors in the state hospitals attended to over 50 and 60 patients on a daily basis, while consultants that were not part of the exercise, attended to between 10 and 15 with special cases. 

    “It’s true the strike is taking its tolls on us as patients, but I also support the doctors fighting for their rights,” Mr Ayomide said. 

    He added, “They’re overwhelmed with patience, and it’s unfair. They need more hands even though the state government claimed it’s employing more medical personnel.”

    The situation was almost the same at other government owned hospitals and facilities, especially within the Akure South, Owo, Ifedore, and Akure North Local Government Areas of the state.n

    A medical officer in a government hospital at Owo LGA, Mrs Grace Abimbola, said the hospital has been restricting admission of patients since the strike began. 

    “For now, we are restricting patients at the hospital because of the strike. We are carrying out clinical activities, especially for emergency cases done by the consultants. We have stopped admitting new ones to avoid total shutdown,” she said. 

    Recall that in response to the ongoing strike, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo had said the state government was addressing the challenges of the medical doctors.

  • Ondo PDP leaders deny coalition with ADC, dismiss merger reports

    Ondo PDP leaders deny coalition with ADC, dismiss merger reports

    Opposition leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State have denied reports linking them to a coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing the claim as baseless and politically misleading.

    The denial follows reports suggesting that PDP figures in the state had aligned with their national counterparts, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, to adopt the ADC as a platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

    Former House of Representatives member, Bode Ayorinde, had earlier claimed during a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure that prominent PDP members, including former governorship candidates Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi, were set to lead the ADC coalition in the state.

    However, in a joint statement issued on Wednesday in Akure, key PDP leaders described the alleged alliance as a “political distraction and illusion with no ideological depth.”

    The statement was signed by top PDP stakeholders, including Bode Olajumoke (BoT Life Member), Eddy Olafeso (BoT Member), Agboola Alfred Ajayi (2024 Governorship Candidate), and Debo Ologunagba (National Publicity Secretary), among others.

    They categorically denied any merger or affiliation with the ADC or any other party, reaffirming their loyalty to the PDP. While acknowledging concerns over the defection of some members, they urged those misled by the rumoured coalition to reconsider their stance.

    Read Also: Ondo: Amotekun speaks tough against cultism, unlawful gatherings

    The leaders emphasised that neither the state nor national leadership of the PDP had engaged in coalition talks and insisted that the party’s structure across the 203 wards and 18 local government areas in the state remains strong and functional.

    “We wish to reassure our teeming supporters that the PDP remains strong, focused, and unshaken in Ondo State. No part of the national or state leadership has entered any coalition discussions, contrary to speculations making the rounds,” they stated.

    “Our goal remains clear: to rescue, rebuild, and reposition Nigeria and Ondo State through the ballot. Those who have been misled into believing in an imaginary coalition should retrace their steps. The PDP is not part of any merger or third force,” they stated.

    While acknowledging that the political climate in Nigeria often breeds uncertainty and temptation, they noted that the so-called coalitions lack ideological clarity and cannot rival the “tested and trusted” PDP structure.

    The PDP leaders asked members to remain vigilant, organised, and committed to the PDP vision while calling for caution against being swayed by defections.

    “The PDP is not just a party—it is a movement. Our mobilisation for the next election is fully underway. We are not relenting. We are rebuilding.

    “Not all that glitters is gold. Loyalty to a just cause will outlast opportunistic alignments,” the opposition leaders said.

  • Ondo North stakeholders dismiss Senator’s aide’s resignation claim

    Ondo North stakeholders dismiss Senator’s aide’s resignation claim

    • ’It’s malicious and baseless’

    Ondo North Stakeholders Assembly has dismissed as false and malicious the reported resignation of one Mr. Oluwatunbosun Awe, who claimed to be an aide to Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, representing Ondo North Senatorial District.

    In a statement yesterday, the group described the claim as an attempt to mislead the public and launch a campaign of calumny against the distinguished Senator.

    Its Publicity Director, Oladosu Abiodun, said Mr. Awe is not, and has never been, an aide or employee of Senator Ipinsagba. “We challenge Mr. Awe to publicly produce any valid letter of appointment or official document confirming his status as an aide to Senator Ipinsagba, if such ever existed,” the statement read.

    The assembly described Mr. Awe as one of over 100 beneficiaries of the Senator’s monthly welfare support package, extended to selected volunteers across the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district. “It is rather unfortunate that someone who has been enjoying the goodwill of the Senator through a personal welfare scheme now chooses to repay such a gesture with public misinformation and blackmail,” the group noted.

    Reacting to Mr. Awe’s claim of earning an “unsustainable” salary of N20,000 monthly, the stakeholders clarified that official aides of federal legislators receive their remuneration directly from the National Assembly Service Commission, while those personally employed by the Senator to coordinate constituency affairs are placed on structured stipends, separate from welfare volunteers.

    Read Also: Lagos police arrest 52 suspected cultists, assure residents of safety

    The assembly further described Mr. Awe’s statement as politically motivated, stating that it forms part of an agenda to tarnish the image of Senator Ipinsagba ahead of future political calculations. “Rather than show gratitude, Mr. Awe has chosen the path of dishonor, attempting to discredit a Senator whose impact is felt across every corner of Ondo North.”

    Highlighting Senator Ipinsagba’s achievements since assuming office, the statement listed several projects and interventions, including: Provision of scholarships and bursaries to hundreds of students in higher institutions, Empowerment programs for women and youths, including start-up grants and vocational training, Ongoing construction of health centers and classrooms across the six local governments facilitation of federal jobs and skill acquisition opportunities for indigenes of the district.

    The Stakeholders Assembly reaffirmed that Senator Ipinsagba continues to enjoy overwhelming support from constituents due to his unwavering dedication to development and quality representation.

    “We urge the public to disregard the antics of Mr. Awe and his co-travelers in mischief. The good people of Ondo North are wise enough to distinguish truth from mischief. Senator Ipinsagba remains committed to delivering quality representation and development to our people,” the statement added.