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Tag: Oriyomi Hamzat

  • Media entrepreneur Hamza joins Oyo governorship race

    Media entrepreneur Hamza joins Oyo governorship race

    An Ibadan-based media entrepreneur, Oriyomi Hamzat, has joined the governorship race in Oyo State.

    He plans to actualise his bid on the platform of Accord Party.

    Close to 8,000 people drawn from the 33 local governments were at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan venue of the event at the weekend.

    Declaring his expression of intent, Hamzat, the executive chairman of Agidigbo FM, described his decision as a response to the call of the people.

    “I have accepted the call of the people to serve Oyo State. This is not a step I have taken lightly. My vision is to implement programmes that will improve the lives of ordinary citizens, provide opportunities for youths and women, and ensure governance in Oyo State goes beyond rhetoric to real, measurable impact.

    “The people deserve leaders who listen, act and deliver. This is the promise I am making today.”

    Addressing circulating rumours that he might hand over his support to another aspirant, Amzat said:  “Let me be clear, the ‘Oyo Npe oo’ Movement has officially merged with Accord, and I am committed to pursuing this governorship dream myself.

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    “This is about giving a voice to the voiceless, standing up for the ordinary people and working tirelessly to bring about a governance system that is accountable, transparent and responsive. We cannot continue with business as usual; Oyo State deserves better, and together, we will make the change a reality,” he said.

    The Accord Party National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, who welcomed and officially presented Hamzat with his party membership card, symbolising his formal induction into the party, said: “Hamzat’s decision to join Accord is a tremendous boost for the party. His dedication to public service and his record of philanthropy make him an ideal candidate for leadership in Oyo State.

    “Today, we take an important step towards ensuring the dividends of democracy reach the people. This is about leadership that listens, leadership that delivers and leadership that puts the welfare of citizens first,” he said.

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Commissioner for Political Affairs, Biyi Odunlade, expressed support for Hamzat’s candidacy, saying: “We recognise Dr Hamzat as a leader who embodies integrity, vision and a commitment to the people. Osun and Oyo Accord will work together to ensure our ideals reach every corner of the Southwest.

    “We are fully behind Dr Hamzat, not just as a candidate, but also as a symbol of what good governance should represent: fairness, opportunity and tangible development for citizens.”

    Secretary of Oyo Npe Oo Movement, Dr.Olanrewaju Oladejo, described Hamzat’s entry into the race as a statement of principle.

    “Dr Hamzat’s decision is more than politics. It is a moral declaration that governance can still be decent, humane and people-centred. In joining Accord, he is signalling that leadership should prioritise service over self-interest, compassion over politics and integrity over expediency,” he said.

    The declaration was marked by a mass defection of political leaders from 33 local governments and 351 wards across Oyo State to Accord, signalling a surge of support for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • 2027: Media entrepreneur Oriyomi Hamzat declares governorship bid in Oyo

    2027: Media entrepreneur Oriyomi Hamzat declares governorship bid in Oyo

    Ibadan-based media entrepreneur Oriyomi Hamzat has formally entered the 2027 governorship race in Oyo State.

    Hamzat announced his ambition over the weekend at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, where a crowd of about 8,000 supporters from the state’s 33 local government areas gathered for the declaration.

    The sea of yellow attire at the venue signalled his alignment with the Accord Party (AP), under which he will be contesting.

    The Executive Chairman of Agidigbo FM described his decision to run as a direct response to persistent calls from the people, stating that his entry into the race reflects their demands for new leadership.

    He said, “I have accepted the call of the people to serve Oyo State. This is not a step I have taken lightly. My vision is to implement programmes that will improve the lives of ordinary citizens, provide opportunities for youth and women, and ensure that governance in Oyo State goes beyond rhetoric to real, measurable impact.

    “The people deserve leaders who listen, act, and deliver, and that is the promise I am making today.”

    Addressing circulating rumours that he might hand over his support to another aspirant, Hamzat said, “Let me be clear: the ‘Oyo Npe oo’ movement has officially merged with Accord, and I am committed to pursuing this governorship dream myself.

    “This is about giving a voice to the voiceless, standing up for the ordinary people, and working tirelessly to bring about a governance system that is accountable, transparent, and responsive. We cannot continue with business as usual. Oyo State deserves better, and together, we will make that change a reality.”

    The accord national chairman, Barr. Maxwell, who was at the event alongside state Chairmen of the party from the Southwest, also presented Hamzat with his party membership card, symbolising his formal induction into the party.

    He said the party has taken an important step towards ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the people, adding that Hamzat’s decision to join Accord is a tremendous boost for the party.

    He said, “Dr Oriyomi Hamzat’s decision to join Accord is a tremendous boost for the party. His dedication to public service and his record of philanthropy make him an ideal candidate for leadership in Oyo State.

    “Today, we take an important step towards ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the people. This is about leadership that listens, leadership that delivers, and leadership that puts the welfare of citizens first.”

    In his address, the Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his Commissioner for Political Affairs, Hon Biyi Odunlade, expressed full support for Hamzat’s candidacy.

    He said, “We recognise Dr Oriyomi Hamzat as a leader who embodies integrity, vision, and a commitment to the people. Osun and Oyo Accord will work together to ensure that our ideals reach every corner of the Southwest.”

    “We are fully behind Dr Hamzat, not just as a candidate, but as a symbol of what good governance should represent: fairness, opportunity, and tangible development for all citizens.”

    Earlier, Secretary of the “Oyo Npe Oo movement, Dr. Olanrewaju Oladejo, described Hamzat’s entry into the race as a statement of principle.

    “Dr Hamzat’s decision is more than politics. It is a moral declaration that governance can still be decent, humane, and people-centred. In joining Accord, he is signalling that leadership should prioritise service over self-interest, compassion over politics, and integrity over expediency,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the declaration was marked by a mass defection of political leaders from all 33 local governments and 351 wards across Oyo State to Accord, signalling a surge of support for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Oriyomi Hamzat faults Peter Obi’s salutation to Olubadan

    Oriyomi Hamzat faults Peter Obi’s salutation to Olubadan

    Broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

    He described his choice of words as an affront to Yoruba tradition.

    Obi had earlier addressed the monarch as “My dear brother,” which some critics argued is a breach of cultural protocol and a disrespect to Yoruba tradition.

    The Ibadan presenter argued that even President Bola Tinubu avoided casual expressions when addressing the monarch.

    “Yoruba people, Ibadan indigenes, Obi has disrespected you. He called Olubadan, a royal head, my friend,” Hamzat said in the broadcast.

    “I am not hindering him from getting votes, I am just informing them,” he added.

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    “The President did not call him my friend; maybe he said brother. Olubadan has now turned to my father,” he said.

    Other critics, including Reno Omokri and Lere Olayinka, also faulted Obi’s remark, labeling it as evidence of “lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish” and “cultural ignorance and political arrogance.”

    However, Obi clarified his intention, insisting he never meant to slight the throne.

    He explained that he often addresses respected individuals as “my dear elder brother” and that his words were “borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”

    Obi emphasised that he respects protocol and authority and tries to adhere to them.

    He wrote, “Certainly, no disrespect intended in my goodwill Message to His Royal Majesty.

    “I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

    “I have read the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing.

    “I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them. However, those who follow me would have noticed that I often prefer to use the expression “my dear elder brother” when addressing individuals, especially those close to me and for whom I have tremendous respect. I always refer to His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, as my very dear elder brother in the same affectionate manner.

    “In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill”.

  • Oriyomi Hamzat employs young viral ‘Radio Boi’ as OAP

    Oriyomi Hamzat employs young viral ‘Radio Boi’ as OAP

    Samuel, a talented young boy from Ibadan, has been offered a life-changing opportunity by Agidigbo 88.7 FM, a local radio station.

    After a video of him reading news in Yoruba while washing dishes went viral, Samuel, aka “Radio Boi,” caught the attention of the radio station’s owner, Oriyomi Hamzat.

    Hamzat was so impressed with Samuel’s talent and dedication that he offered him a job as the youngest On-Air Personality (OAP) at the station.

    Read Also: Stampede: Court adjourns Oriyomi Hamzat, Naomi, Fasasi’s case to March 10

    As part of the employment package, Samuel will receive a full scholarship, practical training, and mentorship in broadcasting, as well as a monthly salary.

    Oriyomi said: “Today, I employed you as a staff member of Agidigbo FM. You are the youngest On-Air Personality (OAP). This is what the employment letter entails. We are the ones who will train you; we are the ones who will sponsor you until you finish school. Apart from training you, you will be earning a salary until you resume work fully.”

    Overwhelmed with gratitude, Samuel and his brothers prostrated to thank Hamzat for the opportunity.

  • Stampede: Court adjourns Oriyomi Hamzat, Naomi, Fasasi’s case to March 10

    Stampede: Court adjourns Oriyomi Hamzat, Naomi, Fasasi’s case to March 10

    Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has adjourned the case involving the the proprietor of an Ibadan based radio station, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, an ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Prophetess Naomi Silekunola and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Abdulahi Fasasi till 10th of March 2025 for further hearing.

    The trio are facing trial for their alleged involvement in Ibadan stampede that led into the death of the 35 minors at the aborted Ibadan Children Funfair scheduled for Islamic High School, Bashorun. 

    However, the case came up for mention on Tueday.

    The Nation report that the state government has filed fresh 18-count charges at the High Court after being released on bail on the case earlier filed at the Magistrate on the ground that Holden charge is not known in the face of law.

    However, the Court on Tuesday adjourned the case for further hearing.

    Speaking, Counsel to one of the defendants, Alhaji Oriyomi Hazmat, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), said the court could not proceed on the defendants’ cases, because they have not been served with their complaints. 

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    Also the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, explained that the arraignment of the defendants was stalled because they could not confirm whether their sureties would still support them in the new case.

    All the defendants were present in the Court.

    The Nation reports that the Oyo State government had slammed the suit on the trio in an 18 count suit with Charge number: I/05C/2025 is: the State government versus Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde 

    The suit was filed at the State High Court on Friday, January 10th, 2025.

    The 18 count charges borders on: conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit an offence to wit: criminal negligence, and criminal negligence.

    The offences were said to be contrary to and punishable under section 324 of the criminal code, CAP 38, vol II Law of Oyo state, 2000.

  • Ibadan stampede: Court adjourns Naomi, Hamzat’s case to March 24

    Ibadan stampede: Court adjourns Naomi, Hamzat’s case to March 24

    An Iyaganku Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan, presided over by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, has adjourned the case involving Olori Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, proprietor of an Ibadan-based radio station; and the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. 

    The case is now set for mention on March 24, 2025.

    The trio appeared in court on Monday, two weeks after being granted bail by an Oyo State High Court. 

    They were initially remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, following a holden charge by the Chief Magistrate’s order.

    Their release came after their respective legal representatives argued that a holden charge is not recognized under Nigerian law.

    The case was scheduled for mention on Monday, but the court adjourned proceedings until March 24.

    The decision follows the requests from the Counsel to the defendants, who pleaded for a longer date following the release of the legal advise by the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    Messrs W. A .Olajide, Dapo Akinosi and H. A. Adeleke appears for ex – Queen Naomi, Oriyomi and Mr Fasasi respectively. 

    The Nation reports that the advice was issued by the DPP on January 10. 

    A copy of the legal advice sighted by The Nation was signed by a Senior State Counsel, S. A Osuolale for the Director of Public Prosecution. 

    It reads in part “Having carefully reviewed the duplicate case file, it is hereby advised that pages B1 (Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi), B2 (Alh. Oriyomi Hamzat) and B3 (Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde) should be charged with the following offences:

    “Conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: Murder, contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    “Manslaughter; Contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    “Conspiracy to commit an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    “Criminal Negligence; Contrary to and punishable under Section 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”

    It was gathered that, although the legal advice is out, the defendants were yet to be served with the information that has been filed against them.

    Akinosi said, his client was in court so that the case can be withdrawn, since the defendants  have not been charged in the High Court, hence the plea for a longer date within which proper arrangement in the high court will be dodone.

    “The matter today was actually slated for mention because when they were arraigned then it was for Holden charge which is not known to our law.

    “Then, they were remanded in prison as a result of the Holden charge that was filed initially against them (defendants). We have applied to the High Court where the bail was granted to the defendants.

    “Consequently, the legal advice is out. The information has been filed against them, (defendants) but they are yet to be served with that information that has been filed against them.

    “Normally, we have come to the Court today so that the charge against them here will be withdrawn since they have not been charged and their plea has not been taken at the High Court.

    “That is why we prayed for a longer date within which the proper thing, a training them, and taking their plea at the High court will be done before they will come back come back to the Chief Magistrate Court and the charge against them will be withdrawn.”

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    But, the Prosecuting counsel, Sikiru Opaleye, a Police Inspector said the defendants were charged on four – count of conspiracy, manslaughter, criminal negligence and conspiracy.

    Opaleye said the offence contravened Section 308, punishable under Section 324,  325, 344 and 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

    The Nation reports that the Oyo State government had on Friday, January 10th, 2025 slammed a fresh suit on the trio at the State High Court.

    The 18 count suit with Charge number: I/05C/2025 is: the State government versus Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde 

    The 18 count charges borders on: conspiracy to commit a felony to wit: murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to commit an offence to wit: criminal negligence, and criminal negligence.

    The offences were said to be contrary to and punishable under section 324 of the criminal code, CAP 38, vol II Law of Oyo state, 2000.

  • Ibadan stampede: Tears of joy as crowd welcomes Oriyomi Hamzat back to Agidigbo

    Ibadan stampede: Tears of joy as crowd welcomes Oriyomi Hamzat back to Agidigbo

    Emotions ran high in Ibadan on Tuesday as Oriyomi Hamzat, the proprietor of Agidigbo FM, regained his freedom after meeting bail conditions.

    Hamzat, along with Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, was released from Agodi Correctional Centre. 

    The trio had been remanded over allegations of involvement in a stampede that claimed 35 children’s lives during a funfair on December 18, 2024.

    Justice K. B. Olawoyin had granted bail to the defendants on Monday, setting bail at ₦10 million each, with two sureties of equal value.

    Upon his release, Hamzat received a rousing welcome at Agidigbo FM’s station along Ojoo expressway, where supporters and fans gathered in large numbers to celebrate his freedom.

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    Moved by the overwhelming show of support, Hamzat was visibly emotional and said, “Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much.”

    Recall that the Oyo State Government had filed another 18-count criminal charge against Hamzat, Silekunola, and Fasasi in connection with the fatal incident. 

    The charges, filed on January 10, 2025, include conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence.

    The prosecution alleged that the defendants failed to ensure adequate security, crowd control, and medical facilities during the children’s funfair, leading to the stampede.

    Court documents detailed that the defendants’ alleged negligence directly resulted in the deaths of 35 children, including an 8-year-old named Musiliu Sofiat. 

    The prosecution stated that the trio actions violated Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

  • Hamzat fans commiserate with Ibadan stampede victims

    Hamzat fans commiserate with Ibadan stampede victims

    Oriyomi Hamzat fans in the United States of America and Canada have commiserated with the families of the victims of the stampede that occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, last month

    They said in a statement: “This is a significant loss for us; we pray that God, in His infinite mercies, will grant the departed soul eternal rest. May God give their families the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses. We wish those hospitalised speedy recovery.”

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    The fans expressed gratitude to the public for their love and prayers for Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, which was displayed during a recent peaceful demonstration conducted in Ibadan for his release and others in custody.

    They said: “We have been monitoring the development regarding the unfortunate incident. We want the authority to know that we understand the need to conduct due diligence in an incident of this magnitude.”