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Tag: OSUN

  • Osun to host Southwest Judo, Sambo clinic

    Osun to host Southwest Judo, Sambo clinic

    To update the knowledge of athletes ahead of major tournaments, a one-day judo and Sambo clinic will hold Friday at Oyan Town Hall in Osun State. 

    Organised by UK-based King Timmy Judo and Sambo Sports Foundation in collaboration with Osun State Sports Council, the clinic will have contingents from Lagos and Ogun and other South-west states in attendance. 

    Endorsed by the Osun State government, the clinic is an initiative of UK-based certified Sambo coach Rotimi Okeniyi who said that he aimed to popularise Sambo as well as update the knowledge of the athletes on new judo rules.

    To encourage more participation, Okeniyi said: “We decided to organise this event to popularise the sport and also assist the southwest states with training equipment which I have been doing for years now and part of the plans is to build one of the best training facilities in Nigeria and in the Southwest. Osun being my state, I also want Sambo to be popular in the state as well.

    Top dignitaries including Senior Special Assistant on Sport, Culture, and Tourism to Osun State Governor,  Shefiu Babatunde; Chairman, Osun State House of Assembly on Sports, Abiola Awoyeye, as well as Speaker of the State House of Assembly Wale Egbedun, will grace the event.

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    The father of the day is the Oloyan of Oyan, HRM Oba Kelani Adekeye Oluyeye I while national head coach Edokpolo Ihaza will be among the instructors who will handle proceedings during the clinic.

    For the Vice President of the Sambo Association of Nigeria, Sheriff Hammed, the initiative would help to galvanize interest in Sambo following the successful outing of the country at the 2023 African Games in Ghana and the 2024 African Championships in Egypt. “I am so excited about this kind of initiative as Okeniyi and his team decided to improve the fortune of the sport with the clinic. This is what should be supported by all and sundry because our athletes must know the rules of the sports as well as update their knowledge to be able to compete with their counterparts in major competitions. This is commendable and we must support it because they are also going to give out the latest equipment to the participants,” Hammed said.

  • Osun to distribute 28,440 bags of grain

    Osun to distribute 28,440 bags of grain

    Osun State Government has concluded plans to start distribution of 28,440 bags of garri and corn given by the Federal Government, to cushion the effects of hunger and hardship.

    The government through the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, yesterday confirmed the receipt of the 43 trucks. Four of them contained garri of 25kg with each of the trucks having 1,260 bags, totalling 5,040 bags.

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    Alimi said another 39 trucks of 50kg bag of corn, containing 600 bags each, totalling 23,400 bags, were delivered to the state by the Federal Government.

    He said: “These current food palliatives, which consist of garri and corn, were originated from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and distributed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) office in Abuja.

  • Osun LG poll: IPAC, ex-chairman clash over call for resignation of OSIEC boss

    Osun LG poll: IPAC, ex-chairman clash over call for resignation of OSIEC boss

    • Allegations mere distraction-OSIEC

    The erstwhile chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Osun State, Wale Adebayo has demanded the resignation of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC)’ boss, Barrister Hashim Abioye over alleged partisanship ahead of the February 22nd 2025 Local Government election.

    Adebayo who is also the state chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) also tackled the leadership of IPAC led by Victor Akande for rescinding the decision to boycott the local government election over the alleged planned manipulation by OSIEC.

    The Nation recalled that Akande alleged that the OSIEC chairman, Hashim Abioye is a card-carrying of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) and ex-political aide of Governor Ademola Adeleke, hence, 16 political parties decided to boycott the election among other reasons.

    The APM chair expressed disappointment with the decision of IPAC to rescind its earlier decision to boycott the upcoming local government elections within 24 hours.

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    He said: “As a party committed to the democratic process, we firmly believe that Barrister Hashim Abioye is not legally and morally qualified to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. It is truly disappointing to see that IPAC has now backtracked on its earlier decision, citing the OSSIEC Chairman’s “listening ear” and readiness to work with them.”

    “We call on the OSSIEC Chairman, Barrister Hashim Abioye, to step down from his position and allow for the appointment of an independent and impartial electoral commissioner to oversee the commission.”

    Meanwhile, IPAC spokesman, Dr Gbenga Afeni said: “We have made our findings and realised that the OSIEC Chairman, Hashim Abioye, has never contested any election before. He is not a member of any political party; he has never held any political position before.”

    Also, OSIEC boss, Abioye described all allegations against him as a mere distraction by politicians, noting that February 22nd, 2025 is sacrosanct for the LG election.

  • JUST IN: Three injured as fire razes buildings in Osun

    JUST IN: Three injured as fire razes buildings in Osun

    No fewer than three people were injured as a fire engulfed a two-story building and another building in Osogbo, the capital of Osun state.

    The spokesman of Osun State Fire Service, Adekunle Ibraheem, confirmed that a distress call was received reporting a fire at a two-story building in the Omigade area of Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo around 6 pm on Wednesday, July 17.

    The fire service immediately deployed operatives to the scene.

    He said: “Because of the magnitude of the inferno, more operatives from Ede Zonal Fire Station and Federal Fire Service led by the state controller, Mr Isaac Femi Akinjobi, FICA were subsequently deployed and the fire was put under control at about 11:30 pm.

    “No life was lost to the inferno as property worth millions was destroyed Operatives from Nigeria police, Ataoja Division, and Ambulance crew of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) were in attendance to maintain law and order and treatment of victims with minor injuries respectively.”

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    The spokesperson of NSCDC, Kehinde Adeleke, confirmed that there was another fire incident at GRA, Osogbo.

    He said: “Disaster Management and medical team were divided into two with rescue ambulance went to GRA and others to Ogo Oluwa.

    “The team at GRA joined the residence to quench the fire. The rescue ambulance left GRA immediately to join the team at Ogo Oluwa where the team was able to treat three people wounded from the disaster scene.”

  • 401 Councils caretaker committee members resign in Osun

    401 Councils caretaker committee members resign in Osun

    Barely six days after the Supreme Court banned the use of caretaker committees to run the administration of councils, 401 members of the committee in Osun State have resigned.

    Ex-chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Sarafadeen Awotunde, said the action of the CTC members was taken to respect the Supreme Court judgment.

    He said the 69 caretaker chairmen and 332 members drawn from wards across the state have resigned, since the Supreme Court has declared them as illegal office occupants. 

    A resignation letter by the Chairman of Caretaker Committee for Odo-Otin Local Government, Adewale Adeyinka, dated July 17, 2024 was obtained by The Nation yesterday.

    He addressed the letter to Governor Ademola Adeleke and copied Osun State House of Assembly to inform them about his resignation.

    Read Also: 401 Osun LG Caretaker chairmen resign over Supreme Court verdict

    The resignation letter titled ‘Resignation from Position of Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Odi-Otin Local Government Area’ read: “I hope this letter finds you well. It is with a sense of duty and respect for our democratic principles that I write to tender my resignation from my position as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee for Odo-Otin Local Government, effective immediately.

    “As I move on to pursue further opportunities to serve my people, I want to assure you that the good work we have started will not end. I remain committed to supporting the growth and development of Odo-Otin Local Government in any capacity I can.

    “It has been an honor to serve, and I am proud of the progress we have made together. Thank you for your understanding and support.”

  • Osun govt arraigns monarch, four others for robbery, others

    Osun govt arraigns monarch, four others for robbery, others

    The Osun State Government yesterday dragged a monarch, the Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State, to the High Court in Ede for alleged conspiracy, robbery, burning of palace, destruction of farm crops, threat to life and forceful entry of land.

    Oba Azeez was sued alongside four others, namely Akibu Abioye, Yisa Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran and Sarafadeen Abioye, on 29 counts. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the alleged offences.

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    The state Counsel, Dele Akintayo, stated that the defendants committed the offences between September 2019 and May 2022 at a farm in Iloba area.

    He said the defendants used firearms and dangerous weapons to rob one Wasilatu Akinola and others of 70 kegs of palm oil, goats and other farm produce worth N10million.

  • Osun drags monarch, four others to court

    Osun drags monarch, four others to court

    The Osun State Government has dragged the Elegbedi of Egbedi, Oba Muideen Azeez In Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State, to a High Court sitting in Ede on Wednesday over alleged conspiracy, robbery, burning of palace, destruction of farm crops, threat to life and forceful entry of land.

    Oba Azeez, who was dragged to court through the Ministry of Justice with charge number HED/02C/2024 with four others, including Akibu Abioye, Yisa Akolapo, Rasidi Ayandiran and Sarafadeen Abioye on 29 counts, however pleaded not guilty to the alleged offences.

    Osun Counsel, Dele Akintayo, stated the monarch with other defendants committed the offences between September 2019 and May 2022 at a farm in Iloba area.

    He disclosed that the defendants used firearms and dangerous weapons to rob one Wasilatu Akinola and others of 70 kegs of palm oil, goats and other farm produce worth N10 million.

    “They also allegedly committed arson by burning the palace of Oloba of Iloba, Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi and other buildings, damaged palm oil factory of N15m of Opeoluwa Integrated Farming Resources Limited, destroyed crops worth N120million, threatened the life of one Akinsanya Timothy Abiola among others,” the charge reads.

    He noted they committed offences contrary to Sections 2(1), 249(1) 402, 403(A), 443 and 451 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 34 Laws of Osun State 2002.

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    After they commenced the hearing, the State prosecutor called a witness, Abiodun Oladapo, who disclosed the defendants have crippled the farming activities which covers about 127 acres of land in four different locations in the area.

    “The defendants came with tractors and bulldozers to clear my farm. They have led us to total bankruptcy as we’ve lost more than N200 million,” he claimed.

    The counsel to the defendants, Bukola Atobatele urged the court to admit the defendant to bail on personal recognition or use the bail earlier granted at the Magistrate Court for them which was opposed by the prosecutor.

    Subsequently, the presiding judge, Justice Kudirat Akano adjourned the matter to July 4th 2024 for ruling on bail application.

  • One dies, houses razed as masquerade festival turns communal clash in Osun

    One dies, houses razed as masquerade festival turns communal clash in Osun

    One person has been reportedly killed after Egungun masquerade festival caused a communal clash between two communities; Ikoyi and Apomu in Isokan local government area of Osun State. 

    The Nation gathered the Egungun festival started last Thursday in the two neighbouring communities on a very good note till Sunday when things went awry and led to brawl. 

    A resident of the Apomu community Hammed Abidoye explained to our correspondent that altercation ensued between a masquerade of Apomu belonging to a faction of Odua Peoples Congress and that of Ikoyi, who is of another faction of Akerele on Sunday. 

    “Those Egungun and their adherents clashed yesterday (Sunday) around 6:30 PM. I don’t know what caused the fight. One person was killed and the situation is tensed both in Apomu and Ikoyi. Civil Defense people are trying to calm the situation but the situation is serious right now,” he stated. 

    Aminat, a resident of Isokan, stated they burnt houses, shops and other property during the clash. 

    When contacted, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), Osun Command, Kehinde Adeleke, confirmed the incident. 

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    She noted: “We learnt that one person was killed truly but we haven’t confirmed that.

    “The Command has deployed tactical teams to forestall break down of law and order. The team had been briefed to ensure adequate protection of lives and National Assets and infrastructure.

    “The tactical team is equipped with the necessary resources and expertise to effectively address the situation on ground and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.

    “We urge all citizens to remain calm and go about their daily activities without fear. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.”

    Efforts to reach the Osun Police Command were abortive. The spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, did not respond to calls and text messages. 

  • FRSC officer injured after hit-and-run driver evades arrest in Osun

    FRSC officer injured after hit-and-run driver evades arrest in Osun

    An officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Osun State Command was injured on Friday after a hit-and-run driver evaded arrest over a traffic offence.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred via Osun State Government Secretariat, Abere when operatives of the FRSC were on patrol on Friday.

    A passer-by named Odebode Shina disclosed that the incident occurred around 9:20 am when the driver of a private Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) going towards the Ibadan axis was pulled over.

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    Shina said: “Seems the driver of the vehicle knew he would be booked for one offence or the other, he manoeuvred the patrol team and while doing that he hit an officer of the commission who hung on the bonnet of the car a few meters from the spot he was hit before he fell off.

    “The officer was seriously injured as his colleagues chased after the driver of the car.

    The FRSC Osun State Commander, Inyang Umoh confirmed the incident, saying, “The officer is in stable condition. We are trying to get him

  • Sallah: Nine die, 78 injured in Osun, Ondo, Oyo

    Sallah: Nine die, 78 injured in Osun, Ondo, Oyo

    • 737 arrested for traffic offences

    No fewer than nine people died in accidents during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration while 78 sustained injuries. 

     In all, 128 passengers  were involved in accidents in Osun, Ondo and Oyo states.

    Acting Zonal Commanding Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone RS11,  Leye Adegboyega, who gave the figures, said the corps of the agency commenced the Sallah Special Patrol Operation on June 14 to end it on Friday to mitigate the perceived increase in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) that usually accompanies the increase in human and vehicular movement across the major corridors of the nation’s highways.

    He said: “For the Zone, a total of 3,018 personnel (comprising 2,155 Regular Marshals and 863 Special Marshals), 57 Patrol Vehicles, 5 Ambulances and 2 Heavy Duty Tow Trucks have been deployed across the component Commands.

    “Our personnel cover about 65 major routes across the Zone on a daily basis, ensuring good visibility and alertness, while also engaging in traffic calming with the use of red flags, an initiative to discourage speeding by motorists and therefore, reduce avoidable speed-related crashes.

    “In the first three days of the operation, we arrested 737 traffic offenders who were duly contravened for 766 various traffic offences, executed 219 various Public Enlightenment activities across the news media, motor parks, churches, mosques and other public places, to drive home the road safety message and create public awareness on the need for safety consciousness.

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    “We made provision of prompt rescue services for the accident victims. Accident involved 21 vehicles with 128 people, out of which 9 unfortunately lost their lives and 78 others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were swiftly conveyed to hospitals across the Zone where we sustain cordial relationship, for treatment.

    “Forty-one other persons were rescued alive without injuries and continued their journeys.’’

    The report appealed to the public and road users to use the roads responsibly to reduce the loss of lives and valuable properties.