A fresh controversy has erupted in Owo, Ondo State, following the decision of the Olowo-in-Council to declare the suspended Chairman of Owo Local Government, Hon. Tope Omolayo, persona non grata within the ancient community.
The decision came after Hon. Omolayo – suspended a few weeks ago by the Owo Legislative Council over alleged gross misconduct – was accused of making disparaging remarks against the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, in a viral leaked video.
Although the embattled chairman had publicly apologised to the monarch, admitting that his utterances were “thoughtless” and disrespectful, the Olowo-in-Council maintained that his presence as chairman was no longer acceptable to the people and traditional leadership of Owo.
Speaking on behalf of the council, on Saturday, Ogwadogbon of Owo, High Chief Ademola Obanonyen, described Omolayo’s comments as “utter sacrilege and crass contempt” against the revered throne.
He said the Council, acting to protect the dignity of the monarchy, resolved that Omolayo be regarded as persona non grata in Owo, insisting that his continued stay as chairman “is no longer acceptable.”
Obanonyen noted that all Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within Owo Kingdom had disowned Omolayo’s conduct, describing his remarks as “unfortunate and regrettable ” while calling on the Ondo State Government to take note and act “in the interest of peace.”
He said, “After a thorough and sober deliberation, the Olowo-in-Council, speaking with one voice and acting in defence of the dignity of the Owo throne, hereby declares that the individual in question, by his reckless utterances and disrespectful conduct, has declared himself persona non grata within Owo Kingdom.”
He added that the Council viewed the chairman’s behaviour as “a direct provocation and an assault on the throne,” stressing that “any attempt to ridicule the Olowo is an insult to the entire Owo Kingdom, our ancestors, and our collective heritage.”
“That his continued presence as Chairman of the Owo Local Government Area Council is no longer acceptable to the people and traditional leadership of Owo.
“That his actions have eroded the trust and confidence traditionally extended to holders of public office within the Owo community.
“That the Olowo-in-Council calls on the Ondo State Government and relevant authorities to take due cognizance of this development and take appropriate administrative steps in the interest of peace and mutual respect.”
“The Olowo of Owo Kingdom is not only the custodian of our ancient traditions but also a symbol of unity, peace, and progress. Any attempt to ridicule the person or sacred institution he represents is an insult to the entire Owo Kingdom, our ancestors, and our collective heritage.”
The Council further appealed to all indigenes of Owo to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring that the dignity of the throne would be preserved through discipline and moral clarity, not confrontation.
It added that traditional rulers are custodians of culture and peace, not objects of ridicule, warning that “Owo Kingdom will never tolerate insolence against its throne – a throne that has stood for centuries as a beacon of civilization, wisdom, and dignity.”
When contacted by our reporter over his reaction to the development, Hon. Omolayo immediately declined comments.
…court okays shielding of prosecution witnesses’ identity
The Department of State Services (DSS) has cautioned a Federal High Court in Abuja against granting bail to the five men being prosecuted over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francs Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State in view of their alleged link with foreign terrorist groups.
The DSS, in a counter-affidavit to the defendants’ bail application, also raised concern about their capacity to interfere with prosecution’s witnesses if granted bail in view their alleged antecedent and propensity for violence.
The five are: Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25 years), Al Qasim Idris (20 years), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26 years), Abdulhaleem Idris (25 years) and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47 years).
The five defendants were arraigned on August 11 on a nine-count terrorism charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/301/2025 filed by the DSS).
In the counter-affidavit, the DSS stated that the offences for which the defendants are standing trial are very serious, with capital punishment if convicted.
It added that the defendants are standing trial for acts of terrorism, which led to the death of about 40 persons and caused grievous injury to over 100 worshipers at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State on 5th June, 2022.
The DSS said: “There is very high likelihood of defendants evading trial in view of their connection to foreign fighters linked to Al-Shabab terrorist group.
“The defendants’ accomplices are still at large and have been making frantic efforts to monitor their trial, intimidate witnesses and free the defendants from lawful custody.”
The DSS disclosed that it was “currently investigating the leads with a view to apprehending those individuals, planning to intimidate witnesses and compromise the trial in the interest of the applicants.
“The prosecution witnesses have expressed fears of attacks by defendants’ cohorts and have stated that they will not attend court sessions except their fears were allayed.
“This necessitated the filing of an ex-parte application for witness protection.
“The prosecution has demonstrated readiness for speedy trial of the substantive charge. That defendants have not presented any evidence to show that they have credible sureties.
“It will not be in the interest of justice and security of prosecution witnesses to grant the application for bail,” the DSS said.
Defence lawyer, Abdullahi Mohammad had, while moving the bail application on Tuesday, noted that his client’s have been in custody since they were arrested in 2022.
Mohammad said his clients were ready to present credible and reliable sureties to demonstrate their willingness to stand trial.
Prosecuting lawyer, Dr. Calistus Eze urged the court to reject the bail application for being unmeritorious.
Eze stated that there are ongoing threats to would be witnesses of the prosecution, which the defence lawyer is aware of.
After taking arguments from both lawyers, Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned till September 10 for ruling on the bail application.
Earlier at the commencement of proceedings, Eze told the court that although the case was scheduled for Tuesday for the prosecution to open its case, it will not be able to proceed because the DSS has handed the case to a senior lawyer, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN) to lead the prosecuting team.
Eze prayed the court for an adjornment to a later date before which the DSS would have processed the necessary fiat from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to enable Adedipe to fully take over the handling of the case.
Mohammad did not object to Eze’s request for an adjornment. He also did not object to another application by Eze, seeking the protection of the identity and other personal particulars of the prosecution’s witnesses.
In the application, the prosecution prayed the court to issue an order to protect the identity and other personal particulars of the prosecution witnesses and an order allowing the prosecution witnesses to testify while hooded and veiled off from the view of all other individuals except the counsel on both sides.
The prosecution also urged the court to issue an order to prevent the mentioning of the real names of prosecution’s witnesses in its orders, judgments or records which are acces:ibie to the public, and an order allowing witnesses should be identified with a combination of some alphabets.
In a brief ruling, Justice Nwite granted the application.
While exiting the court, Mohammed told journalists that although he has not had the opportunity to see his clients in custody, he was told by them that they were well attended to.
Owo, the historic and economic hub of Ondo North Senatorial District, is at the centre of a heated debate over the proposed Ose State, as stakeholders, including Gbenga Eleduma, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), reject a bill naming Ikare-Akoko as the capital.
Submitted to the National Assembly, the bill has sparked controversy, with Owo’s leaders insisting that the town’s historical significance, strategic location and infrastructural edge make it the rightful capital.
At a recent stakeholder’s conference in Oke-Mapo, Owo, Eleduma said state creation in Nigeria depended on factors like population, geography, economic viability and infrastructure.
“Owo is the undisputed economic and political heart of Ondo North,” Eleduma declared, underscoring the town’s storied legacy and its unmatched suitability as the capital of any new state.
The historical prominence of the town is undeniable. It was a key hub for the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and Afenifere, hosting personalities like Chief Adekunle Ajasin and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He said Owo was once an administrative headquarters in the Southwest and remains a cultural powerhouse, producing renowned nationalists and monarchs of international acclaim.
“Today, it hosts the Area Command Unit for Ondo North and serves as the primary venue for major district gatherings.”
The conference, attended by Oba Ajibade Gbadegeshin Ogunoye III and other traditional rulers from Owo-Ose Federal Constituency, condemned the “misrepresentation” in the bill.
“Owo’s strategic location and robust infrastructure make it the only logical choice for the capital,” Eleduma said, echoing the consensus among stakeholders to correct the narrative surrounding the proposed Ose State.
Eleduma, a key stakeholder in Owo, stressed that the people of Ondo North were critical to the state creation process.
He said sidelining Owo undermined the region’s shared history and unity.
“If Ose State is created, Owo must be its capital,” the APC chieftain said, citing the town’s unparalleled contributions to the district’s political and economic landscape.
He called on the National Assembly to recognise Owo’s historical and strategic advantages in the ongoing discourse.
Residents of Owo on Thursday trooped out en mass to back the demolition of the memorial park built to immortalise the victims of the June 2, 2022 terror attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church Owo.
The memorial park, built by the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s led administration, was pulled down over the weekend over its location considered as a ‘taboo’ and against the culture and belief of Owo people.
Converging on the front of the palace of the Olowo of Owo, the protesters said the demolition was long overdue after several discountenance over the site of the cenotaph.
The protesters, among which were youths and market women, led by some traditionalists in the community, also condemned Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, the widow of the late Governor over his utterances on Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye for backing the demolition.
Mrs Akeredolu, on Wednesday stormed the tomb of her husband in Owo, and condemned the demolition of the memorial park, accusing Oba Ogunoye of destroying the project and legacies of the late Akeredolu.
The former First Lady also described the Owo monarch, whom he claimed was installed by the late Akeredolu as a ‘baby Oba’.
Speaking on behalf of the protestors, one of the chiefs of Owo, Idowu Olakunori, lambasted Mrs Akeredolu, saying the former first lady was disrespectful to the monarch for his utterance.
“She (Mrs Akeredolu) disrespected the community. Whatever point she had, she should have been cautious. We cannot allow anybody to disrespect our Oba.
“She called our oba, ‘baby oba’, She has desecrated our land and cultures with such language. Whoever disrespects our king won’t go free. It is erroneously bad and barbaric to be calling our monarch such names.
“I don’t want to go further by referring to one’s place of birth, but in our clime here, we respect our traditional institutions and hold them in very high esteem,” he said.
Olakunori added:”Now, she spoke about Aketi’s legacy. Aketi was never a local person. He was a national person, and he had all legacies all over the place. Among the legacies he left behind is the Amotekun, which is protecting the entire Yoruba race.
“So when you are talking of some kind of a legacy, it’s a legacy that is almost without a doubt. Not the one that disrespects the culture and the traditional institutions.
“Our people have come out today to show their anger. Nobody, irrespective of where you came from, should be allowed to disrespect their legacy place.”
To prevent rainstorm from destroying houses, the Olowo of Owo, Ondo State, Oba Ajibade Gbadesin Ogunoye III, has urged residents to plant trees.
The monarch is to plant over 5,000 trees in his kingdom to celebrate the 5th anniversary of his coronation.
Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Dr. Bode Ayorinde, said every household in Owo would be given a tree to plant and monitored to ensure the trees were properly nurtured.
Ayorinde, who spoke at a news conference, said the move to plant trees was to stop destruction of houses by storm.
He said the Owo monarch was moved to embark on the tree planting campaign due to incessant destruction of houses during rainstorm.
Ayorinde said the committee planned to raise N1billion to build five kilometres perimeter fence for the Olowo’s palace, erect a mansion for the Owo monarch and build a befitting reception hall.
He said the building of the perimeter fence was to preserve the remains of the palace and stop encroachment on the palace. Ayorinde urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to upgrade the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo to a University of Technology, as envisioned by late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
It was celebration unending this year, as the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegeshin Ajibade Ogunoye III, yet again led his people in celebration of the annual Igogo festival. Taiwo Abiodun reports that this year’s celebration also witnessed the unveiling of the Oronshen statue.
Fear had gripped the whole of Owo Kingdom in Ondo State, especially the chiefs and Owo indigenes in Diaspora. This was due to the assumption that the annual Igogo festival, Owo’s Festival of Love, would not be holding this year. This was because His Royal Majesty, the Ojomo Oluda of Ijebu- Owo, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo Aruliwo III had gone to court to restrain the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Gbadegeshin Ajibade Ogunoye III from leading the annual procession to Ijebu-Owo market to perform the 500-year-old ritual. Fortune, however, smiled on the kingdom, when the court turned down the Ojomo Oluda’s prayers and asked the Olowo and his Chiefs to proceed with the festival unrestricted.
The court’s decision sent wild jubilation across Owo and among its indigenes in Diaspora.
Before the disagreement that led to the court case, the two royal fathers, who are historical blood brothers, had celebrated the festival of love together and had good relationship.
In the words of the Olowo, “The Ojomo went to court to obtain an injunction that Ijebu is never a part of Owo and has no relationship with Igogo festival, and that Ijebu celebrates only Ogun festival. But the court ruled that they cannot restrain me and that this Igogo festival has been on, even before the creation of Ondo State and that Ijebu market is a public place.”
Olowo ‘s moment of joy
That said, this year’s festival attracted more visitors and tourists than envisaged. The festival’ s chief celebrant, Olowo Ogunoye III, was dressed in a rare expensive costume and specially-made beads called Sesekiakon. Additionally, he was armed with a special sword (Udamaloore ), attached to his immaculate white skirt meant exclusively for a respected and powerful king of his status .
Naturally, his neck and wrists were bedecked with assorted yet unique coral beads, which are symbols of honour, royalty, authority while three Urere Okin (Peacock feathers ) were tucked in his plaited hair. In his hand was a shining gold metal gong, which he clanked at intervals, as the entourage sang along. For those who do not look close enough, the royal father could be mistaken for a female in his immaculate whirling skirt, as he pranced around like a skilled dancer.
The monarch indeed epitomised the rich culture, wealth cum beauty and glamour of the ancient kingdom. His chiefs and subjects were ecstatic, as they chanted panegyrics and showered prayers on him amidst thunderous shouts of ‘Ologho Baba oooo Waaarehinodi ( Olowo our father , You will conquer your enemies ).
The monarch along with his retinue of chiefs, kinsmen and well-wishers danced in a procession from his palace to Ijebu- Market to perform the usual rites and prayers for the progress and peaceful co -existence of the town.
History of the festival
According to the Monarch , the celebration took roots over 500 years ago, when the first Olowo Rerengenjen married a strange woman, Oronshen, whom he had met when he went on a hunting expedition. The Monarch had married her because of her beauty. However, Oronshen, before consenting, read out her ‘dos and don’ts’ to the king, which included that ‘firewood should never be thrown before her, okra must not be prepared in her presence and water must not be splashed before her very eyes;’ all of which the king agreed to, including keeping her secrets. Aside these, Oronshen excreted expensive coral beads, which made the town become prosperous in wealth. However, the other wives of the king became jealous of her and devised means to uncovering her secrets. So they got the monarch drunk and craftily made him reveal Oronshen’s secret taboos . Then one day when the king went out, the other wives broke the taboos, throwing firewood, splashing water and grinding okra in her presence.
This infuriated the woman and she hurriedly ran out of the palace.
When the King returned and discovered what happened, he was angry with his wives; he then called the palace guards ( Ayoyo) who went after the woman. As they went searching, they came to a place where they found her fallen headgear, and through it, traced her to a bush now called UgbóLaja ( Ulaja forest).The king begged her to return, but Oronshen’s voice was heard saying she could not come back, although she vowed to perpetually be of assistance to the town and ensure its progress, on the condition that the king celebrates her every year.
Oba Ogunoye explained that this is why the festival is known as a celebration of Love. To herald the festival, announcements are usually made – leather drums must not be beaten, caps must not be worn by men, and there must be no shooting of guns.
The name Igogo, derives from the use of iron metal in place of drums.
Oronshen statue
As a way of further entrenching the festival and story behind it, the monarch this year, unveiled the Oroshen statue in the town.
Oba Ogunoye said: “The idea came to my mind that we should take practical action on our cultural/tradition physically, not just through stories, to internalise it. The statue shows the beauty of the famed wife of the Olowo as history describes her. “
Biodun Omolayo (Wahab) the Chief Creative Officer at Omolayo Gallery, Lagos and a well known international artist, described the statue thus: “The elegance, beauty and regality are well captured in the sculpture. Aside from being a queen and a deity, she is the symbolism of love, and the total beauty of the Owo woman.”
According to Omolayo, the statue is comparable to others of international repute such as that of Queen Elizabeth III by the late Ben Enwonwu , Queen Amina by Ben Ekanem at the National Arts Theatre (now Wole Soyinka Centre); bringing to life the nature and character of Queen Oronshen, whose story has been told since time immemorial.
According to the Olunaun of Unaun, Prince Olanrewaju Abegunde, himself a historian, this year’s Igogo festival will go down as the best in recent memory. “The Igogo festival showcases virgins who wear beads. In the days of yore, the virgins left their upper chest bare and wore only beads as underwear; but today we have changed everything, as they now wear beads on top of their dresses as an indication that they’re still virgins.”
He also emphasised that: “We don’t use human being as sacrifice anymore like in the days of yore ; we use animals, of which the chief Priest of Igogo festival, Wande Ajana is in charge. Prayers are offered to the community and people for peace, love and progress.”
Tourism booster
During this period, Owo Cultural Ambassador, Tunde Onibode, said businesses boom in the town while assorted beads, souvenirs, arts and crafts sell briskly. There are also other side attractions such as traditional wrestling, Oronshen Beauty Contest, Ayo game, football match among others. Patricia Adedolapo Aragun Ogunoye emerged as this year’s Miss Oronshen.
Speaking on the tourism benefits, Onibode said: “Over 30 Owo indigenes in diaspora came home to celebrate with the Olowo of Owo, while the town also received visitors from all over Nigeria.”
President of World Council of Owo Associations (WOCOA), USA, Bayo Ogunmolawa, who travelled all the way to Nigeria from St. Louis , Missouri , USA, to attend the festival said: “Over 100 Owo indigenes living abroad were present. After 40 years of absence, I witnessed the Igogo Festival and I couldn’t believe what I have missed all these years. As indigenes in diaspora, we will try our best to bring in foreigners and turn Owo into a globally renowned tourist town.”
Igogo’s satiric innuendos
Chief Sunday Olamiju Olawoye (the Ajewole Ogwamaiye of Owo kingdom) who resides in Lagos but travels to Owo every year to be part of the festival, said: “This is my 30th year of celebrating Igogo Festival . We sing abusive, folkloric and innuendo music laced with proverbs and morals. For example, we would sing and mention names of those who stole tubers of yam or who snatched other people’s wives or husbands or who did certain wrong things during the year. Many who come for the festival actually come to listen to Igogo songs to know those targeted by the songs. All manners of songs are rendered while we would be hitting the ground with sticks, which replace the drums. But the music will not go beyond the festival period. We also kill cows and cook food for everybody to eat and entertain visitors. In fact, we exchange gift items. It is a period of expressing love to friends and family members.”
Messrs. Ahmed Murtala and Mathew Obajuluwa who is Oluode (leader of hunters) of Ijebu-Owo who both witnessed the festival, appealed to the two royal fathers (Ojomo and Olowo) to sheath their swords and cooperate in other to move the town forward.
Owo, an ancient city in Ondo State, wore a mournful look on Thursday following the demise of its traditional ruler, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi, at 77.
The news of the death of Oba Olateru-Olagbegi, which filtered in on Wednesday morning as a rumour, was officially confirmed on Thursday morning.
A NAN correspondent, who visited Owo, noted that people were seen discussing the development in groups in some strategic locations of the town.
It was observed that there were no human or vehicular restrictions in the town while economic activities were ongoing except at the palace and the king’s market.
When NAN visited, the palace was not accessible as the palace guards were on standby to prevent unauthorised persons from entering the palace.
NAN also observed that trees within the market had been cut off as part of the traditional rites for the late monarch.
Speaking with NAN, Chief Niran Osuporu, the personal assistant to the late king, said that the monarch died Tuesday night in his palace after a brief illness.
Osuporu added that traditional burial rites for the late king had started according to the customs of the ancient town.
He said that there was no restriction on movement as all processes were peaceful.
Osuporu, who is one of the high chiefs of the town, said that the king’s market had been temporarily moved to another location until another king would be selected and installed in line with tradition of the town.
He told NAN that all chiefs were forbidden to put on their beads as a mark of mourning of the late king.
Mr. Shina Olateru-Olagbegi, a younger brother of the late monarch, said that the death of the king was shocking but noted that the town was still calm and peaceful.
Olateru-Olagbegi also confirmed that all necessary arrangements had been made for the traditional burial rites of the departed monarch.
One of the indigenes of the town, Dr Adebayo Owa, told NAN that the demise of the king had put the whole town into a mourning mood.
Owa, who is a lecturer at Federal University Oye Ekiti, described the reign of the late king as very peaceful.
He prayed that the existing peace would continue in the town during the reign of the next king
The lawmaker representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency of Ondo State in the House of Representatives, Dr Bode Ayorinde has organised an empowerment programme for residents of his constituency.
Among the beneficiaries were some physically challenged individuals.
Even though he lost his second term bid to represent his people in the House of Representatives, he considered it necessary to still assist most of them.
He distributed assorted empowerment facilities worth millions of naira.
He said he must continue to do good for those people who voted for him to represent them at the National Assembly in 2015.
Ayorinde said: “There is the need for us to continue the provision of projects that will positively touch the lives of our people. We have renovated some schools, installed transformers in some communities and done some other projects for our people.”
The proprietor of Achievers University, Owo said he would continue to touch lives of the people in the constituency.
He said: ”We will still have to do as much as what God enables us to do. Life must continue.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain said the empowerment programme was the first phase, even as he said there are 400 physically challenged persons to benefit from the programme.
According to him, the distribution of empowerment items to the beneficiaries would be in four batches.
Some of the items distributed were wheel chairs, grinding and sewing machines and cash of N10, 000 to each of the beneficiaries.
Many beneficiaries who spoke with Southwest Report hailed Ayorinde for his generosity, stressing that the empowerment scheme would help them enhance their economic well-being.
They noted that the lawmaker had done a lot for the people of Owo/Ose Federal Constituency. They prayed for God’s blessings upon him.
Sixty-nine out of 70 qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists from Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State for the 2017/2018 academic session have been inducted.
One of them, the late Akindumila Akintunde, who specialised in Haematology/Blood Group Serology died before the induction.
The representative of the Acting Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Tosan Erhabor supervised the oath taking at the Trinity Hall of the University.
The Guest Lecturer at the event and Head of Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Prof G.A Okogun, said Medical Laboratory Science played a pivotal role in the promotion, curative and preventive aspects of the nation’s health delivery system.
According to him, medical laboratory scientists must ensure continued competence by maintaining professional skills, while they should practice according to protocols.
Okogun said they should maintain safety guidelines, existing legislation and environmental considerations.
“You must always verify relevant data and ensure that appropriate specimens are procured in accordance with the established protocols,” he said.
The professor of Medical Microbiology urged the new laboratory science professionals to respect colleagues and work in harmony, stressing that they should be sympathetic and considerate to the sick and their relatives.
Head of Department, Medical Laboratory Science, Dr A.O Hassan appreciated the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria and Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria for their efforts aimed at bringing innovations with respect to qualitative training of medical laboratory scientists in Nigeria universities.
The Achievers University Vice Chancellor, Prof Tunji Ibiyemi, urged the new Medical Laboratory Scientists to be good ambassadors of the institution.
He also appreciated the Pro-Chancellor, Dr Bode Ayorinde, the Governing Council and Management of the University for their unalloyed efforts in uplifting the institution.
Retired workers of the Rufus GIwa Polytechnic, Owo are disturbed over the abduction of workers of the institution by the gunmen.
They called on Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to find a lasting solution to the menace, which they said have hindered the peace of the state.
A statement by the Secretary of the group, Tunde Ayegbusi and Public Relations Officer (PRO) Phillip Oyegoke noted that barely a week after a polytechnic staff was kidnapped and later found dead, another RUGIPO senior lecturer was seized by the culprits.
They described the situation as worrisome, noting that the development was however coincidental and not targeted only at the institution.
The statement reads” The situation at RUGIPO was not targeted at the institution alone but a national problem, it is left for Ondo state to tackle the problem headlong.
“We members of this association are solidly behind the management of the institution, we have jointly worked assiduously to bring the institution to these enviable heights, we do not want bad elements to destroy it.
“As retired workers, our lives depend on the gratuity and pensions we receive from the institution from time to time, many of our children and relations are beneficiaries of the citadel of learning.
The senior citizens pointed out that the well-being of the management, staff and students in the institutions was of paramount importance to them.
They condoled with the polytechnic community on the death of late Akinyemi Taiwo and felicitated with the family of Mr and Mrs Olopete who were released from Kidnappers’ den.
