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Tag: Oyo state

  • Council seeks FG’s intervention over bad roads in Fed Poly Ayede

    Council seeks FG’s intervention over bad roads in Fed Poly Ayede

    The Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State has requested urgent intervention of Federal Government and Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde over poor access roads preventing relocation of the institution to its permanent site. 

    The council lamented that despite completion of major facilities at the institution’s permanent site, students and staff are unable to access them due to deplorable road conditions.

    Speaking during an inspection visit to the institution’s Centre for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (CSAED) in Onipaanu, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo state, Chairman of the Council, Hon. Yakubu Dati noted that lack of motorable roads from Idi Araba, Oolo and Odo-Oba axes remained critical obstacle to movement of the institution to its permanent site in Ayede, Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area.

    According to him: “We are appealing to the Federal Government, and we, as council members, will also use our networks and contacts to reach out to relevant stakeholders to assist with construction of roads to the permanent site. We have been there and we are quite impressed with the facilities provided there.”

    Dati, a three-term commissioner, former Special Assistant on Media and Political Affairs to the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry disclosed that 13 key projects have been completed at the permanent site, including an administrative block, urban and regional planning complex, library, medical centre, and gatehouse, among others. 

    He lamented that the institution cannot fully utilise the investments without immediate road intervention.

    He also acknowledged the support of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, who visited the permanent site and promised to champion efforts to attract development to the area. 

    Rector of the institution, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, assured the host community that the institution was determined to move to the permanent site despite the challenges. 

    He said: “The Ayede community should not entertain any fear whatsoever. We are determined. This crop of management team, led by my humble self, is working assiduously to ensure that all barriers are surmounted,” he said.

    Abdul-Hameed expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Education, and heads of agencies like NBTE and TETFund for their support. 

    He also commended his management team, students and staff for their commitment to the school’s vision. 

    Director of CSAED, Mr. Oluwaseun Owojori, said the centre currently offers NBTE-approved programmes in electrical installation, plumbing and interior decoration, with plans to introduce garment making and social media communication. 

  • Assembly hopeful hails Ex-Senate Leader’s installation as Are Alasa Olubadan

    Assembly hopeful hails Ex-Senate Leader’s installation as Are Alasa Olubadan

    Oyo House of Assembly hopeful, Dr. Musa Kolawole, otherwise known as ‘MKO’ has felicitated with former Oyo Central Senator, Oloye Teslim Folarin over his promotion as the Aare Alasa Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Folarin, a former Senate Leader, was installed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin at the new Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Yemetu, in Ibadan.

    A statement by the aspiring lawmaker, through his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Olawale Ebenezer, described Folarin’s new chieftaincy title as a sign of recognition, and undeniable progress.

    He noted that the Ibadan prominent politician deserves the new title, saying his unrelenting effort for peace and progress of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large remains undeniable.

    Folarin, who was the 2023 APC Oyo Gubernatorial Candidate was promoted with some other popular sons of Ibadanland including the brother of the Oyo Governor, Barr. Olumuyiwa Makinde, who rose from the rank of Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland to Aare Onibon, and as well the magnate businessman, Dr. Dotun Sanusi as the Ajia Olubadan, among others.

    He maintained Folarin’s dedication, selflessness, focus, tenacity, patriotism, and loyalty have paved way for the outstanding position.

    He said: “Senator Folarin is a dedicated, selfless, patriotic, focus, tenacious, loyal personality and the good characteristics have helped him attain new Ibadan chieftaincy role.”

    Kolawole, a member of APC in Ibadan North East local government, while praying for new strength, and health for Senator Teslim Folarin, urged the politician to remained dedicated to more progress of Ibadan and Oyo State, and as well as APC for formidability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • 22, 212 Oyo pensioners get N60m monthly

    22, 212 Oyo pensioners get N60m monthly

    Oyo State Government has said N60million is being paid to pensioners monthly in a bid to clear pension arrears.

    The Chairman, Oyo State Pension Board, Mr. Tunji Adekunle, made this known in a statement issued in Ibadan yesterday.

    He confirmed that 22, 212 pensioners are on the payroll of Oyo State Pension Board as at April 2025.

    Adekunle said Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remained committed to the welfare of pensioners, stressing that since its inception, pensions had been disbursed on or before the 25th of each month, alongside timely payment of salaries of workers.

    He said new pensioners were being added to the payroll on a monthly basis.

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    Adekunle said: “The state Pension Board enrolled 142 pensioners in January, 175 in February, 171 in March and 143 in April.”

    The Permanent Secretary of the Pension Board, Mr. Hammed Bello, lauded Governor Makinde for his support to retirees.

    He said the timely and consistent payment of pensions had brought relief to pensioners and strengthened their trust in the government.

    He reiterated the board’s dedication to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement in pension administration across the state.

  • Crisis looms in Oyo community as indigenes, monarch ask mining company to leave

    Crisis looms in Oyo community as indigenes, monarch ask mining company to leave

    Indigenes and monarch of Itasa in Iwajowa Local Government of the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State have urged Federal Government to order a mining company in the community, Architype Industries Nig. Limited, to vacate their land.

    They said mining activities by the company constitutes danger to lives, breed insecurity and environmental degradation to the community.

    The community leaders, who made the call when they paid on-the-spot visit to the mining site in the town, said the call became necessary following looming danger they observed at Itasa and its environs.

    They accused the mining company of operating without a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a valid Community Development Agreement (CDA).

    Speaking with journalists in the community, a prominent son of Itasa, Prof. Bayo Aborisade, said the mining activities constituted danger in several ways to the community.

    He urged Federal Government to take the miner off their land.

    He said: ‘’They are extracting minerals from our land and they have empowered many people who have taken over the land to intimidate the community, and threaten the people. They barred us from getting to the mining site, and threatened to shoot us, claiming that the Federal Government will come hard on us, as they have the backing of the Federal Government to be where they are.

    “They spoiled the land and created settlements all over this land. The people we saw in the settlements don’t speak English, Hausa, or Fulfulde. They constitute a danger in several ways to this community. We want this mining company taken off this land.

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    ‘’The miner does not have all the conditions the Federal Government has laid down for mining . The only thing he said he has is a title to land to mine. He does not have an Environmental Impact Assessment. He has not reached an agreement with the community on how to use the land and benefit the community’’.

    The Chairman of Itasa Community Development Association, Alhaji Banji Isiaka Odedele; a youth leader, Mr Jelili Ogunlade; and Julius Farounbi said the miner must vacate their land forthwith, saying that mining activities had created insecurity in the town because people could no longer go to farm again.

    ‘’We cannot go to farm. Enough is enough. We don’t want the company to work on our land again.”

    Counsel and indigene of the community, Femi Aborisade, said the company had not fulfilled conditions precedent under the law, before commencing mining activities, hence it must vacate the land.

    Aborisade said: ‘’Architype Industries (Nig.) Ltd. is carrying out illegal mining here on the ground of non fulfillment of statutorily prescribed conditions precedent. The company is mining resources in ways that negate express provisions of the law. The local government asked the company to vacate the site untill it has reached an agreement satisfactory to the community in order to avert civil unrest.

    “The law stipulates that the company must have an agreement with the community which it has not done. There is no Environmental Impact Assessment conducted prior to commencing mining activities; no valid Community Development Agreement. They could not show them. That means the company does not have any valid legal instrument that permits it to be here. The community is saying the company should leave their land but it has refused because the federal government has not frowned against illegality”.

    Counciloyr representing Ward 04 in the Iwajowa Local Government Legislative House,Hon. Naajeem Busari said: ‘’There are many problems in the area because of mining activities.

    “We have the issue of herdsmen destroying our farms day-in day-out without any compensation. We want the government to assist us and order that mining activities should stop. Since the company has been working here, we have not seen any tangible impacts it has made in the community’’.

    The Onitile of Itasa, Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran said: ‘’We want peace and we want them to do the right things for the town. We don’t want cheating. We want this town to develop. If the company refuses to do the right thing for the community, it should vacate our land. But if it does the right thing, it should stay’’.

    Mr Olufola Awoyemi, a lawyer with Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) ,Ibadan, who was part of those who visited the community, said: ‘’We thought it was a mere environmental injustice but getting there, it is more than that.

    “There are security issues and people are angry because there is a great danger to lives of the people of Itasa and its environs. If people are not safe, they can’t go to their farms , they can’t go about their businesses. JDPC has come to take this to another level so that the whole world can know what is happening in Itasa land and the whole of Iwajowa local government”.

    When contacted, the site Manager of the mining company, Abiodun Ogunbiyide, however, said the organisation complied with all laid-down requirements, even though he couldn’t show any of the legal instruments the community lawyer asked him to produce.

    He said: ‘’ We got a valid mining licence to operate here. We obtained the consent from the community. We have a valid mining site. We have valid title to operate here’’.

  • Court revokes Oyo monarch’s co-defendants’ bail

    Court revokes Oyo monarch’s co-defendants’ bail

    An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan on Monday revoked the bail granted to two of the defendants standing trial along with Oba Solomon Akinola, the Oloko of Oko in a case of alleged land grabbing and attempted murder.

    The two defendants whose bail was revoked are Chief Sunday Aderinto and Adejare Adeleru.

    Other defendants in the case are: Chief Jimoh Asimiyu, Timothy Aderinto, Matthew Akintaro, Rafiu Ganiyu,Samson Ogunmola, Zacheus Adeleru, Kamorudeen Ajibade, Raji Rasaq, Mutiu Arowosaye, Oyeyemi Oyelekan, Olusegun Oyelekan and Sheriff Adio.

    Justice Kareem Adedokun revoked the bail of the two defendants after he was informed by the prosecutor, Mr Isa AbdulAzeez that the duo were among those that launched fresh attack on Aagba community on April 5.

    The judge stated that bail could be revoked when a defendant facing trial commits a fresh offence.

    He ordered the two defendants to be remanded in Agodi correctional facility.

    Adedokun further issued a bench warrant on Timothy Aderinto, the fourth defendant, Matthew Akintaro, the fifth defendant,Rafiu Ganiyu, the six defendant, Samson Ogunmola, seventh defendant, Zacheus Adeleru, the nineth defendant and Sheriff Adio, the 15th defendant for their absence in court.

    The court stated that Akintaro popularly called Paimo who had been constantly absent from court proceedings on the excuse of being mentally unstable must be brought to court on the next adjourned date either dead or alive.

    He subsequently adjourned the case until May 13 for the definite hearing of the defence.

    The prosecutor, AbdulAzeez had told the court that a fresh attack was launched on Aagba village which led to the burning down of no fewer than nine houses including the house of Baale of Aagba, Chief Adesola Ajiboye.

    He further said that the incident claimed the life of a 70 year-old woman, Madam Rachael Bamidele, and the destruction of many other properties

    In his response, the defence counsel, Hakeem Sabana said that he was not aware of the fresh attack, adding that he was no longer representing the first, second,third and the seventh defendants.

    Chief Adesola Ajiboye, the Baale of Aagba, who is an eye witness and a victim of the fresh attack also told the court that his house, property, and car were burnt and the only thing left with him was the cloth he put on to the court.

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    He also stated the background of the incident is that Oba Solomon Akinola, who allegedly sent thugs to carry out the attack wanted to forcefully annex Aagba land to Oko land despite losing the case up till the Supreme Court.

    The people of Aagba along with Tropical Farm Limited had in November 2023 instituted a case against the defendants on the alleged invasion of their community.

    It was alleged that the invaders were on the order of Oba Akinola, Oloko of Oko.

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) had directed the police to investigate the matter and handed the investigation to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) who ordered the Oyo State Ministry of Justice to take over the prosecution.(End)

  • One dies, nine houses razed in Oyo land dispute

    One dies, nine houses razed in Oyo land dispute

    A septuagenarian, Madam Rachael Bamidele, died over a land dispute in Aagba community in Surulere local government area of Oyo State.

    The dispute also resulted in nine houses razed and properties worth millions of looted or destroyed.

    A statement by the spokesman of the Oyo Police Command, Adewale Osifeso said the burning, looting and destruction of properties appear to have been calculated and systematically carried out, targeting individuals involved in an ongoing civil litigation over the disputed land.

    He said the incident, which forced occupants to desert the village, was allegedly perpetrated by residents of a neighboring community over a long-standing dispute over land.

    Osifeso stated that the Oyo Police Command responded to the April 5, 2025, attack on Aagba Community, adding that following the developments, the Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, swiftly deployed the Command’s specialised intelligence and tactical assets, including a unit of PMF officers, to the village to ensure public safety.

    According to him: “This prompt response brought about a restoration of normalcy, allowing villagers to return to their homes and resume daily activities without fear of harassment or intimidation.

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    “Investigations led to the apprehension of one Salawudeen Ismaila, aged 33, a native of neighbouring Oko community, and eight other suspects, as well as the recovery of three unregistered Boxer motorcycles.

    “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other known suspects who remain at large. The indicted suspects will soon appear in court.

    “The Oyo State Police Command reaffirms its zero-tolerance towards all acts or brigandage or any other act that undermines the efforts of the state government and security agencies and threaten the peace and tranquility of residents of the state.

    “Furthermore, the Command also frowns at any act of self-help by individuals or groups in ventilating their grievances assuring law abiding residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, by employing robust measures to address violations of law and order.”

  • BREAKING: Ex-Oyo governor Olunloyo dies at 89

    BREAKING: Ex-Oyo governor Olunloyo dies at 89

    Former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Omololu Olunloyo, has passed on at the age of 89 years.

    Olunloyo, who governed the state for just three months died few day to his 90th birthday.

    The nonagenarian, who was also Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, died in the early hours of Sunday.

    Olunloyo’s death was confirmed in a statement signed by Barrister Oladapo Ogunwusi

    The statement reads, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.

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    “The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo, was the first Rector, Ibadan Polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, among other notable appointments. 

    “His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates, even as we come to grip with this devastating.

    “The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.”

  • Why surrogacy should be encouraged in Nigeria, by experts

    Why surrogacy should be encouraged in Nigeria, by experts

    Experts have described surrogacy as a pathway to modern development in Nigeria, emphasising that it serves as a beacon of hope for those struggling with infertility or seeking alternative family-building options.

    This submission was made at the Hanniel’s Noble legal practitioners’ maiden annual lecture with the theme ‘Surrogacy as a pathway to modern development in Nigeria’ in Ibadan, Oyo state.

    The lecture focused on issues and laws associated with surrogacy practice in Nigeria, with the lead speaker, Prof Omolade Olomola, Lecturer, University of Ibadan, speaking on ‘Expounding the Nigerian legal system: Jurisprudential and ethical issues in surrogacy practice in Nigeria’.

    Olomola pointed out that because some women cannot conceive naturally, does not mean that they are unable to become mothers.

    According to her, women who cannot carry a child to term or have underlying medical issues have an option of surrogacy to have children, saying “surrogacy has many benefits as it gives intending parents an opportunity to have biological children.”

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    She said, “It is not like those in the developed countries are better than us, all they have are checks and balances to curb some issues associated with surrogacy.”

    “Surrogacy is not legally acknowledged in Nigerian law but at the same time, it’s not expressly prohibited. So it follows that practicing surrogacy in Nigeria, means you have not contracted any law.

    “Issues have, however, come up on parental rights in the lives of the children. Section 33 of the 1999 constitution talks about right to life and we know that when we talk about right to life, we talk about survival and development.

    “About six months ago, the surrogacy bill of 2024 passed through the second stage of reading at the house of reps and this bill is seeking to establish the Nigerian Surrogacy Regulatory Commission (NSRC) to monitor and supervise surrogacy practice in Nigeria.

    “The sponsor of this bill, Ayodeji Alao-Akala said it is to ensure that medical and health laws are not violated, adding that it would help people to overcome infertility.”

    On his part, the organiser of the lecture, Othniel Idowu Falana, a legal practitioner and a surrogacy law enthusiast said the idea of the lecture is part of an ongoing awareness campaign.

    He said, “The idea behind today’s lecture is that there is a new development in our society and it seems like we’re not paying real attention to it, maybe because most people are not really affected, and that is the issue of infertility and an alternative to it which is surrogacy.

    “I came across the issue of surrogacy in 2021 when a woman who contracted surrogacy needed to take her children back to Germany and the children were denied visas. I contested in court that it is an issue of denial of identity, because the children were denied visas because they were seen to not been given birth to in the proper way.

    “I believe whether a child is given birth to through surrogacy or other means doesn’t mean that it’s not a child and he or she shouldn’t be discriminated. The children’s right should be covered under the child rights law of the Constitution of Nigeria.

    “Infertility is not a person’s fault and shouldn’t be discriminated against, so if there is another way for the person to give birth and fulfill their life dream, why not encourage it.”

    He, therefore, called for a government and private sector partnership to regulate and enforce the laws on surrogacy.

    The chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan chapter, Mr Ibrahim Lawal commended the organizers of the lecture, describing it as a worthy cause.

    He expressed readiness to support and advocate for laws on surrogacy practice in the state.

    Also, Presiding Judge NICN, Ibadan Judicial Division,  Hon. Justice J. D. Peters lauded the efforts of Hanniels Noble legal practitioners and Othniel Idowu Falana.

    Other speakers include; Dr Abiola Abiade, Lecturer Lead City University; Dr Adeolu Ajala, Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist, Hon Seyi Adisa, former House of Assembly Member, Oyo State. Represented by Mrs. Yewande Olayinka, Esq.

    Dignitaries present include Commissioner​ for Health, Oyo State, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi represented by Dr. Tunde Aremu, Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health. Alhaja Fausat Joke Sanni, Commissioner of Women’s Affairs Oyo state, represented by Mrs Ibironke Igeih, Chief Social Welfare Officer, and Mrs Olapeju Kolawole, Esq. Former Treasurer, NBA Ibadan branch.

    Dr. Aremu noted that Oyo State is currently setting the pace on regulating surrogacy in Nigeria, referencing the Bill sponsored by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala. 

    He encouraged the organisers to ensure a communique of the event is sent to the governor, the state ministry of health, House of Assembly and other relevant agencies.

    The lecture also featured a commendation and award session in which winners were given cash prizes. Miss Adesola-Tella Adesope emerged second runner up, with Miss Oluwabusayomi coming as first runner up and Mr Latona Adedeji getting the first position.

  • Oyo intensifies response to diphtheria outbreak

    Oyo intensifies response to diphtheria outbreak

    In response to the recent outbreak of diphtheria in parts of the country, Oyo State Government has strengthened efforts to curb the spread of the disease and protect residents.

    Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said this yesterday during a visit to the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Ibadan.

    She says diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and direct contact with infected wounds.

    Ajetunmobi said it affected the throat and upper airways, forming a thick greyish membrane that could obstruct breathing.

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    She added that symptoms included sore throat, fever, cough, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty in swallowing and, in severe cases, respiratory distress.

    The commissioner said the government had intensified surveillance, case management and vaccination campaigns, while health care workers were are on the alert to respond to suspected cases.

    She noted that to prevent the spread of diphtheria, residents should stay informed, take precautions, maintain personal hygiene and support government’s public health interventions to contain the disease.

  • You have case to answer, court tells Oyo monarch

    You have case to answer, court tells Oyo monarch

    An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has told the Oloko of Oko in Surulere Local Government, Oba Solomon Akintola and 14 others that they have a case to answer over attempted murder and land grabbing brought against them.

    Justice Kareeem Adedokun in his ruling dismissed the application on no case submission filed by the monarch and other defendants, saying it lacked merit.

    He said: “The prosecution has been able to establish facts through the witnesses, who were the victims in the matter. Also, the witnesses were able to identify the defendants as perpetrators of the offences. Therefore, the no case submission filed by the defence counsel has no merit and same is dismissed.”

    The defence counsel, Mr L. A. Hammed, had prayed the court to declare that his clients had no case to answer because the prosecution had proven no case against them.

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    It will be recalled that 14 others standing trial alongside Akinola include: Chief Sunday Aderinto, Chief Jimoh Asimiyu, Timothy Aderinto, Matthew Akintaro, Rafiu Ganiu and Adejare Adeleru.

    Others are Samson Ogunmola, Zachiaus Adeleru, Kamorudeen Ajibade, Raji Rasaq, Mutiu Arowosaye, Oyeyemi Oyelekan Olusegun Oyelekan and Sheriff Adio.

    The defendants had pleaded not guilty to a 27-count charge bordering on alleged attempted murder, assault, robbery, stealing and land grabbing.

    The judge, however, adjourned the suit till April 14 for the defence to open their case.

    The people of Aagba kingdom in Surulere Local Government and Tropical Culture Limited had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) about the invasion of 5,000 hectares by the defendants in 2021.

    Subsequently the I-G sent police officers to investigate the matter, and found out that there was truly an invasion and notified the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). AGF subsequently directed Oyo State Ministry of Justice to take over the prosecution of the matter in 2023.

    Appeal Court had in 2020 awarded ownership of the over 5,000 hectares to the people of Aagba kingdom and Tropical Culture Ltd.