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Tag: Senator Rashidi Ladoja

  • Alleged N4.7 billion fraud: Trial ends in Ladoja’s case

    The trial of a former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and one of his aides, Waheed Akanbi, for an alleged N4.7 billion fraud, came to a close Tuesday at a Federal High Court in Lagos.

    Justice Mohammed Idris wrapped up the trial after Ladoja gave his defence from the witness box.

    Read Also:Alleged N4.7b fraud: ‘Ladoja didn’t buy vehicles for lawmakers to avoid impeachment’

    The judge fixed January 18, 2019, for parties to adopt their written addresses.

    Earlier, in his examination-in-chief, Ladoja denied authorising the sale of Oyo State government shares at discounted price.

    He said the decision to sell the shares was taken by the State Executive Council upon his return to office on December 11, 2006, following the nullification of his impeachment by the Supreme Court.

    The former governor added that proceeds generated from the sale of the shares were deployed towards projects execution.

    “On our return to office, we found out that most of the items we had in our budget in 2006 were not touched. We were then looking for money and the second defendant, who was the commissioner for finance, was saddled with the responsibility of looking for the money. He then came up with the idea of selling the shares

    “We later called functionaries at the Ministry of Commerce but they told us that the shares had been tied down to the purchase of rice. We then found a way of freeing the shares and at that point, the second defendant made his submissions to the State Executive Council on the sale of the shares and it was approved.

    “A memo was later raised by the commissioner for finance and I approved it. I had no dealings with the Portfolio Manager, Fountain Securities Ltd or its Managing Director, Chief Kola Daisi,” he said.

    Ladoja explained that he was not privy to the total amount of money that was realized from the sale of shares and that he did not personally benefit from it.

    He said: “It is for the officials to follow-up with the revenue, my job stopped at the point of approving the sale of the shares. The revenue generated from the sale of the shares was expended on certain projects”.

    Recalling the events that led to his impeachment, Ladoja said: “The group that called for my impeachment was led by the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu.

    “The politician believed he has a right to security votes because he is securing the state but I thought otherwise. It was a running battle until I later found out that The Presidency was involved. Some members of the State House of Assembly were promised a lot of things by Adedibu. I later got to know that my Deputy was also involved in the plot to remove me”.

    He added that after his impeachment, one of his aides, Chief Adewale Atanda, advised him that he should leave Ibadan for Lagos to avoid any threat to his life.

    He said he only stayed in his house for just two weeks before he relocated to a ‘safe house’ provided for him by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was then the Lagos State Governor.

    “I had to find a place to be meeting my lawyers and supporters. So, Chief Atanda suggested that we should use a space in his hotel, Heritage Court and Inns.

    “Throughout my stay in the hotel, I was responsible for the entertainment of my guests and there was no time the place was closed to public,” he said.

    Upon cross-examination by the prosecution’s lawyer, Olabisi Oluwafemi, the former governor said he declared his assets on assumption of office in 2003.

    He added that the sold shares were purchased during his tenure as governor of Oyo state.

     

  • N4.7bn ‘fraud’: Court dismisses Ladoja’s no case submission 

    A Federal High Court in Lagos Monday dismissed a ‘no case’ submission filed by former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and his aide, Waheed Akanbi, in response to a N4.7 billion fraud charge.

    Justice Mohammed Idris ordered the defendants to open their case on November 20, the next adjourned date.

    The duo had in their no case submissions argued that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not establish any prima facie case against them to warrant them being called on to open their defence.

    Read Also:Alleged N7.65bn fraud: Court revokes Kalu’s 11-year bail

    But Justice Idris noted that the preponderance of evidence put forward by the anti-graft agency, required some explanations from the defendants.

    The judge held: “I have refused to consider the issue of whether or not I will believe the evidence. I have also refused to consider the question of credibility of witnesses at this stage.

    “In the light of all the evidences that has been tendered by the prosecution and in my opinion, the defendants might have to explain the contents of some of those exhibits.”

    Afterwards, Ladoja’s counsel, Bolaji Onilenla, sought an adjournment till next Tuesday for his client to open his defence.

    The other defence counsel, A. Olumide-Fusika (SAN) and the EFCC’s counsel, Olabisi Oluwafemi, were in agreement with Onilenla’s request.

    The case was subsequently adjourned till November 20 at 1pm for the defendants to open their case.

    The defendants were first arraigned in November 2008 on a 10-count charge before Justice Ramat Mohammed, formerly of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court.

    The case suffered several adjournments until December 14, 2016, when the duo were re-arraigned before Justice Mohammed Idris on an eight-count amended charge of money laundering contrary to Section 17(a) and punishable under Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004.

    The former governor and his aide were on November 5, 2018, for the second time in two years, arraigned by the EFCC for an alleged N4.7 billion fraud.

    The commission preferred an 11-count charge of money laundering and unlawful conversion of public funds against them.

    In the latest charge, EFCC accused Ladoja of “compelling” a broker to sell the state’s shares while he also failed to remit N1.9 billion realised from the sale of the shares. The anti-graft agency alleged that the money went to Ladoja, his family and friends.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

  • Ladoja , Ex-Oyo SSG, others escape death in Ibadan

    Ladoja , Ex-Oyo SSG, others escape death in Ibadan

    Former  governor of Oyo state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and ex-SSG, Barrister Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli  and others escaped unhurt Monday  when some suspected gunmen numbering about seven (7) attacked the Popoyemoja Palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji.

    Alli who is also the Asiwaju Balogun of Ibadanland, though was unhurt when the gunmen shot his car (a black land crusier jeep with registration EPE 447 ER) several times

    Three journalists ( Femi Atoyebi  (Punch), Demola Babalola ( ThisDay), and Jeremiah Oke ( Daily Trust) were not so lucky as they sustained various degrees of injuries on their legs, heads arms ,and fingers.

    The trio and their colleagues had gone to the palace to cover the installation of some Baales by the Olubadan.

    The three journalists were just arriving at the gate of the palace when they were caught in the gunfire.

    They were said to have taken   refuge in the gutter‎ in front of the palace for about 10 minutes until the gunmen sped off towards Molete end of Popoyemoja.

    Their cloths were also toured while running to save their lives.

    Though the identity of the gunmen were not known, it was gathered that the gunmen who rode in a black Toyota sienna car attacked the palace at about 11.45am.

    A source said they had gone to the palace to prevent the installation by the Olubadan.

    Also attacked during the sporadic shooting is one Alhaja Iyabo Adeyemi whose car, a Black Honda Accord with registration number GGB 690 CU was damaged. Other occupants of the car also sustained injuries.

    Scores of sympathisers who stormed the palace after the incident, expressed shock on the development.

    They however thanked God no lives were lost.

    But the attack did not prevent the installation of the new Baales by the Olubadan.

    Those installed are Chief Saheed Adeyemi Alatise who was installed as Baale Lagelu Aboke Village and Chief Taye Makinde Aikomo who emerged as Baale Adigun Village.

    Present at the event are former Governor of the state and the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja; Senator Olufemi Lanlehin and Iyalode of Ibadanland Chief Aminat Abiodun.

    Others are Mogaji Abduljeleel Adanla (Mogaji Adanla), Mogaji Abass Oloko (Mogaji Oloko) among others.

  • 2019: Ladoja, Alli, Akala, others meet

    2019: Ladoja, Alli, Akala, others meet

    Former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja on Thursday led other top leaders of the People’s Democratic Party in the state to the residence of his erstwhile deputy governor , Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala for broker peace ahead 2019 election in the state.

    Also present is the PDP National Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and other national officers of the party.

    Makarfi had at the meeting also confirmed the return of former Social Democratic Party Governorship candidate in Oyo State, Seyi Makinde as well as Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, who was the running mate to Alao-Akala during the 2015 governorship election under the Labour Party.

    Makarfi, had warned intending returnees to hurry up, stressed that “while we reconcile and accommodate, we are not waiting for any individual to make up their mind”.

    For the second week running now, Ladoja who left PDP for Accord in 2011 had been hosting his erstwhile footsoldiers who served under him but deserted the camp due to irreconcilable political differences in 2011 to work for the success of then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Safe for a former Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Hosea Ayoola Agboola and former PDP Chairman, Chief Jacob Adetoro who remained in PDP, Sarafadeen Alli, Alhaji Alli Dodo Oyedeji and a former lawmaker, Tunde Adegbenjo headed for then ACN.

    The incumbent Governor Abiola Ajimobi who has been the major beneficiary of the crack within the hitherto solid Oyo PDP, jetted out of country few days ago and met with both Akala and Folarin with the social media agog of their meeting;  regarded in the political circle as subtle move by the Governor to mend fence with the duo ahead of impending 2019 race.

    Seyi Makinde had also been meeting with Ladoja, and a few other bigwigs as he officially announced his defection from the SDP to PDP two weeks ago.

    Folarin, a former Senate Leader, who on arrival from London told reporters on phone that he has not left PDP but on consultations across political divides, visited Ladoja 48hours ago for a closed door meeting as political permutation and intrigues get underway.

    At Thursday meeting in Bodija, Akala was the first to visit Ladoja in his residence but the latter was not around yo receive him. Shortly in return, Ladoja headed to Akala’s house, which was about a kilometer away and had two-hour closed door meeting with his erstwhile deputy.

    Pictures of the visit showed Ladoja, Akala and others in frenzy mood as they wine and dine together to the consternation of their supporters. A serving PDP lawmaker, Segun Odebunmi, Alhaji Ado Marafa and erstwhile State Accord Chairman, Bashiru Lawal among others watched with keen interest.

    Before now, both Ladoja and Akala had been at loggerheads since January 12th, 2006 when Ladoja was illegally removed from office to pave way for Akala as Acting Governor and later elected Governor under PDP.

  • Ladoja cautions against shifting election dates

    Ladoja cautions against shifting election dates

    National leader of Accord Party and former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has cautioned against adverse implications of shifting election dates in the country by ruling government.

    He said that Edo governorship election would not have been postponed if the All Progressive Congress (APC) was sure of winning.

    Ladoja who said the federal government needs to fulfill the promises it made to Nigerians in the spirit of Ramadan festival messages noted that while the government complained of lack of money, it was wasteful in its approach to governance.

    Ladoja who stated this while speaking with newsmen at his Bodija home shortly after observing the Eid-prayer at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque said nobody is convinced by the argument being put forward on security concerning Edo guber election.

    While lamenting that Billions of naira has been wasted on the shifting of the election date, Ladoja said the federal government should stop playing games with the life of Nigerians adding that the economy cannot improve if the leadership continues to waste scarce resources.

    On the launch of “Change Begins with Me” Ladoja noted that the change should begin with president Mohammadu Buhari, his cabinet while Nigerians will follow suit wondering how the attitude of those who are being owed over six months of salaries will change because the government has asked them to change their attitude.

    The former governor who noted that diversification being championed by different governments has to start from gradual transition from artisanal culture to industrial agriculture while he lampooned states which asked civil servants to go and farm for two days.

    While noting that the work of civil servants should not be mixed with that of a committed farmer who has passion for farming, Ladoja asked government to be creative and provide lands and inputs for people genuinely interested in farming.

    He also carpeted the State governor Abiola Ajimobi over the creation of local government development areas asking the government to be more creative and not be lazy.

    He said “Its mixed, look at what Emir Sanusi said. Sanusi does not believe that there is sincerity with the anti-corruption crusade. He said he as Emir can source $1m by telephone at N197 and sell it at over N400 which means he knew some people are doing it. You see economy and corruption go together. As long as you have a lot of roadblocks there will be more corruption. Liberalisation is better. Do you need to bribe anybody to get GSM today? Go and try it in the days of NITEL. They will ask you to go and bring the ladder and you had to bribe them for them to render the service. Corruption is not only public servant or politician thing. It is endemic in us and it is caused by blockade, redtape. Remove the red tape and you will see. Sanusi has said it that the dollar has gone up but there is corruption there. I don’t have anything against religion but I believe that we should not do something that is not sustainable. There is no corruption and yet some people can buy at N197 and those that want to employ people and do business can go and buy at over N400 and we want the economy to improve? All these do not add up. Who does he (Buhari) want to please. That is subsidy, if you do it for Muslim you have to do it for the Christians.

    ” I think the change starts with president buhari. Look at what INEC said about the change in date in Edo State elections. They said it is colossal waste and nobody has convinced us about the postponement. They said security reasons. Billions of naira have gone down the drain. We are wasteful. I am not in their party. My party has no candidate in Edo. I just know that it is wrong. We have fixed this date for a long time.  Are you now going to ask WAEC to change the date also? We are still playing games. I am sure that if APC were sure that they will win Edo election they will not have postponed.”

  • Oyo 2015: Four Ibadan indigenes for governor

    Oyo 2015: Four Ibadan indigenes for governor

    Of the 15 governorship aspirants of Ibadan origin, only four-Governor Abiola Ajimobi (All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Rashidi Ladoja (Accord Party (AP), Senator Teslim Folarin (Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Seyi Makinde (Social Democratic Party (SDP)- won the tickets. The other candidate outside Ibadan is former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, who is running on the platform of the Labour Party (LP). He is from Ogbomoso. BISI OLADELE examines their chances at the poll. 

    Four Ibadan indigenes are compet ing for the Agodi Government House,  Ibadan, Oyo State in next year’s governorship election.

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who is seeking for a second term on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is the leading contender. He hails from Ibadan South West Local Government.

    The Accord Party (AP) candidate, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, Rashidi Ladoja,  hails from Ibadan North Local Government.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, hails from Ona-Ara Local Government while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) flag bearer,  Oluseyi Makinde, an engineer,  hails from Ibadan North East Local Government.

    However, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, hails from Ogbomoso. The four are leaving no stone unturned to win the election.

     

     Ajimobi

    The governor polled over 330,000 votes to defeat his closest contenders – Alao-Akala and Ladoja – in the 2011 election. The highest number of votes came from his local government. The council is densely populated. It is made up of the hinterlands and elitist areas of Ibadan. The population is more than the population of three councils in the metropolis.

    Many have described Ajimobi as the most performing governor, owing to his various developmental projects that are improving the standard of living of the people. He has succeeded in reviving the  culture of setting the pace as pioneered by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of the defunct Western Region.  For instance, the governor embarked on the dualzation of major roads in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Iseyin simultaneously. He provided free transportation for civil servants and students and decent buses to replace common rickety commercial buses. The buses ply far-distance routes and charge commuters a token.

    Ajimobi also embarked on the beautification of cities, in consonance with his urban renewal programme, while also remodeling and transforming the abandoned Agodi Gardens to a world-class resort centre. In addition, his administration is building model schools in the three senatorial zones. He has employed 20,000 youths into the youth empowerment scheme and 5,300 teachers for schools. He reconstructed many bridges, which could withstand the flood, and built a flyover at Mokola.

    Ajimobi’s projects have changed the face of Ibadan, the state capital, from one of the dirtiest cities to a clean city.

    But, it is not rosy for the APC candidate. His party has lost some members to the PDP, the Accord and the LP in the last one year. Thus, the governor has to gird his loins. The poll will not be an easy ride for him.

    Ajimobi is radiating a high confidence. He told reporters in Ibadan that he would not lose sleep over the defection of some members. “There is no need for us to worry about defections from the party. When sports men such as boxers and wrestlers are called to the ring, each of them jumps up and dramatizses to show that he would surely win the match. But, the actual battle determines who the champion is. We shall see the actual champion when the election is held,” he said.

    Unlike in 2011, when only Ladoja and Ajimobi were the major flag bearers from Ibadan, two contenders of Ibadan origin have joined the race, leaving room for further division of votes from the city.

    However, in comparison, the APC and its candidate remain the most organised and popular. With his sterling performance, the power of incumbency and the soaring popularity of the party at the national level, Ajimobi will be the candidate to beat in the election.

    But, no governor has been elected twice in Oyo State. Can Ajimobi break ther jinx?

     

     Ladoja

    The Third Republic senator was the governor between 2003 and 2007. At 70, Ladoja is contesting for the position for the third time. An astute leader with large following, AP’s fortunes rose in the last one year, following the defection of APC and PDP members to the party. The defectors include a serving senator, four members of the House of Representatives and five members of the House of Assembly.

    But, going by the result of the 2011 elections, Ladoja’s popularity is limited to Ibadan. in Ibadan. All the positions the party won in both the National Assembly and the House of Assembly elections are in Ibadanland. He has, however, worked hard to improve his acceptance, particularly in Oyo and other zones in recent times.

    Unless Ladoja penetrates into other zones, analysts believe that he may not be able to garner enough votes to defeat other candidates. Some people also think that Ladoja should present a younger candidate and offer guidance as an elderstatesman.

    The outcome of the AP primaries showed that the party only revolves around the party leader. Aggrieved chieftains who lost out in the selection process may dump the party, ahead of the poll.

     

     Folarin

    Former Senate Leader Folarin, who is flying the flag of the PDP, will also pull some weight in the election. He has the advantage of the federal might, assistance by security agencies and huge financial support by his party. The political scientist cannot be underrated. At 39, he became a senator. That was in 2003. He was re-elected in 2007. In 2011, he wanted to become governor. But, the government lied against him that he had hand in the death of Mr. Eleweomo, a transport workers leader.  He could not participate in the primaries. But, he bounced back, emerging as the governorship candidate. Even, Alao-Akala had to leave the party because he could not stop his bid.

    But, the division in the Oyo PDP may be  a big setback for him. Alao-Akala may have gone to the LP with some followers. So is Seyi Makinde, who is vying under the SDP.

    Besides, 51 year-old Folarin, many say, is not a grassroots politician. He is largely seen as an Abuja politician. But, when he won the ticket, the perception changed.  His career has been devoid of scandal and controversy. He is a high chief of Ibadanland, who has an ambition to become the Olubadan, if God spares his life. His position in the traditional set up gives him an opportunity to interact with Ibadan leaders and he may convert this into a political capital.

     

    Makinde

    An oil magnate, he is the youngest candidate. Makinde is the face of the younger generation. He has established a structure in the PDP and he has warmed himself into the heart of a good number of residents. He also enjoys some sympathy for the alleged injustice meted to him in choosing the governorship candidate. But, many believe that, since age is on his side, he is a candidate of the future. But, the rich and impatient politician rejected the PDP senatorial ticket, saying that he either become the governor or nothing. To that extent, some people have berated him for lack of experience and foresight.

    Makinde’s popularity does not look strong enough to earn him a victory in the election. His popularity is low outside Ibadan while his party is not popular.

    As for Akala, he has a large following. He is popular in Ogbomoso. But, key PDP chieftaions have refused to defect to the LP. Therefore, his support base is polarised. His former party also picked the deputy governorship candidate from Ogbomoso. Therefore, there is no evidence that he will pull any weight at the poll.

  • Oyo primaries: Ajimobi, Akala, Ladoja to know fate

    Oyo primaries: Ajimobi, Akala, Ladoja to know fate

    Oyo State governorship aspirants are warming up for primaries. For Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), it may be a coronation. For the Accord Party (PDP) leader, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, it may be a walk over. BISI OLADELE writes on the battle for tickets. 

    The preparation started two years  ago, barely 18 months after Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi assumed the reins. After Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala were defeated by Ajimobi in a keenly contested election in 2011, the gladiators and their supporters returned to the drawing board. But, it has not been rosy for the three of them. Some of their followers have defected to other parties for better relevance. Some even left for the Labour Party (LP) where they are now firing salvos at their leaders.

    The APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the LP are the leading parties and the three leaders are the ones calling the shots. This week, they will know their fate at the primaries.

    APC

    Some courageous politicians have picked governorship forms to challenge  Ajimobi in the battle for the ticket. They include the son of the former governor, the late Alhaji Lam Adesina, Dr Ayo Adesina, and Adebayo Shittu, a lawyer.

    Adesina is a United Kingdom-based professional. Shittu is an Ibadan-based  lawyer. Adesina is unknown in Oyo State politics, unlike his late father. He is also not known to have built any strong political structure that can assist him during the shadow poll.

    Shittu has been a politician since the Second Republic. He was a member of the old Oyo State House of Assembly, representing Saki, his home town. He was also a commissioner in the Ladoja Administration between 2003 and 2007.

    He contested the governorship election on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011 and lost to Ajimobi. The performance was woeful. He joined the APC at its inception.

    The odds against Shittu are many. He hails from Oke-Ogun and his political structure is not look strong enough to win the ticket. Major political parties are interested in fielding Ibadan indigenes. To them, Ibadan has a high voting population.

    Ajimobi is the candidate to beat. The odds favour him over other contenders, owing to his experience and political standing. He is well positioned to pick the APC ticket. He became a senator under the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 2003. He was the governorship candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2007. many believed that he won the 2007 poll. Ajimobi wields the power of incumbency. he is also a performing governor. Despite the fact that some party chieftains have issues with him in some areas, Ajimobi will pick the ticket.

    Accord Party

    Only the leader of the party, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, is in the race. Investigation at the secretariat of the party in Ibadan revealed that no other party member has signified interest in the position.

    PDP

    In the PDP, it is a fierce battle.  No fewer than 11 aspirants are in the race. They are Adebayo Alao-Akala, Hazeem Gbolarumi, Isaac Babalola, Taoheed Adedoja, Soji Adejumo, Ayo Adeseun and Femi Babalola. Others are Kehinde Olaosebikan, Teslim Folarin, Oluseyi Makinde and Azeez Adeduntan.

    Former Minister of Power Elder Wole Oyelese has withdrawn from the race. A source said he may vie for the Oyo Central Senatorial ticket.

    However, the major contenders among the 11 aspirants are just three: Alao-Akala, Folarin and Makinde.

    Akala

    Alao-Akala still commands huge following in the party. Except in Oyo zone where his fortune has plummeted since 2011, the Ogbomoso-born politician is still popular in Oke-Ogun and some parts of Ibadan. He also possesses the financial capacity required for the contest.

    But, there are at least, two odds against him. Akala is not an Ibadan man. This factor is strong for winning the governorship election. Two Ibadan men-Ajomobi and Ladoja– are more likely to emerge as candidates. The PDP, it is believed, would also want to field an Ibadan man to benefit from the population advantage. For instance, voters from Ibadan South West and Ibadan North local governments are more than those of the five local governments in Ogbomoso.  Having lost the election once, largely due to credibility factor, the party may want to look elsewhere for another candidate, particularly of Ibadan origin, to give Ajimobi and Ladoja a good fight.

    Folarin

    The former Senate Leader is believed to be favoured by the Presidency. He controls the state executive committee of the party. He is widely connected in Abuja. Although he was elected as senator twice, Folarin’s popularity is not strong enough to win the race that involves Ladoja and Ajimobi. But, he is still standing tall in the race for the PDP ticket and observers believe he will pick it.

    Makinde

    He is a young and promising politician. Makinde entered the race for Agodi Government House in 2012. He has strengthened his structure, particularly in Ibadan, his place of birth. He sometimes oils the wheel of the party. The engineer is seen as the face of a new generation politicians by many people. But, it is doubtful, if he will get the ticket. He may be a candidate of the future. he is hardworking, focused and committed to the party. He may be a candidate of the future. It is doubtful, if party leaders in Ibadanland are willing  to support his candidacy. They feel that he has not acquired enough experience and political weight like Alao-Akala and Folarin. He cannot be ignored. But, the race may be tough for him.

    It is believed that others are likely to queue behind any of the three that eventually picks the ticket.

  • 2015: My victory is certain-Ladoja

    2015: My victory is certain-Ladoja

    Former Governor of Oyo state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, says he is confident of emerging victorious if the incumbent governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and former governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala emerge the governorship candidates of their respective political parties.

    Ladoja, who is also the National Leader of the Accord Party (AP), said the people of the state having experienced the his administration even though beset by political crisis, and are now able to compare with that of Ajimobi and Akala.

    Speaking with journalists after observing the Eid El Kabir prayer at the Central Mosque, University of Ibadan, he said his confidence is premised on the support base of his party across the 33 local government areas of the state.

    Expressing sadness at the poor performance of Oyo State students in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) results, Ladoja said his administration would tackle the challenge by providing a conducive atmosphere for teachers to work, in addition to regular payment of their salaries, provision of grant and equipment.