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Tag: ABIODUN

  • Ogun assembly screens 3 commissioner nominees

    Ogun assembly screens 3 commissioner nominees

    The Ogun House of Assembly on Monday screened three additional commissioner nominees sent to it by Gov. Dapo Abiodun.

    Mr. Olakunle Oluomo, the Speaker, presided over the screening of the nominees at the assembly complex in Abeokuta.

    The three commissioner-nominees screened were: Mr. Olatunji Odunlami, former Commissioner in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development; Mr Wasiu Isiaka, former Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Ogun Internally Generated Revenue and Mrs Funmi Efuwape, immediate past Commissioner in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

    The state legislature had earlier screened and confirmed 17 commissioner nominees, who are yet to be sworn in by the governor.

    The speaker enjoined the screened nominees to remain committed to quality service and avoid anything that could impede the progress and development of the state if confirmed.

    The lawmakers in their various contributions, urged them to look inward and design plans and programmes that would have positive impact on the people of the state.

    They charged the nominees to redouble their efforts to ensure the delivery of dividends of democracy across the state.

    Responding, the nominees promised to consolidate on their achievements during the first term if confirmed

    They assured that they would continue to synergise with the state legislature and other relevant stakeholders to implement policies and programmes for the development of the state.

  • Police arrest impeached Ogun LG chairman, Adedayo

    Police arrest impeached Ogun LG chairman, Adedayo

    Operatives of the Police Command in Ogun on Monday arrested the impeached Chairman of Ijebu-East Local Government (LG), Mr. Wale Adedayo, at his residence in Ijebu-Ife.

    Adedayo had recently raised some allegations about the Gov. Dapo Abiodun-led administration in the state.

    He had alleged that the state government had since 2021 been tampering with funds for the state’s local governments (LGs) sent through it by the Federal Government.

    The impeached chairman had earlier been arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and later released.

    According to reports, Adedayo’s action had led to his impeachment by the LG’s councilors over allegations of financial misappropriation.

    Mrs Kafayat Adedayo, wife of the impeached LG Chairman, confirmed the arrest in the local government area’s headquarters.

    She said her husband was arrested by officers numbering about 10 from the Police Command headquarters at Eleweran in Abeokuta.

    Mrs Adedayo said the police officers informed her that his arrest was based on a petition written against him by the state government.

    “They came on Monday afternoon in a Mistubishi car to effect his arrest. About four of them were in uniform, while others were in mufti.

    “The police operatives said they were acting on instructions based on a petition filed against him by the state government.

    “He was taken to Abeokuta by the police,” she said.

    When contacted, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abiodun Alamutu, confirmed Adedayo’s arrest.

  • Abiodun drops commissioner-nominee as Ogun Assembly confirm others

    Abiodun drops commissioner-nominee as Ogun Assembly confirm others

    Ogun Assembly has confirmed the nomination of nine out of the 10 commissioner-nominees  recently screened.

    The name of the 10th nominee, Mr. Tunde Oshunbiyi, had been withdrawn by Gov. Dapo Abiodun.

    The approval was sequel to the adoption of the report of the Committee of the Whole House, chaired by the Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, as presented by his Deputy, Bolanle Ajayi.

    Ajayi moved the motion for the adoption of the report during plenary in Abeokuta, which was seconded by Lukmon Atobatele.

    The confirmation of the nominees was, thereafter, done following the motion moved by the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye.

    According to the report, “the committee found the nominees eligible and suitable to assume the exalted office of commissioners in Ogun State.”

    The assembly had, on Aug. 4, confirmed eight commissioner-nominees.

  • Ogun gov, Abiodun orders crackdown on cultists in Sagamu

    Ogun gov, Abiodun orders crackdown on cultists in Sagamu

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, on Monday, directed security agencies in the state to rid Sagamu and its environs of cultists and cult-related activities in the state.

    Abiodun, in a statement issued in Abeokuta by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, expressed the regret for the avoidable loss of innocent lives and wanton destruction of property by the hoodlums.

    The directive came in the wake of renewed clashes among rival cult gangs in the town at the weekend, raising tension and panic among residents of the town.

    According to him, the police and sister security agencies have been given a matching order to deal ruthlessly and decisively with those disturbing the peace of the town.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance to brigandage and lawlessness, warning that those responsible for the current crisis in the town would find themselves to blame.

    “As a responsible and responsive government, we are very sad with the resurgence of activities of criminal elements under different outlawed groups, raising unnecessary tension in the sleepy town of Sagamu and its environs.

    “Let me categorically state that we are more than determined to put an end quickly to the nefarious activities of these hoodlums and enemies of our people who are hell-bent on truncating the peace of our land.

    “Let these urchins be rest assured that the state will be too hot for them to operate as we are re-evaluating the security architecture for greater surveillance and tactical operation,” he said.

    The governor noted that the new security approach would be implemented in collaboration with the traditional institution, community and religious leaders, youth groups as well as other critical stakeholders.

    Abiodun, therefore, appealed to people of the town to provide adequate and useful information to security agencies for prompt response in order to prevent future occurrences.

  • Ogun Assembly receives list of additional commissioner-nominees for screening

    Ogun Assembly receives list of additional commissioner-nominees for screening

    The Ogun House of Assembly on Tuesday in Abeokuta acknowledged the receipt of a list of 10 Commissioner-nominees from Gov. Dapo Abiodun.

    A release signed by the Clerk/Head of Legislative Service, Mr Deji Adeyemo, had indicated that the new nominees would be screened by the state lawmakers on Wednesday.

    The new nominees are an addition to those confirmed earlier, and they include Messrs Taiwo Oludotun, Sofela Emmanuel, Olufemi Ilori-Oduntan, Dairo Oluwagbenga and Owootomo Bolu.

    The rest are Oresanya Oladimeji, Balogun Ademola, Osunbiyi Tunde, Fagbayi Sesan and Mrs Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo.

    According to the Clerk, the nominees are to submit 30 copies each of their credentials to the Office of the Clerk by 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

    The assembly had on Aug. 4  screened and confirmed eight commissioner-nominees who were yet to be sworn in by the governor.

  • Ex-Ogun governor’s wife describes Plaza demolition as Executive recklessness

    Ex-Ogun governor’s wife describes Plaza demolition as Executive recklessness

    Mrs Olufunke Daniel, wife of former Ogun Gov. Gbenga Daniel, has tackled Ogun government over the demolition of her 5-storey DATKEM plaza in Ijebu-Ode, describing the act as executive recklessness.

    Mrs. Daniel stated this on Sunday in a release issued by her lawyer, Mr Adeyinka Kotote (SAN), of PAGE Law office and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta.

    Agents of the Ogun government in the early hours of Sunday, demolished DATKEM plaza in Ijebu Ode, belonging to Mrs. Daniel.

    According to the release, the legal firm expressed shock that the state government ignored a court order served on its agents on Thursday, September 7, asking them to stop all actions on the building.

    “This matter began when the Ogun State Planning and Development Authority agents entered the building premises on August 1 without any prior notice.

    “Interestingly, a quit notice was only served on August 31 by the same Planning and Development Authority, asking the owner to vacate the premises within three days.

    “However, DATKEM applied for unsealing and regularisation of the building on August 2 and paid the mandatory fee of N500,000 to the Ogun state government. We have evidence of this payment.

    “We were shocked and astonished therefore that the Ogun state government ignored the ongoing legal process and went ahead to demolish the complex in the early hours of Sunday. We want to believe that the State Attorney General’s advice was ignored on this matter,” Kotote said.

    “Our clients, as law-abiding citizens of Ogun state, will continue to seek redress in the courts. Even when our clients have suffered unimaginable and huge losses as a result of this illegal demolition, we will not relent in pursuing justice in the courts,” he said.

    He added that he believed Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun was not informed of this illegality.

    “But if he was informed and still decided to use the instrument of the state against our clients, it is nothing but executive recklessness. But we will continue to fight for justice and ensure that our clients get justice,” the release said.

    in a reaction, the Ogun government said that DATKEM Plaza, Ijebu-Ode, was an Illegal structure which contravened Ogun Physical Planning laws.

    The state government, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Olayiwola Abiodun, said the structure violated the building codes of the state with numerous defects.

    Abiodun explained that several efforts made by the state government to halt further development on the site were ignored by the developers.

    He said government officials requested the structural engineer in charge of the building to avail the state with the structural equilibrium of the building, a request that was ignored.

    He recalled the various incidences of building disasters across the country, adding that the state government would not fold its arm and allow such occurrence.

    According to the permanent secretary, what the government did in partially pulling down the defective building was to be proactive.

    Abiodun challenged the owners of the structure to produce evidence of government approval in their possession.

    He said for a commercial building of that status, there must be parking space to accommodate vehicular traffic within and outside the facility for workers and visitors.

    “The provision of the law is that 45 to 50 per cent of available land is for construction as a buildable area. The building lacked stage certification, which is usually issued at every stage of construction.

    “Owners were served the necessary notices, including abatement, contravention, stop work and demolition between May and October 2022, which were ignored.

    “DATKEM Enterprises Limited submitted application for an office building, located along Ibadan Road, Ijebu Ode, in 2009 with registration number CB/05/299/2009.

    “The proposal was for five (5) floors with airspace of 3 metres at the right, 5 metres at the left, 5 metres at the rear and a setback of 32.5516 metres to the middle of Ijebu Ode/Ibadan road, Ijebu-Ode.

    “The Zonal Town Planning Office observed during routine monitoring that the construction did not conform with the plan granted as there was a deviation from the airspaces and setback.

    “In addition, the building had been modified and enlarged with an additional storey building at the back thereby becoming over density.

    “In view of the above, a contravention notice with Serial No. 0106983 was served on 24th May, 2022. Stop Work Order with Serial No. 000623 was served on May 24, 2022.

    “Another Stop Work Order with Serial No. 001065 was served on July 22, 2022, when the first notice was ignored. Demolition Notice with Serial No. 0007549 was served on October 11, 2022,” he said.

    The statement also indicated that despite all these notices, the developer was recalcitrant and continued with the construction work.

    “This prompted the re-sealing of the site on August 1, 2023. But the sealing did not stop the developer from further construction as work continued on the site.

    “However, the developer wrote an appeal for unsealing, which was considered so as to evacuate the belongings in the premises. Thereafter, quit notice with Serial No. 0030750 was served on August 31, 2023.

    “In view of the fact that the developer had remained recalcitrant, the Zonal Town Planning Office’s recommendation for the demolition of the office building was upheld,” he added.

    Abiodun reiterated state government’s commitment to ensure the safety of its citizens, adding that any defective building in any part of the state would be demolished to safeguard the lives of the people.

    NAN

  • Nigerian Governor demolishes Predecessor’s Plaza

    Nigerian Governor demolishes Predecessor’s Plaza

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has authorised the demolition of DATKEM Plaza, a property owned by Olufunke Daniel, the wife of former governor now senator, Gbenga Daniel.

    The building, located at Folagbade Street in Ijebu Ode, was set to be commissioned at the end of this month.

    Though, it was gathered that Ogun State government had issued contravention notice to contractors working on the building about three days ago.

    According to the project manager, Olusegun Lawal, some of the contravention, according to the notice by government included; inadequate parking space, inadequate muster point, and inadequate airspace.

    Lawal said construction of the five-story building began in 2009 with full approval from the relevant authorities.

    Lawal added that “the building boasted a ground floor and mezzanine equipped with a fully-fledged banking hall, complete with bank trap doors and a CHUBB Strong Room.

    Other features included a Kone Elevator installed by Kresta Laurel Ltd, brand new split air conditioners from Holomicool Nig Ltd, a 150kVA generator set, and a transformer.

    The plaza also had a fire-fighting system installed by Flory Ltd, with external cladding completed by Vertex Nig Ltd. Building supervision was entrusted to qualified and certified engineers, Engr. A Lawal and Engr. Ibraheem Shonde, among others.

    Speaking on the development, an aide to Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Steve Oliyide said the building was not demolished, but it was vandalized.

    According to Oliyide, the vandalization, which lasted from 2am till 5am was carried out by thugs loyal to the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and were given police protection by ACP Edward Omosoyin with seven armed policemen in twenty vehicles.

    “Dapo Abiodun was said to be in Ijebu Ode yesterday with Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila to see the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

    “Town planners that were contacted say they don’t work at night and not even on Sunday. One of Dapo Abiodun’s thugs, Efele was said to be patrolling the area all through yesterday.

    “The operation was led by ACP Edward Omosoyin with seven armed policemen in twenty vehicles and personally supervised the destruction.

    “He called the DPOs that they have a special operation by 2am. The destruction was done by thugs headed by Efele and other thugs.

    “So, it is logical that Dapo Abiodun’s thugs are the one who attacked the building to enforce an illegal order and they are being protected by the Police. It is also true that the Town Planners who refused to sign the Order because the demolition cannot be justified were threatened and the one who collected a response letter from the builder has been placed on suspension.

     

  • Finally, DSS frees embattled Ogun council chairman

    Finally, DSS frees embattled Ogun council chairman

    The Department of State Security Service, (DSS) has released the suspended Chairman of Ogun East Local Government, Wale Adedayo.

    Adedayo had dragged Gov. Dapo Abiodun before the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) demanding the investigation of the governor over alleged mismanagement of local government funds.

    Adedayo who was also suspended by the council’s legislative house, accused Gov Abiodun of withholding the statutory Federal Allocation due to the state’s local governments since 2021.

    Following the development, the DSS invited Adedayo for interrogation and when he turned up for the invitation on Friday, he was asked to respond to the petition submitted to the Command by the state government.

    It was gathered that part of the petition was that Adedayo was instigating widespread acts of public disturbance and chaos in Ijebu East local government.

    The embattled council boss had denied the allegation of instigating acts of public disturbance but the State Security Service decided to detain him due to his refusal to withdraw the allegation leveled against Gov Abiodun.

    His incarceration led to various groups and Human rights Lawyer, Femi Falana calling for his release.

  • Fuel Subsidy Removal: Abiodun announces 10,000 palliatives, allowance for civil servants

    Fuel Subsidy Removal: Abiodun announces 10,000 palliatives, allowance for civil servants

    Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun on Monday  rolled out N10,000 palliative and other measures for public servants in the state to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

    The Governor made this known via a statement, saying that the realities of the country and commitment of his administration to ameliorate the effects of removal of fuel subsidy on the well-being of the good people of Ogun State, his government has approved a cash palliative of N10,000 for each public servant, including pensioners to enable workers to cope with the economic shocks occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy for 3 months in the first instance with effect from July 2023.

    The package also included  hazard allowance for all health and medical personnel in the State, as well as approve peculiar allowance for public servants in the State.

    Abiodun also ordered the immediate release of letters of promotion in respect of 2021 and 2022, as well as the payment of March and April 2023 leave bonuses for public servants in the State.

    The governor further ordered immediate cash-backing for the quarterly payment of gratuities to pensioners, adding that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to work out modalities of ensuring that 20% of their staff strengths are off-duty daily to ease the effect of the recent increase in fuel price among public servants.

    Abiodun added that his government would begin distribution of food palliatives to the vulnerable, saying that Gateway Trading Company has been directed to ensure the establishment of distribution outlets across the state, while items must be sold at the rate obtainable before the fuel price increase.

    “Also, fertilizers and other farm inputs are to be supplied to farmers at subsidized and controlled prices.

    “Other measures include the commencement of conversion of State Mass Transit buses to CNG including staff buses and current public transportation buses in circulation to reduce the cost of transportation by charging rates comparable to what was obtained before deregulation.

    “Immediate Road Infrastructure Intervention, with all the local governments working with Community Development Associations and Community Leaders to submit three roads that require immediate intervention as part of the palliative programmes and support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through Special Schemes to boost production capacity and employment generation,” he stated.

  • Fuel subsidy had to be removed – Gov Abiodun

    Fuel subsidy had to be removed – Gov Abiodun

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun on Wednesday urged Nigerians to be more patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the fuel subsidy had to be removed for Nigeria’s economy to survive.

    The governor made the appeal while speaking with journalists shortly after this year’s Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Lantoro praying ground in Abeokuta, Ogun.

    Abiodun, who was represented by Sen. Shuaib Salisu (Ogun Central – APC), said more funds would be available to the Federal Government to address Nigerians’ needs with the removal of fuel subsidy.

    “Nigerians need to be patient with President Tinubu over the removal of fuel subsidy. The hardship being experienced now is temporary.

    “The fuel subsidy had to be removed for Nigeria’s economy to survive, because corruption in the fuel subsidy regime had cost Nigeria a huge amount of revenue, and millions of Nigerians were not benefiting from it,” he said.

    The governor urged Nigerians to be more understanding and support the current reforms in critical sectors of the nation’s economy, just as he promised that better days are ahead for Nigerians.

    “I want to assure Nigerians that the current administration, both at the state and national levels, will significantly improve a lot of things in the country.

    “When the leadership is provided, the challenges of Nigeria are not unsurmountable. There is nothing that can be achieved without some pains.

    “On the issue of fuel subsidy, you can see for instance that smuggling has gone down… because fuel subsidy is not being enjoyed by Nigerians.

    ”More money will now be in the pockets of the Federal Government in order to be able to take care of the masses.

    “Every good thing will come with some little pain. But what is important is that you can see a clear direction, that Bola Tinubu is providing the leadership as President and by providing that leadership every other thing will fall into place.

    “So there is no better time to make those difficult but very necessary decisions. In another six months or one year, we will begin to see the benefits,” he said.

    Speaking also on the issue of the unification of the exchange rate, Gov. Abiodun stated that a small number of people were benefitting from unnecessary brokage.

    ”They buy the dollar at N400 or N420 and they go and sell it in the open market. The average Nigerian is not benefitting from that,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Chief Imam at the praying ground, Saad Bamgbola who led the prayers session, used the occasion to admonish Muslim faithful of their obligations to their God.

    “You must continue to shun all acts that can bring the religion into disrepute,” he said.