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Tag: Aiyedatiwa

  • Aiyedatiwa released N4m from N600m FAAC allocations – Ondo LG chairmen

    Aiyedatiwa released N4m from N600m FAAC allocations – Ondo LG chairmen

    The Local government chairmen in Ondo State have accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of releasing only N4 million of the N600 million monthly allocation entitled to each council from FAAC.

    Despite the July 2024 ruling of the Supreme Court which granted financial autonomy to local governments, one local government chairman, who craved anonymity, stated that the development had hindered their ability to perform.

    According to some of the chairmen, who also spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, after the FAAC allocation is released, they are compelled by the state government to return a substantial part of the funds to the account of the Ministry of Local Government.

    The council bosses, who revealed this in Akure, the state capital, maintained that most of them have been reluctant to raise the issue directly with the governor for fear of being tagged as disloyal.

    “We are made to return the substantial part of the funds into the Ministry of Local Government account, while we are left with N4 million. In the last FAAC for June, some local governments received N644 million, N590 million and N405 million. You can verify this from the BudgIT website.

    “We are still currently under the supervision of the state government. We were told that the state government is still managing our funds due to some responsibilities, such as primary healthcare, basic education, and the funding of Amotekun,” one of the chairmen said.

    Reacting, Amidu Takuro, Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, berated the council chairmen for insincerity, stating that they were aware of the arrangement.

    “If anybody is not in agreement, they should come up openly. We are all under the same political party, under the leadership of somebody. What the government has been doing for them is a unanimous decision. It is not something enforced on anybody,” he said.

  • Aiyedatiwa splashes N60m, house gifts on Super Falcons defender, crew

    Aiyedatiwa splashes N60m, house gifts on Super Falcons defender, crew

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Monday rewarded members of the victorious Super Falcons of Ondo origin with N60 million and a house.

    The Super Falcons recently clinched their 10th WAFCON title in Morocco.

    The governor announced the reward during a reception held in honour of defender Tosin Demehin, the team’s media officer Mary Akinsola, and team secretary Mary Oduboku.

    Aiyedatiwa gifted Demehin N30 million and a house at Sunshine Estate, Oba Ile in Akure North, while Akinsola and Oduboku received N15 million each.

    He expressed pride in the team’s achievements, particularly celebrating the fact that a player and two officials from Ondo contributed to the victory.

    He said the gesture was aimed at encouraging excellence in sports and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to celebrating outstanding athletes.

    “​I would like to extend special congratulations to Oluwatosin Blessing Demehin, a daughter of the soil and a very talented player, who was part of the victorious team.

    “Your contributions to the team’s success is truly acknowledged and appreciated.

    “​I also wish to commend Mary Akinsola, the team’s media officer, for her tireless efforts in sharing the story of the Super Falcons with the world.

    “Your work behind the scenes has helped to promote the team’s image and inspire a new generation of young footballers.

    “To Mary Oduboku, the team secretary, I say thank you for your dedication and hard work. Your administrative skills and commitment to the team’s success have been invaluable.

    “To the three of you in the Super Falcons team, I say you have really made us very proud.

    “Your achievements are a testimony to your hard work, talent and perseverance. You have demonstrated that with determination and focus, anything is possible.

    “Your victory is not just a triumph for yourselves, but a huge honour for Ondo State and indeed, Nigeria,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa later appreciated the President, Bola Tinubu, for the celebration, recognition and reward accorded to the victorious Falcons.

    Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Henry Omoyofunmi, appreciated the governor for hosting the indigenes who made both Nigeria and Ondo State proud.

    He assured the governor of his commitment to promoting all other sports across the state.

    The Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association, Sunday Dele-Ajayi, noted that this was the first time any governor had officially honoured Super Falcons players of Ondo origin, in spite of the state having produced several stars over the years.

    Dele-Ajayi pledged the support of the state’s Football Association to further develop football at all levels.

    Earlier, Super Falcons defender Demehin expressed her gratitude for the love and warm reception extended to her and the entire Super Falcons team by the governor and people of Ondo State.

    She described winning the WAFCON trophy as a major milestone in her career and credited her development to her early days at Sunshine Queens, which she said helped shape her journey in football.

    Demehin said winning the trophy was a monumental progress in her career and appreciated her beginning at Sunshine Queens which shaped her career.

    “Winning the trophy was a monumental progress, this hosting makes it even more special. We stand together and united to do more for Nigerian football.

    “It’s a gesture like yours that makes youths dream bigger. This will strengthen women football in Ondo State.

    “Sunshine queens gave the start that I really needed.

    “There are many more like me in Sunshine Queens waiting for there chance which will propel them to the next level,” she said.

    NAN

  • Just in: Appeal Court upholds Aiyedatiwa’s election as Ondo Gov

    Just in: Appeal Court upholds Aiyedatiwa’s election as Ondo Gov

    The Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, Ondo State Capital, has upheld the election of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in the state.

    He contested under the APC, was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after securing 366,781 votes and winning across all 18 local government areas.

    He defeated his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The appellate court’s decision follows earlier legal victories for Aiyedatiwa.

    On June 4, 2025, the Ondo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal dismissed multiple petitions challenging his election, including one filed by Ajayi, who alleged widespread irregularities.

    The tribunal, chaired by Justice Benson Ogubu, also struck out similar petitions from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), and African Alliance (AA), affirming Aiyedatiwa’s mandate.

    Before then, on March 11, 2025, the Supreme Court had dismissed a separate appeal filed by Ajayi challenging Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy.

    The apex court ruled that the case was filed out of time and that Ajayi, not being a member of the APC, lacked the legal standing to contest the internal affairs of the party, including the qualifications of Aiyedatiwa’s running mate.

  • Insecurity: Be alive to your duties – PDP to Aiyedatiwa

    Insecurity: Be alive to your duties – PDP to Aiyedatiwa

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has urged Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to be alive to his duties of safeguarding the lives and property of residents of the state.

    The party’s Director of Media and Publicity in the state, Mr Leye Igbabo, stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Akure.

    Igbabo said that the party was alarmed by the alleged ceaseless killings of hapless residents of the state by gunmen.

    He said that victims of such killings were lawfully engaging in their daily activities needed to bring food to their tables.

    “The party cannot, in all honesty, find reasons why such assailants could operate without any form of resistance for months running, in a state where there is said to be a valid government in place.

    “Gov. Aiyedatiwa has indeed failed in his constitutional duty as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), in that he can no longer secure and protect lives and property of citizens of Ondo State.

    “It is heart-wrenching to note that in less than one month, about 50 persons have been gruesomely massacred in various settlements within the state,” he said.

    Igbabo expressed concerned that no arrest or prosecution had been made in the wake of these incidents.

    He said that the party had been wondering if a government still exists in the state in the face of what he described as unprovoked and unrestrained killings.

    “These killings are one too many and indicative of helplessness, hopelessness and huge compromise of those in the corridor of power in Ondo State,” he stated.

    Igbabo urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the situation, as it appeared that the state government was incapacitated in tackling the menace.

  • Supreme Court dismisses PDP’s suit, upholds Aiyedatiwa’s victory

    Supreme Court dismisses PDP’s suit, upholds Aiyedatiwa’s victory

    The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, challenging the legitimacy of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s election as Ondo State governor.

    In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Garba Lawal, the apex court threw out the appeal for being baseless, frivolous and lacking in merit.

    It, therefore, upheld the concurrent judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal on the disputed qualifications matter.

    Ajayi had sought to nullify Aiyedatiwa’s victory, accusing the governor’s deputy, Owolabi Adelami of forgery, impersonation, and using a false identity.

    However, both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal dismissed Ajayi’s case on procedural grounds, upholding Aiyedatiwa’s win.

    Ajayi’s legal challenge, filed on June 7, 2024, claimed that Adelami’s eligibility was compromised due to the alleged falsification of documents.

    In the initial proceedings, the defendants, including Aiyedatiwa, Adelami, the APC, and INEC, argued that Ajayi lacked the legal standing to bring the suit and that the filing exceeded the 14-day window for such cases.

    On December 2, 2024, the Federal High Court dismissed Ajayi’s case, ruling that the criminal accusations of forgery required more substantial evidence, which could not be presented through an originating summons.

    The court also deemed the petition “statute-barred” as it was filed after the constitutionally mandated deadline.

    This decision was unanimously upheld by the Court of Appeal on January 18, 2025, with a N500,000 fine imposed on Ajayi.

    The latest apex court verdict has put to rest the long drawn legal battle over the Ondo State governorship poll.

  • BREAKING: Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa sacks commissioners, retains two

    BREAKING: Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa sacks commissioners, retains two

    Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa, however, exempted two members of the cabinet from the dissolution “due to the critical nature of their duties.”

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, listed the two cabinet members as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac.

    The statement directed all affected cabinet members to hand over all government properties in their care to the accounting officers of their respective ministries.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the EXCO members for their service and contributions to the development of the state under his administration and wished them well in their future endeavours.

  • Aiyedatiwa names court complex after Akeredolu

    Aiyedatiwa names court complex after Akeredolu

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has immortalised his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, as he announced that the new High Court complex to be constructed in the state would be named after the departed ex-governor.

    Aiyedatiwa disclosed this while speaking during the flag-off of the construction of the new high court complex also called the Judiciary Village in Akure, the state capital, on Friday.

    Aiyedatiwa described the project as a historic milestone for the state, adding that it was conceived under the leadership and vision of the late Akeredolu.

    He said, “This is a milestone celebration as we flag off the construction of a new high court complex in our dear state.

    “Since the creation of Ondo State in 1976, no attempt has been made to provide a modern edifice for the administration of justice.

    “Today, we are not only making history but also fulfilling a long-standing dream of the judiciary.

    “This development is the actualisation of the dream and vision of our late leader, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    “He desired to provide a state-of-the-art high court complex to enhance the workload and welfare of our judiciary.

    “Naming this project the Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu Judiciary Complex is a fitting way to immortalise his legacy.”

    Highlighting the importance of embarking on the project, the governor expressed his administration’s commitment to the advancement of justice and the welfare of judicial officers in the state.

    “Let me state with all sense of responsibility that we are embarking on this project at this time not because the state is too buoyant financially but because of our commitment to providing a good working environment with modern facilities that will enhance the welfare of our judicial officers, workers and people seeking justice, with the overall aim of speeding up the dispensation of justice in Ondo State.

    “This complex will include a ceremonial court, modular courts, a registry, a library, exhibition buildings, a utility building and modern parking facilities.

    “It’s designed to create a conducive environment for the administration of justice and to speed up the dispensation of justice in Ondo State,” he stated.

    Earlier in his welcome remarks, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola lauded the initiative, describing it as a landmark achievement of the current administration in the state.

  • Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa approves above FG’s N70,000 minimum wage

    Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa approves above FG’s N70,000 minimum wage

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Saturday announced the implementation of N73,000 minimum wage for state government workers.

    The governor also expressed the commitment of his administration to the welfare of the people of the state.

    Recall that the Federal Government approved a sum of N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants.

    Aiyedatiwa made the announcement during the kick-off of his campaign in Ondo town, Ondo State, ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

    The governor declared that despite the fact that the Federal Government approved N70,000 as the new minimum wage, “Ondo will go a step further by paying N73,000 to our workers.”

    Addressing the mammoth crowd and the party faithful, Aiyedatiwa who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the November 16 election, urged them to convert their supports into votes for the APC to ensure the continuity of developmental initiatives across the state.

    He said, “On November 16, I urge everyone gathered here and those who are not present to convert your support into votes for the APC to ensure the continuation of our significant progress in the state.

    “Based on reports and my personal observations, I am confident that you all want this administration to continue beyond 2024. I see the love and appreciation from you, and I do not take it for granted. The best way to demonstrate this love is to vote for continuity, which will bring even more dividends of democracy.”

    Highlighting some of his achievements in his 10 months in office, Aiyedatiwa, stated that “during my time in office, we have initiated several important projects, including those started by the late governor. In agriculture, we’ve taken significant strides, boosting food production across the state.”

    He added, “We’ve also approved over a billion naira for land clearing and launched various rural road construction projects to facilitate our farmers’ activities and improve productivity in rural areas.”

    He boasted that his administration’s efforts have made doctors more willing to stay in the state instead of leaving for opportunities elsewhere, disclosing that his administration has increased doctors’ salaries and allowances.

  • SERIOUS Allegation: Aiyedatiwa has gifted MC Oluomo $1m, plans rigging guber election – PDP

    SERIOUS Allegation: Aiyedatiwa has gifted MC Oluomo $1m, plans rigging guber election – PDP

    The Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of planning to collaborate with Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, to compromise the legitimacy of the upcoming governorship election.

    The party claimed that Aiyedatiwa was planning to use the influence of MC Oluomo to rig the election in his favour.

    The opposition’s allegation was contained in a press statement signed by the spokesperson for the PDP’s campaign Organisation, Ayo Fadaka.

    The PDP also claimed that the governor has been using the state’s security vote to fund violent activities and intimidate opponents.

    The statement read in part: “Due cognisance has been accorded to deft moves by Gov Lucky Ayedatiwa to compromise the peace and tranquility of our dear State as we inch towards the November 16th gubernatorial election in Ondo State. Towards accomplishing these dastardly goals, some strategic steps have been taken, and we have clearly decoded them.

    “We also note the visit to Ondo State last week of Mr Musiliu Akinsanya alias MC Oluomo, a Lagos-based APC enforcer who has played and continues to discharge terrible roles in compromising security/voting during elections in Lagos and South Western States during off-cycle elections.

    “It is on record that Gov Ayiedatiwa rolled out the carpet to host him. Unconfirmed reports indicate that this fellow was gifted $1million at the end of his suspicious visit to Ondo State.

    “We also note that a couple of APC members in Ondo East, Snr Apostle Akinmejiwa Olusola, Alhaji Adesina Salami, Akintunde Temitope Olainukan and others, aware of the murderous intent and capacity of their leaders briefed their Lawyers, Messrs Kuewunmi, Iluyemi & Co. to raise alarm and report to the police sundry threats to their lives by Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly simply because they accused him of stealing palliatives sent by the Federal Government, allocated to their Ondo East Local Government and the sum of N2.5million.

    “Thus we take serious view that there exist a high propensity for the perpetration of violence in the APC, Ondo State, to the extent that stalwarts in the Party decided to immediately take action against their leaders, to safeguard their lives from being terminated unceremoniously underscores our conclusions to that effect.

    “Arising from (4) above, we recall that during the governorship primary election which produced Lucky Ayiedatiwa as Candidate of the APC, violence, intimidation of opponents and their supporters was the order of the day.

    “Many were seriously wounded, almost decapitated and crippled, thus we firmly wish to put on record that irresponsible attitudes of this nature must be eschewed in the forthcoming election in the interest of peace and progress of our State.

    “That we reject any plan to engage Musiliu Akinsanya for any purpose in Ondo State, we note and seriously underscore that he is a harbinger of violence everywhere he goes.

    “His roles in the last Osun State Governorship election are well documented, just as he was vanquished in that election, he will also be vanquished with consequences here if Ayiedatiwa decides to recruit him and his ragtag team for the purposes of rigging election here, a word, they say is enough for the wise.

    “We abhor violence as a Party, and we encourage the APC to be prepared to play by the rules, as failure to do just that will attract dire consequences. We may appear civil, but hereby warn that our civility is not an act of weakness.”

  • Ondo 2024: Ajayi didn’t accord me, Mikimo any political relevance – Tofowomo

    Ondo 2024: Ajayi didn’t accord me, Mikimo any political relevance – Tofowomo

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Ondo State, Sen. Nicholas Tofowomo, says the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Mr Agboola Ajayi, did not accord him and former Gov. Olusegun Mimiko any political relevance.

    Tofowomo, who represented Ondo South Senatorial District at the Ninth Assembly, stated this in an interview with NAN on Monday in Okitipupa.

    While Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa is the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship election scheduled for Nov.16, Ajayi is the PDP standard bearer.

    Tofowomo said it was unfortunate that both himself and Mimiko, who was governor of the state between 2009 and 2017, were not given any specific role to play in the preparation for the forthcoming election.

    The former senator said that he called Ajayi and congratulated him immediately he won the PDP governorship ticket to show that he never had anything against him.

    “In the PDP’s electoral committee list, former Gov. Olusegun Mimiko is number 78 while I am number 139 or so.

    “With the list, I can understand that neither the former governor nor me was accorded any political relevance in the selection of members of the team,” he said.

    Consequently, Tofowomo said he could not say categorically who would win the governorship election between Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi.

    The former lawmaker, who said that he could only talk of what he was sure of, pointing out that since he was not aware of the preparations, he could not boast of PDP winning the election.

    “I can only talk and boast about what I am sure of; that is why I said I am not certain if Aiyedatiwa or Ajayi will win the election. However, I wish both of them good luck.

    “My supporters have been asking me where should they go but I told them to hold on until I will be able to tell them where to go at the appropriate time,” he said.

    The former senator, however, said that he was not planning to defect to any party, stressing that he remained a bona fide member and strong chieftain of PDP.

    Recall that Ajayi and Tofowomo contested the Ondo South Senatorial primary on May 22, 2023, with Ajayi emerging the winner with 78 votes to defeat Tofowomo who scored 74 votes.

    NAN also reports that efforts to get the reaction of Ajayi proved abortive, as calls made to his phone was not going through as at the time of filing this report.