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Tag: Ibadan

  • Police nab driver with N1m fake currency

    Police nab driver with N1m fake currency

    The Police Command in Oyo State says it has arrested a male driver, (name withheld), allegedly in possession of N1,000,000 fake currency.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Adewale Osifeso, made this known in a statement he issued in Ibadan on Saturday.

    Osifeso stated that the suspect was arrested by the command’s Federal Highway Patrol Team during a stop-and-search operation on Friday.

    The arrest, he said, was made at about 8.45 p.m. around the Guru Maharaj Ji area of the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway.

    According to him, the driver, on his way to Osogbo, was driving a green Sienna vehicle with registration number Lagos FKJ 443 YG.

    He stated that the suspicious character of the driver prompted the officers to conduct a thorough search of his vehicle.

    “During the investigation, officers discovered approximately ₦1,000,000 in banknotes of N1,000 denomination.

    “The notes bore only three unique serial numbers: 235923 – N500,000 (500 notes); 235922- N300,000 (300 notes); and 235921- N200,000 (200 notes), all concealed in a transparent plastic parcel secured with ample tape.

    “Upon questioning, the suspect, a male, indicated that he was acting as a courier, having received the cash from an unidentified individual in Ojota, Lagos,” he said.

    According to Osifeso, the suspect stated that he was instructed to deliver the funds to Osogbo but that he had not been given the recipient’s name or contact details.

    The PPRO said the suspect claimed the person who gave him the package told him it contained body cream.

    Osifeso pledged the command’s commitment to combating currency counterfeiting and other financial crimes jeopardising the nation’s economy and community safety.

    He said further investigations would continue on the matter, and updates would be communicated to the public.

    “We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate channels,” he said.

  • PDP wins Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election

    PDP wins Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election

    Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fola Oyekunle has won the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.

    The Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Abiodun Oluwadare declared  the result of the election in the early hours of Sunday in Ibadan.

    Oluwadare said that Oyekunle of PDP  scored a total of 18,404 votes to defeat his closest rival, Adewale Olatunji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 8,312 votes.

    He also said that African Democratic Party (ADC) candidate, Femi Akin-Alamu polled 88 votes while Olabisi Olajumoke of All Progressive Grand Alliance had 40 votes.

    “The candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Hammed Badmus had 18 votes.

    “Oyekunle of PDP having satisfied the requirement of the law is hereby declare the winner of the election,” he said.

    The Ibadan North Federal Constituency seat became vacant following the demise of Rep. Olaide Akinremi of the APC on July 10.

  • INEC REC rates conduct of Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election

    INEC REC rates conduct of Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election

    The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Dr Adeniran Tella, has said no violence or BVAS machine malfunctioning was recorded  in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.

    Tella disclosed this while briefing newsmen after monitoring the conduct of the election in various polling units and wards on Saturday in Ibadan.

    The REC, who described the turnout of voters as not bad, added that the election was conducted in a process that guaranteed acceptability.

    “No report of violence or malfunction of BVAS machine have been recorded so far,” he said.

    Tella commended the security agencies in the state for their efforts in ensuring a free, fair and credible election.

    He further commended the electorate for their orderliness and ensuring a peaceful conduct of the election.

    Some of areas visited by the REC include Sabo Ward 6, Units 9, 10, 24 at St. Gabriel Secondary Commercial School, Jembewon Way and Ward 6, Units 005 and 20, also in same area. Others were Yemetu Oja Ward 3, Units 36, 014, 44 and 12 among others.

    It was observed low turn out of voters in most of the polling units and wards visited. The agents of All Progressive Congress (APC), Wasiu Abiola and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nafiu Lawal, told NAN that the election was peaceful and the BVAS machines worked perfectly.

    The voters however, complained of low turn out of voters.

  • By-election: Five parties struggle for 217, 980 votes in Ibadan North

    By-election: Five parties struggle for 217, 980 votes in Ibadan North

    The by-election to occupy the vacant House of Representatives seat in Ibadan North Federal Constituency holds today, Saturday.

    The by-election became necessary as a result of the death of the former occupant of the seat, Hon Musliudeen Olaide Akinremi.

    Akinremi, who died July last year, was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The election is billed to take place in twelve electoral wards that make up the federal constituency.

    Recall 217, 980 prospective voters who have collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards will determine the fate of the candidates contesting the election.

    Five political parties and their candidates have been moving from one ward to the other to seek votes.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), disclosed that only five political parties will participate in the election.

    The commission made this declaration on Wednesday.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Adeniran Rahmon Tella made this declaration during a media briefing in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    He said that the commission monitored the primary election of seven political parties but only five political parties made the final list.

    Tella said, “The commission has met with various key Stakeholders ahead of the upcoming Bye-Election. We have met with all the registered Political Parties in the State. In line with the timetable, Party Primaries have been conducted and Seven (7) Political Parties were monitored by the Commission. Five (5) Political Parties made the final list published by the Commission.

    “The parties and candidates that scaled through and that will be contesting in this upcoming Bye-Election on Saturday are as follows: Hon. Akin Alamu Dexter Femi of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Olatunji Haastrup Adewale of All Progressive Congress (APC), Hon. Odususi Olajumoke Olabisi of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Oyekunle Fola Sunday of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Hon. Hammed Badmus of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) respectively”.

    Five candidates sign peace agreement

    Before today, all the five candidates signed a peace accord.

    The peace accord was signed by the candidates at the INEC office on Wednesday.

    The event was attended by representatives of the political parties, security chiefs and other stakeholders.

    The five candidates who signed the peace agreement are: Dexter Femi Akin-Alamu from African Democratic Congress (ADC), Adewale Haastrup Olatunji from All Progressives Congress (APC), Olabisi Olajumoke Odususi from All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Fola Sunday Oyekunle from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Hammed Badmus from Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

    The REC, Mr Tella, while addressing the gathering, noted that the essence of the peace accord is to foster unity.

    He added that the commission was committed to conducting a credible election.

    He said, “On behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to this significant event -the official signing of the Peace Accord for Ibadan North Federal Constituency Bye-Election.

    “This gathering demonstrates your commitment to promoting peace, stability and credibility in the electoral process. The signing of this Peace Accord is a crucial step towards ensuring a free, fair and transparent election.

    “As we embark on this critical process. I urge all stakeholders to adhere to the principles outlined in the Peace Accord. Let us work together to create an environment that allows voters to exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.

    “You all witnessed the official signing of the “Peace Accord” by these Political Party Flagbearers and their Parties participating in the upcoming Bye-election on Saturday. The essence of which is to foster a conductive environment for voters to exercise their rights, ultimately contributing to the legitimacy and credibility of the electoral process.

    “The Commission had constant engagements with the members of Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) with the Commissioner of Police as the lead Security Agency in this regard. Assurances have been made to ensure safety, protection of lives and property of the electorate before, during and after the conduct of the coming election.

    “However, there will also be restriction on movement (except for Voters, Poll Officials) in the affected places within Ibadan North Federal Constituency beginning from 12:00 midnight prior to this coming Saturday’s election.

    “There will also be restriction on movement in Twelve (12) Registration Areas/ Wards in Ibadan North Federal Constituency which are: Ward I (Islamic Mission Primary School, Odoye) Ward II (St Stephen Primary School, Inalende), Ward III (Salvation Army Primary School Yemetu), Ward IV (Methodist Primary School, NTA), Ward V (Ikolaba High School, Ikolaba), Ward VI (St Gabriel Grammar School, Mokola), Ward VII(St Louis Grammar School, Mokola), Ward VIII (Chesire High School, Ijokodo), Ward IX C&S New Eden Primary School, Mokola), Ward X (Immanuel College Primary School, Samonda) and Ward XII which is (Methodist Primary School, Bodija) respectively.”

  • All efforts to fight the fire proved abortive – Fresh FM speaks on incident at head office

    All efforts to fight the fire proved abortive – Fresh FM speaks on incident at head office

    Fresh FM management has confirmed a fire incident at its Head Office located in Challenge, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    In a statement released on Friday night by Samson Akindele, Group Head of Corporate Affairs for Fresh FM Nigeria and Yinka Ayefele Limited, it was reported that the studios of Fresh 105.9 and Blast 98.3 were severely damaged in the fire.

    Fresh FM statement read: “We are sad to inform the general public that the the Head Office of Fresh FM Nigeria, Challenge – Ibadan was razed by a devastating fire incident this evening, August 15, 2025.

    “In the ensuing mishap, the studios of Fresh 105.9 and Blast 98.3 were badly burnt, with proximal offices like the newsroom, the transmitter/server room and several equipment that got razed during active operations.

    “All efforts to fight the fire, before the arrival of the professional fire fighters, with our in-house fire extinguishers proved abortive because of the strength of the inferno.

    “We can’t immediately quantify the extent of the damage caused by the devastating inferno, the cause of which is also yet to be ascertained presently.

    “We heartily appreciate everyone good-spirited Nigerians who joined us in fighting the inferno. From the residents around our studio complex who were the first responders to passersby and the officials of the Oyo Fire Service, we appreciate everyone for their assistance during the emergency.”

  • By-election: Candidates sign peace accord in Oyo

    By-election: Candidates sign peace accord in Oyo

    Candidates in the August 16 Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election in Oyo State, on Wednesday, signed an agreement to ensure a peaceful, free, fair and transparent election.

    The agreement was signed at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) State Headquarters in Ibadan, and witnessed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Dr Adeniran Tella and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Femi Aruna.

    Other stakeholders in attendance were representatives of the Nigeria Army, National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Security (DSS), NDLEA and NOA.

    In his remarks, Tella said the essence of the peace accord was to foster a conducive environment for voters to exercise their rights, “ultimately contributing to the legitimacy and credibility of the electoral process”.

    He said that INEC had constant engagements with the members of Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), which has the Commissioner of Police in the state as the lead security agency, on the peace accord.

    The REC said that candidates from five political parties contesting in the by- election signed the peace accord.

    The candidates are Akin Alamu – African Democratic Party (ADC); Haastrup Olatunji – All Progressive Congress (APC); Olabisi Odususi – All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA); Sunday Oyekunle – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Hammed Badmus – Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

    He urged the five political parties and their candidates to adhere to the peace accord signed, admonishing that there shouldn’t be any form of voters’ intimidation on election day.

    Speaking further, Tella made it known that all the non- sensitive materials for the forthcoming by-election have been received and deployed to the concerned local government area.

    He said that the by-election would hold in 512 polling units with 272,196 registered voters expected to participate in the exercise.

    The REC added that the commission had configured a total of 526 Bimodal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) machines with additional 48 back-up BVAS machines for the by-election.

    He emphasised that the use of technology would be deployed through the use of BVAS machines “and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) for uploading of results on election day.”

    The candidates of the APC and PDP, Olatunji and Oyekunle respectively pledged to abide with the peace accord.

    Olatunji commended INEC and security agencies for their preparations towards ensuring peaceful conduct of the Aug 16 election. Oyekunle urged INEC to conduct free, fair and transparent by-election.

  • Remains of 43rd Olubadan, late Oba Olakulehin, to rest Today

    Remains of 43rd Olubadan, late Oba Olakulehin, to rest Today

    The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be buried on Friday.

    It is expected that Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State will lead dignitaries across the country to St. Peter’s Church, Aremo, Ibadan, for the funeral service of the 43rd Olubadan.

    According to the Olubadan Palace Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade, a book presentation in honour of the late Olubadan would also be held on Friday.

    He said that the presentation of the book, titled “How Not to Be a King”, would be held during the funeral reception at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

    “The book presentation was initially penned down to mark Oba Olakulehin’s 90th birthday and his coronation anniversary, but Kabiyesi’s demise on July 7 was responsible for the postponement,” Ayoade said.

    According to him, the book x-rays the life and times of Olakulehin.

    “It also features personal reflections and testimonies from family members, friends, associates, and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council,” he said.

    The palace press secretary added that the late Olubadan was known for his commitment to the unity and progress of Ibadanland.

    NAN reports that, as a build-up to the funeral, various activities are currently taking place at the late Olubadan’s residence in Alalubosa GRA, Aleshiloye, and the Central Palace in Oke Aremo.

  • Egungun festival: NYSC sends strong warning to female corps members in Ibadan

    Egungun festival: NYSC sends strong warning to female corps members in Ibadan

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Oyo State on Saturday cautioned female corps members serving in Ibadan to avoid restricted areas during the forthcoming annual Egungun festival.

    Mrs Abimbola Faniyi, Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, NYSC Oyo State, said in a statement that the guideline became necessary as many female corps members were strangers in the land.

    The annual traditional Egungun festival, tagged ‘Oloolu’, is scheduled from Monday to Thursday.

    She noted that the masquerade would pass through the following areas: Oje, Gate, Oja-Oba, Ayeye, Orita-Merin, Beere, Oranyan, Idi-Arere, Agugu, Oke-Aremo, Oremeji, and Olubadan Palace, among other routes.

    “Corps members should know that it is forbidden for females/women to see the masquerade.

    “Therefore, we strongly advise all our female corps members to abide by this tradition whenever the masquerade is passing through their areas.

    “Corps members are also advised to avoid any gathering around the masquerade’s designated routes during the festival,” she said.

    Faniyi cautioned corps members not to make any attempt to do video recordings or take photographs of the masquerade.

    She further stated that corps members were not allowed to question or challenge the rites of the Ibadan Egungun local tradition.

    She urged the leadership of transport unions in the state to direct their drivers not to take corps members and prospective corps members through dangerous routes during the festival.

    “Comply with local advice and instructions from community leaders and security personnel.

    “Corps members are strongly warned to abide by these precautionary measures, as the management of NYSC in the state, under the leadership of Mr Peters Kayode, remained committed to corps members’ welfare and safety,” she said.

  • SEMA issues flood alert for Ibadan residents

    SEMA issues flood alert for Ibadan residents

    The Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYOSEMA) has issued a flash flood alert for residents in Ibadan, particularly those in Akinyele, Egbeda, and Oluyole local government areas.

    The agency said this in a statement issued by its Administrative Secretary, Mrs Ojuolape Busari, on Friday in Ibadan.

    Busari said that the flood early warning system’s latest weather forecast indicated that heavy rainfall is expected in the mentioned local government areas.

    She urged residents in the areas to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential flooding.

    Busari noted that some areas within the mentioned local governments could receive more than 100mm (about 4 inches) of rain in the next 24 hours.

    She highlighted that the heavy rainfall would be experienced in the North-East side of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) area, and the airport in Ibadan.

    Busari said the flood alert became necessary to activate the concerned local government authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate the risk of flooding and avoid loss of lives, displacement, as well as significant damage to property and infrastructure.

    She added that IITA (Akinyele) and the airport (Egbeda) areas would experience significant rainfall.

    Busari warned that accessibility to major roads in the predicted areas might become difficult or impassable.

    She said that heavy rain would make driving hazardous, advising residents to avoid driving or walking through floodwaters.

    “People living in flood-prone areas should move to higher ground to avoid loss of lives and property,” she said.

  • Mixed reactions trail renaming of Ibadan Polytechnic as alumni calls for review

    Mixed reactions trail renaming of Ibadan Polytechnic as alumni calls for review

    Mixed reactions have trailed Thursday’s renaming of The Polytechnic Ibadan, with the institution’s alumni largely calling for a review.

    The respondents expressed their diverse views in separate interviews in Ibadan, with members of the alumni frowning at the change of name.

    Recall that Gov. Seyi Makinde announced the institution’s renaming after the late ex-governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo, during the deceased’s commendation service in Ibadan.

    Mr Yomi Akande, an alumnus and the institute’s Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) leader, told NAN that many other alumni had been expressing dissatisfaction since the announcement.

    “As an alumnus of The Polytechnic Ibadan, the name of the institution is a force to reckon with anywhere in the world. So, taking away that name is somehow, because of the prestige that comes with it.

    “The governor needed to have considered other factors before making such a pronouncement.

    “The name of the late Dr Omololu Olunloyo is good, but what many people are against is the changing of the name, The Polytechnic Ibadan.

    “It is not that the change of name will bring new development to the school,” he said.

    Another alumnus, Mr Olaoluwa Olabode, told NAN that the renaming would affect both past and current students negatively.

    According to him, he doesn’t see the move bringing any improvement to the educational institution, alleging that it was done with a political undertone.

    “What benefits would the change of name bring to the school?” Olabode queried.

    In his opinion, another alumnus, Mr Sanmi Olatunde, said perhaps the government should have renamed a particular building in the school, instead of the institution’s name.

    “This is the only polytechnic we have in Ibadan; it is not right that the name of the institution is changed,” Olatunde said.

    Calling for a review, an Ibadan indigene and alumnus, Mr Tayo Olaleye, described the institution as the pride of the ancient city of Ibadan that should not be tampered with.

    According to him, it is not acceptable for the name to be changed at will.

    Furthermore, Olaleye said the renaming would affect the students in easily securing favour and job opportunities with the alumni.

    “This is a prestigious institution whose name has been resounding in many spheres for decades, at home and abroad, so we do not welcome the sudden renaming,” Olaleye said.

    Meanwhile, Comrade Tiamiyu Ademola, Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Oyo State Chapter, said the renaming would not affect the institution’s reputation.

    According to him, the institution’s reputation will stand provided its management maintains its standard.

    He also urged the students not to allow the matter to lead to any form of protest.

    However, he noted that the decision could still be reversed with genuine arguments from alumni and other stakeholders of the institution.

    “We believe that Gov. Seyi Makinde is a listening governor; with the right approach, I believe the decision can still be reversed,” he said.

    However, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Moshood Olaleke, hailed Makinde for honouring Olunloyo with the gesture.

    Olaleke said no honour would be too great for Olunloyo, whom he referred to as a great mathematician.

    He described the three months Olunloyo spent as the executive governor of the old Oyo State before the military took over as remarkable.

    According to him, Olunloyo had already put in place a solid structure for good governance before the coup that terminated his tenure.

    He said that Makinde should be commended for recognising the positive contributions of the late technocrat to the state.

    Recall that Olunloyo died on April 6, a few days before April 14, when he would have turned 90 years old.