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Tag: Ladoja

  • APC Caretaker Committee chair Buni leads two governors, Ex-Speaker, others to meet Ladoja in Ibadan

    APC Caretaker Committee chair Buni leads two governors, Ex-Speaker, others to meet Ladoja in Ibadan

    Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa and Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, on Sunday held closed-door meeting with former Gov. Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State in Ibadan.

    The trio arrived the Ondo Street residence of the former governor in company of Rep. Dimeji Bankole, former Speaker, House of Representatives.

    Buni is the Chairman, APC National Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Ladoja of Zenith Labour Party, was the leader of the coalition, which supported Gov. Seyi Makinde in 2019 to win the election for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    The coalition brought together the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP); Social Democratic Party (SDP); faction of Action Democratic Party (ADP) and a faction of Alliance of Democracy (AD).

    A source at the meeting, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the visitors, arrived in Ibadan in Oyo State Government vehicles.

    This, it was gathered, fuelled the suspicions that the meeting might have caught the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government in the state unaware.

    Though, details of the meeting were sketchy, the source told News Agency of Nigeria that the governors were in Ladoja’s house to discuss issues of insecurity and the possibility of wooing him into the APC fold.

    According to reports, the visitors were received at Ladoja’s House by Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari (APC-Oyo North), Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli and Bimbo Adepoju.

    However, all efforts made to get Ladoja and the governors speak on outcomes of the meeting proved abortive as they declined comments.

  • Offer Sunday Igboho, Kanu amnesty-Ladoja to FG

    Offer Sunday Igboho, Kanu amnesty-Ladoja to FG

    Former Oyo Governor Senator Rashidi Ladoja on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to give self- acclaimed Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho and leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu amnesty.

    He warned that more of Igboho and Kanu will emerge if government does not handle the duo carefully.

    Speaking with reporters in his Bodija residence on Tuesday, the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland lamented the failure of successive governments to address challenges facing the nation led to emergence of the agitators.

    According to him, government should not treat the agitators as criminals but should offer them amnesty as they have done to repentant Boko Haram members in Borno State.

    He said: “Federal government has declared amnesty for Boko Haram, they should also declared amnesty for Igboho and the IPOB leader.

    “Just like Kanu, to some people, Sunday Igboho has also become a leader, people are agitating for what they believe in. Yoruba leaders including the Alaafin of Oyo have been complaining about atrocities committed by suspected herdsmen and nothing has been done to it till now.

    “Boko Haram members were arrested a year ago by the government and have been released to the Borno State government.

    “Sunday Igboho was created in the context of killings in Ibarapa axis of Oyo State. Nobody has been arrested for it and even if they were arrested, they were later released. That is why people resorted to self- help.”

     

  • Why Ladoja was impeached, removed as Oyo governor – Obasanjo

    Why Ladoja was impeached, removed as Oyo governor – Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that former Gov. Rashidi Ladoja was impeached and removed as governor of Oyo State for being ungrateful to Chief Lamidi Adedibu and Chief Yekinni Adeojo.

    He made the disclosure on Thursday during the launching of former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala’s autobiography titled Amazing Grace in Ibadan.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alao-Akala, an APC Chieftain, is a former governor of Oyo State on the platform of PDP from 2007 to 2011.

    NAN reports that Alao-Akala was the deputy governor of the state from 2003- 2007 when Ladoja was impeached.

    Obasanjo said that Ladoja was impeached when all efforts to reconcile him with the late Adedibu and Adeojo failed.

    He said that Ladoja had turned deaf ears to his entreaties and he paid heavily for it.

    “You pointed out on page 140 that Ladoja picked up a quarrel with me for reason of a non-existent third term.

    “I didn’t know that Ladoja picked up a quarrel that his becoming governor was due to the grace of God and major contributions of the two people.

    “I pleaded with him to make accommodation for them both. He told me that they were all Ibadan people and they knew how to deal with themselves.

    “He subsequently proved himself right as they dealt with themselves and he, Ladoja, came out the worse for it,” he said.

    On his part, Alao-Alala said that he was a product of grace, saying God paved his way to greatness.

    The former governor said that the title of his autobiography was not a happenstance, but a providence to bring him out of the dungeon of a hopeless tomorrow to the fulfillment of destiny.

    He narrated how his long anticipated desire was fulfilled, notwithstanding threat to achieving the dream.

    “The tragic death of my father in a road accident in 1952 single-handedly threatened my dream of getting to the cusp of my life aspirations.

    “But providence miraculously found for me a path to the top,” he said.

    Alao-Akala said that the 140-page book contained how he attained his desire and changed the lives of the people in the state.

    “How I became governor of Oyo State is also documented which serves as a reminder to those who may be prone to being quickly swept off by the amnesia of history that God used me.”

    He said that it showed “how myself and my team of dependable colleagues at that period in time changed the lives of the people in the state”.

  • EFCC re-arraigns Ladoja over alleged N4.7bn fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday re-arraigned former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja over alleged N4.7 billion fraud.

    The re-arraignment followed an amendment of the charge by the EFCC.

    Ladoja was charged with converting N4.7 billion from the state treasury to his personal use.

    He was re-arraigned along with his former Commissioner for Finance Waheed Akanbi, on 11 counts of money laundering and unlawful conversion of public funds.

    They however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    In the amended charge, EFCC added that Ladoja allegedly “compelled” a broker to sell the state’s shares.

    The prosecution alleged that the former governor did not remit the N1.9 billion realised from the sale of the shares.

    The commission told the court that the money allegedly went to Ladoja, his family and friends and was not refunded.

    EFCC had closed its case before the amendment, but rather than open their defence, the accused opted to file no-case submissions.

    Moving the no-case submissions on Monday, Ladoja’s lawyer, Mr Bolaji Onilenla, said EFCC did not establish a prima facie case against his client.

    During trial, a prosecution’s witness, Mr Abubakar Madaki, an EFCC Investigator, had testified that the shares, worth N6.6billion, were sold without the state executive council’s resolution.

    According to the investigator, Ladoja engaged Fountain Securities as a portfolio manager to sell the shares at a discounted rate, adding that the shares were acquired by McLace Securities.

    However, Ladoja’s counsel had faulted Madaki’s evidence, arguing that there were no complaints by the state that the shares were sold illegally.

    “We urge the court to hold that there was no prima-facie case against the first defendant and we urge the court to discharge and acquit him accordingly,” Onilenla said.

    Counsel for Akanbi, Mr Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), said what the prosecution witnesses testimonies were not sufficient to ask the accused to enter a defence.

    “We urge the court to uphold the no-case submission of the second defendant,” he said.

    But the prosecutor, Mr Olabisi Oluwafemi, urged the court to order the accused to open their defence.

    He said the evidence given by the prosecution witnesses had raised several questions for which the accused persons should be called upon to answer.

    Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned until November 12 for continuation of hearing.

     

     

  • Ajimobi, Ladoja in warm embrace at Olubadan’s 90th birthday

    Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and former Gov. Rashidi Ladoja on Sunday defied their estranged relationship as they warmly embraced each other at the 90th birthday of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

    According to reports, the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, venue of the event, was thrown into wild jubilation as the perceived political foes embraced themselves.

    The week-long birthday celebration attracted prominent monarchs across Yoruba land, members of the state executive council and gladiators across political divides.

    Some dignitaries at the event were former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan, Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola and some white cap Chiefs from Lagos.

    Others were Sen. Soji Akanbi, Rep. Abiodun Awoleye, Hon Akeem Ige, Minority Leader, Oyo State House of Assembly, Alhaji Daud Akinola, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland and Chief Ademola Ojo.

    Some Oyo State political gladiators who attended the event were Dr Olusola Ayandele, Mr Seyi Makinde, Mr Joseph Tegbe, Chief Niyi Akintola, Alhaji Sharafadeen Alli, Mr Isaac Omodewu, Dr Azeez Adeduntan and Chief Adebayo Adelabu

    Ajimobi expressed happiness that the monarch, whom he referred to as his father, clocked 90 years, praying that the ancient city of Ibadan witnessed more development during his reign.

    The governor stated that the imbroglio between the state government and the renown gospel musician, Dr Yinka Ayefele, has been resolved, pledging his administration’s readiness to assist him.

    Alao-Akala, Makinde, Tegbe congratulated the monarch on his 90th birthday, praying that his reign would bring peace to Ibadanland and Oyo State.

    Earlier, Ladoja, an Ibadan high chief, congratulated the monarch on his birthday, praying that he reigned longer on the throne of his fore-fathers.

    The former governor, who is also the Osi-Olubadan of Ibadan, had at a prayer session held at Popoyemoja palace of the monarch, said the crisis rocking Olubadan-in-Council would soon be resolved.

    The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji AbdulGaniy Abubakr, offered praises and thanks to God for what they described as special grace bestowed on the 41st Olubadan to attain age 90 on earth.

    Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, Chief Imam of Gbagura in Ogun State, said living above life expectancy in Nigeria required divine grace from God.

    Balogun, in a lecture, enjoined Nigerian leaders to fight injustice and poverty ravaging the country so as to reduce the number of citizens dying as a result of hypertension.

    Alhaji Mudathir Bada, the Chief Imam of Oluyole, urged the monarch to rule Ibadan land with the fear of God so as to remain relevant.

    Alhaja Sekinat Adekola, the Iya Adinni of Ibadanland, called for the resolution of the crisis rocking the Olubadan-in-Council.

    In his address, Prof Taoheed Adedoja, Chairman, Olubadan 90th Birthday Celebration Committee, said the essence of the birthday celebration was to celebrate Ibadan and pray for national unity and stability.

    Adedoja, a former Minister of Youth and Sports, said that to live long was by the glory and grace of God, urging the people to be good to their parents, elders and the aged.

    The former minister stated that the Yorùbá tradition, which Olubadan represented, should be preserved, respected and protected within the context of modernity and technological age.

  • N4.7bn fraud: Ladoja diverted part of Oyo shares’ sale proceeds – EFCC

    A prosecution witness, Mr Abubakar Madaki, on Thursday told a Federal High Court in Lagos that former Gov. Rasheed Ladoja of Oyo admitted taking part of proceeds of the sale of the state shares.

    Madaki, an Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC) operative, gave evidence in the trial of Ladoja and a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Waheed Akanbi, for N4.7 billion fraud.

    The accused were brought before Justice Mohammed Idris on Dec.14, 2016, but they pleaded not guilty to the eight-count charge preferred against them by the EFCC.

    The judge granted them bail.

    At the resumed trial of the case on Thursday, the prosecution counsel, Mr Oluwafemi Olabisi, continued examination of the witness.

    Madaki said that Ladoja confirmed it his statement before the EFCC that he used part of the proceeds from the sale of Oyo State shares to purchase four cars.

    The counsel had asked the witness what happened to N400 million out of the N1billion difference of the proceeds which he was to investigate.

    Olabisi noted that the witness had identified N600 million out of the N100 billion.

    “Part of the proceeds was used to purchase four cars by Ladoja; he promised to return them but he has failed to do so.

    “The cars are a jeep, a bus and two other cars supplied to members of the House of Representatives loyal to him,” Madaki said.

    He added that the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) conducted a discrete investigation into the alleged fraud and issued a report to the EFCC to that effect.

    Olabisi applied to tender the report from the NSE as an exhibit.

    The counsel also sought to tender as exhibit, the search warrant for the residence of the Managing Director of McLean Securities.

    Messrs Bolaji Onilenla and Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, counsel to Ladoja and Akanbi, respectively, did not object to Olabisi’s request.

    Consequently the documents were admitted and marked Exhibit H3 and Exhibit H4 respectively.

    Madaki also testified that Ladoja approved the reduction of the sale of the shares without any state executive resolution.

    The witness identified a correspondence between the commission and Oyo State Government with accompanying documents, which the state obliged the EFCC.

    When Olabisi sought to tender the documents, Onilenla objected to that, arguing that the documents were certified only by the commission.

    Olabisi then withdrew the documents and prayed the court for an adjournment to enable the prosecution to “do the needful”.

    Justice Mohammed adjourned continuation of the trial until May 30.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused were charged with conspiring to siphon and launder N4.7 billion from the coffers of Oyo State Government.

    The EFCC also accused them of converting N1.9 billion belonging to the state for their personal use through the account of a company known as Heritage Apartments Ltd.

    The anti-graft agency claimed that the accused retained the money sometime in 2007 in spite of their knowledge that it was proceeds from a criminal activity.

    Ladoja was accused of removing 600,000 pounds from the state coffers in 2007 and sent to his daughter, Bimpe, in London.

    In addition, the ex-governor was accused of converting N42 million belonging to the state for his personal use and subsequently used same to purchase an armoured Land Cruiser.

    The EFCC added that Ladoja converted N728 million and N77 million at different times in 2007 for his personal use and transferred same to Bistrum Investments for the purchase of a property in Ibadan.

    The offences contravened the provisions of Sections 14, 16, 17 (a) and 18 (1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004, according to the EFCC.

  • N4.7bn fraud: Court adjourns Ladoja’s trial till March 19

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday adjourned the trial of former Oyo State Governor Rasheed Ladoja till March 19.

    Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned the trial after the court called its fourth witness.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned Ladoja for allegedly converting N4.7 billion from the state treasury to his personal use.

    He was charged along with Waheed Akanbi on eight counts of money laundering and unlawful conversion of public funds.

    They pleaded not guilty.

    Ladoja was governor from May 29, 2003 to January 12, 2006, when he was impeached.

    On November 1, 2006, the Appeal Court in Ibadan declared the impeachment illegal.

    The Supreme Court upheld the decision on November 11, 2009, and Ladajo resumed office on December 12, 2006.

    But he lost a re-election bid.

    A witness and Managing Director of Fountain Securities, Mr Obakola Daisi, was led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Mr Oluwafemi Olabisi.

    Daisi said he was the official stockbroker for Oyo State government’s portfolio of shares sold in 2007.

    Bidders for the portfolio, he said, included City Securities, Spring Capital, Deep Trust and McLeans Securities, adding that McLeans was the preferred bidder.

    The prosecutor asked the witness if the second defendant was part of the bidding meeting, and he replied “yes”.

    The witness said an Executive Assistant to the former governor, Adewale Atanda, requested that drafts should be raised in the name of Fountain Securities.

    Atanda had testified that Ladoja allegedly bought cars for lawmakers to prevent his impeachment, adding that the former governor gave a directive that the state’s shares be sold.

    He said N634 million, which was part of the commission and profit realised by stockbrokers handling the shares’ sale, were used as slush funds to prevent Ladoja’s impeachment.

    The witness said the N634 million was delivered to him by the stockbrokers.

    According to him, he removed N180 million from the sum, which he earlier borrowed and spent on Ladoja’s instructions during the heat of the impeachment saga.

    Part of the N180 million, Atanda said, was the N80 million he obtained from Wema Bank Plc, which Ladoja allegedly used to purchase 22 vehicles for Oyo State lawmakers to prevent his impeachment.

    Justice Idris also fixed March 20 and 21 for continuation of the trial.

  • Akala’s defection to APC cannot stop PDP in 2019

    Ex-Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja has declared that the defection of Chief Adebayo Alao Akala; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; former Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and a former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ayodele Adigun to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state will not stop the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from capturing the state in 2019.

    Ladoja while speaking when he received a former governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu at his Ondo Street Ibadan residence on Friday noted that their defection to APC does not mean anything to PDP.

    He said, “Do you know that all the politicians are not more than five per cent of the voting population? So, one person moving from one party to another does not matter, it is the population that matters. The population is still solidly behind us.

    “Akala has been in APC since two years ago after he left Labour Party (LP), immediately after 2015 elections. I think it’s just now they have time to celebrate him because election is coming.

    “Teslim is there. I don’t know how many people he has been able to take along, though he contested in the last election. He is welcomed to contest in another election again. Dele Adigun, is a good technocrat and I hope he will play the game according to the rules by being fair to everybody.

    “I am not contesting, I’m already an elder statesman, but I have flair for the PDP.”

    Ladoja also described as untrue the allegation that since the structures of PDP in the state have been handed over to him, he had sidelined those that were strong supporters of the late strongman of Ibadan politics, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, based on the roles they allegedly played in his 11 months impeachment as governor of the state between 2003 and 2007.

    “All those claims are not true. The PDP congresses were transparent”.

    The Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland also revealed that the PDP would participate in the local government election which the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi said would hold early next year.

  • PDP Chairmanship: Ladoja steps down

    Another candidate for the post of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has stepped down from the race.

    Chief Bode George and Mr Jimi Agbaje, Gbenga Daniel have earlier withdrawn from the race.

  • Oyo PDP endorses Ladoja

    The Oyo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday endorsed a former governor of the state, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, as its choice among those jostling for the seat of the National Chairman at the party’s national convention slated for Saturday.

    The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha, announced the endorsement and adoption after a show of hand vote, during a meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Molete, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

    But another aspirant, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, said the endorsement carries no weight because he had also been endorsed by the same State Executive nine months ago.

    To him, the endorsement was a mere recognition of aspirants’ move to contest the election.