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Tag: Lagos State

  • LG election: Lagos APC presents flags to 433 candidates, kicks off campaign

    LG election: Lagos APC presents flags to 433 candidates, kicks off campaign

    The APC in Lagos State on Tuesday officially presented party flags to its 57 chairmanship and 376 councillorship candidates for the July 12 Local Government Elections.

    The party also kicked off campaign for the council at the event held at the APC State Secretariat, Ogba.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu , represented by Mrs Abimbola Salu- Hundeyin the Secretary to the State Government, assured the  candidates of government’s support to emerge winners in the election.

    “The love I have for this party is unquantifiable, I am with all the candidates, this is not just an official flag off, it symbolises the beginning of hard work and dedication.

    “We are solidly behind every aspirant, we are in this together, all will be successful by God’s grace. As we raise these flags today, we are proud and happy. Let us remember our values and principles, we are known for being a progressive movement.

    “We are not only here to win an election, we are here to change the lives of our people and continue the legacy of our President. We must deliver all our promises to the people. Do all you can as party faithful to ensure victory for this party,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Speaking, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the Chairman, Governance Advisory Council (GAC) , urged  the party’s flag bearers to work for the people, when elected.

    “Youths should be on stage now and do the work of the party, because at the moment you are not at the forefront yet.

    “This an opportunity for you to promote the name of our party. It is sad today that those looking for money are many in politics, and not people who really want to serve.

    “The love of our community and society should be paramount to us. Those who vied for the ticket but could get it, should be patient because there is still time and tomorrow,” Olusi said.

    He urged the youth to divide themselves into groups and move into different streets to mobilise support for the party,

    Olusi said  grassroots governance is critical, hence the need for office holders at the local government level to take care of the people and impact them .

    The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, who noted that everyone must accept the decisions of the party at all time, urged all to support party candidates.

    “The party is supreme, we must stand by the decision of the party. We must obey the party and support all our candidates. We must not fight ourselves.

    “The election is a testing ground to return President Bola Tinubu in 2027 with bulky votes,” Obasa said.

    Handling over the flags to candidates along side other leaders, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi,  State APC Chairman, applauded party leaders and aspirants for ensuring peace before, during and after the primaries.

    Ojelabi, who noted that the party had done a lot  to  reconcile aggrieved aspirants, urged flag bearers to continue reconciliation and winning those that contested against them to their sides.

    According to him, out of the 475 aspirants that vied for chairmanship tickets, only 57 chairmanship candidates were finally selected.

    He urged the candidates to try to meet the needs of the people in education, health, infrastructure development and youth development and other critical areas, if elected.

    He said that the party would continue to monitor the  performance of all its elected officers.

    “It is a real election. We are going all out into this election. Let us reach out, knock at the doors and solicit support,” Ojelabi said.

    Speaking , the Chairman of APC Campaign Committee, Alhaji Babatunde Balogun, who welcomed the candidates, expressed confidence that all the flag bearers would be victorious at the polls.

    Balogun, who urged the party’s campaign Local Organising Committee (LOC) in each council area to start rigorous mobilisation of voters, howeve,r cautioned that no campaign should exceed  the June 9 deadline ,stipulated in the electoral guidelines.

    “This election is local and at the grassroots, so we need to campaign vigorously at the ward level. There is no limit to campaign. Let the LOC work tirelessly to ensure victory for the election,” he said.

    According to him, the LOC should be co-chaired in each council by the APC LGA chairman and the council chairmen.

    “The LOC must work with various groups including ethnic nationalities “so that we can achieve a great results. Let us move across all the wards and garner votes for the party.”

    The chairmanship candidates who received party flags included: Azeez Babatunde (Agege); Idowu Akinola (Orile-Agege); Johnson Akinpelu (Alimosho); Adunni Akindele (Mosan Okunola); Lukman Abiodun (Ayobo-Ipaja); Abiodun Ejigbadero (Agbado Oke-Odo) and Idris Balogun (Egbe- Idimu).
    Ayinde Akinsanya (Ikotun-Igando); Usman Hamzat (Ifako-Ijaiye); Oluyemisi Rosiji (Ojokoro); Akeem Dauda (Ikeja); Moyosore Adebanjo (Onigbongbo); Segun Odunmbaku (Ojodu); Tunbosun Aruwe (Mushin); Seyi Jakande (Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye); Kehinde Oloyede- Almaroof (Oshodi).

    Others are Adebayo Olasoju (Isolo), Taoreed Taiwo (Ejigbo); Babatunde Hunpe (Badadry Central); Rauf Yemaren (Badagry West); Ajose Kumayon); Azeez Kareem (Oto-Awori); Isa Abiola (Iba); Muhibat Adeyemi (Ojo); Rasak Oloyede (Oriade); Lanre Sanusi (Amuwo-Odofin); Olufemi Okeowo (Ifelodun) and Olalekan Akindipe (Ajeromi).

    Idowu Senbanjo (Apapa); Jimoh Olawale (Apapa Iganmu); Adeola Adetoro (Eti-Osa); Biliaminu Agunbiade (Eti-Osa East); Kolawole Emilagba (Lagos Mainland); Taiwo Oyekan (Lagos Island); Bola Oladunjoye (Ikoyi-Obalende); Aminat Alabi (Iru Victoria Island); Muibi Folawiyo (Lagos Island East) and Sulaiman Bamidele (Surulere) also received the party’s flag.

    The party’s flags were also presented to Ogidan Owolabi (Coker Aguda); Odunayo Oluwafemi (Itire-Ikate); Bayo Adefuye (Yaba); Surah Animashaun (Epe); Wale Anomo ( Ikosi-Ejinrin); Ismail Akinloye (Eredo); Abdullahi Olowa ( Ibeju-Lekki); Rasak Kasali (Lekki); Adedayo Ladega (Ikorodu Central); Ameen Olawale (Ikorodu North) and Sulaiman Kazeem( Ikorodu West)

    Others who got the party’s flags are Sunday Benson (Imota); Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba (Ijede); Hammed Aroyewun (Igbogbo Bayeku); Moyo Ogunlewe (Kosofe); Adetola Abubakar (Agboyi-Ketu); Dammy Bada Ikosi-Isheri); Lateef Ashimi (Somolu) and Adedeji’ Omope (Bariga).

    The party also handed over flags to all the vice chairmanship and councillorship candidates. The flag-off ceremony was witnessed by party chieftains, elected and appointed officials of the party across the three tiers of government.

  • Customs speaks on extortion allegation at Lagos Airport

    Customs speaks on extortion allegation at Lagos Airport

    The Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has refuted allegations of extortion against the GHR Command by an American Returnee, Oke Adhekegba.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdul, said in a statement in Lagos on Monday said the Command had commenced a full-scale investigation to establish the facts of the matter.

    The Comptroller in charge of the command, Effiong Harrison, said the passenger was accompanied by 10 luggage containing multiple items, including 15 pairs of footwear, 22 bottles of perfume, 12 pieces of bags and numerous new clothing.

    Harrison said that the items worth N3,113,574 with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,000,004.

    He said the Adhekegba arrived in Lagos aboard British Airways with a flight Number BA-75 from London on Friday, May 16, 2025 at approximately 18:47 hours at the arrival hall D of the old terminal.

    ”These items were assessed at $1,948.15 USD upon proper valuation. Using the prevailing exchange rate of ₦1,598.22, the value in naira amounted to ₦3,113,574.00.

    “In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, the applicable charges which are Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) charge, Import Duty, Surcharge (SUR), ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) Levy, and Value Added Tax (VAT) were computed, amounting to ₦1,000,004.00, which has since been duly remitted into the Federal Government’s coffers (Copy attached),” Harrison said.

    He said the customs examination was carried out by two customs officers named Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) KO Adebayo and Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I) CC Ugboma.

    Harrison explained that NCS was committed to professionalism, transparency, and integrity,

    “The MMIA Command does not condone unethical behaviour or compromise of standard operational procedures by its personnel or members of the travelling public”.

    He said that the command had, therefore, begun a full-scale investigation to establish the facts of the matter.

    While the command remains open to scrutiny and welcomes constructive engagement from stakeholders, Harrison reiterated that duty should be paid on dutiable items as prescribed by the law.

    He stated that the command would not hesitate to enforce the relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, where any passenger was found to have breached the law for personal gain.

    He added that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport command assured the public of its commitment to facilitating legitimate travel and trade, while upholding zero tolerance for misconduct or abuse of process at all ports of entry.

  • Bode George dismisses claims of PDP collapse in Lagos

    Bode George dismisses claims of PDP collapse in Lagos

    A former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has likened the party’s structure in Lagos and Nigeria to the root of an Iroko or Lebanon oak tree.

    George stated this on Monday while addressing journalists after a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos. He denied claims that the PDP structure had collapsed.

    Some Lagos PDP chieftains, including the 2023 governorship candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), and spokesman, Alh. Hakeem Amode, recently defected to rival APC.

    They claimed that the PDP’s structure had been collapsed into the ruling party. George described their statement as “nonsensical” and rejected the claim.

    He stated that all organisations face challenging moments, but PDP would endure because its root is very deep and firmly established across the nation.

    “I want to assure our leaders that the Iroko political party is very much alive,” George said.

    He criticised the defectors, describing them as mere caricatures. “Who are these people in PDP?” he asked rhetorically, questioning their influence and relevance.

    George regretted that a respected PDP elder endorsed Jandor in 2023, leading to him receiving the party’s flag. He now considers that endorsement unfortunate.

    “It is absolutely nonsensical to say the PDP structure in Lagos State has collapsed into APC,” George insisted.

    He said the party’s current internal crisis is solvable. “This party is an Iroko tree, like an oak in Lebanon.

    “No matter the wind or storm, the Iroko will stand because of its deep roots. That is why we’ve survived till today,” he said.

    George said the PDP is assessing its self-inflicted mistakes and has learnt valuable lessons from the 2023 election experience.

    “These people believe we’ve collapsed, but it’s a lie,” he reiterated, dismissing the defectors’ claims as deliberate misinformation.

    He said the PDP would no longer tolerate the imposition of candidates in future elections, as occurred during the last poll cycle.

    “We are determined that anyone contesting must go through the people. From now on, no more ‘Baba says’ imposition,” George said.

    On the emergency rule in Rivers, George urged President Bola Tinubu to reinstate suspended Gov. Sim Fubara and respect the people’s democratic mandate.

    He warned that the President’s actions must not threaten the foundations of Nigeria’s hard-won democracy, especially in politically tense states like Rivers.

    George criticised Tinubu’s formal request to the National Assembly seeking approval of key appointments in Rivers under the emergency framework.

    He noted that the President had asked for confirmation of a chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

    The request also covered appointments to the Primary Healthcare Board, the Civil Service Commission, and the Local Government Civil Service Commission.

    “This move raises serious concerns about power concentration and undermines democratic institutions,” George said, urging the President to act with restraint.

    He added that Tinubu must not empower the Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), to conduct council elections or fill key posts.

    George urged the President to prioritise Nigeria’s pressing issues — democracy, insecurity, hunger, joblessness, and social vices — over political control.

    PDP stakeholders at the meeting included Sen. Motorola Bucknor and Chief Aduke Maina.

    Others present were Dr Niran Adeniji, Dr Layi Ogunbambi, Dr Amos Fawole, Capt. Tunji Shelle (retd.), and Dr Seye O’Dairo.

    Also in attendance were Alh. Ismail Abiola, Alh. Akorode Imam, Alhaja Babs Olorunkemi, Alhaja Tanwa Olusi, and Elder John Agbaje.

    Additional leaders included Chief Ahmed Alashe and members of the PDP Local Government Area Chairmen Forum.

  • LG election: Lagos APC announces date to unveil candidates, commence campaign

    LG election: Lagos APC announces date to unveil candidates, commence campaign

    The APC in Lagos State says it will officially commence its campaign for the July 12 Local Government Elections on Tuesday with the presentation of candidates with party’s flags.

    The APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Seye Oladejo, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, said that the flags handing over  ceremony would hold at the APC State Secretariat, Ogba.

    Oladejo said: “The campaign has been decentralised along the three Senatorial districts of Lagos East, Central and West which has been broken into two because of its size.

    “The flag-off ceremony will be witnessed by party chieftains , elected and appointed officials of the party across the three tiers of government.

    “The party had earlier directed its leadership in the local governments to put in place Local Organizing Committees – LOC- to take the campaign to all the nooks, crannies and corners of the state to ensure effective and massive mobilisation.”

    According to him, the APC campaign will focus on the various unprecedented landmark achievements of the out-going governments in the councils, the numerous timely social interventions and the promise to do more in tandem with the party’s progressive philosophy.

    The spokesman urged all voters to endeavour to perform their civic responsibility on the day of the elections.

    “The campaign will end a day before the elections in accordance with the extant laws,” he added.

    Recalled that the APC Chairmanship, Vice Chairmanship and Councilorship Candidates in the 20 Local Governments Councils, 37 Local Council Development Areas and the 377 wards emerged during its primaries on May 10.

  • Just In: Lagos LG chairman, Musibau Asafa is dead

    Just In: Lagos LG chairman, Musibau Asafa is dead

    Prince Musibau Asafa, the chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has died following a prolonged illness.

    The deceased’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Bodunrin Ayodele announced the sad news in a statement posted on Facebook on Saturday morning.

    Ayodele said the development has thrown the deceased’s family, friends, and colleagues in shock and grief.

    The statement read, “Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area is in mourning following the passing of its Executive Chairman, Prince Musibau Adekunle Asafa.

    “Prince Asafa, a respected politician, leader and dedicated public servant, succumbed to a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to the people he served.

    “According to a close family member, Prince Asafa’s passing was confirmed after a long battle with illness. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he was unable to recover and passed on, leaving his family, friends, and colleagues in shock and grief.

    “As news of his passing spreads, tributes and condolences are expected to pour in from well-wishers, community leaders, and government officials who had the privilege of working with him. Prince Asafa’s leadership was marked by a commitment to improving the lives of his constituents, and his contributions to the local government will be deeply missed.

    “Oto-Awori LCDA has lost a dedicated servant, and his passing will be felt by many. May his legacy live on, and may his family find solace in the memories of his life and service.”

  • LASEMA prepares for flood emergency in Lagos

    LASEMA prepares for flood emergency in Lagos

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reaffirmed its preparedness to respond effectively to any flood related emergency in the state.

    Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, made this known on Friday during the flag-off of the 2025 Flood-Free Lagos Campaign.

    The campaign included strategic visits to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.

    He stated that the campaign was in response to early warnings from the Federal Government indicating that Lagos was among states at high risk of flooding during the rainy season.

    “We have mapped out all vulnerable areas including Eti-Osa, Kosofe, Lekki, Apapa and Amuwo-Odofin. We are well prepared for any form of eventuality,”  Oke-Osanyintolu said.

    The Permanent Secretary highlighted significant improvements in the state’s emergency preparedness and infrastructure.

    “Under the leadership of Mr Governor, we have established an efficient and effective response system.

    “Our Command and Control Centre now operates as a full-fledged agency, headed by a General Manager.

    “The state emergency number remains 112, ensuring swift communication during emergencies,” he said.

    According to him, simulation exercises have been carried out with all key stakeholders involved in emergency response and the agency has conducted risk analyses to identify and mitigate potential hotspots.

    He said that Lagos State had set up three relief camps across the senatorial districts and grassroots responders have been trained and empowered to act swiftly during emergencies.

    “We aim to build a resilient community. Disaster impact is most significant at the grassroots and our preparedness reflects that understanding,” he said.

    Oke-Osanyintolu also praised the Ministry of Environment for its proactive efforts in clearing drainages, desilting gutters and preventing construction that blocks water flow.

    “All man-made causes of flooding are being addressed. Environmental laws are being enforced and structures that obstruct drainage systems are being removed,” he added.

    He attributed the state’s improved disaster response outcomes—including reduced mortality and morbidity rates—to the governor’s political will and strategic investments in emergency equipment and technology.

    “We thank Mr Governor for his commitment to the safety of lives and property, which remains a core pillar of his administration,” he noted.

    The LASEMA boss appealed to residents to support the state’s efforts by paying taxes regularly, emphasizing that disaster management is a shared responsibility.

    He also commended the leadership of LASEPA, describing the agency’s General Manager, Dr Tunde Ajayi, as a capable professional whose background in medicine and disaster management brings value to inter-agency collaboration.

    In his remarks, Ajayi welcomed the LASEMA team and pledged continued collaboration for effective emergency response.

    Meanwhile, a delegation from the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency, led by Mr Wellington Adebawo, Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Emergency Response, paid a courtesy visit to LASEMA.

    Adebawo explained that the visit was to learn from LASEMA’s operational model.

    In response, Oke-Osanyintolu assured the delegation of LASEMA’s openness to share both strengths and lessons learnt to help improve emergency preparedness across states.

  • Man jailed 14 years for attempting sexual assault on stepdaughter

    Man jailed 14 years for attempting sexual assault on stepdaughter

    An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Wednesday sentenced a man, Ahmed Ayinla, to 14 years’ imprisonment for attempting to sexually assault his nine-year-old stepdaughter (name withheld).

    Justice Rahman Oshodi convicted Ayinla after he pleaded guilty, under a plea bargain agreement, to an amended one-count charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration.

    While delivering the judgment, Oshodi stated that he was satisfied the convict understood the nature of the plea bargain agreement.

    He said: “I must emphasise the gravity of the circumstances that have brought you before this court.

    “You were initially charged with the more serious offence of defilement, which carries a prescribed punishment of life imprisonment under the criminal law.

    “The evidence before this court revealed a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse perpetrated against your nine-year-old stepdaughter over an extended period.

    “The survivor testified that these incidents were ‘uncountable’ in number while she was under your care and protection, and medical evidence confirmed physical injuries consistent with repeated abuse.

    “This was not an isolated incident, but a sustained campaign of sexual exploitation against a vulnerable child who looked up to you as a father”.

    The judge held that the convict occupied a position of authority and responsibility for the survivor’s welfare, but violated that sacred trust in the most egregious manner possible.

    He said that the survivor had been living under the convict’s roof, dependent on him for her basic needs and vulnerable to his predatory behaviour.

    Oshodi added that the convict had exploited this dependency to satisfy his sexual gratification, causing immeasurable harm to an innocent child.

    “However, through the plea bargain process, you have pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of attempted sexual assault by penetration under Section 262, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment.

    “This plea represents an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, and I hereby sentence you to 14 years’ imprisonment, commencing on Sept. 18, 2020, being the date of your remand.

    “Your name shall be registered as a sexual offender,” Oshodi held.

    The convict was initially arraigned on a charge of defilement, during which the state counsel, Ms Bukola Okeowo, presented three witnesses against him.

    The prosecutor, however, informed the court on June 10 that the convict had opted for a plea bargain agreement, which necessitated the amended charge.

  • Lagos lawmaker urges patience with Tinubu

    Lagos lawmaker urges patience with Tinubu

    Mr Stephen Ogundipe, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, saying things are improving.

    Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, made the appeal on Tuesday in Lagos while speaking with journalists during his 61st birthday celebration.

    Representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency I, Ogundipe acknowledged hunger in the country but said the President’s policies would yield positive results in due course.

    He said Tinubu’s recent visit to Lagos was a major boost, adding that people know the President’s capabilities and limitations very well.

    Ogundipe said Tinubu spoke sincerely, asking citizens to bear with him as he works to restore the country and improve its current condition.

    He said: “Yes, people are hungry, but some pain is needed for things to improve. Nigeria is our home; we must endure for a better future.”

    Ogundipe noted that the President is introducing new policies to reduce hardship, especially for the masses, and expressed confidence that the efforts would succeed.

    He also appealed to Nigerians to give the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) time to fulfil its promises, saying the party rose through struggle and determination.

    Ogundipe advised politicians and public officials to act with restraint and respond to current realities on the ground.

    The lawmaker urged wealthy Nigerians to be more generous, saying their wealth should positively affect those around them.

    He said: “If one person is rich among a hundred poor people, that rich person is also poor in reality.”

    According to him, anyone blessed by God should look for ways to bless others as well.

    Ogundipe, who thanked God for his life, said though he turned 60 in 2024, his constituency still wanted a celebration this year.

    Also speaking at the event, former lawmaker, Mr David Doherty, praised the National and State Assemblies for enacting laws that promote good governance.

    Doherty, who represented Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 2, said the Lagos Assembly ensures its laws and resolutions serve the people’s best interests.

    “Every legislator must represent the people well. I’ve been there and witnessed how lawmakers work to meet expectations,” he said.

    He acknowledged that challenges exist but affirmed that lawmakers are committed to their responsibilities and duties.

    Doherty described Ogundipe as a reliable and responsible figure in the Lagos State Assembly, respected by fellow lawmakers.

    Also present, Mr Taoreed Taiwo, APC chairmanship candidate for Ejigbo LCDA, described Ogundipe as a grassroots leader who always puts his community first.

    Taiwo said if elected, his priority would be to enhance citizens’ welfare, boost infrastructure, and strengthen local security as directed by the Federal Government.

  • Defection: We won’t miss those who left our party – Lagos PDP

    Defection: We won’t miss those who left our party – Lagos PDP

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State says it is not bothered about Monday’s defection of some party leaders to the All Progressives Congress(APC).

    The PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi, said this in an interview with NAN on Tuesday.

    Some PDP leaders, including the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Hakeem Amode, announced their resignation from the party on Monday.

    Other prominent  PDP leaders who dumped the party for APC were Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem, a two-time  PDP deputy governorship candidate in the state and  a former Lagos PDP deputy chairman, Chief Ola Apena.

    Olalemi said the party would not miss the defectors as they were not active members of the party.

    The PDP chieftain said the defectors had  not been active in PDP in the last two years.

    “All the people that left had been inactive in the party in the past two years; we are not going to miss them at all.

    “The party has since moved on. We are moving on without them. These people showed long ago they were not PDP members again, they are Jandor’s people and we have always known that they are APC.

    “In Lagos PDP, we have long forgotten them. They had not  been part of us for over two years. When last did you hear them defend PDP in Lagos State before their defection?

    “It (their defection) is not news to us in Lagos PDP, we know they left since. We are not bothered a bit,”Olalemi said.

    Other PDP leaders who dumped the party on Monday for APC also included Prince Rufus Adeniyi, a former PDP Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West) and Mr Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo), a former PDP House of Representatives candidate in Surulere Constituency I.

    Some 2023 PDP Lagos State House of Assembly candidates who dumped the party included Messrs Keshinro Abiodun (Epe 1); Akeem Jinadu, (Eti-Osa 1) and Ibrahim Balogun (Kosofe 2).

    Messrs Taofeek Obanikoro (Lagos Island 1); Tunde Pratt (Lagos Mainland 2); Saheed Aregbesola (Oshodi-Isolo State 2), Sulaimon Thompson (Surulere 1)and Taofeek Kuye ( Ajeromi-Ifelodun State 1) also dumped PDP for APC.

    Mr Adeyemi Kazeem:former PDP Chairman, Ojo Local Government; Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye,media aide to the 2023 Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate were also among those who defected.

    Defections: Lagos PDP not batting an eyelid – Pearse

    A Lagos State PDP Chieftain, Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, says the party is not bothered by the defection of some leaders to the  All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state.

    Pearse, former member, Atiku Abubakar 2023 Presidential Campaign Committee (PCC), said this in a statement on Tuesday.

    He was reacting to the defection of some PDP leaders, including the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Hakeem Amode, to the APC.

    Amode, along with other PDP chieftains ,announced his defection at a news conference on Monday in Ikeja.

    Speaking at the news conference, Amode said the defectors were motivated and inspired by the visionary leadership of the 2023 State PDP governorship candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), who had earlier moved to APC.

    Other PDP leaders who announced their defection included Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem, a two-time PDP deputy governorship candidate in the state and a former Lagos PDP deputy chairman, Chief Ola Apena.

    Reacting, Pearse, Convener, Reset Lagos PDP, said the wave of defections from PDP to APC in Lagos should not give any headache.

    He said the party was not batting an eyelid or losing sleep over the defections.

    According to him, Monday’s defectors are Jandor’s supporters who waited behind when he announced his own defection earlier in the year.

    “They have now decided to make their position public. They had not been with the PDP since Jandor came into the party,” he said.

    Pearse said that the defectors were light- weight politicians whose influence would not be felt in the party.

    “What power does Jandor and his supporters have when they were able to muster only five per cent in an election.

    “Anyone who  believed that the whole structure of Lagos PDP collapsed because they defected to APC can believe any joke.

    “At best, we can agree that 5 per cent of the unreliable elements in PDP has left the party.

    “Let me add, it is better that these saboteurs reveal themselves now ,before the 2027 elections. They are no longer a problem for PDP,” he said.

    Pearse said that the defection would likely ensure the defeat of APC in the next election as the party had been purged of those he called political scavengers.

    “By leaving the PDP, these political scavengers are inadvertently helping PDP to clean its house in preparation for 2027,” Pearse said.

    Recall that other PDP leaders who dumped the party on Monday for APC included Prince Rufus Adeniyi, a former PDP Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West) and Mr Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo), a former PDP House of Representatives Candidate in Surulere Constituency I.

    Some 2023 PDP Lagos State House of Assembly candidates who dumped the party included Messrs Keshinro Abiodun (Epe 1);Akeem Jinadu, (Eti-Osa 1) and Ibrahim Balogun (Kosofe 2).

    Messrs Taofeek Obanikoro (Lagos Island 1); Tunde Pratt (Lagos Mainland 2); Saheed Aregbesola (Oshodi-Isolo State 2), Sulaimon Thompson (Surulere 1)and Taofeek Kuye ( Ajeromi-Ifelodun State 1) also dumped PDP for APC.

    Mr Adeyemi Kazeem:former PDP Chairman, Ojo Local Government;Pastor Gbenga Ogunleye,media aide to the 2023 Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate were also among those who defected.

  • Lagos High Court begins annual vacation July 21

    Lagos High Court begins annual vacation July 21

    The Lagos State High Court will begin its annual vacation on July 21 to end the 2024/2025 legal year of the state judiciary.

    This is contained in a notice dated June 5 and signed by the State Chief Registrar, Mr Tajudeen Elias. According to the notice, the vacation will end on Sept. 12.

    Elias stated that the State Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba, approved the annual vacation pursuant to Order 49, Rule 4(D) of the High Court of Lagos Civil Procedure Rules, 2019.

    However, he noted that the Criminal Division of the High Court would continue to sit during the vacation.

    Elias said: “Notwithstanding the long vacation, the Criminal Division of the High Court of Lagos State may sit throughout the period of the vacation.

    “Where a judge of a criminal division is on vacation, a vacation judge may be assigned to deal with all pending criminal cases in that court.

    “Notwithstanding the long vacation, any case or matter may be heard by a judge during the period of vacation (except on a Sunday or public holiday).

    “Where such case or matter is urgent, a judge will, at the consent of all parties concerned, agree to hear it.”

    The chief registrar said that any application for an urgent hearing could be made by summons in chambers before the vacation judge or the judge before whom the substantive case was pending.

    He also stated that the 2025/2026 legal year of the state judiciary would begin on Sept.15, while the new legal year service would take place on Sept. 22.