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Tag: Ondo State

  • Akeredolu: Ajulo commends Ondo elders for resolving political crisis

    Akeredolu: Ajulo commends Ondo elders for resolving political crisis

    Mr Kayode Ajulo, a constitutional lawyer has commended the Ondo State elders for the steps taken to resolve the political crisis that had bedeviled the state.

    Ajulo, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Egalitarian Mission for Africa (EMA) said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Ondo State has been facing a political crisis intensified by the absence of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu and a contentious impeachment process involving the Deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    He said the state eventually found solace in a pivotal meeting at the residence of Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti on Nov. 13.

    Ajulo said that the state`s elders and leaders forum converged to discuss peace and development amidst the current political turbulence.

    Ajulo had earlier urged the state elders to intervene in the crisis that disrupted governance and fueled enmity among the political actors in the state.

    He expressed optimism in Ondo State’s ability to independently address challenges, while applauding the elders for responding to the call, emphasising the critical nature of such a meeting.

    Ajulo who said that collective efforts was required to forester a harmonious coexistence, urged the indigenes to join the cause initiated     by the united front of Ondo elders.

    The national leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Monday held a meeting with some elders of the state to resolve the crisis between Akeredolu and his Deputy.

  • Court strikes out case against Ondo Deputy Gov, orders parties to maintain peace

    Court strikes out case against Ondo Deputy Gov, orders parties to maintain peace

    An Akure High Court on Monday struck out the suit filed by Ondo State Government and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over compilation of record of appeal.

    The claimants in the case had sued four registrars of the High Court, the Deputy Governor, the House of Assembly, the Speaker of the House and the Chief Judge of Ondo State, claiming that the procedure of settlement and compilation of record of appeal for the hearing of the appeal filed by the Deputy Governor would infringe their rights.

    When the case was called up today before Hon Justice D.I. Kolawole, the claimants through their counsel applied to withdraw the suit, claiming that events have overtaken the suit.

    Responding, counsel to the Deputy Governor opposed the oral application to withdraw the suit, contending that issues have been joined by filing a defence to the suit and also a counter-claim.

    In his ruling the judge held that the rules of the Court permit the claimants to withdraw the suit and it was accordingly struck out.

    Counsel to the Deputy Governor then urged the Court to direct parties to maintain the status quo in order to preserve the subject matter of the suit pending before the court. The application was opposed by counsel representing the house of assembly.

  • Ondo Crisis: Deputy Governor, Aiyedatiwa apologizes to Akeredolu

    Ondo Crisis: Deputy Governor, Aiyedatiwa apologizes to Akeredolu

    Following the crisis that has engulfed the political space in Ondo state in recent weeks, the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday apologised to his boss, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu over what he descibed as being an embarrssment.

    Aiyedatawa expressed regrets over the turn of events in the state, saying that reports emanating from the state have been very discomforting.

    Aiyedatiwa, who spoke during an interactive session with journalists in the state, emphasized his loyalty to Akeredolu and his unwavering commitment to the development and progress of the state.

    He added that there is need to restore peace and tranquility to the Sunshine State, as he stressed that tensions must be doused.

    Also, Aiyedatiwa applauded Akeredolu for his intervention and efforts in persuading the members of the Ondo State House of Assembly to embrace a political solution proposed by ruling the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    He debunked  all the allegations circulating on traditional and social media against him, claiming they were propagated by individuals desperate to remove him from office ahead of governorship election in 2024.

    Aiyedatiwa also stated that he has no affiliation with any groups or individuals organising protests or demanding the governor’s resignation, emphasizing that he has never authorised anyone to initiate such campaigns.

    “Our beloved state has witnessed a series of events triggered by the health challenges faced by Mr Governor, which gave rise to misunderstandings, misconceptions, assumptions, and insinuations, and exploited by political contenders preparing for the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial election.

    “It is in reference to the above that I hereby tender my unreserved apologies to Mr Governor and the good people of Ondo State, and I assure you that, together, we will both complete this journey with honour, divine guidance and in good health by the grace of God.”

  • Declare Gov Akeredolu incapacitated-Lawyers urge Ondo executive council

    Declare Gov Akeredolu incapacitated-Lawyers urge Ondo executive council

    Some lawyers of Ondo State extraction have demanded the Ondo State Executive Council to comply with the provisions of Section 189 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) by declaring that the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, is incapacitated and unable to perform the functions of his office.

    In a letter, dated the 20th October 2023, addressed to the Executive Council of Ondo State and copied to individual members of the Council, including the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Secretary to the State Government; and the Commissioner for Justice, the lawyers namely Joshua Sebiotimo, I.I. Bewaji, Myson Nejo, Vincent Adodo, Kehinde Olowe, Abayomi Olahanmi, Michael Ojimba, Oluwaseun J. Bawa, Adeyoriju Omowole, and Victoria Lipo, bemoaned the current situation of the State in which governance in the State had been practically grounded as a result of the absence of the governor.

    They also pointed to the governor’s non performance of the functions of his office since he was flown back from Germany, where he had received medical attention.

    The lawyers consequently made the following demands from the Executive Council:

    “That the Governor should address the State by way of a press briefing on local or national media within 14 days from the day of receipt of the letter to enable his state of medical fitness be ascertained;

    “Upon the failure of the Governor to address such press conference, the State Executive Council should declare, pursuant to section 189 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, that the Governor is incapacitated and unable to perform the functions of his office.

    In the event that the State Executive Council fails to make declaration as demanded, the lawyers indicated their intention to take appropriate legal action.

    The Executive Council includes the Deputy Governor, SSG, Chief of Staff, Head of Service and all the Commissioners.

  • Ondo Assembly resumes plan to impeach Aiyedatiwa following expiration of interim junction

    Ondo Assembly resumes plan to impeach Aiyedatiwa following expiration of interim junction

    The Ondo State House of Assembly began another process to impeach the Deputy-Governor, Hon Lucky Ayedatiwa following the expiration of the interim injunction of the Federal High Court in Abuja, last week.

    The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola, has been urged to constitute a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct levelled against the embattled Deputy-Governor.

    In a letter dated October 23, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, told the Chief Judge that the interim injunction of the federal high court in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1294/2023, has expired by operation of the law.

    Recall that the lawmakers had on October 3, asked the Chief Judge to institute the Seven-man Panel to investigate the allegations leveled against Ayedatiwa.

    The Chief Judge, however, said following the injunction by the Abuja federal high court, “No proceedings or determination of the House of Assembly or the Panel or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court” until the injunction expires.

    However, in the fresh letter, the Speaker of the House asked the Chief Judge to constitute the panel without any further delay.

    The letter reads, “From the facts and legal advice at the disposal of the House, the said Order has now elapsed and/or become extinguished by the operation of the law, in view of the clear provisions of Order 26 Rule 10 (2) & (3) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, which states as follows:

    “An application to vary or discharge an order ex parte may be made by the party or any person affected within 14 days after service and shall not last more than fourteen days after the application has

    been argued unless the Court otherwise directs.

    “Where a motion to vary or discharge an ex parte order is not taken within 14 days of its being filed, the ex parte order shall lapse unless the court otherwise directs in the interest of justice.”

    “Your lordship would recall that the ex parte order was made on September 26, 2023 (a copy of which is attached hereto as Annexure ODHA1), after which the case was adjourned to October 9, 2023.

    ”The 3rd Defendant in the case filed a motion on October 4, 2023 to discharge the Order and/or strike out the case for want of jurisdiction.

    “A copy of the motion is attached hereto as Annexure ODSH 2.

    “Fourteen days from October 4, 2023 when the motion was filed, terminated on or about October 18, 2023.

    “The Court has not taken the application or renewed the Order, as evident in the Certified True Copy of the Court’s record of proceedings for October 9, 2023 and October 16, 2023, copies of which are attached hereto as Annexures ODHA 3 and ODHA 3A respectively.

    “In fact, in Exhibit ODHA3, it was recorded that the motion was served on the Plaintiff in Court on October 9, 2023, after which the matter was adjourned to October 16, 2023.

    “In view of the above facts, your lordship would agree that the said Order has elapsed by the operation of the law, and no longer constitutes an encumbrance for your lordship to discharge the sacred constitutional obligation placed on your office by virtue of Section 188 (5) of the Constitution to set up the Seven-man Panel.

    “Consequently, the 10th Ondo State House of Assembly hereby calls on your lordship to kindly constitute the Panel without further delay

  • I have no plans of returning to Germany for further treatment – Akeredolu

    I have no plans of returning to Germany for further treatment – Akeredolu

    Apparently peeved by insinuations from certain quarters that he has plans to embark on another medical tourism, Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu has denied ever nursing such intentions.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls the powerful Ondo politician has been under intense pressure to resume official duties or vacate office.

    To this end, the Ondo state government has said that the report that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was set to return to Germany for medical vacation was a figment of the imagination of evil-minded politicians.

    In a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde,in Akure, the state capital, said that the ” report is concocted and planted by drowning politicians who are still nursing the pains of defeated expectations.

    Olatunde added that “the story making the rounds is baseless, unfounded and only a figment of the imagination of evil-minded politicians.”

    He urged “members of the public to dismiss this false news and not be swayed by the lies and misleading information spread by those with ulterior motives.

    Governor Akeredolu remains dedicated to serving the people of Ondo State and driving progress in our great state.”

    The statement reads: “While the good people of the state are happy over the safe return of the Governor from his medical vacation, these set of embattled politicians have been having sleepless nights gnashing their teeth in regrets of their failed evil plans.

    For us, we are committed to addressing the genuine concerns of the people of the state. This is why development is prioritized under the Akeredolu administration.

    “Governance is not about showbiz where the governor embarks on fashion parades at the market square to annouce his presence in the state. We understand the importance of development as the major driver of peaceful, thriving and egalitarian society.

    Governor Akeredolu’s administration has consistently demonstrated its dedication to the state’s progress.

    Recently, he approved the recruitment of medical professionals and healthcare workers in demonstration of our commitment to enhancing the state’s healthcare system.

    “The governor has also signed the 2023 Appropriation bill for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) into law, following its passage by the state House of Assembly.

    “This is a significant step towards advancing the development of the Oil producing Area.

    “Furthermore, we are proud to report that work is progressing rapidly on the construction of a 250-bed University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital in Akure and Ondo Town.

    The construction of the Akure flyover at Onyarubulem/Shagari Junction is also ongoing and we are making steady progress.
    To boost revenue generation, Governor Akeredolu has approved the fresh recruitment of 150 staff for the state Internal Revenue Service.

    “Additionally, modern tax stations are being constructed in Ondo and Ikare, along with a Revenue court in Akure. These projects are already in progress.

  • Ondo Assembly suspends Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment

    Ondo Assembly suspends Aiyedatiwa’s impeachment

    The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday announced the suspension of the impeachment process against the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The lawmakers resolved to halt the impeachment process after a closed-door meeting with Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    The APC leadership had set up a nine-man reconciliation committee led by the former governor of Kastina state, Aminu Masari, to reconcile all aggrieved members of the party in the state.

    Aiyedatiwa had been under the threat of impeachment by the State House of Assembly over allegations of gross misconduct and had been served a notice of impeachment.

    Addressing newsmen after the closed-door meeting, which lasted for about two hours, Ganduje and the State Assembly Speaker, Olamide Oladiji, announced the suspension of the impeachment process.

    The meeting had in attendance members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), its Ondo State chairman, Ade Adetimehin and 18 out of the 22 APC lawmakers led by the Speaker.

    Speaking after the meeting, the chairman of the reconciliation committee said: “For now, the probe and impeachment processes have been suspended to allow room for the committee to work.

    “We met with all stakeholders, except for the governor, who we are still making effort to see,” Masari said.

    The Speaker of the Assembly, who explained that the lawmakers were in Abuja at the instance of Ganduje and the reconciliation committee, said that they were ready to cooperate with the party.

    “We promised to work with the national chairman and the chairman of the reconciliation committee to find a lasting solution to the political crisis in Ondo State.

    “We gave a promise that on our part, we are ready to cooperate as an arm of government with the party.

    “At the same time, whenever they want to meet us, we will be of help to the committee. More importantly, we will allow the committee to do their work without hitches.

    “Apart from that, we believe this is the only political solution that will be of help to resolve the crisis in party’s Ondo State chapter,” he said.

    Ganduje while appreciating all stakeholders in the crisis for allowing political solution to the impasse, said the decision by the lawmakers to ceasefire showed they are democrats and committed party faithful.

    He thanked the speaker and the lawmakers for honouring the invitation to have an indepth discussion and receive an interim report from the reconciliation committee.

    “This is proof that you are real democrats, civilised and believe in conflict resolution.

    “I have to thank the State Assembly for agreeing to suspend the impeachment process and give room for political solution to the problem.

    “As the reconciliation chairman has mentioned, they haven’t met the governor and his deputy yet, but they met all the stakeholders. That was what warranted today’s meeting.

    “And now, having suspended the impeachment process, they have created a conducive environment to continue dialoguing. We believe that we will reach a political solution,” Ganduje said.

    He added that APC as a political party, is an institution that is indispensable to democracy.

    He explained that apart from its basic function for recruitment of membership, elected officers and appointed officers, its responsibility is to see that democratic ethics are followed.

    He added that it is also the responsibility of the party to ensure that crisis within its fold are averted both in its governed states, at sub national level and at international level.

    He further said the crisis in the party’s Ondo State chapter is political, saying that as a political institution, it will not fold its arms and allow it to continue.

  • About 78 per cent of elderly Nigerians at risk of Parkinson disease, says Expert

    About 78 per cent of elderly Nigerians at risk of Parkinson disease, says Expert

    A physiotherapist, Prof. Matthew Olaogun, has said that at least 78 per cent of Nigerians of 60 years and above are at the mercy of Parkinson disease.

    Olaogun said this on Tuesday at the 7th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Clinical and Academic Physiotherapists of Nigeria (ACAPN) at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo.

    He said that there was need for those showing symptoms of the disease to quickly consult health personnel for the disease to be handled early.

    Olaogun, who was the keynote speaker at the conference, said that the disease could be genetic and age-related.

    “Most people have it when they are above 60 years.

    “A good percentage of Nigerians that are above 60 years are at the mercy of the disease.

    “The cause can be genetic but what caused it in their ancestor is yet to be known.

    “And contamination of water through blacksmithing or mining can cause it.

    “It is important for people to identify it and report to medical personnel.

    “Some people will lock the patients inside the house instead of reporting it.

    “The symptoms, include shaking of  hands, inability to use hand properly.

    “Don’t keep them indoor or at prayer centres.

    “When walking seems difficult, report them.

    “It has no cure but can be tackled early so that the conditions will not get worse,” Olaogun said.

    He said that Nigerians should report any abnormalities in the movement of their bodies to a physiotherapist.

    In a speech, the National President of ACAPN, Dr Chris Okafor, said that the conference was to discuss innovations in research on physiotherapy medical rehabilitation.

    Okafor said that the theme of the conference is “Recent advancements in movement disorders”.

    He said that some people attribute Parkinson disease to a lot of myths, spiritual attack and stroke.

    “Parkinson disease is not stroke nor spiritual attack.

    “So, we are here to talk more about it and create more awareness so that people will know more about it.

    “Apart from professionals from physiotherapy, we have allied medical fields and students as well.

    “Parkinson and stroke are both neurological conditions,” Okafor said.

    According to him, the two conditions affect the brain and things around neurological system but they are not the same.

    “Because of one problem in the brain, one may have stroke,” he said.

    He further said that although both conditions are age related, they do not affect children except in few cases.

    “It is higher in those people with higher age, from 60.

    “So the older a person is, the likely he can have stroke or Parkinson disease.

    “Parkinson presents weakness of muscles – the person does not walk properly,” Okafor said.

    He charged Nigerians to take their health as a priority, adding that there was need for regular physical exercise.

    “Slumping is stress related. There is stress in the country.

    “Many people are thinking about different things, while some are not eating well.

    “People should take care of themselves, eat good food and see physiotherapist and, more importantly, engage in physical activity.

    According to him, we do not need money to do that but contact your physiotherapy to know which particular exercise you can do.

    “Exercise is key because the cause is not particularly known.

    “So, in management of Parkinson disease, neurologist and physiotherapist are very important,” Okafor said.

    Also in a remark, the Vice Chancellor of UNIMED, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, said that he was glad to host the conference, considering that the association constituted an integral part of health workforce.

    Fatusi said that there was a possibility to get the Parkinson disease as one gets older.

    He further said that medical students are expected to know more about the disease as the country has aging population.

    He said that the current medical personnel should know the latest about the disease and “as a country we should know what to do to address it”.

    Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, represented by his Special Adviser on Health Matters, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, said the State Government had introduced physiotherapy medical rehabilitation to its contributory health insurance scheme.

    He said that the elderly could benefit a lot from the scheme.

  • Impeachment: Ondo deputy governor, Aiyedatiwa’s lawyer writes Chief Judge to halt proceedings

    Impeachment: Ondo deputy governor, Aiyedatiwa’s lawyer writes Chief Judge to halt proceedings

    Embattled Ondo Deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has told the Judge of the state to disregard the directive issued by the State House of Assembly to establish a probe panel in relation to the ongoing impeachment proceedings against his client.

    The letter, addressed to the Chief Judge, highlighted the potential contempt of court that would arise should the impeachment process proceed while two separate cases concerning the matter are pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja and the State High Court in Akure.

    Adegoruwa also noted in the letter that Aiyedatiwa has refrained from responding to the notice sent by the House of Assembly due to a restraining order already issued by the Federal High Court.

    The ongoing legal actions, he argued, had created a legal obligation to suspend any further impeachment proceedings until the court cases are resolved.

    A Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier issued a restraining order preventing the Assembly from taking any actions regarding the impeachment process.

    With the development, Adegboruwa emphasised that proceeding with the probe panel would not only undermine the ongoing judicial processes but also potentially amount to contempt of court.

    “Our client has not been personally served with any valid Notice of acts of gross misconduct as required by law.

    “Our client is not in receipt of any valid Notice of acts of gross misconduct properly so issued and bearing the authority of the House of Assembly of Ondo State to which he can respond.

    “Our client has filed and served two separate applications upon the Ondo State House of Assembly, seeking orders of interlocutory injunction against the removal proceedings and also to stay further proceedings in respect of the invalid notice, which was illegally issued and improperly served,” he wrote.

    The impeachment proceedings against Aiyedatiwa had been a subject of intense controversy and legal battles since it began a few weeks ago.

  • Impeachment move: Despite Court injunction Ondo lawmakers direct CJ to set up panel

    Impeachment move: Despite Court injunction Ondo lawmakers direct CJ to set up panel

    Ondo State House of Assembly has issued a fresh directive to the state Chief Judge, Olusegun Odusola, to immediately set up a seven-man panel to investigate the Deputy Governor on the allegations leveled against him.

    This is as result of the failure of the deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to respond to the notice of allegation of gross misconduct levelled against him.

    Speaker of the assembly, Olamide Oladiji gave this directive during plenary on Tuesday.

    According to the speaker, the constitution stipulates that the assembly should wait for seven days for the deputy governor to respond which had now lapsed.

    A court of appeal sitting in Abuja had restrained the state house of assembly from carrying out the impeachment process against the Deputy Governor.