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Tag: Ondo State

  • Don’t subvert democracy, the rule of law – Legal practitioner tasks Ondo people

    Don’t subvert democracy, the rule of law – Legal practitioner tasks Ondo people

    A Lagos lawyer and seasoned accountant, Mr Banji Alabi, has enjoined the people of Ondo State not to allow themselves to be used to subvert democracy and the rule of law.

    Alabi made the call on Sunday following moves to impeach the deputy governor of Ondo, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, by the state House of Assembly.

    The House of the Assembly had served Ayedatiwa a notice of impeachment over alleged gross misconduct and had directed the state Chief Judge to investigate the allegations.
    Alabi, the former Chairman of the Governing Council of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, in Ondo State, stated this in a message as Nigeria celebrates its 63rd independence anniversary on Sunday.

    He asked the people of the state to always defend justice, which he described, as the foundation of good society and sustenance of human existence.

    “If you rejoice over injustice because it favours you; one day you shall cry for justice and it shall elude you,” he said.
    According to him, justice is not a one-way traffic but a four-way traffic that ensures that all parties involved are given fair hearing.

    The legal practitioner urged leaders in the state to give room for good governance to thrive.

    “I would like to address the leadership team of our Sunshine State – the executive, the legislators and the judiciary that people of Ondo State need justice, they need good governance. They need peace.

    “Let’s embrace the rule of law and avoid all acts that are repugnant to the rule of law, natural justice, and good conscience.

    “Never react to what you hear from one party; hear the other side (FairPlay). And, before you react or speak, let your words conform with the Rotary 4-way test:

    “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and a better society and will it be beneficial to all concerned?

    “To our leaders in Ondo State, I encourage you today to ‘hear the other side’ because it is the fair thing to do,” he stated.
    According to him, the rule of law has been part and parcel of the African culture.

    “In our villages and communities, we all
    know that once a person makes a report to an elder, the latter does not allow punishment to be meted out until the other party to the dispute has stated his own side of the case.

    “It is trite law that leaders allow other side,” he said.
    Alabi warned that getting to political position in the state was not worth acquiring with one’s blood or with the blood of any Ondo State citizen.

    He called on all citizens of the state not to be complicit with silence but speak out for justice and a better society.
    “I encourage you – Stand up and be counted on the side of democracy, good government and the rule of law.

    “I am confident that these situations of discouragement shall pass away.

    “ Eventually, as history has shown, the people of Ondo State would become more enlightened and key into the change process.

    “As they become more enlightened, optimistic and aware of their fundamental rights to the opportunities, wealth, and resources that nature has abundantly blessed them with, they will
    not only participate more enthusiastically and passionately in the change process.

    “But they will vigorously fight for their God-given rights to luxury living, thinking outside the box, right visions, and the know-how to bring them what they truly deserve: life, liberty,
    luxury living, and the opportunities to be the best they could be!” he stated.

     

  • 63rd Independence: Nigeria has no excuse to be great – Akeredolu

    63rd Independence: Nigeria has no excuse to be great – Akeredolu

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, says that Nigeria at 63 has no excuse not to be great, calling on all Nigerians to rise up and tackle the myriads of challenges facing them.

    Akeredolu stated this on Friday at a Jumat Service in commemoration of Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary at the Central Mosque, Akure.

    Represented by Hon. Raimi Aminu, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, the Governor said that though the country’s challenges looked insurmountable, Nigerians should cooperate with the current administration of President Bola Tinubu to solve all the problems and bring succour to the entire citizenry.

    He explained that the Tinubu-led administration was putting in place some frantic efforts to ensure that it puts smiles on the faces of Nigerians and that the country becomes a place of pride.

    According to him, all that is needed is patience, cooperation and double efforts by the citizens.

    “The task before us is to build a viable and strong economy that would generate a prosperous, progressive and dignified country.

    “We can only attain this by more hard work, enterprise, peace, creativity and defence of our country,” he said.

    Akeredolu noted that his administration had put in place some palliative measures to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal by the Federal government.

    He added that the state government had decided to give out farm inputs to farmers to boost food production in the state, saying that payment of registration and consultancy fees had been put on hold in all government hospitals in the state.

    The Governor promised that the state government would not spare efforts at improving the lots of the people of the state, and asked citizens to eschew evil and defend the state.

    Earlier, the Chief Imam of the state, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, asked the Tinubu-led government to fix the country’s economy and infrastructure quickly so that Nigerians’ suffering would not linger.

    Akorede said that it was pitiable that Nigerians were going through excruciating pains as a result of unbearable cost of living and decayed infrastructure.

    He stated that he had confidence in Tinubu’s agenda in putting an end to multifaceted problems of the country, and described the president as a listening person.

    The Chief Imam urged those challenging the victory of the president to withdraw their suits so that the government could squarely face the mandate of providing security and enabling environment for Nigerians to thrive.

    He commended the state government for the various palliative measures put in place and the return of free school shuttle scheme, saying it would go a long way in cushioning the effects of high transportation fares by students in the state.

  • Ondo deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa speaks on resigning

    Ondo deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa speaks on resigning

    Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo State deputy governor,  has asured the people of the state that he would not be resigning his position as the deputy governor of the state.

    Ayedatiwa urged his supporters to disregard a purported resignation letter of his currently circulating in the state.

    Aiyedatiwa’s statement followed speculations of a discreet plot to remove him from office if he failed to resign voluntarily.

    There are spuculations that the deputy governor is  facing threats from influential politicians loyal to the governor, pressuring him to step down or face impeachment.

    This comes after he served as acting governor for about four months while Akeredolu was in an undisclosed German hospital.

    The deputy governor, in a statement he signed on Thursday, urged the Ondo State House of Assembly and the general public to disregard his purported resignation.

    His statement reads partly: “My attention has been drawn to a rumour of a purported pre-signed resignation letter, signed by me, being circulated in the public domain.

    “I wish to state that I, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, have not, do not intend, and will not sign or author any letter resigning my position as the duly elected Deputy Governor in a joint ticket with my principal, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON.

    “To this end, I urge the people of Ondo State, the State Assembly, and the general public to disregard such letter now and in the future.”

  • Ondo governor, Akeredolu returns from medical vacation, officially resumes duty

    Ondo governor, Akeredolu returns from medical vacation, officially resumes duty

    Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has returned from his medical vacation.

    Upon his return, Akeredolu notified the state House of Assembly of his resumption of duty after months of medical vacation

    The Speaker of the Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, in a statement confirmed the receipt of the letter during a parliamentary meeting.

    The letter, which was received on Friday, indicated that Akeredolu has resumed immediately.

    Oladiji who expressed gratitude to God for the governor’s safe return, emphasised that his action aligns with Section 190(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    Akeredolu had arrived in the country on Thursday after concluding a three-month medical leave in Germany.

    Following his arrival, the governor met with his cabinet members, legislators, and various political groups on Friday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

     

  • Akeredolu’s wife confirms husband’s return to Nigeria

    Akeredolu’s wife confirms husband’s return to Nigeria

    Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the wife of Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, on Thursday, confirmed that her husband has returned to Nigeria.

    Anyanwu-Akeredolu, in a message on her Facebook page, posted a picture of Akeredolu in a private jet on Thursday with the caption “homebound.”

    This is coming after about three months of medical leave in Germany.

    Akeredolu had begun the medical leave in June and it was extended indefinitely by the state House of Assembly in July.

    He after that transferred power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in line with constitutional provisions.

    According to a source who did not want his name mentioned, the governor is in Nigeria and would be formally received in Ibadan by members of the Ondo State Executive Council.

    ”Our boss is back and we are happy. We are meeting and welcoming him in Ibadan and we are on our way now,” he said.

    The source stated that most of the state executive council members were already in Ibadan to receive the governor.

    Also, another source who also preferred anonymity confirmed that Akeredolu was already in his Ibadan residence.

    “It is true, our governor, Arakunrin Akeredolu, has returned to Nigeria. But he is in Ibadan presently.

    ”We will make his arrival known to the public soon,” the source said.

    The source further revealed that several immediate family members and friends of Gov. Akeredolu have been with him since his arrival in Ibadan to rejoice with him.

  • BREAKING: After Months of Medical vacation, Akeredolu returns

    BREAKING: After Months of Medical vacation, Akeredolu returns

    After months of medical vacation, the Governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredoku has returned to Nigeria.

    The governor was flown to Germany Germany on May 31 to get foreign medical attention.

    Akeredolu arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja in a private jet with United Aviation flight number N728LB.

    It was gathered that the governor would immediately be flown to Ibadan Airport, enroute Akure, the state capital.

     

  • Ministerial Appointment: Ondo group hails Tunji-Ojo

    Ministerial Appointment: Ondo group hails Tunji-Ojo

    …says his performance as lawmaker unprecedented in Akoko land

    …urges minister-designate to replicate, surpass past achievements

    The legislative performance of Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, a serving member of the 10th House of Representatives and minister-designate has been described as “unprecedented in the history of Akoko land in Ondo State, South West Nigeria.

    This was contained in a goodwill message via a letter by members of Akoko Development Group (ADG), to congratulate him on his successful screening and confirmation by the Senate as a minister-designate in the soon-to-be inaugurated Federal Executive Council (FEC) under President Bola Ahmed Tunubu.

    Recall that Hon. Tunji-Ojo was among the over 40 ministerial nominees sent to the National Assembly for approval, going through rigorous screening processes and eventual confirmation by the Senate on Monday last week.

    In a special congratulatory message via the letter signed by the President of ADG, Mr. Akin Adaramola a former Head of Service and two-time Commissioner for Budget and Planning in Ondo State under former Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the group stated that the entire people of Akoko received the news with great delight and are proud of Tunji-Ojo’s immense contributions to the development of Akoko land.

    The group also called on the minister-designate to bring to bare his immense capacity, experience and innovative ideas which he demonstrated as a private sector player, as well as a legislator representing the Akoko Northeast/Akoko Northwest Federal Constituency of Ondo State, for the benefit of Nigeria.

    The statement reads: ”The ADG is very happy to note that in your first term in the House of Representatives, where you represented Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency, you performed excellently well to the admiration of your people. This is why you were reelected for a second
    term in Office. Your performance was unprecedented in the history of Akoko”.

    “You used your position to bring a lot of infrastructural development to the area. This was apart from the several empowerment programmes you carried out to uplift the people in your constituency,” the group said.

    While also expressing confidence in his ability to deliver, the group urged other public office holders to take a cue from the lessons of hard work by BTO, saying “It is good to be good” and that his excellent performance in his first term in the House of Representatives contributed to his nomination
    as a Minister by the President.

    “Your good deeds are known to people even those outside your constituency or state. Your case should be a lesson to upcoming politicians that whatever position they find themselves, they should perform to the maximum,
    as such could bring higher recognition to them”.

    The Group on behalf of Akoko people at home and abroad, prayed Almighty God to grant BTO good health and the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to perform his duties as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The group added that it has no doubt in the ability of Hon. Tunji-Ojo to hit the ground running after inauguration and earn the admiration of Nigerians whom he now represents, saying that his tenure as minister will make Akokoland and Ondo State in general proud.

  • Ondo Govt clarifies Akeredolu’s health status amid viral video of return

    Ondo Govt clarifies Akeredolu’s health status amid viral video of return

    Amidst circulating reports and a viral video depicting Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s return to Nigeria following a prolonged medical leave abroad, the Ondo State government has stepped forward to provide clarity.

    The viral video in question showed the governor disembarking from a helicopter, appearing healthy and vigorous.

    However, the governor’s spokesperson Richard Olatunde, said in a  statement on Sunday that the footage was taken during the 2023 presidential election campaign.

    Olatunde affirmed that Governor Akeredolu is currently still recovering abroad and thanked citizens of Ondo State and well-wishers both within and outside the country for their unwavering support and prayers.

    “The video in question, which is circulating, was captured during the Governor’s campaign tour in preparation for the last Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    “While we acknowledge the eagerness of the people of the state, as well as supporters and well-wishers from both within and outside the country, to have the Governor back, we want to clarify that Governor Akeredolu is currently in Germany, focused on his full recovery,” Olatunde said.

    He added that the Governor would return to the country soon to continue the execution of his administration’s Redeemed agenda and continue to provide impactful governance.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that Governor Akeredolu had requested an extension of his one month medical leave which he embarked upon since June 5.

    The governor’s ongoing health needs prompted him to transmit a letter to the Ondo State House of Assembly, seeking an extension.

    Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly Olamide Oladiji, noted: “Following Doctor’s advice on the need to take adequate rest after recuperating, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON, has forwarded the letter of extension on medical leave to the Ondo State House of Assembly.”

    Oladiji said the governor’s action was in line with section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended).

    He added that Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would continue to act as governor until there is a written declaration to the contrary.

  • Why I involved myself in rituals – 26-year-old suspect confesses

    Why I involved myself in rituals – 26-year-old suspect confesses

    A 26-year-old suspected ritualist and fraudster, Franklin Akinyosuyi, arrested with human head and other parts, said untold hardship and low patronage caused his involvement in rituals.

    The suspect was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police’s anti-crime section attached to Funmbi-Fagun police Station, in Ondo town, the headquarters of Ondo West local government area of Ondo State.

    Akinyosuyi, who was paraded with five other suspects at the Akure headquarters of the Police Command in Ondo State on Sunday, said his business was threatened by low patronage, hence his actions which was meant to boost his business.

    He told newsmen that the human head was discovered in his rented apartment located in Elewuro area of the community.

    The suspect, who exonerated the landlord and confirmed the ownership of all the items found in his possession, said that he bought all the items from his herbalist who resides in Ikirun, Ifelodun local government area of Osun State.

    According to Akinyosuyi, the photography business and his boutique wasn’t moving well, so his uncle took him to a herbalist last year who made a concoction for N300,000, which was paid within three weeks.

    “After he was done, he called me to come and pick it, that was last year November. He directed that I should be bathing with the human head every Thursday at exactly 1 am.

    “I used it for a month but didn’t see any difference in my business. So, I had to call the herbalist and told him to refund my money.

    “I also asked him to come and pick the human head as well but he refused to com. He started refunding my money because he already sent me N250,000.

    “So, on that faithful day, I decided to go and throw it away, so I dropped it at my backyard. Unfortunately, I went out and before I could return, my landlord’s children saw it, informed their father and they ultimately called the police,” he said.

    “After we were arrested, the herbalist claimed that he paid someone to get the human head,” he said.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, while giving details of the suspect, said the case was reported on Aug. 6 for unlawful possession of Human head in Ondo.

    She said the suspect claimed to be a photographer and to also own a boutique in Ondo town.

    “The suspect was challenged by his landlord for keeping a bag in a corner of the compound and the landlord was suspicious and asked the young man to open the bag.

    “When he did, a human skull was found in the bag. After he was arrested, he claimed it was given to him by a “native doctor” in Osun State.

    “Further interrogation and investigation led to the arrest of one Oyegoke Dare, an evangelist, who gave the skull and other fetish materials to the suspect.

    “One Oyelade Sarafa, a herbalist who also confessed to have helped in procuring the skull from one Asekun (a vigilante) in Ikirun, was also arrested.

    Two other suspects mentioned in connection with the case are currently at large,” she said.

  • Video of Ondo State governor surfaces online as he celebrate his 67th birthday

    Video of Ondo State governor surfaces online as he celebrate his 67th birthday

    A video of Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has surfaced online, as the governor celebrates his 67th birthday.

    In the video which was taken in a hospital in Germany, the governor was seen seating on a chair and by his side was the lawmaker representing Owo state constituency, Emmanuel Ogumolasuyi, who was wishing him happy birthday.

    Recall that some time ago, the governor was reported ill and was out of public scenes for some times now, while his duties are being discharge by his aid.

    See video below:

     

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