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Tag: Ondo State

  • Suspected killer of APC ward chairman in Ondo arrested

    Suspected killer of APC ward chairman in Ondo arrested

    The Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, has arrested the suspected killer of Mr Nelson Adepoyigi, All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Ward 5, Ose Local Government Area of the state.

    Adepoyigi was abducted by gunmen on Monday, May 13, while parking his vehicle at his residence along Ifon/Owo Road in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose.

    Mr Adetunji Adeleye, State Commander, Amotekun Corps, disclosed this on Monday in Akure during the parade of 32 suspects arrested for different crimes across the state.

    According to Adeleye, the suspect has confessed and taken us back into the forest where we recovered the body of the deceased and items taken from the family.

    “We have handed the body and items over to the family. In the last two weeks in the state, we have been able to ensure that there is no ransom paid for kidnapping, which remains the position of the people and government of Ondo State.

    “On kidnapping, we have 10 suspects and majority of them have victims who identified them. We have two robbery suspects, also with the victims who identified them, while we have one suspect each for rape and anti-grazing.

    “From this analysis, I want to say that Ondo State is relatively peaceful. We want to assure farmers, especially, that in line with the directives of Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Amotekun rangers remain domiciled in the forest,” he said.

    Adeleye urged residents of the state to go about their normal duties and report suspicious movements to the Amotekun Corps.

  • Kidnappers to die by hanging in Ondo – Govt

    Kidnappers to die by hanging in Ondo – Govt

    The Ondo State Government has said that kidnappers found guilty in the state will face death penalty by hanging.

    The government also announced that buildings and facilities used by kidnappers in committing crime would be demolished after following due process in the court.

    The Attorney General and State Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, stated this at a news briefing after the State Executive Council meeting on Saturday in Akure.

    Ajulo explained that the anti-kidnapping law would be reviewed by the Ondo State House of Assembly that will prescribe death penalty for kidnappers by hanging.

    He said the council was also concerned about the spate of cultism in the state and would do everything necessary to decisively deal with the situation.

    He said penalty for kidnappers in the state would now be death by hanging after reviewing the law through the state House of Assembly.

    “The governor, being a lover of rule of law, would not go the way it’s being done in other states, without following necessary court due process.

    “We should know that we have investors coming to the state and as part of measures is to ensure we encourage them that they and their investment are safe,” he said.

    Also speaking, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, said the executive also approved installation of 6000 solar powered street lights across the three senatorial districts.
    Olawoye said the construction of 24.75km dual carriageway from Okitipupa to Igbokoda Jetty was also approved at the meeting.

    He also disclosed that the council also approved the construction of 6.7km dual carriageway from Supare Junction–Akungba–Ikare road in Akoko.

    The Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Bola Taiwo, said that the state government had approved the selection process of Olu of Okeigbo by the warrant chiefs.

  • Ondo Assembly screens 8 of 12 commissioner-nominees

    Ondo Assembly screens 8 of 12 commissioner-nominees

    The Ondo State House of Assembly has screened  eight commissioner-nominees out of the 12 persons nominated and forwarded to the assembly for confirmation by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    The assembly commenced the screening exercise on Thursday and it is expected to end on Monday.

    Those screened by the lawmakers included,  Mr Sunday Olajide, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, Mr Olaolu Akindolire and Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun.

    Others were,  Dr Seun Osamaye, Ayodele Akande, Wale Akinlosotu and Dr Tob Loko.

    Speaking to newsmen after the exercise, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye, appreciated  members of the assembly for conducting the screening exercise in a professional way.

    Akande, one of the nominees thanked the state governor for finding him worthy, stating, “it is an opportunity to serve and I will not take it for granted”.

    Akande also promised to promote the existing peace and unity in thestate, when confirmed

    “First and foremost, before you can bring an innovation into a place, there must be peace, there must be unity.

    “I will ensure that all hands are on deck by seeking the support and cooperation of the people,” he said.

    Akinlosotu,  a former Commissioner for Information in the state, thanked the governor for deeming him fit of the nomination.

    “I’m not the only one. It is a privilege and I promise that I will not take it for granted,” he said.

    Akinlosotu pledged to do his best in whatever ministry he found himself, adding that he would bring in innovation, synergy and as well work with the stakeholders to make the state move forward.

    On his part, Loko expressed his preparedness and determination to make necessary contributions to justify the confidence reposed in him by the governor.

    He described the screening process as a transparent one.

    Recall that the governor on June 13 nominated 12 commissioners to serve in the state executive council and forwarded their names to the state House of Assembly for confirmation.

    The four other nominees awaiting screening are Ayorinde Olawoye,  Alabi Johnson,  Idowu Ajanaku and Omoyofunmi Henry.

  • Police arrest 2 suspects, recover 51 bags of Indian hemp

    Police arrest 2 suspects, recover 51 bags of Indian hemp

    The Police Command in Ondo State has arrested two suspected drug peddlers and recovered 50 bags of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

    DSP Olushola Ayanlade, command’s spokesperson made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Akure.

    He said that the operation was in the furtherance to the renewed drive by the Inspector-General of Police to combat the menace of illegal drug trafficking and dismantle criminal enterprises across the country.

    Ayanlade explained that the operatives of the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) intercepted and arrested the two suspected drug traffickers along Ikare Junction in Owo on Thursday.

    According to him, the suspects have been identified as Usman Bashir, 27, male, and Usman Muhammad, 17, male, both from Kaduna State.

    “They were apprehended while transporting 51 bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, each weighing approximately 9kg.

    “The exhibits have been recovered and secured as evidence.

    “The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader criminal network involved in the distribution of illicit substances.

    “The commissioner of police commended the efforts of the operatives involved in the arrest, reiterating the command’s commitment to flushing out criminal elements from the state.

    “The officers of the command would continued to intensify intelligence-led operations targeted at criminal financiers and drug peddlers sponsoring cult-related violence and other criminal activities,” he said.

    Ayanlade promised that the police would continue to pursue and dismantle all forms of organised crime threatening the safety of residents.

  • JUSUN, Ondo Govt. meeting deadlocked, strike continues – Secretary

    JUSUN, Ondo Govt. meeting deadlocked, strike continues – Secretary

    The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State Branch, says its ongoing strike would continue due to the deadlocked meeting with the Ondo State Government.

    Recall JUSUN embarked on an indefinite strike on Friday over non-implementation of financial autonomy by the state government.

    The meeting with the state Head of Service (HoS), Mr Philip Bayo, was due to the strike.

    The state Secretary of JUSUN, Mr Kehinde Alade, told NAN on Tuesday in Akure that all efforts to engage the government’s major representatives proved abortive.

    Alade stated that the strike would continue until the state government became sensitive to the association’s plight.

    According to him, the meeting with the HoS yesterday ended in a deadlock, though we hope to have another meeting anytime from now.

    “As at now, we don’t know when we can call off the strike because there has been no fruitful engagement from the government.

    “The HoS asked us to shift our ground to give room for negotiation and we are not ready for that.

    “People like Mr Governor and the state Attorney General that have the mandate to call us to a roundtable meeting have not shown their interest. No meaningful engagements yet so far,” he stated.

    All the rooms and offices at the State High Court and different magistrates’ courts in Akure, the state capital, were not open for services.

  • Judiciary workers begin strike in Ondo

    Judiciary workers begin strike in Ondo

    The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ondo State Branch, has begun an indefinite strike over non implementation of financial autonomy by the state government.

    The state Secretary of JUSUN, Mr Kehinde Alade, stated this in a statement on Friday in Akure.

    The statement read: “I hereby notify you that we will commence our planned industrial action starting today, June 13, 2025.

    “This decision follows the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum issued to the government of Ondo State on June 4, 2025.

    “We perceived the lack of response from the government to address the reneged parts of the agreements outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on May 20, 2015.

    “This MoU contains the release of funds to the Ondo State judiciary by the state government in line with judiciary financial autonomy.

    “We, therefore, direct all our members to stay off duty starting from today, June 13, 2025, till further directive, and to adhere strictly to the industrial action guidelines.”

    According to the statement, the continuous refusal by the state government to honour the agreements contained in the MoU has had adverse effects on the members.

    It, therefore, urged the government to take immediate action to fulfil its obligations and implement the MoU to avoid further consequences.

  • Family cries out as octogenarian ‘disappears’ in Ondo

    Family cries out as octogenarian ‘disappears’ in Ondo

    The family of Akinbo has raised the alarm over the sudden disappearance of an 83-year-old woman, Mrs. Clementina Akinbo in Ode-Aye community, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    The octogenarian reportedly went missing since June 8, which has sparked panic and anxiety in the community.

    Mr Oluwole Akinbo, son of the octogenarian, while narrating the ordeal to newsmen on Friday in Okitipupa, said that they had been keeping faith that she would return since her sudden disappearance.

    He said that efforts were made to report the case to the local police and community leaders who joined forces to comb everywhere, but the old woman was yet to be found.

    According to him, “it was a big shock when my children came to tell me that mama was not in her room”.

    ”I initially thought she had stepped out briefly, but after searching the house and the neighbourhood, she was not found.

    “I quickly proceeded to a neighbouring house to check on one of her close friends, thinking she might have gone there, but to no avail.

    ”I contacted my siblings and the entire family began a frantic search within the community.

    “We combed everywhere we could think of, uncompleted buildings, farms, and all other neighbouring villages but still could not find her.

    “My mother is a gentle and calm woman who is not known to wander off on her own; she was last seen wearing a traditional wrapper and blouse,”Akinbo said.

    The family urged members of the public who have useful information about her whereabouts to report to any police station.

    Meawhile, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state Police Division told NAN on telephone that the case was not reported to the police.

    He, however, said that the police would launch a search and investigation into the matter to unravel the circumstances surrounding the mater.

    “Although, the case of a missing person in Ode-Aye was not reported to the police in Ode-Aye as I was briefed but, we will launch our search and investigation into the matter,” Ayanlade said.

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa nominates 12 commissioners

    Gov Aiyedatiwa nominates 12 commissioners

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has nominated 12 commissioners to serve in the state executive council.

    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Akure by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan.

    The statement disclosed that the names of the nominees have been forwarded to the state House of Assembly for confirmation.

    It explained that the nomination was conveyed in a letter addressed to Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji on Thursday.

    The nominees are, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, Engr Ayorinde Olawoye, Mr Ayodele Akande, Engr Alabi Johnson, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, Mr Adewale Akinlosotu, Mr Idowu Ajanaku and Mrs Oluwaseun Osamaye.

    Others are; Dr Tob Loko, Mr Olaolu Akindolire, Hon. Sunday Olajide and Mr Omoyofunmi Henry.

    “In exercise of the power conferred on me by Section 192 (1&2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I wish to forward to your esteemed office the following commissioner nominees for your kind consideration and confirmation of the House of Assembly.

    “I shall be most obliged to the honourable House for your expeditious action on this request in the overall interest of our dear state.

    “Please accept, as always, my highest regards for your esteemed self and other distinguished Members of the House,” the statement noted.

    Aiyedatiwa was sworn in on Feb. 24, 2025, two months after winning the governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

  • You’ve turned Ondo into a private bakery- SDP fires Aiyedatiwa

    You’ve turned Ondo into a private bakery- SDP fires Aiyedatiwa

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State has accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of managing the state as if it were his personal enterprise, following his failure to appoint a full cabinet and essential aides.

    In a statement issued on 11th June 2025 and shared by Oyeniyi Iwakun, the State Publicity Secretary of the SDP, the party expressed serious concerns regarding the implications of the governor’s governance style.

    The statement reads: “The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State rejects Governor Aiyedatiwa’s resort to running Ondo State like his private empire without upholding the tenets of delegated legislation as one of the basic and integral parts of successful democracy.”

    The SDP further asserted, “It is incontrovertible that for seamless administration and to ensure maximum delivery of democratic dividends, the principle of delegated legislation is sacrosanct if any government genuinely intends to pursue deliverables in the interest of the governed.” They lamented, “Unfortunately, the reverse is the case in Ondo State. The governor, who was elected on 16th November 2024 and sworn in on 24th February 2025, has struggled to maintain a full cabinet complement since he was sworn in.”

    According to the party, “Most ministries in the state have been rendered redundant and ceremonial without any meaningful accomplishments. Governor Aiyedatiwa has been running a one-man show, thereby slowing the pace of governance in an anti-people manner.”

    The statement highlighted ongoing concerns, stating, “For instance, concerns have been raised about budget implementation efficiency under the current administrative structure. What do we now expect when the governor appears to be running the state like a kind of private empire?”

    The SDP also criticised the recent initiatives of the governor, noting, “Recently, the governor flagged off the dualisation of the Igbokoda-Okitipupa road, and up till now it still remains a cosmetic project on paper without any feasible implementation.” They added, “Ordinarily, if the governor had maintained a complete cabinet, a rational person would have advised him that it wasn’t strategic to limit the project to Okitipupa and Ilaje, but such a project should have begun from Ore to Araromi Seaside while connecting with the Akure-Ore highway.”

    In conclusion, the SDP stated, “It becomes worrisome to Ondo State people that Governor Aiyedatiwa hasn’t demonstrated the urgency required in maintaining a full cabinet and other essential aides for effective governance.”

    They called for immediate action: “The SDP calls on the governor to take responsibility and, as a matter of urgency, elevate Ondo State to its desired status by ensuring his cabinet operates in full capacity rather than the current fragmented pattern of governance.”

  • Ondo guber tribunal verdict: PDP, Ajayi head to Appeal Court

    Ondo guber tribunal verdict: PDP, Ajayi head to Appeal Court

    The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) in the 2024 election in Ondo, Mr Agboola Ajayi, has vowed to appeal the judgement of the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

    The tribunal on June 4 unanimously upheld the victory of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) in the election, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing the petitions against him as speculative.

    Ajayi, in a statement on Tuesday in Akure, said that he and the PDP had undertaken a diligent review of the judgement and will appeal against it.

    “Due cognizance and rapt attention has been accorded to the kernel on which the Hon. Justices based their findings and conclusion, which in our opinion did not accord proper analysis to details of the evidence and exhibits submitted to the tribunal while it sat.

    “Thus to say the very least, we feel disappointed that we didn’t get justice at that level, but we remain undeterred and undiscouraged in our search to ensure that justice is not only served in this matter, but also ensure that honesty begins to prevail in our election process.

    “Therefore, we restate our conclusion to vitiate our rights and desires towards advancing our commitment to the legal process by appealing the judgement of the tribunal at the Court of Appeal,” Ajayi said.

    While reiterating his commitment and that of his party to get justice, Ajayi said the country’s democracy would be a mere mockery and totally unworthy of celebration if electoral laws were not adhered to.