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Tag: Ondo State

  • Popular hotelier assassinated in Ondo

    Popular hotelier assassinated in Ondo

    Adesoji Johnson Adeleye, a popular socialite and hotel owner in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has been assassinated by unknown gunmen.

    Adeleye, the Chief Executive Officer of Klass Five Hotel was killed in the early hours of Tuesday at his hotel in the Arakale area of the state capital.

    Reports indicated that Adeleye was found dead inside one of the guest rooms in his hotel.

    A close friend of the deceased, speaking anonymously, revealed, “They overpowered him, stabbed him several times, and waited for him to die before leaving the room.”

    The friend also shared their heartbreak, stating, “We went out together last night and agreed to meet again in the morning. It’s shocking to lose him in such a brutal way.”

    A family member confirmed that the murder has been reported to the police station in Akure, and police detectives have since visited the crime scene.

    The family source added, “The police took the remains of the deceased to the morgue, and some individuals have been invited for questioning.”

    When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the murder, stating, “A middle-aged man was killed in his hotel premises. We have sent a team of detectives to the location, and we are currently on the trail of the perpetrators. Once we apprehend them, they will be brought to justice.”

    Ayanlade also shared that the case has been transferred to the state police headquarters for a more thorough investigation. He assured the public that the police are working diligently to arrest those responsible for the heinous crime.

  • Ondo council initiates recovery of invaded government properties

    Ondo council initiates recovery of invaded government properties

    Andrew Ogunsakin, Chairman of the Okitipupa Local Government Area (LGA) in Ondo State, has pledged to initiate the recovery of all government properties that have been subject to encroachment within the locality.

    This commitment was articulated during an inspection of government assets in Oke Oyinbo, the Government Reserved Area, and Ayeka, in Ondo state conducted on Wednesday.

    He further stated that the recovery of encroached government properties would commence upon the conclusion of the aforementioned inspection tour.

    “Any reclaimed assets will be put to judicious use for the benefit of community development,” he added.

    The inspected government properties, as reported by newsmen, encompassed lands, buildings, and farmlands, among others.

    Mr. Ogunsakin articulated that the inspection was conducted with the objective of assessing the current condition of these properties, identifying necessary renovations, and strengthening documentation procedures to prevent further misuse.

    He also conveyed his concern regarding the prevailing cases of encroachment and illegal occupation of public properties.

    “As a government, we must ensure that public resources are not mismanaged or abandoned. This exercise will enable us to take appropriate steps to recover and optimize these assets.

    “The initiative aligns with the ongoing reforms of the current administration, aimed at improving governance efficiency, advancing infrastructural development, and ensuring that government investments continue to serve the people of Okitipupa LGA,” Ogunsakin said.

    According to him, the council is committed to act of transparency, accountability, and responsible management of government resources.

    Ogunsakin warned that any mismanaged or illegally occupied properties would be reclaimed and used for public benefit, and that all cases of illegal occupation would be addressed within the bounds of the law.

    He also called for community and stakeholder support to safeguard public assets.

  • Residents in shock as gunmen kill Ondo businessman after Ramadan prayer

    Residents in shock as gunmen kill Ondo businessman after Ramadan prayer

    The Police Command in Ondo State has stated that investigations are ongoing into the assassination of a businessman, Ismaila Awoyinka, in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

    ASP Funmilayo Odunlami, the command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the assassination to NAN on Sunday in Okitipupa.

    “Investigation is ongoing to unravel the assassination of the businessman,” Odunlami said.

    Residents of Ore were left in shock after the assassination of Awoyinka, a building materials dealer, by unknown gunmen.

    The attack occurred on Saturday near his home, opposite Caring Heart Mega School in the Idi Mango area of Ore.

    An eyewitness revealed that the businessman was ambushed after performing the Taraweeh prayer, usually held after each day of Ramadan fasting.

    “He had just left the mosque at 8:35 p.m. when some men in white clothes arrived on a motorcycle. As he approached his residence, they shot him at close range,” the eyewitness said.

    News of his death spread quickly, drawing a crowd of sympathisers to his home, many of whom were in shock.

    Taiwo Adegoroye, the Chairman of Odigbo LGA, expressed his deep concern over the security situation, calling the assassination a tragic loss.

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa approves conversion of Ondo Poly to university

    Gov Aiyedatiwa approves conversion of Ondo Poly to university

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has approved the conversion of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, announced this on Wednesday in a statement in Akure.

    The statement said the decision followed a review of the initial proposal for the upgrade of the polytechnic to a university of management science and technology by the former administration.

    According to the statement, the school will be the model for the agriculture and food security revolution initiative of the state government.

    It said that a committee would be set up by the government to work out the modalities for the implementation of the conversion.

    “This is to ensure that this will not have any negative effects on the current students and staff of the institution,” it said.

    According to the statement, the governor also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and a private investor to inject N15 billion into a youth-oriented agriculture initiative.

    It noted that the MoU was an agreement for the establishment and operation of the Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme between the government and AgroMall Discovery and Extension Limited.

    It added that the initiative would focus on practical farming for young people and practical training for students in agriculture and agric related operations.

    The statement said the company would make use of five hectares of land in each of the three approved clusters in the state.

    “Using three higher institutions, including the newly upgraded RUGIPO, as host pilot beneficiaries,” it said.

    It added that aside from training of the students, each of the institutions to be used as hosts also would benefit a percentage from the proceeds of the operations.

  • What Tinubu said about Gov Aiyedatiwa’s fresh term in office

    What Tinubu said about Gov Aiyedatiwa’s fresh term in office

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on his fresh term in office.

    Aiyedatiwa, who succeeded former Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, was sworn in on Monday in Akure, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement.

    Tinubu urged the governor to use his mandate to serve the people of the state and build upon the legacy of his predecessor, the late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu.

    “I congratulate you on your successful inauguration today for a new term of office after an outstanding run in the last governorship election in Ondo State.

    “You have the rare privilege to succeed your illustrious predecessor, who worked for the growth and development of the state and advanced the progress of Nigeria as a whole,” Tinubu said.

    The President further urged Aiyedatiwa to work in the best interest of the people of Ondo State and the nation.

    “I will be your partner in progress to usher in a new era of prosperity to the people of Ondo State,” Tinubu added.

    What Aiyedatiwa said after taking oath of office

    Meanwhile, Governor Aiyedatiwa has said that he was not under any illusions that the task ahead of his administration was going to be easy.

    Aiyedatiwa said this on Monday in Akure at his  inauguration as the governor, but expressed confidence that with the continued support and cooperation of  the people of the state, the administration shall succeed.

    The governor and his Deputy, Mr Olayide Adelami, were sworn in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola at the ceremony witnessed by APC National Chairman, Alhaj Abdulahi Ganduje.

    Also present at the occasion were Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, former APC Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

    Also in attendance were Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Youths, Mr Olawande Ayodele and former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko among others.

    Aiyedatiwa and his deputy were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Nov. 16 governorship election.

    In his inaugural speech, Gov. Aiyedatiwa paid tributes to past leaders of the state for laying the foundation upon which successive governments have built.

    He said that his administration had in the last 14 months been able to restore the confidence of the people in government.

    Aiyedatiwa said that in spite of the political division and crisis brought about by the sickness and the eventual death of  Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, he had demonstrated utter commitment to the development and welfare of the people.

    He acknowledged and appreciated the support and goodwill of President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the state, for his leadership and unwavering commitment to evolving a new Nigeria.

    The governor stated that security of lives and properties would remain on the top of his agenda as well as creation of jobs for the people.

    Aiyedatiwa said that  focus would also be given to technology and innovation as part of efforts to also create new opportunities for the unemployed youth.

    He added that government would build technical schools across the senatorial districts of the state.

    “Our dear Sunshine State has witnessed tremendous progress in infrastructural development, provision of social amenities and public buildings, while we have kept on the front burner the social well-being of the people.

    “We have impacted the state positively in agriculture, health, revenue generation, urban renewal, rural roads construction, education, employment, investments promotion and entrepreneurship.

    “We like to assure you that the overwhelming renewed mandate you have freely given to us has further placed on us a huge burden of leadership and we promise never to rest on our oars.

    “We make a solemn pledge this day that we shall lead and govern with the fear of God and utmost dedication to the progress of the state.

    “We will prioritise the welfare of our people, particularly the most vulnerable among us – the poor, the sick and the marginalised,” the governor said.

    Aiyedatiwa also appealed to opposition parties to join hands with his administration to develop the state.

    He added that there was no need for unnecessary political distractions which would cost time, resources and energies that could be redirected and gainfully utilised for accelerated development.

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa appoints Pa Fasoranti’s son as SSG

    Gov Aiyedatiwa appoints Pa Fasoranti’s son as SSG

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has appointed Dr Taiwo Fasoranti as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    Taiwo is the son of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the leader of pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere.

    The appointment is contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Monday in Akure.

    Aiyedatiwa was inaugurated earlier on Monday as the 7th elected governor of the state.

    Until his appointment as SSG, Fasoranti, who hails from Akure South Local Government, was the Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board.

    The governor also reappointed Dr Kayode Ajulo as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Mrs Omowunmi Isaac as Commissioner for Finance.

    Aiyedatiwa also approved the appointment of four Special Advisers; Engr Johnson Alabi on Power; Seun Osamaye on Women Affairs; Mr Bola Taiwo on Union Matters and Special Duties; and Prof. Simidele Odimayo on Health.

    The governor said the Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, had been elevated to the position of Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing.

    Aiyedatiwa urged the appointees “to hit the ground running by providing effective and efficient services to the people of Ondo State.”

    He said that all appointments were with immediate effect.

  • Swearing-in: Aiyedatiwa pardons 43 convicts

    Swearing-in: Aiyedatiwa pardons 43 convicts

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday pardoned 43 convicts to celebrate his swearing-in as governor.

    This is contained in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan in Akure.

    Aiyedatiwa was sworn in on Monday as the seventh elected governor of the state after winning the Nov. 16, 2024 governorship election.

    The government said the pardon follows the recommendation by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Kayode Ajulo.

    “As part of this initiative, the governor has ordered the outright release of eight individuals who were previously incarcerated.

    “Additionally, 15 condemned inmates who were sentenced to death by hanging have had their sentences commuted to various prison terms, while 20 other convicts serving life imprisonment have also had their sentences adjusted to more lenient terms.

    “This momentous decision was made to commemorate Governor Aiyedatiwa’s swearing-in today, reflecting his commitment to reformative justice and humane governance,” the government  said.

    The governor’s action, it added, aligns with his ongoing efforts to address issues within the penal system and to promote the reintegration of individuals into society as productive members.

  • Tight security as Aiyedatiwa is sworn in as Governor today

    Tight security as Aiyedatiwa is sworn in as Governor today

    The Ondo State Police Command has ordered the deployment of personnel and tight security measures around the venue for the swearing-in of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as Governor of Ondo State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Wilfred Afolabi, Commissioner of Police, Ondo State, gave the order as Aiyedatiwa would be sworn-in today as the Governor of Ondo State.

    He was a former deputy governor to the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who died of cancer in December 2023, before he became an acting governor.

    Aiyedatiwa went on to win the governorship election held in Ondo State on November 16 2024.

    He braved all odds to emerge victorious in the governorship election, which was a two horse race between him and Agboola Ajayi of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The governor-elect won the election with 366,781 votes, defeating his closest rival, who scored 117,845 votes, with Aiyedatiwa winning in all 18 local governments of the State.

    His victory did not, however, come easy as he faced so many hurdles in his attempt to seek the mandate of the people of Ondo State for the exalted office of the governor.

    The hurdles ranged from attempted impeachment to undermining his office as the acting governor, among several attempts to smear his name, ahead of the governorship polls due to the health challenges faced by his then boss, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu.

    For Aiyedatiwa, who was appointed deputy governor after the removal of Agboola Ajayi, the erstwhile occupant of the office, his road to the Alagbaka Government House did not just come on a platter.

    He battled 15 other contestants to secure the ticket of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He clinched the ticket with a resounding victory, amassing a total of 48,569 votes in the governorship primaries, with his closest contender, Mayowa Akinfolarin, trailing behind him with 15,343 votes, while Chief Olusola Oke placed third with 14,865 votes.

    In a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Akure by CSP Funmilayo Odunlami, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ondo State Command, Afolabi explained that the deployment of personnel and security measures for the swearing in was to ensure the safety of attendees.

    According to him, the deployment will also ensure smooth running of activities, while escorts attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) will not be permitted entry with rifles, as part of security measures.

    “However, they may remain around the stadium perimeter in designated areas. Also, commuters who regularly use routes around the venue are advised to take alternative routes for ease of movement and to reduce congestion.

    “Vehicle owners who usually park around Stadium Area are strongly advised to park in safer locations to avoid damage, congestion, or obstruction on the road.

    “All security agencies will be on ground to enforce compliance with these guidelines,”  the CP said.

    Afolabi, therefore, urged the residents of the state to align with the guidelines to ensure a secure and orderly event.

  • Irate youth burn down police station in Ondo

    Irate youth burn down police station in Ondo

    Angry youths on Sunday set on fire a police station in Ifon, the headquarters of the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    TheNewsGuru learnt that the police station was set on fire following the reported death of a boy in police custody due to alleged torture.

    According to eyewitnesses, the youths carried out the act after learning of the victim’s death, while his friend remained in a coma at a hospital.

    In their reaction to the incident, the protesters also set ablaze another building in the area.

    In response to the escalating tension, Ondo State Police Commissioner Wilfred Afolabi has departed Akure for Ifon to restore order and prevent further violence in the area.

  • Aiyedatiwa vows to clear outstanding gratuities of LG retirees

    Aiyedatiwa vows to clear outstanding gratuities of LG retirees

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has promised to pay the backlog of gratuities for primary school teachers and local government retirees in the state.

    Aiyedatiwa made the pledge at the commencement of the 4th tranche payment of outstanding gratuities to the pensioners on Friday in Akure.

    He said the sum of N2.5 billion has been earmarked for the payment of 2013 outstanding gratuity to local government retirees.

    “Under our watch, a system of regular warehousing of funds for gratuity payment to pensioners both at the state and local government levels has been put in place and assisted.

    “I’ll like to use this occasion to pledge our irrevocable commitment to this plan until the last kobo of gratuity owed retirees in Ondo State is finally liquidated,” he said.

    The governor further said the payment was not for political gains but to express the sincerity of his administration on the provision of welfare and infrastructure to the people of the state.

    He also said that his administration would continue to accord special care to the elderly and the vulnerable persons.

    Aiyedatiwa thanked the people of the state for voting for him during the Nov. 16 governorship election, with a promise to deliver good governance for the benefits of all and sundry.

    Speaking, the Head of Service, Pastor Bayo Philip, said that the governor was known for putting smile on the faces of pensioners.

    “If people pretend not to see anything, they cannot deny this. The governor is determined to upset all gratuities in the state,” Philip stressed.

    In his remarks, the state President of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Elder Johnson Osunyemi, appreciated the governor’s effort, especially the payment of consequential adjustment in pensions.