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Tag: Ondo State

  • 50 observers to participate in Ondo LG election

    50 observers to participate in Ondo LG election

    The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) says it has accredited 50 local and international observers for the Jan. 18 Local Government (LG) elections in the state.

    This is contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Akure by Mr Tunde Adeleye, ODIEC Commissioner in charge of Communication, Media and IT.

    Adeleye said that the announcement served as a reinforcement of their commitment to credible elections, and to ensure stakeholders were well-informed ahead of the polls.

    According to him, the commission has reaffirmed its commitment to credible LG polls and providing a serene platform for observation.

    “For this election, close to 50 local and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been accredited.

    “They were also approved to monitor the upcoming Ondo State LG elections, set to take place on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

    “These accredited NGOs will deploy their members across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ondo State to observe the electoral process.

    “This initiative underscores ODIEC’s commitment to upholding the core democratic principles of free, fair, credible, and transparent elections,” he said.

    Adeleye explained that engaging the observers was part of the commission’s aim to enhance public confidence in the electoral process

    According to him, the presence of the observers will also ensure that all activities surrounding the elections are conducted in accordance with established guidelines.

    Adeleye, therefore, urged all voters in the state to actively participate in the upcoming elections and exercise their civic duty responsibly.

    “Together, we can achieve elections that truly represent the will of the people,” he said.

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa frees 40 prisoners to mark 60th birthday

    Gov Aiyedatiwa frees 40 prisoners to mark 60th birthday

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State in a poignant act of compassion commemorating his 60th birthday has granted prerogative of mercy to 40 prisoners in the state.

    Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor made this known in a statement on Sunday in Akure.

    Adeniyan explained that initiative emerged from recommendations put forth by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy headed by Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

    According to him, the initiative emphasise the governor’s dedication to fostering a justice system that prioritises reform over retribution.

    He said that the governor’s decision reflects a profound commitment to rehabilitation and the transformative power of second chances.

    ”Among the fortunate beneficiaries, 15 convicts will experience the profound relief of outright release effective from Jan. 12, 2025.

    “In a further demonstration of mercy, several death sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment.

    “while others will see their terms of incarceration reduced, thereby nurturing renewed hope for reintegration into society.

    “The signing of the release orders coincides with the governor’s 60th birthday, marking a significant occasion with an act of grace.

    “Gov. Aiyedatiwa’s actions are in accordance with Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” Adeniyan said.

    He, therefore, said that  Aiyedatiwa chose to forgo his birthday celebrations in honour of the late Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi (Tuykana) who died previous week.

    However, Ajulo said that the council’s deliberations were enriched by insights from correctional authorities, legal experts.

    “And esteemed community members, focusing on the nature of the offenses, duration of incarceration, age, health, and behaviour of the inmates.

    “Also, this compassionate gesture underscores Gov. Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to extend Grace and Mercy to the said convicts which represented a vital component of his administration’s ongoing Justice Sector Reforms,” he said.

  • Ondo Assembly describes death of SSG as rude shock

    Ondo Assembly describes death of SSG as rude shock

    The Ondo State House of Assembly has described the as shocking the demise of the  Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Temitayo Oluwatuyi.

    Oluwatuyi died on Jan. 4 as a result of  injuries sustained in an auto accident on Dec. 15 on the Ile-Ife/Ibadan expressway.

    The Speaker of the House of the Assembly, Chief Olamide Oladiji, who led the state lawmakers to  pay a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, stated this on Tuesday in Akure.

    Oladiji said that he was outside the state when he received the news of the SSG’s death, and prayed that God would comfort the family.

    The speaker in the condolence register described the loss as tremendous not only to the state but to Nigeria at large.

    He prayed  that the deceased family would find solace in the memory  of  life and services of the deceased to humanity.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Yomi Okoro, appreciated the lawmakers, adding that the death had indeed caused a great vacuum.

    Mr  Daodu Raymond, the Deputy Minority Leader in the House of the Assembly, prayed  on behalf of the state lawmakers for the repose of the soul of the late SSG.

  • Gov Aiyedatiwa declares curfew in Owo over deadly cult clashes

    Gov Aiyedatiwa declares curfew in Owo over deadly cult clashes

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has declared a dawn to dusk curfew in Owo, Owo Local Government Area over cult clashes which claimed four lives on Monday.

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

    According to him, the ongoing violent cult clashes and security disturbances in Owo has led to loss of lives.

    “The governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has ordered a dawn-to-dusk curfew in the town till further notice.

    “All residents are required to remain indoors during the curfew. Only essential services, such as hospitals, emergency services, and law enforcement will be exempted from the curfew.

    “The governor has tasked security agencies in the state to enforce the curfew, ensure safety of lives and properties, arrest the perpetrators of violence and restore peace to the community,” Adeniyan said.

  • Violent cult clash in Ondo leaves four dead

    Violent cult clash in Ondo leaves four dead

    The Police in Ondo State have confirmed the killing of four persons in cult-related clash in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of the state.

    SP Funmilayo Odunlami, the Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO) in the state, made the confirmation on Monday while speaking with newsmen in Akure.

    Odunlami said the killing occurred during a violent clash among some suspected cult members in the town.

    The police spokesperson, however, said that she could not ascertain if a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC) was among those killed.

    “We can’t confirm if an APC chieftain was affected, but four people have been confirmed dead.

    “Normalcy has returned through the intervention of the Police, efforts are on to arrest perpetrators of the act,” the PPRO said.

    Meanwhile, an eyewitness told newsmen that an APC chieftain, Mr Fisayo Oladipo, was among persons killed during the clash.

    The eyewitness said that five persons including the APC chieftain were killed at 2:00a.m. on Monday during the violent clash.

    Their corpses have been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.

  • Aiyedatiwa declares 3-day mourning for late Ondo SSG

    Aiyedatiwa declares 3-day mourning for late Ondo SSG

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has declared three-day mourning and prayers in honour of the late Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Temitayo Oluwatuyi.

    The SSG died on Saturday while receiving treatment in the hospital after a car accident.

    Aiyedatiwa made the declaration on Sunday in Akure when he led members of the State Executive Council (SEC) on a condolence visit to the wife and family of the deceased.

    According to the governor, Oluwatuyi was a recurring decimal in the politics and governance of Ondo State.

    “The history of the state will not be complete without a mention of his impact. A three-day mourning and prayer, from Sunday, 5th to Tuesday, 7th January, is declared in honour of the late SSG.

    “The late Secretary to the Government of Ondo State, Hon. Temitayo Oluwatuyi, lived a fulfilled life and made positive impacts on many people,” Aiyedatiwa said.

    The governor, who also spoke with the children of the deceased based outside the country via video call, extolled the virtues of Oluwatuyi.

    He described him as a complete gentleman who conducted his public and private life with decorum and humility.

    Aiyedatiwa prayed for the repose of the deceased soul, and promised the support of the government for the family.

    “Hon Tayo Oluwatuyi, you came, you lived, you performed your God-given tasks and impacted lives. You have decided to leave us at a time we never expected, but God said it is time to come home.

    “May you have rest at the bossom of your creator, God. Amen,” the governor wrote in the condolence register.

    Meanwhile, Pastor Ayoade Babalola, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, led the team in a special prayer for the family, Akure community and the state.

  • Tinubu condoles with Ondo governor over SSG’s death

    Tinubu condoles with Ondo governor over SSG’s death

    President Bola Tinubu on Saturday commiserated with the Government and people of Ondo State over the death of Temitayo Oluwatuyi, the Secretary to the State Government.

    Oluwatuyi, fondly called Tukana, died on Sunday following hospitalisation for serious injuries sustained in an accident on Dec. 15, 2024, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman, said in a statement.

    The president condoled with Oluwatuyi’s family, friends and associates.

    “Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu first appointed Oluwatuyi as SSG in 2020. Oluwatuyi served with distinction and many recognitions before his reappointment by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    “President Tinubu acknowledges the diligence of the former Chairman of Akure South Local Government and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in strengthening democracy in the state,” Onanuga said.

    He said Tinubu believed Oluwatuyi served the people of Ondo State with unwavering dedication, providing the necessary backbone for policy coordination and implementation and contributing to the state’s progress.

    The president prayed that the Almighty God would receive the departed’s soul and bring comfort and solace to his grieving family.

  • Gov Makinde breaks silence on Ondo SSG’s death

    Gov Makinde breaks silence on Ondo SSG’s death

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described the death of the Secretary to Ondo State Government (SSG), Mr Tayo Oluwatuyi, as “painful and shocking”.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

    Makinde, while expressing his condolences to Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on the demise of the SSG, encouraged him and the family of the deceased to be strong and courageous.

    He equally condoled with the Oluwatuyi family and the people of the state, praying that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

    “This death is shocking and painful, but we can only submit to the will of God, who gives and takes life,” Makinde stated.

    Oluwatuyi was involved in a ghastly car accident on Dec 15, 2024 on Akure – Ibadan road and was subsequently hospitalised. He finally passed away on Saturday.

  • Ondo SSG dies after surviving ghastly motor accident

    Ondo SSG dies after surviving ghastly motor accident

    The Ondo State Government has confirmed the death of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tayo Oluwatuyi.

    This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by Chief ‘Wale Akinlosotu, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Ondo State.

    The deceased was involved in a car accident on December 15, 2024 on the Ile-Ife/ Ibadan and was subsequently hospitalised.

    He reportedly died at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife earlier on Saturday.

    ”It is with profound sadness that the Government of Ondo State announces the passing of Hon. Temitayo Oluwatuyi, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), on Jan. 4.

    “Oluwatuyi was a dedicated public servant whose unwavering commitment to administrative coordination, policy advisory, and implementation had a significant impact on Ondo State.

    “He served with distinction and played a crucial role in the state government, working closely with the Governor and other top officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    “Having served government in various capacities, including as Chairman of Akure South local government, Commissioner and twice as SSG, Oluwatuyi will forever be remembered for his invaluable contributions to the development of Ondo State,” the statement read in part.

    Akinlosotu also extended the state government’s condolence to the Oluwatuyi family of Akure, friends, and associates.

    He said that further details regarding burial arrangements would be shared as they become available.

  • Aiyedatiwa signs N698.66bn budget for 2025 into law

    Aiyedatiwa signs N698.66bn budget for 2025 into law

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, on Monday, assented to the N698.66 billion budget passed by the legislature for the 2025 fiscal year.

    Aiyedatiwa signed the budget into law in Akure, witnessed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Olamide Omidiji and some members of the State Executive Council

    The budget, christened “Budget of Recovery” has N433.622 billion (62.06%) and N265.037 billion (37.94%) allocated to Capital and Recurrent Expenditures respectively.

    The governor said that 62.06 per cent of the budget was allocated to capital development in order to jump start the economy and initiate massive infrastructural renewal across the state.

    This, Aiyedatiwa said, was with a view to providing the needed foundation for desired recovery.

    “I wish to reiterate that the main objective of the budget is to make life easy for our people. This objective is sacrosanct and non-negotiable!

    “It is our administration’s collective resolve to continue to break new grounds that will definitely usher in sustained prosperity for the good people of Ondo State.

    “It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today on the occasion of the signing of the year 2025 Appropriation Bill into Law.

    “This is a critical moment for our administration, one that marks a significant step towards fulfilling the promises we made to the people of Ondo State during the electioneering processes,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa also appreciated the people of the state for the unwavering trust and confidence in his administration as evidenced by the votes he got during the Nov. 16 governorship election.

    He said that fiscal discipline, accountability, transparency and full disclosure would be strictly enforced in implementation of the 2025 budget.

    Earlier, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, expressed happiness that the legislative was able to work and pass the budget within two weeks.

    Oladiji also commended the priority attention the governor had given the economy and infrastructural development in the state.