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Tag: Osun State

  • LG crisis: Osun Assembly demands release of withheld allocations

    LG crisis: Osun Assembly demands release of withheld allocations

    The Osun House of Assembly on Thursday called on the Federal Government to release the withheld monthly allocations due the local government areas in the state through the subsisting council accounts.

    The assembly made the call while deliberating on the issue under the matter of public importance at plenary on Thursday in Osogbo.

    The matter was brought up by a lawmaker, Adewumi Adeyemi (Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-Obokun Constituency).

    Adeyemi said the continued occupation of the local government secretariats by the chairmen of All Progressive Congress (APC), and the withdrawal of services by workers had rendered the council secretariats ineffective.

    The lawmaker said that the APC chairmen, who were sacked by a Federal High Court, Osogbo, were making efforts to get the local government allocations through illegal means.

    Similarly, Lawrence Adeoti (PDP-Ife South Constituency) described the local government crisis in the state as worrisome.

    Adeoti said that APC chairmen took over the local government despite the nullification of their elections by the Federal High Court in Osogbo, with  their Certificate of Return withdrawn.

    After an extensive deliberation, the lawmakers passed resolutions which were read by the speaker, Mr Wale Egbedun, and unanimously adopted by the lawmakers.

    One of the resolutions was that “Only the Feb. 22 democratically-elected local government chairmen and councillors were constitutionally recognised custodians of local government mandate and affairs in the state”.

    The assembly also resolved that “No parallel structures or appointment by unauthorised individuals would be known or recognised for the alteration of local government account in the  state”.

    “Only duly elected career officers are authorised signatories to the council’s account, as stipulated in section 14.0 on the 2025 guidelines for the administration of local government areas in Osun State.

    “The bank, confirmation and schedule shall only be valid when endorsed by the head of local government administration as the chairman, as further required by law.

    “That any attempt to substitute these officers with unauthorised persons , is not only unlawful but constitutes an attempt to divert public funds and this house shall take all lawful measures to resist, report and revert such infraction”, the resolutions read.

    The speaker, thereafter, ordered that the resolutions be forwarded to Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun.

    Local government areas in the state had been in crisis following the Feb. 10 judgement by the Court of Appeal, Akure.

    PDP claimed that the judgment did not reinstate the sacked APC chairmen and councillors elected in 2022, while APC insisted on their return to office.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), thereafter, directed local government workers to withdraw their services from Feb. 17, citing security concerns.

  • Osun gets new Commissioner of Police

    Osun gets new Commissioner of Police

    Mr Ibrahim Gotan has resumed at the Police Command in Osun State as the new Commissioner of Police.

    In a statement by DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Osun Police command Spokesperson, on Tuesday, Gotan is taking over from CP Mohammed Abba, who recently retired from the force.

    Giving background information of the new commissioner, Ojelabi stated that Gotan graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Sociology.

    “He was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force in May, 1992 as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (Cadet ASP).

    “He has served both locally and internationally in various capacities. He served in Borno State as PA to the CP; DIG Waheed Kazeem (rtd), as Unit Commander, Ogoni Land, at the heat of the region’s crisis.

    “He was Second in Command, 4PMF Ibadan, DPO in various divisions , Second in Command OPS Taraba State, Nigeria Formed Police Unit (NFPU).

    “He was a Commander in Liberia on two occasions due to his outstanding performance among others,” he said.

    He said the commissioner attended many professional courses within and outside the country and that he is married with  children.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Osun Assembly embarks on 2-week recess

    Eid-el-Kabir: Osun Assembly embarks on 2-week recess

    The Osun State House of Assembly has announced a two-week recess to observe the Eid-el-Mubarak celebration.

    A statement by Olamide Tiamiyu, the media aide to the Speaker, Mr Adewale Egbedun, on Monday, said the decision was reached following an executive meeting held by the lawmakers.

    “The decision marks a temporary pause in legislative activities as the assembly members take time to celebrate this significant festive occasion.

    “The assembly members, headed by the speaker, expressed their commitment to addressing the concerns of their constituents and ensuring that governance remains responsive and effective.

    “The Osun Assembly is scheduled to resume its sessions on Monday, June 16, where members will reconvene to continue with pending legislation and oversight functions,” the statement read in parts.

    The statement said the break will also provide an opportunity for the state lawmakers to engage with their communities, gather feedback, and better understanding of the needs of the people.

    It, however, stressed the importance of community engagement during the recess, encouraging constituents to reach out and share their thoughts and concerns.

  • Osun 2026: APC chieftain cautions against “do or die” election

    Osun 2026: APC chieftain cautions against “do or die” election

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, Prof. Olasiji Olamiju, has cautioned members of the party vying for political seats against “do or die” approach, especially during the 2026 governorship poll.

    Olamiju, a former Special Adviser to former gov. Adegboyega Oyetola on Public Health, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Osogbo.

    He said the need for sportsmanship was importance in order to achieve the party’s desired victory in the 2026 governorship election.

    “The large numbers of aspirants seeking the APC ticket is a testament to the party’s strength and the people’s desire for leadership in Osun.

    “I urge aspirants to prioritise party unity and support whoever emerges as the flag bearer with the ultimate goal to deliver Osun to President Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential election.

    “When we maintain party unity and focus on the bigger picture, I believe the APC can emerge victorious and fulfil its mandate comes 2026 and 2027 elections.

    “Also, what should be paramount to every dedicated members of the party now is how the party win the coming elections in the state,” he said.

  • Osun: Police release update on Ilesa prison break

    Osun: Police release update on Ilesa prison break

    The Police Command in Osun is yet to receive any official communication on the escape of seven inmates from the the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun.

    The Police Spokesperson for the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed that the police state command had not been officially briefed or informed of the incident by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

    “We heard also about the escape, but there is no official report made to the police by the NCoS. Our Intel revealed to us that actually, there was an escape.

    “The cause of the escape is what we don’t know because our men have gone there.

    “From the intelligience report we got, there is nothing we can lay hands on that made the inmates escape. The NCoS should inform us about what actually happened,” he said.

    Ojelabi said: “the police is out to protect lives and property and any criminal we see, we will apprehend”.

    The NCoS declared seven inmates missing as a result of rain that damaged the security perimeter of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa in the early hours of Tuesday.

    The heavy rainfall around 2:00 a.m. caused a breach in the facility’s structure, allowing the inmates to escape.

    Confirming the development, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, in a statement signed by Umar Abubakar, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Public Relations Officer, on Tuesday, ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and assured the public that efforts were underway to return the escapees to custody.

    “The service is working closely with sister security agencies as well as community leaders to recapture the escapees and bring them back to custody,” the NCoS said in the statement.

    “However, the Service solicits the cooperation and support of the public in providing information that may lead to the recapture of the fleeing inmates.”

    Authorities have since launched a manhunt to recapture the fugitives.

  • BREAKING: Osun Govt announces free train ride for Easter

    BREAKING: Osun Govt announces free train ride for Easter

    The Osun State Government has announced free train ride to indigenes of the State willing to travel to Osun for Easter celebration.

    Mr Augustine Arisa, District Manager, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), confirmed this in an interview on Friday in Lagos.

    According to Arisa, the state government always provides free train service to its indigenes every festive period.

    “This is to enable the people of Osun to go home for the festive periods.

    “We carry them from Ido, Agege. As the train moves, it carries them. Even people who are going to Ibadan still enter and drop there because they know its on the route.

    “The NRC provides free train ride to everyone on the route, whether they are going to Osun or not.

    “As far as they are along that route, we carry them. We don’t ask if they are indigenes or not,” he said.

    He noted that the government of Osun had always collaborated with the Nigerian Railway Authority to give the free train ride.

    “This ensures that Osun people travel for the festive holidays without much stress,” he said.

  • Tragedy strikes as five Nigerian varsity students die in motor accident

    Tragedy strikes as five Nigerian varsity students die in motor accident

    Atleast, five students of Osun State University (UniOsun) have reportedly died following a serious ghastly motor accident that occurred on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji confirmed the tragic incident in a statement released on Monday night.

    The statement indicated that the incident occurred in the Balogun area, near Unity School in Ikire, Osun State.

    Detailing the occurrance, Adesoji disclosed that a collision involved a luxury bus en route from Ibadan and an 18-passenger bus coming from Osogbo, resulting in multiple casualties, including the five UNIOSUN students.

    Adesoji added that the accident was as a result of a head-on collision between the two vehicles, which resulted to numerous fatalities, this according information from the Nigerian Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

    He further noted that, the university management following the incident, sent a team to the site to identify and assist any students affected by the accident.

    “Regrettably, we confirm the loss of the following students: Olagbemide Dotun, a 200-level student of Software Engineering; Suleiman Farouq Adedayo, a 400-level student of Law; Ogundare Pelumi, a 300-level student of Public Health; Ogundare Elijah, a 100-level student of Mechanical Engineering; and Olawuyi Mary, a 200-level student of Nursing.

    “However, one of our students, Olagbemide Damilola, a 200-level student of Medicine and Surgery, survived the accident and is currently receiving medical attention,” the statement noted.

    Adesoji added: “The Nigerian Police have confirmed a total of ten fatalities from this unfortunate incident. Osun State University is working closely with the relevant authorities to gather more details on the circumstances surrounding the accident. We are also providing necessary moral and logistical support to the bereaved families, including funeral arrangements for the deceased students.

    “This tragic loss has deeply shaken our university community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased.

    “We urge our students, staff, and the entire university community to remain calm and supportive during this difficult time. Osun State University will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

    “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and pray that they find strength and solace in this moment of grief.”

  • Adeleke’s $20m fraud allegation against Oyetola mere shadow chasing – APC Chieftain

    Adeleke’s $20m fraud allegation against Oyetola mere shadow chasing – APC Chieftain

    A frontline politician, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, has described Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun’s $20 million fraud allegation against his immediate predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, as mere shadow chasing.

    Ogundokun stated this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, while reacting to a petition by Adeleke to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Oyetola.

    Adeleke had, in the petition, alleged that Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, misappropriated a $20 million World Bank health grant while he was governor of the state.

    Ogundokun said in the state that there was nothing serious in the petition other than a drama aimed at generating negative energy toward the 2026 governorship election in the state.

    He described Oyetola as a man of sterling performance in the private sector as well as due diligence and strict adherence to rules in the public service as governor.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also described the former governor as the pride of Osun and Nigeria who should not be pulled down or given uncharitable names but encouraged to do more for the state.

    According to him, there is the need to stop a destructive campaign of “I will destroy you if I can’t get it.

    “Oyetola is honest to a fault,” he remarked, calling on the people of the state to join him in moving Osun forward.

    Ogundokun advised Adeleke to prioritise good governance rather than engaging in frivolous activities.

    “What Osun requires and deserves is focused leadership and serious engagements.

    “I will advise Ademola Adeleke to stop playing politics with the exalted office of the governor by turning it to a petition writing apparatus.

    “He should use the enormous power of the office to improve the lots of the people instead of deploying the state resources to bully and witch-hunt a perceived enemy or enemies.

    “Writing a petition against a man like Oyetola, to me, is like chasing a shadow.

    “The task before Adeleke is huge, and meeting the expectations of the people should be his priority and not fighting an imaginary political foe,” he said.

    The elder statesman urged the governor not to deviate from the vision of the state’s forefathers.

    Rather, he said that Adeleke should learn to build on the good foundation of his predecessor instead of finding ways to shoot down his good legacies.

  • N15.3bn property lost to fire outbreaks in Osun – Fire Service

    N15.3bn property lost to fire outbreaks in Osun – Fire Service

    Osun State Fire Service says property worth N15,308,651,017 were lost to fire outbreaks in the state between January and December 2024.

    The losses were recorded in the state fire service annual ‘fire incident record’ which was obtained on Friday in Osogbo.

    According to the data, 103 fire outbreak calls were received by the state fire service in the year under review, with additional 16 non-fire related calls also attended to.

    The data also reflected that the majority of the fire outbreaks took place in February and December, where 20 fire outbreaks, each, were recorded.

    The highest property loss was, however, recorded in December, with N12.580 billion property lost to fire outbreaks, followed by the month of May where property worth N1.249 billion were destroyed during five recorded fire incidents.

    According to the data, seven persons died from the fire incidents, with one death recorded in the month of September and six others in December.

    Speaking on the data, the Osun Fire Service Spokesperson, Mr Adekunle Ibrahim attributed majority of the fire outbreaks to people’s “carelessness”.

    He said, “the careless ways people deal with electronics and electrical appliances at home and how they also handle naked fire often serve as catalysts for fire outbreaks.”

    He said the state fire service had often sensitised residents, market women, religious bodies, banks, business owners and others on prevention and management of fire outbreaks.

    “We have been sensitising the people and enlightening them to be very careful about how to handle naked fires, steps to take in cases of fire outbreaks, and the need to properly take care of electrical appliances to prevent fire outbreaks,” he said.

    Ibrahim said they intensified fire safety awareness in the state just as they have gone round to train hoteliers and others on fire safety and prevention methods.

    “We have also been going round banks in the state to inspect their fire safety equipment and also enlighten them on what to do in cases of fire outbreaks,” he said.

    He advised residents to always unplug their electrical appliances when not in use and always turn off their electricity when leaving their homes.

    He advised people to be mindful of bush burning, especially in the dry season.

    He also cautioned residents to be careful on how they handle naked fire in the kitchen, saying the majority of domestic fire outbreaks usually start from the kitchen.

  • Osun LG election: APC reacts as Gov Adeleke swears in newly elected LG chairmen, councillors

    Osun LG election: APC reacts as Gov Adeleke swears in newly elected LG chairmen, councillors

    Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State on Sunday swore in the newly elected local government chairmen and councillors in the State.

    The State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) had announced the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates winners of the 30 chairmanship and 332 councillorship seats in the local government elections held on Saturday.

    Adeleke at the swearing-in ceremony held at Government House, Osogbo, urged the chairmen to deliver on good governance in their respective local governments.

    The governor, however, advised them to stay away from the council secretariats to avoid clash with the opposition party.

    “An Osun State High Court has affirmed the vacancies in both the chairmanship and Councillorship positions in all the local government areas of Osun State before your elections on Feb. 22.

    “We will, therefore, rely on the judiciary to ensure a peaceful removal of those illegally occupying the local government secretariats. Please be patient and always abide by the rule of law,” he said.

    While congratulating the chairmen and councillors, Adeleke urged them to deliver good governance to the people.

    “I congratulate all newly elected council chairmen and councillors. You have the mandate to deliver on good governance in your respective local governments.

    “I charge you to develop plans of action within the manifesto of the PDP.

    “As our government is transforming the state for the better, I call on you to be agents of change, community developer and deliverer of dividends of democracy,” he said.

    Adeleke commended OSSIEC for complying with all extant rules and procedures in the conduct of the elections.

    He also commended President Bola Tinubu for not allowing the state to be plunged to crisis during the elections.

    “I assure Mr President of our commitment to the rule of law and the constitution for conflict resolution and governance process,” he said.

    Adeleke also thanked the people of the state for coming out en mass to cast their votes during the elections.

    “To the good people of Osun State, I use this occasion to express my gratitude for your steadfast support for our administration,” he said.

    In his remarks, Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who was the inauguration, urged political stakeholders not to allow the state to degenerate into crisis “over a matter that can be resolved by the judiciary.”

    “If anybody has a judgment, there is a procedure for enforcement of court decisions. It is illegal to resort to self help,” he said.

    The ceremony was also attended Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, who is also the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum.

    Earlier, the Chairman of OSSIEC, Hassim Abioye, presented certificates of return to elected chairmen.

    Abioye, during the presentation, urged them to be good ambassadors of democracy, both in conduct and service to the people.

    Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has directed its “reinstated chairmen” to resume in their respective local government areas on Monday.

    The party stated this in a statement by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, in Osogbo on Sunday.

    The statement said that the purported directive that the chairmen and councillors should not report in their council areas was not from the party.

    “We want to make it abundantly clear that it is imperative for the elected APC local government chairmen and councillors not to cease from resumption at their various local government council areas.

    “As this will enable them to continue to serve the deprived people at the grassroots level of government.

    “The APC is a party founded on the rules of law which is the reason the Court of Appeal, Akure, judgment of Feb. 10 is the basic instrument of your reinstatement,” it said.

    APC calls Osun LG election by Gov Adeleke “illegal”

    Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the Local Government election conducted last Saturday by Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), labelling it illegal and unconstitutional.

    Mr Felix Morka, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, issued the statement on Sunday in Abuja, describing the election as being in defiance of court rulings.

    “In blatant disregard for the rule of law and a valid judgment of the Court of Appeal, Gov. Adeleke 0conducted the election on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025,” Morka said.

    He recalled that the Court of Appeal ruling of February 10 reinstated Local Government officials dismissed by Adeleke’s executive order, with the decision striking down a Federal High Court ruling from November 2022.

    According to Morka, the Court of Appeal’s judgment nullified the previous ruling and reinstated the officials until the end of their term in October 2025.

    He further criticised Adeleke’s actions in appointing illegal caretaker committees, violating Section 7(1) of the Constitution, and argued that the APC showed restraint and respect for the court’s decision.

    Morka questioned why Adeleke, who swore to uphold the Constitution, failed to abide by a valid court order and termed the election a “sham” that wasted public funds and risked inciting violence.

    He stressed that the governor must respect the law and the rights of the Osun people, calling on local government workers to peacefully continue their duties under the judicially reinstated officials.

    Morka also urged security agencies to remain vigilant to prevent further unrest and called for the Federal Government to ensure that only democratically elected and judicially certified officials received local government funds in Osun.