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Tag: Osun State

  • Ex convict re-arrested in Osun state over drug possession

    Ex convict re-arrested in Osun state over drug possession

    An unrepentant 65-year-old ex-convict has been re-arrested by National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Osun State for being in possession of narcrotics.

    This was made known in a statement made available to pressmen by the NDLEA Osun State Command spokesperson, Odigie Charles on Monday in Osogbo.

    It was gathered that Dauda Lamide was caught during a patrol in Iwo in possession of dried weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

    The drug was packed inside two engine oil gallons.

    The statement also revealed that Lamido was sentenced to three years imprisonment for the same offence in 2019.

    According to the statement, “The Command operatives, while carrying out motorised patrol in Iwo on Saturday, 23rd March, 2024, intercepted one Dauda Lamidi, 65 years, with dried weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa inside two engine oil gallons which weighed 1.550 kg.

    “Dauda, who is an ex-convict, was convicted for the same offence in 2019 for three years.”

  • Actress Laide Bakare bags govt appointment in Osun

    Actress Laide Bakare bags govt appointment in Osun

    Nollywood actress, Laide Bakare, has been appointed as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun on Entertainment, Arts, Culture and Tourism.

    Bakare took to her instagram page to celebrate her achievement with the display of photos of herself and the governor.

    The actress promised to deliver her best.

    She wrote: “Now an Honourable ya Allah I am grateful.

    “To my new boss, Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke Imole Osun. Thank you so much for the trust and opportunity to serve.

    “I promise to deliver my best. So help me God. Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Osun state on Entertainment, Arts, Culture and Tourism.

    “Lots of work to be done. Shall we? the entire good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large. It’s actually a new dawn for me starting my political career from here. God bless Nigeria.”

    Many of her colleagues also took to the comment section of her post to congratulate her.

    Veteran actor, Muka Ray, said: “Congratulations omo mi.”

    Actress Funke Etti, wrote,  “Congratulations sweetie”.

    Fausat Balogun, popularly known as Madam Saje, said “Congratulations”.

    Actor Yomi Fabiyi wrote,  “Wawu! Hon. Laide Bakare. Congratulations to you. Blessings hun”.

    Foluke Daramola said, “Congratulations dearest. More wins dear“.

    Bimbo Oshin also said, “Congratulations darling”.

    Also Femi Adebayo wrote, “Congratulations Honourable”.

  • Why government alone cannot fund education – Adeleke

    Why government alone cannot fund education – Adeleke

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun says the government has limited funding capacity for education, hence the need for public-private partnership.

    Adeleke said this in Osogbo on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to his office by the Old Students Association of Ilesa Grammar School, as part of activities for its 90th Anniversary.

    The governor said that Non-Governmental Organisations were critical partners in school development.

    “Your school has produced so many dignitaries and top professionals. Your alumni are top leaders in private and public sectors.

    “In my government, your school has a significant presence within the State Executive Council.

    “I must also commend your contributions to the growth of your alma mater. Public- private partnership is a major tool for society development.

    ” As the government has limited funding capacity, non-governmental groups become a critical partner in school development,” he said.

    Adeleke, however, said that the state government would create a standing government alumni partnership board at all levels of education.

    He said the board would exist at local and state levels with focus on harnessing developmental support from governmental and non-governmental sources for the development of the schools.

    “We must capitalise on the rich antecedents of our alumni associations to develop our education system.

    “The Partnership Board when in place, will focus on project development, learning equipment, training support and welfare issues for the school community”, he said

    Earlier, Dr Wale Bolorunduro, the Chairman of the anniversary committee, said that the association had spent over N1 billion on more than 90 intervention projects in the school.

    Bolorunduro said that N500 million was spent on physical infrastructures by members of the association.

    “We have had serious interventions by old students to return the Omoluabi ethos that bind us together, through various interventions since the school’s name and premises were returned for the objective of producing giants,” he said.

    He said that the association would continue to do its best to uplift the school to the desired standard in reproducing great legends such as Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God.

    “Also, retired Justice Alfa Belgore, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, among others, were also members of the association,” he added.

    Bolorunduro said that the association would confer an award of Most Benevolent Leader in Nigeria on the governor at its grand finale on Saturday.

  • White paper: Osun community backs Adeleke on sacked traditional ruler

    White paper: Osun community backs Adeleke on sacked traditional ruler

    The indigenes of Iree town in Boripe Local Government of Osun have backed the White Paper released by the state government, sacking the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Raphael Ademola.

    The indigenes gave the backing at a news conference under the aegis of Iree Progressive Association (IPA), on Monday in Iree town.

    Chief Wole Taiwo, the National President of IPA, commended Gov. Ademola Adeleke for taking decisive action to correct the mistakes of the past administration regarding the Obaship tussle in the town.

    Taiwo, in company by the Asiwaju of Iree town, Chief Adenrele Afolabi, said that the governor by given power backing the kingmakers to perform their traditional duties through the sacking of the traditional ruler, had shown dedication to uphold the customs and traditions of the people of Iree.

    He said such move had not only corrected the injustice done in the past, but also ensure that protocols were followed in the selection of a new traditional ruler.

    “It is essential for the kingmakers to exercise their role with utmost diligence, fairness and transparency.

    “Their responsibility to uphold the traditions and values of the community must be carried out in a manner that respects the aspiration of the people.

    “I implore the kingmakers to take this opportunity to do the needful in the right way.

    “Let justice and wisdom guide your decision as you choose the rightful successor to the throne

    “Your actions will not only impact the present, but also shape the future of Iree,” he said.

    Oba Ademola, while reacting, said that he still remain the only recognised traditional rule of the town.

    The traditional ruler explained that he went through all the required processes for his selection and installation.

    Oba Ademola said that none of the six aspirants from Oyekun Ruling House, who contested the stool against him, went to court to challenge his selection or installation, until the state government issued the White Paper.

    “But, unfortunately they see the decision of governor in the purported white paper as opportunity for them to come out to re-contest for the stool after they had lost out.

    ” The government decision is tyrannical enough to destabilise the peace of the community.

    “It was meant to serve self- interest, but I appeal for calm because we are one big family and we must not allow any external forces to destabilise us,” he said.

    Also speaking, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, an indigene of the town and the immediate past Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, said the statement of IPA did not in anyway represent the interest of Iree indigenes.

    Adeleke said that those who addressed the press conference does not have the permission to speak for the town.

    “Those who gathered there are members of Peoples Democratic Party and do not have the power to speak on behalf of the town.

    “We are telling the whole world that anyone who is opposing the selection and installation of Oba Ademola is doing so for politics.

    “And the White Paper that they are carrying around cannot stand the legal test.

    “The case is already in court and we are waiting for the judgement before the Judicial workers went on strike.

    ” But as it is, Oba Ademola is the only recognised traditional ruler in the town and nothing can change that, he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government on had on Jan. 19
    nullified the selection and installation of Oba Raphael Ademola, of Iree town.

    The government also nullified the selection and installation of Oba Gboyega Famodun, a former APC Chairman, as the traditional ruler of Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the state.

    It also declared the Akirun stool in Ifelodun Local Government area vacant, pending the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal.

    A statement by Mr Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, said the decision was contained in a White Paper report submitted by the committee set up by the state government on chieftaincy matters.

     

     

  • Police open up on accidental killing of U.S-based Nigerian lecturer in Osun

    Police open up on accidental killing of U.S-based Nigerian lecturer in Osun

    Police in Osun on Sunday confirmed Saturday’s killing of one Dr Richard Adeoriokin, a United States of America-based Nigerian lecturer at Ejigbo.

    Spokesperson of the police in Osun, SP Yemisi Opalola, stated in Osogbo that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the murder.

    “Police in Osun are aware of the shooting that occurred at Ejigbo which led to the death of Dr Richard Adeoriokin.

    “The incident occurred on Saturday after the 50th coronation anniversary of the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Oyeyode Oyesosin.

    “One Prince Eniola Oyeyode of Ejigbo instructed one of his civilian guards named Hammed Jelili to fire his double barrel gun into the air to confirm if the gun was in good condition.

    “Jelili instead shot directly at the victim and he was rushed to a hospital but confirmed dead on arrival by a doctor.

    “Prince Oyeyode, who gave the order to his civilian guard to fire the gun has been arrested and detained.

    “Commissioner of Police in Osun, Mr Bzigu Kwazhi, appeals to member of the public, especially residents of Ejigbo to remain calm as investigation into the matter has started,’’ Opalola stated.

    Osun’s Gov. Ademola Adeleke has equally ordered an immediate investigation into the killing of the lecturer.

    His media aide, Malam Olawale Rasheed, stated on Sunday that the governor said the killing and counter-killing at Ejigbo, during the celebration, must be investigated by law enforcement agencies.

    “The governor commiserates with the people of Ejigbo and directed law enforcement agencies to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident and ensure that the law takes its course.

    “The governor also called for pre-emptive action by security agencies to prevent any possible counter-attack or eruption of violence in the ancient town following the sad incident.

    “He urged families of the deceased not to take the law into their hands and dispatched a high-powered delegation to visit Ejigbo to ensure restoration of calm while investigations continue.

    “Members of the delegation are the Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, the Commissioner for Information, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security,’’ he stated.

    Rasheed quoted the governor as saying that he had instructed police in the state to issue guidelines on the usage of local guns to enhance safety and protection of citizens, especially at public functions.

  • Gov Adeleke suspends CoE Provost over alleged financial impropriety

    Gov Adeleke suspends CoE Provost over alleged financial impropriety

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has approved the immediate suspension of the Provost, Ila Oragun College of Education, Dr Jimoh Afolabi, over alleged financial impropriety.

    Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Friday in Osogbo, said that the suspension of the provost followed the interim report of an Investigative Panel, headed by his Chief of Staff, Mr Kazeem Akinleye.

    “For  the Provost, the Committee reviewed three previous reports of investigations into various allegations of financial malfeasance, abuse of power and corruption leveled against him dating from past administrations to date.

    “The committee after a thorough review of the reports including that of the State House of Assembly alongside its own investigation, recommended immediate suspension of the Provost.

    “Sequel to the findings of the investigative panel, the provost  is hereby suspended on the grounds of financial impropriety, concealment of official information/ records; and failure to update the Governing Council on the important issues of the college,” the governor said.

    The governor had on Jan. 9 set up a three-man committee to probe alleged misappropriation of N200 million at the state-owned College of Education, Ila-Orangun.

    The Provost of the college  and the Chairman of its Governing Council, Dr Peter Babalola, had been trading accusations over the alleged mismanagement of the N200 million belonging to the college.

    The statement, however, said that the governor also approved the recommendation of the committee that the Chairman of the Governing Council,  Babalola should remain in office as there was no proven case of abuse of power or financial wrongdoings against him.

    It said  the allegation of over N200 million  fraud  leveled against the council chairman could not be substantiated with documentary proof or transaction details.

    The statement said the cash advance of  N3 million to the Council chairman was found to be within the college’s financial regulations with all documentations verified by the committee.

    “Based on thorough review,  the committee discovered that  the allegation of N200m fraud leveled against the Chairman of the Governing Council is untrue, diversionary, baseless and fallacious.

    “Documentary evidence (voucher) revealed that he only  collected the  sum of N3 million as cash advance, which is officially allowed.

    “The Committee is billed to submit its final report at a later date”, it said.

    Meanwhile, the governor has approved the appointment of Dr Jimoh Ayanda as the acting provost of the college.

    The governor, in another statement by Rasheed, said Ayanda’s appointment was sequel to the suspension of Afolabi as the provost of the college.

    “Dr Jimoh Lasisi Ayanda holds the following qualifications;  National Certificate of Education (English/Islamic Studies (Ila-Orangun, 1990); Bachelor of  Arts (Islamic Studies, University of Ilorin, 1996).

    “Also Masters of Arts, University of Ilorin, 2004) and Ph.D, Islamic Studies( University of Ilorin, 2016)

    “The acting Provost has spent a cumulative 22 years as a lecturer at the college”, it said.

  • Osun APC opposes Gov Adeleke for sacking traditional rulers

    Osun APC opposes Gov Adeleke for sacking traditional rulers

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has opposed the white paper released by the state government which sacked two traditional rulers.

    Addressing a news conference on Monday in Osogbo, the APC chairman in the state, Tajudeen Lawal, urged Adeleke to save the state from impending mayhem by reverting to the status quo.

    Lawal also called on President Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene in the brewing situation in the state.

    Lawal said that on assumption of office on Nov. 22, Gov. Adeleke ordered the suspension of Aree of Iree, Akinrun of Ikirun, Owa of Igbajo and Alawo of Awo.

    He said that following the suspension of the aforementioned traditional rulers, the stools  became subjects of court litigations, in which the governor and the state  government  were defendants.

    The chairman said that the governor later cleared the Alawo of Awo to function as Oba pending the determination of the lawsuit in respect of the stool.

    He said that Adeleke, however, maliciously nullified the processes that produced the Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo and ordered for a fresh nomination exercise

    He said the  governor also declared the Akinrun of Ikirun stool vacant pending the outcome of the court case.

    “The decision of Gov Adeleke to single out some traditional rulers for punishment on mere presumption that they are political adversaries is petty, divisive and ungodly.

    “No genuine leader engages in such a destructive tactics to govern his subjects.

    “The reactions of the indigenes of the affected towns leave much to be desired and if not well managed could cause a monumental break-down of law and order.

    “We use this medium to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene in the brewing situation in the state” he said.

    Also, Lawal  said that the closure of the courts in the state in the last three months due to indefinite strike by alleged ” partisan judiciary workers” was strange.

    “The implication of this unholy closure of the courts is that the citizenry are now resorting to self-help since the courts are not sitting and available for them to ventilate their anger.

    “The other negative effect of the non-sitting of the courts is that the police cells are now over-crowded since suspected criminals in their custody can not be arraigned in courts”, he said.

    Lawal also alleged that  members of the APC were also being harassed by the state government in order to silence them.

    He said the governor had also secretly set up a taskforce to forcefully retrieve some vehicles duly approved for past government functionaries so as to provoke “our law-abiding citizens, injure them and precipitate violence in the state”.

    The State government on Thursday nullified the selection of Mr Gboyega Famodun, a former APC Chairman, as the traditional ruler of Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the state.

    The government also nullified the selection of Mr Raphael Ademola of Iree town in Boripe Local Government area of the state.

    It also declared the Akirun stool in Ifelodun Local Government area vacant, pending the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal.

    A statement by  Mr Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner  for Information and Public Enlightenment, said the decision was contained in  the white paper report submitted by the committee set up by Gov. Ademola Adeleke,  on Chieftaincy matters.

    According to the statement,  government has also directed the setting up of a task force for the recovery of government vehicles allegedly carted away by officials that served ex- Gov. Gboyega Oyetola.

    However, Mr Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson to Adeleke,  said the governor complied with due process, rule of law and the tradition of the various affected towns in the recently released white paper.

    “The white paper did not impose any oba like the previous government did.

    “The state government has only ordered compliance with due process without barring any eligible candidate from seeking the royal stool.

    “The credibility of the white paper is confirmed by the messages of commendations, appreciation and encomiums that have been reaching the governor since the release of the white paper.

    “The affected towns are also at peace. Kindly ignore those anti-people elements who seek to retain the illegality of yesteryears”, he said.

  • Customs in Oyo/Osun seizes contrabands worth N454.2m in 2023

    Customs in Oyo/Osun seizes contrabands worth N454.2m in 2023

    Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command says the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the contraband goods seized by the command in 2023 stood at N454.24 million.

    The Command’s Area Controller, Dr Ben Oramalugo disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the successes recorded by the command in 2023 and part of 2024.

    Oramalugo further said that a total of N71.292 billion was generated as revenue in 2023.

    He said the seizure items are 88 sacks and 349 wraps of Canabis Sativa, 4,039 kegs of petrol, 9,595 bags of 50kg foreign rice and 35 units of used vehicles.

    Others are 177 bales and 13 sacks of second hand clothing, 3,702 pieces of uses tyres and 100 pieces of uncut timber.

    He said that the commitment of the command in combating smuggling activities remained unwavering and would continue to intensify efforts at curbing illicit trade, safeguarding national security and protect local industries from unfair competition.

    “With the use of coordinated border management, intelligence-driven risk management and continuous enforcement operations, we conducted numerous successful patrol operations that led to interception and seizure of many contraband goods.

    “The milestone recorded by the command was made possible through timely sharing of credible intelligence and synergy between all units of Nigeria Customs Service resident with Oyo/Osun states and other security agencies,” he said.

    Oramalugo said that the command was committed to build on the successes of 2023 and address the challenges encounter during the period with renewed vigour.

    He said that the command would further strengthen collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, residents and other stakeholders in suppressing smuggling in the command.

    He further said that the seizure made by the command between Jan.1 to 18, 2024 includes 70 bags of 50kg of foreign rice, 3,325 littres of petrol, 100 prices of timber and one unit of motor vehicle.

    Oramalugo said that it was prohibited to export raw timber and that the command would continue to ensure smugglers of prohibited items don’t have their way.

    He further called on smugglers and those dealing in drug to shun the act for the future of the younger generation and the country at large.

    Oramalugo expressed his gratitude to the NCS Comptroller General, Bashir Adeniyi and his management team for their continuous support to the command which led to the realisation of the set objective and enhance performance by the command.

  • Osun gets new Commissioner of Police

    Osun gets new Commissioner of Police

    A new Commissioner of Police, Bzigu Dali Kwazhi, has been posted to Osun State to replace CP Isyaku Mohammed.

    Mohammed had assumed office in the State on November 10, 2023.

    In a statement by SP Yemisi Opalola,  Osun Police Spokesperson, the new CP reported at the state police command in Osogbo on Thursday.

    “The deployment is sequel to the recent redeployment of former Commissioner of Police, CP Isyaku Mohammed,” she stated

    Opalola added that the new CP was born in Mildu Shalmi, Madagali L.G.A of Adamawa State.

    “The new Commissioner of Police holds  B.A in History/Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and was SEC 45 alumnus of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos.

    “He joined the Nigeria Police Force in May 1992 as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (Cadet ASP).

    “He has served in various capacities at different states of the country and outside Nigeria.

    “He also served at different departments of the Nigeria Police, namely Administration, Operations and Investigations like a colossus.

    “He was a Contingent Commander, Nigeria Formed Police Units to the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

    “He was the Pioneer Police logistics Officer/NCC, Team Coordinator ECOWAS mission, Guinea Bissau and Chief of Training, Department of Peacekeeping Operations, FHQ Abuja among others,” She said.

  • Gov Adeleke reads riot act to cabinet members

    Gov Adeleke reads riot act to cabinet members

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has read riot act to his cabinet members on service delivery.

    Adeleke also set up a monitoring and evaluation unit for quarterly performance review of cabinet members.

    A statement by Mr Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner  for Information and Public Enlightenment on Wednesday in Osogbo, quoted the  governor as making the remarks while addressing the maiden State Executive Council meeting.

    Adeleke  also  directed council members “to redouble their  efforts in service delivery to the  people.

    “We should note particularly that 2024 is a critical year for this administration.

    “By December, we will be reaching the mid-term. We must move fast in the implementation of our sectoral plans.

    “You all must work hard in your various ministries to achieve set goals.

    “Kindly be informed that I have set up a discreet monitoring and evaluation team to prepare quarterly reports on ministries and assess performance of members of the cabinet.

    “Even though you did not sign a performance bond on assumption of office, you will henceforth be evaluated on your service delivery.

    “We will not hesitate to remove from office any appointee that fails to deliver based on Monitoring and Evaluation reports,” he said.

    Adeleke urged the cabinet members to focus on serious state matters rather than lobbying around issues of personal benefits.

    Also, the council approved the appointments of six new traditional rulers in the state.

    The statement said all the appointments were with immediate effect.

    In addition, the council  approved the elevation of 11 more traditional rulers in Osun state to a Part II (Recognised) Status of the Chief Law, Cap 25, Laws of Osun state, 2002.