TheNewsGuru

Tag: Oyo State

  • Makinde makes minor cabinet reshuffle

    Makinde makes minor cabinet reshuffle

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Tuesday, made a minor reshuffle of his cabinet, by assigning new portfolios to two commissioners.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, shortly after the weekly State Executive Council meeting.

    The meeting was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    According to the statement, the governor has directed Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye to take over the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs from Mr Bayo Lawal.

    Mr Bayo Lawal would also henceforth, be in charge of the Ministry of Trades, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, hitherto under the control of Olaleye.

    “In attendance at the meeting was the Deputy Governor, Chief Adebayo Lawal, who attended the meeting for the first time after he was sworn in as the Deputy Governor of Oyo State.

    “The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi, were also in attendance,” the statement read.

  • Aseyin of Iseyin: Makinde commiserates with the people Iseyin

    Aseyin of Iseyin: Makinde commiserates with the people Iseyin

    Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, the governor of Oyo state has commiserated with the people of Iseyin over the death of Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdul Ganiyy Salaudeen.

    Makinde who was represented by his Deputy Chief Adebayo Lawal, urged the people to take solace in God, promising that his administration would continue to support the ancient town in term of development.

    The remains of Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdul Ganiyy Salaudeen, were on Monday evening interred at Igbo Itan cemetery, designated for the resting place of Iseyin traditional rulers.

    Earlier, prayers session was held in the inner field of the palace.

    According to him, it will be business as usual between the town and my administration, though, Kabiyesi is no more, the relationship remains cordial.

    “All of those developmental projects that are ongoing will not be slowed down simply because the kabiyesi is no more.

    “I assure our people to feel free to knock on my door as the late oba used to do when he was alive for whatever request and I will listen to them,” he said.

    On behalf of the people of Iseyin, Mr Muftau Abilawon, the Chairman of Iseyin Local Government area, thanked Makinde for his support to the late oba throughout the period he was ill.

    Abilawon said that the government stood firmly by the late traditional ruler financially and morally.

    He also thanked the Deputy Governor who led the state government delegation on the condolence visit.

    Newsmen recall that Oba Salaudeen, aged 62, died on Sunday at the University College Hospital (UCH) during a prolonged sickness.

    He was a practising veterinary doctor before he ascended the throne in 2007.

  • Bayo Lawal sworn in as Deputy Governor of Oyo State

    Bayo Lawal sworn in as Deputy Governor of Oyo State

    Chief Adebayo Lawal was on Monday evening sworn in as the new Deputy Governor of Oyo State, following the impeachment of the former, Alhaji Rauf Olaniyan, by the State House of Assembly.

    The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan, was sequent to his confirmation by the Assembly after his nomination by Gov. Seyi Makinde, as a replacement for Olaniyan.

    The State Chief Judge, Justice Munta Abimbola, administered the Oaths of Allegiance and Office on the new deputy governor.

    Makinde, in his brief remarks, urged his deputy to put the interest of the state first and see his new assignment as a position of trust.

    According to him, the new position is evidence that Lawal excelled in his previous position.

    “But, for us, as the saying goes that the reward of hard work is more work, that’s why we’re giving you more work.

    “The position of deputy governor is a position of trust, our masters are the good people of Oyo State.

    “So, our responsibility is to continue to serve them to the best of our abilities to deliver good governance to them,” he said.

    Makinde directed Lawal to continue to supervise the State Housing Corporation and Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OSROMA).

    He added that the state Ministry of Justice should as well be under his supervision.

    While addressing newsmen, the new deputy governor pledged to build on his previous performance by supporting Makinde in providing good governance to the people of Oyo State.

    The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the Speaker, Mr Debo Ogundoyin, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi; Secretary to the State Government, Olubamiwo Adeosun; Commissioners, some members of the state House of Assembly, among others.

    Lawal, 58, hails from Kisi in Irepo Local Government area of the state.

  • BREAKING: Oyo State gets new Deputy Governor

    BREAKING: Oyo State gets new Deputy Governor

    The Oyo State House of Assembly on Monday approved the appointment of Adebayo Lawal as the new Deputy Governor, following the impeachment of
    Rauf Olaniyan.

    The approval followed the nomination of Lawal to the lawmakers for consideration by Gov. Seyi Makinde as replacement for Olaniyan.

    Lawal, who is the Chairman of the State Housing Corporation had served as the state Attorney-General. He hails from Kisi in Irepo Local Government area.

    Lawal’s nomination is contained in a letter by the governor to the lawmakers, which was presented at the plenary.

    The House had gone on a short recess shortly after the impeachment of Olaniyan as the deputy governor. The lawmakers later reconvened at about 12.15 p.m to consider the appointment of the new deputy governor.

    The Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, while reading the letter from the Executive, said it was in response to an earlier letter sent by the lawmaker to the Governor dated July 18, informing him of the impeachment of Olaniyan.

    Defending the nomination of Lawal, the House Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin, said that the nomination should be favourably considered, approved and adopt in view of his antecedents in contributing to the progress of the state.

    Seconding the motion, Kazeem Olayanju, representing Irepo/Olornsogo State Constituency, said that the House should confirm Lawal as the new Deputy Governor of Oyo State.

    In his remarks, the speaker put the nomination to a voice vote, which went the ways of the “ayes”.

    According to him, with the vote, Lawal has been approved as the Deputy Governor of the state. The House, however, adjourned plenary until July 21.

  • BREAKING: Oyo Assembly removes Seyi Makinde’s deputy from office

    BREAKING: Oyo Assembly removes Seyi Makinde’s deputy from office

    The Oyo State House of Assembly has removed Rauf Olaniyonu, the Deputy Governor to Seyi Makinde, from office.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Olaniyonu was removed from office on Monday, following his impeachment by the State House of Assembly.

    The Oyo State House of Assembly impeached the Deputy Governor at its plenary after he was found guilty of all the allegations levelled against him following the reports of a seven-man panel constituted by the State Chief Judge, Justice Munta Abimbola.

    The Chief Judge had on Thursday constituted the panel to investigate the allegations levelled against the deputy governor by the lawmakers. The panel was said to have begun its sitting immediately and worked all through the weekend.

    The House Majority Leader, Mr Sanjo Adedoyin, read the panel’s reports at the plenary. The lawmakers, after considering the panel’s recommendations, pronounced the impeachment of the deputy governor and that it should take immediate effect.

    The House had in June directed Abimbola to constitute a panel to investigate Olaniyan. It served the deputy governor with a notice of impeachment over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and financial recklessness, among others, following his defection from PDP to APC.

    Olaniyonu had also jointly taken the State House of Assembly; the Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin and Clerk of the House to court over the impeachment move by the lawmakers.

    He said: “We appeal for an order of injunction restraining the respondents from enforcing or implementing the judgment on Thursday. This is pending the determination of the appeal lodged against the said judgment.

    “It’s expedient that an order of injunction be granted so that the outcome of the appeal will not be rendered nugatory”.

    Olaniyonu, however, stressed the need for Nigerians to respect the court processes, being the fundamental principles of the rule of law.

    “It is no longer news that His Lordship went ahead to constitute the panel in spite of the clear notice of pending appeal and application for Stay of Execution.

    “With Respect to His Lordship, the Honourable Chief Judge, as number one citizen in the Judiciary, should have respected the judicial process,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Oyo lawmaker dies at College Hospital in Ibadan

    BREAKING: Oyo lawmaker dies at College Hospital in Ibadan

    The Oyo State House of Assembly on Wednesday confirmed the death of its member, Mr Olusegun Popoola.

    Mr Sunkanmi Babalola, Deputy Majority Leader made this known via telephone, saying Popoola, who was representing Ibadan South-East II constituency, died at the University College Hospital Ibadan, on Tuesday night.

    “His death is a shocking and devastating one. We lost a rare gem who was committed to making life better for his people. I’m yet to recover from the shock.

    “He was a very resourceful man who was ready to give his all, I’m speechless and short of words for this loss,” he added.

    The Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, in his condolence message described the demise of the lawmaker as a rude shock.

    According to him, Popoola aged 45, was until his death the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

    “The news of the death of one of the most active, vibrant and resourceful lawmakers in the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly came to me and everyone in the House as a rude shock.

    “We are deeply saddened and grieved by this painful and untimely exit of one of us. This is unbearable.

    “He was a patriotic, selfless and hardworking lawmaker who gave his best for the service of Oyo State House of Assembly, his constituents and indeed the entire people of Oyo State,” he  said.

    Ogundoyin said that the incident was a bitter pill to swallow for everyone in the Assembly.

    “I have been visiting him in the hospital and he has been showing signs of recovery. Little did I know that I was seeing him for the last time few days ago when I went in company of some lawmakers,” he said.

    He described the deceased as a peace loving and easy-going gentleman who was admired by all.

    “We just lost a bridge builder, a man of peace and a gentleman par-excellent. He will be sorely missed by everyone of us.

    “The dedicated and selfless nature of Popoola as well as his quality representation in the House as a member of the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly earned him the return ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan South-East 2 State Constituency.

    “Unfortunately, Popoola has bid the world goodbye at such a very tender age,” he stated.

    The speaker said the Popoola had written his name in gold in the Assembly as one who contributed immensely to lawmaking and legislative activities.

    “We started the 9th Assembly together but alas he ended the race less than a year to the finish line.

    “My condolences to his entire family, his wife and children, and to the good people of Ibadan South-East State Constituency.

    “We are however happy that he has not died in vain. His humanitarian and political legacies lives on. I also condole with the Oyo State Government and the entire PDP family in the state on this irreplaceable loss,” Ogundoyin said.

  • Over 100 shops burnt in Bodija fire incident – NEMA

    Over 100 shops burnt in Bodija fire incident – NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has put the total number of burnt shops at Bodija market in Ibadan the Oyo state capital at 100.

    Recall that the Bodija market was engulfed in fire on Monday with many shops and properties completely burnt down on Monday morning.

    The cause of the fire incident has not been ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

    But, NEMA in its reaction, said that about 100 shops were razed, adding that over 350 traders were affected.

    NEMA Southwest Zonal office in a statement made available to newsmen also disclosed that foodstuffs and other valuable items worth millions of naira were destroyed.

    NEMA said that it and other stakeholders were informed and they quickly went to the scene of the incident to rescue the situation.

    “NEMA received a distress call early hours of this morning of the fire outbreak at a section of Bodija Market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Immediately, the Zonal office activated and mobilized the Federal and State fire services to bring the situation under control.

    “Over 350 traders were affected, while shops close to 100 were razed down by the fire. Foodstuffs and other valuable items worth millions of naira were destroyed,” it said.

    The Bodija market is located within the Aare Latosa Local Council Development Area (LCDA) which was carved out of the Ibadan North Local Government Area.

  • Oyo Dep. Gov. forced to relocate office after defecting from PDP

    After defecting from the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the State, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Rauf Olaniyan has been forced to relocate his office.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Alhaji Olaniyan on Tuesday resumed work at his new office, situated at the State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

    Olaniyan, addressing newsmen at the new office on Tuesday vowed to remain committed to the growth and development of the State.

    Recall that the State Governor, Seyi Makinde had recently ordered the relocation of his deputy’s office from the building complex housing both of them within the State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.

    The directive came a few days after Olaniyan defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Party (APC). This is even as lawmakers of the State House of Assembly had last week issued an impeachment notice of seven days to the Deputy Governor.

    Olaniyan said he was not bordered about the relocation of his office, adding that the relocation did not change him, nor affect his performance as the Deputy Governor of the State.

    While calling on his supporters to remain calm, he said the issue of relocation of office was not beyond the administrative arrangement, adding that he did not see it as a witch-hunt.

    Olaniyan said that he could work from anywhere, pointing out that the relocation would not affect his capacity as the number two citizen of the State.

    According to him, my position as the Chairman of the State Boundary Committee still remains intact, saying he has attended to two or three official files since he resumed on Tuesday.

    “I was a civil servant for 28 years and I did not receive any query for one day. So, why should I get a letter that the Governor directed me to relocate and I would not comply?” he said.

    When asked about the impeachment process before the State House of Assembly, Olaniyan said he would not comment on it.

    TNG reports that all his security personnel, aides and other staff attached to his office were seen with him in the new office.

  • Oyo Dep Gov, Olaniyan, in hot soup, served impeachment notice

    Mr Rauf Olaniyan, Deputy Governor of Oyo State has been served an impeachment notice by the Oyo State House of Assembly.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the State House of Assembly levelled five allegations against the Deputy Governor and gave him seven days within which to respond.

    Twenty-four (24) lawmakers signed the petition, which was read during plenary, against Olaniyan.

    In the petition, entitled: “Petition and Notice of Allegations against the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan,” he was accused of gross misconduct, abuse of office, financial recklessness, abandonment of office and official duties and insubordination.

    “This is in accordance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” the petition read in part.

    The lawmakers, who signed the petition, included: Fadeyi Muhammed (Ona Ara), Onaolapo Sanjo (Ogbomosho South), Babalola Olasunkanmi (Egbeda), Adebisi Yussuf (Ibadan South-West I), Okedoyin Julius (Saki West) and Adebayo Babajide (Ibadan North II).

    Others were: Kehinde Olatunde (Akinyele II), Olajide Akintunde (Lagelu), Mustapha Akeem (Kajola), Popoola Ademola (Ibadan South-East II), Owolabi Olusola (Ibadan North-East II), Olagoke Olamide (Ibadan North-East I), Olayanji Kazeem (Irepo/Olorunsogo) and Ojedokun Peter (Ibarapa North).

    The remaining lawmakers were: Gbadamosi Saminu (Saki East/Atisbo), Mabaje Adekunle (Iddo), Oluwafowokanmi Oluwafemi (Ibadan South-West II), Akeem Adedibu (Iwajowa), Fatokun Ayo (Akinyele I), Rasak Ademola (Ibadan South-East I), Obadara Akeem (Ibadan North-West), Oyekunle Fola (Ibadan North I) and Adetunji Francis (Oluyole).

    In his reaction shortly after the petition had been read by Clerk of the assembly, Yetunde Awe, the Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, said it met the two-thirds requirement to initiate the process.

    Ogundoyin said that the assembly would give Olaniyan seven days within which to respond to the allegations, adding that failure to do so within the period could lead to the commencement of an impeachment move against him.

    “The window of response takes immediate effect and to lapse on Wednesday, June 22,” he said.

    TNG reports the House, thereafter, adjourned sitting till June 16.

    Recall that Olaniyan had on June 5, 2022, announced his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Olaniyan announced his defection while speaking with newsmen in his private office at Ojoo area of Ibadan.

    He, however, said the defection didn’t affect his position as the deputy governor of the state, saying he had not resigned.

    The deputy governor added that he took the decision after consultations with his supporters from across the state.

    Olaniyan who described politics as free entry and free exit, added that all his political supporters prevailed on him to join the APC.

    The development doused tension and rumours over the sour relationship between the deputy governor and his boss, Gov. Seyi Makinde.

    Olaniyan was welcomed into the APC by the governorship candidate of the party, Sen. Teslim Folarin.

  • Wole Soyinka loses younger brother, Prof Femi

    The Soyinka Family of Ake/Isara, Ogun State has announced the passing of Femi Soyinka, a Professor of Dermatology, Venereology and Clinical Immunology.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Prof Femi, who was a younger brother to renowned playwright and first black African Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka died aged 85.

    According to a statement released by the deceased’s son, Ayodele Soyinka, on behalf of the Soyinka’s family, Femi died in the early hours of Tuesday, 14 June 2022 at his home in Kukumada Village, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Born in 1937  Professor Femi Soyinka received a  Medical degree in Medicine and Surgery MBchB from University of Heidelberg, 1964;  and  Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the same University in 1965. He  specialised and practised as a  Dermatologist, Venereologist and Allergologist at the University of Giessen,1969.

    In 1972, he obtained a  Master of Public Health degree from Hadassah Medical School, (MPH) Israel.

    He worked in the academic field for 30 years, holding various positions from Chief Medical Director to Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Provost of College of Health Sciences of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.   He was also involved in ex-tensive research work on Tropical Skin Diseases and Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in collaboration with the Federal gov-ernment,  international donor agencies and organizations such as the World Bank, UNDP, DFID, the British Council; and the International Development Re-search Centre, Canada.

    He pioneered several researches in the field of HIV/AIDS and worked as consultant to various international and local agencies in-cluding the World Health Organization, DFID, UNDP and Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health based on his extensive experience on the subject in various parts of the country.

    Prof. Femi Soyinka was in the forefront of mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. By translating the outcomes of his researches into clinical practice. He impacted significantly not only in the lives of numerous individuals and families living with the disease, but also on the nation as a whole.

    He initiated the Ambassador of Hope program in Nigeria, encourag-ing people living with HIV/AIDs (PLWHAs) to speak up, thereby bringing the much-needed public awareness to the disease at a time when knowledge was low and stigma was high. He also demonstrated technical knowledge and was involved with many other HIV/AIDs related programs including HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, ARV programs, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and home-based care for PLWHAs in Nigeria.

    Subsequently, he contributed significantly to capacity building of indigenous organizations across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria through his non-governmental organization – New Initiative for the Enhancement of Life and Health (NELAH) previously known as; Network on Ethics/Human Rights, Law, HIV/AIDS-Prevention, Support and Care (NELA).

    He was a past president of Society for AIDS in Africa and he successfully coordinated the International Conference on AIDS and STIS In Africa (ICASA) in Abuja, Nigeria in the year 2005.

    He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Burial arrangements would be announced by the family later.