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Tag: Oyo

  • Gunmen kidnap Oyo Deputy Minority leader’s sister, demand N20m ransom

    Gunmen kidnap Oyo Deputy Minority leader’s sister, demand N20m ransom

    Mrs Jumoke Babalola-Oludele, sister to Oyo State House of Assembly Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola, has reportedly been kidnapped by unknown gunmen who are demanding N20 million ransom for her release.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that Babalola-Oludele was kidnapped on Monday night around Oniguguri junction, beside Lion of Judah, Iyana Church, Monatan area, Ibadan.

    Babalola who, represents Egbeda State Constituency in the state Assembly, said the family had informed the security agencies about the abduction.

    He said that he was informed by an eyewitness that his sister was kidnapped at about 8:20 p.m by three gunmen who drove in a white Toyota Camry.

    “I was told the abductors shot into the air twice and forced her from her car into theirs.

    “I have not heard anything, but we are still hoping to get positive response from them; they contacted a member of the family and demanded N20 million but the terms and conditions are yet to be agreed upon.

    “I’m appealing to the state government and security agencies to please rescue my sister. This is a festive period, they need to beef up the security of the state and police should please get back to work.

    “On behalf of the good citizens of Oyo State, I’m appealing to the police to get back to work fully because their absence has been causing a lot of panic in the state,” he said.

    Speaking to NAN on Thursday, on the incident, in a telephone interview, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Olugbenga Fadeyi, said he has not heard information about the kidnap.

    “I don’t have any information about the incident, maybe they did not report the incident to the police. I don’t think they reported it to the police, but I will find out,” Fadeyi said.

  • Herdsmen attacks: Oyo youths seek govt support to comb criminals’ hideouts

    Herdsmen attacks: Oyo youths seek govt support to comb criminals’ hideouts

    The youths in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State have called for the support of Governor Seyi Makinde in their efforts to comb the bushes where armed robbers, kidnappers and other criminals are using as their hideouts in the area.

    The President of Igangan Development Advocates, Diran Oyedokun, said this in an interview with our correspondent in Ibadan on Tuesday.

    Oyedokun said this request and others were tabled before the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Sunday Odukoya, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Affairs, Femi Josiah, who invited the youths to a meeting on the insecurity in the area.

    The youths had last week staged a demonstration following the horrible killing of a prominent farmer in Igangan, Fatai Aborode. Aborode contested the 2015 House of Representatives election on the platform of the Accord Party.

    Oyedokun said, “One of our requests is that we want the government’s backing to use our hunters and vigilante groups to comb the bushes where these criminals are using as their hideouts, whether they are Fulani, Yoruba or members of any ethnic groups.

    “There should be an immediate clearing of bushes on either side of the roads especially from Eruwa to Igboora. This must be carried out on all roads in Ibarapa from Eruwa to Igangan to prevent criminals from exploiting our poor roads to carry out their nefarious activities.”

    He said the efforts by the youths and other farmers to boost the food production capacity of the country would be wasted if herdsmen were allowed to destroy farms, kill farmers at will.

    The youth leader said, “We can no longer tolerate the killings, kidnappings, destruction of farms, and other atrocities by herdmen and other criminals in Ibarapa North. The killing of Dr Fatai Aborode is the latest. We have been living under siege for so long and we have to say no.

    “The destruction of farms is massive and investors are losing huge amount of money every day. I am also a farmer and I know that there are at least three cases of farm plundering every day.

    “They deliberately graze their animals on farms just to destroy the crops. I have lived in the North and these did not happen. This cannot continue. “

     

  • JUST IN: Fuel tanker explodes in Ibadan

    JUST IN: Fuel tanker explodes in Ibadan

    A fully loaded petrol tanker has exploded at Total Filling Station, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The tanker while trying to maneuver in the axis fell off the ditch, while fuel licked out.

    Firefighters on rescue mission are at the location trying to put out the fire.

    Meanwhile, the level of casualties cannot be ascertained as at press time.

    The entire axis is currently locked down in heavy traffic congestion

    More details later….

  • Sad! Herdsmen attack two, kill popular Oyo farmer Aborode

    Sad! Herdsmen attack two, kill popular Oyo farmer Aborode

    The Chief Executive Officer, Kunfayakun Green Treasures Limited, Fatai Aborode, has been allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen near his farm along Apodun village in Oyo State on Friday.

    It was gathered that Aborode, a politician and prominent farmer, was slain just as he was leaving his farm around 4pm in company with his manager on a motorbike.

    The manager, who was said to have escaped gunshots, reportedly ran for his life.

    A source, who gave his name simply as Seyi, said, “Suspected Fulani herdsmen just killed a former house of representatives candidate on the platform of Accord Party during the 2015 general poll in Igangan, Ibarapa North West Local Council Development Authority, Dr Fatai Aborode.

    “He was attacked by the hoodlums on his farm, he was macheted severally and he died while being rushed to a nearby hospital. He went to farm with one person on bike. On their way coming from the farm, they met the Fulani men. The other person escaped.”

    It was further gathered that no arrest had been made as at the time of filing this report.

     

  • Harry Akande’s death great loss to Oyo –Makinde

    Harry Akande’s death great loss to Oyo –Makinde

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described as a huge loss, the death of business mogul and former presidential aspirant, Chief Harry Akande.

    Makinde stated this in a condolence message to the deceased’s family, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, on Saturday in Ibadan.

    Akande died on Saturday morning after a brief illness. He was aged 77.

    Makinde said, “The news of the death of the Agba Oye of Ibadanland and internationally-renowned businessman, Chief Harry Akande, came to me as a shock.

    “His death meant another great loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria.

    “Akande’s fame as a businessman and his decision to join the Nigerian politics to make a difference were classic.

    “His conduct gave courage to the younger generation of businessmen, most of whom have gone ahead to emulate Akande and are making good their dreams.”

    The governor said that Akande was one of the pathfinders for businessmen in politics.

    He added that Akande’s efforts in deepening democracy through participation in politics would go into the annals of history, especially his role in building formidable opposition.

  • Gov. Makinde buries mum in Ibadan amidst emotional tribute

    Gov. Makinde buries mum in Ibadan amidst emotional tribute

    The mother of Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Madam Abigail Makinde, was, on Friday, interred in Ibadan, amidst emotional tribute from the governor.

    Makinde, in his tribute during the funeral service, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan, said that he and his other siblings would forever remember their late mum.

    He said that the deceased thought him how to be disciplined and contented, even though it was tough at the time.

    “I used to be a truant in my primary school because I had thought that I would be a professional footballer. But the discipline my mum inculcated in me made me become what I am today.

    The governor, while stating that he inherited many traits from his late mother, said that she thought him to love God and to always bring best gifts to Him.

    On his political career, Makinde said that his mum didn’t want him to go into politics but that he decided to follow his heart.

    “I remember that day in 2007 when I contested for senator, she cried because police men invaded my house and I had to be rescued by the army. She told me that she had warned me not to go into politics but that I would not listen,” he stated.

    Makinde, who betrayed emotion towards the end of the tribute, declared that his late mother was irreplaceable.

    In his sermon at the occasion, the Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rev. Segun Okubadejo, urged the congregation to always remember that they could only live within the atmosphere of their actions.

    Okubadejo called on them to see their attendance at the funeral service as another opportunity for them to reflect on their lives and their relationship with God.

    She extolled the virtues of the late Madam Makinde, describing her as a devout Christian while on earth.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha was represented at the occasion by Chief Olusegun Adekunle, while no fewer than 11 governors were in attendance.

    The governors included Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu (Lagos), Mr Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Dr Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Alhaji Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Mr Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) and Alhaji Aminu Tanbuwal (Sokoto).

    Others were Mr Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Mr Nyesome Wike (Rivers) and Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu).

    Also in attendance were two former governors of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala and Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, two former governors of Ogun, Chief Gbenga Daniel and Sen. Ibikunle Amosu, former Gov. Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), former Gov. Segun Oni (Ekiti) and some serving senators.

    NAN recalls that Madam Makinde died on Oct. 15 at the age of 81.

  • Soldier, two others killed as Customs, smugglers clash in Oyo

    Soldier, two others killed as Customs, smugglers clash in Oyo

    A soldier identified as Josiah Peter and two other persons were reportedly killed in a clash between men of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and some smugglers in Igbo-Ora town, Oyo state.

    It was gathered that the clash happened between Customs men from the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, and smugglers on Friday.

    The Oyo State Police Command through its Public Relations Officer, SP Olugbenga Fadeyi confirmed the story noting that investigations had begun.

    He said, “Information further revealed that smugglers attacked Federal Operation Unit, FOU Customs at Igboora.

    “In a swift response to assist the FOU team, the Border Drill Patrol also came under attack and one Lieutenant of Nigerian Army Josiah Peter was shot and later died. Investigation has commenced, please”.

    Public Relations Officer of NCS in Oyo/Osun command, Kayode Wey, said he could not confirm the story. He said, “Yes, I am aware. I have heard about the story from somebody as well. I can’t give confirmation about anything. You heard it the way I heard it.

    “Even, a journalist has called me about this incident. And they said the same thing. I also don’t know, I don’t have any information. I cannot say anything concerning that matter, because, I don’t have any official statement on that”.

  • Oyo seals four banks, six hotels, three filling stations, others over Land Use Charge

    Oyo seals four banks, six hotels, three filling stations, others over Land Use Charge

    The Oyo State Government on Thursday, sealed off six hotels, four commercial banks, three filling stations, and seven companies for defaulting from paying the state’s land use charges.

    In line with the government’s Land Use Charge revenue demand bill, the State enforcement team sealed off the affected business facilities for failing to pay the required tax.

    The government said it took the decision to seal off the facilities after several reminders and discounts offered to the defaulters were not taken advantage of.

    The properties which are part of the premises under scrutiny in the Oyo State government property enumeration exercise were served bill for over 90 days and were expected to comply with the Land Use Charge obligation.

    According to the government, most of the businesses owed millions, and sealing them was the first phase of the exercise which was carried out across all local governments within the Ibadan metropolis.

    Speaking after the exercise, Chairman of the state’s Board of Internal Revenue, Aremo John Adeleke, said the exercise was targeted at making businesses in the state alert to their responsibilities, and enable government to provide security, infrastructure, and other essentials necessary to make businesses thrive.

    Adeleke said the state government has given, as palliative, an additional ten percent discount to complement the initial 25 percent discount on all taxes, to ensure that the businesses stay afloat in the face of economic realities posed by the COVID-19 scourge.

    He added that the government was poised to generate all taxes from business owners without hurting them and the capacity to sustain economic growth in the state even as the enforcement continues till the end of the year.

    He said, “The focus of the drive is not to close down or ground any business but to give a push to businesses to assist the government in creating a better business premise for them to thrive.”

    Meanwhile, the state’s Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) has dissociated itself from an online portal concerning its ongoing recruitment of staff.

    The agency called on members of the public, especially prospective applicants, to beware of conmen who are seeking opportunities to defraud.

    The Board Chairman, Babatunde Eesuola, in a statement issued in Ibadan, said the Oyo State government established the CSDA through the State Act of Parliament in 2008 with the responsibility of implementing the World Bank Assisted Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) in the interest of the people.

    He noted that all applications from suitably qualified candidates from the state’s public service or private sector to fill the published vacancies, will be submitted to the Office of the Chairman of the Agency at 18, Osuntokun Bodija Ibadan, not through any online link and at no cost.

    Describing the online recruitment link as fake and fraudulent, Eesuola advised applicants not to have anything to do with those behind the initiative.

    He urged those behind the link to desist adding that government will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute culprits.

  • COVID-19: Oyo closes tertiary institution

    COVID-19: Oyo closes tertiary institution

    The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has mandated the management of schools, workplaces and religious centres to ensure strict compliance with the COVID-19 protocols to limit the spread of the disease.

    The task force, in a statement signed by Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, indicated that this became necessary following the discovery of a COVID-19 case in a tertiary institution in the state.

    It said the Emergency Operations Centre shut down the affected tertiary institution to keep the staff, students and the general public safe, following which the EOC began contact tracing.

    The statement partly read, “The government of Oyo State wishes to draw the attention of the general public to the recent resurgence of cases of coronavirus in the state. Many of these cases were discovered in closed space settings such as offices and workplaces.

    “A reported case within a tertiary educational institution had also resulted in more cases being discovered through contact tracing. The state government has taken appropriate steps to lock the institution to prevent further spread and put in place other preventive measures.

    “In Oyo State, the slogan has been ‘own your action.’ It is expected that everyone of us takes responsibility for our actions in this pandemic as such actions will have a collective impact on our lives.”

  • Why Ladoja was impeached, removed as Oyo governor – Obasanjo

    Why Ladoja was impeached, removed as Oyo governor – Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that former Gov. Rashidi Ladoja was impeached and removed as governor of Oyo State for being ungrateful to Chief Lamidi Adedibu and Chief Yekinni Adeojo.

    He made the disclosure on Thursday during the launching of former Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala’s autobiography titled Amazing Grace in Ibadan.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alao-Akala, an APC Chieftain, is a former governor of Oyo State on the platform of PDP from 2007 to 2011.

    NAN reports that Alao-Akala was the deputy governor of the state from 2003- 2007 when Ladoja was impeached.

    Obasanjo said that Ladoja was impeached when all efforts to reconcile him with the late Adedibu and Adeojo failed.

    He said that Ladoja had turned deaf ears to his entreaties and he paid heavily for it.

    “You pointed out on page 140 that Ladoja picked up a quarrel with me for reason of a non-existent third term.

    “I didn’t know that Ladoja picked up a quarrel that his becoming governor was due to the grace of God and major contributions of the two people.

    “I pleaded with him to make accommodation for them both. He told me that they were all Ibadan people and they knew how to deal with themselves.

    “He subsequently proved himself right as they dealt with themselves and he, Ladoja, came out the worse for it,” he said.

    On his part, Alao-Alala said that he was a product of grace, saying God paved his way to greatness.

    The former governor said that the title of his autobiography was not a happenstance, but a providence to bring him out of the dungeon of a hopeless tomorrow to the fulfillment of destiny.

    He narrated how his long anticipated desire was fulfilled, notwithstanding threat to achieving the dream.

    “The tragic death of my father in a road accident in 1952 single-handedly threatened my dream of getting to the cusp of my life aspirations.

    “But providence miraculously found for me a path to the top,” he said.

    Alao-Akala said that the 140-page book contained how he attained his desire and changed the lives of the people in the state.

    “How I became governor of Oyo State is also documented which serves as a reminder to those who may be prone to being quickly swept off by the amnesia of history that God used me.”

    He said that it showed “how myself and my team of dependable colleagues at that period in time changed the lives of the people in the state”.