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Tag: Oyo

  • Oyo govt intervenes in rebuilding Ayefele’s Music House

    The Oyo State Government has explained its role in the ongoing reconstruction of the façade of Yinka Ayefele’s Music House, which was partially demolished in August.

    The government, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr Bolaji Tunji, said its intervention was informed by the acknowledgment of contravention of the state building code by the management of the Music House and the personal appeal by Ayefele to Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    The statement noted that an appeal from various stakeholders in the state and the musician’s willingness to rectify the contraventions, which would involve the reduction of the frontage fence line by 1.5m, among others, had informed the intervention by the governor.

    It said that the parking lots at the end of the building, which is close to the entrance of Lagelu Estate, had also been reduced by 10.9m to allow visibility.

    The statement added that, in line with the recommendation of the joint committee of the state government and the management of the Music House, an entrance was being reconstructed from the rear of the building to the staircase for the exclusive use of Ayefele.

    The statement read in part, “There is also the recession of the current façade on the frontage of the building by 2.9m. The new fence will be grill fence to ensure visibility, while a staircase will be built at the basement to access the studio.

    “The structural elements in the building will also be strengthened, while the two projections at both ends (stair halls) of the current frontage will be retained.

    “Following Mr Ayefele’s admittance of breach of procedures in the construction of the building and his subsequent apologies, as well as intervention of well-meaning members of the public, the governor agreed to temper justice with mercy.

    “The governor’s approval on the reconciliation of the issue was communicated to Ayefele on October 19, 2018, where he also approved the assistance on the reconciliation agreed upon on compassionate grounds, as he earlier promised publicly.”

    “It is necessary to put it on records that the governor or the state government was not out to witch-hunt the popular musician or anybody, but had acted to safeguard members of the public who daily ply the roads contiguous to the Music House.”

     

  • Oyo Attorney General advocates effective implementation of multi door court law

    Oyo Attorney General advocates effective implementation of multi door court law

    Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Oluseun Abimbola has advocated an effective implementation of multi door Court law recently accented to in the State by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

    He stated this while receiving the new Executive Members of Nigeria Bar Association, Ibadan branch who paid a courtesy call to his Office, Ministry of Justice, Secretariat, Ibadan.

    Commissioner explained that the Multi-door Court will afford other courts in the State the opportunity to settle the convict of minor offences and ensure speedy administration of Justice.

    He assured members of the bar the support and assistance of the Government towards achieving optimum level of operation standard in the State, adding that the recruitment exercise for more State Counsel shall be concluded soonest.

    In his remark, the State solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mr Wasiu Gbadegesin charged the bar and the the law enforcement agencies to be involved in the Multi-door Court Law to ensure Compliance with the provision of this act for the realization of it purpose.

    Earlier, the Chairman NBA, Ibadan branch, Dr Oluwole Akintayo ,urged the State Government to continue to build synergies among the statekeholder in the area of good governance, promotion and social development. He implored the government to speed up the promise of recruitment of more legal counsels in the State.

  • [Photos] Oyo State govt seals off Alao Akala’s properties for allegedly evading tax

    [Photos] Oyo State govt seals off Alao Akala’s properties for allegedly evading tax

    The Oyo State Government on Thursday through officials of the state’s revenue service sealed off some properties belonging to a former governor of the state, Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala.

    The state government sealed the National Horticultural Research Institute, (NIHORT), located at Idi-Ishin area of Ibadan, the state capital for failing to remit its workers Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax to the coffers of the state government.
    It also sealed no fewer than ten other firms during an inter-ministerial enforcement exercise across the capital city.
    Alao-Akala’s property located at Dugbe in the heart of Ibadan, the state capital was also sealed during the raid.
    Chairman, Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue, (OYBIR), Mr. Bicci Alli, while speaking on the raid on Thursday, explained that the affected organisations defaulted in the remittances since 2003.
    Alili said government’s concern was, “To ensure that all taxes, dues and revenues accruable to the coffers of the state government are duly paid”.

    But, Alao-Akala, while reacting insisted that the sealing of his property was politically motivated.
    The former governor in a statement issued on his behalf by Jeremiah Akande, Head, New Media and Public Affairs, Alao-Akala Campaign Organisation, a copy which was obtained by DAILY POST, also urged his supporters to be calm and continue to be law-abiding.

    Alao-Akala said, “Oyo State Government today under the guise of non-compliance with tax payment launched a disguised attack on the person and properties of His Excellency, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala.
    “At about 12.30pm this afternoon, staff of the Oyo Board of Internal Revenue stormed one of the Properties of Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala located at No. 32, Oba Adebimpe Road, Dugbe, Ibadan with policemen and members of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corp and sealed up the property after presenting a letter from the Revenue Board giving one Mrs Oludewa the authority to seal the property.

    “The business complex popularly called Ile Itesiwaju and houses business concerns worth over 3 Billion Naira is presently under lock and key and most of the shop owners and customers locked inside the complex.
    “The general public is hereby put on notice and all lover and supporters of His Excellency, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, are urged to remain peaceful, maintain calm and not to take laws into their hands as it is glaring, this action is political motivated as 2019 is around the corner”

  • Oyo govt officially reacts to demolition of Ayefele’s Music House

    The Oyo State Government on Monday reiterated that due process was followed in the partial demolition of Music House, saying that no court order restrained it from carrying out its statutory role in public interest.

    The government restated that the Music house, which housed Fresh Fm radio contravened the planning laws of the state, which the organization was duly informed through several correspondences, echoing that the action of the government to demolish the building was not politically motivated, neither an act of vendetta nor against the radio station as it continues transmission despite the partial demolition.

    The Special Adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Physical Planning and Development Control, who heads the Physical Planning Unit of the government, Tpl. Waheed Gbadamosi at a press parley held at the Film Theatre, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism said that the government gave ample opportunity for Music House to regularize its null and void building plan but the management of the organization did not deem it fit to obey the laws of the land.

    Tpl. Gbadamosi, who was at the parley with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Seun Abimbola, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun and the Special Adviser Communication and Strategy to Governor Ajimobi, Mr. Bolaji Tunji explained that during the joint inspection visit to the organization by the Oyo State Government officials and Music house officials, it was discovered that the building size measured 29.7m by 21.6m on ground as against the 11.925m by 10.20m in the survey plan/building plan submitted by Music House which means a gross overshooting of the allocated size approved with serious legitimacy implications.

    He said that it was established during the visit that the building encroached into the sight distance of the Y junction along Lagelu Estate, stressing that a canteen, toilets, store and power house which were not in the plan submitted are attached to the wall fence.

    The Special Adviser noted that the Mast erected and staircase on site were not included in the plan submitted, noting that the basement of the plan which was meant for car park has also been converted.

    Gbadamosi said that a letter was sent to Music house on 29th of June, 2018 to submit a fresh building plan application that will reflect the existing structures on site and regularize the anomalies, noting that radio house deliberately ignored the letter as there was no response from their end till demolition notices were then sent on August 13, 2018 based on the earlier request for the submission of AS – Built Plan for approval

    He reiterated that the government action was not based on sentiments or witch-hunting, saying that contravention notices were served to different organizations in the state since June 14, 2017 including all radio stations in the state and he subsequently displayed the responses received from some radio stations during the press parley.

    Gbadamosi said, “on May 19, 2017, letters demanding for planning approval were sent to various institutions including University College Hospital, Kola Daisi University, University of Ibadan and other institutions and organisatons. On June 14, 2017, request for approval was sent to Music House and 22 other radio stations in Oyo State.

    “On August 18, 2017 reminder Letter was sent to Music House and the letter was received by Adebisi Akinkunmi. On August 25, 2017 we went a step further to send a letter to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) titled Operation of Radio Stations without Physical Planning permit/Aprroval in Oyo State. Few months later, precisely November 27, 2017, another letter was sent to NBC complaining about Physical Planning Law and Regulations by the Radio station owners, developers and operators.

    “We got a response from NBC on December 4, 2017 and NBC said that the issue is outside its mandate. This is to show that the action of the state government is not to witch-hunt anyone as we even reported the radio stations to NBC. We also wrote to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on some banks contravening the Oyo State Physical Planning and Development Control laws, sections 30, 31 and 32 of the Oyo State Physical Planning and Urban Development Law of 2012.

    “Music house submitted a building plan on June 14, 2018 which necessitated the joint inspection visit we carried out on June 25, 2018. It was discovered that it was meant to be an office complex and not a radio station among some other infractions including a building size measured 29.7 metres by 21.6 metres on ground as against the 11.925metres by 10.20metres in the survey plan/building plan submitted by Music House,” Tpl. Gbadamosi said.

    He said that the building plan from Music House deviated from the approved plan which made the approval null and void because deceitful information was given to the approving authority and also deviation from the approval granted both in construction and use.

  • PDP condemns demolition of Aiyefele’s studio by Oyo govt

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the demolition of a building belonging to musical maestro, Yinka Aiyefele, in Ibadan by the Oyo State Government.

    In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan on Sunday in Abuja, the party described the demolishing of the building, said to be worth N800 million as “horrifying, wicked and speaks volume of the insensitivity of the perpetrators”.

    The building which also houses Aiyefele’s Flash FM station and recording studio, was said to have been brought down in spite of a court order.

    “The PDP notes that Aiyefele’s building was demolished for allegedly singing songs considered to be against the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC), even when our Constitution allows all citizens right to free speech, freedom of opinion and association within the ambit of the law.

    “The PDP alerts Nigerians of a dangerous trend whereby the current clampdown on the media is now being extended to other public opinion moulders, including musicians and perhaps actors.”

    Ologbondiyan urged all public spirited groups and individuals to condemn what he described as “emerging assault on free citizens for no just cause”.

    “Nigerians, must at all times, be free to hold and canvass opinion, politically associate and aspire, as long as their actions are within the ambit of our laws,” he said.

    NAN

  • LAUTECH: NANS appeals to Oyo not to increase school fees

    LAUTECH: NANS appeals to Oyo not to increase school fees

    The National Association of Nigerian Students has appealed to the Oyo State Government not to increase tuition at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, under the present economic realities in the country.

    The appeal was made on Saturday in a statement jointly signed by Bestman Okereafor and Moronkola Abiola, NANS’ National Public Relations Officer and Chairman of Joint Campus Committee, respectively.

    They said that NANS would not tolerate any form of students oppression as the leadership of the association is set to mediate matters confronting the students in the institution.

    “This is not excluding the issue of alleged planned increments in school fees, ranging from N250,000 to N300,000 based on the discipline.’’

    According to the statement, the alleged planned fee increase is unjust.

    “The general public should remember that LAUTECH was under lock and keys for two years as a result of workers’ agitation for payment of salary and incentives.

    “It is therefore unfair to risk any further alteration in the university’s academic calendar as a result of this planned tuition hike.

    “That is why we pray it does not happen.’’

    NAN

  • Oyo 2019: Adelabu tenders resignation as CBN Deputy Governor

    President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the disengagement of the Deputy Governor in charge of Operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Adebayo Adelabu, with effect from July 15, 2018.

    CBN Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mr Isaac Okorafor stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, saying that Buhari in a letter dated May 24, 2018, wished Adelabu well in his future endeavor.

    “I appreciate your services in the Central Bank of Nigeria since April 9, 2014.

    “I wish you the very best in your future ambition and continued commitment to public service in our country as you seek to play a more active role in politics, in your home state,” the president said.

    A source at the CBN, which preferred anonymity, told newsmen that Adelabu left to seek election as the Governor of Oyo state.

    Adelabu assumed duty as CBN Deputy Governor on April 9, 2014.

    Over the four years in his career at CBN, he served as Deputy Governor in charge of Financial System Stability, Corporate Services, and lastly Operations.

     

  • LG poll: Stray bullet kills teenager in Oyo as hoodlums, NSCDC clash

    A teenager simply identified as Kofo was killed by a stray bullet when some hoodlums clashed with personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Idi Oro area of Ibadan during Saturday’s local government election in Oyo State.

    The girl was said to have gone to a pharmaceutical shop to buy some drugs when she met her untimely death.

    Residents that some hoodlums were fomenting trouble in the area when personnel of the NSCDC in the state were called in to quell the violence.

    The residents alleged that the girl was killed by a stray bullet belonging to the NSCDC in the ensuing clash.

    The hoodlums thereafter attacked the NSCDC Divisional Office in Ibadan North West Local Government Council at Ekotedo, vandalising the premises.

    It was gathered that officers of the NSCDC later mobilised and repelled the attack.

    The spokesman of the NSCDC in the state, Mr Olusegun Oluwole, who confirmed the incident, however, said that men of the command were not responsible for the killing of the teenager.

    Oluwole said the hoodlums were already shooting before the arrival of the NSCDC team.

    He said the case was now under investigation by the police.

    “Our men are not responsible for what happened, but I can tell you now that the case is with the police,’’ he said.

    Efforts to get the reactions of the police spokesperson in the state, Adekunle Ajisebutu, proved abortive as calls put through to his line were not answered.

    He did not also respond to a text message sent to his line.

  • Court dismisses suit challenging conduct of Oyo council polls

    Court dismisses suit challenging conduct of Oyo council polls

    …as polls to hold on Saturday

    Justice Joyce Abdulmaleek of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, on Thursday dismissed a suit challenging the conduct of the Oyo State local government election on Saturday.

    The suit was instituted by some aggrieved member of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibarapa East Local Government area of the state.

    Abdulmaleek in Thursday’s ruling held that the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) was duly constituted to conduct the election based on the powers given to it.

    “The position of the law on the jurisdiction on this matter is well settled.

    “This court is mindful of the fact that the law does not give the Federal High Court jurisdiction over local government issues.

    “The act of delineation carried out by OYSIEC which is the second defendant, in this case, is duly backed by law.

    “Therefore, this court has no jurisdiction to entertain the matter and the position of the plaintiffs is hereby struck out,’’ the judge held.

    Recall that the plaintiffs had challenged the powers of OYSIEC to carry out delineation and creation of new polling units in the state.

    Commenting on the matter after the judgment, Mr Seun Abimbola, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, said the ruling was a victory for democracy and not for any individual.

    But counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr Solomo Adeseun, could not be reached for comments.

    Others joined in the suit were the Independent National Electoral Commission, Oyo State governor and the Commissioner for Justice.

  • Oyo APC commends members as INEC monitors Ward Congress

    Oyo APC commends members as INEC monitors Ward Congress

    The Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday commended the party delegates for their peaceful conduct during the Congress that was conducted in the 351 wards across the state.

    The party also described as a cache of lies the allegation by a faction of the party that some of the new ward executives did not pay nomination fees for forms collected and fake forms were also issued.

    The General Secretary of the Party, Mr. Mojeed Olaoya equally commended the 7-man ward congress committee led by Alhaji Musa Halilu for their steadfast and commitment to the tenets of the party as well as rule of law, noting that their conduct has concretised the firm belief of the party in due process and constitutionality.

    “The APC in Oyo State would like to commend the WARD CONGRESS Committee ably led by Alhaji Musa Halilu Ahmed for the wonderful job so far” the party scribe said.

    According to a Mr. Olaoya, “We commend our members across the 351 Wards of the state for their orderliness in the discharge of the onerous responsibility to elect new executives that would pilot the affairs of the Party for the next four years.

    “It gladdens our heart that the Congress went smoothly and very successful across all the 351 Wards without any skirmish or violence as against the wishes of some dissidents of the Party. Such individuals make politicking interesting and their nuisances are inevitable”

    Olaoya disclosed that all the 351 Wards Congresses were monitored by INEC officials and all the Security agents to authenticate the exercise.

    He urged party members to exhibit the spirit of tolerance and accommodate all as always being preached by the leader of the party in the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, stressing that the peace in the state which the present administration is known for should not be sacrificed for any reason.

    Olaoya called on all delegates to repeat the same orderliness and peaceful conduct in the other forthcoming.