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Tag: Seyi Makinde

  • I’m not responsible for death of Oyo monarchs – Gov Makinde

    I’m not responsible for death of Oyo monarchs – Gov Makinde

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has replied to critics who feel he is responsible for the death of top Yoruba monarchs in the State.

    Governor Makinde urged his critics to stop linking him with the death of prominent monarchs in the state, following the passing of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Makinde stated this when he visited the palace of the late Alaafin of Oyo on Sunday.

    Some Nigerians have called out the governor on social media, noting that two other first-class monarchs, the Soun of Ogbomoso and Olubadan of Ibadan, died in quick succession under him.

    The late Soun, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, passed on, on December 12, 2021, while the late Olubadan, Saliu Adetunji, joined his ancestors on January 2 this year.

    Governor Makinde said though the monarchs were aged and made significant impacts before they departed, he wished they lived longer.

    Speaking on Alaafin’s death, he said the king left a huge void that would be difficult to fill.

    “In Oyo State, we have perhaps lost the last human encyclopedia of our traditional history. Several times when I visited him and told him the problem we had, he had a solution to everything.

    “So, it is a very difficult void to fill. In fact, I don’t know who else we can go and meet, who can replace Kabiyesi.

    “When I visited him in 2015 and told him about my ambition, he frankly told me it was not going to work out due to one reason or the other and, at last, I failed, but I learnt certain things. Not many people will tell one the truth. Kabiyesi told me it would not work, and it never worked out,” he said.

    While promising to give the late Alaafin a befitting burial, the governor appealed to the chiefs not to delay in selecting a new king for the town.

    TNG reports the longest-reigning monarch in Oyo town passed on Friday night at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital after a brief illness. He was 83.

    He was the son of the late Alaafin Oba Adeyemi II, and the 43rd Alaafin of Oyo. He reigned for 52 years.

  • JUST IN: Oyo Gov, Makinde laments passing of Oba Adeyemi III

    JUST IN: Oyo Gov, Makinde laments passing of Oba Adeyemi III

    Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday described the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, as “a huge loss to the state, Nigeria and the Yoruba race”.

    Makinde, while describing Oba Adeyemi’s death as a personal loss to him, said that he was “an ever-supportive royal father and a worthy leader, who spared nothing in trying to make Oyo State and Nigeria greater”.

    The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, said, “Kabiyesi’s words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful”.

    Makinde expressed his condolences to the Oyo State Traditional Council, the Oyomesi, Oba Adeyemi’s immediate family, the people of Oyo Kingdom and the entire Yoruba race.

    The governor, however, prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of the departed traditional ruler.

    According to Makinde, apart from Oyo State losing its last man standing in the rank of experienced monarchs with long years of royal leadership, it has also lost a royal institution and an authority, which Alaafin Olayiwola Adeyemi III had become by virtue of his high-octane understanding of Yoruba history, politics and national development.

    He said: “I have been informed about the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.

    “I express heartfelt condolences to the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, which Oba Adeyemi chaired for decades, the Oyomesi and the entire people of Oyo Kingdom.

    “I equally commiserate with the Oloris, children and entire Adeyemi family on the demise of their patriarch and worthy father.

    “Kabiyesi’s departure is a huge loss not only to Oyo State, to which he committed 52 years of his life as the Alaafin of Oyo Kingdom, but also to Nigeria and the entire Yoruba race.”

    According to him, Oba Adeyemi was our last man standing in the rank of most eminent royal fathers with long years of leadership.

    “He became a golden king, an institution and an authority rolled into one by virtue of his immense experience, wisdom and understanding of Yoruba history, royalty and politics.

    “Oba Adeyemi, not only elevated the Alaafin throne with his knowledge and wisdom, he became a worthy exemplar for royal leadership in Africa and brought glory to Oyo State and Nigeria.

    “Kabiyesi never spared anything in his strive to make Oyo State greater and to bring about the Nigeria of everyone’s collective dream.

    “Personally, Kabiyesi’s death is a great loss to me, because he proved to be a worthy father and had been ever so supportive of our government.

    “His words of advice and guidance were always golden and helpful.

    “It is my prayer that God accepts Kabiyesi’s soul into Aljanah Firdaus and uphold everyone and everything he left behind. Good night, Iku Baba Yeye !”

  • Upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standard remains on course – Gov Makinde

    Upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standard remains on course – Gov Makinde

    The administration of Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has disclosed that efforts to upgrade the Ibadan Airport to an International Airport remains on course.

    This was disclosed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, on Sunday in Ibadan.

    Makinde stated this during a retirement ceremony held at the airport in honour of the Ibadan Airport Manager, Mrs Tega Aiyenuro

    The governor, who was represented on the occasion by his Chief of Staff, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi, said that his government considered Ibadan Airport as key and central to its vision to expand the state’s economy.

    He promised that his government would continue to partner with critical stakeholders to bring about the success of the venture.

    Makinde, who described the retiring airport manager as a friend of the state, lauded her for everything she had done for the facility and the state.

    He presented a Toyota Hilux pickup to the retiring airport manager in appreciation for her good work.

    Speaking on behalf of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), a director in the parastatal agency, Mr. Sunday Ayodele, said Ibadan Airport would enhance the expansion of the state’s economy.

    He attested that the outgoing airport manager keyed into the vision of the administration of the Oyo State governor to expand the state’s economy.

    According to him, the administration of Gov. Makinde has been able to execute projects at the Ibadan Airport within a short period.

    “These projects include the new lounge, ongoing dualisation of the Airport Road and dualisation of the Ajia-Airport Road with spur to Amuloko.

    “Aiyenuoro has collaborated with the Oyo State Government and keyed into the vision of Gov. Makinde, in having an expanded economy in the state.

    “Despite the fact that it is a federal agency, she has been able to collaborate with the state government to upgrade the internal and external parts of the airport.

    “There are a lot of other things that we have been able to do, including the 500,000 litres capacity aviation fuel terminals that we are bringing in.

    “She has shown us that whether you are a state official or Federal Government worker, a lot can be achieved,” Ayodele said.

    Aiyenuro, in her speech, thanked Makinde for being instrumental to the success of the Ibadan Airport under her watch.

    According to her, the transformation at the Ibadan Airport was due to the grace of God and the efforts of the governor.

  • How Oba Balogun earned Olubadan throne – Osinbajo

    How Oba Balogun earned Olubadan throne – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said the openness and large heart of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Olalekan Balogun, earned him the throne.

    Osinbajo, in his remarks at the installation of Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, also prophesied that the reign of the traditional ruler would witness greatness.

    “He was better prepared for the throne, having been a scholar, former Senator and champion of indigenous culture and community empowerment,” the vice president said.

    Osinbajo, while congratulating the new Olubadan, Government of Oyo State, on the coronation, commended the orderliness and unique steps taken in ascending to the throne of Olubadan.

    Oba Balogun was installed and presented with the Staff and Instrument of Office by the Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, at exactly 12:32 p.m.

    Makinde, in his address, urged the new Ibadan foremost traditional ruler to remain steadfast as the gatekeeper of the Ibadan traditional system.

    The governor urged the traditional rulers, as custodians of the traditional system, not to play politics with the system.

    He said that no politician, no matter how highly placed, could destroy any system without the cooperation of members of the system.

    Makinde implored Balogun and the Olubadan-In-Council to work toward ensuring that the laws, having to do with the ascension to the throne of Olubadan, remain sacrosanct.

    He advised the Olubadan-In-Council to be self-conceived and remain self-regulated without any external interference from the political class if there was going to be any amendment in the laws.

    The governor said further that he had always taken a stand for the integrity of traditional systems.

    “And so, I am, especially delighted that today, Friday, March 11, the sanctity of the emergence of this century-old dynasty, has been restored.

    “His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Moshood Olalekan Ishola Balogun Alli, Okumade II, has distinguished himself as an excellent professional.

    “He has without doubt contributed and will continue to contribute to the development of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large.

    “He has served both in private and public service and has even represented Oyo State at the Senate.

    “He is indeed a man of many parts and so, we rejoice that His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Moshood Olalekan Ishola Balogun Alli Okumade II, climbed the 22 steps on the Olubadan line, starting from the lowest rung of Jagun Olubadan over a period of 39 years.

    “We rejoice because His Imperial Majesty having seen how things were when politics became a factor in the ascension to the throne, is in a great position to defend the traditions of our people and ensure that this does not happen again.

    “And, I want to restate that though, we politicians will come and go, sometimes, to satisfy our political whims, we may make decisions that do not protect our traditional systems.

    “But, this is why the custodians of our culture must always take a stand preventing us from tinkering with the age-old traditional systems.

    “So, I join Oyo State Government, sons and daughters of Ibadan and good people of Oyo State to wish the Imperial Majesty a peaceful and successful reign,” Makinde said.

    Highlights of the event was the traditional homages to the new Olubadan, led by Otun Olubadan, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, followed by other members of the Olubadan-in-Council, Council of Iyalodes, Mogajis, religious leaders, among others.

  • Newly installed Olubadan, Oba Balogun vows not let Ibadan people down

    Newly installed Olubadan, Oba Balogun vows not let Ibadan people down

    The newly installed 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Olalekan Balogun, has assured the people of Ibadanland and Nigeria in general that he would not let them down.

    Balogun made the pledge in his first public speech shortly after Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Office to him as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    “The new Olubadan said: “I want to assure all that I will not the people of Ibadan down. I will not let the people of Nigeria down.”

    The traditional ruler, however, thanked all the eminent personalities, including the traditional rulers, the serving and former governors and National Assembly members present for the honour done him by their presence.

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Office to Oba (Dr) Olalekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland at exactly 12.30 p.m.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was officially declared opened at exactly 11.14 a.m with the recitation of National Anthem, Oyo State Anthem as well as Ibadan Anthem.

    The opening prayers were said by Christians, Muslims and the traditional prayer by the Araba Awo of Ibadanland.

    However, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland was ushered into the venue at exactly 11.50 a.m, after which all the traditional chiefs, Mogajis, religious leaders, leaders of various associations in Ibadanland paid homage to Oba Balogun.

  • EFCC arrests 26 suspected internet fraudsters in Ibadan

    EFCC arrests 26 suspected internet fraudsters in Ibadan

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Office has arrested 26 suspected internet fraudsters in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

    This is contained in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, and made available to newsmen on Monday, in Ibadan.

    The suspects were arrested at Soka area of Ibadan, over alleged internet-related fraud activities.

    Among those arrested was a suspect who introduced himself as an aide to Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state.

    Uwujaren said that the suspects were arrested following verified intelligence on their alleged cybercrime activities.

    He said the suspects had admitted that they were involved in internet fraud activities.

    Uwujaren said that an identity card recovered from one of the suspects introduced him as a personal assistant on media matters to Gov. Seyi Makinde.

    He said that among the items recovered from the suspects included seven exotic cars, several laptops, mobile phones and other incriminating documents.

    Uwujaren added that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

  • EndSARS: Oyo judicial panel submits report to Makinde

    EndSARS: Oyo judicial panel submits report to Makinde

    The Judicial Panel of Inquiry into police brutality and other related matters in Oyo State, on Wednesday, submitted its report to Gov. Seyi Makinde.

    Recall that the governor had, on Nov. 10, 2020, inaugurated the 12-man panel of inquiry to look into reports of police brutality and extrajudicial killings in the state.

    The panel is headed by a former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Badejoko Adeniji.

    Adeniji led other members of the committee to the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, where the reports were presented to the governor.

    In her remarks, the panel chairman said that a total of 151 petitions were received, while public sittings were held, during which about 30 petitions were struck out and 121 petitions adjudicated upon for award of necessary compensations.

    She said that the panel recorded some achievements and facilitated the release of the corpses of some victims of police unlawful killings to their families for befitting burial.

    “The reports and recommendations were divided into two volumes. The first one contained violation of victims’ rights by the state security agencies: Amotekun, Operation Burst and unknown hoodlums.

    “The second volume contained violation by officers of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT),” she said.

    Adeniji thanked the governor for the opportunity given to her and other panel members to be part of government’s initiative to give succour to victims of police brutality, victimisation, violation of human rights and unlawful killings in the state.

    Makinde, while receiving the reports, assured the committee that his administration would study and implement the recommendations of the panel.

    He maintained that the essence of the inquiry was not to apportion blames but to solve problems as well as prevent future occurrences.

    The governor commended the chairman and other members of the panel for their commendable efforts.

    He also said that the police officers, who were also victims, would be compensated.

  • Olubadan stool: Next monarch will be appointed using original ascendancy system – Oyo Gov, Makinde insists

    Olubadan stool: Next monarch will be appointed using original ascendancy system – Oyo Gov, Makinde insists

    …says Ibadan traditional institution must revert to its original concept

    Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde has said the next Olubadan of Ibadan will emerge through the original ascendancy system.

    The Governor who paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso 1, where he announced that the departed monarch will get a royal and befitting burial.

    Makinde while addressing the widow and family members of the late monarch at his Popo Yemoja palace in Ibadan, also said that the next Olubadan of Ibadanland will be appointed using the “original” ascendancy system.

    He clarified that Ibadan traditional institution must revert to its original concept.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that “this should be the last time there will be controversy on the next person who will ascend to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland”.

    He assured all indigenes and lovers of Ibadan that his administration will only carry out what the late Olubadan stood for, saying that he would “do what is right to preserve the integrity and sanctity of the traditional institution of Ibadan land.”

    He said, “I and the entourage of the Oyo State Government are here this evening to pay our official condolence visit to Olori and the family of our father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who joined his ancestors. So, this is a way to tell the family that at this moment when you are grieving for Kabiyesi leaving us, we are here to identify with you and the family.

    “We are here to say that it is joint pain, as you are not the only ones feeling the passage of Baba. I pray that God Almighty will continue to be with you. And I want to assure you that there is nothing Baba has left that will be left abandoned, but instead, they will go from strength to strength.

    “Today, Baba is not with us but what he stood for is with us. The history of Ibadan’s traditional institution cannot be completely narrated without acknowledging what Baba stood and fought for. So, we have come here today to say we are with you. What we can do as children is to give Baba a royal and befitting burial and, as a government, we will do just that. The burial is our burial and it is the state’s burial.

    “I have heard enough on the controversy surrounding who or who is not next to be installed as Olubadan of Ibadanland and other narratives around the matter. So, let me state it clearly that Ibadan traditional institution must revert to its original concept. This must be the last time there will be controversy on who succeeds the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    “As a government, I am giving assurance to indigenes and lovers of Ibadan that what Baba stood for is what I will carry through. So, whoever wants should key into it or not. We must do what is right to preserve the integrity and sanctity of the traditional institution of Ibadan land.”

    …Gov defends silence, absence after Olubadan’s death

    The governor faulted those criticising him for being absent at some programmes held to honour the late Olubadan.

    He explained that he was in touch with doctors that attended to the late Olubadan.

    He said, “Today, I am saying it in front of everybody that those saying that I was supposed to return to the state immediately I got the news of Baba’s demise ‘lack knowledge.’ Yes. I have always been in talks with Baba every moment. I was at Saki when he was sick but I was talking to the medical doctors taking care of him in the hospital.

    “So, those criticising my action are not the ones to tell us how we are supposed to take care of our aged ones. We know what to do and we did what was expected of us to do. I am here on behalf of the government to tell you that the pain is for all of us. Baba stood for truth. If he had not, he would not have boldly told the past government to retrace its step when it was treading the wrong path.

    “Power is not something that is easy to manage but Baba looked at power in the face and spoke the truth to power concerning the issue of the traditional institution in Ibadan.”

    While speaking, the son of the late monarch, Dr. Abdul Raheem Adetunji, appreciated the governor and his entourage for the condolence visit paid to the family, praying that the governor will succeed in all his endeavours.”

  • Oyo Govt. uncovers 41 ghost workers

    Oyo Govt. uncovers 41 ghost workers

    The Oyo State Government says it has uncovered 41 employees classified as “No Show”, a euphemism for ghost workers.

    A statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan by Mr Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Seyi Makinde, said the discovery was made by the consultants engaged to verify its workforce.

    According to the statement, the Implementation Committee of the Oyo State 2019/2020 Civil/Public Servants Audit and Payroll Re-engineering/Validation Exercise confirmed the ghost workers.

    The consultants also indicted 602 officers and recommended them for removal from the payrolls but the Implementation Committee affirmed 41 ghost workers.

    “The consultants cleared 40 others of any infraction; uncovered 10 deaths, 170 systematic retirements and affirmed the option of voluntary retirement by 341 others, with irregular records of service.

    The statement said that, “the Implementation Committee had examined the report submitted by the consultants and also interacted with the affected officers before finalizing the implementation model.

    “Messrs Sally Tilbot Consulting was in 2019 engaged by the Oyo State Government to undertake employees and pensioners’ verification/validation and payroll re-engineering tagged “2019/2020 Staff Audit.

    “Following a series of reconciliations, the report of the consultants was received by the government on April 30 after which an Implementation Committee was put in place to fashion out the final implementation model.

    “The committee recommended that an administrative investigation be undertaken by the government to determine where the salaries of the “No Show” officers had been going, the report said.”

    The statement added that of the 341, who opted for voluntary retirement, 290 officers had turned in their voluntary retirement letters.

    The Implementation Committee, however, recommended that the government should accept the retirement of the 341 officers following the discovery of irregular records of service in their files.

    The affected officers, the committee recommended, are to be helped to port into the pension payroll not later than two months after their respective notices of retirement.

  • Makinde mourns Oyo-born rapper, Sound Sultan

    Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Sunday, described the death of an Iseyin. Oyo State-born singer, Lanre Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan, as a huge loss to the state and the entertainment world.

    Makinde, in a statement issued in Ibadan by his Special Assistant on Print Media – Mr Moses Alao, described the incident as the demise of a great ambassador of the state.

    He commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the Iseyin community and the entertainment industry.

    The statement quoted the governor as describing Sound Sultan as a ‘humble, great talent and a shining light’ who has positively impacted the society with his act.

    “Sound Sultan left the world at a young age of 44, but he made his mark and left strong messages for the Nigerian society through various songs with thematic preoccupations that centre on politics, commitment and service to fatherland, among others”, the statement read.

    The governor charged youths in the state to borrow a leaf from the pages of Sound Sultan’s books.

    According to him, the late singer showed great example on how to manage fame as a young person.

    “The news of the death of popular singer and producer, Lanre Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan, unsettled me greatly.

    “From afar, Sound Sultan cuts the figure of a well-bred young man, who achieved stardom by a dint of hard work and managed to remain relevant without falling to the entrapments of fame and youthful exuberance.

    “In him, Oyo State lost a great and humble artiste and ambassador.

    “We lost an individual who tried his best to positively impact on his society through entertainment.

    “I pray to God to grant everyone related to him, the fortitude to bear the loss”, the governor stated.