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Category: Ondo Update

  • BREAKING: Ondo NLC gets New Chairman

    BREAKING: Ondo NLC gets New Chairman

    The Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has elected Comrade Olapade Ademola as the Chairman of the Congress.

    Comrade (Prince) Ademola is equally the State Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU).

    Members of the State Executive Council (SEC) of the Congress spreading across 22 affiliate unions took the decision at a special meeting held at the State NLC Secretariat at Alagbaka Akure today Thursday 11th July, 2024.

    The position of the NLC Chairman became vacant last month following the retirement of the former occupant, Comrade Victor Oladele Amoko.

    During the meeting presided over by the NLC Vice Chairperson, Comrade (Mrs) Busola Adewumi, the SEC members numbering 41, unanimously empowered Comrade Ademola to henceforth act as the Chairman of the NLC in the state in line with Article 11 of the Congress’ Constitution.

    The SEC-in-Session also approved Comrade Akin Sunday as the substantive State Secretary of NLC.

    In an acceptance speech, Comrade Ademola Olapade who appreciated the determination and doggedness of the SEC members in enthroning leadership for the Congress, vowed that he would work for enhanced welfare packages for workers in Ondo State.

    The NLC Acting Chairman who commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment towards improving welfare of the state workers and pensioners since he assumed, described the recent payment of gratuities to primary school teachers and local government workers who retired since 2012 as heart warming.

    Ademola said “I want to appreciate the SEC members of Ondo state Nigeria Labor Congress for giving me the privilege and power to pilot the leadership of the Congress, I’m very happy about it and it is a big task and i pray that Almighty God should help me to do the needful.

    “Workers should be expecting something better in terms of improved salary, pension, promotion and training. For that reason, I want to appreciate the state Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the area of wage award to the tertiary institutions, government should not relent, they should continue the payment and then should please review upwardly that of the workers of Ondo state too because base on the economic factor.”

    Ademola also called on government to approve labour demand on the new minimum wage for better welfare of Nigerian workers.

  • Court nullifies creation of 33 LCDAs by late Gov Akeredolu’s administration

    Court nullifies creation of 33 LCDAs by late Gov Akeredolu’s administration

    The Ondo State High Court, sitting in Akure, has annulled the creation of 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    Presiding Justice A.O. Adebusuoye declared that the creation of the LCDAs was unconstitutional and illegal.

    The court determined that the procedures followed in establishing these LCDAs did not comply with the necessary legal requirements.

    The administration of the late Governor Akeredolu initiated the creation of the 33 LCDAs to enhance local governance and development. However, the move faced legal challenges, culminating in the recent court decision.

    Justice Adebusuoye noted that the creation of the LCDAs bypassed critical constitutional processes, rendering the establishment of these local government entities null and void.

    The judgment reiterated the importance of adhering to the constitution and legal statutes in the creation of any local government areas.

    The annulment of the LCDAs means that any administrative actions taken by the councils are now invalid.

    As of now, there has been no official response from the Ondo State Government regarding the court’s ruling.

  • Ondo Residents Protest EFCC Night Raids On Clubs, Arrest Of Bridegroom

    Ondo Residents Protest EFCC Night Raids On Clubs, Arrest Of Bridegroom

    Scores of residents, particularly youths in Ondo State, have protested the sting operation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at some night clubs in Akure, the state capital.

    Over the weekend reported, operatives of the EFCC stormed the popular Alba Royale Club and Signatures Club located in the Alagbaka area of Akure, raiding the fun-seekers.

    The anti-graft agency also arrested a groom-to-be and his friends who were at one of the clubs for a bachelors’ eve, confiscated mobile phones and seized vehicles belonging to those arrested.

    However, in a swift reaction, the EFCC Ibadan Zonal Directorate said it arrested 127 persons who are suspected to be internet fraudsters. 

    In a statement, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC, claimed that the suspects were arrested in an early morning sting operation at a “Yahoo Party” held simultaneously at the clubs.

    “Credible intelligence showed that the alleged party was initially scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, 2024, but was later moved to Saturday to beat security and intelligence networks of the EFCC,” Mr Oyewale said.

    But the invasion of the operatives of the EFCC did not go down well with residents of the state, who have been protesting the action of the anti-graft agency.

    Protesting against the EFCC invasion, Mr Olawale Odeyemi said the midnight raids on the clubs, the arrest and assaults of the youths were illegal and unacceptable.

    A renowned youth advocate in the state, Oluyemi Fashipe, condemned the action of the operatives of the anti-graft agency, describing the invasion as an abuse of citizen’s rights.

    Another protestor, Ewatomilola Emiola explained that the raid by the anti-graft agency was in defiance of its ban on night operation.

    She demanded that those arrested and profiled as internet fraudsters in the Akure clubs should be released unconditionally.

    Meanwhile, Abiola Makinde, the federal lawmaker representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, has condemned the raid on the nightclubs and lounges in the state.

    Hon Makinde, who also is the Chairman, the House of Representatives Committee on Human Rights, described the raid as an invasion of privacy of innocent citizens of Nigeria.

    In a statement signed by his media aide, Moshood Alli, and made available in Akure, Makinde urged the residents of the state to remain calm while the invasion is investigated and resolved.

    He specifically noted that the EFCC as Nigeria’s premier anti-graft agency, has a critical role in combating financial crimes.

    “However, it is imperative that in the pursuit of justice, the EFCC adheres strictly to the principles of human rights.

    “Reports of raids leading to violations of personal dignity and privacy, such as the incident involving a former Big Brother Naija housemate, highlights the need for the EFCC to conduct operations with respect for the law and human decency.

    “Please note that the agency’s mandate to investigate financial crimes does not exempt it from the obligation to respect human rights, which includes ensuring that raids are conducted legally, with proper warrants, and without undue harm to individuals.

    “The concerns raised by various incidents underscore the importance of accountability and the adherence to human rights standards to maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.

    “I’ll activate the State Director of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Sunday Oyewole, to look into the matter. Any violations will be addressed between the two federal agencies,” he said.

  • Kogi Governor to chair committee for Ondo APC primary poll

    Kogi Governor to chair committee for Ondo APC primary poll

    Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi state, has been appointed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to lead a seven-member committee that will conduct the party’s governorship primary election in Ondo state.

    The Ondo APC primary poll has been slated for April 20.

    The committee is expected to conduct direct primary elections in the 18 LGAs of the state.

    The five-man primary election appeal committee will be headed by Mohammed Abubakar, former governor of Bauchi.

    Abubakar’s committee will be inaugurated by Suleiman Argungu, APC national organising secretary; with Ovie Omo-Agege, former deputy senate president, serving as the secretary of the primary election committee.

    Obiocha Israel will serve as secretary to the five-man election appeal committee, with Jamilu Gwamna, Patrick Obahiagbon and Onyeka Okafor as members.

  • Aiyedatiwa Will Be Disqualified From Ondo Governorship Race – Jimoh Ibrahim 

    Aiyedatiwa Will Be Disqualified From Ondo Governorship Race – Jimoh Ibrahim 

    Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and an aspirant in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo has said that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would be disqualified from the race.

    Describing Aiyedatiwa as a joker, Ibrahim said the incumbent governor was never the choice of Ondo people.

    Taunting the governor, Ibrahim displayed his entire academic and award certificates to journalists at the screening at the APC secretariat in Abuja.

    Ibrahim said Aiyedatiwa was only trying to ride his way into the Government House again on the back of the ticket of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and a few endorsements he got from the State House of Assembly.

    He said: “As you can see, all my credentials and certificates are complete. What has Aiyedatiwa achieved? He was just a pair to Aketi. We didn’t vote for him. It was Aketi we voted for.

    “But I can assure you, the governor is a huge joker. He can’t continue in government with his P8 and P7 (alleged grades). The governor will be out of that place by the time we finish the APC primary next week. He is gone and there is nothing he can do about it.

    “I don’t normally go against people. Left alone to me, clear everybody and let them go for primary. Let the electorate decide. I have won the election as senator. I won in six of the six local governments, 65 of the 66 wards, and bagged 111,677 votes as against Agboola Ajayi’s 60,000 votes.”

    However, Aiyedatiwa told the APC screening committee for the upcoming governorship election in the state that his credentials are genuine.

  • Family Speaks On Cause Of Paul Akintelure’s Death

    Family Speaks On Cause Of Paul Akintelure’s Death

    The family of the late governorship aspirant of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Paul Akintelure, has opined that the death of the deceased is not ordinary.

    Akintelure, a medical doctor jostling for the governorship ticket of the APC, was confirmed dead in the early hours of Tuesday.

    The demise comes barely a week after Akintelure raised alarm, alleging that there was a serious threat to his life ahead of the APC governorship primary fixed for April 25.

    Though he did not provide details of the threat, he noted that he was compelled to address the matter with grave concern and a heavy heart.

    In an interview with Daily Trust, the deceased’s younger brother, Oladapo Akintelure, said his death was not natural.

    According to him, the Ondo politician had been complaining of several illnesses and was admitted to a hospital before he finally passed on.

    He added that Akintelure was also advised to take an urgent break from his campaign to face his health.

    He said, “For the past 12 or 14 days, he had been complaining of several sudden illnesses ranging from headaches to back and chest pains.

    “He was admitted at a time and had to take a break off campaign to attend to his health. At a time, we were worried and advised him to rest and we moved him to Lagos,” the younger brother said.

    However, Oladapo said he believed the sudden death of his brother was not natural, describing the sad development as unfortunate.

    “As a family member, I would not want to say much for now because it is still a shocking moment for us. This is not ordinary but it is unfortunate that we lost him at this critical time.”

  • Ondo Government Declares Public Holidays For Akeredolu’s Burial

    Ondo Government Declares Public Holidays For Akeredolu’s Burial

    In honour of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former governor of Ondo State, the current governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared Thursday, 22nd, and Friday, 23rd of February 2024, as public holidays. 

    Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023, will be laid to rest on Friday in his hometown, Owo.

    The public holidays aim to enable the people of the state to actively participate in the burial activities. 

    Commencing last Thursday, the events include traditional rites in Owo on Wednesday, a special court session at the Ondo high court headquarters in Akure, lying in state, and commendation service at the Akure Township Stadium.

    On Wednesday evening, a tribute ceremony will take place at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Subsequent events include a service of songs and a wake-keep on Thursday at the same church and Maranatha Villa in Owo, respectively.

    The statement indicates a Candlelight Procession & World Gyration by the Kegites Club on Thursday night, starting from 8 pm until dawn.

    On Friday, February 23, a public holiday, the funeral service is scheduled at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, at 10 am, followed by interment strictly for immediate family at the burial site in Owo. 

    A reception at Mydas Hotel and Resort, Ikare Road, Owo, will follow at 1 pm.

    Saturday, February 24, 2024, will see the Akeredolu Memorial Friendly football match at the Akure Township Stadium, Akure, starting at 3 pm. 

    The series concludes on Sunday, February 25, with a Thanksgiving Service at St Andrews Church, Imola Street, Owo, at 10 am.

  • Breaking: Ondo PDP Chairman Is Dead

    Breaking: Ondo PDP Chairman Is Dead

    Mr. Fatai Adams, the Chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has passed away. 

    The details surrounding his demise remain undisclosed, but sources indicate he died in the early hours of Wednesday.

    The party’s state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Peretei, confirmed the death.

    “Yes it is true but we will soon communicate you properly on the incident,” Peretei said.

    The  PDP’s State Working Committee had previously suspended Adams, citing alleged involvement in anti-party activities. 

    The party’s stance on this matter had been a subject of recent contention. 

  • Governor Aiyedatiwa Appoints Commissioners, Special Advisers

    Governor Aiyedatiwa Appoints Commissioners, Special Advisers

    Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has forwarded to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation the names of six Commissioner-nominees.

    This was revealed in a statement signed by the Chief press secretary to the governor on Friday,
    Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan.

    The nominees are:
    1. Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, ACCA
    2. Mr. Olukayode A. Ajulo, SAN, OON
    3. Engr. Razaq Obe
    4. Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan
    5. Barrister Akinwumi Sowore
    6. Mr. Oseni Oyeniyi

    The Governor has also appointed the following individuals as Special Advisers:

    1. Hon. Olugbenga Omole, Special Adviser on Information & Strategy
    2. Mrs. Olamide Falana, Special Adviser on Gender Affairs
    3. Mr. Alabi Johnson, Special Adviser on Energy.

  • Ondo Assembly Confirms Adelami As Deputy Governor

    Ondo Assembly Confirms Adelami As Deputy Governor

    Ondo State house of Assembly has screened and confirmed Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami as the Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

    Adelami was confirmed as the Deputy Governor at a plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.

    His confirmation was sequel to the submission and consideration of a report by the house selection committee Chaired by the Speaker.

    It would be recalled that the House of Assembly yesterday received a letter of his nomination from the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

    The house had earlier conducted screening exercise for the nominee at the assembly complex.

    The Clerk of the House, Barr. Jaiyeola Benjamin read the letter sent to the House by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the consideration of the nominees for the vacant position of a Deputy Governor.

    While submitting the report, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan recommended the confirmation of the appointment of the nominees whom he affirmed have been properly screened.

    Akinruntan said the nominee responded to all questions raised by the Committee in a very eloquent and explicit order, noting that he has a clear understanding of the position, adding that he possess the required academic qualifications, physically, mentally and emotionally stable and fit to accomplish the task.

    The report also stated that he possess the required experience, Charisma and the much needed exposure to function effectively.

    The Majority leader of the House, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi moved the motion for the report to be considered and the nominees be confirmed and was seconded by Felix Afe representing Akoko North West 2.

    The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oladiji who ruled for the confirmation congratulated the Deputy Governor designate , urging him to put in his best and pledged the house support to the executive for the people to enjoy more democracy dividend.

    In his acceptance speech, Adelami who hails from Owo appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for finding him worthy of the position pledging not to betray his emotion and confidence reposed in him.

    He also appreciated the lawmakers for the efforts they have put in place during the screening and confirmation noting that promoting understanding between arms of government will be his priority.

    Dr Olayide Owolabi Adelami mni, a retired Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly promised to do everything at his disposal to function effectively, pledging not to disappoint the people of Ondo State .