Category: South West

  • 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 .

  • Ondo Gov Picks Former National Assembly Clerk As Deputy

    Ondo Gov Picks Former National Assembly Clerk As Deputy

    A former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Olayide Owolabi Adelami, has been nominated as the new Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

    Adelami’s nomination came shortly after Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced the dissolution of members of the State Executive Council in the cabinet, who worked under the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

    An alumnus of Imade College, Adelami obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Lagos before proceeding to get his MBA from Ogun State University.

    He was a deputy clerk at the National Assembly before retiring in April 2018.

    Chief Press Secretary to Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed the nomination of Adelami in a statement on Wednesday.

    Adelami’s nomination is believed to have laid to rest agitations for the appointment of a new deputy governor for the state following the emergence of Aiyedatiwa.

    Aiyedatiwa became the substantive governor of the state after the demise of Akeredolu, who passed on after battling protracted prostrate cancer.

  • BREAKING: Ogun State Assembly Speaker, Olakunke Oluomo, impeached

    BREAKING: Ogun State Assembly Speaker, Olakunke Oluomo, impeached

    The Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, has been impeached from his position over alleged gross misconduct.

    In his place, Hon Oludaisi Elemide has been appointed as the new speaker.

    Oluomo was reelected in June 2023 after a week of tension over the seat. He faced a challenge from former deputy Speaker Elemide.

    Both lawmakers are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which holds 17 of the 26 seats in the House, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the remaining nine members.

  • Ogun: Supreme Court Affirms Governor Abiodun’s Re-Election

    The Supreme Court has affirmed the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State.

    The Apex Court upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja which dismissed the appeal filed by by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Ladi Adebutu, seeking the nullification of the re-election of Governor Abiodun.

    Delivering the Lead Judgement, Justice Tijani Abubakar dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit

  • Tinubu Reacts To Ibadan Explosion

    Tinubu Reacts To Ibadan Explosion

    President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the tragic incident which happened in Ibadan, Oyo state, on Tuesday, January 16.

    This was made known in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President, Ajuri Ngelale, via Dada Olusegun’s X handle on Wednesday, January 17.

    The statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the devastating explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    “The explosion killed two persons and wounded about 80 others. It also destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and other properties. 

    “It is worrisome that the cause of the blast is being attributed to the activities of illegal miners. Those behind the inexcusable and reckless behaviour that has created the conditions for the sad incident to occur must be fished out and punished,” the President said.

    “President Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State and called on all concerned agencies of government to unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy with alacrity.

    “The President directs the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and comprehensive relief to the victims.”

  • How My Brother Died In Ibadan Explosion – Survivor

    How My Brother Died In Ibadan Explosion – Survivor

    A survivor of the explosion that occurred at Dejo Oyelese Street, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State on Tuesday night, identified as Adeleke, has recounted how he lost his elder brother to the tragic incident.

    Fewer than 10 persons were killed in the explosion, with 77 others injured.

    Adeleke, who spoke with a local broadcasting station, Lagelu FM, said they were playing tennis at the hotel before his brother left to attend to something, and the explosion, which caused a stir, sent a sharp object that gave him a deep cut in his stomach.

    He identified his late brother as Oladipupo, noting that he was rushed to the Adeoyo General Hospital immediately after the incident.

    He said, “He came out to the front of the transformer where the incident happened. His intestines were out after the cut.”

    Another survivor, Olaitan Okanlawon, said the incident happened around 7 pm after hearing a strange sound and vibration.

    She added, “I was inside with my husband and kids. And we started hearing strange sounds and vibrations, it was not clear until we began to see rubbles, outside the window.

    “One of my kids has a cut on his head and is being attended to, we have moved out our stuff to the hotel.”

    Reacting to the incident, the state governor, Seyi Makinde, said preliminary investigations by security agencies revealed that explosive devices stored by illegal miners caused the explosion that rocked the area.

    Makinde, who visited the explosion scene Tuesday night, said that though further investigations were still ongoing, anyone found culpable would be brought to book

  • Seyi Makinde Reveals Cause Of Ibadan Explosion

    Seyi Makinde Reveals Cause Of Ibadan Explosion

    Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, says two people were killed in the explosion which took place in Ibadan, the capital of the state, on Tuesday night.

    Makinde said the explosion, which injured 77 people, was caused by illegal miners who stored explosive devices in one of the buildings in the Bodija area of Ibadan.

    “We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan,” the governor said.

    “This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties. We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations.”

    He said preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that “illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast”.

    Makinde said the investigations are ongoing and all those found culpable for this will be brought to book.

    The governor said the rescue operations will continue throughout the night.

    “Earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident,” he said.

    “The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.”

    Condoling the families of those who lost lives and properties to the explosion, Makinde said “in total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.

    Makinde assured residents that the state government would take care of the medical bills of all victims of the blast.

    “We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives,” he said.

    “I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.

    “We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured.

    “Please say a prayer for those who have been affected by this disaster as we continue with the rescue operations.”

  • Hoodlums Attack UNILAG Bus During Convocation

    Hoodlums Attack UNILAG Bus During Convocation

    The management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State, has announced that unidentified miscreants vandalized the school bus.

    The varsity noted that the hoodlums, during the attack, stole gowns intended for its graduates for the 54th convocation ceremony scheduled to hold on Tuesday (today).

    Graduates have been mandated to pay N15,000 to obtain the convocation gowns.

    However, amid preparations, reports emerged that some graduates who made the payment received a notification from the university administration stating that the distribution of the gowns had been halted due to the vandalism committed by the unknown criminals.

    “We regret to inform you that the distribution of SPGS academic gowns is now suspended. Sadly, the remaining gowns were stolen, and our bus vandalised this afternoon,” the university’s email to one of the graduates read.

    Confirming the development, a lawyer who identified himself as Malachy Odo, said he had received the identical notification from the school through text messages subsequent to his payment of the fee designated for the gown collection.

    “I paid 15k for convocation gown yesterday and this is what UNILAG just sent me. This country is not a real place,” he noted.

  • Why Aiyedatiwa is yet to move into Ondo Govt House 

    Why Aiyedatiwa is yet to move into Ondo Govt House 

    Three weeks into his tenure as the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been working from his former Deputy Governor’s office, delaying his transition to the Governor’s Office at the Government House in Alagbaka, Akure, Starnews NG report. 

    Despite being sworn in on December 27, 2023, following the passing of former governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Aiyedatiwa is gradually settling into his role. 

    In his inaugural address, he pledged to continue his predecessor’s work and ensure collaboration with all stakeholders. 

    However, the governor, after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, is reportedly focused on reorganizing the All Progressives Congress in the state before selecting a deputy governor. 

    Sources told Starnews that ongoing consultations to choose a deputy from either the central or northern senatorial districts, while Aiyedatiwa continues to operate from his former office, delaying his move to the main governor’s office at the Government House.

    The source said, “The governor has been coming to the office, but he has been using his old deputy governor office to operate and receive visitors. He has yet to occupy the state Government House too. The only place he uses in the Government House is the Presidential Lodge where he receives visitors. The governor’s residential lodge too has not been used by the governor.”

    When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed that the presidential lodge was being used by the governor to receive visitors while some other areas were under renovation, adding that the Governor’s Office was under renovation.

    “The governor has been using the Government House; he receives visitors at the presidential lodge. Others are undergoing renovation. Very soon, everything will be alright. The new building in the Government House is nearing completion and he might be using there.

    “The main governor’s office too is under renovation; after the renovation, the governor will move in,” the CPS stated

  • Ogun Guber: Supreme Court reserves judgment seeking Abiodun’s removal

    Ogun Guber: Supreme Court reserves judgment seeking Abiodun’s removal

    The Supreme Court has reserved judgment on the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and it’s candidate, Ladi Adebutu, in the March 18, governorship election.

    Adebutu’s appeal is seeking the nullification of the declaration of Dapo Abiodun as winner of the election.

    Specifically, he is challenging Abiodun’s re-election on the ground that the Electoral Act, 2022, was not adhered to, citing corrupt practices and issues of non-qualification.

    Specifically, PDP and Adebutu want the Supreme Court to set aside and dismiss the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Lagos, which had on November 23, affirmed the decision of the Tribunal in upholding Adiodun’s victory.

    Recall that two Judges of the court below had dismissed the appeal filed by Adebutu for lacking in merit, while Justice Jane Esienanwan Inyang saw merit in the petition and thereby ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return presented to Abiodun and conduct another election in 99 polling units where elections were disrupted.

    In adopting his brief of arguments, Chris Uche SAN, counsel for the appellants said INEC ought to have conducted fresh elections in 99 polling units where elections were cancelled and not declared a winner.

    He said the return of the governor by INEC was unlawful and the election was wrongly concluded because corrupt practices were allegedly manifest during the March 18, governorship poll.

    Abiodun Owonikoko, counsel for the first respondent(INEC), asked the apex court to dismiss the appeal.

    He maintained that governorship and presidential election is not determined by margin of lead but by spread of votes, according to Section 179 of the 1999 Constitution.

    Wole Olanipekun, counsel for second respondent, urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal which challenges concurrent decisions of the two lower courts.

    INEC had declared Abiodun winner of the governorship election after polling 276,298 votes to defeat his closest rival Adebutu, who polled 262,383 votes.