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Category: South West

Late Akeredolu’s Body Arrives Nigeria

The body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has arrived Nigeria.

The plane conveying the body arrived at about 3:39 p.m on Friday, January 5, 2024.

The late Governor’s remains were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away.

The body was received by his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother.

Akeredolu passed away in Germany on December 26, 2023.

His remains have been deposited at the morgue until the final burial.

Details of the burial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.

01/05/2024
BREAKING! Lucky Aiyedatiwa Sworn In As Governor

Following the unfortunate passing of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the Acting Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has been sworn in as the substantive Governor.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Aiyedatiwa is expected to promptly appoint key officials such as the Chief of Staff, Chief Security Officer, Chief Press Secretary, among others, and initiate a cabinet reshuffle.

The demise of Governor Akeredolu occurred on Wednesday in a German hospital after a challenging battle with leukemia.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by key figures including the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, members of the assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, and the state chairman of the ruling party APC, Ade Adetimehin. Additionally, members of the Executive Council, political office holders, and other party members graced the occasion with their presence.

12/27/2023
Akeredolu’s Death, A Big Blow To APC – Tinubu Mourns

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the demise of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

Akeredolu, 67, died in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27 after a prolonged battle with leukemia.

Reacting to the Southwest governor’s death, Tinubu in a statement on Wednesday described Akeredolu as man who moved the nation towards equity, fairness and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice.

“Rotimi was a strong voice in wilderness calling us to rethink our security architecture so we can have a more secure nation. His unrelenting advocacy led to the birth of the local police in the South West.

“Rotimi was a man of ideas and action. While he was with us, he taught us the power of action and service.

“We fought many battles together to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend, ally and associate, he was a brother and soulmate.

“His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it.

“I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader”, part of the statement read.

12/27/2023
Ondo Gov, Akeredolu is Dead

Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State, has passed away after a prolonged struggle with leukemia.

According to a source within his family, Akeredolu breathed his last in Lagos, under the care of State House doctors, unable to travel abroad due to his health condition.

The 67-year-old governor, who had been undergoing medical attention since his return from Germany in September, recently handed over power to his deputy, Aiyedatiwa, following directives from President Bola Tinubu. Aiyedatiwa had been acting as Governor during Akeredolu’s periods of medical leave.

Akeredolu’s health struggles were evident earlier in the year when his wife, Betty, announced the suspension of her 70th birthday celebrations due to unforeseen circumstances related to her husband’s health.

Reports surfaced indicating the Governor’s battle with leukemia, a cancer of the blood affecting the production of essential blood cells, leading to severe health complications.

Leukemia, which disrupts the body’s ability to fight infections, manifests in various forms, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Its symptoms, as outlined by medical sources, encompass weakness, bruising, fever, infections, bone pain, and several other discomforts.

The Governor’s courageous fight against this formidable disease and the subsequent impact on his ability to govern drew public attention and concern. Akeredolu’s passing leaves a void in the state leadership, prompting grief and tributes from citizens across Ondo and beyond.

12/27/2023
Three Inmates Escape From Ogun Prison

The Ijebu Ode Correctional Home in Ogun State has been rocked by a jailbreak.

This was confirmed on Tuesday by Victor Oyeleke, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Ogun State Command.

Three inmates reportedly fled the facility in the early hours of Saturday morning, prompting a search operation involving various agencies.

Oyeleke emphasized that efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the escaped inmates.

He assured the public that measures are in place as they collaborate with sister agencies and utilize biometric data and family contacts to facilitate their capture.

While a statement from the Ijebu Imushin Area Command of So-Safe Corps corroborated the jailbreak, Soji Ganzallo, the So-Safe Corps Commander, claimed no knowledge of the incident, urging the public to disregard the information.

The escapees have been identified as Hammed Adeboyejo, convicted of Murder/Armed Robbery; Fatai Taiwo Akande, sentenced on a Murder Case from Ijebu-Igbo; and Oguntona Aliu, convicted of a Sexual Offense. Authorities advise anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact relevant security agencies immediately.

12/26/2023
Ogun Government Announces N50m Bounty For Killers Of Finance Director

The Ogun State Government has taken a bold step in response to the tragic murder of Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi, the former Director of Finance and Administration linked to Governor Dapo Abiodun’s office. Oyekanmi, aged 51, met a gruesome fate on November 29th at the Kuto Flyover Bridge in Abeokuta.

Allegedly ambushed by assailants while returning with colleagues after withdrawing a substantial sum from city banks, Oyekanmi’s untimely demise sparked outrage and a strong commitment from Governor Abiodun to ensure justice prevails.

In an official statement released on Friday, the state government declared a N50 million reward for any individual furnishing information pivotal to the arrest of Oyekanmi’s killers.

The government emphasized the utmost confidentiality of provided information, urging cooperation with security agencies in their quest for justice.“Ogun State Government has announced a reward of N50m for anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the killers of the state’s Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi, on 30th November 2023 in Abeokuta.

“Information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality,” the statement reads in part.

12/10/2023
Makinde flags off N9.6bn road project in Ibadan

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday flagged off the N9.6 billion Akobo – Olounda/Abaa 8.3 Kilometres Road project in Ibadan.

The dualisation of the road project in Lagelu Local Government area was contracted to Samchase Nigeria Ltd.

Makinde, reiterating his commitment to infrastructure development, said that his administration had resolved to put in place critical infrastructure that would open up the state for economic expansion.

He explained that 30 percent of the contract cost had been paid to enhance speedy completion of the project within the time-frame of 12 months.

The governor hinted that owners of properties that would be affected by the road dualisation project would be compensated accordingly.

Makinde, soliciting the co-operation of all residents of beneficial communities, said that the project would have positive impact on the communities.

According to him, it will also boost the state Internally Generated Revenue when completed.

He name the entire stretch of 15.3 Kilometres IdiApe – Akobo – Olounda/Abaa Road after former Gov. Nyeson Wike of River, also a political associate of Makinde.

Commenting, Mr Kazeem Gbadamosi, Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, said that the road dualisation would ease movement of goods and services in the neighborhood.

Gbadamosi said that the project when completed, would have direct impact on the political and socioeconomic activities of the local government’s residents.

Also, Mr Hyginus Okoro, Technical Officer, Samchase Nig. Ltd, promised that the company would deliver quality and standard project.

Okoro said that the company would keep to the time-frame delivery and that value for every penny expended on the project would be provided.

A cross section of residents of Akobo – Olouda/Abaa communities, in an interview with NAN, expressed joy over commencement of the road project.

Mr Peter Akande said that flagged off of the project was a positive signal.

Akande said that all motorists and other road users plying the route would soon experience smooth movement.

He commended Makinde-led administration for awarding the road project.

Akande assured the contractor of the communities’ support in ensuring speedy completion of the road construction without hindrance.

Another road user, Michael Adewale, a commercial tricycle operator, said that the road project when completed would ease vehicular movement and reduce traffic being experienced on the road.

Adewale urged relevant agencies in charge of the project to ensure effective monitoring to enable the contractor to keep to specification and deliver quality work.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders, chieftains of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, and government functionaries were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.

06/09/2023
Ekiti Assembly gets new Speaker

Mr Adeoye Aribasoyo (APC- Ikole 2), has been elected as the speaker of the 7^th assembly of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

Aribasoyo was elected shortly after proclamation of the 7^th Assembly by the Clerk of the house, Mr Tola Esan in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday.

The Speaker was unanimously elected after he was nominated by Mr Femi Akindele (APC-Irepodun Ifelodun Constituency 1).

Mrs Bolaji Olagbaju (APC- Ado 2) was also elected as the deputy speaker.

Olagbaju was the daughter of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, late Bisi Egbeyemi.

Speaking with newsmen, the new Speaker said the 7th Assembly would ensure that the people of the state enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Aribasoyo said the assembly was ready to work for the betterment of the people of the state.

“We will be futuristic in our approach and worked tirelessly, performing our major roles for the betterment of our people.

“We are ready to offer selfless service to our dear state, we are fully prepared. I am using we because it is not going to be a one man’s show, we are going to work collectively with my colleagues.

“I see the light shining in Ekiti State because the 7th assembly will bring about meaningful impacts to the lives of the people of our dear state.

“The 7th assembly will join hands with all stakeholders to take the state to the height that we desired,” Aribasoyo said.

06/06/2023
NDLEA parades 24 suspects, seizes 15.6kg of hard drugs

NDLEA in Ondo State paraded 24 suspects on Friday in Akure for their involvement in selling and using psychotropic substances like Indian hemp, cocaine and tramadol. One of them is female.

NDLEA commander in Ondo State, Mr Kayode Raji, said the suspects were arrested during raids on black spots in the state during which 15.6kg of psychotropic substance were seized.

He added that the raids became necessary to ensure peace in the state as drug users usually constituted a nuisance to the state.

Raji advised parents to ensure that they monitored their wards properly and ensure that they kept off drug abuse.

In his remarks, Deputy Zonal Commander, Zone J of the NDLEA, Mr Andrew Idele, assured that the NDLEA would rehabilitate those arrested to ensure that they lived better lives.

06/02/2023
Kidnappers kill 2, abduct 2 others in Ogun farm

Gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, on Wednesday shot dead two people and also abducted two others at a farm in Awo Village in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun.

One of the deceased was an area commander of Ogun security outfit, So-Safe Corps, identified as Saheed Ogunrinde.

The kidnappers were said to have appeared in camouflage and invaded a popular farm in the village which had more than 200 workers.

The kidnappers were reportedly trailed by combined team of policemen and So-Safe Corps operatives.

Confirming the incident, the Commander of So-Safe Corps, Soji Ganzalo, said his men participated in the operation to salvage the situation after the suspected kidnappers had invaded the village.

“A distress call was made to Owode Area Command by the DPO Owode Division that two people were killed and two others were kidnapped in Abule Awo, Orile-Imo on Tuesday.

“The Owode Area Command of So-Safe led by Saheed Ogunrinde moved to the affected location to salvage the situation.

“On getting there, a joint operation was carried out by our men and Nigeria police and all efforts to track the kidnappers proved abortive.

“The following morning, on Wednesday, when our men resumed with the police to search the location which led them to the Interchange Area.

“On sighting our men, the kidnappers opened fire and their bullet hit Ogunrinde, who died in the process.

“His body has been taken to his house at Ajura and buried. His rifle and phone were taken away by the kidnappers,” Ganzalo said.

When contacted, the state police spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident.

Oyeyemi said one of the suspects had been arrested and that others were being trailed by operatives of the joint operation.

“Two people were shot and one of them died on the spot. They also kidnapped two,“ he said.

Oyeyemi disclosed that one suspect had been arrested.

06/01/2023