₦airaland Forum

Ogun: PDP's witness blames lawyer for repetition, as Tribunal battles witness inconsistencies and lies

As Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called more witnesses to testify before the governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Monday, several inconsistencies and similarities in the witnesses' statements have continued to trail the proceedings.

A witness, Mrs Mulikat Yemi, from Ota, while admitting similarities in her statement with another witness, Balogun Olanrewaju, during cross examination by the counsel to INEC, including same error and omission in paragraph 6 of their statements, told tribunal to question her lawyer for the repetition.

One other witness, Thomas Abiodun, a photographer, who appeared before the panel for the party from Iyesi-Ota, in Ado Odo Ota Local Government, claimed to have signed the statement he presented on June 16, whereas,the statement was actually signed on 6th April.

Also, paragraphs 3 and 4 of his statement, after being sighted and compared were confirmed to be the same with other witnesses' statements.

Abiodun, further lied on oath when he told the Tribunal that his statement was based on his personal knowledge, meanwhile, after being cross examined, he later changed this claim and said the information in his statement came from an unnamed official of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In the same vein, it was discovered after thorough scrutiny by Counsel to INEC that witness statement submitted by another individual called by the PDP, Mr Kushimo Akeem, a cloth seller from Gbagura, in Abeokuta North Local Government, was exactly the same with previous witnesses' statements earlier presented.

Bamidel Abiodun @57: Gov Abiodun Thanks Wife For Filling The Gap

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has praised his wife, Bamidele for her continuous support and role in ensuring the successful implementation of his administration's ISEYA program.
He said that her determination at ensuring his success as Governor of the state has helped in filling in the gap as he serves the people.

Prince Abiodun who made this known during the 57th birthday thanksgiving of his wife held at the Government House Chapel, Oke-Igbehin, Abeokuta, charged the congregation and the people of the state to deliberate and live a life that touches others.

"I want to thank you for filling in the gap as I serve the good people of Ogun State, I want to thank you for your consistent prayers, may the Lord Almighty continue to protect and keep you under his shadow.

"Today is a special day of thanksgiving because my beautiful and adorable wife has added another year. We are here to celebrate what the Lord has done for us.

"I want to pray that God continues to give you Bamidele unspeakable and everlasting joy, may you fulfil your destiny," he said.

Abiodun who also noted that days like his wife's birthday and thanksgiving are indeed worthy of celebration, added: "Days like these are indeed worthy of celebration, but at the same time, they are reminders that we have added one extra year and we have one less extra year left on this earth."

The Governor, who also urged the people of the state to ask themselves what reason God has created them, said that occasions like birthday thanksgivings are created not to only number our days, but to also give thanks to God.

In her remarks, the celebrant thanked God for giving her good health and sound mind, as well as holding her hands even in times of tribulation.

Bamidele while noting that she would be intentional about how she lives her life from now on, thanked her husband for being her greatest supporter.

In his message titled; "Unquantified Thanksgiving", the South West Chairman of the Organisation of Africa Instituted Churches(OAIC), His Grace, Elder Apostle Jacob Adetokunbo Adeaga who read from the book of Psalm 103 disclosed that no man can ever quantify the level of the love of God in their life, saying that it is good to always thank God for his love in our lives.

Apostle Adeaga who also urged Mrs Abiodun to continuously thank God for his love in her life, charged her to continue to do more for God, the people and the state.

Adeaga thanked Governor Abiodun for his wonderful performance in his first term, even as he charged him to surpass that performance in his second term.

Me: Food & Happiness; the eternal Siamese Twins.

Abiodun swears in Customary Court of Appeal judge, tasks judiciary on political stability

Governor Dapo Abiodun on Friday charged the judiciary to ensure that the country stabilised politically.
The Governor gave the charge while swearing in Justice Oriyomi Abiodun Sofowora as a judge of the Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal at the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta,

Abiodun said his administration believes in the independence and vibrancy of the judiciary as a vital tool for the strengthening of democracy and institutionalizing the rule of law, hence the need for judicial officers to be above board in carrying out their duties.

He said: "My Lord, you are saddled with the dual obligations of ensuring political stability as well as being there for the downtrodden at all times as their last hope.

"This you must do with total commitment, courage, and assertiveness without fear or favour. As a matter of duty, you must continue to earn public trust and ensure that all the arms of government work independently, but collectively within the tenet and principles of separation of powers for the overall good of our people."

Abiodun noted that the state has played a leading role in the evolution and development of a modernized and functional legal system not only in Nigeria but in the West African subregion just as its leading role in the legal profession remains unbroken.

"Luminaries from Ogun State have contributed immensely towards a virile and effective judicial system in Nigeria and on the global stage. The judiciary balances the Executive and Legislative arms in every democratic setting and serves as a sanctuary to the common man," he added.

The governor expressed the hope that with the appointment of the new judge, the tradition of integrity, diligence, and excellence that have been the hallmark of the state judiciary would be optimally enhanced.

"Please take cognisance of the enormous burden of not only ensuring that justice is served but seen to be served effectively and efficiently without bias.

As a responsible and responsive government with an unwavering bias for good governance and the rule of law, we shall stop at nothing to bring good men and women of impeccable character and proven integrity on board to join us in coordinating the affairs of the state in different capacities," Abiodun assured.

He stated that his administration has carried out a series of reforms like the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for the Case Management System, the Judges' Clock and the Custody Monitoring Dashboard System, towards efficient administration of justice in the state.

Governor Abiodun appreciated members of the state's judiciary for upholding the excellent tradition of the profession, emphasizing that the present administration would continue to ensure a strong and functional judicial system towards the successful implementation of the "Building our Future Together agenda."

In her remarks, Mrs Sofowora who thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve as a judge in the Customary Court of Appeal, pledged to discharge her duties without fear or favour.


L-R: The husband of the Judge, Customsary Court of Appeal; Adewunmi Sofowora, the Judge; Hon. Justice Oriyomi Abiodun Sofowora, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Chief Judge of Ogun State; Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu and the Ag.President, Customary Court of Appeal (CCA); Hon. Justice Femi Segun during the swearing in of Hon. Justice Oriyomi Abiodun Sofowora as a Judge of the Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal (CCA)

Ogun: Tribunal throws out PDP's objection, as cases of alleged forgery, impersonation persist

In continuation of proceedings at the Ogun State governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abeokuta metropolis, the panel on Friday overruled an objection raised by counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over inexplicably repetitive statements made by it’s different witnesses in different polling units even as falsehoods by witnesses called by PDP continue to be uncovered.

In overruling the PDP, the Tribunal reaffirmed its earlier ruling on same argument raised during one of the previous sittings.

There were reports from the tribunal in the past days of plethora evidences establishing alleged impersonation and similarities in the witnesses' statements brought forward by different individuals called by the PDP to testify in its favour.

Counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had raised observations and asked questions on similarities in the PDP witnesses' statements and several cases of inconsistencies, in which the petitioner's counsel raised objection but was swiftly overruled by the panel.

The development was unanimously endorsed by all the counsels to the respondents, as another witness called by the PDP, Isau Lawal, from Makun, Sagamu, allegedly lied to have applied to INEC for certified true copies of documents in respect of the case under review and in the same breath admitted that none of such documents was tendered before the tribunal.

Also, an alleged case of impersonation was established against the PDP's witness, when counsel to All Progressives Congress, (APC) called out a different name, Yewande Babatunde, as the PDP’s polling agent at PU002, Ward 12, where Lawal claimed to have worked as the party's agent, even as he has no means of identification to substantiate his claim that he was the party’s agent. He, however, admitted knowing Yewande Babatunde, the rightful agent of the party.

Ogun govt embarks on massive road rehabilitation

Ogun state government is set to embark on total rehabilitation of roads around the State as a way of cushioning the adverse effects of torrential rain on the state's road network.

The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, made this known on Thursday, while on-the-spot assessment of damage caused by erosion on some roads across the state.

Akinsanya said the government was aware of the challenges confronting the people, particularly road users in all parts of the State.

According to him," The rainy season is here and we are aware of the attendant challenges it has on our roads. However, the government is monitoring the situation and is already putting adequate palliative measures in place to arrest the menace.

"Some of the roads we have identified include; Mowe - Ofada in Obafemi Local Government, the second lane of Adatan - More junction in Abeokuta South Local Government and Akute - Alagbole in Ifo Local Government Area, among others''.

He added that the identified roads, along with others will receive adequate attention immediately after the rain subsides, noting that the reconstruction of sections of Ijoko-Akute road is ongoing and is being done in phases.

Akinsanya, therefore, reassured residents of the state that their well-being and welfare remain the utmost priority of the state government, saying that Governor Dapo Abiodun is resolute and committed to economic growth of the state as well as abundant life for the teeming populace.

PDP witnesses admit having multiple signatures, as Ogun Tribunal continues proceedings

Proceedings at the governorship election petition tribunal, sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital took another dimension on Wednesday, as some of the witnesses called by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) confessed to have used different signatures in their witness statements, other than the one they used regularly on daily basis.

One of the witnesses, Ademola Adewale, after admitting to using a different signature in his witness statement also denied a part of his statement to the effect that he saw many voters at his Polling Unit ready and willing to vote but were disenfranchised.

In the same vein, Alhaji Abiodun Sotinwa, another PDP witness and a businessman from Iperu, in Ikenne Local Government, also admitted to having used a signature different from his regular signature for daily activities. He was later caught to have lied about his membership of the PDP when being crossed examined.

In another development, a witness invited by the PDP, Olufunmilola Desalu, a fashion designer also from Iperu expressed surprise that her statement was the same as that of Sotinwa, although, she claimed not to have authored the witness statement.

The two statements were discovered to be word for word, presentation for presentation after counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) thoroughly scrutinized the statements.

When further grilled by the INEC counsel on the reason for the similarities, she simply responded: “I think my lawyer is in a better position to answer that question."

Also, a trader, Ariyo Adeola, from Iperu, whose statement did not contain necessary details came to testify in favour of PDP, as she admitted to being the wife of the Chairman of PDP in Ikenne LGA.
She, however, denied being the ward woman leader of the party.

Going further on the proceedings, Mr Rafiu Hakeem Aro, from Iperu, a trader, was also called by the PDP as a witness. Meanwhile, after being cross-examined, he told the tribunal that his witness statement was not written by him.

After a series of contradictions and inconsistencies on the part of all the witnesses, their counsel was compelled to beg for adjournment.

Ogun Tribunal: Confusion, as PDP witness admits lying on oath, other forgets election's date

There was palpable confusion on Tuesday, during the ongoing proceedings at the governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abeokuta metropolis, as a witness of the People's Democratic Party, (PDP)Olusanya Olatunji, confessed to have lied on oath.

Olatunji, a PDP member, who came from Idowa, in Odogbolu LGA, admitted to have deliberately concocted the figures he supplied in his witness statement with regards to Registered voters and PVCs collected in his area.

That is even as another witness called by PDP, Abidemi Adenuga, while being crossed examined said the gubernatorial election in the State was held on March 13th instead of 18th.

Also, the witness didn't know what Petitioner, form EC8A and form EC8B mean, as well as how she came about the figures of PVCs collected as purportedly stated in her witness report.

In addition to this and rather amazingly, the PDP witness said she didn't know the process by which she became a party agent as claimed by the PDP, and even who the respondents in the case are.

"Q: Who is the Petitioner in this case?

Witness: I don’t know

Q: When was the election?

Witness: 13th March 2023

Q: Who told you the figures of PVCs collected as stated in your witness statement

Witness: I don’t know

Q: Do you know Form EC8A?

Witness: I don’t know

Q: Do you know what Form EC8B is used for?

Witness: I don’t know

Q: Do you know the process by which you became a party agent?

Witness: I don’t know

Q: Who are the Respondents in this case?

A: I don’t know".

Ogun set to host NSF 2024; Olapade, Adebajo, others to lead 16-man committee

Ogun State government, on Tuesday, announced its readiness to hold the 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF) in fulfilment of an earlier promise made by the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as it unveiled leading professionals in Nigeria's sports sector as Local 9rganizing Committee (LOC) members.

It would be recalled that the state government, earlier in May, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.

During that occasion, Governor Abiodun had told the Federal Government delegation led by the then Minister of Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, that Ogun State, being a state noted for recording many firsts in all spheres of human endeavour, was ready to host a world-class festival in 2024, asserting that the State had capable hands and sponsors ready to support the bid.

To that end, the former minister, while expressing the FG's acceptance of the proposal noted that the choice of Ogun State as the next host of the NSF was due to its culture of sports development, availability of sporting infrastructure and potential to host a befitting festival that would linger for a long time.

Unveiling the 16-man local organizing committee in Abeokuta, the state capital on Tuesday, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, in a statement listed former Commissioner for Youths and Sports in the state, Hon. Bukola Olapade as the chairman of the LOC alongside Mr Tilewa Adebayo, a sports enthusiast, as co-chairman.

Olapade, the progenitor of the top-rated Access Bank-sponsored Lagos City Marathon, Abeokuta 10km Marathon race, and the Remo ultra-race, remains topnotch in the world of sports in Nigeria.

Another member of the Committee, Chief (Mrs.) Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo (MON) who is regarded as the Queen of tracks is a 1998 World Cup of Athletics Champion, 400 metres grand prix champion, 200 metres world champion, two-time Olympic medalist and the first female Nigerian to win an individual Olympic medal and hold the African record in 400 metres till date.

Others include the Secretary-general of the local organising committee (LOC) for the NSF Edo 2020, Dr Emmanuel Igbinosa, one of Nigeria's notable sports administrators, ex-chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC); working committee of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and Chairman of the Youth Committee of African Table Tennis Federation, Dr Kweku Tandoh, as well as the renowned sports psychologist and head of the Department of Sports and Exercise Medical Sciences at University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana, Professor Oluwaseun Olanrewaju Omotayo,

Also in the Committee are the Vice Chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government, Hon Dare Alebiosu; Mr. Kunle Solaja, Olusegun Oyende, Mr Olatunji Onatolu, Mrs. Modele Sharafa Yussuf, Demola Are, Abiodun Jubril Elegbede, Ola Opedimeji Adisa, the former Commissioner for Youth & Sports and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth & Sports.
The statement said that the LOC has been mandated to set up subcommittees, made up of various stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free exercise as well as deliver a sports festival that is second to none in the country.

Ogun Tribunal: PDP witnesses admit not reading witness statements

As the governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital resumed proceedings on Monday, members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, were the only ones that appeared as witnesses for the party.

It would be recalled that the Tribunal provisionally admitted undisputed documents presented by the PDP on Thursday last week, as their counsel informed the panel of their readiness to start calling witnesses as scheduled.

Meanwhile, among the PDP members who were called during the cross-examination was Ibuowo Ogunbowale, from Sabo, Sagamu, who was accused of disrupting the electoral process after realizing that his party was losing at his polling unit.

Ogunbowale, was cross-examined by one of the counsels to the Respondents, Mrs Folake Akinlawon, and agreed to be a member of PDP and a former aspirant on the platform of the party, though he denied his involvement in the crisis that rocked his polling unit.

Another witness, Adeleye Ayomide, also from Sagamu and a member of PDP, who was cross-examined by INEC and APC counsels respectively affirmed that his lawyers gave him the witness paper and was not aware of the content, while he shockingly confessed that he didn't agree with the provision of the electoral law which stipulates that voters should quietly vacate polling units after voting.

None of them worked as party agents during the polls nor confirmed being molested in any way during the exercise to establish a case of violence against their members as it was alleged by their party.
Another PDP witness, Kehinde Soboyejo, also opted for cutlass as an object of oath-taking.

However, it was revealed after being cross-examined by INEC counsel that he registered in two polling units.

In another development, Adijat Ayodele, who was also called to testify in favour of PDP admitted not to have read her witness statement before appending her signature.

In the same vein, Faisal Yusuf, from Ijoko, Ifo, who also came to testify in favour of PDP told the tribunal that he had been a trader for the past 30 years. Contrary to his claim, his voter's card marked BT 591 read that he was a civil servant.

FG arraigns Adebutu, 9 others for vote buying, adjourns till 26 September 2023.

The Federal Government on Monday arraigned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 governorship election in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu and nine others before an Ogun State High court. Sitting in Abeokuta for vote buying.
Adebutu, who was charged in absentia has been on the run from law.
It would be recalled that Adebutu, some months ago, sneaked out of the country, following allegations of electoral malpractices and money laundering preferred against him and his party by the Federal Government.
The All progressives Congress (APC), through its Ogun State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, had written a petition to the Inspector General of Police over the vote buying allegation, which was investigated by the State Criminal Investigations Department Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Upon conclusion of investigations, the Federal Government through the Director of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice filed criminal charges against Ladi and his co-defendants at the High Court sitting.
When the case came up before Hon. Justice Abiodun Akinyemi sitting in court 4, it was adjourned till today the 10th of July 2023 owing to the inability of the court’s process servers to serve Ladi Adebutu and his co-defendants with the information sheet.
However, as at the time the matter was called on Monday, Ladi Adebutu remained at large while the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 10th Defendants in persons of Ogunbona Hammed, Tiamiyi Waleed, Egunsola Owolabi, Sanni Adejoke and Malik respectively were present.
They pleaded not guilty to all the 4 counts and their counsel Muyiwa Obanewa subsequently urged the court to grant bail to the defendants.
The prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs while noting that Ladi Adebutu is still on the run said he was not opposed to the granting of bail to the defendants.
Hon. Justice Akinyemi subsequently admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety each who shall be either bondsmen or relatives of the defendants with evidence of payment of tax.
The court adjourned the case till 26th of September 2023 for definite hearing.
According to the charge sheet of the case with no AB/10C/2003 filed at the high court and dated June 2, 2023, Adebutu, along with Messers Ogunbona Hammed, Tiamiyu Waliu, Egunsola Owolabi, Sanni Adegoke, Hon. Dare Lukman Ogunleye, Dayo Fasina, Wasiu Enilolobo and Malik Badmus, were being prosecuted on a four-count charge, namely one count of criminal conspiracy contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, bribery contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, and two counts of undue influence contrary to section 127 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
According to the particulars of the offence, Adebutu and the co-accused “on or about 18th of March at Ibara, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire among yourselves to corruptly give gifts in form of verve prepaid cards which had inscribed on them ‘Dame Caroline Oladuni Adebutu Memorial Endorsement Scheme for Less Privileged’ in order to induce voters to endeavour the return of PDP candidates during the gubernatorial and State Assembly elections in Ogun State.”
Adebutu was further accused of providing 200,000 prepaid verve cards loaded with N10,000 each and inscribed with the same name “for the purpose of corruptly influencing voters to vote for PDP candidates” during the said elections.

Osinbajo, an example of selflessness in public office , says Gov. Abiodun

....as Akarigbo, Obaseki, Aregbesola others extol former Vice-president

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Sunday charged Nigerians to emulate the virtue of selflessness in public office, as exemplified by the immediate past Vice-president of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, saying he has distinguished himself by raising the bar of good governance.

Abiodun, gave the charge during the public thanksgiving and appreciation reception held in honour of former Vice-president by the Ikenne Development Association, at Obafemi Awolowo Square, Ikenne-Remo.

He lauded Osinbajo for being focused and loyal to his principal as he served with dignity,integrity and utmost character, adding that the Ex-Vice President played a significant role in his emergence as Governor, in the face of stiff opposition from his predecessor.

Abiodun said,'' Let us emulate Professor Yemi Osinbajo by using the opportunity of where we are today to diligently serve our people, we must appreciate the fact that the same people that we left behind while going into public office will still be the same people we return to meet after our service.

" We are not only celebrating Prof Osinbajo's achievements but we are also reflecting on the impact he had made in Ogun State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

" On a personal note your Excellency, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for the unwavering support you gave me in 2018 in the course of my journey to Oke-Mosan. One of the lessons we all have to learn from this exemplary leader is that power is transient, we all have to understand that an office is never permanent, what is however permanent is the legacy that we leave behind and how we impact the lives of those who trusted us to lead them into a better future for their collective dreams".

Osinbajo, in his remarks reiterated his resolve to continue supporting his ancestral home of Ikenne, especially in the area of helping the young ones in the town to reach their full potentials.

" I want to thank the Ikenne Development Association for showing leadership and commitment in developing this town and it's people, on our part, we will continue to offer support in anyway we can".

Speaking on behalf of the members of the Federal Executive Council that Professor Yemi Osinbajo worked with, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation;Boss Mustapha described him as a detribalized Nigerian, noting that he played a significant roles in the success recorded by the immediate past administration.

Also speaking, the Governor of Bayelsa State; Douye Diri described professor Yemi Osinbajo as a man of character, commended him for his love for the people of Bayelsa State, as the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, eulogized Osinbajo's high intellectual capacity and acumen, saying he displayed high degree of work ethics while in office.

The Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas and the paramount ruler of Remoland; Oba Babatunde Ajayi, while speaking said the former Vice-president was the greatest export of Remo land to the seat of power in Abuja, adding that he represented the people of Remo land and the state very well as a number two citizen of Nigeria then.

Oba Babatunde Ajayi while describing the former Vice President as a man of wisdom, opined that he would still continue to be of immense value for the development of the country.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the occasion, Otunba Adeleke Adesina, while making his speech commended Osinbajo for his honesty and fearless adherence to his principles.

Dignitaries at the event include Governors of Edo and Bayelsa, as well as the former Governors of Cross River and Bayelsa States; Donald Duke and Seriake Dickson.

Others were the immediate past Minister of Interior; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation;Boss Mustapha, among others

Ogun Tribunal: PDP Counsels comply with procedure orders, represent documents

.....as panel warns Adebutu's supporters against misleading public

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, on Thursday admitted documents from Counsels to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Oladipupo Adebutu, led by Goddy Uche, SAN, after changing the earlier mode of presentation which was in conflict with procedure rules.

Recall that Counsels to the respondents, namely: The All Progressives Congress, APC, Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had on Tuesday raised objections against the failure of Counsels to the Petitioners to have presented envisaged undisputed documents through the bar before presenting same before the Panel, to allow all parties involved in the case to verify and authenticate, as stipulates by procedure rules.

It was at that point that the Tribunal mandated PDP's counsels to go back and allow other parties in the case to scrutinize and authenticate those documents to he tendered and come back today to represent.

After complying with this directive, the documents were, therefore, admitted provisionally by the Tribunal, in response to the observation of one of the Counsels to the Respondents, who hinted the Tribunal of possibility of objections to some of the documents tendered by Petitioner's Counsels.

However, while the proceedings were still on, and documents still being tendered and admitted, some media outlets mischievously reported that all documents brought by Adebutu’s team had been admitted. Therefore a Counsel to one of the Respondents called the attention of the Tribunal to this misinformation describing it as propaganda about the proceedings of the panel. The lead counsel to the Petitioners was thereafter advised to warn his clients and their supporters against misleading the general public through sensationalized stories in the media.

Meanwhile, all parties agreed in principle that all documents should be admitted by the panel and objection should come in their final addresses, as the Counsel to the Petitioner, Goddy Uche SAN guided the court to allow him to call all his schedules out one by one and be marked in the court while the Panels read confirmation to the court at the next sitting to ensure all documents are formally handed and presented to the court.

To that end, the first 126pages were called and agreed to by 1st, 2nd and 3rd Counsels to the Respondents' claiming to reserve comments till later date, as Petitioners' lead Counsel, Goddy Uche SAN informed the court in the process of the marking, that he already has his witnesses set and filed for the day.

We 're embarking on aggressive industrialization - Ogun Govt

Ogun State Government has declared that efforts are in top gear to improve on the achievements of past administrations to build formidable industrial hubs across the state, in line with the dreams of its founding fathers.

Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi disclosed this in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Wednesday, while interfacing with members of the Senior Executive Course 45, 2023 of the
National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, who were on a study tour of the State.

Talabi explained that the ongoing reorganisation of the State-owned industrial hubs/clusters would strengthen economic growth, especially in the areas of quick access to the city, markets, and other strategic economic areas.

He revealed that over N4 billion had been disbursed in the last four years for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the state, numbering about 10,000 entrepreneurs through its various empowerment programmes.

According to him, the state government is open to partnerships to develop more small and medium-scale enterprises and enhance economic activities of various forms, as well as stimulating export for foreign earnings.

Talabi said: "This effort of our administration towards aggressive industrialization is strictly guided by an inherent developmental philosophy of ISEYA mantra, as entrenched in our distinct Agenda, which is Building Our Future Together."

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu Aikulola restated that the government had embarked on various policies and programmes in the industrial sector, which had strengthened inclusive governance and earned the present administration award as the best state in policy formulation.

Aikulola added that Ogun is one of the leading States in agriculture and had brought about a special Agro-industrial Processing Zone (SPAPZ), that serves as an integrated development initiative designed to concentrate on agro-processing activities in all areas identified as high agricultural potentials.

He described NIPSS as a high-level centre for reflection, research and learning, with the primary objective of serving as the nation's foremost policy 'think-tank' that develops a crop of top-class technocrats of high intellectual capacity.

In his remarks, a senior official of the Institute, Brigadier General Sylvester Oloyede, who spoke on the theme of the tour, "Industrialisation, Climate Change and Energy Security in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges & Prospects", appreciated the state government for the warm reception accorded them.

He also lauded the government in the state for its giant strides in all areas of development and growth, especially in its frantic efforts to alleviate poverty among the most vulnerable.

We Are Set to Prosecute Vote Buyers - INEC

As a fallout of the 2023 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has concluded plans to prosecute those involved in alleged vote buying and other associated violations.

This was disclosed Tuesday by the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu while addressing Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.

His words, "I can also confirm that we have received 215 case files from the Nigeria Police following their arrest and the conclusion of investigation into electoral offences arising from the 2023 General Election.

"We are working with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to prosecute the alleged offenders. Already, the NBA has submitted a list of 427 lawyers across the country who have volunteered to render pro bono services to the Commission. They are not charging legal fees but by mutual agreement the Commission will provide a token amount to cover for filing fees/expenses. We are most grateful to NBA and its President, Yakubu Maikyau SAN, for this historic collaboration.

"Similarly, we are working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on the prosecution of cases relating to vote buying and associated violations."

Recall that one of the high profile vote buying cases is in Ogun state where the governorship candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ladi Adebutu was alleged to have preloaded N10,000 into 200,000 Verve cards in the name of an unregistered foundation named after his mother, the late Mrs Veronica Adebutu.

Already, the Police have concluded investigation and charged the Managing Director of Zenith Bank and other top officials, along with Adebutu, PDP agents and POS operators to court for money laundering.

Adebutu, on the other hand, has been running around with a view to avoiding honouring Police invitation and having his day in court for the grave infractions against the Electoral Act 2022 and the Constitution.

The defeated PDP governorship candidate, who initially ran abroad, claiming to be on medical check up and that only his doctor would determine his return date, slipped back into the country yesterday and has thrown heavy personal security around himsel. He is expected to be arraigned in court any time from now.

While some PDP agents and POS operators arrested on the day of governorship election have made useful statements to the Police, Adebutu on his own, approached the court seeking restraining orders to stop the Police from arresting, detaining and prosecuting him, or in the alternative, for the police to be ordered by the court to postpone such trial till after the conclusion of his petition against the Governor of Ogun State at the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta.

Ogun: Tribunal flays PDP for blunder, grants prayers for thorough scrutiny of tendered documents

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday carpeted Counsel to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and it's candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, for commiting seeming blunder in the mode of it's presentation before the Tribunal.

The party was flayed for it's failure to comply with court's directive which stipulates that documents scheduled to be presented before the court ought to have been tendered from the bar for parties involved to scrutinize and authenticate.

At the resumption of proceeding, Counsel to the PDP and Oladipupo Adebutu, Godwin Uche, SAN, had informed the Tribunal of the readiness of his team to formally commence trial immediately, adding that they have filled the list of their scheduled of documents before the Panel and have also physically brought all the said documents before it.

Consequently, Counsel to the 1st Respondent (INEC), Remi Olatumura, SAN, in his objection on the point of law, cautioned the move to commit such blunder, as he said while his team were ready to move on with the case, it is always imperative for the petitioner to have shown the documents to all the parties before then, insisting that he had not set his eye on the document for authentication.

Olatumura further said he owes his client the duty to confirm and certify that those documents actually emanated from INEC and accordingly scrutinize it.

In the same vein, Counsel to the 2nd Respondent (Governor Dapo Abiodun), Kehinde Ogunwunmiju, SAN, opined that going by the volume of the tendered documents and in line with procedure rules, which remain always sacrosanct, the over 6000 documents ought to have been presented from the bar earlier for the benefit of the parties to view and confirm it's validity.

Ogunwunmiju also informed the Tribunal that the PDP's Counsel had accordingly followed the procedure rules in a similar case involving the duo in Ebonyi State but decided to act otherwise in Ogun State.

He, then stressed that the parties needed more time to check and authenticate the documents, arguing that 24 hours might not be feasible and realistic to scrutinize the voluminous documents, as he also called for the list of witnesses at least 24 hours before the commencement of the case, in which PDP also failed to comply.

Corroborating the positions of the Counsels to the first and the second Respondents, Kunle Kalejaiye, SAN, who represented the 3rd Respondent (APC) unequivocally submitted: "We have to look at the documents. The Tribunal has the responsibility to ensure that the needful is done. These are very serious and strategic documents. They should have invited us to come and view.

"I adopt the submissions of the 1st and 2nd respondents accordingly that the undisputed documents should be admitted from the bar. For documents to be undisputed, such must have been seen by all parties involved in the case. "These documents have been sought for many months. We should not be railroad to admittance of documents. I urge Your Lordship to give us reasonable time to inspect."

He subsequently prayed the court to grant two days' leave for proper scrutiny of the documents.

Ruling on the arguments, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Hon. Justice H.N. Kunaza, agreed on the point of law that the PDP had failed to comply with the court's directive, which is sacrosanct, that the tendered documents ought to have been presented from the bar for the purpose of thorough verification and authentication by all the parties involved.

He, as well, queried the reason why Uche refused to comply with the procedure rules in Ogun State, whereas he followed the same rules in a similar case in Ebonyi.

In his words: "We cannot force them to admit documents they have not seen. All of you should look at the documents.''

The Tribunal's Chairman, therefore, granted the parties two days to thoroughly scrutinize the documents accordingly, as the case was adjourned till Thursday 6th July, for continuation of hearing.

Ogun: When Akin Onigbinde left philosophy behind

One of the features of philosophy that define it's uniqueness as compass of good judgement and sound conclusion is Logical Reasoning, it is intrinsically key to the study of philosophy and quest for truth.

In that wise, nothing would have been more shocking and bizarre than when a Professor of Philosophy willingly silenced the voice of logic and opted for assumption out of sentiment and predilection. Going through what appeared like a censored interview for image laundering, Professor Akin Onigbinde, a long-time beneficiary of Gbenga Daniel, seriously goofed when he ascribed Dapo Abiodun's victory at the poll in 2019 to Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

While this position remains an opinion of the don, as an 'Opinion Leader ' it is, therefore, expected of the university teacher to bring forth informed opinion on any issue whatsoever, that is devoid of weak judgement and mere sentiment.

Professor Onigbinde, who was a former 'Consultant' to Daniel on Research and Documentation must have documented and have in his archive how Daniel ignominiously failed to produce a successor as a sitting governor, and went immediately to political oblivion after leaving office in 2011.

The university teacher must have researched and discovered the type of administration Daniel superintended while he paid billions of naira as Consultancy services on white elephant projects that never saw the light of the day and thereby plucked the State to a big mess of debt till today.

The Professor of Philosophy must also have in his archive how Daniel became so unpopular and totally rejected by the people of Ogun State towards the tale end of his administration, after it was discovered that he was trading in falsehood and ran an administration firmly rooted in deception.

Now, as a man who teaches the concept of critical reasoning and sound argument, Professor Akin Onigbinde must tell us what has changed in the political influence of Gbenga Daniel between 2011 when he left the stage as governor unceremoniously and 2019 that Dapo Abiodun emerged as Governor.

Is Baba telling us that a Governor who was largely humiliated in his party and prevented from securing a ticket for his preferred candidate not to talk of winning election had suddenly become so powerful eight years after to determine the electoral success of a man in another party. Haba, Prof! What has happened to philosophy in you, sir?

I believe if Professor Akin Onigbinde had realized the dept of backlash his interview would elicited, he wouldn't have agreed to the terms of this 'deal' from Daniel, despite being his former boss, this is the same way the former governor recently contacted a dismissed official of Afenifere to impersonate the noble organization for selfish interest, until the socio-cultural group came out to disown the poor man.

Perhaps, Professor Onigbinde forgot to document how Daniel came cap in hand to solicit for political asylum in APC immediately after the 2019 general elections, and brazenly dumped his principal, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in cold.

Beyond any reasonable doubt, the aforementioned have clearly punctured the opinion of Professor Akin Onigbinde as lesser in logic and distant from reality.

In conclusion, I don't want to believe that Baba Professor had been infected by Daniel's flair for betrayal, by the account of Prof's confession during the interview, where he revealed that he worked against the position of Afenifere, where he is a member to support Daniel of PDP in 2003; however, I am compelled to say " only iron attracts iron".

Bolaji Inaolaji writes from Ishagamu.

AJILALA OSO DAY: Timi of Ede felicitates subjects, commends their zeal to uphold rich cultural heritage

The Timi of Ede land, Oba Dr. Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa the 1st, has felicitated sons and daughters of the ancient town at home and in the Diaspora, on the successful annual cultural event in the town, known as Ajilala Oso day.

The annual festival, with it's maiden edition in 2021 always comes on the third day after Ileya festival, designed to serve as a convergence point for all indigenes of Ede and an opportunity to celebrate and promote their distinct cultural heritage to the national audience and the global community.

This was contained in a congratulatory message, personally signed by the leading Nigerian monarch and made available to newsmen by his media aide, Dayo Akinyele, in Ede, on Sunday morning.

According to the statement, Timi , who is currently on holy pilgrimage to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, described the annual event as a landmark in the annals of the kingdom, saying it had afforded the town an ample opportunity to showcase it's rich culture and it's age-long history of trade to the world.

The royal father, therefore, prayed for the sustainance and continuity of the event, as he commended the initiator and other members of the organizing committee.

The statement read in part,'' I greatly commend the initiator of this epochal event, Alhaji Bashiru Oyedemi, who singlehandedly worked assiduously to make this event a reality. Also, my special gratitude goes to the pioneer founding fathers of Ede modern day, which gave birth to various association like : FEDERAL COUNCIL OF EDE DESCENDANTS UNION, EDE ELDERS COUNCIl, EDE ACTION FRONT & FEDERAL COUNCIL OF EDE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (FEYDA) and the supporting role of various women association in Ede land.

"I, therefore, charge every one of us to collectively join hands in making the annual event a global reckoning, with requisite potency of boosting our socioeconomic gains, as I call on captains of industries and other eminent personalities of Ede extraction to please come and give this historical event a corporate sponsorship and assistance it duly deserves".

"I thank you all, Ede Mapo Arogun A gbewa o!

Governor Abiodun Mourns APC Chieftain, Pa Fohun Abiola, Condoles Family, Associates

Governor Dapo Abiodun has commiserated with the family, associates, and loved ones of Pa Fohun Abiola, who was until his death, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun Central Senatorial District.

The governor, who said his heart was full with grief, hailed the late elder statesman as having led a life with invaluable leadership and fatherly qualities.

The Governor said: "With a heart laden with grief, I extend my sincere condolences to the family, associates and loved ones of Pa Fohun Abiola, Chairman for the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ogun Central Senatorial District.

"Pa Fohun Abiola will be greatly missed not only for his fatherly role to all but also for the invaluable and impeccable leadership he gave in our great party as well as in his immediate and larger community."

Governor Abiodun said Pa Abiola left behind positive legacies worthy of emulation, as they were indelible.

"Pa Fohun Abiola will be remembered for the principles he left behind that will guide generations to come to live a life worth celebrating even in death," the governor stated.

He prayed for the departed soul of the deceased to rest in peace.
"As we pray for God's divine support to his loved ones to pass through this grief, we pray eternal peace for Pa Abiola," he added.

Abiodun congratulates Muslims, calls for sacrifice, patrotism

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of selflessness, sacrifice and patriotism in the quest to build a virile and economically viable country.

Prince Abiodun, in his message to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, said that what Nigeria needs at this critical stage of her development are sacrifices, love and unity.

According to the governor, the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son, Ishmael as an act of obedience to God's command was the greatest act of obeisance, which all Nigerians must imbibe to ensure national unity and economic growth.

He said Nigeria entered a new era on May 29, with the swearing in of a new government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the new government is faced with critical issues of national importance.

“The significance of this celebration should not be lost on every Nigerian. The new government, led by President Bola Tinubu has introduced measures to launch the country on the path to development. Some of these measures, including the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, which are meant to curb wastages, require the sacrifice and the cooperation of every citizen to make them work,” Prince Abiodun said.

The governor reiterated the determination of his government to improve on the wellbeing of the people of the State through various intervention programmes in line with the ISEYA mantra.

He congratulated Muslims in the State and Nigeria on this year’s celebration, even as he urged them to follow the example laid down by Prophet Abraham, which were sacrifice and penitence.

He urged them to pray for the peace and progress of the country.

Abiodun mourns death of Amotekun boss, Akinremi, commiserates family

Governor Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday described the death of the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, David Akinremi, as a great loss to the security architecture of the state.

The governor expressed sadness over the untimely death of the commander.

Akinremi, a retired Commissioner of Police, died on Monday, after an undisclosed ailment.

He was appointed as the Commander of the newly established Amotekun Corpsin 2021 by Governor Abiodun.

Prince Abiodun, in a condolence message from the Governor’s Office, described the late Akinremi as a gallant officer, who contributed in no small measure to the peace and security currently being witnessed in the state.

According to the governor, the collaboration of the Amotekun Corps under his leadership with other security agencies has helped in riding the State of crimes and criminality.

“This is a sad moment for us in Ogun State. Commander Akinremi was instrumental in our efforts to rid our dear State of crimes and criminality.

“He contributed in no small measure to the state of peace and tranquility currently prevailing in Ogun State. We will miss his immeasurable contribution to the state.

I commiserate with the family he left behind. I also commiserate with the rank and file of the Amotekun Corps. Our government will do the utmost to lessen the pain of his exit both on the family and the Amotekun Corps,” the governor said.

Abiodun mourns death of Amotekun boss, Akinremi, commiserates family

Governor Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday described the death of the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, David Akinremi, as a great loss to the security architecture of the state.

The governor expressed sadness over the untimely death of the commander.

Akinremi, a retired Commissioner of Police, died on Monday, after an undisclosed ailment.

He was appointed as the Commander of the newly established Amotekun Corpsin 2021 by Governor Abiodun.

Prince Abiodun, in a condolence message from the Governor’s Office, described the late Akinremi as a gallant officer, who contributed in no small measure to the peace and security currently being witnessed in the state.

According to the governor, the collaboration of the Amotekun Corps under his leadership with other security agencies has helped in riding the State of crimes and criminality.

“This is a sad moment for us in Ogun State. Commander Akinremi was instrumental in our efforts to rid our dear State of crimes and criminality.

“He contributed in no small measure to the state of peace and tranquility currently prevailing in Ogun State. We will miss his immeasurable contribution to the state.

I commiserate with the family he left behind. I also commiserate with the rank and file of the Amotekun Corps. Our government will do the utmost to lessen the pain of his exit both on the family and the Amotekun Corps,” the governor said.

Dirty Daniel at his Judas job again

By Adelekan Sanni

Going by the reports in the media in the last 48 hours about Gbenga Daniel, the senator representing Ogun East in the National Assembly, one cannot but wonder about his devious antics. Daniel, a serial betrayal, has been trying to portray himself as a staunch supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and as a loyal party man when all indications point to him as a thoroughbred Judas on the political terrain. Indeed, he has just disappointed some of his attack dogs like Steve Oliyide who thought he would make them his aides in the Red Chamber and had, in the last few months, gone on overdrive doing his dirty jobs. By now, these charlatans left to die out and rot in political oblivion must have realized that betrayal is ingrained in Daniel’s DNA.

In the build-up to the election of Godswill Akpabio as Senate President, some senators, including Daniel, went to see the president. Having received intelligence that Daniel was, as usual, hobnobbing with the opposition, the president was said to have told him: “Senator Daniel, I hope you will not bring your antics to the National Assembly o.” The president told him to remove the Judas toga around him this time around because it was quite unbecoming of a person his age and status, and that it would shred his personality if he continued in the same mould. Some of the senators were said to have shaken their heads, having read so many things about Daniel’s dark history. And so in order to prove to the senators that he was no betrayer, Daniel laid the blame on the doorsteps of Governor Dapo Abiodun. He started weaving the narrative that the governor was fighting him because he had fully supported Tinubu’s ambition!



In the build-up to the presidential primaries of APC, Daniel was not a delegate. And neither was he in a position to nominate delegates because the ward, local government and state excos of the party had been inaugurated before he joined the party. He had no influence on the ward, local government and state excos. The primary was an internal affair of the party and as soon as it was over, what was expected of every member of the party was to work for the success of the party and its candidate. And this was exacty what Governor Abiodun did.

Even though the Governor was not overly enthusiastic about Daniel becoming a senator, he had to concede the slot to him following moral suasion and appeals by traditional rulers to the effect that a former governor should not be disgraced. The Governor soft-pedaled. He then threw his full weight in mobilization and logistics behind him (Daniel), knowing that it was the right thing to do.


The issue that happened at that time, which some of Daniel’s followers misconstrued as an attempt by the Governor to withdraw support from their principal, was merely procedural. Immediately Daniel won his ticket, he quickly rolled out his campaign structure without waiting for the nod and input of the party whose senatorial ticket he had just won. He was, as usual, so full of himself, believing that he could go it alone. Yet in a political structure, a senator cannot just be campaigning in isolation. The due process is that the hands of the presidential candidate of the party would be raised by the leader of the party and immediately that his done, a date would be fixed where the state would commence its own campaign. It is during that campaign that the Governor would raise the hands of the three senatorial candidates and the nine House of Reps members. But when Daniel was cautioned, his supporters took it as an affront and started casting aspersions on the Governor. Yet all the Governor was saying was that Daniel should follow the rules and regulations of the party.


Still, the Governor gave him all the necessary support for his election. However, in his accustomed Judas spirit, Daniel moved against the Governor immediately he won the Ogun East ticket. After collecting money from the Governor, he went to Chief Kessington Adebutu (Baba Ijebu) and collected N2bn to work against APC. He directed all his followers to work for Baba Ijebu’s son, Ladi Adebutu, and dislodge Governor Dapo Abiodun. Daniel was just a senator-elect, but he was already thinking about his re-election as a senator, for which purpose he felt he needed to dislodge Governor Abiodun, since they are both from Ogun East. He thought that taking out his helper was the best way to consolidate his power!!


In any case, working against his party was not a new thing to Daniel. In the AD after 1999, he worked against Chief Segun Osoba. He moved to PDP and used the instrumentality of President Olusegun Obasanjo to rig Osoba out of power in 2003. That was what severed his relationship with Asiwaju Tinubu. He was a PDP governor for eight years and because of his political shenanigans and manipulations, he ran into troubled waters with the state House of Assembly and leaders of PDP in the state, to the extent that he could not present a candidate for election as his successor. Ibikunle Amosun declared him persona non grata for eight years and it was Dapo Abiodun that gave him soft landing. It is this same Dapo Abiodun that Daniel is now fighting to a standstill.

Amosun, being a warlord, said at the time that if you give Daniel any space, he would take you out, so the best thing you can do is to take him out completely. And that is so true, because were it not for divine intervention, Daniel would have completely rubbished Governor Abiodun. This is a man who betrayed Tinubu and even Goodluck Jonathan, his leader, in 2015, simply because he was not made the South-West coordinator of the Jonathan re-election campaign.


In 2019, Atiku Abubakar gave him the position he had craved so badly in 2015, making him the Director General of his campaign organization. Yet immediately after Atiku lost the presidential election, Daniel quickly dumped him and joined APC. He was given a soft landing which made him to contest for the senatorial seat, but his heart was not in APC because his structure in PDP was still intact. It was this structure that he used against Dapo Abiodun during the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State. He instructed his people to freely collect mobilization from the Governor and the party but to work for Ladi Adebutu. What a born criminal! Thank God his devious antics could not derail Governor Abiodun’s re-election.

During the last election, the party, knowing Daniel’s chameleonic character, had to surreptitiously position two senators to be monitoring his activities. Daniel hobnobbed with all the aspirants because of money.


So when you look at Daniel properly, you see that he is a character that cannot be trusted; very deceitful, crafty and cunning, and diabolic. That’s so sad.

Sanni wrote this through adelekhansan@aol.com

Alert: Gbenga Daniel's chronological history of betrayal at a glance

Evaluating different thoughts about the act of betrayal, I found one very appropriate and apt,'' The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies, it comes from those you trust the most".

Going psychological, therefore, those with the trait of betrayal always carry deceitful appearance that often attracts unsuspecting victims, before leaving them with sour taste and regret; it always comes with permanent scar, with potency of inflicting unforgettable trauma in the one at the receiving end; such is the calamity of betrayal.

A man called Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the former governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial district is a definition of the above description in all his dealings since Nigeria returned to civil administration in 1999.

For instance, in the lead up to the 1999 general elections, Daniel was hobnobbing with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on different political fronts and claimed to have identified with the progressive movement of those days as structures were being put in place by pro-democracy groups to give necessary foundation to sustain the system and make it work, unknown to the progressive fold, this same Daniel was in bed with the reactionary party of the right ideology, in which the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, represents, until his secret was blown open and the rest became history.

He was later compensated for his act of betrayal with a governorship ticket in Ogun State and succeeded in becoming the governor of the State. The eight -year administration that was characterized with total deception and instability.

Gbenga Daniel pretentiously continued his romance with the PDP, partaking in several of it's programmes and activities as if he was a critical stakeholders and loyal member, to the extent he was made the leader of the party in the South West.

Also, in the lead up to the 2019 general elections, the Presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, made Daniel the Director General of his campaign organization, the position he held till the eve of the elections in which the party lost again to All Progressives Congress, APC.

Alas! As soon as this happened, the former Ogun State Governor made a swift 360 degree turn and left his party and Atiku Abubakar in cold, to run to APC, begging for political asylum and rehabilitation.

In truth and out of magnanimity of the APC, through it's leader in Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun, Daniel was not only given asylum and rehabilitated, he was also integrated into the progressive fold believing he would change his spots as he grows in age and supposedly become more matured.

Immediately Daniel became settled in APC and began to enjoy certain benefits he did not even merit ordinarily as an alien in the party, but for the kind disposition of Dapo Abiodun, he resumed his double dealings and started plotting evil against the party that offered him helping hands in the time of distress and confusion.

Despite the fact that a senatorial ticket was secured for him with huge amount of money from the governor in form of mobilization to prosecute his senatorial election, Daniel still went behind the party to negotiate with PDP and collected over 2 billions naira from the Adebutu's to support all the PDP candidates in Ogun during the general elections.

Daniel by his action not only betrayed Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is his destiny helper, he also stabbed the party at the back and disappointed it's teeming members in the State, many of whom had frowned at the idea of accepting Daniel into the party in the first place.

It was in the same manner he betrayed millions of Ogun citizens while he held sway as governor and callously milked the people dry with attendant humongous debt that still holding the gateway state in his jugular up till today

In the words of Malcolm-X, the late American Social Crusader,'' To me, the thing that is worse than death is betrayal, I could conceive death but I could not conceive betrayal". May the Lord forgive Otunba Gbenga Daniel and change his way of perpetual betrayal.

Comrade Sulaimon Tella writes from Ipokia.

Gbenga Daniel is shamelessly dishonest, didn't support Tinubu, Dapo Abiodun-Ogun APC


Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has slammed the former Governor of the State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, over his latest interview in the media, describing it as 'drama of absurdity and cocktails of lies'.

Daniel, who presently represents Ogun East Senatorial district at the red chamber of the National Assembly, had granted media interview, where he alleged that Governor Dapo Abiodun is still in dagger drawn with him for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the APC presidential primaries of 2022 among other allegations.

Reacting to Daniel's interview on Monday, the State Assistant Publicity Secretary of APC in the State, Olusola Ogunsanya, in a statement issued and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the State metropolis, stressed that the said interview was an embodiment of falsehood and blatant lies.

According to the statement, at no time did Gbenga Daniel make a definite position to support the President, as it accused him of double standards and pecuniary tendencies.

The statement further accused Daniel to have supported the PDP and it's candidates during the last general elections in Ogun State, alleging that the lawmaker collected money to the tune of two billions naira from the Adebutu's and worked against his party, the APC.

It claimed the party and Governor Dapo Abiodun rescued Daniel at the point of his political oblivion, saying the former Governor had displayed an act of ingratitude by his action.

"Given the general perception about the former governor and his controversial image across Nigeria, it is basically needless to grant the man of many colours the dignity of a response. However, considering the power and passion of the media, especially beyond the State and for the benefit of many of our citizens in the Diaspora, we have decided to set the records straight and place Daniel where he pathetically belongs.

"In the first place, the lawmaker by his antecedents in private business and in power painted a picture of dishonesty, making many to wonder how he managed to get near the power corridor, to the extent of becoming the Governor of a state like Ogun.

"Every Nigerian in perfect consciousness of political events since 1999 knows Daniel as being chameleonic in appearance and deed; his unstable carriage with vague, perpetual laughter appropriately depict his dangerous persona, cocktail of lies and duplicity. His Sunday interview, which stood logic and truth on its head was the latest in the series, as he relentlessly pursued myopic and selfish interest.

"It is laughable to hear Gbenga Daniel talking about his comradeship in the progressive fold and claiming that Governor Dapo Abiodun was not part of the fold between 1998 and 1999, when everyone is aware of how Daniel with his sneaky Machiavellian tactics and maneuvers surreptitiously dislodged a progressive party in the State in 2003 and became governor on the platform of PDP.

" There is no record of Daniel’s role in Tinubu’s emergence as governor in Lagos State in 1999. In 2003, he contested under PDP and not AD, so what structure was he talking about? He ruled for eight years as a PDP governor before Ibikunle Amosun dislodged him and declared him persona non grata in the state, confining him to oblivion and castrating his businesses.


"This is the same man who was rescued from political ignominy by Governor Abiodun against strong resistance from party members who were well apprised of what he represented. His liberation from the political oblivion into which he threw himself out of greed became necessary after his party, the PDP, lost presidential election in 2019. Many were taken aback by the speed with which Gbenga Daniel dumped his principal, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the PDP despite his position as the Director General of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign organization.

"Daniel, an outlier of outsider in the APC during the presidential primaries of June 2022 who was neither a delegate nor had a single delegate from Ogun State, claimed that he supported Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu against Governor Dapo Abiodun's wish. What a shameless merchant of falsehood!

"To put it succinctly, Governor Abiodun, being a genuine leader and a progressive never worked against his party, APC unlike Senator Gbenga Daniel. And to give credence to his unflinching commitment and loyalty to the party, as soon as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged the presidential candidate of the APC, he immediately deployed all his political machineries and structures to support him, stoutly resisting all the gang-up within the fold spearheaded by Gbenga Daniel and his co-travellers. During the February 25 election, he won the State for Asiwaju Tinubu by a wide margin.


"That was quite unlike Gbenga Daniel who, for filthy lucre, criminally connived with the PDP after allegedly collecting N2 billion from Chief Kessington Adebutu and worked against the APC and its candidates in the presidential and gubernatorial elections.

"Happily, President Tinubu knows more than any other person the dangerous antics of Gbenga Daniel and what he represents in the Nigeria's political circles, and was alleged to have taunted him in the presence of some Senators, when he advised him to work on his reputation as a serial betrayal, but a leopard will never change its spots.

"We, therefore, implore the former governor to turn a new leaf from his now legendary dubious political antics, act of ingratitude and political prostitution that have dishonourably marked his political career over the years with matchless notoriety and infamy. These are indeed unbecoming of a man of his age", the statement read in part.

EID-EL-KABIR: Ede Poly's Rector Felicitates Muslim Ummah

On behalf of the Management, members of Staff and Students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, I, Engr. Dr. Man Yahaya Sani, the Rector of the leading institution , hereby congratulate and rejoice with our Muslim brothers and sisters within the Polytechnic community and around the world on the occasion of this year's Eid-El-kabir.

Again, this is a fulfilment of a significant obligation in Islam as stipulated by the Holy Quran, as a way of strengthening our relationship with Almighty Allah and move closer to Him.

It is, therefore, pertinent for every Islamic faithful to see this special moment as a great opportunity to pray for our nation, and the new administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces, to the path of sustainable growth and abundant prosperity.

I also use this medium to solicit for more cooperation from both staff and students of our citadel, for the purpose of sustaining the peaceful atmosphere we presently enjoy.

May the blessings of this special season be permanent and positively impacted our lives and that of our loved ones

Eid-El-Kabir

E-signed

E-Signed
Sola Lawal, mnipr
Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer

Eid-El-kabir: Timi of Ede congratulates subjects worldwide, harps on peace, tolerance

Timi of Ede land, HRM OBA DR. MUNIRUDEEN ADESOLA LAWAL, LAMINISA THE 1ST, has rejoiced with all Ede sons and daughters around the world on the occasion of this year's eid-el-kabr, urging them to be peaceful and tolerant wherever they are.

The first class royal father, made this known in a congratulatory message signed by his media aide, Dapo Akinyele, the copy which was made available to newsmen in Ede on Friday.

Laminisa averred that the festive season implies the moment of sober reflection on the sanctity of promise and it's great reward, as exemplified by prophet Ibrahim.

He added that the act of keeping promise, if duly and diligently adhered to would solve more than half of the present challenges facing Nigeria, as he called on political leaders at all levels to emulate this virtue.

Laminisa, therefore, made case for concerted efforts towards ending the spate of insurgency and other criminal tendencies, saying Nigeria needs peaceful co-existence to strengthen her economy.

The leading monarch, who is presently on holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, also used the medium to pray for Nigeria under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander- In-Chief of the armed forces, as well as the Governor of Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, in his quest to better the lots of the good people of the State.


He said, " I heartily felicitate all my sons and daughters around the world on this year's eid-el-kabr.

"I wish them hitch -free celebration wherever they are around the globe, and enjoin them to be peaceful and tolerant with people around them irrespective of their faith and colour.

"May Almighty Allah protect us against evil to celebrate more of this special moment of sober reflection. Happy eid-el-kabir !

N47.8m Prado Jeep for Ede Poly's Council Chairman; a figment of imagination of rumour mongers -Management

Our attention has been drawn to less cognitive and malicious publication trending on different social media platforms, to the effect that the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, purchased a Prado Jeep, to the tune of N47.8m for the Chairman of it's Governing Council.

The purveyors of the half truth further displayed crass ignorance, saying the purchase is contrary to 'Public Service Rule'.

We regarded such news as not only baseless and unfounded, but a deliberate mischief from the circle of rumour mongers and enemies of the citadel to paint the institution and it's management black in the eyes of the public for reasons best known to them.

Setting the record straight, the Polytechnic's rule of engagement and the Public Service Rule allow the purchase of 'Utility Vehicle' to ease the activities of whoever is occupying the office of the Chairman of the Council, like any other principal officers in Polytechnics around the country.

It is indeed instructive to know that the said car, against the propaganda making the round by mischief makers was not bought purposely for the Council Chairman, at that falsified amount as claimed in the fake story, it was bought as an 'Utility Vehicle' for basic operational purpose in the office of the Chairman.

Also, it is pertinent to know that since the Chairman of the Council, Air Cmdr Emmanuel Jekada, came on board, he has restored high degree of discipline back into the system, which has engendered the relative calmness and crisis-free atmosphere the institution is presently enjoying.

Air Cmdr Jekada always insists on prudent and judicious management of funds as a result of his high consciousness for his reputation built over the years as a seasoned and disciplined technocrat.

We, therefore, implore the general public and the Polytechnic community to disregard this malicious publication as an handiwork of charlatans who trade on fake news and rumours.

The Polytechnic Management, as a matter of principle will never take any action that is in conflict with the extant laws and regulations that guide the operation of the institution.

In addition to that, we want to strongly warn those individuals behind the fake news to desist from such shenanigans, as the Polytechnic's management may be forced to take necessary legal action against such people going forward.

E-signed
Sola Lawal, mnipr. Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer.

RE: Again, Sowunmi reports Abiodun to IGP Egbetokun over attack at Tribunal sitting

Save for the necessity to further expose the chameleonic nature of Segun Sowunmi, the notorious political jobber and professional liar in Ogun State, in the interest of new residents of the State who might not be aware of his character, we would ordinarily have ignored the attention-seeker in his latest ranting anchored on mischief.

However, the virus of his maniacal plot may have mistakenly infected unsuspecting members of the society, hence the need for a robust response to his pathological lies in order to once again unmask the unstable soul for the blatant fraud that he is.

Every discerning member of the public is aware and will recollect the incident of Monday, 5th June, 2023, outside the gate of the Magistrate's Court at Isabo, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, where the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal is sitting. On that day, Segun Sowunmi, in his accustomed hauteur, was trying to gain forceful entry into the premises of the court after proceedings had already commenced and the gate shut for security reasons following the directive of members of the Tribunal.

It was this arrogant and uncultured attitude exhibited by Sowunmi that infuriated supporters of different political parties who had also come late to the venue and were denied entry. In fact, eyewitnesses confirmed that members of PDP were those that championed the violent reaction against Sowunmi's utter lack of decorum.


These PDP members were said to have accused Sowunmi of double standards and betrayal of trust, saying he was just trading among different political parties, busy collecting money from Baba Adebutu and pretending to be supporting his son's governorship ambition when in actual fact he was only doing his business as usual.

That Sowunmi immediately changed the narrative and quickly rushed to the press to lie against Governor Dapo Abiodun, accusing him of being the brain behind the alleged attack did not come as a surprise to the majority of people, especially the political elite in the State who are well aware that he is one garrulous personality with zero integrity.

Sowunmi is exactly like the biblical Esau who is ready to trade his birthright for anything, no matter how small; he stands for nothing and is ready to fall for anything provided there is filthy lucre.

Sowunmi 's antecedents and public image are that of an unrepentant and lousy political jobber looking for who to exploit and stampede into 'settlement' through cheap blackmail.

It is, therefore, imperative that the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, whom he had earlier contacted through a frivolous petition, should invite him for questioning, especially on the intention to cause unnecessary tension in the State by raising false alarm and making baseless allegations.


Although there is hardly anyone in the State who does not know Sowunmi's trademark of mischief-making, however, he must be cautioned and strongly warned against disturbing the peace of the State. It is crystal clear that with the assumption of office of Governor Dapo Abiodun in the State in 2019, the era of political violence and thuggery has gone. Let no Sowunmi reinvent one out of his confused imagination.

Sowunmi, having failed in his paid bid to heat up the polity in Ogun State, is becoming more desperate by the day. The media practitioners, are especially advised to be more discerning in dealing with a well-known rabble rousing character like Sowunmi, in order to avoid complicity, gullibility and culpability, for which ignorance may not be an acceptable excuse.

E -signed
Olusola Ogunsanya Blessed
State Assistant Publicity Secretary
Ogun APC
June 22, 2023

STOP DAY DREAMING, BRING ADEBUTU HOME TO FACE CHARGES
- Ogun APC tells PDP National Body

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun state has described as “day dreaming and wishful thinking”, the remarks credited to the National Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Bature, that his party will win its case at the Ogun Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, currently sitting in Abeokuta.

Bature, while addressing a recent meeting of PDP stakeholders in Abuja, which was boycotted by notable leaders, governors and former governors, sued for peace within the troubled party and remarked that the party will win its petitions at some state tribunals, including Ogun.

But reacting through a statement released in Abeokuta on Wednesday and signed by its State Assistant Publicity Secretary, Olusola Ogunsanya Blessed, the APC described Bature as a " day dreamer, as he is apparently not in consonant with reality on ground.”

The APC said in the press statement: “Perhaps the national body of the PDP has not been properly briefed and has not availed itself of the available information world wide on what transpired in Ogun State during the last governorship election, where the state chapter of PDP and its defeated governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, threw caution to the wind by indulging in unprecedented vote buying and other financial and electoral malpractices that have not been witnessed in the history of Nigeria.

"The illegal use of preloaded 200,000 Verve ATM Cards credited with N10,000 each totaling N2 billion naira could best be described as an affront to the electoral laws and great insult to the sensibility of the vulnerable voters " , the Statement added.

For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP’s Adebutu has shunned police invitation since he sneaked out of the country in April, claiming to be sick and that only his doctor will determine when he will return to the country, even when a recent video showed the fugitive partying away in a London night club. The video has not been denied till date. Adebutu has also failed to answer to the charges of vote buying and money laundering preferred against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Our advice to the PDP Organising Secretary is to stop chasing shadows but to contact its run-away gubernatorial flagbearer in Ogun to return home and face the consequences of his electoral offence albeit his wobbly case at the election petition tribunal. We urge PDP in unequivocal terms to urge Ladi Adebutu to provide answers to the charges of electoral fraud, conspiracy, money laundering and breaches of Nigerian constitution and the Electoral Act preferred against him by the Federal Government.

“That is what is expected of a decent, law-abiding political party and not unnecessary grandstanding and self-adulation and deceit”

E-Signed
Olusola Ogunsanya Blessed
State Assistant Publicity Secretary
Ogun APC
June 21, 2023

JUNE 21, 2023

PRESS STATEMENT

Ogun APC congratulates Speaker Oluomo, Deputy, urges dialogue in resolving issues

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Rt. Hon Olakunle Oluomo, on his re-election as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

The party, equally congratulated the newly elected deputy speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Bolanle Ajayi.

Oluomo and Ajayi were on Tuesday unanimously adopted and elected by members of the OGHA as the 10th speaker and deputy speaker respectively.

In a statement by the State Assistant Publicity Secretary of the APC, Olusola Ogundola Blessed, on Wednesday, the party hailed the emergence of Oluomo and his deputy, expressing confidence that the duo would offer quality leadership in the state legislature.

It commended members of the Assembly for taking the bold decision, noting that the political and legislative experience of the speaker will enhance mutual cooperation between the House and the executive arm of government.

According to the statement, “The 9th Assembly under the leadership of Oluomo provided the needed support and cooperation for Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration to deliver goodies of democracy across the state.”

While calling members of the party in the Assembly to always uphold the party's ethos and discipline in the discharge of their duties, the Ogun APC urges them to continue to provide legislative collaboration aimed at making life abundant for the people of the state.

It added that APC legislators in OGHA must ensure that they conduct legislative business in a manner that can attract members of the opposition to fall in love with the ruling party and eventually join it.

The statement enjoined the legislators to always engage in both intra and inter-dialogue to solve issues rather than engaging in activities that are inimical to the enhancement of democracy and delivery of good governance.

E-signed:
Olusola Ogunsanya Blessed
State Assistant Publicity Secretary,
Ogun APC