₦airaland Forum

Ibikunle Amosun, an unrepentant deviant in his 60s, heading towards political Armageddon

Asides his stint at the Red chamber of the National Assembly between 2003 and 2007, little did Nigerians know about a character called Ibikunle Amosun. His reign of terror in Ogun State, therefore, as an executive governor of the State from 2011 to 2019 brought him into the consciousness of most Nigerians.

Amosun's high-handedness, arrogance and parochial ideology in governance, which made the State to loose several billions of dollars of investments raised the awareness of many political pundits about a strange behaviour and archaic political mentality of retrogressive pattern.

The climax of his political adventure was when Amosun, to the chagrin of all Nigerians and international community mobilized his supporters and cronies alike against his party, the All Progressives Congress and it's gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 governorship election in Ogun, to the extent of hurling stones at the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and all the party leaders who came to campaign for Dapo Abiodun, the gubernatorial hopeful of the party.

This despicable act of Amosun and the wide condemnation it elicited across the world made the APC to suspend him and set a tune for special assessment of this strange character in the Nigeria's political scene by many political scientists and philosophers.

For Amosun to go to that extreme of desperation and bestiality because of his futile efforts to impose his stooge on the party and the people of Ogun State, many analysts have concluded that the former Governor is suffering from chronic megalomania of rare magnitude.

They resolved rather prophetically that the degree of megalomania in Ibikunle Amosun is unquantifiable to the level that even if he is convinced by emerging realities of loosing a battle, he would continue on the path of failure just to satisfy his egocentric tendencies.

They went further to posit that this defect in him is practically incurable and that if the same situation presents itself again and again, Amosun would still behave in the exact way and manner.

This position of erudite analysts eventually came into fruition, Amosun, in the same way he misbehaved in 2019, supporting a crony of low mental capacity to become Governor of the State, defiantly against his party's choice repeated the same bizarre disposition this time around.

After his former puppet, Adekunle Akinlade deserted him for greener pastures in the PDP, he found another instrument for proxy Government he had been proposing since 2019 in Biyi Otegbeye, on the alien platform called 'African Democratic Congress'.

In the same way Amosun travelled in 'Allied People's Movement' APM, he started his political journey of no return this time around with ADC, gallivanting around in his usual arrogant posture and deceptive narratives.

Like he did in 2019 and ended up at the bottom of political ladder, he began the new journey to political Armageddon at Ake palace square on Wednesday, February 1st.

The rented crowd, by tradition fulfilled their contractual obligations by patiently waited for the period of the jamboree, listening to array of pontifications from a political clown, Amosun, and his docile foot soldiers.

Exactly how this character ignominiously failed in 2019, and another failed attempt to become Nigeria's President in the most embarrassing outing at Eagle Square in 2022 APC primary election, this present journey Amosun started from Ake palace square has failed from it's very beginning.

The people of Ogun State are too sophisticated and enlightened to be fooled and deceived by one desperate jobber who is all out to plant a surrogate as the Governor for him to continue his reign of terror of yesterday.

Instead of a leader with selfless trait to lead his people from the front to prosperity and happiness, Amosun type of leadership is entrenched in self -aggrandizement and delusional disorder.

Obviously, the worst of deceit is self deceit, Amosun and his co-travellers have clearly started another journey of no return; this time around, it is straight to political Armageddon. Ogun people, beware!

Olabode Ajibola writes from Ota, Ogun State.

Ede Poly commences computer -based examinations; first of it's kind in Nigeria

....as institution commissions 2KVA solar inverter, earlier


The Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State has commenced the use of mobile devices for the conduct of administration of computer -based examinations.

This was contained in a memo signed by the Director of ICT Directorate, Dr. Adekunle Adewale, and communicated to the management of the school and the entire Polytechnic community on Wednesday, the copy which was made available to newsmen by the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer of the institution, Sola Lawal.

According to the memo, the Director of ICT Directorate commended the management of the Polytechnic, led by Engr. Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, the staff and students alike for this great feat.

The memo read this:" We are delighted to inform the Polytechnic community about the successful conduct and administration of computer-based examinations(CBE) in the ongoing 2021/2022 second semester examination, using mobile and tablets by the students.

"Today, the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, became the first ever institution in the history of tertiary institutions in Nigeria to conduct and administer computer-based examinations (CBE) on mobile devices.

"National Diploma students from the under listed departments in the School of Environmental Studies participated in the implementation for GNS102(Communication in English1)

A. Building Technology

B.Fashion and Testile Design

C. Quantity Surveying

D. Surveying and Geo-informatics

"We are grateful to the staff and students of the school of environmental studies for their efforts and support towards making the Polytechnic pioneer of this innovation.

"However, we humbly seize this opportunity to appeal to the other Deans of schools and Head of Departments(HOD) to encourage their students and staff to be part of this noble idea for the benefit of the Polytechnic at indoor sport Hall venue for the following courses as scheduled in the ongoing examination time table.

A. GNS121/128- Citizenship Education 11

B.EED126- Introduction to Entrepreneurship

C. EED216-Practice of Entrepreneurship".

Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, 23rd January, 2023, the institution attained another feat in the area of academic creativity and innovation, as the School of Engineering Technology , under the leadership of the Dean, Engr. Dr. Dauda Adekunle Folarin commissioned a 2KVA Solar Inverter.

The Solar Inverter was commissioned by the Rector of the school, Engr. Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, as he described the innovation as another great feat for the Polytechnic, in the quest for global reckoning in the area of innovation and technological advancement.

Ogun 2023, Yewaland and political merchants

By Olabisi Adedamola

As the 2023 general election is only a month away, it is not necessarily news that the public space is witnessing a resurgence of vitriol against the person and office of the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun. If the governor recently selected by Forbes Magazine as the winner of the 2022 Forbes Best of Africa Governor in Industrial Revolution has been endorsed by traditional rulers and leaders of thought from all sections of the state following his strides in the last four years, such a move necessarily has to attract responses, however banal, from those angling for his office purely for the glamour and not for the responsibilities attached. Riding on the waves of the agitation for a governor of Yewa origin but actually intent on the extraction of largesse from the sitting government, a gang of political merchants have been bombarding town with distorted histories and gobbledygook all in a bid to hoodwink the people of Ogun West to shelve their resolve to have one of their own as governor after Governor Abiodun’s richly deserved second term of office.

It is axiomatic that for the next phase of his project to come to fruition, he needs another term of office. Ogun, one must say again, cannot experiment with political discord. It is clear that with different assemblies and executive cabinet, there will be crisis and the temperature will be high. Yewaland definitely will produce a governor, but it does not need the antics of political stock traders to actualize this. The emergency historians pushing a nebulous Yewa agenda that is completely disconnected from the resolve of the people of the zone are not writing their junk for love of the land: their aim is filthy lucre, and they are being exposed even in the court of law. They work against the interests of Yewa while supposedly campaigning for Yewa. Happily, the records of proceedings in court have shown the duplicity of the so-called Yewa advocates who are APC in the morning, PDP in the afternoon and ADC at night. They are people without the slightest shred of integrity. For them, it is that time of the year in which to cash out while singing populist tunes. The pages of history are full of such mendacious, depraved individuals.

Chief of this ilk is Professor Yemi Oke, a lawyer who litters the media space with write-ups that appear to agitate for Yewaland to produce the Governor of Ogun State in 2023. Prof Oke specifically identifies Biyi Otegbeye as the best hope of Yewaland to achieve this outcome. To this end, Prof Oke filed a case on behalf of Otegbeye seeking to invalidate the nomination of Governor Abiodun as APC gubernatorial candidate. But even Prof Oke does not believe in Biyi Otegbeye. While that case was pending, Professor Oke made several overtures to Governor Abiodun, through the SSG, offering to scuttle Biyi Otegbeye's court case, provided Gov Abiodun would extend some appreciation and "egbon-luabi" to him (his words). Prof Oke even took further unprofessional steps of sending to Governor Abiodun's team copies of confidential legal opinions that Prof Oke had sent to his client (Otegbeye).

Prof Oke shared the confidential opinions with his Client's opponent, to demonstrate his capacity to undermine Otegbeye's case as well as to show that even he had advised Otegbeye against the position they took in the case. Alarmed by this unprofessional conduct, the Governor's lawyers reported Prof Oke to the Presiding Judge of the Federal High Court, Abeokuta Division. The record of proceedings of that day are very instructive. Prof Oke admitted sending those messages to the Governor, and even the Judge held on record that "Oke has not answered or refuted" the allegation of his misconduct and double dealing. That is the same Prof Oke that is loudly singing Otegbeye's praises today. One can only wonder if Prof Oke is still selling Otegbeye out today; and to whom.


Under Abiodun, roads are springing up at will, from Atan to Lusada and from Owode to Ilaro. The people’s governor knows that the people that live in Imeko, Afon, Ilara, Okeagbede, Moriwi, Owode, Obada, Iwoye-Ketu, Okuta, Atapele, Idofa, among others, deserve to feel government presence just like anyone else. In September last year, he inaugurated the 2.4km Oke-Ola road and brought tears of joy to many faces simply because that was the first time asphalt had touched ground in the entire council area in more than 15 years. Hear the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite: “The road was opened up in 1952. It started from Ilaro and passed through many towns before it got to Imeko. Looking at the neglect that we have suffered, it seemed the glory had departed this area after the exit of the colonial administration. But with Dapo Abiodun, we have seen the signal that the glory is returning... Since the Late General Sani Abacha repaired the road that leads to Imeko, this is the only governor that has constructed any road in Imeko.”


It was no wonder then that 42 royal majesties in Yewaland under the auspices of Trusted Royals formally endorsed the governor’s re-election bid last year. Speaking at a ceremony held at his Palace, the Ibepa of Joga Orile in Yewa North Local Government Area, Oba Adeyemi Adekeye, said the endorsement was to appreciate the governor for executing development projects in all parts of the state. Hear the Eselu of Iselu, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi: “Our governor, the whole Obas in Yewa and Aworiland have passed a vote of confidence in your government. We are happy with what you are doing in our state. You do not develop some parts to the detriment of others.” The Obas had a wish list, including a cement factory to exploit the large deposit of limestone in the area, the establishment of the Ogun State College of Agriculture; repair of the Iwoye-Jabata road, and approval for the Imeko Comprehensive College established by the community in 2013, and they are confident that it will be actualized. And hear the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle: “We are 100 percent in support of your second term…Our governor is both a talker and a doer. The governor has lived up to our expectations in Yewaland. We have trust in him, and we believe he will never disappoint us.”


Case closed. Biyi Otegbeye, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate who enjoys the backing of Prince Abiodun’s immediate past predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, must wake up and smell the coffee. He is only being seriously scammed by his ‘professors’ of history.

Adedamola is an Abeokuta based journalist and public affairs analyst

Osun: PDP must consult very widely to retain power, underated APC-Jackson Lekan Ojo

.....says APC is wise and wild in legal struggle


A global security expert and political analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo has said the reason for the loss of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the election tribunal in Osun was because the party took the opposition APC for granted, adding that the ruling party did not take the tribunal serious.

Ojo further described the APC as a very wise and wild party when it comes to legal battle, saying the party can go to any length to seek for justice and get it by all possible means even if it appears undoable.

He made these known on Sunday during a phone interview with newsmen, as he called on the PDP in Osun to consult widely and be proactive if they want to retain power in the State.

The security expert warned that should the PDP fails to consult widely and wider, the party would still loose at both Appeal court and Supreme.

Ojo said: "PDP in Osun are not doing what they supposed to do, this is not the time for protest, it is obvious that hundreds of protests can not in any way reverse the judgement of the tribunal.

" What the PDP needs to be doing now is to embark on wider consultations from all fronts, they should enter their enemy zone to consult; that is the only way they can retain power, mark my words, failure to do that will mark the end of the road for PDP and Adeleke career.

"You know the crux of the Tribunal judgement is all about Ademola and the election proper, they are fighting them from different angles because Adeleke started his Government fighting battles instead of settling down for governance and be strategizing and in the process stepped on many toes that are fighting back.

"Mark my words again, if PDP consults very widely, they may come out victorious at the Appeal and Supreme court, if not, that marks their end. I am an expert in political prophecy, their chances is not more than ten per cent".

A Civil Society Organization, CENTRE FOR GRASSROOT DEVELOPMENT AND CRIME PREVENTION INITIATIVE has called out the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) over its process of demonetization after the introduction of redesigned denominations of N200, N500, and N1000, late 2022, saying that the apex bank had jumped
gun without conscious recourse to the certain provisions of its Act.

The group explained that in as much as the original notion of the CBN towards curbing corruption and act of criminality through the policy is commendable and laudable, the pattern of implementation adopted by the bank is anti-people and in conflict with extant law.

The group, in a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Salako Oluranti and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday argued that the two fundamental and integral conditions stipulated by
Section 20 of the CBN Act(2007) was not put into consideration by the apex bank, to make the process seamless and less stressful for Nigerians.

It said while the section unequivocally affirms all currencies issued by the CBN as legal tender on its face value and for the payment of any amount, the withdrawal of such currencies therefore from circulation must be a function of a specific directive from the President and after
reasonable notice for recall had been made.

According to the group, none of the two conditions were effectively and efficiently followed by the CBN, thereby making the whole process highly lopsided and shrouded in secrecy with attendant pandemonium and tension across the country.

The organization also asserted that the provision of the CBN ACT in section 20(3) which gives the power to CBN to withdraw bank notes that have been ceased to be legal tender as a result of demonetization clearly mandates the apex bank to allow citizens to redeem old notes in their possession upon demand, even after the
close of window for currency swap.

This provision according to the group was made purposely to guide against any form of agitation and tension the scramble by the citizen to meet deadline for currency swap might cause in the polity.

The statement read in part: '' While we recognize the need for financial inclusion and sustainable economy through the policy of demonetization as provided for by the CBN Act(2007) in its section 20 specifically. However, the modus operandi of the CBN under the
leadership of Mr Godwin Emiefele in the ongoing implementation of the policy is counterproductive as well as inimical to the survival of our economy and corporate entity.

''For instance, in line with the conditions for implementation provided by this Act, Nigerians are not aware if the policy of
demonetization originally emanated from the President through a directive to the CBN, also, the emphasis on ''Reasonable Notice of Recall'', by the ACT was not put into consideration by the CBN, which resulted to palpable tension and agitation of high magnitude among Nigerians who are afraid of loosing their hard earned money.

''Also, the awareness campaign by the CBN on the scope of the policy across Nigeria is terribly poor, short and insufficient, especially among the illiterate and semi-literate population, as well as in the rural areas.

''The most pathetic aspect of the modus operandi adopted by CBN is that contrary to the provision of the CBN ACT in section 20(3), the apex bank refused to tell Nigerians that there is window of opportunity for those who failed to meet up with the deadline for currency swap set as January 31st by the CBN to do so upon demand.

''Section 20(3) of the CBN ACT(2007) stipulates that'' Any note or coin with respect to which a notice has been given under this subsection, shall, on the expiration of the notice cease to be legal tender, but, subject to section 22 of this Act, shall be redeemed by the Bank upon demand.

'Obviously, if the CBN had effectively communicated the above subsection to Nigerians and made them to have the assurance of getting their old note swapped to new notes upon demand even after the deadline, nothing could have warranted the present tension across the country and the seeming threat to national security.

''On a final note, we want to explicitly state that the implementation of the policy of demonetization by the CBN is both lopsided and disservice, it regrettably violates the tenets of its Act in the area of diligent and effective communication to the people of Nigeria who have the inalienable rights to be adequately informed and enlightened.

"We, hereby, implore the CBN to quickly address all these anomalies in its policy implementation, especially the liberty provides for by the Act for Nigerians to still swap their old note with the new one upon demand with the CBN, this will go a long way to ameliorate the present tension in the polity.

The Ogun State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Governor Gboyega Oyetola on his victory over Senator Ademola Adeleke at the Osun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, saying it was “a deserved victory that served justice.”

In a press statement issued on Friday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, the party said the chicken has come home to roost for Adeleke.

The Tribunal had earlier in the day nullified the election of Senator Adeleke and ordered the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return earlier issued to him. In the majority judgement, which was read by the Chairman, Justice Tertse Kume, the Tribunal declared that Oyetola scored the majority lawful votes of 314,931 against Adeleke's 219,666.

Reacting to the judgement, the Ogun APC noted that justice has been served with the pronouncement of the court.

The party said, “The whole world now knows that the ‘secret of winning formula’, which loquacious Adeleke boasted of at a recent rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abeokuta, where he gleefully promised to teach Hon. Ladi Adebutu, his formula of over-voting. With the Tribunal’s judgement, Adeleke’s over-voting has failed in Osun State and it is dead before arrival in Ogun State,” the party said.

“We advise Adeleke to focus more on his dancing skills, for which he may enroll and mentor Ladi Adebutu instead of wasting his money to chase shadows at the Appeal Court. The court has spoken and justice is served."

“While also congratulating our party leaders and members in Osun, we urge them to be very vigilant. The security agencies must also be alert to prevent sore losers from taking the laws into their hands,” the statement concluded.

As the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, traverses the length and breadth of the state campaigning for re-election, the gale of endorsements by stakeholders continues to confine any doubts about his prospects into sheer oblivion. For nearly four years, opposition elements driven by desperation had sought to paint him and his government in negative light using social media mobs but the chickens have, as they say, now come home to roost. The enthusiastic embrace of the governor on the campaign trains leaves no questions about the people’s quest to hire him once again for the Oke Mosan top job. Because his style of campaign has been built around stock taking, pitching the promises made in the past against the democratic deliverables that he has achieved, it has been impossible to impugn the integrity of his campaign.


Even outsiders can see the airport in Ilishan, the world class roads around the state, particularly the Sagamu-Abeokuta and Ijebu Ode-Epe roads; the phenomenally equipped housing estates made available to citizens as incredibly low cost, the reinvention of education with state-of-the-art facilities for schools; teacher empowerment and abolition of education levies, not to talk of the resolution of crisis in higher education; the massive upgrade of state hospitals, the mobilization and employment of thousands of the state’s teeming youth through tech hubs, the revival of the local adire industry; the massive reinvention of the health sector through the upgrade of facilities and recruitment of quality professionals across the medicine and health spectrum, and so much more. The Ogun electorate cannot forget the strides of their governor during the COVID-19 crisis which caused President Muhammadu Buhari to select only Lagos and Ogun for federal funding support, nor can they fail to appreciate the Omoluabi qualities that he has displayed since his election. They live in the climate of calm that pervades the length and breadth of the Gateway State. In any case, anywhere Governor Abiodun has gone to campaign, he has inaugurated signature projects with a great potential to lift the people out of despondency into renewed hope and optimism for the future. The message, really, is that under Abiodun, the Ogun people can look at the future with pride. Indeed, what makes the Ogun APC campaign so unique and different is the fact that he is not just going to the electorate to seek re-election. In 2018, he promised roads and other infrastructure like electricity, etc, and now the people are using the promised infrastructure. Because he is not visiting various campaign points to make empty promises, his campaign has been laden with credibility, reliability and acceptability. Even though they may have had doubts in 2019, people now believe him when he talks: he is inaugurating projects that were dictated by them. As a matter of fact, apart from Lagos, it is difficult to see any other state that can compete with his infrastructure drive. This has endeared him to the people. People can identify and point to his achievements.


As Governor Abiodun inaugurated the Itori Township Road and lock up shop in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state this week, thousands of people echoed his declaration that the essence of government is to serve the people. The governor promised that work would soon commence on the construction of affordable houses in Itori, the headquarters of the local government, while agreement would soon be reached with the Federal Government on the Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota-Lagos road. Addressing party faithful and people at the campaign rally in Papalanto, Abiodun, promised that the old Ilaro road in the town would soon be reconstructed, while the Papalanto High School would witness be rehabilitated. The Olu of Itori, Oba Fatai Akamo, could not hide his appreciation of the governor. There was also much excitement in the air as he inaugurated the Esure Road in Ijebu-Mushin, unfolding what he still had in store for the people: the light-up-the-rural-areas project, with electricity transformers and solar system to be distributed this week.


The inauguration of projects extended to the 18km Ala-Idowa-Ibefun Road, described by the governor as “another milestone in the infrastructural development needed to further develop our state.” He added, to the delight of the energetic crowds: “These are visible projects which are in line with our vision to create prosperity for our people. We did not promise to do all things, but we will do all those things that we promised. We will make an appreciable mark by leaving the state better than we met it. We will continue to construct roads, rehabilitate schools and make them more conducive for learning. The federal road that connected Lagos with Ogun, it was constructed by the state government to ameliorate the hardship being encountered by the people who travel on the road on a daily basis.”


Speaking during a courtesy call on the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya in his palace, he governor directed the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, to move to the Imosan-Imodi road and commence its reconstruction, and the oba lauded his leadership style which he said had engendered development in all parts of the state. Indeed, speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers in the local government area, the Obiri of Idobiri, Oba Adebisi Okunbanjo, said they were happy to identify with the Abiodun-led administration, calling for the construction of Ikenne-Ayepe and Okun Owa-Ijesha-Ijebu roads. This was just as former deputy governors in the state, including Senator Gbenga Kaka, Alhaja Salimot Badru and the two deputy governors who served with the immediate past governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Segun Adesegun and Mrs.Yetunde Onanuga, declared their support at the APC campaign rally held at Odogbolu town. As Governor Abiodun enthused: “This is the first time all living past deputy governors will be in the same political camp and party. As you will agree with me, this is great.”


In Odeda, Prince Abiodun inaugurated the 5.6Km Somorin-Kemta road, saying that the huge infrastructure gap inherited by his administration informed the adoption of a strategic approach that would ensure that every part of the state benefits from one project or the other. Kemta also hosts the first housing estate built by his administration in the axis, creating an upsurge in commercial activities. According to the Olu of Kemta, Oba Okikiola Tejuosho, more than 40 communities are benefiting from the road. At Bode Olude, the governor announced that the Elega-Bode Olude road would be constructed within a week, while a transformer and borehole would also be constructed to provide potable water to the people of the area. Abiodun also inaugurated the 5.7 kilometre Oru-Awa-Ilaporu Road in Ijebu North Local Government Area. He said: "We were here to commission the Igan road in Ago-Iwoye. About five weeks ago, we were at Ijebu-Igbo to commission the Molusi College Road and today we are here to commission the Oru-Awa-Ilaporu road. This local government area is indeed lucky to have three projects in less than four years. You can recall that this local government did not benefit from any project from the past government, but now you have three.” The Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebajo, can then be forgiven for calling on the people to support the governor’s second term bid. It is a season of life-changing projects in the Gateway State.

Joseph contributes this piece through koredejoseph@aol.com

Breaking: Jubilation, as Appeal court upholds Otegbeye's candidacy, others in Ogun

There is ongoing jubilation across Ogun State, as the court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Monday upheld the candidacy of Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, the gubernatorial candidate of the party in Ogun State, alongside candidates for House of Assembly contesting on the platform of the party.

Recall that the Labour party and ruling All Progressives Congress, had approached a Federal High Court in Abeokuta and got judgement in a suit seeking for the disqualification of Otegbeye and others on the platform of African Democratic Congress; the judgement which was subsequently challenged at the appellate court.

The court substantially upheld the grounds of appeal by ADC and it's candidates, thereby setting aside the judgement of High Court and consequently certified Otegbeye and all House of Assembly candidates on the platform of the party eligible for the forthcoming poll.

Meanwhile, there was wild jubilation across the gateway state on Monday, following the victory of ADC candidates at the court, suggesting a huge acceptability of Otegbeye's candidacy and other candidates of the party across Ogun State.

Speaking on the issue in Abeokuta, the State capital, a political pundit and expert in Politics , Philosophy and Economics (PPE) Dr Adekunle Ajayi said the development has significantly changed the trend and pattern of political activities in Ogun State.

"The judgement of Appeal court this morning, confirming the eligibility of Barrister Biyi Otegbeye as the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in the coming elections remains a watershed in the political climate of Ogun State.

" This development has changed the paradigm of political activities in a jiffy. This is a pointer to the fact that Otegbeye remains a leading candidate come March this year.

"His candidacy is like a rallying point for socio-political revolution in Ogun State. Remember that the former Governor of the State and present Senator representing Ogun Central at the National Assembly, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, last year endorsed Otegbeye as the candidate of his choice, this tells you that his victory is already sealed".

In the same vein, a civil servant, who simply identified himself as Ayo lamented what he termed a deceptive administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, saying every civil servant in the State was looking up to the ADC for liberation from the present quagmire in the State.

"This is indeed a cheering development to all of us in the State, especially the civil servants, we have been yawning for a vibrant and masses-oriented party like ADC to lead the struggle for emancipation from this ineptitude leadership in Ogun State".

Breaking: Jubilation, as Appeal court upholds Otegbeye's candidacy, others in Ogun

There is ongoing jubilation across Ogun State, as the court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Monday upheld the candidacy of Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, the gubernatorial candidate of the party in Ogun State, alongside candidates for House of Assembly contesting on the platform of the party.

Recall that the Labour party and ruling All Progressives Congress, had approached a Federal High Court in Abeokuta and got judgement in a suit seeking for the disqualification of Otegbeye and others on the platform of African Democratic Congress; the judgement which was subsequently challenged at the appellate court.

The court substantially upheld the grounds of appeal by ADC and it's candidates, thereby setting aside the judgement of High Court and consequently certified Otegbeye and all House of Assembly candidates on the platform of the party eligible for the forthcoming poll.

Meanwhile, there was wild jubilation across the gateway state on Monday, following the victory of ADC candidates at the court, suggesting a huge acceptability of Otegbeye's candidacy and other candidates of the party across Ogun State.

Speaking on the issue in Abeokuta, the State capital, a political pundit and expert in Politics , Philosophy and Economics (PPE) Dr Adekunle Ajayi said the development has significantly changed the trend and pattern of political activities in Ogun State.

"The judgement of Appeal court this morning, confirming the eligibility of Barrister Biyi Otegbeye as the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in the coming elections remains a watershed in the political climate of Ogun State.

" This development has changed the paradigm of political activities in a jiffy. This is a pointer to the fact that Otegbeye remains a leading candidate come March this year.

"His candidacy is like a rallying point for socio-political revolution in Ogun State. Remember that the former Governor of the State and present Senator representing Ogun Central at the National Assembly, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, last year endorsed Otegbeye as the candidate of his choice, this tells you that his victory is already sealed".

In the same vein, a civil servant, who simply identified himself as Ayo lamented what he termed a deceptive administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, saying every civil servant in the State was looking up to the ADC for liberation from the present quagmire in the State.

"This is indeed a cheering development to all of us in the State, especially the civil servants, we have been yawning for a vibrant and masses-oriented party like ADC to lead the struggle for emancipation from this ineptitude leadership in Ogun State".

Breaking: Jubilation, as Appeal court upholds Otegbeye's candidacy, others in Ogun

There is ongoing jubilation across Ogun State, as the court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Monday upheld the candidacy of Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, the gubernatorial candidate of the party in Ogun State, alongside candidates for House of Assembly contesting on the platform of the party.

Recall that the Labour party and ruling All Progressives Congress, had approached a Federal High Court in Abeokuta and got judgement in a suit seeking for the disqualification of Otegbeye and others on the platform of African Democratic Congress; the judgement which was subsequently challenged at the appellate court.

The court substantially upheld the grounds of appeal by ADC and it's candidates, thereby setting aside the judgement of High Court and consequently certified Otegbeye and all House of Assembly candidates on the platform of the party eligible for the forthcoming poll.

Meanwhile, there was wild jubilation across the gateway state on Monday, following the victory of ADC candidates at the court, suggesting a huge acceptability of Otegbeye's candidacy and other candidates of the party across Ogun State.

Speaking on the issue in Abeokuta, the State capital, a political pundit and expert in Politics , Philosophy and Economics (PPE) Dr Adekunle Ajayi said the development has significantly changed the trend and pattern of political activities in Ogun State.

"The judgement of Appeal court this morning, confirming the eligibility of Barrister Biyi Otegbeye as the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in the coming elections remains a watershed in the political climate of Ogun State.

" This development has changed the paradigm of political activities in a jiffy. This is a pointer to the fact that Otegbeye remains a leading candidate come March this year.

"His candidacy is like a rallying point for socio-political revolution in Ogun State. Remember that the former Governor of the State and present Senator representing Ogun Central at the National Assembly, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, last year endorsed Otegbeye as the candidate of his choice, this tells you that his victory is already sealed".

In the same vein, a civil servant, who simply identified himself as Ayo lamented what he termed a deceptive administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, saying every civil servant in the State was looking up to the ADC for liberation from the present quagmire in the State.

"This is indeed a cheering development to all of us in the State, especially the civil servants, we have been yawning for a vibrant and masses-oriented party like ADC to lead the struggle for emancipation from this ineptitude leadership in Ogun State".

The postulation of the former Prime Minister of Philippines, Gloria Aroyo, implicitly gives credence to the requisite capacity and competence expected of a leader to give purposeful leadership at all times.

Aroyo posits:" The greatest litmus test of a good leader is the ability to be at the forefront leading, at the middle inspiring, and at the back defending the superior interests of his followers".

This submission of the former Prime Minister of Philippines rightly describes the personality and posture of a political phenomenon in Kwara, the Turaki of Ilorin and the leading Senatorial candidate in the State, Mallam Saliu Mustapha.

That Saliu Mustapha has become an household name in the political climate of Kwara is an understatement, the mineral resources Engineer is now a juggernaut in every nook and cranny of Kwara, effectively domiciled in Kwara Central Senatorial District.

His prowess in political mobilization and constructive campaign of high intellectual engagement is inspirational as well as his rare humility and cognitive capacity to relate with every section of the society.

Many Analysts have adduced the impeccable personality and cultured trait of Saliu Mustapha to his pedigree, while some argue that the Senatorial candidate for Kwara central is blessed with natural endowment of native intelligence and uncommon humility.

Also, scores of politicians, as well as residents of Kwara central and beyond have expressed great astonishment on Mustapha's propensity and capacity to give out generously to the common people and turn lives around in a jiffy, coupled with his enduring developmental drive across the Kwara central senatorial district.

He has been identified as not only a pillar of support for the incumbent Governor of the State, AbdulRhaman AbdulRasaq but a reliable ally and dependable lieutenant in the field of politics and responsive governance.

It is gratifying to know that the Turaki of Ilorin was a key actor in the revolution of emancipation that liberated the people of Kwara from the shackles of suffocating political jackboots of old.

His youthful and undented posture have been a fantastic leverage over every other candidate in the Kwara central senatorial district; as he dominates the consciousness of every electorate in the zone and beyond like a collosus.

His political career, dated back to the inception of this fourth republic in 1999, has witnessed a rapid advancement with the speed of light, rising from the position of the first Publicity Secretary of the Progressive Action Congress(PAC) to become a member of the ANPP who worked assiduously and with great passion for the presidential ambition of Muhammadu Buhari in 2003.

In 2009, when some members of ANPP, led by Buhari formed the Congress for Progressive Change(CPC), Mustapha became the National Deputy Chairman of the Party, the position he effectively and efficiently held till the merger of CPC and other political parties that formed All Progressive Congress(APC) in the build up to the 2015 general elections.

Without mincing words, the senatorial election slated for 25th February, 2023 is indeed a walk over for Saliu Mustapha in Kwara central, and a great political rebirth of sorts in the entire Kwara State.

In the words of the 35th American President, J.F. Kennedy, "Those who refuse to participate in the politics of their environment end up being governed by their inferiors".

The above warning of Kennedy has been strictly heeded by Saliu Mustapha, as he took it upon himself to guide against the menace of allowing charlatans to lead the people of his political environment to Armageddon, in line with the old tradition of ineptitude leadership.

Congratulations to the people of Kwara central senatorial district, congratulations to the entire State of Harmony, as we welcome a leading light and phenomenal leader of robust influence and capacity, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin, into the Red chamber of National Assembly come June, 2023, to provide quality representation to his senatorial district and Nigeria at large.

Olabode Ajibola, Executive Director, Advocacy for Advancement of Peace and Harmony in Africa Initiative ( ADAPHAI)

...inaugurates 5.7 km Oru-Awa-Alaporu road


Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reassured the people that areas yet to feel the impact of his administration will soon begin to enjoy infrastructure developments, while asking them to be patient as efforts are being intensified to spread more infrastructural amenities in line with the vision of his government.

Abiodun gave the assurance on Thursday during the commissioning of 5.7 kilometre Oru-Awa-Alaporu Road in Ijebu North Local Government Area, as he continued his second term campaign tour in Ijebu North Local Government, describing the newly inaugurated road as an important bypass that would boost the socio-economic development of the axis.

Explaining that the commissioning of the road was another testimony of his administration's drive to open up the state through ease of movement of people, foods and services, he noted that the road is the third to be commissioned in a month within the local government area.

He said: "This will be the third time we will be in this local government to commission road projects. We were here to commission the Igan road in Ago-Iwoye. About five weeks ago, we were at Ijebu-Igbo to commission the Molusi College Road and today we are here to commission the Oru-Awa-Alaporu road.

"This local government area is indeed lucky to have three projects in less than four years. You can recall that this local government did not benefit from any project from the past government, but now you have three", he said.

Enumerating the importance of the road, the governor stressed that the road would serve as a bye-pass to ijebu-Igbo and travellers from the state to Ibadan in Oyo State, stating that the road would also serve as a facilitator of goods and services across the local government.

Admonishing the residents to support his re-election in order to enjoy more dividends of democracy, the governor stated that all the legacy projects are reference points that his second term would bring in more developmental projects into the state.

He also thanked the traditional rulers for their support, noting that all the people-oriented projects executed in the state by his administration were made possible through their cooperation, imploring the residents to be patient as the government was working hard in addressing the high rate of infrastructural decay inherited from the previous administration.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, in his remarks, said the road which was in a deplorable condition, would ease people's movement within the axis, adding that the road was provided with road furniture such as walkway and streetlight for the security of the residents.

Also speaking, the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebajo, appreciated the present administration for extending developmental projects to the local government, calling on the people to support the governor for a second term.

Management of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has congratulated a former member of it's Governing Council from Bauchi State, Barrister Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim, on his appointment as a Judge of the Federal Industrial Court; describing the development as cheering for the institution.

Recall that Barrister Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim meritoriously served in the Polytechnic governing council between 2017 and 2020.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic, Sola Lawal, the copy which was made available to newsmen on Friday in Osogbo, the State capital.

The statement described Subilim as a committed and revered former member of the governing council, an astute administrator and leading legal luminary of note, who understands the scope and tenets of law.

It further added that the appointment was a conscious move towards strengthening the temple of justice for the ultimate wellbeing of Nigeria's work force and a round peg in a round hole.

The statement read in part:" On behalf of Air Cmdr Emmanuel Jekada PhD, mni led Governing Council, management staff and students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede Osun State, we felicitate with our former council member, Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Subilim, as the new Judge of the Federal Industrial Court, as we express our deep appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari , GCFR, for this great consideration.

"We are confident that Justice Subilim will bring his versed knowledge of law and civil adjudication to bear on the bench for the general good of Nigeria's work force".

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday, continued his campaign for second term with the inauguration of the five kilometres Somorin-Kemta-Idi-Aba road in Odeda Local Government Area of the State.

Speaking at Kemta, Abeokuta one of the venues, the governor noted that the huge infrastructural gap inherited by his administration informed the adoption of a strategic approach that would ensure that every part of the state benefits from one project or the other.

He said Kemta, apart from benefiting from the road, also has the first housing estate built by his administration sited in the axis, saying with these projects, the area would witness an upsurge in commercial activities.

Gov. Abiodun who regarded Odeda LG as one of the important local government areas in the state, said the council has two road projects just as almost all the projects executed are people-oriented and are in line with the I.S.E.Y.A a
Agenda of his government.

"We've demonstrated that we are a promise-keeping administration, we have a road project, at least one in every local government, but this local government has two. We have the Gbonagun-FAJOL Road which is about seven kilometers and we have this road, and that is just a clear example that if we make these promises and we have come to commission these roads, then you can expect that we will continue in the same vein and keep our promises.

"I want to plead with you that if you are happy with what you are seeing, please endeavour to go out and collect your PVCs, because it is through your PVCs that you will vote for a continuity of the good works of this administration that you voted in 2019 and that you will vote again in 2023", he stated.

While commending the traditional rulers in Odeda LG for maintaining peace in their domains, the governor promised that his administration would not stop until all access roads are put in good condition, calling on the people to vote for him to continue his good works.

Highlight of the campaign was a call by a JS 2 pupil of De-Dames College, Olayemi Odutola, who on behalf of students, on parents to vote massively for Prince Dapo Abiodun.

She hinged her call on what she called the excellent performance of the governor.

"We say very thank your sir, for magnificent road in our axis. It will afford easy and smooth access to our school. And also reduce the cost of repairs our parents soend on their vehicles.

"We also thank you for valuable peaceful-existence and massive development in the state, for it has opened door for investment

"There is adage that seeing is believing. We have seen remarkable improvement in infrastructure and in other aspects in this state.In view of this, we hereby appeal to our parents and good people of Ogun State to please support massively and vote Governor Dapo Abiodun", the student emphasized

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Akin Adesanya, said the road is one of the various projects executed across the state, adding that the 5.1km road, provided with adequate drainage system, would solve the perennial flooding that had affected the area for long

The Olu of Kemta, Oba Okikiola Tejuosho, said the bad condition of the road affected the economic activities of the people as many man hours were lost in the process of manuvering the bad potions that littered the road, adding that more than 40 communities are also benefiting from the road.

At Bode Olude, the governor announced that the Elega-Bode Olude road would be constructed within a week, while a transformer and borehole would also be constructed to provide potable water to the people of the area.

He apologized to the people for the deplorable condition of the road, which he noted, had caused untold hardship to the people, pleading for their understanding as four years would not be enough to address the infrastructural deficit inherited by his administration.

"When I was coming here this morning, I see that your road is very bad and I was told that you don't have water. I have directed that a brand new electric transformer be brought to this area. Also, within one week, we will start the construction of the Elega-Bode Olude road.

"Apart from that, we are going to sink a borehole that would serve this area with potable water. Please keep supporting us to do more for you", the governor submitted.

The Chairman, Ogun State Television (OGTV) Board of Directors, Ambassador Tunde Oladunjoye will on Thursday, deliver the 3rd, 'Diji Akinhanmi Memorial Lecture' on the topic: 'Journalism and Ethical Issues in Nigeria'.

The third in the series of the Lecture holds at the OGBC Conference Hall, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta at noon, with the Ogun State Head of Service, Dr Nofiu Aigoro as the Chairman of the occasion. The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Odusile, is the Special Guest of Honour.

Oladunjoye, a well traveled media consultant, journalist, publisher, writer and a published poet; has been in the industry for more than 25 years. He worked as full time and part time reporter/freelance with many leading national dailies and has produced several television documentaries.

The former Media Adviser to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina when he was Minister for Agriculture, Oladunjoye has also worked as Media Consultant to governmental and international agencies and organisations like the World Bank. He was the UNICEF 2014 Scholar to Cape Town, South Africa, Resource Person to UNESCO and Peer Reviewer with the World Bank. A former Local Government Chairman in Ijebu East LG of Ogun State, Comrade Oladunjoye is presently the Publicity Secreatry of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, an Assistant Secretary in the Media and Strategy Committee of the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). He is also an Adviser to the Media and Publicity Committee of the Ogun State APC 2023 Campaign Council.

The management of OGBC instituted the lecture in memory of the immediate past General Manager, Mr Diji Akinhanmi who joined the saints triumphant on the 16th of January, 2020.


E signed
Niyi Amusan
Chairman, Organizing Committee.

The Ogun State Governor, P ince Dapo Abiodun, has commended the Chairman of Ijebu North East LG, Hon. Foluso Badejo on the implementation of the Social Investment Initiative of the State Government.

It is on record that the Foluso Badejo-led Administration was the first to inaugurate the newly appointed Social Investments Officers at the local government level in Ogun State.

Governor Abiodun, in a letter dated Monday, January 16, 2023 and signed by the Secretary to Ogun State, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the Council Chairman was singled out for commendation as the first local government Administration to inaugurate the SOIs.

The letter read in part: “On behalf of his Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR. the Governor of Ogun State, I want to commend you for your initiative as the FIRST Local Government Administration to inaugurate the newly appointed Social Investment Officers. (SIO)

“This singular act signifies your full understanding of His Excellency’s strategy towards poverty alleviation in the State.

“Your action puts your LGA ahead of your peers. These SIOs will also be the first recipients of their letters of appointment and also be the first to commence field work in the State.

“The Governor hopes that other LGAs will emulate your thoughtfulness.
“Congratulations. Kindly accept the assurances of the best wishes of His Excellency, the Governor.

It would be recalled that the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has In December 2022, signed into law, the Social Investment Bill passed by the Ogun State House of Assembly. The programme is designed not only to provide gainful employment for about 40,000 citizens of the state, but also put money in the pocket of the elderly, needy and vulnerable.

In a bid to make rural roads more accessible to citizens, the Ogun State Government has commenced the grading of rural roads across the 20 Local Government Areas of the state.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, made this known to correspondents in Abeokuta saying that the grading was to reshape and compact the roads to reduce lumps and bumps for smooth rides.

Engr. Akinsanya noted that the graded roads would link communities together in the council areas and will enhance infrastructural and socio economic development while making life meaningful to the residents and further ease transportation of agricultural produce to markets.

"We embarked on this grading weeks back, before the yelutide seasons utilizing the opportunity of the dry season. It will no doubt, create better roads for ease of movement of people especially in rural areas. As I talk to you now, graders are walking simultaneously in all the 20 local government areas. This is a further confirmation of the determination of Governor Dapo Abiodun to make life more meaningful to rural dwellers.

The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, says his administration would continue to introduce programmes and policies that would ensure individual prosperity of the people of the state.

The governor added that his administration would continue to leave up to its vision of providing an enabling environment for enterprises to flourish in the state.

Abiodun made this known at the June 12 Cultural Center, Abeokuta, when he received leaders and members of the Union of Tipper and Quarry of Nigeria, Plank Seller Association and Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, on Friday.

Abiodun who also noted that his administration in the last three and half years has embarked on the construction and reconstruction of over 400 kilometers of road across the state, added that his administration has also embarked on the construction of low cost housing units across the state.

The governor while noting that his administration has also begun to plant thousands of trees in the forest reserves across the state, added that the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone situated within the Agro Cargo Airport would avail plank dealers in the state an opportunity to supply planks for furniture manufacturers that would berth in the zone

Abiodun, while noting that his administration was also looking to strengthen the entire timber value chain from the timber to the plant and furniture production, disclosed that the plank dealers in the state would be contracted to supply planks for the housing units being constructed in the state.

The governor who also assured the associations of more support, assured that his administration at the executive council level would look at other issues raised by them.

While calling on members of the associations to go all out and get their Permanent Voter's Cards,.urged them to vote the All Progressives Congress during the general elections.

In their remarks, the state chairmen of the Union of Tipper and Quarry of Nigeria, the Plank Seller Association and Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, Taiwo Oyeneye, Gbenga Marouf Faleye and Kehinde Talubi, respectively, thanked the governor for making the business environment in the state conducive for them, disclosing that they were in support of the second term ambition of the Governor Abiodun.

Here comes again , the Second Edition of 2023 UTME Scholarship opportunities.

The society we live bestows some certain responsibilities on us, it is against that backdrop that Bunyamin Sijuwade ZAKARIYAH and his entire family, OYEDEJI consider it worthy to contribute and give back to the society by sponsoring and financing the UTME of the first 100 students who are not economically buoyant enough to afford the cost of the exams.

It has now been a tradition to obtain UTME for the students that are Osogbo indigents on behalf of their parents' who could not afford the examination registration fee.

This scholarship does not only cover the exam fee alone but also include the tutorship of the students at the US Academy after scaling through a screening test which would be conducted to benchmark the students for the opportunity.

This scholarship scheme is totally devoid of political sentiment or affiliation, therefore , it is going to be awarded to the recipients on their fair performance in the screening.


The scholarship conditions :

✓ The applicant must be Osogbo indigent/resident.

✓The applicant must pass the scholarship screening test

✓ The applicant must obtain interest Registration form

✓ The applicant must be SS 2/3 and or a fresh graduate of secondary school

✓ The applicant must be within the age range of 14 years to 25 years

Screening Test Details

Date: 21/01/2022
Time : 10:00A.M prompt

The applicants must come with only biro and pencil and should equally be informed that the exam would be taken according to the UTME Subject combination.

Special greetings to the CEO of TT Farms Ltd for the moral and financial support. Thanks .

New Year: Timi of Ede felicitates subjects, solicits maximum cooperation

The Timi of Ede, Oba Dr MUNIRUDEEN ADESOLA LAWAL, has felicitated with all sons and daughters of Ede land and in the diaspora, on the occasion of the New Year of 2023, calling for their maximum cooperation in all issues of paramount considerations.

The revered monarch prayed God to grant the people of the town necessary favour to excel exceptionally in all their endeavors, adding that dignity of work remains an age-long traditional ideology of Ede town.

This was contained in a press release by his Media aide, Dapo Akinyele and made available to newsmen on Sunday, in Ede.

He opined that the year 2022 had been a fantastic year for the town and her inhabitants, saying the tenets of communal cohesion predicates on mutual understanding and commitment.

" I heartily congratulate and felicitate with sons and daughters of our revered town of Ede. Indeed, this past year of 2022 had been a fascinating year in the history of our land.

" As I solicit for the total cooperation of my sons and daughters in all areas of human endeavors, I enjoin my subjects to be peaceful and responsible in every aspect of their lives.

"I also admonish our people in Osun to give maximum cooperation to the government of Ademola Adeleke for purposeful governance", the monarch posited.

G5 Governors: Atiku has only lost five votes; Wike and his co-travellers will regret action- Jackson Lekan Ojo

A global security expert and leading social commentator in Nigeria, Mr Jackson Lekan Ojo has flayed the five PDP Governors, known as G5, led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, over their position against the candidacy of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the PDP Presidential flag bearer in the 2023 general elections.

Recall that Wike, alongside the Governors of Oyo, Benue, Abia and Enugu had vehemently moved against the Chairmanship of Iyorchia Ayu in PDP, following the failure of the Rivers State Governor to get the PDP ticket for Presidency and the slot of Vice-president respectively, thereby withdrawing their supports for Atiku.

Ojo, while speaking on the Presidential election in 2023 and the recent political developments in PDP said Wike and the other four governors can not be taken serious by Nigerians, arguing that their agitations are self-centered, after thoughts and illogical in all ramifications.

He explained that with or without the five governors, Atiku Abubakar would win the forthcoming presidential election, citing examples of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari in retrospect.

The security expert described the five governors as mere pegs in construction site, saying they would be used and dump by the APC, in the same way pegs are used and abandon on construction site.

He, therefore, insisted that the APC Presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unfit to govern Nigeria, as a result of his poor health condition and antecedent of his party, the APC.

"Wike and his cohorts are just being mischievous and illogical, their agitations are after thoughts and selfish. Even if Ayu resigns today, the next person to succeed him would be a Northerner, in line with the constitution of the PDP, so, of what logic is their position on Southern Chairmanship.

"Meanwhile, this agitation came after Wike lost the Presidential ticket of PDP and the Vice-president slot to Okowa, after promising to work with Atiku, you can see that these Governors can not be taken serious.

"How could you expect Atiku, being a tactical politician that he is to go for a power monger and cantankerous personality like Wike, that was why he went for more clear headed and decent person like Okowa.

"What I know for sure is that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has just lost only five votes, these Governors in their respective States lack what it takes to influence any electorates, they are on their own and definitely, they will greatly regret their action.

"These are people who claimed that they can't not leave Malaria and go to Cancer, regrettably, they have gone back to that Cancer and the bitter consequences await them in due course", he posited

Ojo added that the APC is not in anyway a better option for Nigerians in 2023, claiming the party has run Nigeria aground and that is the reason why Bola Tinubu could not be proud of APC's lopsided policies in all sectors as campaign narratives.

The Timi of Ede land, HRM OBA DR. MUNIRUDEEN ADESOLA LAWAL, LAMINISA the 1ST, has felicitated with sons and daughters of Ede land in Nigeria and diaspora on the occasion of Christmas celebration.

The royal father also used the occasion to thank all inhabitants of the ancient town for their overwhelming support for the Governor of Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Jackson Adeleke before, during and after the Gubernatorial election.

This was contained in a press statement signed by his media aide, Dapo Akinyele and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ede.

The revered monarch prayed for the success of the new administration in the state, as he advised the youths of the town and Nigeria at large to shun any act capable of truncating the peaceful atmosphere of their environment.

He also enjoined young people in Ede and it's environs not to partake in any unnecessary street carnivals that can cause mayhem as prohibited by the police authority in the state.

Oba Laminisa, therefore, prayed for peace and tranquility to reign supreme in his domain.

" I heartily congratulate every Christian faithful in Ede and it's environs on this special season on Christmas, may the teachings and indelible admonitions of the Lord continue to guide every path.

"As we celebrate, let's be moderate and orderly to sustain the peace we have been enjoying in our land', the royal father said.

It is in the spirit of celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ that we, in the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters on this special season.

Obviously, this important moment of profound commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ remains a special phenomenon within the Christendom and in the life of every Christian faithful.

Without mincing words, this important event is a moment of joy and indeed an opportunity for sober reflection on the unquantifiable love of our creator towards the mankind.

As we celebrate this special season of love and redemption, let's all continue to appreciate this great affection of the most high through total commitment to the core tenets of the teachings and indelible admonitions of our Lord Jesus Christ.

May we continue to be pious and dedicated at all times, as we continue to celebrate this special season of the birth of our saviour, Jesus Christ.

On behalf of the Chairman Governing Council, Air Cmdr Emmanuel Jekada PhD, mni, Management & entire staff and students of the Federal Polytechnic Ede, I wish you all merry Xmas and happy new year in advance

Engr.Dr. Joseph Olawole Petinrin

Acting Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State.

24th December, 2022.

The Acting Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, Engr. Dr. Joseph Olawole Petinrin, has emphasized the necessity for the usage of indigenous language in conducting legislative proceedings in Nigeria, for the purpose of strengthening democratic culture.

Petinrin, gave this advice during the conference of second class royal fathers held Wednesday, 21st December, 2022, at the S.O. Babalola Hall of the institution. He advised the traditional rulers to meet critical political stakeholders in Nigeria and introduce indigenous language for the day-to-day legislative business.

The astute administrator, also enjoined the monarchs to use their good offices in fostering cordial relationship among Yoruba race, both at home and in diaspora, adding that traditional rulers are the custodians of custom, value and tradition of Yoruba race.

"I admonish you to please restore our pride, ethos and the age -long tradition of harmonious relationship, that is devoid of any rancour or hatred in which Yorubas are known for", the Acting Rector posited.

Dr. Petinrin, also used the occasion to thank the Timi of Ede, Oba Dr MUNIRUDEEN ADESOLA LAWAL, who also doubles as grand patron for the second class Obas, for his assistance and fatherly role the institute has been enjoying since his accession to the throne, as he prayed for unity to reign supreme among the Royal Fathers.

Earlier in his address, the President of the association, who is also Alaa of Ilaa-Ijesa, Oba (Dr) Ojarotade Adewale thanked the management of the Federal Polytechnic Ede for their warm hospitality, which he described as one of the best in recent time; the monarch prayed for the Air Cmdr Emmanuel Jekada mni Phd led Governing Council, management, staff and students of the institution to continue to witness many tremendous achievement that will launch the name of the institution into the map of reckoning in Nigeria and beyond.

Also present at the event were Deputy Rector (Administration) Alhaji Isiaka Tunji Adelabu, Registrar & Secretary to the Governing Council, Alhaji Isiaka Tunji Agboola, Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Rotimi Adesina Egunjobi, Bursar, Prince Caleb Olagunju Olanrewaju and the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer, Sola Lawal among others.

Ogun State Government has commenced the processing and payment of December 2022 salaries. Staff are expected are expected to start getting alerts latest by tomorrow morning.

While the State regrets the delays in the payment of November salaries to some staff (about 15-20% of workforce) due to some hitches with about four banks, the first of such delay since the inception of Dapo Abiodun Administration over three and half years ago; the workers are assured of a blissful Christmas celebration.

It would be recalled that Ogun State Government is one of the few state governments that have continued to pay the national minimum wage without fail. Also, the first assignment carried out by Prince Dapo Abiodun after his swearing-in was the immediate payment of staff salaries even when the departed administration made no provision for the payment.

The Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has announced the appointment of a new substantive Rector, Dr Sani Manyahaya, as the 6th substantive Rector of the citadel of learning.

A release signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council of the institution, Alhaji Isiaka Tunji Agboola, the copy which was made available to newsmen on Tuesday by the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer, Sola Lawal, quoted a letter signed by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu to that effect.

According to the release, the letter indicated that the appointment is for a single term of five years with effect from 21st November, 2022 and in line with Federal Polytechnic Act as amended (2019).

Dr. Manyahaya, is the immediate past Deputy Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, he was educated at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State where he obtained his B.Eng. in Computer Engineering in 1994, and went ahead to bag his Msc in Telecommunications Engineering in 2008 at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and PHD in Wireless and Control Engineering in 2004 at the same institution.

Dr. Sani Manyahaya joined the service of Federal Polytechnic, Bida in 1996 and served in various capacities before he became Chief Lecturer at the institution.

The release, therefore, enjoined all staff and students to give the new Rector all the necessary assistance and cooperation to enable him carry-out his duty effectively and efficiently.

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and leading security expert, Jackson Lekan Ojo, has berated the duo of Rauf Aregbesola and the immediate past Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, over the humongous debt hanging on the neck of the State.

He commended the incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for coming out in the open to tell the people the actual debt profile of the State, adding that the Governor has every right to ask questions on the State's financial status.

Recall that Governor Ademola Adeleke, during a recent meeting with Council of Traditional rulers revealed that Osun is owing over N400bn in external and internal debt; the revelation that continued to generate further accusations and counter-accusations in the State and beyond.

Meanwhile, Ojo, in a telephone interview with Journalists on Tuesday lambasted former Governor Oyetola for shrouding the financial status of the State in secrecy.

He explained that if Oyetola had won the July 16 poll, the State and the people would have continued to suffer in silence while the Governor remained mute on the debt obligation of the State till the State collapses.

"Contrary to claims by Governor Oyetola that he didn't not borrow, we know that he borrowed severally. Also, he doesn't have any moral standing to blame his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola for anything, after all, he was his Chief of staff for eight years with so much power than that of the Deputy Governor, they took all decisions together.

"That is why Oyetola remained silent on the financial mess himself and Aregbesola had put Osun, to the detriment of the good people of Osun, he refused to tell the people what the State have in assets and liability, even after loosing election, until Adeleke came in and exposed them.

"Sincerely, Osun is sinking and in a very terrible condition, Aregbesola and Oyetola had rendered the State to a state of coma, without intestine, heart and other vital organs, it is really pathetic.

"I want to urge Governor Adeleke to quickly drag both of them to EFCC if found guilty to salvage the State from this present mess. He should bring more revelation to the open for us to know who really brought our dear State to this sorry State", Ojo asserted.

The Ogun State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned, in very strong terms, the willful destruction of the party’s branded campaign materials, billboards and other signages in different parts of the state, especially in Abeokuta, the state capital.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday and signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, the APC described the act of destroying branded signages and other campaign materials of the party as a “desperate manifestation of do-or-die politics calculated to undermine the prevailing peace and stability in the state since the coming of the Dapo Abiodun Administration."

While noting that such offensive acts of intolerance would not augur well for peaceful co-existence in the state, the party called on the law enforcement agencies to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

The statement further reads: “We were shocked to witness the massive destruction of our campaign materials, billboards and signages this morning in Abeokuta; a carefully masterminded willful destruction carried out under the cover of the night. These beautiful campaign materials, apart from the creativity put into their production, also cost a lot of money. It’s saddening that some mistreats can go ahead and destroy them. .”

“Ogun State has been rated as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. The political intolerance that predated the 2019 general elections is now a thing of the past and any attempt to heat up the polity and return the state to that ignoble era should be condemned by all well-meaning people!"

“We, therefore, call on the police and other law enforcement agencies to be more vigilant and to bring the perpetrators of this despicable destruction to book. The party calls on our members and supporters to remain calm and go about their duties without taking the laws into their hands.”

“Our leader and governorship candidate, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is a man of peace and he has assured of peaceful and issue-based campaign in the run-up to the 2023 elections. This is what the party will stick to notwithstanding the current provocation."

“Of course, we are aware that the growing popularity of our party and its candidates, as well as the unprecedented gale of endorsements by different organisations, groups and high-ranking royal fathers, have been a source of serious worry to our tattered opponents, even as imminent defeat stares at them. Let the opposition elements in the state wake up and face the reality; the latest machinations will not postpone their day of defeat.”

The Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal has delivered a judgment reinstating Hon Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Egbado South/Ipokia Federal Constituency in the 2023 House of Reps Elections. The Court of Appeal set aside the erroneous judgment of the Federal High Court that had removed Hon Akinlade as the APC's candidate and also disqualified him from the race.

Delivering judgment in the appeal marked CA/IB/429/2022 APC v. CHIEF MICHEAL ADEBAYO ADELEKE & 2 ORS, the Panel comprising Justices Adumein, Nimpar, and Ojo resolved all the issues in the appeal in favour of APC and Hon Akinlade.

The court first determined an application filed by Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN on behalf of APC asking the court to strike out the written argument filed by Chief Micheal Adebayo Adeleke in response to the appeal. Chief Adeleke had won the case at the Federal High Court. APC argued that the written argument filed by Chief Adeleke was incompetent, having been filed outside the time stipulated by the Election Judicial Proceedings Practice Direction 2022.

In agreeing with the Appellant's submission, the Court of Appeal held that the Practice Directions apply to both election and pre-election matters as well as any appeals arising therefrom, that under those Practice Directions, Chief Adeleke had five days within which to file his argument, and that Chief Adeleke failed to deny APC's sworn affidavit that Chief Adeleke filed his written argument outside the time allowed by the Practice Directions, thereby admitting the allegation.

The justices further confirmed that from the court's records, Chief Adeleke indeed filed his argument on 8 November 2022 whereas the deadline for filing was 7 November 2022. The justices remarked that because of the special nature of election and pre- election mattes, the law does not allow the court to extend time for the filing of argument or the doing of any act in election and pre-elections. Following decided cases like Tony Okechukwu v. INEC & 25 Ors. (2014) 17 NWLR (Pt. 1436) 352, the court held Chief Adeleke's written brief of argument to be incompetent and accordingly struck it out for being incompetent.

In determining the substance of the appeal, the Court of Appeal considered whether the trial court was right to have assumed jurisdiction over Chief Adeleke's suit in the first place.

Referring to section 285 (9) of the Constitution, the words of which the court stated are unambiguous and allows aspirants only fourteen (14) days to file pre-election cases. The court held that Chief Adeleke's complaint was triggered on 27 May 2022 but his suit was filed outside the period of 14 days stipulated by the Constitution for the filing of pre-election matters. Accordingly, the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain his claim, and was wrong to have adjudicated the dispute.

The Court of Appeal therefore allowed the APC's appeal, set aside the judgement of the Feseral High Court, dismissed Chief Adeleke's case, and reinstated Hon Isiaq Akinlade as APC's authentic candidate in the coming 2023 elections for the Egbado South/Ipokia Federal Constituency.

Commenting on the development, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Tunde Oladunjoye, stated that “justice has been served. We knew we had a strong case, that was why we approached the Appeal Court and now that it is resolved in our favour, our candidate can commence his campaign in full blast, devoid of distractions”.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced another set of names as Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors for the 26 State Assembly Constituencies. The latest list contains names of appointed members that will represent the party and coordinate campaigns at the state constituency levels under the supervision of the State Campaign Council.

E-signed:
Tunde Oladunjoye

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the name of former governor of Ogun State and APC senatorial candidate for Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, as the Deputy Grand Patron of the Campaign Council. National leader of APC and former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba is the Grand Patron .

The Patrons Committee is the highest body of the Campaign Council and it has former governors, former deputy governors, ex-senators, former members of House of Reps who are members of the party, along with other top leaders of the party drawn from the three senatorial districts in Ogun State (see the list below).

E-signed
TUNDE OLADUNJOYE

The Ogun State Governor and State Coordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, will tomorrow, Saturday, inaugurate a 800-member campaign council and commission the APC 2023 Campaign Secretariat in Abeokuta, the state capital, by 10.00 am.

The all-embracing campaign council has 17 sub-committees for the effective coordination of all the APC candidates; Presidential, Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representative and House of Assembly candidates.

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun chairs the Campaign Council, with the Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele as Deputy Chairman and APC Ogun State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi as the Vice Chairman.

The Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Lekan Mustapha, is the Director General of the 2023 Campaign Council, while Apostle Biodun Sanyaolu, and Hon Adebola Sofela will serve as Vice Director Generals for Administration and Operations, respectively. Mr. Bolu Owotomo will serve as the Secreatry of the Council.

Emerging list from the party shows Aremo Segun Osoba as the Grand Patron, while other notable leaders of the party including former governors and deputy governors, former senators and others who are members of APC are listed as patrons.