Presenting the documents in Ibadan, on Wednesday to stakeholders in education sector in the state, the state commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela disclosed that the initiative was part of Governor Abiola Ajimobi led administration’s efforts to repositioning education.
Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Olowofela during the official presentation of the list of books, yesterday in Ibadan.

The commissioner stressed, “the books recommended were carefully selected to achieve greater feat in education because Oyo State is the intellectual capital of the country and we have to maintain the tempo.

“The state government is also sanitising the system by removing from service those that are working with fake results and the intention is to have an efficient workforce”.

Olowofela further stated that the contents of the books have been carefully studied by various authors and publishers to be in conformity with that of Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, NERDC.

He assured that the ministry will continue to partner with important stakeholders in the sector so as to support the dreams of the state governor.

Also speaking, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Ariyike Adekanmbi maintained that the use of the list of books is sacrosanct because it is tailored with curriculum used to set examinations.

Adekanmbi, however tasked the Local Inspectors of Education, LIEs to monitor the compliance of all schools to conform to the state government’s directives on education.

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Abdulwasi Musa, while lauding the Ajimobi-led administration’s commitment to improving education, said the recommendations must be strictly adhered to by education players in the state.

“We have been engaging the Ministry of Education, because it has greater impacts on the society.

“The agitations recently that the state government wanted to sell schools was the handiwork of the mischief makers. And the last year’s WAEC rating where it was gathered that Oyo State ranked 29 was not also true as it is not a true reflection of student’s performances in the state”, the lawmaker submitted.

Other stakeholders present at the ceremony commended the state government’s initiative and pledged to fully comply with the new step.

Away with any air of animosity - Governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, with former governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala and Senator Teslim Folarin strike a pose together today in London, apparently united in one motive and intention to make Oyo remain pacesetting.

Mélò layé òhún.....

#AsiwajuNiWa

Governor Abiola Ajimobi has appeal to the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, who he referred to as ‘my father’, not to allow some disgruntled elements to pollute his mind and pitch him against government.

The appeal became necessary following the dust raised by the elevation and installation of high and senior Ibadan high ‎chiefs to Obaship status

For close to a week, there have been accusations and counter accusation over the action of the government.

Speaking during the commissioning of the 5.5 kilometer reconstructed and rehabilitated Mobil-Oluyole-Wema Bank, Apata Road with Associated Bridge Works in Ibadan, Ajimobi said “I want to appeal to my father, Our Imperial Majesty, Oba Adetunji not to allow some disgruntled elements further pollute his mind and set him against the government. I hold the Olubadan in high esteem, I respect him, value him and have the necessary regard for the throne. But Olubadan should resist mingling with politicians who want to bring disrepute to the throne.

“We are not bothered by the pockets of resistance to the new change, rather, we are glad that we implemented the content of the White Paper to better the lots of Ibadan and Oyo State in general. I am not interested in whether an individual moves in traditional line or not. I am interested in the development of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole,” Ajimobi added.

Ajimobi however appealed to the paramount ruler of against been swayed by distractive voices which have polluted the sacred throne with politics, noting that he has due regards and respect for the Olubadan as a father, a good man of repute and a royal ambassador of Ibadanland.

Chairmen of local government areas and local council development areas in Oyo State have thrown their behind behind the elevation and installation of high and senior chiefs to Obaship status by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

In a statement jointly signed and made available to insideoyo.com, the chairmen explained the the governor’s action is in good faith.

Read the statement below:

The caretaker chairmen of local government areas and local council development areas in Oyo State declare our uncompromising supports for the genuine action of Oyo State Government for reviewing the 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which gave birth to the recent coronation of 21 new kings of Ibadan by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

We are absolutely convinced that the state government’s action was in the interest of Ibadan because it neither alter nor tinker with the traditional succession and ascendancy system of the Olubadan Chieftaincy structure.

Based on our opinions sampling, we understand that 95% of bonafide sons and daughters of Ibadan both at home and the Diasporas are fully in supports of the government’s action.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration did the right thing without any political gain, political witch-hunting and a calculated attempt to whittle down the influence and authority of the Olubadan as the supreme monarch in Ibadanland.

To this end, we implore individuals that are opposed to the action of government to be holistically in their perspectives and understanding of the Olubadan Chieftaincy review. We sue for peace and let us move forward together.

Meanwhile, we use this opportunity to say Barka De Sallah to our Muslim brothers and sisters as they celebrate Eid-l-Kabeer. May Almighty Allah Forgive our sins and grant our heartfelt desires. We urge the good people of Oyo State not to relent in their prayers and supports for Gov. Abiola Ajimobi as he transforms our darling state.

We are always proud of the giant strides of Aare of Ibadan Land in over 6years as Executive Governor of Modern Oyo State; as he continue to deliver on his Transformation Agenda, may Almighty Allah Remain his Guide, Guard and Strength.

May peace, progress, long life and prosperity be your portion and that of your loved ones, as you celebrate this Holy Day.

Ibadan newly inaugurated Obas have said that ‎it is a wrong impression for anybody to say that the new monarchs do not have domain.

They added that “the Olubadan and members of Obas In Council jointly rule Ibadanland as Oba Saliu Adetunji cannot rule without us.”

They were reacting to a statement credited to the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor Rashidi Ladoja that the new monarchs are without kingdoms.

The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who addressed journalists after their first post-inauguration meeting, said that members of the Obas In Council formerly Olubadan-in-Council jointly and collectively hold Ibadanland as their domain .‎‎

Newspeakonline.com quoted Oba Olakulehin as saying that “Ladoja himself who said he cannot be an Oba without a domain is chairman of Ibadan South West traditional council, and apart from collecting stipends from government all of us report back to the Olubadan.

“The coming together of Oba Adetunji and Ladoja is nothing but politics borne out of selfish motives , Oba Adetunji is always dancing to the tune of Ladoja who refused to support the Olubadan chieftaincy review because he was unable to implement it when he was governor of Oyo state.”

According to him, each member of the Obas-in-Council, formerly Olubadan-in-Council is presiding over one of the eleven local government in Ibadanland, stating that they report back to the Olubadan on affairs in the local governments.

Describing Ladoja as a lone ranger in his opposition to the new system, the monarchs called on the former governor “to stop playing politics with the good step taken by governor Abiola Ajimobi on Ibadan chieftaincy matters”.

They maintained that the generality of Ibadan people supported the course because it will bring development to Ibadanland.

They disclosed that all the press releases coming from the palace were written by Mr Adeola Oloko in connivance with Ladoja under whom he served as Chief Press Secretary when he was governor.

The monarchs added that in the history of the ancient city, no Olubadan has ever collected millions of naira to install either mogaji or baale, stressing that it ridicules the traditional institution of Ibadanland.

They stressed that the Olubadan, instead of opposing Ajimobi, should be praising him because it was his intervention and other Ibadan elders that led them to reconcile with the Olubadan when they boycotted his palace for over two months over attitude unbecoming of a royal father of his status.

Other monarchs present at the meeting include Osi Balogun of Ibadanlan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola , Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland , Oba Eddy Oyewole, Ashipa balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe , Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Ekarun balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Kolawole Adegbola, and Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Amidu Ajibade .

The elevated high chiefs held their first meeting on Wednesday and dissociated themselves from the decision of the Osi Olubadan of Ibadan land, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, to challenge the installation of 21 new kings in Ibadan in court.

They declared that Ladoja was acting alone.

At the end of the meeting held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, called on Ladoja to stop playing politics with the issue by embracing the new idea to instal the new kings.

He said “It is a wrong impression by Ladoja that the newly inaugurated obas do not have domain, the Olubadan and members of Obas-in-Council jointly rule Ibadanland as Oba Saliu Adetunji cannot rule without us.

“Ladoja himself who said he cannot be an oba without a domain is the Chairman of Ibadan South-West Traditional Council, and apart from collecting stipends from government all of us report back to the Olubadan. It is nothing but politics borne out of selfish motives.”

Meanwhile, The Mogaji (family head) of Akinsola compound in Oopo Labiran area of Ibadan, Chief Olawale Oladoja, said more than 300 Mogajis in Ibadan have decided to challenge the installation of 21 kings in Ibadan by the state government.

Oladoja, who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone shortly after 315 Mogajis visited the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji in his palace on Wednesday, also challenged the authority of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes as the representative of sons and daughters of Ibadan.

He said the claim by the call that more than 90 per cent of Ibadan indigenes supported the move was false because the council only represented a small group of people in the city.

“Can we say that the new kings are not educated or are ignorant? Have they really read the letters that were issued to them when they were appointed by Governor Abiola Ajimobi? How can a king still be a chief in a palace at the same time? There is tradition and culture and that of Ibadan is different from that of the Ijebu or other places in Yoruba land.

“In Ibadan land, a king must spend some days in Iledi with Labosinde. We must follow the process. Only the people of Ibadan can decide who is a king. A baale cannot be a king, only Mogajis can be promoted to the king status. Mogaji chooses the baale, so how can a baale now be superior to the Mogaji that chose him? Which ruling house produced the kings?

“The 315 baales that visited the Olubadan today (Wednesday) are against the move. There can only be one king in a town. England has more than 40 million people with only one monarch. What of Ilorin, Kano, and other places? Ibadan has about five million people and will now have 33 kings. We will fight this to the last. Those chiefs must not be seen in the palace again and they should stop parading themselves as kings.

“When did CCII become the mouth-piece of Ibadan people? We know them as a social group. They cannot speak for Ibadan people, only the Mogajis can represent the people in matters that concern the city.”

Oladoja also called to question the human feelings of the high chiefs, saying that when they should be mourning the death of High Chief Femi Olaifa, they chose to go and collect letters of kingship from the state government.

“The day Olaifa died, the high chiefs did not mourn one of them, instead, they went to collect their letters. They should meet us in court,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has said that despite the dust created by the appointment of 21 kings in Ibadan, the relationship between the Olubadan and Governor Abiola Ajimobi remains cordial.

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Bimbo Kolade, and the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism counterpart, Mr. Toye Arulogun, who jointly spoke to journalists in Ibadan on Wednesday, said the governor had deep respect for the monarch

Kolade said, “From the speech of the governor at Sunday’s coronation, he maintained that the Olubadan remained his father. There is that cordiality of father to son between the Olubadan and the governor. There is no problem between them officially.”

Kolade also said that the Osi Olubadan of Ibadan land, Rashidi Ladoja, had yet to formally reject his appointment as a king.

On the OLUBADAN review: Why we should NOT listen to Adeola Oloko

The quite painful and disheartening thing about the dissident voices howling foul about the Olubadan Chieftaincy review, is the desecrating, derogatory and demeaning effect these voices are having on the highly exalted Olubadan stool.

For any true Ibadan native, seeing our Oba being used by political piranhas and dragged through a roadshow around town with the sole aim of scavenging solidarity against a rather lawful and befitting cause such as this elevation and enthronement of new Obas, is tear-worthy and sad to say the least. Is this how far people will go in a attempt to trump and popular and just review? Desecrate the stool of our Imperial Majesty?

Judging by clear antecedents, it is actually believable that the Olubadan of Ibadan himself, Oba Saliu Adetunji, isn't against enjoying the attendant rights, rites and royalties that come with the elevation of his stool to an Imperial Majesty; thus, making it quite clear that he's been hoodwinked by whims of politically motivated and willfully ignorant people marauding around him as advisers.

And, one of such advisers is the supposed spokesperson of the palace, Adeola Oloko.

It is interesting to know that Oloko was the former press secretary to the former Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, the present Osi Olubadan, who has stood against the review obstinately, albeit, in solitary minority.

Hence, it is not only surprising that he is playing dirty politics with a traditional institution and by so doing, dragging the good name of the Olubadan and the royal stool into the murky waters of politics.

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji is an octogenarian and a honorable one at but unfortunately, he is not aware of Oloko's politicization of the royal stool.

Afterall, he that pays the pipper dictates the tune. Oloko’s allegiance is not to the Olubadan but to Ladoja who is attempting to drag the traditional institution into politics by being an Olubadan-in-waiting that is actively involved in partisan politics.

HomeUncategorized2017 WAEC: Hope rises as Oyo school principals released results with good ratings
2017 WAEC: Hope rises as Oyo school principals released results with good ratings
August 29, 2017 admin Uncategorized

There are fresh rays of hope in Oyo state as Secondary School Principals in the state submitted WAEC result analyses of their students who sat for 2016/2017 West African Examination Council, WAEC results to the ministry of education, State Secretariat in Ibadan.

The result for Senior Secondary School examination in the state was made available last week Friday during this month’s statutory meeting where issues affecting education generally on Primary, Secondary and tertiary education are discussed.

The meeting had in attendance Zonal Inspectors of Education, Local Inspectors of Education Principals of ministry control Schools, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in education sector in the state.

At the meeting, 10 principals present submitted the results of their students who were rated with excellent performance. According to the results: “72 out of 78 students who sat for WAEC examination in School of Science, PADE, passed with 92.3℅ as number of candidates with five credits and above (including English and Mathematics)”.

Results further analysed in other 9 schools are: Oladipo Alayande School of Science, Oke Bola, Ibadan – 335 out of 377 students passed (88.8℅); School of Science, Okeho, 72 out of 84 students passed (85.7℅); Queen’s School, Ibadan-108 out of 136 students passed (79.4℅); School of Science, Oyo- 80 out of 121 students passed (66.1℅)”.

Others include: “Wesley College School of Science – 70 out of 110 students passed (63.6℅); Oyo State School of Science, Ogbomoso- 91 out of 153 students passed ((59.477℅); Government College, Ibadan- 95 out of 161 students passed (59.006℅); and Oyo State School of Science, IDERE- 38 out of 67 students passed (56.72℅).

Speaking on the results, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Aderiyike Adekanmbi stated that there was no time students in the state are not performing in the WAEC examination saying that, the last year’s rating of students’ WAEC performance is mischievous as Oyo State was rated low.

According to her, the rating was from wrong source whose attempt was for political reason to condemn the effort of the state government in promoting the educational development.

She added that as part of efforts to make sure that the ministry leaves no room for the mischievous persons to come up with such rating against the state government, the ministry of education this year conducted qualifying examination for the WAEC candidates especially for public schools.

She stressed that through this initiative where only 22, 812 students sat for the examination this year against 54,000 who sat last year, only performing students were allowed to write the examination while others repeated the class or referred to technical college.

Earlier in his address, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela assured that there will be more improvement in education sector in the state noting that despite the excellent performance of the students, Oyo state has not reached its goal towards making the state the best among other states in the country.

The Commissioner, however emphasized the need for effective monitoring of schools, teaching and learning activities as soon as the new academic session begins to achieve greater feat in education.

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes on Tuesday said 90 per cent of Ibadan indigenes were in support of the enthronement of 21 new kings by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Speaking in Ibadan during a press conference called by the council, the CCII President-General, Chief Yemi Soladoye, said there was a history of chieftaincy reforms dating back to the 19th century in the city, noting that the flawless succession system in Ibadan was the result of several reviews.

Soladoye said high chiefs, who were elevated to the position of kings in Ibadan, had always been accorded the status of second-class kings by the state government. He stated that the new kings had no domain, meaning that Ibadan land remains under the Olubadan authority.

He said, “The CCII wishes to confirm that the change that has just taken place was desired, initiated, supported, applauded and appreciated by the generality of Ibadan indigenes worldwide.

“Constant changes and reviews are in fact the ingredients that have sustained our well-organised and rancour-free ascension to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadan land in almost 200 years of our existence. During the time of Lagelu, our progenitor, up to the dissolution of the second Ibadan, we were using various titles including Olubadan and since the emergence of this third Ibadan around 1820, titles like Basorun, Balogun, and Aare have been used to describe our leaders.

“Nobody has created any new ruling house (with the new system). The former high chiefs can now physically carry the authority of the Olubadan for development in their communities and create flamboyancy around the Kabiyesi at public functions. The new kings are not kings of anywhere as they are still in the queue to become Olubadan and the imperial power over the entire Ibadan land still resides in the Olubadan of Ibadan land.”

Soladoye explained that the baales that were elevated to king status were from satellite towns that were subdued by the Ibadan warriors many years ago, adding that it was not an attempt to divide Ibadan into several parts.

“The fact of the case is that satellite towns like Ijaiye-Orile, Erunmu, Lalupon had in fact existed before the present Ibadan but having defeated them in wars, we demoted their kings and annexed them to Ibadan. The new arrangement is a manifestation of the usual magnanimity and hospitality of Ibadan people but they wear the coronet from the Olubadan and not their ancestral crowns in the new dispensation. Some of the crowns are also granted to protect our border towns,” noted the CCII boss.

Asked if the council had made efforts to reach out to the Olubadan, who is opposed to the move, Soladoye said that various meetings had been held with Ajimobi and the Olubadan.

“The CCII during the entire saga held various meetings with the governor, the Olubadan, members of the Olubadan-in-Council and Ibadan elders and wish to confirm that our Kabiyesi is a dynamic and progressive king who would naturally due to his age and experience of life play safe in his response to any change agenda with insufficient clarity and enlightenment. The CCII takes responsibility for this gap,” Oladoye noted.

The head of Afobaje family in Ibadan land, Chief Wahab Popoola, has said that the 21 new Obas, who were installed on Sunday, are like ‘honorary’ kings.

He explained that no special rites were performed on them as the white paper that led to the installation was explicit about it.

Throwing his weight behind the decision of the state government, the Afobaje who is also regarded as the Oluwo, noted that the new kings posed no threat to the authority of the Olubadan.

In an interview with Punch, he said that instead of performing the rites that were always done before an Olubadan would be crowned, the new kings only required his blessing because they were “honorary kings.”
Because They Are ‘Honorary’ Obas

He said, “I did what I had to do during the enthronement of the kings. I blessed them as the Oluwo Afobaje of Ibadan land. There are no special rites performed because they are like honorary kings. The White Paper that established the kings is explicit enough. The governor did this to change the status of the high chiefs and the baales. There is nothing to it more than that.”

Popoola added that the white paper stated that any of the new kings that disrespected the Olubadan would be punished.

“The White Paper, which I have seen, stated clearly that the Olubadan is the highest ranking king in Ibadan and that any of the new kings that disrespects him shall be sanctioned. This means that the power and the authority of the Olubadan

7 key quotes from Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s speech at the coronation of 32 new Ibadan Obas. Excerpts

1) Our resolve to reposition the Ibadan Chieftaincy institution is substantiated by the words of the famous author, Henry James when he said “A tradition is kept alive only by something being added to it”.

‎2) We are not changing history, we are not changing tradition, we are not changing the culture of Ibadanland; rather, we are elevating and consolidating our traditional institution, the exalted position of the Olubadan of Ibadan as the Imperial Majesty in Ibadanland, the Olubadan-in-Council and the Chieftaincy Institution without altering or tinkering with the traditional succession and ascendancy system of the Olubadan Chieftaincy structure.

3) Our administration is not the first to walk down this road. Successive governments in Oyo State have engaged in reviewing the 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Delcaration made pursuant to the 1957 Chiefs Laws and other related Chieftaincies in Ibadanland.

‎4) Our administration is not reinventing the wheel, we have simply like others before us, embarked on a review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration in response to the yearnings of well meaning stakeholders,

‎5) The event we are witnessing today is also borne out of our administration’s burning desire to redress the lopsidedness in the number of Beaded Crown Obas in Ibadanland vis-à-vis other zones in the state. While some zones have several Beaded Crown Obas, Ibadanland, which is renowned as the Political and Traditional headquarters of Yorubaland, has only one (1) Beaded Crown Oba.

6) This review enhances the status and title of the Olubadan as the supreme ruler of Ibadanland who shall be addressed as His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

7) Indeed, of what significance is a Field Marshal without Generals.

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has presented certificates and staff of office to 24 chiefs, who were among the 33 recently elevated to the status of Obas in Ibadan, following the adoption of the recommendations of a judicial commission of inquiry earlier inaugurated by the governor.

The colourful ceremony, held at the arcade of the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan, on Sunday, was attended by prominent Ibadan elders, socio-cultural groups, opinion leaders and a large number of Ibadan citizens.

The event marked a turning point in the history of the ancient city, which used to have the Olubadan of Ibadanland as the only beaded crown wearing oba, in its 11 Local Governments and with a population of about four million.

The 11 members of the Olubadan-in-council were elevated to the status of Oba, with the prefix of ‘his royal majesty,’ but only eight were available for the event, following the death of two high chiefs and the refusal of Osi Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, to be part of the process.

Thirteen ancient bales from different towns in Ibadanland were also promoted to the position of obas, with the prefix of ‘his royal highness.’

All the newly promoted Obas will be under the authority of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, who will be the only ‘imperial majesty,’ while none of them will add the suffix ‘land’ to his title.

Due to the vacancies in the stool of nine chieftaincies, who have also been elevated to the status obaship, the nine towns were not represented at the occasion.

Speaking at the event, the governor said that the state government followed due process in conducting the exercise, stressing that all extant laws had been complied with, while he said that the exercise was not encumbered by any legal impediment.

Ajimobi debunked the insinuations being peddled by those he called political opponents to the effect that the promotion was targeted at witling down the influence and authority of the Olubadan as the supreme monarch in Ibadanland.

The governor said that the initiative was borne out of a strong sense of patriotism and a resolve to elevate, uplift, transform and reposition the chieftaincy institution of Ibadanland.

He quoted a famous author, Henry James, who once said that ‘a tradition is kept alive only by something being added to it,’ to buttress his point.

Ajimobi said, “This epoch making event in the annals of the history of Ibadanland is a practical demonstration of our administration’s commitment to the enhancement of dignity and honour of the chieftaincy institution in Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.

“I wish to state categorically that we are not changing history; we are not changing tradition; we are not changing the culture of Ibadanland.

“Rather, we are elevating and consolidating our traditional institution and the exalted position of the Olubadan as the imperial majesty in Ibadanland.

“We are also elevating the Olubadan-in-Council and the chieftaincy institution without altering or tinkering with the traditional succession and ascendancy system of the Olubadan Chieftaincy structure.”

The governor explained that the review of the 1959 Olubadan chieftaincy declaration was not a novel idea, having been carried out by successive administrations in the state in 1974, 1981, 1993 and 2000.

According to him, Ladoja, who was opposed to the current exercise, also set up the Adio Commission to review the Olubadan Chieftaincy declaration, before jettisoning the commission’s recommendations.

The governor said, “Our administration is not reinventing the wheel. We have simply, like others before us, embarked on a review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration in response to the yearnings of well meaning stakeholders.

“These include the Ibadan Elders Council, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and eminent sons and daughters of Ibadanland, such as Chief Theophilus Akinyele; the late Otun Olubadan, Chief Omowale Kuye; and all, but one member of the Olubadan — in-Council.

“They all desired to elevate the traditional chieftaincy institution in Ibadanland and position it comparably and competitively amongst other ancient Yoruba cities who have embraced new and modern systems. They have been truly inspired by the words of Lidia Bastianich when she said ‘Today’s innovations are tomorrow’s tradition.’”

The governor explained that the event was also borne out of his administration’s burning desire to redress the lopsidedness in the number of beaded crown obas in Ibadanland vis-à-vis other zones in the state.

While Oke Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibarapa zones have several beaded crown obas, he declared that Ibadanland, touted as the political and traditional headquarters of Yorubaland, had only one beaded crown oba.

With the installation of 33 new obas, the governor said that the clamour for the creation of Ibadan State had become justifiable, adding that the individual domains of the new obas were poised to witness tremendous growth and development.

He charged the new obas to use their elevated royal positions to promote peace in their localities, as well as the unity and well-being of the citizenry.

Responding on behalf of the new obas, the Otun Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, thanked the governor for acceding to what he called the clamour by respected Ibadan elders to review the Olubadan chieftaincy to be in zinc with other Yoruba cities.

He reaffirmed the supremacy of Olubadan, whom he said, remained the imperial majesty and father of all the citizens and obas in the land.

Balogun said, “I’m happy to be part of history today.

This is an epoch-making event. We are proud of the governor. We are grateful to him. On behalf of all of us, I want assure the governor that we will use our position to enhance the socio-economic development of Ibadanland and the entire state.

“This promotion will put Ibadan in strong footing in the traditional institution of Yoruba land. With 33 obas, Ibadan can now renew its clamour for the creation of Ibadan state. This envisages the emergence of Ibadan State.

“I want to make it clear that the Olubadan, his imperial majesty, remains our father. It will be more heartwarming and prestigious when we follow him to events henceforth with our crowns.”

Elevation of Olubadan and coronation of new Obas in Ibadan - THE TELLING FACTS | Sayo Aluko

Ibadan is the most populous Yoruba city, the culture capital of the Southwest. It has 11 local government councils with over 160 recognizable regions. It has sought a "State status" for many years. But, until today it had only one Oba. A big disservice to the throne, heritage, history and the people of Ibadan. An unarguable disservice.

Our last Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, was conferred a CFR status. At the conferment, he was accompanied by chiefs. Other Oba's were accompanied by "lower-ranking" Obas from their domain.

Abeokuta has 4 or more Obas. Eko has many. Ijebu has several. Ife has about 4. Iwo has about 4. The Awujale is the paramount ruler of Ijebu land. The Oluwo is the paramount for Iwo land. The Alake is paramount for Abeokuta. The Ooni is paramount for Ife.

These are smaller towns than Ibadan with less population and lower numbers of LGs. The Olubadan deserves to have "lesser" Obas under him.

And, apart from its befitting stance, any Ibadan indigene who needs to be schooled on the importance and impact of regional and subregional Obas towards socioeconomic advancement and communal accord cum efficiency, must be wilfully ignorant.

It is clear as day that this move even seems already belated and couldn't have come at a better time. The efforts channeled into rebuilding and modernising Ibadan would amount to a futuristic futility if we don't strengthen and reposition our traditional institutions, in this case, the Obaship. What's the essence of building infrastructure without a reticulated, strong and befitting communal institution to boot? Well, your guess is as good as mine. I'll deploy a Yoruba proverb as an allegory here - Omo (read Ìlú) táà'kó, láá kó ilé táa kó tà!

By this move, Ibadan has one Olubadan that becomes the Imperial majesty, 11 senior ranking Obas and another 11 Baales that now wear beads.

The ascension line to the Olubadan remains unchanged. The Otun and Osi line continue in the historical path to Oba.

The demand for this was by 10 of the 11 high chiefs, the Baales, and other submissions to a Judicial Commission of Inquiry constituted by the Governor of Oyo State, who by law has the power to create such. Notably, past Governors have also attempted this move, but this is the time it's coming to fruition.

The move is supported by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ibadan Elders forum and other Ibadan cultural associations.

It's a new royal dawn in Ibadan, let's wear our robes and celebrate, while we brace ourselves for the positive impact that will be driven by this new, but long-overdue wave.

IBADAN CHIEFTAINCY DECLARATION & OTHER RELATED CHIEFTAINCES IN IBADANLAND – MATTERS ARISING
Pursuant to the Government White Paper on the Judicial Commission of Enquiry on the Review of the Existing Olubadan of Ibadan Declaration and Other Related Chieftaincies in Ibadanland, published in the Oyo State Gazette No. 14, Vol. 42 by Authority on 23rd August, 2017 and the Amended Declaration on Regulating the Selection to the Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy and Related matters as published in the Oyo State Gazette No. 15, Vol. 42 by Authority in Ibadan on 24th August, 2017, the Oyo State Government hereby provides as a matter of duty, further insights and highlights on developments.
BACKGROUND
The recent review of the 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration made pursuant to the 1957 Chiefs Laws and other related Chieftaincies in Ibadanland, by the Oyo State Government led by Governor Abiola Ajimobi is not a peculiar or unusual one. The following facts are on record.
(i) The Military Government of Western States instituted a Commission of Enquiry to review the Chieftaincy declaration in 1974. The recommendations of the Commission were adopted and changes effected.
(ii) In 1981, the military government of Oyo State accepted and effected changes based on the recommendations of the ADENEKAN ADEMOLA JUDICIAL COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY of 1976.
(iii) The OLOKO COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY was set up on April 1st 1993 by Governor Kolapo Ishola to review Chieftaincy Declarations across the state. The recommendations were accepted by Governor Lam Adesina. Upon becoming Governor, Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja suspended the white paper and ultimately the recommendations of the OLOKO COMMISSION were abrogated by him.
(iv) The ADIO COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY was set up by Governor Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, but its recommendations did not see the light of day.
(V) Upon assuming duties as the Governor of Oyo State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, received numerous requests from various quarters including majority of the High Chiefs who are members of the Olubadan – in - Council for the review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration. Like his predecessors in office, Governor Abiola Ajimobi engaged the extant laws from sections 10 and 25 CAP 28 of the OYO STATE CHIEFTAINCY LAW 2000 Section 10 of the Chiefs law which gives a discretionary power to the Governor of the state if satisfied that a Declaration is faulty or objectionable, to amend or replace such declaration. That power is exercisable only by the governor without necessarily being in consultation with anybody. He may require the Chieftaincy committee to amend the declaration if he is SATISFIED that a registered declaration:
Does not contain a true or sufficiently clear statement of the customary law regulating the chieftaincy in question or
Does not contain sufficient description of the method of selection of the holder of the chieftaincy or
It contains error as to form or substance or‎
It is defective, faulty, or objectionable.

Section 25(1) gives power to the Governor to set up an enquiry which he may consider necessary or desirable for any of the purposes of part 2 or 3 of the law, which includes the power to make, review or amend a declaration. It is under this provision the Governor exercised this statutory power by setting up the Judicial Commission of Enquiry to look into the issues stated in order to be satisfied (as required by section 10) as to whether or what to review in the extant declaration.

In deference to the wishes of the people of Ibadanland, especially the traditional
chiefs, Governor Abiola Ajimobi set up the Justice O. A Boade COMMISSION OF
ENQUIRY. The Judicial Commission of Enquiry was constituted to review the Olubadan
Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959 made pursuant to the 1957 Chiefs Laws, and other
related Chieftaincies in Ibadanland in line with the current reality of chieftaincies of
equal status across the Yorubaland in general on 9th May, 2017. The Commission
submitted a-three volume report at the Executive Council Chamber, Treasury Building,
Secretariat, Ibadan on Friday, 19th August, 2017.

Highlights of the White Paper and Government’s decision are as follows:


Commission’s Recommendation 4:
The retention of the rotational system of the Olubadan chieftaincy and also the retention of the Olubadan Line and the Balogun Line as the two lines to produce the Olubadan in rotation. But the people also want the 22 rungs on Olubadan Line and the 23 rungs on Balogun Line to be reduced so that the Olubadan in future would become Olubadan at a relatively younger age so as to be active in office and have longer tenure in office.
Government accepts this recommendation with a proviso that the Olubadan Line is now Otun Olubadan Line.

Commission’s Recommendation 5:
There should be 11 steps on Olubadan line and 12 steps on Balogun line to begin from Ikolaba title on both lines.
Government accepts this recommendation.
Commission’s Recommendation 8:
The eleven (11) High Chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-in-Council for approval as Beaded Crown/Coronet wearing Obas, namely,
1. Otun Olubadan 1. Balogun
2. Osi Olubadan 2. Otun Balogun
3. Ashipa Olubadan 3. Osi Balogun
4. Ekerin Olubadan 4. Ashipa Balogun
5. Ekarun Olubadan 5. Ekerin Balogun
6. Ekarun Balogun
Government accepts this recommendation
with a proviso that only a Beaded Crown Oba shall be eligible to become the Olubadan and that these eleven (11) Beaded Crown Obas in addition to Iyalode shall be the kingmakers of Olubadanland. Government holds that:
“no person shall be qualified to be a candidate for a recognized chieftaincy who:
(a) suffers from serious physical infirmity; or
(b) has, under any law in force in Nigeria, been found or declared to be a lunatic or adjudged to be of unsound mind; or
(c) has, in any part of the Commonwealth:
(i) been sentenced to death or imprisonment for a term exceeding two years; or
(ii) been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty and sentenced to imprisonment therefore, and has not been granted a free pardon”.
(Section 14(2) of the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Laws of Oyo State 2000)

Commission’s Recommendation 9:
The High Chiefs should retain their titles of Otun Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, Balogun, Otun Balogun etc. and should not use the title of “Oba” as a prefix to their names in order to avoid any confusion that could be caused by using the title “Oba” in conjunction with their titles of Otun Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, Balogun, Otun Balogun etc.
Government rejects this recommendation.
Each of the eleven (11) High Chiefs in the Olubadan-in-Council shall become a Beaded Crown-wearing Oba and shall be addressed as “His Royal Majesty” with the prefix ‘Oba’ before his name in conjunction with his respective title e.g. HRM Oba……..Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Commission’s Recommendation 10:
The Olubadan should be addressed as “His Imperial Majesty”, the High Chiefs should be addressed as “His Royal Majesty” to maintain their seniority over the Baales that would eventually be recommended for wearing of Beaded Crowns or coronets and would be addressed as “His Royal Highness”. The area of assignment of the High Chiefs would be the existing eleven (11) Local Government Traditional Councils.
Government accepts this recommendation.
.Commission’s Recommendation 12:
All Senior Chiefs, who are customarily senior to various Baales in Ibadanland, should be upgraded to Recognised Chiefs under Part II of the Chiefs Law in order to maintain the customarily cherished seniority of the Senior Chiefs over the various Baales who are already recognized under Part II of the Chiefs Law, including ancient Baales. We are of the view that upgrading Senior Chiefs to Recognized Chiefs under Part II of the Chiefs Law will enhance their positions and restore their cherished dignity and superiority over the Baales.
Government accepts this recommendation.
Commission’s Recommendation 99:
Having regard to the information available to us, the Obas in other parts of Yorubaland were granted approval to wear Beaded Crowns, and in order not to make new Obas in Ibadanland inferior to their counterparts in Yorubaland, we hereby recommend approval of wearing of Beaded Crowns for the Baales who have been recommended for elevation as Obas in Ibadanland.
Government accepts this recommendation.
Commission’s Recommendation 100:
No newly elevated Oba shall add “land” to the name of his domain in his title because the “Olu” title is exclusively reserved for the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Government accepts this recommendation, and further notes that the suffix “land” is exclusively reserved for the Olubadan as in Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Commission’s Recommendations 101:
(i) The Olubadan should be retained as Consenting and Prescribed Authorities for Ibadanland;
(ii) Any Oba in Ibadanland who shows disregard or disrespect to the position or authority of the Olubadan through refusal to pay necessary customary obeisance and flouting of superior customary authority shall be investigated by a Committee of Traditional Chiefs and appropriate sanction will be recommended against any guilty offender. A very serious infraction of the tradition can be reported to the State Governor through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters;
The new Royal Majesties in Ibadanland who have received their letter of conferment and their titles are as follows:
1. HRM Oba Senator Lekan Balogun - The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland
2. HRM Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakuleyin - The Balogun of Ibadanland
3. HRM Oba Tajudeen A. Ajibola - The Osi Balogun of Ibadanland
4. HRM Oba Eddy Oyewole - The Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland
5. HRM Oba Latifu Gbadamosi Adebimpe - The Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland
6. HRM Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi - The Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland
7. HRM Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola - The Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland
8. HRM Oba S. Amidu Ajibade - The Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland

The new ROYAL HIGHNESSES who have received their letters of conferment are as follows:
HRH Chief Lasisi Akano - Onijaye of Ijaye
HRH Oba Ismaila Abioye Olasunkanmi Opeola - Oniroko of Iroko
HRH Oba Moses Olasunkanmi Akinyosoye - Onikereku of Ikereku
HRH Oba Mudasiru Omodele Adebayo - Ololodo of Olodo
HRH Oba Victor Sunday Okunola - Elegbeda of Egbeda
HRH Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola - Onido of Ido
HRH Oba Olabamiji Ahmed Thomas - Alakufo of Akufo
HRH Oba (Alhaji) Wahab Olabamiji Okedina - Oloke of Okelade-Okin
HRH Oba Dauda Omotoso - Alawotan of Awotan
HRH Oba Adeboye Oyelowo Salako - Olofa of Offa
HRH Oba Rafiu Alawusa - Onilagun of Lagun
HRH Oba Tiamiyu Labiyi Ladipo - Alaba of Aba-Nla
HRH Oba James Oladipo Obisesan - Alakanran of Akanran

Signed,
Alhaji Olalekan Alli
Secretary to the Oyo State Government

The Government White Paper No. 14, Vol. 42 is available at the Oyo State Government Press, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Today, the Olubadan-in-council popularly known as High Chiefs became Obas.

Certificate to that effect was handed over to them by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Alli Olalekan, at a well-attended ‎event which took place at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

‎An informed source told Insideoyo.com that the iwuye would come up on Sunday at Mapo by 12 noon.

Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, had described the purported outcome of of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry for the review of the existing 1957 Declaration of Olubadan of Ibadanland and other related chieftaincies in Ibadanland, headed by Justice Akintunde Boade (retd) set up by the Oyo State government, “as a joke carried too far.”

The traditional ruler stated last Tuesday, in a statement issued and signed by his Director, Media and Public Affairs, Adeola Oloko and made available to journalists in Ibadan.

The Commission of Inquiry had submitted its report to the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan on the recommendation of a 32-beaded-crown-wearing Obas in Ibadan while the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, will maintain his status as the paramount ruler of the ancient city.

BREAKING: Ibadan High Chief, Femi Olaifa, Dies

This is coming few hours after Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was thrown into mourning as the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Dr. Femi Olaifa dead.

A source who exclusively confirmed the ‎story to insideoyo.com, said Olaifa passed on at University College Hospital, UCH, last night.

His death has not be announced,Late High Chief Olufemi Olaifa was part of the chiefs elevated by Oba Saliu Adetunji Ajeogungunniso in May 2016, as part of his first assignment as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland in accordance with Ibadan chieftaincy law system.

He was promoted from Osi Balogun to Otun Balogun of Ibadanland.

Others promoted were high Chief Owolabi Olakunlehin who moved from Otun Balogun to Balogun of Ibadanland; High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola took a step from Asipa Balogun to Osi Balogun of Ibadanland; High Chief Solomon Adabale from Ekerin Balogun to Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland among others.

Oba Adetunji was the Balogun of Ibadanland until March 4, 2016 when he was coronated as the new Olubadan, after the demise of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade who joined his ancestors on January 19th this year at the age of 101.

The Oyo State Government on Thursday disclosed that it has approved 13.579 Hectares of land for the establishment of Aso-Ofi International Tourism Market in Iseyin area of the state, saying that the foundation will be laid during the 2017 Aso Ofi Festival coming up on September 16, 2017.

The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun made this disclosure during a Ministerial briefing on the 2nd edition of Aso Ofi Festival and PaceSetter Entertainment and Recognition Award (PERA) of the Ministry held at Film Theatre Unit, Ibadan.

Arulogun stated that Aso-Ofi International Tourism Market will contain 500 weaving sheds/workshops, 500 exhibition shops, a warehouse, 1st indigenous textile museum in Nigeria, a fire station, a clinic and a police station, adding that the state is determined to fully reap maximally from the economic potentials of Aso-Ofi.

The Commissioner explained that Aso-Ofi festival was conceptualized to showcase and celebrate our locally made fabric that is now an internationally accepted brand saying “the celebration opened our eyes wider to the potentials that abound which include trade and commercial activities, employment and job creation. Financial institutions have also been having serious and genuine engagements with the weavers and marketers while export opportunities are also being exploited.”

Arulogu noted that the 2017 Aso-Ofi Festival is expected to attract Iseyin sons and daughters at home and in diaspora, as well as national and international tourists and traders, adding that the programme is slated for Friday, 15th and Saturday, 16th September, 2017 during which the Foundation laying ceremony will be performed at the grand finale on Saturday, 16th September, 2017 at the proposed site of Aso-Ofi International Tourism Market in Iseyin by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

He said that the highlights of the two day event include Rally/Carnival round the city of Iseyin, Aso-Ofi Arts and Crafts Exhibition, Aso-Ofi Weaving Competition, Colloquium, Musical Concerts, Parade by the 4 zones of the Iseyin Weavers and Marketers Association and other stakeholders, Cultural Performance, Awards presentation, Aso-Ofi fashion show Foundation laying of Aso-Ofi International Tourism Market, stating that the programme will be held at the Proposed site of Aso-Ofi International Tourism Market, Iseyin.

Arulogun said “Oyo State Government through this Ministry currently operates an IPPP policy. This is IDENTIFY, PACKAGE, PROMOTE and PARTNER. We created a data base of all the cultural tourism potentials in the State; package them by making them more attractive. The next step is to promote them by creating awareness about their existence and because of the paucity of funds and the new direction in international tourism, the state must partner with the private sector and individuals to sustain our cultural tourism. We are now in the process of shortlisting companies for the Public Private Partnership engagement of our major cultural tourism sites.”

Speaking on the PERA, Arulogun said that the state government recognizes the role and importance of the creative and entertainment sectors in the economy of the state, saying that this necessitated the endorsement of the Pacesetter Entertainment and Recognitions Award (PERA) which has Nollywood Actress and an Oyo State indigene, Bimbo Akintola as Ambassador.

In his address, the Chairman Organising Committee of PERA, Mr. Rotimi Martins, popularly called Alariwo of Africa, said that PERA promises to be the largest coming together of Oyo State biggest and brightest entertainment and business stakeholders, disclosing that 35 outstanding indigenes of the state would be honoured.

Martins explained that the voting process for the award will run from October 1 to November 15, 2017 to allow adequate collation of votes and final selection of the peoples’ choice, adding that the award night has been slated for December 3rd, 2017 at Jogor Centre, Ibadan with the theme: Celebrating Excellence and Achievement in Oyo State.

In his own remarks, the Chairman of Aso Ofi festival local Planning Committee, Mr. Adewuyi Kazeem said that they want international recognition for Aso Ofi all over the world and consequently commended the Oyo State Government for supporting the Aso Ofi weavers.

HomeTop StoriesLAUTECH: KPMG to complete forensic audit Friday
LAUTECH: KPMG to complete forensic audit Friday
August 23, 2017 admin Top Stories

The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela yesterday hinted that the management and unions of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso have acceded to call made by the two owner states to be audited as a way to resolve the limbering imbroglio rocking the institution.

Speaking during a radio program held on a private radio station in Ibadan, Prof. Olowofela disclosed that KPMG is billed to complete the audit of LAUTECH not later than Friday, August 25, 2017.

According to him, activities are in top gear to ensure the school’s protracted crises are resolved, assuring that the report by the auditing firm will fast track the process to surmount the impending crises rocking the institution.

Olowofela also clarified that the state government’s establishment of Ibadan Technical University (Tech-U) is not to make it as preference over the LAUTECH. He noted that Tech U total school payment package stands at about N900, 000 saying that, while the University is built for people that have capacity to pay, there are modalities to resolve soon the crisis of LAUTECH whose tuition fee is affordable.

Also, speaking on some reasons for the protracted crisis, the Commissioner said there are some intricacies involved in the matter of LAUTECH.

According to him, Osun State, which is a co-owner state to Oyo State has a university which is self-financing. “The position of Osun State government was that if Osun State university that was established 12 years ago can be self-financing, LAUTECH that has been established for twenty years plus must be self-financing as well especially now that there’s dwindling allocation to states from federal government”, he said.

Olowofela added that, to show the seriousness of both state governments towards the institution, the two state governments in January, 2017 committed N292 million each to solve the immediate problem of the school while the state governments later jointly approved the audit of the school by KPMG.

He also added that, between 2011 and 2017, the Oyo State government has single handedly spent 10.2 billion on LAUTECH University, N8.3 billion on LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso and N3.7 billion on LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo in Osun State.

Olowofela noted that if the state government is not serious about issue of LAUTECH, it would not have spent a whopping N22 billion on the institution.

Oyo State Government has said that illegal conversion of residential buildings for commercial purposes will now attract N25m fine, disclosing that over 1000 illegal structures in flood prone areas will be demolished.

The Director-General of Bureau of Physical Planning and Development Control,Tpl. Waheed Gbadamosi stated this on Tuesday during the Ministerial Briefing, he jointly delivered with the Project Coordinator, Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project (IUFMP), Mr. Dayo Ayorinde and the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, held in Ibadan.

Tpl. Gbadamosi said that there is a grace period for such unapproved commercial buildings to be reverted to residential buildings in order to avoid being sanctioned.

He noted that the cost of conversion of a residential building to a commercial venture used to be N5million, but the Oyo State Executive Council recently increased it to N25million to ensure effectiveness on physical planning and development control.

Gbadamosi explained that over 1,000 structures in flood prone areas, along river banks and high tension wire would be demolished, noting that 114 structures without approved building plans have been demolished in Ajoda New Town and another 200 illegal structures in the town have also been listed for demolition.

According to him, “Illegal structures are rampant in Oyo state and this led to the creation of a task force on petrol stations and illegal structures by the state government in November last year. The task force discovered that close to about 70% of the petrol stations in Ibadan are not covered in the planning approval.

“This has given us an indication that the other parts of Oyo state will be worse if stations in Ibadan are not covered with approval. We are determined to go there any moment from now because the state government has approved the funding to embark on that tour.

“Also, it is disturbing that there are many illegal structures at Ajoda new town. The Ajoda new town was the creation of the former military administration which was conceived to lessen the human pressure on the city of Ibadan and so they decided to create a new town and name it the Ajoda new town along the Ibadan-Ife road.

“Unfortunately, some unscrupulous land agency started selling the land to unsuspecting members of the public. All the structures are not covered with any planning approval and so far, we have demolished about 114 of the structures. We are still going to demolish more. We have over 200 left to be cleared because the people that applied formally to have plots of land in that area are being denied the right of getting unto their apportioned land. So, demolition on Ajoda is a continuous process, it has not stopped.”

Alhaji Gbadamosi added that most private radio stations in Ibadan and the rest of the State use residential buildings which were in contravention of the State regulation on physical planning, urging owners of these radio outfits to do the needful by seeking approval for due conversion of the buildings to commercial status.

While speaking on Government’s efforts at combating the perennial flooding in Ibadan, the Project Coordinator of Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project, Mr. Dayo Ayorinde, revealed that about 18 major bridges within Ibadan had been repaired with the World Bank Assisted loan granted to the State government.

—

‘Toye Arulogun

Hon Commissioner,

Min.of Info., Culture & Tourism,

Oyo State Government

Residents of the 4 local government ‎areas in Oyo town, especially fun-seekers will not forget August 19, 2017 in a hurry. It was a day their prayers was answered. Yinka Afonja, proprietor of ACE Supermarket, opened the first-ever cinema in ‎the ancient town.

Most times, fun-seekers from the town and its environs travel many kilometres to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to seek fun. With this, more money is expected to circulate within the economy of the town.

While commissioning the beautiful edifice, located on the Oyo-Ogbomosho expressway, Owode, the ecstatic Alaafin of Oyo, ‎Oba Lamidi Adeyemi was full of praises for the initiator, adding that he has not only brought development to the town, he has change the face of Oyo. He, however, urged indigenes of the town to cooperate with the founder, warning criminals to steer clear of the property.

Apart from the cinema which can sit 72 people conveniently, the two-storey building houses the supermarket, an eatery and boutique, all owned by Afonja.

According to Afonja, the cinema hall can also ‎be used for seminar, conferences, annual general meeting etc.

ACE Supermarket is in major towns in the South West.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State at the weekend launched the Homeowners Charter policy designed to enable home owners in the state to regularize their land documents, saying that it is one of the measures being put in place the government to lessen the pains of the current economic downturn.

The governor also announced that the State Government is changing from the current use of the paper-based Certificate of Occupancy to ‘e-C of O’, the Electronic Certificate of Occupancy with security features to make it a lot more copy proof.

Governor Ajimobi, who made these disclosures at the official Flag off ceremony of the Enumeration and Assessment of properties in the State at the Housing Corporation Ibadan, explained that the scheme is created to enable home owners in Oyo State who currently have no title documents like Survey and Building plans to obtain titles with great ease and at very affordable rates of N120,000.00, assuring that every measure has been put in place to ensure the scheme is transparent and devoid of unnecessary bottlenecks.

According to the governor, “This is one of the measures being put in place by our government not only to lessen the pains of the current economic downturn on our people but to empower them for greater economic possibilities. Also, Oyo State Government is changing from the current use of the paper-based Certificate of Occupancy to ‘e-C of O’, the electronic Certificate of Occupancy with features to make it a lot more secure and copy proof.

“The electronic C of O will contain the following elements: a scanned photograph of the Owner printed on a copy-proof security paper; an encrypted and enhanced 2D bar code that is unique to the owner; an additional embedded security characteristic containing vital security information that can only be viewed with an enabled barcode reader that is unique to the Owner only; and​ a distinctive Certificate of Occupancy number that will be very legible for all to see,” the governor stressed.

Governor Ajimobi appealed to the people across the State, especially property owners, to please cooperate with members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Oyo State Chapter, who will handle the enumeration and assessment exercise, noting that the essence of the enumeration is to generate data that will aid sustainable developmental objectives in the state.

“Without a dependable data base, neither significant nor sustainable developmental objectives can be achieved. However, in order to generate, categorise and databank these critical information, the State Government decided to engage the services and collaboration of the Oyo State chapter of The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV). Our decision to appoint and work with this Institution as Consultants for this very important assignment is a further testimony of this Administration’s recognition of the role of professional bodies as able stakeholders in the daunting task of returning our dear state to its traditional and enviable position of the pacesetter.” Governor Ajimobi added.

In his address, the State Commissioner for Land, Housing and Survey, Mr. Ajiboye Omodewu said that the enumeration of properties became necessary for effective planning and determination for the provision of infrastructures like water, health centres, police posts, roads among others, appealing to the people of the state to cooperate with the state government to achieve the desired objectives of the exercise.

In his goodwill message, State Chairman of NIESV, Mr. Adegboyega Quadri appreciated the state government for establishing a record in the annals of the state by engaging professional for the enumeration exercise, pledging that the Institute will discharge its responsibilities effectively and efficiently.

He noted that the exercise will encourage spatial spread of residential areas as well as being used to challenge census figures and resolve housing deficits, urging that other professional bodies should enjoy patronage from the government.

The government of Oyo State has banned automatic promotion in public schools across the state.

Disclosing this yesterday at a ministerial press briefing, the ‎commissioner for education, science and technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, noted that there is a surgical operation going on in the education sector in the state starting with automatic promotion which he said adversely affected the standard of education not only in Oyo state but Nigeria as a whole.

He explained that the state government has introduced the ‘No Automatic Promotion” policy and started a unified examination system as well as harmonized grading for S.S 1 & 2 students in public schools in the state to improve the state’s performances in external examinations, WAEC and NECO.

He noted that the efforts of the government has started yielding fruitful results with the state coming 2nd in NECO external examination in 2016, better than 12th position of 2015, urging that the media should be wary of the reports they publish so as not to mislead the general public on the present rating of the state in external examinations.

Olowofela stated that the recently introduced School Governing Boards for Public secondary schools in the state is a master stroke that is changing the schools’ system, emphasising that the paradigm has changed and the SGBs are improving the standard of education and infrastructures in Oyo State schools.

He posited that the SGB model will outlive the present administration as it is yielding positive results already, explaining “One of our SGBs put N125m to renovate their school and they are presently trying to raise N1bn now. The SGB is a master stroke that will change education in the state forever. The Government has also approved and initiated the process of renovating 100 schools with about N5bn comprising of N3b counterpart funding and N1.9bn which is a combination of funds generated from the students’ levies and state government’s internally generated revenue.

“We want our students to take advantage of our Oyo State Model Education System Intervention (OYOMESI) to build good character and the Ajumose Legacy Note for secondary schools to download text books from the web, while the hard copies are also available in the Ministry,” the Commissioner stressed.

Olowofela said that the Education Trust Fund (ETF) inaugurated recently by Governor Abiola Ajimobi would complement the budgetary allocation at all levels by the government, adding that 5% of VAT to State/Local Government will go to ETF as well as 1% from IGR and 1% paid by students of private schools will go into the pool.

The commissioner pointed out that The Technical University, Ibadan (TechU) will be self-financing, saying that the government is just midwifing the university that will develop the vocational skills of its students and promote technical education

No fewer than 660 rice farmers in Oyo State on Thursday benefited from cash and farm inputs worth N121.07 million under the FADAMA III Additional Financing project.

Mr Oyewole Oyewumi , Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development disclosed this in Ibadan during the flag-off of fund disbursement and inputs distribution to rice production groups.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the Oyo State FADAMA III Additional Financing Project.

Oyewumi , represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Adewale Atilola, said the farmers, drawn from 15 local government areas in the state, would be supported with improved rice seeds, herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers and production assets such as sprayers, wheel barrows.

“The farmers are being supported under the FADAMA III Additional Financing inputs support of 50 /50 cost of sharing arrangement between the benefitting production groups and the project.

“The project supporting matching fund is a grant and not loan that will be paid back.

“ I urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the good gesture of the state government by making judicious use of the inputs provided to boost agricultural production in the state,’’ the commissioner said.

He appealed to the farmers to use the opportunity to improve on their livelihood through active engagement in agriculture both in dry and rainy seasons.

Oyewumi said that Gov. Abiola Ajimobi placed priority on agriculture

Earlier, Mr Nathanal Olayinka, Oyo State Project Coordinator of FADAMA III, said the aim of the programme was to encourage farmers and to let them see agriculture as a profitable business.

Olayinka advised the farmers to make judicious use of the items, adding that they would be monitored to ensure compliance with the rules of the project.

He commended the state government for providing its own counterpart fund.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Amos Okunlola, commended the government and promised the judicious use of the cash and inputs.

All too often, when the issue of pollution is mentioned, the average Nigerian’s mind reflexively goes to such features as refuse collection and waste management, perennial floods that practically paralyse many states during heavy rains or the leakage of harmful elements into water distribution systems, thus endangering the lives of innocent citizens across our urban areas. All these are undoubtedly sources of environmental pollution with negative consequences for the physical, psychological, emotional and mental well being of those exposed daily to the menace. However a no less insidious and damaging form of pollution is noise, which also has deleterious implications for the economy and the productivity of workers in the public, private as well as informal sectors of the economy.

It is against this background that we commend the Oyo State government, which not only sealed three churches in Ibadan for noise pollution, but has gone ahead to give a 14-day ultimatum for all religious bodies in the state, including churches and mosques, as well as shops selling music and videos to dismantle their external loud speakers or face the sanction of the law.

We support the state government’s decision even though it may not go down well with some religious organisations that feel the more noise they make, the more adherents they win. Indeed, the state government must not relent in its efforts at curbing noise pollution in those areas where the laws can easily be enforced. We urge the churches and mosques in particular – the worst culprits – to adhere to the commissioner’s advice to acquire acoustic furniture and internal speakers in addition to putting in place padding walls with the aim of reducing or eliminating the nuisance of noise in their environment.

Those religious groups that install external speakers as a way of proselytizing and winning converts must realise the folly of such obtrusive tactics. For, in most cases, residents of the communities plagued by their noisy evangelism come to be resentful of religions that they perceive as acting in ways inimical to their peace.

Incidentally, Lagos State, the country’s commercial capital and industrial hub had also long before now taken steps to reduce to the barest minimum the incidence of noise pollution in the state. This is certainly a no mean task given the huge population of the state, the density of vehicular traffic on its roads and the number of large markets for diverse commodities that dot its landscape. In 2015, credible statistical figures indicate that there were 1,527 reported cases of noise pollution in the state with 57 engendering medical concerns.

Indeed, the Lagos State government had earlier imposed a fine of N500, 000 as sanctions against any individual or group that flouted its anti-noise policy. Under the Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) tenure as governor, for instance, the administration instituted a ‘horn-free day’ during which motorists were encouraged not to hoot their horns on a particular day. Unsurprisingly, the otherwise well meant policy had minimal impact and has been unsustainable.

In an interview, consultant ear surgeon, Emmanuel Abayomi Oduwole, pointed out that “Exposure to noise should not be greater than 90 decibels for eight hours per day and five days in a week” warning that anything above that level could lead to permanent hearing loss. What is most dangerous, the expert said, is that the hearing loss may proceed gradually and imperceptibly with the victim completely unaware until it may be too late.

Some doctors have also warned that prolonged exposure to loud noise can result in ailments like epilepsy and cardiovascular disease. A relatively less noisy environment, on the other hand, can improve quality of life as well as boost life expectancy.

OYO state government has assured the public, particularly students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso that the lingering imbroglio rocking the citadel of learning will soon be resolved.

The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, who made the disclosure today during a Ministerial Press Briefing, held at the Film Theatre, Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism, hinted that the Governing Council has had a series of meetings with the Unions of the institution to resolve the current imbroglio, saying that the unions have consented to the forensic auditing recommended by the visitation panel to the institution.

He stressed that the forensic audit is for all the tertiary institutions in the state to know the state of their finances, emphasising that the tertiary institution’s fees will be reviewed as the present fees being paid are highly subsidized by the government.

“Tertiary institutions’ fees are being subsidized by the state government. For instance, A 300-level student at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education as at now is paying N8,000.00 and the highest fee being paid in LAUTECH is less than N70,000.00. We all know what the economy is saying and we are aware what is being paid in other government institutions and private ones. We are subsidizing fees paid in institutions in the state and we are committed to quality education for all. We want to assure our stakeholders in the education sector that the LAUTECH and other crisis in the sector will be resolved in due course,” the commissioner disclosed.

Olowofela, while confirming that the recently inaugurated Governing Council is already finding a lasting solution to the crisis in the institution, disclosed further that Oyo state has expended over N22bn on the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) since 2011.

The Commissioner explained that N10.5bn has been spent on LAUTECH as an institution, N8.317bn expended on LAUTECH teaching hospital Ogbomoso while N3.17bn has been spent on LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo from 2011 to 2017.

He continued, “it is a wrong insinuation to say that we are care free about the LAUTECH crisis. We are not happy with the situation in the school but there is good news already. The unions have agreed to the forensic audit recommended by the visitation panel and the crisis is coming to an end with lasting solutions. The governing council is meeting the unions and stakeholders of the institution on a regular basis”.

No fewer than 660 rice farmers in Oyo State on Thursday benefited from cash and farm inputs worth N121.07 million under the FADAMA III Additional Financing project.

Mr Oyewole Oyewumi , Oyo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development disclosed this during the flag-off of fund disbursement and inputs distribution to rice production groups.

The programme was organised by the Oyo State FADAMA III Additional Financing Project.

Oyewumi , represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Adewale Atilola, said the farmers, drawn from 15 local government areas in the state, would be supported with improved rice seeds, herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers and production assets such as sprayers, wheel barrows.

“The farmers are being supported under the FADAMA III Additional Financing inputs support of 50 /50 cost of sharing arrangement between the benefitting production groups and the project.

“The project supporting matching fund is a grant and not loan that will be paid back.

“ I urge the beneficiaries to reciprocate the good gesture of the state government by making judicious use of the inputs provided to boost agricultural production in the state,’’ the commissioner said.

He appealed to the farmers to use the opportunity to improve on their livelihood through active engagement in agriculture both in dry and rainy seasons.

Oyewumi said that Gov. Abiola Ajimobi placed priority on agriculture

Earlier, Mr Nathanal Olayinka, Oyo State Project Coordinator of FADAMA III, said the aim of the programme was to encourage farmers and to let them see agriculture as a profitable business.

Olayinka advised the farmers to make judicious use of the items, adding that they would be monitored to ensure compliance with the rules of the project.

He commended the state government for providing. its own counterpart fund.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Amos Okunlola, commended the government and promised the judicious use of the cash and inputs.

THE Customary Court of Appeal in Oyo state will take off soon, Chief Judge of Oyo state, Justice Munta Abimbola has disclosed.

Abimbola who disclosed this when Governor Abiola Ajimobi visited state High Court, Ibadan, on Ibadan, attributed the delayed take off of the court to the ongoing renovation of the proposed court buildings, need for more vehicles and housing for the judges, among other welfare packages.

In getting ready for the customary court take off and invitation of the Nigeria Judicial Council team, Abimbola said Grade A Customary Court Presidents and new magistrates had been commissioned.

He further disclosed that plans had been activated to put up a multi door court structure to enhance Alternative Dispute Resolution practice in the state.

Also, Ajimobi has‎ directed the Attorney General to ensure the passage of a law to establish the Oyo State Multi Door Court House as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for easier access to justice and decongestion of dockets (cases for trial).

Ajimobi stated that he had assented to the Community Service Law and Administration of Criminal Justice Law to allow for community service punishment alternative and the speedy administration of justice.

He also assured of approval of request for more vehicles, housing, through continued increase in budgetary support for the judiciary.

“I have also directed the AG to ensure the passage of a law to establish the Oyo State Multi Door Court House as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for easier access to justice and decongestion of dockets (cases for trial).

“Similarly I have assented to the Community Service Law to ensure alternative sentencing regime is available in Oyo state for offenders in minor cases. This is part of our ongoing efforts to decongest the prisons,” he said, pledging his continued support for the judiciary, which, he said, remained the last and only hope of the common man.

TECHNICAL University (Tech-U), Ibadan, established by the Oyo State government, will begin academic activities by October 2017.

This is also as the management team of the institution said it is out to bridge the observable yawning gap between theoretical knowledge and technical skill Nigeria needs to enable it make progress as a nation.

Professor Ayo Salami, the pioneer vice chancellor of the university, disclosed this on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy visit to the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN), Tribune House, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, together with the pioneer management team of the institution.

He said he and his team had to visit the Tribune House to formally intimate it about the mission and vision of the university and to enlist its support, knowing the passion the organisation has for education in Nigeria and Africa in general.

Salami expressed concerns that Nigeria’s current tertiary education curriculum largely equips youths with theoretical knowledge, but does not impart the skill necessary to translate the knowledge to real development.

“There can only be progress in any country when skill is matched with knowledge. When you look at countries that are progressing in the world; it’s not only the countries where they have the knowledge, but where they couple knowledge with skills.

“When there is disconnect between skill and knowledge, you cannot really make progress. And in this country today, we have a (skill) gap. We have people who have the knowledge, but the knowledge does not translate to skill,” he said.

The vice chancellor attributed the current crisis in the country’s education sector to a ‘dysfunctional system’.

“We have a system that is producing products that are not fit for the market; what the market needs is not what the tertiary sector here is turning out. Look at Nigerian engineers. We are just theoretical engineers. When people graduate and get to industry, industry needs to retrain them – those who are lucky to get the jobs.

“Technical University is (here) to bridge that gap; to ensure that our youths are not only endowed with knowledge, but are equipped with the skill that can make them useful not only to the country, but also to themselves,” he added

To achieve this, Professor Salami said that at Technical University, when it takes off in October, students will be taught the theoretical aspects of their courses by top-grade professors and Ph.D holders, but the practical aspects would be handled by professionals who are practising in the industry.

“These professionals will not only be the ones to train students, they will also be the ones to conduct examinations,” he said.

Technical University, which according to the vice chancellor will be a fully residential, fee-paying institution, will take off with two faculties – Faculty of Engineering and Technology and the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

It will also have a Centre for Language and General Studies as well as Centre for Entrepreneurial and Vocational Studies.

The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Mr Edward Dickson, while welcoming the vice chancellor and his team on behalf of the Tribune management, expressed faith in the managerial ability and expertise of Professor Salami to head the institution.

He pledged that Tribune, a national institution, would support the niversity in every way it could. He then prayed for the vice chancellor and his team for God’s grace to succeed.

Other members of the TechU team that accompanied the vice chancellor included the registrar of the university, Mr Alex Oladeji; Director at the VC’s Office, Mrs Olayinka Balogun; Mr Oladipo Fagbamila, and the Public Relations Officer, Mr Ademola Adesola.

Members of the ANN Plc that received the Tech-U team, apart from the managing director, are the Editor, Sunday Tribune, Mr Sina Oladeinde; Editor, Saturday Tribune, Dr Lasisi Olagunju, and the Senior Manager, Human Resource, Mrs Bukola Ezeamaka.

As part of ongoing spirited efforts to decongest the prisons, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has assented to the community service punishment law, in which convicts will undertake hours of community service for minor offences, instead of prison terms.

Similarly, the governor has advocated the promotion and adoption of alternative dispute resolution to reduce what he called the unacceptable high number of cases awaiting trial before the courts.

The governor bared his mind during a visit to the High Court complex, headquarters of the state judiciary, where he met with the Chief Judge, Justice Munta Abimbola, in company with the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Seun Abimbola, in Ibadan, on Tuesday.

Expressing concern over the incidence of prison congestion across the country, where, he said, a majority of inmates were awaiting trial suspects, the governor restated the need for executive-judiciary synergy to stem the tide.

Ajimobi said, “I have observed the continuing congestion of our courts with lawsuits in spite of various efforts at decongesting same. For this reason, I have directed the AG to work with the CJ to design a structure that will ensure that the issue is finally laid to rest.

“I have also directed the AG to ensure the passage of a law to establish the Oyo State Multi Door Court House as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for easier access to justice and decongestion of dockets (cases for trial).

“Similarly I have assented to the Community Service Law to ensure alternative sentencing regime is available in Oyo state for offenders in minor cases. This is part of our ongoing efforts to decongest the prisons. ”

Notwithstanding the principle of separation of powers, the governor called on the judiciary to sustain its support for and cooperation with the executive arm of government for quick administration of justice.

As the third arm of the government, the governor said that the judiciary remained a veritable partner in the quest by his administration to build a new and modern Oyo state where justice was not delayed or miscarried.

Since coming on board, Ajimobi said that his administration had ensured that the state’s judiciary ranked not only high but first among equals in the administration of justice index and excellence of delivery by creating a conducive working atmosphere for the staff.

He pledged his continued support for the judiciary, which, he said, remained the last and only hope of the common man.

In his response, the CJ expressed appreciation for what he called the unalloyed support of the Ajimobi-led executive to the state judiciary, while he appealed for the gazetting of the newly-assented law on the administration of criminal justice.

Commending the governor for the initiative, he said he was confident that the new law would accelerate the judicial process.

Abimbola solicited the repositioning of the state Judicial Service Commission, urging the governor to provide operational vehicles, sitting allowances, among other welfare packages to enhance the performance of the members.

Under his leadership as CJ, Abimbola said that the judiciary achieved the construction and renovation of court buildings and structures, adding that magistrates and other cadres of staff were also promoted.

Already, he said that there were centers in the state serving as community service centers for the furtherance of the community service punishment law, which he said was fashioned after the Criminal Justice Act at the national level.

The CJ said, “I urge your excellency to direct the publication of the law in the official Gazette for its implementation.

“We consider this visit very important and its aftermath will undoubtedly affect the administration of justice of this great state. The judiciary under my leadership will continue to evolve strategies and partnership with the government to enhance dispensation of justice.”

For allegedly failing to abide by the state’s environmental laws, the Oyo State government has penalised 12 facilities

According to government, six facilities were sealed up, while remediation measures and community social responsibility were imposed on others.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Chief Isaac Ishola, spoke at an inter-ministerial media briefing at the Film Theatre of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism at the Agodi secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital.

He said the affected facilities were found culpable among the over 200 companies monitored since the beginning of the year.

Apart from the facilities, Ishola said as many as 400 street-trading offenders, 250 improper waste disposal offenders, two poultry farms, four illegal rearing of domestic animals, one piggery farm and Temidire Plank Market were arraigned in court and or closed down.

According to him, all industrial facilities in the state are being constantly inspected to monitor and control the impacts of their activities on the environment.

Some of the activities that are being monitored, the commissioner said, include the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for new industrial facilities, environmental audit reports for existing ones, inspection of air emissions and effluent discharges, among others.

On other activities the ministry performed under his watch, Ishola said it had a robust programme for climate change wherein causative agents, such as carbon and other gaseous emissions, were monitored and controlled.

He said the state engaged the services of three consultants to carry out emission tests on vehicles, motorcycles and generators.

He said: “One of the environmental issues is air and noise pollution emanating from religious and commercial houses to the detriment of public health. This ministry has been enforcing the provisions of the law, which had been proceeded with stakeholders’ engagement in a series of meeting demanding full compliance.

“As of now, while we have on records significant level of understanding and compliance, several stakeholders are yet to comply. This led to the sealing up of three churches for flagrant contravention of the law.

“It should also be noted that in our enforcement activities, as many as 400 street trading offenders, 250 improper waste disposal offenders, two poultry farms, four illegal rearing of domestic animals, one piggery farm and Temidire plank market were sanctioned through arraignment in the court and outright closure.”

THE Oyo State Government on Wednesday said that it has disbursed over N13bn to settle the average of about 5months salaries owed local government workers and primary school teachers as well as their pensioners in the state.

Mr. Bimbo Kolade, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, who disclosed this in Ibadan, stated that the N13,739,592,266.24 released to the Ministry from the office of the State’s Accountant General comprised of the April, May and June allocations for Local Governments in the state and a share from Paris Club Re-fund.

Kolade said that N13,739,592,266.24bn was inclusive of SUBEB funds, explaining that N3,088,014,271.45bn was released for April, N3,396,208,585.99 for May and N5,255,369,408.80bn for June while N2bn was released for Local government workers and pensioners’ welfare by Governor Abiola Ajimobi from the refunded second tranche N7.9 Paris Club fund.

The Commissioner charged all Caretaker Chairmen to be prudent with the fund, expressing optimism that outstanding salaries of some 15 Council areas put at an average of 2months will be offset.

He cautioned the Caretaker Chairmen against over bloated staff strength which he said always make it difficult for them to offset their wage bills promptly, urging that they should limit their ad-hoc staff to only those they can afford to pay their bills as at when due.

AS part of ongoing reforms in Oyo State’s waste management activities, the government has unveiled its new plan to handle waste under the public private partnership it has entered into with West African NRG.

Under the new plan, according to the Oyo State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Isaac Ishola, the management of medical waste will take on a “specialised process” and that all hospitals in the state will be involved in the new plan.

“Medical waste is a special kind of waste. What people have been doing is mingling it together with every kind of waste,” the commissioner said.

“We have identified all the hospitals in Oyo State, it is part of the enumeration we have completed now.”

He said federal hospitals had also been included because “waste generation is a local matter.”

“Already, we have written the stakeholders. We want to have a meeting with them.

“What the law says is that medical waste should not be lumped together because the disposal is not the same. It requires specialised disposal system.”

He said actions in line with government’s latest position on medical waste would commence in the coming weeks.

MD of Heritage bank, Ifie Sekibo has shed more light on why the bank is supporting Oyo state government in its bid to raise a N50 billion healthcare endowment fund. According to him Oyo state is a key customer for the bank, and it was keen on maintaining the cordial relationship between both parties. Heritage […]