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Ekiti New CJ Promises Digital Transformation, Modernization Of Court Processes

July 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Justice Lekan Ogunmoye took oath of office as the sixth substantive Chief Judge, (CJ) of Ekiti state on Monday with a pledge to fully embrace digital transformation in order to enhance efficiency and speed in the administration of justice.

He added that his goal is to modernize court process through technology, making judicial service more accessible to the public, while ensuring greater transparency and accountability across all levels of the judiciary.

Performing the swearing in ceremony, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji charged the CJ to uphold justice with courage, integrity, and a strong sense of duty

Justice Lekan Ogunmoye who had served as the Acting Chief Judge since November 5, 2024, following the passing of his predecessor, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, was formally ratified by the Ekiti State House of Assembly on July 3, 2025 following a recommendation by the judiciary committee.

Governor Oyebanji, who described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, affirmed that his administration would continue to support the judiciary by prioritizing the welfare of its members and giving the Judge all the needed support to carry out his duties diligently.

Acknowledging the long standing reputation of excellent and dignity of the state judiciary and emphasizing the need to preserve this heritage, the Governor urged the new Chief Justice to continually raise the bar of excellent and ensure prompt and efficient service delivery that meet global standards.

The Governor said: “Your Lordship, history will judge you not by the accolades you receive today, but by the legacy you leave behind after your tour of duty.

“In this position, courage and integrity must be your constant companions. Let it be said in years to come that under your leadership, the judiciary of Ekiti State reached a higher standard—one that ensured justice for all, regardless of status, gender, or circumstance.”

While congratulating the new Chief Judge on his deserved elevation, Oyebanji said his administration remains committed to the independence of the judiciary and will continue to support judicial reforms, provide resources for improved infrastructure, and promote initiatives that will enhance the delivery of justice across the state.

“The position of Chief Judge is not a mere title—it is a sacred trust. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man because of the institution that guarantees the equality of all before the majesty of the Law.

“The institution must therefore, be guided, not by sentiment, fear, or favoritism, but by the Constitution and the dictates of the Law.

“As the most sacred, conservative and apolitical arm of Government, the Judiciary must be manned by persons of unimpeachable integrity, profound legal knowledge and astute administrative capability.

“These qualities therefore place upon the occupier of this exalted position, a sacred duty to uphold justice at all times regardless of whose interest is involved.

“I therefore implore Your Lordship to be guided by a sense of duty flowing from your years of experience beginning as a State Counsel, and later the Solicitor-General of Ekiti State and much later a Judge of the High Court.

“It is delightful that one can attest to your unblemished record as a Judge of the High Court for nearly two decades and your eighth months in acting capacity as Chief judge.

“The Ekiti State judiciary has a great reputation, one of excellence and dignity. This is a heritage we are proud of, and one we must protect and advance.

“I therefore, wish to say that there is more to be done in order to continuously raise the bar and to ensure prompt and efficient service delivery that meet global standards” the Governor asserted.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata (SAN), who commended Governor Oyebanji for his unwavering commitment to due process and the rule of law, said the Governor has continually demonstrated respect for independence of the judiciary

Mr Apata, who explained that the appointment of the new Chief Judge as the substantive Chief Judge was in compliance with the provision of law, stated that the Governor acted in accordance with the law, which empowers the State Governor to appointed a Chief Judge on the recommendation of the National Judiciary Council and subjected to the confirmation of the State House of Assembly

Ondo Seeks NALDA’s Collaboration In Land Clearing For Agriculture

Ayodele Oni

July 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has sought the assistance of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, (NALDA) in the area of land clearing for agriculture.

The governor promised that his administration is ready to partner with the NALDA to boost mechanized farming and strengthen food security initiatives across the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the governor made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit by NALDA, led by its Ondo State Coordinator, Olusola Ayandokun, in Akure.

Welcoming the NALDA delegation, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that land clearing remains a major hurdle preventing many farmers, particularly young people, from engaging in or expanding mechanized agriculture.

He noted that this critical challenge aligns directly with one of NALDA’s primary functions.

“We know that one of the major expenditures that hinder a lot of farmers from going into mechanized farming or expanding their operations is land clearing.

“I’ve heard that land clearing is one of the key activities of NALDA and this is encouraging.”

Highlighting the youth potential in agriculture, the Governor remarked that once the bottleneck of land clearing is addressed, young people will be more willing to embrace farming.

He commended the integrated farm estate model initiated by NALDA in other states, noting that Ondo already has similar infrastructure in place, especially in farm settlements that can be revived and upgraded through partnership.

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed optimism that the collaboration would also promote animal husbandry, especially in the rearing of goats and rabbits, areas where Ondo has natural advantages.

Earlier, in his remarks, Ayandokun, the Ondo State Coordinator of NALDA, assured the Governor of the agency’s commitment to supporting the state’s agricultural agenda.

He explained that NALDA, a federal government initiative, is focused on reclaiming and opening up farmland, promoting food security, empowering youth and women, and supporting the agricultural value chain.

The coordinator lamented past policy disruptions that previously scrapped the agency but noted its recent revitalization under the current federal administration.

“NALDA’s goals include land clearing, preparation, and allocation to farmers, as well as establishing integrated farm estates, providing agricultural inputs, promoting animal husbandry, and training.”

Ayandokun also highlighted Ondo’s suitability for projects involving cocoa, oil palm, goat and rabbit farming, and integrated farm settlements, especially in areas like the Ile-Oluji farm settlement.

He disclosed that some parcels of land have already been allocated for pilot projects, and training modules are in place for farmers.

The NALDA Coordinator also stressed the importance of encouraging every household to engage in some form of backyard farming, whether crop or livestock, to ensure food security at the grassroots level.

ADC Fingers President Tinubu’s Aides In Destabilization Plot Against Party

Ayodele Oni

July 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged destabilization plot against the party by the All Progressives Congress (APC) controlled federal government.

ADC claimed that there is a desperate and dangerous plot by elements within the Tinubu administration to undermine and destabilise the growing opposition coalition.

In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary and National Spokesperson, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC revealed that former State Chairmen and key members of the party’s state executive committees in the North East and North West have been summoned to a secret meeting with top officials of the Federal Government.

“We have credible intelligence that the aim of this meeting is not for national security or peace building. It is to intimidate, coerce, and if possible, co-opt these individuals into a fabricated scheme against the opposition coalition. This is not politics. This is sabotage.”

According to the ADC, the motive is clear: to sow confusion within the party, delegitimise its new leadership, and derail its rising momentum as the new face of the opposition in Nigeria.

“Let it be clear, this surreptitious alliance with the ADC State Chairpersons by appointees of the federal government, who should be focused on urgent national security priorities and challenges that the country is facing is a coordinated assault on multiparty democracy. This is how one-party states are born—through intimidation.

“The July 1st Coalition Declaration, and the July 2nd unveiling of the ADC, have clearly rattled the ruling party. It is now obvious that the Tinubu administration—having lost the trust of the Nigerian people—cannot withstand the pressure of a united and credible opposition.

“But rather than correct its ways, it has resorted to its old playbook of destabilising opposition parties.

“Let it be clear: the coalition movement is an idea whose time has come. This party belongs to every Nigerian who is tired of the lies, the manipulation, and the hardship.

“It belongs to every Nigerian who wants to restore decency, vision, and justice to governance. We would therefore not allow a handful of desperate men to turn Nigeria into a one-party dictatorship. And it would be our patriotic duty to resist it with every democratic means available to us.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take note of this sinister moves by some of his appointees and call them to order. The president needs to prove to Nigerians that he is indeed a Democrat.

“He needs to remind his men that if the Goodluck Jonathan administration were as intolerant and as subversive of the opposition, the APC would not have come to power in 2015 and he would not have been a President today.”

Family Briefs Oyo Govt Makinde About Olubadan ‘s Demise

Ayodele Oni

July 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Family of Late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I has commenced the process of the official announcement of the Monarch’s passage with a visit to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

The delegation was made up of mainly family members which formally informed the Governor about the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland,

The Governor received the delegation from the family, including the former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Bayo Oyero; younger brother of the deceased Olubadan, Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin and son of the deceased, Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi.

Governor Makinde, while addressing the delegation in his office, said the state would stand by the family at this period and also give the late Olubadan a befitting burial.

Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I who was the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, died at 90 few days to his one year anniversary on throne.

FUTA Graduate: JAMB Corrects Error, Lists Basola On Portal, Cleared For Graduation

Ayodele Oni

July 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Following mounting pressure from the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) and other stakeholders, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB) has reactivated the portal of Jamiu Basola, a Civil Engineering graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA) after he was previously flagged for possessing a fake admission.

Basola who was admitted into FUTA in 2018 had an issue during his final clearance when the school’s Student Affairs Division informed him that his mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps had been rejected.

“I was advised to verify my details on the JAMB matriculation list, which indicated fake admission”.

Basola added that after several failed attempts to access his JAMB portal, he wrote letters to various officials at FUTA, including the registrar, vice-chancellor, and chairman of the admissions committee, urging them to intervene.

Basola confirmed that his previously locked JAMB portal had been unlocked and his name had now appeared on the matriculation list, a requirement for NYSC mobilisation.

“We are still in the process because I have not been mobilised for NYSC. My portal was locked. But now, I am able to log in; I can now reprint.

“Though I had some of the documents before, I was able to reprint my documents again. My name was not on the matriculation list, but now it has changed.”

NANS National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, in a statement on Monday, also confirmed in a statement on Monday, and described the resolution of the case as a significant victory for justice and student welfare.

“This positive development is a direct result of the decisive intervention by the NANS national leadership, led by the astute President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja.”

He confirmed that Basola’s JAMB portal has now been restored and his name added to the official matriculation list, following sustained pressure from the national leadership and NANS South-West Zone D.

“Basola’s academic dedication was regrettably challenged by a ‘fake admission’ flag after years of diligent study. His fight was indeed our fight, and his victory is a triumph for every Nigerian student.”

Ajasa’s statement also acknowledged the role played by the FUTA Civil Engineering Department in writing to JAMB to clarify Basola’s admission status.

“This resolution underscores the power of collective action and NANS’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Nigerian students.”

NANS said it would continue to monitor the case to ensure Basola’s inclusion in the next NYSC mobilisation batch.

“We reaffirm our commitment to holding institutions accountable and ensuring that such avoidable predicaments do not recur.

“The lives and academic pursuits of Nigerian students are not bargaining chips.”

Basola’s case gained public attention after he posted on social media, alleging that JAMB had declared his university admission invalid seven years after he began his studies.

In response, JAMB, through its Public Communication Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, stated that Basola remained “an unknown entity to the Board concerning admission.”

Ladoja: My Ambition To Become Olubadan

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 7, 2025

Rashidi Ladoja - Olubadan — Rashidi Ladoja, Olubadan.

A former Governor of Oyo state Rashidi Ladoja will succeed the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olakuleyin who joined his ancestors in the early hours of Monday, sources in the state said .

Family sources had informed the magazine that the late Olubadan died today just two days after he celebrated his 90^th birthday, adding that the state government will make a formal announcement concerning his burial soon.

As the good people of the ancient city await the next line of action form the government and the traditional institution, sources from the state informed the magazine that a former Governor of the state is next in line to the throne.

Ladoja will ascend the throne except the government decides otherwise, those familiar with the Ibadan traditional rulership said told the magazine.

As the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Ladoja who ruled the state from 2003 to 2007 has stated years ago that his lifetime ambition was to become Olubadan.

According to him, becoming the state’s helmsman 18 years ago was just an arrangement that fate had for him, because he had always dreamt of becoming the traditional ruler of the ancient town.

Recall that the former governor had few years ago rejected his appointment as one of the beaded crown Chiefs appointed by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, descibiing the position as an “elevated” Oba. Ladoja had argued that it’s an aberration to have other Obas in the town beside the Olubadan.

He would later accept the position after the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde signed the Chieftaincy Amendment Bill into law in 2022, which granted him powers to present beaded crowns and coronets to chiefs appointed by the state government.

After accepting the position, and installed as one of the coronet chiefs of Olubadan-in Council, Ladoja insisted that the position was just an icing on the cake for him, saying he still aspired to become the top traditional ruler in the city.

Ladoja: “Nothing has changed, you don’t mend what is not broken, it is not fair to elevate high chiefs to Obas, my focus is to become Olubadan, no lesser Oba.

“I don’t think it is fair to have high chiefs as obas. Who are you competing with? It is not in our tradition.

“Ladoja is not interested in wearing an elevated crown.”

If he eventually becomes the Olubadan, Ladoja will be the first governor of the Pacesetters’ State as the state is widely known, to occupy the position and the fourth Olubadan during the tenure of Governor Makinde.

Breaking: Olubadan Of Ibadanland, Is Dead; His Successor

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 7, 2025

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed on. The traditional ruler joined his ancestors in the wee hour of Monday, family sources said.

His demise comes barely 48 hours after he celebrated his 90^th birthday. The development also comes a year after he became the traditional ruler of the ancient city.

Recall that Governor Seyi Makined of Oyo state presented the staff of Office to Oba Olakuleyin, on July 12, 2023. He succeeded Oba Lekan Balogun who died in March 2024.

Sources in the state government informed the magazine that a formal announcement will soon be made to the public on the issue.

Meanwhile, sources in the metropolitan city told this publication that a former governor of the state may succeed the demised Oba Olakuleyin.

Constitution Review: Editors Urge NASS To Make Kidnapping A Capital Offence

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 7, 2025

The Network of Digital Newspaper Editors has called on the National Assembly to classify kidnapping as an act of terrorism and make it a capital offence under Nigerian law.

In a statement issued after their monthly meeting on Sunday, the editors urged federal lawmakers to take advantage of the ongoing constitutional review process to enact stringent laws that reflect the gravity of the crime and bolster national security.

The statement, signed by the group’s Director of Strategy and Communications, Mr. Uche Nnadozie, noted that kidnapping for ransom has reached alarming levels in the country, instilling fear in citizens and crippling daily life across rural and urban areas.

“The alarming rise in kidnapping incidents has left the nation in a state of distress. Citizens now live in constant fear and terror due to the heinous activities of these ruthless gangs, who have turned kidnapping into a brutal industry of blood, pain, and death. The highways and farmlands, once considered safe, have become vulnerable zones,” the statement said.

The editors condemned the senseless killings of victims, even where ransom payments have been made, describing such acts as barbaric and deserving of the harshest possible punishment.

“It is utterly heartbreaking and infuriating that these criminals often murder their victims even after collecting ransoms. Their actions are reprehensible and must be met with decisive, lawful force. The government must move beyond rhetoric and act decisively to end this reign of terror.”

They urged the National Assembly to classify kidnapping under terrorism laws to empower law enforcement and the judiciary to pursue and punish offenders with greater force. They also called for enhanced intelligence gathering, improved community policing, and better coordination among security agencies to combat the menace proactively.

“We call on the National Assembly to seize the opportunity provided by the constitutional review to prescribe capital punishment for kidnapping. This will strengthen our legal framework and signal a strong national resolve to defeat this evil.”

The Network noted that several states, including Anambra, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Kogi, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, and Rivers, have already enacted laws prescribing the death penalty or life imprisonment for kidnapping. However, they stressed the need for a unified national law to ensure consistency and effectiveness in enforcement.

“The time to act is now. The lives and safety of Nigerian citizens must take precedence. No society can thrive when its people live in fear of being abducted or murdered. Let this constitutional review mark a turning point in our national fight against violent crimes.”

Oyo: Makinde’s Ally Dumps PDP , Accuses Gov Of Behaving Like A ‘Despot’

Tosin Olatokunbo

July 7, 2025

Seun Adelore, an erstwhile ally of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has resigned his position as the Chairman of the Ibadan North, citing the governor’s style of administration for his decision. Adelore has also dumped the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, in the state, accusing the governor of highhandedness and imposition.

According to his resignation letter he sent to the state PDP and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the state capital on Sunday , the former local government party chairman said the governor is running the party like a one man show, saying those that worked for the party have been abandoned while Makinde’s cronies are being favoured.

He cited the emergence of the Governors’ Deputy Chief of Staff, Folajinmi Oyekunle as the candidate for the upcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election. He also accused Governor Makinde failure to reward “loyalty, and a growing departure from democratic principles” in the manner he’s running the affairs of the state and the party.

Adelore stressed that he took the decision after widely consulting with key stakeholders in the party and the state.

“The PDP in this state is increasingly being run like a private enterprise by select factions, undermining the collective spirit and transparency that should define party politics.”

“I write to formally tender my resignation as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ibadan North Local Government, effective July 7, 2025. I also hereby withdraw my membership from the party.

“This decision was not made lightly. After deep personal reflection and wide consultation with my supporters, I have chosen to step aside in order to preserve my integrity and honour. Despite my significant contributions to the party since 2018 alongside other loyal members, which contributed to the success of the current administration, I have watched with deep concern as values have deteriorated within the party.

“Vindictiveness, authoritarian tendencies, and a lack of respect for human dignity have unfortunately become pervasive. As Niccolò Machiavelli observed, despots often mask cruelty with gestures of charity while trampling those who helped bring them to power. This pattern has become evident in the state, where loyalty is often punished rather than appreciated.

“Over the past two years, I have witnessed a growing trend of imposition, intimidation, and disregard for democratic processes—practices that conflict with the foundational principles of the PDP. I can no longer lend my name and reputation to such contradictions.

“I am deeply grateful to my supporters, whose unwavering belief in my leadership has been humbling. It has been an honour to serve the party and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state. I remain firmly committed to the ideals of true democracy and the genuine development of our state, not superficial accomplishments promoted by surrogates,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Acting Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Michael Ogunsina, has reacted saying the party will engage with the former chairman to find out his grievances and they way forward on the matter.

“I Brushed Wike Up, Introduced Him To Good Perfumes” – Dele Momodu

The Source

July 7, 2025

By Charles Igbo

“I will give Wike a full dose of response Monday to show Nigerians, especially President Bola Tinubu, the type of person he unleashed on our democracy”

Chief Dele Momodu, accomplished Journalist, entrepreneur and Politician, has disclosed that he helped to brush the image problem of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory when Wike was the Governor of Rivers State.

Momodu was responding to Wike’s complete run of him, including ridiculing his table manners and demonstrating, on television, how “bushly” he, Momodu usually ate in Government House, Rivers State.

Giving notice of a right of reply which he said he would give on same medium, Channels Television, where Wike spoke, Momodu said :Minister Wike urgently needs to be rescued before

he runs naked in the market place.”

In a post on Instagram, Momodu alleged that Wike, during his interview on Channels Television, was drunk, and so, on a full rampage against everyone opposed to “his despicable assault on the country’s hard-earned democracy.”

He said he would respond to Wike on Monday to show Nigerians and President Bola Tinubu, in particular, “the type of loose cannon he has unleashed on helpless Nigeria in the name of politics.”

Momodu noted his past work engagement with Wike, and posited that the Minister probably mistook him for some cheap journalists.

Momodu post titled “Nyesom Wike: A bull in the China shop reads:

“Minister Wike took his garrilosity to a different level on Politics Today, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye. He was obviously soaked in some esoteric spirit as he went on a full rampage everyone opposed to his despicable assault on our hard-earned democracy. But he is a bit too young to know and appreciate what it took to return Nigeria to democracy.

“A few years ago, after my famous Instagram live interview with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, during which Nnamdi Kanu blasted Wike, I received a call requesting that I give Wike the right to reply, which I gladly obliged. After the interview, Wike excitedly invited Ovation to Port Harcourt to cover his projects. Since his memories seem to be fading so rapidly, I have requested for a right of reply from Channels Television on Monday to copiously show Nigerians and President Bola Tinubu, in particular, the type of loose cannon he has unleashed on helpless Nigeria in the name of politics.

“Nyesom Wike urgently needs someone to rescue him before he goes stark in the marketplace… The amount of spittle he wasted this night alone would conveniently float a canoe in Rivers State. Maybe he mistook me for some cheap journalists, when he spoke about his food that I ate.

“As stupendously wealthy as he is, his crass food is not the type anyone would actually savor. Rather I touched him up like a beauty therapist and introduced him to some exclusive champagnes and perfume which he usually instructs his ADC to immediately keep in the room upstairs. He invited me regularly.”

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