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Akure, Isinkan Tussle: Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Warns Deji Of Akure To Obey Laws Of Land

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo and Iralepo of Isinkan Oba Oluwagbemiga Olofin- Adimula

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has waded into the supremacy tussle between two Traditional Rulers in the State, urging Artie’s to seek peace.

The governor who spoke in Akure ahead of his inauguration on Monday reminded the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, one of the actors in the cridis of the ephemeral nature of all human positions, including that of himself as Governor.

Oba Aladetoyinbo, while trying to implement a recent Court of Appeal decision on the supremacy tussle with the Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Olugbenga Ojo ordered him to vacate the throne, and appointed another person as a quarter chief.

Aiyedatiwa, who leveraged the aphorism of the land saying “we are fighting other communities over land. This must stop. This land will remain here even when all traditional rulers will be long gone.”

Then respectfully mentioning the Deji by name while acknowledging his eminent position as the Chairman of the State Council of Obas, the Governor implored the royal father to consider the peace of the state in his actions.

“Kabiyesi, we must accommodate others. We must obey the rules and regulations of this State. We must obey the law of the land.

“Even when there are court judgments, the other parties have their rights to appeal up to the Supreme Court.”

The administration of late former Governor Olwarotimi Akeredolu had elevated and recognised the traditional titles of several communities across the state in line with the ancient traditions and customs of those communities.

Isinkan and Isolo, two separate communities in the state capital, with their distinct traditions and customs, were among the beneficiaries of that government decision.

The administration went further to formally release the white papers of the Ajama Chieftaincy Commission which again further recognised both Isinkan and Isolo chieftaincies alongside several others across the state.

However, of all traditional rulers in Ondo State, only the Deji of Akure approached the court to challenge the action of government that redressed the age-long repression of the agitation of the people of Isinkan and Isolo.

Also, despite the reverence nature of the Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Inauguration Programmes, the Deji chose the period to resort to self-help in the implementation of what he described as a favourable appeal court judgment.

Not a few people were aghast at such brazen promotion of violence at such an inauspicious time. Many considered it a deliberate disrespect for the Governor.

Otunba Ademola Olubayode, an APC chieftain from Oba Akoko praised the Governor for what he described as his sagacity.

“This is sagacious! The Governor just firmly and respectfully made the position of the Ondo State Government known to that quarrelsome traditional ruler.

“People who underrate the gentility of Aiyedatiwa can see that this man is fire – he is like Baba Awolowo, firm but respectful. I don’t think any other person will want to disrespect Aiyedatiwa.”

Pains Of Fuel Subsidy Removal: Obi Had No Different Plan From Tinubu’s- Cosmas Maduka

By
James Orji
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Cosmas Maduka

Amidst the attendant pains and controversy that have trailed the removal of fuel subsidy by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, respected automobile magnate Cosmas Maduka says some of opponents of the administration such as Peter Obi had no different plan on how to tackle the country’s energy problems.

Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Maduka said would have removed the fuel subsidy if he had won the election, in which President Tinubu defeated him and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who came third and second in the election. Tinubu contested under the All Progressives Congress, APC banner and was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

By ending the decades of the multi- billion naira fuel subsidy regime in the country, the Tinubu administration inflicted serious hardship on Nigerians who are now struggling to survive the economic challenges imposed by the policy, critics of the administration said including Obi, who said he would have tackled the problem differently as President and Commander-in-Chief.

But in his reaction to fuel subsidy controversy, Maduka said Obi would have removed subsidy in his first day as Nigeria’s President.

Speaking in an interview on Mic On Podcast with Okinbaloye via YouTube at the weekend, the businessman insist that subsidy removal was an inevitable policy by whoever won the 2023 presidential election, insisting however that the removal did not leave Nigerians without serious pains.

“People have asked me, will Peter Obi have done anything different if he won the election? I said no. He would have removed subsidy from day one also,” he said.

Recall that ahead the 2023 presidential election, Obi had said that he will remove fuel subsidy from ‘day one’ as President describing the payment of billions of naira to marketers by the federal government as subsidy on petrol as corruption and organised crime.

Saying whatever is realized from the fuel subsidy savings will be used for funding critical sectors of the economy such as education, health and others the LP Presidential candidate asserted, “But I can assure you, it (fuel subsidy)  will go immediately. Subsidy – I’ve said it before – is organised crime and I will not allow it to stay a day longer.”

Nzeogwu Coup Plotters “Would Have” Killed Awolowo- Omokri

By
James Orji
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Obafemi Awolowo

Renowned public commentator Reno Omokri says Major Kaduna Nzeogwu and other coup plotters had no plan to set the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo free from prison.

Also, contrary to the claim that Awolowo was released from prison by the leader of the Biafran secessionist Army, General Odimegwu Ojukwu now late, Omokri said it was General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s military leader at the time who released the former Premier of the Western Region from jail.

Omokri position is contrary to the wide held belief that the coup plotters of the January 15, 1966 had the intention to release, Awolowo who had been held in the Calabar prison at the time by the federal government for treason.

Other opinions claimed that Major Nzeogwu, who led the first bloody coup in the country, which led to the killings of some prominent leaders of Nigeria’s First Republic, including Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Premiers of Northern and Western Regions, Ahmadu Bello and Akintola amongst others had planned to install Awolowo as President.

The wounds left by the 1966 coup has recently been opened by former military head of state General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.) in his book  ‘ A Journey In Service’ more thant 59 years after.

The magazine reports that some northern leaders had at the time claimed that the coup was meant to wipe out prominent leaders from the region, which in turn led to a counter coup in July 1966.

Major Kaduna Nzeogwu
Nzeogwu led Nigeria’s First Coup

The counter coup led to the killings of many Igbo military officers and civilians, which propelled General Ojukwu to declare the Republic of Biafra, and in turn led to the Nigerian bloody civil war as the federal government was poised to quell the rebellion of the secessionist forces.

But reacting, Omokri said in his X post on Sunday that the Nzeogwu coup plotters had no intention to release Awolowo from prison, rather, they would have killed him if they had access to him in Calabar where he was serving a prison term for alleged treasonable offence against him by the federal government.

Awolowo “would have been killed by” the coup plotters, Omokri said in the post that is now generating reactions on the social media.

Below, Omokri post on X:

This is the official gazette of the Federal Military Government, which released Chief Awolowo Obafemi Awolowo and pardoned him of all crimes by the Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon-led Federal Military Government of Nigeria on Friday, August 12, 1966. Chief Awolowo was actually released on Tuesday, August 2, 1966. This official gazette came ten days later after he had met and negotiated with Yakubu Gowon and Murtala Muhammed.

Upon arrival in Lagos, Chief Awolowo was received by Lt. Colonel Murtala Muhammed, who drove him to Dodan Barracks to be received by the Head of State, Lt. Colonel Gowon.

They had a hard time leaving the airport because Alhaja Asabi Abibat Mogaji, the mother of Nigeria’s incumbent President, Bola Tinubu, had arranged a mammoth crowd to receive Chief Awolowo.

Chief Awolowo was not released by Lt. Colonel Emeka Ojukwu or Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi. That is a lie by Radio Biafra.

Also, after the January 15, 1966 coup, neither Majors Chukwuma Nzeogwu nor Emmanuel Ifeajuna made any attempt to free Chief Awolowo. In fact, the plotters did not make a phone call, send a signal, or send soldiers to Calabar prison.

It is possible that if Chief Awolowo had not been in prison and had instead been active in politics, he would have been killed by Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna or any of his co-plotters.

2027: Ndigbo Will Vote Tinubu 99 Percent, He Has Done Well For South east- Minister

By
James Orji
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Dave Umahi and Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves the votes of Ndigbo due to milestones project his administration have executed in the south east region, the Minister of Works Dave Umahi has said.

The minister made this remark on Sunday in Lagos during a stakeholders meeting on the Lagos/ Calabar coastal road at the Eko Hotels.

The highway is one of the signature projects of President Tinubu, and will pass through Ogun State, Ondo State, Delta State, Bayelsa State, Rivers State, and Akwa Ibom State, before ending in Calabar.

The project is intended connect the western and south-eastern regions of Nigeria and to improve cross-country connectivity and trade relations.

Not a few insist that the project, which will also connect the northern parts of the country should have a solid footprints in the south east.

According to the minister, President Tinubu has done well for Igbo, who must ensure that he returns to power in 2027.

Nigeria’s next presidential election is slated for that year, and there are suggestions that the president could face a harculean task getting re-elected. Amidst the re-electing challenges facing the president, Umahi a former Governor of Ebonyi state noted that Ndigbo are ready to return Tinubu to office by giving him over 99 percent of the votes that will be cast from the region.

Reeling out the administration legacy projects in the zone, the minister said “We have no reason to stop the work” by not voting massively for Tinubu.

He stated that President Tinubu had done what his predecessors in office had failed to do, for this, he must be re-elected by the ‘power of God’.

The minister said, “A man that has the courage to do what was dreamt 45 years back is the only man that will have the courage to finish it.

“I say we must vote for him in 2027. The President must be re-elected by the power of God. Those in support say ‘ hi.

“We have no reason to stop the work but we have every reason to do the right thing and it is not peculiar to that job, that is what we are doing in all the projects.

“We also have some jobs – Enugu to Abakaliki, we have Afikpo-Abia-Okigwe and of course one of the legacy projects of Mr President and so we are not sabotaging the President.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going to have 99 per cent of the votes of the South-East because he has been very nice to the people of the South-East. They will leave South-West to give us 99.99% (in) 2027,” he said.

Babangida’s Book: Don’t Throw The Baby Away With The Bath Water

By
The Source
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Aloy Ejimakor

By Aloy Ejimakor

Even as it is coming so late in the day, I must commend Babangida for revealing (or finally confirming) the following self-evident truths in his epic Book – ‘A Journey in Service’:

First: That the 1966 coup was not an “Igbo coup” but somewhat of a revolution aimed at regime-change and installing Awolowo as the provisional president of Nigeria. In other words, if it could be said that the coup was tactically or covertly geared to foisting ethnic domination, it was going to be a Yoruba domination, not an Igbo domination. Still, whether Igbo domination or Yoruba domination, the counter coup was overtly geared to northern (or far-northern) domination and worse – it midwifed a horrid bloodlust and a total loss of compatriot spirit against the Igbo.

Second: That those who purveyed the destructive lie that it was an Igbo coup were motivated by a satanic desire to trigger an anti-Igbo ethnic tension on a national scale. In other words, a deliberate plot was hatched ahead of time to deploy the coup as a subterfuge to levy a genocide against Ndigbo.

Third: That Nzeogwu, having been borne and raised in Kaduna, not only spoke Hausa very fluently but was more Hausa than Igbo in his mannerisms, values, worldview and attitude. In other words, Nzeogwu was a confirmed ‘Aboki’, not an ‘Inyamiri’. No pun or disrespect intended.

Fourth: That the ranks of the coup plotters and henchmen were vastly populated by officers who were not Igbo. This was the most obvious clue that belied the lies but it never mattered anyway because the die was cast for the Igbo to ‘pay’.

Fifth: That an Igbo officer (Anuforo) assassinated another Igbo officer (Unegbe) who rallied against the coup; and another Igbo officer (Obienu) played a key role in halting the coup. But when Obienu was later to be hounded and murdered by northern soldiers, it didn’t matter to them that he put his life on the line to foil the ‘Igbo coup’. The only thing that mattered was that he was Igbo and therefore must die.

Sixth: That the palpable tension between Ojukwu and Gowon stemmed from Ojukwu’s altruistic insistence that the most senior officer (a Yoruba top brass named Babafemi Ogundipe) should, in accordance with time-honored military traditions, be the next Head of State after Ironsi’s gruesome assassination in the counter coup. So, as a matter of backward logical correlation, if the first coup was an Igbo coup – driven by the ambition for Igbo domination – why would Ojukwu (an alpha male and the ultimate Igbo man) take the great risk of insisting that a Yoruba man should be the next Head of State, following the second coup?

Seventh: That Ojukwu declared Biafra because Gowon proved unwilling to protect the beleaguered and trapped Igbos. In other words, Biafra was not an unlawful rebellion but a bulwark against a horrendous genocide or a last and resort to self preservation.

To conclude, I decided to write this piece for two main reasons:

Ibrahim Babangida - IBB
Ibrahim Babangida – IBB

First, I hope it will bring some closure or comfort to all Igbos of my generation who have borne the burden of this destructive and hellish lie for over half a century. It is a burden we bear every day and night in blood and lost opportunities in a nation that was supposed to be equally ours but is not.

Second, I hope the new revelations will help to protect our children and their children from the visceral hate that has vested against the Igbo since this deadly lie of ‘Igbo coup’ was propagandized to a national “truth” that has haunted Ndigbo from generation to generations, such that all Igbo children borne into this country came out wearing the unbreakable yoke of this Igbo coup around their necks. I have such children and I suspect that they often wonder where their parents and ancestors went so wrong that should bring such undeserved ‘generational curse’ of being borne into a country that has seemingly drawn an invincible redline against them.

And this: For what it is worth, Ndigbo deserves a national contrition and political recompense from official Nigeria. This should include ceasing and desisting from the ongoing persecutions (fronted as prosecutions) of any Igbo that has risen or rises against the myriad anti-Igbo injustices that have characterized ‘political’ Nigeria, such as the disparities we have seen in State creations, location of seaports, the national budget, power-sharing, basic infrastructures, such as roads, rails and so on.

In the same vein, and again – for what it is worth, Ndigbo also deserve a deep-felt personal atonement from the prime actors who concocted this lie of Igbo coup and then dubiously turned around to use it as an anchor to launch a genocide (not a civil war) that nearly succeeded in wiping out the Igbo race if Biafra had not been declared. If they are not sure how to atone, they should borrow a leaf from Babaginda.

Hopefully, the contrition, recompense and atonement, if sincere, may just be the magic tunic that could persuade Ndigbo to pedal back from the strong temptation of seeking an alternative to Nigeria.

Ejimakor is an American trained Lawyer, and lead Counsel to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

SERAP Urges Court To Stop CBN From Implementing Unjust ATM Fee Hike

By
Akinwale Kasali
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ATM Machines

By Akinwale Kasali

Following mixed reactions that  greeted the increment in the Automated Teller Machine, ATM,  transaction fees, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has filed a lawsuit against the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN,  “over the alleged failure to reverse its implementation.

SERAP said that the move is patently unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and unjust on Nigerians.

It would be recalled that the Apex Bank recently announced that ATM withdrawals made at a machine owned by a bank but outside its branch premises will now attract a charge of N100 per N20,000 withdrawn. ATM withdrawals at shopping centres, airports or standalone cash points, will incur a N100 fee plus a surcharge of up to N500 per N20,000 withdrawal.

In the suit number FHC/L/CS/344/2025 filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is asking the court to determine “whether the decision by the CBN to increase ATM transaction fees is not arbitrary, unfair, unreasonable, and contrary to the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.”

SERAP is asking the court for “a declaration that the decision by the CBN to increase ATM transaction fees is arbitrary, unfair, unreasonable and contrary to the provisions of sections 1(c) and (d), 104, 105 and 127(1) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, which is binding on the CBN.”

SERAP is seeking “an order of interim injunction restraining the CBN, its officers, agents, associates or any other persons acting on its directive or instructions from enforcing and giving effect to the decision, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an order of interlocutory injunction filed in this suit.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “The increase cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the CBN Act, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and the country’s international human rights obligations.”

SERAP is, also, arguing that, “The increase creates a two-tiered financial system that discriminates against poor Nigerians who may not be able to afford or pay the increased ATM fees.”

According to SERAP, “The patently unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and unjust increase in ATM transaction fees also inherently contributes to violations of the human rights of socially and economically Nigerians.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Andrew Nwankwo, read in part: “The CBN is compromising its stated mission to advance the management of the country’s economy, and ultimately, sustainable development.”

“The CBN is also failing to comply with the Nigerian Constitution, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the country’s international human rights obligations in the exercise of its statutory powers and functions.”

“The increase in ATM transaction fees ought to have been shouldered by wealthy banks and their shareholders, not the general public.”

CBN policies should not be skewed against poor Nigerians and heavily in favour of banks that continue to declare trillions of naira in profits mostly at the expense of their customers. The increase in ATM transaction fees would inflict misery on poor Nigerians and contribute to human rights abuses.”

“Imposing exorbitant ATM transaction fees on socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians at a time several Nigerian banks are declaring trillions of naira in profits yearly is manifestly unfair, unreasonable and unjust.”

“The CBN through a Circular to all banks and other financial institutions dated February 10 2025 stated that it has reviewed and increased the ATM transaction fees prescribed in section 10(7) of the CBN Guide to Charges by Bank, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions 2020.”

“Section 1(c)(d) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 provides that the objectives of the Act are to ‘protect and promote the interests and welfare of consumers’ and ‘prohibit restrictive or unfair business practices’ such as the exorbitant and unreasonable increase in ATM transaction fees by the CBN.”

“The provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act are directly binding on the CBN, as the provisions constrain the exercise of the statutory powers and functions of the institution.

“Section 2(1) of the Act provides that its provisions ‘apply to all undertakings [such as the CBN] and scope of application to all commercial activities within Nigeria.

“Section 2(2) provides that: ‘This Act is binding upon- (a) a body corporate or agency of the Government; (b) a body corporate; (c) all commercial activities aimed at making profit and geared towards the satisfaction of demand from the public.

“According to section 70(1) of the Act, ‘For the purpose of this Act, an undertaking [such as the CBN] is considered to be in a dominant position if it is able to act without taking account of the reaction of its customers or consumers.

“The Act prohibits abuse of dominant position by the CBN including charging excessive ATM transaction fees to the detriment of consumers.”

Section 104 of the of the Act asserts the supremacy of the Act over ‘the provisions of any other law’, such as the CBN Act. The only exception to the provision is the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”

“Section 127(1) of the Act also prohibits the CBN from making any policy or providing “any services at a price that is manifestly unfair, unreasonable or unjust.”

SERAP is therefore asking the court for the following reliefs:

A DECLARATION that the decision by the Defendant in upwardly reviewing and increasing ATM Transaction Fees, as contained in the Defendant’s circular dated 10th February 2025 is arbitrary, unfair, unreasonable, unjust and a dis-service to the consumers of the services rendered by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions in Nigeria, and ultimately in breach of sections 1(c) and (d), 104, 105 and 127(1) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.

A DECLARATION that by the combined provisions of section 1 (c) and (d), 104, 105 and 127 (1) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, section 42(1) (a) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 and section 10.7 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institution 2020, the Defendant cannot unilaterally increase ATM Transaction Fees without the consent of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

AN ORDER setting aside the Defendant’s circular dated 10th February 2025 and published on 11th February 2025, with reference number FPR/DIR/GEN/CIR/001/002, directed to all Banks and Other Financial Institutions for being arbitrary, unfair, unreasonable, unjust and a breach of the provisions of sections 1 (c) and (d), 104 and 127 (1) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.

AN ORDER restraining the Defendant, including its agents, assigns, privies and or representatives or such other persons acting on its behalf, and all Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions in Nigeria from implementing and/or enforcing the decision of the Defendant.

AND FOR SUCH FURTHER ORDER(S) that the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of this suit.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the interim application and the substantive suit.

TETFUND Urges FG To Grant Nigerian Universities Absolute Autonomy

By
Akinwale Kasali
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President Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Government has been indicted by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, for failing to grant Nigerian Universities absolute autonomy.

TETFUND has, therefore, called on the Federal Government to abolish its existing policy on Nigerian Universities and grant them complete autonomy.

Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary, made this appeal during the 9th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE.

Expressing his concern over  Government’s control of Universities, despite the provisions of the Universities Autonomy Act №1 of 2007, which allows Universities to govern themselves and manage their finances, among other responsibilities.

He emphasized that the primary goal of the Act is to free universities from the bureaucratic constraints of the civil service, enabling University Governing Councils to exercise their powers and perform their functions without undue external influence or interference.

He also pointed out that Government’s interference, particularly, through the constitution and the dissolution of Governing Councils, has impeded Universities’ ability to establish independent appeal processes.

In his Convocation lecture titled “University Autonomy and the Challenge of Quality Tertiary Education in Nigeria,” Echono explained that autonomy would empower Universities to manage their academic curricula, staff welfare, and finances effectively.

Echono clarified that granting autonomy does not absolve the federal government of its responsibility to fund universities or imply the privatization of these institutions.

His words, “The existing Government policy on autonomy for Universities in Nigeria allows them to govern themselves, appoint key officers, determine staff conditions of service, control student admissions and academic curricula, manage their finances and generally operate as independent legal entities without undue interference from the federal government and its agencies.

“This policy is derived from the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, also known as the Universities Autonomy Act №1 of 2007.

“The Act, enacted by the National Assembly and signed into law on July 10, 2003, was later gazetted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette №10, Volume 94 on January 12, 2007, as Act №1 of 2000.

“The overall goal of the Act is to liberate our universities from the civil service bureaucracy and enable university governing councils to exercise their powers without undue external influence.

“However, the government retains ultimate control over universities through constitutional provisions and the dissolution of governing councils. The President is the final arbiter in all appeal processes regarding federal institutions, and the government holds legislative power.

“Thus, it can be argued that autonomy under the Act is not absolute. For instance, despite the provisions for autonomy, Section 2AAA (2) mandates that a university council must ensure that the disbursement of university funds complies with the budgetary ratios approved by the government.

“While the Act is silent on the issue of internally generated revenue, it may imply that universities can freely disburse revenue generated from various sources without government interference. However, the government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy requires all government agencies and institutions to pay their revenues into the TSA.

Resolving these inherent conflicts is crucial for restoring autonomy to our universities.

“It is important to note that university autonomy should not be interpreted as absolving the government of its responsibility to fund universities, nor does it imply the abdication or privatization of these institutions. The desirability of university autonomy encompasses three aspects: academic, administrative, and financial autonomy.”

Osun: Gov Adeleke Orders Newly Sworn In LG Chairmen To Stay Away From Secretariats

By
Ayodele Oni
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Osun Newly Sworn In LG Chairmen

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the newly elected local government chairmen to stay away from local government council secretariats in order to avoid a breakdown of law and order in the state.

The All Progressives Congress, (APC) had directed former council officials reinstated by the Court of Appeal to resume on Monday.

Adeleke also charged the officials to work within the manifesto of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), noting that his administration is transforming the state for the better.

The governor issued the directives while administering the oath of allegiance and oath of office on the 30 local government chairmen and vice-chairmen at the Osun State Government House on Sunday.

Addressing the newly sworn-in local government officials, Adeleke said the occasion is the culmination of what the people of the state have laboured to achieve.

He recalled the journey so far, adding that it is the final phase of a process which began a year ago

“I call on you to be agents of change, community developers or providers of the dividends of democracy. We will not fail you. People’s welfare will continue to be our watchword.

He appreciated Osun electoral commission and commended security agencies and state officials who made the exercise a success.

Adeleke also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for not allowing Osun State to descend into chaos.

“I assure Mr President of my commitment to the rule of law.”

Also addressing the newly sworn-in local government officials, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, congratulated them and urged them not to forget the promise they made during the campaigns.

“This is an opportunity for you to deliver to the grassroots. This will be your stepping stone to higher positions and the reward for hardwork is more opportunities.”

Expressing surprise at the violence which broke out in the state on Monday, February 17, 2025, Makinde said he felt the need to come around to sound a warning in order to prevent a repeat of history.

“We don’t want ‘wild wild West’ again. They should stay away from this zone. We want to peacefully provide the dividend of democracy to the people.

“They should not resort to self help even if there is a court judgment. They should not think because they have federal might, this is a federal arrangement. I will stop here.”

“My Political Journey Ordained By God”  – Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa Thanksgiving Service

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed deep gratitude to God for divine guidance and favour, as he prepares to officially assume office as the seventh elected Governor of the State.

Speaking during the thanksgiving service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus House, Akure, on Sunday, the Governor acknowledged God’s role in shaping his political journey.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that his emergence as governor was not by human effort but by divine providence.

The Governor quoted Psalm 124:1, saying, “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, what would our Israel be saying this day?”

He also expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support received from the people of Ondo State, especially during the last gubernatorial and local government elections.

“As we prepare to take the oath of office tomorrow, we pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

“We shall work tirelessly to create opportunities, foster growth, and ensure our state remains a beacon of hope and prosperity.”

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the Seven-Point Developmental Agenda (OUR EASE), which focuses on socioeconomic advancement in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, commerce, and industry.

Aiyedatiwa also assured the people of his resolve to maintain Ondo State’s status as one of the safest and most peaceful states in Nigeria.

Calling for unity and reconciliation, the Governor urged citizens to join hands in building a better future.

He also recognized the vital role of the church in societal development, pledging to strengthen partnerships that promote education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

Earlier in his sermon titled “Appreciating God for His Favour,” Pastor Elijah Olujimi Olubade, the Regional Pastor of Zone 22, emphasized Psalm 44:1-8, which highlights that victories come not by human effort but by God’s grace.

He stated that just as Israel acknowledged God’s hand in their success, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is appreciating God for His favour to lead Ondo State.

Citing Romans 13:1, Pastor Olubade reminded the congregation that all authority is ordained by God. He urged leaders to govern with humility and gratitude, recognizing that their position is a divine assignment.

The event featured a thanksgiving session led by the Governor, joined by his wife, Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa and the immediate family, the Deputy Governor and his family, as well as top government officials.

Herbert Wigwe’s Sister Laments: “His Friends Have Let Us Down, Our Family Mistreated, Mum, Dad Broken”

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Joyce Wigwe and Herbert Wigwe

By Adesina Soyooye

“People we thought of as brothers have really let the family down. Mummy and Daddy trusted them implicitly, but we’ve come to see that they were not to be believed”

By Adesina Soyooye

While Nigerians watch in shock as the family of Herbert Wigwe, until his tragic death, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, inexplicably struggle over his huge assets, seemingly, with his biological children, headed by first child, Toochi Wigwe, 26 years, late Herbert’s sister, Joyce, has lamented the family’s alleged abandonment by their brother’s friends all of whom they had thought to be family.

Herbert, his wife, Doreen,  their first son, Chizzy, and a friend of theirs, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group  Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, perished in a fatal helicopter crash in Nevada, United States of America, barely a year ago.

Since that crash which shook Nigeria’s corporate world, drew rivers of tears,  and broke hearts, nothing seem to be the same within the Wigwe family.

According to reports which not a few Nigerians have described as scandalous and shameful, a couple of Herbert’s siblings, and the patriarch of the family, Pastor Shingle Wigwe, are in a squabble with Herbert’s children and a couple of his trusted friends to whom he handed over his estate to administer, and guide his children.

They ended up in Court. Herbert’s siblings and his father sued his daughter, Toochi and among others, his very trusted friend, Agboje Aig Imoukhuede. They failed, but have now appealed against Toochi and co.

If anybody was in doubt of how scandalous and messy this family fight has become, the untidy incident  which took place at the first memorial anniversary  of Herbert, his wife and son banished all that. There was physical fracas, to the extent that one of the Wigwe’s, Emeka,  was dragged out of the venue and arrested thereafter.

Speaking on the pains of the family and what she terms a betrayal by his late brother’s friends, his sister, Joyce Wigwe, lamented that their father and mother fell ill out of shock over the, alleged betrayal. She said the family has been let down.

She lamented, without mentioning specific names:

“People we thought of as brothers have really let the family down.

“Daddy and Mommy trusted them implicitly, but we’ve come to see that they were not what we believed them to be.

“Because of this, Daddy actually fell ill. We, almost, lost him. Mommy also broke down because of the trust they had placed in them.

“This has made the journey incredibly difficult and heart-wrenching for them.”

On the ugly incident which happened in the village and resulted in the arrest of her sibling, Emeka, Joyce recounted how his late brother’s friends came to the village without the courtesy of paying  respects to the Wigwe’s family home to see their old parents.

“They didn’t even come to see us. Worse still, they wouldn’t let us through the gates.

“Ny brother, Emeka, was physically assaulted during the encounter.

“They muzzled my brother, treated him terribly, and even threw him to the ground. The car almost ran over him three times. They tried to hit him with their car”

” Emeka, out of frustration, eventually retaliated, and a photo capturing that moment was later used against him.

“When he managed to break free and defend himself, he threw a blow—and that was the moment they captured in a picture.”

According to her,  Emeka was later arrested at night, accused of fighting with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

“But nobody took pictures of when he was almost crushed by cars three times.”

Joyce was, also not comfortable with the heavy security presence at the memorial. What was the motive?, she wondered.

“Herbert’s daughter was accompanied by armed personnel in no less than ten cars. You begin to wonder—did they really come to pay respects, or was it something else?”

She revealed that their mother,  devoted herself to Herbert’s well-being from childhood, and was now, very  heartbroken.

“This was the child who had the most health problems growing up. She cared for him and devoted herself to him. And yet, this same child was the one who stood up, put them on the map, and gave them a life they could never have dreamed of.”

Joyce revealed   the absence of support from those they once thought were close to them.

“If the friends and family we thought we had stood by us, my parents would have been comforted. But they haven’t been comforted at all.”

Herbert, wife and son perished on February 9, 2024.

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