Politics

Court Upholds Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Dismisses Edema’s Appeal

By Web News 139

The Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, has dismissed the appeal filed by the candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, Olugbenga Edema, against the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami.

Edema had earlier approached the Federal High Court to order the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Aiyedatiwa, and his running mate, Adelami, from the list of candidates that contested the poll.

He also asked the court to interpret the application of Section 15 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) over the nomination of the APC candidate. However, the court struck out the case.

Not satisfied with the outcome of the lower court, Edema approached the appellate court to challenge the high court’s verdict.

In the judgement delivered by the appeal court on Wednesday, Justice Oyebisi Omoleye affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court.

In the verdict, the three-man appeal court panel unanimously resolved all the issues formulated against Edema and consequently dismissed the appeal for abuse of court process and for lack of merit. The court also awarded a fine of N1 million to each of the respondents.

In his reaction to the judgement, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo SAN, lauded the courage of the judges, saying he agreed with the decision of the court.

Ajulo said, “One cannot but salute the industry and courage of the judges. I was in the court from the beginning to the end. You can see the erudition and the research that can sum up the judgment. On the judgment, I think we will need to first see this as another reaffirmation of the mandate of the people reposed on the governor of the state, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“We have been saying it; the 18–0 is not a fluke, and this has been reaffirmed again. One just needs to salute the courage of the whole people of this state. Both the appellant and the respondent are citizens of this state.

“I have been saying this: there must be an end to this litigation; the people have spoken, and they spoke clearly. Using any other means, running from pillar to post, will not help; we belong to the same family, and we need to come together. What we should be discussing now is to see how we can move Ondo State forward, not with this endless litigation. Going further is a waste of time.”

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Health

Aiyedatiwa Pushes for End to Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

By Web News 153

By Bukola Bardi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged health sector stakeholders to join forces with his administration in eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases across the state.

The governor made this appeal during the official launch of the 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days at the Mother and Child Hospital, Oke-Aro, Akure, emphasising the critical need for collective action to safeguard public health.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr Taiwo Fashoranti, the governor noted that Ondo State had been adjudged one of the high-performing states in polio eradication and was determined to maintain the status.

Governor Aiyedatiwa called on mothers and caregivers to present children from ages zero to five years for vaccination during the immunisation programme which kicks off tomorrow.

In a remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Francis Akanbiemu also charged mothers to cooperate fully with health workers as they move round houses, markets, churches, and other places with a significant number of children.

The Director, Disease Control and Immunisation in the agency, Dr Victor Adefesoye explained that children would be administered with oral polio vaccine, Vitamin A and other antigens as part of routine immunisation for children under five.

Two mothers, Mrs Kehinde Faleye and Mrs Faith James, expressed gratitude to the government and other stakeholders for securing a healthy life for their children through regular vaccination against childhood diseases. 

The National Immunisation Plus Days programme begins on Saturday in Ondo State and is expected to end on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, after which a mop-up exercise will also take place.

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Governance

Ondo Disburses N2.5B Gratuity to Retired LG Workers, Pry Schl Teachers

By Web News 437

By Bukola Bardi

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured retirees of his commitment to the phased payment of outstanding gratuities, reaffirming that his administration will not relent until all arrears are fully liquidated.

The Governor made this assertion on Friday during the flag-off ceremony of the fourth batch of bulk defrayment of arrears of gratuities for retired local government staff and primary school teachers at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the government recognizes the financial burdens faced by retirees and has prioritized their welfare despite the state’s limited resources.

He disclosed that, in the last three phases of the initiative, a total of ₦3 billion had been expended to clear gratuity backlogs up to the year 2012. With the latest phase, an additional ₦2.5 billion has been set aside to clear the gratuities of retirees from 2013.

“Retirees deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labor in peace and dignity. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to improve their welfare and ensure they are not forgotten after years of meritorious service,” the Governor stated.

He reiterated that under his leadership, a system of regular warehousing of funds for gratuity payments had been put in place to ensure seamless and consistent disbursement.

He also assured that gratuity payments in the state would no longer be subject to political influence or favoritism, as only the year of retirement would determine payment priority.

“Your prayers for us have continued to sustain us. It is to the glory of God that your efforts and support as well as that of the entire people of the State have given us yet another opportunity as we look forward to my official inauguration on Monday, 24th February, 2025.

“I wish to assure you that with our renewed mandate, an era of unprecedented delivery of dividends of good governance for the benefits of all and sundry in our Sunshine State has come,” he added.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, appreciated the governor for prioritizing the welfare of retirees. He commended the proactive measures taken by the administration to clear gratuity arrears despite financial constraints, describing it as a testament to the governor’s commitment to putting a smile on the faces of retirees.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the payments judiciously and expressed optimism that more retirees would benefit from subsequent phases of the defrayment exercise.

In his vote of thanks, Mr. Johnson Osunyemi, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Ondo State Chapter, appreciated the governor for always prioritizing the welfare of retirees and ensuring timely payment of gratuities.

He noted that Ondo State pensioners are among the few in the country enjoying regular pension increases, a privilege not extended to retirees in many other states.

Osunyemi further commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for being one of the few governors in Nigeria to approve the implementation of the new minimum wage for pensioners, describing it as a landmark achievement that has significantly improved the living conditions of retirees in the state.

Some of the beneficiaries including Ahmed Babatunde, Cecilia Olasimbo, and Francis Adejuwon expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that the payments would greatly ease their financial burdens. They described the governor’s approach as transparent, fair, and commendable.

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Culture

Aiyedatiwa Presents Staff of Office to New Monarchs

By Web News 489

By Olufisoye Adenitan

Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa,has presented the instruments of appointment and staff of office to two kings in the southern senatorial district of the state.

The monarchs are Oba Hosea Fonghon who became the new Takunbe of Ipoke in Ese-Odo local government area while Oba Akinyomi John was installed as the Laragunsin of Ode-Iyansan in the Irele local government area.

Performing the ceremonies at a separate event , the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, called on the new monarchs to consider their installation as a call for the upliftment of their people and the traditional institution.

He Admonished the monarchs to exercise restraints and caution in the use of traditional authority and powers against the principles of the institution.

He appealed to the other contenders for the stools and their followers to rally the new kings and put behind them, the rivalry and acrimony that attended the selection process, charging them to cooperate with security operatives in their domains.

While thanking them for the overwhelming support in the 2024 governorship election in the state, the governor urged the people to participate actively in this Saturday’s local government election and conduct themselves in an orderly manner.

Remarking earlier, the permanent secretary in the state ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs, Oladele Adesanmi, thanked Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for sustaining the sanctity of the selection process, adding that the new monarchs fulfilled all the provisions of the Chieftaincy Declaration of their communities and the extant chief laws of Ondo state.

Responding, the monarchs pledged to bring peace, unity and equitable development to their towns.

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Politics

Put all Differences Aside, Aiyedatiwa Urges Party Members

By Web News 325

By Isaac Afolabi

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has again appealed to members of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ondo state to reunite, put all differences aside for victory ahead of the November gubernatorial election.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this during a stakeholders meeting with members in Akure.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the misunderstandings within the party had been resolved but consultation was still going on to further strengthen the party.

The Governor while saluting the maturity among members informed participants that none of the aspirants in the primary election had defected showing that the party was one and supreme.

Speaking with journalists , one of the former aspirants who contested the primary election, Professor Dayo Faduyile expressed support for the APC in Ondo state winning the November election and called on other erstwhile aspirants to rally round Governor Aiyedatiwa.

Earlier, Chairman APC in Ondo State , Mr Ade Adetimehin urged members to support the party candidate for victory adding that reconciliation committee set up to settle grievances among party members had been working to achieve a united family.

Those who attended the stakeholders meeting included governorship aspirants Mr Morayo Lebi, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, former Minister of State for Transport , Mr Ademola Adegoroye, Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami among others.

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News

AIG Presents White Paper to Tackle Insecurity in Ondo, Ekiti

By Web News 584

By Isaac Afolabi

A white paper to tackle various security challenges in Ondo and Ekiti states has been presented to Ondo State governor , Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa .

The Assistant Inspector General of Police ,  AIG Zone 17 , Mr Ashabi Abiodun  presented the document at the governor’s office in Akure.

AIG Abiodun explained that the  paper titled “A Proposal for Counter Operations Against Security Challenges in Ekiti and Ondo States”, contains security details that would assist Ondo and Ekiti states in the quest to be more peaceful.

Receiving Ondo State copy of the documents , Governor  Aiyedatiwa  appreciated the role  of the police in keeping the peace and pledged that the two governors would brainstorm on speedy implementation of the paper for maximum  security of the citizens.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Security, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo , top Police officers including Police  Commissioners ,Mr Abayomi Oladipo of Ondo State and  Mr Akinwale Adeniran of Ekiti state.

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Governance

Aiyedatiwa Picks Six Commissioner Nominees

By Web News 383

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has named Kayode Ajulo, SAN, and five others as commissioner-nominees.

The names of the nominees have therefore been sent to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, made this known in a statement made available to journalists on Friday.

The governor had earlier picked a former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Olaide Adelami, as the deputy governor of the state.

This came a few hours after the governor sacked all the commissioners and special advisers on Wednesday.

The statement on nominees read, “The nominees are Mrs. Omowumi Isaac, Mr. Olukayode A. Ajulo, SAN, Razaq Obe, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, Akinwumi Sowore and Mr. Oseni Oyeniyi.”

The statement added that the governor has also appointed the following individuals as Special Advisers: Olugbenga Omole -Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mrs. Olamide Falana-Special Adviser on Gender Affairs, and Mr. Alabi Johnson, Special Adviser on Energy.

Aiyedatiwa succeded late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who died of prostate cancer at the age of 67 in Germany in December 2023.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Governance

Aiyedatiwa Approves N1.2b Payment For Pensioners’ Gratuities

By Web News 383

By Isaac Afo

As part of efforts of the Ondo State Government to settle the backlog of gratuity of state retirees, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the sum of 1.2b naira to fully offset gratuity of 2014 set of state retirees.

Distribution of cheques to beneficiaries will be launched by the governor at an event to be held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure on Thursday 11th January, 2024 at 3pm.

Report says all 2013 set of state retirees’ gratuity had been cleared last year while 2011 and a fractional part of 2012 set of the local government retirees were also cleared.

This is apart from about N320m monthly, totaling about N2.7b yearly, that government has set aside for the settlement of all other categories of the pensioners’ benefits.

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Governance

Gov. Aiyedatiwa Visits Late Akeredolu’s Family

By Web News 443

By Iyabo Adebisi

The newly sworn-in Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has visited the family of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Speaking with journalists after the visit,Governor Aiyedatiwa said the late governor had always been a courageous person who has governed Ondo State in the last six or seven years with great courage and so many legacies.

The Governor described his late principal as a sincere, courageous, selfless and patriotic leader who fought for his people, championed development and touched many lives.

Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated that the demise of his late boss is a great loss to Ondo State, tthe Southwest region and Nigeria at large, stressing that Akeredolu’s struggle for a peaceful, fair and just society is one that can never be forgotten in a hurry.

Aiyedatiwa said: We are here as government under my leadership on behalf of the good people of Ondo State to pay a condolence visit to the immediate and extended family of our former Governor, Arakurin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu ,san, who passed on yesterday”.

‘’We are here as the government of Ondo State, of which I am the leader, to pay a condolence visit to the family of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu. He had always been our leader, a courageous one for that matter. One who has governed Ondo State in the last six or seven years with great courage and so many legacies he left behind. He is an exemplary leader. A leader that believed in fairness and equity.

‘’A Senior Advocate of Nigeria who spoke on national issues so that proper decisions can be made. He was known for that as an activist. Today, he is no more. We have to pay him back that respect by coming to the family to condole with them.

‘’We pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and to able to emulate some of sterling qualities he was known for so that we can keep some of the legacies he left behind’’

Responding on behalf of the Akeredolu Family, the younger brother of the deceased, Pastor Kola Akeredolu, thanked the delegation led by Governor Aiyedatiwa for the thoughtful visit.

Prayers were offered for the Akeredolu Family while Governor Aiyedatiwa led others to the signing of the condolence register.

Politics

Aiyedatiwa Begs Akeredolu on Political Crisis Rocking State

By Web News 433

The Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has tendered an unreserved apology to the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, over the embarrassment that the ongoing political crisis must have caused in the state.

Aiyedatiwa, who said the crisis was being caused or fueled by some political contenders in the state, reiterated that he remained loyal to the governor and his administration.

The deputy governor stated this while speaking with journalists in his office in Akure, the state capital.

He said, “I am deeply saddened by the embarrassment and discomfort that Mr. Governor has faced due to the barrage of negative news in the state as a result of the events of the last few months. I tender my sincere apology to Mr. Governor on this as our leader in the state.”

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Lifestyle

Agagu’s legacy in Ondo cannot be forgotten – Aiyedatiwa

By Web News 504

By Olorunferanmi Odofin

The International Cultural and Event Centre, The Dome, in Akure was on Thursday filled to capacity as political associates, erudite scholars, traditional rulers, families and friends of late former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu gathered for his tenth memorial Colloquium.

Addressing the gathering, the Acting Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa described Late Dr Agagu as a great leader who wrote his name in gold in the history of Ondo State.

Mr Aiyedatiwa represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Olayato Aribo explained that the late governor executed several laudable projects apart from making public the State’s monthly income while in office.

Also speaking, the former Deputy Governor during Agagu’s tenure, Otunba Omolade Oluwateru and former governor of Ekiti State, Olusegun Oni, who was also the Chairman at the occasion, said Late Agagu was a leader with zero tolerance for abandoned projects and corruption.

Some of those who worked with the late former governor, including the current chairman of SUBEB In Ondo State, Mr Victor Olabimtan and a former Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker, Dr Bakita Bello maintained that the Late Agagu governed with a high sense of responsibility and also gave back to humanity.

Appreciating the organisers, his son, Feyi Agagu expressed gratitude for the show of love to the family after the demise of their father.

 Late Dr Olusegun Kokumo Agagu was a minister of aviation as well as power and steel before becoming a governor in 2003.

He died on the 13th of September 2013 at the age of 65.

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Politics

Court Upholds Akeredolu’s Election

By Web News 748

The Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal, saddled with the task of handling the complaints emanating from the October 2020 governorship poll in the state, has dismissed a petition filled by the PDP and its candidate, Eyitayo Jegede against the reelection of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN of the APC.

The petition was struck out for want of Jurisdiction and lack of merit.

Delivering the judgement virtually, the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Umar Abubakar, held that issues raised therein in this petition are settled issue of internal affairs and Management of a political party which the Tribunal has no Jurisdiction.

The tribunal ruled that Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his Deputy Lucky Aiyedatiwa were duly nominated and sponsored by the APC in line with section 177 of the constitution and section 31 of the electoral Act.

Justice Abubakar said the electoral laws did not specify who to submit the names of candidates. The chairman doing so is just for administrative convenience.

Justice Abubakar noted that no extra cost will be put on any parties in the petition as parties would be made to bear their costs.

The Chairman of the Tribunal added that copies of the judgment would be made available to concerned parties.

The virtual judgment monitored by Radio Nigeria was also witnessed by the State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his deputy, Lucky Ayedatiwa, the petitioner, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, State Commissioner of Police and DSS headquarters in Abuja among others.

Adegbite/Abudu