Governance

Gov. Abiodun Swears-In 3 Judges

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By Abimbola Bamgbose

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has sworn in three judges of the State High Court and State Customary Court with a charge to use their vast experience to accelerate dispensation of justice in the state.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Cinema Hall, Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, was attended by Chief Judge Justice Modupe Dipeolu, Deputy Governor, Naimot Salako, Ogun State Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, Deputy Chief of Staff Toyin Taiwo, judges, and government officials.

Governor Abiodun, in his address, urged the newly appointed judges to resist temptation, uphold honesty, and adhere to truth in their judgments. 

He emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in safeguarding politics in Ogun State and advised the judges to prioritize justice, uphold the people’s customs, and ensure equity and fairness in their decisions.

Highlighting the significance of professionalism, Governor Abiodun encouraged the newly appointed judges to discharge their duties with dedication and honor, serving the state diligently. 

He expressed gratitude to Chief Judge Modupe Dipeolu for maintaining the integrity, discipline, and truthfulness of the state judiciary. 

The governor concluded by affirming his commitment to supporting the welfare of all judiciary members.

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News

Ogun Assembly Impeaches Speaker

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By Omolara Adasofunjo

There’s palpable tension at the Ogun State House of Assembly, following the removal of the Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo. 

A member representing Odeda state constituency at the House, Mr Oludaisi Elemide has been installed as the new Speaker. 

The impeachment of Mr Oluomo was described as a simple majority decision within the assembly, with eighteen out of the 26 members supporting the impeachment. 

The lawmaker representing Obafemi Owode, Mr Damilola Soneye who addressed journalists outside the Assembly chambers accused the impeached Speaker of funds diversion, embezzlement and high-handedness among other offences. 

Other members of the House also alleged that the ousted Speaker had failed to carry everyone along in his administration of the Assembly, giving the assurance that the move was not targeted at the executive arm of the government or the Governor of the State, Prince Dapo Abiodun. 

Observers have described the development as the climax of the lingering power contest between the duo of Messirs Elemide and Oluomo, during which the impeached speaker was reported to have emerged victorious through the influence of a supposed higher authority.

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Governance

Nigeria Will Rise Again says Abiodun 

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By Oluwatoyin Adegoke / Abimbola Bamgbose 

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to have faith in the current political system, the government and its leaders, saying the country is on the verge of rising again.

He also called on them to shun all acts of violence or acts that do not define them as a people.

The governor stated this during the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Prince Abiodun also called on Nigerians to continue to be their brother’s keeper, urging them to stay away from sowing discord among themselves.

The governor urged Nigerians to subscribe to the spirit of nation-building and nationalism while supporting the families of fallen heroes.

“Let us eschew the spirit of brotherhood amongst ourselves. Let us uphold the spirit of not just nationhood but optimism. Let us have faith in our system, our government, and our leaders. Nigeria is on the verge of rising again.

“For those of us that are not privileged or bold enough to join the armed forces, we should subscribe to nation-building and patriotism.

“We should not be the ones that continue to sow the seed of discord amongst ourselves. We should not begin to fan the flame of discord amongst ourselves; let us be our brother’s keeper.

“Let us shun all act of violence or acts that do not define us as a people, acts that does not define us as citizens of the biggest conglomeration of black people on the continent,” he said.

Prince Abiodun charged Nigerians to show an act of kindness to the patriots who paid the ultimate price for defending the territorial integrity of the country by reaching out to the families they left behind, saying that the government cannot do it alone.

The highlight of the event included the release of pigeons to signify peace and the laying of a wreath by Governor Abiodun, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Micheal Adedotun Gbadebo.

Others were the Akarigbo and Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona who was represented by the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebajo.

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Crime

Ogun Speaker to be Arraigned in Lagos Monday

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The Ogun State House of Assembly Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, is to be arraigned in Lagos on Monday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged financial crimes, an impeccable source within the anti-graft agency confirmed to our correspondent Saturday night.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, noted that the agency was leaving no stone unturned in its bid to arraign the Chief lawmaker, adding that some political actors had been making efforts to stall the arraignment.

He said, “We’re leaving no stone unturned concerning this Oluomo’s matter. He will be arraigned in court in Lagos State on Monday or later in the week, as we’re currently preparing charges against him.

“We’re arraigning him in Lagos because it’s a jurisdictional matter. Some highly placed personalities are doing everything to frustrate his arraignment, but he’s expected to go explain or defend himself in court on Monday.”

The Speaker was arrested by officials of the EFCC at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Thursday morning and secretly flown to Abuja, and was still in the custody of the anti-graft agency, Saturday night.

He was said to have been on the wanted list of the commission following his failure to honour the EFCC’s invitation several times.

Oluomo and others (yet to be named) were accused of forging signatures and financial documents belonging to the state Assembly.

The EFCC National and South-West spokespersons, Mr Wilson Uwujaren and Mr Dele Oyewale, did not respond to their calls nor responded to WhatsApp and text messages from our correspondent, Saturday night.

A member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing the ruling All Progressives Congress, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, however, confirmed the situation.

He said, “The information you got is correct. Our speaker was arrested by officials of the EFCC earlier this morning. From what I gathered, he was alleged to have been involved in misappropriation and embezzlement of funds.”

It was further gathered that the absence of the Speaker prevented the House from observing its last Thursday sitting.

Deputy Speaker, Akeem Balogun, who is statutorily saddled with the responsibility of conducting the businesses of the Assembly, also could not convene the sitting of the House.

On Thursday, staff members of the Assembly complex were seen gathering in groups and discussing in a hushed tone.

The Speaker’s refusal to honour the EFCC’s invitation was said to be premised on the existing litigation instituted by the Assembly earlier in January this year at the Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, against the agency.

Speaking on the development, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Yussuf Adejojo, said the Speaker’s arrest might have prevented the lawmakers from observing its sitting.

Oluomo was granted bail on Friday.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

Politics

Ogun Assembly Postpones Plenary Over Speaker’s Arrest

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The Ogun State House of Assembly appears to have been thrown into confusion following the reported arrest of the Speaker of the House, Mr Olakunle Oluomo. 

Although the lawmakers were yet to issue any official reaction to the arrest, the Thursday morning plenary of the House could not be held as the members were observed to be preoccupied with plans and other critical matters. 

The Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegations of offences bordering on financial crimes.

He was reportedly picked up this morning at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by EFCC operatives and taken into custody for questioning. 

Media reports claimed that the EFCC accused Mr Oluomo of failing to honour several invitations by the Commission. 

Toyin Adegoke

Politics

Ogun Assembly Speaker Calls for Collective Efforts to Tackle Challenges

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The Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, has called for continued prayers to surmount the challenges bedeviling the nation and the entire global community.

Mr Oluomo, who made the call in a New Year message through his Special Assistant on Media, Mr AbdulGhaffar Adeleye emphasised the need for collective prayers of all to overcome the challenges posed by the spike in Corona virus, insecurity and other socio-economic challenges. 

He stressed the need for Nigerians to abide by all preventive measures and regulations towards containing the spread of corona pandemic in the State and the nation.

According to the Speaker, the nation’s unity remained sacrosanct, hence, the need for all and sundry to remain united in confronting the challenges bedeviling the country. 

The Speaker, who admonished residents of the state to join hands with government for the delivery of more democratic dividends, promised to build on the existing executive-legislative interdependence for more socio-economic advancement of  the state. 

Oluwatoyin Adegoke. 

Politics

OGHA Confirms Gov. Abiodun’s Nominees for Ipokia LG

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Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, has screened and confirmed Governor Dapo Abiodun’s nominees for transition committee members for Ipokia Local Government with a charge on them to shun partisan politics and work for the growth and development of the state. 

The nominees are, Mr. Kabir Abolurin, Mr. Ezekiel Apo, Mrs. Rasheedat Mulikat and Mr. Bola Sokenu.

The confirmation was sequel to the adoption of the report of the selection committee read by the majority leader, Mr. Yusuf Sheriff and accepted by the whole house through a voice vote.

Speaker, Mr. Olakunle Oluomo during the screening exercise at the Assembly complex charged the nominees to work hard and also cooperate with legislators from their constituency. 

It would be recalled that the screening for nominees from Ipokia Local Government was postponed due to the death of the former chairman nominee.

The Assembly had earlier in the year screened and confirmed transition committee members of nineteen local government areas in the state.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Politics

OGHA Confirms Appointment of Commissioner, President, Ogun Customary Court of Appeal, Others

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The Ogun House of Assembly, OGHA, has confirmed the appointment of Mrs. Kikelomo Longe as Commissioner and Justice Mobolaji Ojo as President, Ogun State Customary Court of Appeal.

The confirmation of the nominees followed a motion moved by Mr. Yusuf Sherif and seconded by Mr. Jemili Akingbade during plenary, chaired by the Speaker, Mr. Olakunle Oluomo. 

The majority leader who had earlier read the report of the Committee to the Whole House, said the nominees were found capable and suitable.

Meanwhile, Chairmen and members of caretaker committee from six local government all in Ogun Central Senatorial District have been screened by the state house of assembly, with a charge to promote peace and development at the grassroots.

The speaker, Mr. Olakunle Oluomo gave the charge during the screening held at the Assembly complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta. 

Mr. Oluomo also encouraged the committee members to avoid political segregation in the discharge of their duties and strengthen cordial relationship with all stakeholders. 

Oluwatoyin Adegoke