Culture

Former Govs. Visit Olubadan-Designate

By Web News 334

By Wale Asake

Three former State Governors have joined the list of eminent Nigerians who have paid a congratulatory visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja at his Private Residence in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State. 

They were Senator Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Aregbesola, a former Minister of Interior and currently National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, said his visit was to pay homage to the incoming Olubadan of Ibadanland, considering his immense contributions to the society. 

Corroborating the former Governor of Osun State, Dr Mimiko described Oba Ladoja as a great man with track records of achievements. 

In a separate visit, former Ogun State Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Senator Daniel maintained that Oba Ladoja was a great politician and Governor when they both served. 

Senator Daniel narrated how they both worked together to protect South Western heritage from collapsing and going into extinction, adding that Oba Ladoja will surely use his wealth of experience to further develop Ibadan and beyond. 

Responding, Oba Ladoja, said, service to humanity and contributions to the society have always been his priority, therefore solicited the prayers of everyone for a successful reign.

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Health

Aiyedatiwa Hails PHC Task Force

By Web News 44

By Bukola Bardi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa says his administration’s huge investment in the health sector is to ensure that all residents of Ondo state have access to affordable healthcare services.

The governor stated this in Akure during the first quarterly meeting of the Ondo State Task Force on Primary Healthcare for the year 2025.

Addressing members of the Task Force and other stakeholders in the health sector, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed delight at the renewed commitment of all partners to the improvement of healthcare services across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.

“Our administration has continued to prioritise huge investment into health services from the primary to higher levels of healthcare. This shall continue with more vigour and passion. We are placing emphasis on sector reforms, improved service delivery and equitable access to healthcare for every resident of our State.” He said

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the meeting was timely as the State continues to face the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as maternal and child health challenges, stressing the importance of proactive strategies in the face of evolving global health threats.

He identified five priority areas that should guide the deliberations of the committee to include strengthening the primary healthcare system, expanding immunization and disease surveillance, improving maternal and child health indicators, promoting health education and awareness in rural communities as well as ensuring transparency, accountability, and optimal resource use.

The governor commended the Task Force for its performance during the last epidemic response and called for sustained collaboration among ministries, local government councils, healthcare providers, development partners, and the private sector.

“Let us ensure that our policies are inclusive, evidence-based, and focused on long-term impact. On the part of government, I assure you of our full support and the political will necessary to implement the recommendations that may emerge.”

Aiyedatiwa used the occasion to appreciate the contributions of Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, health workers, market leaders, development partners, and other community stakeholders who continue to support the State’s efforts in delivering quality healthcare.

In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support for the Primary Healthcare especially the release of fund for the upgrade of the agency and other facilities.

He stated that the state won the leadership award challenge in the South West noting that the political will of the government had brought massive improvement to the state health system.

In a goodwill message, the special adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their commitment in improving the health sector noting that the Governor had been giving priority to the health sector.

Professor Odimayo commended the Governor’s effort in the establishment of a Federal Teaching Hospital in the state and also the approval for the recruitment of new health workers for the PHC among others.

Speaking on behalf of partners, representative of the World Health Organization WHO, Mr Moses appreciated the numerous achievements of government in the sector and pledged renewed commitment to improving the state’s health care delivery system.

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Crime

Police Nab Five Suspected Kidnappers

By Web News 20

By Leke Adegbite

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested five suspected kidnappers and two okada riders aiding them in terrorising parts of the state in the last few weeks
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Olutokunbo Afolabi announced this while parading the suspects in Akure.
The Commissioner said the suspected kidnappers are; Abdullahi Mallam Bala, Umaru Abubakar Sanda and Yusuf Ahmadu, while the duo of Ridwan Salisu and Umar Isyaku, were apprehended in connection with various kidnapping cases recorded recently in Ondo State.
The Police Boss named the two Okada riders who are aiding the kidnappers with food and logistics, as Lekan Temitope a.k.a legelege and Komolafe Sunday a.k.a Veego, noting that the police recorded the success with the full collaboration of local vigilantes and hunters.
Mr Afolabi disclosed that many suspects had been apprehended over kidnapping in the state but the police tactical team is still working on how to arrest more kingpins before making their status public, commending Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for making efforts to provide logistics and technical support for the Police command to tackle security challenges in the state.
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Governance

Newly Elected Ondo Local Govt. Chairmen Receive Certificates of Return

By Web News 402

By Kayode Animasaun

The newly elected Chairmen in last Saturday’s Local Government elections in Ondo state have received Certificates of Return from the Ondo State Independent Election Commission ODIEC.

Also presented the certificates were the Vice chairmen-elect from the 18 local government Areas of the state.

Presenting the Certificates to the Chairmen-elect at the Commission’s headquarters in Akure, ODIEC Chairman, Dr Joseph Aremo said, the election was conducted across the State by the law guiding the Electoral body.

Dr Aremo commended the staff of ODIEC for their commitment and professionalism displayed before and during the election.

The ODIEC chairman said reports from other States’ Independent Electoral Commissions teams who monitored the election have rated the last Saturday election as being the best conducted in recent times.

He however urged the chairmen-elect to deliver on their electioneering promises and prioritise the development of the grassroots.

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Politics

NOA Advocates Active Participation of Residents in Ondo Council Election

By Web News 248

By Kayode Animasaun

As preparations intensify for the January 18th local government elections in Ondo State, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on the people of the state to come out en mass to elect candidates of their choice into Chairmanship and Councillorship seats in the 18 Local Government areas of the state.

The State Director of Ondo NOA, Mr James Adekunle made the call during an engagement with stakeholders and Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers (COMOs) of the Agency where he instructed the COMOs across the 18 LGA of the State to intensify voter education and elections sensitization. 

In a statement signed by the Ondo NOA Public Relations Officer, Mr Ralph Oguntibeju, The state director assured residents of  ODIEC’s determination to conduct credible, free and fair elections into various positions at the Local Government level.

Mr Adekunle advised the electorate to shun vote selling and other forms of practices inimical to democratic governance. 

While discouraging any act of violence during the election, Mr Adekunle called on Security Operatives in the State to ensure peace, safety and Protection of people before, during and after the poll.

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Culture

Ondo Begins Public Hearing on Draft of Chieftancy Declaration

By Web News 305

By Kayode Animasaun 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa said his administration will no longer allow stools of traditional rulers to be unnecessarily vacant.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this at the opening ceremony of a public hearing on the draft of the Chieftaincy Declaration held in Akure the state capital.

Represented by the Commissioner for  Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Amidu Takuro the governor described as unacceptable a situation whereby stools of monarchs were vacant for over 10 years due to litigation or other factors.

He said the draft of the Chieftaincy Declaration was aimed at making Ondo State a model for other states to copy in Nigeria and to put an end to unnecessary delay in throne ascension in all towns and communities in the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa who lamented the rate of litigations surrounding Chieftaincy tussles across the state said there was the need for the state government to wade in by coming up with documents that would address succession plans for every traditional ruler.

Some traditional rulers at the event commended the state government for coming up with the public hearing, expressing the hope that the step would put an end to the Chieftaincy title crises.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update GroupBy Kayode Animasaun 

Security

Normalcy Returns to Owo as Police Arrest 19 Suspects, Confirm 4 Casualties 

By Web News 449

By: Leke Adegbite

The new Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr Olutokunbo Afolabi, has assumed office.

He confirmed the arrests of 19 suspects and the killing of four persons in Monday’s cult clashes in Owo.

Addressing newsmen in Akure, Mr Afolabi said he had paid an on-the-spot assessment to Owo Township to get firsthand information on the crisis, and a full-scale investigation had been launched to ascertain the real cause of the mayhem.

The new Police Commissioner pointed out that normalcy had been restored to Owo, and the residents of the town were complying with the curfew imposed by Governor Aiyedatiwa.

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, who was posted to Ondo State on December 24, 2024, promised that he would enhance professionalism, discipline and welfare packages for his officers.

Mr Afolabi who lamented the proliferation of illegal firearms in circulation as demonstrated by killings in Owo, said he would deploy his men to arrest bearers and retrieve such weapons.

He warned that he would set up a special team to monitor the operations of policemen on roads in the state to checkmate their excesses of alleged molestation of road users.

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Security

Aiyedatiwa Receives New Commissioner of Police, Briefed on Owo Crisis

By Web News 384

By Bukola Bardi

The new Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, paid his first official visit to the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday. 

Governor Aiyedatiwa received the Police Commissioner at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House in Akure. 

During the visit, the immediate past Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr. Abayomi Oladipupo, formally introduced his successor to the Governor.

The Police bosses also used the visit to brief the governor on the security disturbances in Owo Local Government Area of the State. 

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Crime

Police Confirm Killing of Four Persons in Ondo

By Web News 477

By Bukola Bardi

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed that four persons were killed in a clash involving some suspected cult groups in Owo town, in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Police Public Relations Officer Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya disclosed this while confirming the incident to Newsmen in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

Reports had it that Gunmen suspected to be cult members had killed a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Fisayo Oladipo, in the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo state and four others.

Mr Oladipo, 52, was reportedly shot dead around 2:00 a.m. on Monday in a violent cult-related clash, an incident that has set a section of the Owo town on fire.

Sources who confirmed the incident in a chat revealed that the suspects, believed to be members of the Eiye confraternity group, had trailed the deceased to his home around Ehin-Ogbe in Owo before he was shot.

Mr Oladipo, fondly known as “Fissy,” was a prominent youth leader of the APC in Owo before his assailants killed him.

His remains have been taken to the morgue at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo.

Giving details on the incident, the police spokesperson in Ondo state said “We can’t confirm if an APC Chieftain was affected, but four people have been confirmed dead.

“Normalcy has returned through the intervention of the Police, efforts are on to arrest perpetrators of the act.“

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Crime

Dawn-to-Dusk Curfew in Owo over Cult Clashes

By Web News 354

By Bukola Bardi

Due to the ongoing violent cult clashes and security disturbances in Owo which have led to loss of lives, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has ordered a dawn-to-dusk curfew in the town, till further notice.

All residents are required to remain indoors during the curfew. Only essential services, such as hospitals, emergency services, and law enforcement, will be exempted from the curfew.

The Governor has also asked security agencies in the state to enforce the curfew, ensure the safety of lives, and properties, arrest perpetrators of the violence and restore peace to the community.

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Lifestyle

SSG: Aiyedatiwa Pays Condolence Visit to Deji, Akure Community 

By Web News 223

– By Bukola Bardi

We’ve lost one of our finest, says Deji of Akure 

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has paid a condolence visit to the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, over the demise of the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Temitayo Oluwatuyi. 

Hon. Oluwatuyi, popularly known as Tuykana, who died last Saturday, was a prominent Akure indigene.

Governor Aiyedatiwa led members of the State Executive Council on the visit to the palace where he met with the Deji-in-Council and leaders of Akure-speaking communities.

The Governor described the death of Oluwatuyi as a painful one, saying the late SSG was a jolly good fellow who was loved by all.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the late Oluwatuyi was a rare politician, a grassroots mobiliser and a trusted ally.

The Governor prayed for God to grant the entire Akure community the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

Responding, Oba Aladelusi, who said the death of Oluwatuyi is a great loss to Akure, added that the community has lost a big fish and one of its finest.

The monarch said the Akure community will intensify prayers, thanking Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support for the community. 

The Asae of Akure Kingdom, Senior High Chief Sola Adegbonmire, led special prayers for the family of the late Oluwatuyi, the Akure community and the State.

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Crime

Father in Court for Defiling 8-Year-Old Daughter

By Web News 200

The Ondo State Police Command has dragged a 35-year-old herb seller, Taiwo Mufutau, before an Akure family Magistrate court, for allegedly, defiling his 8-year-old biological daughter. Mufutau was arraigned on a single charge of rape, a violation of Section 25(a) of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of 2021.

The police prosecutor, Martins Olowofeso, informed the court that “the defendant was apprehended on June 18, 2004, following a report made to the Anti-kidnapping Unit at Alagbaka about the inappropriate relationship between him and his daughter. Olowofeso said that the defendant was subsequently detained for further investigation.

The charge sheet reads: “That you, Mufutau Taiwo, 35, male, on June 5, 2024, at about 4:pm at No. 40 Egbe-Road, Ayedun Quarters, Akure, did have carnal knowledge of your daughter, (name withheld), aged 8 years old, of the same address, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 25(a) of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2021.”

The Police prosecutor told the court that Taiwo and his wife ran away from their house after the crime and went to Osun State to obtain a fake doctor’s report claiming that nothing happened to the girl.

Olowofeso added that the Police Investigating Officer(IPO), conducted another test in Akure, which revealed that there was penetration and the girl had been bleeding for three days.

According to him, the defendant confessed to the alleged crime during questioning by the investigating officer. The plea of the defendant was not taken due to the nature of the offence.
Olowofeso, through an application, urged the court to remand the defendant at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the issuance of advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

But counsel to the defendant, G.O. Omoedu, informed the court that his client was just served and that he would need some time to respond on points of law. Omoedu therefore, urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him to reply to the remand application.
In her ruling, the trial Magistrate, B.A. Alipohul ordered that the defendant be remanded in police custody. Alipohul thereafter, adjourned the case till July 4, 2024, for hearing.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Human Angle

Police Investigate Death of Lovers inside Ondo Apartment

By Web News 187

The Ondo State Police Command says it has commenced investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of a man and his girlfriend in the state.

A middle-aged man identified as Eric and his yet-to-be-identified girlfriend were reportedly found dead at a new apartment located in the Ayeyemi area of  Ondo town, Ondo State, on Thursday.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the lifeless bodies of the lovers were found stuck together in a sexual position, indicating that they were having sex before the incident happened. They were said to have been separated by a doctor but they had died.

The real cause of the death of the secret lovers had yet to be unravelled as of the time of filing this report but a source claimed that the secret lovers were electrocuted during the sex romp.

The source who refused to identify himself because he did not have the authority to speak to the media on the matter said, “The generator running on the premises of their building and a phone was seen charging on a socket placed on the bed. It may be possible that they had contact with a naked wire, resulting in their electrocution.”

Another source said the relatives of the deceased found them dead when they checked on him after they didn’t answer their phone calls the following day.  They looked through a window, spotted the bodies, and then broke down the door to enter.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation had commenced into the incident.

“The man and the woman were lovers who were known by both relatives. They died in the room but they were not stuck together. We have yet to know the cause but an investigation has commenced,” the PPRO stated.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Religion

Be Good Ambassadors, Aiyedatiwa Charges Intending Pilgrims

By Web News 251


By Olufisoye Adenitan 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has charged the 502 intending pilgrims to this year’s  Hajj to be good ambassadors of the state and abide by the rules of engagement in the Holy Land.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who gave the charge while addressing the 502 Intending pilgrims in Akure, said his administration would continue to support the Muslim communities in the state. 

Represented by his deputy, Chief Olayide Adelami, Aiyedatiwa enjoined the pilgrims to pray for the state and the nation at large, expressing hope that they would all return safely after their religious duties at the Holy Land.

Chairman,  Ondo State  Muslim Welfare  Board,  Alhaji Zikirulai Chandy, who appreciated the governor’s support, noted that the  intending  pilgrims had gone  through an orientation that would prepare  them  for the pilgrimage.

Leaders of the Muslim community in Ondo State had gathered at the State Muslim Welfare Board to pray and bid farewell to intending 502 pilgrims, who will depart for Mecca.

The 502 Ondo State hajj pilgrims are expected to spend 30-35 days in Mecca.

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Lifestyle

Ondo Donates Relief Materials to Victims of Rainstorm

By Web News 265

By Olufisoye Adenitan

Ondo Government has donated relief materials to over 300 victims affected by rainstorm in Akure North Local Government. 

Presenting the relief materials in Ita-Ogbolu, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the people of the state, which is to prioritize their welfare at all times. 

The governor was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, who doubles as chairman of Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA).

While distributing the materials, the deputy recalled that Governor Aiyedatiwa while inspecting the affected properties a few months ago had promised Ita-Ogbolu monarch and people of the town that his administration would provide succor.

Adelami revealed that the governor has directed that the materials be given to everyone affected by the disaster, regardless of political affiliations. 

Items distributed included 340 households, bags of cement, mattresses, iron sheets and nails. 

In a remark, the Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, Oba Idowu Faborede, who appreciated the governor for being responsive, promised that his people would reciprocate the kind gesture. 

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Politics

Ondo Poll: INEC Says 261,703 PVCs Uncollected

By Web News 283

Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, weekend, said that over 261,703 Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, have remained uncollected in Ondo State, ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, said that out of 1,991,344 registered voters, 1,729,641 have collected their PVCs in the state.

Babalola said this during the stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Commission in Akure, the state capital.

According to her, all the 210 centres that will be opened for the CVR exercise have been identified, listed, and published on INEC website.

18 political parties are participating in the November 16 gubernatorial polls in the state.

Also speaking during the meeting, the INEC National Commissioner supervising Ondo, Ogun and Osun States, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, appealed to election stakeholders to mobilize prospective registrants for the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ahead of the governorship election in the State.

Ajayi particularly urged the stakeholders comprising the representatives of media houses, civil society organisations, political parties, security agencies and People Living with Disabilities on the need to assist the commission in sensitizing prospective registrants to register early, not engage in double registration, and for parents to warn or prevent their wards from engaging in under age registration.

Ajayi who recalled that the commission announced the plan to resume the CVR as part of its preparations for the election in the state, said the last CVR exercise ended in July 2022, before the 2023 general elections.

The new CVR exercise will commence from Monday May 27 to Wednesday June 5, 2024 from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm daily, including the weekend.

According to him: ”The Commission believes that within this period, there would have been a lot of young boys and girls who would have grown to the constitutionally approved voting age of 18 years and any other eligible voters who have been unable to register during the previous CVR exercises would be able to take advantage of this CVR to do so”.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Lifestyle

Aiyedatiwa, Families, Friends Bid Farewell to Akintelure

By Web News 356

By Isaac Afolabi

It was a gathering of contestants in the last APC primary election in Ondo State including families and friends to bid farewell to the late Dr Paul Akintelure.

The Cathedral Church of St Pius Catholic Church Igbotako -Osooro in Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State was filled with the congregation dressed in various attires, some in customized shirts crested with the deceased picture

In a sermon, Rev.Father Clement Odia admonished members and political leaders to live a selfless life that would speak good of them after leaving office.

Reverend Father Odia commended the late Dr Paul Akintelure for his philanthropic roles, foresight, accessibility, and being a peaceful party man who never betrayed his party.

In an address, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa sympathized with the immediate family saying Dr Akintelure served humanity, impacted lives, and was a loyal party member.

Prominent among the dignitaries who attended the service included Aspirants in the just concluded primary such as Mr Olusola Oke, Mr Diran Iyantan,Mr Ifẹ Oyedele, former NMA President, Dr Dayo Faduyile former commissioner for education Femi Agagu, Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese Most Reverend Jude Arogundade among others.

Late Dr Paul Akintelure who was a guber aspirant died in the run-up to the  APC  governorship primary.

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Politics

Ondo Former Deputy Governor Wins PDP Ticket

By Web News 303

By Abiodun Akinluwa/Olumide Abudu

Ondo State former Deputy Governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi has won the governorship election primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP held at International Event Centre, the Dome ahead of the November 16th Guber poll. 

Mr Agboola Ajayi polled two hundred and sixty four votes to defeat other six aspirants. 

Announcing the results, the Chairman of the PDP Primary Election Committee and the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo said Mr Agboola Ajayi polled the highest number of lawful votes cast.

Mr Ewhrudjakpo noted that six hundred and twenty one delegates were accredited and voted as well while six delegates were absent. 

Out of the total votes cast, two votes were voided.

The Committee Chairman commended the conduct of the delegates and the aspirants in the election processes. 

Other aspirants votes recorded are as follows, former Member of the House of Representatives, Mr Kolade Akinjo polled one hundred and fifty seven, Chief Sola Ebiseni polled ninety nine votes, Deolu Akinwumi polled sixty four votes, Chief Bamidele Akingboye scores twenty four votes, John Ola Mafo polled nine votes and Deacon Bosun polled two votes.

Responding to his emergence, Mr Agboola Ajayi commended the transparent process of the primary election and promised to work with other aspirants to ensure victory for the PDP in the November 16th Governorship Election. 

The primary election was witnessed by the Ondo State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, Accredited observers and security agencies. 

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Politics

Ondo Guber: ADP Picks Ayodeji Akinnodi as Candidate

By Web News 340

By Oluwatosin Ighoteguono

The Action Democratic party, ADP has picked Mr Ayodeji Akinnodi as its candidate for the November governorship election in Ondo State.

Mr Akinnodi was picked through a consensus which was affirmed by delegates from all the eighteen local government areas of the state.

The event held in Akure, the state capital was witnessed the ADP National Chairman, Mr Yabagi Yusuf, the State Chairman and Mr Olufemi Oladejo while it was supervised by INEC officials 

Addressing the delegates, the National chairman, Mr Yusuf noted that Mr Akinnodi had worked tirelessly for development of the party, hence the decision to offer him the governorship ticket.

The state chairman, Mr Oladejo expressed optimisim that with Mr Akinnodi as the ADP governorship candidate, he was sure that the party would come out victorious in the November 16 election.

In his acceptance speech, the flagbearer, Mr Akinnodi who explained that he was in the race to enhance the development of Ondo state promised to give priority attention to infrastructure, health, transport, education, power and housing sectors.

The ADP governorship candidate who pledged to involve youths in his government if given the opportunity to serve the state appreciated the party for offering him the ticket unopposed.

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Politics

Ayedatiwa, 15 Others Slug it out for APC Ticket

By Web News 832

By Bukola Bardi

All is now set for the conduct of the governorship primary election of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, in Ondo State today.

Sixteen aspirants are jostling for the party’s ticket ahead of the November 16, 2024 governorship election in the state.

They are, the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), Wale Akinterinwa, Isaacs Kekemeke, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Mrs Funmilayo Waheed-Adekojo, Folakemi Omogoroye, Olusoji Ehinlanwo and Jimi Odimayo

Others are, Prince Diran Iyantan, Mayowa Akinfolarin, Olugbenga Edema, Prof. Adedayo Faduyile, Brigadier-General Felix Ohunyeye,(rtd) Morayo Lebi and Ifeoluwa Oyedele.

Already, the party had opted for a direct primary to pick its standard bearer and the election will be held in all the 203 political wards across the state.

The APC had on Thursday announced Kogi state governor, Usman Ododo as the Head of a seven-man committee constituted to oversee the primary election.

In an interview with journalists in Akure, the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola said the commission was ready to monitor the primary.

She disclosed that the APC has notified the commission of their intentions to participate in the November election and the date of their primaries with the direct mode of the exercise

On security arrangements, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abayomi Oladipo said the command would ensure a hitch-free exercise across Ondo state.

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Agriculture

Ayedatiwa Distributes Maize, Fish to Ondo Farmers

By Web News 282

By Isaac Afolabi

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has distributed forty trailers of maize to poultry, fish, and piggery farmers.

The governor gave out the items the launch of distribution of food commodities to farmers at the Agric warehouse Oke-Eda Akure.

Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa appealed for fair pricing regime among farmers and traders and not exploit consumers. 

Staff reporter Isaac Afolabi report that the distribution program is intended to force down the prices of eggs, chicken and other related produce in the market.

According to the governor , subsequent distribution of more food commodities will be rolled out.

Earlier in a welcome address, chairman, committee on  agriculture and food security , Mr Rotimi Akinsola expressed gratitude to the governor for establishing the committee, emphasizing the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people.

Highlights of the event included decoration of the governor as grand patron by the ondo state agricultural commodities association.

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Religion

Make State’s Interest Foremost, Ayedatiwa Admonishes Politicians

By Web News 218

By Isaac Afolabi

Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa has called for religious tolerance with an appeal to political gladiators to put the state ahead of their interest.

The governor made the appeal during the breaking of the fast, iftar with the Muslim community at the Dome in Akure.

Ayedatiwa said his administration would solve all religious crises Inherited from past administrations, especially in Ikare and would do all it could to improve the welfare of the people of the state irrespective of religious affiliation.

In an Iftar lecture, the Imam Khalid Fawehinmi mosque government house Alhaji Yusuf Anola also advocated peaceful coexistence in the state and asked politicians ahead of the party primaries not to heat up the polity.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman, the League of Imams and Alfas Ondo State, Alhaji Ahmad Aladesawe commended the governor and declared support of the Muslim community for the governor.

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Governance

Aiyedatiwa Seeks Legislature’s Confirmation of Commissioner-Nominees

By Web News 341

By Oriola /Afolabi

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has forwarded to the House of Assembly 12 names as Commissioners-nominee for confirmation.

A letter containing the list of the nominees was on Wednesday addressed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr . Olamide Oladiji, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tayo Oluwatuyi. 

According to a release by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebeneezer Adeniyan 

The nominees are Pastor Segun Ayerin ,

Mr. Olaolu Akindolire ,

Alhaji Hamidu Takuro and Dr. Banji Ajaka .

Others are Mr. Boye Ologbese, Mr. Sunday Akinwalere, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi and Mr. Saka Ogunleye.

The rest are Mr. Rasheed Badmus,  Mr. Olayato Aribo, 

Mr. Adewale Akinlosotu and 

Mr Gbenga Olaniyi.

The Governor urged the House of Assembly to give expedited consideration to the confirmation of the nominees.

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News

AIG Presents White Paper to Tackle Insecurity in Ondo, Ekiti

By Web News 517

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 Swears in Appointees

By Web News 425

By Isaac Afolabi

Six commissioners, eight special advisers and a new head of service for Ondo State have been sworn in. 

The International Centre for Culture and Events, the dome of Igbatoro Road Akure, the venue of the event was filled with dignitaries who dressed gorgeously for the event.

The new commissioners included Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan, Mr  Razaq Obe, Mrs Omowunmi Isaac, Dr Kayode Ajulọ, Mr Akinwunmi Sowore and Mr Oyeniyi Oseni,

The special advisers are Mr Gbenga Omole, Mrs Olamide Falana, Mr Alabi Johnson, Mr Smart Francis, Dr Olawumi Ilawole, Mr Babalola Ayoade, Mr Abdulganiyu Muhammed, Prof.Simidele Odunayo and the head of the service, Mr Bayo Philip.

Mr Bayo Philip is the sixteenth head of service in Ondo State.

In an acceptance speech, the head of service called on the state workers to rededicate their service to the civil service as his tenure would not tolerate lateness, or laxity to work but there would be promotion based on merit.

Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan who spoke on behalf of other appointees promised to give their best.

In an address, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa charged the appointees to see their new offices as a call to service urging them to redouble their efforts.

Our correspondent Isaac Afolabi reported that the Governor said he was aware of the present hardship but that several measures were being put in place to make life meaningful for the people.

This he said included the construction of rural roads to farm sites, prompt payment of workers’ salary gratuities to workers, free shuttle bus for students, payment of WASSCE for 2024 and plans to procure more gadgets and vehicles for security personnel in the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa appealed to political gladiators to maintain peace while going about their campaign stressing that the state is bigger than individual political ambition.

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