Ondo State Government has declared Thursday, 22nd and Friday, 23rd of February 2024 as public holidays in the State.
This is in honour of the former Governor of the State, late Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
A statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan says the two work-free day is to allow the people of the State to participate in the burial activities of the former Governor.
The burial activities started last week Thursday.
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.
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
Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTubeChannels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group
Ondo State government says there is no cause for alarm over the heath status of the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu following speculations in some quarters.
The governor’s Chief Press secretary, Richard Olatunde confirmed this in a release issued on Tuesday in Akure.
The release states that like every other mortal body , the governor is not immune to health issues but has since been receiving treatment and discharging his duty.
While appreciating the concern and prayers of the good people of the state, friends and other well wishers, the statement calls on the people to ignore false and needless anxiety over his state of health.
It adds that Governor Akeredolu will continue to discharge his duties effectively inline with his redeemed agenda as he finds quality time to rest for renewed strength.
Isaac Afolabi
Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group
The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Ikare Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko North-East Local Government Area of the state, following the crisis in the community.
In the past few days, two youth groups have been attacking each other after a new year carnival held in the town.
It was gathered that some people were killed while shops and vehicles were allegedly vandalised and burnt down by some hoodlums.
However, the curfew order was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, on Thursday.
The statement read, “A 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, with immediate effect.
“The decision was made at the State Security Council meeting chaired by the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN
“This follows the escalated violent clash in the town since Tuesday which has continued unabated, despite the meeting held by the Government and the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh and Owa Ale of Iyometa, Oba Adeleke Adegbite to rein-in their subjects.
“Security agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order just as investigations are already on to unravel the real cause(s) of the violent clash.
“For emphasis, Ikare Akoko has been closed down for any unauthorised human movement and activity until further notice.”
Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi
Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group
The mother of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, Mrs Grace Akeredolu is dead.
The death was confirmed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde, in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to the statement, the deceased passed on “peacefully in her sleep early Thursday morning. Mama was 90 years.”
The statement read, “She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members.
“Further announcements will be made by the family in due course.”
Punch/ Titilayo Kupoliyi
Subscribe to our Telegram channel
Close Circuit Television (CCTV) is to become a significant part of the security architecture in Ondo State.
The State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu to this effect has signed an Executive Order for the compulsory installation and use of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) devices in all public and private institutions across the state.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde in Akure.
The development comes on the heels of a horrendous attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church Owo on June 5, which left scores dead.
The Statement attributes the measure to the increased spate of insecurity in the country and the need to ensure the security of lives and properties in all public and private institutions and centres throughout the state.
It says the Executive Order shall be enforced at all religious places of worship, financial institutions (of all kinds), event centres, supermarkets, educational institutions (Schools), Hotels/Motels, Guest House, inns, Restaurants, Clinics and Health Centres, eateries (of all kinds), recreation or vehicular parks and other places regularly used by the public.
It cites the Constitutional provision to the effect of the step taken by the Ondo helmsman, “Pursuant to Section 176 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which vests in the Governor of Ondo State the Chief Executive powers of the state, the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, hereby issues the following Executive Orders:
The statement adds that “the owners, occupiers, managers and operators of public/private institutions within Ondo State shall mandatorily install, use and maintain CCTV devices and other secret cameras to monitor and keep surveillance on the daily activities in their premises and especially monitor the ingress and egress of people/vehicles at the said places, venues and centres. .
“That the installed CCTV devices apart from capturing all activities at the public/private institutions must also have data storage hardware and data stored therein should be made available to security agencies whenever it is required.
“That public/private institutions shall employ and maintain well-trained security personnel who shall man the entry and exit points to their various facilities/premises.
“That where necessary, the owners and occupiers of public/private institutions shall erect a well fortified perimeter fence with a security post at the entry and exit points.
“That this Executive Order shall be enforced by all security agencies particularly the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) and the Department of State Security Services (DSS).
The cautions against violation of the Executive Order “violators of this Executive Order shall be prosecuted in accordance with Section 203 of the Criminal Code (Cap. 37) Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria. End
Culled/Simeon Ugbodovon
A women rights group , the Womanifesto in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs and the office of the wife of the Governor have staged a protest in Akure the Ondo State capital demanding a stop to incessant killings across Nigeria.
The women led by the Governor’s wife , Mrs Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu and the National Coordinator of Womanifesto , Dr Abiola Akiyode all dressed in black carried placards with the inscriptions – ” Mr President Secure our lives” , #stop the killings.
The women took the protest to the Governor’s office in Alagbaka where they met with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and members of his cabinet.
Receiving the women group , Governor Akeredolu insisted that restructuring and adoption of state police were the viable options to getting the country out of the threats of insecurity.
The National Coordinator of the Womanifesto , Dr Akiyode presented the women’s demands including publication of the identities of the victims , thorough investigation , transparent security budget report among others.
Dr Akiyode asked the Governor to make the women demands known to President Muhammadu Buhari.
In an address , the wife of the Governor , Mrs Anyanwu – Akeredolu expressed deep sadness over the Owo Killings.
The commissioner for women affairs, Dr Adebunmi Oshadahun said the Owo incident was a dangerous signal.
The women later proceeded to Owo town where the Womanifesto group made some donations to the hospitals where the survivors were receiving treatment.
Oluwatosin Ighoteguono
Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu says the Federal Government was hasty in blaming the Islamic State’s West African Province (ISWAP) for the Owo church attack.
“The statement is too hasty. I take their conclusion with a pinch of salt. ISWAP don’t hide their attacks,” the Governor said during a meeting with Christian Solidarity International (CSI) on Friday.
“If they have done it, they would have owned up. We are yet to know their identity and our security people are still on their trail.” Governor Akeredolu stated.
Governor Akeredolu described the attack that led to scores of death and several injuries, as a crime against humanity.
He advocated state police to address the incessant attacks.
The Governor maintained that government would help victims of the attack, especially those who lost loved ones and the ones still in the hospital.
Adeniyi Bakare
A new digitalized certificate of occupancy C-OF-O under the Home Ownership Charter Scheme of Ondo state HOCOS has been Inaugurated .
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu while performing the ceremony in Akure the Ondo State capital gave out the documents to the first thirty beneficiaries.
Mr Akeredolu said the idea was to arrange a customer friendly approach for legitimate ownership of land in the state and boost economy.
He hinted that land owners without titles from the improved digitalized HOCOS C – Of – O would no longer access any form of compensation for property demolition occasioned by infrastructural projects.
In a remark , the commissioner for lands and infrastructure , Mr Raimi Aminu said the new phase of the project would kick start in earnest appealing to residents to patronize the scheme.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Deji of Akure Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, Olowa of Igbara Oke , Oba Francis Agbede, State APC chairman , Mr Ade Adetimehin.
Isaac Afolabi
A Presidential Aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC and former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu has promised to rebuild Nigeria with improved economy and unity if elected President.
Senator Tinubu gave the promise while addressing APC delegates in Akure the Ondo state capital.
The former governor said he was committed to making Nigeria more prosperous with unity and religious tolerance as his driving force towards repositioning the nation.
Senator Tinubu also announced that he would tap into the abundant natural resources of the country , improve the educational system and open up economic pathways such as the proposed Ondo sea port .
Earlier, Ondo state Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu charged the delegates to choose a dependable leader for the progress of the country.
Isaac Afolabi
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has expressed support for President Muhammadu Buhari, ordering the removal of the Yobe state governor, Mai Mala Buni as the APC Caretaker National Chairman and replacement with the Niger state governor, Sanni Bello.
A statement personally signed by Governor Akeredolu, expresses confidence in the ability and capacity of Governor Sanni Bello to take APC through a successful National Convention.
Mr Akeredolu insisted that only a few APC governors who he called “Yahoo, Yahoo Governors” were hand in glove with Mr Buni to circumvent the will of the majority of the party’s members and leaders nationwide.
The Ondo governor said no fraudulently procured court injunction could stop the forthcoming APC national convention, adding that Governor Sanni Bello, would be given the full backing of majority of the Progressives governors during the next week Thursday, National Executive Committee, NEC meeting of the party in Abuja.
PR/Leke Adegbite
It was an aura of pageantry as Akoko Anglican Grammar School, AKOGRAMS in Arigidi-Akoko, in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State celebrated its diamond jubilee.
The epoch making event attracted prominent personalities including the Minister of Interior and former Governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola who was an old student and Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Speaking at the occasion, Aregbesola praised Ondo State Government for rehabilitating dilapidated structures at the school describing Governor Akeredolu as a committed servant of the people.
The minister as well hailed the immense intervention and contributions of the old students association with an appeal that many other old students partake in giving back to their almamater.
He also expressed satisfaction with the level of qualitative education offered to students which he said would build them to be in the right stead to proffer solutions to many problems facing the country and asked the students to make use of the opportunity judiciously.
On his part, Governor Akeredolu commended the old students for giving the school a face-lift saying the 60th anniversary had heralded a new dawn.
He disclosed that education had been at the front burner since the inception of his administration, stressing that no fewer than 500 schools had been renovated to enhance standard of learning in the sunshine state.
He said, “this school has produced many great men, this ceremony is meant to mark a great milestone. We have renovated over 600 schools“
“We are committed in tackling infrastructural deficit as we have done much, but funding is a big problem but we will continue to do our best”, Akeredolu said.
The National President of AKOGRAMS old students association, Mr. Adewole Saba appreciated the gestures of the Minister of Interior, who he said single-handedly renovated most of the school buildings.
“One of us rose to become a minister in the country and some rose to become permanent secretaries in the federal and state governments. I thank God for all these achievements” he concluded.
The Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Mrs. Mojisola Ajayi appealed for deployment of science teachers to the school and more assistance to complete the school’s perimeter fencing to prevent enchroachment.
Ibrahim Kilani
The Supreme Court has upheld the re-election of Rotimi Akeredolu as Governor of Ondo State.
Akeredolu’s victory was affirmed after four of the seven justices of the Supreme Court that heard the case upheld his candidacy in the October 10, 2020 election in the state.
Three other justices disagreed with the majority judgment, insisting that Akeredolu’s candidacy in that election was a nullity.
The minority judgment held the view that the appeal has merit and ought not to be struck out by the Appeal Court.
Akeredolu was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in October 10, 2020, Governorship election in Ondo State.
The PDP and its candidate, Eyitayo Jegede had earlier approached the Appeal Court to challenge the candidacy of Akeredolu, insisting that his nomination form was signed by a sitting Governor Mai Buni who doubles as the Acting National Chairman of the party.
The appeal was based on the constitutional provision which forbids sitting Governors from holding executive positions outside their statutory position as governors.
They prayed the court to nullify Akeredolu’s candidacy, but the Appeal Court struck out the appeal, for lack of merit.
Ridwan Fasasi
Governors from the Southern part of the country, under the aegis of the Southern Governors Forum, have canvassed a rotational Presidency between Northern and Southern Nigeria, with a resolve that the next President must emerge from the South.
In order to consolidate democracy and strengthen the Electoral process in the Country, the Southern Governors’ Forum also rejected the removal of the Electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act and that of the confirmation of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court
The Governors of the seventeen States making up the Southern part of the Federation had converged on the Lagos House, Alausa Ikeja to discuss urgent national issues at the meeting hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Those in attendance are the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, that of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Rivers’ Nyesom Wike, Seyi Makinde, Oyo, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Douye Diri, Bayelsa, Enugu’s Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom.
While the Governors of Anambra and Cross River were absent, that of Edo, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi were represented by their Deputies.
In a six-point Communique, the Governors re-affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress, and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.
Presenting the communique, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu
said the Forum had set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st of September, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in all Member States; and resolved that Funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the States and Federal Government to combat security challenges.
He said the Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commends security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty
The Southern Governors Forum re-emphasized the need for State Police; resolving that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any State, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed;
Governor Akeredolu announced that the forum frowned at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights
On the recently passed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Law, the Forum commended the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB but rejected the proposed 3% and support the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives;
The Forum also rejected the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins; as well as the ownership structure of the proposed Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
It disagreed that the company be vested in the Federal Ministry of Finance but should be held in trust by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) since all tiers of Government have stakes in that vehicle.
The Southern Governors Forum unanimously chose Lagos State as its permanent secretariat.
FRCN, Abuja
The Ondo state Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal on the October 10 2020 election has resumed sitting in Akure as the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP candidate, Mr Eyitayo Jegede gave evidence under oath.
Mr Jegede told the tribunal that the candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was not validly nominated by his party.
His prayer was that the Governor of Yobe State, who is the national Caretaker chairman of the APC, Mai Balla Buni, could not also function and conduct the party’s governorship primary that produced Mr Akeredolu.
Giving evidence at the tribunal presided over by Justice Umar Abubakar, the PDP governorship candidate said the nomination of Mr Akeredolu ran contrary to the APC’s constitution and the 1999 constitution as amended saying his nomination should be set aside.
Mr Jegede led by his counsel, Mr Onyekachi Ikpeazu, prayed the tribunal to declare him the winner in the election.
Counsels to defendant, Mr Lateef Fagbemi and Chief Akin Olujimi during cross examination of the petitioner informed that Jegede as a non-member of the APC should not interfere in the internal affairs of the party.
Counsel to INEC, Mr Charles Edosanmiwan informed the tribunal that majority of the prayers of the PDP candidate were about the APC’s primary election and the emergence of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as the party’s candidate when he is not a member of the party.
The case was adjourned till Wednesday.
Leke Adegbite
Humanity has been enjoined to strive to satisfy God rather than man as such will determine where they spend their eternity
The Bishop of Ondo Anglican Diocese, Right Reverend Stephen Oni gave the admonition at the burial service of the former Minister of Information, Chief Alexander Akinyele which took place at All Saints Anglican Church, Ogbonkowo, Ondo kingdom.
Bishop Oni who spoke on the topic, “The Choice Is Yours: Translation or Condemnation”, described death as a passage to an appointment of no return hence man should please God and continually live a life of reflection.
The Bishop described late Akinyele as a man of influence who impacted lives and called on those in positions of authority to live a life that pleases God and better humanity.
The Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, represented by the Director, Human Resource Management in the ministry, Mr. Sunday Ewa, said Chief Akinyele’s contributions to nation-building would remain indelible.
Also speaking at the service, a former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko who described late Chief Akinyele as an illustrious son of Ondo kingdom said he would be greatly missed.
The children in separate interviews with Radio Nigeria said the demise of their father had left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
Dignitaries at the burial service included Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the Osemawe of Ondo kingdom, Oba Dr. Victor Kiladejo represented by his wife, Ondo high chiefs, the Director General, Radio Nigeria, Dr. Mansur Liman represented by Zonal Director Radio Nigeria, Ibadan, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, and other top government functionaries.
Oye Agunbiade
