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Ladoja to FG, Edo Govts: Tony Anenih’s Strides Must Not Go Unrewarded

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Our Reporter

 

Former Governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has described the passage of one time Chairman, Board of Trustees of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Uromi Edo State-born Chief Tony Anenih as a great and irreparable loss to both the political landscape and the security circle.

Senator Ladoja, Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland said in a statement by his media aide, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo in Ibadan, Oyo State, a copy of which was made available to Pacesetter News said Nigeria has lost one of her finest citizens.

He recalled the roles played by the deceased to midwife the current democratic experiment, noting that the nation cannot easily forget him.

Equally, Senator Ladoja noted that as one of the finest police officers in his era, who rose to the rank of Commissioner of Police, late Anenih was appointed Chairman of a national political party, the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

According to the Ibadan high chief: “definitely we can’t forget him in a jiffy as a national leader who also paid his dues to ensure that Nigeria occupies its rightful position amongst Committee of Nations.

“Not only that, the former PDP chieftain, as a phenomenon in the Nigerian political circle contributed his quota to the sociopolitical and economic development of the country, his efforts must not go unrewarded”, Ladoja added.

On behalf of his family, the Ibadan high chief while condoling the deceased family prayed for the repose of the late politician.

“I pray the Almighty God to grant the family, people and government of Edo State the fortitude to bear the loss”, he said.

 

OYO 2019: ‘What Many Didn’t Know About Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli’

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Kehinde Isiaka

Kehinde Isiaka, a prolific writer, philosopher and public commentator in his latest ‘Breaking the barrier series’ on Oyo top politicians to watch in 2019 says “BSA in the ring for the Brass Ring”

Talking of the seasoned politicians already in the boxing ring to wrestle for the political brass ring in Oyo state is Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Ali, a consummate grassroots politician, fiery lawyer and business man. As he is a frontliner in the cultural millieu as the Asaju Balogun of Olubadan of Ibadan is he also among the top ten majors in the battle for Agodi seat in 2019.

In the embryonic stage of nurturing the ambition to contest for the guber seat come 2019, I was privileged to be among the first few people he invited to Ajorosun club for consultation. He has called, he said, to seek my support and knowing that I am a soft touch to Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, demanding to know how best to curry her support. I felt really impressed by his level of humility and I could read in his face the sincerity of a prince whose only interest lies in moving forward the fortunes of his subjects. “Esse cest percipi,” goes the pithy Maxim of George Beckley- to be is to be perceived.

He was sincere in both words and in action. He demonstrably highlighted his manifesto and stated intelligibly how he would translate them to reality.

He is one knight without a benighted soul and I was humbled at his display of what the great Aristotle called ‘intellectual virtue”

As the scheming for the game advanced, I was marvelled at the pace at which he was drawing large followership to his camp. I had to approach one of his die hard supporters to inquire what was attracting them to BSA. The young man pinpointing BSA ‘s USP, did not mince his words ” Barrister Sharafa places much emphasis on human fellowship. He is a servant-leader whose political ideology is people centered. You can’t believe that when I was sick, he called me almost every day to know the situation of my health. Even when he has an answer, he will always sound us out for our own opinion on issues just to give us a sense of belonging. In short ,he is nice to a fault. “.

From the young man’s account, it’s safe to conclude that Barrister Sarafa Ali is an embodiment of what the great philosopher Manillus Boethius referred to as the “good within”

Barrister Sharafadeen Ali has the political stats of Oyo state in his palm, no hyperbole meant. He is a political stategists with a winning streak. He has his ears on the ground and literally feels the pulses of the people in the length and breadth of Oyo state. In the build up to the state assembly bye election in Ibarapa after the demise of the late speaker, I was discussing some modalities that would boost the chances of the PDP candidate in that contest with Oloye olajumoke Akinjide and after the deliberations, she directed that I should go and meet Barrister Sharafa who was the PDP campaign team head to further the discourse.

The next day, I was among the first visitors to darken the door of the political czar. Accompanied by one of the ardent supporters and indeed a staunch admirer and a defacto team BSA platoon leaders, Mr Femi Ladipo popularly known as Femolad , we met him receiving what seemed like unending calls and marshalling strategic plan to ensure victory for PDP. I realized , following the trajectory of the phone conversation that he had already touched virtually all the areas I wanted to discuss. Within almost an hour non-stop, he had traversed all the wards in both Eruwa and Lanlate.

Done with the calls , he apologized for keeping us waiting for so long and sought to know our mission. I told him that our mission was already accomplished as his conversation that we were privileged to monitor, had allayed all our fears. He is a master of himself. He gave us a parenthetical detail of how the election would bode in each ward and barring any eventuality how the PDP candidate, Adebo Ogundoyin would carry the day. Interestingly, the results came out precisely as he predicted.

 

When we were leaving his house, he walked us and held my hand with a soft touch of a man with a fresh yarn to spin, I was all ears. When we were outside, he hit the nail on the head – ” Kenny, ibi ti a fi oro si ko lo wa o’ ( you have deviated from our original position). A man with a large heart ,he reminded me what the original position was and the point at which I derailed. He assured me of his continued brotherly affection, even though he noticed without any further evidence that I was supporting or about to support another aspirant.

 

What capped the amazing story of his wide political network in the state was the large number of followers that moved with him enmasse as he left PDP to ADC. I was not in the least supprised that up till now he is still eyeing the meaty prize of becoming the next governor of Oyo state. He once told me his good thoughts to develop Oyo state can only gain value when put into action and that he will pull out all the stops to make it a mission accomplished.

 

If he could become the first executive chairman of Ibadan North local Government at a tender age of 28 and won the best local government in the federation award in 1992, recorded a sea chain of positive transformation of Oodua investment Company as the helmsman and performed excellently well in other areas including being one of the best presidents of Ajorosun club , only a sceptic will doubt his ability to move Oyo state to the next level.

But ,the question on the lips of many people is whether or not he has the financial muzzle to flex in this money guzzling venture and if he is popular enough in his party to win his party ticket first , before we can even talk of facing the ordeals of the general election?

Whatever side the political pendulum swings, Barrister Abiodun Sharafadeen Ali remains a politician to watch in the Oyo state guber race. It’s not over until all is over.

 

I Won’t Sleep If I Owe Workers like Ajimobi, Says Akala  .Promises to win LAUTECH for Oyo in 100days

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Our Reporter

Former Governor of Oyo State and 2019 gubernatorial candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala on Saturday said he won’t be able to sleep if workers salaries are not paid as at when due like what is currently playing out under the government of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the state.
Alao-Akala who was fielding questions from journalists on the Mayor Isaac Brown Political Circuit programme on Fresh FM Ibadan, said the scriptures even frowned at allowing labourers to suffer unjustly in getting what is due to them on time.
The former Governor who ruled the state during the 11months interregnum occasioned by the impeachment of his boss, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and thereafter won the governorship race under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between 2007-2011, said he was the most experienced candidate with deep knowledge of governance to bail the state out of poverty.
He said having lost in his second term bid in 2011 and 2015 respectively, he has no doubt being able to understand where the problems lie with readiness to make the 2019 race a fait accompli.
Until recently, Alao-Akala was a leader in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) before he joined the ADP.
He said ADP remains the best vehicle to convey him back to Agodi government house because “ADP is the only settled party without any litigation in court.
“I am glad to say that God is on our side and within less than two weeks, ADP structures are everywhere. And this is made possible because I have structures everywhere and we just coalesced them into the ADP, ” he said.
On his movements from ANPP to PDP and recently Labour Party and APC, Alao-Akala said there is dynamism in politics and that there was no political party with clear cut ideology.
According to him, his movement out of the APC was about the need to protect his followers’ interest and hearken to what his supporters are demanding from him -a return to the government house.
On what he plans to do differently, Alao-Akala who said his style would be different from the current Governor, said he would employ simple economic term ‘opportunity cost’ to focus on pressing needs of the people especially in the area of workers welfare, education, health and agriculture.
Alao-Akala who said his greatest regret after leaving office was the way the current Governor handled the issue of LAUTECH, said if elected he would immediately appoint Commissioners for Education and Attorney-General to begin work on the severance of the ailing institution from joint ownership with Osun state within his first 100days in office.

Gowon: Whichever Way Presidential Result Goes in 2019, Buhari, Atiku Must Accept it Like Jonathan did

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Adams Akorede
From a former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon (retd) on Tuesday came a passionate appeal to the two leading Presidential Candidates ahead of the 2019 race to accept its outcome in good faith and in the interest of national cohesion.
Gowon who was in Ibadan for an exhibition in honour of an Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Oladipo Akinkugbe, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, pointedly told both President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who are candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) respectively, to brace up for any eventuality.
Gowon who was answering questions from journalists, also appealed to other presidential candidates of other political parties to accept results of the 2019 general elections with the mindset that power belongs to God.
The programme, organised to flag off a week-long activities to celebrate 60 years anniversary of Akinkugbe as doctor of medicine, 50 years as a professor of medicine, and to hang his stethoscope, was attended by the Chairman, Board of Management of UCH, Alhaji Ibrahim Shettima; Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof Temitope Alonge; former Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof Abiodun Ilesanmi, among others.
Gowon, who administered Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, was accompanied by his wife, Victoria, to the programme. He said Akinkugbe was a lecturer to his wife when she was in the school of nursing at UCH, and that he became friend with Akinkugbe in 1957 when they met in the United Kingdom.
He enjoined the political gladiators to imbibe the spirit that made former President Goodluck Jonathan to concede defeat after the 2015 presidential poll to President Buhari, for the benefit of all and sundry in the nation, adding that he believes so much in the unity of Nigeria.
Said he, “What happened last time(2015), if you remembered, there was so much tension and the tension was so high that if things had gone wrong, Nigeria would be on fire. Then, as a result, (former) President Jonathan agreed at the early stage to say he accepted the results and congratulated Gen Buhari. Now, this is the way.
“I was in Ethiopia on African Union (AU) mission. The feeling before what happened, there was tension, anxiety, and worry by all in all African states. When the result was announced, I was just leaving Ethiopia to come back to Nigeria; come and see the joy in the people of Africa at that meeting.
“So, that was the sort of things I will really say we should have, so that we can have a peaceful election that is credible, peaceful,  and people should accept the results of the election for the sake of Nigeria.
“Where things go wrong, try to improve for the next time. It is my hope and fear that things will go well. I hope all of you will play your parts to ensure peaceful election.  If you make your own contributions that way, then we will be well.
“I have come to see what Prof Akinkugbe has achieved. He deserves all the encomiums as an emeritus professor. He has done a lot and has left a lot for the future generations. I hope all of you will give credence to his achievements, and I hope many others will follow his example.
“This is what I will say that all of you must do your best in whatever you are doing to promote the good of your country; make your suggestions to make things good and better.”
The Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof Alonge, in his remarks, noted that Akinkugbe practised his trade directly and indirectly for over four decades, adding that the UCH “revels in your achievement and felicitate with you today as you finally hang your companion – the stethoscope.”

Constitute MDCN, Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria Boards Now, FG Told

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Rebecca Akinkanju

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) on Tuesday said as the custodian of the people’s health which believes that a sector that is not well regulated is prone to quackery with attendant effect on the debilitating effects on the health needs of citizens, the Federal Government should immediately constitute the Boards of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria.

The call for the boards according to the NMA became imperative because Nigerians are currently bearing the brunt of inability to make informed decisions by the concerned apex authorities of the profession.

The NMA has therefore called on the security agencies to partner with it in order to stamp out quackery in the medical profession.

The NMA Chairman in Oyo State, Dr. Akin Sodipo who made these appeals while addressing journalists at a press conference heralding the 2018 Physician’s Week in Ibadan, the State capital.

The NMA Boss said the failure of the federal government to constitute the MDCN board was another reason why it is still difficult to tackle quackery in the medical profession in the country.

According to him, the development was so unfortunate that the security agencies that were saddled with the responsibilities to prosecute quacks have not been helping matters too.

Sodipo while speaking said, “Relevant sections of the Medical and Dental Act prohibits quackery in whatever form. It is also on record that previous efforts by the MDCN to prosecute suspects have been frustrated by security agencies that are saddled with such responsibilities. We also have cases where some of our state branches have raised alarm on the activities of suspected quacks and impersonators but the state security apparatus has not helped matters.

“Another reason for the inability of the MDCN to tackle medical quackery related practices is the failure of the federal government to constitute the council. It is worthy of note that the act of setting up the MDCN reiterated that “The council  shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession”, as clearly stated in the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act Cap M8.

“Despite efforts at eliminating or at least reduce quackery in the medical profession in particular and the health sector in general, the perpetrators of this illicit and dangerous act have continued to proliferate with its attendant consequences on the health of Nigerians. This informed the choice of the 2nd sub-theme, “Medical Quackery, Professional Regulation and the Doctor’s Stamp”.

Sodipo urged the federal government to as a matter of urgency constitute the MDCN and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria boards in the interest of Nigerians.

He said, “We hereby once again call on the Federal government to urgently constitute the council of MDCN and its sister profession, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria.

Sodipo while speaking further added that the NMA introduced Doctor’s stamp in 2017 as one of the strategies in riding the medical profession of quackery.

He maintained that, “The NMA in line with best practices introduced Doctor’s stamp in 2017 to help check the proliferation of quackery and related practices. We therefore enjoined all medical and dental practitioners to key into this strategic anti-quackery measure in order to safeguard the health of Nigerians.

“We also appeal to government at all levels to join hands with the association in this regard”.

‘Wale Murphy’, 5 Others Sue ADC, Ladoja, Koleoso, Soji Akanbi, Wasiu Olatubosun Over Senatorial, Reps, Assembly Tickets

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Adams Akorede

For the Senator representing Oyo South senatorial district seeking return ticket to the Senate in 2019 under the platform of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Soji Akanbi, hard times are here as another aspirant within the party, Olatunji Haastrup Adewale (a.k.a. Wale Murphy) has approached a Federal High Court, praying it to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to
reject the Senator’s name ahead of 2019 elections.
As if that was not enough, other plaintiffs in the joint suit marked FHC/IB/CS/113/2018 like Aderemi Aderemi Olatunji E. Olajide; Olasunbo Olalekan Olakunle; Seun Segun Akinborewa; Abass Alesinloye Kolawole Olabimtan and Hon. Olufemi Josiah also prayed the court to in the same manner, reject the ADC’s nomination of Messrs Wasiu Olatubosun, Adeyemi Adekunle Yakub, Gaphar Ojetola and Abiola Ahmed Akindipe as candidates for Ibadan North West/South West federal Constituency; Ibadan North East 2, Ibadan North 1 and Ibadan North West respectively.
In the suit jointly and severally instituted by Wale Murphy; Aderemi Olatunji E. Olajide; Olasunbo Olalekan Olakunle; Seun Segun Akinborewa; Abass Alesinloye Kolawole Olabimtan and Hon. Olufemi Josiah, other defendants alongside Senator Akanbi are the ADC itself; its National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu; National Vice Chairman, Dr. Dele Ajadi; National Secretary, Alhaji Saidi Baba Abdullahi and National legal adviser, Mr. Peter Oyewole, who doubles as the Chairman, Oyo state primary screening committee of ADC.
Also joined as defendants are the State Chairman, Dr. Ahmed Ayinla, Mr. Wasiu Olatubosun; Adeyemi Adekunle Yakub; Gaphar Ojetola; Abiola Ahmed Akindipe; Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; Chief Michael Koleoso; Dr. Busari Adebisi; Chief Layiwola Olakojo and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The contentious constituencies, according to the plaintiffs in the suit filed by their counsel Olusola A. Dare, are the Oyo South Senatorial District; Ibadan North West/Ibadan South West constituency, Ibadan North East II; Ibadan North West and Ibadan North I constituencies respectively.
The plaintiffs are seeking court’s determination on whether the ADC can nominate a candidate or submit the name of a candidate to the INEC as its candidates to contest Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly without complying with the mandatory provisions of the Section 87 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), Article 20 of the constitution of the ADC and guidelines for party screening and primary elections for the 2019 general elections?
They are also asking the court to determine if the said Section 87 and Article 20 of the constitution of ADC has not been violated and discountenanced especially if the INEC and the 5th defendant (ADC Legal Adviser, Peter Oyewole) go ahead in fielding them for the 2019 elections?
Towards this end, the plaintiffs prayed the court to make a declaration that the ADC cannot nominate a candidate or submit name of any person to the INEC as its nominated candidate for the Oyo South Senatorial district; Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency; State Assembly for Ibadan North East 2, Ibadan North West and Ibadan North 1 state constituencies of Oyo state without complying with the provision of the said Section 87 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and Article 20 of the constitution of the ADC 2018 (as amended) and guidelines for party screening and primary elections for the 2019 general elections.
A declaration that the name of candidates submitted for Oyo South Senatorial district, House of Representative federal constituency and Ibadan North 1 state constituency house of Assembly, Ibadan North East and Ibadan North West State constituency 2, Ibadan North West state constituency be discountenanced.

The plaintiffs while praying the court to direct INEC to discountenance or reject name of any candidate submitted to it by the 1st-6th and 12th-15th defendants as the candidates for the affected senatorial, federal and state constituencies, they also prayed for an order of injunction to restrain the INEC, the 16th defendant from accepting, recognising, giving effect to or in any manner acting on the list of nominated candidates submitted to it by the ADC, Nwosu, Dele Ajadi, Peter Oyewole, Ladoja, Koleoso, Adebisi and Olakojo for the 2019 elections.

Alaafin: An Unusual Monarch at 80

By
Peter Ayoade
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Williams Shakespeare’s assertion that ‘Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them’ aptly summarises the life of one of Africa’s most celebrated and colourful traditional rulers, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on his 80th birthday, having bestrode the seat of his forebears like a colossus, writes Ademola Babalola

A repertoire of knowledge and walking encyclopedia, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III is replete with uncanny wisdom and gifted with the rare understanding of his environment and people. He comes with distinction in all his dealings with all men. The low and the high in the society covet him as he maintains dignity on the throne as a classical Yoruba monarch with unmatched prowess.

Oba Adeyemi ascended the throne after Oba Gbadegesin Ladigbolu’s reign in January 14, 1971, and performed the rites like others before him. He came forth with the calabash of affluence for his people and Oyo has been better for it for ages.

Both the indigenes and settlers alike are blossoming and his reign heralded much craved peace. As a youthful monarch in the early 70s, Alaafin was a dinosaur and sprout all traits of modern Alaafin. He comes across as a philosopher, a traditional poet, counsellor and natural leader with candour and elegance.

Ascending the throne, Oba Adeyemi was armed with panache to promote the independence of Alaafin and restore the lost glory of his kingdom, because of the earlier ignominious era, which banished his late father, Oba Adeyemi II, he left no one in the dark that he was prepared to lead not only Oyo people but the entire Yoruba race to national preeminence.

He did so by bringing class and unrivalled brilliance to bear on his assignment. He had learnt enough of the tradition and history of the Oyo Empire and had no doubt that Oyo should never play the second fiddle to any part of the Yorubaland.

The reign Ooni of Ife at the time, Oba Sijuade Okunade Olubuse had a match in Oba Adeyemi, who was not only a good student of history but also did many unthinkable by engaging in extra-curricular activities to be abreast of global developments and recent histories of Nigeria’s pre and post-colonial era to the chagrin of many.

Very controversial in many instances, Alaafin nevertheless stands out as the foremost ‘gatekeeper’ in Oyo politics. No governor has ever ruled without Oba Adeyemi’s blessings and support. He is a grossly misunderstood monarch by succeeding authorities in the Pacesetter state, because of his principled stand on issues of governance and more importantly, his cherished traditional institution.

He fought and won many battles and had been linked to how some Governors never won the elusive second term ticket until the current occupant of the Agodi Government House, Senator Abiola Ajimobi broke the jinx four years ago.
President Muhammadu Buhari in his congratulatory message to the Alaafin on his 80th birthday, said he believed his 48 years on the throne of his fathers had been most remarkable for the entire dynasty, illustrated by his contributions to the educational, social and cultural development of the people, including those at home and abroad.

Buhari extolled the Alaafin of Oyo’s courage in upholding the values of integrity, hard work and search for knowledge, which has been the hallmark of the great Oyo Empire, commending him for regular counsel to governments, institutions and families.

The President prayed that the almighty God would grant the royal father long life, good health and more wisdom to sustain the legacies of his fathers. The current Alaafin was born on October 15, 1938. He was working as an insurance clerk before he emerged the new Alaafin. Apart from being a wealthy Yoruba king, making his net worth to run into billions of Naira, there are other names or titles by which the Alaafin is called.

These names include Kabiyesi, which means the king no one can question; Iku Baba Yeye, meaning the one who can command death or pronounce same upon his father or mother or he who is parent to death; Alashe, which means he who wields authority; Ekeji Orisha means second-in-command to the gods.

Oba Adeyemi III is a holder of the Nigerian national honor of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). It was also him who installed the late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO) as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland on January 14, 1988.

He was appointed the chancellor of Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto and held the position from 1980 to 1992. In 1990, he was appointed Amir-ul-Hajj by the then former military president, Ibrahim Babangida. Alaafin’s religion is Islam yet he is a cosmopolitan monarch, who embraces all religions including the ‘Ifa’.

He is a first class Oba and also one of the richest kings in Nigeria. As a wealthy businessman with many landed properties, both in Nigeria and abroad, his net worth is estimated to run into millions in the US dollars.

Alaafin is married to many wives and he goes out to functions with at least seven of them on a regular basis. His 80th reminds many of how to be a king and still distinguish oneself with respect and dignity that befits the throne. He rarely courts controversies and has learnt to stay above the fray in all his undertakings. Alaafin is one Oba that many ponder with trepidation, because he carries himself as such. He is truly the one Yoruba Oba with whom the culture and the tradition of the people are safely kept.

Editor’s Note: This Article was first published in THISDAY on Sunday

Adelabu: Forget My Pedigree, Ajimobi Made Politics Attractive to Me .Lists 4 Factors He Resigned as CBN Deputy Governor

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Our Reporter

The Gubernatorial Candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Bayo Adelabu on Sunday described the State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi as a leader with sterling qualities whose achievements made politics attractive to him.

Speaking during a media parley with over 100 Social Media influencers including Bloggers and Online publishers, Adelabu said while his grandfather, late Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi was a father of grassroot politics, Ajimobi is the father of modern development politics in the state.

According to him, the Governor has performed more than any of his predecessors especially in the area of security, infrastructure, education, and general transformation of all key sectors of governance towards public good.

He said Ajimobi is a leader and an achiever worthy of being celebrated because since 2003 when he began his political journey, he had won all the four elections he participated in ‘except the 2007 gubernatorial which he contested under a relatively unknown All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) but was rigged out by the powers-that be.”

Adelabu promised to continue with the transformation Ajimobi started over seven years ago if elected Governor in 2019, adding that, “through continuity, we are going to leave the state better than we are going to meet it.”

Recalling the experience of his sojourn in politics which climaxed with the ticket of the party he won few weeks ago, Adelabu said “it is not bread and butter, I must tell you. A lot of works, stress, sacrifice have been invested into it. And this is just the beginning of the sacrifice I have to make for the state to become greater and better. I must thank other aspirants like Engr. Joseph Tegbe, Dr. Olusola Ayandele, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, Dr. Owolabi Babalola and indeed all the over 20 aspirants that signified intention in the race for their support and understanding so far. I returned all my thanks to my creator, the Governor, supporters and indeed all our party leaders and APC members statewide.

“I will fix the state’s problems and social services like unemployment and others shall be tackled head-on. We will bring lasting solutions and leave worthy legacies in our dear state. I have the youthful energy, skills, experience and wherewithal to change the fortunes of this great state.

“Real state developments started with Ajimobi and that was my number one attraction. Second factor is the ever changing political consciousness of our youth to politics as against old fashioned way that it was meant for illiterates. Also is the need for business professionals to contribute our quota and not be docile but take part in it for good governance because government is the major determinant of how society is run; policy, infrastructure, and so on.

“So, why are we then leaving politics in the hands of inferior people since decisions made would affect all of us? Three, if I succeed, it would be a morale booster for others to join and participate actively to give their best to turn our society around for good. And four, my participation would mean renewal of our family’s heritage; culture of service and populist agenda left by Penkelemesi which would be reenacted for public good,” the 48year-old governorship candidate said.

Adelabu who was quick to inform the gathering that they would hear more from him when campaign starts in full throttle next month, also read some of his agenda from his blueprint to the wide applause of the participants.

He then solicited the support and sympathy of the social media people for his genuine aspiration to better the lot of the people and engender greater developments to come into fruition from 2019 and beyond.

Osinbajo, Ajimobi, Ganduje, Akpabio, Others Grace Alaafin’s 80th Birthday

By
Peter Ayoade
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Eminent Nigerians from all walks of life on Saturday graced the grand finale of the 80th birthday of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III and the book launch held in his honour.

President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state; Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; a National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who were both represented by the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa and Mr Steve Ayorinde respectively, graced the grand celebration in Ibadan.

Others were the former President Goodluck Jonathan represented by the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde; the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli; and governorship candidate of the APC in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

Eulogising the celebrant, Osinbajo said Oba Adeyemi has demonstrated true leadership and stood on the path of truth as a leader of the Yoruba race.

Osinbajo who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event, said, “Leadership is not in title no matter high sounding or revered the title may be. Ultimately, the true leader of the people is the one who serves his people by personal sacrifice and by the demonstration of personal conviction even to his own detriment.

“The Alaafin has in the past 47 years on the throne, by words, deeds and personal sacrifice, demonstrated true leadership. He has time and time again stood on the side of the truth and personal conviction of what he thought best for the Yoruba race. Among leaders, traditional leaders, you have a more profound role to play. Traditional leader is the true custodian of the moral essence of the people.”

In his speech, the Ooni said he was grateful to witness the celebration of the monarch, noting that although he was a king like the Alaafin, he prayed God to grant him long life like Alaafin.

On his own, Ajimobi thanked Alaafin for supporting his government, describing him as a quintessential monarch and a man of strong ancestral heritage.

“It is an occasion to thank God and take stock of the unique blessings that the king is endowed with. At 80, he is still productive so much that he produced two sets of twins through his queens recently. He supports government at all time,” said Ajimobi.

Customs Impounds 1,753 Bags of Rice, 189, 000 Ammunition in Niger/Kwara/Kogi Command

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Yakubu Temitope
With renewed efforts and combative posture to stem illegal importation into the country, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),
Niger/Kwara/Kogi Area Command said its has seized no fewer than 189,000 pieces of ammunition.
The command also disclosed that it has seized 1,753 (50kg) bags of imported foreign rice between July and October this year.
Public Relations Officer (PRO), in charge of Niger/Kwara/Kogi Command, Mr. Benjamin Lomba, made these disclosures via a statement made available to journalists on Thursday.
Lomba in the statement said a total of 15 seizures were made between July and September this year.
He said, “The Niger/Kwara/Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service within the first eighteen (18) days in the month of October has made a total seizure of five hundred and fourteen (514) 50kg bags of imported foreign rice with a duty paid value of eight million, seven hundred and fifty-one thousand, six hundred naira (N8,751,600.00).
“While a total of fifteen (15) seizures with the duty paid value of one hundred and two million, two hundred and seventy thousand, seventy-two naira (N102,270,072.00) only from the month of July to September (third quarter) 2018 were made.
He added that the command in the third quarter of the year, seized no fewer than one hundred and eighty nine thousand (189,000) pieces of ammunition.
Lomba said, “Some of the strategic seizures of the third quarter of the year include:
“One hundred and Eighty Nine thousand (189,000) pieces of ammunition with a duty paid value of sixty three million, five hundred and four thousand naira (N63,504,000.00) only.
“One thousand, two hundred and thirty nine (1239) 50kg bags of rice with duty paid value of twenty two million, three hundred and fifty one thousand, four naira (N22,351,400.00).
“A total of Twelve (12) fairly used assorted vehicles were arrested with a duty paid value of Fourteen million, Eight hundred and Sixty thousand, Four hundred and Thirty Six naira (N14,860,436.00).
“Other items such as vegetable oil, textile fabrics, footwear etc with duty paid value of One million, Five hundred and Fifty Four thousand, Two hundred and Thirty Six naira (N1,554,236.00).
“The Command also generated a total of Seven Hundred and Twenty-Five million, Five hundred and Five Thousand, Eighty-Eight naira, Seventy-Nine kobo (N725,505,088.79) in the third quarter of the year 2018. This when compared to a revenue figure of Five hundred and thirty-Four million, One hundred and Fifteen thousand, Twelve naira, Eighty kobo (N534,115,012.80) made within the same period in 2017 shows an increase of One hundred and Ninety-One million, three hundred and Ninety thousand, Seventy-Six naira (N191,390,076.00) in the revenue generated.
“The Command looks forward to unprecedented performance in this last quarter of the year by re-strategizing, applying various diversifications in intelligence gathering and utilization, application of diplomacy in anti-smuggling especially in volatile border areas etc.
“This will enable the command to consistently build on both revenue and anti-smuggling feats”, the command added.

BREAKING NEWS: Oyo ADC Crisis Gets Messier, Zenith Labour Party Jingles Hit Media Waves

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Adams Akorede

“Like a drunken sailor, the falcons no longer hear the falconets and reasons have seized to prevail in Oyo ADC, hence the ship of the party heading for the rock”

Who is behind the promotion of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Oyo state? A 53-second jingle composed in Yoruba espousing distinguishing ‘ideologies’ of the new party hit the media waves early hours of Friday morning in Ibadan.
The development sent jitters than the spines of already disenchanted members of the party as the crisis in the once ‘mega’ opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Oyo state chapter gets messier by the day.
Political observers say the crisis in ADC was a time bomb because the party itself is peopled by strange bed fellows and unforgiving stalwarts who had over the years being engaged in a cat and mouse game to undo one another.
The crisis peaked penultimate Sunday (October 7) when all the 13 aspirants; Festus Wale Adegoke; Engr. Remi Oseni; Senator Femi Lanlehin; Dr. Yunus Akintunde; Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli and Engr. Remi Olaniyan could not agree on the choice of party’s gubernatorial candidate to meet up with the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Other aspirants who were stuck to their guns included Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja; Chief Lowo Obisesan; Dr. Kola Balogun; Otunba Oluseye Opatoki; Mr. Ayodele Adigun; Senator Gbenga Babalola and Dr. Nureni Adeniran.
Signs that all would not be well with Oyo ADC started unfolding in the constitution of executives at the wards, local and state levels via the congresses.
The party’s inability to genuinely adopt any of the three modes for selection of the party’s flagbearers for all elective positions viz Direct, Indirect and Consensus was the last straw that broke its camel’s back.
Pacesetter News recalls that about three months ago, the ADC became the toast of the electorate as a former Governor Rashidi Ladoja who had bitterly complained of impunity in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led his teeming supporters to the new ‘bride’ with a feeling that culture of internal democracy would be entrenched in their newly found haven.
It was the same thinking in the camp of the breakaway faction of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a group under ‘Unity Forum’ and others like Coalition for Nigeria’s Movement (CNM); the Labour Party and others coalesced under ADC for the sole task of sending the ruling government packing in 2019.
Like a drunken sailor, the falcons no longer hear the falconets and reasons have seized to prevail in Oyo ADC, hence the ship of the party heading for the rock, notwithstanding the presence of the four leaders; Ladoja, Chief Michael Koleoso, Dr. Busari Adebisi and Chief Layiwola Olakojo. The Yoruba proverb that ‘Agba kii wa loja ki ori omo titun wo‘ which literally means elders are stabilizing forces for the peace of the society because their presence are assumed to make peace possible at all times, is alien to the key players in the party.
They have been unable to save the ADC from impending implosion and eventual disintegration!
It is now unto your tenth oh Israel as litigation instituted by the 12 of the 13 aspirants who complained of the emergence of Senator Lanlehin and the latest news coming from Abuja that the candidates’ list hitherto shrouded in secrecy has allegedly been toyed with by a group within, ostensibly to favour their members, are the final overkill.
Opposition hardly learns from past mistakes, save for the ruling APC where the governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi appears to be ‘a better manager’ of the fallout of the recent crisis in the party, both the ADC and PDP still have a long way to go especially if the news coming lately from their camps is anything to go by.
A former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala who recently defected to the African Democratic Party (ADP) had arguably profited from the fallouts in APC and ADC, it remains to be seen where opposition would land themselves in 2019 again.
Pacesetter News welcomes ZLP to the realm of opposition political parties in the 42year-old Pacesetter’s state.

Man Commits Suicide in Ibadan, Cites Too Much Debts

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Adams Akorede
After days of sleepless nights due to ‘too much debts’, a 50year-old man committed suicide late Wednesday night.
In the message he left behind, he said he resorted to suicide for ‘face saving grace’ from his numerous debtors.
His remains were discovered in his elder brother’s house at Gangansi area of Ibadan.
Identified as Abass, residents said they saw him just few minutes before he was discovered to have taken his life.
An eyewitness said Abass was a gentleman, and a commercial motorcyclist. “He has children, both male and female, but his wife is not currently with him. He is in his early fifties. He was living here with us, and this house was  built by his brother.
“All we know was that he came back home hale and healthy yesterday evening, but suddenly someone shouted when he saw him dangling from the ceiling of the house. It was the person that alerted us to the ugly incident.
“On getting there we saw him up there, but we noticed one small paper beside him. We took it up and saw that he left a note where he wrote that he intentionally committed suicide because of too much debts he was owing people”, the man explained.
Some elders and landlords were seen having a meeting with some traditional herbalists who were demanding sacrificial materials to be used in appeasing some gods before the dangling body of the man could be brought down for proper burial.

Nine Days After Baba Sala’s Death, Ola Ajimajasan Dies at 83

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Exactly nine days after the demise of ace comedian, Moses Olaiya Adejumo, his contemporary in the industry, Ola Omonitan popularly called Ola Ajimajasan is dead.

Ola Omonitan, who was one of the comedians who dominated the stage at the same time with the late comic actor, Baba Sala, died at the age of 83 on Thursday in Ibadan.

Ajimajasan, died at his home in Ibadan after a protracted illness.

Reports say the comedian had been admitted at the University College Hospital, Ibadan for age-related ailment a few weeks ago but was discharged on Monday.

The UCH Public Relations Officer, Deji Bobade, said the family brought him to the hospital early on Thursday but the doctor who attended to him confirmed that he was dead.

He said, “Ajimajasan was receiving treatment at the hospital ward for a few days but he was discharged on Monday. He was bought back early today (Thursday) but after being examined, doctor told the family that he was brought in dead.”

The late comedian was a regular feature at the then NTV Ibadan comedy show series several decades ago competing for fame and popularity with Baba Sala. Among popular comedians who worked with Ajimajasan theatre group are Ayo Ogunshina, popularly called Papalolo, and Kayode Olaiya, whose stage name is Aderupoko.

APC is Deceitful, Undemocratic in Candidates’ Selection, Says Temitope ‘Sugar’

By
Peter Ayoade
-
“Speech by member representing Lagelu/Akinyele Federal Constituency, Oyo state, Hon. Temitope Olatoye (Sugar) to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, on his recent experience in the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of 2019 elections…”
Earlier today, at the plenary of the House of Representatives, the lawmaker representing the good people of Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency of Oyo State, Hon. (Dr) Olatoye Temitope Sugar officially defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the hallowed chamber,  Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and dated 4th of October, 2019.
The lawmaker expressed his utmost displeasure with respect to high-handedness of leaders of APC across states which had caused landmark divisions within the rank and file of the party in majority of the states.
Perhaps, Hon Sugar was compelled to have broken the number one rule in the book *”Laws of Power”* authored by the legendary Robert Green which is “Never outshine the master” but there’s exigent need to put the power that be on notice by today’s declaration that the 2019 struggle for the political soul of the pacesetter state is between the established SELECTORATE/GATEKEEPERS, who are unwilling to give up their illegitimate hold unto the levers of power to the detriment of suppressed but patriotic and downtrodden ELECTORATES. The PUSH and PULL variables are at play in our dear Oyo state and loose wires seemed to have connected at last. It is necessary to set the record straight that Hon. Olatoye Sugar is not a test tube baby at anybody’s political laboratory who could be tossed around against the wishes of the generality of the people with whom electoral powers actually  resides.
The generosity of Hon. Sugar’s loyalty, dedication and commitment to worthy  courses of the APC have long been abused with reckless abandon and ineptitude to the voices of the masses whom he represents. As a Federal Representative in the last three and a half years, he has demonstrated that, the general good of the majority of the people should not be sacrificed on the alter of sentimentality and inordinate ambition of the few but by the collective will of the majority which is the foundational frameworks of a modern democracy. The 2019 election is going to be entirely issue driven and all political office seeking individuals should be made to fill in the gaps which are conspicuously vivid to the electorates and must be assessed and rewarded in same manner with the powerful voting thumbs of the masses.
In the words of Albert Einstein, “The world is not dangerous because of those who so harm but because of those who look at it without doing anything”.
Hon. Sugar through a well articulated consultations with constituents and adherents of core values of integrity, honesty,  transparency, rule of law and the dictates of modern democracy within and beyond his constituency therefore decided to migrate from the shrine of intimidation and fear to the alter of political liberation anchored on the Omoluabi values. The time is now when the Bolshevik (majority ) in Oyo State should have their way while the Menshevik (minority) should only have their say as against the erroneous status quo.
In the words of Hon Olatoye Sugar, “In all honesty, I cannot continue to patronize a political party where it’s leadership has deliberately programmed others to be politically anonymous and estranged having worked tirelessly and identified with the masses driven by our direct positive impacts on the socio-economic wellbeing of our people and my conscience will not permit me to sacrifice principles for expediency. I have given substance to true meaning of selfless service for my constituents and beyond”.
To the established SELECTORATES, Hon Olatoye Sugar’s Senatorial aspiration is inconceivable and a political alienation, but we need to put them on notice that this aspiration has become a fate accomplished and inevitable mission being the collective will of people’s interest as a stance against the selectorates’ imperialism and holistic commitment towards achieving total liberation.
Signed,
Dr Olatunde Amusat,
Senior Special Adviser to
Hon. Olatoye Temitope Sugar on Strategy & Public Communications.

EXCLUSIVE: Ajimobi, APC Drop Wale Okediran as Adelabu’s Running Mate

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Adams Akorede
With Iseyin Local Government fielding candidates for both the Oyo State House of Assembly and Federal House of Representatives, the hope of another Iseyin-born politician, Dr. Wale Okediran becoming the gubernatorial running mate to the party’s flagbearer, Chief Bayo Adelabu is heading for the rock.
A top chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) confided in Pacesetter News on Thursday morning that the Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and Chief Akin Oke-led State Working Committee of the parry have surreptitiously zoned the post for Deputy Governorship to Oke-Ogun II.
Pacesetter News had earlier this week exclusively reported how Ajimobi was weighing options in fielding either Okediran or his Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Ajiboye Omodewu for the top job.
Both are from Oke-Ogun I and II area of the state respectively. Initially, odds favoured Okediran because of his vast network, acceptability as a core progressive and experience as a top politician of the progressive bloc. And most importantly, Iseyin was considered as the town of the progressives with massive electoral base which would naturally swell in favour of Okediran.
But with the ‘principle of federal character’, Oke-Ogun II is now the choice of the party’s bigwigs who have always been circumspect in picking ‘only the winning candidates’ since the commencement of the ‘party’s primaries’ and substitution by elimination of its flagbearers about three weeks ago.
A leader of the broom party in the state told Pacesetter News that “the governor being our party leader has realised the need to zone the governorship running mate to Oke-Ogun II.”
With this development, hope dims for Okediran to pick the slot earlier allotted to Iseyin, he said.
Another party elder in Itesiwaju local government said, “we kicked against the seeming lopsidedness in picking party’s flagbearers from Iseyin. For instance, Iseyin/Itesiwaju local governments are to produce a joint candidate for Oyo Assembly, the same way for the Federal constituency which comprises four local governments. Regrettably however, Iseyin alone, I repeat only Iseyin indigenes have taken the available two slots for both legislative arm! And you want us to keep quiet?
“The Governor being a listening leader has agreed that we look towards the direction of Oke-Ogun II for Bayo Adelabu’s running mate for fairness and justice. So we are presently weighing options because about three of them are on the card as we speak.”
He reechoed that an Iseyin man had been given the ticket to run for the slot of Iseyin/Itesiwaju state constituency in the state house of Assembly. It is the same scenario for the Federal constituent in the area with an Iseyin-born, Shina Peller clinching the ticket for Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola and Iwajowa federal constituency.
‘And for a party that believes so much in winning the race, it is now open for another person to grab. As we speak, Omodewu is among top politicians being considered for the job. However, let it be clearly stated that not a few are opposed to fielding him because of intrigues that are currently unfolding by the day,” he said.
Another source hinted that a relatively unknown person from Oke-Ogun II is the toast of a top career officer in the State and may likely emerge if the person’s influence in the corridor of power is anything to go by.
Omodewu was a gubernatorial aspirant of the party prior to the recently conducted primary and a two-time Commissioner in Ajimobi’s cabinet. He is a kitchen cabinet member and an age long associate of the governor. He was a University of New York trained politician.
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