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 Ondo State Unversal Education Board (SUBEB) office at oke eda, Akure has been gutted by fire.

The building is housing Ondo State Radiovison corporation marketing office

The cause of the inferno which completely razed the office complex is still a mystery

Many office materials were destroyed by the inferno.

…condemns wanton destruction of public, private assets by hoodlums

…says Schools Remain Closed In Ondo

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has condemned in strong terms, the wanton destruction of both Public and Private assets by hoodlums who hijacked the #ENDSARS protest in the state, said arsonists and other culpable elements shall  face full wrath of the law.

Addressing Journalists at a Press Briefing held at the Government House in Akure, the State Capital, on Sunday, Governor Akeredolu lamented that the loss of lives as well as the mindless destruction of public and private properties in Akure, Ondo, Ore and Okitipupa cannot receive accolades under any guise.

Governor Akeredolu who described the destruction spree embarked upon by the hoodlums as worrisome and deeply disheartening.

The Governor said having assessed the situation in the last few days, Schools must remained closed for the time being.

“Already, our children are billed to return to school after the disruption occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic surge are back home. Having assessed the situation in the last few days, we are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that our children must still remain at home for the time being.” the Governor stated.

He said such actions were totally reprehensible, condemnable and hugely misdirected, stressing that he was convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that there was more to it than meets the eye.

Governor Akeredolu who is also the Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, also condemned a video by one Adeyinka Godson, giving ultimatum to Igbos to leave the Southwest region.

Describing the video as puerile, divisive and revisionist, the Governor enjoined the Igbos and other tribes in the Southwest to disregard the ultimatum and go about their legitimate business.

Governor Akeredolu disclosed that those that have been arrested in connection with the destruction of properties in the state will face the full wrath of law.

He said:”We will set up a committee to assess those damages and come up with what to be paid. Individuals whose properties were destroyed will be adequately compensated by the state.

“Based on preliminary reports, I undertook a tour of affected areas and assets alongside security chiefs for an on the spot assessment.

“I have seen with my eyes, the painful destruction of public assets such as the High Court Complex, Local Government Secretariat including school shuttle buses all in Okitipupa, several Police Stations, vehicles, offices, banks, markets as well as assets of private individuals.

“Of note is the Okitipupa Correctional Centre where inmates, including convicted ones have been released.

“We particularly express our heartfelt sympathy to one of our illustrious sons, Engr Ife Oyedele FNSE, over the malicious and senseless damage done to his residence in Okitipupa.“

The Governor appreciated the good people of the state for the swift perception given to the ugly incidents as very untoward, adding that their fresh insights, new views and opinions were very helpful in dousing the tension that was foisted by mischief makers and fifth columnists wanted to take undue advantage of a supposedly legitimate demands.

Fellow Nigerians,

It has become necessary for me to address you having heard from many concerned Nigerians and having concluded a meeting with all the Security Chiefs.

2. I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine and well – intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
3. On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS.
4. The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens as enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and other enactments; but this right to protest also imposes on the demonstrators the responsibility to respect the rights of other citizens, and the necessity to operate within the law.
5. As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.
6. On approving the termination of SARS, I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.
7. Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.
8. The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties completely destroyed or vandalised; the sanctity of the Palace of a Peace Maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.
9. All these executed in the name of the ENDSARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary. Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expression of grievance of the youth of our country.
10. The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through the social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgement and disruptive behaviour.
11. On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the wellbeing and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
12. Government has put in place measures and initiatives principally targeted at youths, women and the most vulnerable groups in our society. These included our broad plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years; the creation of N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youths and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Survival Fund, through which government is:

a. paying three months salaries of the staff of 100,000 micro, small – and medium – enterprises,

b. paying for the registration of 250,000 businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission,

c. giving a grant of N30,000 to 100,000 artisans; and

d. guaranteeing market for the products of traders.

13. These are in addition to many other initiatives such as;

a. Farmermoni,

b. Tradermoni,

c. Marketmoni,

d. N-Power,

e. N-Tech and

f. N-Agro.

14. No Nigerian Government in the past has methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation like we have done.
15. With regard to the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force. The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards.
16. In order to underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers.
17. Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country.
18. We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement.
19. We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens are protected.
20. But remember that government also has the obligation to protect lives and properties, as well as the right of citizens to go about their daily businesses freely and protected from acts of violence.
21. To our neighbours in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position or rushing to judgment and making hasty pronouncements.
22. In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful, and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos with the aim of truncating our nascent democracy.
23. For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.
24. I therefore call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.
25. And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect lives and properties of all law abiding citizens without doing harm to those they are meant to protect. Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
26. I would like to thank those state Governors, traditional and religious leaders who have appealed for calm and restraint. I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands.
27. This government respects and will continue to respect all the democratic rights and civil liberties of the people, but it will not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of our nation.

Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Yet to be identified hoodlums in the early hours of Thursday have reportedly set the Okitipupa Police Divisional Headquarter, in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State ablazed under the guise of EndSARS protest.

Exclusivestorynews, gathered that the thugs looted and carted away police rifles, police uniforms and other weapons after setting the Command Office ablaze.

The hoodlums who also allegedly attacked Okitipupa Correctional Service center,destroyed properties worth billions of naira at the Local Government Secretariat, burnt some while some were stolen.

According to an eye witness who wants to remain anonymous, ” I saw people moving out with rifles, saw some of the thugs putting-on police uniforms and other Kits of the law enforcement Agents after setting the station a blazed.”

Over 200 confiscated motorcycles and valuable properties at the Police Station were reportedly released to the public while some were vandalized.

In addition, the angry mobs in Okitipupa town, headquarters of Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, have allegedly looted and damaged the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Okitipupa High Court Complex, Okitipupa Oil Palm PLC.

Similarly in Ode Aye, under Okitipupa Local Government of Ondo State, some rampaging youths were reportedly heading towards the police station, and politician houses.

According to an eye witness ” The Strange Protesters have list of areas of target including politician houses. They are very strategic, currently on rampage now.”

All efforts to reach the Ondo state Police PRO, Mr. Tee-leo Ikoro over the incident proved abortive at the time of filling this report.

As unknown rampaging youths begin protest in Ode Aye, head to police station

The Strange Protesters have list of areas of target including politician houses. They are very strategic, currently on rampage now, says eyewitness

Angry mobs in Okitipupa town, headquarters of Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State have allegedly looted the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, destroyed some properties and put the fence on fire after partly damaging it.

It was also report that the Okitipupa High Court Complex is on fire as at the time of filing this report while some offices in Okitipupa Oil Palm PLC were reportedly damaged.

”The Strange Protesters have list of areas of target including politician houses. They are very strategic, currently on rampage now”, says an eyewitness.

Our correspondent has also gathered that another set of unknown rampaging youths are currently heading to the police station in Ode Aye under Okitipupa Local Government of Ondo State.

The Ode Aye protests have just begun now, Starnews Nigeria reports.

Starnews Nigeria had reported in the morning how mobs in the town had burnt the police station, the Local Government Secretariat, attacked the Correctional Service (former Nigerian Prison) and released all the prisoners therein, leaving the staff untouched.

Starnews

The news that Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi is set to resign this week by some national news papers is false and a figment of the imagination of the writers.

The Deputy Governor was elected together with Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN by the good people of Ondo State in 2016. That four years mandate given to both men will not end until 23rd February, 2021.

The news of his impending resignation is being sponsored by the governor through the propaganda machinery and machinations of Ondo State Ministry of Information as a subterfuge in preparation for a macabre plan to put the deputy governor’s forged signature on a prepared resignation letter.

The general public should be wary of these latest antics and desperation of the Governor to remove his Deputy by all means and at any cost illegally.

The people of Ondo State, who voted for Agboola Ajayi as Deputy Governor in 2016 have not ask him to resign or quit the government. Therefore, he has no reason whatsoever to relinquish the people’s mandate, which of course is limited by term/time, democratically bestowed upon him.

Comrade Allen Sowore
Media Adviser to the Deputy Governor
20th October, 2020

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Gosulcare Foundation on Sunday empowered no fewer than 50 widows in Itebu-Manuwa community, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.,

It was gathered that foodstuffs, school bags, clothes, farm tools, sewing machines, cassava and pepper grinding machines among others were distributed as palliatives to the widows in the community.

Mrs Tonia Benjamin, Founder of the NGO said that the foundation gave out the pallatives in order to alleviate the sufferings of the needy and less privileged especially the widows in the community.

Benjamin, also the Vice President of African Women in Leadership Organisation, Delta State Chapter added that the aim of the Foundation was to reach out to less privileged ones.

“The aim of this foundation is to reach out to the needy and less privileged especially the widows in our society for them to have a sense of belonging

“This foundation is non-governmental, non-political and non-profitable organisation that get it’s items from donors, we are already in 12 states and willing to reach out to the needy in more states.

“I urge beneficiaries of this pallatives to put it to good use for them to have means of survival, I also urge government and individuals to support us in order to reach out to more people ,” Benjamin said.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to our reporter thanked the NGO for its kind gestures, they pledge to put the palliatives to good use praying for the NGO to get recognition.

Mrs Ibironke Lawal, a cassava grinding machine beneficiary expressed joy over the palliative, she, thanked the foundation,for its kind gestures towards widows saying that they came to her rescue at the right time.

Mrs Rebecca Ikuenumore who also got a sewing machine promised to put to good use to feed her children, she also prayed that the foundation would be recognised by goverment and well meaning Nigerians.

Meawhile, Oba Fredrick Adetutu, the Elero of Itebu-Manuwa Kingdom also lauded the foundation for its kind gesture of alleviating the sufferings of his subjects.

“I am indeed happy and grateful to this foundation and their donors for their gestures, I urge other well meaning indigenes to emulate them,” Oba Adetutu said.

Ondo State Member House of Assembly representing Ilaje Constituency II, Mrs Favour Semilore Tomomewo, has debunked the news circulating on social media platform that she has been expelled from the All Progressive Congress at Ward level.

This contained in a statement signed, released by her to the newsmen.

Read the full statement ;👇

I have been restrained by many natural and non natural causes not to react to some gullible minded persons that are been brainwashed and used as tools of destruction to concoct one letter or the other. One of such is the purported expulsion rumour circulating on the social media platforms that;

I, HON TOMOMEWO SEMILORE FAVOUR, has been expelled from the APC at my ward level. I make bold to tell all and sundry that I remain a bonafide member of the APC since such alleged expulsion letter has neither been transmitted to me nor received by me.

I therefore appeal to all right thinking citizens of Ilaje local Government and Ondo State in general to disregard this rumour as it is just a threat that deserves no attention.

Thanks you all.

Sign:
Hon. Favour Semilore Tomomewo,
Member House of Assembly representing the good people of Ilaje Constituency 2.

The chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Ondo State, Princess Oladunni Odu has felicitated with Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, on his re-election in the just concluded gubernatorial election.

Speaking at her residence in Okitipupa shortly after announcing Akeredolu’s victory, Odu, said it was a renewed mandate for greater height and betterment of the state. She, therefore appreciated residents for their support before, and during the election which resulted to this gesture.

Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, of All Progressive Congress (APC) who scored the highest votes of 292,830 was declared winner of the governorship election by INEC, beating his opponent Mr. Eyitayo Jegede of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who emerged second with a number of 195,431 votes and Hon. Agboola Ajayi of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), a distant third, having scored 69,127 votes.

While celebrating Akeredolu’s victory, Odu, the philanthropist and one time Commissioner for Education in the State empowered three youths; Oluwafemi Akindele, a tailor with sewing machine, one Oluwasegun, an apprentice, with new Quilink motorcycle and Wande Akindele, a barber with barbing tolls (2 clippers, 2 standing mirrors, chairs and generator plant).

Odu saluted the leadership and members of All Progressive Congress APC in Okitipupa local government particularly in Okitipupa Ward I and II for a great job done.

A Customary Court sitting in Okitipupa has freed a 50-year-old woman from being levirated to the brother of her deceased husband.

The widow, Tosin Oladipupo approached the court in order to be freed from the vows binding her with  her late husband, and the tradition of leviration whom her late husband’s family is using as a yardstick. 

According to her ” I got married to my Late husband, Oladipupo Dayo, under Native law and custom for 22-years before his death on March 12, 2013. After the mourning was over, the family pronounced me to be levirated to his immediate brother, Dapo Oladipupo.”

She also told the court under oath that she had been told to leave but she refused on the claim that she wanted to take care of her children in their late father’s house. 

“When I fell sick, I moved to my father’s house for a while in order to be taken care of properly by my parents. However, after my recovery, I told my late husband’s family of my plans to remarry but I was threatened that I can only marry Dapo, my late husband’s brother.”

She thereby prayed the court to officially grant her the permission to remarry, and restrict the respondent’s family from levirating her to her late husband’s brother adding that ”  since the death of my husband 8-years ago, I have been the only one taking care of the children.” She lamented.

In addition to her prayers, Tosin also sought the court to grant her custody of the two children from the marriage – Rachael Oladipupo,(F)18, and a minor.

The petitioner who lives at 13 Obateru street, along Estate Okitipupa was present all through the sitting while the respondent and family were absent despite being served hearing notices. 

After series of adjournments and prove of evidences by the petitioner, the court presided over by  Benson Omotayo, Abraham Mathew and Sunday Kukoyi, held that a  valid marriage existed between the parties , therefore the petitioner claims for dissolution was in order.

In the Judgement read by  the court’s president, Omotayo, said, the petitioner had proved before the court that her husband Oladipupo Dayo was late and she was not ready to marry any of the family member of her late husband.

“I am of the opinion that death has do them part and put an end to the marriage between the petitioner and the Respondent’s family. Therefore the Petitioner is at liberty to leave on her own or marry any other man of her choice without threat or harassment from the respondent’s family”. 

“The marriage has failed and Irretrievable as the petitioner has discharged the burden that she has long suffered and endured as a result of the death of her husband”.

The court added that the custody of the 7-years-old child in the marriage be granted to the petitioner while  Rachael Oladipupo F 18, was at liberty to stay wherever she felt safe and comfortable being an adult who could  decide on her own.