The election tribunal has struck out the petition of the People’s Democratic Party’s candidate against the incumbent governor of Ondo State.
The PDP and its candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, challenged the October 2020 guber election that returned Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
The tribunal judgement, which was earlier scheduled for Wednesday April 20th, was rescheduled last night to today and was held via Zoom.
The two hours judgement, however struck out Jegede’s petition for lack of Jurisdiction.
According to the tribunal, “Issue raised therein in this petition are settled issue of internal affairs and Management of a political party which this Tribunal has no Jurisdiction”.
The Chairman Okitipupa Local Government, Mr. Igbekele Akinrinwa has presented (N3’205,681,706.97) 2021 budget proposal to the Okitipupa Legislative council, tagged “budget of Hope”.
The budget of “Hope” was presented at the Local Government Legislative Chamber, Okitipupa Secretariat.
The (N3’205,681,706.97), three billion, two hundred and five million, six hundred and fifty one thousand, seven hundred and six naira, ninety seven kobo budget, tagged budget is expected to take care Local Government expenditures when passed into law.
The Chairman, in his speech thanked the leadership of NULGE, for the prompt intervention in the situation of the Local Government after the incident of the ENDSARS protest that led to the total razed down of the LG Secretariat on 22, October, 2020.
He thanked Mr. Larry Ogunmusire and Gen. Olu Bajowa for the donation of buildings where the Local Government is currently using as temporary offices.
Akinrinwa, however, assured that better days are coming as budget is expected to take care of the financial exigencies of LG, ranging from overhead cost to capital expenditures, social welfare and Charity.
According to him, the items in the budget are people oriented that will bring succour to the people in the Local Government Area.
In his response, the leader of Okitipupa Legislative council, Mr. Monday Akinselure, assured the Chairman that the budget proposal will receive prompt attention that will lead to speedy passage, he equally used the opportunity to highlight some essential needs of the legislative council which included official car for the Leader of the house, electrical gadgets, office furniture and total renovation of the Legislative Chamber.
The budget presentation had in attendance the Vice Chairman of the LG, Mr. Ola Iwaeni, the Secretary to the LG, Mr. Ikuejamuwa Johnson, the head of LG administration Pastor Sanni E.O.
Others are; the Treasurer to the LG, Mr. Abayomi Akintan and the chairman of APC in Okitipupa local government Mr. Bode Ikulala led party leaders and faithfuls to graced the occasion.
The Executive Chairman of Okitipupa local government, Mr. Igbekele Akinrinwa has commended the Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Mr. Nicholas Tofowomo for t rebuilding the Okitipupa Police station.
Recalled that the police station was set ablaze by irritant youth in the name of Endsars protest late last year. The Chairman also use the medium to plead with all the sons and daughters of the southern senatorial district and the Ikale/Ilaje/Apoi in particular to emulate the Senator and contribute to the rebuilding of Okitipupa.
Meanwhile, the senator had begun the rebuilding of the Okitipupa Divisional Police Station in line with his promise to give the Divisional Police Headquarters facelift after it was razed by irate youth during the #endsars protest
The buildings, alongside Okitipupa LGA Secretariat, Okitipupa Oil Palm Company and others were among the properties burnt on Oct. 22, 2020, by hoodlums who hijacked the #EndSARS protests against police brutality.
Tofowomo, who had promised to demolish and rebuild the Police Station after an on the spot assessment tour to ascertain the level of damage across the Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.
It was learnt that the Senator, after getting the Inspector General of Police approval for the building plan, demolition, and reconstruction, the work begins with the demolition of the burnt structure, while the reconstruction would start on Monday, April 19, 2021, after the delivery of all materials to the site.
Tofowomo, therefore, urged residents especially the youths to always manage their anger to prevent the destruction of lives and properties.
Lawyers in Ondo State on Monday protested the continued strike action embarked upon by Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) over the demand for financial autonomy for judiciary arm of government.
The lawyers from five branches in the state converged on Akure High Court complex from where they moved round the state capital and ended in the governor’s office in Alagbaka where a letter of protest was presented to the government.
Armed with different placards including “Please, save the judiciary from sinking. The time for emancipation is now” “NBA says no Executive control of judiciary” “Aketi Obey section 121(3) of the Constitution” “NBA believes in judicial autonomy” and “Save judiciary from drowning” the lawyers said the governors should allow judicial autonomy in the state.
Led by the Akure branch of the NBA, Mr Rotimi Olorunfemi, Thompson Akinyemi and Chief Orimisan Okorisa of Ondo and Okitipupa branches of NBA, the lawyers said a situation where the judiciary goes to governors for fund each time is not acceptable to lawyers in the state.
In the letter submitted to the governor’s office, the lawyers said the judiciary which is an independent arm of government under the Constitution and saddle with the important role of administration of justice should not be strangulated by the executive arm of government.
The lawyers said without an independent judiciary, the implication on the socio-economic fortune of the people is better imagined.
The letter read “JUSUN’s demand, which the NBA unequivocally supports, it is, therefore, not alien to our system of governance, because federalism comes alive through active implementation of the doctrine of separation of powers.
” It is particularly reprehensible that despite all the interventions of relevant stakeholders towards enforcing constitutional provisions, this state has continued in the undemocratic practice of micromanaging the funds due to the judiciary with gross impunity, and in breach of oath of office which requires that you uphold the dictates of the Constitution.”
The NBA said as a major shareholder in the justice sector with the specific mandate to protect the rule of law, the lawyers are in total support of the judicial workers’ strike action which is aimed at ensuring an independent judicial arm of government
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has said a groom and four other persons died and nine others injured in a ghastly motor accident which occurred at Aponmu community along Akure-Ondo express road yesterday.
The groom simply identified as Adewale was returning to Akure with his wife after their wedding held at Ikoyi Registry last Saturday when the incident occurred.
The new wife was said to have been seriously injured in the accident.
It was gathered that the fatal accident occurred on Sunday at about 12:30 pm involving one 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus, Reg No: AAA 895 XC that plunged into River Owena along Akure-Ondo road in the state.
Men of the FRSC said the driver lost control as a result of over speeding.
According to reports, three male, one female and one child died in the accident, while nine male, five female and three children survived.
It was gathered that the injured victims have been taken to the General Hospital in Akure for treatment.
In a similar incident, a 45- year-old motorcyclist, Adedoyin Idowu has lost his life while several others were injured after a Lexus Car rammed into some shops in Ondo town.
The incident occurred opposite Loverboy, Mimiko street in Ondo. Eye witnesses told our correspondent that a motorcycle rider who wanted to buy beans cake popularly known as Akara, died instantly after being hit by the car.
The shop owner who sells Akara, an aged woman and a child were among those who were injured. They had since been taken to UNIMED teaching hospital for treatment.
As CP Odumosu commends Operatives’ Self-control, Professionalism
A 33-year-old man, who dared, assaulted and inflicted severe bodily injuries on an armed police operative in Lagos State, has been arrested.
The suspect, Victor Ebhomenyen had allegedly, on Saturday, April 17, 2021, driven against traffic at Four Point Hotel, Oniru on Victoria Island, and was halted for questioning by ASP Erhator Sunday, the team leader of a Rapid Response Squad (RRS), on a convoy movement to drop some operatives of the squad at their various beats.
Victor, who was behind the wheels in a white Hyundai SUV, marked MUS 251 EH, together with his co-traveler in the vehicle, one Etinosa Obaywana, angrily alighted and behaved like people under a spell of suicidal mission.
They allegedly threw caution to the wind by confronting and violently assaulting the said team leader, ASP Erhator Sunday, in the presence of his subordinates, who were at that point, armed with their respective official AK 47 rifles.
The RRS Operatives, particularly, ASP Erhator, according to the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, displayed a high level of professionalism amidst fierce provocations by resisting the temptation of using his rifle on the suspects.
Adejobi, in a press release made available to Crime Puzzle, said: “The Command has deemed it necessary and responsible to react and set the record straight on the incident that was captured in a viral video trending on the social media on Saturday, 17th April, 2021, where two (2) men were repeatedly assaulting an officer on duty and creating a scene on the road at Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
“The prime suspect, Victor, is in the police custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department Panti, for investigation and prosecution as at when due, while effort is on to arrest his fleeing accomplice, Etinosa, who has been identified”, the PPRO said.
To this end, the Command’s image maker stated that, in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, the vehicle has been impounded and taken to the Lagos State Taskforce office in Oshodi, for appropriate penalty.
In his reaction, however, the state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has commended the police personnel for their act of maturity, self control, perseverance and professionalism in managing the “drama” created by the suspect; and tactical due enforcement of law and order without any infringement on the suspect’s or any person’s human rights during the saga.
Consequently, the CP has enjoined police personnel in the Command to emulate the act of professionalism, maturity and perseverance displayed by the assaulted officer and his colleagues, in the face of series of provocations exhibited by the suspect and his fleeing accomplice at the scene.
The Police boss has also warned against any violence or attack on the police and other security operatives in the state as, according to him, such acts would be professionally resisted and erring individuals would be dealt with according to the provisions of the law.
No fewer than 12 persons died in clashes between rival cults in Ikere Ekiti, Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State, and in the Mbiabong Ikot Essien community, Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State between Saturday and Sunday.
Sources said the Ikere Ekiti clash followed the killing of a cult member on Saturday, which made members of the group to which he belonged carried out a reprisal on the rival group.
A source said, “We do not really know the cause of the clash, but what we can say is that the cult members held residents and motorist hostage as they were on a shooting spree on Sunday morning.
“What we gathered is that a member of a cult group was killed overnight by rival group members and there was a reprisal in the early hours of Sunday. As we speak, people have been able to count six dead bodies from the cult clash.”
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Sunday Abutu, who confirmed the incident, said law enforcement agents had arrested 10 suspects in connection with the incident and more personnel had been deployed in the area to restore normalcy.
Abutu said, “There was a clash between rival cults early this morning (Sunday) in Ikere Ekiti. In the process, six persons lost their lives. Their corpses have been recovered and deposited in the morgue.
“Ten persons have been arrested as suspects in connection with the incident. Enough operatives have been deployed in that axis to maintain peace and tranquillity for now. Investigation is on, after that, we will know the real reason for the clash
“There is no problem anymore, people have started going about their lawful activities. Enough police operatives have been deployed there to maintain peace and calmness.
“Men of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have begun operations there.
“Those arrested are being kept in our custody and by the time we conclude our investigations, they will be charged accordingly.”
In Mbiabong Ikot Essien, no fewer than six persons were feared killed following a clash between suspected members of the Iron and Skin confraternities.
PUNCH Metro gathered that trouble started when a member of the Iron Confraternity allegedly beheaded a member of the Skin group, who later launched a reprisal on Saturday, but were resisted by members of the Iron Confraternity.
It was learnt that six suspected cultists, three from each group, were killed during the reprisal attack.
The village head of Mbiabong Ikot Essien, Eteidung Hosea Okon, who confirmed the clash, disclosed that one person from his community was killed.
He said the suspected cultists invaded his residence and vandalised his property and wondered why some youths could engage in activities that would not make positive impact on their lives.
Okon stated, “As I was lying down in front of my house last night (Saturday) half asleep, the voice of my second son woke me up as I heard him shouting, ‘mummy, mummy go inside’. My wife ran inside the house, leaving her phone outside.
“Then, I saw a group of boys, over 150 in number, some with machetes. I managed to get inside so that they would not harm me, but they started destroying my windows and doors. But one person from their group told them to stop and that was how they stopped vandalising my property.
“They were chanting: ‘Boys are hungry, boys are hungry’. They also entered some homes and looted whatever they saw there.
“I called the police at Shelter Afrique on Saturday and informed them of the incident. This morning (Sunday), I went there to make an official report. I don’t know what some boys are turning into. I learnt this morning that six of the youths died, that is three from each group. One of them, I learnt died, this morning in the hospital. He was cut with machete and he bled to death.”
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Odiko Macdon, said he had yet to be briefed about the incident, but promised to investigate and update members of the public as soon as he received information on the clash.
“I have yet to be briefed on the killings. Immediately I receive information on the incident, I will inform you. But be assured that the Commissioner of Police, Andrew Amiengheme, will not relent in clamping down on cultists in the state,” Macdon stated.
It is forty solid good years today that the number one citizen of Ondo State, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, tied the knot with his heartrob, Betty-Anyanwu.
Narrating her experiences so far, the wife of the Governor, Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu affirmed that marriage is not a bed of roses but they were able to come this far by making use of Communication tool and by understanding each other.
Betty-Anyanwu, a bonafide indigene of Emeabiam in Owerri Imo state, noted that despite the fact that herself and the Governor are from different tribes, she enjoyed total support from her spouse, saying “I couldn’t have asked for a better husband. Infact, my crossing the Niger was worth it”.
She explained that for different people from different background to survive the storms of marriage, there’s a need for them to identify each other’s likes and dislikes, while advising young couples to give space to each other to grow in the union, saying: “Marriage MUST not be a master and slave relationship”.
She described as disheartening, a situation where an educated woman is being subjugated in marriage due to her husband’s lack of support in her career advancement, while appreciating her late father and the Governor for giving her voice and the liberty to explore her potential in life.
Her words: “There is nothing more depressing than for an educated woman to feel suffocated in marriage due to husband’s lack of support in her career advancement or in some extreme cases, outright stoppage of a wife pursuing a career for fear of a woman having a voice in her home or being in control of her wealth.
“This state of mind leads to frustration and unhappy home. Its ramification is better imagined.
“My case is different. My husband and I believed in building our home together and from the scratch. With love and understanding, we feel fulfilled, today, 40 years. While my father gave me the wings to fly, my husband oiled the wings for me to soar. I have a supportive husband in all my endeavours”. The First Lady of Ondo State who asserted that one cap fits all does not apply in marriage, further, enjoined young couples to see marriage as partnership where both sides should contribute to make it succeed.
” There will be quarrels and fights but once you understand yourselves, each other’s likes and dislikes and give room for compromise, your marriage will last”.
According to the mother of four and grandma, it is a beautiful thing to fall in love before marriage. She noted that her union with Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was love at first sight which could have been a physical attraction but it endured the test of time.
“Ours is, indeed, a true love. As love leads into marriage, you do not rest on your oars. You have to work on it to keep the flame aglow. It requires understanding each other and the handy tool is communication. Once you can communicate with each other, it becomes easy to iron out your differences. Make no mistake, marriage is not a bed of roses. Roses after all have thorns”, she noted.
Mary Agidi,Special Assistant, Media. April, 18th 2021.
An 18 Seater bus has been reported to have plunged into Owena river along Akure-Ondo road in Ondo state on Sunday.
According to our correspondent, the driver of the bus was on his way coming from Ondo axis to Akure and suddenly lost control as a result of over speeding and rammed into the owena river.
He said five of the passengers including a child have been rescued and rushed to the hospital by motorists and men of the FRSC while some of the passengers have lost their lives at the scene.
The Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, Ahmed Hassan confirmed the incident to Channels Television on Sunday via the telephone.
Hassan said that seven of the passengers have been rescued and taken to the hospital.
He added that the number of casualties is yet to be ascertained as men of the corps are still battling to rescue the victims.
One person has been declared dead while several persons injured after a Lexus Car rammed into multiple shops in Ondo town, Ondo west local government area of Ondo state.
The incident happened opposite Loverboy, Mimiko street in Ondo.
Although, the identity of the victims are unknown, eye witnesses told The Precision NG, that a motorcycle rider who wanted to buy Beans cake popularly known as Akara, died instantly after being hit by the Car.
The shop owner who sells Akara, an aged woman and a child were among those who suffered high degree of injury.
They had since been taken to UNIMED teaching hospital for treatment.
The Lexus Car is with plate number 533 TSX registered in the US state of Tennessee.
Eye witnesses who spoke with our correspondent in Ondo alleged that the Car belong to a suspected Yahoo Boy.
The eye witnesses said the Car owner and a lady beside him took to their heels, after the incident happened.
As at the time of putting this report together, angry youths in Ondo town have started destroying the Car while threatening to it set ablaze.
