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Ahead of the October 10 2020, gubernatorial election in Ondo State, critical stakeholders in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state have vowed to work towards  the victory of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN  at the polls.

The leaders of All Progressive Congress, APC, in the local government led by the House of Representatives member representing Odigbo/Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Federal Constituency,  Hon Mayowa Akinfolarin, said they were fully prepared more than ever before to support the re-election of the governor.

The APC stakeholders spoke during their meeting with the Governor at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka Akure, the Ondo state capital.

Speaking on behalf of the party leaders, Hon Mayowa Akinfolarin, explained that they have all learnt from their past mistakes and have decided not to repeat such again, hence they made up their minds to work for the victory of the governor come October 10.

The federal lawmaker lauded Governor Akeredolu for the various infrastructural projects across  Odigbo Local Government Area, saying the governor has turned Ore to a Mega City. 

He specifically appreciated the governor for the construction of the Ore Flyover Interchange also known as Redemption Bridge which has put an end to incessant carnages in the axis, the Ondo-Linyl Industrial hub, the various road projects among other developmental efforts of the Akeredolu led administration.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Water Resources, Sanitation and Public Hygiene; Mrs. Yetunde Adeyanju; saluted the efforts of Governor Akeredolu for the developmental strides in Odigbo Local Government and pledged their unflinching support for the second term ambition of the Governor.

Responding, Governor Akeredolu who appreciated the people for their continued support added that the people of Odigbo local government have always supported him, urging them to do more in the forthcoming governorship elections.

Governor who listed some of his achievements in the local government including the construction of the Redemption Bridge, Ondo-Linyi Industrial Hub, various road projects among others, also noted that the bitumen exploitation in Irele was as a result of untiring efforts and determination to open up the southern senatorial district to the outside world and improve the economy of the state.

He further said the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, which was abandoned for over 8 years by the past administration, has been transformed by his administration.

Governor Akeredolu added that other various ongoing projects including the Port of Ondo and other infrastructural projects would be completed by his administration for the benefit of the people.

The Ondo State Customary Court of Appeal sitting in Akure has upheld the September 30, 2019 judgement of a Grade ‘A’ Customary Court, Odigbo, delivered in a land dispute situated at Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Appeal Court presided over by Justice Eunice Aderonke Alade with Justice Christy Titilayo Adesola-Ikpati and Justice Akinfemi Micheal Owoyemi, as members, affirmed the verdict of the lower court and dismissed the appeal brought before it for lack of merit .

In the lead judgement read by Justice Eunice Alade, the court held that the appellants failed to establish their case as required by the law before the lower court.

It held, ”The appeal fails and is accordingly dismissed and the judgement of the trial court granting title to the respondent in respect of the 10 plots of land in dispute affirmed.

The appellants, Mr. Henry Morakinyo , and Mr. Abiodun Akinboboye (for themselves and on behalf of the estate of Pa. Rufus Olaniji Akinboboye family of Ondo, had earlier approached the lower court to ask for the customary right of occupancy to the piece or parcel of land lying , and situate along Benin / Shagamu Expressway interchangeably called Lagos/Benin expressway , Ashejire in Odigbo local government Area of Ondo State.

Morakinyo and Akinbobola, (plaintiffs) on behalf of the family had instituted the case against one Chief Emmanuel Ukaegbu , at the Grade ‘A’ Customary Court over a parcel of land measuring approximately ten (10) plots of one hundred feet in length by fifty feet in breath(100ft by 50ft) each.

Ukaegbu was the defendant at the lower court and respondent at the appellate court.

The appellants were represented by  Mr. O.P Akinrintan (counsel), while the respondent was represented by Mr. M.A Adegboye

After series of arguments the lower court gave its judgement in favour of the defendant, Chief Ukaegbu and made an order, declaring that the defendant/counter claimant is entitled to the grant of customary right of occupancy to the piece or parcel of land.

The court also ordered the plaintiffs to prepare, sign and execute a title document in respect of the twelve (12) plots of land giving out /granted to the defendant/ counter claimant, while the cost of N50,000 was awarded against each of the plaintiffs in favour of the defendant

Dissatisfied with the verdict, the plaintiffs initiated the appeal by filing their notice at the Court of Appeal.
The appellate court held, ” This is an appeal against the decision of the Ondo State Grade ‘A’ Customary court sitting at Odigbo delivered by His worship , B.E Adenigbo ESQ (Presiding) and their honour to wit: B.O Olajobi and I.B Orogun (members) on Monday 30, September 2019 in suit No: ORCC/44/2019 wherein judgement was entered for the respondent.

In the final analysis, the Court of Appeal, held that the appellants failed to establish their case as required by the Law before the lower court.

The case was accordingly dismissed the judgement of the trial court granting tittle to the respondent in respect of the 10 plots of lands affirmed.

The incumbent Deputy Governor of Ondo State and Member of the PDP, Barr. Agboola Ajayi, has debunked the rumour that he has concluded plans to join the Zenith Labour Party.

This was contained in a press statement released on 2nd August, 2020 by the Director of Media and Publicity of Ondo PDP, Mr. Zadok Akintoye.

Read the full text:

ONDO PDP 2nd August, 2020 PRESS STATEMENT

RE: AGBOOLA AJAYI JOINS ZLP We take note of the information being promoted and spread across social media platforms that HE. Barr. Agboola Ajayi, the incumbent Deputy Governor and Member of the PDP has concluded plans to join the Zenith Labour Party.

For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Agboola Ajayi remains a valuable and respected member of the PDP and has not informed the party of his intention to leave and remains a committed member of the party.

Please note that clarification on the allegation has been sought from the Deputy Governor and assurances given to the leadership of the party of his intention to stay in the PDP.

We therefore implore all members of the party and the general public to disregard the information as H.E. has assured the party leaders and elders (on his honor) of not leaving. Our efforts at winning the next election remains ongoing and we are committed to removing the incumbent governor through a free and fair election.

Thank you.

Zadok Akintoye

Director of Media and Publicity.

The immediate past National President of Nigeria Medical Association ( NMA ), Professor Dayo Faduyile has praised the choice of Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa as Ondo State Deputy Designate by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Faduyile made this statement on Friday while chatting with news men in Abuja.

The Professor of forensic medicine emphasized that the choice of Aiyedatiwa, who holds a Master Degree in Business Administration ( MBA ) from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, as Governor Akeredolu’s running mate in the October 10 Ondo State Gubernatorial Election reflects the governor’s trust in the Southern Senatoral District of the State and also as expression of gratitude to the oil producing area of the State that lays “the golden egg” .

While congratulating Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead of October 10 Gubernatorial poll, the Ikoya born Prince described Aiyedatiwa as a technocrat, Politician and Community leader, noting that his wealth of wealth of experience on the Board of NDDC where he had represented Ondo State and other high profile organizations that he has worked with, will count positively for him as Ondo State Deputy Governor in due course.

Professor Faduyile also called on APC faithfuls and the good people of Ondo State to continue to rally support for the Akeredolu/Aiyedatiwa mandate, saying that “with God on our side, the victory of the duo of Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa in the coming poll is assured” .

It would be recalled that, the emergenced of Aiyedatiwa was believed on the fact that it is reward time for his loyalty both to the party and Governor Akeredolu.

It was also due to the age long clamour by the Ilaje people for Deputy Governorship slot since the State was created in February 3, 1976.

Credit; Bombay Ladi-Okunniga.

…Inaugurates Commissioner, Special Adviser

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has named Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as his running mate for the October 10 governorship election in the state.

Governor Akeredolu said the leaders of the party made wide consultations to choose a suitable and qualified candidate as the Running Mate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State.

In arriving at the choice of Aiyedatiwa, the Governor said some important factors assisted the leaders of the party, including the decision to sever ties with mediocrity and treachery.

While noting that the experiences of the immediate past must guide his decision, Akeredolu said a candidate with verifiable credentials and pedigree has been chosen to complete the last part of the gubernatorial race.

Identifying loyalty and honesty as the twin virtues needed to serve at the moment, Arakunrin Akeredolu said the people expect a fresh and dignifying breather from the choking rot of the immediate past.

The Governor said: “The general public has been treated to a cocktail of lies by those who recently disengaged from our administration, as well as those who were asked to step aside to allow those who displayed genuine passion to serve come on board.

“Their hirelings are busy spreading falsehood and maligning personalities on social media. You must have heard or read about the comedy of errors enacted by some erstwhile principal officers of this administration.

“Those who allege exclusion from governance have been unable to tell the people, in specific terms, how that happened. No political appointee is owed any salaries and allowances. Only those who came into office believing that political appointments would aid primitive acquisition of wealth have been disappointed. For us, it is good riddance to bad rubbish.”

The Governor congratulated the new commissioner for Natural Resources, Hon. Idowu Otetubi and the Special Adviser on Entrepreneurship Development, while asking them to remain committed and steadfast to the service of the people.

Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)

PRESS RELEASE

The palliatives distribution which had taken place in 9 local governments, was temporarily suspended in order to conduct a formative evaluation of the distribution process. Having reviewed and updated the distribution methodology, the 2nd phase of the widows’ palliative distribution has been scheduled to commence on Monday 27th of July, 2020:

PROPOSED ORDER:

Monday. July 27: Ilaje

Tuesday.July 28: ESE odo

Wednesday. July 29. IleOluji

Thursday. July 30: Okeigbo

Friday: July 31:Public Holiday

Saturday. August 1: Owo

Monday. August 3: Owo

Tuesday. August 4: Ose

Wednesday. August 5: Akoko South West

Thursday. August 6: Akoko South west

Friday. August 7: Akoko south east

Monday. August 10 :Akoko North west

Tuesday August 11:Akoko north East

For enquiries, contact SSA Gender, Research & Documentation
+234 803 412 6944

Aftermath of People’s Democratic Party PDP Primary election, the  Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Agboola Ajayi may be on his way to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Our reporter authoritatively gathered that Ajayi, on Friday night, met former Governor Olusegun Mimiko at his residence in Ondo town to discuss the possibility of flying the party’s ticket.

 Curiously, the meeting of the duo came a few hours after the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and estranged political son of Mimiko, Eyitayo Jegede visited Ajayi at his Okitipupa residence as part of his reconciliation moves after the primary.

Ajayi, maternally from Ondo town, was said to have received an appreciable support from Mimiko during the primary, but lost to Jegede at the PDP primary.
Sources in ZLP revealed that Ajayi is begging Mimiko, who is the national leader of the party for the ZLP governorship ticket.

Already, ZLP had elected Hon Rotimi Benjamin as its candidate for the October 10, 2020 governorship election in the State.
Although Mimiko had yet given a definite answer to Ajayi’s request, it was still unclear what the implication of such overtures would be for Benjamin.

But if the request sails through, Ajayi told Mimiko that his running mate would come from Owo, the hometown of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

All the same, Mimiko is expected to meet his associates and followers on Sunday to deliberate on the matter.

It will be recalled that Ajayi, who dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for PDP, came second in the party primary election that produced Mr. Eyitayo Jegede as the PDP governorship candidate.

After the PDP primary election, the deputy governor, through a statement signed by his Campaign Director General, Dr. Kola Ademujimi had said:
“PDP remains our party and we therefore want all our supporters to remain loyal to the Party as we work towards the way forward”

 It was gathered that Ajayi’s to contest under the platform of Social Democratic Party (SDP) but might have abandoned that idea following the outburst of the SDP state leader, who is also the lawmaker representing Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency, Hon. Tajudeen Adefisoye a.k.a Small Alhaji on his Facebook page that the party won’t become a dumping ground for desperate politicians.

The ZLP source said: “we were shocked to see Ajayi at Mimiko’s house yesterday night (last Friday). He told our leader that he would like to contest the October 10, election under ZLP and assured him that he has enough resources to win the poll.

 “According to the deputy governor, one of his strategies is to pick his running mate from Owo local government, the hometown of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN in order to divide the votes from the town.

“But kindly note that Mimiko has not given him his word. He told him that he would meet his supporters soon and get back to him. I doubt if Ajayi will have his way in ZLP.

“Some of us knew how he supported Agbo may be because his mother is from Ondo town and you know if course blood is thicker than water. If the man failed at the primary to Jegede, another failure would rubbish the integrity of our leader, Iroko”, he said.

In a reaction , the Media Adviser to the Deputy governor, Allen Sowore told ROVING REPORTERS that Agboola is only consulting with his supporters and will come out with his next line of actions.

 Sowore said “ The deputy governor is only consulting with his supporters and in another one week, he will come out with the next line of action . All I can tell you now is that he still consulting. ”

You know the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Eyitayo Jegede SAN, visited him yesterday- 24th July, 2020.

He has been meeting with the critical stakeholders in a view to determine the next line of action. ”

The Flag bearer of People’s Democratic Party , Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, has promised the people of Ondo Southern senatorial district stable electricity if elected as the Governor of the State in the forthcoming October 10, 2020.

This he made known during an interactive session with Crest FM in Alagbaka, Akure the state capital, during the maiden edition of its radio programme on Friday, ‘Victory Interviews’.

The programme was tagged and designed to X-ray the intentions and plans of candidates contesting in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, scheduled by INEC to hold on 10th October 2020.

It would be recalled that these parts of the State, especially, Okitipupa, Ilaje, (the riverine areas), Ese-odo, and Irele , have been in blackout for the past 10 years.

In his words, “Yes, I am a native of Akure and I am not ashamed of it, but I can also be classified as a native of other communities in the state.

“I had gone round, visiting the riverside areas of Ilaje and Ese-Odo and I could feel what they were going through. From that area up to Ile-Oluji and Okeigbo, they don’t have electricity at all; unlike Akure that has a little supply

“So we are going to provide electricity in these areas and also build them hospitals as they lack medical facilities and are battling with mosquito bites.

“I have been to Akoko areas, to Okitipupa and all parts of the state and I know what their problems are,” he explained.

The governorship candidate, who was a former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General in the state, particularly lamented the hardship that the less-privileged residents of the state were going through.

“The free health services reserved for pregnant women, nursing mothers, elderly citizens and the physically challenged people under the PDP administration are no longer there.

“Our education sector too is in shamble, to the extent that, tuition fee of N35,000 in the institution is now N230,000: thus denying children of poor people access to education.

“If I am elected governor of Ondo State, we will reduce the tuition fees of not just Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, but all tertiary institutions in the state,” he assured.

Sorting of ballot papers is yet to commence more than one hour after voting ended at the ongoing governorship primary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State.

It was gathered introduction of fresh 17 names after delegates have voted is causing fresh crisis as many of the aspirants insisted the names were strange to them.

The Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi- led Committee went to a closed door meeting for over 30 minutes and came out without declaring what to do with the list.

It was gathered the list contained names of former local government chairmen of the party who defected and later returned.

Some aspirants insisted the people have not properly rejoined the PDP

Talks are still on between the committee and aspirants on whether to accept the list or not