Lifestyle

Fishermen urge Ondo government to declare waterways state of emergency as five drown

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Orioye Gbayisemore, national president of the Fishermen Association of Nigeria, the Ondo chapter, has appealed to the state government to declare a state of emergency on the decay of infrastructure in the marine business.

Mr Gbayisemore also appealed to the government to make the waterways safe for different marine businesses as a matter of urgency.

The association made the appeal in an open letter to acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Sunday.

It decried the alleged government’s failure to officially react to the death of five traders in a boat mishap in Ilaje or sympathise with the bereaved families.

“Your Excellency, sir, you will be aware that about three weeks ago, five Igbo men drowned as a result of a boat mishap in Ilaje local government area of Ondo state, with a press statement issued in all the national dailies by our association,” stated the letter.

“But to our greatest surprise, the government of Ondo state has kept deaf ears to this ugly incident without making any statement to sympathise with the families of the deceased.”

The association further stated that the incident led to low patronage by traders from the South-East because of the lack of safety measures for water commuters.

It also urged the State Government to give special consideration to the artisanal fishermen in the proposed government palliatives to be supported with input and financial support.

“The removal of subsidy has worsened the situation of the people living in the riverine communities of the state. It takes an average of 200 litres of petrol at N700, totalling N140,000, to set out for fishing, which is the main mainstay of the riverine communities,” added the association.

The letter also mentioned that with the declaration of state of emergency in the food and agriculture sector by the federal government, “the fishery sector should be considered, being a critical sector that provides the cheapest protein source to the masses.”

The association also noted that “65 per cent of the total consumption rate come from the artisanal fishermen.”

Politics

INEC issues certificates of return to 26 Ondo lawmakers-elect

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INEC issued certificates of return to 26 winners of the March 18 Ondo state assembly election in Akure on Thursday.

Twenty-two of the new lawmakers won their elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while the other four won on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

INEC’s acting resident electoral commissioner, Oyekola Oyelami, who presented the certificates, claimed that INEC recorded huge success in Ondo.

He charged the new lawmakers to meet the electorate’s expectations in their constituencies.

“As an election management board, we are committed to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections. INEC has performed well and will continue to perform well, backed by technological innovations,’’ Mr Oyelami said.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers-elect, the majority leader of the assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, commended INEC and security agencies for ensuring credible elections in Ondo.

He urged the people of Ondo to expect good governance from the 10th assembly.

Twenty-two of the legislators-elect are first-time assembly members, while four are returning for another term of four years.

Politics

‘Remain calm’, Akeredolu tells Ondo residents amid calls for cancellation of election results

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Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo has asked residents of the state to remain calm as the opposition parties continue to call for the cancellation of results of Saturday’s presidential election.

Mr Akeredolu, on Tuesday, said that residents of Ondo state have no reason to succumb to the agitations of the members of the opposition party.

“We understand that some political parties are agitated but there is no reason for our people to succumb to agitations. I urge you all to remain calm,” the governor said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Richard Olatunde.

Mr Akeredolu’s statement was in response to the call made by members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), demanding for the cancellation of the election results conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The opposition political parties, joined by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have accused INEC of ‘manipulating’ the results of the election in alleged “connivance” with the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The parties are questioning why the electoral umpire has refused to electronically upload the results of Saturday’s exercise on its server (portal) despite the assurance it gave Nigerians before the election took place.

Speaking further, Mr Akeredolu asked the people of the state not to be caught in the issues already being agitated for by the opposition political parties.

He noted that the issues would be resolved among the parties while asking the residents of the state not to entertain fear but go about their normal daily activities.

“Don’t be caught in the web as the issues at hand are among political parties. The parties will be resolved as time goes on. Let us go about our daily activities without fear of intimidation,” the governor said.

He later saluted the people for turning out during Saturday’s elections and voting for the APC candidates from top to bottom.

While describing the people of the state as unique and distinct, Mr Akeredolu said that the voice of the people was unanimous and loud in choosing the candidates of the party across the board.

“I thank you all for your display of love and support for all candidates of the APC. The huge votes garnered by our party in this last election is an unequivocal statement of your acceptability and support for our government in the State and the party.

“Before the elections, I urged you all to rise above the frustrations at the fuel stations and ATMs and vote for the candidates of the APC. Your response was loud and heartwarming. We have shown that we are a people of immeasurable knowledge and faith. You are reliable and trustworthy,” he said.

According to him, “Your display of courage and resilience is commendable. Your stance and convictions on our collective struggles have been reflected in your choice and acceptability. We shall expend all efforts toward improving lives and developing our State. This march towards shared prosperity shall receive our utmost priority.

“Undoubtedly, this victory is yours. The gains shall fulfill your desirabilities and deepen your hope for a united and prosperous nation. We are thankful and honoured with your massive votes and turnout. You have written our names in gold and restored our glory as the home of progressives.”

The Governor, however, pleaded with the people of the state to turn out again in large numbers in the March 11 election and vote for the candidates of the APC again in the exercise.

Lifestyle

Governor Akeredolu threatens to banish two monarchs over clashes

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Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has threatened to banish the two monarchs in Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko Northeast Local Government Area over incessant communal clashes.

The Nation reported that Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin II, the Owa-Ale of Iyometa, Ikare and the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Saliu Momoh have been at loggerheads over control of the town.

Their quarrel which has led to the destruction of lives and properties in the area, recently made the Ondo state government impose a 24-hour curfew on the town.

Addressing journalists after a State Executive Council meeting, Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju said Governor Akeredolu has decided to banish the two monarchs if another clash occurs.

Olateju said the State Government has relaxed the 24- hour curfew imposed on Ikare- Akoko, from 6pm to 6am.

The commissioner who added that the two Obas have been warned to comport themselves in line with the State Government decisions, also announced that a five-member committee has also been set up to look into the crisis in Ikare and recommend resolution on the Okoja issue as well as the Oloko intercession.

She said;

“This press briefing is about the crisis in Ikare Akoko. The crisis in Ikare has resulted in stringent measures being taken by government. But in like manner, the curfew has been relaxed a little bit and it will be in effect from 6am to 6pm.

“The Council resolved that any further crisis or escalation in Ikare will result in banishment of the Olukare and Owa-Ale. The Council also decided to look into the history of Okoja that is the bone of contention between the two Obas.

“The Oloko intercession issue will also be looked into. From now on, the Council has resolved that no one should parade himself as the Olokoja of Okoja, either the one installed by Owo Ale and Olukare. All minor chiefs installed by the Olokojas should stop parading themselves as chiefs henceforth. Whoever does so will be arrested and will face consequences.”

Politics

Tension in Ondo as soldiers allegedly attack PDP members

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THE People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State, yesterday, raised the alarm over the attack of its members in Idanre Local Government Area of the state by alleged soldiers.

The party accused the lawmaker representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency, Mr. Tajudeen Adefisoye, of masterminding the attack on its members and the destruction of shops where members were holding a meeting.

Adefisoye, who is the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Army, had accused some PDP youths of attacking his convoy, last Saturday, in the town, injuring his supporters.

The PDP alleged that the invasion by the alleged fake soldiers was a reprisal attack by the APC lawmaker.

Reacting to the invasion, the Director of Media and Publicity of PDP, in Idanre council area, Mr Fasoranti Adeyemi, in a statement, said:

“The military action started around 5:45 pm and lasted till 7:05 pm which resulted in the destruction of shops and property.

“No amount of threats and intimidations will stop Idanre/Ifedore from voting PDP candidates in February/March 2023 and from winning.”

Reacting to the alleged invasion, the lawmaker, Mr Adefisoye, denied the allegations, saying he didn’t bring soldiers to the town.

Adefisoye said:

“I didn’t bring soldiers to Idanre. It was the candidate of PDP for the House of Representatives, Festus Akingbaso, and his supporters that attacked me.

“They destroyed my cars and the windscreen of my car was pierced by a bullet.”

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Ondo Police Command, Funmi Odunlami, said the matter was under investigation.Odunlami said:

“We quickly moved in to ensure peace in the community as investigations have started with a view to apprehending perpetrators of such a dastard act.

“This is the electioneering period. You would want to bring in someone that will represent you. There is no justification for taking anybody’s life.

“We will get to the root of the matter and ensure we get those involved arrested.”

Lifestyle

Kidnappers Kill Businessman After Ransom Payment In Ondo

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A businessman based in Ugbe Akoko, Ondo State, Augustine Okoye, who was kidnapped with his wife has been reportedly killed by abductors after payment of ransom.

The couple were kidnapped along the Isua Akoko highway while their abductors demanded an undisclosed amount of money as ransom to secure their release.

It was gathered that Okoye was killed by the kidnappers before the family of the victims paid the ransom and freed only his wife.

A source within the community disclosed that the man had been beaten to death before the ransom was paid, but warned his wife not to disclose to those negotiating their release.

According to the source, “the wife disclosed that their abductors warned her not to tell the negotiators about the husband’s death or she will be killed.”

A police source in Ikare Akoko who confirmed the incident disclosed that the car of the victims had been recovered from the scene of the incident.

The police source said men of the Ondo Amotekun corps and local vigilante groups were now combing the forest to recover the dead body and arrest the suspects.

All attempts to confirm the incident from the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Funmi Odunlami proved unsuccessful.

Lifestyle

Ondo man ties wife to well for cheating on him

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A woman was tied to a well by her truck driver husband for alleged infidelity.

The man has been identified as Muyiwa Sikiru and it was gathered that the incident occurred at Oke Aro area of Akure, Ondo State capital.

The Nation reported that neighbours said the truck driver took the action after he returned from a three months journey to celebrate the Independence Day holiday only to discover that his wife had allegedly brought in another man to stay with her and their 3-year-old son.

The man returned unannounced after one of his friends informed him that another man has been co-habitating with his wife.

The enraged husband reportedly tied his wife to a pole attached to a well after her lover escaped.

Eyewitnesses said the woman’s lover had gone to the bathroom to have his bath and escaped through the window when he heard the man’s voice.

Both husband and wife were said to have been taken to the police station after some sympathizers freed the wife.

Lifestyle

Peacemaker stabbed to death in Ondo

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A Magistrate Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has remanded a 23-year-old man, Abidemi Oguntuyi, in police custody for allegedly stabbing his co-tenant, Abiye Friday,40, to death.

The incident happened at about 11:00 am on September 6, 2022, at Ibaka Quarters, Akungba-Akoko, in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the defendant stabbed the victim in her neck and other parts of her body while she was trying to settle a squabble between him and his brother.

A relation said an argument ensued between the siblings and the attempt by the victim to intervene resulted in her untimely death.

“The argument degenerated into a scuffle and in the process, the suspect took a knife and stabbed Abiye severally in the neck and chest. Neighbours rushed her to a nearby hospital in the area where she was certified dead.” the relation said.

Oguntuyi was later charged to court on two charges bothering on murder and attempted murder.

According to the prosecution, the offences contravened Sections 319 and 355 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 37 Vol. II Law of Ondo State, 2006.

The police prosecutor, Mr Simon Wada told the court to remand the defendant at the Olokuta Correctional centre pending the outcome of advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The defendant’s counsel, Adeola Kayode prayed for an adjournment to enable him to file a counter affidavit to the prosecutor’s written application.

In his ruling, the Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, ordered that the defendant be remanded in police custody pending a ruling on the remand application.

He adjourned the case till October 7, 2022, for the ruling.

Lifestyle

Jealous husband who strangled his wife and drank poisonous substance has died in Suleja hospital

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The husband who strangled his wife in Suleja, Niger state, has also died from complications after he consumed a poisonous substance.

Mr Adeniyi Jose, from Akure, Ondo State, strangled his wife-of-eight years, Chidinma Gloria Ibeh, from Imo state, with a rope and also suffocated her with a pillow.

Afterwards, he consumed a posionous substance said to be sniper. He was rushed to Suleja General Hospital but he has now died.

The insider also said Mr Adeniyi Jose’s suspicion that his wife was unfaithful had no basis.

“Gloria never cheated on her husband. People should stop saying what they don’t know,” the source said.

The wife was reportedly the breadwinner of the family as Adeniyi didn’t have a job. The couple, who married in 2014, leave behind a son.

Politics

Governor Akeredolu did not ask Herdsmen to leave South West – Nigeria Governors Forum says.

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The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has said that there was no eviction order to herdsmen in Ondo State or any part of the South West region.

The Chairman of NGF and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who spoke to newsmen after a meeting with the national leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) today January 25, said the speech of Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, was misconstrued.

Some of the governors in attendance include Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, and Jigawa, and Kebbi states.

Recall that on Monday, 18, Governor Akeredolu ordered all unregistered herdsmen to vacate the state’s forest reserves. This generated a lot of controversies as many people interpreted it as the governor asking the Fulanis to vacate the state.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Speaking to newsmen after the meeting with Miyetti Allah members, Governor Fayemi said Akeredolu didn’t talk about herdsmen vacating the state but about the registration of herdsmen who want to operate within the reserves.

”Many members of MACBAN were born in the South-West. So, Akeredolu cannot ask Fulani to vacate Ondo State. The area concerned is the forest reserves and it is about registration and also to work in line with the law.

What we are after is the criminals, not Fulani herdsmen, criminals are criminals irrespective of their ethnic group.”he said

Politics

Ondo Govt Imposes 24-Hour In Ode, Isinigbo.

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Ondo State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Ode, Isinigbo communities following the escalation of violent clashes in the communities located in Akure North Local Government Area. The curfew takes is to hold with immediate effect.

This was announced in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo.

He added that the state governor Rotimi Akeredolu equally ordered a massive manhunt for perpetrators of the despicable violence just as investigations are already on to unravel the real cause(s) of same.

With respect to the curfew, security agencies have been directed to ensure total compliance with the order. For emphasis, both Ode and Isinigbo communities have been closed down for any unathourised human movement and activity until further notice.

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