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Gov. Aiyedatiwa: A Choice for Consolidation and Continuity

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Aiyedatiwa is in panic mode, says PDP

Gov. Aiyedatiwa: A Choice for Consolidation and Continuity

By IDOWU AJANAKU,

“You can see what I have been doing since I assumed office, so I promise you that I won’t relent in my infrastructural projects”
-Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa

” The governor is performing well and needs to be supported in his ambitions. Here in Akure we have benefitted from his support of infrastructure”
-Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi ( The Deji of Akure)

With only a few days to the governorship election coming up in the acclaimed ‘Sunshine State’ precisely on Saturday, October 16, 2024 the empirical evidences on ground point to the political pendulum swinging in favour of the incumbent state governor Aiyedatiwa, for more reasons than one. While we must admit that it would likely evolve as an exciting two-horse race between two former deputy governors-Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) and Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress) APC) the facilitating factors that favour the latter against the former are crystal clear.

One of such is continuity combined with consistency. Having taken over the baton of political leadership upon the painful death of the former state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu back then in December 2023 he has solidified his footsteps by continuing with the projects on infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare delivery, industrialization and youth employment. That is across the three Senatorial Districts of the state. And good enough, the Deji of Akure who, incidentally is the Chairman of the Council of Obas in the state has testified to this as reflected in the introductory quote.

Furthermore, Aiyedatiwa happens to be the first governor to hail from Ilaje, the oil-rich local government of the state which has amply qualified it as an oil-producing state. Apart from financially benefiting with the monthly 13 % derivation from the Federation Account it has made it possible for the state to belong to the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC). The good people of Ondo state would therefore, not want to turn their back on the goose that lays the golden egg. That is common wisdom.

In a similar positive perspective, Ilaje Local Government boasts of the longest coastal line in the entire West African Sub-region. Once the seaport there which is under construction is fully developed, it will definitely act as the veritable linkage between the Lekki Seaport to the west and other seaports in Asaba, Calabar to the east.With Aiyedatiwa’s influence Ondo state would soon become an economic hub acting as a catalyst for massive employment generation, especially for the youths. With all that firmly in place Ondo state would continue to be well branded as an icon of peace, devoid of youth restiveness. But that is not all there is to the positive difference his presence in office would make on the quality of life or the Human Development Index (HDI) of Ondo people.

Like it or not, the power of incumbency has a critical role to play in boosting the chance of Aiyedatiwa emerging victorious in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.He belongs to the ruling APC and lest we forget, the party has over the years displayed the capacity to mend broken fences, assuage frayed nerves after contentious primaries, when it comes to being a united front to winning elections. We have seen that at play in states such as Katsina, Nasarawa, Kogi, Ogun, Ekiti and of course, Lagos. That explains why the current Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Ganduje has been doing all things humanly possible to offer the party’s support to Aiyedatiwa to win the election.

And as fate would have it, our subject has shown the consistent capacity to reach out to different segments of the Ondo state society- from the lowest rung through the middle class up to the upper echelon. He has given them his listening ear; promising solar light to the markets for the women to sell their sundry goods in the evening time, as well as stable infrastructure across the state. That of course, would provide the foundation for the Medium and Small Scale Enterprises MSMEs to keep thriving
Worthy of note is the interactive session the governor had with members of the Committee of Obas at the palace of the Deji of Akure Oba Aladelusi. After listening to their request for the construction of internal roads including those leading to and fro the markets, with Igbatoro Road not left out he had this to say. ” I won’t relent in my infrastructural projects.The solar power initiative will continue.We have competed phase one and we will move on to phase two”.

In addition, and to seal the unfailing element of Trust which is the key to the hearts of the led majority Aiyedatiwa affirmed that: “I have been addressing issues related to the Obas. The voice of the King is akin to God’s voice”. Such assurance would definitely have a spin-off effect on the kings convincing their people to throw their weight behind him.

So, looked at from the factors of incumbency, political affiliation, identity, zoning, having the common touch with the people right to the grassroots and of course, that of performance, Aiyedatiwa stands head and shoulders above his 16 other contesters. That is in a free, fair and credible election which we all look forward to during the governorship election in Ondo state, with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC ‘s quality performance to deliver the choice of the people. The Agency working in partnership with the police should guarantee security, to ensure that voting materials are delivered to the polling units as at when due. There should be no ballot box snatching, intimidation or shooting of innocent people by paid political thugs, to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process.

Interestingly, Aiyedatiwa has ‘Lucky’ as his name. Will it ring a loud and clear bell on that moment of the people ‘s decision? Time will tell.
But as Heather Wilson, the 11th President of the University of Texas at El Paso, United States of America, USA rightly stated: “The poll that matters is the one that happens on the election day”.

AJANAKU, is a member of strategic and communication committee of Aiyedatiwa campaign council.

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Karma or Cruelty? Asake’s Estranged Father Cries Out for Financial Help After Suffering Stroke

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Karma or Cruelty? Asake’s Estranged Father Cries Out for Financial Help After Suffering Stroke

Karma or Cruelty? Asake’s Estranged Father Cries Out for Financial Help After Suffering Stroke

A storm of controversy has erupted on social media after a video surfaced of Mr. Fatai Odunsi, the estranged father of Nigerian music sensation Asake, pleading for financial help after suffering a partial stroke. The emotional appeal has sparked heated debates, as reports suggest that Mr. Odunsi allegedly abandoned the singer during his childhood.

The video, which has gone viral, shows the ailing man calling on Nigerians for assistance to seek medical treatment, his speech and movement visibly impaired. However, instead of sympathy, many online users have reacted with scorn, questioning why he now seeks help when he reportedly failed to be there for his son.

Public Outrage and Reactions

Social media has been ablaze with opinions, with many insisting that Mr. Odunsi should face the consequences of his past actions.

A Twitter user, @Lord_Of_Warri, harshly remarked:
“Let him take care of himself like his son took care of himself when he abandoned him.”

Another, @djtoxiq_, echoed similar sentiments, saying:
“Left him when he was 2, someone that is already a fully formed man. Sir, you could have just maintained that same energy that kept you away from your son.”

Some took a more sarcastic tone, like @Mhajid93, who posted:
“Panel of judges, I’m here to read y’all takes on this. Then compile all and forward to Asake for possible future consideration. Make your takes short and precise. Asake no like long notes. Thank you!”

Meanwhile, @lesh_szajna added fuel to the fire, joking:
“Asake stingy gan. Only those that listen to his lyrics can relate. He can’t even help his own dad—run away from friends and family.”

A Painful Family History?

While Asake has never publicly spoken about his father, sources claim that Mr. Odunsi was absent from his life for most of his upbringing. The singer, known for his hit songs and relentless hustle in the music industry, reportedly built his success from the ground up without any parental support from his father’s side.

Now, as his father battles health challenges, many Nigerians are divided—should Asake offer help or ignore a man who allegedly turned his back on him years ago?

A Moral Dilemma

This unfolding drama raises larger questions about family responsibility, forgiveness, and karma. Should Asake, now a wealthy and successful musician, extend a helping hand despite their fractured relationship? Or is this a classic case of reaping what one has sown?

The ball is in Asake’s court, but one thing is certain—the internet never forgets, and Nigerians are watching closely.

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Obasanjo’s Explosive Book: Corruption, Waste, and the Betrayal of Nigeria

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Obasanjo’s Explosive Book: Corruption, Waste, and the Betrayal of Nigeria

Obasanjo Unleashes Scathing Attack on Buhari and Tinubu, Declares Nigeria’s Leadership a Disaster

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has launched a blistering critique of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, branding it the worst in Nigeria’s democratic history. In his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo pulls no punches, exposing what he calls the entrenched corruption, gross mismanagement, and outright betrayal of Nigerians under Buhari’s leadership. He further warns that President Bola Tinubu appears to be following in Buhari’s footsteps, and may even surpass his failures.

The book, released last week in celebration of Obasanjo’s 88th birthday, minces no words in condemning the controversial N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, which Obasanjo describes as a financial black hole and a vehicle for massive corruption. He also slammed Tinubu’s government for approving a staggering N21 billion for a new vice-presidential residence amid economic hardship, calling it a ‘monument to greed and waste.’

“What small minds!” Obasanjo fumed. “The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road is a mucky, corrupt project, and yet the President has turned a deaf ear to protests. Instead of focusing on the suffering of Nigerians, we are seeing a display of waste and misplacement of priorities.”

Buhari’s Administration: A Legacy of Corruption and Betrayal

Obasanjo’s attack on Buhari was particularly scathing, describing his tenure as an era that saw corruption flourish like never before. He accused Buhari of using his Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, as a tool to shield corrupt officials while punishing whistleblowers and anti-corruption crusaders.

“The most atrocious waste, the enthronement of corruption, and the destruction of any meaningful anti-corruption effort took place under Buhari’s watch,” Obasanjo wrote. “And his Attorney General, Malami, turned the justice system into a devil’s playground.”

Obasanjo further accused Malami of orchestrating the controversial release of convicted ex-governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, who had been jailed for looting billions in public funds. He described their pardon as a disgraceful mockery of justice.

“But for my absence at the Council of State meeting where the pardon was granted, I would have fought against it,” Obasanjo lamented. “This was not justice; it was a well-orchestrated charade to protect political allies and further the legacy of corruption.”

Tinubu’s Government: More of the Same or Worse?

Obasanjo warned that Tinubu’s administration is already proving to be just as corrupt—if not worse—than Buhari’s. He accused Tinubu of running a transactional government where every deal is about personal enrichment rather than national interest.

“Given about two years of President Tinubu in office, it appears that the game of short-changing the over 230 million Nigerians continues,” he wrote. “Everything is now transactional, and the slogan is ‘It is my turn to chop.’”

The former President lambasted Tinubu’s handling of national projects, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, calling it an overpriced scam designed to siphon billions from public funds.

“Tinubu’s peers are jealous, but that’s not because of any great achievements—it’s because they want their turn at the feeding trough,” he said.

The Presidency and Allies Fire Back

Predictably, Tinubu’s administration has come out swinging, dismissing Obasanjo’s claims as baseless and hypocritical. Presidential aides, including Sunday Dare and Temitope Ajayi, have accused Obasanjo of seeking relevance by attacking every sitting government after his own.

“If, as President for eight years, Obasanjo couldn’t even fix the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, why should we take his criticism seriously?” Ajayi scoffed. “He sees himself as the only Nigerian who knows what is good for the country, but history will judge his failures.”

Minister of Works, David Umahi, defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, calling it a ‘visionary project’ that will bring long-term economic prosperity. “People are only criticizing because they do not understand the benefits,” he argued.

Buhari, Malami Silent Amidst Firestorm

As the controversy rages, Buhari has remained conspicuously silent. His spokesperson, Garba Shehu, failed to respond to calls and messages, while Malami only issued a cautious statement, claiming he had not yet read the book.

“If these allegations exist, I will respond in due time,” Malami said. “However, I do not engage in speculation.”

A Nation in Crisis

Obasanjo’s book is a damning indictment of Nigeria’s leadership, past and present. It paints a grim picture of a nation plagued by corruption, misgovernance, and an elite class that continues to loot public resources at the expense of the masses. As the debate over the book’s revelations rages on, Nigerians are left to wonder: Will there ever be an administration that truly puts the people first?

With Tinubu’s government already mired in controversy, many fear that Obasanjo’s grim prophecy may indeed come true—that Nigeria is doomed to repeat the same cycle of corruption and mismanagement, only worse each time.

 

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Sunday Igboho Challenges Court’s Ruling, Takes N20bn Case to Supreme Court

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Sunday Igboho Challenges Court’s Ruling, Takes N20bn Case to Supreme Court

Sunday Igboho Files Appeal at Supreme Court Over N20bn Damages Ruling

March 12, 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria — Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has escalated his legal battle to the Supreme Court, challenging the recent Court of Appeal decision that nullified the N20 billion damages awarded to him against the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

The legal dispute stems from the violent raid on Igboho’s Ibadan residence in July 2021, during which two people were allegedly killed and 12 others arrested. Igboho, a prominent figure advocating for the secession of the Yoruba region, had sued the AGF, DSS, and the DSS Director, seeking N5.5 billion in damages for the invasion. The raid was reportedly carried out under the guise of a national security operation, but Igboho has consistently argued that it was an unlawful assault on his fundamental rights.

In September 2021, the Oyo State High Court ruled in Igboho’s favor, awarding N20 billion in damages, holding the AGF and DSS accountable for the invasion. However, this ruling was overturned in August 2022 by the Court of Appeal in Ibadan. Justice Muslim Hassan, in delivering the judgment, stated that the lower court had misapplied legal principles in awarding the damages. The appellate court also criticized the lack of concrete evidence, such as autopsy reports, to substantiate the alleged killings during the raid.

In the wake of the appellate court’s ruling, Igboho has now approached Nigeria’s highest court, seeking a reversal of the decision. Through his legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Yomi Aliyu, Igboho filed an appeal with the Supreme Court on March 11, 2025, arguing that the Court of Appeal erred in its judgment. He contends that the burden of producing autopsy reports should not fall on him, as the DSS did not challenge the allegations of killings in court.

Igboho also criticizes the Appeal Court for rejecting his claims for special damages, despite providing affidavit evidence and expert invoices detailing the losses suffered in the raid. He further argues that the aggravated and exemplary damages awarded by the trial judge were reasonable and aligned with established legal principles. Additionally, Igboho points out that the DSS and AGF’s response at the appellate level was filed outside the prescribed time limit, questioning the validity of their submissions.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on this matter has the potential to set a landmark legal precedent, particularly in relation to government accountability and self-determination rights in Nigeria. Legal experts are watching closely, as the case could reshape the interpretation of human rights violations and the limits of government power in national security operations.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in the coming months, with all eyes on the judicial process that may significantly influence the future of Nigeria’s constitutional and human rights landscape.

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