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GOVERNOR ABIODUN: A MAN OF FEW WORDS AND A MILLION ACTIONS

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Political observers in Ogun State may have come across a write-up with the title: “Difference between an Executive Governor and a Ceremonial Governor.” In the opinion, the writer made spurious claims that were intended to paint the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun in a bad light. My purpose here, however, is not to eulogise the Governor but to simply itemise the many people-oriented projects and achievements of the Governor so far, as well as their direct, immediate and remote advantages to the people of the State.

  1. To the writer, Governor Abiodun’s agenda is centred on undoing the so-called “legacies” of former governor Amosun, because Governor Abiodun rebranded one of Amosun’s many failed white elephant Model School projects to serve an actual purpose. Fortunately for the purpose of my writing, former governor Amosun situated these needless Model Schools along expressways – far away from the people who can afford their exorbitant fees, but close to roads plied by people within and outside the State. Everyone using these roads can attest to the fact that on Governor Abiodun’s assumption of office in May, only the Model School in Akinale, along Abeokuta-Sango Otta Road was functional. It was clear to all, and the Governor in fact said it, that he had resolved not to leave any abandoned or failed project of Amosun’s administration but make the best utilitarian use of them.
  2. Speaking on the Ogun Jobs Portal which was officially launched on 15th August, the writer claimed no one had yet to be employed via the website. He shot himself in the leg when he shamelessly wrote that he “in fact…learnt” his claim – from an unreliable source, obviously. The uninformed writer is unaware of the due process that the Governor Abiodun-led administration has adopted in tackling the issue of unemployment. The Ogun Jobs Portal is an avenue to map out a strategy to fix unemployed and even employed persons into suitable public and private sectors where they would be most effective. The people do not expect a miracle, neither will Governor Abiodun be involved in the backdoor employment channel characteristic of the nepotistic and clueless immediate past administration.
  3. On the issue of the 120 security patrol vans and 200 motorcycles donated to the Nigeria Police on the Governor’s 100 days to strengthen internal security, the writer expressed his haste to see the vehicles littered across the State without a clear strategy of use. The writer forgets that police work is no play. It is naturally expected that on receiving the donations, the Police in the State would take their time to work out a distribution pattern, manner of use, and use schedule. The Police was unaware that the donations were coming. It is not rocket science that they need to plan vehemently.
  4. The writer clearly mistook Governor Abiodun for former governor Amosun, when he alleged the diversion of Local Government (LG) funds that are now being directly disbursed by the Federal Government (FG) to the LGs. The writer’s sense of judgement was clearly beclouded by ridiculous sentiments, because even he himself later acknowledged the new practice of direct disbursement after asking Prince Abiodun, the GOVERNOR, for LG funds. Hilarious!
  5. In his headless rant, the writer claimed that crime was now the order of the day in the State forgetting the successful rescue of the Ogun kidnap victims. Th writer forgot to mention that the incident was a ricochet of 8 years of Amosun’s maladministration. Governor Abiodun however graciously swung into action by liaising with the FG to rescue the victims. Since that moment, as citizens have attested, there has been a significantly reduced rate of crime across the State. This is not unconnected to the Governor’s reconstituting of the State Security Trust Fund and the subsequent handing over to a competent management.
  6. Mentioning some federal roads, the writer listed Obantoko, Ewekoro, Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro-Owode Roads as having enjoyed the State’s interventions during Amosun’s time. This contradicts available records. As a citizen resident in Ogun State, I recall how often residents of Obantoko especially lamented the pains they went through on a daily basis, since Amosun turned a deaf ear to their pleas. Residents literary had to replace their vehicle absorbers on a monthly basis. Governor Abiodun, working in his usually transparent manner, has so far liaised with the Lagos State Government under Governor Sanwoolu, to approach the FG which has since approved a collaborative intervention of both States on some federal roads. Was it Amosun that called for partnership with Lagos, or was it he who approached the FG?
  7. Lastly, the writer got petty when he wrote that Governor Abiodun’s social media pages was fraught with pictures of the ceremonies the Governor attended. I will refuse to school the uninformed writer on the importance of social bonding in governance if tension is to be avoided amongst interest groups. Rather, I will first refer the writer to his own words: that one “may accuse (Amosun) of high handedness, arrogance and bullying.” Of course, only arrogant people lead without as much as knowing, let alone mingling with, the people they lead. Second, I will refer the writer to the social media pages (precisely Facebook, for ease of reference) to see in no specific order, posts and pictures of executive assignments and activities, including on, but not limited to: the reinstatement of teachers and labour leaders precipitously sacked by Amosun (October 5); the recently signed bills on the Judiciary, social investment and Legislature’s financial management (September 22); the suspension of the N3,700 PTA fee callously approved and unfortunately inherited from Amosun’s administration (September 20); among others. Tagging such social media posts such as the Governor’s attendance of Isanbi and Owu Day in Ilishan and Totoro, Abeokuta respectively as merely “ceremonial” and insignificant shows the writer’s disregard for culture, and social order and structure.

I have deliberately refused to respond to the writer’s claim that Governor Abiodun was “planning to rename the Abeokuta City Centre…to show that he is in charge.” My reason is that this is simply ridiculous. First, the writer needs to state the source of his gossip. Second, he needs to give a better reason for the alleged name change, other than showing who is in charge, because as far as I know, our constitution ordinarily makes it clear that a state is led by a governor. Third, he needs to state in clear terms how the decision of a Government to change the name of a public property ultimately amounts to vendetta.

Since May 29, I have watched with keen interest, the strides of Governor Abiodun. My prayer is that he is not distracted by the noise of the opposition. From what we see as citizens already enjoying the dividends of democracy he has so far provided, he is the People’s Governor. At different times, I have engaged people living around the Adigbe-Opako Bridge in Abeokuta, Oba Erinwole Road in Sagamu, and the Siun-Ogere Road in meaningful conversations and I got positive feedback.

I advise the writer of that baseless opinion, who calls himself Kabiru Alagbe to consult with the people at the grassroots level, and not hungry politicians in the last administration, before he wastes his time to write such an unfounded opinion again.

God bless Ogun. God bless the people. God bless Abiodun.

Banjo Okunuga writes in from Ijebu-Ode

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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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