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Tinubu’s Presidency: Jostling for Ministerial Slots in Oyo-State, and “The Person” We Want | By Ayo Taiwo

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Tinubu's Presidency: Jostling for Ministerial Slots in Oyo-State, and "The Person" We Want | By Ayo Taiwo*

*Tinubu’s Presidency: Jostling for Ministerial Slots in Oyo-State, and “The Person” We Want | By Ayo Taiwo*

 

 

TINUBU’S PRESIDENCY– Firstly, let us X-ray the personae and performances of the people that were privileged to be appointed as ministers from Oyo State, since 1999. Let us compare and contrast. Let us engage in a kind of ‘SWOT’ analysis.

 

 

 

 

 

Starting from Chief Bola Ige, to Alhaji Adekunle Haruna Elewi, to Mr Remi Babalola, to Prof Taoheed Adedoja, to Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, to Barr. Adebayo Shittu, and to the last Minister opportune to represent the state, in Federal Executive Council(FEC), Dr Sunday Akin Dare; What were their inputs and contributions to the progress and development of the pacesetter state, even, the parties they, respectively, represented? Wait Ooo! This is an objective question and it does not intend to malign, or detract anybody. So, it is left for all of us, especially, my discerning readers, and entire good people of Oyo-State to judge.

 

 

 

 

 

Bible says,”He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous; Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord ~ Proverbs 17:15. So, let us X-ray, without fear or favour. That is that.

 

Tinubu's Presidency: Jostling for Ministerial Slots in Oyo-State, and "The Person" We Want | By Ayo Taiwo*

 

 

Back to the business; After the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s president, the race for who represents Oyo State in FEC has started. The Jostling for the ministership got intensified, after May 29 swearing in of President Tinubu, as people are engaging in many underground political works and serious lobbying. There are also many names flying around in media space. But, the question is that who among our Chieftains is the best to represent our great party – Oyo APC and the good people of Oyo-State, as the next minister from the State?

 

 

 

Indeed, I commend all the people that have represented my great state in FEC, since 1999. They have tried their best, even, if their best is not the best that their party faithful and people generally wanted from them. They have tried it,”Sha”. Kudos to all Ex-Ministers. Meanwhile, as a conscientious and conscious citizen of Oyo-State, and like generality of the pacesetter state people, I and entire Oyo State citizens are interested in who represents us next, in FEC.

 

 

 

 

This is the person we want; The minister-to-be must be an astute politician that has agelong contacts, connections and relationship with the progressive party and good people of Oyo-State, generally – Youth, pensioners, market men and women, religious bodies, communities among others.

 

 

 

 

Also, he must be a good helmsman of impeccable track records and collosal contributions to the progressive tendency – party, and the state, at large.

 

 

 

 

His loyalty, integrity, capacity and acceptability among the party faithful and populace must speak for him. We need an integrous leader among us – we need a leader who understands our pains and who is ready to address it. We need a leader who is popular among Oyo State citizens and who is reliable.

 

 

 

 

APC must not make a “lethal” mistake of picking a non-political actor, unpopular politician, or low-minded stalwart that lacks integrity, capability, deepness and mental resources to unite Oyo APC, empower the party’s faithful, irrespective of their tendencies, reach out to the masses, without discrimination, and hold ground for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election, ahead of 2027 general elections.

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, 2027 presidential election would not be a joke. People’s Democratic Party(PDP) would have learnt their lessons, and been united against APC, at the centre. So, Oyo APC, and such as our party’s other state chapters, especially, the states where our party does not have sitting governors, must present someone that has good antecedents and wherewithal to make the party formidable, circulate dividends of democracy to party members, appropriately, and to reach out to citizens, properly.

 

 

 

 

Yes, we need a juicy ministry, and we need a charismatic leader as minister from Oyo-State. We do not need a minister that would turn benefits under his ministry to resources meant to witch-hunt the party, or dole it out through his cronies as if it is a scheme, or slot of his personal Charity Foundation’s programmes, while his acolytes would turn themselves to demigods descriminating against the already “victimised” party members and our support base.

 

 

 

 

*Before I go – Summarily, I reiterate, our next minister must be a leader with exemplary track records, unalloyed loyalty, proven integrity, unbroken consistency, fantastic human relations, and strong political experience(both at state and national levels). He must be a core party man and pro-people thinker.”Let us use today to prepare for tomorrow”…Of course, I, humbly, use this medium to give kudos to all committed individuals and support groups that collectively joined hands together and massively delivered Oyo State for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the last 2023 presidential election. Thank you all and we shall not labour in vain. Definitely, all the heroes of Asiwaju Tinubu’s 2023 electoral victory in Oyo state deserve commendations; It is not a day job. The victory is an outcome of an effort that spanned, at least two, or three years…Without having a sitting governor, you did it and you made it happened. Once again, I hail you all and we shall all reap the fruits of our labour.*

 

 

 

 

*Less I forgot, in Oyo-State, the efforts of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s foremost soldiers can never be underestimated looking at the scenarios that played out in Osun state. Their efforts must be specially appreciated. So, thumb up to Asiwaju Tinubu’s natural soldiers, in the pacesetter state and, once again, thank you all, the entire good people of Oyo-State, for the massive supports – Appreciations.*

 

 

 

 

 

Affirmatively, we want the best among our leaders, as the next minister from Oyo-State, and may the best emerge, to the glory of God and service to humanity.

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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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