PDP Sweeps Osun Poll, Wins All 30 LGs

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  The Peoples Democratic Party has won all the chairmanship and councillorship seats in all the 30 local government areas of Osun State. The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Hashim Abioye, made this known at a press conference on Saturday in Osogbo, the state capital. Abioye also said the PDP also cleared the 332 councillorship seats in the poll. The OSSIEC chairman, who said Certified True Copies of the result of the elections would be made available to whoever is interested in having them, congratulated the candidates on their victory at the poll. He said, “From the available results as obtained from the field, the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 332 wards emerged as winners. Their names as listed, I as the check returning officer of the Commission, returned them as due elected councillors of their respective wards. “The results are available anytime for anyone interested in the Certified True Copies. “For the 30 local government areas of Osun State, the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party cleared all the seats. “To this effect, by the power conferred on me, as the Chief Returning Officer of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, I hereby declared the following persons as the duly elected chairmen of their respective areas.”

Debo Akande, Oluyole LG Boss Olatunji Engage Stakeholders On 8.8km RAAMP Road Project’s Economic Benefits

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  The Director-General of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande has emphasized the importance of the 8.8km Adebayo/Alata/Aba Oje RAAMP Road Project in Oluyole local government part of the state. Speaking while addressing the stakeholders during the inauguration of the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) that are saddled with the management of potential disputes arising from upcoming rural road construction projects, Dr Debo Akande who also doubles as the Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness and International Corporation urged the stakeholders in the local government to collaborate with the newly inaugurated committee’s terms of reference to ensure smooth project implementation of the State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). Dr Debo Akande in his words noted that the meeting was geared towards engaging stakeholders on disclosure of sites, with a view to getting citizens buy-in for maintenance of rural roads. Dr. Akande added that the GRC will enhance co-existence between the contractors and the beneficiary communities, as part of prerequisite of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project RAAMP. Akande maintained that the road when completed will surely contribute greatly to the agro-economic development of Oluyole local government and the state at large. Akande however urged the stakeholders to ensure an hitch-free exercise during and after the construction. He however commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his readiness to transform the rural landscape of the state into a thriving agro-driven economy. Inaugurating the Grievance Redress Committee, Oyo State Project Coordinator, RAAMP, Engr. Adeola Ekundayo said the Committee’s primary responsibility is to address grievances from affected communities, particularly farmers whose lands might be impacted by construction amongst other to enhance hitch-free civil works. Ekundayo called for fair handling of all complaints, urging contractors to engage indigent workers within the communities, to boost economy. The GRC, consisting youths representative, women, community leaders in all the phase 1 roads of about 68km across the state, will educate communities on construction processes, and rights-of-way to prevent misunderstandings. In his welcome Address, the Chairman, Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji assured maximum security during and after the exercise, adding that his administration would continue to strive for the development of the council. He thanked the present administration in the state under the leadership of Engr seyi Makinde for prioritising food security by supporting RAAMP to strive for the level of construction in the state, which Oluyole Local Government is one of the beneficiaries.

Outgoing Oyo CP Sonubi Assures Of Continued Impact In Retirement

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  IBADAN – The outgoing Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Ayodele Sonubi has pledged to remain active despite retiring from active service. Ayodele Sonubi maintained that that he will continue to be relevant in the society for the unity, peace and development of the country. Sonubi will attained 60 years of age on Sunday and had served the the Nigeria Police for 33 years. Speaking during his pulling out ceremony held at the Command’s Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan on Friday, the outgoing Commissioner of Police confirmed that in all the states he had served, Oyo State was the state that brought most smile to him. He appreciated the Oyo State government led by Gov.Seyi Makinde, the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, his family and others for their support. Also speaking, Special Adviser on Security Matters to Oyo State Government, Retired Commissioner of Police,Fatai Owoseni, described Sonubi as a thoroughbred and professional police officer. Owoseni said that the dedication and leadership style of Sonubi had helped to shape the career of officers under him. “You have been a pilar to the state in term of security,” he said. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone II, Adegoke Fayoade, described the outgoing Commissioner of Police as a resourceful and committed officer. Fayoade said that his legacy and leadership style would continue to inspire others. The National Chairman of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Alhaji Ibrahim Olaniyan and President-General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII),Chief Niyi Ajewole, commended him for ensuring security in the state. The event was graced by the service Chiefs in the state led by Brig.-Gen.H.Dasuki, Garrison Commander, 2, Division Nigeria Army, among others.

[FULL LIST] UEL: Man United Face Real Sociedad, Roma battle Athletic Club In Last 16 Draw

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  The UEFA Europa League knockout stage draw has been finalised, setting up thrilling matchups as top European clubs, including AS Roma, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, compete for the title. In the Round of 16, AS Roma will go head-to-head with Athletic Club in a tough contest. Manchester United, aiming for European success, will face Real Sociedad in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Tottenham Hotspur, another strong contender, will take on Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Other fixtures see Lazio drawn against Viktoria Plzeň, while Ajax will clash with Eintracht Frankfurt. Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt is set to battle Olympiacos, while Sporting CP faces Rangers in a high-stakes contest. Lyon will take on FCSB, completing the exciting round of fixtures. With a challenging path ahead, the remaining teams will look to advance to the quarter-finals and move one step closer to lifting the trophy. Punch

Court Orders Osun Electoral Commission To Hold Local Government Election.

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  An Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa on Friday held that vacancies exist in all the 30 local government areas in the state and mandated the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission to fill the offices. Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, while ruling on a motion on notice filed by the Peoples Democratic Party in a suit number HIL/M/.192025 against Osun State Electoral Commission and Hashim Abioye, the OSSIEC chairman, also directed law enforcement agencies to provide security during and after the local government election. Aderibigbe held that vacancies exist in Osun LGs after the election conducted by OSSIEC on October 15, 2022, was invalidated by the Federal High Court FHC/CS/OS/103/2022; in Action Peoples Party VS Independent National Electoral Commission & ors. delivered on November 30, 2022. He also said the judgment of the Federal High Court was confirmed by the decision of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/AK/226M/2024, Allied People Movement & ORS vs Action Peoples Party & ORS delivered on January 13, 2025. The order dated Friday, February 21, 2025, partly read, “1. An order of this honourable court is granted, recognising the existing vacancies across all the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, the election conducted by the first defendant on 15th October 2022, having being invalidated, nullified and voided, and the purported elected officials produced by the purported election having been sacked by the Federal High Court FHC/CS/OS/103/2022; in ACTION PEOPLE PARTY (APP) VS INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) & ors. delivered on the 30th November 2022, and as confirmed by the decision of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/AK/226M/2024, ALLIED PEOPLE MOVEMENT (APM) & ORS vs ACTION PEOPLES PARTY (APP) & ORS delivered on 13th January 2025. “2. An order of this honourable court is granted, directing, mandating and compelling the defendants to fill the vacancies across the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State through a democratic process by proceeding to conduct the Local Government ELECTIONS already scheduled by the defendants for 22nd of February, 2025. “3. An order of this honourable court is granted, directing, mandating and compelling all the security agents comprising of the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Security Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Groups etc. to provide adequate security and maintain peace and order before, during and after the local government election scheduled by the Defendants for February 22, 2025, in Osun State.” Punch

Kidnapper Evans Now Prison Teacher, Willing To Forfeit 14 Trucks

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  Convicted billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, has told the Lagos State High Court, sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square, that he is now a teacher at the correctional centre in Kirikiri after obtaining a teaching diploma in economics from the Yewa College of Education, and is no longer a criminal. Evans said he was prepared to surrender all his property, as part of a plea bargain agreement, should the court consider his application on compassionate grounds. This was contained in his application for a plea bargain. He pledged to forfeit his 14 brand new trucks to the Lagos State Government for sale, with the proceeds to be transferred to the victims of his criminal activities, as part of the proposed plea bargain arrangement. This is the second time Evans has approached a court seeking a plea bargain for his involvement in the kidnapping. On January 30, 2025, Evans approached Justice Adenike Coker of the Ikeja High Court to ask for a plea bargain. Evans had five criminal cases across various high courts in Lagos State. Two of these have already resulted in convictions, one of which carries a life sentence, while the other has a 14-year prison term. Represented by his lawyer, Mr Etudo Emefo, Evans, in his application before Justice Sherifat Sonaike, expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he had undergone a transformation during his time in Kirikiri Maximum Prison. He claimed that the Federal Government of Nigeria gave him a scholarship while in prison. He pleaded with the Lagos State Government for mercy, explaining that without their forgiveness, the Federal Government’s scholarship would be rendered useless. Furthermore, he argued that he would be unable to practise the new skills he acquired while incarcerated, which would amount to a waste of government resources. According to the process filed before the court, during his time in prison, the Federal Government offered Evans and other inmates the opportunity to further their education. Evans took up this offer and was granted a scholarship. As a result, he earned a National Certificate in Education in Economics and is now a teacher, no longer identifying as a criminal. Copies of his NCE certificate and project work were submitted as appendices. Additionally, Evans was offered admission to the National Open University of Nigeria under the Federal Government’s scholarship scheme. He is currently in his second year, studying Political Science. His admission letter and student ID card were presented to the court as part of the application. Evans said he also underwent training in welding and metal fabrication through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, successfully passing all relevant tests. A copy of the test results was included as an appendix. When the case which was fixed for trial, came up on Thursday, the prosecuting counsel, Alaba Kuku, told Justice Sherifat Sonaike that the defendants had expressed interest in pursuing plea bargain agreements with the state government. He confirmed that Evans’ counsel, Etudo, had given him an advance copy of the application which is currently before the state government for consideration. Evans and his co-defendants, Joseph Emeka, Victor Aduba and Linus Opara, are seeking plea bargain agreements with the Lagos State Government. The four men are standing trial on five counts bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping and attempted murder before Justice Sonaike who began the case afresh in January 2023, following the retirement of Justice Adedayo Akintoye. Other counsel – Emeka Azubuike representing the second defendant, Chinyere Udeh, representing the third defendant, and Emmanuel Ochai, who appeared for the fourth defendant, confirmed the development to the court. But the third defendant’s counsel said he had yet to submit his application for a plea bargain to the state government, through the office of the Attorney General of the state. Consequently, Justice Sonaike adjourned the case till April 17, 2025, for a report on the applications for plea bargains. Punch

Breaking: Shelve Saturday Osun LG Poll, AGF Tells Adeleke

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  The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to respect the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, which restored local government officials removed in 2022. The controversy stems from the 2022 local government elections held under the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, which were later nullified by the Federal High Court in Osogbo just days before Adeleke assumed office. Following the ruling, Adeleke removed the elected officials and replaced them with caretaker committees. In a statement released on Thursday night, Fagbemi addressed concerns raised by Adeleke over the ruling, clarifying its legal implications and advising against any actions that may violate the constitution. “My attention has been drawn to the public outcry of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke concerning the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Akure division delivered on the 10th day of February 2025 in Appeal No CA/AK/272/2022 which nullified and set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State, delivered on 25th day of November 2022”, the statement partly read. “It has become necessary to issue this public notice to remove doubts, fears, and uncertainties created by misrepresentations and disinformation concerning the legal effect of the judgment of the Court of Appeal. Putting matters in proper context, the event that led to the two judgments was that during the currency of the term of the former Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, election was held into all the local governments of Osun State and winners were sworn in. “However, a few days before the swearing-in of Governor Adeleke, the Federal High Court Osogbo delivered the judgment referred to above in which it nullified the election of the Local Government elected officials and removed them from office. As soon as Governor Adeleke assumed office a few days after the judgment, he issued an executive order for the physical removal of the elected officials and replaced them with caretaker appointees, “the AGF added. Speaking further, he noted that the ruling was subsequently challenged by the All Progressives Congress, leading to the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the Federal High Court’s judgment, thereby reinstating the removed officials. “Meanwhile, the APC that was a party in the Federal High Court case referred to above appealed against the judgment. The Court of Appeal, eventually, on the 10th day of February 2025, delivered its judgment in the appeal filed by APC against the judgment of the Federal High Court. The Court of Appeal not only allowed the appeal, it also held affirmatively that the suit that resulted in the judgment of the Federal High Court referred to above was incompetent and consequently made an order striking out the suit.” “Accordingly, the judgment of the Court of Appeal had by implication effectively restored the elected Local Government officials removed by the Federal High Court, back to their offices. According to the facts made available to my office, it was the attempt by the said elected officials to resume back in their positions that was resisted by some disgruntled elements that led to the crisis. His Excellency, the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke is no doubt aware of this scenario and ought, as a leader, to have called the disgruntled elements to order in accordance with his Oath of Office to maintain law and order in Osun State.” He also noted that despite the Court of Appeal’s judgment, Adeleke has maintained plans to conduct fresh local government elections on February 22, 2025. Therefore, Fagbemi cautioned against this move, warning that it would be unconstitutional. “Notwithstanding the judgment of the Court of Appeal referenced above, which in effect means that the term of office of the elected officials has regained currency and will naturally run out in October 2025, His Excellency has insisted that a new Local Government election shall be held on Saturday, 22nd February 2025.” “Any such election that may be held will not only be invalid since the term of office of the elected officials has regained currency and will naturally run out in October 2025, His Excellency has insisted that a new Local Government election shall be held on Saturday, 22nd February 2025.” The Attorney General also referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the autonomy of local governments, stressing that Adeleke must ensure a smooth and lawful transition following the constitutional three-year tenure. “Again, the recent judgment of the Supreme Court which has validated and entrenched Local Government autonomy also strengthens the obligation on Governor Adeleke to ensure a smooth, non-violent transition from one elected official to another in accordance with the statutorily prescribed three-year tenure”, he said. He, however, reaffirmed that when a court ruling is declared null and void due to lack of jurisdiction, it ceases to have any legal effect, reiterating that the Court of Appeal’s judgment stands as the ultimate authority on the matter. “For the avoidance of doubt, when proceedings and decisions of the court are declared a nullity for lack of jurisdiction, it means they do not exist and have no effect whatsoever. It is my opinion that the Court of Appeal Judgment of 10th February 2025 which is superior to any High Court decision, defines the legal position in this case and represents the only legally enforceable judgment and has the legal effect of returning the initially sacked Local Government democratically elected officials of Osun State. “The constitutional order which existed before the dissolution must be restored immediately since the judgment upon which the Governor acted to dissolve the democratically elected government has been declared a nullity for lack of jurisdiction of the Court to have heard the case and made those orders”, Fagbemi stated. He, therefore, urged Adeleke to respect the rule of law, warning against actions that could incite unrest in the state. “I will appeal to His Excellency, Governor Adeleke to toe the path of law in this matter and not instigate unnecessary violence in … Read more

FG Denies Appointing Lagos-Abuja Speed Bullet Train Project

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  LAGOS.- The Federal Ministry of Transportation has refuted a story purporting an imminent launch of a Lagos-Abuja High-Speed Bullet Train that will reduce travel time between both cities from 12 hours to just two to three hours. In a rejoinder issued by the management of the ministry on Thursday in Abuja, it stated that the report widely circulated on online platforms is fake and unfounded. It stressed that the claim by the Director of Operations of Geofocus Consortium, Yinka Idris, in a statement he issued and made available to journalists was false. “It is pertinent to note that the proponent of the story, Geofocus Consortium, held a meeting with the Federal Ministry Of Transportation in 2016 to discuss the unsolicited proposal to build a bullet train from Lagos to Abuja under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with 100% financing by the proponent. “However, in 2024, the document, an outline Business Case (OBC), was forwarded to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in line with their mandate for vetting and due diligence. “ICRC responded with a request that the company provide a support letter from their financiers, which they are yet to comply with. “The company is aware that the ICRC has not approved the OBC with particular reference to the proof of funds, which is necessary to proceed with the submission of FBC. “It should, however, be noted that it is only when these requirements are met that a memo will be sent to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval. “Hence, the story that the feasibility studies are completed, and proof of funds has been secured is just in the imagination of the company, as it is yet to fulfill the requirements needed,” the rejoinder read. The management, therefore, requested Geofocus Consortium to apologise to the Ministry and Nigerians at large for carrying out information that is not factual. It also implored Nigerians to be wary of the fake news and ignore it. “For quality reportage, the online paper and others that carried the fake story are also advised to seek clarification on issues before going to print to avoid broadcasting fake news. “The ministry, through the leadership of the Hon. Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali, is working hard to fulfill its mandate in the sector. “The ministry is also working to achieve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as it relates to the Transportation sector,” it stated. The management solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders for the sector to succeed. (NAN)

Pictures -Oyo Govt Seals Industrial Facility, Lounge In Ibadan…Declares State of Emergency In Markets, Public Places

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  The Oyo State Government has sealed an industrial facility over its incessant violation and noncompliance to Environmental regulations. The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Architect Abdulmojeed Olawale Mogbojubola, gave the directive for the sealing of the facility, on the heels of several complaints and petitions received on the health Hazzard incured by the residents around the facility. Reports revealed that the unhealthy fumes, emitted from Fountain Manufacturing Company Ltd, located in Oluyole, Ibadan, has caused great uproar in the area. The Ministry had for years wadded into the matter, for amicable mediation among residents, but the facility owner had invariably failed to either respond or comply with government directives on the matter and obeying the State environmental laws. Likewise, the Ministry sealed a popular lounge along Akala Express, Casta De Lounge, for dumping its waste on the highway median. The Ministry also revealed that after necessary investigations, the lounge refused to patronize the government assigned waste collectors and is culpable of several environmental offences. Oyo Govt Declares State of Emmergency on Waste Disposal in Markets, Public Places. Meanwhile, the Oyo State government has declared a state of emergency on inappropriate waste disposal, in all markets and public places. The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Architect Abdulmojeed Olawale Mogbojubola, made this known, during a scheduled meeting with heads of markets across the State in the Ministry’s Conference room. The Honourable Commissioner stated that the government had commenced the distribution of skip bins, to major markets in the State, affirming that the waste disposal containers would put an end to the era of indiscriminate refuse dump on road medians and unauthorized places. He assured that the skip bins would be evenly distributed across all markets and public places. Mogbonjubola however charged the market executives, the “Baba and Iya Lojas” to ensure proactiveness and cleanliness in the markets, to avoid preventable cases of market closure. While narrating the efforts of the Ministry at promptly evacuating wastes, which he personally supervised, Mogbonjubola reiterated the commitment of government to end indiscriminate refuse dumps in all markets and public places.

US Woman Sues IVF Clinic After Giving Birth To Another Couple’s Baby

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  A 38-year-old American woman has filed a lawsuit against a fertility clinic after the wrong embryo was implanted in her, causing her to give birth to a child that was not biologically hers. She later had to surrender the baby to its rightful parents. Krystena Murray, from Savannah, Georgia, turned to in vitro fertilisation to fulfil her dream of becoming a mother, using a sperm donor to conceive. In December 2023, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy—but immediately knew something was wrong. The child was Black, while both she and the donor were white. Ms Murray said she contacted the clinic, Coastal Fertility Specialists, and discovered that doctors had implanted another patient’s embryo in her instead of her own. She said the baby’s biological parents were notified, and they demanded custody. According to the New York Times on Wednesday, Murray contacted Coastal Fertility Specialists, the clinic where she had undergone IVF treatment, and soon learned that doctors had mistakenly implanted another patient’s embryo into her. The clinic then notified the baby’s biological parents, who demanded custody. Ms Murray voluntarily gave up custody of the five-month-old boy to avoid a legal battle, describing the situation as having left her “emotionally and physically broken.” She said: “My child was ultimately taken from me as the clinic had implanted an embryo from a stranger into my womb. I’ve never felt so violated.” After handing the child over in court, she told Sky’s US partner network NBC News: “I walked in as a mum with a child — a baby who loved me, was mine, and was attached to me — and I walked out of the building with an empty stroller, while they left with my son.” Ms Murray’s lawsuit, filed in a Georgia court, states that the clinic’s “extreme and outrageous” mistake forced her into becoming “an unwitting surrogate, against her will, for another couple.” She said: “The situation has left me emotionally and physically broken. I grew him, I raised him, I loved him. I saw no difference — it felt the same as if he were my own genetic embryo.” Coastal Fertility Specialists, which runs an IVF clinic in Savannah and four others in neighbouring South Carolina, described the incident in a statement to NBC News as an “isolated event.” The clinic apologised for “an unprecedented error that resulted in an embryo transfer mix-up.” The clinic added: “We are doing everything we can to make things right for those affected by this incident.” Murray said she had no reason to suspect anything was wrong when she began treatment in early 2023. She underwent injections to stimulate egg production, which were later retrieved and fertilised in a lab using donor sperm. The wedding photographer said she became pregnant on her second embryo implantation attempt, unaware it was not her own embryo. She added: “I considered the risks of IVF going in. Never once did I consider that I might birth someone else’s child and have them taken from me.” Punch

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