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2018 : Osun APC lampoons Reps’ Deputy Speaker, Lasun over alleged threats to life.
OSUN state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has ridiculed the allegation by one Dr. Aderemi Ajala on behalf of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yussuf on the threat to his life, among all other allegations, which its described unfounded and baseless security concerns.
The Deputy Speaker, Lasun had claimed while addressing a press conference at the Constituency Relations Office, Osogbo through his Special Adviser on Constituency Matters, Dr. Ajala alleged that he had received a number of threats that have put his life in danger since he has signified intention to occupy the Abere Government House in 2018.
He stressed that the public utterances and actions associated with the chairman of All Progressives Party (APC) in the state, Prince Gboyega Famoodun and others in the government of Osun State serve as evidences of endangering his life saying that his concern is beyond the context of emotion.
On the contrary, as contained in a press statement issued and made available to newsmen by Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, the Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party labeled Hon. Lasun and his cohorts as mere cheap opportunists.
The statement reads, “the attention of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun have been drawn to a release issued by one Dr. Aderemi Suleiman Ajala on behalf of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yussuf on the threat to his life, among all other allegations of unfounded and baseless security concerns.
“We hereby state unequivocally that the Deputy Speaker and his band of delusional propagandists are mere opportunists clustering to the death of our late party leader and illustrious son of Ede, Senator Isiaka Adeleke to make smokescreen names and score undue political relevance for themselves. To all intent and purposes, the deputy speaker has once again demonstrated to the teeming populace that he is mischievous and a mere opportunist who lacks the deserving respect for the dead and cannot stand by the etiquette and traditional norms of our rich cultural heritage as Yoruba speaking people”.
“Setting the records straight, the executive of the Osun State APC in line with the tenets of democratic principles entrenched in the ideology of our great party, and in order not to distract the business of developmental governance and fulfilment of our electioneering promises as contained in our manifesto issued an advisory notice to all intending governorship aspirants for the 2018 elections to wait until there are clear guidelines and directives by INEC, as such the claim by Hon. Lasun Yusuf that himself and the late Adeleke were singled out and warned is a blatant lie and a template to deceit.
“Alas, without searching further, Hon. Yusuf has without any iota of doubt within us that he is the chief sponsor and promoter of the irritating blackmail against the government of the state of Osun that the late senator of osun west senatorial district was poisoned which was a resultant effect of his death. This in its entirety is illogical and irresponsible.
“We are poised to believe this outburst must be as a result of the outcast behavioural tendencies of Lasun Yussuf in OSUN APC after distancing himself from the activities of the party
“We equally stand in the position of the Adeleke family, having affirmed that they are still waiting for the comprehensive report of the autopsy carried out on the first civilian governor of osun state.
“In the spirit of this sorrowful loss, unfortunate death, mourning and more remarkably as a sign of respect to the soul of the deceased, we shall henceforth decline to join issues with self-seeking politician, who is presently arrogating undue popularity to himself.
“Its quite unfortunate that someone who rode on the popularity and acceptability of our party to get to National Assembly could fabricaopportunis of lies against the Government and Leadership of the Party. We only wish to advise the lawmaker to simply retrace his steps if truly he is still a member of the Osun APC.
“We are touched with the huge vacuum and irreplaceable role Senator Adeleke’s death has left in the progressive camp of Osun APC, we once again sympathize with the Governor and government of the State of Osun, the Adeleke family, the entire APC family, the people of Ede and Osun state in general, may Allah accept the repose of our beloved Serubawon”, the statement continued.
A Yoruba group, Yeye Dara Omoluabi Family, on Sunday urged Yoruba communities to heed the call by the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, to embrace self-defence as insecurity worsens across Nigeria.
The President of the group, Yeye Victoria Omodara, made the call during a press conference held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. Her address, titled “Response to DSS Director’s Call for Self-Defence Amidst Rising Insecurity,” was delivered on her behalf by Comrade Omosebi Kolawole.
Omodara lauded Ajayi for acknowledging that Nigeria’s security agencies are currently overwhelmed by the scale of insecurity, urging Yoruba communities to reconnect with the spiritual heritage of their ancestors to defend their land.
The event was attended by leaders of various Yoruba groups from all six southwestern states, with Dr Tunde Hamzat representing renowned Yoruba leader, Professor Banji Akintoye.
In her speech, Yeye Omodara stressed the urgency for Yoruba communities to take proactive steps to protect their lives and property using “what we inherited from our forefathers.”
She said, “I urge all Yoruba people to heed this clarion call by organising community defence initiatives to reclaim our forests, farmlands, and neighbourhoods from marauding terrorists and kidnappers. The persistent attacks on farmers and rural communities have severely disrupted food production in Yorubaland, contributing to scarcity and economic hardship. It is imperative that we take ownership of our security to protect our people, lands, and livelihoods.”
The Yoruba leader decried the increasing spate of terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across Nigeria, noting that the DSS director’s call offers a practical solution to the lingering insecurity.
“I, Victoria Omodara, President of Yeye Dara Omoluabi Group, fully endorse the recent candid remarks by the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, who acknowledged that Nigeria’s security agencies are currently overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of threats posed by terrorists, bandits, armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminal elements,” she declared.
“His call for citizens to take proactive steps to defend themselves is a sober recognition of the harsh reality on the ground. Similarly, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and elder statesman TY Danjuma have both emphasised that while the military and security forces are intensifying operations against insurgents and criminals, the challenges remain formidable. Citizens cannot solely rely on security agencies for their protection.”
Omodara revealed that the Yeye Dara International Farm is already mobilising its members to adopt self-defence strategies in alignment with the DSS director’s advice.
“We view this approach as a necessary complement to the efforts of security agencies. By fostering community vigilance and preparedness, we can create safer environments that allow agricultural and economic activities to thrive uninterrupted,” she added.
She lamented the complex and volatile security situation in Nigeria, noting the threats posed by multiple insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and the emerging Lakurawa terror group.
“Banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery have escalated, overwhelming police and military capacity in many areas. As TY Danjuma and security chiefs have noted, the fight against insecurity will require not only enhanced military operations but also active citizen participation and innovative community-based solutions,” she stated.
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Food Security: Rep. Oseni Boosts Oyo Agriculture, Distributes 5,200 Bags of Fertiliser to Farmers
The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has distributed 5,200 bags of fertiliser to farmers across his constituency.
The distribution, which took place on Tuesday, is part of Oseni’s agricultural empowerment initiative under the Soludero Movement. According to a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the initiative is designed to boost food production and combat the rising cost of food items in the country.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, which drew traditional rulers, party leaders, farmers, and constituents, the lawmaker described the gesture as a “landmark intervention” aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“This is not merely a fertiliser distribution,” Oseni stated. “It is an empowerment programme designed to enhance productivity, boost food supply, and restore hope to thousands of households.”
He explained that the initiative aims to support farmers as the planting season begins while alleviating the burden posed by high agricultural input costs. The APC chieftain added that the intervention reflects his commitment to grassroots development and food security.
The Soludero Movement, launched shortly after he assumed office, has rolled out several empowerment programmes, including scholarships for over 1,000 students, interest-free loans for market women, and multi-million-naira grants for small business owners.
The lawmaker also unveiled plans to strengthen farmer support systems through the newly established Remi Oseni Soludero Cooperative Societies. The cooperatives, he said, are designed to support farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs in the constituency.
“We are creating sustainable systems that will outlive political tenures and build enduring legacies,” he said, highlighting that the effort goes beyond fertiliser distribution to promoting long-term economic growth.
The Onido of Idoland, Oba Gbolagade Babalola (Gbadewolu I), who was present at the event, commended the lawmaker for the initiative. He urged beneficiaries to use the fertilisers on their farms and not to sell them.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Cassava Association in Ido Local Government, Oladipo Nurudeen, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, praised Oseni for his continued support. Oladipo further noted that fertiliser is a critical input for farming and that the intervention would go a long way in enhancing food security in the area.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to allow for essential runway maintenance works.
In a statement issued on Saturday, FAAN revealed that a sudden and significant rupture had appeared in the asphalt surface of a critical section of the runway, necessitating immediate intervention.
Emergency repairs will take place from 22 April to 6 May 2025, during which time the runway will be entirely closed to all landings and take‑offs.
“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period,” the authority said.
FAAN emphasised that this measure forms part of its ongoing commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities.
“All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports,” FAAN added, appealing to airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation. The authority also apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure.
Reacting to the announcement, Air Peace confirmed on Saturday morning that it had suspended all flights scheduled to the airport.
In its own statement, the carrier attributed the suspension to the deteriorating condition of the runway infrastructure, which it said had repeatedly raised safety concerns.
“At Air Peace, we prioritise safety first over convenience,” the airline declared. “We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway.”
Air Peace further explained that all affected services would instead operate from Asaba, Delta State.
“Please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba. We regret any inconvenience this change may have caused,” the statement concluded.
Ibom Air has likewise suspended its Enugu services for the duration of the maintenance. Its Customer Contact Centre will reach out to passengers already booked on affected flights, and those seeking alternatives may make enquiries at Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Enugu (ENU) airport desks.
“The safety of our passengers remains our top priority, and we look forward to resuming full operations in Enugu once the runway maintenance is completed,” the airline said.
