Politics
Oyo: Unity forum to ADC congress committee chairman, Majekodunmi: ‘You are a pathological liar’
MEMBERS of the breakaway faction of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), dubbed ‘Unity Forum’ who recently joined the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) have described the Chairman of the Interim Committee that midwifed the botched congresses, Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, as a pathological liar and somebody without integrity.
The group, in a statement issued by its secretary, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun said it was unfortunate that Majekodunmi allowed himself to be used to disrupt the peace in the ADC, adding that history will not remember him for good.
Majekodunmi, had earlier accused some elements within the Unity Forum of being behind the problems in the party.
This is due to the accusations that have trailed the alleged hijacked of the party by loyalists of former governor Rashidi Ladoja and Chief Michael Koleoso.
Majekodunmi in the press briefing insisted that every leader of the groups that formed the ADC in the state, including the Unity Forum was carried along in all the decisions taken before and during the congresses.
Puncturing the claims, Olatubosun accused Majekodunmi of being used to scuttle the plan of the ADC to send the ruling APC packing in the forthcoming elections.
The statement reads, “before any state congress, there should be a valid list of delegates who are going to decide on behalf of their people. There was nothing like this. Only 5 local government areas were ready with their lists. There was no appeal committee. How can you do something like that without appeal committee.
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“It is so unfortunate that Majekodunmi is reminding us of the event of the past. If not, why would someone who admitted wrongdoings in a meeting he did with us three days ago will now turn around to say another thing. In a meeting he held with us at the residence of Dr Busari Adebisi, he admitted that they didn’t use delegates’ list but discretion. Are we using discretionary Excos?”, Olatunbosun questioned.
Asking him to justify how he inaugurated the Excos that emerged without congress, Olatubosun continued, “anybody without integrity won’t mind doing something like this.
“If he wants to deny that those people emerged through congress as they have claimed, they should present the ballot papers, the results and if it through affirmation, let’s see names of those who agreed to it.”
Olatubosun said he was not surprised as it was a Majekodunmi that was used to remove the late Premier Obafemi Awolowo during the First Republic.
He alleged that Majekodunmi is being used to destroy Oyo State, asking why only people loyal to Ladoja got all the major positions.
“Why is that only Ladoja group got all the major positions. The Chairman, Secretary, Organizing Secretary, Treasurer, Youth Leader and Publicity Secretary are all loyalists of Ladoja. If truly Unity Forum agreed to harmonisation, he should show us what we are given in the Excos. It is so unfortunate. And we will not sit and watch while our future is being trampled upon,” he added.
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, has paid tribute to former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, on his 61st birthday, celebrating his decades of dedicated service and contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), lauded Folarin’s unwavering commitment to leadership and the well-being of the people.
Highlighting the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial nominee in the 2023 elections for three terms in the Senate, the lawmaker noted that Folarin’s legacy of service continues to be a guiding light for emerging leaders and a source of inspiration for countless individuals across the state.
“Senator Folarin has built an admirable legacy through years of selfless public service, consistently advocating for progress and unity,” remarked Oseni.
Reflecting on Folarin’s role as the Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland, the lawmaker commended his leadership approach, which has bridged divides, fostered coalitions, and promoted initiatives aimed at stabilising democracy.
“Senator Folarin’s career is an example of visionary leadership,” he added, “and his commitment to public service will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
As Senator Folarin marks this milestone, Oseni extended warm wishes for his continued health and success, expressing hope that his exemplary life of service will keep inspiring positive change across the nation.
In a historic ruling, a Ugandan court on Friday sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison.
This landmark decision, marking the first time a member of the notorious LRA has faced trial for war crimes in a Ugandan court, follows the group’s brutal two-decade insurgency against the Ugandan government.
Kwoyelo, who was convicted in August on 44 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, faced charges including murder, rape, torture, pillaging, abduction, and the destruction of settlements for internally displaced people.
(FILES) Thomas Kwoyelo a commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army rebellion blamed for brutal civilian murders during a 20-year war in the north of the country is brought into a courthouse in the northern Ugandan town of Gulu on July 25, 2011. – A Ugandan court on October 25, 2024 sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison after a landmark war crimes trial over his role in the group’s two-decade reign of terror. The sentence against Kwoyelo, who was convicted on 44 counts of crimes against humanity in August, was announced by Michael Elubu, the lead judge in the case at the court in the northern city of Gulu. (Photo by MICHELE SIBOLINI / AFP)
Michael Elubu, lead judge of the case at the International Crimes Division (ICD) of Uganda’s High Court, delivered the sentence in the northern city of Gulu, underscoring a rare moment of accountability in the decades-long history of the LRA’s violence.
Judge Elubu stated that Kwoyelo retains the right to appeal both his conviction and sentence within 14 days.
Kwoyelo, who was abducted by the LRA at the age of 12 and later rose to a low-level command position within the organization, denied all charges brought against him.
(FILES) Suspected LRA (Lords Resistance Army) member Thomas Kwoyelo is pictured during a pre-trial session at the High Court in Kampala on Februay 1, 2017. – A Ugandan court on October 25, 2024 sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison after a landmark war crimes trial over his role in the group’s two-decade reign of terror. The sentence against Kwoyelo, who was convicted on 44 counts of crimes against humanity in August, was announced by Michael Elubu, the lead judge in the case at the court in the northern city of Gulu. (Photo by GAEL GRILHOT / AFP)
The Lord’s Resistance Army, founded by Joseph Kony in the 1980s, sought to establish a regime based on the Ten Commandments. Under Kony’s leadership, the group unleashed widespread terror across Uganda and neighboring regions, resulting in over 100,000 deaths and the abduction of 60,000 children.
The violence eventually spread to Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Central African Republic.
Politics
“A Perfect Fit”: Rep Oseni Applauds Sunday Dare’s Appointment as Presidential Adviser on Public Communications
The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has hailed the appointment of Chief Sunday Dare, Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and National Orientation, describing it a “perfect fit.”
In a statement released Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni praised Chief Dare’s extensive background in journalism and public service, adding that his vast experience will significantly enhance national communications and orientation efforts.
“Chief Dare’s illustrious career, from his pioneering role in Nigerian journalism as a founding member of The News and Tempo magazines to his strategic leadership as Minister of Youth and Sports Development under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, speaks volumes about his commitment to national development,” he remarked.
Oseni, who also represents the Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state, noted that Chief Dare’s new role comes at a critical time when fostering national unity and effective public engagement is crucial, stressing that his deep understanding of media, both locally and internationally, will strengthen public trust in government communications.
“As an accomplished journalist and public servant, Chief Dare is uniquely positioned to reshape the national narrative and bolster public confidence in government communication efforts,” the lawmaker said.
He expressed confidence that Dare’s appointment will not only advance the ideals of democracy and transparency but also serve as a point of pride for Ogbomosoland and Oyo State.
The APC chieftain wished Chief Dare success in his new role, pledging his unwavering support in ensuring the objectives of the office are fully achieved.
