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#OsunDecides : Ooni denies endorsing any candidate, charges EU election observers on objectivity
OONI of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Thursday urged the European Union Election observers that came to observe the Osun governorship election not to be bias in their reports as Election Observer.
The foremost African monarch also cleared the air on insinuation that he has endorsed a particular candidate.
“I am a father to everybody, I have prayed for all the candidates and we are hoping that whoever emerges would not betray the confidence reposes in him”.
Oba Ogunwusi gave the charge during the visit of the European Union Election Observers led by European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Katil Karlsen, in Ile-Ife.
Speaking further, the custodian of culture, Ooni Ojaja said ” I want to specifically thank the European Union Team for deeming it fit to come to Osun State to observe the Governorship election.
“Your input, support, time to deepen our democracy is highly appreciated because you are committed to good governance which is the essence of a sane society.
“If you can reminiscence, you will know that the democracy you are enjoying in your different countries today was not smooth when it started, because you also had challenges. But, today, you’ve overcome. Therefore, whatever lapses found inherent in our nascent democracy will soon be a thing of the past.
“Nigeria must get it right because we are the centre piece of Africa and once we get it right; surely, the entire Africa countries will get it right as well.
“One of every four black men you see is a Nigerian. God wonderfully blessed us because we are most populous black nation on planet earth.
“As European Union Observers, please write what you see, don’t favour any candidate, surely, a winner must emerge and there must be a loser. I urge the candidates to be magnanimous in victory and be a gallant losers.
The African foremost monarch also admonished traditional rulers in the state to remain unbias as father for all
“Traditional Rulers don’t play politics but we are fathers to all political actors irrespective of where they hail from. Corruption cannot be fought in isolation, for it to be effectively tackle, all hands must be on decks”, he said.
He, however urged European Union to work directly with the government at the centre on how to help repartriate our stolen wealth.
While speaking, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Katil Karlsen said, “I’m highly impressed with the rich culture of traditional display by all here. We are all descendants of Africa and we know we migrated from Ile-Ife.
“Your highness, we are here to pay you a visit to observe tomorrow’s election, what we want is just free, fair and credible election that will make the state a shinning example.
“We appreciate the role you played by sound peace warning to all aspirants because peace is the most cherished commodity we cannot overlook”.
The Envoy noted that Osun State Election is germane to the general elections coming up in 2019.
On the entourage of the European Union Ambassador are: Tarel Charlie, Acting Italian Ambassador to Nigeria; Ida Hockerfelt of Sweden; Otto Stenosis of Finland Embassy; Jacob Jacob Silen of Denmark Embassy.
Earlier, Mr. Larry Ekundayo, an International boxer appreciates Ooni for the honoured bestowed on him in 2017 in London.
He said, in 2017 in London, “I was privilege to meet with my father in London and he asked me what I want and I told him that I want to be world champion. Ooni prayed for me, won my International boxing federation bout and today, I’m number fifteen in boxing hierarchy in the world”.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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