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Ibadan schools demolition: Oyo govt to investigate, prosecute offenders
The Government of Oyo State said on Friday that it has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the illegal demolition of classrooms in two state-owned Primary schools within Ibadan metropolis.
Information had reached the Government early on Thursday to the effect that some unknown individuals in Egbeda and Ona-Ara Local Government Areas of the State illegally entered the premises of two primary schools and demolished blocks of classrooms.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Governor had promised to prosecute the perpetrators.
The statement indicated that some individuals had unlawfully entered the premises of the Community Primary School, Ayepe, in Egbeda Local Government Area and Methodist Primary School, Gangansi in Ona-Ara Local Government Area, where they demolished blocks of classroom without authorization.
The Government described the act as illegal, untoward and totally condemnable, adding that it would not sit down and watch saboteurs destroy public properties for whatever reasons.
According to the statement, the individuals who destroyed the classrooms got no approval from the State Universal Basic Education Board, which holds the schools in trust for the Government and the people.
“While the State Government is desirous of working with good-spirited members of the society in managing public infrastructure, the administration will not condone lawlessness and failure to adhere to due process,” the statement read.
The statement added: “The Government frowns on the demolition of blocks of classrooms at the Community Primary School, Ayepe and Methodist Primary School, Gangansi in Egbeda and Ona-Ara Local Government Areas respectively by some hoodlums purportedly on the order of a National Assembly member from the state.
“The act, to say the least, is untoward, illegal and totally condemnable. No one, no matter how highly placed, is allowed to unlawfully enter a public school premises and demolish buildings under whatever guise without approval from Government.
“We see this as an act of provocation and lawlessness and as a Government; we will not sit down and watch some lawless individuals have their ways in sabotaging Government by destroying school properties or embarking on renovations of public property using lawless means simply for political showmanship.
“Governor Seyi Makinde has mandated the relevant security agencies to commence investigation into the circumstances that led to the demolition of the classrooms in the two aforementioned schools.
“The Governor has also given directives that the law enforcement should bring the perpetrators to justice so as to serve as deterrents to other individuals who may want to follow such path of lawlessness.
“Governor Makinde has said it times and again that his administration is open to working with public-spirited individuals to bring about massive improvement in the infrastructure in the education and other sectors in the State. But that partnership must follow due process.
“Any individual or politician with the intention to collaborate in building infrastructure in Oyo State schools should know that the schools are public properties under the trust of the Government and they should approach the Government for appropriate approvals.
“Anything short of this is lawlessness and as a Government that has sworn to defend the laws of the land, the Government of Oyo State is ever ready to put every tendency towards lawlessness under the check of the long arms of the law.”
As Christians across the globe celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the message of Easter to strengthen national unity, renew their hope, and rise above the challenges facing the nation.
In a statement on Friday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists, the lawmaker noted that Easter symbolises the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and renewal over decay—virtues he described as urgently needed in today’s Nigeria.
He urged citizens to use the occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey and commit to a shared vision of progress and peace.
“Easter reminds us that no situation is beyond redemption. Just as Christ conquered death and rose again, so too can our nation overcome its present trials—if only we act with faith, courage, and a common purpose,” Oseni said.
Acknowledging the economic and security challenges facing the country, he stressed the importance of collective resilience and unity among citizens. The lawmaker noted that while efforts are being made to address these issues—with signs of improvement—it is essential for Nigerians to continue supporting the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in its drive for national recovery and progress.
“Our strength lies in our unity,” he said. “We must resist the temptation to be divided by ethnic, religious, or political differences. Easter calls us to a higher sense of responsibility—to forgive, to heal, and to build together.”
Oseni, who also chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development, and national transformation through quality infrastructure and people-centered legislation. He promised to continue using his position to advocate for policies that improve the welfare of his constituents and all Nigerians.
The APC chieftain further urged Christians to go beyond the rituals of Easter and live out its message in their daily interactions. “This season should inspire us all to be better citizens, better neighbours, and better leaders in whatever space we occupy.”
The lawmaker concluded his message with prayers for peace, stability, and renewed hope across the country, saying, “May this Easter mark a turning point in our collective story as a nation. May Nigeria rise, like Christ, into a new dawn of greatness.”
The Federal Government has declared Friday, 18 April and Monday, 21 April 2025 as public holidays to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday celebrations across the country.
This was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
“Announcing this on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo extended heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on this joyous occasion,” the statement read.
The Minister emphasised the significance of Easter, urging Christians to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, love, and selflessness exemplified by Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for the redemption of humanity.
Dr Tunji-Ojo also encouraged Nigerians to use the holiday period to offer prayers for peace, unity, and stability in the country. He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at driving national growth and development.
In his message, the Minister called on citizens to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity, embodying the spirit of Easter.
He concluded by wishing Christians a blissful Easter celebration and extended warm holiday greetings to all Nigerians.
There was pandemonium on Tuesday at the Ibadan outlet of CBEX, a digital trading asset firm, as angry investors stormed the premises in protest, vandalising property and looting valuables.
The unrest, which occurred in the Oyo State capital, was triggered by reports that investors had been unable to access or withdraw funds from their accounts on the platform for several days. Matters escalated when many of them reportedly discovered that their investments had completely vanished.
The protest, initially peaceful, quickly degenerated into violence, resulting in looting and physical assaults on some staff members of the firm. Witnesses say the situation became uncontrollable as emotions flared and the aggrieved investors accused the company of operating a Ponzi scheme.
The affected investors were said to cut across various walks of life, including artisans, traders, and civil servants, all of whom had put their trust—and money—into the digital trading venture.
It took the intervention of security operatives to restore calm and disperse the rampaging crowd. Officers have since cordoned off the building and maintained a presence overnight to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
As of Wednesday morning, normalcy had returned to the area. Vehicular and pedestrian movement has resumed, with business activities gradually picking up.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but concerned stakeholders are calling for a thorough investigation into the operations of CBEX to protect future investors from similar occurrences.
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