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Ajimobi, Ladoja mourn Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Femi Olaifa
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and a former governor of the state, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja have expressed sadness over the death of Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Olufemi Olaifa.
The duo described the passing away of the former Adviser to former President Sheu Sagari as “shocking”.
Ajimobi in a statement issued and made available to DAILY POST on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, described the passing away of the Ibadan High Chief as shocking and depressing.
High Chief Olaifa, a Veterinary Doctor died on Thursday at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
He would also have been crowned as an Oba on Sunday (tomorrow) alongside other members of the council, who were recently elevated from high chiefs to beaded-crown wearing traditional rulers.
Ajimobi said, “I received the news of the passing away of High Chief Femi Olaifa with shock. I am greatly saddened and devastated by this unfortunate incident. He will be sorely missed.
“Chief Olaifa was bubbling with life when he and other members of the Olubadan-in-Council came to my office on a courtesy visit last Monday. There was no sign that I was seeing this ebullient and patriotic Ibadan leader for the last time.
“He was a consummate and highly revered royalty who played an active role at a meeting between the Olubadan-in-Council and the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters on Wednesday.
“His death is a personal loss to me, because he was an ardent supporter of our administration since inception. He was always offering useful advice; all of which have contributed immensely to the modest achievements we have recorded so far.
“Besides, the late Chief Olaifa was one of the high chiefs who threw their weight behind the Olubadan chieftaincy declaration review currently being carried out by our administration.
“Having been convinced about the merits of the exercise and our sincerity of purpose, he had insisted that we should not look back having been satisfied that the exercise was in the overall interest of Ibadanland”.
He commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogunguniso 1, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the deceased family, friends, associates and the entire indigenes of the ancient city on the demise of the high chief.
While thanking the late flamboyant High Chief for what he described as his invaluable support for his administration, Ajimobi prayed that Allah should grant him aljanah firdaus.
Ladoja in a condolence message issued on his behalf by his Media Aide, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo, however, declared that the deceased would be surely missed for his lofty aspiration for Ibadanland.
He condoled with the family, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and the Olubadan-in-Council, while praying for the repose of the soul of the departed High Chief and fortitude for the family to bear the loss.
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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