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Ajimobi Redefined Governance in Oyo – Rep Oseni
…FERMA chair hails late ex-gov’s legacy five years on
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has described the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi as a statesman who redefined governance in Oyo State through courage, vision, and transformative leadership.
Oseni, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made this known in a tribute issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Wednesday to mark the fifth anniversary of Ajimobi’s passing. The statement was made available to journalists in Ibadan.
“Five years may have gone by, but the impact of Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s leadership remains as fresh and compelling as ever,” the lawmaker said. “He was a governor who broke the jinx and redefined governance in our dear state. His intellectual depth, administrative boldness, and infrastructural revolution remain unmatched.”
Ajimobi, who served as Oyo State governor between 2011 and 2019, was the first in the state’s history to win a second term — a feat Oseni said reflected the people’s confidence in his reform-driven administration.
“His tenure brought bold reforms to Oyo’s security framework, education system, urban renewal, and civil service restructuring,” the lawmaker said. “He made tough decisions where others wavered. Today, many of the structures, roads, and governance templates we enjoy are products of his foresight.”
The FERMA chairman also highlighted the late governor’s political ethos, describing him as a principled and issue-based leader who mentored many within and beyond the APC fold. “He was not only a governor; he was a mentor, a bold orator, and a proud custodian of Yoruba culture,” he added.
According to him, Ajimobi’s brand of leadership remains a standard for those aspiring to public office. “His approach to politics was respectful and result-oriented. His loss wasn’t just personal — it was a national one.”
Oseni urged leaders across Nigeria, particularly in the South-West, to uphold the values the late governor championed. “Let us lead with clarity, not convenience. Let us embrace innovative thinking and always put the people first,” he said.
The federal lawmaker called for renewed commitment to good governance in Oyo and across Nigeria, saying, “Senator Abiola Ajimobi lived a life of impact. He governed with his heart, and his name remains etched in Oyo State’s history. May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace.”
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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