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COVID -19: Folarin is confused, desperate to derail Makinde’s govt – Group

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A socio-political group in Oyo State, Oyo Kajola Group (OKG), on Sunday warned the senator representing Oyo Central, Teslim Folarin, to bury his incurable obsession to derail the government of Governor Seyi Makinde.

The group stated that the senator’s public statements on the Oyo State government’s handling of the COVID-19 situation thus far have painted him as a confused fellow.

The Oyo Kajola Group, in a statement by its Media Coordinator, Adebayo Ayandele, said that the mandate given to Governor Makinde by the people of Oyo State was ordained by God and that “thousands of desperate politicians like Folarin cannot derail it.”

The group warned Folarin and his co-travellers in the project to derail the Oyo State government to desist from their unrepentant efforts aimed at frustrating the administration of Governor Makinde and distracting it from performing the duties committed into its hands by the people of Oyo State.

It maintained that listening to Folarin on during a recent radio programme in Ibadan gave him out as a confused politician, who is only out to play politics with even sacred matters.

The group said that Folarin had, while answering the reporter, claimed that total lockdown was impossible in Nigeria given the paucity of data, only to advocate the same total lockdown for Oyo State in another breathe.

The group also said that comments credited to Folarin on the state’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and his insinuation that the Deputy Governor of the state, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan was sidelined, were made in bad blood in continuation of his project to derail Makinde’s government.

The group, which noted that Folarin’s obsession was borne out of his desperation to become governor of the state at all costs, berated the lawmaker for turning himself into a nuisance and exposing his ignorance to the public.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to comments credited to the senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Teslim Folarin, in which he criticised the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde and the way the state government has been handling the fight against Covid-19.

“The comments, to say the least, are not well-intentioned and they amount to playing politics with people’s lives and are clearly targeted at causing disharmony between Governor Makinde and his deputy, Engr. Olaniyan.

“We wonder how Folarin could criticise Governor Makinde for appointing a well-experienced and world-acclaimed medical doctor and former CMD of UCH, Professor Temitope Alonge, as acting head of the Oyo State Covid-19 Task Force, pending his [Makinde’s] recovery from Covid-19, especially when it is not as if he is indisposed to perform his duties albeit without physical contact.

“We also wonder why Folarin has begun to take paracetamol for other people’s headaches by crying wolf where there is none, or did the deputy governor complain to him?

“We want to make it clear that the senator’s outbursts were baseless, bad-intentioned and targeted at causing bad blood between Governor and his deputy, Engr. Olaniyan.

“The comments have shown that the senator has nothing good to offer the state except to set traps for the state government and ensure that the people do not enjoy stable governance.

“It is pitiable that at a time that well-meaning individuals are coming together to join hands with the Oyo State government to fight the Coronavirus, the best thing Senator Folarin could do is to be engaging himself in unnecessary opposition against the government and trying to cause bad blood within the Makinde government.

“At this period, Folarin’s colleagues in other states have been donating millions in support of their state’s fights against Coronavirus but the three-term senator considers unjustifiable opposition as the best donation to the state, a development that confirms that he does not mean well for the people.

“We are sure that the people have not forgotten in a hurry that Folarin boasted that he has set traps for government of Engineer Makinde and that he would ensure that it does not succeed.

“But for the umpteenth time, we make bold to say that thousands of desperate Folarins with uncontrolled ambitions to snatch a governorship mandate that only God can give, will not succeed in derailing the Makinde government.”

The group maintained that so far, the state government’s approach has been effective and that the people of the state remained grateful that the Makinde government had been doing everything to protect them at this critical period.

It said: “Today, the good people of Oyo State are grateful to the government of the state under the leadership of Engr. Makinde on the way it has managed to contain the spread of the virus.

“The state government’s approach, which is more towards prevention and spread has been excellent and so also has been its efforts towards the management of the disease in case of any unforeseen situation, with the setting up of Diagnostic Centres, Emergency Operation Centres and Isolation Centres as well the equipping of same showing that the people of the state are in safe hands. Even Folarin recognised this fact and commended the government, though in retrospect, that commendation seems to be an error committed in his short moment of sanity.”

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APC knocks Makinde over UN probe call on Oriire abductions

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s call on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent killings, abductions and rescue of 46 victims in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as “shameful, shocking and unbecoming of a leader.”

The opposition party accused the governor of politicising insecurity and attempting to internationalise what it called a domestic security challenge.

Makinde, while receiving the rescued victims at the Government House, Ibadan, on Monday, urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, saying the circumstances surrounding the attacks and rescue operation were “grave and unusual.”

The governor’s position came days after he alleged during a visit to Bauchi State that the attacks on Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his alleged 2027 presidential ambition.

But in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the governor’s position was a demonstration of “ineptitude, cluelessness and grandstanding.”

The party urged Makinde to be “circumspect, decorous and statesman-like” as he prepares to complete his tenure.

It alleged that insecurity had worsened in Oyo State under the present administration, claiming the state had become the worst affected by banditry in Southern Nigeria.

The APC also criticised the governor’s appeal to the United Nations, arguing that Article 2(7) of the UN Charter discourages external interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations.
According to the party, rather than calling for an international investigation, the governor should focus on addressing the security challenges confronting residents of the state.

The opposition party further challenged Makinde to submit himself to investigations over allegations relating to local government funds, the Bodija explosion relief fund, surveillance aircraft procurement, airport and stadium upgrade projects, among other transactions.

The APC, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not responded to the APC’s latest claims

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2027: Bunvic Has Edge in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Reps Race – Agbomojo

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A political observer and public affairs commentator in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Oladejo Ezekiel Agbomojo, has said former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi, popularly known as Bunvic, is currently better positioned than other aspirants to reclaim the Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election.

Agbomojo, who is from Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State, stressed that he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his position was based on his independent assessment of the political atmosphere in the constituency and feedback gathered from residents, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Speaking on political developments ahead of the 2027 general election, Agbomojo said Bunvic’s experience, grassroots acceptance and long-standing relationship with the people had given him an advantage over other aspirants seeking to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.

According to him, the former lawmaker’s previous tenure in the Green Chamber provided him with the legislative experience and understanding required to address the developmental needs of the constituency.

He also identified Bunvic’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of his major political strengths, expressing optimism that such ties could facilitate the attraction of more federal projects, appointments and developmental opportunities to Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency if elected.

Agbomojo further commended Yeyeluwa Toyin Odebunmi, wife of the APC candidate, describing her as a compassionate woman whose humanitarian interventions have continued to earn admiration across the constituency and beyond.

He said her empowerment and outreach programmes have impacted women, youths, students and other vulnerable groups in different communities, adding that her activities have complemented her husband’s political efforts and further strengthened his acceptance among the electorate.

He also attributed Bunvic’s growing political advantage to what he described as renewed unity within the APC.

According to him, the cordial relationship between Bunvic and respected party leaders, including Senator Ayo Adeseun, as well as the emergence of the APC deputy governorship candidate from Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency, had further boosted the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

Describing Bunvic as one of the most accessible and generous politicians in the Ogbomoso zone, Agbomojo said the former lawmaker had remained close to the people and consistently demonstrated a willingness to support individuals and communities whenever the opportunity arose. He added that his interactions with residents across the constituency indicated a growing belief that Bunvic deserved another opportunity to represent them at the Green Chamber.

“I am not speaking as an APC member because I am not one. This is simply my personal opinion based on what I have observed and the views I have heard from many people across Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa,” he said.

“From my interactions with residents, many believe Bunvic has the experience, the political connections and the grassroots support needed to represent the constituency effectively once again,” he added.

While expressing confidence in Bunvic’s chances, Agbomojo urged the former lawmaker to place greater emphasis on tackling youth unemployment if elected. He acknowledged Bunvic’s previous empowerment initiatives but maintained that sustainable job creation should remain one of his major priorities.

“Hon. Bunvic has done well in supporting young people through different empowerment initiatives, and I acknowledge those efforts. However, I want him to place even greater emphasis on employment generation because many of our youths are still searching for jobs. Creating sustainable employment opportunities should remain one of his major priorities if elected,” he said.

Agbomojo also called for increased Federal Government presence in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency through the establishment of more federal institutions, infrastructure projects and programmes capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. He said attracting more federal projects would not only improve residents’ standard of living but also create opportunities for young people and local businesses.

“I strongly believe Hon. Bunvic has what it takes to attract meaningful federal projects because of his experience, his relationships within government and his understanding of the needs of our people. What Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency needs now is greater federal presence, improved infrastructure and more employment opportunities for our youths,” he stressed  while maintaining that his views were entirely personal.

He, however, said the electorate would have the final say, urging political actors to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns that would promote the development and prosperity of Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency.

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Oyo: Makinde presents staff of office to new Alakufo of Akufo

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The Oyo State Government on Friday presented the staff and instruments of office to the new Alakufo of Akufo in Ido Local Government Area,  Engr. Lamidi Taoreed Ayankojo Adefisoye.

The presentation, held at the Ido Local Government Secretariat, followed the approval of Adefisoye’s appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde.

A memo dated June 24, 2026, from the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, titled “Re: Filling of Vacant Stool of Alakufo,” conveyed the governor’s approval.

The memo, with reference number CB141/152/4T/119 and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Kola Abiola, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, stated that the appointment took effect from October 23, 2023.

It read in part, “I am directed to inform you with great pleasure that His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, has graciously approved your appointment as the Alakufo of Akufo with effect from October 23, 2023.”

The staff of office was presented to the monarch by the Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Aderemi Adeojo, alongside Abiola, who represented the state government.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Head of Local Government Administration in Ido, Alhaji Sarafadeen; the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the council, Mr Adelu; the head of the Adefisoye family, Mogaji Nurudeen Adegbola Adefisoye; the head of the Okekegan family of Akufo, Asiwaju Tunde Black; and Alhaji AbdulAzeez AbdulSalam.

Speaking after receiving the staff of office, Adefisoye expressed appreciation to Makinde, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, and the Ido Local Government chairman for their support.

He also thanked the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the selection process.

The monarch expressed gratitude to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for their support throughout the process.

He pledged to work closely with the state and local governments while promoting peace and development in the community.

Adefisoye promised to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, investment, security, transportation, and the preservation of Akufo’s cultural heritage.

He called on indigenes of the community, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of efforts aimed at accelerating the development of the town.

“I accept this honour with humility and a deep commitment to serve. This is not my vision alone; it is our collective mission. I invite all sons and daughters of Akufo, at home and abroad, to join hands with me in building a peaceful, united and prosperous community for future generations,” he said.

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