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Exclusive: Ajimobi’s aide alleges threat to life, petitions Oyo CP
Former aide of the immediate past Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state, Mr Inaolaji Akinloye Ridwan has raised alarm over threat to his life by an unknown person.
Already, the former Liaison Officer to Oyo state government on Information and a social commentator, Inaolaji has petitioned the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shina Olukolu alleging that his life is no longer safe.
In a petition dated February 5, 2020 and addressed to the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Inaolaji Akinloye Ridwan alleged that on the 24th day of January, 2020, briefly after contributing to a radio call in programme in Ibadan, he received a call on his contact phone number 08038604085 by an unknown person around 11:37pm in the late hours of the midnight who threatened him severely and severally with death. The governor’s aide added that the said unknown person again warned him sternly never to participate (I.e Call in to contribute or attended any invited radio programme) in any radio or other on air presentation, reechoing that his life has been heavily paid for.
The petition written by his lawyers Othniel Idowu Falana ESQ, on behalf of Inaolaji titled “Petition Against Incessant Threat to Life of Inaolaji Akinloye Ridwan By An Unknown Individual and Appeal to Safe The Life of Inaolaji Akinloye Ridwan From Untimely Death And Constant Threat to His Life” respectively.
According to the petition made available to Mega Icon Magazine, following this constant threat by the said unknown person, Inaolaji had approached the Akobo Police Station to lodge a complaint, where he was asked to write a statement in that regard for appropriate documentation and swift response to the complaint. He also informed that he went to the Oyo State Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), Dugbe division to further lodged the complaint of incessant threat to his life.
The petition reads in part, “It is our client instruction to us that on the 24th day of January, 2020, briefly after contributing to a radio call in programme in Ibadan, Oyo state, he received a call on his contact phone number 08038604085 by an unknown person around 11:37pm in the late hours of the midnight who threatened him severely and severally with death. Furthermore, our client informed us that the said unknown person again warned him sternly never to participate (I.e call in to contribute or attended any invited radio programme) in any radio or other on air presentation again, stating further that our client’s life has been heavily paid for.
“On the following day around the same time, the unknown person in further effort called our client reminding him of his previous threat to kill him thereby telling our client to get really prepared as he was set to kill our client before the end of last month, January 2020. This was also followed with series of continuous threat by the same unknown person to our client and this has made our client to continue to live in danger and apprehension of losing his life untimely.
“Following this constant threat by the said unknown person, our client approached the Akobo Police Station to lodge a complaint, where he was asked to write a statement in that regard for appropriate documentation and swift response to the.said complaint. Our client also informed us that he went to the Oyo State Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), Dugbe division to further lodge the complaint of incessant threat to his life by this unknown individual.
It added, “Notwithstanding, the all legal and important steps our client has taken to ensure safety of his life and property, it is however unfortunate for our client to have received another phone call from the same unknown person on Thursday, the 30th day of January, 2020 around 11:22am in the forenoon where he was again threatened, and now with a more fearful and serious intention from the unknown person. Our client informs us that the unknown person told him to read about the story of a Barber at Gbaremu who was brutally assassinated and he should thread caution otherwise he may have to pay with his dear life.
“We therefore write to inform your good office and also to appeal to you that the life and property of our client is very precious just like that of every other individual citizen of this great country and hence should be protected jealously without reservation. Our client has the right to be able to move freely and make meaningful contributions to the development of our dear country provided he does same under the ambit of the law. Which if our client has even even acted outside the law, he has to be properly tried for same and not arbitrarily threatened and killed by any person known or unknown.
” The Nigerian Police Force as recognized under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and like every other security agencies that have been so established by the law has the constitutional duty to protect and safeguard the life and property of all the citizens of Nigeria without bias or discrimination. Therefore, we urge and humbly plead with you sir to kindly use your good office and every other mercenaries necessarily incidental to ensuring the safeguard and protection of our client’s life”.
He, however sought police protection against possible attacks on him, urging the Police boss to begin a discreet investigation with a view to bring the unknown individual to book in the interest of justice.
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Rep Oseni Rallies Support for Ikogosi Development Projects, Calls for Resilience, Unity
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
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Bad Roads: ‘Focus on Message, Not Messenger’ – Nigerians Tell Works Minister, Umahi
The Nigerian Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ignited widespread public reaction following his response to recent criticisms by Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, had accused Umahi of neglecting essential infrastructure needs, alleging that the minister has “no plan for the nation.”
At a committee oversight meeting last Thursday, the lawmaker expressed his frustration over the worsening state of roads across the country.
“You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources,” Oseni stated. “If you are telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our road infrastructure is because of resources, don’t let me take you up on that, because you concentrated your energy as a minister on less priority issues.”
In response, Umahi addressed a press briefing at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, dismissing Oseni’s comments.
He remarked that Oseni “had not attained half of what I have achieved in life” and added that he would “not join issues with the lawmaker” out of respect for the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.
Speaking further, the minister suggested that Oseni was representing contractors affected by recent reforms in the Ministry of Works.
“Let me say that I was not physically present at the meeting, nor was my permanent secretary,” Umahi said. “Nobody can talk to me like that in my presence. It’s not possible.”
Public Outcry: Nigerians Demand Accountability
Umahi’s remarks have drawn backlash on social media, where Nigerians urged him to focus on addressing their concerns about deplorable road conditions rather than deflecting criticisms.
Many expressed frustration with the state of federal roads, calling on the minister to prioritize solutions over defensiveness.
“Mr umahi, ur have actually abandoned our existing roads all over Nigeria and focusing on elephants projects”, commented Daniel Morgan. “Travelling from Southwest to Southeast is now by the special grace of God. Please do something and stop criticizing the messenger and look into the massage.”
Charles Anarado added, “No matter how one may look at this matter, Oseni stands on a sound good point that building a new stretch of road for N15trillion that is more than enough to fix all the bad major roads around the country seems indeed to be a misplaced priority. It’s just like parent using the funds meant for paying his children to school to buy a car to take them to school. His decision may seem good but paying school fees should certainly be his priority”.
Calls for Transparency and Priority on Repairs
Other Nigerians joined the conversation, with some social media users demanding more accountability from the minister.
Nnaemeka Mekah voiced frustration over Umahi’s response to criticism, stating, “This short man takes every criticism as a personal attack. Oga minister, MOST NIGERIAN ROADS ARE IMPASSABLE NOW, and you’re doing absolutely nothing about it. Dunno what else you claim to have achieved in life, but as far as Nigerian toads are concerned, you’re a monumental failure”.
Another user, Nanmah Fanto, supported Oseni’s criticisms, commenting, , “The Reps Committee Chairman, was absolutely correct 2 tell Umahi d truth about accountability n Umahi’s lack of given priority 2 existing bad roads, n concentrating on unimportant road construction. I used 2 think Umahi was wise, until that incident I realized that he wasn’t better at all, he’s also thinking of enriching himself at d detriment of fixing our bad roads. Now, I know better, he shouldn’t be given any more funds until he explains how judiciously he spent d #300 billion given to him”.
Meanwhile, Facebook user, Dapo Oyedele suggested a constructive approach, urging Umahi to respond with facts.
“It’s not about joining issues, it’s accountability. The truth is that federal roads are very bad. But your ministry is doing it’s best. The roads are many… Reply the honourable with facts and figures of what has been done in about one and half years and what’s are your plans to improve the situation of the roads as d minister”.
Nationwide Demand for Effective Solutions
Frustration over Nigeria’s roads continued to echo online, with many demanding that Umahi focus on repairing existing infrastructure.
Ogheneovo Peter William, another Facebook user remarked, “I will join issue Because na bitter the lawmaker tell you, Bad roads every, People are suffering from una bad policies, Them people go still suffer bad road”? he questioned.
“It is not about joining the issue with anyone. It is about fixing the existing roads that we have and stop this white elephant project of Lagos calabar costar road”, a user on Facebook, Sunday Adewuyi Adedokun said.
Continuing, Francis Azuka Obukwelu opined on the ‘blue App’, “He should say something about the bad roads in Nigeria”.
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Oseni Donates N10m to Support Ibadan’s Mogaji Ile Eke Project
The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has made a donation of ten million naira (N10m) towards the Mogajis’ Ile Eke project in Ibadan.
Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, said the donation is aimed at supporting the Mogajis assembly’s project that holds immense cultural significance for the wider Ibadan community.
According to him, the project will remain a testament to the cultural and historical legacy of Ibadanland as it is expected to preserve the historic relevance of the palace while enhancing its role as a cultural landmark.
In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the lawmaker emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity within traditional institutions.
He highlighted that the project would not only elevate the status of the Mogajis’ assembly but also serve as a central hub for promoting Ibadan’s rich cultural history.
“It is a privilege that I was called to be part of the project. If I fail to support it, the project will still be successful, but I believe I have to contribute. My life is dedicated to serving God Almighty, the people, and humanity,” Oseni said.
He further stated, “As a son of the soil, it is my responsibility to contribute to the growth of our shared heritage – Ibadan and by extension, Oyo state as a whole. The Mogajis’ Ile Eke project symbolises our collective identity and unity as a people. This donation is my modest contribution towards ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots.”
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