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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.
A Yoruba group, Yeye Dara Omoluabi Family, on Sunday urged Yoruba communities to heed the call by the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, to embrace self-defence as insecurity worsens across Nigeria.
The President of the group, Yeye Victoria Omodara, made the call during a press conference held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan. Her address, titled “Response to DSS Director’s Call for Self-Defence Amidst Rising Insecurity,” was delivered on her behalf by Comrade Omosebi Kolawole.
Omodara lauded Ajayi for acknowledging that Nigeria’s security agencies are currently overwhelmed by the scale of insecurity, urging Yoruba communities to reconnect with the spiritual heritage of their ancestors to defend their land.
The event was attended by leaders of various Yoruba groups from all six southwestern states, with Dr Tunde Hamzat representing renowned Yoruba leader, Professor Banji Akintoye.
In her speech, Yeye Omodara stressed the urgency for Yoruba communities to take proactive steps to protect their lives and property using “what we inherited from our forefathers.”
She said, “I urge all Yoruba people to heed this clarion call by organising community defence initiatives to reclaim our forests, farmlands, and neighbourhoods from marauding terrorists and kidnappers. The persistent attacks on farmers and rural communities have severely disrupted food production in Yorubaland, contributing to scarcity and economic hardship. It is imperative that we take ownership of our security to protect our people, lands, and livelihoods.”
The Yoruba leader decried the increasing spate of terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across Nigeria, noting that the DSS director’s call offers a practical solution to the lingering insecurity.
“I, Victoria Omodara, President of Yeye Dara Omoluabi Group, fully endorse the recent candid remarks by the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, who acknowledged that Nigeria’s security agencies are currently overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of threats posed by terrorists, bandits, armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminal elements,” she declared.
“His call for citizens to take proactive steps to defend themselves is a sober recognition of the harsh reality on the ground. Similarly, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and elder statesman TY Danjuma have both emphasised that while the military and security forces are intensifying operations against insurgents and criminals, the challenges remain formidable. Citizens cannot solely rely on security agencies for their protection.”
Omodara revealed that the Yeye Dara International Farm is already mobilising its members to adopt self-defence strategies in alignment with the DSS director’s advice.
“We view this approach as a necessary complement to the efforts of security agencies. By fostering community vigilance and preparedness, we can create safer environments that allow agricultural and economic activities to thrive uninterrupted,” she added.
She lamented the complex and volatile security situation in Nigeria, noting the threats posed by multiple insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and the emerging Lakurawa terror group.
“Banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery have escalated, overwhelming police and military capacity in many areas. As TY Danjuma and security chiefs have noted, the fight against insecurity will require not only enhanced military operations but also active citizen participation and innovative community-based solutions,” she stated.
News
Food Security: Rep. Oseni Boosts Oyo Agriculture, Distributes 5,200 Bags of Fertiliser to Farmers
The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has distributed 5,200 bags of fertiliser to farmers across his constituency.
The distribution, which took place on Tuesday, is part of Oseni’s agricultural empowerment initiative under the Soludero Movement. According to a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the initiative is designed to boost food production and combat the rising cost of food items in the country.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, which drew traditional rulers, party leaders, farmers, and constituents, the lawmaker described the gesture as a “landmark intervention” aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“This is not merely a fertiliser distribution,” Oseni stated. “It is an empowerment programme designed to enhance productivity, boost food supply, and restore hope to thousands of households.”
He explained that the initiative aims to support farmers as the planting season begins while alleviating the burden posed by high agricultural input costs. The APC chieftain added that the intervention reflects his commitment to grassroots development and food security.
The Soludero Movement, launched shortly after he assumed office, has rolled out several empowerment programmes, including scholarships for over 1,000 students, interest-free loans for market women, and multi-million-naira grants for small business owners.
The lawmaker also unveiled plans to strengthen farmer support systems through the newly established Remi Oseni Soludero Cooperative Societies. The cooperatives, he said, are designed to support farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs in the constituency.
“We are creating sustainable systems that will outlive political tenures and build enduring legacies,” he said, highlighting that the effort goes beyond fertiliser distribution to promoting long-term economic growth.
The Onido of Idoland, Oba Gbolagade Babalola (Gbadewolu I), who was present at the event, commended the lawmaker for the initiative. He urged beneficiaries to use the fertilisers on their farms and not to sell them.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Cassava Association in Ido Local Government, Oladipo Nurudeen, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, praised Oseni for his continued support. Oladipo further noted that fertiliser is a critical input for farming and that the intervention would go a long way in enhancing food security in the area.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu to allow for essential runway maintenance works.
In a statement issued on Saturday, FAAN revealed that a sudden and significant rupture had appeared in the asphalt surface of a critical section of the runway, necessitating immediate intervention.
Emergency repairs will take place from 22 April to 6 May 2025, during which time the runway will be entirely closed to all landings and take‑offs.
“In compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has, therefore, closed the runway during this period,” the authority said.
FAAN emphasised that this measure forms part of its ongoing commitment to passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities.
“All flights to this airport will be diverted to nearby airports,” FAAN added, appealing to airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation. The authority also apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure.
Reacting to the announcement, Air Peace confirmed on Saturday morning that it had suspended all flights scheduled to the airport.
In its own statement, the carrier attributed the suspension to the deteriorating condition of the runway infrastructure, which it said had repeatedly raised safety concerns.
“At Air Peace, we prioritise safety first over convenience,” the airline declared. “We believe that if flights are not operated into this aerodrome for the next few days, it will allow the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria the opportunity to perform the necessary repairs on the runway.”
Air Peace further explained that all affected services would instead operate from Asaba, Delta State.
“Please be informed that all flights scheduled into and out of Enugu will now be operated into and out of Asaba. We regret any inconvenience this change may have caused,” the statement concluded.
Ibom Air has likewise suspended its Enugu services for the duration of the maintenance. Its Customer Contact Centre will reach out to passengers already booked on affected flights, and those seeking alternatives may make enquiries at Lagos (LOS), Abuja (ABV), or Enugu (ENU) airport desks.
“The safety of our passengers remains our top priority, and we look forward to resuming full operations in Enugu once the runway maintenance is completed,” the airline said.
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