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Exclusive : Bench Warming At Oyo Assembly [SEE LIST]

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OYO State House of Assembly  is a lawmaking body in the state, and vested with the powers to check the excesses of the executive and other arms of government to ensure peace, order and good governance in the state, in respect to matters not in the exclusive legislative list, but in concurrent list. It could also legislate on other matters in which it is empowered by the Constitution to do so.

Similarly, it plays a representative function based on constituency arrangement for effective representation of the populace.

Each member therefore represents a section of the people in the state for avoidance of marginalization in the scheme of things.

And among other several functions, the House is further tasked with deliberative function and before any bill is passed into law, or a resolution taken on any matter, members must procedurally, engage in a careful and meticulous deliberation of all the facts therein, to arrive at definite and worthy decisions.

However, in addition to lawmaking, oversight and representation roles of these parliamentarians, they are also expected to perform constituency services, which sounds to be one of the most influential functions of a lawmaker.

In Oyo’s current 8th Assembly, there are some lawmakers who are perceived to have performed below the bar, while many others have completely gone into oblivion, by consistently remaining dormant during plenary sessions.

As the fight for political surviver draws nearer and halfway into the tenure of the 8th Assembly, interestingly, from 2015 to 2017, a total of seven (7) members of the current Assembly did not live up to expectations.

Mega Icon Magazine investigation reveals a dismay perform of these parliamentarians who are poised to contest future elections, judging from the in-depth of their debates and contributions in the house, standing committees as well as what impact they have made on the electorate whose mandate they hold in trust.

By popular demand, Mega Icon Magazine brings you the inactive lawmakers in Oyo’s Assembly.

 

Hon. Abiodun Wahab, popularly addressed as ‘Deen Abbey’  representing Oluyole State Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is one of the bench warmers in the House; he hasn’t done much to represent his constituents.

Many have termed him as a controversial candidate as those in the know claimed that the lawmaker is currently swimming in turbulence political water following a court case questioning his victory in the 2015 elections. He was also alleged to be part of the plot spare heading the impeachment of the Speaker, Hon. Michael Adeyemo so that he could secure the Deputy Speaker position.

Equally, Accord lawmakers , Hon. Oloya Ayinla representing Ibadan North East State Constituency I and his counterpart from Ibadan North East II, Hon. Adeoye Adeniyi were also caught in the web.

It seems second term members of the Assembly are there to relax, instead representing. These parliamentarians are one of those former legislatures who are benchwarmers in the Oyo State House of Assembly, not living up to the billing as lawmakers.

In a related development, Hon. Akinmoyede Olafioye who is also the Chief Whip of the House has served different governments in various capacities.

The APC lawmaker from Lagelu State Constituency, Olafioye, well known in the politics of Oyo State was the former council boss of Lagelu Local Government. The ex- Councilor also served as both acting and elected Council Chairman during Governor Adebayo Alao Akala’s regime and retained the position during Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s first term tenure before securing his present political post.

Despite his huge political experience, he’s also one of the benchwarmers in the House; it’s pretty bad from the ex – council chief.

To put up a list like this without mentioning Hon. Oladipo Abimbola (APC) and his colleague, Hon. Jimoh Akintunde (APC) is like trying to travel to Australia from Nigeria by foot. It is difficult for them to scale through this tangled web.

Hon. Abimbola represents the good people of Ibadan North West State Constituency and served during the previous 7th Assembly led by Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, who is currently representing Oyo Central Senatorial District.

In addition,  Hon. Jimoh Akintunde of Ibarapa Central/North-State Constituency performance’s has not been quite that impressive.

Both were among the lawmakers shirking their responsibilities in the Oyo State House of Assembly. They are not performing well as expected.

At this juncture, it is imperative to state that political representation is the activity of making citizens’ voices, opinions, and perspectives “present” in public policy making processes.

Unfortunately, Hon. Oguntade Olasunkanmi, another Accord Party member representing Egbeda State Constituency has not been given his constituents a decent representation. Nothing much from the lawmaker, he’s one of those benchwarmers fond of not contributing during plenary session. It’s pretty hard to glean out information on the lawmaker.

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Oseni mourns ex-Oyo lawmaker Akeem ‘Able’, says Oyo APC has lost loyal progressive

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The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has mourned the death of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo, popularly known as Able, describing his demise as a painful loss to the progressive family.

Oladipupo, who represented Ibadan North-West Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, was widely regarded as a grassroots politician and committed party loyalist until his passing.

Oseni, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency and the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, said the late politician’s death had created a vacuum within the party and among those who benefitted from his unwavering commitment to public service.

In a condolence statement issued on Monday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the federal lawmaker described the late Oladipupo as a dependable progressive, humble political actor and loyal party stalwart whose impact would remain indelible.

He said the deceased dedicated his life to serving humanity, strengthening the progressive movement and supporting the aspirations of many at the grassroots.

Oseni said, “The death of Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo (Able) came to me as a rude shock. Oyo State and the progressive family have indeed lost a committed, loyal and selfless leader whose passion for service, humility and dedication to the people stood him out.

“He was not just a politician but a bridge-builder, a dependable ally and a grassroots mobiliser who believed strongly in the ideals of our great party. His contributions to the growth of the APC in Oyo State and his service to humanity will remain unforgettable.”

The APC senatorial candidate noted that the late former lawmaker remained steadfast in promoting peace, unity and political development, adding that his simplicity and accessibility endeared him to many across political divides.

According to Oseni, the late politician’s legacy of service and sacrifice would continue to inspire younger politicians and party faithful.

He, however, urged members of the APC, associates and family members of the deceased to take solace in the remarkable life he lived and the positive impact he made during his lifetime.

Oseni also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the painful loss.

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National Issues

Tinubu vows intelligence-led rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

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President Bola Tinubu on Monday assured residents of Oyo State that ongoing efforts to rescue abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area would be intelligence-driven, coordinated and sustained.

The President said the Federal Government would deploy every lawful means, including kinetic and non-kinetic measures, to ensure the safe return of the victims abducted during the May 15, 2026 attack in Esiele and Yawota communities.

“Our rescue efforts will be intelligence-led, careful, coordinated, and sustained. We will deploy every lawful tool available, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to ensure our children and teachers are safely returned home,” Tinubu stated in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday.

The President also expressed sorrow over the killing of a school teacher during the abduction and extended condolences to his wife, Mrs Mary Oyedokun, and the bereaved family.

“I also extend my deepest condolences to Mrs Mary Oyedokun, the wife of the late school teacher and her family. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his family will not be abandoned,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that children should never be exposed to the trauma of abduction, noting that no parent should endure the pain associated with such incidents.

“No child should be taken from the safety of a classroom. No parent should have to endure this anguish,” the President added.

He assured affected communities that efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers would remain sustained and intelligence-driven.

The statement comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in schools and rural communities following the abduction, which prompted the Federal Government to dispatch a high-powered delegation to the affected communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

The delegation included the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, alongside other senior government and security officials.

Tinubu further disclosed that he had approved additional security measures, including the deployment of a specialised security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts towards the safe return of the victims.

“I have also directed the deployment of a specialised security unit with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers,” he stated.

The President also revealed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Oyo State Government, was mobilising 1,000 forest guards to improve surveillance in forest corridors frequently exploited by criminal elements.

According to him, the initiative would be complemented by broader operational measures aimed at strengthening rescue operations and preventing future attacks.

Tinubu added that a request for the establishment of a military base in the affected area was receiving urgent consideration as part of efforts to bolster security.

Authorities have continued rescue operations amid rising concerns over the safety of schools and rural settlements, insisting that efforts remain focused on securing the release of the abducted victims and preventing a recurrence.

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Metro

FUTO Student Killed Over Alleged N13,500 Theft, Three Undergraduates Arrested

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The Imo State Police Command has arrested three students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), over the alleged killing of a 21-year-old undergraduate, Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus, following accusations that he stole N13,500.

The victim, a 100-level Cyber Security student and member of the university’s Man O’ War organisation, reportedly died after he was allegedly assaulted by fellow members of the group.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement, saying preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was allegedly restrained and severely assaulted, resulting in fatal injuries.

According to the police, the suspects are Chukwuemeka Benedict, 21; Kelechi Gospel Ikenna, 24; and Obioma Anastasia, 21, all 500-level students of the institution.

Okoye said the victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, after the incident but was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

He said, “Preliminary investigation reveals that the deceased, a 100-level student of Cyber Security and a member of the Man O’ War organisation in FUTO, was allegedly subjected to severe assault by some members of the organisation following an accusation of theft involving the sum of N13,500.

“Initial findings indicate that the deceased was allegedly restrained and assaulted, resulting in critical injuries.

He was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.”

The police spokesman disclosed that the arrests were made on the directive of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Garba Bosso, shortly after the incident was reported.

He added that relevant evidence had been recovered, while the victim’s remains had been deposited in a morgue pending autopsy.

Okoye further stated that the commissioner had ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri for a comprehensive investigation.

Bosso, according to the statement, directed investigators to identify and question all persons linked to the incident, warning that anyone found culpable would face prosecution.

The police commissioner assured the deceased’s family, the university community and residents of a thorough and professional investigation, insisting that no suspect would be shielded regardless of status.

He urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue, reiterating the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for the deceased.

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