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Exclusive: Makinde’s aides in cold war
A cold war is brewing among political aides of Oyo state governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, Mega Icon Magazine has been reliably informed.
It was gathered that the cold war has festered to an extent that it’s now having serious implications on administration, such as dampening team spirit, divided loyalty and further threatening the camaraderie among some of the governor’s aides.
Inside sources, who spoke to Mega Icon Magazine but pleaded not to be mentioned, disclosed that circle of Governor Makinde’s top aides , especially the Special Advisers, Special Assistants are currently having strain relationship with the Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi.
Ogunwuyi, a former Director-General, Oyo State Investment and Public and Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA) replaced Chief Bisi Ilaka, who was relieved of his appointment recently.
The row, as learnt, started immediately when Ogunwuyi assumed office as the Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde.
“When he (Ogunwuyi) assumed office, some of them went to congratulate him, but instead gave them cold hand. Despite various efforts made by these aides to identify with him, Ogunwuyi would not bulge but rather giving flimsy excuses that he’s busy or occupied”, the sources alleged.
The sources noted that the governor deserves a strong character that can stand the Oyo politics in terms of coordinating other aides and activities “towards ensuring that Makinde succeeds, rather than encouraging a divided house”.
In a related development, some of the governor’s aides alleged that the Chief of Staff had always refused to approve most of the memos brought before him, which is a clear departure from the cooperation they enjoyed during his predecessor’s stint in office.
The cold war brewing between them, according to one of our sources, an influential political leader in Oyo PDP, played out recently when Ogunwuyi instructed the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Administration and General Services, Mr. Idowu Ogedengbe, who is the WhatsApp Group Admin housing political appointees to remove Chief Bisi Ilaka, the erstwhile Chief of Staff and other former appointees from the platform, adding that since they are no longer in the government they have no reason to remain on the platform.
It was, however gathered that, while Ogedengbe was feeling reluctant, Ogunwuyi exited the WhatsApp group in annoyance.
The source further disclosed that some government appointees also left the group in solidarity with the Chief of Staff, Hon. Ogunwuyi.
“To them, whatever might be his shortcomings, they have to honour him since it was the governor, in his wisdom , that appointed him (Ogunwuyi) as the Chief of Staff”.
The source added that it was later suggested that the Admin should delete the WhatsApp group permanently and create a new one.
Our correspondent learnt that the suggestion however did not go down well with other aides who are silently grumbling as they lament an alleged abuse of power, ego, lack of team trust and cohesion by Ogunwuyi.
Some insiders who spoke with our correspondent, however revealed that if the ongoing deteriorating relationship persists, it may inhibit good governance that Makinde’s administration promised to showcase.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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