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Makinde’s aide, Danjuma fingered in fresh controversy over Oyo market leadership
Barely two weeks after traders in Oyo State lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for amicably resolving the crisis rocking the leadership of markets in the State, an Adviser on Market Liaison to the governor, Mrs Odunayo Danjuma has been allegedly fingered in a fresh controversy over the authentic Babaloja and Iyaloja in the State.
It would be recalled that Governor Makinde was a few days ago hailed for ensuring peaceful resolution of the leadership crisis among the traders.
Both Alhaji Yinusa Abass (YK Abass) and Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje were thereafter officially recognized Babaloja-General and Iyaloja-General respectively.
However, this week, at a function held at the House of Chiefs, State Secretariat, Ibadan, Danjuma was severally quoted as recognising both Alhaji S.A. Jimoh and Princess Folashade Abeo as Babaloja and Iyaloja of the State, in contravention of the recent agreement reached among the stakeholders in the State.
A press statement signed by Alhaji Gbadebowale Aruna on Friday in Ibadan said, ‘This Governor Seyi Makinde’s Adviser on Trade matters, Mrs Odunayo Danjuma is overreaching herself and going against his boss’s decision on the leaders of market men and women in the State.’
Aruna added, ‘Danjuma, three days ago, recognised SA Jimoh and Folashade Abeo as Babaloja and Iyaloja of the State. This is utterly against the Governor’s recent decision recognising Alhaji YK Abass and Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje as Babaloja-General and Iyaloja-General of the State respectively.
‘The Governor, had based on the court’s decision, constituted stakeholders to look into the matter which has festered for too long and at the end of the rigorous review and several meetings, both YK Abass and Saratu Konibaje were returned as authentic Babaloja and Iyaloja for the State.
‘It is now crystal clear that that decision didn’t go down well with a supposed Governor’s Adviser, Danjuma who is now in cahoot with another Commissioner in the Governor’s cabinet, Chief Bayo Lawal saying ‘we no go gree with Governor Makinde’s decision and position?’
‘The question is: Is Danjuma more powerful than the Commissioner and the Governor combined? In particular, is an Adviser powerful than the Governor who appointed her?
‘Is this a sign of weakness on the part of the Governor or indifference to what could draw back the hands of progress of this administration in matters that have to do with the peace in our markets?
‘Is Danjuma now dictating to the Governor on what he should do or not do? This volte-face coming about two weeks after the Governor resolved the crisis in the markets is nothing but a calculated attempt to set the traders against the Governor, and Engr Seyi Makinde must watch this banana peel.
‘Danjuma saying the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III appointed Princess Abeo was the height of hypocrisy which the Governor must guide against as efforts are on now, to make the Oyomesis (Alaafin’s chiefs and kingmakers) to portray Governor in bad light,’ Aruna warned further.
It would be recalled that a few months ago, traders in the State frowned on the way the state Commissioner for Trader and Investments, Chief Bayo Lawal has been persistently misinforming and misleading Governor Seyi Makinde for his personal and selfish interest.
Speaking at the press conference organised in Ibadan, the state capital by the zonal leaders who represented the Congress of Babalojas and Iyalojas in Oyo State, Chief Layi Olawoyin described Lawal’s action on the crisis rocking traders’ body in the state as a planned conspiracy to set the governor against his admirers and present him as ingrate to the source he leveraged in to become the governor in 2019.
According to Olawoyin, “We have exhausted available patience and exploited all possible avenues to avoid making utterances that can set our people against Governor Makinde, his administration and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), unfortunately, Lawal’s desperate and very unrepentant towards turning our people against the governor.
‘It is equally unfortunate that traders in the state have not positively felt the impact of Chief (Mrs) Odunayo Danjuma, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Market Liaison, who is known to be a well-experienced Comrade and leader of the National Association of Nigeria Traders in the Southwest and believed to have the capacity to guide and advise the Governor on the right path but chose otherwise.’
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.
