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Oyo: Makinde’s Plan to Appoint Caretaker Chairmen Is Illegal, Unconstitutional – Ajimobi’s Aide

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Prof Olowofela

FORMER  Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Oyo state, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela has said that the planned imposition of caretaker arrangements in the state by Governor Seyi Makinde to forcefully takeover the local government councils from the democratically elected Council Chairmen and Councillors  is illegal and unconstitutional.

The Don, who insisted that Governor Makinde’s declaration is irrelevant, also noted that the Chairmen and Councilors are not creation of the governor but products of law; because they were elected by the people.

Featuring on Fresh FM Ibadan political circuit programme, monitored by Mega Icon Magazine on Saturday, the ex-Council gaffer of Ido Local Government said the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deliberately refused to participate in the local government election, just as he disclosed that it was the government of Governor Seyi Makinde that went to appeal the existing court ruling that the Governor, House of Assembly cannot discharge the mandate given to the elected Local Government Chairmen.

 

“Why are they in haste? They are already in court. Governor Makinde should allow Appeal Court to determine  the matter. If you had gone to court, the onus is on you for the court to announce a position and is not your own business to say this is how court will rule . The court is not based on sentiments, but to interpret laws.

“The imposition of Caretaker Chairmen cannot work because there is a Supreme Court ruling on the issue of local government now and it said that no Governor or State Assembly can remove any elected Council Chairman, you just want to create a political imbroglio. If your party refused to participate in an election doesn’t make that election invalid. Ab initio, the PDP actually went to court that the local government election should not hold, but the court ruled over . Cases that were in court are all vacated as at today. 

“Why would Seyi Makinde, as an incumbent governor deliberately precipitate crisis, thinking that if you have crisis you can do whatever you like. If you deliberately precipitate crisis you cannot benefit from that crisis because you don’t have the power to remove elected Chairmen. If you commit illegality, it is also illegal to be law abiding, you don’t expect the other party to fold their arms, they will fight it out with the rule of law. Allow the Appeal Court you have gone to, to make a pronouncement. When the court rules, whatever you’re doing will be the product of law and not the product of naked power. We should run away from ‘Jankara Politics’ “, he advised.

Reacting to what he described as illegal dissolution of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Olowofela quoted the Supreme Court decision recently held in Oni & Ors V Governor of Ekiti State & Anor (2019) 5NWLR Part 1664,Pg 1-27 that:

“The tenure of the Governor of a State under the 1999 constitution, as well as that of the legislature is 4 years. However, the constitution grants members of a state independent electoral commission a tenure of 5 years. It ought not to escape attention that the deliberate purpose of the constitution is to create an electoral commission, the lifespan of which exceeds those of both the Governor and the  state legislature. This is done  with the view to create continuity and stability in the electoral process and governance. The same is done in relation to the State Civil service commission, and the State Judicial Service Commission. It is not the intendment of the constitution that the membership of the commissions should change with the fortunes of the political parties in a state.
“This remains the law of our land according  to the Supreme court. It means the proclaimed dissolution of Commissions, including OYSIEC, CSC, JSC,etc, cannot stand”.

Continuing, he recalled that:  “during former Governor Ladoja’s era,  Ladoja had OYSIEC, when Governor Akala came on board , Akala disband the OYSIEC and when Ladoja returned, he also  disband the OYSIEC again created by Akala. This is not respecting the rule of law and led to a lot of court litigations. That was what hindered Governor Ajimobi from conducting Local Government Election on a timely basis.

“We had to wait for the series of court cases to be vacated, but it got to a point where by we had to call all the fielding parties, both the OYSIEC of Akala, OYSIEC of Ladoja and they had to withdraw the case from court when we negotiated with them. They did that one before Ajimobi could now constitute new OYSIEC in 2016. Don’t forget that the OYSIEC has a lifespan of five years , so 2016 plus 5 years will give us 2021which will still be in the lifespan of this present government.

“If you have the prerogative to appoint, that is law, but it is tenure based. When something is tenure based, then you must allow them to expend the tenure that has been given to them. OYSIEC has five years, in fact court has also ruled over  this matter. The court did not say go and give them their money but for the status quo to remain. If you ‘dash them money’, that’s your headache. They have their own tenure which is five years and they will spend their tenure.  It is even wrong of Governor Seyi Makinde to spend public money anyhow. Anyhow in the sense that, if you have not done any service, why would you be paid?

“The court has ruled over this matter that the OYSIEC has five years tenure to use. That the government is dissolving the OYSIEC won’t hold water. Law didn’t permit arbitrariness, the fact that you have power to hire a Commission doesn’t mean that you can fire that commission, because it is a tenure matter, the tenure must run, that’s the law. This is different from hiring a messenger for a particular job , so you must look critically before you hire, because once you hire, you must allow tenure to lapse. A pronouncement that is coming from the mouth is just a word if it doesn’t have the force and backing of the law”, the APC chieftain concluded.

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Politics

2027: Bunvic Has Edge in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Reps Race – Agbomojo

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A political observer and public affairs commentator in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Oladejo Ezekiel Agbomojo, has said former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi, popularly known as Bunvic, is currently better positioned than other aspirants to reclaim the Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election.

Agbomojo, who is from Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State, stressed that he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his position was based on his independent assessment of the political atmosphere in the constituency and feedback gathered from residents, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Speaking on political developments ahead of the 2027 general election, Agbomojo said Bunvic’s experience, grassroots acceptance and long-standing relationship with the people had given him an advantage over other aspirants seeking to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.

According to him, the former lawmaker’s previous tenure in the Green Chamber provided him with the legislative experience and understanding required to address the developmental needs of the constituency.

He also identified Bunvic’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of his major political strengths, expressing optimism that such ties could facilitate the attraction of more federal projects, appointments and developmental opportunities to Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency if elected.

Agbomojo further commended Yeyeluwa Toyin Odebunmi, wife of the APC candidate, describing her as a compassionate woman whose humanitarian interventions have continued to earn admiration across the constituency and beyond.

He said her empowerment and outreach programmes have impacted women, youths, students and other vulnerable groups in different communities, adding that her activities have complemented her husband’s political efforts and further strengthened his acceptance among the electorate.

He also attributed Bunvic’s growing political advantage to what he described as renewed unity within the APC.

According to him, the cordial relationship between Bunvic and respected party leaders, including Senator Ayo Adeseun, as well as the emergence of the APC deputy governorship candidate from Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency, had further boosted the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

Describing Bunvic as one of the most accessible and generous politicians in the Ogbomoso zone, Agbomojo said the former lawmaker had remained close to the people and consistently demonstrated a willingness to support individuals and communities whenever the opportunity arose. He added that his interactions with residents across the constituency indicated a growing belief that Bunvic deserved another opportunity to represent them at the Green Chamber.

“I am not speaking as an APC member because I am not one. This is simply my personal opinion based on what I have observed and the views I have heard from many people across Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa,” he said.

“From my interactions with residents, many believe Bunvic has the experience, the political connections and the grassroots support needed to represent the constituency effectively once again,” he added.

While expressing confidence in Bunvic’s chances, Agbomojo urged the former lawmaker to place greater emphasis on tackling youth unemployment if elected. He acknowledged Bunvic’s previous empowerment initiatives but maintained that sustainable job creation should remain one of his major priorities.

“Hon. Bunvic has done well in supporting young people through different empowerment initiatives, and I acknowledge those efforts. However, I want him to place even greater emphasis on employment generation because many of our youths are still searching for jobs. Creating sustainable employment opportunities should remain one of his major priorities if elected,” he said.

Agbomojo also called for increased Federal Government presence in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency through the establishment of more federal institutions, infrastructure projects and programmes capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. He said attracting more federal projects would not only improve residents’ standard of living but also create opportunities for young people and local businesses.

“I strongly believe Hon. Bunvic has what it takes to attract meaningful federal projects because of his experience, his relationships within government and his understanding of the needs of our people. What Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency needs now is greater federal presence, improved infrastructure and more employment opportunities for our youths,” he stressed  while maintaining that his views were entirely personal.

He, however, said the electorate would have the final say, urging political actors to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns that would promote the development and prosperity of Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency.

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Oyo: Makinde presents staff of office to new Alakufo of Akufo

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The Oyo State Government on Friday presented the staff and instruments of office to the new Alakufo of Akufo in Ido Local Government Area,  Engr. Lamidi Taoreed Ayankojo Adefisoye.

The presentation, held at the Ido Local Government Secretariat, followed the approval of Adefisoye’s appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde.

A memo dated June 24, 2026, from the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, titled “Re: Filling of Vacant Stool of Alakufo,” conveyed the governor’s approval.

The memo, with reference number CB141/152/4T/119 and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Kola Abiola, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, stated that the appointment took effect from October 23, 2023.

It read in part, “I am directed to inform you with great pleasure that His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, has graciously approved your appointment as the Alakufo of Akufo with effect from October 23, 2023.”

The staff of office was presented to the monarch by the Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Aderemi Adeojo, alongside Abiola, who represented the state government.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Head of Local Government Administration in Ido, Alhaji Sarafadeen; the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the council, Mr Adelu; the head of the Adefisoye family, Mogaji Nurudeen Adegbola Adefisoye; the head of the Okekegan family of Akufo, Asiwaju Tunde Black; and Alhaji AbdulAzeez AbdulSalam.

Speaking after receiving the staff of office, Adefisoye expressed appreciation to Makinde, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, and the Ido Local Government chairman for their support.

He also thanked the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the selection process.

The monarch expressed gratitude to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for their support throughout the process.

He pledged to work closely with the state and local governments while promoting peace and development in the community.

Adefisoye promised to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, investment, security, transportation, and the preservation of Akufo’s cultural heritage.

He called on indigenes of the community, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of efforts aimed at accelerating the development of the town.

“I accept this honour with humility and a deep commitment to serve. This is not my vision alone; it is our collective mission. I invite all sons and daughters of Akufo, at home and abroad, to join hands with me in building a peaceful, united and prosperous community for future generations,” he said.

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Oyo South market men, women back Oseni, Tinubu, hail N90m support

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Market men and women across Oyo South Senatorial District have declared support for the senatorial ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the district, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, and reaffirmed their backing for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The traders said their endorsement was driven by the lawmaker’s sustained grassroots interventions and what they described as his people-centred representation.

‎The endorsement came on Monday during an interactive engagement in Ibadan with market stakeholders drawn from the nine local government areas of the senatorial district.

At the event, Oseni supported market men and women across the district with N90 million, with each of the nine local government areas receiving N10 million to boost petty trading, expand businesses and stimulate grassroots economic activity.

‎In a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker said the intervention was part of efforts to improve livelihoods and deepen economic inclusion, particularly among small-scale traders.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said empowering market operators remained central to his development agenda.

‎He said markets remained the heartbeat of local communities, noting that traders’ resilience continues to sustain families and drive local economies.

“This intervention is aimed at strengthening their businesses, easing economic pressure and encouraging enterprise at the grassroots,” he said.

The APC chieftain added that his representation would continue to focus on practical interventions with visible impact.

‎“Leadership must translate into visible impact. I remain committed to initiatives that support small businesses, create opportunities for growth and complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Oseni also canvassed support for President Tinubu among traders in Oyo South, saying stronger alignment between federal, state, senatorial and local government leadership would accelerate development in the state.

‎He listed the Tinubu administration’s initiatives to include the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND, measures to curb industrial actions in tertiary institutions, tuition-free technical colleges, construction and rehabilitation of major highways, agricultural support programmes and subsidies for cancer treatment, fuel subsidy removal, which he noted has boosted state and local government revenues.

‎He urged traders to mobilise support for APC candidates in the next general elections, expressing confidence that Tinubu’s re-election would further improve residents’ welfare.

Speaking on behalf of the traders, the Coordinator of Market Men and Women in Oyo South Senatorial District and Babaloja of Omi-Adio and Ido Local Government, Chief Odedele Waheed, commended the turnout and described the engagement as a demonstration of confidence in Oseni’s leadership.

He lauded the lawmaker for sustained grassroots development efforts, noting that the N90 million support would strengthen businesses across the district.

‎Odedele also commended the leadership of market men and women in Oyo State for granting traders approval to meet and interact with the lawmaker, saying the platform allowed them to express concerns and understand his vision for Oyo South.

The traders pledged to mobilise support across markets in the district in favour of Oseni’s electoral bid and President Tinubu’s re-election.

‎Those present included the Babaloja of Ibadan North East, Ibrahim Balogun; Babaloja of Ibadan South West, Rafiu Iyo; Babaloja of Ibadan North West, Alhaji Tajudeen Hammed; Alhaji Abdulraman Salawudeen; Asiwaju Oloja of Ibarapa Zone, Chief Okanlawon John Adebisi; Babaloja of Ibadan North, Chief Adewole Basirat; and Iyaloja of Ibarapa Central, Chief Ige Fausat, among others.

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