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Separation of Powers: Ajimobi, Oyo Assembly Set to Collide Over Council Caretaker Nominees.
THE honeymoon between Oyo state governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi led Executive arm of government and the legislative arm which has seen the business of governance enjoying a smooth ride since the beginning of the governor’s second term in office might be heading for a rock anytime from now judging from the moods of some honourable members regarding the recently inaugurated caretaker chairmen.
In a dramatic move which has seen the sacred separation of powers being put to test in Oyo State, Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s was said to have disregarded the order of the state House of Assembly by swearing in one Abiodun Oladeji of Lagelu West LCDA against Akeem Aransi who was earlier nominated, screened and certified by the same State House of Assembly.
Abiodun Oladeji , who was allegedly sworn in by the governor on friday was the former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Lagelu Local Government Area whose name was not in the list of the nominees sent to the house by the governor.
A close source to the governor confirmed to Mega Icon Magazine that there was substitution of name some hours before the inauguration of council caretaker chairmen on Friday, disclosing that the first nominee sent to the house was rejected by the elders and leaders in the council who preferred the later.
As if that was not enough the governor was alleged to have sworn in Adeleke Taiwo and Mudasir Agbaje who were nominated to chair Asabari local council development area and Irepo local government respectively, both who had initially been disqualified by the state House of Assembly as a result of their failure to produce the necessary certificates couple with their low performances during the screening exercise.
Meanwhile, the Executive Assistant on Political Matters to Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas while reacting to an online news platform report on the inauguration of the two rejected nominees, noted that contrary to the media reports, the two nominees were not among those that were inaugurated on Friday.
According to the three term commissioner in the state, Dr Thomas stated that, “it is very bad for anybody to instigate a crisis between the governor and the assembly. It is not true. The Governor has sent a letter to the house for their confirmation to be reconsidered”.
The duo, Adeleke Taiwo and Muda Agbaje were present at the inauguration ceremony which took place at the Executive chamber of the governor’s office early on Friday morning, Mega Icon Magazine can authoritatively report.
It would be recalled that the Oyo State House of Assembly has requested for re-nomination of two new nominees from the State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi to fill the existing vacuum in these councils.
But in a bid to get the reactions of all the parties concerned on the issue, Mega Icon Magazine has contacted some honourable members who showed their displeasure to what they termed the flagrant abuse of power by the governor.
They, however, promised to table the issue during the house’s plenary sessions this week.
Mega Icon Magazine will continue to bring you the latest on the issue as the event continue to unfold.
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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