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‘We rejected Makinde’s offer to avoid being corrupted’ – Oyo ALGON speaks

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The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), in Oyo State has given reason why it rejected Governor Seyi Makinde’s pay-off offer, but rather stuck to what would be the outcome of the legal battle.

Governor Makinde had on Monday through his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa said he would comply with the judgement of the Supreme Court that ruled that the illegally sacked council gaffers be paid their salary and allowance for the duration of their tenure that they were sacked.

In the statement, the governor also said he was not surprised at the judgement lashed out at the victorious council bosses noting that he had since fifteen months ago offered them the same option of paying them off but that the embattled ALGON members had insisted on returning to office to complete their tenure.

Speaking on behalf of the sacked council chiefs, during a ‘Thank you visit’ to legal luminary, Chief Niyi Akintola SAN at his Agodi residence, in Ibadan, the Chairman of Oyo ALGON, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, said the association deliberately took the decision so as not to be part of the government’s corruption.

He noted that the concern of the chairmen was neither the money nor the office, as wrongly claimed by the governor, but the need to deepen democracy at the grassroot.

“How can you give me money for the work I didn’t do and I have not done. Governor Makinde wanted to pay us last year when we have not done the work. And it is not legal and at the end of the day, it is all about corruption

“If we had collected the money, we were encouraging corruption. And anybody can come up later in the year or in the nearest future to challenge us that we collected money for the work we had not done.

“But, now, any proclamation from the Supreme Court is law. This is law. A judgement has been given, the money is due to us and we can collect it now. When he (Makinde) wanted to pay us, the question was, why will he pay us? Why will he even sack us in the first instance when the court said it’s wrong? Why would you do that? If you had done that and you said you want to pay us, that in itself is corruption, so we will never be part of a thing.

“For us, if we had collected the money at the time, and when people see us, will they not say it was all about the money?

“But for us, it was not about the money or the office, it is about the rule of law and I am saying it, I personally don’t ever have interest in contesting any local government elections again in my life.

“But the whole idea is for us to show that we want democracy to be entrenched at the grassroot and that is what we have done. We have laid precedence and for generations to come, the sacrifice we have made will always be enjoyed by those who will occupy the office at the local government level”, the ALGON boss added.

Meanwhile, the council bosses from the 33 local government areas (LGAs) and 35 local council development areas (LCDA) were in attendance to express their appreciation to Chief Akintola who provided them legal services pro-bono up until the Supreme Court.

According to Aleshinloye, “we are here to thank Barrister Akintola SAN. Like we did yesterday, we were in Ilorin to say the same thing to Barrister Yusuf Alli SAN and we couldn’t have done anything better, because Barrister Akintola identify with us being a member of the party; a leader for that matter. It is on record that he did not collect any money from us. Well, whichever way you look at it , we have to appreciate him for doing that.

” Like I said, we were with Yusuf Alli yesterday, he stood firm, and at the Supreme court , he did very well. Likewise, Barrister Kunle Soboloju. He started this case, he won the case at the High Court and he handled several filings on behalf of ALGON, the young gentleman needs also to be appreciated. We will make sure that we visit him as well; same with Seun Abimbola”, he continued.

Remarking, the Oyo APC gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Akintola informed that he decided to offer free legal service to the embattled council bosses as parts of his contributions to the development and progress of the party.

Akintola, however charged the party faithful and leaders in attendance on the need to be united, attributing his commitment to the progressive fold and sacrificial services to some of the things learnt from the late Chief Bola Ige.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Politics

APC knocks Makinde over UN probe call on Oriire abductions

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s call on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent killings, abductions and rescue of 46 victims in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as “shameful, shocking and unbecoming of a leader.”

The opposition party accused the governor of politicising insecurity and attempting to internationalise what it called a domestic security challenge.

Makinde, while receiving the rescued victims at the Government House, Ibadan, on Monday, urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, saying the circumstances surrounding the attacks and rescue operation were “grave and unusual.”

The governor’s position came days after he alleged during a visit to Bauchi State that the attacks on Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his alleged 2027 presidential ambition.

But in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the governor’s position was a demonstration of “ineptitude, cluelessness and grandstanding.”

The party urged Makinde to be “circumspect, decorous and statesman-like” as he prepares to complete his tenure.

It alleged that insecurity had worsened in Oyo State under the present administration, claiming the state had become the worst affected by banditry in Southern Nigeria.

The APC also criticised the governor’s appeal to the United Nations, arguing that Article 2(7) of the UN Charter discourages external interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations.
According to the party, rather than calling for an international investigation, the governor should focus on addressing the security challenges confronting residents of the state.

The opposition party further challenged Makinde to submit himself to investigations over allegations relating to local government funds, the Bodija explosion relief fund, surveillance aircraft procurement, airport and stadium upgrade projects, among other transactions.

The APC, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not responded to the APC’s latest claims

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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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