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‘You ‘re a breath of fresh air’, UI congratulates Pro-Chancellor And Chairman of Council, Oyegun at 82
Your Excellency,
At 82, Dear Chief John E. K. Odigie-Oyegun, CON, you grow each day wiser and more optimistic. You look strong and healthy, youthful and well-preserved, all evidence of the Lord’s grace.
You are a breath of fresh air at the critical stage in the life of this University.
As you know, you are such an important leader to us in this premier institution! No gift could ever express how much you mean to us and how much incredibly we appreciate you as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Ibadan.
This special day provides an opportunity to salute your virtues of discipline, commitment to excellence and diligence which have continued to earn you resounding breakthroughs in various endeavours.
Also, this special day, is a testimony of your well-acknowledged accomplishments and feats in the public services as well as what you left behind for the good people of Edo State as the First Executive Governor.
These achievements, attainments and successes will continue to inspire generations of leaders in our country.
Most worthy of mention was your significant role in the enthronement of the current political dispensation in our country as the founding Chairman of All Progressives Party (APC), among other, memorable, indelible and historic roles as the Deputy National Chairman, (South), All Nigeria Progressive Party (ANPP); Vice-Presidential candidate of the party and later member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Chief John Evboyomwan Kenneth Odigie-Oyegun was born on 12 August, 1939 into the family of Pa Daniel Osagiedde Odigie-Oyegun, MBE and Mrs. Shaka Elizabeth Oyegun, new Amurun.
He was admitted to the University College, Ibadan in 1960 and bagged a Bachelor of Science, (Hons) in Economics in 1963. He was a resident of Kuti Hall which he served as the Hall Secretary.
This distinguished Nigerian attended many world-class postgraduate institutions.
He joined the Federal Civil Service in 1963, worked in various capacities and at different levels and was appointed a Federal Permanent Secretary in 1975 at the age of 36. In this capacity, he served the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Science and Technology, 1982 -1983; Ministry of Internal Affairs, February to September 1984; and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, September 1984 to December 1985.
By retirement in December 1985, he had put in a total of twenty two years in the Federal Public Service, nine of which was as Permanent Secretary.
In 1991, he contested and won on the platform of the Social Democratic Party and became the first Executive Governor of Edo State in January 1992. He has since remained a principled yet prime actor on the Nigerian political stage.
A man of steadfast principle, courage and conviction, he sacrificed all to play a key role in the crisis that followed the aborted and now historic June 12 elections of 1992 and the crisis that followed. A staunch member of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Odigie-Oyegun paid a steep price when he was forced into exile where he emerged the Executive Secretary to the NADECO-Abroad. Along with the likes of late Chief Anthony Enahoro, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Prof. Wole Soyinka among many others, he waged a relentless struggle for a permanent end to military rule and the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.
An outstanding boardroom executive, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, at various times, served in the Board of several public, private and international entities.
A versatile industrialist and business man,
he is Chairman of several companies including Teletok Nigeria Ltd, Lagos and Imperial Woodwork Industries Limited, Benin City.
Chief Odigie-Oyegun belongs to many professional and social clubs including the Metropolitan Club, Lagos. He was past President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi. He is a member of Nigerian Economic Society (NES); a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM) and a life Trustee of the Benin Club. He is a life sustaining member of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) and a very active member of the Benin Branch. On Saturday, 11 June, 2016 the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide conferred on him 2015 Most Distinguished Alumnus (MDA) award at an impressive ceremony in recognition of his selflessness and diligence, not for personal gain, but service to God and humanity.
Given the above and others which I could not chronicle, on behalf of Council, Senate, Congregation, Management, Staff and Students of the University of Ibadan, I rejoice with you , your family, friends, associates and admirers across generation in Nigeria and all over the world to give glory and thanks to Almighty God for His abiding grace and mercy on this wonderful alumnus of UI, illustrious son of Edo State and Nigeria on his remarkable 82nd birthday.
May each day of Chief John Evboyonwan Kenneth Odigie-Oyegun be wonderful in the full knowledge as the extraordinary person you are, the quintessential family man, elder statesman, and UI’s global ambassador who has made enormous contributions to national development.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS SIR!!!
Olatunji Oladejo, JP, MNIPR
Director of Public Communication University of Ibadan
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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