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Rigging Allegation: Osun PDP Condemns Oyetola, Reports Minister to Presidency, Diplomatic Community

Rigging Allegation: Osun PDP Condemns Oyetola, Reports Minister to Presidency, Diplomatic Community

. APC denies allegation

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted  the Blue Economy Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola over his alleged threats to rig the 2026 governorship election in Osun state.

In a statement issued in Osogbo, the PDP raised  the  alarm over the grand plot reportedly disclosed to the APC state caucus meeting last Friday by the minister, describing the alleged utterances as “the most brazen declaration of intent to destroy democracy and a condemnable signal to abuse state power to deny Osun people the legitimate rights to choose their leader in a democracy.”

The statement reads further: “The Osun state chapter of the PDP is alarmed by several media reports of some inciting statements credited to the former Governor of Osun state and current Minister of Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola on his role in the withholding of Osun local governments allocations and the plan to thwart the will of electorates in the forthcoming 2026 governorship elections. 

“We waited for more than 48 hours with the expectations that the minister will deny the reports but till now, he has remained silent. We are encouraged therefore, to belief that the minister actually made those threatening remarks.

“For records purpose, the minister was alleged to have told the members at a  high level caucus meeting of the party hled behind closed doors the following:“I blocked Gov Adeleke from joining the APC. Otherwise, all your ambitions would have been in jeopardy.

“I gave a guarantee to Mr. President that APC can win in Osun without Governor Adeleke;We lost the 2022 election because Buhari refused to instruct INEC and the Police to work for APC;

 “I have secured the cooperation of the Police and INEC to ensure that APC wins the Osun 2026 gubernatorial election;

“I have employed  federal might to prevail upon the Attorney General of the Federation not to recognise the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which clearly recognised the election of the PDP chairmen and councilors. 

“The Attorney General is working on a loophole that will allow the withheld local government funds to be released to the court- sacked APC chairmen and councilors. 

“Otherwise, the Osun State withheld funds will not be released until after the gubernatorial election in 2026, in order to turn the grassroots against  Governor Adeleke.”

The PDP noted that “As a party, we have no issue with the minister’s position on the recent defection politics, we, however, challenged the minister to deny and clarify other statements he allegedly made at the said state caucus meeting as they pose serious danger to democratic practice, undermine the credibility of critical state institutions and constitute gross abuse of powers and violations of the constitution.

“While we are of the considered view that President Bola Tinubu is not aware of the open threats to sack democracy in Osun by his cousin and the Minister of Blue Economy, we call on Mr President to sanction the minister for dragging the names of the federal government into disrepute.

“We also call on Mr President to counter order the Attorney General of the Federation to obey the Court of Appeal judgement which recognises the duly elected PDP chairmen and councilors and release Osun state local government allocations without further delay.

“We are also alerting men of goodwill and the diplomatic community of the open declaration of war on the people of Osun state by a minister who is still bitter about his rejection at the poll by the good people of Osun state in 2022. 

“We inform the global community of an open genocidal threat to democratic practice as Osun people will defend their votes irrespective of the threats from anti-democratic elements,” the PDP stated.

The party  declared that Osun people rejects threats and intimidation as a tool for politicking, vowing that Governor Adeleke will win the 2026 election because he has solid support of the people as his governance records are superlative and he has God who gives and takes power.

Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the APC has accused PDP of fabricating lies and subterfuge against  the minister in order to score a cheap political point to fraudulently shore up the dwindling popularity of the party in the state.

According to APC, it is disheartening to observe that a ruling party in a state like Osun could go to the extent of fabricating barefaced lies against the immediate-past governor of the state in order to whip up sentiments in the court of the public.

The party said: “That the state PDP chairman could append his signature under such fabricated lies with the ulterior motive of tarnishing the hard earned image of the state leader of our party, Alhaji Oyetola, is an indication that Osun State has been unlucky to have the worst set of people managing its affairs at this particular point in time.”

“We are used to fabrication of stories which has been the hallmark of the ruling party in  Osun State but what we did not recognise before now was that the leadership of the rudderless party has graduated to an imaginary level of weaving together of compositions to make them appear as true stories.”

“We are stating here categorically that at no time did the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy threatened to rig the forthcoming elections in the state with both the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as alleged by Mr Sunday Bisi, the state chairman of the PDP in the watery statement he pushed to the public domain few hours ago.”

“It was also not true that Alhaji Oyetola told the stakeholders of the APC at the meeting that he was working on the Attorney-General of the Federation to create a loophole for the  reinstated APC local government chairmen and councillors to access the accumulated local government allocations as there could not have been any need for that as the logjam  had been settled by the Court of Appeal judgment of the 10th of February, 2025.”

“The obvious and verifiable problem with Governor Ademola Adeleke, the PDP and its handlers is that they are afraid of their shadows at this critical time that their party has become the shadow of its old self as all the good hands in the party have since defected into the opposition APC.

In the first place, there was no close door meeting of the APC stakeholders which was only holding in the imagination of Governor Adeleke and the state PDP chairman.”

“Thank God that technology has deflated the balloon of lies woven together by the state PDP chairman and his cohorts where they have the latitude to support their concocted allegations with video reporting which they cannot present.”

“The brick wall met by Governor Adeleke himself in his fruitless efforts to defect into the APC has been one of the reasons the governor and his cohorts have become needlessly paranoid and suspicious of harmless shadows of the members of the opposition.

“It is a common thing among the members of the opposition PDP in Osun State today to blame the state leader of our party, Alhaji Oyetola, who can hardly hurt a fly, for any woes that befall them.

“Accusation of the PDP against Alhaji Oyetola of planning to rig the forthcoming elections in the state does not add up as when he was having the apparatus of the state at his disposal, he allowed the rules of law to prevail.

“If Governor Adeleke and his co-travellers think our leader would allow the militant wing of the state PDP to massacre our members and supporters in the forthcoming elections in a similar manner that no fewer than 30 of them were slaughtered before and during the 2022 and 2023 elections, they are making a mistake as they would meet a resistance with the instrumentality of the law.

“We are enjoining the members of the public to discountenance  the lies woven together by the Osun State chapter of the PDP accusing Alhaji Oyetola of planning to rig the forthcoming elections as balderdash, misplaced and superfluous.

“The memory of the discerning members of the society is still super active to remember how the same Mr Sunday Bisi, the state chairman of the PDP, falsely accused the Inspector-General of Police of planning to assassinate him which he could not prove to date. Is it such a person that should be taken with all seriousness?

“It was the same Sunday Bisi who sometimes ago accused the state chapter of the APC of stockpiling arms and ammunition which subsequently proved him to be a pathological liar as it was found out to be a fabrication.

“If Governor Adeleke and his co-travellers think that there would be an unfettered allowance for their members and supporters to vote till 11:00pm as was the practice during the 2022 governorship election in Ede North and South local government council areas of the state, they are making a great mistake of their lives as such would be legally resisted.”

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. APC denies allegation Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted  the Blue Economy Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola over his alleged threats to rig
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Gani Adams, Don Seek Preservation of Indigenous Cultures

Gani Adams, Don Seek Preservation of Indigenous Cultures

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged Nigerians in Diaspora to see promotion of the nation’s indigenous languages, culture, tradition and historical background as a call to duty. He said such would help to preserve “our identity as a people, as well as ensure that our culture and heritage thrives for generations to come.”

Adams made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Asia International Summit 2025, organised by the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), Asia chapter.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Importance of Diaspora Yoruba Activities in Promoting Yoruba Heritage Worldwide’, Iba Adams, who is the Global Convener of OPU spread across 103 countries, noted that the Yoruba people in diaspora served as a vital bridge connecting the homeland with the world.

“The Yoruba people are rich in culture and tradition, language, arts, and values, which all represent a significant part of Nigeria’s national identity and cultural wealth.

“Values such as discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance, and patriotism are all principles that resonate deeply within the Yoruba culture.”

The Yoruba leader noted that through cultural festivals, language promotion, traditional arts, community organisations, and formation of socio-cultural groups such as the OPU, Yoruba in the diaspora help to sustain Nigeria’s rich culture and identity across the world.

“A good reference is the activities of OPU Malaysia such as the annual Oodua Day, football competitions, and humanitarian programmes. In Japan, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines and other Asian countries, they also hold annual cultural and humanitarian programmes.

“If all these programmes do not hold in the various chapters we have in Asia, our children and wives will lose touch with our language, culture, tradition and our historical background.

“These activities do not only strengthen cultural identity but also enhance Nigeria’s image internationally, fostering mutual understanding and respect among diverse people,” he said.

Adams observed that the use of Nigeria’s unique languages in the course of the activities of Nigerians in the diaspora was a critical aspect of cultural preservation.

“The importance of indigenous languages in cultural expression cannot be over-emphasised. This recognition underscores the importance of promoting Yoruba language and culture in diaspora communities, to ensure their sustenance,” he added.

Iba Adams stressed that the diaspora Yoruba activities also contributed to social and economic development by creating networks that facilitate trade, education, and cultural exchange.

The networks, he added, embody the spirit of self-reliance and patriotism, encouraging investments and partnerships that benefit both the Diaspora and the homeland.

The Guest Speaker, Professor Kolawole Raheem, called for relentless actions from the diaspora Yoruba all over the world to strengthen the Yoruba culture.

Professor Raheem, who is a former head of the Centre for School and Community Science and Technology Studies (SACOST) at the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, stressed the need for self-preservation of Yoruba identity which, according to him, is appreciated globally.

“We need to leverage on the uniqueness of our culture and heritage to advance sustainable socio-economic development of Yorubaland. There is need to jealously protect our environment for generations to come,” he added.

In his welcome speech, the Asia Continental Coordinator of OPU, Asiwaju Olakanye Franklin, said the summit was a symbol of unity, collective vision, and cultural pride as Yoruba sons and daughters in Asia.

Some of the OPU leaders who participated in the summit included Prince Olawale Ayinla, Chief Marc Oyetunde, Chief Kayode Orenisi, Alhaji Jamiu Ayegoro, Alhaji Abdullateef Ogundimu, Ye ye Gbareniyi Alice Enroll, and Otunba Adebayo Adeyeye.

Others were Hon Akinkunmi Olaomi, Alhaja Khadijat Esuruoso, Mr Folorunso Aikulola, Alhaji Bashiru Oseni, Mr Lucky Odanibe, Chief Segun Ogunpitan, Mr Joshua Ajayi and Hon Cherif Tunde, among others.

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The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has urged Nigerians in Diaspora to see promotion of the nation’s indigenous languages, culture, tradition and historical background as a call
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Open Grazing: Ogun Reads Riot Act to Cattle Herders

Open Grazing: Ogun Reads Riot Act to Cattle Herders

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Government yesterday read the riot act against open grazing, warning that herders caught engaging in the act, risk severe consequences.

Specifically, the government warned that any violators of Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Bill 2020 signed into law by Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2021, risk three-year jail term and forfeiture of the animals.

The warning came against the backdrop of cases of obstruction of traffic by cattle herders engaging in open grazing in the state.

The Ogun State Government, which gave the warning in a statement by Hon Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, decried the continued violation of the law by certain herders in the state, warning that the government would not hesitate to enforce the provisions of the law to the letter.

Akinmade, who said the law banning open grazing and prescribing a three-year jail term for violators was passed to address incessant bloody encounters between herders and famers. 

Added that the state remained fully committed to modern cattle rearing and farming practices in order to guarantee the safety and security of the people.

He said: “The Government of Ogun State has observed cases of obstruction of traffic, invasion of people’s farmlands and destruction of crops across this state 

“This is a violation of existing law and will not be tolerated a minute longer.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law prescribed a jail term of not less than three years without the option of fine, including the forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his/her control to the State Government for anyone who rears, herd or grazes any livestock in any part of the state except within the permitted ranches or anyone who rears cattle or livestock outside the permitted ranches after the commencement of the law.

“That is the law and it will continue to be enforced with vigour. 

“While cattle owners and herders are free to operate in any part of Ogun State, in line with the provisions of the law, no one has the right to impede the free flow of traffic, encroach on lands belonging to other people, or foment trouble of any kind under the guise of cattle grazing. 

“Open grazing of cattle or other animals remains prohibited in Ogun State anyone caught violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law.”

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James Sowole in Abeokuta Ogun State Government yesterday read the riot act against open grazing, warning that herders caught engaging in the act, risk severe consequences. Specifically, the government warned that
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Umuahia Residents Want Comprehensive Investigation of Collapsed Building

Umuahia Residents Want Comprehensive Investigation of Collapsed Building

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

As authorities prepare to investigate the circumstances under which a three-storey building collapsed in Umuahia, Abia State, in the early hours of last Saturday, residents have called for a multidimensional approach in the investigation.

The call became pertinent following testimonies of residents of nearby buildings, who said they “heard a very loud sound like thunder” that preceded the collapse of the three-floor building opposite Road II, Low Cost Housing Estate.

A mother of two, Blessing Ugochukwu, and her children, eight-year-old Chiamaka Favour and six-month-old Great, miraculously survived the incident, as part of the building crashed onto the bungalow the family was leaving in.

The state government has said that a “thorough investigation” would be carried out to determine the cause of the building collapse, adding that the result would be made public.

The state Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this known yesterday at a media  briefing on the outcome of this week’s meeting of the State Executive Council(SEC) meeting.

He said that though “government approved the building,” the police have arrested the site engineer because there was need to ascertain if due diligence was followed in the construction process.

The General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, said that while investigations were being carried out, the government has taken measures to forestall future collapse of buildings.

He said that the government would embark on “integrity test of every new and old buildings above two floors” in Umuahia to safeguard lives and property.

It was gathered that the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Umuahia Area Office has sent technical team to the scene of the collapsed building, preparatory to investigation of the incident.

A cross-section of people in the Abia State capital city that spoke on the ugly incident, said that every possible factor that could have led to the building collapse, including sabotage.

An estate agent, Mazi Uchenwa Ahaoma, said that the manner the three-storey building collapsed suggested “a guided demolition” of building in a crowded area.

He said: “We have heard and seen pictures of collapsed buildings across Nigeria, but this one appears different. In this case, the building just crumbled flat without any wall, pillar or partition standing, not even a block.

“This is really suspicious, and I think the investigations should not just focus on technical issues like the strength of materials used in the construction of the building and structural defects. They should also look at the possibility that explosive substances could have been used to bring down the building.”

Corroborating this view, Chief Ezenwata Obioma, a businessman cum politician, said that nobody should rule out elements of sabotage in the whole incident. The fact that the affected building is said to be owned by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), High Chief Ikechi Emenike, reinforces the conspiracy theory.

“If you’re a very top politician like Emenike, you’re bound to attract enemies and you never can tell what they are up to at any point in time,” he said, adding that “ some people can be mischievous to a dangerous and terrifying level in politics.”

However, Obioma expressed hope that Abia State politics has not “subtly become so toxic that jaw-dropping incidents could be creeping into the state ahead of the 2027 general election, which is not far away.”

A building consultant, who asked to remain anonymous, regretted that any time a building collapsed, the tendency was always to point fingers at builders, thereby foreclosing other factors that could be responsible.

“Those involved in such investigations should always put everything on the table in order to arrive at a conclusion that leaves no room for doubt,” he said.

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Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia As authorities prepare to investigate the circumstances under which a three-storey building collapsed in Umuahia, Abia State, in the early hours of last Saturday, residents have
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