After 48 hours of the impeachment of Hon. Olakunle Oluomo as the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, the State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has agreed with the decision of the Assembly members, insisting that the lawmakers have the right to choose their leader.
Oluomo, the member representing Ifo I state constituency, was impeached on Tuesday, during a plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Bolanle Ajayi.
Oluomo, who has been dragged to court by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial misappropriation was impeached by 18 lawmakers out of 26 member-assembly.
He was impeached over alleged gross misconduct, high handedness, lack of focus and transparency, arrogance, poor leadership style, financial misappropriation and inciting members against one another.
But, reacting to Oluomo’s impeachment, Abiodun insisted that the lawmakers have the prerogative to elect their leaders in line with the stipulated law.
The Governor stated this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinmade in Abeokuta on Thursday.
Abiodun said his administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state are working on finding lasting solution to the leadership crisis at the Assembly.
“The Government of Ogun State has keenly taken note of the events on the floor of the Ogun State House of Assembly on Tuesday regarding the alleged impeachment of the Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Olakunle Oluomo, by members of the legislative arm during a sitting presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Bolanle Ajayi.
“There had been internal wrangling in the Assembly that had persisted and degenerated despite several interventions.
“The Ogun State Government notes that the Honourable Members have openly stated that their grouse is not with the Governor, whom they again pledged their loyalty to.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday charged the newly sworn-in judges in the state to be truly the last hope of the common man.
The governor sworn in Mr. Martins Akinyemi, as a judge in the State High Court, Mrs. Bolanle Awoyemi and Mr. Adeniyi Lawal as judges in the Customary Court of Appeal.
At the swearing in ceremony, which was conducted at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun described justice as one of the most important moral values in the sphere of law and politics.
The governor also noted that justice exists for the purpose of establishing law, order, and truth as it enhances the well-being of individuals through equal access to justice.
“Justice is one of the most important moral values in the spheres of law and politics. It exists for the purpose of establishing law, order, and truth because it enhances the well-being of individuals through equal access, advocating for justice and promoting policies that address systemic barriers,” he noted.
Abiodun noted that the new judges have demonstrated unwavering dedication, integrity and profund understanding of the intricacies of the judicial system, urged them to see themselves as custodians of a proud and heroic pedigree from whom the people of the state have a right to expect from them.
The governor, while reminding the new judges not only to rise above temptations and trials, but be calculative and honest in all ramifications, said that he is confident that the tradition of integrity, diligence, industry and excellence that has been the hallmark of the state judiciary will not only be continued but also enhanced.
In a similar development, Abiodun has sworn-in two new permanent secretaries with a promise to make the state civil service a reference in the comity of civil service in the country.
The two permanent secretaries were Engr. Muritala Adekunle and Engr. Olufisan Osiyale.
Speaking at the swearing in ceremony which took place at the Executive Chambers, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun noted that his administration in the last years, positioned the civil service to be vibrant and result oriented.
He said: “As a very responsive and responsible government, working assiduously with determination, we are therefore positioning the civil and public service to be vibrant and result oriented towards the successful implementation of our Building Our Future Together agenda.
“By our vow principles of governance that solely predicate on inclusive leadership, we consider the civil service as prime partnership of great value and significance. Therefore, we should continue to hold you in the highest esteem and treat you with the utmost respect and respect that you deserve.”
Abiodun emphasized that the swearing-in of the two permanent secretaries who were chosen on merit and tract record was a deliberate policy step taken by his administration towards transforming and strengthening the civil service for optimum performance.
Commending the permanent secretaries for standing firm and remaining resolute in the face of daunting challenges while serving the state, Governor Abiodun opined that their resilience has passed off, calling on them to be prudent, proactive, accountable and meticulous as accounting officers in their respective ministries.
Speaking in an interview, the Head of Service, Mr. kolawole Fagbohun, congratulated the newly appointed permanent secretaries, imploring them to work harder in order to justify their new positions.
In their remarks, the new permanent secretaries thanked the governor for the elevation and promised to join hands with their colleagues in taking the state to the next level.
In a show of unity and support, the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State, led by President Sheikh Sikirulahi Babalola, have extended warm congratulations to Governor Dapo Abiodun following his recent legal victory at the Supreme Court.
The religious leaders, including prominent figures such as Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi, the Secretary of the League, expressed their joy and conveyed their prayers for continued success for the Governor.
In a statement released by Sheikh Sikirulahi Babalola, the League commended Governor Abiodun for his resilience and leadership amidst legal challenges, emphasizing the significance of the divine favor that has seen him through.
In a show of unity and support, the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State, led by President Sheikh Sikirulahi Babalola, have extended warm congratulations to Governor Dapo Abiodun following his recent legal victory at the Supreme Court.
The religious leaders, including prominent figures such as Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi, the Secretary of the League, expressed their joy and conveyed their prayers for continued success for the Governor.
In a statement released by Sheikh Sikirulahi Babalola, the League commended Governor Abiodun for his resilience and leadership amidst legal challenges, emphasizing the significance of the divine favor that has seen him through.
The religious leaders offered prayers for an even greater fortune for the Governor and urged him not to lose sight of ongoing projects, both inherited and initiated during his tenure.
“We pray that the Lord’s blessings upon Governor Abiodun’s leadership surpass the first, and we implore him to persist in completing the noble projects he inherited and those he has undertaken for the betterment of Ogun State,” remarked Sheikh Sikirulahi Babalola.
The League of Imams and Alfas in the state, also highlighted critical areas of concern, particularly security and the welfare of the youth.
Encouraging the Governor to prioritise the well-being of citizens, they urged him to implement strategies that facilitate easy access to essential services, especially in the face of economic challenges.
“Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi, the Secretary of our esteemed League, emphasizes the importance of comprehensive plans for the security of our people and creating opportunities for the youth to be self-sufficient,” the statement read.
The religious leaders further urged Governor Abiodun to maintain a balanced approach in his relationships, avoiding animosity while fostering unity among the diverse citizens of Ogun State.
“In our prayers, we seek the wind of peace to blow across Nigeria and specifically within the borders of Ogun State.
May Governor Abiodun’s leadership contribute to a harmonious and prosperous coexistence,” Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi concluded in the signed statement.
Governor Abiodun, recently declared duly elected by the Supreme Court after facing legal challenges from the Peoples Democratic Party, now stands strengthened by the support and prayers of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State.
…promises to focus on the welfare of Ogun citizens
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the election litigations in the state, which ended at the Supreme Court on Friday as unnecessary distractions.
The governor also promised to devote the remaining time three and half years of his administration to work for the welfare and wellbeing of the people of the state.
Governor Abiodun stated this at a Thanksgiving Service to mark his victory, held at the St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area.
The governor said the period preceding the court judgement was a great distraction, which he has put behind.
He said: “Although this period has brought a lot of distractions, I am relieved it is now behind us, allowing us to fully focus on our unwavering commitment to lead Ogun State to new heights and make it a shining example amongst not just Nigerian states, but other states in Africa.
“With just three years and four months remaining in our term, we are determined to implement the rest of our sustainable legacies that will create jobs, foster individual prosperity and promote the well-being and welfare of all our citizens.”
He said his administration has made Ogun one of the two most resilient states in Nigeria by achieving significant economic improvement in four years.
“We are now the number two state in Internally Generated Revenue. This means we can afford to build more roads and more houses. We can also afford to build more schools and do more people’s oriented projects across the state,” he said.
While thanking the people for their support and prayers during the trying perio, the governor hinted that his government would soon launch a number of ground breaking initiatives and projects that would have direct impact on the wellbeing of the people.
Governor Abiodun appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for standing by him through thick and thin as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) for believing in him, saying their unflinching support contributed to the court victory.
“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose unwavering support for me since 2018 has been the bedrock of my journey. I remember his words when I won my election in 2019. He said Dapo, this victory is sweeter than honey and he continues to resonate with me
“I will also like to express my gratitude to the noble jurists of the Supreme Court led by the noble Chief Justice of Nigeria and the panel chair for upholding the rule of law and displaying utmost transparency and diligence in affirming our victory,” he added.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Remo Diocese, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Olusina Fape, while congratulating Governor Abiodun, urged him not to take the victory for granted but remain focus and serve the people even better during his second term in office.
Speaking on the topic: “God who has begun a good work will complete it” and taking his text from Philippians 1:3 to 6, the Bishop noted that the governor did well in his first term by touching every parts of the State with developmental projects through the ISEYA mantra.
He urged him not to dwell on the success of the past four years but strive to surpass it so that he would be celebrated at the end of his administration.
According to Bishop Fape, the affordable houses, good road networks, and the airport, which has put the state on the world map of air travels, are highly commendable.
While praying for the success of the second term, the Bishop charged Governor Abiodun not to be distracted but remain focused as there is still a lot of ground to cover.
He urged the governor to avoid in-flighting with political gladiators but depend on God for a good successor who would carry on from where he stopped.
The service was attended by past governors, deputy governors, political stalwarts, members of trade associations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and captains of industries, among others.
The Nigeria union of journalists (nuj), Ogun state council, has congratulated Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on victory at the Supreme Court.
In a felicitation letter addressed to Governor Abiodun jointly signed by Council Chairman Comrade Wale Olanrewaju and Secretary Comrade Bunmi Adigun respectively, said
“the Apex Court’s judgement which duly affirmed your election as the Executive Governor of Ogun State is the testimony that Almighty God has answered the prayers of the overwhelming majority of the people of the state who massively voted for you on March 18th ,2023.
They also said “The Court’s final and total verdict also serves as a Go-ahead flag for you to continue with your laudable and selfless leadership which you have rendered to the people of the state in the last four years.”
The Union added that, “As the Umbrella Union of Journalists in the state, we pledge our continued cooperation and support and look forward to working more with your Administration towards the development of Ogun State and the Journalism profession.”
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has upheld the election victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun in Ogun State.
The apex court dismissed the appeal filed by Ladi Adebutu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who sought to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections in 99 polling units where votes were allegedly canceled.
The legal challenge reached the Supreme Court after the Appeal Court, Lagos Division, delivered a split decision on November 24, 2023, affirming Abiodun’s re-election.
Justice Joseph Ikyegh, in the majority judgment, upheld the initial election results, rejecting the appeal brought by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.
Justice Tijani Abubakar, reading the lead judgment at the Supreme Court, dismissed the appeal, affirming Governor Dapo Abiodun’s legitimacy as the elected governor of Ogun State.
This verdict from the highest court in the land solidifies the outcome of the election and concludes the legal challenges brought forth by the appellants.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described Tuesday’s explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, as a monumental tragedy.
In a condolence message to his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and the people of the state, Prince Abiodun regretted that the wanton loss of lives and the destruction of properties was due to neglect and criminality.
The governor praised the swift response of the Oyo State government, which promptly dispatched first responders to the scene, thereby saving more lives.
This was just as he expressed absolute confidence that the Oyo State government would ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were apprehended and prosecuted, saying that the government is on top of the situation.
He said: “I extend my deepest condolences to the government and the people of Oyo State following the tragic explosion that occurred in Ibadan on Tuesday.
“Our hearts go out to the families who lost their loved ones and those who were injured in this devastating incident. We stand in solidarity with the people of Oyo State during this difficult time and offer our full support in the recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“The quick response by the state government, no doubt, saved more lives, and this is commendable.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured find strength and healing. Together, we will overcome this tragedy and emerge stronger.”
Prince Abiodun added that Ibadan is strategic to every Yoruba person given its historic importance, adding that the governments of the South-West states would not be deterred by the tragic incident, but would “jointly intensify security across our states to ensure that our people are safe and secure.”
A former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Engr. Bayo Dayo has dumped his party for the the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP chieftain joined the ruling party with a retinue of his loyalists for what he described as genuine and holistic developments of the nooks and crannies of the state by the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration.
Engr. Dayo, who is also a one-time chairman of Ijebu North Local Government added that the decision has become much more imperative “as the PDP is now bedevilled with inconsistencies in ideology and vision to significantly give hope to the common man.”
He added: “I am convinced of this administration’s sincerity and commitment to the well-being of the people, and I have seen this administration demonstrate it irrespective of party affiliation or religious leaning.
“The Governor has governed with every sense of decorum and responsibility, touching the lives of the people across the social strata.
“These vivid convictions prompted my decision to bring my loyalists to join the APC, not because I was offered money but I come of my own volition since the administration walks its talk and I want a better life for my people, loyalists and we can no longer be behind the fence.”
Welcoming the former PDP chairman and his loyalists to the party at Ward 3, Omen, Ijebu North Local Government Area, on behalf of the Governor, Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Olatokunbo Talabi said Engr. Bayo Dayo is a man who is passionate about the development and upliftment of the downtrodden.
Talabi said: “Even as a critic of our administration, we have remained focused and amenable to changes and people-oriented initiatives which has, in turn, fascinated the opposition to our party.”
The SSG reiterated the governor’s policy of treating every member of the party with due respect irrespective of when they join the party.
He noted that Engr. Dayo has been convinced of what the Governor is doing to make life more abundant for the people, which propelled he and his loyalists to take the bold step in joining the “Building Our Future Together” agenda for a more prosperous Ogun State.
Ogun State Police Command has identified and detained an Inspector and other rank and file over alleged extortion at a checkpoint in Ijagun junction near Tai Solarin University of Education.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha gave the directive in accordance with his zero tolerance to any form of misconduct that breaches the ethical standards expected of police officers.
A press release signed by the command image maker, SP Omolola Odutola, states that the Command Headquarters took the decisive action against the police officers after they were caught in a viral video involving alleged assault and extortion at a checkpoint in Ijagun junction near Tai Solarin University of Education.
The release further stresses:
“The complaint reported by one Soyemi Abidemi Funmilola “F” 24 years, on the 13th of January 2024 led to a thorough investigation conducted by the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The investigation was able to confirm the officers’ misconduct including tracing the account number into which money extorted was deposited. The money has been recovered and marked as exhibits.
The Inspector, Rank and File have been detained for orderly room trial, and the officer involved have been issued an official query, as directed by the Commissioner of Police, CP ALAMUTU ABIODUN MUSTAPHA psc, with the Provost department overseeing the disciplinary proceedings.
The Ogun State Police Command has made it clear that it will not tolerate any form of misconduct that breaches the ethical standards expected of police officers. The Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha psc, also emphasized the importance of respecting fundamental human rights of citizens at different lectures conducted for officers and men of the Command, and will sanction any officer that infringes on the rights of the members of the public.
The family of the complainant have been contacted and are in communication with the Commissioner of police who has also assured that the officers will be held responsible for their failure to act in accordance with the rules and regulations of the force, noting that Ogun State Police Command is committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents and their properties.
The outcome of the orderly room proceedings will be made public as soon as investigation is concluded.
Ogun State Police Command remain dedicated to upholding the rule of law and maintaining a transparent, respectful relationship as exemplified in the Police Rules and Regulations.
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