News

JUST IN: Adebutu Applauds President Tinubu, Judiciary on LGs Autonomy Matters

Published

5 months ago

November 19, 2024

The 2023 governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, has applauded President Bola Tinubu, and the judiciary for their positions on financial autonomy of local governments.

Adebutu gave the kudos after he regained freedom from the Department of State Services (DSS), early morning today.

Adebutu was invited and detained on Monday in respect of his alleged involvement in some security breaches at Iperu, Ikenne local government area of the state, during last Saturday’s local government election in the state.

In a statement Hon. Adebutu personally signed, titled “My experience and release from the DSS,” the former lawmaker stated that his resolve to see an independent local government through financial autonomy remain sacrosanct.

He said: “At about 7am, Tuesday, 19th November, 2024, I was released by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abeokuta following an invitation to answer to various spurious accusations all arising from the November 16 Local Government election in Ogun State.

“Very sadly, the allegations were so baseless that it became clear that their purpose was to silence me as a voice of the opposition.

My contention that those elections were not free and fair is my fundamental right to free speech and free thought.

My thinking that the Local Government should have financial autonomy that can only be enforced by free and fair elections is germane to our development. Mr President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, shares the same view as mine which shows it is not a partisan position but a nationalistic one.

“However, because of the particular situation of Ogun State over the last five years, which I shall publish shortly, desperation has set in to emasculate the third tier of government completely; this is the struggle for our development.

” My thinking that the Local Government should have financial autonomy that can only be enforced by free and fair elections is germane to our development.

Mr President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shares the same view as mine which shows it is not a partisan position but a nationalistic one.

“I seize this opportunity to appreciate our institutions as they gradually continue to grow.
I must say I am pleasantly surprised at the professionalism and fairness the Department of State Services has treated this matter till date, particularly during my stay in their office.

I also acknowledge the judiciary for the forthright judgment we were able to obtain from the Ogun State High Court on Friday, 15th November, 2024, in suit AB/784/2024, a suit filed for the purpose of excluding the Peoples Democratic Party from participating in the Local Government elections.

I thank all stakeholders, well wishers and for that matter non-well wishers, because together, we must move the narration forward and arrive at good governance,” he said.

News

BREAKING: FG declares Friday, Monday public holidays for Easter celebration

Published

4 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Charles Flames

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, 2025, as public holidays to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday.

He emphasised the importance of embodying the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, who had to die for the redemption of man, while greeting Christians on the joyous occasion.

In a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.

Details later…

Crime

BREAKING: Unknown gunmen on rampage, kill 3 policemen in Enugu [VIDEO]

Published

11 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Charles Flames

Some unknown gunmen have killed at least three policemen in Achi, Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State.

Ohibaba.com learnt that the incident occurred at a checkpoint close to Ozudaa Market, Auchi.

Details of the incident are still sketchy as of the time of filing this report.

However, a viral gory video seen on Facebook by Ohibaba.com shows lifeless bodies of the slain policemen.

More to follow….

Watch the video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Nasrk54MA/

News

Gov. Aiyedatiwa Sets Up Arbitration Panel to Resolve Isinigbo/Igoba Land Dispute

Published

15 hours ago

April 15, 2025

Charles Flames

In a decisive move to end the protracted land dispute between the Isinigbo and Igoba communities in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved the constitution of an Arbitration Committee to mediate the conflict and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The committee is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, expert in conflict resolution and a Fellow of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Arbitratirs in the United Kingdom.

The Governor’s action aligns with a resolution of the Ondo State House of Assembly and underscores his administration’s commitment to peace, security, and communal harmony across the state.

The land dispute between Isinigbo and Igoba has lingered for years, leading to the loss of lives and the destruction of property worth millions of naira.

The unrest has also strained social relations and disrupted the peaceful coexistence of residents in the affected communities.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s intervention is seen as a bold step toward restoring order and ensuring long-term stability.

The committee’s mandate includes identifying the root and immediate causes of the conflict, key actors involved, and facilitating peaceful dialogue between stakeholders.

Other members of the committee include Hon. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency II in the State House of Assembly; Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilson Afolabi; Ondo State Surveyor-General, Surv. Idowu Owolabi; and Mr. F.O. Adaramola, Secretary of the Ondo State Boundary Commission, who will serve as secretary of the committee.

According to the appointment letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, the committee is also expected to recommend actionable solutions to the boundary issues and propose strategic policies to prevent similar conflicts in other parts of the state.

The committee has been given a three-month timeline to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Olayide Owolabi Adelami, for further action.