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  How time flies! I had earlier planned to go full throttle on the life and times of Chief Michael Adeniyi Akano Koleosho when he clocked 85. Then,my intention was to follow up on the promise by the ebullient chief himself that he would allow a biography and documentary on his life at that age which I thought he considered a milestone. That time he was 83; which itself was a milestone for how many people lived to be setuagenarian let alone middle octogenarian age. For inexplicable reasons, I couldn't do a full fledged write up on the noble Chief and neither the biography nor the documentary was a reality;at least,as far as I know. But Chief Koleosho,as an extremely lucky man,who normally enjoys a larger than life image since he was young,has always had a second opportunity which is his celebration bash of his birthday @ an advanced age of 86. I therefore,have no option than to take the bull by the horns and do the needful on the life and times of a political Colossus called Chief K

FLOWING from the highly-talked about decisive role he played in the politics of Oyo State between 1999 and 2003 under the government of Alhaji Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina, many watchers of the politics of the state during this time had salivated for the correct story of the role of Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleosho in that government. Known more by his chieftaincy title of Babalaje, a number of mythical narratives were ascribed to him in the politics of the state during this period. While some said he had Lam tied to his apron strings, others said Koleosho was so powerful that nothing could come out of the government without him. To some, he held such awesome powers that even the governor could not veto his decision. A few however held that he and Lam belonged to a powerful occult group wherein Koleosho was the senior; thus an explanation of the awesome powers at his disposal in the day-to-day administration of that government. God’s Grace And Goodness: The Story of My Life, an autobiographic

   Mr John Ayoh, an ex-director of Information Technology at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Monday revealed how he allegedly collected the sum of $600,000 as bribes from contractors for the embattled ex-governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele. Ayoh, spoke while being led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) an Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos The witness said he spent eight years in the apex bank. He told the court that he received a letter from the agency concerning two transactions which he facilitated through Emefiele. Ayoh, Head of Procurement and Support Services (PSS) Department, told the court that the first envelope containing $400,000 was brought to his house in Lekki while he received the second envelope containing $200,000 at the Tinubu Head Office of the CBN. Ayoh said that he was vested with powers to receive applications for award of contracts to select successful bidders. According to him, the f

  Federal government has called on the United States (US) government to return more Nigerian funds looted by public officials and stashed in banks in the country. The minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made the appeal in his remarks at the opening of the 6th session of the Nigeria-US Bi-National Commission in Abuja yesterday. Tuggar, who was represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Adamu Lamuwa, stressed the need for increased support from the US to return stolen wealth, adding that the $308 million, said to be money looted by the late former Nigerian head of state, General Sani Abacha, was insufficient compared to Nigeria’s losses from illegal fund transfers over the years. He said that the Nigeria government is committed to using these funds for the collective benefit of its citizens, in line with agreements with development partners. He added that the funds would be channelled to infrastructure development, focusing on projects such as roads, schools, education, an

Adebayo Adelabu, the minister of power has said that Nigeria would require at least $10 billion every year for the next 10 years to revive the power sector, a critical aspect to drive the country’s economy. Adelabu said this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Power for an investigative hearing on electricity tariff hike on Monday in Abuja. Adelabu, while describing as shameful the state of Nigeria’s  “underperforming” power sector with only 4000 Mega Watts generated for decades, pointed out that the government cannot provide the needed funds, hence the need to make the sector attractive to investors and bank lenders. “For this sector to be revived, the government needs to spend nothing less than 10 billion dollars every year for 10 years, because of the infrastructure requirements for stability in the sector, but the government cannot afford to do that, it must make the sector attractive to investors and to lenders. The business must be attractive, there must be commercial

A chieftain and Candidate of the All Progressives Congress ,APC ,Hon. Busari Yakub otherwise known as Donbay, has commiserated with the families of Alhaji Muritala Okelawa who passed away . Donbay, in his condolence message on Monday, described the deceased as a very courageous leader, dedicated and fearless partyman,and grassroot mobilizer who dedicated his resources, intellect and energy towards the wellbeing of the people in line with the ideals of the Progressives folds. The deceased was the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC at Ward 1,Atisbo LG, Oyo State.  He said his death would indeed be a big blow which has created a huge vacuum in the local government particularly at Ward 1, prayed that God grants his bereaved the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss . “I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of  in particular,and the Atisbo APC in general, and pray that the Almighty comforts them and grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.

The People Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Saki East Local Government has emerged winner in the just concluded local government election in Oyo State.  The Ogbooro prince as declared  by the OYSIEC Local Government Collation Officer, Mr Lawal Moshood Kayode of the Department of Public Administration,The Oke-Ogun Polytechnics, Saki pooled 9,732 votes to beat his closest rival Mr. Olaleye M. Olusegun of All Progressive Party (APC) who pooled 1,971 votes.  Also, the People Democratic Party (PDP) though without holding a broom used the umbrella to sweep all the 11 councilorship seats in the local governmen They are as follows: 1. Agbonle Thomas Elisha Olugbemga (PDP)- 866 votes  Olatunbosun Quadrs (APC)- 99 votes 2. Ago-Amodu I Awolola Julius S. (PDP) - 539 votes Olayiwola Olabisi (APC) - 70 Votes 3. Ago-Amodu II Adeyemo Lamina Adesina (PDP) - 547 votes Adeyemo Ganiyu Adewuyi (APC) - 101 votes 4. Ogbooro I Atilola Julius (PDP) - 1,441 votes Adesokan Wahab (APC) - 28 votes

A professional group, Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID), has expressed its solidarity with the Oyo State Government and unequivocally condemned the heinous invasion of the Governor's office and the State House of Assembly by the criminal elements of Yoruba Nation agitators recently. The group's spokesperson, Barrister Ayotomiwa Adebayo, in a release described the agitators’ invasion of the Oyo State Government as an attack on democracy that directly undermines good governance and poses a threat to peace and security. This nefarious activity and criminality acts are unacceptable for any purpose and must be outrooted by the state.    The methods and practices of agitators, which cannot be justified under any circumstances, regardless of their motivation, are a treasonable felony capable of causing chaos in the state. The group declares full solidarity with the Oyo Government and supports all measures taken to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to trial for acts of

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), has released the list and roles of ad-hoc staff to be engaged across the polling units for the forthcoming Local Government Councils Election in the state. In a statement issued on Thursday by OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN and made available to newsmen, directed all applicants to check their names on (https://oysiec.org/2024-election-adhoc-list/) if shortlisted and  roles to be played on the day of the election. The statement indicated that the public can monitor election proceedings on Saturday, 27 April, 2024 and also view results on the OYSIEC Election Result Viewing Portal ( election.oysiec.org)  " This is to notify the public officially that names of individuals who will work with the Commission as Ad- hoc staff in the forthcoming Local Government Councils Election are now available on our portal. “ Those who applied should check their names on the above link if shortlisted and should prepare for his

  On April 21st, 2024, Saki came to a stand still as the Grand Chief Imam of Saki Land celebrated a momentous 20-year anniversary as the town's spiritual leader. It was a moment of fervent prayers, celebration and thanksgiving on Saturday, as hundreds of jubilant Muslim adherents thronged out to rejoice with Sheikh Abdulazeez Jejekumi on this milestone anniversary. The Chief Imam is one million rolled into one given the totality of his quintessential personality. His twenty years of service have been truly remarkable. He has established himself as the source of wisdom, symbolizes the way a Muslim is  admonished to live: peaceful, humble, honest, forthright and  selfless.  The Grand Chief Imam’s guidance has been truly  exemplary. Saki is a shinning example of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among different religious groups, thanks to his exceptional leadership qualities. Without a doubt, of Sheik Azeez's numerous qualities make him a valuable asset to humanity and

  Salihu Lukman, a former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC), has expressed skepticism about the possibility of Rabiu Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), becoming president. Lukman suggested that Kwankwaso's presidential ambition would require extensive years of groundwork and negotiation, potentially extending beyond his lifetime. In his remarks, Lukman advised Kwankwaso to reestablish his relationship with APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje. He stated, "Senator Kwankwaso's aspiration to become President of Nigeria currently appears unattainable. Achieving this goal would necessitate prolonged efforts in building alliances and engaging in negotiations nationwide, possibly spanning beyond his lifetime. Fast-tracking this process would involve Kwankwaso's reintegration into our party, where we can renegotiate his relationship with Dr. Ganduje and other leaders across th

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), on Monday, began training for the Ad-hoc Staff to work with the Commission in the local Government Councils Election in the state, holding on April, 27. The training slated for two days was scheduled to hold across the geo- political zones of the state to eliminate stress and aids understanding of concepts by participants. The OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, while addressing the Electoral and Assistant Electoral Officers, Ward Collation Officers, Returning Officers and Supervisors in Ibadan and Oyo town,  called on the participants to see themselves as representatives of the people of the state and also place premium on their interest. He described the trainees as partners in progress, admonishing them to ensure their conduct  conform with the electoral guidelines of the commission. He harped on the need for them to make Integrity and hard work their watch word while on duties, and eschew any form of misconduct

An APC member and founder of Awodi-Oke foundation, Engr. Tosin Kolade (Awodi-Oke),has called on residents of the state to come out in their large numbers without any fear on Saturday to cast their votes for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the LG elections.  Awodi-Oke made this call in a chat with this newspaper on Tuesday, stressing the need for the people to vote for APC as a result of the horrible experiences which they have been made to endure in the PDP administration in Oyo State.  He expressed gratitude to the leaders and members of the party particularly, Senator Teslim Folarin for standing solidly in support of the candidates throughout the campaign, saying it's a hope for a new dawn in the state . While enjoining the electorate to support the APC to enable them deliver more dividends of democracy at the grassroots, encouraged the youth to refuse to be willing tools in the hands of politicians for selfish reasons.  "I implore you all to come out

  Ahead of 2024 Local Government elections, a prominent member of All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council and chieftain in ATISBO LG ,Hon. Busari Yakub otherwise called Donbay, has called on his supporters across boards to intensify their efforts in mobilising voters to vote all candidates of the party in Oyo state and particularly in ATISBO LG . Donbay openly made the declaration on Saturday, 20th April while addressing hundreds of his supporters and other members of the party in his sister's wedding ceremony held at his country home in Ago-Are, ATISBO LG.  He iterated that, the people at the grassroots in need of people of impeccable characters and pedigree to steer the ships of leadership, calling on the people to join in registering support for APC Candidates by making choices . Donbay said ,it is imperative for mobilising his constituents to high level support for the candidates of the party in the overall interest of the  masses and the party.  "I want to enjoin

  The Nigeria Immigration Service has placed former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on a watchlist. The NIS has instructed security agencies to arrest Bello upon entry or exit from the country. In a letter authored by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, D.S. Umar, on behalf of the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, the Service highlighted Bello's ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged money laundering. Addressed to the Directors General of the DSS, NIA, and the Inspector General of Police, the letter urged these security agencies to apprehend Bello should he attempt to enter or leave the country.

  The leadership of the Oyo state PDP took her campaign train to Irepo/Oorelope /Olorunsogo federal constituency today where the Chairmanship candidate for Irepo local government, Hon. Tunde Taoheed Olayiwola and his vice chairman, Hon. Sunday Olanipekun, the chairmanship candidate for Olórunsogo Hon. kazeem Olayanju and his vice, Hon. Adetoro Adegbola and the candidate for Oorelope local government Hon. Jacob Ogundiran and his vice Hon. Babatunde Wasiu all took the party flag to represent the party in the forthcoming election on 27 April, 2027. The campaign which was spearheaded by the Oyo state PDP and the election management committee of the state which has been going round the state to campaign for the party's candidate in the forthcoming election. The Director General of the election management committee and the secretary of the party in Oyo state Alh. Wasiu Adeleke led member of the State's executive council of the party and the election management committee to the campai

The Coordinator of campaign council of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for Saki West, Saki East and Atisbo LGs in the forthcoming Local government elections, Hon. Ayobami Ojo, has intensified the need to garner support for the chairmanship candidates, their running mates and councillorship candidates vying for elective offices. Ayobami Ojo, made the call at the mega rally hosted in Saki carried out to canvass ,sensitize, mobilize support for candidates of the party . He maintained that ,the track records of the present administration in Oyo State, has lessened the tasks of the candidates, calling on the electorate to troop out en masse to vote for the candidates of the PDP during the election.  He, however, appealed to residents to vote for candidates contesting under the umbrella of the PDP, saying voting for all PdP candidates would guarantee progress and development in Oyo and well as Nigeria at large. Ojo also charged all stakeholders and PDP faithful to remain united forces in t

The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), on Monday, continued its effort to attain a peaceful election with a visit to the Department of State Services ,  Alesinloye , Ibadan.  Speaking on the visit, the OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, said the visit was to seek Collaboration with the command so that the electorates will have confidence to troop out en masse and vote on election day. He described voter apathy as the greatest challenge and called for concerted efforts among all the security agencies in the state to prevent molestation and harassment on election day. Olagunju explained that it was important for residents to partake in the forthcoming local government councils election, urging them to see their participation in the poll as a responsibility and duties to be performed as citizens of the state. He speaks further" The purpose is to further our Collaboration with the  security agencies, you recall that we have visited the police, the Nig

The leadership of the Party PDP in Oyo state through the office of the party state secretary, today released an adjusted itinerary for the upcoming 2024 Local Government Campaigns. The itinerary details key dates, locations, and times for campaign events across various local government areas in Oyo State. The revised itinerary, effective immediately, aims to optimize campaign engagement and outreach efforts to connect with constituents effectively. The updated schedule is as follows: *Monday, April 1st, 2024:* Easter Monday – Free *Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024: Akinleye/Lagelu Venue: Moniya Time: 12 Noon *Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024: Oyo West/East/Afijio/Atiba Venue: Durbar, Oyo Time: 12 Noon *Thursday, April 4th, 2024: – Surulere/Ogooluwa Venue: Ajaawa Time: 10am – Ogbomoso North/South/Oriire Venue: Ogbomoso North Time: 1pm *Monday, April 15th, 2024: – Oluyole Venue: Idi Ayunre Time: 11:00 A.M Noon – Iddo Venue: Iddo Time: 01pm Tuesday, April 16th, 2024: – Ibadan South West/North West Venu

  In commemoration of the 2024 Eid-el-fitri, which marks the completion of the Holy Month for the Ummah, Engr. Tosin Kolade (Awodi-Oke) ,has felicitated with friends ,associates and Muslim brethren across the country particularly, those from his immediate constituency.  Awodi-Oke, in his Sallah message, described Ramadan as a time of self-reflection and renew commitment to living a life of piety and peace, adding that Ramadan teaches a lot of good virtues.  He,however, urged Muslims to continue the practice of spirituality ,peaceful coexistence ,and religious tolerance which are the moral lessons of the Holy Month of Ramadan.  Mr. Awodi-Oke also prayed for unity as he joined Muslims across the world to celebrate Eid-el-fitri.  "On behalf of my family, friends, and associates , I rejoice with the Muslims across the country and my constituents in particular on the successful Eid-el-fitri which symbolizes the glorious end of the Ramadan.  I urge everyone to continue to pray for the p

As felicitation messages continue to pour in ceaselessly for a former Speaker and Senator in Oyo State, the Commissioner for Establishment and Training in Oyo State, Hon. Niyi Adebisi, joined in wishing her well. Niyi Adebisi,described the former lawmaker as a woman of invaluable substance, brilliant and grommed in grassroots politics, said her conduct and dealings in public spheres of life to the delight of her people, political associates and admirers is second to none . " I celebrate you today as a woman driven by legendary capacity for human and resources management . I wish you good health of and body . I also join the rest of political families and associates in wishing an exemplary, focused leader a happy birthday. Happy birthday to you ma ,you're a woman like no other .Standing head and shoulder above all,always making us proud". Adebisi said Monsurat Sunmonu has been very supportive of the present administration in Oyo State to reposition the state for greater an

  A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Oyo State ,Hon. Busari Yakub (DONBAY),has sent his heartfelt felicitations to Mulsims across the country the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-fitri which symbolizes the glorious conclusion of the Holy Month of Ramadan.  Donbay, in his Sallah message, encouraged the Muslims to have faith that, their prayers and supplications during the Holy Month has been answered.  "My heartfelt felicitations go to fellow Muslims in the country on the glorious completion of this sacred month . It's by His grace for sparing our lives to partake in this fasting and beyond.  It's my belief that ,our prayers and supplications have been accepted in this Holy Month. Let's continue to pray for our leaders for good governance. I urge the Mulsims to be tolerance and live peacefully with other faiths as demonstrated in this holy month " He,however, praised Nigerians for the resilience for keeping hopes in the government, expressing confid

Former Commissioner for Commerce and serving Commissioner for Establishment & Training in Oyo State, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi ,has felicitated with the former Minority Leader, Hon. Rafiu Adekunle as he marks his 70th anniversary.  Adebisi,in his congratulatory message on Monday, joined friends ,family, political associates ,and well-wishers to celebrate the lawmaker, describing him as towering political pillar and astute personality who has continued to devote his energies to the course of communal development and lifetime of service to humanity.  "On behalf of my family, our party and the good people of Saki ,I rejoice with you as an astute politician as you clock 70 years today "  "Over the years, you have been dedicated to the course of development of our community and our great party, PDP " For this ,you're worthy of celebration ". While acknowledging his enviable contributions to community development and notable legacies to the ruling PDP in OyoState,

  The founder of Awodi-Oke foundation and APC faithful in Oyo State, Engr. Tosin Kolade (Awodi-Oke),has on Tuesday felicitated with the deputy youth leader of the party, Sayo Fatoki ,on his 40th birthday . In his goodwill message, Tosin Awodi-Oke acknowledged Fatoki's committed leadership acumen at repositioning the Youth Wing in the party particularly, in the old Ifedapo constituency.  He maintained that ,youths are the drivers of the the country and that ,with the likes of Sayo Fatoki and other unassuming youths,Nigeria would be great . He encouraged the number two youth in Oyo APC to be cheer tenancious in his quest to make youths integral in the political configuration in the state especially within the rank and file of the party. He prayed to God to grant the Ago-Are born politician good health and wisdom in piloting the affairs of the party's youth Wing for the development of the state and his constituency in particular.