Ogun LG Polls: APC Chairmanship Aspirant Ogunmeno Takes Legal Action Against Party and OGSIEC

 In a significant legal move ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Ogun State scheduled for November 16, Prince Adebayo Ogunmeno Esq., a legal practitioner, has filed a lawsuit against the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) and eight others, challenging the selection process of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Sagamu Local Government Area.

In the case filed at the Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogunmeno is seeking an order to compel OGSIEC to remove the name of Afolabi Jubril Odulate, the APC's selected candidate, from the ballot. He contends that Odulate's candidacy arises from an "unilateral selection" process by the party, which he asserts contravenes established electoral laws and the party's constitution.

The lawsuit, marked as FHC/AB/141/24, names several defendants including the APC, Odulate, Chief Yemi Sanusi (State Party Chairman), Alhaji Rafiu Opaleye, Hon. Funmilayo Efuwape (Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs), Hon. Oladimeji Oresanya (Commissioner for Environment), Hon. Oriyomi Adewunmi Onanuga (House of Representatives member), Alhaji Dauda Olokun, and OGSIEC, as the first to ninth respondents respectively.

In his originating summons, Ogunmeno argues that the APC cannot arbitrarily designate a candidate without conducting a direct, indirect, or consensus nomination primary election, a prerequisite outlined in the Electoral Act 2022. He asserts that the ruling party's actions have sparked unrest among its members across the state's 20 local government areas, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the imposition of candidates.

As part of his litigation, Ogunmeno seeks declarations that affirm the necessity of conducting a nomination primary election when multiple aspirants are vying for the same position, and that political appointees are ineligible to participate as delegates in such elections.

Additionally, Ogunmeno is requesting an order to prevent Odulate from representing himself as the APC's chairmanship candidate and to instruct the party to withdraw his name from the list submitted to OGSIEC.

A copy of the originating summons, dated October 2, 2024, outlines a timeline for the defendants to respond to the legal action, stating that they must enter an appearance within ten days of receiving the summons.

The unfolding legal battle underscores the tensions within the APC in Ogun State as the party prepares for the local government elections, with calls for transparency and adherence to democratic processes growing louder among its members.

AFO Launches Re-Election Campaign with Call for Unity and Progress in Sagamu

**Sagamu, ** – In a passionate appears to the residents of Sagamu, Ogbeni Jubril Olasile Odulate, the APC chairmanship candidate, formally announced his re-election campaign today with the rallying cry, "Ishagamu! Let's Do It Again!" 

Addressing supporters, AFO expressed profound gratitude for the trust placed in him during his previous term and emphasized the importance of continuity in leadership. “This slogan is not just a phrase; it embodies our shared journey and the achievements we have made together,” he said. “We have built a strong foundation, and with your support, I am confident we can reach even greater heights.”

AFO urged the community to reflect on the positive changes experienced under his leadership while also envisioning the opportunities that lie ahead. He reaffirmed his commitment to unity, collaboration, and innovation within the local government, emphasizing the need for every voice in Sagamu to be heard and valued.

“As we prepare for the upcoming local government election, I invite each one of you to join me on this pathway to greatness,” he remarked. “Together, we can transform our challenges into stepping stones for our future.”

As the campaign season heats up, AFO is calling for votes and support to ensure a peaceful, prosperous, and thriving Sagamu. His message resonates with his vision of continued progress, inviting everyone to unite under the banner of his campaign.

Hon. Arole Azeez Bello Thanks Supporters in Heartfelt Birthday Message

Sagamu,– Hon. Arole Azeez Bello expressed profound gratitude following a heartwarming celebration of his birthday, attributing his success and blessings to the grace of Almighty God. In a heartfelt message shared with the public, Bello acknowledged the overwhelming love and support he received, emphasizing how pivotal each gesture was in making the day memorable.

"I am deeply humbled by the love and support I received on my birthday," Bello stated. "I extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who made the day special, from the APC party leaders and my dedicated political team to family, friends, and the wonderful people of Sagamu."

He went on to thank well-wishers for their gifts and the affirmations of his commitment to the welfare of the community, noting that these testimonials serve as motivation for him to continue uplifting those in need. "With God's empowerment, I remain committed to ensuring that Sagamu flourishes," Bello added.

During the celebration, Bello engaged in a dialogue with his political team, reinforcing the importance of party unity and the need to support all APC candidates in the forthcoming Sagamu Local Government elections. He expressed strong support for Ogbeni Afolabi Odulate, the APC Local Government Chairmanship candidate. "I trust his leadership and dedication, and I am fully committed to supporting his victory in the upcoming elections," Bello stated.

In closing, Hon. Bello reiterated his gratitude to God and to his supporters, highlighting the collective effort needed to achieve greatness for the community. "Together, as we continue to work hard and trust in God's guidance, we will achieve greatness for Sagamu."

Suspected ritualists kidnapped and killed a pupil of St. Joseph's African Church Primary School, Odootu/Odogbe in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

It was gathered that the incident happened during school hours on January Tuesday, January 23, 2024. 

Details of the incident are still sketchy at the time of filing this report but it was gathered that the 8-year-old girl went to the toilet within the school and did not return to class.

Her mutilated corpse was later found with some of her body parts, including both wrists and a leg, reportedly missing. 

The Executive Chairman of Ijebu North East Local Government, Hon. Badejo Folusho, on Wednesday, January 24, visited the school in respect of the unfortunate incident. 

From the school, he proceeded to see one of the community stakeholders (Baba Atayese) for discussions on some identified challenges and how to find solutions to them. 

The Chairman then moved to commiserate with the families of the eight-year-old girl who was murdered.

He was accompanied by the Local Government Vice Chairman, Hon Bariyu Adeniyi, the local govt Secretary, Yeye Onadipe Iyabo, the Supervisor for Education information & Community Development, Mrs Olubukonla Kajero Iseda, and the Legislative majority Leader, Hon Taiwo Sanwo.

Others are; Local Govt Holga, Pastor Awobotu, LG information Director, Mrs Funmi, Zonal Education Officer, Mr V O Amosu, Local Government Educational Secretary, Mr Awoyemi, Local Govt Chief Monitoring Officer, Alhaji M A Kazeem, among others. 

Meanwhile, the lawmaker representing Ijebu-North in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Seun Adesanya, has extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim and pledged collaboration to strengthen security in schools. 

“I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the kidnapped child from St. Joseph African Primary School, Odotu. The brutality of the incident is truly heartbreaking, and my thoughts go out to the grieving family,”

Sir Adebukola Adebutu Kesington Pays Courtesy Visit To Akarigbo & Paramount Ruler of Remoland

On the 26th of January, 2024, Sir Adebukola Adebutu Kesington paid a courtesy visit to his royal majesty, Oba Dr Babatunde Adewale Ajayi Torungbuwa II, LLB, LLM, FCA, FBR, CFR, the

Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland and also the Chairman Ogun State Council of Obas in his Palace at Ita Oba, Sagamu, Ogun State.

The courtesy visitation was mainly for unity among Obas in Remoland, also coming together as Indigenes of Remo to support Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State administration.

Those in attendance were, all Kabiyesis across Remoland, Asiwaju SK Onafowokan, Aare Kola Oyefeso, Akarigbo Chief of Staff, Bamofin of Remo land 

Gunmen Abduct Lagos PDP Chairman, Nine Others In Ogun

Gunmen, Friday, abducted the Lagos State chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Philip Aivoji, alongside nine others.

Aivoji was kidnapped alongside other party members who were with him while returning from the party’s Stakeholders’ Zonal Caucus Meeting convened by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and held in Ibadan, the state’s capital.

They were abducted at the Ogere axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Thursday evening. The nine other victims were however released after a gun duel with the Police but the abductors made away with the Chairman.

A source told journalists that the PDP chieftain and others were waylaid by the gunmen while on their way to Lagos and matched into the bush.

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu confirmed the incident on Friday.

Alamutu said, the police had engaged the gunmen in a gun duel forcing them to release nine of the abductors, while the PDP Chairman was taken away.

"It is true, they were kidnapped on Thursday evening at Ogere. Our men engaged them and in the process nine along the victims were released but the one was taken away. "Our men are on the trail of the kidnappers and we shall catch up with them any moment from now", Alamutu said.

Just In: I Remain The Speaker Of Ogun Assembly - Oluomo

The impeached Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo has insisted that he remained the Speaker of the House, despite his impeachment by 18 out of 26 members of the House.

He said this while addressing a press conference at his official quarter on Friday.

“I remain Speaker of the Assembly. I have even filed a suit asking the court to determine whether the Speaker of the Assembly could be impeached through a gestapo of coup-like manner," Oluomo declared.

He said further, "And the court said they should go and serve them, which is right, and come back on the 7th of February to come and defend their case. I am a believer in the rule of law, that is why I went to court.

"It is is not about signatures, it is about the rule of law. If 27 people signed, including me, that is not that we shouldn't follow the rule of law. "18 people do not just sign like that. If 18 people signed, your signature will be null and void once the due process is not followed.

"I don't mind the number of people that signed, just follow the due process, serve me notice. They have served me the notice and I have replied them today, they served me on Wednesday, even when I have till tomorrow to reply, once tomorrow is Saturday, I submit the reply today.

"I was looking for peace, I wqs in court to ask the court to determine weather they have the right to remove me the way they have done or otherwise.

"For me not to violate the rule of rhe House thay says I must reply within 72 hours, I have turned in my response. What is my response? I wqs asking for more information."

Details follow...

Pastor Feyi Daniels bags life imprisonment for r@ping his church member

The founder of ‘I Reign Christian Ministry’, Pastor Feyi Daniels has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State for r@ping a church member.

The court, headed by justice Rahman Oshodi, also sentenced the convict to three years imprisonment for s+xual a§§ault on Friday, January 26, 2024. However, the sentences are to run concurrently.

 The court also ruled that his name should be registered in the S+xual Offenders Register as maintained by Lagos State.

Daniels was arraigned by the Lagos state government on three amended counts bordering on r@p£, attempted r@p£ and s+xual a§§ault of his church members.

The pastor was accused of s+xually a§§aulting three of his church members at his residence in Lekki and on his church premises in Ikeja.

He was remanded in prison custody on April 17, 2023, for allegedly r@ping two of his church members.

On May 29, 2023, a 23-year-old assistant pastor told an Ikeja S+xual Offences and Domestic Vi%lence Court in Lagos, that Feyi r@p£d her twice.

Led in evidence by Lagos State counsel, Mr Babajide Boye, she told the court that she was an assistant pastor of 1 Reign Christian Ministry founded by the bishop.

According to her, she knew the bishop on May 28, 2018, when her friend invited her to a church programme at Akungba-Akoko in Ondo State, where the cleric ministered.

She said after the programme which was tagged “Strictly Supernatural,” she became a member of the church and rose to the position of an assistant pastor.

She said that the bishop, whom she regarded as her spiritual father, r@p£d her at his residence in Ikota Villa Estate, Lekki, Lagos State, on June 21, 2020.

Ogun Assembly Crisis: Abiodun, APC To Intervene, Call For Restraint

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. 

Working with the leadership of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Government intends to see all the contending issues resolved in a democratic, fair, and just manner.

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.

It is the prerogative of members of the House of Assembly to chose their leadership in line with the constitution and the law guiding the conduct of the Assembly.

Given that the Ogun electorate gave us a mandate to represent their best interests and deliver democratic dividends that will significantly improve their well-being, the Ogun State Government, along with the Party leadership, have intervened to ensure that whatever disagreement members have is resolved peacefully and amicably, so that the delivery of democratic dividends to our people will not be hampered in any way.

The Ogun State Government considers all members of the House of Assembly as partners in the Building our Future agenda and will always prioritise issues that affect them.

Missing Ogun banker found in Niger State

 A staff member of a microfinance bank at Kemta Oloko, Abeokuta, Mr Olumide Openaike, who was declared missing last Wednesday, has been reportedly found in Mokwa, Niger State.

The wife of the banker, who also works at a microfinance bank in Onikolobo, Abeokuta, Mrs Temitope Openaike, broke the cheering news to Newsmem on Thursday.

Mrs Openaike said, “I am happy to tell you that my husband has been found in a place called Mokwa in Niger State. He called me on Tuesday afternoon.

“He got the phone from one of the residents there because he said those who abducted him collected his phone. We then told him to make a report at the police station there; the police officer on duty who spoke to us said he was in Mokwa.

“Transportation money was then arranged and sent to him; he got to Ibadan yesterday, Wednesday, where he slept, and his family members are at Ibadan. He will be back in Abeokuta today.