Ogun Today

FIFA - Sepp Blatter Resigns Amid Scandal

2015-06-02T16:22:00.001-07:00

Reports monitor online indicate that FIFA President, Mr.Sepp Blatter has resigned is position as FIFA president.

According to Reuters, Sepp Blatter rocked the world of soccer on Tuesday by unexpectedly saying he would step down as FIFA president in the wake of a corruption investigation that reportedly may include the embattled chief himself.

Citing sources familiar with the case, The New York Times and ABC News reported on Tuesday that Blatter was being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. prosecutors. Reuters was not immediately able to confirm the report. Blatter has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Blatter, 79, announced his decision to step down at a hastily arranged news conference in Zurich, six days after police raided a hotel in the city and arrested several FIFA officials, and four days after he was re-elected to a fifth term as FIFA president.

Blatter said an election to choose a new president would be held as soon as possible, though a FIFA official said it would probably not take place until at least December.

"FIFA needs profound restructuring," said Blatter, a Swiss national who has been a dominant presence at FIFA for decades.

"I decided to stand again to be elected because I was convinced it was the best option for football.

"Although the members of FIFA gave me a new mandate, this mandate does not seem to be supported by everyone in the world."

Blatter's decision to step down as the growing scandal plunges FIFA further into the worst crisis in its history was welcomed by his most prominent critics.

European football federation chief Michel Platini, a French former international player and favourite to succeed Blatter as FIFA president, said,: "It was a difficult decision, a brave decision, and the right decision."

The second favourite on the list, Jordan's Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, who stood against Blatter but withdrew after gaining 73 votes to Blatter's 133 in the first round of last Friday's vote, stopped short of confirming that he would run again.

Asked if there should be a fresh start at FIFA, he told Britain's Channel 4 News, "I'm willing to help."

Greg Dyke, chairman of the English Football Association and one of Blatter's most outspoken critics, said it was "good news for world football" but then questioned Blatter's motive. "Who got him? Who shot him?" he asked.

"I don't believe he went for any sort of moral basis so something has happened between then and now which means he has to resign."

FIFA, which Blatter had led since 1998, was shocked last week by the announcement of a U.S. investigation into alleged widespread financial wrongdoing stretching back more than two decades.

Swiss authorities also mounted their own criminal probe into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar, respectively.

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said Blatter's decision to step down was "courageous" and would help prevent a split in FIFA.

While Blatter was not mentioned in the U.S. or Swiss investigations, there had been widespread calls for him to quit, mostly from Western nations. Some major sponsors also expressed misgivings about the impact of the scandal.

Two sponsors, Coca-Cola Co and Adidas, welcomed Blatter's resignation.

"Today's news marks a step in the right direction on FIFA's path to establish and follow transparent compliance standards in everything they do," Adidas said.

The U.S. Justice Department, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's office had no immediate comment.

The office of the Swiss Attorney General, which is investigating alleged criminal mismanagement and money laundering at FIFA, said Blatter's resignation would have no effect on its proceedings. It said Blatter himself was not subject to investigation.

SCANDAL INTENSIFIES

European sports officials said it was an important move but that FIFA needed deeper changes. French Sports State Secretary Thierry Braillard called it a first step to restore confidence. "Beyond the people, structural reforms must be undertaken."

Blatter had initially attempted to bat away the furore, relying on his extensive network of friends to hold on to power at FIFA.

Football associations in Africa and Asia had stood by him despite the scandal, saying they welcomed the FIFA funds he channelled to them for the development of the game in impoverished parts of the world.

Kalusha Bwalya, Football Association of Zambia president and former African Footballer of the Year, said he was shocked. "The man has done a lot for FIFA," he said. "For Africa he was always there, he was always caring."

The investigation closed in on Blatter on Tuesday, when FIFA denied that his right-hand man, Secretary-General Jerome Valcke, was implicated in a $10 million payment relating to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa that is at the heart of the U.S. case.

At the same time, a letter addressed to Valcke from the South African Football Association was published outlining the transaction.

Hours later FIFA called the emergency news conference and Blatter, who became FIFA secretary general in 1981 and president 17 years later, announced his decision.

During his FIFA career he survived a series of scandals including widespread accusations that Qatar bought the right to stage the 2022 World Cup in a country with little football history and where summer temperatures regularly top 40 degrees Celsius (104 F). Qatar has always denied any wrongdoing.

After what was described as the worst day in FIFA's history last Wednesday, Blatter told the conference: "Football needs a strong and experienced leader. One that knows all the ins and outs and can work with our partners".

Overcoming opposition from European soccer's governing body UEFA, which threatened at one point to boycott the Congress, he was elected for another four years. His fifth term lasted just four days.

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Why Buruji Kashamu Is Under House Arrest - NDLEA

2015-05-24T04:37:00.000-07:00

According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), its siege on Kashamu's residence follows a formal request for extradition received from the Embassy of the United States of America pending the arraignment of Senator-elect, Mr. Buruju Kashamu before the Federal High Court on Monday, May 25th, 2015.

Officials of the NDLEA on Saturday May the 23rd, 2015 placed Mr. Kashamu, a senator-elect from Ogun East under house arrest at his Lagos residence.

In a statement by the Head, Public Affairs of the NDLEA, Ofoyeju Mitchell, the agency explained that Mr. Kashamu has been a target of both the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for over 20 years and was indicted in the Northern District of Illinois, United States on charges brought against him by ICE.

The Senator-elect, who U.S. court documents allege was known in his days as the leader of a prolific heroin trafficking ring based in Chicago, Illinois as “God,” “Daddy,” and “Kasmal,” is wanted to stand trial on charges of conspiracy and importation of controlled substances, namely heroin, into the United States dating back to 1994.

The politican, who holds dual Nigerian/Beninese citizenship, has taken multiple preemptive actions in the past to foil U.S. extradition efforts such as making claims that his is a case of mistaken identity, and that his deceased brother is responsible for the crimes he is being sought after in the U.S.

Mr. Kashamu has filed injunctions in federal courts both in the Northern District of Illinois, United States and in Nigeria to prevent his arrest and prosecution.

At the time of his arrest, NDLEA officers allowed Mr. Kashamu’s legal attorneys – Daniel Onamusi and Barrister Oloyede – and close family members including his wife and adult daughters to speak with him and attest to his well-being.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA has given the assurance that Mr. Kashamu will be afforded all the protection of the law and will be given his day in court.

The drug law enforcement agency also dismissed assertions that he would be bundled under cover of darkness and whisked out of the country.

Randy ASP Aressted For Raping Student In Abeokuta

2015-05-24T04:12:00.000-07:00

John Mafoya an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) with the Ogun State Police Command, has been arrested on the orders of the state Commissioner of Police, Valentine Ntomchukwu, for allegedly raping a female undergraduate of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Osiele, while she was in police custody at the Osiele Police Post.

The student, simply identified as Oluwaseun was reportedly detained at the station when Mafoya ordered that she be brought from the cell to his home where he allegedly raped her before returning her to the cell.

The crime would have gone unnoticed if the lady had not used her phone to stealthily record the assault and later passed the phone to a police corporal who reported the case to the relevant authorities.

The ASP, according to sources at the station, has been in the habit raping female detainees at random and was once was arrested and detained after the CP received a petition from the father of one of his victims.

Reports have it that Oluwaseun’s incident came on the heels of another petition received at the police headquarters that Mafoya raped another detainee, Folashade, while she was also in his custody.

The police source said:

"Folashade’s father sent a strongly worded petition to the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, alleging that ASP Mafoya abducted and forcibly had carnal knowledge of his daughter in the college.

The case involving Oluwaseun unfolded after she was detained at Osiele Police Post on April 30, 2015. She was detained because she was involved in a group assault on a corps member, Kareem Alaba.

Alaba was said to have made romantic advances at Oluwaseun during a visit to the corps member’s residence at Arokoje village, Abule, Obantoko in Abeokuta."

Mafoya, for reasons yet unknown, among all those arrested, ordered Oluwaseun to be detained. Around 7pm that same day, he personally took over the case. He later brought Oluwaseun out from the cell, drove her to his residence at Alanco in Abeokuta and forcibly had sex with her.

Mafoya brought her back to the station. When it was around 10.30 pm, he brought her out again from the cell, took her into his office and raped her again.

The following day, Oluwaseun’s colleagues raised N3,000 to bail her. While the ASP was busy raping the lady, he did not know she had recorded the act on her phone."

Fuel Scarcity Shuts Down Nigeria

2015-05-24T03:44:00.000-07:00

The fuel scarcity situation in the country has taken a turn for the worse Sunday Punch reports.

Most filling stations in the land are not selling Premium Motor Spirit also known as petrol. This, has escalated the already dire situation, forcing motorists and other consumers to the black market.

The pump price of the product accross the country in the few filling stations who had it ranged between N130 and N400 per litre.

The high price of the product, according to our correspondents reports, has caused a hike in transport fare with the increase as high as 300 per cent in some places. Many commuters who were caught unawares by the development were seen trekking long distances to their destinations while others were forced to return home.

Most filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory have shut down following the non-availability of the commodity.

The few stations that were dispensing the product had long queues of vehicles with desperate motorists besieging their gates with the hope of getting fuel to pursue their economic and social activities.

However, black marketers were not short of supply as they chased after vehicles along the road selling fuel at N200 per litre to those who could afford it.

Some stations sold fuel at N140 per litre, but few motorists patronised them, preferring to stay in the queue for hours to buy at the official N87 per litre.

Checks showed that most filling stations in the satellite towns including Kubwa, Zuba, Nyanya, Kuje and others sold fuel for N140 per litre.

In Osun State, the situation became worse on Saturday with virtually all filling stations in Osogbo, the state capital remaining shut.

The story is the same in Ogun State as over 95% of fuel stations in the state are without the esential commodity

Correspondents reports accross the lenght and breadth of the country indicated that the few filling stations which sold the product on Friday sold it for N150 per litre.

The fuel scarcity forced some residents of Osogbo and other towns including Ede to stay indoors except for those who had very important things to do.

One commercial bus said that the increment in the fare had forced commuters to resort to trekking.

He said, “We just pray that the situation will become normal next week. We are really suffering. There are no commuters on the road; it seems everybody is indoor.”

In Ondo State, a litre of petrol was sold for between N130 and 150 on Saturday. Some filling stations sold the product in Akure, the state capital, while some filling stations were closed.

The fuel scarcity has also forced commercial motorcyclists in the state to increase their fare and thus making many residents to complain.

The situation is not different in Benue where the product is currently sold for between N130 and N150 in Makurdi, the state capital, and major towns of Gboko, Kastina-Ala and Otukpo even as it is hard to come by.

In Taraba State, the situation was largely the same. The product which was sold for between N150 and N160.

In Rivers State, motorists faced a tough time as the commodity remained scarce within Port Harcourt, the state capital. Long queues were noticed in many filling stations that sold fuel. This was between N120 and N140.

In Calabar, petroleum depots were virtually dry. This put so much hardship on motorists and commuters as the price of a litre of petrol went up to between N150 and N250 at independent filing stations and the black market.

Filing stations owned by major marketers did not sell fuel. It was gathered that the major marketers are making brisk businesses by selling their products at the depots to independent marketers at a higher price.

Transport fare had also rose to more than 100 per cent within the Calabar metropolis.

The only NNPC Mega Station along the Murtala Mohammed Highway that was selling fuel had long queue stretching over three kilometres.

A motorist, Mr. Ben Amajo, who said he had spent more than five hours queuing up at the NNPC Mega Station, said he was completely fed up with the situation in the country.

Most of the active filling stations in Enugu State were selling petrol between N140 and N150, while the commodity sold mostly at the cost of N125 and N130 per litre in Abia and Ebonyi states.

The situation was the same in Imo and Anambra states.

Apparently, as a result of the cost of the commodity, there was no queue in most of the filling stations.

However, several filling stations had no fuel.

But there were long queues at the NNPC filling stations, which sold at the official N87 per litre fuel whenever they had the product.

In Jos, Plateau State, most of the independent marketers, though displayed pump prices ranging from N140 to N150, sold above that. Black marketers also had a field day as a four-litre jerry can went for between N800 and N900.

The situation was not different in Bauchi and Lafia where roadside sale of petrol had a big boom. Long queues were still noticeable in most major marketers, especially NNPC mega stations.

The fuel scarcity in Owerri was fierce. Filling stations fixed their pump price at 130 per litre. Most filling stations in the communities our correspondent visited sold the commodity for N140.

The development hampered economic activities in the state.

Motorists in Edo and Delta states were full of tales at the weekend.

Checks by our correspondent on Saturday showed that while most of the major filling stations on the busy Akpakpava and Sapele road in Benin, did not sell the product, some private fuel stations around Oluku sold at the price of N130 per litre.

Black marketers, who had taken advantage of scarcity, sold 10 litres of the product for N1450 and N1500, depending on the bargaining ability of the buyer.

The situation was also not different in major parts of Delta where the non-availability of the product resulted in an increase in the cost of public transport in major cities.

Petrol was sold for between N260 and N300 per litre in Sokoto and neighbouring Kebbi State. Most motorists in the two states relied on road side hawkers of petrol as most filling stations either did not have the product for sale or were selling to hawkers at a higher rate.

Mr. Mohammed Shehu, a resident of Mabera in Sokoto town, told SUNDAY PUNCH via telephone that motorists had always been at the mercy of hawkers of the products.

Petrol stations in Akwa Ibom State sold fuel between N140 to N150 per litre.

There were queues at few filling stations that sold the products at N130, those that could not risk the queues had to get the product at higher rates of N140 and N150 from other filling stations.

The trend affected vehicular movement.

Some residents of Nasarawa and Adamawa states on Saturday expressed displeasure over the endless fuel scarcity across the nation as pump prices rose to N160 per litre on Saturday.

The situation was a little different at both NNPC mega station in Nasarawa and Adamawa states, that sold fuel for N100 per litre.

In Niger state, the majority of petrol stations sold for N130 per litre. Our correspondent who went round Minna confirmed that it was only the NNPC that was selling for N87 per litre.

It was observed also that a lot of fuel stations were closed as a result of high price and a lot of people queued up for hours to get fuel.

One of the commuters, Isah Mohammed, who spoke to our correspondent said he had been at NNPC patrol station since 5.30am and it didn’t get to his turn.

In Kaduna the situation was the same, other petrol stations were selling for N130 per litre except NNPC.

However, there were no queues.

Most of the filling stations visited in Katsina metropolis had fuel, but while some sold at between the above said price, others along the outskirt sold above the price.

In Bayelsa a litre of petrol was sold for between N140 and N200.

The NNPC mega filling stations in the Yenagoa metropolis were selling the products at the regulated price of N87 per litre but the queues were extremely long.

The situation was not different in Kwara and Kogi states.

Investigations by our correspondent in Ilorin on Saturday showed petrol was sold for N150.

Also in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, a litre of petrol was sold for N120 but between N170 and N200 in the hinterlands.

The high cost of fuel had also increased transport fare between 50 and 70 per cent in Kwara and Kogi states.

Motorists and passengers in Ogun State also bought the product at a high cost. From Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro to the capital city of Abeokuta, the situation was the same.

Filling stations in the state, mostly owned by independent marketers, dispensed a litre of fuel between N150 and N300.

Transportation fares had increased by over 100 per cent on both intra-city and inter-state routes.

In Yobe and Borno states, petrol sold for N130 at filling stations.

In Bauchi and Gombe, it was for either N145 or N150 at very few filling stations, with resultant long queues. Many motorists were left with the option of buying at black market at the price of N200.

Major businesses in these states are beginning to close shop due to the scarcity of fuel and diesel.

On Saturday, one of Nigeria’s telecommunications firms, said the scarcity of diesel was jeopardising its operations. It said, “The management of MTN states that the current diesel scarcity in most parts of Nigeria is posing a significant threat to quality of service and the ability to optimally operate the network.

According to the Corporate Services Executive, Akinwale Goodluck “Most of our base stations and switches are powered round-the-clock by Diesel generators and the current fuel shortage has drastically reduced the availability of diesel supply to key locations.”

“MTN’s available reserves of diesel are running low and the company must source for a significant quantity of diesel in the very near future to prevent a shut down of services across Nigeria. If diesel supplies are not received within the next 24 hours the network will be seriously degraded and customers will feel the impact.

“MTN is working with all stakeholders to ensure services remain. MTN sincerely apologises for any outages and inconvenience that may occur and seeks the understanding of customers at this time.”

*Originally reported by Sunday Punch.

Thunderbolt Kills Food vendor in Ado-Odo/Ota

2015-05-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

The School (Image Credit: The Punch)

A food vendor was killed while four other people were left unconscious for several hours after being hit by a thunderbolt in Ejila Awori Community High School, Ipatira, in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, Punch reports.

The unconscious bodies of the victims were discovered by a teacher of the school under a shade in the food vendors’ corner after they were struck by the thunderbolt.

Four of the victims were said to have come around after a while but the food vendor remained unconscious and later confirmed dead.

Some Sango (god of thunder) worshipers were invited to the scene of the incident by the people of the community.

The devotees, after making some consultations, were said to have set up a shrine around the site where the victim died.

Kia Motors Now Found on Konga

2015-05-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

Guess what, your dream car is actually now just a few clicks away.

Yes, South Korean car dealer Kia Motors now have a store on Konga where brand new Kia cars are sold.

They can be bought by just placing your order like you would any other order on Konga.com.

Whether it’s the Kia Rio, Cerato, Sportage or even Picanto, it is available right here on Konga.com.

What’s great about this is that the Pay on Delivery option also applies to Kia Motors as well. You also have the option of going to pick up the car yourself or having it delivered right to your doorstep.

Click here to see the Kia options available and their prices. This is another first by Konga.com

Gov Oshiomole & Lara Fortes Wedding in Pictures

2015-05-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Governor Adams Oshiomole slips a ring on the finger of former Miss Iara Fortes at a private marriage registry at Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Friday

Governor Adams Oshiomole signing the dotted lines

Adams Oshiomole and wife Lara Fortes Oshiomolo

The newly wed showing off their marriage cert.

Governor Adams Oshiomole's Children and grandchildren at the registry.

Grooms Mum Mrs Aisetu Oshiomole and Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Chairman, Edo State Economic Team at the wedding registry

From left Mr. Foertes, President Elect Gen Buhari, Gov Adams Oshiomole, Mrs Lara Fortes Oshiomole, Mrs Fortes

Mr and Mrs Oshiomole

Parents of the Bride Mr and Mrs Foetes

Thanks Given Service Section

Governor Adams Oshiomhole and new wife, Lara Fortes attended a special Thanksgiving service at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi on Sunday.

Reports Say 214 Rescued Girls From Boko Haram are Pregnant

2015-05-05T03:20:00.002-07:00

By The Guardian. May 4

Recently, additional 234 women and children were rescued by the Nigerian Army from the Sambisa Forest in Borno State, latest indications shows quite a number of the rescued girls are pregnant.

Lagos, Executive Director, UNFPA, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, who made the disclosure opened up on the fact that, UNFPA had taken deliveries of over 16,000 pregnancies over the last one year in the troubled North East part of the country.

He stated "What we found is that some of the women and girls that have come back actually have much more in terms of the stress they have faced, so the counselling has to be more intense and working with them one-on-one.

"I'm glad the communities are not excommunicating them and are taking them back. That is an important therapy too. We anticipate this is going to escalate because the military intervention is continuing, we find that more people are now needing our services and we will continue'.

He also stated that the UNFPA had earlier collaborated with the Federal and state governments to train 60 counsellors to offer psychosocial services to the affected women and children.

"UNFPA is providing dignity for women. In conflict and disasters, most people would only think of water and sanitation, provision of tents and housing, and food, which are all important. But women and girls have specific needs that nobody else looks after; it is only UNFPA that is doing this. We are giving psychosocial counselling.

"Beyond that, in the growing young people, we will always have pregnant women, but nobody segregates the needs of the pregnant women which are very important and different from the needs of the average community."

Court Adjourns Sitting on Kashamu's Anti-extradition Suit

2015-05-05T01:17:00.000-07:00

By The Guardian May 5, 2015

JUSTICE Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, yesterday adjourned till Friday the hearing of all pending applications in a suit filed by senator-elect, Prince Kashamu Buruji, against the Inspector-General of Police and 11 others to forestall his extradition to the United States (U.S.) for alleged drug-related offences.

The adjournment following an application to that effect by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, to enable him confirm which office of the agency (Lagos or Abuja) that was served.

Respondents in the fundamental rights suit include the Chairman, Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Chairman, EFCC, Director-General, Department of State Security (DSS), the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Others are the Clerk of the National Assembly, the National Security Adviser to the President, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Oyedepo claimed that he was yet to get the processes filed by the applicant, and that it is not in the habit of the agency not to respond to any application filed against it. He therefore asked the court for a very shot adjournment to enable the anti-graft agency response to Buruju’s application, which he said would be in the interest of justice.

He apologised to both the applicant and other respondents for stalling yesterday’s proceedings. However, counsel to the applicant, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), urged the court to discountenance the EFCC application on the ground that the matter before the court needed to be determined expeditiously.

He argued that there was not any material fact before the court to make it exercise its discretion in favour of the EFCC and that since the EFCC had conceded that it was served and failed to respond after the 12 days stipulated by Order 8 Rule 3 of the court, such did not make room for extension of time.

Nevertheless, other respondents in the suit who have filed their responses and objections to the suit did not raise any objection to the anti-graft body’s application.

Consequently, Justice Abang adjourned hearing on all pending applications in the matter till May 8. Buruji, a chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a 92-paragraph affidavit sworn and deposed to by himself and filed before the court by two SANs, Dr. Alex Izinyon and Ricky Tarfa, averred that he was incarcerated in Brixton Prisons in London from January 10, 1998 till January10, 2003, when he was freed in a judgment delivered by the Bow Street Magistrate, London, presided by the District Judge, Tim Workman.

According to him, the judge held that the allegations by the U.S. authorities against him with regard to importation of narcotics into the U.S. involved a case of mistaken identity and there was no “prima facie” case that he was the person referred to as Alaji by those apprehended in the U.S., who had indicated that they had a West African collaborator.

Consequently, the judge set aside the committal order. He also stated that after the judgment, which was delivered on October 6, 2000, he was re-arrested and brought to face the second extradition proceedings, which the U.S. authorities had commenced before the judgment of the high court, and that Justice Tim Workman, giving the second extradition judgment on January 10, 2003, equally released him and he returned to Nigeria to start his business.

Buruji stated that thereafter, he was lured to join politics because of his philanthropic activities through his Omo-Ilu Foundation, but that his political activities have brought him some powerful enemies, including his erstwhile political leader and Nigeria’s former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

In the affidavit, he alleged further that he and Obasanjo were political allies between 2009 and 2012 when he worked for the former president and his candidate for governorship of Ogun State, Gen. Tunji Olurin (rtd), but that he, however, fell out with Obasanjo because of his (Buruju’s) stand for internal democracy in the PDP.

According to him, every attempt to stop his progress politically has been made, including intense propaganda against him, which tended to give impression that he had been convicted for drug-related offences in the United Kingdom or U.S. He stated that the INTERPOL had also been invited to investigate him on the basis of these allegations in 2008 and on conclusion, published a report dated March 4, 2008, which stated that he was never declared wanted, and after which he was constrained to issue several press statements.

The applicant further alleged that his lawyer, Ajibola Oluyede, informed him in October 2014 that on a flight to Abuja from Lagos, a colleague, Godwin Obla (SAN) who is very close to the Attorney-General of the Federation, informed him of the tremendous pressure that Obasanjo was bringing on the AGF for his extradition.

He added that and in one of the discussions between the AGF and Obasanjo, which Obla witnessed, the former president boasted that he was making arrangement with some U.S. officials in the region to have him abducted and flown in a private jet to the U.S. Obla, he said, then advised Oluyede to warn him to be very careful.

Upon discreet inquiries, he stated, he found out that indeed there had been moves by U.S. officials within the region to secure the assistance of the head of Interpol division in the office of then Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, now acting Inspector-General of Police, for his arrest and delivery to the U.S. officials for movement to the U.S. without due process required by the Nigerian Extradition Act.

Manny Pacquiao to undergo shoulder surgery, could be out for a year - reports

2015-05-05T00:33:00.000-07:00

Manny Pacquiao will undergo surgery this week for a torn rotator cuff, with the recovery time expected to put the Filipino out of action for 9-12 months, ESPN.com said on Monday.

Pacquiao claimed a shoulder injury hampered his bid to hand Floyd Mayweather a first loss as a professional in the richest fight in boxing history at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Mayweather won a unanimous decision in the four-belt unification bout to improve his record to 48-0. The injury would appear to rule out any chance of a rematch after the 38-year-old Mayweather said he would have one more fight in September before retiring.

"We have an MRI scan that confirms he has a rotator cuff tear. He has a significant tear," orthopedic surgeon Neal ElAttrache told ESPN.com. Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs), known for his aggressive and all-out attacking style, was clearly not the his typical offensive-minded self in Las Vegas.

After the fight, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said Pacquiao suffered a shoulder injury in training camp about two-and-a-half weeks earlier and that it hampered him in the fight.

Top Rank and Pacquiao confirmed the account of the injury in a statement on Monday, saying that the 36-year-old and his doctors had concluded that with rest, treatments and monitoring, he would be ready for the fight.

However, they said the Nevada Commission stopped the treatment a few hours before the fight, telling them it was unaware of the shoulder injury.

Adesina Angers Reps Over Alleged rice import duty waiver

2015-05-05T00:17:00.002-07:00

According to report in The Guardian, the ad-hoc committee set up by the House of Representatives to look into the alleged fraud and evasion of rice import duties and levies by importers has threatened to sanction the Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for shunning an invitation to appear before the panel’s investigative hearing yesterday.

Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Leader of the House, Leo Ogor, gave the indication in Abuja yesterday after stakeholders accused the Ministry with regards to the administration of government policy on rice importation and payable duties/levies on import quota by investors.

Ogor, in his opening address declared that, “this hearing was sequel to a resolution of the House mandating the ad-hoc committee to investigate alleged fraud abuses and evasion of import duties by rice importers.”

“The aim is to uncover fraud and expose the endemic corruption in the importation of rice with a view to stemming the tide and boost employment generation as well as strengthen the nation’s depleting foreign reserve.

“The minister has no reason not to be here because the ministry was duly served the invitation. I see no reason why people would be invited to a hearing that is for the benefit of the people and will not turn up.

“You are a servant of the people just like we all are. What we are doing here is for the benefit of our nation’s economy so; before the end of the hearing; we are hoping to see people from the ministry come in, otherwise we might be forced to make some very strong pronouncement,” Ogor threatened.

On the administration of quota and duty payable on excess importation, indications were raised, accusing the minister of giving certain considerations to some importers who allegedly exceeded their quotas and did not pay the required indemnity.

The panel queried the powers of the minister to grant such waivers on the basis of encouraging investment and job creation when in actual sense, the practice was capable of discouraging local investors who members said, do not have the capacity to utilise their allotted quota.

“The minister doesn’t have the powers to allocate rice import or production quota to any company and then waive duties because the corresponding revenue involved is for the entire federation which consists of the three tiers of government. The minister should stop deceiving himself thinking that he acts for every tier of government,” he said.

On why the firm failed to pay duty accruals for exceeded quota of over N3.5 billion, Olams Farms Limited, one of the defaulting investors told the committee that as the largest farm owner on the African continent, it couldn’t have grown its business by disobeying the rules, insisting that there was no directive asking the company to pay for exceeding its quota, which, it said only came to fore after the importations had been done.

The firm, represented by Anil Nair, said the company will not hesitate to pay its duty or levy if the government asks it to do so. “Olams Farms is the single largest farm on the continent of Africa with the capacity to import 243, 747 tonnes of rice on 10% levy and 20% duty.

If you look at all the rice value chain, we have made up to date payment of duties and levies as applicable for which we made presentation previously. “If we are asked to pay for the excess in importation, we will oblige and pay without any hesitation,” Nair said.

The Nigerian Customs Service led by Adeoye Ajade had told the committee in a position paper that companies defaulted having been written to after the rice policy was reviewed in July last year.

“Olams import was over 245.000 metric tonnes with excess quota amounting to over N3.5 billion, which is the duty liability arising from that importation.

“Given the review of the policy, rice millers tried to make false declaration of duty value by under-declaring their actual import volume. So the policy review now came with dual rate of 10 percent duty raise and 20 percent levy.

“Since we didn’t know the quota that was going to be allotted to each miller or importer, we wrote to the Finance Ministry to give us the allotted quota so we can know which company to ask for, but we didn’t get any response from the ministry,” he said.

The committee therefore directed that Olams prepare a comprehensive document showing details in clear tabular form for easy correlation. Meanwhile, Ebony and Tara Agro Industries Limited represented by Mr. Andy Ekwelem, also decried the inequality created by the rice policy, which, according to him was emasculating small local investors.

Ekwelem told the committee that his company faces an uphill task of selling its products due to decision to import brown rice which it mills in the country with a view to adding more value through direct and indirect employment of about 650 Nigerians.

“When we had a meeting with the minister in 2013, there was an understanding that every factory will be given half its capacity to be able to take off. So we were given a combined quota of 35,000 metric tonnes for half our capacity.

So what we did was to bring in 15,000 metric tonnes for Ebony and 10,000 metric tonnes for Tara Agro leaving out 10.000 untouched. “But when the customs came out with their circular, we wrote to them saying that both Ebony and Tara Agro are owned by one person and cannot be charged separately nor can they be asked to pay duty in excess of importation that did not happen.

“Out of the 25,000 metric tonnes we brought in and milled, only 4,000 has been sold because those who imported finished product enjoy a larger share of the market due to affordability of their rice, which is cheaper.

“We can’t afford to sell rice at N6,000 when production alone would have cost about N8,000 to achieve. And we have 150 direct and 500 indirect employees to pay, coupled with payment of loan from the banks,” he lamented.

Ogun 2015: Why I am challenging Amosun’s victory – Isiaka

2015-05-05T00:06:00.001-07:00

GNI

Isiaka told journalists in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State shortly after the meeting of leaders of the PDP in the South West, that the results of the election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission was not a true reflection of the people’s wish

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the April 11 governorship election in Ogun State, Chief Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, has said he decided to challenge the outcome of the election won by the incumbent and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in the interest of the people of the state.

Read Also: Gboyega Isiaka (GNI) Knocks Ogun's U.S.$3.2 Billion Rail Project

Also reacting to the mass defection of some PDP members to the APC since the party lost the presidential election to APC’s candidate, General Mohammadu Buhari, Isiaka expressed optimism that the defection would not affect the party’s chances in future elections.

Isiaka told his loyalists to remain calm, adding that all electoral fraud perpetrated during the said election would be made public.

The candidate alleged how Amosun conspired with certain individuals he did not reveal their identities to undermine electoral process.

Isiaka said: “You need to be careful about what you say in public.

“But I think the general thing is that there is gross manipulation of the election and we have done our own findings in this regards.

“And we have come to the conclusion that we are not going to allow the electoral fraud to stand.

“There are a lot of cases of people using all manners of Permanent Voter Cards from various sources, which I am sure they will explain at the tribunal.

“And so many other things that are contrary to the Electoral Act.

“And for this reasons, I feel this is the mandate freely given by the people of Ogun State.

“So I as an individual cannot allow it go like that.

“So, we must stand up to defend the position of Ogun people in that election.”

Ogun defends rail project, describes Gboye Isiaka as Ignorant

2015-05-04T23:21:00.001-07:00

In response to criticisms from Gboyega Isiaka, the PDP governorship candidate in the 2015 Elections, the Ogun State Government has defended the light rail project planned for the state cities.

According to the government, the light rail project signed with the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company,CCECC, last week was a contractor-finance arrangement using long-term development fund which would open the state’s economy to investments and create employment opportunities for the youth.

Read Also: Gboyega Isiaka (GNI) Knocks Ogun's U.S.$3.2 Billion Rail Project

The government, in a statement issued on Sunday by its Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the views expressed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last governorship elections, Gboyega Isiaka, as a reflection of his ignorance and narrow world view about developments, even within Nigeria.

In the view of the government, any economy where goods and services cannot be easily moved from one point to another is doomed and the rail system has proved to be the best means of mass movement. It said the railway system is equally the easiest way to preserve, safeguard and complement the new road network now emerging in Ogun State.

Gboyega Isiaka (GNI) Knocks Ogun's U.S.$3.2 Billion Rail Project

2015-05-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

By Laide Raheem, Daily Independent (Lagos)

Abeokuta — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State at the April 11 poll, Gboyega Isiaka, has described the $3.2billion light rail contract signed by the Ogun State government as another outlandish project, which will only impoverish the citizens of the state more.

Read Also: Ogun defends rail project, describes Gboye Isiaka as Ignorant

Isiaka stated this while addressing journalists in Abeokuta on his resolve to approach the gubernatorial election petitions tribunal to challenge the result of the governorship poll which returned the incumbent governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun for another term of four years.

The Ogun state government had last Monday signed a multi-billion dollar intra and inter city light rail contract with China Civil Engineering and Construction Company, CCECC, at the Banquet Hall of Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.

Read Also: Attempt To Bribe Us And Go to Jail, Ogun Election Tribunal Warns Politicians and Lawyers

Speaking further, Isiaka expressed dismay over Ogun state government's insensitivity to the plights of the citizens quizzing the economic and environmental impact such project will have upon the economy and the geography of the state respectively.

He further chided the state government for leaving projects capable of having direct socio-economic impact on the people and embarked on 'humongous project'.

While challenging the state government to inform the people how it intended to finance the rail project, Isiaka wondered when the government would start giving the people what they really want rather than what the government wants.

Read Also: Jumbo Exit Pay for Jonathan, Sambo and Others

Meanwhile, he disclosed that he had obtained the copies of the complete result of the April 11 governorship election and ready to challenge the result at the election petitions tribunal.

"Let it be stated that I have obtained copies of the results and have done our due diligence on it. We have gotten briefs from our officers on the field that day and I must state that the result is a manifestation of unprecedented manipulation, falsification of results, usage of uncollected PvCs by unauthorised and unaccredited APC supporters, usage of fake polling booths and several other infractions. All these are in the open and we shall not allow the will of the masses to be truncated". Isiaka submitted.

Read Also: Ogun Homeowners Get C-of-O

Ogun Chief Judge Pardons 38 Prisoners

2015-05-04T22:18:00.001-07:00

Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Tokunbo Olopade, has released 38 prisoners from different prisons across the three senatorial districts of the state, as part of her prerogative of power and constitutional responsibility.

Discharging her duty during a quarterly visit to the prisons, she said the move became imperative in order to ensure the prisons were decongested.

In an interview with Channels Television, Mrs Olopade said the state government was working hard to ensure quick dispensation of justice and the welfare of the inmates.

The Chief Judge also stated that the state government was considering the computerisation of the justice system as soon as the needed funds were available.

She asked those released to be of good behavior, as they reunite with their family members and the society in general.

It is however, believed that effort would be intensified and sustained to fast track dispensation of justice, so as to ensure justice is being done with utmost fairness

Ogun Homeowners Get C-of-O

2015-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Amosun
(Photo Credit: The Guardian)

The Guradian reports that in line with the State’s decision to increase homeowners with valid titles within its shore, a total of 1,000 certificates of occupancy (C-of-O) and building plan approvals, were last week at Abeokuta, issued and presented to residential property owners under its Home ownership Scheme.

The gesture, though not the first since the government commenced the process, elicited wild jubilation from beneficiaries, many of whom requested the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosu to reopen the programme in order to carter for those who could key into it before.

With the development, more property owners in Ogun State have now added additional value to the property, which was made possible under discounted rates.

Distributing the C-of-O at the Arcade Ground in Oke-Mosan, the Governor, who was represented by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu, said the Governor was very proud to identify herself with the programme, adding that, the Homeowners’ Charter programme had come to stay in the state.

She said the programme had made the issuance of C-of-O and building plan approval very easy putting into consideration the previous cumbersome and bottlenecks of the processes being experienced before the inception of the current administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

Believed it is one sure way to empower the people, the Commissioner called on other states to emulate the Ogun at championing the cause of programme that would add value to the citizens of their state, saying that the 1,000 C-of-O and building plan approval distributed were in fulfilment of Amosun’s administration during his re- election campaign.

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser/Director General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Mr. Adewole Oshinowo, said the 6th edition of the presentation of Cs-of-O was in appreciation of the Governor to the people of Ogun State for re-electing him to serve them for the second term in office, saying that the distribution of 500 unit of Cs-of-O per week would still continue.

The DG enumerated the benefits that homeowners in the state stand to get with the titles; including ability to use their property to secure mortgage loan. He also added that, with the titles in place, property could be transferred to children and great grand children, without less hassle. Also, he said now the beneficiaries could use their property, as collateral to access loan in the banks, and it does not need to be registered in IRS as its has contained stamp duty, to mention but a few.

According to Mr. Oshinowo “the programme, which was flag off in December, 2013 has issued about 8,000 C-of-O, which amounts to 25 percent of registered applicants in the state”, assuring that, the Bureau would continue to roll out 500 units of C-of-O each on weekly basis to home owners in the state”.

An elated beneficiary, Mr. Ayodele Oshokoya, who property is located at Ijebu Ode, appreciated the State Government for the initiative and urged the Governor to give the people of the state another chance to introduce the second phase of the homeowner’s charter programme, as he has been given the second chance to rule the State.

Oshokoya said that most of homeowners in the state doubted the programme when it was first introduced, adding that he has never dreamt of having C-of-O in his entire life talk less of getting it live and direct from the State Government, he said with giving them another chance many people will key into the programme and benefit maximally from the scheme.

Pregnant Woman's Death Sparks Protests in Arepo

2015-05-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Daily Post

According to Daily Post, "angry supporters took to the street in Arepo area of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State to protest the killing of a 25-year-old pregnant woman identified as Damilola Fajana and some other persons in a clash between men of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, and some suspected vandals".

The protest which started on Friday through Saturday, according to the Daily Post reports, we gathered was led by the traditional ruler of the community himself, Oba Solomon Atanda .

It will be recalled that the pregnant woman and two other persons lost their lives in a clash between men of the Oodua People’s Congress who were employed by the Federal Government to oversee the protection of pipelines, and some youths suspected to be pipeline vandals.

Damilola, who was six months pregnant, fell to a stray bullet while in her car.

The angry protesters were said to have blocked the main entrance into the community for about one hour.

Some of the placards displayed reads, “We are under attack in Arepo”, “Arepo, no longer safe”, “and OPC limit your operations to the creek ”and“ President, save our souls in Arepo, please”.

The protesters called for a proper training for members of OPC as that will help to eradicate unnecessary bloodshed.

Fight of the Century: Floyd Mayweather Beats Manny Pacquiao

2015-05-03T03:46:00.000-07:00

It was a match that was devoid of the usual explosive characteristics of the hyper-publicized boxing bout.

According to the three judges, Floyd Mayweather Jr. clearly won the fight at 118-110, 116-112 and 116-112. He claimed the unanimous decision over Manny Pacquiao to win the richest fight in boxing history and maintain his perfect record.

People all over the world waited for about 5 years to witness this day but all they got was a match that bears all the hallmark of caution, which easily translates to boring. Mayweather throughout the match fought like a business man and stuck to the game plan that worked perfectly for him – preventing Pacquiao from landing his trademark flurry of punches.

Mayweather, at 38, started as the brighter of the two fighters. He was caught with some odd good shot, but was quicker throughout and always looked in control.

While most of Mayweather’s opponents usually land an average of 19 percent punches on his body, Pacquiao was only able to land 15 percent.

Mayweather now remained unbeaten in 48 professional fights dating back to 1996, retains his WBC and WBA welterweight titles and takes the WBO belt from Pacquiao.

Mayweather was clearly in control in the early rounds before Filipino Pacquiao came alive in the fourth with a couple of strong left hooks to the head. But Mayweather maintained his dominance and was able to stayed out of trouble, keeping Pacquiao at arm’s length with his superior footwork.

Floyd Mayweather

Noisily backed by the 16,000-strong crowd, Pacquiao, 36, continued to have the odd success – landing a strong left in the eighth – but Mayweather’s speed and movement proved key, and as the fight wore on he began to have more success.

At the 11th round, the contest became almost one-sided of the as Mayweather, looking as fresh as he had in the opening round, picked off a tired-looking Pacquiao almost at will.

Mayweather avoided Pacquiao’s increasingly ragged attempts to land in the final round and comfortably won on all the judges’ scorecards.

The fight, watched by celebrities and sporting stars like Jay Z and Beyonce, P. Diddy, Mike Tyson, Robert De Niro and Denzel Washinghton, is expected to generate an estimated $400m.

The historic title bout was a 16,000 sell-out MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas – where some spectators had paid as much as $350,000 for tickets on the resale market.

Policeman kills lover, colleague for cheating

2015-05-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

A jealous policeman has taken his own life after killing his lover and a colleague over alleged cheating The Punch reports.

The lady, who sold GSM recharge cards, was said to be double-dating the two policemen.

Investigations showed that the tragic incident took place at the popular CBN Junction in Karu, a satellite town in the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday.

The killer cop, a sergeant, was said to be the primary lover of the deceased lady.

However, his colleague working with him on the same police patrol team, also started dating the lady without his knowledge.

Sources, however, told Saturday PUNCH that the bubble burst when the sergeant got wind of the development and went to confront his girlfriend.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that in the ensuing drama and argument, the jealous sergeant shot the lady twice in the chest

As onlookers tried to come to terms with the unfolding incident, the sergeant again shot his colleague dead.

Having certified that the two were dead, he reportedly turned the the gun on himself.

An eyewitness, Mr. Bature Iliya, who said he was using the Automated Teller Machine of a commercial bank just across the road when the incident occurred, told Saturday PUNCH that he still could not believe what he saw.

He said, “They were shouting and arguing. The sergeant was visibly angry, telling the lady why she had to treat him that way.

“The other policeman was a Corporal. He was standing there as the two argued. Suddenly, he shot the lady, then killed the colleague. Within seconds, he also shot himself dead. It was like a scene from a movie.”

Crowds still gathered at the scene on Friday, discussing the incident. Some wondered why someone would take lives because a lady cheated on him.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Anjuguri Manzah could not be reached for comment as he didn’t respond to calls to his phone. He also did not respond to a text message sent to him.

Pregnant woman kill as OPC, vandals clash in Arepo

2015-05-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

A clash between members of the Oodua People’s Congress and some alleged pipeline vandals in Arepo, Obafemi Owode area of Ogun State on Wednesday claimed the lives of two people, a pregnant woman and a pedestrian.

The pregnant woman identified as Mrs Damilola Fajan and another pedestrian were said to have been killed in the heat of the clash.

The incident which occurred at about 3pm at Unity Estate saw a pedestrian hit by bullet in the leg and was rushed to the hospital.

It was gathered that the clash started on Monday was said to be between some Ijaw youths and OPC members employed by the Federal Government to protect pipelines.

The clash however assumed a new dimension on Wednesday as heavy exchange of gunshots was heard leading to residents running indoors for safety.

While confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said gunshots were heard but nobody knows exactly who fired the shots.

“Bullet hit the pregnant woman in the neck and she died,” he said.

Adejobi further disclosed that the corpse of the pregnant woman had been deposited in a morgue.

25 years after: Family celebrates Hubert Ogunde

2015-05-02T07:22:00.000-07:00

Late Hubert Ogunde

The beauty of theatre came alive in Ososa, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State last Friday, as children of the late thespian, Chief Hubert Adedeji Ogunde remembered him, 25 years after his death.

The occasion was the grand memorial of the theatre guru who reigned like a colossus until he passed away in a London hospital on April 4, 1990. The event also witnessed the unveiling of “A Living Historic Museum” in his honour. There were artistic performances by different theatre groups including the Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners (ANTP) and newly formed TAMPAN, both trying to outshine one another as they re-enacted the life and works of the pioneer director of the National Troupe of Nigeria.

Life is short but art is long, as Ogunde’s didactic and critical music blared through the Public Address Systems mounted at the anniversary arena. Not only a theatre practitioner, Ogunde was a great musician, composer and social critic whose relentless fights against injustice and oppression were recorded in 95 sound tracks compiled into 13 audio CDs after his death.

Amid encomiums by actors, actresses, government officials and traditional rulers, the Ogunde museum was commissioned with promises by the Ogun State government to partner private investors in the development of tourism and culture. While commissioning the museum, the rich cultural heritage of Ososa people was on display with cultural groups including masquerades entertaining guests. Indeed, for the Ososa people, it was an unforgettable day and for the children of Ogunde, the memory of their patriarch will forever remain indelible.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Ogunde’s daughter, Mrs. Victoria Oloruntegbie, stressed the importance of the museum, which she said was inevitable in cementing the memory of Hubert Ogunde. Her words: “Suffice it to say that the film equipment and works of Ogunde are perfectly intact, it is pertinent to state here that the museum we are gathered here to commission is the personal apartment of Hubert Ogunde.

“It’s the building where he spent the last 10 years of his life. With all the compilation, arrangements and expenses were borne by the Ogunde family. This is a dream come true and a promise fulfilled as pledged during his 20th remembrance anniversary. The museum houses all Ogunde’s works including songs, pamphlets of his plays, costumes, drums, drama equipment, and personal effects.

“Despite the fact that our father never left any will, he left us with contentment, integrity, hard work and love towards each other. This has made the family to remain one with unprecedented strong bonds. We appreciate and give honour to our late mothers and those that are still living, all of whom have contributed immensely and have been great assets to the success we are celebrating today.”

Commenting on the Hubert Ogunde Film Village, which is now lying fallow, Oloruntegbie lamented that the project is in ruins. “The film village, a 30-acres land donated by the Ogunde family and the good people of Ososa which used to be the envy of all and sundry, particularly those in the film industry, is now in ruins due to utter neglect as the family could not keep it functional.

“We sincerely request and plead that government should assist us to resuscitate this film village, the first of its kind in Nigeria, so as to make it a tourist centre of excellence that will promote African culture and Nigerian film industry in particular,” she pleaded.

The Ogunde family also expressed dismay that the graveside promise of an annual award featuring a special gong and N1000 prize to be given to the best secondary school in the field of entertainment is yet to be fulfilled. Though, the family noted that the pledge was not made by the current administration in Ogun State, the family pleaded that the award be renewed, reworked and rejuvenated to meet the current status.

While appreciating the state government for naming the main theatre hall at the Cultural Complex, Kuto, Abeokuta after their patriarch, the family appealed that the hall be upgraded to a worthy, efficient and functional theatre venue. “We wish to passionately plead that the bust purported to be that of Chief Hubert Ogunde on the top floor in the state’s Hall of Fame in Abeokuta should be replaced with a better and well decorated work of art,” the family said.

The Gbegannde of Ososa, Oba (Dr.) Adetoye Alatishe, described the late dramatist as someone that brought honour to Ososa both in his lifetime and in death. Going down memory lane, the monarch described the late playwright as probably the first native of Ososa who put the Ijebu town on the world map.

“We remember how as children, we all ran after him, while he drove his car around the town. He drove himself for as long as I can remember. He was always ready to participate in community projects both in the cultural aspects and also in the development of the infrastructures like electrification of the town, construction and supply of water throughout the township. Ososa has never been the same since his demise, even though his children, led by Chief Ayo Ogunde, are making strong and remarkable waves of keeping the memories.”

Oba Alatishe also lent his voice to the children’s plea that the film village established in memory of their father should not be allowed to be in waste. “On behalf of the traditional chiefs and the good people of Ososa, I want to plead and request that the government or private organisations should take the gauntlet up and make this dream a reality. The vast expanse of land allocated for the film village is still there, waiting to be fully developed,” he said.

The Olowu of Owu-Abeokuta, Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu, himself an actor and former member of the Village Headmaster cast, described Ogunde as a man of strict character, worthy of emulation by the younger generations. “He influenced my going into the theatre, and forever I will never forget him. He was a man who knew what he wanted in life, if not, he would have been misled by the tides of events,” the monarch stated.

Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo, daughter of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, described Pa Ogunde and his father as men of integrity, who were committed to truth, transparency and discipline. “Pa Ogunde and my father were two of a kind whose lives touched and influenced others. They were two people who knew the extent of life. They had money, but they never allowed it to distract them from the common people. Money is not everything, there are other things like good legacy worth more than money,” she volunteered.

…We never imagined he would ever die

–Iyabo Ogunde, wife

Pa Hubert Ogunde had many children. But it is easy to identify an offspring of the late doyen of the Nigerian theatre in the crowd. Ogunde’s striking features – light complexion, gap-toothed and eyeballs are easily noticeable in all his children.

Last Friday in Ososa, Ogun State, as the Ogunde’s immediate and extended families including the entire community gathered to celebrate his unique theatrical legacy after 25 years of demise, it was not difficult for a visitor to distinguish an Ogunde from others.

Among them are lawyers, doctors, engineers, script writers, oil magnates, businessmen and women, all gathered to celebrate the late dramatist, with the commissioning of a museum, which houses his personal effects including films, equipments, posters and costumes.

As the music of their late father blared through the public address systems, the children went into ecstasy, singing with excitement along with the invited guests. One of them, Mrs. Bimbo Oloyede, told TS Weekend that the memory of their father would continue to be fresh in their minds. “He introduced us to God’s path as well as taught us how to fast and pray. Papa was a disciplinarian and would not spare the rod to spoil the child. He was a rare father whose affection, care, and fatherly advice would be missed forever,” she reminisced.

Mrs. Dayo Akinboye, one of the youngest children of the late thespian, described his father as a strict disciplinarian as well as a caring father. “He taught us to be hardworking, humble, and prayerful at all times. Papa also urged us to always do good to our fellow human beings. I stayed with him for the last four years of his life; accompanying him always to everywhere he went except when I went to school. But for the fact that I was in school, when he was about to die, I would have been by his side. We were that close.

“Papa taught me to be humble and generous. Although, he had many wives and children, he never discriminated against anyone or showed likeness to a particular one,” she said.

On his part, Bayo Ogunde said: “For Nigerians to still gather here in thousands to celebrate our father 25 years after, is a great honour to the family. God has been good to us, particularly as a family. It is that unity that has brought us together to celebrate his unique theatrical legacy after 25 years of demise. To God be the glory.”

Kole Ogunde expressed gratitude to God for keeping the family together. “Usually, when a popular and rich man dies, like our father, there were usually stories of discord among them, but ours is not like that,” he stated.

Second to the last wife of the late dramatist, Mrs. Iyabo Ogunde, popularly known as Iya Pupa, said she would marry the dramatist if there were another life after this. “Papa was not a husband but a father to me during his life time. He was too caring that we never imagined that he would ever die. During his lifetime, he always stressed to always uphold and defend truth, which he said is important in life.

“I want to thank the children for remaining one even after the death of their father. He will be a happier person in the grave because they all kept his wishes and prayers that they forever remain one. Thank God, they are all doing well in their different endeavours. May God continue to be with them,” she prayed.

BY MOSHOOD ADEBAYO (The Sun)

Culled from The Sun

Mercy Johnson, Ramsey Nouah star in new Obi Emelonye's movie

2015-05-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

The highly anticipated film “Thy Will be Done”, by multiple award-winning director Obi Emelonye, will be released in cinemas across Nigeria from May 15.

Emelonye, renowned for directing box office hits such as The Mirror Boy, Last Flight To Abuja, will have moviegoers swarming in great numbers to watch his latest work.

Ramsey Nouah and Mercy Johnson–Okojie, who were ex-lovers in 30 days in Atlanta, team up to render an unforgettable, endearing film as a married couple and are joined by Mary Njoku, to set off a thrilling chain reaction in this romantic drama. The movie has been consensually dubbed by movie pundits and critics to fly the ‘Box office hit flag’ at full mast in cinemas.

The film revolves around Pius, a happily married pastor in charge of a large church. His first wife whom he buried seven years before suddenly shows up, and his world is thrown into turmoil. His present wife is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the intruder remains permanently out of his life. He has to make a tough decision as to which wife will remain in his home, after all, he is legally married to both; between old sins and new loyalties, taking firm action and surrendering to God’s will. Weakened by guilt and overwhelmed by sensational revelations, nothing would have prepared Pius for how rapidly things would descend into chaos…for hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

FilmOne distribution, and Rok Studios expect movie buffs, lovers, goers, critics to troop to the cinemas upon its release to bask in the euphoria of this quality cinematic production.

Bullion van kills motorcyclist in Abeokuta

2015-05-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

Tragedy struck on Thursday in Abeokuta in the Oke Ilewo area of the ancient city when a bullion van crushed a 22-year-old man, Gbenga Okesola, to death.

The van, according to an eyewitness, hit the victim, who was riding a motorcycle around the OPIC Plaza Roundabout.

According to the eyewitness, the rider fell under the vehicle, which dragged him on the road for about five kilometres, before it stopped.

The SPY policemen escorting the van were said to have dragged the victim, who was still breathing, from under the van and dropped him by the roadside before the vehicle zoomed off.

The action was said to have angered other commercial motorcyclists, who resorted to a violent protest, attacking law enforcement agents and passersby.

Policemen were later deployed in the area, which led to a face-off between them and the protesters who hauled stones, bottles and other missiles at them.

The policemen had to fire tear gas canisters to disperse them. Doors of eateries, commercial banks and shops in the area were hurriedly shut, as residents, who were caught up in the pandemonium, ran for dear lives.

The victim, who was a carpentry apprentice, was said to be on his way to a computer shop in the area to buy a memory card, when the incident occurred.

An eyewitness, Modinat Salman, said the victim could have been saved, if he had been rushed to a nearby hospital.

She said, “I saw everything when it happened. The bullion van hit the man and dragged him on the road.

“The police escort following the van, merely pulled him out from under the vehicle and dumped him on the walkway, and left. They could have rushed him to hospital, because he was still breathing. But suddenly, more policemen came and started firing tear-gas canisters at everybody.”

The crisis lasted for over three hours before normalcy was restored.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the bullion van belonged to one of the new generation banks in the state and was driven by a SPY official, trained by the police and paid for by the bank to move cash from one point to another.

He said the driver of the bullion van had been arrested, while the vehicle was in the custody of the police.

He said, “The vehicle dragged the rider for about five kilometres, and the police escort attached to the van pulled out the man and abandoned him. This was what angered the people.

“Presently, we have arrested the driver of the bullion van and the vehicle too is in our custody. The law will take its course and justice will be done.”

Royal Princess: Duchess of Cambridge, Kate gives birth to baby girl

2015-05-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

The Duchess of Cambridge in the United Kingdom has given birth to a baby girl, Kensington Palace has confirmed.

The princess was born at 8.34 on Saturday morning weighing 8lbs 3oz, with the Duke of Cambridge present for her birth.

Kensington Palace announced the birth shortly after 11am, some five hours after Kate was admitted to the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington.

The Duchess and her newborn daughter are both 'doing well', a palace spokesman said.

The announcement came by way of a statement released by Kensington Palace shortly after 11am. It was then posted on the palace's official Twitter page two minutes later.

"Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a daughter at 8.34am," it said.

"The baby weighs 8lbs 3oz. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.

"The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news.

"Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well."

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, was among the first to congratulate the couple, writing on Twitter: "Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby girl. I'm absolutely delighted for them."

Kate was admitted to the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital at 6.00am on Saturday, giving birth two-and-a-half hours later.

The announcement was not made to the media until shortly after 11am once the couple's close friends and family had been informed.

Kate is expected to spend one night in Kensington Palace with her new daughter and Prince George before retreating to Anmer Hall in Norfolk with Prince William and her parents.

When news of her birth was announced, chants of 'princess! princess! princess!' were heard outside the Lindo Wing.

William and Kate’s new daughter, a younger sister for Prince George, who was born at the same hospital in July 2013, is fourth in line to the throne.

Although she is unlikely to ever become queen, it is not unheard of for a second child in the direct line of succession to accede to the throne.

Most recently, the Queen’s own father, King George V1, replaced his elder brother, King Edward V111, who abdicated over his love for the ‘unsuitable’ American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

Thanks to a recent change in the law, the couple’s daughter cannot be superseded in her claim to the throne by any younger brother who may yet come along.

The Succession to the Crown Act, passed in 2013, means that male heirs no longer precede their elder sisters in the line of succession

Young man hangs himself in Ibafo

2015-05-01T13:53:00.001-07:00

the uncompleted building where he hangs himself

Unable to cope with the pressures of life, a young man residing in the Ibafo area of Ogun State, decided to end it all when he hung himself in an uncompleted building on Sefu Elelede Street in the area.

The body of the man hanging on a rope, was discovered by an electrician in the are identified as John who had gone to inspect the house where he was supposed to carry out electrical works.

The artisan raised an alarm which drew residents of the area to see his find and they were shocked to find the corpse which was in the living room section of the uncompleted structure with the body already bloated.

It was the owner of the house, a woman, who reported the matter at the Ibafo Police Division and policemen from the division, accompanied by a medical practitioner, visited the building to remove the corpse.

The doctor, after some tests, confirmed that the man must have committed suicide in the building for about five days before the body discovery.

The landlady of the building, said she had sent the electrician to inspect the structure for necessary electrification work, adding that the worker rushed back to inform her about the gory sight.

"On Wednesday, (April 29), I called John to inspect my structure and give me the estimate on electrification work of the house. I gave him the key to the compound. The building is fenced and it is a storey building.

To my surprise, he ran back after some minutes, gasping for breath. He told me that a young man had hanged himself inside the uncompleted house.

We both went there together and found the man. Then, I went to the police to make a report and they also visited the place. I have never seen such a horrible thing in my life."

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the incident, adding that the police had yet to ascertain the identity of the young man.

Story Credit: Pulse.ng