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Tension has gripped Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State following conflicting statements between the Legislative Arm and the Executive Chairman, Hon. Tope Omolayo, over his recent suspension by the council’s lawmakers.

In a press statement issued by the Majority Leader of the Legislative House, Hon. Owamoyo Tolani Okolo, the councillors maintained that the decision to suspend Hon. Omolayo was taken in line with due process and constitutional provisions. The lawmakers stated that the action became necessary after allegations of gross misconduct, financial improprieties, and violation of statutory regulations were brought against the chairman.

According to the statement, ten out of eleven councillors were present during the sitting, which was duly convened with the presence of key officials, including the Clerk, Deputy Clerk, and Sergeant-at-Arms. The lawmakers further explained that the legislative mace, as the recognized symbol of authority, was properly positioned, and the House had deliberated and even passed a bill titled *A Bill to Stop the Use of Siren Without Official Authority for Owo Local Government Area*, before proceeding to suspend the chairman.

The Legislative Arm described insinuations that the sitting was illegal as false and misleading, stressing that its decision was taken in the best interest of accountability, transparency, and good governance. The lawmakers also alleged that Hon. Omolayo had resorted to threats and intimidation, accusing him of using an opposition party-aligned NULGE President to issue death threats against councillors who were only performing their constitutional duties. They called on security agencies to investigate the matter and ensure the safety of all legislative members.

However, Hon. Omolayo has described his suspension as illegal, baseless, and an act of political immaturity. In his own statement, the council boss alleged that only six councillors were involved in what he termed a “devilish act” and insisted that the purported suspension did not follow any legitimate procedure.

He revealed that four councillors had already distanced themselves from the move, including Hon. Aladenusi Oladapo, Hon. Olaniyi Ogunmolawa, Hon. Olaniran Adekunle, and Hon. Fagbamila Kehinde. Omolayo accused the councillors behind his suspension of making outrageous financial demands, including a request for twelve million naira, which he refused to entertain.

The embattled chairman reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Olayide Adelami, and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III. He called on residents to remain calm and pledged to continue discharging his duties within the confines of the law and in the best interest of the people.

As the crisis unfolds, concerned observers have called for intervention from the state government and traditional institutions to prevent further escalation and to safeguard stability in Owo Local Government Area.

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Barr. Dupe Aisida, has called on party members to put unity above personal ambition and to respect the democratic process that produces party leaders.

Speaking during a monitored interview on Fresh 102.9 FM, Akure on Monday, Aisida, amongst other issues, addressed internal disagreements within the party and clarified his stance on the principles guiding leadership selection in the PDP.

According to him, leadership in the PDP is not a personal or family inheritance but a product of democratic participation and party consensus. “It’s not a chieftaincy title tied to my family,” Aisida said. “It belongs to every member of the PDP. Only one person can emerge at a time, and as a loyal party man, once the process is credible, there’s no reason to fight it.”

Aisida explained that during the last internal selection process, the South Senatorial District had expressed strong interest in the position, but the party, in its wisdom, decided to zone it to the North for the sake of unity and fairness. “When the matter was zoned to the North, several aspirants from different local governments came out, including Hon. Ogungbuji. About seven of us went for an interview before the committee, and after deliberation, a report was issued, and one person emerged. The consensus process was aimed at maintaining harmony, but the option to obtain nomination forms from Abuja was open to anyone who disagreed,” he said.

The PDP Chairman criticized those who, after losing, resort to attacking party leaders and spreading misinformation. He described such actions as undemocratic and harmful to the collective interest of the party. “A true party man must learn to accept defeat. It’s a hallmark of a gentleman,” he added.

On efforts to reconcile with aggrieved members, Aisida confirmed that he personally reached out to Ogungbuji after the selection process. “I called him several times and even involved one of our foremost leaders to mediate. Politics should not divide brothers or destroy relationships built over the years,” Aisida noted.

He said it was surprising that, despite those reconciliation efforts, tensions still exist, but he emphasized that politics often comes with such challenges. “Anything can happen at any time, but our focus must remain on unity and progress. We should avoid rancor and work together for the success of the PDP,” Aisida concluded.

Elusoji calls for urgent action and fairness in regional development

A student leader of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Elusoji Samuel Temitope, has appealed to political representatives and stakeholders from the Ondo South Senatorial District to urgently address what he described as the persistent neglect of the institution and the region.

In an open letter addressed to the Governor of Ondo State, members of the National and State Assemblies representing Ondo South, and other political stakeholders, Elusoji expressed deep concern over the growing sense of abandonment felt by the student community and residents of the district.

The letter, titled *“An Open Letter of Appeal to Political Representatives and Stakeholders of Ondo South Senatorial District,”* lamented the poor state of infrastructure, unreliable electricity supply, inadequate healthcare, and the lack of sustainable youth empowerment initiatives across the area, despite being home to many influential political figures.

According to him, the abundance of leadership in Ondo South, including a serving Senator, a Deputy Speaker, Members of the State House of Assembly, and three Members of the House of Representatives, has not translated into meaningful development for the people. He noted that the silence, slow responses, and insufficient actions from these representatives are no longer administrative lapses but reflect a pattern of systemic neglect of the people who entrusted them with power.

Elusoji described OAUSTECH as the only university located in Ondo South and a vital symbol of progress for the district. He said the institution’s challenges have been worsened by poor government attention and the exclusion of its students from major developmental planning efforts.

He highlighted what he called unfair comparisons and systemic inequity between OAUSTECH and other tertiary institutions in the state such as the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo, which, according to him, continue to receive greater attention and investment.

Elusoji stated that OAUSTECH students continue to struggle for basic visibility while their counterparts in other institutions enjoy consistent recognition and support. He maintained that Ondo South does not seek pity but fairness and that the region’s students are only asking for equity and opportunities equal to those available in other parts of the state.

He emphasized that the growing student population of OAUSTECH should be regarded as a source of strength and development for the district. He urged leaders to harness this potential through targeted empowerment programmes, leadership training, and innovation-driven initiatives that would enable young people to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.

The student leader called on the Governor, Senator, Members of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, and other political figures from Ondo South to visit OAUSTECH soon for direct engagement with the student community. He said such a visit must be meaningful and result-oriented, adding that students expect open dialogue and commitments that would lead to practical solutions.

Elusoji urged political leaders to move beyond promises and adopt a long-term approach to youth empowerment, including mentorship opportunities and entrepreneurial support that would prepare young people for the challenges of the future.

He stressed that true representation is not measured by campaign slogans or publicity events but by the real impact that leaders make in the lives of their constituents.

Reaffirming the readiness of the student body to collaborate with leaders who are genuinely committed to youth and educational advancement, Elusoji said his message was motivated by love for the institution and a desire to see Ondo South progress.

He concluded by saying that leadership should not be defined by titles but by tangible impact, adding that now is the time for the district’s leaders to make that impact truly felt.

Copies of the open letter were sent to the Governor of Ondo State, the Senator representing Ondo South, the three Members of the House of Representatives from the district, the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Education, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, and the Vice Chancellor and Dean of Student Affairs of OAUSTECH.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State Chapter, is pleased to announce the appointment of Comrade Wándé T. Àjàyí as the new Director of Media and Publicity of the Party in the State, with immediate effect. His appointment follows a careful consideration by the State Working Committee aimed at repositioning the Party’s communication and publicity efforts for greater effectiveness and public engagement. Àjàyí, a seasoned media strategist and loyal party member, brings to the role a proven record of excellence in political communication and grassroots mobilization.

The leadership of the Party expresses full confidence in his capacity to strengthen the PDP’s visibility, consolidate its image, and maintain a strong connection with the people of Ondo State. As Director of Media and Publicity, Àjàyí will oversee all media-related activities, coordinate strategic messaging, and ensure that the Party’s position and achievements are effectively communicated across all platforms.

The Peoples Democratic Party, Ondo State Chapter, remains committed to transparency, unity, and purposeful leadership. The appointment of Comrade Àjàyí represents another deliberate step toward building a more vibrant and responsive communication structure.

Signed:

Barr. Jolade Aladetan,

State Publicity Secretary.

 The National Council of State has unanimously approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the nomination during the Council’s meeting held at the State House on Thursday, following the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 to October 2025.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Council gave its unanimous backing to Amupitan’s nomination after deliberations on his credentials and character.

President Tinubu described the nominee as the first person from Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria, to be nominated for the position, emphasizing that he is non-partisan and possesses the integrity and competence required to strengthen the nation’s electoral system.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, who spoke during the session, lauded Amupitan as “a man of integrity and impeccable academic standing,” commending the President for his choice.

In line with constitutional provisions, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

Aged 58, Professor Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos and also serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State.

A distinguished academic and Senior Advocate of Nigeria since 2014, Amupitan obtained his LL.B from the University of Jos in 1987 and was called to the bar in 1988. He later earned an LL.M from the same university in 1993 and a Ph.D. in 2007.

His teaching career, which began in 1989, has seen him serve in various leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008–2014), Head of Public Law (2006–2008), and Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012–2014).

Beyond academia, Professor Amupitan has served on several boards and councils, including the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Council of Legal Education, and Integrated Dairies Limited.

A prolific author, his publications include Corporate Governance: Models and Principles, Documentary Evidence in Nigeria, Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria, and Principles of Company Law.

He is married and blessed with four children.