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The High Chief Lisa Alujoonu Fawehinmi Family of Ondo Kingdom has issued a detailed rejoinder to a report published by Periscope News on August 22, 2025, titled “Residents Accuse Police of Backing Land Invasion, Demand IGP’s Intervention.” The report alleged that police personnel supported a land invasion at a site referred to as “Canaan City Crescent, Fagun, Ondo West LGA.”

In a statement signed by Senior Pastor Olanrewaju Fawehinmi on behalf of the family, the Fawehinmis described the report as “infantile misinformation” and a calculated attempt to “rewrite judicially settled facts.” “We had resolved to ignore the latest round of falsehoods swirling around our ancestral farmland… yet the deliberate misinformation… really ought to be ignored as one of their infantile misinformation from the stable of those the Courts has variously described as fraudulent,” the rejoinder stated.

The family maintains that the land in question, the High Chief Lisa Alujoonu Fawehinmi Estate, has long been the subject of litigation, and that multiple High Court and Court of Appeal rulings have affirmed their rightful ownership.

In Suit No: AK/35C/2019 – State v Michael Fasimoye & 2 Others, the trial court found that the documents used by the Fasimoye family to support a previous claim bore simulated (forged) signatures of the Fawehinmi patriarch, 

E.M.O. Fawehinmi. The court ruled: “Going by the forensic reports, this Court believes the evidence of the prosecution witnesses and finds as a fact that the signature of E.M.O Fawehinmi on Exhibit Q3 was simulated.”

Consequently, the court in Suit No: HOD/23/2023 set aside prior judgments favouring the Fasimoyes and restored possession to the Fawehinmi family. The family further stated that the Fasimoye’s application for a Stay of Execution was rejected by both the trial court and the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/AK/174/2023, which struck out the application on October 10, 2024. “Every purported sale by the Fasimoyes is therefore void ab initio, and those who act on them do so at their own peril,” the family asserted.

The rejoinder then catalogued a series of events the Fawehinmi family described as “decades of harassment and violence” allegedly instigated by the Fasimoyes and their associates.

These include several armed invasions, arrests, and intimidation campaigns reportedly carried out by operatives of the DSS, Amotekun Corps, OPC, and FCIID Alagbon, often targeting tenants on the disputed land. In one instance, a 78-year-old tenant, Mr. William Iweh, was allegedly abducted and beaten before being transported to Lagos.

“They were beaten to stupor then flung at the rear of the Hilux… and bundled to FCIID Alagbon Annex where another round of massacre resumed,” the rejoinder claimed.

Multiple High Court judgments, Suit Nos: HOD/9M/2021 to HOD/13M/2021, reportedly awarded over ₦5 million in damages for illegal detention and torture of tenants, yet the family claims these awards remain unpaid.

In perhaps the most dramatic development, the family recounted that on August 20, 2025, a “self-styled American returnee and discharged marine”, allegedly one of the Fasimoye land buyers, led ten fully armed soldiers onto the estate. The soldiers reportedly drew weapons and threatened violence.

According to the rejoinder, the Police Area Commander, CSP T.Y. Pyikinson, attempted to de-escalate the situation but tactically withdrew to prevent bloodshed. Order was later restored by General Justin Ifeanyin, Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Akure, and the soldiers involved are now said to be undergoing orderly-room trial.

The Fawehinmi family issued a five-point demand in response to the incident and the media report:

1. The Inspector-General of Police should immediately withdraw any residual police protection allegedly extended to the Fasimoyes and their agents.

2. The Chief of Army Staff should conclude the soldiers’ trial and publish the outcome.

3. The Ondo State Government should initiate contempt proceedings against all who bought, sold, or developed the land during litigation.

4. Periscope News must publish the Fawehinmi rejoinder in full, retract any defamatory elements, and issue a formal apology through the same medium.

5. Should these conditions not be met, the family will seek legal redress.

The rejoinder concluded with a warning: “Failure to toe the line of wisdom, within reasonable time, we shall be left with no choice than to seek appropriate legal redress.”

The family added that all cited court judgments and police reports are public documents, accessible for independent verification from the appropriate government agencies.

Barrack’s Road Football Club has extended its heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Niyi Akingunola for his generous sponsorship and unwavering support towards the Barrack’s Road Football Team in the ongoing Ondo city Youth Love, Unity and Peace Competition.

Speaking on behalf of the team management, Mr. Abeeb Hakeem appreciates Mr. Niyi Akingunola’s gesture as the sole sponsor of the team in the competition.

The sponsorship represents more than just financial assistance; it is an investment in the dreams and aspirations of young talents who are passionate about football and determined to make a mark in the competition. Mr. Akingunola’s commitment has further strengthened the Barrack’s youth’s resolve to nurture excellence, discipline, and teamwork among its players.” Mr. Hakeem stressed.

Also speaking on behalf of the club, Mr. Aanu Obadehin, a Barrack’s Road community leader, says that the entire Barrack’s Road community expressed gratitude for Mr. Niyi’s usual support and partnership right from his days in the early 2000s as a resident of baracks road, his gestures of goodwill and community development are the driving force behind the advancement of the youth, particularly in the area of grassroots football.

Concluding, Barrack’s Road FC assures Mr. Akingunola that the team will continue to uphold the values of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship while striving to make both the sponsor and the community proud.

“Once again, the entire Barrack’s Road FC family says a big thank you to Mr. Niyi Akingunola for believing in the community’s effort of ensuring that lasting peace, unity and love endure among the youth and people of Ondo City.” The football club concluded.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Ondo State Axis has commended the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, on the celebration of his second anniversary in office, describing his leadership as “visionary, impactful, and student-friendly.”

In a statement released on Saturday and jointly signed by the NANS JCC Chairman, Comrade Adekanye Mayomi Adeboye (INEC); the General Secretary, Comrade Oladele Oluwafemi Emmanuel (Fresh Diamond); and the Public Relations Officer, Comrade Johnpaul O. Alabi (Makins), the student body praised the Minister for his outstanding service and reforms in the interior ministry.

According to the student leaders, Tunji Ojo’s tenure has brought unprecedented transformation to the Ministry of Interior, especially in the areas of passport processing, fire and safety services, and digital innovation.

 “Your bold move to clear the backlog of over 200,000 passport applications brought immense relief to many Nigerians, particularly students seeking international opportunities,” the statement read. “The digitalization of the passport application process has drastically reduced delays and eliminated the frustrations and extortion that students once experienced.”

The association further lauded the Minister’s efforts in improving national fire and emergency response infrastructure, saying such strides have enhanced safety in schools and learning environments across the country.

 “Your work in strengthening the fire and safety services has directly impacted the security and confidence of Nigerian students in their academic pursuits,” it added.

Highlighting his over two decades of experience in leadership and service, the NANS JCC described Tunji Ojo as a “shining light” and a symbol of excellence for youths in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.

 “From your sterling record in the private sector to your legislative excellence and now ministerial distinction, your journey continues to inspire a generation,” the statement noted. “You have not only redefined leadership in Ondo State but have also raised the state’s reputation nationally and internationally.”

While celebrating both his 2nd anniversary as Minister and his 20+ years of public service, the student body prayed for more strength, wisdom, and greater accomplishments for the minister in the years ahead.

The congratulatory message concluded with reaffirmed solidarity and best wishes from the students of Ondo State, under the umbrella of NANS JCC.

The Ondo Redemption Front (ORF), a civil society coalition, has responded strongly to comments made by the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanakun, who recently dismissed the group’s calls for government accountability as political propaganda.

In a press statement signed by its secretary, Barrister Oladotun Ajulo, the ORF described Ajanakun’s remarks as “careless and irresponsible,” accusing the commissioner of engaging in name-calling rather than addressing legitimate concerns raised by citizens.

The group took issue with the commissioner’s characterization of its activities as the antics of “politicians masquerading as CSOs,” insisting that the ORF is a non-partisan organisation committed to transparency and good governance.

“It is laughable that Ajanakun, a crass opportunist who lacked the courage to utter a word in defence of democracy when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was being hounded as Deputy Governor, has now found his voice only to attack a reputable civil society organisation,” the statement read in part.

ORF cited its active role in defending democratic values during the impeachment saga involving Governor Aiyedatiwa, stating that the group held press conferences and mobilised civic engagement at the time, while accusing Ajanakun of remaining silent.

The group further challenged the commissioner to present any evidence of his public engagement during that period, claiming his tenure has been marked by “communication gaps and credibility deficits.”

ORF also reiterated its earlier demands for transparency regarding the controversial ₦240 billion bond issued by the Ondo State Government. The group is calling for audited reports and public disclosure of how the funds are being utilized.

“The Commissioner may attempt to blackmail, but the people of Ondo State know better,” the group said, warning that “governments come and go, but institutions and the people remain.”

The group concluded by urging the commissioner to focus on his official duties and ensure that government communications are marked by clarity and openness, rather than resorting to mudslinging against civic actors.

The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has congratulated its National leader and Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as he clocks two years in office, describing his tenure at the Ministry as a defining moment in the nation’s quest for effective reforms, and modernised public service delivery.

In a statement issued on Thursday, through its director of Public Communication, Dr. Ayodeji Ologun, and signed by the Director General, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, AMG said that Tunji-Ojo has demonstrated exemplary leadership in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, turning the Ministry of Interior into a hub of innovation, reform, and people-centred service.

The group hailed the Minister’s bold reforms in the Correctional, immigration, Fire, NIMC and NSCDC, especially the clearance of over 204,000 passport backlogs in just three weeks, the introduction of a two-week processing timeline, and the rollout of home and office passport delivery services. These, AMG noted, have restored Nigerians’ confidence in the Immigration Service and positioned the country as a model in digital border management.

Equally lauded were his far-reaching welfare reforms for paramilitary officers, including the promotion of over 50,000 personnel, approval of 30,000 fresh recruitments, the introduction of a peculiar allowance, and the long-awaited alignment of paramilitary salaries with those of the Nigeria Police Force. According to AMG, these initiatives have boosted morale, enhanced productivity, and set new standards in fairness and equity.

On correctional reforms, the group celebrated the decongestion of correctional facilities through the payment of fines and compensation worth ₦585 million for over 4,000 inmates, as well as the transformation of custodial centres into true rehabilitation facilities. The introduction of a Digital Case Management System to streamline justice delivery was described as a life-changing step toward transparency and efficiency.

The group also commended Tunji-Ojo for modernising security architecture with landmark innovations such as the Safe Haven project, Smart Border initiatives, Disaster Response Units, contactless biometrics, electronic visas (e-Visa), E-Gates at airports, and the creation of a state-of-the-art Tier 4 Data Centre that supports integrated security and border management systems.

From the launch of Mining Marshal and the Special Female Squad in the NSCDC, to improved fire service response time that saved properties worth ₦1.9 trillion in 2024, AMG said BTO, as it is fondly called, has “redefined leadership with measurable impacts on lives, institutions, and communities across Nigeria.”

“The Asiwaju Mandate Group is proud of the giant strides of our Convener In just two years, he has shown how visionary leadership, backed by courage and innovation, can transform critical institutions and touch millions of lives. We celebrate him today, and we remain committed to supporting him as he continues to deliver hope to Nigerians.” The statement read.

Our Governor came to office in a suit, not as the son of his ancestors but as a visiting emissary from a foreign embassy. Since that day his most consistent policy has been the monthly Praise Night at International Conference Centre for Culture and Tourism, The Dome, where hallelujahs flow while hospitals cough and schools wheeze. He is Vicar-in-Charge, Bishop of Alagbaka, a man who mounts the Government House Chapel pulpit more faithfully than he mounts the seat of governance. To now ask such a man to declare August 20 as Isese Day is not an appeal, it is an ambush. It is like handing him a goat to slaughter at the altar of Malokun when his knife has long been sharpened only for communion bread.

Those agitating for it know what they are doing. They know he is no custodian of drums and masquerades, no patron of shrines or spirits. To expect him to stand shoulder to shoulder with other South West governors who have honored their roots is to ask a man in cassock to dance with egungun. They are setting him up for ridicule, parading him in a masquerade he does not recognize, a masquerade he has spent his time and suit fabric rejecting.

And yet, in the same breath, this governor preaches tourism as his gospel. But what tourism is left when Mare Festival in Idanre is suffocated, when Igogo in Owo withers, when Ogun in Ondo is ignored, when Iwo and Okute in Ikale are stripped of pomp, and when the Ijaw Boat Regatta floats without rhythm. Do tourists not have mountains in their countries, carnivals in Brazil, shrines in Asia, rivers that sing across Africa? Why will they fly across the Atlantic to come here to watch silence where drums should beat, to photograph chapels where masquerades should dance, to clap hands under fluorescent light where ancestral torches once blazed.

The real hypocrisy is not the governor alone, but those now pushing him into this pit. They know he is a tourist in his own land, an apostle of imported suits, a chaplain of government instead of a governor of culture. To demand Isese from him is to ask him to become what he has spent his career denying. It is a theatre of absurdity where the governor plays the role of a reluctant masquerade and the agitators clap as if they do not know the costume does not fit. Our ancestors deserve libation, not this comedy of errors where both priest and petitioners are actors in a play staged to amuse only strangers.

Our Governor came to office in a suit, not as the son of his ancestors but as a visiting emissary from a foreign embassy. Since that day his most consistent policy has been the monthly Praise Night at International Conference Centre for Culture and Tourism, The Dome, where hallelujahs flow while hospitals cough and schools wheeze. He is Vicar-in-Charge, Bishop of Alagbaka, a man who mounts the Government House Chapel pulpit more faithfully than he mounts the seat of governance. To now ask such a man to declare August 20 as Isese Day is not an appeal, it is an ambush. It is like handing him a goat to slaughter at the altar of Malokun when his knife has long been sharpened only for communion bread.

Those agitating for it know what they are doing. They know he is no custodian of drums and masquerades, no patron of shrines or spirits. To expect him to stand shoulder to shoulder with other South West governors who have honored their roots is to ask a man in cassock to dance with egungun. They are setting him up for ridicule, parading him in a masquerade he does not recognize, a masquerade he has spent his time and suit fabric rejecting.

And yet, in the same breath, this governor preaches tourism as his gospel. But what tourism is left when Mare Festival in Idanre is suffocated, when Igogo in Owo withers, when Ogun in Ondo is ignored, when Iwo and Okute in Ikale are stripped of pomp, and when the Ijaw Boat Regatta floats without rhythm. Do tourists not have mountains in their countries, carnivals in Brazil, shrines in Asia, rivers that sing across Africa? Why will they fly across the Atlantic to come here to watch silence where drums should beat, to photograph chapels where masquerades should dance, to clap hands under fluorescent light where ancestral torches once blazed.

The real hypocrisy is not the governor alone, but those now pushing him into this pit. They know he is a tourist in his own land, an apostle of imported suits, a chaplain of government instead of a governor of culture. To demand Isese from him is to ask him to become what he has spent his career denying. It is a theatre of absurdity where the governor plays the role of a reluctant masquerade and the agitators clap as if they do not know the costume does not fit. Our ancestors deserve libation, not this comedy of errors where both priest and petitioners are actors in a play staged to amuse only strangers.

The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) on Tuesday inaugurated its Ward and Local Government Executives in Akoko North East Local Government, Ikare-Akoko, with a strong show of party solidarity and grassroots mobilisation.

This is part of the inauguration of the group across the local governments in the state which was suspended to allow for the group’s campaign for the Governor of the state in the last gubernatorial elections.

The inauguration, which took place at Ikare Mega School Hall, drew notable political leaders and stakeholders from across Ondo State. Among the dignitaries present were Hon. Gani Amuda, Secretary, Ondo North Senatorial District of the APC; Chiefs Deni Akerele, a former member of the house of Representative and Liadi Ekunnusi; as well as Hon. Olu Arowolo, former Chairman of Akoko North East Local Government.

Leading the AMG State Executive Council to the event was the Director General, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla. He was accompanied by Barrister Corporal Nana Opri, State Secretary; Barrister Ade Pelemo, Director of Legal Matters; Engineer Babatunde Gbalajobi, Director of Special Duties; alongside other key state officials of the group.

In his address, Asagunla charged the newly sworn executives to prioritise door-to-door mobilisation in line with AMG’s statewide push under its Leader and Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. He stressed that the movement is “built to organise, educate and sensitize voters from the unit level upward,” while aligning with the progressive agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.

He emphasised that, “This inauguration is a reaffirmation of AMG’s commitment to consolidating its structures across the state in line with its mission to mobilise support for the progressive agenda and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in 2027.”

Other leaders of the group also urged the executives to demonstrate loyalty, unity, and diligence in carrying out their responsibilities, describing their roles as pivotal to consolidating the party’s base ahead of future elections.

The Ondo State APC chairman, Engineer Ade Adetimehin received, in droves, decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour party and the ADC into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oke Agbe-Akoko, the headquarters of Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The event, held at the Motor Park in Oke Agbe-Akoko, attracted party leaders, community stakeholders, youths, and women across the Akoko axis, signalling the increasing popularity of the ruling party in the state.

Hon. Alaba Arohunmolase, former PDP chairman, High chief Odeja, High chief Giwa, Hon. Bolaji, Chief Ojo Akinniyi, Prince Adeniyi Olanipekun and all PDP ward chairmen in Akoko North-West Local Government, led the decampees into the APC fold. The decampees, who came in their hundreds, said their decision was the result of the purposeful leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the grassroots mobilisation efforts of Dr. Tunji-Ojo. They eulogised the good works of the Interior Minister for making Akoko land, particularly Oke Agbe, proud, stressing that his achievements inspired their decision to pitch their tent with the APC.

Receiving the new members were the APC State Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, alongside members of the State Executive Committee, the local government chairman of the APC, Hon. Kehinde Obanla popularly called Ajapaara, and Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, who represented the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Asiwaju Asagunla, who is also the Director General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group, Ondo State, warmly welcomed the new entrants and assured them of a level playing ground in the APC family.

“What we are witnessing today is a demonstration of faith in the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, has begun to deliver tangible dividends of democracy to Nigerians. The APC is a home of progress, development, and inclusiveness, and I assure you all that your decision to join us today is a step into a brighter and more rewarding political future. The Minister, who facilitated and sponsored your decamping is honoured by your decision and appreciates that you responded positively to his consultations.” He stated.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo further added that with President Tinubu’s people-centred governance, the country was already on the path of economic rejuvenation, security reforms, and infrastructural renewal. He urged the decampees to remain steadfast in supporting the administration for the greater good of all.

He enjoined the Decampees to spread the news of the good work of the present administration towards a better outing in the 2027 election.

The internal wrangling in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State chapter, appears to be escalating, following reports that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has launched a covert recruitment drive to hire 100 media personnel across the state.

The media team, each allegedly offered a monthly stipend of ₦70,000, is expected to commence work next week. Their primary assignment, according to insider sources, is to coordinate a sustained media onslaught on Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo (BTO), the Minister of Interior and one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s most influential appointees from Ondo State.

The development, if confirmed, signals a dangerous widening of the rift within the APC family in Ondo. Political observers believe it reflects deep-seated rivalry between Aiyedatiwa and BTO, whose rising political profile and close ties with the Presidency are said to unsettle the governor’s camp ahead of future political permutations.

Party stakeholders warn that the alleged strategy could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s cohesion, with fears that it may pit state leadership against the federal government at a delicate time when President Tinubu is consolidating his reforms.

The Governor’s office has not issued an official statement regarding the allegations, while Minister Tunji-Ojo has maintained a studied silence. Meanwhile, grassroots members of the APC remain divided, with some accusing Aiyedatiwa of playing divisive politics and others insisting he is only protecting his political turf.

The coming weeks may prove decisive for the party in Ondo State, as this unfolding media war threatens to deepen fractures and reshape alliances within the APC.