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The Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Ondo North Senatorial District, unequivocally condemns the recent actions of the Ondo State Attorney General, which we view as a gross abuse of office and a direct attack on youth advocacy and democratic engagement.

We are deeply troubled by the unjust remand of three comrades from Akoko, whose only act was participating in peaceful and lawful civic expression. Their detention is not only an affront to democratic values but a shameful misuse of authority by an individual who holds a position meant to uphold justice and fairness.

Rather than focusing his efforts on tackling the alarming insecurity in Ondo State, the Attorney General has chosen to chase shadows—targeting innocent youths and attempting to stifle legitimate voices of dissent.

The use of state machinery to suppress youth participation and intimidate advocates for justice sends a dangerous and disheartening message. It erodes public trust, undermines the rule of law, and paints the office of the Attorney General as a tool for political repression rather than public service.

We stand firmly with our unjustly detained comrades and demand their immediate and unconditional release. We also call for an immediate end to all forms of political harassment and youth oppression.

We urge the Governor of Ondo State to call the Attorney General to order and ensure that his office is not weaponized against the very citizens it is sworn to protect.

Signed:

Hon. Amb. Bolu Oladokun

YAN Ondo North Senatorial District Ambassador.

…Calls for renewed commitment to youth development

The Ondo State Youths’ Network (OSYN) is gearing up to celebrate a major milestone on June 25, 2025, as it marks its 10th anniversary, highlighting a decade of unity, youth empowerment, and progressive development across the state.

The celebration, tagged “A Decade of Youthfulness”, will bring together stakeholders, youth leaders, and development partners from within and outside Ondo State to reflect on the journey so far and chart a course for the future.

In a statement signed by OSYN Coordinator, Afe Gboyega, the organization expressed pride in its achievements over the past decade, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, unity promotion, and advocacy for youth inclusion.

“Over the past 10 years, OSYN has empowered hundreds of young people through training, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities, helping them thrive in their respective fields,” the statement said.

The group also noted its role in fostering inclusivity among youth from diverse backgrounds, promoting unity that transcends ethnic, religious, and economic lines.

Looking ahead, OSYN said it is excited about new opportunities for growth and is committed to expanding its impact through strategic partnerships and community-driven initiatives.

“We are not just celebrating the past,” Gboyega stated, “we are preparing for the future. The next decade is about deeper impact, stronger voices, and greater inclusion.”

The organization is inviting all youth, stakeholders, and well-wishers to join in the celebration on June 25 and to continue supporting initiatives that elevate young people in Ondo State.

The anniversary will feature various events, including a youth summit, empowerment workshops, and community projects to further reinforce OSYN’s mission of building a vibrant future for the state’s youth.

…Urges citizens to go about their lawful activities

The Ondo State Police Command has raised the alarm over a planned protest scheduled to take place on Monday, April 7, 2025. The protest, reportedly being organized by the Take It Back Movement and its affiliates, has been described as “ill-timed” by the police authorities.

In a press statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, the police said they received credible intelligence indicating plans by the group to mobilize for a mass demonstration across the state.

While affirming the citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, the Command emphasized that the timing of the protest was concerning due to the prevailing economic hardship and ongoing efforts to stabilize security across the state.

“The Command is concerned that such a gathering could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements, leading to a breakdown of law and order, thus rolling back the security gains we have collectively achieved in Ondo State,” the statement read in part.

The police called on the leadership of the Take It Back Movement to explore dialogue and peaceful engagement instead of embarking on street demonstrations which may worsen tensions and public discomfort.

As part of precautionary measures, the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfried Olutokunbo Afolabi, PSC+, MNIPS, has ordered heightened security deployment across public spaces and critical infrastructure in the state.

The police urged parents and guardians to dissuade their wards from participating in any protest that may lead to a disruption of public peace, reiterating their commitment to protecting lives and property.

Residents of Ondo State were encouraged to carry on with their lawful activities without fear, as security operatives have been strategically deployed to maintain law and order. The Command also advised the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or security agency.

The Take It Back Movement is yet to officially respond to the police statement as of the time of filing this report.

Nigerian students under the aegis of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council (JCC) Ondo Axis have announced plans to stage a mass protest from tomorrow, March 27, 2025, over what they describe as persistent neglect by the Ondo State Government.  

In an official statement, the student body accused the government of failing to address pressing issues affecting students despite several engagements and official correspondences. Their demands include improved welfare policies, renovation of institutional facilities, construction of hostels, better security especially for students on industrial training (SIWES), and justice for an alleged attack on NANS members in Ogbese.  

Chairman of NANS JCC Ondo, Comrade Oluwarotimi Tobiloba Joshua, stated that the students have exhausted all avenues of dialogue yet their demands continue to be ignored. He emphasized that the government must take student welfare seriously.  

The students are also demanding the government fulfill its promise to procure buses for students and include student representatives in education policy-making. The protest is scheduled to commence at 7 AM, with students expected to gather at designated locations across Ondo State. Organizers have emphasized that the demonstration will remain peaceful but warned that continued government inaction could lead to an escalation of student agitation.  

Security agencies have reportedly been alerted about the planned protest to ensure order. Meanwhile, there has been no official response from the Ondo State Government regarding the students’ grievances. With tension building, all eyes are now on the government’s next move as students prepare to take to the streets to demand their rights. More updates to follow as the situation unfolds.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing the absence of a definite contact address for the petitioners.  

In a press release issued after its weekly meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, INEC stated that while it had received six bags of documents purportedly containing signatures of over half of the 474,554 registered voters in Kogi Central, the petitioners failed to provide necessary contact details as required by the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.

According to the Commission, the covering letter submitted alongside the petition only listed “Okene, Kogi State” as the contact address, which is not a precise location. Additionally, only one telephone number was provided instead of multiple numbers from all representatives of the petitioners, as mandated by Clause 1(f) of the guidelines.  

INEC emphasized that the recall process is a constitutional right of voters who have lost confidence in their representative. However, for the process to move forward, the petition must meet all submission requirements before verification of signatures can commence.  

“If the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations, and guidelines,” the statement read.  

The electoral body also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the recall process transparently, using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to verify signatories at each polling unit. INEC assured that both the petitioners and the affected senator would have the opportunity to nominate agents to observe the verification process, while accredited media and observers would also be allowed to monitor proceedings.  

Meanwhile, the Commission disclosed that it was making efforts to reach the petitioners through alternative means, given the absence of a definite address.  

INEC urged the public to disregard speculations and misleading reports circulating on social media, stressing that it would strictly follow the legal framework in handling the recall petition.  

The development has generated reactions in Kogi Central, with political analysts and stakeholders closely watching how the process unfolds. Some supporters of the embattled senator have described the recall move as politically motivated, while others insist it reflects the will of the people.  

With INEC’s latest stance, all eyes are now on the petitioners to see if they will rectify the identified shortcomings and move the recall process to the next stage.

 The management of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, has announced that five of its students lost their lives in a fatal road accident on Sunday, 23rd March 2025.

According to a statement obtained by DAILY POST on Monday, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, disclosed that the accident occurred around the Balogun area, before Unity School, Ikire, Osun State.

Adesoji explained that the accident involved a luxury bus travelling from Ibadan and an 18-passenger bus from Osogbo, resulting in multiple fatalities, including five UNIOSUN students.

He also revealed that reports from the Nigerian Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, indicated that the accident was caused by a head-on collision between the two buses, leading to a severe impact that claimed several lives.

He said: “Upon receiving this distressing news, our university management swiftly dispatched a team to the scene to identify and support any of our students involved in the accident.

“Regrettably, we confirm the loss of the following students: Olagbemide Dotun, a 200-level student of Software Engineering; Suleiman Farouq Adedayo, a 400-level student of Law; Ogundare Pelumi, a 300-level student of Public Health; Ogundare Elijah, a 100-level student of Mechanical Engineering; and Olawuyi Mary, a 200-level student of Nursing.

“However, one of our students, Olagbemide Damilola, a 200-level student of Medicine and Surgery, survived the accident and is currently receiving medical attention.”

Adesoji added: “The Nigerian Police have confirmed a total of ten fatalities from this unfortunate incident. Osun State University is working closely with the relevant authorities to gather more details on the circumstances surrounding the accident. We are also providing necessary moral and logistical support to the bereaved families, including funeral arrangements for the deceased students.

“This tragic loss has deeply shaken our university community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased.

“We urge our students, staff, and the entire university community to remain calm and supportive during this difficult time. Osun State University will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and pray that they find strength and solace in this moment of grief.”

The High Court of Ondo State, sitting in Ondo town, on Monday upheld the rights of farmers to cultivate their allocated lands in the Oluwa Forest Reserve.

This is an order against the eviction attempts by the Ondo State Government and Sao Agro-Allied Services Ltd.

The case HOR/14/2023, was brought forth by Abayomi Rotimi Isinleye & Others. against the Ondo State Government & Others.

The court granted an interlocutory injunction that restrains any forceful eviction of farmers or further destruction of farmlands within the forest reserve

This is particularly in areas  such as Temidire Adeleye, Itamerin, Ikawo, Ijoba, Ayeleso, Isero, and their sub-camps.

The ruling stressed the critical importance of preserving vital economic trees, including cocoa, kola nut, and palm trees, which are essential to the farmers’ livelihoods.

A lower Customary Court  had earlier in its judgement ordered the farmers’ eviction.

The High Court’s action, presided over by Justice Aderemi Adegoroye, reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the farmers’ rights amidst a backdrop of conflicting legal directives.

The ruling supercedes an earlier interim order obtained by the Ondo State Agricultural Economic Commission (OSAEC), which had sought to evict the farmers from the expansive 10,000-hectare reserve.

The High Court’s decision highlights the ongoing struggle for farmers’ rights in the face of bureaucratic challenges.

Tope Temokun served as counsel to the claimants/applicants, while Abdul-Kabir O. Ajana, SAN, represented the Ondo State Government and SAO AGRO-ALLIED SERVICES LTD, who are defendants/respondents.

The matter has been adjourned to May 26 2025 for further proceedings

Excited farmers and their advocates celebrated the victory of getting justice on their challenges.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s tour of the Adebutu’s Palm Oil Farm in Ore and SAO Farms in Ajue was indeed a commendable effort to promote agriculture and investment in Ondo State. But as they say, what is worth doing at all is worth doing well. If the governor was genuinely interested in the future of oil palm production in the state, his first stop should have been the Okitipupa Oil Palm Company, the largest oil palm plantation in South West Nigeria. This once-thriving government-owned estate has been left to rot, a symbol of Ondo State’s negligence and wasted potential.

The Okitipupa Oil Palm Company is not just another palm oil farm; it is a historic economic asset that could transform the region if properly revived. Yet, instead of confronting the elephant in the room, Aiyedatiwa chose the politically convenient route, visiting well-managed private farms while ignoring the glaring failure of the state’s own agricultural investment. If not for the resilience of the Ikale people, who have refused to let criminals take over their land, the plantation would have long become a den for kidnappers and miscreants. And still, the governor looks the other way.

A leader serious about agricultural transformation should not be running from his government’s failures. Aiyedatiwa has a golden opportunity to address the Okitipupa Oil Palm Company crisis, announce revitalization plans, and assure the people of his commitment to resuscitating abandoned State assets. Instead, he opted for a photo op tour that circumvent the real issues. If this is the governor’s idea of progress, then Ondo State is in for another round of empty promises and cosmetic governance.