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The Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN) expresses deep sorrow over the tragic events that unfolded in Owo yesterday, leading to the loss of five precious lives due to cult-related violence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and the entire Owo community during this difficult time.  

We fully endorse the decision of the Ondo State Government to declare a curfew in Owo as an immediate measure to restore peace and order. While such decisions may come with inconveniences, they are necessary in curbing further escalation of violence and protecting lives and properties. This decision underscores the responsibility of the government to prioritize the safety of its citizens.  

Speaking on the matter, the Coordinator of OSYN, Comrade Afe Ezekiel Adegboyega, stated: “We commend the government for acting swiftly by declaring a curfew. However, this should not just be a temporary solution. We urge the government to establish a permanent anti-cultism station in Owo to tackle this recurring issue at its root. The Deputy Governor should also use his influence to push for this crucial intervention.”

Cultism has plagued Owo and other parts of the state for far too long, leading to repeated cycles of violence and unnecessary loss of lives. This most recent clash, while devastating, could have been even worse had students been in session. We thank God for averting what could have been a more severe tragedy.  

OSYN commends the efforts of all security agencies involved in restoring calm to Owo. Their swift action prevented further bloodshed and chaos, and we encourage continued vigilance to ensure that peace is sustained in the community.  

We also use this medium to appeal to the youth of Ondo State to shun cultism and all forms of violence. As the future of this state, we must choose a path of peace, education, and meaningful contribution to society. Cultism offers nothing but destruction and grief, and it is our collective responsibility to reject it.  

While we acknowledge the immediate actions of the government, we urge them to define and implement a lasting solution to the issue of cultism in Owo and across Ondo State. This includes increased security presence, community engagement, and proactive measures to address the root causes of this menace.  

Finally, we call on all stakeholders—traditional leaders, community heads, religious institutions, and youth groups—to join hands in the fight against cultism. Together, we can build a safer and more prosperous Ondo State for everyone.  

Signed,

Christopher Olusa

Public Relations Officer (PRO)  

Ondo State Youth Network (OSYN)

Following ongoing violent cult clashes that have resulted in the loss of lives and widespread security concerns, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has imposed a dawn-to-dusk curfew in the town of Owo. The curfew, effective immediately, will remain in place until further notice.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Governor directed all residents to remain indoors during curfew hours, with exemptions granted only to essential services such as hospitals, emergency responders, and law enforcement personnel.

The Governor also called on security agencies to enforce the curfew strictly, apprehend those responsible for the violence, protect lives and property, and restore peace to the troubled community.

The curfew follows days of unrest in Owo, marked by violent clashes between rival cult groups, which have caused fear and disruption among residents. The Governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order while urging the public to cooperate with authorities during this critical period.

The untimely death of Honorable Tayo Oluwatuyi, popularly known as Tuykana, the Secretary to the Ondo State Government, has not only plunged the state into mourning but also ignited a heated exchange of political accusations and counter-statements.  

Hon. Oluwatuyi died in a tragic road accident while on a trip outside the state. The incident has brought to the fore pressing concerns about the state of infrastructure and governance in Ondo State, with some opposition parties using the tragedy to highlight systemic challenges.  

In a press statement, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, a former gubernatorial candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), criticized the Ondo State Government under Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa. He lamented the poor state of healthcare and road infrastructure, which he claimed contributed to Oluwatuyi’s death. Ajayi alleged that the absence of functional medical facilities and the dangerous condition of roads in Ondo State have created death traps for citizens.  

He pointed out that Oluwatuyi had to be transported to medical facilities outside the state, such as Afe Babalola Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, where he eventually passed away. Ajayi condemned the state government’s focus on projects like the rebuilding of the Judiciary Complex at the expense of critical social infrastructure. He called for a state of emergency on healthcare, education, and roads in Ondo State, describing the government’s declaration of a three-day mourning period as insufficient and performative.  

However, the Ondo State Government swiftly responded, condemning Ajayi’s statement as an opportunistic and insensitive politicization of a tragic loss. Olufemi Lawson, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, labeled Ajayi’s allegations as baseless and accused him of using Oluwatuyi’s death to score political points.  

The government emphasized that Hon. Oluwatuyi was a dedicated public servant whose contributions to the state were significant and whose memory should not be tarnished by unfounded accusations. The statement highlighted Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to improving infrastructure and safeguarding the welfare of citizens. It also warned against attempts by political actors to disrupt the peace and security of the state.  

The Ondo State Government assured citizens of its commitment to addressing challenges and reiterated its stance against those attempting to exploit tragedies for political gain.  

Meanwhile, citizens and stakeholders continue to mourn the loss of Hon. Oluwatuyi, who was widely regarded as a devoted and selfless leader. Calls for improvements in healthcare and infrastructure have gained momentum, with many urging the government to prioritize these sectors to prevent further loss of lives.

The Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) has said a total of 10 political parties would participate in the local government election slated for January 10, 2025 in the state.

Daily Trust reports that the development is coming after ODIEC rescheduled the council election in the state for the 4th time.

Tunde Adeleye, ODIEC’s commissioner in charge of Media and Information Technology, disclosed the names of the political parties in a statement on Monday in Akure, the state capital.

He listed the parties as: the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), Zenith Labour Party ( ZLP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action People’s Party (APP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Action Democratic Party(ADP).

Mr Adeleye said the political parties would contest the chairmanship and councillorship seats in all the 18 local government areas and 203 political wards of the state.

“At the end of the screening exercise that took place at the ODIEC HQ last Friday, 10 political parties were cleared to take part in the election for the chairmanship position in the 18 local government areas and councillorship position in the 203 wards of the state,” he said.

Mr Adeleye explained that the release became necessary after the state electoral body had fixed the council election for January 10, 2025.

Residents of Ese Akoko and Afin Akoko, under Ward 9 of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have raised alarm over what they describe as ongoing misrule, incompetence, and acts of injustice perpetrated by Hon. Rasheed Badmus, the current Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Ondo State. In a strongly-worded petition addressed to key political leaders including Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa and Minister of Interior Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, concerned residents highlighted a series of grievances. It was signed by one Oni Joseph. 

The petition accuses Hon. Rasheed Badmus of sabotaging a road construction project initiated by Hon. Bunmi Tunji Ojo in 2019. Roads connecting Okeagbe, Afin, Ese, Irun, and Ogbagi were allegedly halted due to Badmus’ interference with the state’s Ministry of Works. The Commissioner is also alleged to have misappropriated ₦15 million during the second-term campaign of former President Muhammadu Buhari, an act that reportedly brought embarrassment to Ward 9.  

In the recent councilorship candidate selection, Hon. Badmus is accused of collecting ₦500,000 from aspirant Femi Oke in exchange for a party ticket, only to later hand the ticket to Kolade Joseph, reportedly a non-APC member who worked against the party in the last governorship election.  

These actions have sparked widespread dissatisfaction among residents, who claim the Commissioner’s leadership has left Ward 9 without meaningful development or representation. The petition argue that his continued role in party and community affairs is detrimental to the area’s progress. “As a commissioner, he has failed to facilitate any meaningful development for our community. How can someone who doesn’t know his rights fight for the rights of others?”  

The petitioners are appealing to the Ondo State Government and APC leadership to address these grievances and replace Hon. Badmus with a more competent representative. They are demanding justice for Femi Oke and transparency in future political appointments.  

“We will not stop our physical and online protests until we achieve justice,” the petition concluded.  

As of now, there has been no official response from Hon. Rasheed Badmus or the Ondo State Government. However, the outcry from Ese Akoko residents underscores growing frustration over political accountability and governance in the region.

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun, has extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to all members and stakeholders of the party.  

In a press release issued by his office and signed by Nuru Shehu Jos, Personal Assistant to Acting Chairman, Damagun expressed gratitude to party leaders, elders, women, youth, and all dedicated members for their unwavering patriotism and commitment to the progress of the PDP. He praised their efforts in shaping the party’s direction and expressed optimism about the future, anticipating significant victories ahead.  

“We wholly appreciate the patriotism and commitment of party leaders, the governors, all and sundry, in shaping the progress and direction of our Party-PDP thus far, believing that the nearest future holds big and mighty victories for the PDP,” the statement read.  

Damagun reaffirmed the party’s reliance on divine guidance in its mobilization efforts, aimed at fostering unity and stability within the PDP. He encouraged members to remain steadfast and focused as they work toward strengthening the party’s foundation.  

“As always, we will continue to lean on the strength of the Almighty God for guidance and focus in handling all the mobilization activities that will stabilize and unify our party,” he said.  

The PDP Acting National Chairman concluded by wishing all members and stakeholders a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year, urging them to stay safe and embrace the blessings of the season.  

The PDP family has welcomed the message as a symbol of hope and solidarity, reinforcing the party’s commitment to unity and progress.

In a landmark move to enhance governance and strengthen justice administration in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved the appointment process for new Justices of the Peace (JP). 

This development comes over a decade after the last appointments, following consistent calls from citizens and stakeholders.

“There has been agitation from well-meaning citizens of Ondo State, eager to be part of the transformative governance and administration of justice in Ondo State, urging for the restoration of this esteemed appointment. In response to this strong demand and his commitment to running an effective and inclusive government, the Governor has approved the process,” Ajulo expressed.

On the directive of the Governor, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, has initiated the process by inaugurating a committee to oversee the appointments. The inauguration took place on Monday at the Attorney General’s office in Akure.

The committee, chaired by Dr Ajulo, includes senior officials of the Ministry of Justice, including Mrs Olufinmilayo Adejumo, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, and Mrs. Adegoke, Director of Corporate Law, serving as its secretary.  

Forms for prospective applicants are now available at the office of the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, providing an opportunity for community leaders, captains of industry, and other stakeholders to contribute to governance and justice delivery at the grassroots level.  

Dr. Ajulo explained that a Justice of the Peace is a respected community member appointed to assist in justice administration. Their duties include witnessing affidavits, attesting to documents, mediating disputes, and fostering peaceful coexistence. “JPs play a critical role in promoting civic responsibilities and integrity in public life while bridging the gap between government and the people,” he noted.  

The Attorney General emphasized the government’s commitment to appointing individuals of unquestionable integrity, sound judgment, and dedication to community service. He assured that the process would be thorough and transparent, with strict adherence to due diligence. Security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS) will conduct background checks to verify nominees’ criminal records, community reputation, and adherence to ethical standards.  

“This step is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the office of the Justice of the Peace and ensuring that only individuals with unblemished character, proven honesty, and a strong commitment to justice and public service are appointed,” Ajulo stated.  

In a related development, the Attorney General also inaugurated a high-powered committee to be chaired by the Solicitor General, Mrs Olufunmilayo Adejumo, to review and update Ondo State’s laws.  

Dr. Ajulo remarked that many of the laws enacted decades ago have become obsolete and no longer align with contemporary economic and governance realities.  

He highlighted the urgency of this initiative, noting that certain penalties prescribed by outdated laws, such as fines as low as ₦100, are now impractical. “Such insignificant penalties encourage deliberate violations of the law, as offenders find them negligible and affordable,” he stated.  

The review committee, comprising eminent personalities and key stakeholders, includes Mr. Ogunnowo from the Ondo State Law Commission as the Secretary. The committee is tasked with conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the State’s laws. They will identify outdated provisions for amendment or repeal and propose new legislation to address emerging challenges.  

“This review is essential to align the legal framework with modern governance, justice, and economic realities. It is a testament to the administration’s commitment to accountability, fairness, and socio-economic growth,” Ajulo stated.  

He also stressed that both initiatives reflect Governor Aiyedatiwa’s vision for a progressive and dynamic Ondo State. “By appointing credible Justices of the Peace and updating the State’s legal framework, the government is creating an environment where justice is accessible, governance is efficient, and the rights of citizens are protected,” he concluded.