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In a dramatic turn of events, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti state finds itself embroiled in internal strife as disquiet ripples through its rank. The rift, centering around the exclusion of prominent figures from key party committees, has sparked outrage among supporters of former governor Ayo Fayose, former deputy governor and 2018 Governorship candidate Professor Kolapo Olusola Eleka, as well as aspirant Funso Ayeni, escalating tension within the party.

At the heart of the discord lies the composition of reconciliation and finance committees, which notably omitted names affiliated with Fayose’s faction, Eleka’s loyalists, and Ayeni’s supporters. This move, viewed by many as a betrayal of the former governor’s leadership and a sidelining of other prominent figures, has intensified existing divisions within the party.

Adding fuel to the fire, the exclusion of Funsho Ayeni from the finance committee has raised eyebrows, particularly given his stature as a potential financier for the party. Ayeni’s absence from the committee, widely perceived as a calculated snub, has further exacerbated tension and deepened mistrust among party members.

Moreover, the sidelining of Eleka’s loyalists from the committee lists has added another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation. As loyalists of various factions express frustration over the apparent marginalization within the party, the specter of internal conflict looms large over the Ekiti PDP.

In response to these developments, loyalists aligned with Fayose, Eleka, and Ayeni have issued stern warnings, threatening to boycott party activities and vowing to disrupt the status quo from within. As tension continue to mount, the inclusion of loyalists to Distinguished Senator Biodun Olujimi, representing Ekiti South, remains uncertain, further clouding the party’s future prospects and raising questions about its ability to unite ahead of crucial political engagements.

 

“I see the damage and pain of hard years. I see the emptiness and desperation of existence without hope. I see a young life that has been too long.” James Frey

If any society must attain greatness, the youths are the tale of such catalyst.

More than ever, the youths have become more important for effective integration and cohesion with the government at all levels.

Ondo state, as a primal example, is a state destined for greatness, blessed by the rays of sunshine and a body of vibrant, political conscious youths. The deployment of this vital human capital asset is crucial to the sociopolitical development of the state 

The youths and students, made up of over 65% of the voting population, are an important asset of the state hence youthful participation in governance is vital and a lifeline to the overall progress of the state. Suffice it to say the importance of the participation of Ondo state youths who are community oriented, know the state and have served in various capacities as youth and students’ leaders, community mobilizers, election observers, social disruptors and grassroot stakeholders, cannot be overstated.

Without mincing words, the gap between the students, the youths and the government can only be bridged by the recognition of valuable stakeholders in this constituency.

Who are these stakeholders? Why are they valuable?

These stakeholders are seasoned activists, community leaders, youth advocates who have been actively involved in the polity both online and offline. They are committed to seeing a better Ondo state vis-á-vis friendly students community and a rising generation of future leaders.

It is on this note that His Excellency, Mr Governor is implored to prioritize competence, street relatability cum credibility in selection of youths’ and students’ leaders, this act of meticulousness will not only serve as a catalyst for good governance but will also enhance the active participation of the youths and students in the day-to-day administration of good governance.

Mr Governor, kindly treat this as a matter of urgency taking inference from the Yoruba parlance “Tí ògiri ò bá la’nu, aláǹgbá ò lè r’áyè wọ̀ ọ́ (If there are no crevices in the wall, the lizard cannot penetrate into the wall)”.

Thank you, our ever listening, progressive and peoples’ Governor.

Ayokunle Arosoye Writes from Oke-Dogbon, Ogho.

Frontline gubernatorial aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. John Ola Mafo has expressed shock at the news of the passing of former Ondo State Chairman of the Party, Dr. Jacob Gbakinro. Dr. Gbakinro was chairman of the Party between 1999 and 2001.

In a statement personally signed by Hon. Mafo and released to newsmen on Monday afternoon in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Mafo described Gbakinro as a fearless and blunt leader who offered immeasurable value to the Party in Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government and the entire State at large. “Baba Gbakinro was always available to give insightful takes on issues as it relates to the development and unity of the Party. He stayed committed to the cause of the party till his dying minutes. We will rue this loss beyond what words can say.” he said.

“I will like to extend my heartfelt prayers and condolences to his immediate family, the people of Ile Oluji, Ondo South senatorial district, Ondo State and the entire Party structures across Ondo State and Nigeria. Baba has left a lasting legacy that will stand the test of time and I believe we should all take solace in that fact. May he rest well at the bosom of the Lord.” he said. 

Baba Gbakinro was a medical doctor and the chief medical director of his private hospital in Ile Oluji. A renowned politician and philanthropist, he was pivotal to the unity and development of the Party in Ondo State.

The Peoples Democratic Party Ondo State Chapter is saddened by the news of the death of its former State Chairmen, Dr Jacob Gbakinro which occurred on Sunday, 31st March, 2024. 

In a statement released on Monday afternoon at Akure by Hon. Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, the Party said “Dr Gbakinro, a medical doctor-turned politician from Ile Oluji /Oke Igbo Local Govt Area of Ondo State served as the State Chairman of the party between 1999-2001.He would be remembered for his frankness, wittiness and joviality which he graciously employed to enliven the party and win many souls without losing party discipline. He was generally referred to as “Babalawo”, Native Doctor in spite of his known professional calling as a medical Doctor.”

“The party commiserates with the immediate family of the departed leader, party members from Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government and Ondo State in general and beseeches God to strengthen the party, and particularly, the immediate family to bear this irreplaceable loss.”

 

Leading Gubernatorial aspirant in the PDP and former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon Agboola Ajayi has called on Christians to emul ate the themes of love, forgiveness and emphathy embedded in the passion of Christ as we celebrate another Easter, this was contained in a statement signed by Sam Ogunmusi, Spokesman of Agboola Ajayi Campaign Organisation.

He urged Christians to concentrate on the very deep meaning of the gift of Jesus Christ to humanity by the Almighty God as an opportunity to gain life everlasting.

Ajayi urged Christians to know that “without love, there won’t be forgiveness, without friendship and sincere amity, progress will be too difficult to be attained. Only love and understanding remains the key to eschewing all divisive tendencies that threaten societal peace and progress” 

“We must recognise that we are at a time that all hands must be on deck as we embark on another phase of actions geared towards recruiting our next Governor, thus we must be careful to make a man who will work very sincerely for the progress of the State. It is common knowledge that I have served our dear State dexterously and will hit the ground running if entrusted with this responsibility.”

While appealing to the people to be moderate in their celebration during this period, Ajayi counselled against drunkenness, even as he appealed to motorists to be vigilant and careful on the wheels, concluding that ” it is only the living that will have the opportunity to partake in the new Ondo state that will evolve through me after you must have given me the mandate to redirect the Ship our dear state”.

Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), the leading gubernatorial aspirant for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, has extended his warm Easter greetings to all Christians across the globe.

Akingboye in a message made available in Akure on Friday called on all, particularly the people of Ondo State, to embrace Christ-like values and virtues such as compassion for others, love, resilience and hope symbolized in the ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

“Easter signifies love, compassion, sacrifice and eternal hope among others. It reminds us of the power of sacrifice, forgiveness and redemption, all of which we all must imbibe as citizens for our society to truly triumph and prosper,” Akingboye stated. 

“It is in the spirit of Easter that we all must collectively work and make needed sacrifices in love towards rebuilding our dear state, rising above our differences.

“It is my prayer that the Easter celebration will be a time for us to reflect so as to make decisions that will usher in a new dawn of progress and prosperity for Ondo State and her people,” Akingboye added in his statement.

 

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State command, CP Abayomi P. Oladipo felicitates with Christian faithfuls on the celebration of Easter in the state. This was contained in a statement released to newsmen on Thursday morning in Akure and signed by SP. Funmilayo Odunlami- Omisanya, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer. 

“The CP has directed through the Commands Operation Order intense visibility patrols, security of highways,public places within the command to ensure the people of the state enjoy a crime-free celebration. Strategic deployment of human and police operational assets to flash points to forestall any form of breach in security during the pasqua celebration have been mapped out and relayed to appropriate departments to prevent crime and criminality during the festive period.” The statement read.

“Area Commanders, DPOs and heads of Tactical units have been charged to dominate their AOR to avoid any untoward incident. Officers of the command have been warned to be firm, thorough and professional in the discharge of their duties.”

“The CP equally adjure the people of the state to be security conscious, celebrate within the ambit of the law and report any suspicious movements or happenings to the nearest Police Station and other law enforcement officers. Happy Celebration.”

The political and campaign camp for the gubernatorial election of Rt. Hon. Mayowa Akinfolarin, expressed sadness over the sudden demise of Dr. Paul Akintelure, who answered the glorious call after a brief illness Tuesday morning. Dr. Paul, the Otunba of Osooro Land until his death, was a medical doctor, renowned entrepreneur and an accomplished farmer. 

An All Progressive Congress(APC) aspirant in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State, Otunba lived an exemplary life evident in his conduct as a professional in politics and grassroot mobilizer. As the running mate of Late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in the 2012 Ondo election, he demonstrated huge traits of political maturity and took the development of the state as his top priority. 

According to a statement, signed by the campaign organization spokesperson, Oluwagbenga Ajongbolo, the good doctor, with his other comrades, including President ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had a nationwide influence on the founding and preservation of the APC, which has now grown across the country. 

“Otunba was there, right from the beginning. He was a rallying point for foundational members of All Progressives Congress and was with the party since its formation stage. His contributions to building the party, both in Ondo State and the whole nation cannot be overemphasized. 

“We send our condolences to the family and entire people of Ikale Land. We are assured of God’s continuous protection of the family and friends he left behind. May they be granted the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”

Otunba(Dr.) Paul Akintelure hailed from Igbotako, Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State. 

 

Ahead of the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on April 25, a leading aspirant, Dr Paul Akintelure has reportedly died.

SunshineReporters gathered that Akintelure a medical doctor from Igbotako and a President Tinubu ally, died in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness.

Credible family sources informed our correspondent that Akintelure gave up the ghost in Lagos.

As of the time of filing this report, the family are yet to officially announce the development.

Akintelure has last week in a statement raised alarm that unnamed persons were threatening his life over the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

He was the running mate to the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu during the 2012 governorship election under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)

 

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has confirmed the escape of Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Binance regional manager for Africa, from lawful custody.

A statement by Head of strategic communication at ONSA, Zakari Mijinyawa, on Monday, said “preliminary investigation shows that Mr Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.”

“The personnel responsible for the custody of the suspect have been arrested, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention,” the statement said.

SunshineReporters earlier reported the development quoting an online newspaper. Anjarwalla, 38, escaped on Friday, March 22, 2024, from the Abuja guest house where he and his colleague were detained after guards on duty led him to a nearby mosque for prayers in the spirit of the ongoing Ramadan fast.

Also, on Monday, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced that it has filed a four-count charge before a Federal High Court in Abuja bordering on tax evasion against Binance and its two executives, one of which is Anjarwalla.