A court has ordered Oba Otudeko to appear for arraignment over an alleged N12.3bn fraud, while settlement talks are ongoing among parties

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered Oba Otudeko to appear for arraignment over an alleged ₦12.3 billion fraud.

However, the case has been adjourned to May 8, 2025, as parties explore a peaceful resolution.

During the hearing, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) expressed gratitude to the court and disclosed that all involved parties, including the prosecution, had met under the guidance of the Attorney General of the Federation on March 12 to discuss settlement options.

He requested an adjournment to allow further negotiations.

Other defence counsels, including Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Olumide Fusika (SAN), and Charles Adeosun-Phillips (SAN), confirmed the ongoing discussions and supported the request for adjournment.

They urged the court to allow room for a settlement rather than proceeding with the arraignment.

Despite the prosecution’s lawyer, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, suggesting an adjournment for either settlement or arraignment, the defence maintained that the court should focus solely on monitoring the settlement process to prevent prejudice.

Ogunwumiju (SAN) further noted that the Attorney General had advised all parties to refrain from filing additional legal motions to facilitate a smooth negotiation.

Following these submissions, Justice Aneke ruled in favour of an adjournment, scheduling the next hearing for May 8, 2025, for a report on the settlement discussions.

This case is linked to an ongoing debt recovery suit filed by Ecobank against Otudeko, which has also faced multiple delays.

The outcome of the settlement talks could determine whether the fraud charges proceed to trial.

To recognize his governance efforts, Otunba Daniel Olugbenga, of Ogun East Senatorial District, has been selected to receive the Dubai People’s Choice Legislative Excellence Award.

According to correspondence dated March 3, the senator has been nominated and invited to attend the award ceremony scheduled for June 6, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The event is described as “a global platform for recognition and engagement” that will bring together policymakers, government officials, business leaders, and international dignitaries.

The award is reportedly a collaborative initiative organized by Africa International Chambers (AIC) and Souq Nexus, facilitated by Integrated Management Resources (IMR). It aims to honor legislators who have demonstrated commitment to legislative excellence, democratic governance, and transformative constituency development.

The letter highlights Otunba Daniel’s “legacy of impactful representation,” citing his dedication to strengthening democratic institutions, implementing strategic policies, and championing community-driven development. The document specifically mentions his work in the 10th Assembly focusing on infrastructure development and enhancing people’s capacity and livelihoods.

The nomination notice is signed by Prof. Raju Chandrasekhar, Chairman of the Joint Award Screening Committee in Dubai.

In Ogun State’s political landscape, few individuals have demonstrated the level of desperate attention-seeking and baseless mudslinging as Tunde Oladunjoye. His latest diatribe against former Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) regarding the renaming of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) is yet another attempt to distort history and mislead the public.

Oladunjoye’s style of politics mirrors that of Okikiola Habeeb, popularly known as Portable, the controversial musician known for erratic outbursts and a flair for self-inflicted chaos. Like Portable, Oladunjoye thrives on controversy, surviving on political mercenary tactics to remain relevant. His track record of false accusations, betrayal, and shameless propaganda is well documented.

This is the same man who once accused former Governor Ibikunle Amosun of attempting to assassinate him, only to later align with the same political camp. He has attacked OGD, turned against Governor Dapo Abiodun, betrayed Wale Adedayo, and even faced allegations of sexual harassment while running an NGO in Abeokuta. Oladunjoye’s history is one of inconsistency, deception, and desperate bids for political survival.

Dapo Abiodun’s Role in the TASUED Crisis

At a time when the nation is celebrating the visionary leadership that established Nigeria’s first University of Education—TASUED—Oladunjoye has chosen to tarnish history with falsehoods. It was OGD’s foresight that placed Ogun State on the global educational map, making TASUED a beacon of excellence, much like Cambridge and Oxford, which have defined their regions for centuries.

However, the real threat to TASUED did not come from OGD, as Oladunjoye falsely claims, but from the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, under whom Governor Dapo Abiodun played a key role. In 2012, a committee set up by Amosun recommended the scrapping of TASUED and its merger with Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU). That committee was chaired by none other than Dapo Abiodun. If not for the resistance of Ogun State’s intellectuals, traditional rulers, and concerned stakeholders, TASUED would have been erased from existence.

Rather than support the growth of this great institution, Governor Dapo Abiodun has spent the last five years crippling it. Under his administration, TASUED has suffered massive neglect, underfunding, and administrative instability. The university, which once flourished under OGD’s leadership, has been left to struggle under a governor who prioritizes political patronage over educational development. Lecturers and students have faced delayed salaries, decaying infrastructure, and a lack of necessary resources to maintain academic excellence.

OGD’s Legacy Vindicated

It is therefore ironic that the same individuals who once sought to destroy TASUED are now attempting to rewrite history. The Federal Government’s decision to adopt TASUED as a federal institution is a direct vindication of OGD’s vision and leadership. It confirms that true leadership is about building institutions, not destroying them.

Tunde Oladunjoye’s latest attack is nothing more than a desperate attempt to curry favor with the incumbent administration. Having no known professional achievements, he has built a career on attacking Ogun State’s distinguished sons to stay relevant. But history is already passing judgment on him.

Unlike OGD, who will be remembered for his contributions to education and governance, what would Oladunjoye’s principal, Dapo Abiodun, be remembered for? Can anyone in Ogun State points to one legacy project that could be credited to the current governor?

As Ogun State moves forward, let us celebrate true leaders and ignore political jesters who seek only to divide and mislead.