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Illegitimate Mandate: Time Ticks for Dapo Abiodun

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Fela Shodunke


The DNA of the March 18, 2023 Governorship election in Ogun State is being tested at the Governorship Election Tribunal in Aboekuta the State capital. Blood (Voters) samples have been drawn from polling units and forensic proofs suggest contamination in the electoral waters. A forensic audit of early samples is clear that Dapo Abiodun is a surrogate holder of the office and the “Governor” might just be standing by as a mere “Placeholder” pending the determination of the men and women of the Bench on the Tribunal Panel. The fate of the people and the fortune of Ogun State hangs on the clear justice and reports of the eminent jurists, who from available conduct and dispositions so far have exhibited good conscience and professionalism in the determination of the election petition.
Those who have followed the process at the tribunal in the past few weeks could draw their own conclusions. Where Mr. Dapo Abiodun got it wrong, his request to some officers of the electoral umpire at the twilight of the voting process was actually his greatest undoing; perhaps he might have been able to run away with a rerun, and maybe, just maybe he would have been able to neat up his desperate hold onto power. Documents and witnesses’ testimonies before the panel screams loudly about Abiodun’s last minute desperate request: “Just declare me winner first and I will go and sort out the rest in the court”. Of course, he got what he paid for, he was declared a winner, but not by INEC but by a proxy on rentals from the University of Ibadan. At least we can see the INEC as an institution at play in the court; the electoral umpire seems to be making a clear distinction between INEC officials who can make themselves available for purchases and INEC as an independent institution. It was the INEC as an Institution that is standing trial before the election petition tribunal and it appears to be distancing itself from the compromises of some of its officials. Their only mission in court is to verify and authenticate documents presented by all parties to the matter; INEC has sought to maintain its independence and neutrality in this matter. I dare say, this is good and healthy for our democracy.
As the clock ticks for his exit from Oke Mosan, just as the reality unfolding before the Tribunal speaks to a blatant abuse of power and profligate spending of the resources of Ogun State to buy anyone “buyable”, the question some have been asking in hushed tones is: will Mr. Dapo Abiodun goes back to claim his bet from The Proxy on rental who declared him a winner in a contest which he openly lost even when the process was not yet completed? This singular decision made an already bad situation worse for Dapo Abiodun where he had the last opportunity to muscle the last strain of energy to rewrite his own fortune. This opportunity was lost in clear desperation because now the tribunal panel will have to look into the books of a stolen mandate rather than into the records of an incomplete process.
The motley crowd of political jobbers in desperate negotiations for a re-appointments have been infecting the contaminated waters of Abiodun’s electoral heist; their reportorial of the court processes have been less impressive, they seem to have elevated the tribunal proceedings to a mere propaganda engagements and infesting the sore wounds and injuries to the common psyche of the people of Ogun State who have suffered the greatest injury to their economic well being under a “guy man” system of Administration in the last four years. It is surely a wrong season to be in court, when all manners of people are jostling for the placeholder Governor’s attention, they are trying to outdo one another for appointment and or re-appointments so they are throwing all manners of irons into the works whether they melt or not, they care less. 
The tribunal electoral theatre has been epic, parading all manner of actors; Dapo Abiodun’s Kinsmen from Iperu, Septugenarians, men of the clergy, traditional worshipers, Civil Servants and even staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission all swore that the election was rigged. These are clearly significant, especially when people can go to the extent of swearing by the god of iron to emphasize their deep convictions about Dapo Abiodun’s electoral heist.
Abiodun’s attempt to “mark” and ink himself to electoral victory became a litmus test for the vigilance of the men and women on the bench. It failed the integrity test.
It is equally significant that Ladi Adebutu’s legal team has its job well cut out for them; they have the facts and they will not waste anytime in presenting them. They did fastrack Abiodun’s exit from Oke Mosan by rounding off on their Witnesses and presentation in record time. One of the late Moshood Koasimawo Abiola’s (MKO) popular quotes was that “any business meeting that lasts more than 10 minutes is not going to be profitable, rather it is a waste of time”. Adebutu’s lawyers proved that they mean business, they are not out it waste the time of the courts or the tribunal panel; they have their facts, supported by unassailable evidence, and they went straight for it. Even the brilliance of erudite Prof. Osipitan collapses in the face of the overwhelming evidence; what the Abiodun legal team has left is to begin forum shopping for technicalities if at least to dance out of the cluster web built around them. 
Will the fate of the people of Ogun State be determined on technicalities or, will Providence and good conscience rise in the people’s support to ensure that Justice is done and will be seen to have been done based on Truth and available facts. Members of the panel will be the people’s heroes when they serve a sumptuous dish of Justice.
Fela Shodunke writes from Oke Ona, Egbaland.

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Politics

Ogundimu Congratulates New Lagos Assembly Speaker; Tasks Her On Restoring Assembly’s Dignity

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Former member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Honourable Dr Oluyinka Ogundimu, has congratulated the newly-elected Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Honourable Lasbat Mojisola Meranda on her new achievement.

Honourable Ogundimu described Rt Honourable Meranda’s election as well deserved nothing that the fact she was overwhelmingly voted for to lead the House by her colleagues was a testament of the confidence repose in her by them.

“That you were overwhelmingly voted for by your colleagues to lead them is a confirmation of their belief in your ability and capacity to lead them,” Dr Ogundimu said.

He stated further, “and having related, interacted and worked with you closely during the 8th and 9th Assemblies, I have no doubt that you have the ability to restore the Assembly glory and return it to its status of being above common standard of excellence”.

Dr Ogundimu, who was a member of the House in the 7th, 8th and 9th Assemblies, urged the lawmakers to rally round the new Speaker, support her and cooperate with her to make the House great again.

“It’s your collective responsibility to join hands with Rt Honourable Meranda to restore the dignity of the House,” he said


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Another Feather To Rasaq Ajala’s Cap, Bags NIPR Shinning Star Award

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Friday, 13 December, 2024, another day of glory for the Chairman of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area of Lagos, Honourable Rasaq Olusola Ajala at the prestigious MUSON Centre in the heart of Lagos.

It was the day the General Secretary of Conference 57, umbrella organisation for Council Chairmen in Lagos State bagged the Shinning Star Award for Grassroots Governance presented to him by the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

It was the Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards (LaPRIGA 2024) and the Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre was packed full.

At the event on that day, Ajala was the cynosure of eyes as the entire council management led by the Council Manager, Pastor (Mrs) Folake Otenaike; and the Treasurer, Mr Mujitaba Rufai-Karounwi were on hand to felicitate with him.

Ajala’s amiable but ever humble wife, Alhaja Muheebah Kehinde Ajala, was also on hand to ensure that everything went well in terms of reception for the guests.

The political class led by the Council’s Vice Chairman, Seyi Jakande; the Chairman of the Council’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Tunde Kazeem (TUNKAZ); the Secretary to the Local Government, Alhaji Mujeeb Daramola; and the Supervisor for Health Services, Honourable Nureni Ogunbona were present.

The elected councillors were led by the Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Council, Honourable Rilwan Ajenifuja were also on hand to felicitate with their Chairman.

The award was presented to the Odiolowo/Ojuwoye LCDA Chairman by his teacher and mentor, Pastor (Dr) Peter Ogudero.

The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NIPR, Mrs Comfort Obot Nwankwo, described Ajala as an astute grassroots politician who is well connected with his people.

“He is a man of the people, always in their midst and his programmes have always centred on improving their standard of living and enhancing their welfare,” she said.

An elated Ajala, while responding after the presentation of the award, expressed gratitude to the organisers which he described as a recognition from the homefront, “because I’m also a member of the NIPR”.

He assured the organisers and the people of his council that rather than rest on his oars with the award, he will continue to do more to enhance their welfare.

“The reward for hard work is more work and I want to assure you all that we will not rest on our oars with this award.

“This is an award won via collective team work hence I’m dedicating it to the elected, appointed, management and staff of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye LCDA and more, to the people of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye LCDA,” he said

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Business

From Business Maverick to Seasoned Politician: The Enduring Legacy of Otunba Gbenga Daniel

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In the archives of The Guardian newspaper, a publication dated February 29, 1988, reveals a fascinating story of a young and ambitious businessman, Mr. Gbenga Daniel. At the time, Daniel was the General Manager of H.F-Schroeder (W.A) Limited, a company that distributed Express and Sabiem lifts, Demag cranes, and Hoists.

The article highlights Daniel’s business acumen and strategic vision as he embarked on a European tour to explore new business opportunities. His itinerary included meetings with officials from Express Lift Company Limited in Northampton, Morganite International Limited in London, and Onan International in Peterborough.

Little did anyone know that this young businessman would go on to achieve greatness in multiple fields. After leaving Schroeder, Daniel established his own company, Kresta Laurel Ltd which became the first indigenous lift company in Nigeria. This bold move marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would take him to the pinnacle of success.

Today, Mr. Gbenga Daniel is known as Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), a renowned politician who has made an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape. A two-time governor of Ogun State, OGD has consistently demonstrated his commitment to public service and his ability to drive positive change.

Currently, OGD serves as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing the good people of Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly. His dedication to his constituents and his passion for nation-building have earned him a reputation as a respected and effective leader.

As we reflect on OGD’s remarkable journey, we are reminded that success is often the result of hard work, determination, and a willingness to take calculated risks. From his humble beginnings as a young businessman to his current status as a respected politician, Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s story is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and leadership


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