APPEAL COURT REAFFIRM OMOAJE AS ACTION ALLIANCE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

The leadership tussle rocking the Action Alliance (AA) may have finally been laid to rest as the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal on Friday confirmed Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as the authentic national chairman of the party.

The judgment delivered by Justice A.B Mohammed may have put an end to claim by one Kenneth Udeze, who is said to have been expelled from the party, that he is the national chairman of the party.

Justice A B Mohammed who presided over the court held that Omoaje is the only authentic and recognized national chairman of the Action Alliace and should be given the recognition forthwith.

Recalled that two counsel had attempted to represent the Action Alliance in a case instituted by Hon Awoniyi Awolola Awofala the Governorship candidate of Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje leadership of the party against Dr Olufemi Adeyemi of Kenneth Obidiche Udeze faction of the party at an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta.

However, the Friday ruling of the Court of Appeal has given credence to the candidates presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the Hon Omoaje led faction of the party.

It would be recalled that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had penultimate week ordered INEC to display the list of all the candidates presented to it by Omoaje at all levels.

With the ruling, Major Hamzat Al-mustapha who is said to be the presidential candidate of the party and others seeking elective positions under the Kenneth Udeze led faction may have their candidature forfeited.

In his ruling, Justice Mohammed upheld the ruling of the Ogun State High Court which recognized Omoaje as the national chairman of the Action Alliance.

The court held that the leadership of Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje is the only one recognized by the constitution of the party, as Kenneth Udeze had long been expelled from the party.

Besides, the court affirmed the suspension and subsequent expulsion of Udeze from the party.

Reacting to the Friday’s judgment, the National Chairman of the AA, Hon Omoaje described the judgment as a landmark victory for the rule of law and democracy.

He warned members of the party and general public not to have anything to do with Udeze on behalf of the Action Alliance.

He said all the contestants seeking elective posts at different levels in the party, aside the ones he submitted their names to INEC do so at their own peril.

2023: ACTION ALLIANCE WARNS AL-MUSTAPHA, OTHERS AGAINST IMPERSONATION

Following the Friday sack of Major Hamzat Al-mustapha as the presidential candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the party has warned Al-mustapha against parading himself as the party’s presidential flag bearer.

Also, the party warned others contesting various elective positions in the Kenneth Udeze led faction of the party to desist from parading themselves as the party’s flag bearer or face litigation.

Besides, the AA described as fallacy a statement credited to one Mr Emmanuel Johnson Chukwuka that himself and Major Hamzat Al-mustapha are still in the race to contest the 2023 presidential election.

National chairman of the party, Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje in his reaction to Chukwuka statement said the judgment delivered by Justice Z.B Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Abuja was not ambiguous, hence Chukwuka and his co-travellers should be able to interpret it.

Omoaje in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure yesterday, said, by the judgment of the Federal High Court Abuja which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to display the list of candidates he submitted, Al-mustapha seized to be the party’s presidential candidate.

He advised both Al-mustapha and Chukwuka to respect the rule of law and prevent being charged for contempt as the party would not hesitate to charge them for impersonation and contempt if they continue to parade themselves as the presidential and Vice presidential candidates of the party respectively.

The AA National Chairman said the judgment was clear and unequivocal on the list of candidates to be displayed by INEC in it’s offices and on its website.

Also, Omoaje called on INEC to respect the court order and act fast, saying that “as a respected and independent institution, we expect INEC to act fast on the order of the Federal High Court Abuja delivered on Friday by His Lordship, Justice Abubakar.”

“The party will continue to toe the path of honour and we shall not undermine due process and rule of law in all our activities. The Action Alliance is one and all those who are out to destroy the party have been shown the way out,” he added.

ACTION ALLIANCE: OMOAJE FLOORS UDEZE AS COURT ORDERS INEC TO DISPLAY PARTY’S CANDIDATES SUBMITTED BY OMOAJE

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to display the list of candidates seeking various elective positions under the Hon. Adekunle Rufai Omoaje faction of the Action Alliance (AA).

The court presided over by Justice Z.B Abubakar also held that the electoral body erred by failing to give recognition to the list of candidates submitted to it by Omoaje who is the National Chairman of the Action Alliance.

Omoaje had on behalf of himself and the Action Alliance approached the court to seek redress on the non recognition of the candidates submitted to INEC by him on behalf of the party.

By the judgement of the court, the candidates already announced by INEC including the presidential candidate, Major Hamzat Al-mustapha (rtd) are expected to be substituted by the list of candidates submitted by Omoaje.

Al-mustapha had earlier been announced as the presidential candidate of the AA by INEC and his name was already published in the website of the electoral body.

However, with the latest court judgment, Al-mustapha may be replaced by another person who gained the blessing of Hon Omoaje.

Recalled that Sunday Sun had exclusively reported that Al-mustapha might risk loosing the AA’s presidential ticket going by the litigation against him.

Delivering his ruling on Friday, Justice Abubakar who cited section 2(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 should immediately publish the names and addresses of all candidates submitted by Omoaje on behalf of the Action Alliance.

“By the provision of section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the INEC should publish by displaying at the relevant office or offices of INEC and on its website.”

AKINRUN : POLICE WARN AGAINST VIOLENCE, THREATEN TO ARREST RIOTERS

Osun State Police command has warned the people of Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State against violence over the appointment of the new Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Olalekan Yunus Akadiri by the state government.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Faleye Sunday Olaleye handed down the warning at a peace parley held at the command headquarters in Osogbo on Tuesday.

The Police boss who met with the warring groups including prominent indigenes of the town and some traditional chiefs declared that he would not hesitate to arrest any individual who violates his order.

He advised any aggrieved individual or group of people to approach the court to seek redress, rather than engaging in breakdown of law and order.

The Police commissioner who frowned at the crisis which erupted in Ikirun as a result of the emergence of Oba Akadiri, warned against further mayhem in the town, just as he read the riot acts to residents of the town.

He cautioned members of the various ruling houses in the town against violent and charged them to respect the laws of the land.

It was gathered that the parties at the meeting resolved to embrace peace and allow harmony in the town.

Akinrun NOT BARRED FROM PALACE – IKIRUN CHIEF
. SAYS NEW MONARCH IN SECLUSION OBSERVING RITES OF INSTALLATION

A traditional chief in Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, High Chief Bamidele Onifade has dispelled rumours making the round that the new traditional ruler of the town, Oba Olalekan Akadiri was barred from entering the palace.

Onifade who is the Elemo of Ikirun said the new monarch is currently in seclusion observing traditional rites as prescribed by the tradition and culture of the town.

He said “Oba Akadiri is currently in Ipebi as the tradition and custom of the town demand. He will be in seclusion for some days after which he will move to the palace. That is the practice in Ikirun.”

The High Chief noted that the rumor that the monarch was barred from entering the palace was the figment of imagination of some disgruntled elements who are not comfortable with the choice of Oba Akadiri.

He informed that the new monarch has commenced all traditional rites leading to his installation as the Akirun of Ikirun.

He advised anyone with grievances regarding the choice of the monarch by the Osun State government to approach the court and stop engaging in violence.

Onifade who is also the Oluomo of Ikirun maintained that the emergence of Oba Akadiri as the Akirun of Ikirun, followed all laid down traditional practices governing the selection and appointment of the Akirun.

DUE PROCESS FOLLOWED IN APPOINTING AKADIRI AS NEW AKIRUN – ONIFADE

A prominent traditional Chief in Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, High Chief Bamidele Onifade has declared that due process was followed in the appointment of the new Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Olalekan Akadiri.

Chief Onifade who is the Elemo Aga of Ikirun while featuring on a Fresh FM programme on Sunday informed that all traditional rites and processes were followed before the state government announced Oba Akadiri as the new monarch.

The traditional Chief stated that six of the Kingmakers voted for Akadiri to emerge the prefered traditional ruler of the town while one one kingmaker voted for his main contender.

He said the ruling of an Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo presided over by Justice Jide Falola led to the emergence of a candidate from the Obaara ruling house, as it was originally the turn of the Gboleru ruling house to produce Akirun.

He noted that the court directed that the Obaara ruling house should present candidate for the stool of Akirun and same was done by the family after which the Kingmakers voted and Akadiri emerged through majority vote.

Onifade who is also the Oluomo of Ikirun said the necessary traditional rites were done in accordance with the culture of Ikirun.

He appreciated the state government for allowing the wish of the people to see the light of the day through the appointment of Oba Akadiri.

He described the new monarch as a peace loving person who will work hard for the progress and development of the town, calling on all indigenes of the town to support him.

IKIRUN: STAKEHOLDERS HAIL AKADIRI’S EMERGENCE AS NEW AKIRUN
Eminent personalities and leaders of thought in Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State have lauded the appointment of Oba Olalekan Akadiri as the new Akirun of Ikirun.

The stakeholders in Ikirun among whom are traditional chiefs, honorary Chiefs and prominent business men and women described the selection and subsequent appointment of Oba Akadirias the best thing to have happened to Ikirun.

Osun State government had last week announced the appointment of Oba Akadiri as the new Akirun of Ikirun.

Akadiri who hails from the Oba Ara ruling house succeeds Oba Rauf Olayiwola Adedeji 11 who joined his ancestors last year.

The stakeholders also prayed to God to grant the new monarch the wisdom and knowledge to direct the affairs of the town, just as they called on all the indigenes of the town to rally round the monarch for him to succeed.

Besides, they called on all aggrieved parties to sheath their swords and support the monarch in moving the town forward.

Also, they called on all residents of the town to allow peace reign in the ancient town, even as they enjoined all and sundry to maintain peace in the interest of the town.

2023: AKIRE OF IKIRE-ILE CHARGES JOURNALISTS ON OBJECTIVE REPORTS

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, a prominent traditional ruler in Osun State, the Akire of Ikire-Ile, Oba Abdulazees Olatunbosun has charged journalists to be objective and truthful in their professional activities.

The monarch spoke in Osogbo, the state capital on Tuesday at a public lecture organized by the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

He said “As we approach the 2023 general elections, I enjoin the Nigerian media to remain an impartial and patriotic participant in the activity that would usher in new sets of political leadership in the country.”

His words “The legislature has a unique and crucial role to play in the development of democratic governance through the production of appropriate laws and carry out oversight functions to engender societal progress and make life more meaningful for the people. To do this, the legislature has to remain people centered, progressive minded and God fearing.

“We live at a time in Nigeria where governance requires the support, patience and participation of everyone to succeed. In the glorious Qur’an, the Lord of the universe, Allâh says in part:

“Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancour” (Qur’an 5:2).

“The legislature could be of great help to the executive and the people if members could be more circumspect in their relationship with the executive arm of government.

“For instance, Sir Celestine Ngozichim Omehia was sworn-in as the fourth Governor of Rivers State, on 29th May 2007, but his victory was annulled by the Supreme Court on 25th October, 2007 and Mr Chibuike Amaechi was sworn-in as Governor having been declared to be the legitimate PDP governorship candidate. The decision of the Supreme Court is that Omehia was never a governor and so should not be referred to as a former governor.

“However when Governor Wike came to power in 2015, he felt that Omehia should be recognized as a former governor, and somehow, the House of Assembly went ahead to support this idea to recognize Omehia as a former governor contrary to the Supreme Court ruling.

“The motion was perfected, moved and approved as a result of which Omehia enjoyed all the privileges of the State as a former governor including statutory payments.

“Few days ago however, the Rivers State House of Assembly in her wisdom decided to derecognize Omehia as a former governor because recognizing him as a former governor was contrary to the Supreme Court ruling. So, Governor Nyesom Wike signed to effect the legislative instrument of de-recognizing Omehia as former governor on Friday 7th October, 2022.

“But that did not come until he has been paid N695.5 million as former governor for over seven years. He was then asked to refund the money he was paid in seven years within seven days. This has led to a lot of arguments and counter arguments on a national scale. If the legislature had acted a little more independent, critically and carefully, maybe this scenario would have been completely avoided.

“Having said this, I like to commend the Osun State NUJ for this initiative to provide an annual platform for discussing pertinent issues of progress and development to Nigeria. As we approach the 2023 general elections, I enjoin the Nigerian media to remain an impartial and patriotic participant in the activity that would usher in new sets of political leadership in the country,” he added.

AREE STOOL: KINGMAKERS WARN AGAINST APPOINTMENT OF WARRANT CHIEF

The kingmakers in Iree, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State have cautioned the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke against appointment of warrant Chief, saying the appointment will hinder the process of appointing the best traditional ruler for the town.

The kingmakers alleged that the decision of Adeleke to appoint warrant Chief was to favour his preferred candidate for the stool of Aree of Iree.

The Commissioner who also hails from Iree was alleged to be sponsoring a candidate for the stool of Aree of Iree.

The stool became vacant about four years ago after the demise of Oba Jimoh Olayonu and all efforts to appoint a new traditional ruler for the town have yielded no positive result.

The kingmakers who condemned the decision of the commissioner to appoint warrant Chief, vowed to prevent bad precedence as they would reject moves by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to appoint Chief (Mrs) Serifat Adebayo, the Iyalode of Iree land to replace High Chief Jimoh Salami the late Easa of Iree.

It was gathered that the kingmakers were at a meeting to decide on the selection of a new monarch when they received a letter aappointings Serifat Adebayo as one of the Kingmakers.

The kingmakers said such development was alien to the tradition and culture of the town, stressing that the tradition of the town does not allow appointing women to join the kingmakers.

The Aogun Of Iree said it has never been in the history of Iree that a woman will be selected to be among the kingmakers, noting that such will not be entertained in their lifetime.

He said “when they brought the letter from the State government that Iyalode has been appointed to join the kingmakers, we rejected it. Anything that is capable of causing disunity or uproar in Iree over the selection of our monarch will not be allowed.

“If government said they want to force on us another chief to join the kingmakers, they should choose another person not a woman. It has never been in the history of Aree in Council that women are included in the selection of a new monarch. They should not do anything that will tamper with our culture and tradition.

“If government should be allowed to do whatever they wish, and we allowed it, history will not be kind to us after we might have left, because it is our names that people will be mentioning, nobody will talk about those who were in government when it was done.

Reacting, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke, said “The appointment of a warrant chief is the sole responsibility of the government through the Local government authority. Any reputable person in the community can be appointed.

“The chiefs or anybody does not have the right or power to reject anybody appointed by the Govt as warrant chief.

“I believe the local govt is ready to continue with the process but our King makers are to be enlightened as to what the law permit them to do and what they can not do. We have appointed several warrant chiefs through concerned Local govt authority where a kingmaker is dead and that of Iree can’t be an exception.

“We lost the Eesa of Iree sometimes ago and the government has appointed the respected Iyalode of Iree to replace him as king maker,” he said.

BEING ACCEPTANCE SPEECH AS THE CHAIRMAN, INAUGURATION COMMITTEE FOR THE SWEARING-IN OF OSUN STATE GOVERNOR ELECT, SEN. ADEMOLA JACKSON NURUDEEN ADELEKE DATED FRIDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2022.

Let me stand on the existing protocol.

All Glory and Honour to Almighty GOD for the privilege and opportunity to lead this enviable team.
On behalf of every member of this committee, I sincerely appreciate the Governor-elect of Osun State, His Excellency, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke for the confidence reposed in us to carry out this sensitive assignment, of organising a successful swearing-in for the commencement of government of human face in our dear state.

My appreciation also goes to the uncommon philanthropist, a true father, lover of mankind and a gift to this generation Dr. Deji Adeleke for his selfless and relentless efforts towards an egalitarian society and better life for the people of Osun State.

Our indefatigable Yeye Modupe Adeleke-Sanni and all members of Adeleke dynasty of Ede, who have contributed immensely in making today a reality we, cannot thank you enough for the tireless support to this course.

Also, I register my sincere gratitude to PDP Caretaker team led by Dr. Adekunle Akindele for holding the party together and navigated to the coast of victory at the polls during the governorship election held on 16th July 2022 that gave us reason we are celebrating today, more grace to you all.

While I congratulate every member of the committee, I must quickly acknowledge the fact that the grace of GOD through which this recognition has been obtained, must not be taken for or with levity hand in the delivery of the best and quality presentations that is expected of us.

For me, the Chairmanship of this epoch-making team is never a function of being the best of all or most qualified, it is however, simply a call to serve. So I implore every member of this committee and sub-committees to see this great task from that direction. It is neither an opportunity for egoism, but an avenue to contribute ones quota to make things better, acceptable, laudable and glorious.

It is on that premise that I applaud the dexterity and integrity of all party leaders and members, who worked assiduously to be at where we are at this point. Your loyalty, and dugged commitment can not be taken with levity hand.

It is a season of continued joy. We therefore need to congratulate one another and swing into action immediately to deliver the best ,on the assignment given us. Together, we shall bring into the fore, a fantastic outing to usher in the people’s government under the able leadership of “Imole”, the Governor-elect, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, come November 27th, by GOD’s grace.

I thank you all.

Reverend Samuel ‘Bunmi Jenyo (JP)
21/10/2022