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Edo Tribunal: PDP, APC Lawyers Bicker Over Alleged Threats To Witnesses

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Thursday, had a spat at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal over alleged threats to witnesses.

Shortly after Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel commenced sitting, Ken Mozia, SAN, lead counsel for the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, alleged that some witnesses billed to testify in the matter, have been threatened.

Mozia, SAN, noted that though the names of the proposed witnesses were coded through the use of acronyms, he said identities of the witnesses were known through the roles they played during the governorship election that was held on September 21, 2024.

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“My lord, we gave them (Respondents) the list of witnesses. But what they did to some of those witnesses was beyond imagination, to the extent that some of them are afraid to come and testify,” the petitioners’ counsel added.

READ ALSO: Edo Govt Faces Legal Battle As Sacked Officials Challenge Termination

He told the tribunal that he earlier drew the attention of APC’s counsel, Mr. Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, to what the witnesses were being subjected to.

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However, his allegation did not go down well with senior lawyers who appeared for respondents in the petition that is seeking to nullify Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election.

Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, described the allegation as baseless.

“My lord, this is unfortunate that my learned friend is involving us in this phantom allegation,” Ikpeazu, SAN, responded, complaining that the petitioners failed to furnish him with a list of particular witnesses they planned to call for the day.

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Likewise, counsel for the APC, Mr. Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, dismissed the allegation, insisting that the petitioners knew what to do if their witnesses were threatened.

My lords, if there are criminal activities going on, they know what to do and who to meet.

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“It is not for them to come here to make blanket statements,” Ukala, SAN, stated.

Still maintaining his position, counsel for the petitioners, said: “My lord, I had earlier approached him (Ukala) and I even sent him videos of the alleged threats to our witness.

“To say that it is not real or phantom, my lord that is not fair.”

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READ ALSO: Plateau Gov Sacks Five Commissioners, Names Replacements

“My lord the video he shared with me had nothing to do with list of witnesses. By then, the schedule of witnesses was not even filed.

“I gave him the assurances that I gave him when he showed the videos to me, and since then, he has not brought any issue to my attention,” APC’s lawyer, Ukala, SAN, insisted.

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Not ready to be drawn into the brawl, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Kpochi, urged the petitioners to furnish the respondent with the list of witnesses, ahead of time.

My appeal is that you give them list of witnesses that are prepared for the next day,” Justice Kpochi added.

Meanwhile, the Ward Agent of the PDP in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Eseigbe Victor, has mounted the witness box to testify for the petitioners.

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READ ALSO: Edo Tribunal: Ighodalo, PDP Field More Witnesses

It will be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared that Okpebholo of the APC secured a total of 291, 667 votes to defeat his closet rivalry, Ighodalo of the PDP, who got a total of 247, 655 votes.

However, aggrieved by the outcome of the poll, the PDP and its candidate approached the tribunal, praying it to nullify INEC’s declaration of the APC and Okpebholo as winners of the contest.

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The petitioners, among other things, contended that the governorship election was invalid because of alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.

They equally argued in the petition marked: EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, that Governor Okpebholo of the APC did not secure the highest number of lawful votes that were cast at the election.

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Ajayi Crowther Varsity Appoints First Female VC

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The Governing Council of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, has announced the appointment of Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole as the new Vice-Chancellor of the university.

This was contained in a statement issued by the university and made available to The PUNCH on Thursday.

In the statement, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Adebayo, was hailed as an exceptional and distinguished administrator, “whose leadership over the past five years elevated the institution to new heights.”

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Adebayo’s tenure as ACU VC comes to an end at the end of this month.

Speaking during a ceremony held to celebrate Prof Adebayo after the University’s Governing Council meeting on Wednesday, Chairman of the council and Pro Chancellor of the University, Dr Olutoyin Okeowo, said that the external auditor’s report submitted to the council indicated ‘tremendous’ growth while also unveiling Prof Ebunoluwa Oduwole as the incoming Vice-Chancellor.

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Okeowo said, “Between the period that Prof Adebayo became the Vice-Chancellor in 2020 and now, this University has witnessed tremendous growth. I must say that this growth is being recorded at a time that the nation is going through a challenging economy.

“Those in economic management and finance expert will understand this; if you look at the micro economic indices of the country in the past five years, you would see that it has been quite challenging. Most institutions that are not well managed or do not have someone that is very creative and disciplined at the helms of affairs are not likely to stand the economic storm we have had in this country.

“But Prof Adebayo has been able to ensure yearly growth of this University. I want o say this is highly commendable. On behalf of Anglicans in the Supra West, I want to say thank you.”

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The Pro-Chancellor expressed appreciation for the support of the University’s management, principal officers and all staff in ensuring the success of Prof. Adebayo’s tenure, noting that the council recognises their contributions and remains grateful to everyone.

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Okeowo continued, “In our meeting today, it was made clear that a tree does not make a forest. Prof Adebayo has achieved so much simply because he has a team; dedicated team, principal officers and members of the University’s staff. You all contributed to his success in the past five years, so on behalf of all Anglicans in the Supra West, I want to say thank you to you all. It is a team work that worked so well”

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The council chairman restated the goal of the council to develop the University and elevate its ranking among the best institutions in the world.

When we came on board, we had a clear goal and objective that this University must be ranked among the best 1000 Universities in the world. That is still our objective and I have the assurance that you can still deliver on that,” he said

Okeowo also introduced Prof Adebayo’s successor, Prof Ebunoluwa Oduwole, calling for the cooperation of all staff to ensure that she also records a successful tenure in office.

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Let me also use this opportunity to welcome the incoming Vice Chancellor, Prof, Mrs Ebunoluwa Oduwole. She is making history as the first female Vice-Chancellor of this University. I am sure that you will give her the best cooperation so that she will excel in all ramifications. Support he also with your prayers,” said Okeowo.

While praising the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Willliams Aladekugbe, who is also a member of the governing council, said it was not a mistake that Prof. Adebayo was chosen five years ago to lead the University.

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The choice of Adebayo was not a mistake but a blessing. Under his watch, the University has recorded several achievements in academic and infrastructural developments. It means God was with us while making the choice,” said Aladekugbe.

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The outgoing VC Adebayo had, on June 20, 2025, lauded the Mind Education programme, which has been integrated into the university’s curriculum, as a “highly impactful initiative” that is already yielding significant positive outcomes for its students.

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Speaking after a three-day Mind Education Camp, spearheaded by the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Ronke Ogunmakin, and supported by a team of Mind Educators from South Korea, Adebayo highlighted the programme’s global reach and proven track record.

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Tinubu Unveils Plan To Restart Oil Production In Ogoniland

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President Bola Tinubu has moved to restart oil production in Ogoniland in Rivers State.

The president disclosed this on Wednesday when he conferred posthumous national honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, on the late Ogoni four; Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Theophilus Orage, and Samuel Orage.

Conferring the honours at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu urged the Ogoni people to embrace reconciliation and unity after decades of division.

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READ ALSO:Teacher In Police Net For Tying, Beating Pupil In Bauchi

He assured them of his administration’s support for peace, environmental remediation, and economic revival in the land.

“I am encouraged by the overwhelming consensus of the Ogoni communities to welcome the resumption of oil production.

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“The government will deploy every resource to support your people in this march towards shared prosperity,” he said.

READ ALSO:Nigeria Ready, Willing To Host Commonwealth Games — Tinubu

The president directed the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to begin engagements between Ogoni communities, NNPCL, and other stakeholders to finalise modalities for restarting operations.

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Earlier in his report, the NSA stated that the consultations engaged all four Ogoni zones and the diaspora, capturing demands for structured participation in oil production, accelerated cleanup, and sustainable development.

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Former Oyo Police Commissioner Is Dead

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A Former Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abiodun Odude is dead.

The shocking news of his death was shared by the Chairman, Ibadan branch of Government College, GCI Old Boys Association, Akin Orowale on the Association’s platform.

Abiodun Odude, an old boy of GCI, served as Oyo CP between 2017 and 2019.

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In the meantime, reactions have continued to trail the death of Odude.

READ ALSO:Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Is Dead

A former Director General, Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA), and GCI OBA stalwart, Dr Yinka Adepoju posted this on platform.

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Hmmm, another deep cut in the GCI Old Boys Association and Boys of 71 Set in particular!

“May the Soul of Biodun rest in peace as l pray that the Lord comforts all members of this Great 71Set and his entire family members, ‘Yinka Adepoju @71, 2356# Grierson”

So sad to lose such a personality NOW. But what can we do? Nothing absolutely than to wish him eternal rest and divine consolation to the loved ones left behind, particularly his immediate family and GCIOBA,” another old boy, who is an Ibadan based politician, Mr Adeniyi Adeoti said.

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The late Odude served in the Intelligence Department, Zone 2, Lagos State as Deputy Commissioner of Police, CID, Panti, Yaba; he was Commissioner of Police, Administration; Department of Finance and Admin., Force Headquarters, Abuja.

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