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OPINION: Ondo’s Belated Burst Into The Anti-government Protest

Published

2 years ago

August 11, 2024

Death, an inescapable element of existence, has cast a somber shadow over Nigeria in recent days. The past ten days have been marred by an unsettling surge of violence, claiming lives and inflicting severe injuries upon many. My heartfelt condolences extend to the bereaved families. May the departed rest in serene peace.

Liberation movements, historically varied in their manifestations, have always seen valiant souls sacrificing their lives for freedom. Today, however, those very ideals are desecrated by leaders who prioritize personal gain over public good.

In recent days, Nigeria was engulfed in turmoil. Despite some factions retracting from the protests after being co-opted, the resolve of Nigerians to voice their discontent remained paramount as the unrest spread through major cities.

FROM THE AUTHOR: Nationwide Protest: The Killer Is Afraid Of Death [OPINION]

Attempts by the Tinubu-led administration to stifle the movement proved futile. His much-hyped nationwide address, anticipated to soothe the nation, instead turned out to be a farce, failing to address the fundamental grievances igniting the protests. Observers note that the authorities have learned nothing from the unrest, instead aggravating the situation with provocative remarks. Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s comment, “Let them protest in the streets, while we eat fat in our homes,” is a lamentable example of leadership failure. In more refined societies, such a statement would have led to immediate resignation, but in Nigeria, it barely raises an eyebrow.

Nigeria, I salute thee!

For detractors, the recent protests, despite instances of looting and destruction, delivered a potent message that will not be easily erased from memory.

Future demonstrations may diverge from the recent model, but they could become pivotal in our history if the underlying issues remain unaddressed.

Initially, Ondo’s youth were conspicuously absent from the early protests, similar to their stance during the 2020 #EndSARS movement. The state government was quick to bask in the glory, attributing the calm to their alleged youth-friendly policies. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was extolled, with suggestions that other states should emulate his supposed “magic.” Such praise, however, seemed premature and self-serving, especially with gubernatorial elections approaching in November. Speculation circulated about whether the youth had been pacified by financial inducements or if their hardships were less acute in Ondo. Although money did change hands among certain factions, it did not prevent the protests. As days passed, Ondo’s youth emerged in force, only to face arrests by the police, including a gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming election. This attempt to maintain the image of a peaceful state under Governor Lucky’s leadership backfired, igniting widespread discussion and dismantling the façade of the government’s purportedly friendly policies.

Since these arrests , various groups have called on the Governor to order their unconditional release or face the wrath of the people , including the National Association of Nigerian students (NANS).The sudden emergence of Ondo Youth in the protest should serve as a wake up call.If another round of protest arises due to bad governance ,it will not be a laughing matter .it is high time for governments at all levels to embrace transparency and make life more bearable for Nigerians before we reach the point no return.

Icon-James Tam
Writes from the creeks of Ogidigba 2, Ese-Odo LGA, Ondo

News

Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

4 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

20 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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