News

Suspension Of Judge: Adeleke Fails To Swear In Acting Judge

Published

3 years ago

November 17, 2023

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke on Friday failed to swear in the newly appointed acting Chief Judge, Justice Olayinka Afolabi following the suspension of the substantive Chief Judge of the state, Justice Oyebola Ojo.

The Governor had on Thursday suspended Justice Ojo following the resolution of the House of Assembly that the CJ should step aside on the ground that it received a petition of corruption against her.

The Governor’s spokesperson Olawale Rasheed also stated that the appointed acting chief judge will be sworn in on Friday in order not to create a vacuum in the third arm of government.

However, journalists waited in the State Executive Lounge, the venue slated for the event since 10 am for the Deputy Governor’s arrival for the event.

Vanguard reports that as as at 4pm on Friday, neither the Deputy Governor, who had arrived at his office around 2 pm, nor Justice Olayinka Afolabi was at the Exco lounge for the swearing-in ceremony.

There is a short vacuum – Govt
Feelers inside the Governor’s office said the event had been postponed till Monday, However, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi stated that the swearing-in could not take place because the Deputy Governor just informed the National Judicial Council of the development and the State Government awaits their decision on the matter.

He acknowledged that a vacuum has been created at the third arm of government in the state because they are awaiting the verdict of the NJC.

“It is true a short vacuum has been created. This emanated from the fact that we are awaiting the verdict of the NJC on the matter. The woman has been asked to step aside and the process followed the provision of the constitution”, he said.

Meanwhile, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations under the aegis of The Osun Masterminds, TOM, described the House of Assembly’s “Step Aside” resolution as a display of “Youthful exuberance”.

Professor Wasiu Oyedokun, who spoke with journalists on Friday, disclosed that the Assembly has turned itself into a rubber stamp used by the executive to legitimise every illegality.

“It is scary to think that the current Osun State House of Assembly is acting with youthful exuberance. This will be antithetical to the huge responsibilities on their shoulders, to stabilize democratic governance in our dear State. The Assembly is expected to carry itself with more poise than this open display of sycophancy, impatience and stark ignorance of our laws and the limits of their powers as an Assembly”, it stated.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun state in a statement by its Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal described the removal of Justice Ojo as Chief Judge as illegal and vindictive, saying Governor Adeleke and his compromised House of Assembly acted beyond their authority by venturing into the illegal suspension of the state Chief Judge.

“It is disheartening to observe that Adeleke who had enjoyed the unfettered blessings of the judiciary in the past is now working against the judicial arm of government by abusing the court process and dragging the vital institution of the government in the mud”, it reads.

News

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

Published

15 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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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.