News

Things To Know About Dr Paul Akintelure, Ondo APC Gov Aspirant, Who Died Before Primaries

Published

1 year ago

March 26, 2024

Editor

The late Dr. Paul Akintelure was one of the frontline governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ondo State was announced dead Tuesday morning.

Dr Paul Akintelure’s death comes amid preparations for the APC governorship primary election scheduled for April 25.

Before his untimely demise, Akintelure had raised concerns about both direct and indirect threats to his life.

His background and educaton

Dr Paul Akintelure had expressed hope that the situation would improve over time but sadly, it escalated.

The late Dr. Paul Akintelure, was a distinguished medical practitioner and community leader. He was born in the vibrant town of Igbotako, Ondo State, Nigeria.

His journey in education began at St. Anthony’s RCM School, Omotosho, in 1967.

Following his family’s relocation, Dr Paul Akintelure continued his primary education at St. Pius Primary School, Igbotako, and excelled academically, completing his primary education in 1973.

Tragedy struck in 1978 when his father, Mr. S.O. Akintelure, a teacher, passed away in a road traffic accident.

Despite this setback, Dr. Paul Akintelure’s academic prowess earned him a government scholarship in 1976, witnessed by his late father.

Undeterred by the challenges, Dr. Paul Akintelure‘s journey took him to Manuwa Memorial Grammar School, Iju-Odo, in 1975, where his exceptional intelligence shone through.

He secured a Division One grade in the West African School Certificate Exams (WASCE) in 1980, a testament to his academic dedication.

His passion for medicine led him to decline offers from two polytechnics and the University of Benin, opting instead for a rigorous A-level program at the Federal Government College, Odogbolu.

This choice marked the beginning of his remarkable journey toward a medical degree at the University of Ibadan, where he obtained his MBBS in 1990.

Beyond his impressive academic achievements, Dr. Paul Akintelure is a devoted family man.

Blessed with four children, two girls, and two boys, he embodies the values of commitment and responsibility. His personal life reflects a balance between professional success and family values, demonstrating that excellence in one area need not compromise the other.

Scholarships, academic and professional Achievements

The journey to becoming a medical doctor was not without financial challenges for Dr. Paul Akintelure.

After the passing of his father, he faced the responsibility of supporting ten fatherless siblings. Notably, in 1976, the Ondo State government recognized his potential and awarded him a scholarship.

Further, the Igbotako Youth League, an elite organization, extended another scholarship to the promising scholar.

Akintelure’s proactive approach led him to secure a teaching position at Lubokun Comprehensive High School, Igbotako, to save for his future education, showcasing his resilience and commitment to his goals.

His academic journey culminated in his graduation from the University of Ibadan with an MBBS degree in 1990. His commitment to excellence was evident as he consistently secured top positions throughout his educational pursuits.

Beyond academia, he has become a distinguished medical practitioner, contributing to the well-being of the community.

His dedication to both education and community service has earned him the titles of Otunba of Osooro-land and Otunba of Ikale-land, reflecting the high regard in which he is held by his community.

Dr. Paul Akintelure’s life story is one of resilience, academic excellence, and community service.

From overcoming personal tragedies to achieving professional success, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring individuals in both the medical field and the broader community.

Dr. Paul Akintelure: Life of triumph over adversity

Late Akintelure‘s journey through university was marked by formidable challenges, a testament to his resilience in the face of adversity. Struggling against hunger, inadequacy, and the harsh realities of poverty, the young Paul Akintelure faced a defining moment.

Undeterred, he emerged victorious in his battle against the constraints of financial limitations.

During his internship at General Hospital, Lagos, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Comprehensive Health Centre in Ogunbayo, Abeokuta, Dr. Akintelure’s leadership qualities, dexterity, and unwavering dedication shone through.

His transformative impact on the Ogunbayo Health Centre, turning it into the busiest in the local government, attested to his exceptional work ethic.

This early professional experience laid the foundation for his future endeavors, showcasing a commitment to excellence that would define his medical career.

Brief stints at Island Maternity, Lagos, preceded the establishment of his private hospital, BROAD HOSPITAL, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey.

Philanthropy, leadership, and political engagement

Beyond his medical practice, Dr. Paul Akintelure has emerged as a compassionate leader, philanthropist, and active participant in local politics.

Recognized for his outstanding contributions to the community, he was honored with the title of Otunba of Ossooro-Land by HRM Oba Shadriack Gbadebo Bajowa in November 2005. This recognition was followed by the title of Otunba of Ikale-Land, conferred by the Abodi of Ikale-Land in December 2007.

Akintelure’s alignment with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in response to the community’s call further underscores his commitment to public service.

A true caring heart, Dr. Paul Akintelure has demonstrated his commitment to education by providing scholarships to forty-two students and counting across various higher learning institutions.

As an employer of labor, he contributes to job creation and economic development.

His benevolence extends to offering free medical services to indigent patients in Ondo, reflecting a public-spirited approach to healthcare. Dr. Paul Akintelure’s exemplary and kind-hearted initiatives have significantly impacted Ondo and Lagos states, making healthcare accessible and affordable to communities.

His background positions him as a force dedicated to liberating the people from the chains of poverty, illiteracy, and disease, marking him as a transformative figure in Ondo State.

Political journey and loyalty to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

Akintelure‘s political journey is marked by loyalty and dedication to the Progressive fold, particularly under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In 2008, after the defeat of the AC (Action Congress) in Ondo State, PBAT (presumably a political figure or group) called upon the Democratic People’s Alliance (DPA) to return to Ondo State and rebuild the party.

Recognizing DPA’s contribution to the AC’s victory in Alimosho local government in Lagos State, DPA willingly obliged. Dr. Akintelure played a pivotal role in the development of the party and was eventually urged to contest the senatorial election for Ondo South. His victory in the primary against the incumbent Senator Hosea Oladapo Ehinlanwo marked a significant achievement.

Dr. Paul Akintelure’s loyalty and commitment continued as he became the running mate to Akeredolu in 2012.

Despite signifying his intention to contest the 2016 APC primary for the governorship, he stepped down at the request of PBAT, demonstrating a strong adherence to party decisions and hierarchy.

The mention of Akintelure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of his long-time associates during a meeting with traditional rulers in Okitipupa speaks to the level of trust and loyalty he has earned within the political landscape.

Otunba Dr. Paul Akintelure‘s political resume is adorned with notable accomplishments and recognition within the APC (All Progressives Congress).

Serving as the ACN deputy governorship candidate to Aketi (Akeredolu) in the 2012 Ondo State gubernatorial election showcased his capability and trustworthiness.

His significance within the party was further emphasized when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu specifically mentioned him, along with Ambassador Sola Iji, as associates who had been with him for a long time.

This acknowledgment underscores Dr. Akintelure’s standing as a trusted and loyal political figure within the APC, particularly in the southern senatorial district of Ondo State.

The late Akintelure, was a long time associate of President Bola Tinubu.

News

Oba Of Benin Suspends Palace Chiefs

Published

8 hours ago

August 28, 2025

Editor

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has suspended two of his chiefs for falling for dereliction of duties.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor and made available to journalists in Benin City.

He said their suspension was as a result of their long absence from the palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their palace responsibilities.

The suspended persons are: Chief John Igiehon, the Izuwako of Benin and chief Aimiukpomonyako Oghogho (Ebengho), the Oyenmwensoba of Benin.

“The under-mentioned two (2) chiefs have been suspended from the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

“This is as a result of their long absence from the Palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their Palace responsibilities.

“The public is advised to be wary of unscrupulous chiefs that are no longer functioning in the Palace. His Royal Majesty has approved their _ Suspension and directed the public be duly informed.

“The names of the chiefs are: – ; 1. CHIEF JOHN IGIEHON, THE IZUWAKO OF BENIN and, _ 2 CHIEF AIMIUKPOMONYAKO OGHOGHO (EBENGHO), THE OYENMWENSOBA OF BENIN”, the statement said.

News

Lawyers Fault EFCC Statement, Say It’s Misleading

Published

9 hours ago

August 28, 2025

Editor

Some legal practitioners in Bauchi state have faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) official statement about their client on Wednesday, adding that it was erroneous, false and misleading.

It could be recalled that EFCC posted on its official Facebook handle that a Bauchi State High Court has cleared the commission to proceed with its investigation of a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bauchi State, Hamza Koshe, and his company, Pentech Engineering Nigeria Ltd.

According to the EFCC statement, the commission said Justice Aliyu Baba, in a judgment delivered on July 30, 2025, dismissed an application by Koshe seeking to restrain the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission from probing him.

However, in a statement jointly signed and made available to newsmen in Bauchi on Thursday by Jibrin S. Jibrin Esq, M.M. Usman Esq, H.B. Pali Esq, Abbas Ibrahim Esq, I.G. Agwam Esq and Salome Audu Esq all counsel to Pentech Engineering Nigeria Ltd & Anor as well as Koshe insisted that the statement was misleading.

According to them, the EFCC owed the public the duty of relating only the truth of what the courts decided as regards the contract financing agreement in the issues their clients were parties.

“Our attention as the legal representatives of Pentech Engineering Nigeria Ltd & Alhaji Hamza Koshe in respect of suit No. BA/271/2024 has been drawn to the statement posted on the official page of the EFCC on Wednesday, where the Commission supposedly rendered an analysis of the judgement delivered by the High Court of Justice No. 4 Bauchi Presided by Justice Aliyu Usman on the 30th July 2025.

“Now against the background of the erroneous, false and misleading publication by the EFCC on the matter, we deem it necessary to set the records straight by stating what actually is the truth of the matter in terms of the enrolled judgment Order of the Court to which this press release is attached.

“It is proper to state as a fact that in an earlier judgement relating to the subject of this release, the verdict of the High Court of Justice No. 10 Bauchi presided by Justice M. M. Abubakar delivered on the 19th December, 2024 is to the effect that the Contract Financing Agreement the subject matter of the suit having been found to be valid and not contravening any law remains enforceable hence, Pentech Engineering Nigeria Ltd is accorded the applicable injunctive reliefs as regards the activities of the Commission.

“We state as a fact that the main question of law determined in Justice Aliyu Baba Usman’s judgment is to the effect that the Contract Financing Agreement the subject of the suit is valid.

“The EFCC failed to state in its statement in reference the fact that many parties and contractors concerned or involved in the Contract Financing Agreement in the issue have been invited by the Commission with virtually all of them responding, honoring its invitation on the matter and thereby discharging their legal obligation speak volumes of ‘the bidding of some’ which the publication seeks to achieve ab initio,” said the lawyers.

The counsel added that the mischief and deliberate misrepresentation in EFCC’s statement could be seen when not only did it make no mention of this fact but also created the impression that their clients went to Court to evade investigation on the matter.

They said that Koshe was a guest of the Commission having honored its invitation in September 2024 which he was released on administrative bail, the terms and conditions applicable to which he has been observing.

“It is also important to clarify as a fact that there is no truth at all in the Commission’s statement to the effect that our client sought a perpetual injunction of general nature against the Commission’s activities.

“The truth about the reliefs sought by our clients is as contained in the Court’s processes filed in the suit in reference.

“We challenge the Commission to provide evidence of where our client ever sought a perpetual injunction at large or of general nature against it or any other body duly established by law.

“We urge members of the public to disregard in its entirety EFCC’s statement on the subject and be guided in its stead by the facts as contained in the relevant court processes to which this release is attached,” he said.

News

Tricycle Riders Sentenced To Five Years Over WhatsApp Group Mobilising Protest Against Nigerian Gov

Published

10 hours ago

August 28, 2025

Editor

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has been accused of being power-drunk following allegations that he ordered the arrest and conviction of two members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and tricycle operators for creating a WhatsApp group to mobilize a protest against his administration.

Crack police operatives carried out the arrests in Maiduguri before the scheduled End Bad Governance protest.

The two men, identified as Mohammed Bukar (alias Awana) and Ibrahim Mohammed (alias Babayo), were convicted on June 30, 2025, by Hon. Justice A.M. Ali and handed a five-year prison sentence.

Court documents with reference number BOHC/MG/CR/2150/CT10/2024 revealed that the men were accused of creating a WhatsApp group called “Zanga Zanga Group”—translated as Protest Group—to mobilize Keke Napep (tricycle) operators for a planned demonstration against the Borno State Government.

Mohammed Bukar and Ibrahim Mohammed were the 6th and 7th defendants in the case in which Governor Zulum accused them of using videos on the WhatsApp group to instigate Keke Napep (tricycle) operators in Borno State to join the protest against the government.

They were also accused of producing videos in Kanuri and Hausa languages, urging tricycle riders to come out en masse, declaring “no going back” on the planned protest against the Borno State Government.

On June 30, 2025, Hon. Justice A.M. Ali sentenced the duo to five years’ imprisonment for allegedly planning the protest on WhatsApp.

Meanwhile, the seven defendants were charged with two counts: Count 1. That the defendants conspired to form a group named Zanga Zanga group (or protest group) on WhatsApp social media platform wherein they agreed to take up arms, to wit; guns, knives, bows and arrows and all forms of dangerous weapon against the Government thereby committing an offence contrary to Sections 60 and punishable under Section 79 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno State 2023.

Count 2. That the defendants formed a group named Zanga Zanga group (or. protest group) on WhatsApp social media platform and agreed to take up arms, to wit; guns, knives, bows and arrows and all forms of dangerous weapon against the Government thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 79 of the Penal Code Laws of Borno State 2023 All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them at their arraignment on April 11, 2024. The prosecution called four witnesses to prove their case.

However, all defendants pleaded not guilty when arraigned on April 11, 2024.

The prosecution called four witnesses, including Sgt. Isa Abubakar, an investigating police officer attached to the Crime Squad of the Nigerian Police, Borno State Command.

Sgt. Abubakar testified that on July 21, 2024, the 6th defendant used one of the videos as his WhatsApp status to mobilize tricycle riders for the End Bad Governance protest.

He added that the 6th and 7th defendants also made another video in Hausa, saying, “Allah Yaisa Zulum two Billion Namu,” roughly translating to “May God punish Zulum for our two billion.”

He further testified that he downloaded the videos and arrested the two suspects on July 23, 2024, before handing them over to the Crime Squad office in Maiduguri.

Justice Ali said, “I have considered the pleas for leniency made by each of the convicts and the pleas made on their behalf by their counsel. The 5th convict is 17 years old, the 2nd convict is 14 years old, and the 3rd convict is 15 years old.

“The 5th, 2nd, and 3rd convicts are therefore young persons within the meaning of the Children and Young Persons Law of Borno State.

“It was held by the Apex court in the case of Aminu Tanko VS the State 2009 Legalpedia SC 61216 that where the sentence prescribed upon conviction in criminal charge is term of imprisonment then some extenuating factors, such as the age of the convict and whether he is a first offender can be taken into consideration in passing the sentence.

“It is in this regard that, on the 1st count charge, I sentence the 5th, 2nd, and 3rd defendants to community service specifically washing the toilets of General Hospital Maiduguri, for 3 months. Make an order that they be given 20 strokes of the cane each.

“On the 2nd count charge, the 5th, 2nd, and 3rd convicts are sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment. The 2nd and 3rd convicts are to be held at the children’s remand home, while the 5th defendant is to be remanded at the Maiduguri correctional centre. The period of imprisonment should commence today.”

“Regarding the first convict, who is also a young man, he is hereby sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment. The first convict is sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment. The 6th convict is sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment. The 7th convict is sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment. All sentences should commence today, the 30/6/2025,” Justice Ali added.

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that the families of two commercial tricycle operators had accused the state government, led by Governor Babagana Zulum, of ordering their arrest and prolonged detention after they allegedly planned a peaceful protest over the alleged mismanagement of funds contributed by riders.

The detained operators, identified as Muhammed Bukar and Ibrahim Muhammed—both members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—were arrested by the Police Crack Squad on the alleged orders of Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Saina Buba.

According to relatives, the riders were detained for three months and two weeks at a police facility before spending an additional two months in prison custody while facing trial.

At the centre of the dispute is a daily N100 ticket fee collected from tricycle operators, supposedly serving as insurance to provide financial support to any operator facing emergencies.

However, the riders alleged that officials managing the fund embezzled the money and failed to assist operators in need, prompting plans for the protest before their arrest.