Ex-ALGON chairman rejects Aiyedatiwa’s appointment, alleges illegal levies on cocoa farmers

A former Chairman of Akoko South West Local Government and immediate past Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ondo State chapter, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe, has turned down his appointment as a member of the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Board, citing personal and professional commitments.

In a letter, Oloruntogbe not only declined the appointment but also drew the attention of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to what he described as the alleged imposition of illegal levies on cocoa farmers in the state.

The former council chairman appreciated the governor for finding him worthy of the appointment, describing it as a privilege and a demonstration of confidence in his ability to contribute to the state’s agricultural development.

His appointment was among those recently announced by the Ondo State Government following the inauguration of the Cocoa Revolution and Management Board, a body established to drive the state’s cocoa sector reform agenda.

While expressing support for the administration’s Cocoa Revolution initiative, which seeks to boost cocoa production, improve farmers’ livelihoods and restore Ondo State’s leadership in cocoa production, Oloruntogbe said he would be unable to accept the appointment because of pressing personal and professional commitments.

According to him, “After careful reflection and consultation, I have decided, with the highest respect, to honourably decline the offer to serve on the Board at this time due to pressing personal and professional commitments that will not allow me to give the assignment the full attention and dedication it deserves.”

However, beyond declining the appointment, Oloruntogbe urged the governor to investigate what he described as the alleged illegal collection of levies from cocoa farmers operating within the Ose Game Reserve in Oka Akoko.

He alleged that farmers had complained that as much as N150,000 was being collected from each farmer into a private account without the issuance of official government receipts.

The former ALGON chairman called on the state government to investigate the allegation and ensure that all levies and payments within the cocoa value chain are transparent, properly documented and remitted into designated government accounts.

He argued that addressing the allegations would not only protect cocoa farmers from exploitation but also strengthen public confidence in the implementation of the state’s Cocoa Revolution Agenda.

The letter read: “This recognition is deeply humbling, and I commend Your Excellency’s bold Cocoa Revolution Agenda aimed at repositioning agriculture, boosting farmers’ livelihoods and restoring Ondo State’s leadership in cocoa production.

“After careful reflection and consultation, I have decided, with the highest respect, to honourably decline the offer to serve on the Board at this time due to pressing personal and professional commitments that will not allow me to give the assignment the full attention and dedication it deserves.

“In the spirit of supporting the success of the Cocoa Revolution, I also wish to respectfully bring to Your Excellency’s attention a matter of urgent concern raised by cocoa farmers in Oka Akoko who farm within the Ose Game Reserve.

“There are allegations of the collection of huge sums amounting to N150,000 per farmer into a private account, without any official receipt being issued.

“I respectfully urge the state government to look into this matter and ensure that all levies and payments within the cocoa value chain are properly documented, transparent and channelled through official government accounts.

“This will protect our farmers and strengthen trust in the reforms your administration is driving.”

Rescued Oyo principal reveals why she asked about her car after rescue

 The principal of Ahoro Esinle School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mrs Rachael Alamu, has explained why one of the first things she asked after regaining her freedom was about her car, saying she believed the police had recovered it before discovering that her abductors had burnt it.

Alamu spoke on Monday after she and the rescued teachers and pupils were formally handed over to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Her explanation came after many people reacted to a remark she made shortly after she was rescued, when she asked about the vehicle she was driving on the day she and dozens of pupils and teachers were kidnapped.

“What actually happened is I thought they left the car there. The police would have towed the car to their office.

“But somebody showed me the car where it was burnt, and that was not the part we took. So I thought… I think they drove it to that point before it was burnt.

“That was not the way we took,” she said.

Asked if the traumatic experience would affect her teaching career, Alamu said she hoped she would recover with time but admitted she was unsure about returning to the same school because of the long distance and what she had been through.

“With time, I’ve worked for 28 years, so I have four years. With time, maybe I can get over it.

“But going that far, the distance between that place… is far already. So I sacrifice a lot when it comes to transportation. Now coupled with this, I don’t know what will happen,” she said.

Earlier on Monday, Alamu also recounted the victims’ 56-day ordeal in captivity. She said the kidnappers beat the children to keep them quiet, chained and blindfolded the male teachers, and forced the captives to make dangerous night journeys through the forest to avoid security operatives.

The victims were abducted by gunmen at Ahoro Esinle School on May 15, 2026. They spent 56 days in captivity before security agencies secured their release.

The Federal Government announced their rescue on Friday. The rescued pupils and teachers were taken to the Military Hospital in Ibadan, where they received medical treatment and psychosocial support before they were formally handed over to the Oyo State Government on Monday.

Alleged death threats against Seyi Tinubu: Sowore offers to help DJ Chicken get out of prison

African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has offered to support controversial disc jockey and TikTok personality, Ademola Abiodun, popularly known as DJ Chicken, following his arraignment over alleged threats against Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.

Sowore made the offer in a post shared on his X handle on Monday, saying he was willing to advocate for the content creator and assist in challenging what he described as “burdensome charges.”

“If anyone knows how to reach DJ Chicken’s family or relatives, I will be happy to advocate for him and help him challenge the burdensome charges brought against him by the jobless @PoliceNG,” he wrote.

The former presidential candidate criticised what he described as the Federal Government’s prosecution of young Nigerians, insisting that DJ Chicken should not be behind bars.

“I want to help get DJ Chicken out of prison because I do not believe he deserves to spend a day behind bars; he is entitled to his liberty under the law.

“Young Nigerians need opportunities, guidance, and justice, not persecution and endless incarceration,” he added.

PUNCH Online reported that DJ Chicken was on Friday arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos, on a three-count charge bordering on alleged threat to kill, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and offences under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

The charges stemmed from a viral video in which the content creator, while commenting on the 2027 presidential election in Yoruba, allegedly threatened to kill Seyi Tinubu if President Bola Tinubu won re-election.

Following widespread backlash, DJ Chicken released another video retracting the statement, describing it as a joke intended to attract attention and insisting that he had no intention of harming the President’s son.

He pleaded not guilty to all three counts.

The trial magistrate, M.F. Onamusi, granted him bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum and ordered that he be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

The case was adjourned until August 3, 2026, for further proceedings.

Oriire abduction: Makinde vows stronger security, seeks UN probe

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the state government would strengthen security around communities bordering the Old Oyo National Park following the safe return of pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

In a statewide broadcast after the release of the abductees, the governor expressed gratitude for their safe return but said the state remained in mourning over those who lost their lives during the incident.

Makinde described the reunion of the victims with their families as “a moment of thanksgiving” after weeks of fear, uncertainty and anxiety.

“Today, our hearts are filled with immense relief as the children and teachers abducted from the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area have finally been reunited with their families.

“For every parent who endured weeks of uncertainty, every child who lived through this traumatic experience, and every citizen who prayed and hoped for their safe return, this is indeed a moment of thanksgiving,” he said.

The governor, however, paid tribute to those who died during the abduction and rescue efforts, describing their sacrifices as unforgettable.

He identified the deceased teachers as Mr. Joel Adesiyan, who was killed on the day of the abduction within the school premises, and Deacon John Olaleye, who died while in captivity.

Makinde also recalled the killing of another teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, whose murder, he said, shocked many Nigerians after a disturbing video of the incident surfaced online.

He further honoured security personnel, hunters and members of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who lost their lives during rescue operations. They include Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Mr. Adigun Saibu, Mr. Isa Saliu, Mr. Rafiu Ayuba and an unnamed soldier.

“We will never forget security personnel, hunters and members of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” he said, praying for the repose of their souls and strength for their families.

The governor also wished Mr. Bamidele Paul, who sustained serious injuries during the operation, a speedy recovery.

Makinde thanked residents of the state for their patience and cooperation throughout the period of the crisis, especially communities affected by security restrictions and curfews imposed to facilitate rescue operations.

He warned that despite the successful rescue, criminal groups still posed a threat and urged residents not to lower their guard.

“The threat posed by criminal elements has not disappeared. Experience from other parts of our country has shown that terrorist and bandit groups often seek to strike again where they perceive vulnerability. We must therefore not allow this moment of relief to become a moment of complacency,” he said.

The governor urged citizens to promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies and encouraged residents to make use of the state’s toll-free emergency line, 615, for security and other emergencies.

As part of measures to prevent future attacks, Makinde announced that the state government would immediately tighten surveillance around all access routes linking communities to the Old Oyo National Park.

He explained that although the park falls under the constitutional control of the Federal Government, the state has a responsibility to protect residents living around the area.

According to him, the government will regulate movement through adjoining corridors, improve community intelligence gathering, deepen collaboration with security agencies and local communities, and introduce operational protocols to prevent criminal groups from using border communities as hideouts or transit routes

He added that detailed implementation guidelines for the new measures would be announced soon.

The governor also called for an independent international investigation into the abduction, saying the incident was serious enough to warrant scrutiny beyond domestic institutions.

“I therefore, with a full sense of responsibility as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, call on the appropriate international human rights and accountability mechanisms, including those within the United Nations system, to closely examine the facts surrounding this abduction and the circumstances of its resolution,” he said.

Makinde stressed that the call was not intended to undermine Nigerian institutions but to reinforce public confidence by ensuring that the truth is established and anyone found culpable is held accountable.

He noted that under the Constitution, responsibility for national security rests with the Federal Government and its security agencies, adding that Nigerians deserve a transparent account of the incident.

“The Nigerian people deserve a full and transparent account of what happened, who was responsible, whether there were institutional failures, negligence or collusion at any level, and what measures must now be taken to ensure that no community is ever subjected to such an ordeal again,” the governor stated.

Describing the issue as one of justice rather than politics, Makinde assured parents across Oyo State that his administration would continue to take all lawful steps to make schools and communities safer.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture and supporting every lawful effort aimed at bringing those responsible for the tragedy to justice. 

Young, Bold & Leading: Olatide Dieter Interviews Oyo's Youngest LG Chairman

Youngest-Ever Chairman Ibadan North Local Government LGA, Hon. Olufade Oluwaseun, has made a remarkable impact, transforming Ibadan North Local Government communities with bold strides in infrastructure. In this interview with Olatide Dieter

At the ongoing Ibadan North Local Government Thank You Tour, our young interviewer, Olatide Dieter, had another remarkable opportunity to sit down with one of Oyo State’s emerging young leaders, Hon. Olufade Oluwaseun, the Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and widely recognized as one of the youngest local government chairmen in Oyo State.

What began as a chance encounter quickly became an inspiring conversation.

With confidence, respect, and genuine curiosity, 9-year-old Olatide asked thoughtful questions that went beyond politics, focusing instead on leadership, values, childhood dreams, and the importance of inspiring the next generation.

Hon. Olufade responded with warmth, humility, and sincerity, making the interaction both engaging and memorable. His willingness to pause during a busy public event to encourage a young interviewer reflects the kind of leadership that values the voices of children and believes in investing in the future.

This interview is another reminder that meaningful conversations know no age. When children are encouraged to ask questions, they gain confidence, develop critical thinking, and learn that their voices matter.

As Olatide continues his journey of interviewing leaders from different walks of life, each conversation becomes more than an interview—it becomes a bridge between today’s leaders and tomorrow’s generation.

One interview at a time, a young voice is inspiring meaningful conversations.

Stay tuned for the full interview with Hon. Olufade Oluwaseun.