The Chairman of Owo South Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Shehu Lawalson, has commended His Royal Majesty, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo, the Ojomoluda of Ijebu-Owo Kingdom, for his unwavering commitment to the development of Owo South LCDA and the overall progress of Ondo State.
A statement by the Media Aide, Olubunmi Babatunde quoted Hon. Lawalson to have made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the monarch’s palace in Ijebu-Owo on Monday, where he was accompanied by members of the LCDA’s executive committee.
He also delivered goodwill messages from Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami, praising the monarch’s long-standing service to the community and his contribution to peace and development.

The LCDA Chairman highlighted the role played by Oba Oladoyinbo during the last elections, noting how the Kabiyesi mobilized support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which contributed to the party’s success at the polls.

“Kabiyesi has demonstrated visionary leadership and has been instrumental in the creation and development of Owo South LCDA,” Lawalson said. “His efforts in strengthening the political and infrastructural fabric of Ijebu-Owo have been remarkable, and we are grateful for his enduring service.”

The Chairman further requested the use of a hall owned by the monarch, located near the Federal Medical Centre Annex, to serve as a temporary office space for the LCDA. The Kabiyesi graciously granted the request.

Oba Oladoyinbo, while responding, urged the LCDA executives to work together in the early stages of the council’s establishment, stressing the importance of building a strong foundation for future growth. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the re-election of Governor Aiyedatiwa and Deputy Governor Adelami in the forthcoming elections.

The visit concluded with the LCDA executive expressing their appreciation for Kabiyesi’s support, promising to maintain close collaboration with the palace to drive the council’s development agenda.

By Vincent Igbawua & Jeremiah Kaltungu, Abuja.

The race for the chairmanship of Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State has taken an unexpected turn as caretaker Chairman, Mr. Neji Vitalis, reportedly purchased the expression of interest and nomination forms for a total of five million naira (N5m).

This development occurred towards the end of the sale of forms for the upcoming local government elections in Benue State. However, political observers familiar with the dynamics in Kwande have expressed surprise at Hon. Neji’s move, noting that the zoning arrangement within the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not favor him.

According to these sources, the APC has zoned the chairmanship to the Turan area of Kwande, specifically narrowing it down to Yaav ward. Neji Vitalis, who is from Shangev-ya, is aware of this zoning but was allegedly influenced by ‘or u maan tea a CJN’ to enter the race, introducing a new and unexpected element to the political contest.

Another insider, who requested anonymity, suggested that this move is part of a larger scheme orchestrated by Mr. Moses Ternenge, also from Shangev-ya. Ternenge is said to be dragging the name of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, into the controversy.

The source revealed that on Thursday, September 29, a meeting of select Kwande APC leaders was held at Green Belt Hotel in Makurdi, initiated by Mr. Ternenge. During this meeting, five people from each council ward in Kwande were clandestinely selected, and it is believed that the current political maneuvering is a direct result of that gathering. Ternenge is alleged to have brought in Hon. Neji Vitalis as the caretaker chairman and purchased the forms for Mr. Jeff Sundah Iortsor, a civil servant from Abuja, who hails from Yaav council, where the chairmanship is zoned.

The source further explained that Jeff Sundah Iortsor is closely aligned with Hon. Terlumun Akputu and Moses Ternenge, with Ternenge favoring Jeff due to his familial connections. This alignment is seen as an attempt by Ternenge to ensure Jeff’s success in the race.

A young man familiar with the ongoing political strategy, identified only as Mr. Torhide, suggested two possible reasons for Neji Vitalis’ involvement: either to split votes at the primary election, ensuring Jeff’s victory, or to gather votes for Jeff, with Neji stepping down in his favor at the last moment.

The plan, according to Torhide, is backed by Hon. Bem Tseen, a close ally of Moses Ternenge, who has been involved in the candidate screening process to disqualify potential threats to Jeff’s candidacy. Bem Tseen is also rumored to have plans to position his wife as the vice-chairmanship candidate alongside Neji Vitalis if the plan succeeds.

As the screening of candidates begins today in Makurdi, the situation remains tense, with many watching closely to see how the political drama in Kwande will unfold. Despite repeated attempts, our correspondent was only able to reach Hon. Imoter Richard Nomkpo, a candidate from Yaav council ward, who expressed confidence in his strategy to win the race and vowed to deliver on his promises if elected.

The Chairman, Owo South Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ondo State, Hon. Shehu Lawalson has commended the good people of Owo South LCDA, for their commitment to peace, stability and progress especially in the light of the nationwide hunger protest that has ravaged other states in the country.
He specifically lauded the Ojomoluda of Ijebu-Owo, Kabiyesi, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo and Kabiyesi, Alale of Ilale, His Royal Highness, Oba Kokuma Oluwabamise, all Community Leaders, Religious Leaders, other traditional Leaders, market Women and Youths in the LCDA.
A statement by his personal assistant/ media aide, Olubunmi Babatunde quoted the Chairman to have expressed appreciation to the good people of Owo South LCDA for shunning the nationwide protest.
“My gratitude also goes to Ojomoluda of Ijebu-Owo, Kabiyesi, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo, Kabiyesi, Alale of Ilale kingdom, His Royal Highness, Oba Kokuma Oluwabamise and their Chiefs for appealing to their subjects to shun the protest”.
The former Whip, Ondo State House of Assembly, also showered accolades on the religious Leaders, Civil Servants, the market Women, Students, Artisans and Youths.
“I equally appreciate the youths for going about their normal businesses. We also thank the security agents for maintaining peace and orderliness”.
“I still want you to continue in that patriotic spirit. Although our Constitution allows for a violence-free protest but see what happened in Edo, Kano, Katsina states where touts hijacked the peaceful protest by looting warehouses, shops even recording loss of lives.
“That is not encouraging and I sympathise with the families of the deceased.
“We are a peace-loving, responsible people. Owo will always exemplifies the shinning example of a responsible society with a great reputation and amazing societal values.
“Our Leaders in the communities deserve so much accolades. It shows that we are all working harmoniously for a common goal of developing our communities.
“I am assuring you that our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is a workers’ friendly Governor, he has approved seventy thousand Naira as minimum wage. With this, you will know that his commitment to workers’ welfare is unrivalled”.
“Mr. Governor has also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that youth inclusivity is factored in his government policies.
“Since his assumption of office in December 2023 after the unfortunate demise of our former Governor, he made sure that seventy percent of his appointees are youths so that they can channel their energy on productive ventures and thereby contribute to nation building.
He solicited their continued cooperation with the Governor and the President as things will come to normalcy soon, by God’s grace
“Once again, I appreciate everyone of you for allowing peace to reign in our Council Development Area.
I implore you to go about your normal business without intimidation. God bless you.