A civil society group, the Society for Women Empowerment (SWE), has dated the embattled deputy governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to ask his wife to do a video to debunk the allegation of assault.

Recall that the group had accused Aiyedatiwa of repeatedly assaulting his wife, even in the presence of his staff and friends.

The women’s group, in a statement weekend in Akure by its Coordinator, Damilola Charles, said “We are in possession of a reaction signed by the wife of the Deputy Governor. The reaction and account of her are too detailed to ignore.

“We have checked the facts as raised in the reaction and verified information based on the dates and time as mentioned in the statement.

“We are convinced that the deputy governor of someone very close to her must have issued the said statement.

“In light of this, we are constrained to dare the deputy governor to ask his wife to address the Nigerian women in a video.

“It should not be difficult for a woman whose husband occupies an exhaled office and debunk lies against her husband.

“We are issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to the deputy Governor to ask his wife to do a video. After the expiration of this ultimatum, we shall mobilize women’s groups and bodies to stage a protest against the Deputy Governor.

“We are also calling on the First Lady of Ondo State, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu to speak out and give her own account of the situation.

“In the statement released by the deputy’s wife, she did mention that the First Lady was aware of the incident.

“We are also calling on women in the House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development and all women in the State Executive Council to raise up to the matter.

“Ours is not to tarnish the image of anyone. We are also not out to destroy or harm the reputation of anyone. The question we are asking is that why is it difficult for the deputy Governor to convince his wife to do a video and debunk these allegations.

“We are deeply worried that following the statement signed by the deputy Governor’s wife, she might be facing threats. We will always stand up for women across the country and do what is necessary to protect them.”

But while reacting, the deputy governor, insisted that the allegation was fabricated to create needless tension in the state.

According to him the allegation ” is a figment of the imagination of those behind it and their ungodly intentions to cause crisis in the State had been known for weeks and therefore such falsehood did not come as a surprise.

Ayedatiwa declared that there has never been any domestic violence between him and his wife, Mrs Oluwaseun, who at the moment is outside the shores of the country. (Saturday Vanguard)

•deputy governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa

Yoruba Nation leader Adeniran returns to Nigeria from exile, floats group

The former deputy leader of the Yoruba Nation’s self-determination struggle, Professor Wale Adeniran has returned to Nigeria from exile.

Adeniran, who left Nigeria in May 2021, alongside Professor Banji Akintoye; his wife and daughter to the Republic of Benin, said he returned home to work with like-minds on how to make Yorubaland a land of prosperity and the shining light of Africa.

Adeniran, in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Saturday, announced the formation of the Association of Progressive Professionals and Academics (APPA), a body which he said, comprised of his former colleagues in the academics, medical science and business world.

Adeniran said APPA held its inaugural meeting during the week at OBAFEMI Awolowo University, Ile/Ife, Osun-State to reappraise the state of development in Yoruba Land and reached a consensus to give the Tinubu presidency a chance to right the wrong of the previous government against the Yoruba people.

Parts of the statement directed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu read: “I bring to you sincere and warm felicitations on your landmark electoral victory as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

“Your inauguration as President of Nigeria on Monday, May 29, 2023 was unprecedented, in the sense that, in the political history of Nigeria, you are the first Yoruba politician to attain the feat of becoming a duly elected political Head of Nigeria.”

“Mr. President, we salute your uncommon courage, bravery, tenacity , ingenuity and political sagacity in navigating the complex Nigerian political terrain. In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds you demonstrated an uncanny sense of humor.”

“We wish to recall that just as you played a pivotal role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the Abacha era in the struggle to ensure the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria, and even going into exile, some of us have been in the forefront of the struggle for Yoruba self-determination in recent times when we felt that our people were confronted with an existential threat.”

“However, your victory at the polls in February 2023 has led us to feel that perhaps the Nigerian situation is not irredeemable, after all. Furthermore, the issues highlighted in your inauguration address as deserving of priority attention by your administration, namely, security, poverty, jobs, electricity, among others, have led us to believe that your administration will right the wrongs of the past and make Nigeria safe and habitable once again for all of us.”

“It is noteworthy and reassuring that you have identified security as top priority of your administration.”

“Therefore, we of APPA have resolved to repose confidence in you, Mr. President, to support and work with you to ensure that you make Nigeria a better place for us, for our children and future generations.”

“We are further emboldened to give you our unalloyed support when we recall your glittering record of achievements as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.”

“In addition, you have always done what many had thought was undoable, and you have always made a way where many would think there was no way. Talk of the can-do spirit of one man!”

“At this Juncture, Mr. President, we feel compelled to call your attention to the parlous state of the education system in the country. A case in point is the extent to which our universities have been battered and made to fall into disrepute under the uncaring watch of previous administrations.”

“The entire university workforce , especially the academics are now thoroughly demoralized.”

“Considering the overriding importance of the university as the engine that drives innovations that fuel national development the current depressing situation of our universities must be redressed very urgently.”

“Facilities in our universities must be upgraded and expanded so that many more qualified candidates can be offered admission into these institutions.”

“There should be a massive injection of funds into the university system to boost the morale of staff and students so as to enable them to churn out innovative ideas that would propel technological development.”

“This will encourage Nigerian scholars in foreign countries to make their way back home and contribute their quota to national development. And, our youths will no longer be compelled to ‘japa’ in search of some illusionary greener pastures in alien climes.”

“The task before you, Mr. President, is enormous. It is in recognition of this that we, members of the Association of Progressive Professionals and Academics, hereby pledge our unflinching support for your administration and we wish you a resoundingly successful tenure as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” (Saturday Vanguard)