A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, has sentenced Mufutau Dosunmu, an acclaimed Oba, to six months in prison for falsely presenting himself as the Osolo of Ado-Odo in the Ado-Odo/Ota local government of Ogun State.

The convict faced multiple charges related to alleged impersonation and disturbance of peace within the Ado-Odo Magisterial district.
He was accused of parading himself as an Oba, donning regalia and a beaded crown, despite lacking the rightful title, thereby violating Section 23(2)(c) of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State.

The charges also encompassed Dosunmu’s actions between January and April 2022, where he was alleged to have behaved in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace, resulting in charges under Section 249(1)(d) of the Criminal Code Law, Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
The convict was said to have installed one Alabi Afizu as Baba Loja of Ado at Oba Agaloye Market, Ado-Odo, in March 2022, contravening Section 249(1)(d) of the Criminal Code Law.

Dosunmu was additionally charged with instructing a town crier to announce movement restrictions due to spiritual rites between April 2022 and August 2022, leading to charges under Section 249(1)(d) and 200 of the Criminal Code Law.
Another count stated that Dosunmu identified himself as the Olofin of Ado-Odo and paraded himself as the Osolo of Ado-Odo, a kingmaker, between April 2022 and July 2023.

The prosecution counsel, Adebayo Adesanya, informed the court that his actions were punishable under Section 249(1)(d) and Section 249(3) of the Criminal Code Law.
Dosunmu was also charged with parading himself as a kingmaker without Traditional Council approval, a violation of Section 41 of the Chief’s Law of Ogun State, 2021, punishable under Section 41(6) of the Obas and Chiefs Law.

In delivering the judgment, Chief Magistrate E.O. Idowu declared that Dosunmu was found guilty of six counts and sentenced him to six months imprisonment.
Idowu declared, “The convict is sentenced to one month imprisonment on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th counts of the charge, with the option of a fine of N50,000 on each count for which he has been convicted.

The sentences shall run consecutively from today, November 28, 2023.”

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, marked a significant governance milestone by administering the oath of office to Mayors and their deputies across the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.

Speaking at the Michael Okpara auditorium in Umuahia during the swearing-in ceremony of the 34 appointees, Governor Otti articulated a compelling vision for these officials. He not only charged them with the crucial responsibility of dedicated service but also underscored the paramount importance of securing their respective communities.

Governor Otti, recognizing the evolving security landscape, emphasized that the primary task awaiting the newly inaugurated Mayors is to bolster the security architecture within their local government areas. In no uncertain terms, he declared that no part of Abia State would be ceded to criminal elements. Additionally, Otti assured the populace of an extensive infrastructural development agenda that would reach every corner of the state.

Granting significant autonomy to the new LGA chairmen, locally referred to as Mayors, Otti urged them to embrace a servant-leader ethos in their administrative roles. Aligning their programs with the philosophy of the Labour Party (LP)-led administration in Abia was highlighted as essential for cohesive governance.

Addressing criticisms directed at some LGA bosses, Governor Otti acknowledged public concerns and affirmed the meticulous selection process employed in entrusting individuals with council leadership. He took a moment to commend the House of Assembly for their efficiency in promptly screening the LGA chairmen, ensuring a smooth and expeditious process without unnecessary delays.

The Afenifere socio-political group has urged the Federal Government to ensure the operationalization of the Port Harcourt Refinery by the December deadline. The group, under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, emphasized that meeting this timeline would help alleviate the impact of the subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petroleum, for Nigerians. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, had previously committed to bringing the Port Harcourt refinery back into operation by December as part of the government’s strategy to eliminate petroleum product imports.

With the removal of petrol subsidy in his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, the price per litre of petrol rose from N184 to over N600 in most parts of the country.
With the December deadline already here, Afenifere, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Jare Ajayi, urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to meet the deadline.

Afenifere “urged the government to ensure that the deadlines given are adhered to”.
“For instance, the December deadline given for Port Harcourt Refinery to resume production should be met. This is to bring the cost of petroleum products down as the high costs of these products are contributing to the soaring prices of commodities and services in the country,” the statement partly read.