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Akerejola Family, Ogori Community Slam Peoples Gazette Over “Malicious Lies”

Published

2 months ago

July 25, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Give 14-Day Ultimatum, Demand Retraction or Face Legal Fireworks

– The family of Major General Erema Akerejola and the Ogori Descendants Union (ODU) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to online publication Peoples Gazette, demanding a public retraction and apology over what they describe as a “libelous and malicious attack” on the senior army officer’s reputation.

In a widely circulated story, Peoples Gazette had claimed that General Akerejola looted millions meant for soldiers’ welfare, allegedly using family-linked companies to siphon military funds abroad. But at a world press conference in Lokoja on Friday, the family fired back, labeling the report “false, unfounded, and defamatory.”

Speaking on behalf of the family and the ODU, legal counsel Barr. Ndakwo Abdulrahman Tanko declared:

“There is no responsible family that destroys her breadwinner. The report is a character assassination built on lies and sensationalism. We are demanding a retraction in two national newspapers within 14 days, or we will meet them in court.”

Retired Major Olafimihan Akerejola, named by the Gazette as the petition’s author, also debunked the story:

“I had no hand in any petition. I was not contacted by Peoples Gazette. The story is completely false and has brought me and my family serious embarrassment.”

The family highlighted General Akerejola’s decades of meritorious military service and his philanthropy, including sponsorship of over 200 students in Ogori.

“You cannot erase a legacy of service with a lie,” Barr. Tanko added.

The Ogori Professional Progressive Union and ODU called on journalists to uphold ethical standards and stop enabling media trials without evidence.

As the 14-day countdown begins, the family has made its position clear: retract or face the full weight of the law.

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Tinubu, PDP Hail Gov Okpebholo’s Road Infrastructural Revolution in Edo

Published

13 hours ago

October 5, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the infrastructural strides of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, particularly the ongoing construction of the state’s first-ever flyover bridge, describing it as a landmark intervention in easing urban traffic and modernizing Edo’s transport system.

The President extolled the governor’s foresight in embarking on the one-kilometre flyover project at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, noting that its completion would transform vehicular movement and strengthen the urban fabric of Benin City.

Tinubu praised Okpebholo’s early performance in office, affirming that the governor had set a new standard of governance in Edo.

The president represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, emphasized that the governor’s bold approach to road and bridge construction in the State underscores the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) progressive agenda.

“This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 meters, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic,” Umahi conveyed on behalf of the President.

The Minister contrasted the efficiency of state-driven projects with some federal contracts, lamenting that contractors often display greater discipline when working under governors than when handling federal assignments.

He pledged to enforce stricter accountability standards at the federal level to ensure value for money and timely delivery.

“I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stressed.

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