A massive printing plant belonging to billionaire businessman, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, located at Ayede-Ogbese in Akure North council area of Ondo State, has been bought over, FirstNews can confirm.
The community’s new monarch, the Alayede, Oba Raphael Ajibola Oluyede, who was installed amid pomp and ceremony on Saturday, is now the new owner.
Making the revelation in a chat with FirstNews, the Odopetu (third in rank to king) of Ayede-Ogbese, High Chief Oladimeji Abitogun, disclosed that Oba Oluyede, a top-flight billionaire lawyer and businessman, bought the printing press and all its accompanying facilities for N250 million.
“Kabiyesi (royal father) intends to convert the facility to a publication house of a community newspaper, a general printing press and a host of other businesses that can provide jobs for our teaming youths.
“He (the monarch) has also brought in various farm tools, tractors and other earth-moving equipment to embark on large-scale farming, which will also serve the purpose of taking many people in our localities out of the labour market,” Abitogun enthused.
The traditional ruler, at his installation, wowed the locals by unveiling a 2022 edition of the Phantom Rolls-Royce car said to cost over $460,000.
The installation, which was traditionally performed by two leading kingmakers, the Odopetu, Abitogun; and the Lisa, High Chief Femi Fajembimo, was witnessed by many dignitaries who include the state governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), and his Niger State counterpart, Alhaji Abubakar Bello.
A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and presidential candidate, Chief Olu Falae, also attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Akeredolu expressed delight at the calibre of personality that emerged as the new Alayede, expressing confidence that the community would benefit immensely from the qualities of its new king.
The governor, also on the occasion, reiterated his position on the massive Indian hemp plantations in Ayede-Ogbese community, saying there is nothing wrong with it so long it is subject to control.
“Cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) has its several health benefits such as the treatment of glaucoma and epilepsy and if well harnessed, can turn Ayede-Ogbese to an international trade centre and invariably boost the economy of Ondo State.
“Contrary to what some people are saying, I have never said Indian hemp should be smoked around or abused,” the governor clarified.
Oba Oluyede, a 63-year old, is a prominent litigation attorney and had been lawyer for the late Kashamu Buruji in his sensational American extradition plot’s case.
He also served as counsel to former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senator Ifeanyi Uba, among others.