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Ogbomoso Mogajis Reject Alaafin’s Proposed Permanent Chairman Of Oyo Council Of Obas

May 19, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – As the proposed amendment to the Oyo state council of Obas and Chiefs law seeking to designate the Alaafin of Oyo as the Permanent Chairman of the council continues to generate heat, Mogajis of the Soun Ruling Houses in Ogbomosoland have also kicked against the proposal. The amendment bill, currently under consideration by the Oyo State House of Assembly, has ignited controversy among traditional rulers and stakeholders across the state. In a strongly worded joint statement, five prominent Mogajis — Prince Olawuyi Itabiyi (Aburumaku), Prince Sikiru Oyeyiola (Gbagun), Prince Amos Olawole Olaoye (Laoye), Prince Samuel Oyebamiji Oyedeji (Bolanta), and Prince Stephen Ilufoye Layode (Odunaro) — condemned the proposed legislation, describing it as “an affront to history and tradition.” They argued that the idea of making the Alaafin a permanent chairman undermines the historical evolution of the Yoruba traditional structure, especially after the fall of the old Oyo Empire in 1837. “History is clear: the Oyo supremacy ended with the destruction of Oyo-Ile by the Fulani invasion. What followed was a new historical order that saw other Yoruba towns like Ogbomoso and Ibadan rise to prominence. Any attempt to sidestep that reality in favour of sentiment is unjust,” the statement read. The Mogajis emphasised that the current Oyo Kingdom, founded in 1875 by Prince Atiba, is distinct from the original Oyo Empire ruled by Alaafin Oranmiyan. They claimed that the present Oyo town occupies land originally belonging to Ogbomoso’s Oja lineage and recalled historical events where Ogbomoso and Ibadan provided refuge and protection to the migrating Oyos. They further argued that Ogbomoso played a vital role in halting the Fulani advance into core Yoruba land by standing firm between Ilorin and Oyo, preserving not only their town but also protecting the emerging Oyo settlement. “The powers and glory of the old Oyo Empire are buried in Katunga. What exists today is a new kingdom, and hierarchy must reflect this post-1837 history,” they asserted. Citing past legal victories, including a Supreme Court judgement in 1984 awarding disputed land to Ogbomoso over Oyo, the Mogajis pointed out that even in contemporary times, Ogbomoso’s historical and territorial relevance cannot be ignored. They reiterated that the Soun of Ogbomoso has served as chairman of the council in the past during the reign of late Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, and insisted that the rotational system must be preserved. “We reject any move to make the Alaafin the permanent chairman. Rotational leadership reflects fairness and historical accuracy. “Sentiment cannot override historical truth. We have no apology for defending the dignity and legacy of Ogbomoso,” the Mogajis stated. They advised the Oyo State House of Assembly to respect the diverse historical contributions of all Yoruba towns and uphold the rotational chairmanship structure to avoid discord and preserve unity among the traditional rulers in the state.

Suspected IPOB fighters Kill Soldier Who Sneaked Out To Attend Party

May 19, 2025 by admin

A Nigerian Army soldier attached to Operation Udoka has been killed by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra after sneaking out of his duty post to attend a party in Anambra State. The incident was said to have occurred on the evening of Saturday, May 18, 2025, at the Forward Operating Base in Uli. It was gathered that the soldier had attended the event — a strippers’ party titled “Ladies’ Jamboree” — while wearing his military camouflage uniform. According to a security source, the soldier was discovered missing during a tactical operation. The source said, “It was during a tactical operation that it was discovered the soldier was missing. He was later found to have sneaked out of the base without permission to attend a strippers’ party at a nearby hotel, in uniform. It was there that he was accosted and fatally shot by suspected IPOB/ESN fighters. His lifeless body, along with that of a baby, was later recovered at the scene by troops. “His weapon has been retrieved and is currently in military custody.” Operation Udoka is a Defence Headquarters-led operation and efforts to reach the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, were unsuccessful. His phone number was switched off, and he had yet to respond to a message sent to him as of the time of filing this report. The PUNCH reports that the killing is the latest in a series of targeted attacks on security personnel in the South-East region, where IPOB and ESN have been accused of carrying out violent campaigns against state forces. Punch

Tension In Ogun, Lagos Over Alleged ‘Deadly Rice’ In Circulation

May 15, 2025 by admin

There is tension in parts of Ogun and Lagos states over rumours that there is deadly rice in circulation. Parents and relatives send voice messages to their loved ones, warning them against buying or consuming rice at this time because a foreign trader had invoked the spirit of Ogun deity after her two trucks of rice were stolen and smuggled into Nigeria. In various voice notes forwarded to our correspondent, the speakers maintained that two trucks of rice were stolen from a neighbouring country and were later smuggled into Nigeria through the Idiroko border and the Seme border. It was stated that the owner of the bags of rice, a woman, contacted some Ogun worshipers in Ghana to lay curses on whoever buys or consumes the alleged stolen rice. In a voice note, it was rumoured that some Customs officers and a soldier had died in Badagry, Lagos State. It was also alleged by another sender on WhatsApp that over 70 persons had died in the past few days after buying or consuming the said rice. Imported rice from the Benin Republic remains one of the most consumed staples in Nigeria, especially by children and the youth. As the warnings keep getting to people in Ogun and Lagos, they pass the same to their loved ones, emphasising to them that rice must not be consumed or bought at this time. A resident in the Ipokia Local Government of Ogun State, Morayo, told our correspondent on Wednesday that some parents went to schools, telling the food vendors not to sell rice to their children. As some individuals tried to debunk the rumour, more voice notes came from different people, claiming their alleged confirmation of the deaths. This has left many confused as to whether to buy rice or not. However, the Nigerian Customs Service in Lagos and Ogun debunked the claims, saying there was no deadly rice in circulation. In a statement by the NCS, Seme Area Command, Public Relations Officer, Isah Sulaiman, said the narrative was entirely false, misleading, and did not reflect the reality of the matter. “The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area command, has been drawn to a widely circulated unfounded and baseless allegation claiming that the Command seized and distributed bags of rice without the knowledge of the purported owner, who then allegedly invoked traditional powers leading to the death of individuals, including a soldier at Badagry. “The command wishes to categorically state that this narrative is entirely false, misleading, and does not reflect the reality of the matter,” the statement said. It disclosed that the command had always adhered to NCS Standard Operating Procedures for disposing of seized goods, which is guided by transparency, due process, and strict adherence to extant laws and guidelines. “It is instructive to say that no incident within the Command’s Area of Responsibility or among personnel corroborates the false claims of deaths resulting from rice consumption linked to the NCS. “Unfortunately, some unscrupulous elements wearing the garment of journalism (a credible profession) to disinform members of the public with baseless, fictitious and malicious accusations to score cheap points instead of the social responsibility they are supposed to uphold,” the command added. The NCS urged the general public to disregard this “unfounded story and refrain from spreading false information that could incite fear or tarnish the image of the security agencies working tirelessly to safeguard the nation.” Our correspondent learnt that rumour has spread to Abeokuta, Ibadan, and other states, creating fears among rice consumers. Punch

Suspected Herders Kill Seven In Fresh Benue Attack

April 25, 2025 by admin

At least seven people have been killed in a fresh attack on Agbo Vengav Udam community in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders. Residents told PUNCH Online that the assailants stormed the village around 7 pm on Thursday and opened fire indiscriminately, killing seven on the spot and abducting three others. A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers entered the community through a border village in Otukpo LGA. “They passed through the border village of Otukpo and, entering into Agbo, they shot their guns sporadically, killing the seven people on the spot. They took away three people with them,” a resident of the affected community who did not want to state his name said. It was gathered that an infant was among those killed and that the mother was abducted by the assailants. The witness added that five of the bodies have been deposited in a morgue in Naka, while the families of the remaining two deceased opted to bury their dead without delay. The incident, according to residents, has caused them to desert their homes for fear of further attacks. Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Ormin, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on the phone on Friday. Omin, who lamented that the killing was coming after commercial vehicles were hijacked and passengers taken away, decried the activities of suspected armed herders in the local government. The council boss said, “It’s true that scores of people were killed at Vengav Udam village within the local government Thursday night. “Two people who are critically injured during the attack are receiving treatment in Naka hospital, and the situation is becoming unbearable, the way these armed herders are wreaking havoc in the local government and the state as a whole.” However, calls and messages put through to the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue command, Catherine Anene, were not answered. Recall that some gunmen intercepted two commercial vehicles about three kilometres from Naka, headquarters of Gwer West LGA, on Thursday and abducted 14 passengers.

Many Feared Dead In Fresh Benue Attack

April 15, 2025 by admin

Many people were feared dead as suspected armed herders invaded the Otobi community in the Akpa district of the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday. A resident of Otobi Community, Edwin Emma, told journalists on the phone that the renewed attack left many persons feared killed. He said, “We are being attacked by herdsmen at Otobi community; my wife and children are fleeing from the community as I speak, please call for help.” Confirming the attack, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa in the Benue State House of Assembly, Kennedy Angbo, said the attack started around 5:30 pm on Tuesday. The lawmaker, who hails from the Akpa district told our correspondent in a telephone call on Tuesday evening that three corpses have been recovered and hundreds are fleeing the community. “Right now, many people are feared killed, and hundreds of people have fled the community,” the lawmaker said. It was gathered that the latest attack was the third in the Otobi community in the month of April Efforts to get the spokesperson for the state police command, Catherine Anene, for confirmation were not successful, as calls made to her phone did not connect. Punch

Cult Clash Prompts Osun Poly Closure, Matriculation Delay

April 9, 2025 by admin

The management of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, on Wednesday announced the closure of the institution a day after suspected cultists clashed near the entrance of the school. The PUNCH had earlier reported that one man was feared killed in a violent clash involving members of two rival cult groups on Tuesday. In a video shared by Lamina Omotoyosi, a Facebook user, said to have been purportedly recorded, while the incident was going on, a man wearing a white shirt was filmed hitting someone lying down with a hammer on the head, while two other people watched from close distance. It was also learnt that, after the perpetrators of the crime had fled, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit of Osun State Police Command were deployed to the institution to restore normalcy. The Dean, Students Affairs of the Polytechnic, Dr Tope Abiola, who confirmed a clash of some hoodlums near the school gate, added, “We were inside campus when we started hearing gunshots. From the findings, one person was critically injured. I am not aware that anyone died. “The person who was critically injured is an ex-student of the polytechnic. He did his National Diploma here and completed the program about 2 years ago. One of the other three people who were injured was hit by stray bullets.” Also, commenting on the incident, Osun Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said those who sustained injury in the clash were receiving treatment in a hospital. Apparently, to prevent aggravating tension that the development caused, the management directed the students to immediately proceed on mid-semester break. The management, in an internal memorandum signed by the Registrar, Abiodun Oloyede, dated April 9, 2025, also announced the postponement of matriculation for the new students, earlier slated for Thursday, indefinitely. “Given the pleas and appeals received from some set of students who have not been able to pay their school’s fees and had not completed their registration formalities, Management has magnanimously granted a week mid-semester break from Thursday, April 10 to Wednesday, April 16, 2025. “This is to allow all defaulting students to pay their school fees and complete their registration procedure. Consequently, the Matriculation Ceremony for the 2024/2025 Academic Session, earlier scheduled to hold tomorrow, Thursday, April 10 2025, has been postponed. “A new date shall be announced in due course. All students are therefore enjoined to avail themselves of this break and pay all their fees and complete their registration as no further appeal shall be entertained,” the memo read.

Plateau Killings: IG Orders Deployment Of Assets, Tactical Squads

April 9, 2025 by admin

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate and comprehensive deployment of police tactical assets to troubling communities in Plateau State. In a statement on Wednesday morning, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the deployment was in response to the series of attacks and killings that have plagued some communities in Bokkos Local Government Area since March 28. Adejobi said the decisive action underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to restoring peace, ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and bringing perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice. He said the IG has tasked the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, DIG Kwazhi Yakubu, to lead and coordinate this critical intervention with significant reinforcements, including additional units of highly trained tactical personnel, state-of-the-art drones for enhanced surveillance, Armored Personnel Carriers units of Police Mobile Force, helicopters, and specialised platoons from the Special Intervention Squad. Adejobi said these resources will be strategically deployed to conduct special operations aimed at effectively curbing the incessant attacks which have tragically resulted in the loss of innocent lives. The statement added, “The recent escalation of violence began on March 28, 2025, when some armed assailants launched a brutal attack in Bokkos, resulting in the deaths of some individuals and serious injuries to many others. “This initial incident tragically marked the beginning of a series of attacks that have since claimed the lives of scores of people, leaving communities devastated and gripped by fear. “Recognising the gravity of the situation, the IGP has directed DIG Kwazhi and the deployed security forces to undertake a multi-faceted approach, focusing not only on suppressing the ongoing violence but also on proactively preventing future attacks. “Upon arrival in Plateau State on Tuesday, 8th April 2025, DIG Kwazhi paid a courtesy visit on the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang. “During this meeting, DIG Kwazhi conveyed the IGP’s sincere condolences to the affected families and communities, as well as to the entire people of Plateau State. “The meeting also served as an opportunity to assess the situation firsthand, delve into the root causes of the attacks, and collaboratively develop a sustainable, long-term solution to these senseless killings. “The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains fully committed to working in close collaboration with the Plateau State Government, community leaders, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to restore lasting peace and stability to the region. “The NPF urges residents to cooperate with the police and other security agencies, providing any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation and efforts to maintain peace on the Plateau.“ Punch

Olubadan Declares Sarkin Sasa’s Title Void, Reaffirms Baale’s Authority

April 8, 2025 by admin

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has declared the title of Sarkin Sasa in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State as null and void and not recognised by Ibadan Traditional Chieftaincy Law. This declaration was made during the Olubadan-In-Council meeting, which was held on Monday at Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, in Ibadan. The PUNCH reports that the late Sarkin Sasa was the Chairman of the Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers in the 17 Southern States of Nigeria. In a swift move to fill the leadership vacuum, one of his sons, Ahmed Haruna (Ciroma), was unanimously nominated as the new Sarkin Sasa by the family and the traditional councils of the 17 Southern states without the consent of Olubadan. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the monarch, Gbenga Ayoade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday, said, “Chief Akinade Ajani Amusa is the recognised Baale of Sasa land in the Akinyele Local Area of the state, and the accredited representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland. “Let it be noted that any individual or group of persons in Sasa land are under the authority of the Baale of Sasa land; Akinade Ajani. It is therefore imperative to accord him the appropriate respect and authority. Any disobedience to his directive will be met with serious sanctions as it will be considered an affront to the Olubadan stool,” Olubadan warned.

“Kekere Jesu,” Four Other Gospel Ministers Die In Fatal Ogun Accident

April 7, 2025 by admin

Four popular Nigerian gospel ministers, including Evangelist Ayodeji David, popularly known as Kekere Jesu, lost their lives in a fatal motor accident along the Ikorodu–Sagamu Road in Ogun State. The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Ogun State Commander and Public Information Officer, Florence Okupe on Monday. The deceased were identified as Evangelist Ayodeji Kekerejesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin, and Opeyemi Adesina. According to the FRSC, the crash occurred when the vehicle conveying the gospel singers collided with another, resulting in a high-impact accident that killed all four occupants instantly. The accident reportedly involved multiple vehicles and claimed over 24 lives in total. Preliminary investigations attribute the crash to overspeeding and poor visibility on the highway. Evangelist Kekere Jesu was known for his dynamic street evangelism, passionate preaching, and strong presence on social media. He was reportedly en route to a ministry assignment at the time of the incident. Following the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in on social media from followers, church members, and colleagues, many of whom described him as a dedicated servant of God with a deep passion for reaching the youth and rural communities with the gospel. The founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain International Ministry, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, in a statement on his Facebook page on Sunday, said, “UNQUESTIONABLE GOD!! Hmmmmnnn…..This is indeed a Rude Shock today. But Who are we to question God.. For His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are Higher than our ways… “Rest in Peace my beloved brother @ Evangelist Ayodeji David’s [ Kekere Jesu].” Another Facebook user, Kenny John wrote, “Condolence Message: The accident that occurred on Saturday, April 5th, along the Shagamu–Ibadan Expressway claimed the lives of 22 people. Out of those, four were personally known to me: Prophet Ayodeji, also known as Kekere Jesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Prophet Ayodeji Kekere Jesu’s fiancée, The wife of Prophet Ayodeji Kekere Jesu’s elder brother. “It still feels like a dream. May their souls rest in perfect peace. “Lord, we bring before You the souls of these beloved ones who have departed so suddenly. We ask for Your mercy and grace to receive them into Your eternal rest. Comfort every heart that mourns, and strengthen the families they left behind. May their memories bring light and hope, even in this season of sorrow in Jesus’ name. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” — Revelation 21:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4”

Hon Olayinka Segelu Grieves Over Demise Of Ex-PDP Deputy National Chairman, Adeojo

April 6, 2025 by admin

A Chieftain of People Democratic Party (PDP) and Germany-based business tycoon, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has expressed grief over the death of Alhaji Yekini Ayoade Adeojo, a former Deputy National Chairman and one-time Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Aare Segelu, an ICT consultant and governorship aspirant in the race for the 2027 election in Oyo State, extended heartfelt sympathy to family of the late elder statesman and renowned industrialist, the Oyo State government and the entire Yoruba Muslim community. The governorship hopeful described Adeojo as an astute politician who contributed in no small measure to the sustenance of democracy in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. “I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Chief Alhaji Yekini Ayoade Adeojo, the Oyo State Government, and the entire Yoruba Muslim community on his passing. Chief Adeojo was not only a prominent figure in our community but also a close associate and trusted ally of my late father, a former member of House of Representatives and erstwhile Oyo PDP Chairman. He once confided in me that he would refrain from active politics due to the tragic circumstances surrounding my father’s gruesome assassination. “His life was a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to serving the marginalized, even in the face of adversity. As a gubernatorial candidate for both the National Republican Convention (NRC) in 1991 and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998, he left an indelible mark on our state’s political landscape. He actively contributed to our Party and Nigeria, having served as the former Deputy National Chairman of PDP, a member of the board of trustees, and as the former Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) under President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was appointed in 2000. “May Almighty Allah (SWT) grant the Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland a place in Aljannah Firdaus and provide strength to his family, the Oyo State Government, and the entire Muslim community in Yorubaland during this difficult time. Ameen.”