News

Kano Gov Commends Committee for Returning ₦100 Million Unused Uniform Funds

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  Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has commended the committee responsible for the distribution of school uniforms to primary school pupils for returning ₦100 million of unspent funds from the ₦2 billion allocated for the project. Speaking at the distrobution of 798,000 school uniforms for Primary One pupils at the Kano Government House, Yusuf described the committee’s honesty as a testament to the transparency and accountability driving his administration. This was stated in a statement, issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, on Tuesday. The statement reads, “The governor praised the committee, led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajo Othman, for their patriotism and integrity.” He also revealed plans to distribute computers to secondary schools spread across the state, equipping students with digital literacy skills to prepare them for future opportunities. The governor appealed to wealthy individuals and corporate organizations to support government efforts in revitalizing education. He emphasised that while his administration is making great strides in the sector, even small contributions can make a significant difference in transforming lives. In his remark, the Chairman of Kano State Nigerian Union of Teachers, Baffa Garko, praised the governor’s commitment toward improving education, pledging the union’s full support for all initiatives in uplifting the sector. The event featured a mock Executive Council session, where pupils deliberated on key issues affecting the state, as well as a quiz competition on the role of social media in nation-building. Traditional dances and songs by NNPP supporters added value to the celebrations. Yusuf awarded ₦100,000 to winners in three categories during the event while the coaches of the mock Executive Council meeting received ₦500,000 each in recognition of their efforts. Punch

New Alaafin: Hon Segelu Congratulates New Monarch, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, Govt, Oyo People

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  A Germany-based Nigerian entrepreneur, ICT consultant, and politician, Hon. Olayinka Oladimeji has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Oyo people on the pronouncement of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade. Hon Segelu, a frontline aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the gubernatorial seat of Oyo State in 2027, in a statement issued on Monday congratulated Oyo State Government, he also urged Prince Owoade, the newly pronounced Alaafin, to prioritize peace as he assumes his role as the Alaafin of the historic town of Oyo. The PDP Chieftain viewed Owoade’s emergence as “the beginning of a new chapter marked by prosperity, unity, and the preservation of our cultural heritage for the people of Oyo.” He firmly believes that “Prince Owoade will honour the legacy of his predecessors, particularly the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi III, who demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his reign.” The ICT expert applauded the steadfastness exhibited by the royal family, kingmakers, and residents of Oyo, both home and abroad, during this significant selection process that spanned nearly three years. Hon Olayinka Segelu also commended the Oyo State Government, led by His Excellency Governor Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, for fostering an environment conducive for this seamless transition into a new royal epoch. He maintained that “Prince Owoade should please assume the role of a father to all and must unite with other contestants for the advancement of the Oyo kingdom. It is essential to foster inclusivity and unity among the Oyomesi, which must prevail under his leadership. “He should strive to embrace a collaborative approach with all kingmakers, free from favoritism or bias, to serve his people as a pillar of hope, justice, and development. His elevation to the throne of his forefathers underscores the resilience of our traditions and our collective pursuit of progress within the Yoruba communities.” The Staff of Office and Certificate of Appointment have been presented to Prince Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Makinde. The presentation was made on Monday at the governor’s office in Ibadan, the state capital. The new Alaafin is said to have headed to Oyo town where the 21 days of traditional rites for his ascension to the throne is expected to commence forthwith.

Lawmakers impeach Lagos Assembly speaker Obasa

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  Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa over multiple fraudulent allegations. Multiple sources confirmed that Obasa was removed by the lawmakers during a plenary on Monday. Details surrounding the speaker’s removal are still sketchy as of press time. However, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mojisola Meranda, has replaced Obasa as Speaker. Obasa’s Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, has not responded to phone calls and a text message regarding the development as of the time of filing this report. More details later …

Makinde Presents Staff Of Office To New Alaafin Of Oyo

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  Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State has presented the staff of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The governor presented the official instrument legitimising the reign of a king to the new monarch on Monday morning at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital. The symbolic event was performed nearly three years after the death of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III. The presentation of the staff of office was done amid controversy concerning the choice of the new Alaafin announced by the governor last week. Speaking at the event, the governor said the Alaafin’s stool is important not just to Oyo town but to the Yoruba race as a whole. The governor maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because his administration believes in openness and transparency. He said, “The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with. “I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate because I did not want my opinion to influence the process. “Let me say this clearly; when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction. “When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers. I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other’s houses. Politics, electioneering is a game. It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will make decisions that will affect millions of people. So, we will not play politics with governance. “The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards the election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me. “Let me also say briefly that for those that are still hell-bent on destabilizing the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.” While congratulating the new monarch, Governor Makinde prayed that his reign would bring peace and progress to Oyo Town, Oyo State, and the Yoruba race. “The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to the Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world. “I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as the Yoruba race in general,” Governor Makinde added. In his response, Alaafin Owoade promised to work for the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State, and Nigeria as well as the development of the people. He thanked the Governor, the Oyomesi, and everyone who worked for his selection and assumption of office as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Demola Ojo, lauded the Governor for his determination to ensure that the right processes were followed in the selection of the new Alaafin. He also thanked those involved in the selection process.

Ibadan Stampede Update: Ooni Of Ife’s Ex-Wife, Naomi Silekunola And Oriyomi Hamzat Granted Bail

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  Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan presided over by Justice K. B. Olawoyin on Monday granted the bail applications filed by Olori Naomi Silekunola, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdulahi Fasasi. Hamzat is the founder of the popular Ibadan-based radio station, Agidigbo FM, while Fasasi is the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan where 35 children died at a children’s funfair organized by the Wings Foundation run by the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi. Recall that the court had on Tuesday, 7 January, reserved its ruling on the bail applications. Chief Magistrate Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi, presiding over Chief Magistrates’ Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan, has on December 24, 2024, ordered the trio to be remanded at Agodi Correctional Facility, pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecution of the Oyo State Ministry of Justice. Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi are facing trial on a four-count charge that borders on conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and omitting to provide adequate security and medical facilities. Citybuzznews reports that the Oyo State government on Friday instituted a fresh 18-count charge suit before the Oyo State High Court against the trio about the stampede. The 18-count charge borders on an alleged conspiracy to commit a felony, namely murder; manslaughter; conspiracy to commit an offence, and criminal negligence, which are said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II Law of Oyo State, 2000. In the charge sheet, the prosecution revealed the names and details of 14 of the reported 35 victims of the incident including Musiliu Sofiyah, ‘f’, 8 years; Lekan Salami, ‘m’, 7 years; Feyikemi Salam, ‘f’, 1 and a half years; Olaniyan Joshua, ‘m’, 1 and a half years; and Laeef Muisi, ‘m’, 8 years. Others are Opeyemi Ayomide, ‘f’, 4 years; Adebayo Fatimah, ‘f’, 4 years; Adebayo Abibat, ‘f’, 5 years; Adeyanju Taiwo, ‘f’, 8 years; Salaudeen Khalid, ‘m’, minor; Anjorin Faridat, ‘f’, 10 years; Nahaam Muisi, ‘m’, 13 years; and Babatunde Toheeb, ‘m’, 18 years. The charge also alleges that the suspects, “did conspire together to commit a felony, namely criminal negligence, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Law of Oyo State, 2000. “Did negligently omit to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities to prevent a stampede at a children’s funfair programme organized by you, and your negligent omission resulted in the death of one Musiliu Sofiat, ‘f’, aged 8 years, and 34 other children, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 308 and punishable under section 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”

Work With Other Contestants For Oyo’s Growth, Ooni Tells Alaafin-Elect

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  The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Saturday, congratulated the Alaafin-elect, Prince Abimbola Owoade, on his appointment as the new Alaafin of Oyo, urging him to rally other contestants for the growth of the town. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, obtained in Osogbo on Saturday. Expressing confidence in the capacity of the Alaafin-elect to build on the enduring legacy of his predecessors, particularly the immediate past Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the monarch noted that the late traditional ruler ruled Oyo with enviable and sterling leadership qualities He commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for providing the enabling environment and supporting the smooth transition that has now birthed a new royal era. “Now that you have emerged victorious, you have become a father of all, who must rally all other contestants for the growth of Oyo kingdom because. You can not do it alone, you must bring everyone on board, Oyomesi must remain united under your watch either those who supported you or those who didn’t support you, you must be magnanimous in victory. “Historically, Oyo and Ile-Ife share an unbreakable bond rooted in divine origin and Yoruba Cultural Preservation. Oyo remains a very important crown jewel in Yoruba land. This interconnected lineage emphasizes the significance of the Alaafin’s throne, which remains a vital pillar in the structure of Yoruba traditional governance and heritage. The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade signifies the continuation of this sacred bond and the unwavering strength of the Yoruba cultural legacy. “Please be ready to toe the path of peace with all the kingmakers without favouritism and partiality so that you can serve your people as a beacon of hope, justice, and development. Your ascension is a testament to the resilience of our traditions and the shared aspiration for progress across the Yoruba race,” Ooni said. He also called on people of the Yoruba race to rally around the new monarch and work together to uphold the glory of the kingdom. Punch

Kingmakers Object To Makinde’s Appointment Of New Alaafin

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  Kingmakers in Oyo town, Oyo State, have protested the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde. Owoade’s appointment was announced on Friday in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, sparking controversy within traditional circles. Oyelade said after extensive consultations and traditional divinations by the Oyomesi, the Oyo kingmakers, Owoade was recommended as the new Alaafin of Oyo and subsequently approved by Governor Makinde. “Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by Governor Seyi Makinde as the new Alaafin of Oyo,” he said. However, five prominent kingmakers in Oyo town rejected Owoade’s appointment. The protesting kingmakers include the Basorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Akinade; the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele; the Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Hamzat Yusuf; a warrant chief representing the Asipa of Oyo, Chief Wahab Oyetunji; and a warrant chief representing the Alapinni of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau. The kingmakers argued that Prince Lukman Gbadegesin was the rightful Alaafin-elect, citing ongoing legal proceedings concerning the selection process. In a letter signed by their legal counsel, Kunle Sobaloju, SAN, they described the governor’s actions as illegal and urged the suspension of the process until the matter was resolved in court. Titled “Re: Illegal & Unlawful Appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the New Alaafin of Oyo,” was made available to Saturday PUNCH, the letter outlined the kingmakers’ opposition to the appointment. It read in part, “On their resolute instruction, we write this letter concerning the purported unlawful and illegal appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. “You will recall that on September 30, 2022, at a meeting of the Kingmakers held in accordance with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, the Kingmakers appointed Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin of Oyo by a majority of lawful votes. His name was forwarded to Your Excellency for approval, but you refused to approve it for undisclosed reasons. The Kingmakers thereafter filed an action to stop Your Excellency from truncating the process, which is now pending in the Court of Appeal. “Your Excellency’s recent announcement of Prince Owoade’s appointment, claiming it was made after consultations and divinations, is contrary to the established legal process. The Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but through strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which governs the selection process. The Bashorun of Oyo, as the head of the Oyomesi, must summon a meeting for the selection, but no such meeting was convened. This decision amounts to executive recklessness and cannot withstand legal scrutiny.” Meanwhile, the Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has congratulated Prince Owoade on his ascension as the new Alaafin. In a statement issued by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, Oba Akanbi described Owoade’s rise as a divine act, affirming it to be in accordance with God’s will.

Makinde Approves Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade As New Alaafin Of Oyo

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  Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. The approval, announced in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, followed thorough consultations and divinations by the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers of Oyo. The governor’s endorsement brings an end to the prolonged anticipation of a new monarch for the ancient kingdom. According to the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ademola Ojo, the announcement resolves the socio-political and legal disputes that have lingered since the passing of the late Alaafin, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on April 22, 2022. Hon. Ojo urged all citizens of Oyo State to celebrate the occasion and offer their support to the new Alaafin. He expressed optimism that Prince Owoade’s reign would usher in an era of peace, prosperity, and unity for the historic Oyo Kingdom. The government, through the commissioner, reiterated its commitment to fostering harmony and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Oyo.

Presidency Criticizes Bauchi Governor Over Irresponsible Politics.

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  The Presidency on Friday urged the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to face governance and stop “playing Irresponsible Politics,” with the Tax Reforms Bill. It said the governor should occupy himself with dealing with the many problems of his state rather than attacking President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare, made this stance in a statement he signed Friday morning titled ‘Gov. Bala Mohammed is Playing Irresponsible Politics.’ Dare was responding to Mohammed, who criticised President Tinubu, saying his economic reform policies are putting the North and Nigerians at large under strain. While receiving the National Chairman Council of Ulama Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah, Sheikh Sani Jingir, earlier in the week, the Governor said he is not on good terms with the President, whom he accused of not listening to the people. “It is true that we are not on good terms with him [President Tinubu] because our brothers and sisters are suffering. Even we, the governors, are suffering. Aside from his policies, he does not listen to us,” Mohammed told Jingir, who was a staunch proponent of the Muslim-Muslim Ticket that brought Tinubu to power in May 2023. He expressed frustration over the president’s refusal to address the hardship, adding that the North has been particularly affected by the recent Tax Reforms proposed by the Federal Government. However, the Presidency said, “Governor Bala should face governance and stop using President Tinubu to burnish his vanishing image. Governor Bala is playing Irresponsible Politics. Rather, he should occupy himself with dealing with the many problems of his state. Ambition is made of sterner stuff. “President Tinubu is focused on revamping the economy, and he is working to turn the economic fortunes of the country around. He has a four-year mandate to deliver on his promises. “Nigerians have started to see the real impact of reforms of the Tinubu administration and better outcomes will continue to manifest in the lives of the citizens in the weeks and months ahead.” On the Tax Reform Bills, it said the President urged that anyone and groups that feel strongly about this matter before the National Assembly should take advantage of the legislative process. Therefore, “Attempts to stampede or abort this process must be considered undemocratic and self-serving,” it said. The presidency says the Nigerian public would like to know what Governor Mohammed is doing to make life better for the people of Bauchi State. It queried, “How well are the people of his state who still rank as most impoverished among Nigerians faring under his leadership? “How well has he, as Governor, used the increased resources at his disposal to improve the quality of life of his people?” Just like President Tinubu has a duty to all Nigerians, “Governor Bala has a greater duty and responsibility to the people of his state,” therefore, “Constant blustering and playing irresponsible politics will not relieve him of his duty to the people of Bauchi State his leadership has impoverished,” Dare noted

Yoruba, Igbo, Others Should Divide If Nigeria Isn’t Working – Sunday Igboho

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  Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has said many Nigerians are no longer proud to identify themselves as citizens of the West African nation. In a video seen online on Thursday, Igboho, who was spotted at an airport in the United Kingdom, said corruption, insecurity, and a bad economy are the reasons for the lack of patriotism in the country. The separatist also stated that various ethnic nationalities should be allowed to go their separate ways if the country cannot function as a unified country. Igboho said Yoruba youths, who have gained valuable knowledge and experience from travelling worldwide, are eager to transform the Yoruba nation into a modern, prosperous society similar to that of Europe. He said, “Even inside the airport, there is no security. They can steal your belongings inside your bag (in Nigerian airports). All these are the things dissuading people from being proud of the country, Nigeria. “Things like that make us sad to identify ourselves as Nigerians. This is why we advocate for separation. If Nigeria is not working as a country, it is better we go our separate ways. “Our (Yoruba) youths will transform Yoruba nation. Most of them have travelled across the world, and they have learned a lot. If they come back to Yoruba land, the knowledge will help them build it and transform the nation like those in Europe.” Punch

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