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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

NCC To Meet Telecom Consumer Groups On Thursday Over Tariff Hike

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  The Nigerian Communications Commission, the country’s telecommunication regulator has scheduled a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja for Thursday to discuss the proposed 100 per cent tariff hike in the telecom sector. The meeting will bring together representatives from major consumer advocacy groups and other relevant industry stakeholders to deliberate on the implications of the price increase. President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogungbanjo, who has been a major critic of the proposal, confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Wednesday. “I had mentioned earlier that there is a need for the NCC to discuss and iron out the issue. But Yesterday, I was invited to the meeting and it will be held on Thursday in Abuja at 2 pm,” Ogungbanjo stated. Telcos have submitted a proposal to the regulator, requesting a 100 per cent hike in telecom tariffs. The proposal is currently awaiting the final nod from the NCC, which has yet to decide on the matter. The operators, a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy argued that this hike is necessary to offset rising operational costs, including increasing fuel prices and the depreciation of the naira. The proposal has sparked concern among consumer rights groups, including the NATCOMS, which fear that such an increase could further strain Nigeria’s already financially burdened population. The President of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria, Sola Ajulo, further confirmed the scheduled meeting during an appearance on Arise TV on Wednesday. Ajulo emphasised that the discussions are critical for shaping the future of telecom pricing in the country. “It’s crucial that all stakeholders are present and agree on the terms, as this will determine whether the government will approve a price increase and under what conditions,” she stated. Ajulo noted that a price increase may be inevitable, given the economic challenges facing the sector. However, she stressed that it is essential to ensure that the terms of any increase are measured and conducive to the welfare of consumers, especially in light of Nigeria’s current economic difficulties. “A 100 per cent or even a 40 per cent increase may be too steep. Easing the tariff increase with measurable conditions could be a more reasonable solution,” Ajulo suggested. The PUNCH reported earlier that mobile operators have agreed to channel the revenue from the proposed 100 percent tariff increase into major upgrades in network infrastructure and service quality. This is a major condition for the telcos as they await final approval for the tariff hike, following discussions with the government and the NCC. As part of the agreement, the country’s telecom regulator will oversee the implementation of these investments to ensure that telecom companies comply with the requirements.

Ganduje Criticizes Obi As APC spokesperson Receives 200 Death Threats.

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  The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje on Wednesday threw his weight behind the embattled National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka. Ganduje also described claims attributed to the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, as misleading, an act he said incited his online supporters to troll Morka. He disclosed this in a statement personally signed by him in Abuja. His clarification comes a few hours after the APC spokesman claimed that he and his family received 200 death threats over his inflammatory remarks from pro-Obi supporters. Morka alleged that the threats were triggered by Obi’s accusation that his remarks during a Sunday interview on Arise Television constituted a threat to the Labour Party candidate’s life. Morka’s earlier interview on Sunday sparked an outrage after he accused Obi of “crossing the line” in his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that Obi “deserved whatever came his way.” His inflammatory remarks prompted Obi to tweet, asking Nigerians if he had truly crossed the line by attempting to the Tinubu’s administration accountable to the people. Morka, on Wednesday, claimed that Obi’s supporters were after him, allegedly sending 400 threats, including 200 death threats. Morka said, “Peter Obi’s allegations that my words in that interview threatened his life have triggered serious consequences. “As of now, I have documented 400 threats, about 200 of which are explicit death threats. These are written threats that I will be submitting to law enforcement agencies. “In these messages, individuals have detailed how they plan to harm me—threatening to shoot me, behead me, and carry out other gruesome acts. This is not mere rhetoric. It has even extended to direct threats against some members of my family. These are explicit and graphic threats, not vague insinuations. “This entire situation is baseless and cannot be attributed to me. I did not threaten Peter Obi in any way. Those issuing these threats are acting on their own, but I trust that law enforcement will respond swiftly to bring them to justice.” Ganduje, throwing his weight behind Morka on Wednesday, accused Obi of inciting an online mob against the ruling party. Ganduje said, “By falsely claiming that Morka threatened his life, Mr Obi has libelled him in the extreme and incited his online supporters to issue death threats against Morka and his family. “Morka’s comments during the interview were strictly in response to a question referencing ‘prophets of doom’ and ‘voodoo economics.’ Nothing in his statement constituted or suggested a threat to Obi or anyone else. “Does Mr Obi expect the APC to fold its arms and allow the opposition to propagate falsehoods without any response?” Ganduje queried. Ganduje maintained that the APC would continue to counter baseless allegations with facts against the Tinubu-led administration. Punch

OneDead, Several Injured In Ibadan, As Granite Laden-Truck Lost Control

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  IBADAN – A truck fully loaded with granite has on Wednesday claimed lives of some suspected road side traders at Eleyele Junction of Ibadan Metroplis. The devastated accident claimed lives of unconfirmed number of lives believed to be road side traders that used to displayed their wares and petty markets at the Eleyele bus stop, while many were seriously injured. The development according to an eyewitness said a truck loaded with granite lost control and crashed into a nearby park garage. The eyewitness accounts stated that the truck, coming from the opposite direction, initially struck a group of roadside traders before barreling into the garage, where it struck waiting passengers, leaving many injured. An anonymous eyewitness described the chaotic scene, emphasising the devastation and panic that ensued. The driver of the truck fled the scene in an attempt to avoid being mobbed by onlookers, further complicating the aftermath of the tragedy. Rescue operations are currently ongoing, and authorities have stated that the exact number of casualties remains unknown as they work to clear the wreckage. Emergency responders are focused on removing the truck to prevent additional accidents and to restore normal traffic flow in the area. In a telephone interview, Rosemary Alo, the Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, confirmed the tragic incident. She stated that the roadside traders had previously been warned about the dangers of conducting business in the area. “If they had heeded these warnings, we could have potentially reduced the number of casualties,” she remarked. Alo also indicated that efforts would be intensified in collaboration with the local government chairman to enforce a ban on street trading in the vicinity, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Breach Of Peace – Five Ogun Chiefs Bag Six months jail Term

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  A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, on Wednesday, sentenced five Egba chiefs to six months imprisonment for maliciously damaging the sealed letter and removing the caution tape pasted by the Abeokuta South Local Government on the Ogboni Igbore house. The court, however, gave the chiefs option of a N50,000 fine. The five Igbore chiefs are Anthony Ogunseye (55), the Apena of Igbore, Ajasa Enisemo (67); Saheed Sanusi (50); Oludotun Oliyide (60); and Fatai Mutairu (63). They were convicted on a four-count charge of conspiracy, malicious damage, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and stealing contrary to sections 451, 516, 249(d) and 383 of the criminal code, Vol II, laws of Ogun 2006. Delivering the judgement, the presiding magistrate, Mrs. E.O. Ogunyemi, said, “The prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused are guilty as charged.” Ogunyemi added, “The evidence presented by the prosecutor is tenable, and I therefore sentence each of the chiefs to six months, with an option of a N50,000 fine each.” Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Olaide Rawlings told the court that the five defendants committed the offence on March 21, 2023, at about 12:15 pm at the Ogboni House in the Igbore area. Rawlings said the chiefs conspired among themselves to maliciously damage the sealed letter of the Abeokuta South local government that was pasted on the walls, doors and windows of the Ogboni House. She explained that the Ogboni house was sealed by the local government for security reasons following the crisis which erupted over a chieftain title in the Ogboni house. Rawlings said that the chiefs conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by deliberately removing the caution tape placed on the Ogboni house. “They also stole two billboards that were fixed on the two doors of the Ogboni Ignore house by the local government,” she said The prosecutor, however, said the offence committed contravened sections 451, 516,249(d) and 383 of the criminal code, Vol II laws of Ogun 2006. Punch

Insecurity: S/West Govs Must Remain Alert – Iba Gani Adams

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  Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has called on governors in the six southwest states to be vigilant and to put in place proper structures in securing the region. Iba Adams, who made the call following the alarm raised by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on the influx of bandits fleeing the military operations in the northwest, said the alarm raised by Oyo governor was real and needs urgent attention. Governor Makinde raised the alarm on Monday, during the 2025 annual inter- faith service in Ibadan, Oyo State. In a statement made available to the media by his Special Assistant on Media,Mr.Kehinde Aderemi, Iba Gani Adams, urged the South West governors not to ignore the alarm raised by the Oyo State governor, insisting that insecurity has been a major issue in the country,with the South West region becoming a new target for bandits and kidnappers. The Yoruba generalissimo stated further that he had raised similar alarm in the past, requesting the governors in the South West region to allow him work with the states security architectures in order to get rid of bandits and kidnappers across the region. “The alarm raised by governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State was a wake- up call for all the governors in the South West.I raised similar alarm last year and nothing was done and it is sad that up to the present time nothing has really changed, except that insecurity is increasing by the day. “South West Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) including the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) Agbekoya Society, Vigilante Group of Nigeria,(VGN), Professional Hunters, Vigilante Jahun, Agbekoya Peace Movement, Agbekoya Solidarity Movement, COMSAIC, Isokan Ile Oodua, Egbe Obinrin Oodua Agbaye,Omo Oduduwa United,and a few others under my leadership have been doing their very best in ensuring that the South West region is safe. “But now that governor Makinde had raised the alarm,there is need for urgent approach in order to address the situation before it gets out of hand. “Oyo State is the political capital of the South West region and anything that happened in the state,no doubt, has direct effect on the entire region. “So,I urge all the governors in the South West to be vigilant and do the needful by address the security situation in their respective states before it is too late. Iba Adams,while restating the need for regional autonomy and state police warned that the SSSG will not allow bandits and kidnappers turned the South West to their footholds. “We will resist any attempt to turn Yoruba land into bandits and kidnappers’ foothold,”Iba Adams said. Independent NG

Lagos Shuts 619 Facilities Over Environmental Violation

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  THE Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, has sealed at least 619 facilities, including Mosques, Churches, hotels, among others for various environmental infractions in 2024. General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, disclosed this during a media interactive session in Ikeja, Lagos. Ajayi revealed that noise pollution accounted for 528 of the closures as the agency intensified its enforcement of environmental laws. He said: “These operations are targeted households, hotels, and worship centres under the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.” While he noted significant achievements by the agency in 2024, Ajayi said the agency would double its advocacy for environmental consciousness in 2025 while focusing on stricter enforcement of existing laws. He disclosed plans to intensify action against noise pollution, enforce anti-smoking regulations by designating smoking and non-smoking zones, and advocate proper waste management through authorised disposal bodies. He explained that public complaints would be handled more effectively through an expanded complaints centre and digital channels, while academic publications and public awareness campaigns would also be increased. Vanguard

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