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.”

Several Feared Dead In Reported Zamfara Airstrike.

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  Several people were reportedly killed in an airstrike in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Garba Umar, a resident of the area, told The PUNCH that the incident occurred on Saturday evening as local vigilantes were heading to assist neighbours in Tungar Kara village, which had come under attack by bandits. According to Umar, the vigilante group mobilised after receiving reports of bandits rustling livestock and attempting to abduct villagers. “As we were heading to Tungar Kara around 3:30 pm, an aircraft suddenly appeared in the area and dropped a bomb on the vigilantes. The bandits had already escaped into the forest,” Umar recounted. He alleged that 16 people, including his own son, were killed in the airstrike. “We mobilised to protect our neighbours, but tragically, the aircraft targeted the vigilantes instead of the fleeing bandits. It’s heartbreaking,” Umar alleged. Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, told The PUNCH on Sunday morning that he would investigate the matter and provide further details. “I will look into what actually happened and get back to you,” Abdullahi said. However, as of the time of filing this report, no additional information had been provided. Meanwhile, PUNCH Online reported in November 2024 that the Nigerian Air Force said airstrikes conducted in Zamfara State killed numerous bandits, including key loyalists of the notorious bandit leaders, Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule. Similarly, four days ago, on January 8, 2025, troops of the same Operation Fansan Yamma reportedly killed a notorious terrorist leader, Sani Rusu, and scores of his foot soldiers during a gunfight in Bamamu village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Punch

FA Cup: Arsenal Host Man United As Spurs Face Tamworth

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  The FA Cup continues this Sunday with an exciting lineup of fixtures across England. The action begins at 13:00, with Hull City hosting Doncaster Rovers at the MKM Stadium. At 13:30, Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur travels to The Lamb Ground to face Tamworth. Later, a highly anticipated clash sees Arsenal take on Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London, kicking off at 16:00. At the same time, Crystal Palace will host Stockport County at Selhurst Park, Ipswich Town faces Bristol Rovers at Portman Road, and Newcastle United battles Bromley at St. James’ Park. The day wraps up with a 17:30 kickoff as Southampton hosts Swansea City at St. Mary’s Stadium. Looking ahead to Monday, Millwall will face Dagenham & Redbridge at The Den in London, with the match scheduled for 20:30. The FA Cup drama continues on Tuesday with three matches kicking off at 20:45. Leyton Orient hosts Derby County at the Gaughan Group Stadium, Mansfield Town faces Wigan Athletic at One Call Stadium, and Preston North End plays Charlton Athletic at Deepdale. Punch

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

India Lawmaker Shoots Self Dead

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  An Indian member of the Legislative Assembly, Gurpreet Gogi, has accidentally shoot himself dead The Aam Admi Party MLA shot himself accidentally and sustained injuries to his head, according to his family The incident occurred around midnight, and he was rushed to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Gulf News reported early Saturday morning that Gogi was found dead late Friday night with bullet injuries. A Punjab Police official confirmed the death, stating it appeared to be accidental. Speaking to the media, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jaskaran Singh Teja said, “As per the family members, he shot himself accidentally and sustained bullet injuries to his head. Gurpreet Gogi was declared dead at the hospital, his body has been kept at the mortuary in the DMC hospital.” The DCP added that the exact cause of death would be determined once the post-mortem report is available. “Cause of the death will be clear once the post-mortem reports come,” he noted. Further investigations are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, Gulf News reported. Gogi, who joined the AAP in 2022, had made headlines after defeating two-time Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Ashu during the Ludhiana assembly elections. In 2019, a candidate for the Mississippi state legislature, Carl Robinson, shot dead his wife, Latoya Thompson, and then killed himself after he was served with divorce papers. 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.

Everton Sack Head Coach, Sean Dyche

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Everton has sacked manager Sean Dyche, just hours before their FA Cup third-round tie against Peterborough. Everton said in a statement Dyche had been “relieved of his duties as senior men’s first-team manager with immediate effect” after two years in charge, with the process to appoint a new boss underway. The Toffees are once again battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League after winning just one of their past 11 games, with that sole success coming against fellow drop candidates Wolves in December. Everton Under-18s head coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman will take charge against third-tier Peterborough on an interim basis. At the same time, the Liverpool side seek a permanent replacement for Dyche. Former Manchester United and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, currently in charge of Turkish club Fenerbahce, has recently been linked with Everton. Mourinho has experience working with the Friedkin Group at Roma, although the Italian club sacked him just under a year ago. David Moyes, who managed Everton between 2002 and 2013, ex-England coach Gareth Southgate, Brentford boss Thomas Frank, and Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola are also among the reported contenders to succeed Dyche. Everton have won only three times in 19 league matches this season and are languishing in 16th place, with only one point separating them from the relegation zone. Asked earlier this week if the club considered his position, Dyche’s answer suggested he knew the sack could be looming. “To be clear, it should be,” the former Burnley boss said. “At the end of the day, if you’re a business of this size, succession planning should surely be part of their diligence. I’ve got no problem with that at all. “I think the noise has grown very powerful here. It does. But we’ve had it before. “The players haven’t lacked effort but it’s affecting them because you can see it in their performances.” Recall that Dyche took charge at Everton in January 2023 and kept them in the top flight despite numerous issues, including last season’s points deduction for breaching Premier League rules on profit and sustainability. They finished 17th in Dyche’s first season, avoiding the drop with a victory against Bournemouth on the last day, and came 15th last term, extending their streak of being ever-present in English football’s top-flight since 1954. But chief among Everton’s problems under the 53-year-old Englishman were a lack of entertainment and a paucity of goals. Everton’s tally of just 15 this season is the second worst in the Premier League, behind only bottom-of-the-table Southampton’s 12. Dyche’s reliance on aggressive long-ball tactics had worked well on a limited budget at Burnley, who defied the odds to stay in the Premier League for much of his 10-year spell as manager. But Everton fans demand more entertaining fare from their team, making it especially painful when they failed to muster a single shot on target in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth and managed only two in their 2-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the previous game. That proved the final straw for the Friedkin Group and Everton will now begin the search for their fifth permanent manager in the past four years. Everton’s new owners will be mindful that the club are playing their final season at Goodison Park before moving to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next term. Goodison has been Everton’s home for 132 years and the Friedkin Group would surely like an eye-catching appointment to lead them into the new era. Dyche, who was in the last year of his Everton contract, is the sixth manager in the 20-team Premier League to lose his job this season.

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.

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