Aiyedatiwa Kicks Against Court Verdict Barring Him from Another Term

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  Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has criticised the ruling of a Federal High Court in Akure restraining him from seeking another term in office, describing the decision as premature and a distraction from governance. Aiyedatiwa spoke on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme. The governor said discussions about the 2028 off-cycle governorship election were unnecessary at this stage, noting that he had only recently secured a fresh mandate from voters in the state. “This is too early. Why don’t you wait till 2027 or when the off-cycle timetable will be out in early 2028? Maybe at that time, I might begin to think, wait a minute, do I have the right to contest or not? “At that time, one can begin to seek interpretation of some of these clauses in the constitution,” he said. Aiyedatiwa said his focus remained on delivering the mandate given to him in the November 16, 2024 governorship election. “I went into a free and fair, conclusive election, which I won on the 16th of November 2024, so it is still fresh. I have never thought about any other election other than delivering on the mandate that has been given to me. “Future elections were not in my mind at all because you have to go step by step, stage by stage,” he stated. The governor added that although he was aware of the constitutional provision limiting a governor’s tenure to eight years, he had not begun considering how it might apply to him. “I know the constitutional provision of eight years, but I have not even gone into that because I just won an election. All I was occupied with was to govern and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people until somebody woke up and began to challenge it,” he said. He also described the suit as a distraction following the political challenges he had faced. “You ask how I feel. I feel the same way. This distraction will be put to rest because it is a whole lot of distraction for me, having gone through election and survived impeachment,” he added. Responding to insinuations surrounding the suit, Aiyedatiwa dismissed claims that he was engaged in a political witch-hunt or forcing members out of the All Progressives Congress. According to him, the party remains dominant in Ondo State, adding that politics is ultimately “a game of numbers.” Earlier on Thursday, a Federal High Court sitting in Akure ruled that the governor would be ineligible to contest for another term in office in 2028. The suit was filed by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Akin Egbuwalo, who asked the court to interpret Section 137(3) of the Constitution regarding the eligibility of Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, to contest for another term. The defendants in the suit included the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Aiyedatiwa, Adelami and the APC. In a judgment delivered by Justice Toyin Adegoke, the court held that Aiyedatiwa would be ineligible to stand for election in 2028, having been sworn in on December 27, 2023, to complete the tenure of the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and subsequently inaugurated on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 16, 2024, governorship election. The judge declared that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not permit an elected president, vice-president, governor or deputy governor to spend more than eight years in office. The court relied on the decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Marwa v. Nyako.

Reps Seek Installation of Life-Saving Heart Devices in Public Buildings

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  The House of Representative on Thursday called for the installation of Automated External Defibrillators in government institutions, schools, religious centres and other public buildings across the country as part of measures to improve emergency medical response. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency of Kwara State, Muktar Shagaya, during a plenary session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu. A defibrillator is a life-saving device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in the event of cardiac arrest. Moving the motion, Shagaya expressed concern over the absence of emergency medical devices in most government workplaces despite the high volume of daily human traffic. According to him, cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of sudden and unexpected deaths worldwide and often occurs without warning, requiring immediate medical intervention within minutes to prevent fatalities. He said, “Medical science has conclusively established that Automated External Defibrillators are proven, life-saving medical devices capable of restoring normal heart rhythm during cardiac emergencies. Survival rates drop drastically for every minute defibrillation is delayed.” According to him, “Ministries, Departments and Agencies, legislative complexes, courts, schools and other public institutions across Nigeria largely lack emergency medical equipment such as defibrillators and trained first responders.” The lawmaker cited several recent incidents of sudden deaths in public offices, including the case of a female public servant, Pharmacist Bilkisu, who reportedly slumped and died while addressing colleagues in her office on January 5, 2026. He said, “The House recall that on June 24, 2024, a senior official of the Nigerian Customs Service, Andrew Essien, slumped and died within the National Assembly Complex while on official duty. “The House also recalls the painful incident of December 11, 2025, when a sitting Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, collapsed during a public engagement and subsequently died in the course of service to the nation.” Shagaya noted that the deaths occurred in government environments where immediate access to Automated External Defibrillators could have provided timely life-saving interventions. He also pointed out that in countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, the installation of defibrillators in public buildings is mandatory as part of basic public safety requirements. Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure the immediate installation of Automated External Defibrillators in federal government institutions, schools, NYSC camps, religious houses and other public buildings across the federation, including the National Assembly Complex. Lawmakers also urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure the visible placement of the devices, their regular maintenance and the training of staff in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of AEDs. The House further mandated its Committees on Health and Legislative Compliance to ensure the prompt implementation of the resolution. Health experts have long emphasised the importance of making defibrillators readily available in public places because cardiac arrest can strike without warning, and survival often depends on the speed of intervention. Studies show that the chances of survival decline sharply with every minute that passes without defibrillation. AEDs are designed to be simple to use and can guide bystanders through the process of delivering a life-saving shock before professional medical help arrives. For this reason, many countries have made them standard safety equipment in airports, schools, sports facilities, government buildings and other crowded public spaces. Public health advocates say expanding access to such emergency medical equipment in Nigeria could significantly improve survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in busy workplaces and institutions where immediate medical assistance may not always be readily available.

UK Announces Road Closures, no-fly Zones for Tinubu’s State Visit

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  Britain will impose airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers in Windsor next week as President Bola Tinubu arrives for a state visit hosted by King Charles III. Tinubu is expected to begin the visit in the company of his wife Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday, March 18, with a reception at Windsor Castle. Thames Valley Police in a statement on its website on Wednesday, said it is working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security partners. The force said airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which are in place permanently throughout the year, would be extended on Wednesday, March 18, to cover the period from 7am to 11.59pm. Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the air restrictions formed part of a broader security operation for the visit. “The air restrictions are just one part of our robust security operation for the state visit of Nigerian President Tinubu next week, with many measures you will see and others you will not.. “As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing Royal events in Windsor and significant planning, and preparation has gone into this event,” Hall said. He said the force would take a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions, warning that any breach would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could lead to arrest. “We will be taking a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions; anyone who breaches them will be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could be arrested.” The police chief said officers with specialist capabilities, including search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing, and armed units, would be deployed across Windsor, alongside neighbourhood policing and Project Servator resources. “We will also be deploying numerous police officers to Windsor with specialist capabilities, including our search teams, Mounted Section, Roads Policing and armed units, while our neighbourhood and Project Servator resources will also be on the ground engaging with the public,” he said. The authorities will also deploy an extensive closed-circuit television network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other undisclosed security measures for the event. Hall said, “We will also be using the extensive CCTV network in Windsor, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation barriers, and many other security measures that you may not be able to see to make sure the event runs safely.” He urged members of the public to support the security operation by remaining vigilant. “The public plays a critical role to support us so we encourage them to report any suspicious activity or anything that does not seem quite right by calling 101 or speaking to one of our officers. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, then call 999,” Hall added. Road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with possible temporary disruption to roads in and around Windsor during the visit. Thames Valley Police said it was being supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the flight restrictions. Persons with legitimate reasons for drone flying were directed to email TVPAirspaceRequests@thamesvalley.police.uk

LAMATA Refutes Confrontation with TikToker, Cites Privacy Rules

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  The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has responded to allegations of harassment involving a Lagos-based TikTok content creator, darkskinnedella, following a series of viral videos shared by the creator. The creator, who documents her daily commute to Lagos Island on TikTok, drew attention this week to the prolonged waiting times faced by commuters, often exceeding two hours, and alleged harassment by transport staff when filming the congestion. In response to an inquiry by PUNCH Online regarding the alleged harassment and bus shortages, Head of Corporate Communication at LAMATA, Kolawole Ojelabi, clarified that the incident “was not a confrontation per se.” He explained that “in line with the privacy law, filming individuals without their consent within our transport infrastructure is discouraged. “One of the ground staff of one of our Bus Operating Companies attempted to communicate this policy to the individual who was filming, but the message was unfortunately received with aggression.” LAMATA also addressed concerns about alleged bus shortages along the Ikorodu corridor. Ojelabi noted that each BRT route has a specific number of buses assigned daily. “The reports of bus shortages currently trending have been noted. However, it is important to clarify that each route has a specific number of buses allocated to it. “Once these buses are loaded and depart with passengers to their destinations, subsequent commuters may have to wait for the buses to return before boarding,” he said, clarifying that the delays reflected operational realities rather than a shortage. The agency further denied claims that buses had been chartered for private events, which the TikToker suggested contributed to the morning congestion. “This is not true. Buses are not expected to be on charter,” Ojelabi said. On measures to improve service, LAMATA stated it is collaborating with private operators to expand the fleet and ease commuter waiting times. Darkskinnedella has been documenting her BRT commute since relocating to Lagos in late 2025, showing long queues, early departures from home, and delays both in the morning and evening. She explained that she leaves home as early as 6:30 a.m. to reach the terminal by 7 a.m., yet still sometimes waits more than two hours before boarding. Many commuters rely on the BRT system for its dedicated lanes and lower fares compared to commercial buses. The Lagos BRT system is regulated by LAMATA, which oversees policy, infrastructure, and system regulation, while daily operations are handled by private bus companies, including Primero Transport Services Limited. Concerns over bus shortages on BRT routes are longstanding. Reports from PUNCH Metro dating back to 2020 documented similar complaints from commuters about long queues and insufficient buses, particularly along busy corridors such as Ikorodu. Despite fare reductions and fleet expansion measures, demand continues to outpace supply, highlighting persistent operational challenges in meeting commuter needs.

Dangote Slashes Fuel Price by N100 as Global Crude Slumps

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  The Dangote Refinery on Tuesday reduced its petrol gantry price by N100, from N1,175 to N1,075 per litre. The move followed a slump in global oil prices, with Brent crude dropping to $89 per barrel from over $100 on Monday. Officials of the refinery confirmed the development to our correspondent, adding that diesel prices have also been reduced. They stated that petrol supplied via coastal distribution channels will now sell for N1,050 per litre, reflecting a slight differential for marine logistics. Similarly, diesel is now N1,430 per litre at the gantry, representing a N190 reduction from the earlier price of N1,620 per litre. According to oilprice.com, Brent crude prices witnessed a dramatic reversal on Tuesday, plunging nearly 27 per cent from the previous day’s high of $119 per barrel to as low as $87 per barrel. The Dangote Refinery reportedly blamed global crude volatility for the repeated price hikes, citing tensions arising from the US-Iran conflict. Details later…

Kano Gov Sacks Head of Service

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  The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has relieved the state Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa, of his appointment with immediate effect. The development was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa. According to the statement, the decision is part of ongoing efforts by the administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across government institutions. The statement partly read, “The decision forms part of the ongoing efforts of the present administration to reposition the state civil service for greater efficiency, discipline, and improved service delivery across all government institutions.” The governor thanked the outgoing Head of Service for his contributions and dedication to the service of Kano State during his tenure. “We wish him the best in his future endeavours and pray for his continued success in all aspects of life,” the statement quoted the governor as saying. Yusuf also directed that the Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, Bilkisu Maimota, should serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Head of Service. The statement added, “The governor has directed that Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, the Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services at the Cabinet Office, should serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Head of Service.” The governor further directed Musa to hand over the affairs of the office to the acting Head of Service not later than Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The development comes amid recent political realignments in Kano following the governor’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the All Progressives Congress, a move that has triggered adjustments across political and administrative structures in the state. The shift has led to a wave of repositioning among political appointees and government officials as the administration aligns with the new party structure while pursuing broader reforms within the state civil service.   Punch

UNILAG Dismisses ASUU Strike, Maintains Exams Will Hold

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  The management of the University of Lagos has chided the varsity’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities for declaring an industrial action without following due process. The ASUU UNILAG, rising from a congress held on Tuesday, asked lecturers to withdraw their services from Wednesday over what they described as ‘amputated’ January and February salaries received. The Chairman, ASUU, UNILAG chapter, Prof Idou Keinde, stated that the lecturers did not receive the full complement of their salaries: Consolidated Salary Structure for Academics, Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and Professorial Allowance. Keinde vowed that the lecturers would not resume work until their full salaries are paid. But UNILAG, through its Head, Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, on Wednesday, said the university would continue to engage with the ASUU executive to address the issues, especially the unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances. The statement read, “The Management of the University of Lagos has noted reports circulating in the media that the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNILAG Chapter, at its Congress held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, directed its members to suspend their services over alleged unpaid Consolidated Academic Teaching Allowances. “Management observes that due process was not followed in making this declaration. Nevertheless, in its commitment to the welfare of staff and students, the university has continued to engage with the ASUU Executive to address all issues.” While noting that engagement with the ASUU would continue, the UNILAG management said the ongoing students’ examinations scheduled for Wednesday will proceed as planned. “The university is particularly mindful that students are currently at a critical stage of the academic session, with semester examinations already underway. “Any disruption at this time would adversely affect students, especially those scheduled to commence the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme, internships, and those preparing to proceed to the Law School,” the statement added. It, however, noted that courses for which students have been informed by their Deans or Heads of Department that examinations will not be held will be rescheduled. “All examinations will continue as scheduled from Thursday, March 12, 2026, and deans are to ensure that necessary arrangements are put in place for the smooth and successful conduct of the examinations. “Management appeals to all members of the university community to remain calm and continue to go about their lawful academic activities as discussions with ASUU executive continue toward an amicable resolution of the issues raised,” the statement concluded.   Punch

Iran Strikes Israel, Gulf Nations as Oil Prices Fluctuate

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Iran unleashed a wave of attacks against Israel and Gulf nations on Wednesday, including targeting a Saudi oilfield, as reports of a proposed record release of oil reserves helped calm markets and prices. The war sparked by United States-Israeli strikes on Iran has spread across the region and beyond, causing spiking energy costs, fuel rationing and even school closures. G7 leaders will meet by video conference later on Wednesday to discuss the war’s economic consequences, particularly the “energy situation,” the French presidency said. The International Energy Agency will decide on a proposal for its largest-ever oil reserve release, the Wall Street Journal reported. The United States on Tuesday said it was hitting Iranian ships capable of mining the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial passageway for oil that has been effectively closed by Iranian threats. The US military posted video footage of Iranian boats blasted apart, saying it had destroyed 16 minelayers near the strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. “If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before,” President Donald Trump wrote on social media. Trump faces mounting political risks over the surging cost of oil, months before US elections. Crude prices spiked five per cent late Tuesday before turning lower on Wednesday after the reserve release report. Trump said the US military could accompany tankers through the strait, but his administration acknowledged that a post by the energy secretary announcing a first such escort was untrue. Early on Wednesday, the UK maritime agency said a container ship off the coast of the United Arab Emirates had been hit by an “unknown projectile,” illustrating the ongoing risks to transport through the region. With an eye on jittery markets, Trump on Monday said the war would be short, although his Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, said Tehran would be hit by unprecedented fire on Tuesday. **’Not seeking ceasefire’** The Israeli-US attacks came weeks after Iranian authorities ruthlessly crushed mass protests, although the United States and Israel said they were not necessarily seeking to topple the Islamic republic. Iranian authorities warned against dissent at home, with the country’s police chief saying protesters would be viewed and dealt with as “enemies.” “All our forces are also ready, with their hands on the trigger, prepared to defend their revolution,” national police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said in comments aired by IRIB. Tehran also intensified its assault on targets in the region, with the government announcing it carried out its own “most intense and heaviest” salvo, firing missiles for three hours at cities across Israel. AFP journalists heard air raid sirens and explosions in Jerusalem. Emergency services reported no immediate injuries, although Channel 12 said several people were hurt in Tel Aviv. New salvos were reported early on Wednesday, with no reports of injuries. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they also fired on Bahrain and Iraqi Kurdistan, both of which have a heavy US military presence, and also targeted a US air base in Kuwait, Iranian media said. Kuwait said it had downed eight drones, without offering further details. Drones and ballistic missiles were also intercepted elsewhere in the Gulf, including multiple drones heading to the Shaybah oilfield in Saudi Arabia, its defence ministry said. Earlier, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former top commander in the elite Revolutionary Guards, said in an English-language post on X: “Certainly we aren’t seeking a ceasefire.” “We believe the aggressor must be punished and taught a lesson that will deter them from attacking Iran again,” he added. Seven US military personnel have been killed and about 140 injured since the start of the war, according to the Pentagon. **Fright in Tehran** The United States and Israel launched the war on February 28 with an attack that killed Iran’s veteran leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been named his successor, though he has yet to appear in public. In Tehran, one woman in her 40s said she found some reassurance in her impression that the bombings “don’t target ordinary buildings.” “The noise of the bombings is extremely disturbing,” she said. Iran’s health ministry said on March 8 that more than 1,200 people had been killed and over 10,000 civilians injured. The conflict has spread as far as Sri Lanka, where US forces torpedoed an Iranian ship, and Australia, which said on Wednesday it had granted asylum to two more members of the Iranian women’s football team. Iraq and Lebanon, both home to Iran-backed fighters, have become proxy battlegrounds in the war. In Iraq, Iranian-linked groups said on Tuesday that five of their fighters died in strikes they blamed on the United States. In Lebanon, hundreds of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes following Israeli air strikes and ground operations targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah. New Israeli strikes were reported in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday, with the health ministry saying another five people had been killed in the southern town of Qana. An Israeli strike also hit a central Beirut neighbourhood on Wednesday morning, state media reported. Iran complained to the United Nations that four of its diplomats died in a strike on a seafront hotel in central Beirut on Sunday, which Israel said was aimed at “key commanders” from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. The effects of the war are being felt globally, with the UN trade and development agency warning of rising costs for essentials such as fuel and food hitting the world’s most vulnerable people. In Egypt, which increased the cost of fuels by up to 30 per cent, mother-of-six Om Mohamed fretted about the future. “We were barely getting by as it is. I don’t know how people will manage,” she told AFP at a Cairo market. AFP

PDP Chieftain, Segelu Writes Makinde, Seeks Recognition For Loyalty, Late Father’s Sacrifice

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  A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party in Oyo State, Chief Olayinka Segelu Akintola Oladimeji, has written an open letter to Governor Seyi Makinde, reaffirming his loyalty to the governor while lamenting what he described as a lack of recognition despite years of political support and contributions to the party. In the letter, Oladimeji said his support for Makinde’s administration had never been motivated by personal gain but by his commitment to the progress and development of the state. “I write at this important moment to reaffirm my unflinching personal loyalty and respect for you as the Executive Governor of Oyo State. My support for your leadership has never been driven by personal gain or expectations of reward,” he said. He added that his commitment to the governor and the party was rooted in his concern for the stability and development of the state. “Rather, my commitment has always been motivated by my deep concern for the progress, stability, and development of our dear state, Oyo State,” he stated. Oladimeji noted that he had consistently contributed to the growth of the party and supported Makinde during election campaigns and other political activities. According to him, during the 2018/2019 gubernatorial election that brought Makinde to power, he donated a campaign bus to support the campaign. “For instance, during your first gubernatorial campaign in 2018/2019, I personally donated a campaign bus in support of your emergence as governor,” he said. He added that he also supported the governor’s re-election bid in the 2022/2023 governorship election by facilitating the branding of three campaign vehicles. “During your second campaign in 2022/2023, I also facilitated the branding of three campaign vehicles to further support your re-election bid,” he said. Oladimeji further stated that he extended support to elected officials during the 2024 local government elections in Lagelu Local Government Area. “In addition, during the 2024 Local Government elections, I extended similar support to all elected officials in Lagelu Local Government Area, including every councillor,” he said. Despite these contributions, the PDP chieftain said he had not received any meaningful recognition. “However, it is also important for me to reflect honestly on the journey so far. Despite these sacrifices and contributions, I have not enjoyed any meaningful recognition or the dividends that often follow such sustained commitment,” he said. Oladimeji also recalled earlier political discussions regarding his aspiration to represent the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, stating that the support he had hoped for did not materialise. “From earlier engagements during the period when Chief Bisi Ilaka served as Chief of Staff, to subsequent political discussions surrounding my aspiration for the Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, the support I had hoped for did not materialize,” he said. The party chieftain also appealed to the governor to immortalise his late father, Olusegun Moses Akintola Oladimeji, whom he described as a committed political figure who paid a heavy price for his political beliefs. “I also made sincere appeals for the immortalization of my late father’s name in recognition of his sacrifices and contributions to the party and the people of Oyo State,” he said. He recalled that his father suffered humiliation during the early years of Nigeria’s democratic journey. “While serving as the Oyo State Party Chairman in the early years of our democratic struggle, he was publicly attacked and stripped naked by thugs at the Premier Hotel around 2001/2002 simply because he stood firmly for the party and the principles he believed in,” he said. Oladimeji added that the late politician was later assassinated while serving as a member of the House of Representatives. “Years later, on September 14, 2007, he was brutally assassinated in his constituency office at Ejioku in Lagelu Local Government Area while serving the people as a Member of the Federal House of Representatives,” he said. According to him, such sacrifices should not be forgotten in the political history of the state. “These painful sacrifices remind us that politics must never forget those who paid dearly to build its foundation,” he said. Despite his concerns, Oladimeji reaffirmed his loyalty to Makinde and his commitment to the development of Oyo State. “Despite the disappointments and setbacks along the way, I continue to choose the path of loyalty, patience, and faith in God, believing firmly that history and the people will always remember those who served with sincerity, courage, and sacrifice,” he said.

Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies At 88

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  ABUJA — FORMER Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has died at the age of 88, bringing to an end the life of one of Nigeria’s most respected football tacticians and administrators. His passing, which occurred three days after his 88th birthday, was confirmed by his daughter, Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi, on Monday, March 9, 2026. Onigbinde, a High Chief of Modakeke in Osun State, was widely respected in Nigerian football circles for his tactical depth and long-standing contributions to the development of the game both on and off the pitch. He had two separate spells in charge of the Nigeria national football team. During his first tenure between 1981 and 1984, he led Nigeria to a runners-up finish at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations. Nearly two decades later, he returned to the national team to guide Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, marking his second stint as head coach of the Super Eagles. Throughout his decades-long involvement in football, Onigbinde earned widespread respect for his tactical insight, discipline, and commitment to nurturing talent, leaving a lasting imprint on the development of the game in Nigeria. His death marks the passing of one of the country’s most influential football figures, and tributes are expected from across the Nigerian football community. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.   Independent NG

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