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

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

Gary Lineker Quits BBC Role After Social Media Post Sparks Backlash

  Former England football captain Gary Lineker will leave the BBC at the end of the season, it was confirmed on Monday, days after he shared a social media post that contained anti-Semitic imagery. “Gary Lineker will leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season,” the BBC said in a statement. “He will not be part of the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup coverage.” Last week Lineker apologised “unreservedly” for sharing an Instagram story about Zionism, which he deleted, and which had featured a picture of a rat, saying: “I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.” In a fresh statement on Monday Lineker said: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember — both on the pitch and in the studio. “I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic — it goes against everything I stand for. “However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.” Tim Davie, BBC director-general, said: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.” Davie described Lineker as a “defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades”. Lineker, 64, had already planned to end his 26-year stay as host of popular Premier League highlights programme Match of the Day at the end of the season. However, he had been due to lead the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup and FA Cup next season. Instead, Sunday’s Match of the Day following the final round of Premier League fixtures will be his final show. Lineker was the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, earning £1.35 million ($1.8 million) a year from the publicly funded broadcaster. His outspoken views on social media have caused headaches for BBC bosses due to the corporation’s rules on impartiality. In March 2023, Lineker was briefly taken off air after comparing the language used to launch a British government asylum policy to the rhetoric of Nazi-era Germany. Lineker was reinstated just over a week later — after a revolt by several of his colleagues in sympathy with him — but the BBC launched an independent review of its social medial guidelines as a result of the incident. AFP

Suspected IPOB fighters Kill Soldier Who Sneaked Out To Attend Party

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

Aare Olayinka Segelu Hails Dr. Wale Ajani At 50

  A governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 General Election in Oyo State, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has felicitate Dr. Wale Ajani, on the occasion of his 50th birthday. Aare Segelu in a statement issued to congratulate Dr Ajani, a former Director General of Oyo State liason office in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, commended him for his valuable contributions to the political landscape in Oyo State. His statement reads: “Dear Dr. Wale Ajani, on this special milestone, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you. Your contributions and dedication to our political landscape in Oyo State are truly commendable. “I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support of my gubernatorial ambition by making your online blog channel available to us. Your generosity and commitment to fostering our political goals mean so much to me. “As a gubernatorial aspirant under the PDP, I deeply appreciate your encouragement and efforts. May your new age bring you joy, good health, and continued success in all your endeavors. “Happy 50th birthday. Enjoy your special day my dear brother!”

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

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

Petrobras Return To Nigeria’s Oil Sector

  Brazil’s state oil company, Petrobras, is seeking to re-enter Nigeria’s oil sector, with a specific interest in frontier deepwater acreage. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said in a Wednesday statement that the company, which had previously wound down its operations at Nigeria’s Agbami field, is now actively engaging with Nigerian authorities as part of broader efforts to revitalise bilateral cooperation ahead of the 2025 Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism. This development emerged during Wednesday’s interministerial review meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, which aimed to coordinate Nigeria’s preparations for the second session of the SDM scheduled for June 2025. Shettima described the presence of six ministers and the Solicitor-General of the Federation at the review meeting as a reflection of the importance attached to Nigeria’s relationship with Brazil. “We have not maximally capitalised on the fraternity between us and Brazil, but it is better late than never. The upcoming SDM presents an opportunity to execute sector-specific Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and unlock investment flows,” he stated. The Vice President particularly noted that 2025 represents a critical moment for Nigeria-Brazil relations, emphasising that the convergence of international events provides Nigeria a unique opportunity to advance its interests globally. “This year is our moment of interface with Brazil. Brazil is hosting numerous global events this year, from the BRICS Summit to the G20 Summit and COP30. This convergence provides us with a unique opportunity to advance our interests on the global stage,” the Vice President added. He also commended the ministers for their passion and commitment in pursuing Nigeria’s national interests, noting that “there is a sea change in our attitude, disposition, and commitment.” Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed ongoing engagements with Petrobras, stating: “Apart from ethanol, which they hope to engage NNPCL for blending, Petrobras is also being actively engaged, and we expect they will form part of the delegation to Nigeria. Petrobras is no longer active in Nigeria, but they are very keen on returning. They have expressed interest in frontier acreage in deep waters.” Tuggar further reported that Brazil’s preparations for the dialogue are well advanced, with both government agencies and private sector players being actively engaged by the Brazilian Vice President. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is coordinating the interministerial working groups, has compiled at least 12 draft MOUs pending approval from the Ministry of Justice. These cover areas such as energy, health, culture, and agriculture. The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, emphasised the historical and ancestral connections between Nigeria and Brazil, noting that a significant percentage of Brazilians trace their roots to Nigeria. “We must not only preserve this relationship but deepen it. We’ve finalised MOUs with the Nigerian Film Corporation on audiovisual co-productions, the National Gallery of Arts for joint exhibitions, and the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation ahead of FESTAC at 50 next year,” Musawa said. Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari outlined completed MOUs focused on research collaborations, “We have finalised MOUs that focus on research in three areas: soybean value chain development, cassava research and technology transfer, and agro-forestry systems, which promote integrated crop and livestock models, erosion control, and climate adaptation,” he said. The minister noted that these efforts build upon the previously signed Green Imperative Project (GIP) agreement between Nigeria and Brazil. Also, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Pate, pointed to Brazil’s achievements in universal health coverage as a model for Nigeria. “There are important opportunities in several areas in our efforts to achieve universal health coverage and primary healthcare. Brazil has accomplished much that we can learn from. Knowledge sharing, workforce development, and human capital training in specialised areas present significant opportunities,” he stated. Pate added, “We see potential for collaboration in pharmaceutical research, local drug manufacturing, and workforce training. Brazil’s experience in addressing tropical and sub-tropical diseases makes it an ideal partner for joint research and development.” Punch

BREAKING: JAMB Begins Rescheduling Of UTME For Affected 379,997 S’East, Lagos Candidates

  The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board has begun the rescheduling of the 379,997 affected candidates for another Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examination. The rescheduling began on Thursday morning after the registrar of the examination body, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, made it known in a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. Oloyede admitted errors in the just-concluded exam affecting 206,610 in 65 centres were affected in Lagos and 92 centres in Owerri zone comprising of 173,387 candidates in the five states of the South East. He also said, “The affected candidates will start getting text messages for reschedule starting from tomorrow. “I apologise, I take full responsibility.” However, in the reprinted exam slip sighted by our correspondent, one of the affected candidates has been rescheduled to take her exam on Saturday, May 17, 2025 by 12noon in one of the Lagos centres in Igando community situated at the Alimosho Local Government Area of the state. Details later… Punch

Mass Failure: JAMB Boss Weeps As Human Error Forces Lagos, S’East Resits

  A technical review conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has revealed that a critical oversight in server updates, coupled with human error, led to the invalidation of results for 379,997 candidates in the five states of the South East and Lagos State who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. JAMB partnered with the Educare Technical Team, an independent tech partner, to verify the scale of the impact. Data was gathered from over 18,000 candidates, and after cleansing, about 15,000 authentic response logs were analysed. The revelation was made during a high-level technical review session held on Wednesday at JAMB’s headquarters in Abuja. The emergency meeting, chaired by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, was convened in response to the widespread outcry that followed the release of unusually low scores from the 2025 UTME the previous Friday. Data revealed that over 1.5million candidates out of the 1.9million candidates, whose results were released by the board, scored less than 200 marks. According to the report, the error was rooted in the uneven deployment of a critical server patch required to support major innovations introduced in this year’s UTME. While these upgrades were correctly applied to servers in the Kaduna (KAD) cluster, they were not deployed to the Lagos (LAG) cluster, which services Lagos and the South-East region. This led to widespread mismatches in answer interpretation and validation. “Over 14,000 of those records were traced to the affected centres under the LAG server cluster,” the report confirmed, adding that internal and external audits showed significant overlap in results, supporting the conclusion of systemic malfunction. “As a result, approximately 92 centres in the South-East and 65 centres in Lagos — totalling 157 centres — operated using outdated server logic that could not appropriately handle the new answer submission/marking structure. This affected an estimated 379,997 candidates, whose results were severely impacted due to system mismatches during answer validation,” the report stated. It added, “This review, conducted with thoroughness and transparency, signifies JAMB’s resolve to uphold the sanctity of its examination processes. Going forward, stronger deployment validation protocols and real-time monitoring mechanisms will be implemented to prevent such oversights. “In summary, JAMB opened its systems to independent reviews to restore public confidence and ensure the reliability of the UTME for all stakeholders. And we hereby report, that this incident was neither a system failure nor administrative manipulation, but an outright human error.” Speaking during the press briefing in Abuja, Oloyede broke down in tears while addressing issues surrounding the results, admitting that the errors were caused by a systemic failure. He stated that the affected 379,997 candidates would resit the examination. “In simple terms, while 65 centres (206,610) were affected in Lagos Zone (comprising only Lagos), 92 centres (173,387) were affected in Owerri Zone, which includes the South East states. “In clear terms, in the process of rectifying this issue, the technical personnel deployed by the service provider inadvertently failed to update some of the delivery services. Regrettably, this oversight went undetected prior to the release of the results.” Speaking further, Oloyede noted that the board was able to isolate the affected centres, adding that a resit would be organised for the affected candidates. “We have decided that all the candidates affected in the 157 centres out of 882 centres will be contacted to retake their examinations starting from Friday, May 16, 2025. These candidates are to be contacted through text messages addressed to their registered phones,” the JAMB boss added. “I understand that there are three powerful expressions which contain one word, two words and three words respectively. They are please, thank you and I am sorry. So, I appeal to the candidates and those affected by the error of our system to accept this explanation as the truth of the matter without embellishment, PLEASE. I apologise and take full responsibility, not just in words. “Then, I want to say a big THANK YOU to the Honourable Minister of Education for his unwavering belief in JAMB and what the board stands for. I also appreciate all officers and officials who believe in us for their goodwill in the face of this challenge. We have vowed to uphold integrity as the abiding philosophy of JAMB and we won’t waver or depart from it despite the fact that we are not infallible. I am equally grateful to all stakeholders who have lent us their support and expertise in arriving at a logical conclusion that we have arrived at. And for the inconveniencies, once again, on behalf of JAMB, I say, I AM SORRY to all Nigerians.” Related News However, calls for the resignation of the JAMB registrar heightened on Wednesday following the revelation. An education analyst, Jacob Sule, who posted on X via his account @jacobsule asked that the registrar stepped aside. “A country should not be governed by emotions or personal sentiments. Given the circumstances, the Registrar, Professor Oloyede, should be asked to step aside immediately to allow for a full scale independent and transparent investigation. “Additionally, the Registrar must publicly retract his earlier statements and issue a formal apology to the affected students who have endured undue stress and discomfort. Accountability and empathy are essential in restoring public trust in our institutions.” Samoal Fred, also on X, stated, “Instead of shedding crocodile tears, while some irresponsible adults applauded in the audience, Prof. Oloyede should have tendered his resignation. That was the least he could have done.” Ajao Olumota, who posted via @MrGatsby, added, “Oloyede should please resign. This is disgraceful from him.” Funsho Olushola, who posted on X via @abolajijnr, said, “Someone lost her life already. Oloyede should be in jail already. Everyone responsible should resign and face the law. Inept organization.” Meanwhile, angry parents of underage candidates demanded that their children’s results be released by the board. One of the parents, who identified herself simply as Mr. Ashaolu, told The PUNCH in Abuja, “We don’t understand why the board has refused to release the results of the under 16 … Read more

Birthday: Aare Segelu Celebrates Engr Festus Alade, Ibadan-based businessman

  A governorship aspirant for the 2027 general election in Oyo State, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has sent his heartfelt felicitations to Engr Festus Alade, an Ibadan-based business tycoon.   In a special tribute to Engr Alade, Aare Segelu, an ICT consultant based in Germany, said:   “Today, I take a moment to shine the spotlight on an inspiring leader and dear brother, Hon. Festus Alade, as we celebrate his birthday. In the heart of Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Alade stands as a beacon of hope, integrity, and character. His vibrant spirit and infectious laughter will make one always want to be around him. His generosity knows no bound as he would always come prepared to make us happy whenever we gather for any purpose.   “Our conversations have always been enlightening, and I cherish the wisdom he shared with me about my gubernatorial aspiration. One particular story he recounted resonated deeply within me and encouraged me to stay steadfast on my path. His insights remind us all that perseverance pays off, and he exemplifies this truth every day in his life and leadership.   “Hon. Alade is not just a political figure; he is a dependable mentor who embodies unwavering faith in God. He believes wholeheartedly that ‘what God cannot do, does not exist,’ and this conviction inspires all those who have the privilege of knowing him. He has always stood ready to lead and support the people and our dear Oyo State, and I have no doubt that when the time is right, he will lead our movement with the same dedication he applies to every endeavor.   “As we celebrate you today, Hon. Festus Alade alias Macadof, know that you are not only appreciated but revered for your commitment to the politics of good character. Your influence extends beyond politics; it touches lives and uplifts spirits. “I wish you a birthday filled with joy, laughter, and the love of those around you. May the years ahead bless you with continued happiness, long life, and success in all your endeavors. “Happy Birthday, Engr. Festus Alade! Let us continue to work together towards a brighter future for Oyo State and beyond.”

I Won’t Be Distracted From Doing What’s Right – Tinubu

  President Bola Tinubu has pledged to remain focused on driving Nigeria’s development and maintaining national unity, stating that he would not be distracted from doing what is right for the country. Tinubu stated this through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday, during the launch of the autobiography of former Governor of Jigawa State and elder statesman, Alhaji Sule Lamido, titled “Being True to Myself” at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja. The President, who was the Grand Guest of the occasion, described Lamido’s autobiography as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s political literature and democratic discourse. Representing Tinubu, the Minister commended Lamido for his courage, consistency, and principled stance in Nigeria’s political evolution, despite being a staunch opposition figure. “This is not merely the unveiling of a book,” Idris remarked, “it is the celebration of a life defined by courage, consistency, and commitment to democratic ideals. Alhaji Sule Lamido, though a staunch member of the political opposition and often a critic of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s political evolution.” Tinubu, through the Minister, reiterated his belief in political inclusivity, stressing that opposition is not an act of enmity but a contest of ideas. “Every citizen, regardless of party affiliation, has a seat at the table of national discourse,” he said. The Minister also lauded the decade-long development of Lamido’s autobiography, describing it as a “labour of resilience” that contributes to preserving Nigeria’s political history. He urged other political veterans to follow Lamido’s example by documenting their experiences for future generations. Reflecting on the book’s title, “Being True to Myself,” Idris noted that it aptly captures Lamido’s reputation as a blunt and principled politician. He also likened President Tinubu’s leadership qualities to those of Lamido, stating that Tinubu remains true to himself and Nigeria’s core ideals—truth, justice, peace, and shared prosperity. The Minister emphasised Tinubu’s commitment to steering Nigeria towards growth and macroeconomic stability despite the challenges faced. “Are we saying that we are where we need to be and that there isn’t room for more work to be done? Certainly not. What we are saying is simple: that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon audacity and vision to set Nigeria on the path of true growth and development,” Idris stated. On national security, Idris reassured the public that Tinubu remains steadfast in his efforts to protect citizens and the nation’s territorial integrity. He called for appreciation of the Nigerian military’s sacrifices in maintaining security across the country. The Minister also highlighted the administration’s efforts to increase national revenue through newly introduced Tax Bills aimed at fostering national development without imposing unnecessary burdens on citizens. “President Tinubu welcomes constructive criticism at all times, in the spirit of freedom of speech and democratic engagement, but he will also never allow himself to be distracted from doing what is right for Nigeria,” Idris concluded. Punch The event, which was well attended, further solidified Tinubu’s commitment to political inclusivity, national development, and strong democratic values.