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Fire Razes Petrol Station, Tanker, others in Oyo Community

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  A devastating fire incident on Tuesday completely burnt down the RSK Adebowale Multipurpose Filling station, a petrol tanker and a motorcycle at Ofiki area, Saki in Oyo State. The Chairman of the state Fire Services Agency, Mr Moroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident in a statement made on Wednesday in Ibadan. Akinwande said that the agency received a distress call about the fire incident through a telephone call from one Alhaji Mufutau Badmus, the Saki Branch Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria. He said that on receipt of the distress call, firemen led by Mr Kolade Taiwo immediately mobilised to the scene of the incident. A devastating fire incident on Tuesday completely burnt down the RSK Adebowale Multipurpose Filling station, a petrol tanker and a motorcycle at Ofiki area, Saki in Oyo State. The Chairman of the state Fire Services Agency, Mr Moroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident in a statement made on Wednesday in Ibadan. Akinwande said that the agency received a distress call about the fire incident through a telephone call from one Alhaji Mufutau Badmus, the Saki Branch Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria. He said that on receipt of the distress call, firemen led by Mr Kolade Taiwo immediately mobilised to the scene of the incident. “On arrival at the scene, it was discovered that the filling station, a DAF tanker truck loaded with 50,000 litres of petrol, one Bajaj motorcycle and three fuel dispensing pumps were already engulfed in the inferno,” he said. Akinwade said that personnel of the agency were able to completely extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to other properties within the area. He commended the Ofiki Division’s personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for their presence and for providing security in the area during the exercise He urged owners of filling stations in the state to prioritise fire safety guidelines. A similar incident occurred on January 9, when property worth millions of naira was destroyed after a fire engulfed three vehicles and a community power house at a filling station in the Kara area of Kishi, Irepo Local Government Area of Oyo State. An eyewitness told our correspondent that the incident happened around 5 p.m. following an explosion at the power house, which ignited nearby combustible materials and spread to adjoining property. NAN

‘Omije Ojumi’ Gospel Singer Bunmi Akinnaanu is Dead

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  Popular gospel singer, Bunmi Akinnaanu, fondly called Omije Ojumi after her widely-loved track of the same title, is dead. Her death was announced on Tuesday in a statement shared on Instagram by her colleague, Ayo Melody, on behalf of the family. The post, accompanied by a photograph of the deceased and a short clip, stated that she died in a Lagos hospital on January 12, 2026. It read in part, “With great sadness 💔😭we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye OMIJE OJUMI, passed away on 12th January, 2026 at Lagos hospital, Nigeria. May God grant her eternal rest.” In October 2025, during a service at G.F. David Ministries, Ibadan, a video showed the gospel artiste seated with her leg stretched on a chair while a cleric prayed for her. The pastor had spoken about persistent bleeding in the leg and described the condition as a spiritual attack. However, there is no confirmation that the ailment was connected to her death. Akinnaanu began singing at a young age and later left a banking career to pursue gospel music full-time. She shot to prominence with her hit song “Omije Ojumi”, which became a staple in churches and Christian homes across Nigeria, followed by other releases, including “O Ti Sure.”

Seven Days Of Oro Rites Govern Alaafin’s Actions, Not Ego – Yoruba Chief Dismisses Claims Of Snubbing Olubadan

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  IBADAN – THE Atóbaáse of Yorubaland, Chief Babajide Agunbiade, has dismissed claims that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade I, disrespected the Olubadan of Ibadanland or any other Yoruba monarch during a recent inter-faith gathering in Oyo State, explaining that the monarch’s conduct was dictated by centuries-old sacred oro rites. In an open letter on Tuesday addressing the controversy, Agunbiade said public speculation suggesting a “snub” was a misreading of the ancient traditions governing the Alaafin’s stool. “The Alaafin is bound by sacred oaths and ritual observances that predate modern Nigeria,” he said. The Yoruba chief explained that the Alaafin is currently observing the seven-day oro rites, a traditional practice that imposes strict limitations on physical conduct and public interactions. During this period, certain gestures of greeting, including standing to receive visitors, are prohibited, irrespective of the visitor’s rank or prominence. “At no time has the Alaafin shown disrespect to the Olubadan or any other traditional ruler,” Agunbiade wrote. “Any assumption of discourtesy ignores the sacred obligations that every occupant of the Oyo throne must uphold.” He emphasized that these rites are neither optional nor negotiable. “To expect otherwise would be to demand that the Alaafin compromise the sanctity of an institution that has existed for over a thousand years,” Agunbiade added. The Atóbaáse called on the Yoruba public to reflect on the importance of tradition, hierarchy, and ancestral institutions. He warned that interpreting the monarch’s conduct through the lens of social media commentary or temporary public opinion risks undermining centuries of Yoruba civilization. “The Alaafin is not merely an individual,” he said. “He is the living embodiment of an ancient institution charged with preserving Yoruba culture, diplomacy, and governance. Fidelity to tradition is paramount.” Agunbiade also recalled the historical significance of the Oyo Empire, which between the 14th and 19th centuries unified vast Yoruba territories, institutionalized governance, and projected cultural and military influence across what is now Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. “To respect the Alaafin is to respect this history, not as an act of superiority over other thrones, but as acknowledgment of distinct roles within our shared Yoruba heritage,” the letter noted. The Yoruba leader stressed that the Alaafin seeks peace, harmony, and mutual respect among all traditional rulers and harbors no personal ill will toward any king. “Tradition must not be misunderstood. Fidelity must not be mistaken for arrogance. Silence must not be misread as hostility,” he added. In conclusion, the Atóbaáse expressed confidence in the Alaafin’s ability to safeguard the integrity of the Oyo throne and Yoruba traditions while urging the public to support and protect the preservation of ancient practices like the oro rites.

AFCON 2025: Five African Player of the Year Stars Storm Semi-Finals

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  The CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has reached a defining stage, with the semi-finals set to showcase not just elite teams but elite individuals. As the top two countries will be decided between four contenders on Wednesday, five former African Player of the Year winners are poised to take centre stage. Their presence elevates the spectacle, with their influence on the pitch proving decisive through goals, assists, leadership, and momentum. From explosive forwards to commanding leaders and a dynamic defender, these stars have so far shaped matches and carried the hopes of their nations. Victor Osimhen – Nigeria Nigeria’s path to the semi-finals has been driven by Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year. He has scored four goals and provided two assists, ranking among the tournament’s leading scorers. His pace, physicality, and movement have stretched defences, while his knockout-stage contributions underscore his reputation as a big-game performer. Osimhen sets the tone for Nigeria’s aggressive approach as they chase a fourth continental title. Ademola Lookman – Nigeria Ademola Lookman, 2024 African Player of the Year, has been Nigeria’s creative engine, contributing three goals and four assists. Operating across the frontline, Lookman’s sharp decision-making and direct runs have unlocked organised defences, giving the Super Eagles variety in attack. His consistency ensures Nigeria are not reliant on a single source of inspiration. Mohamed Salah – Egypt Egypt’s talisman, Mohamed Salah, who won the African Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018, has again risen to the occasion, scoring four goals and providing one assist. Salah’s composure in high-pressure situations has been crucial in guiding the Pharaohs through tight knockout matches. Beyond statistics, his leadership has shaped a disciplined and resilient side, now two wins away from an eighth AFCON crown. Sadio Mané – Senegal Senegal’s hopes rest on Sadio Mané, a two-time African Player of the Year. He has contributed one goal and three assists, but his influence extends far beyond goal involvement. Mané’s work rate, positional intelligence, and ability to draw defenders have created opportunities for teammates. His presence blends youth with experience at the sharp end of the tournament, critical as Senegal pursue another continental title. Achraf Hakimi – Morocco Achraf Hakimi, recently crowned African Player of the Year, overcame an early tournament injury to return for Morocco’s semi-final push. He has provided one assist from right-back while anchoring a defence that has kept multiple clean sheets. Hakimi’s energy, leadership, and ability to influence play from deep positions have been a timely boost for the hosts, whose ambitions are fuelled by his presence. Senegal face Egypt at 5 pm, and host Morocco will battle Nigeria at 9 pm on Wednesday.

Satibo Herbal Bitters Set to Launch in Nigeria, Backed by 60 Years of Organic Excellence

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  Satibo Herbal Alcoholic Bitters, a new premium product from a family-owned Nigerian natural products company, is set to hit the market this week. A statement by the company’s Chief Executive Officer of Duran Organic Health Limited, Prince Adediran P. Ayeni assured consumers of a smooth herbal taste backed by more than 60 years of organic expertise. “The bitters combine time-tested herbs, roots, and botanicals in a controlled alcohol base for digestion support, appetite stimulation, and general wellness when consumed responsibly. Unlike traditional harsh bitters, Satibo offers a balanced flavour available straight, chilled, or mixed,” he said. He added: “The product’s sleek packaging targets retail shelves, bars, and lounges nationwide.” “After decades of shaping Nigeria’s organic landscape, we’re thrilled to evolve our legacy into Satibo — a bitters that’s as trustworthy as our heritage and as fresh as today’s tastes,” a company representative said. Speaking further, he stated that Satibo is now available through wholesalers, markets, and hospitality venues, supported by digital campaigns, tastings, and nightlife promotions. He equally added that distributors are wanted throughout the country.

Bandits Kill Two, Abduct Many in Sokoto Community

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  Two people have been killed and several others abducted in Bargaja village, Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following a bandit attack suspected to be linked to gunmen loyal to bandit leader, Bello Turji. The spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday that the attack occurred on Monday. He said a detailed account of the incident would be provided once the Divisional Police Officer in the area submits a field report. “Two were killed, and some people were kidnapped, but we don’t yet have the exact number. “We will get fuller details from the DPO of the local government,” Rufai said. Security sources and residents also reported that Bargaja had been attacked days earlier, suggesting repeated raids in the area along the Sokoto–Zamfara axis. Residents said the attack triggered fresh displacement, with villagers fleeing to Isa town and neighbouring communities. Isa, Sabon Birni and other parts of eastern Sokoto have continued to experience attacks, kidnappings and displacement despite assurances by security agencies. Over the weekend, residents reported the arrival of displaced persons from Tidibale ward into Isa town. Residents said the movement of displaced civilians has become increasingly frequent in recent months as more farming and pastoral settlements come under threat. “The whole of Tidibale ward has been devastated by Bello Turji,” a resident alleged in a written statement circulated to journalists. He appealed for urgent intervention from federal, state and local authorities, warning that civilians were fast becoming “refugees in their own land.” As of the time of filing this report, neither the Sokoto State Government nor the Isa Local Government Council had issued a formal response to the situation. A security analyst, Bashar Altine, who hails from Isa LGA, described the situation as “deeply worrying,” noting that many displaced residents are living in public schools and temporary shelters in Isa town. Others, he said, have relocated to neighbouring Sabon Birni, while some have crossed into the Niger Republic in search of safety. Altine also said Turji “is very much alive” and continues to operate actively within parts of Isa and surrounding communities. The renewed attacks in Isa come amid wider concerns over the persistence of banditry in the North-West, where communities have endured years of farm disruptions, mass displacement, school abductions and a shrinking civic presence due to insecurity.

Ekiti 2026: Court Nullifies PDP Primaries, Orders Fresh Exercise

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  A Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, on Tuesday, ordered the Peoples Democratic Party to conduct a fresh governorship primary poll to elect its candidate. The judge, Justice Babs Kuewumi, gave the order after he nullified the PDP primaries, which was held on November 8, where Dr Wole Oluyede emerged the party’s candidate. An aspirant in the primaries, Funso Ayeni, dissatisfied with the outcome of the polls, had approached the court seeking, among others, cancellation of the exercise, citing failure to meet the party’s guidelines and constitution. Ayeni had, through his counsel, Kola Kolade SAN, approached the court in a suit marked FHC/AD/CS/29/2025, saying that “the party (PDP) failed to present the original and authentic list of statutory and ad hoc delegates used for the exercise”. The plaintiff argued that the absence of the original delegates’ list constituted a fundamental breach of the PDP guidelines and the Electoral Act, thereby rendering the primary election invalid. In his judgment on Tuesday, Kuewumi held that “the conduct of the primary election did not comply with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution. “Consequently, the primary election is hereby nullified,” he declared, ordering the PDP in conjunction with the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh governorship primary election in strict compliance with the law and relevant guidelines.” Kuewumi directed that all eligible aspirants be allowed to participate in the fresh primary election to ensure transparency, fairness, and internal democracy within the party. Reacting to the judgment, counsel to Oluyede, Owoseni Ajayi, who expressed dissatisfaction with the court verdict, said that the judgment would be appealed, adding that Oluyede would file for a stay of execution. Recall that Oluyede’s name was excluded from the list of governorship candidates for the June 20 governorship election published by INEC on December 29. Oluyede had vowed that he would challenge the situation and explore all available means to ensure his name was restored to the list so that he could participate in the election and win.

Lagos Monarch, Akran of Badagry, Dies at 89, Sanwo-Olu mourns

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  The Akran of Badagry Kingdom, De Wheno Menu-Toyi, is dead at age 89. The revered monarch and a leading voice within the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, who reigned for over 48 years on the throne of the ancient town, died after a brief illness on Monday. Mourning the demise of the monarch, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, a copy made available to our correspondent, the governor described the departure of Oba Akran as a great loss not only to the people of Badagry but also to Lagos and Nigeria at large because of his remarkable impact as a respected monarch in Nigeria. He said the revered king, who was on the throne for nearly 49 years, is a traditional ruler known for his wisdom, cultural preservation, and advocacy for Badagry’s development, adding that he rendered selfless service to the people and left behind a legacy of unity, tradition, uplifting and modern development. He said, “On behalf of my wife, the government and people of Lagos, I commiserate with the people of Badagry, the deceased’s family, friends, associates and traditional institutions on the transition of the paramount ruler of Badagry Kingdom and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Babatunde Akran, Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi I. “The death of Oba Akran is a great loss to the people of the ancient town of Badagry, and he will be greatly missed. He was a respected journalist. As a traditional ruler, he made positive impacts during his lifetime and contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of his community, Lagos State and Nigeria. “Oba Akran, as a first-class traditional ruler, left a lasting legacy that the people of the Badagry Kingdom will continue to cherish. He served as the custodian of Badagry’s traditions, customs, and cultural heritage for nearly 49 years. He was a stabilising force known for uniting diverse interests within his kingdom and promoted Badagry’s historical sites and cultural festivals nationally and internationally, fostering tourism and cultural exchange. “He also used his position to attract growth and development to the ancient town. I urge his family, friends, subjects and associates, as well as the entire people of Badagry, whose interests the departed traditional ruler represented and worked tirelessly for during his lifetime, to work towards immortalising him. I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of the late monarch and grant the royal family and the people of the Badagry kingdom and Lagos State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.” Until his demise, Menu-Toyi, who ascended the throne of his forefathers on April 23, 1977, was the Permanent Vice-Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Adekunle Sulaimon Adekunle, a fellow of Data and Solutions Journalism, has over four years experience with competences in data journalism and investigations.

AFCON 2025: CAF Launches Probe Into Quarter-Final Misconduct Involving Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon, Morocco

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  The Confederation of African Football has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final clashes between Cameroon and Morocco, as well as Algeria and Nigeria. The probe follows reports of confrontations with referees and disruptions in post-match areas. According to a statement posted on CAF’s official website on Monday, the continental football governing body has collected match reports and video evidence suggesting potentially unacceptable behaviour and has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for further review. “CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing. “CAF is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area,” the statement read. In the quarter-final fixtures over the weekend, Nigeria secured a 2-0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech, with goals from star striker Victor Osimhen and forward Akor Adams propelling the Super Eagles into the semifinals. However, the match ended in chaos as Algerian players confronted match officials on the pitch, leading to scuffles and an attempted pitch invasion by fans that was thwarted by stadium security. The Algerian Football Federation has since lodged a formal complaint with CAF. They cited controversial refereeing decisions by Senegalese official Issa Sy, including a denied penalty for an alleged handball in the Nigerian box during the first half. Separately, Morocco advanced with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, but the match was also marred by refereeing disputes. Cameroon’s team felt aggrieved over two potential penalties not awarded, both involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina. Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, dismissed suggestions of home-team bias in a post-match press conference. CAF stressed its commitment to maintaining professional conduct at all events. “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers. “Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events,” it added.

Arsenal Academy Chief Per Mertesacker Confirms Exit

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  Former Arsenal and Germany defender Per Mertesacker has announced that he will step down as Head of Arsenal’s Academy at the end of the season. According to Fabrizio Romano’s X handle on Monday, Mertesacker was quoted as saying, “Arsenal is and will always be a very special club to me, so this was a difficult decision. I am very thankful for the trust the club put in me.” Since taking over the academy, Mertesacker has been instrumental in developing young talents, helping to strengthen Arsenal’s pipeline of players for the first team. The club has yet to announce a replacement, but Mertesacker’s departure marks the end of an important chapter in Arsenal’s youth development programme. Mertesacker joined Arsenal in 2011 from Werder Bremen and quickly became a key figure in the heart of the defence. The tall, commanding centre-back was known for his aerial ability, reading of the game, and calmness on the ball, making him a reliable presence at the back. During his playing career at the club, Mertesacker made over 170 Premier League appearances and scored 9 goals, many of them crucial headers from set-pieces. He won three FA Cups (2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17) and three FA Community Shields (2014, 2015, 2017), often captaining the team and mentoring younger players. After retiring in 2018, Mertesacker immediately joined Arsenal’s coaching staff. He eventually became Head of the Academy, where he oversaw the development of young talent and helped integrate promising players into the first team.

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