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Olubadan Declares Sarkin Sasa’s Title Void, Reaffirms Baale’s Authority

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  The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has declared the title of Sarkin Sasa in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State as null and void and not recognised by Ibadan Traditional Chieftaincy Law. This declaration was made during the Olubadan-In-Council meeting, which was held on Monday at Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, in Ibadan. The PUNCH reports that the late Sarkin Sasa was the Chairman of the Council of Arewa Traditional Rulers in the 17 Southern States of Nigeria. In a swift move to fill the leadership vacuum, one of his sons, Ahmed Haruna (Ciroma), was unanimously nominated as the new Sarkin Sasa by the family and the traditional councils of the 17 Southern states without the consent of Olubadan. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the monarch, Gbenga Ayoade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday, said, “Chief Akinade Ajani Amusa is the recognised Baale of Sasa land in the Akinyele Local Area of the state, and the accredited representative of the Olubadan of Ibadanland. “Let it be noted that any individual or group of persons in Sasa land are under the authority of the Baale of Sasa land; Akinade Ajani. It is therefore imperative to accord him the appropriate respect and authority. Any disobedience to his directive will be met with serious sanctions as it will be considered an affront to the Olubadan stool,” Olubadan warned.  

Banana Island On Lockdown: Estate Gates Shut, Traffic Chaos Spreads To Lekki-Ajah Axis

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  The gates of the Banana Island situated in the Ikoyi Area of Lagos State was on Tuesday shut for entry and exit. This shutdown has caused gridlock on the Lekki-Ajah axis and some other parts of Ikoyi. There are speculations that the shutdown was due to the proposed demolition of the Banana Club House. In a viral video on Tuesday, vehicles in their long queues were seen stranded in the estate, with some men manning the gate to the estate. As of the time of filing this report, there were contradictory claims on the government agencies responsible for the development. While some attributed it to agencies of the Federal Government, some others said agencies of the state government were responsible. Inquiring about the blockage, our correspondent, after citing a viral broadcast message that the estate gates had been locked from residents, reached out to the Lagos State Building Control Agency, which denied being in the area. The broadcast message which circulated on Tuesday read, “Lagos State Govt agency has just shut down Banana Island — disallowing residents and visitors from entering or leaving.” Another claim corroborating the message on X by a user identified as #Nothingispromised said, “We love suffering in this country. So because government officials dey Banana Island, no car fit go in or out of the estate until they are gone? They have successfully created another crazy traffic that will affect Lekki and part of Ikoyi.” Reacting, the spokesperson for LABSCA, Adu Ademuyiwa, noted that the claim that their officials are on the ground disrupting activities in the area is unfounded. He said, “It is not true. Our men are not there. And we have not stopped any residents or visitors from entering their estate on Banana Island. When the time for the demolition of the illegal buildings in the area would be done, we will communicate it appropriately to the public.” The PUNCH recently reports that the decision to demolish illegal structures on Banana Island would be followed by the government’s commitment to enforcing urban planning laws and ensuring public safety. According to the agency’s General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, LASBCA has carried out similar actions in other parts of the state, including Abule Egba, Iya Niba, and Iyana Isheri, where illegal buildings under high-tension lines were removed. The General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Gbolahan Oki, made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting on Banana Island recently. He stated that structures found violating building codes, including those under high-tension power lines and within restricted shoreline areas, would be identified and subsequently demolished.  

Saudi Ban: Nigeria Not Affected, Says FG

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  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday clarified that Nigeria is not on the list of countries facing an entry ban into Saudi Arabia from April 13. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar issued the clarification through a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir. The minister said Saudi authorities have officially confirmed that the viral memo suggesting Nigeria’s inclusion in the ban list is false. He called the document, which named Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan and others as banned, misleading and inaccurate. “The Saudi Tourism Centre confirmed no such directive exists. Current official travel guidelines only apply to the Hajj pilgrimage. “To clarify, the only restriction concerns tourist visa holders during the Hajj period,” Tuggar said. Holders of tourist visas cannot perform Hajj, enter or remain in Makkah between April 29 and June 11 (01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH). “The Hajj visa remains the only valid entry permit for pilgrims during that time,” the minister stressed. Tuggar advised the public to ignore the misleading memo and confirm travel details through official sources before making plans. “Sharing unverified information causes confusion and may affect travel arrangements,” he warned. “For accurate updates, travellers should consult official Saudi sources, the Nigerian Foreign Ministry, or recognised diplomatic channels,” he added. NAN

Trump Threatens Further 50% Tariffs On China

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  US President Donald Trump threatens steep additional tariffs on Chinese imports if Beijing does not drop its retaliation plans, adding that Washington is open to negotiations with other countries. “If China does not withdraw its 34 percent increase on top of their long-standing trade abuses by tomorrow, April 8, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL tariffs on China of 50 percent, effective April 9th,” Trump writes in a Truth Social post. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the White House, where he met with Trump, becoming the first foreign leader to personally plead for a reprieve from stinging US tariffs that have shaken the world. Also, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the global economic consequences of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs “could be profound”. Speaking at the Jaguar Land Rover factory in Birmingham on Monday, Starmer reaffirmed the UK-US alliance as “special” and “close”, adding that “we have to step up. We can’t be cowed” by US tariffs. Similarly, Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, said that her country, which is the top US trading partner and has been hit by tariffs on its automobiles, steel and aluminum, will “not rule out” imposing reciprocal tariffs on US goods. The New York Stock Exchange as Wall Street stocks traded mixed late morning amid speculation the market may be bottoming out following steep losses triggered by President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff announcements. AFP  

“Kekere Jesu,” Four Other Gospel Ministers Die In Fatal Ogun Accident

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  Four popular Nigerian gospel ministers, including Evangelist Ayodeji David, popularly known as Kekere Jesu, lost their lives in a fatal motor accident along the Ikorodu–Sagamu Road in Ogun State. The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Ogun State Commander and Public Information Officer, Florence Okupe on Monday. The deceased were identified as Evangelist Ayodeji Kekerejesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Monjolajesu Oluwapamilerin, and Opeyemi Adesina. According to the FRSC, the crash occurred when the vehicle conveying the gospel singers collided with another, resulting in a high-impact accident that killed all four occupants instantly. The accident reportedly involved multiple vehicles and claimed over 24 lives in total. Preliminary investigations attribute the crash to overspeeding and poor visibility on the highway. Evangelist Kekere Jesu was known for his dynamic street evangelism, passionate preaching, and strong presence on social media. He was reportedly en route to a ministry assignment at the time of the incident. Following the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in on social media from followers, church members, and colleagues, many of whom described him as a dedicated servant of God with a deep passion for reaching the youth and rural communities with the gospel. The founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain International Ministry, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, in a statement on his Facebook page on Sunday, said, “UNQUESTIONABLE GOD!! Hmmmmnnn…..This is indeed a Rude Shock today. But Who are we to question God.. For His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are Higher than our ways… “Rest in Peace my beloved brother @ Evangelist Ayodeji David’s [ Kekere Jesu].” Another Facebook user, Kenny John wrote, “Condolence Message: The accident that occurred on Saturday, April 5th, along the Shagamu–Ibadan Expressway claimed the lives of 22 people. Out of those, four were personally known to me: Prophet Ayodeji, also known as Kekere Jesu, Evangelist Iyanu Joseph, Prophet Ayodeji Kekere Jesu’s fiancée, The wife of Prophet Ayodeji Kekere Jesu’s elder brother. “It still feels like a dream. May their souls rest in perfect peace. “Lord, we bring before You the souls of these beloved ones who have departed so suddenly. We ask for Your mercy and grace to receive them into Your eternal rest. Comfort every heart that mourns, and strengthen the families they left behind. May their memories bring light and hope, even in this season of sorrow in Jesus’ name. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” — Revelation 21:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4”

Netanyahu Meets Trump, Seeks Tariffs Truce, Gaza, Iran Support

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  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington on Monday to meet Donald Trump, whom he will likely ask for a reprieve from US tariffs while seeking further backing on Iran and Gaza. Netanyahu becomes the first foreign leader to meet Trump in the US capital since the “Liberation Day” tariffs announcement sent global markets crashing. He was also due to discuss the war in Gaza, following the collapse of a short-lived truce that the United States had helped broker. Arriving in Washington direct from a visit to Hungary, Netanyahu’s chief objective was to try to persuade Trump to reverse the decision or, at the very least, to reduce the 17 per cent levy set to be imposed on Israeli imports before it takes effect. Upon arrival, Netanyahu met with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, according to his office. Before leaving Budapest, Netanyahu had said his discussions would cover a range of issues, including “the tariff regime that has also been imposed on Israel”. “I’m the first international leader, the first foreign leader who will meet with President Trump on a matter so crucial to Israel’s economy,” he said in a statement. “I believe this reflects the special personal relationship and the unique bond between the United States and Israel, which is so vital at this time.” Analysts said Netanyahu would seek to secure an exemption from the tariffs for Israel. “The urgency (of the visit) makes sense in terms of stopping it before it gets institutionalised,” said Jonathan Rynhold, head of political studies at Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv. Such an exemption would not only benefit Trump’s closest Middle East ally but also “please Republicans in Congress, whose voters care about Israel, but are unwilling to confront Trump on this at this point,” he said. Israel had attempted to avoid the new levy by moving preemptively a day before Trump’s announcement and lifting all remaining duties on the one per cent of American goods still affected by them. But Trump did not exempt Israel from his global salvo, saying the United States had a significant trade deficit with the country, the top beneficiary of US military aid. The Israeli leader’s visit is “also a way for Netanyahu to play the game and show Trump that Israel is going along with him,” said Yannay Spitzer, a professor of economics at Hebrew University. “I would not be surprised if there is an announcement of some concession for Israel… and this will be an example for other countries.” Netanyahu will also discuss the war sparked by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, and the “growing threat from Iran”, his office said. Israel resumed intense strikes on Gaza on March 18, and the weeks-long ceasefire with Hamas that the United States, Egypt and Qatar had brokered collapsed. Efforts to restore the truce have failed, with nearly 1,400 people killed in renewed Israeli air and ground operations, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory. Palestinian militants in Gaza are still holding 58 hostages, including 34, the Israeli military says, are dead. On Iran, Trump has been pressing for “direct talks” with Tehran on a new deal to curb the Islamic Republic’s nuclear programme. But Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai said Tehran’s proposal for indirect negotiations was “generous, responsible and wise”. There has been widespread speculation that Israel, possibly with US help, might attack Iranian facilities if no agreement is reached. Baghai also said that Iran was ready to respond in case of attack. “Should the threats against Iran be realised, they would precipitate a swift, immediate and global response from Iran’s side,” he said. AFP

Police Teargas Protesters In Rivers, Abuja Over Emergency Rule, Repression

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  Officers of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday morning fired tear gas at protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, in a bid to disperse crowds demonstrating against government repression and the state of emergency in Rivers. In Port Harcourt, protesters under the aegis of the Take It Back Movement had gathered at the Isaac Boro Park by 9 a.m. to rally against the controversial state of emergency imposed in Rivers and what they described as the misuse of the Cybercrime Act by law enforcement authorities. The demonstration quickly descended into chaos when police officers arrived at the scene and discharged tear gas, forcing protesters to flee in different directions. Eyewitnesses say some of the demonstrators, including journalists covering the event, were physically assaulted by the officers. Members of the group claim they had duly informed the police of their intention to protest in a letter dated April 3, 2025. The protest in Rivers comes weeks after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara due to escalating political tensions. Meanwhile, in Abuja, a similar protest in the Maitama area was also forcefully dispersed by police operatives. The demonstrators had gathered peacefully to voice their grievances over rising economic hardship, insecurity, and what they labelled increasing authoritarianism by the federal government. The protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” drawing attention to the alleged abuse of the Cybercrime Act and the broader human rights situation in the country. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was among those present in Abuja to lend support to the protest. The nationwide protest was convened by the Take It Back Movement in conjunction with other civil society organisations. In a statement released last Friday, the group’s national coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration aimed to resist “increasing authoritarianism” and demand urgent relief for Nigerians grappling with inflation and insecurity. Similar protests were also reported in Lagos and several other state capitals across the country

Hon Olayinka Segelu Grieves Over Demise Of Ex-PDP Deputy National Chairman, Adeojo

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  A Chieftain of People Democratic Party (PDP) and Germany-based business tycoon, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has expressed grief over the death of Alhaji Yekini Ayoade Adeojo, a former Deputy National Chairman and one-time Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Aare Segelu, an ICT consultant and governorship aspirant in the race for the 2027 election in Oyo State, extended heartfelt sympathy to family of the late elder statesman and renowned industrialist, the Oyo State government and the entire Yoruba Muslim community. The governorship hopeful described Adeojo as an astute politician who contributed in no small measure to the sustenance of democracy in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. “I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Chief Alhaji Yekini Ayoade Adeojo, the Oyo State Government, and the entire Yoruba Muslim community on his passing. Chief Adeojo was not only a prominent figure in our community but also a close associate and trusted ally of my late father, a former member of House of Representatives and erstwhile Oyo PDP Chairman. He once confided in me that he would refrain from active politics due to the tragic circumstances surrounding my father’s gruesome assassination. “His life was a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to serving the marginalized, even in the face of adversity. As a gubernatorial candidate for both the National Republican Convention (NRC) in 1991 and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 1998, he left an indelible mark on our state’s political landscape. He actively contributed to our Party and Nigeria, having served as the former Deputy National Chairman of PDP, a member of the board of trustees, and as the former Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) under President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was appointed in 2000. “May Almighty Allah (SWT) grant the Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland a place in Aljannah Firdaus and provide strength to his family, the Oyo State Government, and the entire Muslim community in Yorubaland during this difficult time. Ameen.”

Over 60% Of Corruption Cases Involve Diversion Of Healthcare, Infrastructure Funds—ICPC

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  The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu (SAN), has revealed that over 60 per cent of corruption cases investigated by the commission involve the diversion of public resources meant for critical projects such as healthcare and infrastructure. Aliyu made this disclosure on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja to formally introduce the commission’s Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments According to him, the initiative aims to curb corruption, financial mismanagement, and governance deficiencies in Nigeria’s 774 local councils. “Local governments play a vital role in delivering public services. However, many have struggled due to weak transparency mechanisms and the misappropriation of funds. “This initiative is urgent—over 60% of corruption cases investigated by ICPC at this level involve the diversion of public resources meant for critical projects such as healthcare and infrastructure,” Aliyu stated. He highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, judgment, which affirmed financial autonomy for local governments. Aliyu assured all that the ICPC remains committed to enforcing compliance with anti-corruption laws while fostering transparency, accountability, and efficiency in local government administration. Explaining the benefits of the programme, he said the ACPP-LG is designed to improve financial management, governance standards, and proactive disclosure in local councils. “Key objectives include: Ensuring transparency in local government operations. Facilitating proactive disclosure of financial and administrative activities. Enhancing citizen engagement in governance. Training local officials on ethical governance. Leveraging technology for transparency. Promoting collaboration between local governments and development partners. Establishing monitoring mechanisms for governance performance and Encouraging inclusive participation in decision-making,” Aliyu noted. He added that to achieve these goals, the ICPC would utilise its investigative, prosecutorial, and regulatory functions to ensure compliance through legislative enforcement, periodic audits and oversight mechanisms to detect and address non-compliance. Aliyu added that state governments must support local councils to ensure the smooth implementation of these reforms without administrative bottlenecks. Beyond preventive measures, Aliyu reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to prosecuting cases of fund diversion. He stressed that offenders would face the full weight of the law, ensuring that public resources are utilised for their intended purposes. “Beyond these preventive measures, ICPC will not hesitate to prosecute cases of fund diversion, ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law. The ACPP-LG is not just about governance reform—it is about justice, deterrence, and ensuring that public resources serve the people as intended. “The fight against corruption at the grassroots level is a fight for Nigeria’s future. Let us work together to ensure that every kobo meant for development is used for the people,” he said. Punch

Delta Issues 21-day Ultimatum To Unapproved Schools

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  The Delta State Government has vowed to shut down all unapproved nursery and primary schools across the state. The measure is being taken “to sanitise the private sector participation in the primary education sector in the state.” This was contained in a government special announcement signed by the Director of Public Communication/Functioning Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Information, Theresa Adiabua Oliko. Copies were made available to journalists in Warri on Thursday. The government, however, advised owners of all unapproved primary schools across the state to “upgrade” within the 21-day ultimatum or risk being shut down. The public announcement partly reads, “It is hereby announced for the information of the public, particularly owners of private nursery and primary schools in Delta State, that the government, pursuance to its responsibility to sanitise the private sector participation in the primary education sector in the state, that all unapproved primary schools in the state are hereby given a 21-day ultimatum to upgrade their infrastructure and formalise their status with the ministry of primary education with immediate effect. “Failure to comply with this directive will attract severe sanctions, including outright closure of all such schools. “The 21-day ultimatum has become imperative as a result of the proliferation of unapproved private schools whose poor infrastructural facilities, unqualified teachers and unhealthy operational environment have become worrisome to the state government.” Punch

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