A Painful Loss: Makinde Mourns Death of Bayelsa Deputy Governor

  The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday described the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as a sad and painful loss to the state and to the Peoples Democratic Party. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, in Ibadan, the governor expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Bayelsa State Government, the people of the state, and the PDP family. Ewhrudjakpo was pronounced dead after he suddenly collapsed at the Government House in Yenagoa on Thursday afternoon. Makinde prayed to God to grant repose to the soul of Ewhrudjakpo, whom he described as a loyal party man and a courageous democrat. He also prayed that God would grant the family and the people of the state the strength to bear the loss. “I received the news of the passing away of our brother and Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Ewhrudjakpo, on Thursday. “His death is painful and it is a sad loss to the state he served till his last breath and to us in the PDP, as he was a faithful party man, who chose loyalty and commitment to democracy above personal gains. “I express my heartfelt condolences to his family, the Government and the good people of Bayelsa State and pray to God to grant repose to his soul. “I also pray that God will give his immediate family and the state the fortitude to bear the loss. “Good night, courageous democrat!” he stressed. The South-South Governors’ Forum and the Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday mourned Ewhrudjakpo’s passing. “…His Excellency, Governor Duoye Diri, who has lost a dependable ally. I also deeply commiserate with the family and friends of the deceased,” Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun was quoted as saying in a statement.

OYRTMA Debunks Social Media Rumour on Alleged Tricycle Rider’s Death

OYRTMA Debunks Social Media Rumour on Alleged Tricycle Rider’s Death

The attention of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has been drawn to false reports circulating on social media, particularly on Facebook, alleging that OYRTMA officials were responsible for the death of a commercial tricycle rider at the University of Ibadan axis on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. We wish to state categorically that the report is untrue, misleading, and aimed at tarnishing the image of the Authority. For the past three months, OYRTMA officials have been stationed at the U.I axis, enforcing compliance with traffic lights to ensure sanity and orderliness on our roads, an effort heavily supported by the financial commitment of the Oyo State Government. On the said date, at about 11:30 am, a commercial tricycle with registration number MNY 805 QU willfully violated the traffic light. The rider was flagged down but attempted to escape dangerously. He was eventually apprehended at the Preboye traffic light. In the course of enforcement, the rider bit one of the officers and, in a desperate move to avoid lawful arrest, feigned collapse, pretending to be dead, ostensibly to incite mob action against OYRTMA personnel. As the officers were being distracted by the crowd, the rider suddenly stood up, entered his tricycle, and sped off before the arrival of policemen from Sango Police Station. Therefore, the allegation that OYRTMA officials killed a tricycle rider is not only false but also mischievous. To put the record straight, we pose the following pertinent questions to those spreading the rumors: Who took the allegedly “dead” tricycle rider to the hospital? Which hospital was he taken to, and which doctor certified him dead? Where was his supposed corpse deposited? Who removed the said tricycle from the scene? Did the police officers who later arrived at the scene find a corpse or a tricycle? Did OYRTMA officials abandon their duty post, or did they continue their lawful duties as evidence that no such death occurred? These questions remain unanswered because the incident was clearly staged by the tricycle rider to evade the consequences of his traffic violation. OYRTMA assures the public that it remains committed to carrying out its statutory duties in line with the law and will not be distracted by baseless allegations. We call on members of the public to always seek the truth and not be misled by unfounded speculations.

I’ll Die On a Sunday After Service, Pastor Adeboye Predicts Own Death

  The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has restated his vision of how he believes he will pass away, peacefully, on a Sunday, after attending church service and eating his favourite meal, pounded yam. Speaking on the fourth day of the church’s ongoing International Convention themed “The Overcomers”, Adeboye said death does not always come through prolonged illness and that his departure would be sudden and painless. “I will die on a Sunday after attending service, eat my beloved pounded yam, and then pass on without any sickness,” he declared. The cleric noted that he first shared this vision two years ago and was repeating it to reassure believers that death can be peaceful for those in Christ. Delivering a sermon titled “Possess Your Possessions”, Adeboye urged Christians to actively claim what is rightfully theirs in Christ, warning that spiritual blessings often have to be fought for. Drawing from the biblical story of the Israelites taking the Promised Land, he said: “In many cases, you may have to fight for things that are already yours.” He listed healing, prosperity, fruitfulness, and long life as areas where believers must resist spiritual opposition. “Your greatest friend, Jesus Christ, paid a great price to purchase your healing. Yet there is a thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy,” he said, citing John 10:10. “Long life is yours, but the devil wants to kill you with all he has. You must fight to live.” On prosperity, Adeboye declared: “The One who owns the earth and its fullness, and owns all the silver and gold, paid a terrible price so that you wouldn’t be poor. As long as you want to remain poor, you will remain poor.” He criticised the double standard faced by successful Christians: “If you make it as a Christian, they criticise you. If you die poor, they say, ‘Where’s your God?’” Referencing biblical figures like Rachel and Hannah, who overcame barrenness through persistent prayer, he urged believers to reject all forms of spiritual oppression. Concluding his message, Adeboye used the story of Jacob wrestling with an angel as a call to spiritual perseverance: “It is what we tolerate that disturbs us. Stop tolerating sickness, poverty, barrenness, or premature death. Fight to possess your possessions, it’s your spiritual duty, made possible by Christ’s sacrifice.”

Army Headquarters Denies Reports Of Chief Of Army Staff’s Death

  The Nigerian Army has categorically dismissed speculations claiming that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died, labeling the reports as fake news. The headquarter via its official X handle, @HQNigerianArmy, dismissed an online report that circulated on Sunday, stating, “Chief of Army Staff dies of cancer.” The report claimed that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja passed away in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48 hours ago due to stage three cancer, according to a senior government official. Furthermore, the report alleged that the news of the Chief of Army Staff’s death had been kept secret due to intense lobbying by some Army Generals seeking to assume his position. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023 as the 27th Chief of Army Staff. The Army Headquarters continues to assert the importance of accurate information and has urged the public to disregard any unverified reports regarding the health or status of its leadership. Presidency reacts Also reacting, Special Adviser Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga via his X Platform dismissed the alleged death of Lagbaja. He said: “Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu has dismissed fake reports about the chief of army staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. “To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances. Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he is away,”.

Hon. Olayinka Segelu Condoles With Alhaji Abdulwasiu Tomiwa Omolewa Over Wife’s Death

  By Adeleke Maria    A gubernatorial aspirant for the 2027 election in Oyo State under the umbrella of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Olayinka Segelu is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Alhaja Ganiyat Omolewa the beloved wife of Alhaji Abdulwasiu Tomiwa Omolewa. Hon. Segelu sends his heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. Alhaji Tommy as you are fondly called, your strength and kindness in the face of adversity have always inspired me, and I have immense respect for the support you have offered to countless individuals, including myself. I remember our time together, where you selflessly devoted an entire day to guide me, demonstrating not only your commitment to helping others but also your love for your own family. I admire your belief that one day, we may all need a helping hand. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared with your wife and in the love of those around you. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and all the PMS staff across Oyo State during this time of mourning. Accept my condolences!

Court Sentences Three To Death For Colonel’s Murder

  In a significant ruling on Tuesday, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan sentenced three individuals to death by hanging for the murder of Colonel Anthony Okeyin, the Commandant of the Nigeria Army Secondary School in Apata, Ibadan. The convicted men—Agada Solomon, Taiwo Adeniyi, and Bibisoye Kehinde—were also handed 14-year prison sentences for conspiracy and armed robbery. The convicts were among six defendants charged in connection with the heinous act that took place on December 12, 2016. Justice Ezekiel Ajayi found them guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy and murder, with the prosecution presenting compelling evidence, including confessional statements and the discovery of the deceased commandant’s phone in the possession of Solomon. Conversely, the remaining three defendants—Ewere Andrew, Udobata Oruza-Uzie, and Ephraim Obi—were discharged and acquitted of all charges. Justice Ajayi noted that the only connection of the sixth defendant, Obi, was that his car was used in the commission of the crime. During proceedings, the prosecution, represented by Mrs. K.K. Oloso, detailed how the defendants allegedly conspired at the Commandant’s quarters and fatally assaulted the 52-year-old Okeyin, inflicting severe injuries and robbing him of a Samsung X4 phone and N45,000 in cash. In addressing the court, defense counsel Mr. F.O. Awonusi appealed for leniency, urging the court to temper justice with mercy, but this plea did not sway the judge. The serious nature of the crimes led to their categorization under multiple sections of the Criminal Code and the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, underscoring the gravity of the offenses committed

2024 Flood Crisis: Death Toll reaches 259,625,239, Displaced Across 29 States, Reports NEMA

  ABUJA – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that the current trend of flooding across the country has indicated that 29 States and 172 LGAs have been impacted by flooding, affecting 1,048,312 people, displaced 625,239 and have led to the death of 259 lives. The Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar who stated this on Thursday in Abuja during national emergency coordination forum meeting in Abuja stressed that the current challenge with Borno on the searchlight currently require coordinated response. “The current trend of flooding indicated that 29 States and 172 LGAs have been impacted by flooding, affecting 1,048,312 people, displaced 625,239 and have led to the death of 259 lives. This unfortunate and almost unexpected incident requires coordinated response, hence the call for this emergency meeting. “As you may all be aware, flood has ravaged many parts of the country with devastating impact in some locations. The latest of which is that of Borno State, where Search and Rescue is currently being carried out by emergency workers,” she said. She however maintained that flood predictions across Nigeria for this year had earlier been disseminated to various stakeholders by NEMA and other agencies of government saddled with this responsibility. “Though the flooding may not be totally prevented, efforts are being made to mitigate the impact to the barest minimum. “This occurrence is not in total deviation from the predictions as contained in this year’s Annual Flood Outlook released by NIHSA which informed that in the months of July to September, 2024, 33 States and 135 LGAs are within flood high-risk areas, while the period between October and November has 19 States and 44 LGAs. “The Federal Government through NEMA commiserates with those that have been affected by the flood disaster and assures them that necessary succour will be provided accordingly. The main reasons for conveying this meeting therefore are to receive update on the flood situation and to assign roles and responsibilities to all stakeholders to ensure we are all on the same page.” She said that as part of on-going efforts, Internally Displaced Persons camps have been activated in some states;” additional staff have been deployed to support Search and Rescue operations; water purification and critical Search and Rescue equipment have been deployed to affected states; while food and non food items are also being provided to support the affected persons. “To complement these efforts, plans are underway to: provide additional relief intervention including medical consumables and medicaments; deploy additional water purifiers; support States to evacuate people at risk; provide additional support to Naval Disaster Response Units; provide additional support for sectoral response; relocate and rehabilitate the displaced population and to carry out in- depth Damage and Loss assessment among others.” While appreciating the support of international partners, the NEMA DG noted that the situation is not yet overwhelming for the Government of Nigeria to cope with. “We however encourage partners to continue to carry out their routine assistance to affected people while still monitoring the situation. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let us utilize this opportunity to further deliberate on efforts to ameliorate the suffering of affected people and also to stem the trend of the disaster across the country.”   Independent NG