Presidency Mourns State House Media Aide, Peter Onwubuariri

Presidency Mourns State House Media Aide, Peter Onwubuariri

The Presidency has described the death of Peter Onwubuariri, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Presidential Villa, as a major loss to President Bola Tinubu and the State House media department. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said this on Monday during a condolence visit to the deceased’s family in Abuja. Onanuga Pays Tribute Onanuga, who led presidential media aides and members of the Media and Public Relations Department to the family, described Onwubuariri as a hardworking and dependable professional whose contributions would be greatly missed. He particularly recalled the deceased’s role as a master of ceremonies at presidential events, as well as his skills as a writer. “His death has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill. I remember Peter at times played the role of MC at Presidential events, and he was very good at that; a professional par excellence, he was a very good writer. His death is a big loss to the entire department, and we are going to miss him very much,” Onanuga said. He assured the family that the Presidency would continue to support them throughout the mourning period. Colleagues Remember Onwubuariri The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, described the deceased as a workaholic who consistently delivered excellent results. “Peter was like a friend to me; I know him as a workaholic. There was never a time that we gave him an assignment that did not turn out excellently,” Rahman said. Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s former Special Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, also expressed shock over Onwubuariri’s death, describing him as a dependable partner. Speaking for the family, the deceased’s elder sister, Amarachi Nwanguma, thanked the presidential media team for its support and solidarity. She said the family would communicate with the Presidency on burial arrangements after concluding consultations. Onwubuariri’s eldest child, Adaora, a Computer Science undergraduate, also expressed gratitude for the support the family had received, saying the condolence visit confirmed to her that her father was “a very good man.”

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.

Makinde Mourns As President Tinubu Announces Buhari’s Passing

Makinde Mourns As President Tinubu Announces Buhari’s Passing

  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed his condolences to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the death of his predecessor in office, former President Muhammadu Buhari. He equally commiserated with the wife of the former president, Hajia Aisha Buhari and his entire family, praying to God to grant repose to his soul. President Tinubu had announced the passing of his predecessor, President Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. President Buhari died today, Sunday, July 13, in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness. President Tinubu had reportedly spoken with the former President’s widow, Mrs Aishat Buhari, and offered his deep condolences. President Tinubu also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. On his part, Governor Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, and made available to newsmen, described Buhari’s death as unexpected, noting, however, that the former president made his mark in serving the country. He prayed that God gives his family the fortitude to bear the loss, while also granting the former Military Head of State Aljanah Firdaus. Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President in 2015 and 2019. He also served as military head of state between January 1984 and August 1985. Meanwhile, President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader.

Aare Olayinka Segelu Mourns Late Olubadan, Hails Monarch’s Dignified Reign

  Aare Olayinka Segelu, a German-based politician, prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and a governorship aspirant in Oyo State, has joined other well-meaning Nigerians in mourning the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, describing it as “the end of a noble chapter in Ibadan’s royal history.” In a statement made available on Tuesday, Segelu paid his tribute to the late monarch, praising his short but stabilizing reign and describing him as “a father figure who carried the culture of Ibadan with silent strength and steady grace.” “Kabiyesi may have spent only a year on the throne, but his impact will echo for generations. He reminded us that leadership is not always about the length of days, but the depth of one’s service,” Segelu stated. The Olubadan, who ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, just two days after his 90th birthday. He was the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, succeeding the late Oba Lekan Balogun. Segelu, an Ibadan native whose political roots run deep in the state, noted that the royal stool of the Olubadan represents more than authority, it is the soul of Ibadan’s unity and continuity. “The Olubadan stool is the symbol of our heritage and resilience. In Oba Olakulehin, we saw a monarch who understood this weight and carried it with dignity and devotion,” he said. He also urged the Olubadan-in-Council, the Ibadan people, and Oyo State residents to honour the late monarch’s memory by promoting peace and preserving the legacy of the institution. “Ibadan’s succession model remains one of the most respected in Nigeria. It is transparent, it is peaceful, and it is dignified. Let us continue in that spirit, and ensure that this transition brings unity, not division.” Segelu expressed his condolences to the late monarch’s family, the traditional council, and Governor Seyi Makinde, calling on all Ibadan indigenes to reflect on the values of the throne and the virtues the late Oba represented. “He was the one that confirmed my chieftaincy titles both as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland and Environs and Asiwaju Ilu of Olosunde and Environs. “In losing Oba Olakulehin, we are not just saying goodbye to a king; we are closing a chapter written in wisdom, humility, and silent sacrifice. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Segelu concluded.

Oyo Guber Aspirant Mourns Loss Of Hon. Olatunji Suleiman Akande

  Chief Olayinka Segelu Oladimeji, a gubernatorial aspirant under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Hon. Olatunji Suleiman Akande, known as Lexyman Smally, as well as to the Oluyole Local Government and the Oyo State PDP. Segelu, Germany-based entrepreneur and ICT pundit, in a statement, expressed sorrow over the passing of Hon. Akande, highlighting his contributions as a strong voice in the Oluyole Local Government. According to him, the sad news came after a conversation he had with Asiwaju Oluyole, Hon. Akeem Olatunji last night, who was in Saudi Arabia at the time, grieving the loss of his dear aide. “Unbeknown to me, he was mourning, and it was a shocking revelation,” Segelu added. Asiwaju Segelu shared in the collective sorrow of the community as they mourn the sudden passing of Lexyman Smally. He called for prayers for the deceased, stating, “May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.” The community will continually remember Hon. Akande for his dedication and service to humanity, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire many within the Oluyole Local Government and beyond.

Football Mourns As Gabon Striker Boupendza Dies At 28

  Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza died on Wednesday at the age of 28 when he fell from the 11th floor of a building in China, according to the national football federation (Fegafoot). “The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” the federation said in a statement on X. “Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.” In 2022, the Panthers were eliminated in the last 16 of the AFCON by Burkina Faso. “Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family,” the federation added. Gabonese president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also took to X to add his condolences. “It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football,” he posted. Broadcaster Gabon 24 said that while “the exact circumstances of this tragedy are still unclear,” an investigation is underway to establish the facts. Born in Moanda, Boupendza joined French side Bordeaux in 2016, spending most of his time on loan at other French clubs. In 2020 he signed for Turkish side Hatayspor, and was top scorer in the Super Lig in 2020–21 before moving on to Al Arabi, with whom he won the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. Spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest followed ahead of his move to China in January. Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza died on Wednesday at the age of 28 when he fell from the 11th floor of a building in China, according to the national football federation (Fegafoot). “The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” the federation said in a statement on X. “Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.” In 2022, the Panthers were eliminated in the last 16 of the AFCON by Burkina Faso. “Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family,” the federation added. Gabonese president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also took to X to add his condolences. “It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football,” he posted. Broadcaster Gabon 24 said that while “the exact circumstances of this tragedy are still unclear,” an investigation is underway to establish the facts. Born in Moanda, Boupendza joined French side Bordeaux in 2016, spending most of his time on loan at other French clubs. In 2020 he signed for Turkish side Hatayspor, and was top scorer in the Super Lig in 2020–21 before moving on to Al Arabi, with whom he won the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. Spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest followed ahead of his move to China in January.

Tinubu Mourns As Legal Icon Kharisu Chukkol Dies At 79

  President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Prof. Kharisu Chukkol. The father of Karim, the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s immediate past acting chairman was a renowned legal scholar and expert in criminal law He passed away in Abuja on Sunday evening at the age of 79. This was disclosed in a Monday statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Describing the late professor as a “towering figure in Nigerian legal scholarship,” the President lauded his immense contributions to legal education and practice in Nigeria, particularly through his work at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. “A native of Mayo Belwa in Adamawa State, Professor Chukkol dedicated his professional life to teaching and advancing law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. “He specialized in criminal law and held various positions at ABU, including Dean of the Faculty of Law and Director of the Institute of Administration,” the President stated. Highlighting his influence on generations of legal practitioners, Tinubu noted that the late Chukkol’s students include sitting justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, senior advocates, and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser. He also praised Chukkol’s seminal 1988 book, Law of Crimes in Nigeria, which he described as “a cornerstone reference for legal practitioners and scholars.” In addition to his academic legacy, Tinubu reflected on the professor’s influence through his family, particularly his son, Abdulkarim Chukkol, who served as the immediate past Acting Chairman of the EFCC. Tinubu concluded his tribute with heartfelt prayers and words of comfort. He wrote: “I urge the family, students, and all touched by Professor Chukkol’s life to find solace in his remarkable achievements and the enduring impact of his work. May Allah grant him eternal peace.” Punch

Akwa-Ibom First Lady Dies, Gov’t Mourns

  The Akwa-Ibom State government has announced the passing of the wife of the Executive governor, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno. A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, on Friday said the governor’s wife died following an illness. The statement added that Patience Eno passed away peacefully at the hospital, on 26th September, 2024, in the presence of her family. He added that her husband, Governor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the family in the trying period, assuring all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering. The statement reads: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness. She passed away peacefully at the hospital, on 26th September, 2024, in the presence of her family.” “The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time. Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother and grandmother.” “His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”