Traffic was brought to a standstill on Monday at the busy Iwo Road Interchange in Ibadan, Oyo State, as protesters occupied the major roundabout to demand urgent action against rising insecurity and the release of schoolchildren reportedly abducted in the state.

The demonstrators, comprising concerned residents, youths, and community activists, blocked sections of the road, causing severe gridlock and disrupting movement along key routes connecting Ibadan with other parts of Oyo State and neighboring states.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “End Insecurity Now,” “Bring Back Our Children,” and “Government Must Act,” the protesters expressed frustration over the growing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in parts of the state, particularly in the Oke-Ogun axis.

The protest follows reports of the abduction of schoolchildren and other residents by suspected kidnappers, a development that has heightened fear among residents and sparked calls for stronger security measures.

Some of the protesters accused authorities of not doing enough to tackle the worsening security situation, urging both the Oyo State Government and federal security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

The demonstration attracted the attention of security operatives, including police officers and other law enforcement personnel, who were deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent the protest from turning violent.

Motorists and commuters were forced to seek alternative routes as traffic built up around Iwo Road, leading to delays and disruptions to commercial activities in the area.

As of the time of filing this report, the protesters insisted they would continue their demonstration until their concerns were addressed and concrete steps were taken to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and improve security across the state.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the protest and the demands raised by the demonstrators.

Human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following a court ruling that rejected his request for the presiding judge to withdraw from the case, as well as the affirmation of an earlier decision revoking his bail.

The development followed proceedings in which the court dismissed the recusal application filed by Sowore’s legal team, insisting that there were no sufficient grounds to warrant the judge stepping aside from the matter.

Counsel to the defendant had argued that the court should recuse itself over concerns they raised during the proceedings, but the application was declined.

In a related ruling, the court also upheld the revocation of Sowore’s bail, paving the way for his remand at the Kuje facility pending further hearing of the case.

Security operatives were seen escorting the activist out of the courtroom following the ruling, as proceedings drew significant attention from supporters and observers present.

The case is expected to continue on a date to be communicated by the court.

Authorities in Ogun State have launched an investigation following the discovery of the bodies of a former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster and a security guard inside an apartment in the state.

The deceased were reportedly found lifeless after concerns were raised over their prolonged absence and inability to respond to calls or inquiries from relatives and associates.

Residents of the area were said to have alerted relevant authorities after noticing unusual circumstances surrounding the apartment. Security operatives subsequently gained access to the premises, where the two bodies were discovered.

The incident has sparked concern among residents, with many expressing shock over the tragic development.

Police authorities confirmed the incident and stated that investigations were underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The bodies have since been evacuated and deposited at a morgue pending further examination.

Officials said preliminary findings had not established the exact cause of death, adding that forensic and medical examinations would assist investigators in unraveling what transpired.

Family members, colleagues, and acquaintances of the deceased have described the incident as a painful loss, calling for a thorough investigation to uncover the facts behind the tragedy.

The police urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from speculation while investigations continue.

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed claims that Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo (Sunday Igboho) played any role in the alleged release of kidnapped victims in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The controversy followed reports and viral videos suggesting that the abducted victims regained their freedom shortly after Sunday Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to suspected kidnappers and Fulani community leaders in the area. Residents were seen celebrating what was believed to be the victims’ release.

However, the police said there is no official confirmation that the victims have been rescued and insisted that there is no evidence linking Igboho to any rescue operation. According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, reports attributing the victims’ release to the activist remain unverified and should not be treated as factual.

The police further stated that the Commissioner of Police had not confirmed any involvement by Igboho in securing the release of the abductees. Authorities urged the public to rely only on verified information from official channels while investigations and rescue efforts continue.

Adding to the uncertainty, the Chairman of Oorelope Local Government, Jacob Ogundiran, also refuted reports that the victims had regained freedom, maintaining that they were still in captivity as of Sunday and that security agencies were actively working toward their safe rescue.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, securing a second term in office. The declaration was made at the INEC State Collation Centre in Ado-Ekiti after the completion of results collation from the state’s 16 local government areas.

Oyebanji recorded victories across several local government areas, including Ido/Osi and Ekiti South-West, maintaining a commanding lead over his closest challengers, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide.

The election, conducted on Saturday across 2,445 polling units in the state, witnessed the participation of 14 political parties. INEC officials collated results from polling units to ward and local government levels before the final state collation in Ado-Ekiti.

With the victory, Oyebanji has successfully renewed his mandate as governor, extending APC’s control of the South-West state. The election outcome is being viewed by political observers as a strong endorsement of his administration’s performance over the past four years.

The official breakdown of votes from all 16 local government areas is expected to be released by INEC as part of its comprehensive election report.

Political leaders, supporters, and stakeholders have begun congratulating the governor-elect while urging all parties to maintain peace and respect the democratic process.

Yoruba Nation activist and youth leader, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as , has issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Igboho, Oyo State, demanding the immediate release of residents allegedly abducted by suspected bandits.

Speaking on Saturday at the palace of the town’s monarch in Igboho, located in the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State, Igboho expressed outrage over the reported kidnapping of local residents on Friday, warning that failure to secure their release within the stipulated period could lead to a confrontation between affected communities and those suspected to be harbouring the abductors.

Addressing Fulani elders during the meeting, the activist said the continuous cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the area had become unbearable, stressing that residents could no longer tolerate attacks on innocent people. He urged the elders to use their influence to ensure the safe return of the abducted victims without delay.

According to him, community leaders and security stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns over criminal activities in parts of the Oke-Ogun region, yet incidents of abduction continue to occur. He maintained that local communities deserve protection and should be able to go about their daily activities without fear.

Igboho warned that if the victims were not released within two hours, the situation could escalate into a crisis, declaring, “We will clash,” while insisting that those responsible for the abductions must be held accountable.

The meeting reportedly drew the attention of traditional leaders, community members and security observers, who appealed for calm and urged all parties to pursue lawful means of resolving the situation.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from security agencies regarding the ultimatum, while efforts to confirm the status of the abducted residents were ongoing.

The latest development has heightened concerns over security in the Oke-Ogun area, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger measures to curb kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes threatening lives and livelihoods.

The Accord Party in Ekiti State has reaffirmed its support for the presidential ambition of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring its readiness to mobilise massive grassroots support for his candidacy across the state.

The declaration was made during the party’s governorship rally in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, attended by party leaders, women groups, youth supporters, and grassroots members from across Ekiti State.

Speaking at the rally, the Ekiti State Chairman of the Accord Party, Philip Adeniji, said the gathering was a demonstration of the party’s unity, commitment, and preparedness for the coming elections.

Adeniji stated that party members remain firmly behind Olawepo-Hashim as the party’s presidential candidate, describing him as the leader capable of providing a new direction for Nigeria.

“We gathered here today to reaffirm Olawepo-Hashim as our presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, and we are throwing our full weight behind him.

“He remains our candidate, and nobody can change that. We will work for him, and we are confident that he will emerge victorious,” he said.

The party chairman further declared that Dr. Gbenga Hashim possesses the capacity to rescue Nigeria from what he described as the failures of the current administration.

“Hashim will rescue Nigeria from the misgovernance and hardship Nigerians are experiencing under the ruling party and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Adeniji stated.

Also speaking, the Southwest Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Alhaji Olaniru Abass, described the rally as evidence of the growing acceptance of Olawepo-Hashim’s political message across the region.
According to him, Hashim combines experience, vision, and national appeal required to lead Nigeria at a critical period.

“Our gathering here today is to reaffirm our support for Hashim as the candidate of the Accord Party. He is the leader many Nigerians are waiting for, and we are prepared to support his emergence,” he said.

The Ekiti State Women Leader of the party, Funmilayo Adeyeye, said women across the state remain committed to grassroots mobilisation for the candidate and urged the party’s national leadership to continue strengthening support for his presidential campaign.

Similarly, party leader Samuel Abiola said the emergence of Olawepo-Hashim reflects confidence in his leadership qualities and vision for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.

The state campaign coordinator, Sunday Dada, said the mandate given to Olawepo-Hashim by party members would not be compromised or surrendered to external interests.

Participants at the rally displayed banners and placards in support of the Accord Party presidential candidate, reaffirming their commitment to his 2027 campaign.

The founder of Oriyomi Hamzat and prominent Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, has alleged that there are plans by unnamed individuals to demolish the premises of Agidigbo FM, raising concerns among supporters and stakeholders in Oyo State.

Speaking during a live broadcast, Hamzat claimed that he had received credible information suggesting that efforts were being made to target the media organization through a demolition exercise. According to him, the alleged move is connected to recent political and social developments in the state.

The broadcaster expressed concern that the station, which he described as a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of ordinary Nigerians, could be under threat. He maintained that Agidigbo FM has consistently promoted justice, accountability, and public interest journalism since its establishment.

Hamzat urged relevant authorities to clarify any plans concerning the property and appealed to residents of Oyo State to remain peaceful while supporting lawful processes. He also called on civil society groups, media practitioners, and democratic institutions to remain vigilant against any action capable of undermining press freedom.

The allegation has generated reactions across social and political circles, with supporters of the broadcaster expressing solidarity and urging the government to address the concerns raised.

As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government had not issued an official statement specifically responding to the allegation of a planned demolition of Agidigbo FM. However, the state government has recently carried out demolitions of properties linked to criminal activities as part of its security measures.

The development comes amid heightened political activities in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, for which Hamzat has already declared his intention to contest.

…Says Diplomacy Remains Key to Global Stability

Dakar, Senegal — The Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability in the Middle East.

Speaking during a short visit to Dakar, Senegal, Dr. Hashim commended the governments and international partners whose diplomatic efforts helped create the conditions for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of tensions.

“I welcome the agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the conflict and restoring stability to the Middle East,” he said.
“I commend President Donald Trump, the Governments of Iran, Qatar and Pakistan, alongside other international partners whose efforts helped create the conditions for peace ,” he added.

Dr. Hashim, a global energy executive with longstanding involvement in international affairs and recipient of the prestigious Lord Max Berlof Prize for Global Affairs in 2009, noted that diplomacy has once again demonstrated its value as the most effective tool for resolving complex international disputes at a time of increasing global uncertainty.

According to him, stability in the Middle East carries implications far beyond the region, affecting global security, energy markets, international trade, investment flows, and economic growth.
“Stability in the Middle East is important not only for the region, but also for global security, energy markets, trade, and economic development,” he stated.

“The world’s economies are interconnected, and disruptions in one region often create consequences across continents.”
The Accord Party presidential candidate stressed that Nigeria and the African continent have a significant stake in a peaceful and predictable international order. He urged nations to continue supporting initiatives that promote dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding as pathways to lasting peace.

“A peaceful international environment creates better opportunities for development. Nigeria and Africa must continue to support efforts that advance peace, cooperation, and stability among nations,” he added.

Dr. Hashim expressed optimism that the agreement would contribute to reducing tensions in the Middle East and strengthen international efforts toward peaceful coexistence, economic stability, and shared prosperity.

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently refocus his administration on addressing Nigeria’s worsening security and economic challenges or consider stepping aside if unable to deliver effective leadership.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the caucus expressed concern over what it described as deepening insecurity across the country, persistent economic hardship, growing public dissatisfaction, and alleged threats to democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmakers argued that many Nigerians are grappling with rising inflation, unemployment, poverty, and insecurity, while confidence in public institutions continues to decline. They also raised concerns about judicial controversies and developments they believe could undermine democratic principles and the rule of law.

According to the caucus, the federal government must prioritize the protection of lives and property, implement policies that ease economic hardship, and strengthen democratic governance. The lawmakers maintained that Nigerians deserve accountable leadership capable of addressing the country’s pressing challenges.

The opposition legislators urged the President to take decisive steps to restore public confidence, improve security nationwide, stabilize the economy, and ensure that democratic processes remain transparent and credible as the country approaches another election cycle.

They stressed that the government must place the welfare of citizens above political considerations, warning that failure to adequately address the nation’s challenges could further deepen public frustration and erode trust in governance.