Oduduwa News

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained the rationale behind his call on the United Nations (UN) and other international human rights and accountability organisations to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The governor said the request was aimed at ensuring an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, identifying those responsible, and strengthening measures to prevent similar attacks on schools and vulnerable communities.

Speaking during an engagement on the tragic incident, Makinde noted that while security agencies worked tirelessly to secure the release of the victims, it was equally important to establish the facts surrounding the kidnapping and hold all perpetrators accountable.

According to him, involving international bodies would enhance transparency, promote global attention to the security challenges affecting schools, and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the rights of children and ensuring access to safe education.

Makinde stressed that the abduction, which kept dozens of pupils and teachers in captivity for several weeks before their eventual rescue, should not be treated as an isolated incident but as a matter requiring comprehensive scrutiny and lasting solutions.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving security across Oyo State through sustained collaboration with the military, police, other security agencies, local communities, and intelligence networks.

The governor also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, security operatives, local vigilantes, and all stakeholders whose coordinated efforts contributed to the successful rescue of the victims.

Makinde assured residents that his government would continue investing in security infrastructure, intelligence gathering, and community policing initiatives to safeguard lives and property across the state.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information, and support ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The governor’s remarks come in the wake of the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and the country. A video of his explanation has since generated significant public discussion on social media.

A self-styled Director-General of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, has been arrested following a warrant issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Adeyemi’s arrest came shortly after Justice Mohammed Umar ordered security agencies to apprehend him over allegations linked to falsely presenting himself as the head of a federal government agency that does not exist.

The court’s action followed proceedings in which it was established that the so-called Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has no legal backing or recognition as an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Authorities are expected to arraign Adeyemi before the court to answer charges related to impersonation, alleged fraud, and other offences arising from his activities under the purported organisation.

The development has drawn public attention to the activities of individuals and groups allegedly operating under the guise of non-existent government agencies to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

Security agencies have urged Nigerians to verify the authenticity of government agencies and officials before engaging in any transactions, warning that only institutions established by law or duly recognised by the Federal Government should be considered legitimate.

As of the time of filing this report, further details on the specific charges against Adeyemi and the date for his arraignment were yet to be officially disclosed.

Residents of Ibadan, particularly women, have been advised to exercise caution as the annual Oloolu Masquerade festival is set to commence its traditional parade on July 28.

The Oloolu Masquerade, one of Ibadan’s revered cultural heritage festivals, is expected to move through various compounds and communities across the ancient city as part of longstanding traditional rites and celebrations.

According to tradition, the masquerade is believed to offer prayers for peace, prosperity, abundant harvests, and the overall well-being of Ibadanland while entertaining residents and visitors during its procession.

As customary, women have been strongly advised to be mindful of the masquerade’s movements and avoid unnecessary encounters with it, in line with traditional beliefs and practices associated with the festival. Residents are also urged to respect cultural norms and cooperate with organisers to ensure a peaceful celebration.

The annual event usually attracts large crowds of indigenes, cultural enthusiasts, and tourists who gather to witness the colourful display of Yoruba tradition, music, drumming, and performances that accompany the masquerade’s procession.

Community leaders have called on residents to maintain law and order throughout the festival, urging parents to monitor their children and advising road users to expect temporary traffic disruptions along routes where the masquerade will be passing.

Security agencies and festival organisers are expected to work together to ensure the safety of participants and spectators while preserving the rich cultural heritage for which the Oloolu Masquerade is widely known.

The Oloolu festival remains one of the cultural events that reflects the history, customs, and identity of the people of Ibadan, serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving indigenous traditions for future generations.

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has congratulated Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 92nd birthday, describing him as a global icon whose contributions to literature, culture, democracy, and humanity remain invaluable.

In a congratulatory message, the Ooni commended Professor Soyinka for dedicating his life to the pursuit of truth, justice, intellectual excellence, and the preservation of African heritage through his exceptional literary works and unwavering advocacy for good governance.

The revered monarch noted that Soyinka’s achievements have brought immense honour not only to the Yoruba race but also to Nigeria and the African continent at large, inspiring generations of writers, scholars, and leaders across the world.

Oba Ogunwusi described the Nobel Laureate as a symbol of courage, resilience, and wisdom whose voice has consistently stood for justice, freedom, and the defence of democratic ideals.

The Ooni prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless Professor Soyinka with sound health, long life, divine strength, and greater fulfilment as he continues to impact humanity with his wisdom and wealth of experience.

“On behalf of the House of Oduduwa and the entire Yoruba people, I heartily congratulate our revered elder statesman and literary giant, Professor Wole Soyinka, on his 92nd birthday. We celebrate his remarkable life, his enduring legacy, and his immeasurable contributions to humanity.

“We pray that God grants him many more years in good health, longevity, peace, and abundant fulfilment. May his life continue to inspire present and future generations,” the monarch stated.

Professor Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel Prize winner in Literature, remains one of the continent’s most influential literary figures and public intellectuals, with decades of contributions to literature, education, human rights, and democratic development.

Governors from the South-West region, alongside political leaders, traditional rulers, religious clerics, and other eminent Nigerians, on Tuesday converged to offer special prayers in honour of Nigeria’s late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, celebrating his life of service, patriotism, and commitment to national unity.

The remembrance prayer session, held as part of activities to honour the late elder statesman, brought together dignitaries from different walks of life who reflected on Buhari’s enduring legacy and his contributions to the development, stability, and democratic growth of Nigeria.

The gathering featured prayers led by Islamic clerics, who sought Allah’s mercy for the departed former President and prayed for peace, unity, and prosperity across the country. Participants also observed moments of reflection, describing Buhari as a leader whose administration was driven by discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project.

Speaking during the event, the attendees noted that Buhari devoted a significant part of his life to public service, first as a military leader and later as a democratically elected President, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to shape the nation’s history.

They said although opinions about his administration may differ, Buhari’s dedication to preserving Nigeria’s unity and strengthening democratic institutions remains a notable aspect of his leadership.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the values the late President stood for, including discipline, accountability, patriotism, and selfless service, urging Nigerians, especially the younger generation, to uphold these virtues in building a stronger nation.

Special prayers were offered for Allah (SWT) to forgive Buhari’s shortcomings, admit him into Aljanah Firdaus, grant strength and comfort to his family, and continue to bless Nigeria with peace, security, unity, and sustainable progress.

The dignitaries concluded by urging Nigerians to remain committed to national cohesion, mutual understanding, and collective development, stressing that the greatest tribute to the late former President would be a united and prosperous Nigeria built on justice, discipline, and responsible leadership.

The Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Owoade Matthew Kolawale, has regained his freedom after spending days in the custody of his abductors.

Oduduwa News gathered that the kidnappers allegedly released the headmaster after collecting a ₦5 million ransom and unspecified food items from his family and sympathisers.

Reliable sources in the community confirmed that Mr. Owoade was released unharmed and has since reunited with his family, bringing relief to residents of Igbojaye and the entire Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

The headmaster was abducted on Saturday while returning from his farm. His motorcycle was later recovered in a nearby bush, prompting fears that he had been forcibly taken away.

Oduduwa News had earlier reported that the abductors established contact with the victim’s family and initially demanded a ₦30 million ransom for his release. However, it was gathered that after negotiations, the ransom was reduced, and the victim was eventually freed after the payment of ₦5 million alongside food supplies.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have yet to issue an official statement confirming the circumstances surrounding his release.

Residents have expressed gratitude over the safe return of the headmaster but renewed calls on the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the rising wave of kidnappings and other criminal activities in the Oke-Ogun axis of the state.

Warn of Withdrawal of Support and Votes Ahead of Osun Governorship Election

Accord Elders and Stakeholders in Osun State have issued a seven day ultimatum to Governor Ademola Adeleke to publicly endorse the Accord Party’s presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, warning that failure to do so will compel members to withdraw its political structures, supporters and votes from his re-election campaign.

The resolution was reached at a meeting held on Monday, July 13, where party leaders and influential grassroots mobilisers from across Osun State unanimously agreed that Governor Adeleke must, on or before July 21, 2026, publicly identify with the Accord Party’s presidential project or forfeit the political support of the forum.

Speaking on behalf of the leaders were Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, Accord chieftain and political mobiliser (Ede North); Elder Timothy Ponle, apex political leader (Boripe Local Government); Hon. Mrs. Folasade Owojori (Ife East Local Government); and Hon. Mrs. Apeke Adewale (Oriade Local Government).

The stakeholders, many of whom moved with both Governor Adeleke and Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the Accord Party, said the party’s governorship and presidential projects are inseparable and must be pursued with equal commitment.

According to them, it is politically unacceptable for any candidate to seek electoral victory on the platform of Accord Party while distancing himself from the party’s presidential candidate.

They also demanded that Governor Adeleke formally invite Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim to Osun State within the next two weeks to lead the party’s presidential campaign and demonstrate his commitment to the Accord Party at the national level.

“We left PDP to build Accord into a formidable political platform. The party cannot be good enough for a governorship ambition and suddenly become irrelevant when it comes to its presidential candidate. Loyalty to the party must be complete and reciprocal,” they declared.

The stakeholders warned that failure to comply with the July 21 deadline would leave them with no alternative but to commence consultations with other governorship candidates ahead of the August 2026 election.

“Our members are spread across all local government areas of Osun State. We have invested our structures, time and political capital in building the Accord Party. We cannot, in good conscience, mobilise our supporters for a governorship candidate who refuses to mobilise for the party’s presidential candidate.”

They emphasized that its position is intended to strengthen, not weaken, the Accord Party by ensuring that every candidate contesting on its platform remains committed to the party’s collective vision and national leadership.

They reaffirmed its unwavering support for the presidential aspiration of Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim and urged all Accord Party members across Osun State to remain united behind the party’s national project as preparations intensify for the 2026 governorship and 2027 presidential elections.

Ademola Adeleke has invited the European Union to monitor the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, saying the move is aimed at strengthening transparency, credibility, and compliance with the Electoral Act during the poll.

The governor made the call while receiving representatives of the European Union in Osogbo, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful, free, and fair elections in the state.

Adeleke said the presence of international observers would boost public confidence in the electoral process and help ensure that all stakeholders conduct themselves in line with democratic principles.

Barely 24 hours after the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, suspected gunmen have demanded a ₦30 million ransom for the release of Mr. Owoade Matthew Kolawale, Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

Mr. Owoade was reportedly abducted on Saturday evening while returning from his farm in Igbojaye, a community in the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State. His motorcycle was later discovered abandoned in a nearby bush, raising fears that he had been forcibly taken away by his abductors.

Sources within the community disclosed that the kidnappers have now established contact with the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of ₦30 million before he can regain his freedom.

The latest incident has heightened concerns over the resurgence of kidnapping in parts of Oke-Ogun, despite ongoing security operations aimed at tackling criminal activities across the region.

The abduction comes barely a day after security forces secured the release of dozens of pupils and teachers who had spent weeks in captivity following their abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, a development that had raised hopes of improved security across the state.

Oduduwa News had exclusively reported the abduction of the headmaster on Sunday, revealing that he was whisked away by armed men while returning home from his farm in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the ransom demand or ongoing efforts to rescue the victim.

Residents have appealed to the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure Mr. Owoade’s safe release and strengthen security across the Oke-Ogun zone to prevent further attacks.

A tragic lone-vehicle accident claimed the lives of at least three persons and left about five others with varying degrees of injuries in the early hours of Monday at Alabebe, along the Iwo Road–Bank Olodo axis of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The fatal crash, which occurred at about 12:30 a.m., involved a Toyota Camry carrying several occupants.

Eyewitnesses said the vehicle lost control before crashing through a gate erected in front of a building. The impact also brought down a billboard and a concrete utility pole before the car eventually plunged into a roadside drainage.

The force of the collision left the vehicle completely mangled, with the Toyota Camry damaged beyond recognition.

The injured victims were reportedly rescued from the wreckage and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while the remains of those who lost their lives were evacuated from the scene.

The cause of the accident has yet to be officially confirmed, although investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.