Oduduwa News

…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.

Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has officially declared his support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second-term bid after severing ties with the APC.

The political heavyweight made his position known ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, signaling a major shift in the state’s political landscape.

Omisore’s endorsement is expected to boost Governor Adeleke’s re-election campaign as political alignments continue to take shape ahead of the polls.

Popular social media activist and commentator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), led a protest in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area.

The protesters marched through parts of the state capital before converging on the residence of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, demanding intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release. The demonstration drew youths, residents, and concerned citizens who expressed frustration over the prolonged abduction ordeal.

Addressing the protesters, Governor Makinde assured residents that his administration was working closely with security agencies to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice. He urged the public to remain calm and continue supporting ongoing security operations rather than taking actions that could jeopardize rescue efforts.

VDM, while speaking during the protest, called on government authorities and security agencies to act with greater urgency, stressing that the lives and welfare of the abducted children should remain a national priority. The protest highlighted growing public concern over insecurity and school-related kidnappings in parts of the country.

The demonstration ended peacefully after Governor Makinde’s engagement with the protesters, though participants maintained that they would continue advocating for the victims until they regain their freedom.

LAGOS — In a major relief to Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a significant N75 per litre reduction in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

In a formal circular issued to fuel marketers, the refinery confirmed that the new depot price has been dropped from ₦1,250 to ₦1,175 per litre. The downward review, which took effect at midnight on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, also saw the coastal price per metric tonne slashed from ₦1,595,790 to ₦1,495,215.

According to the management of the 650,000-barrel-per-day facility, the price cut is a direct response to the recent de-escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a subsequent decline in international crude oil prices.

“Following the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, which has impacted energy prices, we wish to inform you that we have reviewed our premium motor spirit gantry/coastal price,” the circular read in part. “Kindly note that all outstanding unloaded gantry volumes will be repriced at the new rate effective 12:00 AM, June 16, 2026.”

The sharp drop in domestic fuel prices mirrors significant movements in the global oil market. Crude oil, the primary feedstock for fuel production, had skyrocketed past $120 per barrel during the three-month conflict between the United States and Iran, dragging local pump prices in Nigeria from around ₦830 to as high as ₦1,300 per litre.

However, the international market experienced a sharp correction on Monday following the historic announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the signing of a ceasefire agreement with Iran. The landmark deal, which officially ended hostilities and reopened the critical Strait of Hormuz, immediately sent Brent crude prices tumbling from $83 per barrel

With the Dangote Refinery currently offering the most competitive petrol rates in the country, the N75 reduction is expected to trigger a corresponding drop in retail pump prices at filling stations nationwide, provided independent marketers pass the savings on to consumers.

While industry speculations suggest that petrol prices could eventually plunge to as low as ₦900 per litre if global crude prices continue to stabilize, officials remain cautiously optimistic. A representative from the Dangote Refinery noted that while further reductions are possible, the refinery still holds inventory refined from the “expensive crude” acquired during the peak of the Middle East crisis.

Nevertheless, the latest price adjustment reinforces the refinery’s growing influence on Nigeria’s domestic energy security and its capacity to rapidly align local pricing with global market realities.

The Oyo state Government has declared Tuesday 16th of June, 2026 as a public holiday.

The state government, in a circular signed by the SSG, Prof. Musibau Babatunde and made available to newsmen on Monday, said the holiday is in honour of Hijirah 1448 across the World.

The government urged the citizens, especially Muslim faithful to pray for a continued peace and progress of the state.

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has cautioned the Federal Government and state governors against negotiating with terrorists and bandits, arguing that such actions violate Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws and could attract a prison sentence of at least 20 years upon conviction.

Speaking at the 2026 Annual General Meeting of Amnesty International in Abuja, Falana maintained that members of proscribed terrorist groups should be prosecuted rather than pardoned, rehabilitated, or rewarded. He argued that engaging in meetings or negotiations connected with terrorist organisations is prohibited under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

According to Falana, the law prescribes a minimum sentence of 20 years for anyone who knowingly arranges, participates in, or provides support for meetings or activities linked to terrorist groups. He contended that government officials must operate within the bounds of the law when responding to insecurity and should avoid actions that could be interpreted as unlawful engagement with proscribed organisations.

The senior lawyer also asserted that state governors do not possess constitutional authority to grant pardons to individuals accused or convicted of terrorism. He explained that any exercise of clemency in such cases falls within the President’s prerogative and, even then, only after due legal process and conviction.

Falana further urged authorities to prioritise prosecution and accountability for terrorism-related offences, stressing that adherence to the rule of law is essential for national security and public confidence in the justice system. His comments come amid continuing national debates over the use of dialogue and rehabilitation programmes in addressing insecurity across parts of Nigeria.

The internal crisis within the Accord Party has taken a new turn as 23 state chairmen of the party moved to counter opposing positions within the national leadership, insisting that Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim remains the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

In a joint statement issued on Saturday, June 13, the state chairmen said they welcomed and endorsed Olawepo-Hashim’s emergence, describing it as the outcome of a democratic process and the will of party members.

The development comes amid disagreement within the party over the presidential primary process, with the state chairmen maintaining that the mandate produced through the exercise must be respected.

The chairmen said political parties derive their strength from the confidence of their members and grassroots structures, stressing that internal democracy remains central to Accord’s credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sources close to the meeting disclosed that several other state chairmen who could not attend the Abuja gathering also conveyed their support for the position.

The move, led by the Lagos and Kaduna State chairmen, reportedly enjoys support from a number of key party stakeholders, including members of the National Working Committee.

The chairmen described Olawepo-Hashim as a leader with national experience, democratic credentials, and the capacity to provide a credible alternative for Nigerians.

They cited his pro-democracy background, national engagement, and economic blueprint focused on industrialisation, energy development, job creation, and unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.

The latest development has deepened the contest for control of the Accord Party structure, shifting the dispute into a broader battle over party authority, grassroots legitimacy, and the future direction of the party ahead of 2027.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo sparked laughter at the 84th birthday celebration of former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar when he humorously remarked that the celebrant would likely live to be 100 years old, but neither he nor former military ruler Yakubu Gowon would be around to witness it.

Speaking at the public presentation of three books in honour of Abdulsalami in Abuja, Obasanjo praised the retired general’s contributions to Nigeria’s political stability and democratic transition. In a light-hearted moment during his tribute, he said, “You will reach 100, but I and Gowon will not be there,” drawing laughter from guests at the event.

Beyond the joke, Obasanjo described Abdulsalami as a patriot, peacemaker, and statesman whose leadership after the death of former military ruler Sani Abacha helped guide Nigeria through a delicate period and paved the way for the return to democratic governance. He also commended other former military leaders, including Gowon and the late Murtala Mohammed, for their roles in preserving the nation and shaping its history.

The event, held to celebrate Abdulsalami’s 84th birthday, brought together prominent political leaders, diplomats, and public figures who paid tribute to his legacy of service and national unity.

An Osun State Magistrate’s Court in Osogbo has remanded a 26-year-old man, identified as Odunayo Monday, in the Ilesa Correctional Centre after he admitted to unlawfully entering the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on June 2, 2026, when the defendant allegedly jumped over the palace fence at about 10 p.m. with the intent to commit a felony, an offence punishable under the criminal laws of Osun State. During proceedings, the accused pleaded guilty and appealed for leniency.

Explaining his actions, the defendant told the court that he only wanted to meet the monarch to seek financial and personal assistance. He pleaded for forgiveness, saying he had no criminal motive beyond asking for help.

After hearing the matter, the presiding magistrate ordered that he be remanded in custody at the Ilesa Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until June 29, 2026, for sentencing.