President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, recalling how the Yoruba elder statesman prayed for his presidential ambition and predicted he would become Nigeria’s President during his lifetime.

Tinubu made the revelation in a condolence statement on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following the death of Fasoranti at the age of 100.

The President described the late elder statesman as a father, patriarch, icon of integrity and one of the foremost figures in the progressive political tradition associated with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He recalled visiting Fasoranti at his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of his decision to contest the presidency, saying the elder statesman expressed confidence that he would attain the nation’s highest political office.

“I also recall his prayers and counsel when I came to his residence in Akure in 2022 to inform him of my decision to contest the presidency. Pa Fasoranti told me I would be President in his lifetime, and God answered his prayer,” Tinubu stated.

The President said he had hoped Fasoranti would live to witness his second term and the anticipated benefits of economic growth and prosperity under his administration.

Tinubu described the deceased as a committed advocate of true federalism, social justice, democracy and national unity, noting that his contributions to Nigeria spanned education, public service and political activism.

He also recalled Fasoranti’s service as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State and his leadership of Afenifere, saying the country would sorely miss his wisdom, moral authority and fatherly counsel.

The President extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, the Ondo State Government, the South-West and members of Afenifere, praying that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort those mourning his passing.

Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has died at the age of 100.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announced the death of the revered elder statesman in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, describing his passing as a great loss to Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

Fasoranti, who celebrated his 100th birthday on May 11, 2026, was widely respected for his contributions to Nigerian politics, democratic struggles and advocacy for good governance. He was a prominent follower of the political philosophy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and played a significant role in the progressive political movement in the South-West.

The late elder statesman served as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983 under the administration of Governor Michael Adekunle Ajasin. He later emerged as the leader of Afenifere following the death of Pa Abraham Adesanya, becoming one of the most influential voices on Yoruba affairs and national restructuring.

In his condolence message, Governor Aiyedatiwa described Fasoranti as a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose life was dedicated to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria.

The governor said the late leader’s counsel, fatherly guidance and principled positions on justice and good governance would be greatly missed. He also extended condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire state.

Fasoranti’s death marks the end of a century-long life of public service, political activism and commitment to democratic governance, leaving behind a legacy that will remain significant in the history of Yoruba leadership and Nigeria’s political development.

The Department of State Services, DSS, has arraigned five suspects before a court in Imo State over the alleged abduction of twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members and other victims.

The suspects were brought before the Imo State High Court on Tuesday, October 20, following their arrest during intelligence-led security operations in Rivers and Abia states between October 10 and 14.

Reports indicate that three of the defendants are facing charges linked to the abduction of the twenty prospective corps members, who were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The victims were reportedly abducted by gunmen on October 1 along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway, near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. They were later rescued by security operatives on October 7 after several days in captivity.

The three defendants in the case are accused of conspiracy and hostage-taking. Prosecutors also alleged that they unlawfully possessed firearms and ammunition.

The other two suspects were arraigned in a separate case involving the alleged abduction of four people in the state. Prosecutors alleged that ransom was collected in connection with that incident.

The charges are allegations and have not yet been established in court. The suspects are entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Security agencies are continuing efforts to track down other suspects who may have participated in the alleged crimes.

The arraignment marks another stage in the investigation into the abduction, which raised serious concerns about the safety of prospective corps members and other travellers on Nigerian highways.

The Oyo State Government has confirmed that elections into the 33 local government councils will hold on December 29, 2026, with a total of ₦4.278 billion earmarked to fund the exercise.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement following the State Executive Council meeting, where the council approved the state government’s counterpart funding to the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) to commence preparations for the polls.

Under the funding arrangement, the local government councils will contribute 60 per cent of the total cost, amounting to ₦2.567 billion, while the state government will provide the remaining 40 per cent, estimated at ₦1.711 billion.

In a related development, the Executive Council approved ₦437.45 million for the accreditation of the Nursing Programme at Abiola Ajimobi Technical University. According to Oyelade, the funding will support the institution’s diversification efforts and help protect the government’s investment in the programme, which is nearing its final accreditation stage.

The government also approved ₦6.744 billion as its 50 per cent counterpart funding for the construction, renovation and equipping of the LAUTECH Oyo Annex. Oyo East Local Government Area is expected to contribute an equivalent amount, bringing the total project funding to approximately ₦13.489 billion.

The Council noted that about 70 per cent of patients accessing services at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, come from Oyo and neighbouring communities, describing the investment as significant to improving healthcare delivery in the area.

The approvals underscore the Makinde administration’s continued collaboration with local government councils and its stated commitment to electoral administration, education, healthcare and infrastructure development across Oyo State.

Tension erupted at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos on Tuesday as police reportedly fired tear gas to disperse activists and concerned Nigerians who gathered to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests.

The protesters, who assembled at the iconic location to remember victims of the 2020 demonstrations against police brutality, were forced to flee as tear gas filled the area, disrupting the planned commemoration.

The incident sparked renewed concerns over the right of citizens to peaceful assembly and the circumstances surrounding commemorative activities at the Lekki Toll Gate, a major symbol of the #EndSARS movement.

The October 2020 protests attracted nationwide and international attention, with young Nigerians demanding an end to police brutality and the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The reported police action on Tuesday has once again brought the legacy of the #EndSARS movement into focus, as Nigerians reflect on the demands for police accountability, justice for victims and lasting reforms in law enforcement.

Further details on the number of protesters affected, possible arrests and the official position of the police were not immediately available.

The controversy over the financial circumstances of political appointees in Oyo State has taken a new turn following allegations by Ibadan Mogaji and politician, Abass Oloko, that many appointees of Governor Seyi Makinde are wallowing in poverty despite their positions in government.
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‎Oloko had alleged that some appointees were experiencing financial difficulties, claiming that a serving two-term commissioner in the administration sold an official vehicle to pay the university fees of a child studying in Ghana.
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‎Reacting to the allegations, the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA), Hon. Busoye Ogunlade, defended the Makinde administration, insisting that political appointees were appointed to contribute to the development of the state rather than enrich themselves through public resources.

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‎Ogunlade accused some old-generation politicians of wanting government funds to be channelled towards personal interests instead of projects and programmes that would directly benefit the people of Oyo State.
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‎He said the Makinde administration had prioritised public welfare and infrastructure development, arguing that its approach to governance differed from what he described as the practice of placing personal interests above the needs of the masses.
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‎According to Ogunlade, the administration has executed several road projects and other infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents across the state.
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‎Among the projects he cited were the 65-kilometre Moniya-Iseyin Road, Iseyin-Ogbomoso Road, Iseyin-Oyo Road, Ibadan Circular Road and the rehabilitation of inner roads across Oyo State’s five zones.
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‎He also listed the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standard among the initiatives reflecting the administration’s development priorities.
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‎Addressing concerns about the financial circumstances of government appointees, Ogunlade maintained that workers and political appointees receive their salaries as and when due, challenging the impression that members of the administration were generally experiencing financial hardship.
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‎“Workers and appointees are being paid on the same day. We are getting our salaries as and when due,” he said.
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‎The OYSROMA chairman further alleged that some politicians wanted a return to an era in which public resources were used to satisfy personal interests, but maintained that Makinde had resisted such pressure in favour of the people who elected him.
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‎“Some old and greedy politicians wanted the era of buje budanu to return, but our leader stood his ground by prioritising the welfare of the masses who gave him the mandate,” Ogunlade stated.
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‎He added that the governor had used available resources to reposition the state, arguing that his administration had demonstrated a commitment to development rather than the personal enrichment of political officeholders.
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‎In a further criticism of Oloko and others questioning the administration, Ogunlade alleged that some of the governor’s critics had expected to enrich themselves through public resources but were disappointed by Makinde’s approach to financial management.
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‎“Oloko and others who are discrediting the Governor thought they could enrich themselves with the resources, but they didn’t know that our leader is a prudent manager of resources,” he said.
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‎The exchange between Ogunlade and Oloko has further intensified the debate over public spending, the welfare of political appointees and the priorities of the Makinde administration, with Ogunlade defending the governor’s record and Oloko previously insisting that he stood by his allegations.

The Ogun State Government has taken Mistura Adebayo, a young girl reportedly found wandering on two occasions, into its custody and commenced medical investigations to assess her health and determine the appropriate care she requires.

The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development disclosed that its intervention followed reports brought to the attention of the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, by Adetoun Adejobi.

According to the Ministry, Adeleye immediately contacted the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adebimpe Folusho Obienu, who coordinated the deployment of social workers to the police station where the girl had been taken.

On arrival, the social workers were informed that Mistura had already been released to her grandmother.

The Ministry said it received another report the following day that the girl had been seen wandering again, prompting a fresh intervention that resulted in her being taken into government custody.

It added that medical investigations were ongoing to establish her health status and identify any underlying concerns requiring further attention.

The Ministry assured the public that it would continue to take the necessary steps to protect Mistura and provide an appropriate and sustainable care arrangement in her best interests.

Meanwhile, the Ministry urged members of the public to report cases of gender-based violence, child abuse, neglect, exploitation and other concerns affecting the safety and welfare of women and children.

It said residents could report such cases or seek assistance through its toll-free lines: Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, 0800 0000 666; Sagamu Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), 0800 0000 555; Ilaro SARC, 0800 0000 077; Ijebu-Ode SARC, 0800 0000 088; and Abeokuta SARC, 0800 0000 099.

The Ministry stressed that prompt reporting could help save lives and protect vulnerable persons, urging residents to speak up whenever they encountered situations that threatened the safety and welfare of women and children.

OYO STATE — Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has ordered a fresh selection process for filling the vacant stool of the Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The directive was communicated to prominent ruling houses in Ikoyi-Ile through a letter dated October 16, 2026, signed on behalf of the Oriire Local Government Chairman by William Jare Idowu.

According to a report by MouthpieceNGR, the council informed the ruling houses that the administrative process for filling the vacant traditional stool should commence afresh and be made inclusive.

The Onikoyi stool became vacant on April 7, 2022, following the death of Oba Abdulyekeen Ayinla Oladipupo IV.

The fresh selection process is reportedly linked to the absence of a certified Oyo State Government Gazette documenting the Onikoyi chieftaincy, a development that has necessitated the inclusion of the recognised ruling houses in the process.

The four major ruling houses traditionally associated with the stool are the Oladipupo, Adegun, Adesite and Ojo Atoyebi families. The new directive is expected to allow qualified candidates from the ruling houses to present themselves for consideration.

The development has generated renewed expectations among residents and traditional stakeholders in Ikoyi-Ile, who are looking forward to the emergence of a new monarch after more than four years of vacancy.

The selection process is expected to pave the way for the installation of a new Onikoyi, subject to the applicable chieftaincy laws and customary procedures of Oyo State.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the state’s Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi.

The governor described Ogunjobi’s death as a painful loss to the FRSC, the road safety community and the nation, acknowledging his contributions to road safety administration and the protection of lives and property.

In a condolence message, Abiodun commiserated with the Corps Marshal and national leadership of the FRSC, officers and men of the Corps across the country, as well as the deceased’s family, friends and professional associates.

He noted that the late sector commander demonstrated commitment to public enlightenment, stakeholder engagement and the promotion of responsible road use, adding that his efforts contributed to improving compliance with traffic regulations and making roads safer for motorists and other road users in Ogun State.

Abiodun lamented that the death came at a time when the collective efforts of road safety officials remained crucial to reducing road traffic crashes and safeguarding the lives of citizens.

The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of Ogunjobi’s soul and urged his family, colleagues and associates to draw comfort from the worthy service he rendered to the nation.

He also prayed that God would grant the bereaved family, the FRSC leadership and all those affected by the loss the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The Presidency has dismissed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s claim that the Federal Government withheld more than ₦250 billion in Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) dividends meant for each state of the federation.

The Presidency, through Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, described the governor’s allegation as false and urged Nigerians to disregard it. The rebuttal followed Makinde’s remarks that the Federal Government had spent NLNG dividend funds without distributing the states’ respective shares.

Makinde had made the allegation during a stakeholders’ consultative engagement on Oyo State’s 2027 budget at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. He claimed that each state was entitled to more than ₦250 billion after a reconciliation of the amounts due from NLNG dividend payments.

However, the Presidency challenged the financial basis of Makinde’s claim, arguing that NLNG had never paid $25 billion in dividends into the Federation Account in a single transaction. It maintained that the figure being claimed as outstanding for each state was inconsistent with the company’s historical dividend payments to the federation.

The disagreement has brought renewed attention to the management and distribution of public revenues, with the two sides presenting conflicting positions on the alleged NLNG dividend payments and the amounts due to state governments.

Further clarification on the underlying figures and the status of any outstanding payments would be necessary to resolve the dispute.