Oduduwa News

The camp of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has cautioned opposition political parties against zoning their 2027 presidential tickets to the South, warning that such a move would hand President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an easy path to re-election.

The warning comes amid growing discussions within opposition circles over possible coalition arrangements and zoning considerations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to key figures aligned with Atiku, the political realities of the country suggest that only a strong northern candidate with broad national appeal can effectively challenge President Tinubu at the polls. They argue that presenting another southern candidate against Tinubu, who is expected to seek a second term, would divide southern votes and weaken the opposition’s chances of mounting a serious challenge.

Sources within the former vice president’s political camp reportedly insist that the opposition must prioritize electability and strategic political calculations over regional sentiments if it hopes to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

“The focus should be on presenting the most formidable candidate capable of defeating the incumbent. Zoning the ticket to the South at this time may only strengthen President Tinubu’s chances and fragment the opposition’s support base,” a prominent ally of Atiku was quoted as saying.

The statement is likely to intensify political debates over power rotation and zoning, a longstanding issue in Nigeria’s political landscape. While some political stakeholders insist that fairness demands another southern candidate after President Tinubu’s first term, others believe national interest and electoral viability should take precedence.

Analysts say the emerging debate could shape alliance-building efforts among opposition parties, especially as discussions continue around possible mergers and strategic partnerships aimed at challenging the APC in 2027.

Former Vice President Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has remained a key figure in opposition politics, though he has yet to formally declare his intentions for the next presidential race.

Meanwhile, political observers believe the controversy surrounding zoning and candidate selection may test the unity of opposition parties as they seek to present a united front against President Tinubu’s administration.

With political permutations already gathering momentum, the battle for Nigeria’s 2027 presidency is gradually taking shape, and debates over regional balance, party strategy, and leadership succession are expected to dominate the national conversation in the months ahead.

Rhe Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman and leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on the occasion of his 100th birthday, describing his remarkable life as “a century of sacrifice, courage, and unwavering service to humanity.”

In a statement released on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the revered monarch praised Pa Fasoranti for his enduring commitment to the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.

The Ooni, who also serves as the Permanent Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), said the centenarian’s life journey over the past century has been marked by exceptional integrity, selflessness, and uncommon dedication to justice, fairness, and good governance.

According to the monarch, attaining the age of 100 is not only a rare privilege but a powerful testament to a purposeful life devoted to the service of humanity and the pursuit of societal progress.

Oba Ogunwusi described Pa Fasoranti as one of Nigeria’s few surviving pillars of wisdom and moral leadership, whose steadfast voice has remained influential on critical matters concerning the Yoruba people and the nation as a whole.

“Pa Fasoranti represents a generation that believed in sacrifice, honour, and genuine love for the people. His life continues to remind us that true leadership is about service, integrity, and commitment to humanity,” the Ooni stated.

The royal father further praised the Afenifere leader as a fearless patriot who has consistently placed public service above personal interest, earning him widespread admiration and respect across political, cultural, and religious divides.

Beyond his notable contributions to politics and public life, the Ooni highlighted Pa Fasoranti’s humility, simplicity, and fatherly guidance, which have endeared him to many Nigerians across generations.

Describing him as a symbol of Yoruba unity and resilience, Oba Ogunwusi noted that Pa Fasoranti’s contributions to nation-building would remain indelible in history.

“As he celebrates 100 remarkable years on earth, we celebrate not just his age, but the values he has stood for throughout his lifetime. Baba has inspired generations with his wisdom, courage, and steadfastness,” the statement added.

The Ooni concluded by praying for continued strength, peace, and divine grace for the elder statesman, while urging younger Nigerians to emulate his virtues of honesty, discipline, patriotism, and selfless service.

Covenant Mandate College of Health Technology and Medical Science, Apata, Ibadan, has announced the commencement of admission and screening for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The institution, described as a government-approved and accredited College of Health Technology, called on interested candidates across the country to take advantage of the opportunity to pursue careers in the healthcare sector.

In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, the management disclosed that applications are now open for several fully accredited programmes offered by the institution.

According to the statement, during the commissioning of the Covenant Mandate College of Health Technology 275 seater capacity CBT centre by the Chief Executive Officer, Rev’d Dr Mercy Ajani, disclosed that that available courses include Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW), Junior Community Health Extension Worker (JCHEW), Medical Imaging Technology (MIT), Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Health Information Management (HIM), among others.

The management noted that the college remains committed to providing quality healthcare education and practical training aimed at producing competent professionals capable of meeting the growing demands in the health sector.

“We are pleased to announce that admission and screening for the 2026/2027 academic session have officially commenced,” the statement read.

“Our institution is fully approved and accredited, and we encourage prospective candidates who are passionate about building careers in healthcare to apply for our various programmes.”

The college further urged applicants not to miss the opportunity, assuring students of a conducive learning environment, experienced lecturers and standard practical exposure.

“Covenant Mandate College of Health Technology and Medical Science is dedicated to raising skilled healthcare professionals who will contribute meaningfully to society. Interested candidates should visit the institution’s official website to complete their application process,” the management added.

Prospective applicants were advised to visit the school’s official website at www.covenantschoolofhealth.com.ng for details on admission requirements, available courses and screening procedures.

By Oyeniyi Esan, Oyo State

Dr. Folahan Franklin Olufemi, an Oxford-trained law graduate and project management expert, on Friday, submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the 2027 election at the Accord Party Secretariat in Ibadan.

Speaking shortly after the submission, Dr. Folahan reaffirmed his commitment to accountability, competent leadership, and sustainable development in Ido Constituency and Oyo State at large. He noted that his decision to contest was driven by a deep sense of duty to the people.

According to him, “We are working with a dedicated team committed to achieving unprecedented growth and development in Ido Constituency. Our journey begins from the grassroots, engaging directly with the people and delivering the true service that governance demands.”

He further stated that “Oyo must begin to redefine leadership standards to meet global demands and emerging challenges, and Ido remains our starting point”.

“This is the time to change the narrative of leadership in Africa by strengthening our institutions, promoting accountability, and prioritizing people-oriented governance,” he added.

Dr. Folahan holds a Master’s degree in Project Management and multiple professional certifications, including PRINCE2 (7th Edition), AgilePM, Scrum, and Lean Six Sigma.

No fewer than 11 persons have lost their lives in a tragic road accident after a vehicle plunged off the Eruku Bridge along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State.

According to the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the fatal incident occurred late Sunday night and involved a gold Toyota vehicle with registration number GGE 722 KJ.

The vehicle was said to have somersaulted before plunging off the bridge, trapping all occupants inside as the doors reportedly locked on impact. Sadly, all 11 passengers on board—comprising 10 adult males and one adult female—died at the scene.

FRSC rescue operatives from the Itori Unit Command were immediately deployed to the scene, where they worked alongside members of the local community to recover the victims. Due to the severity of the crash, officials had to dismantle parts of the vehicle before the bodies could be retrieved.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital Morgue in Ifo, Ogun State.

The Ogun FRSC Sector Commander, Oludare Ogunjobi, attributed the probable causes of the accident to driving under the influence and overloading, warning motorists to exercise caution, especially during night travel.

He urged drivers plying the Abeokuta-Lagos corridor to avoid reckless driving, excessive speeding, and overloading, stressing that adherence to traffic regulations remains essential to preventing avoidable tragedies.

The FRSC also extended condolences to the families of the victims, praying for strength and comfort during this difficult time.

A tragic incident has been reported in Ilare community, Osun State, where a man reportedly lost his life following a violent altercation over the sharing of ₦8,000 proceeds realized during a local masquerade festival.

According to sources within the community, the dispute began after members involved in the annual masquerade celebration disagreed over how the money generated from the event should be shared. What started as a heated argument reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation between two individuals.

During the altercation, one of the men allegedly sustained serious injuries and was rushed for medical attention. However, he was later confirmed dead, throwing the community into mourning and sparking concerns over the increasing rate of violence linked to minor disputes.

Confirming the incident, the said a suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in custody as investigations continue.

Police authorities assured residents that justice would be served and urged members of the public to seek peaceful means of resolving disagreements rather than resorting to violence.

Community leaders in Ilare have also appealed for calm, describing the incident as unfortunate and avoidable. They called on residents, especially youths, to uphold the values of peace and unity during cultural and traditional celebrations.

The deceased’s identity has yet to be officially released as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal clash.

Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has renewed his criticism of the electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, describing it as unlawful, unworkable and insensitive to Nigeria’s political and religious realities.

Hashim said the current scheduling framework was creating avoidable tension within the political system and could destabilise party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on the development, he argued that the tight electoral calendar does not give political parties enough time to properly conduct internal primaries and democratic processes.

According to him, the situation is already placing unnecessary pressure on parties and contributing to growing internal conflicts across the political landscape.

Hashim disclosed that he had earlier written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging guidance to ensure INEC strictly adheres to the provisions of the Electoral Act.
He, however, noted that no response had been received to the appeal.

The former presidential candidate further faulted INEC for scheduling politically intensive activities, including party primaries, around sensitive religious periods such as Hajj and Ileya (Eid al-Adha).

According to him, the periods already come with significant logistical and security demands, warning that combining them with political primaries could heighten tensions and trigger avoidable disruptions.
“Combining election primaries with periods like Hajj and Ileya, which already carry security and mobility challenges, is unreasonable,” he said.

Hashim added that party primaries themselves often generate political tension and security concerns, insisting that such activities require adequate spacing and proper planning.

He maintained that compressing religious and political schedules unnecessarily increases national risk and could undermine stability within political parties.

Hashim further argued that the Electoral Act already provides sufficient timelines for parties to conduct nominations without resorting to what he described as a “chaotic timetable.”

Citing Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, he stated that political parties are required to submit nominations not later than 120 days before elections, a provision he said effectively allows parties up till mid-September to complete their nomination processes.
“Why adopt a chaotic timetable circumventing the provisions of the Act?” he queried.

He warned that failure to review and adjust the timetable could deepen political tensions and erode public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.

A tragic incident has been reported in Ikire, located in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, where one person, identified as Eluyera Kolade, is feared dead.

According to preliminary information, the deceased was said to be the son of a local women leader of the Accord Party. The incident reportedly occurred around the Onireke Mosque area of Ikire, drawing concern among residents and community members.

Details surrounding the circumstances of the incident remain unclear at this time. However, the development has sparked growing calls for a thorough investigation by relevant security agencies to establish what led to the incident and ensure that appropriate actions are taken where necessary.

Community members have expressed concern over the situation, urging authorities to maintain peace and prevent any escalation while investigations are ongoing.

As of the time of filing this report, officials are yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ikere-Ekiti has convicted and sentenced an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Babatunde Festus Ojo, alongside three others for conspiracy, assault occasioning harm and forcible entry.

The others are Adeleke Lasisi Dauda, Ariyo Olabanji and Ajisafe Gbenga, popularly known as Ajii.

The court held that the defendants unlawfully entered the farmland belonging to the Olotin family at Ajipon farm along Federal Polytechnic Road, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, where they attacked Michael Johnson.

The prosecution said the convicts, armed with cutlasses and sticks, assaulted the victim while he was working on the farmland in 2024, causing injuries later confirmed through a medical report.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 4, 2026, arraigned a former Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni before Justice Jude Onwuzuruike of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.

Ayeni was arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and conversion of investors’ funds to the tune N15,665,085,429 (Fifteen Billion, Six hundred and Sixty five Million, Eighty five thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-nine Naira (N15,665,085,429).

Prosecution counsel E.E. Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and prosecution ready for trial.

“We have before the court 17-count charge dated April 28, 2026, we humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant”, he said.

Count three of the charge reads: “That you, Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc between 21st of October, 2014 and 19th November, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the aggregate sum of Three billion, Two hundred and One million, Five Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty Nine Naira, Forty two kobo(N3,201,535,429.42) by transferring same to Misa Limited’s account No: 1011295717 and 1011295718 domiciled with Zenith Bank in Violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other regulations and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.

Count five of the charge reads: “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Defunct Skye Bank Plc on or about 27th November, 2014, at Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Five Billion, Seventy Eight million, Five hundred and Fifty thousand Naira(N5, 078,550,000) by transferring same to Union Registrar Limited’s Account No: 0003490559 domiciled with Union Bank in violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other Regulations and thereby Committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and Punishable under Section 312 of same Act.”

Ayeni pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of his “not guilty” plea, Iheanacho prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.

Defence counsel, Ahmed Raji Bashir, SAN, informed the court that the charge was given to the defendant on a public holiday adding that he considered it imperative to inform the court. He also prayed the court to release the defendant to him or return him to the custody of the EFCC.

Justice Onwuzuruike adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, while the defendant was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of bail application.