Tension heightened in Oyo State on Friday as members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan over the continued abduction of students and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area.
The protesting teachers took to major roads around Iwo Road, chanting solidarity songs and demanding urgent intervention from security agencies and government authorities to rescue the victims.
Carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Bring Back Our Children,” “Education Must Be Safe,” and “Stop Attacks on Schools,” the demonstrators expressed frustration over what they described as the prolonged silence surrounding the incident.
The abduction occurred on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen reportedly stormed schools in the Esiele community of Oriire Local Government Area and whisked away more than 40 students and teachers during the attack.
Since the incident, fear and uncertainty have gripped residents, parents, and education stakeholders across the state, with concerns growing over the safety of schools in rural communities.
Reports circulating online also revealed disturbing videos allegedly released by the kidnappers, showing the victims in harsh conditions inside a forest camp. The footage has further intensified public outrage and pressure on authorities to act swiftly.
Speaking during the protest, some union leaders lamented the increasing insecurity facing teachers and students, warning that the situation could discourage learning and threaten educational activities in affected areas.
The union called on the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to intensify rescue operations and ensure the immediate and safe return of all abducted victims.
The protesters maintained that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and not targets for criminal attacks.
The Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU National), the apex body representing Oyo State students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, has congratulated Chief Joseph Olasunkanmni Tegbe on his confirmation by the Senate as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its National President, Aare Ahmed A. Mufutau, the student body described the appointment as a moment of pride for Oyo State students both at home and in the diaspora, noting that the confirmation reflects Tegbe’s professional excellence, leadership qualities, and longstanding contributions to national development.
FOSSU National highlighted Tegbe’s academic and professional accomplishments, noting that he was born on March 21, 1966, in Oyo Town with ancestral roots in Ibadan’s Jegede Compound, Labo. The union stated that he graduated with a First Class degree in Civil Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 1988 and later attended executive leadership programmes at Lagos Business School, INSEAD France, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School.
According to the statement, Tegbe is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (FCIT), and also certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT).
The union further noted that Tegbe built an outstanding professional career at KPMG Nigeria, where he rose to become Senior Partner and Head of Technology Advisory Services and Markets, while also serving as KPMG Africa Lead for Cybersecurity and public sector transformation initiatives.
FOSSU stated that Tegbe’s decades of experience in institutional reforms, technology implementation, governance, and public sector advisory positioned him as a capable leader to address Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges.
The students’ body also praised his public service record, including his role as Chairman of the National Council for Management Development (NCMD), as well as his involvement in educational and civic development through various boards and associations.
Speaking on the significance of the appointment, FOSSU National said the Senate’s confirmation demonstrated confidence in Tegbe’s technical expertise and reform-oriented leadership, especially at a time Nigeria’s power sector faces serious generation, transmission, and distribution challenges.
The union noted that during his screening, Tegbe emphasized the need for grid stabilization, infrastructure modernization, transparency, accountability, improved commercial frameworks, and expansion of mini-grid and solar energy investments under the Electricity Act.
FOSSU National stressed that electricity remains critical to education and innovation, stating that stable power supply directly affects laboratories, ICT centres, innovation hubs, e-learning systems, and campus security across tertiary institutions.
The union pledged constructive engagement with the Ministry of Power to promote campus electrification, renewable energy initiatives, and student-focused opportunities in power engineering and clean energy entrepreneurship.
It also called for stronger collaboration among the Ministry of Power, state governments, tertiary institutions, and the private sector to accelerate mini-grid and rooftop solar projects in universities, polytechnics, and colleges across Oyo State.
FOSSU National commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating Tegbe and praised the Senate for conducting what it described as a thorough confirmation process.
The statement concluded by expressing confidence that Tegbe’s tenure would deliver meaningful reforms capable of transforming Nigeria’s power sector and improving living conditions for citizens nationwide.
The statement was signed by Aare Ahmed A. Mufutau, National President of the Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU National).
The copy of the press statement is reproduced below:
FOSSU National Congratulates Mogaji Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe on Senate Confirmation as Minister of Power
Above subject matter The Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU National) is the apex body uniting Oyo State Students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, warmly congratulates Mogaji Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe on his confirmation by the Senate as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This milestone is a source of immense pride to the entire student constituency of Oyo State at home and in the diaspora, reflecting both Mogaji Tegbe’s personal merit and the enduring tradition of excellence associated with Oyo State.
Who Mogaji Tegbe Is to Oyo State and Nigeria
An accomplished son of Oyo, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe was born on 21 March 1966 in Oyo Town, with Ibadan ancestral roots from Jegede Compound, Labo. He is a national scholar who earned a First Class degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1988, and furthered his leadership training at Lagos Business School, INSEAD (France), Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Business School. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (FCIT), and certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT).
Professionally, Mogaji Tegbe rose to become a Senior Partner and Head of Technology Advisory Services and Markets at KPMG Professional Services in Nigeria, serving as KPMG Africa Lead for Cybersecurity, and across Public Sector and TMT practices. For nearly three decades, he has led institutional transformation, sector reforms, strategy, and large-scale technology implementations across Africa, advising the Presidency, state governments, international development partners, and critical industries including oil and gas, manufacturing, telecommunications, and financial services.
His public service record includes chairing the National Council for Management Development (NCMD) and stewarding multiple educational and civic boards, notably the Boards of Trustees of Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) and FGC Ogbomoso OSA—demonstrating a consistent commitment to human capital development, mentorship, and national capacity building.
Why This Appointment Matters The Senate’s confirmation recognizes both technical depth and reform-minded leadership urgently needed in Nigeria’s power sector. During the screening, the Senate underscored the nation’s chronic gap between installed generation capacity and actual supply due to transmission, distribution, and commercial bottlenecks, while Mogaji Tegbe outlined a pragmatic path to visible improvements within months—anchored in diagnostics, transparency, accountability, and collaboration across the Ministry, NERC, TCN, and sector stakeholders. He emphasized stabilizing the grid, modernizing infrastructure, strengthening commercial frameworks, protecting vulnerable households in tariff reform, and unlocking subnational investments in mini-grids and solar under the Electricity Act.
Our Confidence and Expectations
As a first-rate engineer with cross-disciplinary finance, technology, and governance expertise, Mogaji Tegbe brings a rare, solutions-driven profile to a complex national challenge. His track record in strategy execution and systems reform aligns with the urgent need to deliver reliable, affordable power that drives industry, supports education and research, and improves living standards.
For students across Oyo State, power is not an abstract policy area: electricity determines whether laboratories function, whether campuses are safe and digitized, whether innovation hubs, e-learning, and research clusters can thrive. We are encouraged by the Minister’s stated commitments to transparency, grid stability, distributed energy solutions, and subnational collaboration—approaches that can rapidly improve learning environments, reduce the cost of study and enterprise, and catalyze student-led innovation.
Our Pledge and Call to Action
FOSSU National pledges constructive engagement with the Ministry of Power to amplify student perspectives on campus electrification, research power needs, and youth entrepreneurship in clean energy. We encourage coordinated action between the Ministry, state authorities, tertiary institutions, and the private sector to: Accelerate campus mini-grids and rooftop solar for universities, polytechnics, and colleges in Oyo State. Prioritize stable power for laboratories, teaching hospitals, ICT centers, and innovation hubs. Expand student-focused internships, apprenticeships, and graduate pathways in power engineering, project finance, grid operations, and renewable energy entrepreneurship. Ensure tariff reforms protect vulnerable student households while maintaining sector viability.
Commendation FOSSU National salutes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating a tested professional and the Senate for a thorough confirmation process. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Mogaji Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe—an exemplary ambassador of Oyo State—on this well-deserved appointment. The students of Oyo State stand proudly behind you and diligently await the excellence, integrity, and measurable progress you have promised. May your tenure deliver the transformative power sector our nation needs.
Signed, Aare Ahmed A. Mufutau, National President Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU National) 08102128129
Governor Seyi Makinde has renewed his call for the establishment of state police, declaring that the creation of the Amotekun Corps became necessary because the Federal Government failed to approve state policing structures across the country.
Makinde spoke during the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries of the Allied Peoples Movement held at the Watershed Event Centre, Ibadan, where the party formally presented its consensus governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi.
The governor lamented the worsening security situation in parts of the country, especially following the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, insisting that states should be constitutionally empowered to manage their own security architecture.
According to him, Amotekun was only introduced as an alternative because the demand for state police was not granted by the Federal Government.
Makinde said: “Before this administration came on board, there was nothing like Amotekun in Oyo. We wanted state police, but because we did not get it, we created Amotekun as an alternative arrangement.”
He further criticised the Federal Government’s approach to the issue, stating that Nigerians should not continue to wait endlessly for reforms controlled from Abuja. The governor argued that state Houses of Assembly should be empowered to establish and regulate state police structures independently instead of leaving the process solely in the hands of the Inspector-General of Police.
Makinde also assured residents that the “Omituntun” agenda would continue beyond his administration, declaring that “Omituntun 3.0” would deliver even greater development across Oyo State.
While congratulating the APM governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governor advised him to build his own political identity and improve on the achievements of the current administration for the benefit of the people.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) has raised concern over the continuous rise in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), popularly known as cooking gas, blaming the development on persistent supply shortages across the country.
According to the association, the scarcity of LPG supply has triggered another increase in market prices, worsening the economic burden on households and small businesses that depend heavily on cooking gas for daily activities.
NALPGAM disclosed that the supply challenges are being caused by inadequate product availability from local sources, foreign exchange instability, high importation costs, and distribution bottlenecks affecting marketers nationwide.
Industry operators revealed that the price of refilling cooking gas cylinders has risen sharply in recent weeks, with many retail outlets adjusting prices upward due to difficulties in sourcing products. Consumers in several parts of the country have also lamented the sudden increase, saying the development is making cooking gas unaffordable for many families already battling rising food and transportation costs.
The association warned that if urgent intervention is not made by the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies, the situation could deteriorate further, leading to more hardship and forcing many Nigerians to return to the use of firewood and charcoal for cooking.
NALPGAM called on authorities to improve domestic LPG production and supply, stabilize foreign exchange policies affecting importation, and address logistics challenges within the gas distribution chain.
The marketers further stressed the need for policies that would encourage investments in the LPG sector, noting that stable supply remains critical to sustaining Nigeria’s clean energy transition and reducing dependence on unhealthy cooking alternatives.
Stakeholders in the energy sector have repeatedly emphasized that despite Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves, inconsistent supply and infrastructure challenges continue to hinder the accessibility and affordability of LPG for ordinary citizens.
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University has expressed deep appreciation to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Moniepoint Chief Executive Officer, Tosin Eniolorunda following the university’s successful securing of a N1 billion innovation investment from Moniepoint Inc .
The investment forms part of a broader N3 billion educational and innovation support initiative announced by Moniepoint for three major Nigerian universities. The beneficiary institutions include Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria Nsukka and Ahmadu Bello University
Reacting to the development, the management of OAU described the investment as a landmark intervention capable of boosting innovation, entrepreneurship, technology research, and student development within the institution. The university also acknowledged the supportive role of the Ooni of Ife in advancing educational and developmental initiatives in Ile-Ife and beyond.
Speaking on the initiative, Tosin Eniolorunda, an alumnus of OAU, noted that the institution remains a significant part of his personal and professional journey.
“Ile-Ife will always be part of my history,” he stated while reaffirming his commitment to supporting innovation and youth empowerment through education.
The announcement has generated excitement among students, alumni, and stakeholders, many of whom described the development as a major boost for higher education and innovation in Nigeria.
Observers say the investment is expected to strengthen research opportunities, startup incubation, digital innovation, and enterprise development across the beneficiary institutions.
Accuses Tinubu Govt of Plot to Capture Opposition Parties
Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the Accord Party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has alleged that Nigeria is gradually sliding back into what he described as the “dark days” of the late General Sani Abacha era, accusing powerful political forces of attempting to cripple opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement issued ahead of the Accord Party presidential primary scheduled for May 30, 2026, Hashim claimed that there were deliberate efforts by influential figures to weaken opposition platforms and prevent the emergence of credible challengers to the ruling establishment.
“Nigeria is being dragged back to the Abacha years,” he declared.
Hashim accused a top chieftain within the Accord Party of allegedly orchestrating internal manoeuvres aimed at destabilising the party and frustrating its ability to field a presidential candidate.
According to him, the development bears striking similarities to the political climate during the Abacha era, when all registered political parties were aligned behind a single power structure.
“We are seeing a replay of history, when political parties became tools for a self-succession agenda,” he said.
The former presidential candidate also linked the alleged plot to powerful figures within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the attempt to dominate the political space would ultimately fail.
“This coordinated plot by top officials will fail, just as the Abacha agenda failed,” Hashim stated.
He further accused the political establishment of systematically weakening opposition parties through what he described as manipulative legal and political strategies.
According to him, the process included the destabilisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the enactment of a “self-serving and obnoxious” Electoral Act, and the failure of some of its promoters to comply with the same provisions before aspects of the law were challenged in court.
“They weakened the opposition, wrote the rules to favour themselves, and still refused to play by those rules,” he alleged.
Despite the internal crisis within the Accord Party, Hashim maintained that the party’s presidential primary would proceed as scheduled.
“The presidential primary of the Accord Party is scheduled for Saturday, May 30. We are prepared to participate, and by the Grace of God, it will hold,” he said.
In a defiant tone, Hashim vowed that pro-democracy forces in the country would resist any attempt to undermine democratic values and political plurality. “We shall not be discouraged. We shall not be intimidated. We fought for democracy, and by the Grace of God, we will defend it,” he declared.
The leadership of the Accord Party in Oyo State has congratulated the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 general election, Hon. Kunle Busari, following his emergence at what it described as the legally recognised governorship primary election held in Ibadan.
The primary election, which took place at Ibadan Business School, Bodija, was conducted in a peaceful and orderly atmosphere with the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and party stakeholders.
In a statement jointly signed by the Oyo State Chairman of Accord, Prince Kolade Ojo, and the State Secretary, Hon. Olayinka Dairo, the party leadership said Busari’s emergence reflected the collective will of party members and a victory for internal democracy.
According to the statement, officials of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as the Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) team led by Dr. Keshinro, monitored the exercise.
The Accord National Secretary, Hon. (Dr.) Adebukola Ajaja, alongside a large number of party faithful and stakeholders, was also present at the primary election.
The statement described Busari’s victory as “a triumph of the collective will over selfish and inordinate political ambition,” while insisting that the exercise recognised by INEC remains the authentic primary of the party.
“We are using this medium to felicitate the authentic ACCORD governorship candidate. This is a victory for all members of the party,” the statement read.
The party leadership further dismissed any parallel exercise, describing it as a “kangaroo arrangement” lacking legitimacy and recognition.
Reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy and party supremacy, the State Executive Committee maintained that the idea of sole candidacy is contrary to the democratic principles of the party, stressing that all aspirants must subject themselves to the will of delegates.
The executives expressed confidence that Hon. Kunle Busari’s name would eventually appear on the official list of candidates to be released by INEC for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, has reacted to growing claims by different politicians in Oyo State allegedly linking their 2027 governorship ambitions to his endorsement.
Speaking with Journalists at his residence on Wednesday, the monarch said politicians are free to associate themselves with him or claim his support, stressing that as a father figure to many political actors in the state, he cannot stop anyone from using his name politically.
Oba Ladoja, however, maintained that no endorsement alone can determine electoral victory, noting that the personal records, political strength, acceptability, and campaign strategies of aspirants would ultimately decide who emerges successful in the 2027 governorship race.
“Any of my sons can use my name and say I have endorsed them. It is only their work and how they market themselves that will stand them out and make them win. I’m a father to all of them,” the monarch said.
The Olubadan’s comment comes amid increasing political permutations and consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, with several aspirants across political parties reportedly intensifying efforts to gain public support and political relevance.
In recent months, supporters of some governorship hopefuls have repeatedly referenced their closeness to the revered Ibadan monarch as a perceived political advantage, fueling speculations over possible royal backing ahead of the contest.
However, Oba Ladoja’s clarification appears aimed at distancing the palace from partisan alignment while reinforcing his position as a father to all political stakeholders irrespective of party affiliations or ambitions.
The IJABALL Fan Base has strongly condemned what it described as false and misleading allegations linking Coach Daniel Ogunmodede to the relegation struggles of Remo Stars, insisting that the coach should not be solely blamed for the club’s decline.
In a statement signed by the group’s head, Comrade Anuoluwani Omidiji, the supporters defended Ogunmodede’s legacy and contributions to the club, describing him as one of the key architects of the modern Remo Stars structure and football philosophy.
According to the group, Ogunmodede served the club in several major capacities over the years, including Head Coach, Director of Youth Football Development, and a major contributor to the academy system that later evolved into Beyond Limits Academy.
The fans highlighted his achievements to include the club’s promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in 2021, qualification for continental competitions, multiple strong league campaigns, and the historic 2024/2025 NPFL title triumph which made Remo Stars the first Southwest club to win the league since Julius Berger in 2000.
The statement also alleged that operational instability and technical interference contributed significantly to the club’s eventual decline.
The group cited incidents during the CAF Champions League campaign and league fixtures against Rivers United, Abia Warriors, and Mamelodi Sundowns as evidence of growing instability within the club’s football management structure.
IJABALL Fans further alleged that Ogunmodede suffered humiliation on October 25, 2025, when he was reportedly walked out of a training session despite arriving with his technical crew and players to prepare for an upcoming fixture.
According to the statement, the development disrupted dressing room confidence, technical coordination, and team stability at a critical stage of the season.
The fan group noted that Ogunmodede was later stepped down from active duties on October 30, 2025, while the club reportedly occupied sixth position on the NPFL table with three matches still outstanding.
The supporters also questioned the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Usman Abdallah as Technical Adviser in February 2026, claiming there was no official clarification regarding Ogunmodede’s employment status or transparent communication with supporters about the restructuring process.
While expressing continued respect for Remo Stars owner Kunle Soname, the group maintained that Ogunmodede remained loyal to the club because of his emotional attachment and commitment to its vision despite the difficult circumstances.
The IJABALL Fan Base therefore rejected narratives blaming the coach solely for the club’s relegation, insisting that administrative decisions, recruitment issues, squad instability, and technical restructuring all contributed to the downturn.
The group called on the media, football stakeholders, and the public to approach the issue with fairness, professionalism, and historical accuracy.
Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, says Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, are being positioned to divide President Bola Tinubu’s Southern votes in the 2027 general elections.
Osoba made this allegation on Sunday during the announcement of the result of the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential primary at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta.
He charged party members not be carried away by the votes garnered by the President in the primary.
The elder statesman equally alleged that there is an underground plot to reduce Tinubu’s margin in the South ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I want to appeal to us all ahead of the coming election: let us not be caught off guard. Many people are saying we have no opponents, but that is a misleading narrative. The enemies are many.
As we approach the next election, there is a strong gang-up against us. They are plotting to field several candidates from our region in the South. Obi has emerged, Jonathan is quietly waiting in the background, and Makinde has been grandstanding. All these appear to be attempts to divide votes from the South,” he said.
