The Secretary of the Oloolu compound in Ibadan, Oyo State, Oluwo Ishola Akeem, has debunked reports circulating on social media that Wasilat, the TikToker at the centre of the recent Oloolu festival controversy, has died.

Akeem, speaking during an interview at the Oloolu family compound on Monday, said Wasilat is alive, has completed the traditional rites performed following the controversy and has returned to her family.

The clarification followed reports on social media claiming that the young woman had died after she was taken through traditional cleansing rites for allegedly recording activities connected to the annual Oloolu masquerade festival.

According to the Oloolu family secretary, the reports of her death are false, stressing that Wasilat is currently at home and recovering.

“She is not dead. Wasilat is alive. She is now in their house at Oremeji. She has been redeemed. Nothing will happen to her again. She is free now,” Akeem said.

He added that Wasilat had expressed regret over the incident and promised not to repeat the action.

The controversy began after a video believed to have been recorded by Wasilat circulated on social media during the Oloolu festival. The incident generated widespread reactions, with the Oloolu family maintaining that the recording violated longstanding traditions surrounding the revered masquerade.

Akeem explained that Wasilat was taken away from her home to prevent possible violence and that she was subsequently taken to the police station before the traditional rites were conducted.

He said the TikToker had admitted to recording and sharing the footage, deleted the video and apologised for her actions.

The Secretary further stated that the traditional rites had been completed and that Wasilat had since returned home.

The Oloolu family has urged members of the public to respect the customs and traditions associated with the annual festival, while the clarification is expected to put to rest the false reports concerning Wasilat’s alleged death.

The development was also reported by major Nigerian news outlets, which quoted the Oloolu family secretary as confirming that Wasilat is alive and has returned home.

The Ogun State Executive Council has approved a series of major infrastructure and institutional development projects, including the construction of 450 housing units, new official quarters for members of the State House of Assembly, strategic road projects across the three senatorial districts, and the reconstruction of the Ogun State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.

The Council also approved the upgrading and recognition of several traditional stools as part of efforts by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun to promote sustainable development, urban regeneration and the preservation of the state’s cultural heritage.

The approvals include the construction of 450 units of two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows with basic infrastructure, as well as 28 new official quarters for members of the Ogun State House of Assembly.

Also approved is the construction of 28 sellable duplexes at the Ibara Government Reservation Area (GRA) Scheme II and the reconstruction of the Ogun State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.

The Executive Council further approved the reconstruction of several strategic roads across the state to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, facilitate economic activities and enhance residents’ access to markets, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and industrial hubs.

The approved road projects include the reconstruction of the Okun-Owa–Ijebu-Ode Road in Odogbolu and Ijebu-Ode Local Government Areas; the Ago-Iwoye–Ijebu-Igbo–Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic Road in Ijebu North Local Government Area, covering 19.05 kilometres; Phase One of the Odeda-Olugbo Road in Odeda Local Government Area, spanning 5.5 kilometres; the Ayobo (Mopol Junction)–Lafenwa Junction Road in Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, measuring 3.6 kilometres; and the Agbala Road in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area, covering 2.78 kilometres.

In the area of traditional administration, the Council approved the upgrading and appointment of the Akoko of Tongeji Island as a recognised chieftaincy, the declaration of the Onitafin of Orile Itafin as a recognised chieftaincy, and the appointment of the Olu of Orile Itori-Odo as a recognised chieftaincy.

The Council also approved the creation and upgrading of certain coronet stools under the Ijebu, Egba and Yewa Traditional Councils, in line with established procedures for the recognition and development of traditional institutions in the state.

Announcing the decisions in a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said the approvals reflected the administration’s commitment to sustaining its infrastructural transformation and institutional reforms.

Akinmade said the reconstruction of the House of Assembly quarters and the Governor’s Lodge was aimed at providing conducive environments for governance, preserving government assets and ensuring seamless transitions for future administrations.

He noted that the projects were in line with the administration’s policy of replacing obsolete public infrastructure with modern, functional and durable facilities capable of meeting the growing needs of the state.

According to him, several government buildings inherited by the present administration were over 50 years old, structurally distressed and had deteriorated beyond economical rehabilitation. He said their reconstruction was part of the government’s broader urban regeneration programme, which had transformed several ageing and derelict public structures across the state.

On the 450-unit housing project, Akinmade said the development would complement the administration’s affordable housing programme by expanding access to decent accommodation and stimulating economic activities through the construction sector.

He added that the 28 sellable duplexes at Ibara GRA Scheme II would enhance the value of the estate, encourage private investment and strengthen Ogun State’s position as a preferred destination for residential and commercial development.

Speaking on the road projects, the Special Adviser said the approvals demonstrated the government’s determination to open up communities, improve transportation networks and drive socio-economic development across the state.

He further said the chieftaincy approvals reaffirmed Governor Abiodun’s commitment to preserving Ogun State’s cultural heritage and strengthening traditional institutions as key partners in promoting peace, security, grassroots governance and community development.

Akinmade reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to delivering enduring infrastructure, preserving public assets, strengthening governance institutions and building a modern Ogun State capable of attracting investments, promoting inclusive growth and improving the well-being of its residents.

The Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has expressed deep concern and sadness over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s remarks during his meeting with Catholic Bishops at the State House, recently.

Hashim, who is the Co-Chairman of Movement for Democratic Renewal, said the president’s public communication left him saddened rather than angry; adding that he listened repeatedly to the president’s remarks and came away with the impression that the Tinubu he heard was markedly different from the man he interacted with on several occasions between 2018 and 2021 .

“I listened to the recording over and over again. That was not the Bola Tinubu I knew between 2018 and 2021 . I left deeply concerned. I am not making a medical diagnosis, but the President’s public communication gives me the impression that he may require genuine help .”

He said his interest was not political, but human.

“Unlike many Nigerians who are angry with him, I genuinely feel pity for President Tinubu. My greatest worry is that those around him appear more interested in securing another election than in giving him the attention that he deserves. If they truly love him, they should put his comportment, wellbeing and the national interest above politics,” Hashim added.

The issue-based politician warned that whatever challenges the President may be facing, they must never become an excuse for undermining Nigeria’s democracy and stability

“While we express concern over the President’s recent public communication, let us also make one thing unmistakably clear, Nigeria must never return to the dark era when elections were won by every means necessary.”

He recalled that Nigeria set a historic democratic benchmark in 2015, when then President Goodluck Jonathan accepted defeat, conceded the election and peacefully transferred power to the opposition.

“That election elevated Nigeria’s democratic standing before the world. Ironically, the beneficiary of that democratic maturity was the party that produced President Tinubu. History must not now be reversed.”

Hashim declared that the 2027 general election must meet and surpass the 2015 standard of credibility.

“Let it be heard loudly across Nigeria and beyond: any election that falls short of the 2015 democratic standard will not be acceptable to the Nigerian people or to Nigeria’s friends across the world.”

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and all democratic institutions to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with absolute neutrality and professionalism.

“The credibility of 2027 will determine the future of our democracy. Nigeria needs free and fair elections, not coronations. Our institutions must serve the Constitution, not any individual or political party.”

Hashim maintained that Nigeria’s democracy is bigger than any government, political party or individual ambition selfish interest of some politcal cabals. This is a defining moment. We owe future generations a democracy stronger than the one we inherited. Nigeria must move forward, not backwards.”

Popular Juju and Highlife musician, Iyun Ayilore, widely known as Saint Janet, has died after a brief illness.

The veteran singer reportedly passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, bringing an end to a music career that earned him recognition across Nigeria’s Juju music scene.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed regret over his decision to choose Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election, saying he would not have picked him had he known what he later came to learn about him.

Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s president from 1999 to 2007, made the remark while reflecting on his political journey and the decision-making process that shaped his administration.

According to the former president, his choice of Atiku as vice-president was based on the information and circumstances available to him at the time. However, he said subsequent experiences and developments changed his perception of his former deputy.

Obasanjo and Atiku served together for eight years under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but their relationship became strained towards the end of their administration.

The disagreement between the two men later escalated into a major political rift, with Atiku eventually leaving the PDP and joining the Action Congress (AC) to contest the 2007 presidential election against the PDP candidate, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

Reflecting on his decision, Obasanjo said he would have made a different choice if he had been aware of what he later discovered about Atiku.

The former president’s comments have renewed attention on the long-standing political relationship between the two former leaders, whose partnership was once considered one of the most influential political alliances in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Atiku, a former vice-president, has remained a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and has contested the presidency several times since leaving office in 2007.

Veteran journalist and multiple-time Press Secretary to former Governors of Oyo State, Chief Lekan Alabi, has passed away at the age of 76.

Alabi, who was the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, reportedly died on Saturday morning in Lagos.

According to a press statement from the Olubadan Palace, family sources disclosed that the deceased would be buried on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites.

Lekan Alabi was a respected journalist and public affairs commentator who served as Press Secretary to former Oyo State Governors, contributing significantly to the state’s media and public communication landscape.

His death is expected to be mourned by the journalism community, traditional institution, political class, and the people of Oyo State.

Professor Segun Aina has officially assumed office as the new Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), succeeding Professor Ishaq Oloyede, whose 10-year tenure came to an end on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Aina, a 40-year-old professor of Computer Engineering, took over the leadership of the nation’s tertiary admissions agency during a handover ceremony held at JAMB’s national headquarters in Bwari, Abuja.

His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the examination body after the successful completion of Oloyede’s two-term tenure, during which JAMB recorded significant reforms in its admissions process, examination administration, financial transparency, and adoption of technology.

Speaking during the transition, Aina expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the board and pledged to consolidate on the achievements recorded by his predecessor. He assured staff and stakeholders of his commitment to transparency, innovation, professionalism, and continuous improvement in the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other statutory responsibilities of the board.

The new registrar is expected to leverage his background in computer engineering and information technology to further strengthen JAMB’s digital infrastructure, enhance examination security, and improve service delivery for candidates, tertiary institutions, and other stakeholders.

On his part, the outgoing Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, thanked members of staff, government officials, tertiary institutions, and Nigerians for their support throughout his decade-long administration. He urged the workforce to extend the same level of cooperation to his successor in order to sustain the board’s progress.

Oloyede’s tenure, which began in 2016, was widely noted for introducing far-reaching reforms that improved the credibility of the UTME, increased internally generated revenue remittances to the Federal Government, strengthened the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), and enhanced public confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process.

The assumption of office by Professor Segun Aina signals the commencement of a new era at JAMB, with expectations that the board will continue to deepen technological innovation and uphold integrity in the nation’s tertiary admissions system.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, CON, FCA (YAYI), has empowered 3,000 market women and men across Ogun East Senatorial District with grants of ₦75,000 each, amounting to a total of ₦225 million, under the fifth edition of his Market Women/Men Support Fund Empowerment Programme.

Speaking at the programme held at the Ojude Oba Pavilion, Awujale Palace, Ijebu Ode, Senator Adeola said the “Oloja YAYI” initiative was created to provide direct support to traders, strengthen small businesses, and improve livelihoods across Ogun State. He noted that the intervention, implemented in partnership with the National Productivity Centre, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, by stimulating grassroots economic growth through grants rather than loans.

The Senator explained that the programme has grown from an initiative for traders in Ogun West into a statewide empowerment scheme, following its positive impact on beneficiaries. He also highlighted his efforts to improve market infrastructure through the construction of modern markets, solar-powered boreholes, and solar streetlights across major markets, particularly in Ogun East.

Urging beneficiaries to invest the grants in their businesses, Senator Adeola reaffirmed his commitment to expanding economic opportunities for market women and men while continuing to implement people-centred programmes that promote enterprise, create jobs, and improve the welfare of the people of Ogun State.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the Federal Government rejected demands for ransom and the release of detained terrorists before security agencies successfully rescued pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The President stated that the victims were rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, without the government making any concession to the abductors.

Tinubu, in a statement following the successful rescue operation, commended Nigeria’s security agencies for securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers alive, while insisting that the government did not succumb to the demands of the terrorists.

The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when suspected terrorists attacked schools in communities within Oriire Local Government Area and abducted dozens of pupils and teachers.

The incident sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and prompted intensified efforts by the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and security agencies to secure the victims’ safe release.

Following weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations, the security agencies eventually rescued the victims on July 10 after 56 days in captivity.

The Presidency said the rescue operation involved the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, among other security and intelligence agencies.

According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, eight suspected members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation, while some others were neutralised.

Onanuga said there was no “quid pro quo” in the rescue operation, noting that a terrorist kingpin whose release had reportedly been demanded by the abductors remained in custody and was being prosecuted for alleged atrocities.

The development effectively meant that the government refused to exchange the detained suspect for the abducted pupils and teachers.

The President praised the security agencies for their sustained efforts, saying their success in rescuing the victims without conceding to the terrorists’ demands demonstrated the government’s resolve to confront terrorism and protect the lives of Nigerians.

The successful rescue brought relief to the families of the victims and residents of Oyo State, who had endured weeks of uncertainty and anxiety over the fate of the abducted children and their teachers.

The incident also renewed calls for stronger security measures around schools and vulnerable communities across the country.

President Tinubu commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the rescue efforts and urged relevant authorities to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Federal Government has also reiterated its commitment to confronting terrorism and kidnapping while working with state governments and security agencies to protect citizens and ensure that those responsible for such crimes are brought to justice.

The Ooni of Ife and Natural Head of the Oduduwa Race Worldwide, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has condemned the rising political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free, fair and credible poll.

The monarch, who is also the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), made the call on Tuesday evening at the ancient Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife while receiving the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, who led a delegation of the commission on a courtesy visit to seek the support and blessings of the traditional institution ahead of the off-cycle election.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the INEC delegation was received by the Ooni alongside prominent monarchs from the Osun State Council of Obas.

The Ooni urged political stakeholders to embrace peace and allow the electorate to freely determine who governs the state through a transparent and credible electoral process.

Addressing the INEC Chairman, the monarch said the prevailing political atmosphere in Osun had become increasingly worrisome, stressing that traditional rulers, as custodians of peace and unity, could not remain silent while political tensions continued to escalate.

“There is political tension in Osun State and, truth be told, the tension is becoming unbearable for us. As traditional rulers, we must remain above politics because Osun State is bigger than any politician. We occupy the thrones of our forefathers and our responsibility is to speak the truth at all times, irrespective of political affiliations,” the Ooni said.

He said the traditional institution had a responsibility to engage political leaders constructively and remind them that governance should be driven by justice, fairness and the welfare of the people rather than partisan interests.

The Ooni noted that while politicians could change alliances based on personal or political interests, the traditional institution remained permanently committed to protecting the peace, stability and unity of the state.

“Politics is about interests. Those who are opponents today may become allies tomorrow, but the people remain. We do not want political interests to divide our communities or threaten the peace of Osun State. Let the people come out freely to vote and decide who they want to govern them,” he stated.

The monarch called on INEC to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with absolute neutrality, transparency and professionalism, saying the electoral umpire had a crucial role to play in reducing political anxiety across the state.

“You are the umpire. Be very just, upright and transparent in the conduct of this election. We want the election to be free, fair and credible. You have the responsibility to douse the growing tension and inspire confidence among all political stakeholders,” he said.

The Ooni also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and create an enabling environment for INEC to operate independently.

He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of provoking violence, stressing that political competition must not degenerate into hostility.

According to him, no election should be allowed to destroy relationships or permanently divide communities, as politicians and their supporters would continue to coexist after the polls.

“The traditional institution will continue to promote peace across Osun State. We will continue to encourage politicians to embrace peaceful campaigns because elections should never become a source of bloodshed, destruction or division,” the Ooni said.

He further urged citizens to participate peacefully in the electoral process without fear or intimidation, insisting that the wishes of the electorate must ultimately prevail.

Earlier, the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said the visit to the Ooni’s Palace was both a cultural obligation and an institutional engagement aimed at securing the support of the traditional institution for a peaceful governorship election.

Describing Ile-Ife as the ancestral home of the Yoruba race and the Ooni as a foremost custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, Amupitan said INEC recognised the influential role of traditional rulers in promoting peace and public confidence during elections.

“We have come to pay homage to Your Imperial Majesty and seek your royal blessings. Osun occupies a unique place in Nigeria because its people are politically conscious. This election is significant, not only for Osun State, but also as a major test ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The INEC Chairman assured the royal fathers that the commission remained committed to delivering a free, fair, transparent and credible governorship election, adding that technology, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), would be deployed to safeguard the integrity of the process.

Amupitan said rebuilding public confidence in INEC remained a major priority, stressing that such confidence could only be earned through transparent elections that genuinely reflect the will of the people.

He also appealed to traditional rulers to intensify efforts to promote peaceful coexistence by prevailing on political actors and their supporters to reject violence and embrace issue-based campaigns.

The INEC Chairman expressed concern over the security situation in the state and urged political parties to refrain from actions capable of threatening public peace.

He further cautioned against vote-buying and other electoral malpractices, urging eligible voters to reject inducements and exercise their civic responsibility freely.

Amupitan assured residents that adequate electoral materials would be deployed across the state ahead of the election, while urging political parties and members of the public to rely only on official information from INEC and avoid spreading unverified claims capable of heightening political tension.