Oduduwa News

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has cautioned former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, against making statements perceived as damaging to the image and unity of the ruling party.

Basiru issued the warning while reacting to recent comments credited to Fayemi, which some party stakeholders described as capable of “demarketing” the APC and undermining ongoing efforts to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of future political contests.

The APC scribe said while the party respects freedom of expression and internal democratic engagement, no member—regardless of status—should make public remarks that could portray the party negatively or fuel opposition narratives.

According to him, Fayemi, as a prominent leader and former governor elected under the APC platform, has a responsibility to protect the party’s integrity rather than contribute to narratives that may weaken public confidence in its leadership and governance.

Basiru stressed that if Fayemi is dissatisfied with the direction of the party or can no longer align with its ideals, he should consider formally exiting the APC instead of engaging in what he described as actions capable of damaging the party from within.

He warned that the party would not hesitate to invoke disciplinary measures against members whose conduct is deemed detrimental to its unity and electoral prospects.

“Political parties are built on loyalty, discipline, and collective responsibility. While constructive criticism is welcome internally, no member should publicly demarket the party or act in ways that embolden political opponents,” Basiru stated.

The warning follows recent public comments by Fayemi, reportedly expressing concerns over internal party dynamics and governance issues—remarks that have sparked debate among APC loyalists and political observers.

Fayemi, a former chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and one-time Minister of Mines and Steel Development, remains one of the APC’s influential founding figures, making the latest exchange a significant development within the ruling party.

Political analysts say the tension may reflect deeper internal disagreements within the APC as the party begins early positioning ahead of future elections.

As of press time, Dr. Fayemi had not publicly responded to the warning issued by the APC national leadership.

-Says he’s Nigeria’s only true opposition leader

A prominent ally of late political patriarch, Olusola Saraki, Oba Ajara, has endorsed the presidential ambition of Gbenga Hashim ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing him as “the only true opposition leader” in Nigeria.

Oba Ajara, a 90-year-old veteran politician with over six decades of active political involvement, said his endorsement was informed by his wealth of experience and deep understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution.

Speaking during a political gathering attended by leaders from across Kwara Central, Ajara declared that Hashim possesses the leadership qualities and courage needed to reposition the country.
“In my over 60 years in politics, I consider Dr. Gbenga Hashim the only true leader in Nigeria today with the capacity to rescue this country from its current state of helplessness,” he said.

The elder statesman lamented what he described as the collapse of opposition responsibility in Nigeria, accusing many opposition figures of failing to hold the government accountable.

According to him, the vacuum created by the absence of a vibrant opposition has weakened democratic engagement in the country.
“The opposition in Nigeria has abandoned its responsibility. It is only Gbenga Hashim who has remained consistent and committed to the fight against subjugation,” Ajara stated.
He further declared that the Accord Party would serve as the platform to actualize Hashim’s presidential ambition in 2027.

Ajara called on political stakeholders, supporters, and party loyalists across Kwara State and beyond to rally around the party, which he described as the emerging platform for a new national movement.
“That is where we will all converge to actualize this mission in 2027,” he added.

Political observers believe the endorsement may signal early political realignments within Kwara State, particularly among groups seeking alternatives to the dominant political structures ahead of the next general elections.

Responding to the endorsement, Gbenga Hashim expressed appreciation, describing the gesture as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility.

He reiterated his commitment to building a broad-based political movement anchored on justice, economic recovery, national unity, and democratic renewal.

An independent investigation has debunked a viral social media broadcast alleging that residents should remain indoors by 9pm due to the planned movement of traditional deities under a supposed ritual activity referred to as “Ogun O Jálú” in Ogbomosho, Ibadan and other towns in Oyo State.

The message, which has been widely circulated across messaging platforms, claimed that certain traditional worshippers were mobilising to “bring out deities” in response to the recent spate of kidnappings and insecurity incidents reported in some parts of the country.

The broadcast further suggested that the alleged activity could affect public movement at night in Ibadan, Ogbomosho and Oyo Town, prompting fears among residents and raising concern over possible restrictions or spiritual enforcement of safety measures.

However, findings from an independent verification effort made by Oduduwa News, alongside responses from relevant authorities and community stakeholders, confirm that the claims are false and misleading.

Security agencies stated that there is no declared curfew, no security advisory restricting movement at 9pm, and no intelligence suggesting any coordinated traditional activity capable of affecting public safety or restricting free movement.

Traditional religious stakeholders also dismissed the viral message, clarifying that no known association or legitimate traditional authority has issued such a directive. They described the rumour as a fabrication intended to exploit public anxiety over insecurity.

Authorities have urged citizens to disregard the message and avoid sharing unverified broadcasts, warning that misinformation linked to sensitive cultural or security issues can trigger unnecessary panic and social tension.

The investigation concludes that the “Ogun O Jálú” 9pm indoor warning is a false narrative with no official or cultural backing, and the public is encouraged to treat it as misinformation.

The Isese Welfare Association has called on Yoruba people across the Southwest to unite and defend their communities against rising insecurity.

The group made the call following recent cases of kidnappings, school abductions, and killings reported in parts of the region, including Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, and Ekiti states.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Oluwo Aderemi Ifaolepin, the association described the attacks as a direct assault on Yoruba people, culture, and traditional values.

The group specifically condemned the abduction of students, teachers, and residents in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning that the incidents are no longer isolated cases but a dangerous trend threatening peace in Yorubaland.

IWA urged Southwest governors and security authorities to strengthen protection for schools, farms, and sacred sites, while also integrating indigenous security systems, community intelligence, and traditional structures into existing security arrangements.

The association also called on traditional rulers, political leaders, and community stakeholders to set aside differences and work together to confront the growing security threats.

“The safety of our people must supersede politics and personal interests,” the group stated.

Fresh controversy has hit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State as an aspirant for the House of Representatives ticket for Oyo Federal Constituency, Hon. Busari Basit Babatunde, has formally petitioned the party’s national leadership over alleged widespread irregularities, electoral misconduct, and attempts to manipulate the outcome of the party’s primary election.

In a petition submitted through his legal representatives, Lawbridge Partners, and addressed to ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, National Secretary, Engr. Rauf Aregbesola, as well as the party’s Oyo State Primary Election Appeals Committee, Babatunde accused party officials and unnamed political actors of undermining internal democracy during the primary election held on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

The petition alleged that the exercise was marred by the complete absence of officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security personnel across several voting centres, creating what the petitioner described as an atmosphere vulnerable to intimidation, disorder, and procedural abuse. According to the document, the party’s electoral committee and its designated chairman also failed to appear for the conduct and supervision of the primary, leaving party members confused and raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the exercise.

Babatunde further alleged that improper and non-transparent voting procedures were adopted in several areas, while elections reportedly failed to hold in some wards within Oyo West Local Government Area and Oyo East Local Government Area, effectively disenfranchising eligible voters. One of the affected wards, the petition noted, included that of the party’s State Youth Leader, deepening concerns over the credibility and completeness of the process.

The petitioner also raised alarm over what he described as a pre-determined allocation of votes before the commencement of the election. He claimed that reports had emerged of certain individuals allegedly preparing and assigning figures ahead of the exercise, with discrepancies later observed between actual voting patterns and figures being circulated by some party officials. Babatunde said his team is prepared to submit video recordings, photographs, eyewitness testimonies, and other documentary evidence to support the allegations.

Central to the petition is an accusation of an attempt to impose a preferred candidate on the constituency, with concerns specifically raised over the alleged undue influence of Hon. Kamil Akinlabi in the primary process. Babatunde maintained that independent reports collated by his agents and supporters across Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East, and Oyo West indicate that he secured the majority of lawful votes cast during the election.

The petition also criticized the party’s failure to officially declare the results after voting had concluded, alleging that relevant officials became unreachable and refused to provide clarity on the status of the outcome. According to Babatunde, the Oyo State chapter of the ADC has equally failed to communicate the constitution and operational details of the Appeals Committee, raising fears that legitimate complaints are being deliberately frustrated.

Warning of possible political fallout, the aspirant said any attempt to impose an unpopular candidate against the wishes of party members could trigger internal division, loss of public confidence, and serious damage to the party’s electoral fortunes in Oyo Federal Constituency. He therefore urged the national leadership to immediately investigate the conduct of the primary, review all evidence, ensure no candidate is imposed, and declare the true winner based on lawful and verifiable votes.

Despite the tensions, Babatunde reaffirmed his commitment to peace, party unity, and democratic principles, expressing hope that the ADC leadership would intervene decisively to preserve the integrity of the party’s internal electoral process.

Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa (AOPE), Oyo State, has officially announced the commencement of admissions into its Full-Time National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), and Part-Time ND/HND programmes for the 2026/2027 academic session.

In a statement released by the institution’s management, suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for various programmes across its Faculties of Communication and Management Studies, Engineering, Science, Computing Science, and Environmental Studies.

For the Full-Time National Diploma (ND) programmes, AOPE offers courses including Accountancy, Business Administration, Marketing, Mass Communication, Public Administration, Computer Science, Statistics, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Technology, Estate Management, and Fashion Design, among others.

Prospective candidates seeking admission into the ND programmes must have scored a minimum of 100 marks in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and must have selected Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, as their first-choice institution. Applicants are also required to possess at least five relevant O’Level credit passes in line with admission requirements.

For the Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes, the institution is offering advanced courses such as Business Administration, Journalism and Media Production, Accountancy, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Software and Web Development, Computer Networks and Cloud Computing, Science Laboratory Technology, and Art and Industrial Design, among others.

AOPE also announced admission into its Part-Time ND and HND programmes, designed for candidates seeking flexible academic schedules. Interested ND Part-Time applicants are required to obtain the JAMB Part-Time application form at any accredited CBT centre and must equally possess the required five O’Level credits.

The institution advised interested applicants to visit its official portals at www.aope.edu.ng or www.portal.aope.edu.ng for detailed application procedures and programme requirements. Applicants may also make enquiries through info@aope.edu.ng or admission@aope.edu.ng.

The management stated that the deadline for submission of applications is Monday, June 29, 2026.

The admission notice was signed by Mrs. Funmilayo Bosede Akintunde (FCAI, FCPA), Registrar.

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has condemned the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, calling for swift security action and a united national effort against kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.

In a statement on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) described the abduction of students and teachers from schools within the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso as heartbreaking, disturbing and unacceptable.

The Ooni Ogunwusi lamented that innocent pupils, teachers and residents were subjected to terror following the invasion of the communities by armed gunmen who reportedly attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

Ooni Ogunwusi expressed sadness over the loss of lives recorded during the incident, including that of Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, a commercial motorcyclist and one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed in captivity.

According to the Ooni, attacks on schools and educational communities represent a direct assault on the future of the nation, stressing that children and teachers must never become victims of criminal activities.

The Ooni therefore called on security agencies to intensify rescue operations to ensure the safe return of all victims still in captivity while bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice.

He also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security architecture in vulnerable communities, particularly around schools and rural settlements, in order to prevent future occurrences.

The Ooni further appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies with credible information, vigilance and community cooperation, noting that the fight against kidnapping requires collective responsibility and national unity.

Ooni Ogunwusi equally sympathised with families of security operatives, Amotekun Corps members and local vigilantes who reportedly lost their lives during rescue efforts, describing their sacrifices as patriotic and heroic.

While praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, the Ooni asked Olodumare to comfort bereaved families and grant quick freedom to all abducted victims still in captivity.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the discovery and dismantling of what it described as the largest clandestine methamphetamine production laboratory ever uncovered in Nigeria. The illicit drug facility, located deep inside a forested area in Ijebu axis of Ogun State, was allegedly being operated by a syndicate involving Nigerian collaborators and members of a Mexican drug cartel.

According to NDLEA officials, the breakthrough followed weeks of coordinated intelligence gathering and surveillance by operatives, who tracked suspicious movements linked to an international drug trafficking network. The raid, carried out by a special anti-narcotics task force, led to the seizure of large quantities of methamphetamine, precursor chemicals, sophisticated production equipment, and other materials used for the manufacture and packaging of hard drugs.

The agency disclosed that several suspects were arrested during the operation, including key Nigerian facilitators believed to be responsible for logistics and local coordination. Authorities are also intensifying efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the cartel, including foreign nationals suspected to have played technical roles in setting up and managing the drug laboratory.

NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General (retd.), described the bust as a major victory in Nigeria’s fight against narcotics and organized crime. He said the discovery highlights the growing sophistication of international drug syndicates seeking to exploit Nigeria as both a production base and transit hub, stressing that the agency remains committed to dismantling such networks and prosecuting those involved.

Meanwhile, the (AFRICOM) has raised concerns over increasing links between drug trafficking networks operating between South America and West Africa and the financing of terrorist groups across the region. Security analysts warn that proceeds from narcotics trafficking are being used to fund extremist activities, making anti-drug enforcement not only a public health issue but also a critical national and regional security priority.

Former presidential candidate,Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has commended the Federal High Court in Abuja for nullifying portions of the 2027 election timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), describing the judgement as a victory for the rule of law and constitutional order.

Hashim specifically praised Hon. Justice M. G. Umar for what he termed a courageous and principled decision that checked administrative overreach and reaffirmed the supremacy of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The Federal High Court, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 between the Youth Party and INEC, reportedly held that the electoral body acted outside its statutory powers by imposing restrictive timelines on political parties for the conduct of primaries and other pre-election activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the judgement, Hashim said he had consistently maintained that INEC must operate strictly within the confines of the law, revealing that he had earlier written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warning against actions capable of undermining the Electoral Act.

“I have consistently argued that INEC must act within the confines of the Electoral Act. Unfortunately, those warnings were not heeded. This judgment has now vindicated that position,” he stated.

Hashim described the ruling as timely and necessary, saying it would protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and strengthen democratic governance.

“I commend Justice M.G. Umar for his courage and fidelity to justice. This is a sound judgment that reinforces the supremacy of the law and restores confidence in our democratic institutions,” he added.

According to reports of the judgement, the court held that INEC lacks the legal authority to fix timelines for party primaries and cannot abridge statutory provisions relating to the submission of candidates’ particulars, withdrawal and substitution of candidates, publication of final candidate lists, and campaign periods.

The court consequently set aside portions of INEC’s Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections found to be inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026.

Hashim urged INEC to fully comply with the judgement and ensure that future electoral guidelines strictly conform with the provisions of the law.

However, as of the time of filing this report, official court documents and a certified true copy of the judgement were yet to be publicly released, while INEC had not issued an official response to the development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has alleged that individuals and groups who profited immensely from Nigeria’s controversial fuel subsidy regime and the foreign exchange system are responsible for fueling insecurity and economic sabotage across the country.

The President made this known on Wednesday through former Ogun Governor, Olusegun Osoba at the public presentation of a book titled The NADECO Story, held in Lagos. Tinubu said the current administration’s bold economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, have disrupted entrenched interests that had fed fat on systemic corruption for decades.

According to the President, those who benefited from the old order are now resisting change and sponsoring acts capable of destabilising the country, including heightened insecurity and coordinated misinformation aimed at discrediting his administration. He maintained that the reforms, though painful, were necessary to rescue Nigeria’s economy from collapse and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity.

Tinubu noted that while Nigerians are enduring temporary hardship, his government remains committed to ensuring that the sacrifices yield sustainable benefits. He emphasized that his administration would not bow to pressure from those seeking to preserve corrupt structures, insisting that accountability, transparency, and national development must take precedence over personal interests.

Reflecting on the legacy of the National Democratic Coalition, Tinubu praised pro-democracy activists for their sacrifices in restoring democratic governance in Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in defending democracy and supporting ongoing reforms, assuring citizens that the country would emerge stronger despite current economic and security challenges.