Governor has taken a swipe at the Osun State chapter of the (APC), accusing the opposition party of hiding under the “progressive” label and the revered name of to mislead the people of the state. The governor declared that his administration, not the APC, represents the true ideals and legacy of the late sage.
Speaking at a public event in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke described the APC’s claim to Awolowo’s ideology as deceptive, insisting that nothing about the party’s performance in Osun should be associated with the late nationalist. He alleged that years of APC leadership in the state were marked by policies that failed to prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens, contrary to the pro-people philosophy widely attributed to Awolowo.
Adeleke maintained that authentic progressive governance is defined by tangible improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare. According to him, since assuming office in November 2022, his administration has focused on clearing salary arrears, rehabilitating public schools and health facilities, and investing in grassroots development. He stressed that these actions reflect the people-centered governance model championed by Awolowo.
The governor further urged residents of Osun State to critically assess political claims and judge leaders by their performance rather than slogans. Reaffirming his commitment to transparency and inclusive development, Adeleke stated that his government remains dedicated to delivering dividends of democracy to all communities across the state, adding that the true test of progressivism lies in measurable impact on the lives of the people.
Gunmen have killed Oba Kehinde Jacob Falodun, the traditional ruler of Agamo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, in a violent attack that has thrown the community into mourning. The attackers reportedly stormed the monarch’s palace on Wednesday night.
According to sources, the armed men forcefully took the traditional ruler away from his residence in what was believed to be a kidnapping attempt. However, the situation turned deadly during the operation, and the monarch was later found lifeless.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that security operatives were alerted shortly after the attack. Police authorities disclosed that armed men invaded the palace, abducted the monarch, and fled before his body was discovered.
Security agencies, including local vigilantes and Amotekun operatives, have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. The police assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible, while community members expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the area.
Hoodlums on Tuesday disrupted a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress in Akure, causing chaos and injuries among party leaders. The meeting, held at the party’s state secretariat, was reportedly convened to strategize ahead of upcoming ward congresses when the attackers stormed the venue.
During the disruption, the Ondo State Chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin, was allegedly assaulted alongside other top officials present. Eyewitnesses said the hoodlums arrived suddenly, wielding dangerous weapons, forcing members to flee while several sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Adetimehin claimed the attackers targeted the meeting deliberately to halt preparations for the congresses. He alleged that personal belongings were stolen in the process and that some party leaders were taken to hospital for treatment following the violence.
Reacting to the incident, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, denied any involvement, describing the attackers as miscreants. The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the disturbance and said investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Like a proverbial star rising in broad daylight begging for divination, so is the recent development and attendant circumstances surrounding the crowning of fourteen kings in Oyo town. This development deserves honest appraisal devoid of sentiment, in order to properly assess how this political game plan affects Oyo and its people, with or without “Ahoros,” both at home and abroad.
No doubt, the pride of the average Oyo indigene lies in the enduring legacy of a proven traditional epicentre, with the revered throne of the Alaafin of Oyo as the only imperial majesty and political head of the Yoruba race. The administrative prowess of the king and the Oyomesi in council has no equal among our people.
Though some argue that our empire fell, we rose again to enviable greatness. Oyo is Oyo, let us put an end to divisive tendencies. Awenibon and Oja, who founded their “Agos” or “Ahoros” at Aawe and Oyo Atiba respectively, were sons of Oyo on hunting expeditions in search of new settlements for all. The agreement between Oja and Atiba was not by coercion but by concession. Only Atiba Latunbosun Atobatele (Orunnmogege, Ajotamomi, Sentele Ayi Bi Egbo Tipetipe) possessed the royal blood to rebirth and lead the new Oyo, and his bloodline subsists till today. Oja and Atiba were in-laws, a testament to the cordial relationship between them.
No matter how long a rope may be, it must have a source—Oyo Ile was that source. For nearly two hundred years, we have lived together in our new home in peace and harmony as one people destined by God. Like every other town, we have faced challenges, yet we remain Oyo, proud and united.
One of the unique attributes of Oyo is that it derives its political strength from the throne of the Alaafin of Oyo. The power is inherent in the title of the king (Iku Baba Yeye) and revolves around the throne. Any political missile targeted at Oyo kingship is a calculated attempt to deprive Oyo of its essence and to strip it of the influence and benefits meant for its people.
There is no gainsaying that the position of the Alaafin is politically strategic and relevant. No Oyo son or daughter has ascended to the heights of political prominence without the influence of the throne. It is on record that the only female senator from Oyo rode on the “Omo mi, Abuja ya” sentiment, while a returning representative at the Green Chamber leveraged royal advantage. Even politicians from outside Oyo come cap in hand, prostrating before Alase Ekejii Orisa to garner royal blessings and favour.
The agenda appears to transcend merely making Baales and Alahoros wear beaded crowns. Rather, it suggests a premeditated plan to further polarize us, creating dissenting voices on issues of common interest.
Call it an emerging new order or a paradigm shift from the old. But do you foresee any formidable political bloc with far-reaching influence that would bring greater gains to Oyo and its people emerging from these new hamlets? Beyond the beaded crowns, do you foresee any of the new enclave heads championing a collective agenda in Oyo’s name? Instead, they risk being likened to pawns in a larger political chess game.
As a people desirous of the good of our land, embracing this political bait under the guise of a paradigm shift in power may only cloud our focus and lead us nowhere. Modern cities and societies grow into conglomerates through unification of entities—not through retrogressive fragmentation into hamlets under the pretext of development.
The crowning was not done in good faith. Rather, it appears to be a calculated move targeting the nucleus of our political strength and rallying point, so that the centre may no longer hold.
Through such implosion, the enemies of Oyo could once again ride on our disunity. It risks becoming another symphony of destruction, capable of inflicting more damage on our heritage than the early fall of our empire.
Having the kingship of the Alaafin ruffled, his powers diminished, and his influence weakened would be a major catastrophe for Oyo people, Oyo town, and Oyo heritage. It would be a ripple capable of igniting unrest and distracting us from the vision of a progressive Oyo.
May Oyo recover from this blow and continue to wax stronger.
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has strongly condemned the reckless driving habits of some truck operators plying the Sango–Ota corridor, following a fatal accident at the Ota Toll Gate area that claimed seven lives.
The crash, which involved a trailer tanker reportedly affected by brake failure, resulted in the deaths of six men and one woman. Two other victims — a male and a female — sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. In total, nine persons were involved in the tragic incident.
Describing the development as painful and unacceptable, the Governor said the loss of innocent lives due to preventable negligence is one too many. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and comfort for them during this difficult period.
Governor Abiodun has directed an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, stressing that anyone found culpable must face the full weight of the law.
He also called for heightened vigilance and stricter traffic enforcement by the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps to prevent a recurrence along the busy corridor.
In a related development, the Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Lawal Adewale Wasiu visited the scene shortly after the incident alongside key local government officials, where he received briefings from security operatives coordinating rescue and control efforts.
The Chairman expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and reiterated the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations.
He also cautioned against roadside trading and other risky activities that expose residents and commuters to avoidable danger, assuring that the council would collaborate closely with relevant agencies to strengthen safety compliance within the axis.
The Ogun State Government reaffirmed its resolve to intensify road safety enforcement and protect lives and property across the state.
Temidire Community in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, Oyo State, was filled with excitement and jubilation on Tuesday as the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, officially commissioned and handed over the newly constructed Temidire Secondary School. The event coincided with his 39th birthday, making the day a double celebration of personal milestone and community development.
The commissioning ceremony, which began at exactly 12pm, featured cultural performances by pupils of the school, setting a festive tone for the occasion. The project, executed on behalf of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, was formally handed over by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Olusegun Olayiwola. The event drew top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, party members, and residents.
In his address, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin expressed profound gratitude to God for the opportunity to witness this historic milestone for Temidire and surrounding villages. He highlighted the long-standing challenge faced by over fourteen neighboring villages, whose graduating pupils had no access to a local secondary school, forcing them to travel to Oloke in Ogun State or Eruwa town for education, an obstacle that imposed financial burdens, safety risks, and contributed to school dropouts.
“Today is not just about commissioning a building; it is about fulfilling a promise, restoring hope, and investing in the future of our children. Promise made, promise kept,” the Speaker declared.
The newly constructed school features two blocks, each with three spacious, well-ventilated classrooms, fully furnished offices for staff and the Principal, and modern toilet facilities for both students and staff, ensuring a conducive environment for learning. The school is set to commence academic activities in September with its pioneer students.
Baale of Temidire Community, speaking on behalf of the people, lauded Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin for his development initiatives, recalling the community’s years of struggle to establish a secondary school and acknowledging the Speaker’s commitment and perseverance in achieving the feat.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin, while acknowledging the support of Governor Makinde and other dignitaries, emphasized that the project was driven by the urgent educational needs of the community. He reiterated his dedication to grassroots development, highlighting ongoing projects, including the near-completion of a secondary school at Ojonamo, the Maya Town Hall, a functional Primary Health Centre at Lagaye, construction of a mosque at Oloro, a youth movement secretariat in Eruwa, and the sinking of over 40 boreholes across the constituency.
The Speaker urged parents, teachers, and students to take ownership of the facility, stressing that education remains the most powerful tool for societal transformation and sustainable development. He also commended the contractors and artisans for delivering quality work in line with approved standards.
The commissioning of Temidire Secondary School stands as a testament to Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin’s commitment to transforming lives through education, marking his birthday with a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
A presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has mourned the passing of renowned American civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, describing him as one of America’s finest moral exports and a global symbol of justice, unity and democratic struggle.
In a tribute issued on Tuesday, Hashim said the death of Rev. Jackson at the age of 84 marks the end of an era in the global pursuit of equality, human dignity and social justice, noting that his influence extended far beyond the borders of the United States.
Hashim, who served as General Secretary of the Youth Solidarity for South Africa in Nigeria in 1986, described Jackson as a moral voice molded in the crucible of the struggle for democracy and inclusion.
He added that the late civil rights icon stood firmly in the tradition of prophetic activism and carried forward the unfinished work of the Civil Rights Movement.
He recalled that Rev. Jackson, a close associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., helped transform grief into organized resistance and hope into measurable political progress, particularly in the post-King era.
According to him, Jackson’s leadership of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition mobilised millions and consistently amplified the voices of the marginalized, the poor and the excluded, insisting they must have a seat at the table of power.
Hashim, who was also an Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience in 1989, further highlighted Jackson’s presidential campaigns in the 1980s, describing them as historic efforts that expanded the imagination of what was politically possible for minorities in America and helped reshape the nation’s democratic landscape.
He noted that the late civil rights icon believed deeply in the power of the ballot, peaceful protest and moral conviction, stressing that democracy must work for everyone and not only the privileged few.
“His message was always clear, inclusion is not charity, it is justice,” Hashim stated. Hashim, who has a long history in human rights and pro-democracy activism, said Jackson’s legacy resonates deeply with many African advocates of justice and liberation.
Beyond America, Hashim described Jackson as a statesman of conscience who engaged in diplomatic interventions, advocated for peace and lent his voice to oppressed people across the world.
He added that Jackson’s life carries enduring lessons for Nigeria and Africa, particularly on the need for leadership anchored on courage, compassion and moral clarity.
“At a time when the world confronts division and distrust, his legacy challenges us to rebuild bridges, defend democratic institutions, and protect the dignity of every human being,” he said.
Hashim concluded by commiserating with the United States over the loss, describing Rev. Jackson as a tireless advocate who refused to surrender to cynicism and whose courage and compassion will continue to inspire generations.
“A towering voice for justice has fallen silent, but the echo of his unwavering fight for equality will inspire generations to stand boldly for what is right,” he added.
The Honourable Member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Dele Adeola, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, and former Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Gbenga Babalola, as both distinguished leaders mark their birthdays today.
In a goodwill message, Hon. Adeola described the coinciding birthdays as symbolic of the enduring legacy of responsible and people-centered leadership in Oyo State. He praised Speaker Ogundoyin for his exemplary stewardship of the Assembly, noting his commitment to legislative excellence, unity, and institutional stability.
The lawmaker also commended Senator Babalola for his impactful representation and longstanding contributions to the political and socio-economic development of Oyo North and the state at large. He acknowledged the former senator’s experience, statesmanship, and continued relevance in public service.
Hon. Adeola prayed for good health, greater wisdom, and renewed strength for both celebrants, expressing confidence that their lives will continue to inspire progress, unity, and purposeful leadership in Oyo State and beyond.
The Alaafin of Oyo has called on federal and state authorities to take immediate and decisive action following reports of a security threat allegedly issued by bandits against communities in Kwara State. The monarch expressed deep concern over the safety of residents in Ira, Inaja, and Aho, urging security agencies to act swiftly to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
According to sources within the affected areas, the threat has heightened anxiety among residents, with many calling for increased security presence and proactive measures to forestall possible attacks. Community leaders have reportedly intensified local vigilance while appealing to the government not to treat the warning lightly.
The development has raised fresh concerns about the spread of insecurity across border communities between Kwara and neighboring states. The revered traditional ruler emphasized the need for coordinated operations involving the military, police, and local security outfits to safeguard lives and property.
He noted that rural communities often bear the brunt of banditry and must not be left vulnerable. Stressing the importance of intelligence gathering and rapid response, the Alaafin urged authorities to reinforce surveillance and reassure citizens of their protection. Security analysts say timely intervention could deter potential violence and restore public confidence.
Residents of Ira, Inaja, and Aho have called for sustained patrols and visible security deployments to ease tensions. As of press time, state authorities were yet to issue an official statement, but community members remain hopeful that urgent steps will be taken to address the looming threat.
Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has dismissed claims attributed to Rotimi Amaechi alleging that the Nigeria Tax Act imposes a 25 per cent tax on building materials, construction funds and bank balances. Oyedele described the assertions as misleading, stressing that the Act has already commenced and contains no such provision.
He clarified that the new tax law does not introduce any 25 per cent levy on construction-related transactions, personal bank deposits or business expenses, nor does it postpone implementation until 2027 as claimed. According to him, interpretations suggesting otherwise misrepresent the content and intent of the legislation.
Oyedele explained that the Act instead provides measures aimed at reducing housing costs and stimulating real estate development, including VAT exemption on land, buildings and rent, input VAT credits for contractors, and a reduced 2 per cent Withholding Tax on construction contracts. The law also allows mortgage interest deductions for owner-occupiers and expense deductions for landlords earning rental income.
He further noted that renters can claim relief of up to ₦500,000, while lease agreements below ₦10 million annually are exempt from stamp duty. Emphasising transparency, Oyedele urged Nigerians to verify claims by consulting the law itself, maintaining that the reforms are designed to make housing more affordable rather than increase financial burdens.
