Oduduwa News

The National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled the Minister of the FCT and former Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike; former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose and the embattled former National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

The convention also expelled the former National Legal Adviser of the party, Mr Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; George Turner and Hon Umar Bature.
Former Deputy Chairman (South) of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, who moved the motion for the expulsion of Wike and others, declared that the decision came against the backdrop of various activities they engaged in aimed at destroying the party.

Earlier, the Secretary of the National Convention Organising Committee, Senator Ben Obi, had put the question to the delegates on whether or not the convention should be an Elective Convention and also raised a motion to make it an Elective Convention, with Mr Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN seconding the motion.

Similarly, Governor Seyi Makinde moved a motion for the ratification and confirmation of Executive Committees and Structures in states, which were produced through congresses at all levels that were in compliance with the party’s constitution and monitored by INEC and security agencies, exempting Imo, Abia, Enugu and Rivers states. Mr Daniel Obiechina Okechukwu seconded the motion.

The convention also moved a motion to dissolve the current NWC of the party, while it equally amended some sections of the party’s constitution.

The Court of Appeal in Lagos has upheld the five-year jail term imposed on Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, for sexually assaulting a minor in 2021. The appellate court, however, set aside some portions of his earlier convictions relating to alleged incidents said to have taken place between 2013 and 2014, ruling that the testimonies provided for those years were hearsay and legally insufficient.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Folashade Ojo, alongside Justices Abdullahi Bayero and Paul Bassi, affirmed that the prosecution successfully proved the key offence committed in April 2021. The court held that eyewitness accounts in the 2021 incident were credible and consistent, thereby justifying the trial court’s decision to convict him for indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault.

The court further noted that Baba Ijesha’s confessional statements, made during the 2021 investigation, were admissible and carried substantial evidential weight. Claims by the defence that the actor was coerced into confessing were rejected, as the appellate court found no supporting evidence of duress or intimidation in the record.

On the other hand, the panel dismissed the convictions linked to events purported to have occurred several years earlier, stating that the testimonies relied upon were not firsthand accounts and failed the legal test of direct evidence. This partial victory for the actor, however, does not affect the overall duration of his imprisonment.

With the ruling, Baba Ijesha will continue to serve the concurrent sentences of five and three years handed down by the Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court in 2022. The judgment reinforces the appellate court’s stance that while some charges were unproven, the core 2021 offence was established beyond reasonable doubt.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention has officially commenced today at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, following a decisive court ruling that cleared all legal obstacles. An Oyo State High Court earlier granted an interim order preventing interference with the convention’s timetable and instructed INEC to monitor the process, providing the legal backing the party needed to proceed.

Despite internal tensions, the PDP National Working Committee, led by Umar Damagum, insisted on holding the convention as scheduled. This resolve comes amid claims from some factions suggesting postponement and ongoing disagreements linked to recent legal disputes within the party.

Meanwhile, several state chapters, including Enugu and Oyo, expressed full readiness and support. The Enugu chapter confirmed that all logistics, including transportation and delegate materials, were in place, while the Oyo State PDP hailed the court’s approval as a victory for democracy and stability within the party.

As the convention unfolds, attention is focused on how the PDP will navigate its internal divisions and whether today’s gathering will set a stronger foundation ahead of the 2027 elections. The event is expected to draw thousands of delegates, making it a crucial moment in the party’s ongoing bid for national repositioning.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has charged fresh graduates of the university to go forth with confidence, seize every opportunity that comes their way, lead the change Nigeria needs, and claim their rightful place at the top.

He gave the charge during the second day of the 2025 Convocation ceremonies when graduands were admitted to First Degrees in the Faculties of Agriculture, the Social Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Technology, Law, Economics & Management Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources.

Professor Adebowale encouraged them to utilise the skills and knowledge they acquired while in pursuit of their academic goals to propel themselves forward, even in uncertain times.

He told them to believe in Nigeria’s rich history and potential to become one of the world’s leading nations and become a beautiful part of the nation’s history.

He reiterated that the University has towered highest in its countless contributions to human capital development, research outputs, and community service across the world through its staff both academic and non-teaching, and particularly through its quality alumni.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the University, which had confered its degrees upon accomplished individuals, is still proudly graduating a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, visionary leaders, and talented change makers into the world.

The commencement speaker, Mrs Bola Olajomi-Otubu, MD/CEO Beige Spaces Limited, an alumna of UI, warned the graduands that life after UI will test their resolve and determination to build their dreams, that there will be days when their plans will collapse like an un-reinforced building and that there will be seasons of delay, disappointment, or doubt.

She, however, admonished them that in those moments, they should remember their foundation and the lessons they learned within the university’s great walls, have faith in themselves, and sail above the tide.

Mrs Olajomi-Otubu narrated that her journey has been full of such tests, and that she has moved from the bottom to the top at different times to build a career that presently employs close to 60 professionals by leveraging the strong foundation that UI gave her.

She explained that through her journey to prominence from nothing, she learnt a few lessons along the way about practical wisdom, which she advised the graduates to imbibe and carry into the next season of their lives.

She urged them to choose “the hard and the right” over “the easy and the quick,” warning that real success is not microwaved.

She, also charged the graduates to be still in the midst of chaos, build and not just hustle, build community as currency, challenge stereotypes, find purpose to stay anchored through the tough times and stand on the shoulders of giants.

She advised them to be builders of the future and always remember that they are builders of dreams, systems, businesses, and nations, saying that every great structure begins with one decision to believe.

Mrs Olajomi-Otubu emphasized the need for the graduates to believe that their story matters, that they can rise from challenges to purpose, and that their purpose, their “whys?” would keep them focused and anchored to determine the how.

The speaker submitted that the future belongs to those who are bold, who build brick by brick, choice by choice, and faith by faith; and those who dare to believe that nothing is impossible.

The convocation ceremony witnessed the presentation of prizes and awards to best graduating students of various categories at faculty and departmental levels.

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has unveiled its own smartphone and smartwatch brand, OAK-io, during the Symposium on AI & Robotics in Clinical Practice. The event highlighted the university’s growing drive toward technology-led innovation in healthcare, education, and national development.

OAK-io is a spin-off company from OAU’s ICT-Driven Knowledge Park, created to deliver smart devices tailored to Africa’s fast-evolving digital and AI landscape. The launch marks a major milestone in the university’s efforts to transform academic research into market-ready technological products.

The newly introduced OAK-io smartphones and smartwatches are designed for Africa’s needs, featuring AI-enabled tools, strong data security, durability, and affordability. The devices also integrate health-monitoring capabilities and smart-learning features suited for students, professionals, and institutions.

According to university officials, the OAK-io initiative demonstrates OAU’s commitment to leading innovation from within academia, bridging the gap between research and real-world application. The products are expected to support both clinical practice and broader digital transformation across sectors.

The launch positions OAU as a key contributor to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, showcasing the institution’s capacity to develop homegrown solutions that address local challenges while aligning with global technological trends.

The Federal Government has entered into a 30-year concession agreement with Quaint Energy for the development and operation of the 6-megawatt Ikere Gorge Hydropower Project in Oyo State, marking a major step toward expanding Nigeria’s renewable energy capacity and ensuring sustainable power generation.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday, underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging public-private partnerships to enhance energy infrastructure and accelerate the nation’s transition to cleaner sources of power.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who witnessed the signing ceremony, described the initiative as a strategic milestone that will not only boost electricity supply in Oyo State but also contribute to Nigeria’s broader renewable energy and rural electrification goals.

According to Adelabu, “The Ikere Gorge Hydropower Project represents our dedication to energy diversification and sustainability. It will create jobs, power surrounding communities, and improve energy access in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the power sector.”

Under the concession arrangement, Quaint Energy will be responsible for the rehabilitation, operation, and maintenance of the hydropower facility. The project is expected to provide clean and reliable electricity to nearby communities, support local industries, and strengthen the regional grid network.

Officials from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) noted that the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s long-term energy diversification agenda, aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels and fostering inclusive economic growth across the country.

On Wednesday morning, tragedy struck at Aba Alfa community in Boluwaji, Ibadan as a woman identified as ‘Iya Dupe’ was reportedly murdered in her home in what residents suspect to be a ritual killing. The disturbing incident, captured in a viral video by a social media user identified as Oruomoeniowo, has sparked outrage and fear among residents of the area.

According to eyewitness accounts, the victim was found lifeless in her apartment with parts of her body missing, raising suspicion of a ritual-related motive. Residents who gathered at the scene called on security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

The viral footage shows distressed neighbours crying for help as authorities were alerted to the gruesome discovery.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has confirmed that an investigation has begun into the incident. Police operatives have reportedly visited the scene to gather evidence, while the body of the victim has been deposited at a morgue for autopsy.

The command urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified claims, assuring that those behind the act would face the full weight of the law.

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has urged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and other key figures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend the proposed national convention, describing it as “ill-timed and potentially divisive.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, Saraki cautioned that proceeding with the convention amid unresolved internal disagreements could deepen existing cracks within the party and undermine its prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He emphasized that unity, dialogue, and reconciliation should take precedence over political maneuvering, warning that a convention held under tension would not yield a credible or unifying leadership outcome.

“Our party must rise above factional interests and personal ambitions. The focus now should be on rebuilding trust, strengthening cohesion, and restoring public confidence in the PDP as a credible alternative,” Saraki stated.

The former Senate President advised the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to engage all stakeholders in meaningful consultations and conflict resolution before convening any major national gathering.

According to sources within the party, the planned convention was intended to address leadership restructuring and strategic repositioning. However, internal wrangling, particularly among some governors and regional blocs, has sparked calls for its postponement.

As of press time, Governor Makinde and members of the PDP Governors’ Forum were yet to issue an official response to Saraki’s appeal. However, indications suggest that high-level consultations are ongoing to prevent further escalation of the crisis within the party.

The Ogun State Government has set an ambitious target of generating ₦500 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to finance the 2026 fiscal year.

Governor Dapo Abiodun gave the charge on Tuesday during the Treasury Board meeting on the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2026 Budget held at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor noted that as Nigeria’s industrial hub, Ogun State would leverage its strategic proximity to Lagos State—the nation’s largest economy—and its vast landmass of over 16,000 square kilometres to achieve the target.

“This State has no business generating less than ₦500 billion a year, and that has to be our target,” Abiodun declared.

“By the time we are leaving in 2027, Ogun State’s revenue should rise to about ₦750 billion. That is what ambition looks and feels like.”

He specifically tasked the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) to contribute ₦250 billion of the total target, while other key revenue-generating agencies—such as the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC), the Bureau of Lands, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Housing—were directed to scale up their efforts.

Abiodun emphasized that every Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) had a critical role to play in achieving the goal, describing them as “pieces of a jigsaw that must fit together to complete the bigger picture.”

“Our comparative advantage was not fully harnessed by previous administrations. Our strength lies in providing what Lagos cannot offer. I expect every MDA to prepare an ambitious budget—aim for the stars, and if we miss, we’ll at least land on the moon,” he said.

The governor urged agencies to adopt creativity and innovation in their revenue drive, commending those that had already demonstrated commendable results.

On the deplorable condition of Kara, near Isheri, Abiodun reiterated his administration’s commitment to urban renewal, stressing that the area would be cleared and redeveloped.

“The new Ogun State cannot allow that place to continue to wear that look. You cannot be entering the new Ogun State and what you see first is an eyesore. There is no better time to act than now—we can’t leave it as an albatross for the next administration,” he added.

He revealed that an inter-ministerial team comprising officials from the Ministries of Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Bureau of Lands, and other relevant agencies had been set up to handle enumeration, compensation, and relocation efforts necessary for the corridor’s transformation.