Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has stirred controversy with claims that the Alaafin of Oyo has no crown of his own.
Speaking during his recent visit to the Ooni of Ife, Igboho alleged that the crown currently associated with the Alaafin originally belonged to his late father.
“It was my father’s crown they collected and gave to the Alaafin,” he declared.
His comments have since sparked fresh debate in Yoruba traditional circles as many have been condemning his recent outburst against the revered stool of Alaafin.
A support group for Governor Seyi Makinde, the Omituntun Group, held their stakeholders meeting in Igbeti on Friday at the residence of the Director-General of the Oyo State Minerals Development Agency.
The meeting is a strategic engagement aimed at reinforcing the collective commitment of the stakeholders towards greater unity and progress of the group and PDP’s party.
Speaking at the meeting, Okunrin Jeje Abiodun Oni, the founder of the group, extended his heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders who responded to the call.
While addressing the stakeholders, he urged them to continue promoting internal cohesion and intensify grassroots mobilization as they prepare ahead for the party congress.
It was a deeply engaging and purposeful gathering where deliberation on critical issues affecting the growth and future of the people and PDP party in Olorunsogo Local Government took place.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Okunrin Jeje Abiodun Oni stressed that unity remains PDP’s greatest strength, urging Omituntun Group stakeholders to put aside personal interests and harping on unity among them.
The group unanimously declared their loyalty and commitment to the party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the leadership of Governor Makinde, noting that all efforts would be made to ensure that the party continues to record success in Olorunsogo local governments and the state at large.
His Excellency,The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde FNSE, DSC, GSSRS.
His Excellency,The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal MOFI
The Olubadan Advisory Council
His Eminence,Prelate Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde
Chief and Chief Mrs Bayo Oyero.
Her Excellency,Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja.
Barrister, Chief Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland and President General Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes. CCII
The Executive Council and members of the CCII.
Prince and Princess Osuolale Owolabi Alhaji and Alhaja Adeniyi Larodo
Council of Traditional Baales of Ibadanland.
The Ibadan Distinguished Royal Club.
Egbe Omo Obabinrin Ile Ibadan
Balogun and Chief Mrs Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola GAIC.
Mogaji & Mrs. Makinde
Mogaji & Mrs. Yusuf Adeleke
Mogaji & Mrs. Akere
Mr. & Mrs. Babatunde Obafaiye
Association of Professional Retired Nurses and Midwives of Nigeria. APRNMN
The Nigerian Army
SASS Alumni, Class of ’92
My dear friends and family—both near and farOn behalf of my family and myself, I extend my deepest appreciation to each and every one of you for standing with us during the burial of our beloved father and king,His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Olalere Iyanda Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Whether you attended in person, sent a delegation, offered prayers, shared comforting words, or supported us in any other way—your love, compassion, and solidarity brought light to our hearts during this time of farewell.
As we celebrated His Imperial Majesty’s life of honor, service, and dedication, your presence reminded us of the enduring bonds of friendship, the unity of our community, and the richness of our shared heritage.
Your kindness has touched us deeply, and your honor to his memory will never be forgotten.
May you each be remembered, supported, and uplifted, just as you have been there for us.
The chairman of the foremost football club in Oyo State, Agbele Sporting, Hon. Ponmile Omidiji, has, on behalf of the club, celebrated the birthday of its esteemed ambassador, Ismaila Sodiq of Remo Stars Sports Club.
This was contained in a statement that was signed by him today, as read in part:
“We take immense pride in celebrating his remarkable achievements and exceptional skill as a player. As a right-back for the Super Eagles and a two-time NPFL back-to-back assists award winner, NPFL Gold Medalist, and Unity Cup Medalist, he is a player who gave his best to qualify the Super Eagles B for the ongoing CHAN competition, and his accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and perseverance.
Beyond his impressive credentials, we are proud to recognize his remarkable journey from a young player in Ogbomoso to a nationally and internationally acclaimed athlete. On this special day, we are delighted to celebrate one of the shining stars of Ogbomoso, the Agbele Sporting Club ambassador, the Remo Stars Sports Club, and Nigeria as a whole. He added,
He then wishes him continued success, more blessings, more wins, and recognition in all aspects of his life.
Today, we joyfully celebrate the birthday of Hon. Abass Alesinloye, a leader whose dedication to youth, governance, and community continues to inspire many across Ibadan and beyond.
As a former Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, you showed that public service, at its best, means being close to the people, listening, caring, and delivering results. Under your leadership, vocational training, local development, and youth empowerment programs blossomed, and your leadership has left a lasting mark.
One of the most meaningful recognitions you have received was being honoured with the “Most Distinguished Ibadan Indigene” award bestowed on you by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII). This award recognizes not just service, but the integrity, humility, and commitment that earned you the respect of both traditional institutions and everyday citizens who see in you a true son of Ibadan.
In 2024, the Federation of Ibadan Students’ Union (FIBSU) at Obafemi Awolowo University further acknowledged your tireless support for student communities by selecting you for their prestigious Award of Excellence, among other notable awards to your name.
On this special day, we express profound gratitude for your mentorship, your belief in youth, and the leadership you’ve provided in politics and governance. You model how one can be both powerful and approachable, formal and warm.
May this birthday bless you with continued wisdom, strength, and joy. Thank you for being a leader who rises — and lifts others as you rise.
Courtesy: Ajani Oluwakayode, Former President, Federation of Ibadan Students’ Union, Obafemi Awolowo University.
Ibadan came out in large numbers to honour the life and legacy of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin Ige, at his farewell reception. The atmosphere was filled with respect, tradition, and a deep sense of community pride.
Among the dignitaries who attended, the Oloye Iyalode of Ibadanland stood out. Dressed in an elegant cultural attire they carried themselves with the grace and authority that their title commands. Their presence was not just ceremonial—it was meaningful. As the voice of women in Ibadan’s traditional council, they came to pay their respects and to recognise the late Olubadan’s commitment to unity and fairness.
In the entourage were;Oloye Iyalode of Ibadanland (Iyalode in council); Oloye Yewande Durosaro – Osi Iyalode of Ibadanland; Oloye Onikepo Akande – Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland; Oloye Kudirat Adeleke – Ekerin Iyalode of Ibadanland; Oloye Jadesola Oshodi – Asaju Iyalode ofIbadanland; Oloye Yetunde Adegoke -Oota Iyalode of Ibadanland; Oloye Basirat Ajibola -Aare Onibon Iyalode of Ibadanland; Oloye Folake Akande – Bada Iyalode of Ibadanland; Oloye Ayo Alaga – Ajia Iyalode of Ibadanland; Oloye Onibiyi Scott – Jagun Iyalode of Ibadanland.
The farewell to Oba Owolabi Olakulehin Ige will be remembered for its blend of honour and tradition—and the gallant participation of the Oloye Iyalode will remain a proud part of that history.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has announced the constitution of the planning committee for the 2026 edition of the Ibadan Cultural Festival.
A statement on Saturday by the Council’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Olomide, said the announcement was made by the CCII President-General, Chief (Barr.) Ajeniyi Ajewole, during the the monthly general assembly meeting held at Ibadan House, Oke Aremo, on Friday.
The newly constituted committee will be chaired by Mogaji Moshood Gbolagade Akere, a respected figure in Ibadan’s socio-cultural circles. Akere is the current vice chairman of Omo Aj’orosun Club and a financial member of the Association of Ancient Ibadan Warlords Families.Also appointed into the committee is Mrs Toyin Oyebola, a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Languages and Communication, The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Oyebola, who also serves as the vice president of Ibadan Vanguard Sisters, was named vice chairperson of the 2026 planning committee. She had earlier served as the chairperson of the education sub-committee in the 2025 festival.The position of committee secretary was assigned to Prince Saheed Oyebamiji, a seasoned cultural administrator. Oyebamiji is the assistant secretary of the Association of The Ibadan Patriots (ATIP), and the current Ssecretary of the Association of Ancient Ibadan Warlords Families. He also served as the assistant secretary of the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee and currently doubles as the secretary of the sports sub-committee.Speaking on the appointments, Ajewole tasked the committee to raise the bar and surpass the achievements recorded during the 2025 edition of the festival, which was chaired by Oloye Abiola Alli.
“We believe that with the calibre of individuals selected for the 2026 committee, the coming edition will showcase Ibadan’s rich heritage more vibrantly and inclusively,” he said.In his acceptance speech, Akere expressed appreciation to the CCII for the trust reposed in him and pledged to deliver a memorable cultural celebration that would further uplift Ibadan’s image.
“We are committed to organising a festival that all Ibadan sons and daughters at home and abroad will be proud of. Our tradition is our pride, and we shall preserve and promote it with dignity,” he said.Oyebola also commended the CCII leadership for ensuring continuity in the selection process. She pledged full support for the committee chairman and expressed optimism that the 2026 festival would deepen youth participation and educational content.
Oyebamiji, on his part, described his reappointment as a call to greater service. “Having been part of the 2025 team, I understand the scale of work and coordination required. This time, we are aiming higher,” he said.CCII urged all clubs, families, and stakeholders in Ibadanland to support the newly inaugurated committee in its mission to deliver an impactful cultural festival.
My attention has been drawn to a report being circulated in some section of the media about the purported emergence of another consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the August 16, 2025 bye-election in Ibadan North Federal Constituency and I wish to state categorically that the public should disregard it. The truth of the matter is that Mr. ADEWALE OLATUNJI (a.k.a Murphy) remains the candidate of our great Party.
The said report is nothing but a misrepresentation of fact because all we did at the meeting which took place on Wednesday at the State Secretariat of our Party was to appeal for understanding and cooperation of the aggrieved aspirants who actually were the conveners of the meeting. Also, it must be clearly stated here that the Party Leaders who attended the meeting on invitation of the Aspirants lacked the power to substitute Party Candidate’s name and none of them, including myself, made any allusion to such a claim.
As a matter of fact, the National Secretariat of our great Party has submitted Mr. Adewale Olatunji’s name as our candidate and what we are concerned about now is how to bring everyone (including his co-contestants on board) for the purpose of working together as members of the same progressive family to win the seat which originally belonged to us.
However, I am using this medium to make a strong appeal to all the aspirants, their supporters and other stakeholders who still nurse one grievance or the other on account of the unavoidable controversies which surrounded the Consensus arrangement which produced Mr. Olatunji as our candidate to exercise patience and give room for dialogue as I can assure all and sundry that the leadership of the Party would do the needful to assuage their individual and collective feelings.
August 16 is here and we must deliver together as the bye-election means so much to us. May God grant us a resounding victory at this poll as well as those coming in the future.
Thank you.
Pharm. Olayide Abas Chairman, APC (Oyo state)July 31, 2025.
In a strongly worded response, the Akinremi Legacy Forum has denounced the recent actions of a splinter group known as the Akinremi Think Tank—a faction of just eight individuals—accusing them of betraying the collective ideals of the late Hon. Musiliu Olaide Adewale Akinremi (JAGABAN).
In a press release dated Thursday, 31st July 2025, the breakaway group announced their withdrawal from the affairs of the Ibadan North chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the upcoming bye-election scheduled for 16th August 2025. They cited grievances such as “disappointing dispositions,” “unprovoked hatred,” “outrageous labelling,” and “toxic environments” within the local APC structure.
We, the undersigned members of the Akinremi Legacy Forum, representing Wards 1 through 12 and beyond in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency, feel compelled to correct the record and address the wider public and APC leadership at both local and state levels.
Following the untimely passing of our revered leader, Hon. Musiliu Olaide Adewale Akinremi JAGABAN, on 10th July 2024, the so-called Akinremi Think Tank began engaging in anti-party activities, including collusion with opposition members. These actions were swiftly reported to the relevant APC leadership bodies—including the Ibadan North Local Government Executive Council, the State Executive Council, and the Ibadan North APC Apex Leadership Forum. Despite multiple warnings from party loyalists, their disloyalty has persisted.
Credible reports indicate that this group has received financial incentives from various aspirants and opposition figures in exchange for promises of support in the upcoming election. Most recently, they attempted to pressure the wider Legacy Forum into opposing the official APC candidate. It has become abundantly clear that they are working in alignment with political elements close to the state governor and the opposition, with expectations of political appointments and material rewards in return for dismantling the Akinremi Legacy Forum from within.
Let it be known: the Akinremi Think Tank consists of only eight individuals with no significant electoral value. They do not represent us. Anyone who engages with them under the impression that they speak for the Akinremi Legacy Forum does so at their own risk. We have formally disowned them.
The Akinremi Legacy Forum remains united, unwavering, and fully committed to the success of Hon. Wale Olatunji Murphy, the duly endorsed APC candidate for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election.
We hereby invite all members of the Akinremi Legacy Forum across Ibadan North to a solidarity meeting scheduled for Friday, 1st August 2025 at 3:00 PM at our usual meeting venue.
We also reaffirm our loyalty to the leadership of Alhaji (Pharm.) Olaide Abass and the entire Oyo State APC hierarchy, as well as to the Apex Leadership of the APC in Ibadan North. This election is not just political—it is a tribute to the enduring legacy of our beloved JAGABAN.
A vote for Murphy is a vote for Jagaban. Let’s uphold Akinremi’s legacy. Come out en masse to support Hon. Wale Olatunji Murphy.
All signatories are executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ibadan North Local Government, and official representatives of the Akinremi Legacy Forum, Ibadan North.
Former Oyo State Student Union leader and the award-winning student leader of the year, Adesina Julius Oluwamayokun Prestige, has joined the well-meaning youth in Igbeti, Oyo State, and Nigeria to celebrate Hon. Ponmile Omidiji, the chairman of the foremost football club in Oyo State, Agbele Sporting.
In a release issued on Wednesday in Ife, the ancient city of Yoruba, Comrade Adesina Julius Oluwamayokun popularly known as Prestige noted that Hon. Ponmile Omidiji’s ability to guide, inspire, and uplift those around him stands as a testament to his unique brand of leadership.
Also, his style of leadership is one that transcends mere positions and titles, resonating with the very essence of what it means to be a true leader, mentor, and guide.
Permit me also to appreciate you on this auspicious day for your unwavering commitment to youth and sport development. Your leadership and achievements will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to countless youth, encouraging them to follow in your footsteps of service, humility, and dedication to the betterment of others.
I commend you for all that you have done and look forward to even greater contributions as you continue to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for youth.
“Congratulations once again, and may you continue to soar in all your endeavors,” the statement read in part.
