Author: oduduwanews

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has tasked the Awujale Chiefs in Council to ensure a level playing ground in the process of appointing a new Awujale of Ijebuland.

The stool of the Awujale became vacant when Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona joined his ancestors on July 13, 2025, at the age of 91 after reigning for over 65 years.

Speaking after a meeting with members of the Awujale Chiefs in Council at Iperu, Governor Abiodun noted that it is imperative for the people of Ijebuland to have a new Awujale as soon as possible, as “nature abhors a vacuum.”

He assured the people of Ijebuland that his administration would support any candidate presented by the kingmakers at the end of the nomination process.

“Nature abhors a vacuum, and the process of installing another Awujale has started. That was also what we discussed.

“The pathway to having in place a regency is the pathway to ensuring that all the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed, and to ensure that all the processes which are enshrined in the Laws of Ijebuland are strictly followed.

“I must say that all of us agreed that we are on the same page, and I think this will put paid to all the rumours that have been agog about one thing or another,” the governor stated.

Governor Abiodun expressed the hope that the process would be rancour-free, as those who would be lining up for the exalted position would be given equal opportunity.

He described members of the Awujale Council as respectable personalities who contributed to the successful reign of the late Awujale by maintaining peace in the land.

“I had to first of all wait for the 40 days to come and go before calling this meeting because all of us have been in mourning. I think what is most important is the fact that they are all deeply committed and dedicated chiefs of the Awujale, and I appreciate them.

“This is my first meeting with them to commiserate with them on the passing of our revered monarch, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, and also to assure them that despite the rumours that have been ongoing, I have absolute confidence in them.

“The Council is intact, with no disharmony among them. There is no pluralization; they are all working hand in glove with each other, and I am happy with today’s meeting, and I thank them,” the governor concluded.

Also speaking, the Olootu Olowa and Deputy Chairman of the Council, Chief Oluwaranti Lekan Osifeso, stressed the resolve of the Council to continue its peace-building duties, just as he assured that members would continue to unite and work as a team for the peace and progress of Ijebuland.

The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a cache of weapons from a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP, Adebowale Opeyemi, following allegations that he repeatedly threatened his wife with a firearm in Abeokuta.

According to reports, the suspect’s wife, 60-year-old Olufunmilayo Opeyemi, of Alanco Area, Osiele, lodged a complaint on August 27, stating that her 62-year-old husband often brandished a single-barrel gun at her during disputes.

She also alleged that the retired officer habitually discharged the weapon within and around their home, sparking fear among relatives and neighbours, who became increasingly concerned about his mental stability.

Family members, who accompanied Mrs Opeyemi to the police station, agreed to seek medical help for the retired officer and subsequently arranged for him to be taken to a psychiatric hospital in Abeokuta for evaluation and treatment.

Acting on a search warrant, police operatives raided the residence of the retired DSP in the presence of his wife and children.

Items recovered included a single-barrel gun, two jack knives, three cutlasses, and a short iron rod.

The All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo state has raised the alarm over fresh N300 billion allegedly obtained by Governor Seyi Makinde stating that the development signalled a problematic future for the economy of the state as well as the welfare of the people.

Sources informed that some members of the state House of Assembly were recalled from their annual recess by the Speaker, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, to urgently reconvene on August 16 and 26, 2023 for the purpose of giving an approval to the request of Gov. Makinde as this was surreptitiously done without the knowledge of the four members who got elected to the Legislative Chamber on the platform of the APC.

In a statement issued on Thursday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, APC threatened to mobilize citizens from all the nooks and crannies of the state to stage a violence-free protest against the administration of Gov. Makinde to protest the unabated profligacy, lack of transparency and gross abuse of the Due Process law of the land which his government is well known for.

“Now that Gov. Makinde has convinced the whole world that he has no good plan for the good people of the Pacesetter state with regards to their future, it is very important for all well-meaning individuals from within and outside the state to rise up to the occasion and take necessary steps to stop the heist which he has foisted on the people since 2019.

“The fresh N300Billion Loan which the Hon. Debo Ogundoyin-led Legislative House rubberstamped for collection by the governor on August 19, 2025 was the third in the series in 2025 alone because the same governor got a N200billion loan in March and another N110billion French Treasury Concessional loan in July making it a total of N610billion in a year that is just eight months-old. We should not forget that the same governor has got over N180billion in allocations from Abuja and internally generated revenue in 2025 but the masses cannot feel the direct impact of all the huge resources in their life.

“A few days ago, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo State hinged his decision to increase the minimum wage for workers in his state to N104,000 on the availability of more funds from Abuja but in Oyo state, it is more money and more borrowing while the ubiquitous hijack and sale of private and public properties still continue unabated. Another question in the mouth of the citizens bothers on the inability of the governor to showcase what he has done with the over N900billion which he has obtained since he became governor in 2019.

“The saddest part is the willing tool of sleaze in the hand of Gov. Makinde which the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and a few of his colleagues have turned themselves into. We can advise that the good people of the state should remain calm and endure the remaining 20 months of Makinde administration but we are not sure of what the direct impact of unnecessary debt burden would be on the life of an average citizen and resident before and after May, 2027.” Sadare lamented.

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are holding high-level consultations to persuade former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform.

Sources close to Jonathan confirmed that some party chieftains recently met with him to mount pressure, but the former president reportedly told them he was still consulting and would communicate his decision in due course.

The development came just as PDP presidential aspirant, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, rejected the party’s decision to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, insisting that the final say rests with the party’s national convention and not the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Olawepo-Hashim described the zoning arrangement as “undemocratic and unconstitutional,” arguing that it would deprive the PDP of its best options in a crucial election year.

At its 102nd NEC meeting held in Abuja on Monday, the PDP had formally zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a move that has triggered mixed reactions, particularly from some Northern groups that openly opposed the decision.

In a boost to his campaign, members of the PDP in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have endorsed Olawepo-Hashim’s candidacy, declaring their rejection of the zoning formula.

At a meeting attended by stakeholders including party chairmen, flag bearers, councillorship candidates, and area council secretaries, the members pledged loyalty to his ambition and formally adopted him as the political leader of the FCT.

Meanwhile, the PDP leadership has dismissed speculations that the zoning decision was designed to promote the influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike. Party officials stressed that the move was taken in the interest of stability and to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 polls.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, also defended the decision, describing it as a “sacrifice for unity.” According to him, zoning the presidential ticket to the South was necessary to foster inclusiveness and preserve the party’s national outlook.

As consultations continue, the question of Jonathan’s possible return and the dispute over zoning are expected to shape the PDP’s internal dynamics in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.

Chaos erupted in the Mandilas area of Lagos Island as traders and area boys engaged in a fierce fight that left one person dead and several others injured.

The clash, which broke out suddenly, forced many residents and passersby to flee for safety as the battle turned violent. Eyewitnesses reported that shops were hurriedly shut while the streets descended into panic.

Though the exact cause of the fight remains unclear, the violence has heightened tension in the busy commercial hub. Security operatives are yet to release an official statement on the incident.

Hon. Shittu Ibraheem, representing Saki West State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has disassociated himself from the approval of a ₦300 billion loan by the Assembly.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ibraheem clarified that he was not part of the lawmakers who sanctioned the loan during an emergency plenary session convened on August 26, 2025.

According to him, the House has been on a six-week recess since July 31, scheduled to end on September 16. However, the emergency sitting was allegedly arranged without proper communication to all members.

“I want it on record that I was not among the lawmakers who approved the ₦300 billion loan. Why was the loan an emergency, and why was the sitting not communicated to every honorable member?” he queried.

The lawmaker also questioned the rationale behind seeking such a loan at a time when Oyo State reportedly enjoys about a 500% increase in its FAAC allocation.

He urged residents to hold their leaders accountable, stressing that borrowing under the present financial circumstances raises serious concerns.

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) members at the University of Ibadan on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest within the campus, demanding that the Federal Government urgently sign and implement the renegotiated 2009 agreement.

The lecturers, joined by officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), carried placards with inscriptions such as “Sign the Agreement, Save Education” and “Preserve Those Who Lay the Golden Eggs.”

Chairman of ASUU, University of Ibadan chapter, Dr. Adefemi Afolabi, said the union was tired of government’s endless promises and warned that failure to act by the August 28 deadline could lead to a nationwide strike.

Similarly, Oyo State NLC chairman, Mr. Kayode Martins, decried the neglect of university lecturers, stressing that “those who lay the golden eggs must be preserved.” He noted that the poor welfare of academics was fueling brain drain and crippling Nigeria’s education system.

The protest at UI mirrored similar demonstrations across public universities nationwide, as ASUU reiterated that unresolved salary arrears, stalled agreements, and lack of adequate funding for education would no longer be tolerated.

The union maintained that unless the Federal Government takes concrete steps at Thursday’s meeting, the country should brace up for another round of industrial action that may disrupt academic activities across campuses.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has proceeded on an official leave as approved by the State House of Assembly.

The governor, in a formal communication to the Assembly, notified lawmakers of his decision to take the statutory leave.

In his absence, Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal will assume the role of Acting Governor to ensure continuity of governance across the state.

Governor Makinde expressed confidence that ongoing projects and government activities will continue seamlessly while he is away.

Nigerian forward Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade has completed a move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Féminines, where she will team up with fellow Super Falcons star, Jennifer Echegini.

“Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the arrival of Nigerian striker Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade, who has joined the club on a deal that runs until 30th June 2027,” PSG confirmed in a statement on Tuesday while unveiling their new signing.

Speaking after her presentation, the Nigerian captain, fondly called Mummy G.O., described the transfer as a landmark moment in her career, saying it was a “major step” for her.

Ajibade’s switch to PSG comes just weeks after she led the Super Falcons to their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph. She was also named Player of the Tournament, marking her second time lifting the prestigious continental trophy with Nigeria.