In a very sad development, the father of a two-month-old baby reported missing in Ode Irele has confessed to selling his own child. The revelation follows intensive investigations by the Nigeria Police Force, whose efforts have been widely praised.
Authorities had initially launched a search after the infant was reported stolen. However, the investigation took a grim turn when the child’s father admitted to orchestrating the disappearance by selling the baby.
The police have assured the public that the case remains under active investigation, with more details expected to emerge in the coming days.
President Bola Tinubu on Friday said traditional institutions remain integral to the country’s development and called for more support in implementing policies that directly impact people’s livelihoods.
The President spoke when he received the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I, his wife, Abiwumi, and a delegation of other traditional rulers from Oyo State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
President Tinubu congratulated the Alaafin for his ascendancy to the historic throne, assuring the royal father of his prayers and support.
The President noted that the “hurdles, processes, and anxiety” along the way were part of the preparation for the position.
President Tinubu commended the traditional council for the ease in nominating and crowning the 46th Alaafin following Oba Lamidi Adeyemi’s passing on April 22, 2022.
The President said his administration will continue working with traditional institutions to implement policies to protect and prosper citizens.
President Tinubu told the king that the sons of the Oyo kingdom serving in his office have done exceptionally well, including Ambassador Victor Adeleke, State Chief of Protocol, and Colonel Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, the Aide-de-Camp.
Yusuf is the king designate of Ilemonaland in Oyun local council, Kwara State, which traces its ancestry to the Oyo kingdom.
In his remarks, Alaafin assured the President of the traditional council’s support in delivering his mandate to the people.
The monarch said Nigerians look up to the President for a new direction.
The king commended the President for bold economic reforms, infrastructural development, instituting social welfare, youth empowerment, and improvement in security and investments in agriculture.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has a message for critics obsessed with his dance moves: focus on the work, not the rhythm.
Tired of being judged for expressing joy through dancing, Adeleke didn’t mince words. He urged those criticising him to “desist from doing so.”
According to him, it’s unfair and shallow to dismiss his political strides simply because he chooses to dance in public.
“Stop judging me just because I choose to express myself through dancing. It is my joy, my freedom, and an essential part of who I am,” he said in a recent appearance. “If it brings me happiness and harms no one, then there is no reason it should be condemned.”
The governor, often dubbed the “Dancing Senator” before taking office, made it clear that his passion for dance doesn’t take away from his performance. In fact, he sees it as an extension of his personality open, vibrant, and deeply connected to the people.
In a viral video currently circulating on X, Adeleke challenged the double standards in political criticism: “(Babajide) Sanwo-olu is dancing. Everybody is dancing. Even Baba (Bola) Tinubu is dancing. So, no law says that just because you are a governor, you can’t dance.”
His comments drew applause from supporters, many of whom argue that Nigerian leaders should be allowed to be human, joyful, expressive, and approachable while still being held accountable for their results.
Backing Adeleke’s stance, music star Davido, his nephew, recently declared that the governor is “the best governor Osun State has ever seen.”
According to him, those who mocked Adeleke for his dancing now have to reckon with his impressive track record.
Adeleke’s administration has faced skepticism from day one, much of it centered on his public persona. But his supporters say he’s proven that competence and charisma can go hand in hand.
So, the question remains: If a governor delivers results, does it really matter if he dances while doing it?
Vibrant colors, ancient traditions and spiritual energy united at the 2025 World Egungun Festival, held at Liberty Stadium in Ibadan.
The festival organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in partnership with several non governmental organizations was a gathering where heritage met with spectacle.
Danafojura blazes through the ongoing Egungun festival, a fiery embodiment of ancestral might, dancing untamed in flames that bow to its sacred power.
The Danafojura masquerade, a revered figure in Yoruba culture, is a powerful and awe-inspiring presence at the Egungun festival, particularly in Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Known as “Egungun Oni Mojesin Baba Ibeji,” Danafojura is celebrated for its unique fire-resistant nature, performing mesmerizing dances amidst blazing flames, embodying the spiritual might and ancestral power of the Yoruba people.
At Oduduwa News, we are committed to capturing and sharing these sacred traditions—so the world remembers, respects, and celebrates our heritage.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has called on the Nigeria Police authorities to deploy additional personnel in the state to further enhance security and address border criminal activities.
Oyebanji made the call on Thursday, when he received the new Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 17, Mr Ajani Omolabi, in his office in Ado-Ekiti.
He urged the police to intensify efforts at enhancing security in the state ahead of the election season.
He expressed concern over what he described as “inadequate security coverage in many rural areas of the state”.
The governor said the unhealthy development left residents vulnerable to criminal attacks.
He, therefore, appealed to the AIG not to deplete the current strength of the force in the state.
According to him, any reduction in the size of the police personnel would further weaken the already strained security apparatus.
He commended the leadership of the Ekiti command for displaying a high sense of professionalism in securing lives and property.
Oyebanji also said that the activities of the police had helped to reduce the spate of criminality in the state, as well as create a conducive environment for investors.
He assured the command that his administration would continue to support the force to guarantee adequate security of lives and property across the state.
The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has ordered the release of 67 inmates from correctional facilities across the state as part of efforts to decongest the prisons.
A breakdown of the jail delivery exercise shows that 35 inmates were freed from the Sagamu Custodial Centre, 20 from Oba, and 12 from the Ibara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday at the Oba Custodial Centre during the exercise, Justice Dipeolu explained that the periodic jail review is one of the statutory responsibilities of her office and is aimed at reducing overcrowding in the state’s correctional facilities.
She said that the inmates were released on health and compassionate grounds, with some having spent several years in custody without trial or due to stalled prosecutions.
“Some of them have been in custody since 2017, 2019, or 2020, and their cases are no longer ongoing. In some instances, their case files can no longer be located. There is no point in keeping them here, feeding them with taxpayers’ money, when they can return to society and live meaningful lives,” she said.
The Chief Judge urged the freed inmates to conduct themselves responsibly, warning that they may not be as fortunate if they return to crime.
“I have urged them to be good citizens because we have their records. They should avoid anything that could bring them back here. They might not be lucky to get this kind of grace again,” she said.
It is no longer news that five members of the Oyo State House of Assembly have jointly sponsored a controversial and dishonourable bill titled: OYO STATE COUNCIL OF OBAS AND CHIEFS (FURTHER AMENDMENT, 2025), a bill that seeks to undermine the historical and spiritual authority of the Alaafin of Oyo by removing him as the Permanent Chairman of the Council of Obas in Oyo State.
The sponsors of this anti-heritage bill are: • Mr. Ogundoyin from Eruwa • Mr. Onaolapo from Ogbomoso South • Mr. Olajide from Lagelu • Mr. Adeola from Iseyin/Itesiwaju • Mr. Adebayo from Ibadan North Constituency II
We must boldly say that this bill is a betrayal of tradition, a disgraceful disregard for our ancestral values, and an insult to the collective identity of the Yoruba people. These “honourables” either out of ignorance, political manipulation, or youthful exuberance have chosen to dance on the graves of the warriors, kings, and sages who made the Alaafin stool what it is today.
If i may ask, do these young legislators truly understand the historical depth and cultural relevance of the Alaafin’s position? Do they know that the Oyo Empire once extended beyond the borders of modern Nigeria, and that the Alaafin was recognized even by colonial powers as the head of the Yoruba nation? Do they understand that the current structure of traditional councils in Oyo State was informed by centuries of organized leadership, not recent political appointments?
It is painfully obvious that age and historical disconnect may have deprived these lawmakers of proper understanding. But ignorance should never be an excuse for legislative recklessness. Rather than protect our traditions, they have attempted to erase them with the stroke of a pen. This is unacceptable.
permanent chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas rightfully belongs to the Alaafin not because of favoritism, but because of historical precedence, cultural seniority, and spiritual mandate. This is not a title to be rotated like political offices; it is a sacred role backed by centuries of Yoruba civilisation.
To the general public, especially the proud sons and daughters of Oyo State at home and abroad, take note of these names and constituencies. When next they come knocking for your votes, remember that they once attempted to desecrate the legacy of your ancestors. Do not be silent. Tradition dies when the people become indifferent.
To the five sponsors of this bill, I urge you to retrace your steps. There is still time to withdraw this divisive proposal and apologise to the people whose history you have sought to rewrite. Posterity will not forgive those who trade heritage for political favour.
Let us remember, this is not about the individual occupying the throne, but the institution of the Alaafin. Kings come and go, but institutions must endure. The Alaafin remains our only Chairman and that shall not change.
Dolapo Awotunde Writes from the Ancient City of Oyo
About 30 percent of Lagos State civil servants sponsored for training abroad have failed to return after completing their programs, according to the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo.
He revealed this on Wednesday during the 2025 ministerial briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office.
Ayantayo explained that the state government has invested heavily in foreign training programs to boost staff capacity, with approximately 8,000 civil servants granted study leave over the past three years. However, only 70 percent of them returned to service, while 30 percent absconded.
He also disclosed that between May 2022 and December 2024, 23,420 staff participated in 185 different training sessions focused on skill development, leadership, and regulatory compliance. In addition to those who absconded, he noted that many workers have left for better job opportunities abroad.
Despite these setbacks, Ayantayo highlighted a major achievement of the ministry — the increase of the minimum wage from N35,000 to N85,000, as approved by Governor Sanwo-Olu.
The Oyo State Government has approved the sum of ₦4.5 billion as financial support to the survivors and victims of the Bodija explosion which occurred on January 16, 2024.
This decision was taken at the ongoing Executive Council meeting at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s office.
According to the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, this is apart from the over ₦200 million that the State Government had expended on accommodation, feeding, hospital and security bills following the tragic incident.
Also the Council approved the recommendation of the 10 man committee to revoke the Title of two properties off Adeyi avenue, scene of the explosion, in the overall interest of the public and that the Government should build a monument on the location of the revoked land in memory of victims of the tragedy.
The Council frowned at the spate of disinformation, half-truths and mischievous lies being peddled by persons purportedly representing the Residents on the role which the State Government has played in the Bodija explosion saga.
Council said such insinuations are unfair and mischievous and the Government will not be discouraged in taking its time to do what is just for her citizens.
The Commissioner said some beneficiaries are engaged in family disputes which required painstaking intervention of the 10 man committee.
The government will also return to the owners, other properties adjoining ground zero to rebuild their homes at the advice of Government paid Structural Engineers.
According to the Commissioner, Government will, through the Ministry of Justice, ensure effective prosecution of the suspects so far arraigned in Court, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other suspects linked to the case but at large.
During the Executive session, the Governor advised the Citizens to discountenance any rumour concerning the current cabinet reshufflement.
The Governor said he took the decision to discourage Ministerial complacency and to assure the people that he plans to end the tenure of his administration in 2027 with the same zeal with which he started in 2019.
According to the Commissioner for Information, the Governor said he does not plan to drop any member of his Cabinet except anyone who is found to be distracted.
He said the decision to reshuffle was done to inject fresh efficiency into the system going forward.
Tragedy struck in Odogunyan area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, as a 19-year-old girl, Opesusi Faith Timilehin, reportedly took own life over a low score in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result.
Faith, a second-time candidate, was said to have been deeply disappointed after scoring 190, a score reportedly lower than her previous performance in the 2024 UTME.
Family and friends said she had high expectations and was devastated by the outcome.
“She scored more than this in her previous JAMB. She was confident this time would be even better. When she saw 190, she couldn’t believe it,” said a close friend on the condition of anonymity.
It was gathered that the teenager took a poisonous substance, commonly referred to as “push out”. She was rushed to Kolak Hospital in Odogunyan, where she was confirmed dead on arrival.
In a twist of fate, an admission offer was reportedly sent to her Gmail account shortly after her death.
“The shocking revelation is that she was given an admission message via her Gmail yesterday, immediately after she was confirmed dead at Kolak Hospital, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos,” the source said.
The incident has added to growing concerns surrounding this year’s UTME results, as many candidates across the country have raised petitions and complaints to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over alleged irregularities.
Several candidates have taken to social media to protest discrepancies in their scores, with some alleging their results were altered or withheld without clear reasons. Others cited technical glitches during the examination.
