Author: oduduwanews

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, are at loggerheads over alleged dethronement plots.

Oluwo, in a statement on Friday night, alleged that Oba Ogunwusi is seeking his downfall after he played a prominent role in his emergence as Ooni of Ife.

He claimed the link he used for Oba Ogunwusi would have been used for his elder brother, Tunji Adeyeye, who was his friend and peer at Akobo, Ibadan but he underrated his status.

Oluwo narrated how he arranged several meetings in Ibadan after one Akin Daodu, a close ally to Oba Ogunwusi, begged for his intervention.

He said “To my surprise, the same person I helped to the throne has been planning evil against me. He orchestrated my suspension from the Osun State Council of Obas meeting against the AIG who was a star witness to what transpired. He is using a few kings in Iwoland to destabilize my territory.

“He attacked me last month in the presence of the Governor that I’m discouraging deity worshipping. He was part of those who used my former wife against me. He wants me to be removed as Oluwo by all means. Such is a dream that can never come through. No one can remove me as Oluwo. No one can kill me and no one can bring me down.

“He should keep trying. He will be the one to live to regret, his cohorts that have tried it in the past failed.”

Governor Ademola Adeleke has assured the people of Ilobu and Ifon communities that speedy conflict resolution steps are being taken to restore peace even as he expressed directed the emergency services agency to activate its operations

Responding to a Save Our Soul message from the people of Ilobu and Ifon, Governor Adeleke said his administration has re-strategized on resolving the conflict with multiple peacebuilding options which are being unveiled and implemented.

“I assure the people of Ilobu and Ifon that I am committed to securing their lives and properties. I have updated the presidency of development in the state. We are on top of the situation”, the governor was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, we seek to bring to the attention of the public that old videos of communal conflicts in some parts of Osun state are being circulated by opposition elements to spread false pictures of insecurity in Osun state.

While the ongoing conflict is regrettable and while all hands are on deck to stop the violence, we inform the public to take note of the activities of fake news merchants who are digging up old videos to discredit the state government.

The videos being circulated of violence in other towns and villages in Osun are fake news and should be disregarded by the members of the public.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has stepped up conflict de-escalation moves on Ifon- Ilobu conflict, imposing a 24-hour curfew, mobilising joint security task force and hosting a peace deal between the two warring communities.

A Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti has arraigned Dr. Oyeyemi Agbeleoba, a lecturer at Ekiti State University (EKSU), over allegations of impersonation and cyberbullying. Agbeleoba, who is also a journalist and Managing Director of Our People’s FM, was taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) on February 11, 2025.

The case has drawn significant public attention due to Agbeleoba’s familial connection to Mrs. Folasade Adebayo, who had previously accused the vice chancellor of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), of sexual harassment. However, it’s essential to note that the charges against Agbeleoba are specifically linked to allegations of impersonation and cyberbullying, not related to the sexual harassment allegations.

Agbeleoba’s arraignment on Thursday was his second court appearance, with the case adjourned to April 29, 2025, for further hearing. The Ekiti State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for Agbeleoba’s immediate and unconditional release, alleging that FUOYE’s vice chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, played a role in orchestrating Agbeleoba’s arrest.

As the case unfolds, further details may emerge regarding the nature of Agbeleoba’s alleged offenses, including claims that he impersonated security officials and engaged in cyberbullying against FUOYE staff. If convicted, Agbeleoba could face a three-year jail term and a fine of up to N10,000,000.

Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced plans for Ogun State to take over the 9-megawatt hydro power plant at the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority. Speaking during an inspection of the facility, he stated that his administration is working with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to finalize the process. The integration of this hydro plant with the 30-megawatt gas-fired plant in Onijanganjangan will help create a balanced energy mix to improve electricity supply across the state.

The governor emphasized that the abandoned facility, commissioned in 1983, represents untapped renewable energy, which his administration is committed to revitalizing. A technical assessment will be conducted in the coming weeks to determine how to restore the plant as part of the Ogun State Light Up Project, which includes power plants in Abeokuta, Ijebu, Remo, and Yewa.

In addition to power generation, Governor Abiodun highlighted plans to transform the surrounding land into farm clusters, leveraging the available water resources for irrigation and year-round food production. This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Food Initiative, and the area will also be explored for cattle farming and other agribusiness opportunities.

He commended the vision behind the project but noted that, like many federal initiatives, it has not been fully optimized. His administration is determined to change this by ensuring the facility benefits the people of Ogun State. He also addressed concerns about flooding in Isheri, stating that the government will investigate the actual causes and implement appropriate solutions.

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has re-imposed a 12-hour curfew on Ifon and Ilobu communities following the resurgence of violent clashes between the two communities that has resulted into the death of several people while many injured.

A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Engagement, Kolapo Alimi, on Friday stated that the re-imposed curfew starts at 6 pm and ends by 6 am daily till further notice.

Alimi said Adeleke has also directed that an immediate meeting that would be attended by the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Peter Akinyooye, and Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, the Olobu of Ilobu, alongside other stakeholders from both communities, be held on Saturday to discuss further resolutions of the conflict.

“To this end, the governor has directed that the initial 10 pm to 4 am curfew now be extended to 6 pm to 6 am, effective today, Friday, 21st March 2025, until further notice.

“Mr. Governor has equally directed that the joint security team comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps continue to maintain their usual 24-hour surveillance to ensure zero tolerance for any act of lawlessness.

“In addition, the governor has directed that an immediate stakeholders’ meeting, including the Olufon of Ifon, HRM Oba Peter Oluwole Akinyooye, HRM Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, the Olobu of Ilobu, and other stakeholders from both communities, be held tomorrow, Saturday, 22nd March 2025, to discuss further resolutions of the conflict,” Alimi said.

Adeleke subsequently urged indigenes of the two communities and their traditional rulers to follow the path of peace and harmonious co-existence, warning that anyone or group of persons found aiding and abetting the pogrom would be dealt with.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has accused Adeleke University in Osun State of disrupting Ramadan activities and forcing Muslim students to attend church programmes.

Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director of MURIC, stated that Muslim students are compelled to attend church services on certain days and that practices of any faith other than Christianity are banned on campus.

He described these actions as signs of religious intolerance and urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to investigate the university’s policies, which he claims infringe on the religious rights of Muslim students.

Akintola highlighted that previous complaints about religious persecution at Adeleke University have gone unaddressed, and he called for greater transparency from private universities regarding their religious orientations. He emphasized the need for oversight to protect the rights of Muslim students in educational institutions.

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has condemned the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended the governor, Similayi Fubara; his deputy Ngozi Odu, as well as the House of Assembly for six months. The President then appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (Rtd.) as Sole Administrator for the state.

Governor Makinde, in his biweekly newsletter, The Business of Governance Issue 110, which was published on Thursday evening, noted that the suspension of democracy in Rivers State, through the declaration of State of Emergency, is an illegal act which must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.

The Governor in a statement by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, wrote further, “I stand today to say that the declaration of the State of Emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government by the presidency is an illegality that right-thinking members of society must oppose.

“Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with no matter our personal feelings and loyalties. This is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity and justice.”

The governor added: “As our democracy grows and unfolds, we must also be willing to speak up when we see anything that threatens our development as a nation. We must choose to stand up for what is right, even if it means standing alone.”

PDP’s plan on the State of Emergency declaration.

He continued, “I am glad that our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is demonstrating the needed strength and leadership. Yesterday (Wednesday), the PDP Governors’ Forum rose from an emergency meeting where we unanimously decided to challenge the actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a court of competent jurisdiction. We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we built for almost three decades be trampled upon.”

The House of Representatives has given its approval for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, despite widespread opposition from stakeholders. The decision, taken on Thursday, has ignited political controversy, with many questioning its necessity and implications.

During the session, lawmakers also confirmed the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The move was passed via a voice vote, overriding objections from opposing voices within the legislature and the broader political landscape.

With the declaration in place, Rivers State now falls under federal authority, effectively sidelining elected officials for the duration of the emergency. This has triggered concerns over governance, democratic norms, and the potential long-term effects on the state’s stability.

Opposition groups and civil society organizations have decried the action as an overreach of federal power, arguing that it sets a troubling precedent for handling political crises in Nigeria. However, supporters of the move insist that it is necessary to curb escalating tensions and restore order.

As reactions continue to pour in from different quarters, political analysts warn that this development could significantly alter the power dynamics in Rivers State and influence national politics in the coming months.

Stay tuned to Lagos Reporters for ongoing coverage of this unfolding situation.

The Oyo State Civil Service Commission has implemented a review of Entry Grade Level for University graduate nurses within the Civil service.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Provost, Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences, Ibadan, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi, during a meeting with 21 Nursing Tutors, whose entry Grade levels were reviewed to GL10 from from GL08.

Dr. Owolabi charged Nursing Tutors of the institution to be diligent in their duties and imbibe integrity and quality.

Recall that the National Council of Establishment (NCE) in its 43rd meeting in 2022, approved that University graduate nurses should be reviewed to grade level 10.

The provost said, “The institution is out to train nursing and health practitioners and churn out quality manpower who can function effectively in community, primary, secondary, tertiary, and industrial health settings. I urge you to key into this vision, even as the present administration will not deprive you of your rights.”

Dr. Owolabi, who said that the Oyo State government placed priority on integrity and quality, disclosed that “the institution has received necessary accreditations from the regulatory bodies for some courses.”

She lauded Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for approving the promotion of the 21 Nursing Tutors, saying such a gesture should be reciprocated with dedication to service.

In her vote of thanks, a Nursing Tutor, Mrs. Abiola Elizabeth, lauded the management of the institution, saying the approval from the civil service had further accentuated the priority placed on the health sector by Oyo State government.

The Oyo State Government has officially withdrawn the criminal charges against Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM; and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, over the tragic stampede that claimed the lives of at least 35 children during a children’s festive party in December 2024.

The defendants were visibly elated, smiling and exchanging pleasantries after the trial on Thursday, signalling their relief and release from the charges.

This development was later confirmed by the State’s Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, who addressed the media after the court session.

Speaking in a live coverage on Facebook, the Attorney General said: “It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course. So the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation.

“In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute but the affected persons showed empathy. They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they try to persuade the feelings of the affected parties.

“And the circumstance, we felt, the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them. It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today.”

This decision comes after an intense period of legal proceedings. Earlier, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had granted bail to Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi.

The ruling, pronounced by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, was made after the defendants had argued their bail applications before the court.

The court granted Naomi N10 million bail with two sureties, while Hamzat and Fasasi were also granted bail on similar terms.

In addition, the court ordered the suspects to deposit their passports with the court and barred them from granting interviews, effectively placing restrictions on their public engagements.

The drama surrounding the case began after the tragic stampede at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, during a children’s event in December 2024, where dozens of young children lost their lives in a chaotic rush.

The victims’ families and the public were left devastated by the horrifying incident. It was one of the most devastating tragedies in recent memory in Oyo State.

The prosecution team, led by Oyo State’s Attorney General, had initially opposed bail for the defendants, emphasising the gravity of the charges and the need for justice for the victims.