Author: oduduwanews

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have arrived at the State House in Abuja for a crucial meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The meeting is seen as a significant development in the ongoing political crisis within the Assembly.

As of the time of filing this report, the legislators, who arrived in two coaster buses, had been granted access to the President’s office area, where they awaited their turn to engage with Tinubu.

Among those present were both the reinstated Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the recently ousted Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda. Their presence at the meeting signals an attempt to resolve the leadership tussle that has gripped the legislative body in recent weeks.

Meranda, who was removed from office and replaced by Obasa following a high-stakes power struggle, arrived with her colleagues a few minutes past 2 p.m. However, Obasa made a separate entrance at approximately 2:50 p.m., adding to speculation about the divisions within the Assembly.

It would be recalled that Hon. Obasa was impeached as Speaker by a majority of his colleagues but was later reinstated following the intervention of key political figures, including the influential Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC). Despite his reinstatement, sources indicate that tensions remain high among lawmakers, and the lingering discord has yet to be fully resolved.

The purpose of the meeting with President Tinubu remains undisclosed, but insiders suggest that efforts to restore harmony and ensure legislative stability in Lagos State are top on the agenda. Political analysts believe that Tinubu’s intervention could be decisive in quelling the unrest and fostering unity within the Assembly.

The Lagos State government has confirmed a diphtheria outbreak at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, leading to the death of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalisation of 14 others.

Authorities have identified 34 close contacts of the deceased and placed them under observation.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated that the index case, a 12-year-old boy, developed a sore throat and fever on February 22. He was referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he received treatment but succumbed to myocarditis, a severe diphtheria complication, on March 6.

Following his death, 14 students developed symptoms and were transferred to LUTH for screening. Twelve tested positive for early signs of diphtheria and are receiving antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin serum. All are reported to be recovering.

In response, the state government has activated an Emergency Response Committee and will begin a mass vaccination campaign targeting schoolchildren and healthcare providers. Nearly 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccine will be deployed to high-risk areas, and infection prevention measures will be strengthened at King’s College.

Public awareness campaigns are also underway, urging residents to recognize symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, and swollen neck glands. The Lagos State government is working closely with federal health agencies and the WHO to contain the outbreak.

Prof. Abayomi reassured residents that the situation is under control and emphasized the importance of good hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.

An Ikeja High Court has extended the hearing of the suit filed by reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to March 17, as fresh fraud allegations emerge in the ongoing legal battle.

Obasa, who was impeached on January 13 over accusations of fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct, is challenging his removal in court. The respondents in the case include members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and former Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.

During the resumed hearing on Monday, Lead Counsel for the Assembly, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), informed the court that Obasa’s legal team, led by Mr. Afolabi Fasanu (SAN), had submitted additional affidavits. These documents contained new allegations of fraud against Meranda.

The latest development prompted Meranda’s counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), to seek an adjournment to respond adequately to the new claims.

“There are serious fraud allegations in the further affidavits my learned brother (Femi Falana) referred to. We shall be asking for an adjournment to respond to the new application,” Oyetibo said.

In a surprising turn of events, Obasa also attempted to unilaterally change the legal representation for the House of Assembly in the case. This move led to a confrontation in court, as Mr. Olusola Idowu (SAN) announced his appearance as an incoming counsel for the Assembly. However, Falana objected, citing a Court of Appeal decision that mandates a trial court to first hear an application for change of counsel before entertaining any other submissions.

Justice Yetunde Pinheiro ruled that all applications and processes must be heard together on the next adjourned date.

“All the applications will be taken at once. All applications, including those seeking injunction and those challenging jurisdiction, will be heard on March 17. The application regarding the change of counsel will also be heard on Monday, along with the counter-application,” Pinheiro stated.

The case was subsequently adjourned until March 17 for the hearing of the various applications filed by the parties. The legal battle continues to unfold, with observers keenly watching how the court will rule on the matter.

In a continued effort to support the academic aspirations of young students, Honourable representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency, Hon. Dele Adeola through his Foundation, has successfully enrolled indigent students for the free registration of JAMB as well as organizing tutorial to aide their success. This initiative was designed to provide relief to students who are exceptionally brilliant but due to the present harsh economic realities find it difficult to further their educational goals.

In a statement made available to Oduduwa News by the Foundation as read in part:

“Following a careful selection process, eligible students from Iseyin and Itesiwaju Local Government Areas were finally enrolled into the programme, which includes free JAMB registration and intensive preparatory lessons to enhance their performance in the examination.

“With the registration phase now completed, the focus shifts to the free JAMB tutorial, which will soon commence. The tutorial sessions will be handled by experienced educators, ensuring that participants receive quality guidance to maximize their chances of excelling in the examination.

“It is evident that the programme signals the commitment of the lawmaker towards capacity development of youth through educational support programme, while reaffirming his dedication to creating opportunities for the younger generation. By easing the financial burden of JAMB registration and offering structured academic support, he has continued to demonstrate what true leadership and impactful representation entails”.

The Lagos State Government has demolished the Otumara community, rendering over 10,000 residents homeless despite months of protests and public outcry.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency had marked the area for demolition several months ago, a decision that sparked resistance from residents who staged protests at the Lagos State House of Assembly, pleading for reconsideration. However, the government proceeded with the demolition, leaving thousands without shelter and many others without a means of livelihood.

The move comes as part of the state’s broader urban renewal agenda and efforts to curb illegal constructions, aligning with the government’s regeneration plans for Lagos.

Many displaced residents have condemned the demolition, describing it as harsh and inconsiderate, especially in light of the economic hardship in the country. Some victims lamented that they had nowhere to go, while others expressed frustration over the loss of businesses and properties.

Government officials have yet to announce resettlement plans or compensation for the affected residents. Meanwhile, advocacy groups and human rights organizations have called on the government to provide urgent relief measures for those impacted by the demolition.

The Federal Government has adopted the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State as a Federal University.

Established by the Ogun State Government in 2005, TASUED holds the distinguished position as Nigeria’s first specialised university of education.

It was named after Dr. Tai Solarin, a revered activist and the founder of Mayflower School in Ikenne.

As a federal institution, TASUED will be the first federally owned tertiary school in Ogun East senatorial district.

With a well-developed infrastructure and academic programme, the transition requires minimal federal investment.

Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) in a statement said, President Tinubu approved the adoption on Friday and thanked the Ogun State Government for inviting the Federal Government to take over the school, one of the state’s best educational assets.

Awolowo and Solarin were celebrated figures from the Eastern Senatorial District of Ogun State, encompassing Ijebu and Remo.

President Tinubu emphasised that TASUED’s transition into a Federal University of Education is a strategic step in the Federal Government’s commitment to bolster teacher education and enhance the quality of instruction across all educational levels.

With TASUED’s new status, the Federal Government oversees three education universities.

Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri and Adeyemi Federal University of Education in Ondo are the country’s other two universities of education.

Oduduwa News has gathered that a six-hour curfew has been declared in Ilesa as part of the coronation rites for the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

The curfew will take effect from 6:00 PM on Monday, March 10, 2025, to 6:00 AM on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Residents and visitors are advised to comply with the directive to ensure a smooth and peaceful coronation process.

Recall, Oba Adesuyi Hastrup who was approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke after demise of the late Owa Obokun had spent ninety days in seclusion at the court of Ogboni of Ilesa to learn about Ijesaland’s history and kingdom.

In a swift and decisive response to the recent call by the so-called Yoruba Muslims for Freedom (YMF) for the arrest of the Alaafin of Oyo, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho Oṣa, has sounded a strong warning against this blatant act of disrespect towards Yoruba traditional institutions. Through his spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho strongly condemned the group’s reckless statements, emphasizing that such demands undermine the sacred cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and threaten the unity of the land.

Traditional Institutions and the Yoruba Identity

The Yoruba people have, for centuries, upheld a deep respect for their traditional rulers, who serve not only as cultural icons but also as custodians of the land’s values and traditions. The Alaafin of Oyo is one of the most revered monarchs in Yoruba history, and any attempt to discredit or disrespect his authority is an affront to the Yoruba identity itself.

Chief Sunday Igboho, reminded the public that traditional rulers have always played a crucial role in maintaining order, resolving conflicts, and ensuring the prosperity of their communities. He stated:
“The call for the arrest of the Alaafin is a direct attack on Yoruba culture, history, and heritage. Our kings are the protectors of our land, and no outsider or group will be allowed to insult or diminish their role.”

Yoruba Unity vs. Religious Extremism

Sunday Igboho, through his spokesman, also condemned the divisive rhetoric used by the group, which portrayed Yoruba traditional rulers as “idol worshippers” unworthy of respect. He warned that such statements are dangerous and could fuel unnecessary religious conflict among the Yoruba people.

The Yoruba have always been known for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Islam, Christianity, and indigenous beliefs have flourished side by side for centuries. However, extremists seeking to sow division by pitting one religion against another threaten this harmony.

Igboho stated:
“It is unacceptable for any group to claim that our Obas are not their leaders because of religious differences. Yoruba land is built on respect and unity, not on religious supremacy. Any attempt to divide us along religious lines will be resisted.”

Alaafin’s Right to Protect His People

The YMF accused the Alaafin of Oyo of unlawfully imposing a curfew, claiming that only a civil government has the power to do so. However, this argument ignores the historical and cultural role of Yoruba monarchs as protectors of their people.

In times of crisis, Yoruba kings have the responsibility to make decisions that ensure the safety of their communities. The Alaafin’s decision to impose a curfew was likely driven by a need to maintain order and protect lives, rather than any unconstitutional power grab.

Sunday Igboho, speaking through Olayomi Koiki, emphasized this point, warning that undermining the authority of Yoruba kings would lead to lawlessness:

“If our kings lose their authority, who will defend our land? Who will protect our people? Those calling for the arrest of the Alaafin are enemies of Yoruba land, and they will not succeed in their mission to destroy our culture and leadership.”

Rejecting the Attempt to Destroy Yoruba Heritage

Sunday Igboho, made it clear that Yoruba people will not sit back and watch their traditional rulers be disrespected by groups with hidden agendas. He called on all Yoruba sons and daughters regardless of religious affiliation to reject such divisive attempts and stand in unity to protect their heritage.

SHe concluded with a strong warning:
“Let it be known that no one will be allowed to insult or threaten our Obas without consequences. The Yoruba people have always defended their culture, and we will not allow any group to erode our values in the name of religious fanaticism.”

The Yoruba Nation must remain vigilant against those seeking to dismantle its cultural institutions under the guise of modernity or religious superiority. Any attack on the Alaafin is an attack on Yoruba land itself and it will be resisted.

Lagos State Police Command has successfully rescued three kidnapped victims who were abducted along the Lekki-Epe Expressway on Friday, March 7.

The victims, identified as Umezulike Joseph, Eze Theodorah, and Rosemary Ogwulu, were in the area to inspect a land property when five armed men suddenly attacked and whisked them away.

Upon receiving a distress call, the police launched a swift operation to track down the kidnappers. Officers traced the suspects to their hideout in a forested area near the expressway. Upon sighting law enforcement, the criminals fled the scene, abandoning their captives.

Fortunately, the victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.

The Lagos Police Command has reiterated its commitment to tackling crime and ensuring the safety of residents. Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor and provide updates on the security situation in the state.