Author: oduduwanews

Princess Alimot Osunbunmi, a nine-year-old member of the royal family in Osogbo, emerged as the new Arugba Osun for the 2025 Osun-Osogbo Festival, taking over the revered role after the exit of Osuntomi Ewatomilola, who served for about 11 years.

Osunbunmi was selected in March 2025 following the traditional Ifa divination process conducted by Osun devotees. Her emergence marked the beginning of a new chapter in one of Nigeria’s most significant traditional and cultural festivals.

The Arugba, traditionally a young female virgin from the royal lineage selected through Ifa divination, plays a central role in the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival. She is traditionally associated with the sacred calabash, known as the Igba Osun, which contains ritual offerings presented to Osun, the Yoruba river deity.

During the festival procession, the Arugba traditionally leads devotees and traditionalists from the palace towards the Osun Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the major spiritual rites take place.

The role carries deep symbolic significance within Osogbo tradition. The Arugba is regarded as an important spiritual figure in the procession, with devotees traditionally offering prayers and seeking blessings as she makes her way towards the sacred grove.

However, the 2025 edition witnessed an unusual adjustment. Although Osunbunmi led the procession, the sacred calabash was carried by the Osun Chief Priest, identified as Adesina, rather than by the young Arugba herself.

Reports indicated that the adjustment was linked to concerns about the weight of the calabash and the physical demands of carrying it over the procession route. A traditionalist, Olawale Osunfemi, explained that the duty is physically demanding and that the young Arugba’s age and strength could have made carrying the calabash difficult.

Ifa priest Ifatoki Elebuibon also explained that tradition permits another person to assist with carrying the calabash when it is too heavy for the Arugba, although such a person would not assume the title of Arugba.

The development generated considerable public interest because carrying the sacred calabash is one of the most recognisable responsibilities associated with the Arugba.

Despite the adjustment, Osunbunmi retained her position as the newly selected Arugba and led the procession into the sacred grove, continuing a centuries-old tradition that remains central to the cultural identity of the people of Osogbo.

The Osun-Osogbo Festival, held annually in Osogbo, Osun State, attracts worshippers, traditionalists, tourists, researchers and cultural enthusiasts from Nigeria and beyond. The festival is widely regarded as an important celebration of Yoruba cultural heritage and spirituality, with the Osun Sacred Grove serving as its principal spiritual and cultural centre.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over the timing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) decision to freeze the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying he feels “deeply embarrassed” by when the action was taken.

According to the President, his concern is not with the EFCC carrying out its statutory responsibilities under a valid court order, but with the timing of the enforcement, coming just days before the Osun State governorship election.

Tinubu reportedly stated that while anti-corruption agencies must be allowed to perform their constitutional duties without interference, such actions should also be carefully timed to avoid creating unnecessary political tension or giving room for allegations of partisanship.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the independence of the EFCC and the fight against corruption, stressing that no individual or institution is above the law. However, he noted that the anti-graft agency must always ensure that its operations inspire public confidence and do not undermine the credibility of democratic processes.

His comments come amid growing controversy over the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts by the EFCC. The Commission had earlier explained that the action followed an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of about N11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations. The EFCC maintained that it acted after detecting what it described as suspicious transfers of large sums of money from the state’s accounts to several corporate entities.

The development has sparked political reactions, with the Osun State Government accusing the Commission of attempting to disrupt governance, while the EFCC insists that its actions were solely aimed at protecting public funds and were backed by a court order.

Tinubu’s intervention is expected to fuel further debate over the balance between anti-corruption enforcement and the need to preserve public confidence in democratic institutions, particularly during election periods.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained the reasons behind its decision to freeze the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying the action was taken to prevent the alleged diversion of public funds amid an ongoing investigation into the state’s finances.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the anti-graft agency disclosed that it has been investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 over the alleged fraudulent management of Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), involving a total sum of N11 billion.

According to the Commission, several government officials, including the Osun State Accountant General, have been questioned as part of the investigation.

The EFCC stated that although the investigation had been ongoing for months without restrictions being placed on the state’s accounts, it was compelled to act after detecting what it described as suspicious movements of funds beginning on August 2, 2026.

The Commission alleged that substantial sums were being transferred from government accounts into several corporate entities, prompting it to impose a Post No Debit (PND) order to halt the transactions pending the conclusion of its investigation.

The anti-corruption agency maintained that the action was purely preventive and aimed at protecting public resources from alleged looting, insisting that it could not ignore what it considered suspicious financial activities.

Responding to concerns that the account freeze was politically motivated due to the forthcoming Osun governorship election, the EFCC denied any partisan motive, stressing that it has a legal responsibility to safeguard public funds irrespective of the political calendar.

The Commission also revealed that it is monitoring the finances of several other states across the country as part of its broader accountability and anti-corruption mandate.

Reaffirming its commitment to impartiality, the EFCC urged Nigerians to disregard what it described as false narratives and attempts to discredit its operations, insisting that its actions are guided solely by the need to protect public resources and uphold transparency.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has challenged the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to publicly explain the rationale behind the freezing of the state government’s bank account.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Adeleke questioned the basis for the anti-graft agency’s action, insisting that the commission should provide credible evidence to justify its claims against the state government.

The governor said the allegations cited by the EFCC were unfounded and urged the commission to make public any proof supporting its assertion that suspicious financial transactions prompted the freezing of the state’s account.

Adeleke maintained that his administration has remained committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, stressing that all financial transactions carried out by the state government followed due process.

He also expressed concern over the timing of the EFCC’s action, coming days before the Osun governorship election, warning that such a move could create unnecessary tension and disrupt government activities.

The governor called on EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to explain to Nigerians why the state’s account was frozen and to present verifiable evidence if the commission believes any wrongdoing has occurred.

The challenge comes after the EFCC disclosed that it froze the Osun State Government’s account as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged fraudulent handling of about ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations. The commission said it detected suspicious movements of funds into several corporate accounts and acted to prevent further transfers while investigations continue.

The development has further heightened the standoff between the Osun State Government and the EFCC, with both sides maintaining opposing positions over the legality and justification of the commission’s action.

The family of Ajé Oluolu has reacted to the controversy surrounding Wasilat, the woman accused of recording and circulating a video allegedly linked to the revered traditional deity, insisting that the matter is spiritual and should not be treated lightly.

Speaking in an interview with BBC News Yoruba, the Secretary of the Ajé Oluolu family, Chief Gbolahan Ishola, alleged that there are spiritual consequences for anyone who records or publicly displays certain sacred rites without undergoing the prescribed traditional atonement.

According to him, women are traditionally forbidden from seeing certain manifestations of Oluolu, claiming that anyone who violates the long-standing customs may face severe spiritual repercussions. He further alleged that individuals who record or circulate videos of the sacred rites without following the required traditional processes could suffer serious consequences, including illness, mental instability, or death.

Chief Ishola also claimed that Wasilat had reportedly complained of persistent headaches, weakness, and abnormal bleeding, alleging that these were signs that she had incurred the wrath of the deity. He stated that, according to the family’s traditional beliefs, such symptoms indicate that the deity had begun to exact judgment.

He maintained that the family was not threatening anyone but merely explaining the beliefs and customs surrounding the traditional institution, urging members of the public to respect sacred cultural practices and avoid actions considered taboo.

The controversy has continued to generate widespread reactions, with many Nigerians expressing differing opinions. While some support the preservation of traditional customs, others have called for caution, noting that claims of supernatural punishment remain matters of personal and religious belief and have not been independently verified.

As of the time of this report, Wasilat has not publicly responded to the latest claims attributed to the Oluolu family, and there has been no independent evidence confirming that any illness or condition she may be experiencing is connected to the alleged incident.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates across Nigeria.

Announcing the release on Wednesday, WAEC said a total of 1,950,726 candidates sat for the examination conducted in secondary schools nationwide. Of the figure, 1,200,514 candidates, representing 61.54 per cent, obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, the minimum requirement for admission into most tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The examination body disclosed that candidates can now access their results online by generating a Result Checker PIN through the WAEC portal before proceeding to the WAEC Direct platform to check their performance.

WAEC urged candidates to ensure they enter their examination details correctly while checking their results and advised those experiencing delays due to heavy traffic on the portal to remain patient and try again later.

The release of the results marks the conclusion of the 2026 WASSCE for school candidates, enabling successful candidates to proceed with applications for admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other higher institutions.

There are reports that Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba has died, with fellow actor Alesh Sanni announcing her passing.

According to posts shared by Alesh Sanni on social media, the actress has passed away, although the cause of her death and other circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been officially disclosed.

The news has sparked an outpouring of grief across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues, fans, and well-wishers expressing shock and paying tribute to the late actress for her contributions to Nollywood.

Temitope Osoba was known for her roles in several Yoruba-language films and television productions, earning admiration for her talent and dedication to the movie industry. Throughout her career, she worked alongside many notable actors and built a loyal fan base.

As of the time of filing this report, neither her family nor professional representatives had released an official statement detailing the circumstances of her death or announcing funeral arrangements.

More details are expected to emerge as family members and industry stakeholders provide further information.

The All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo state has disclosed that the country – Nigeria was lucky not to have elected somebody like Governor Seyi Makinde as its leader in 2023 “otherwise the world’s most populous black nation would have been sold to interested buyers from other countries while the proceeds would have ended in his pocket”.

This scathing remark came against the backdrop of Gov. Makinde’s recent description of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms as ill-motivated and wrong. The governor who spoke, through a representative, on Monday in Abeokuta during the unveiling of all the Ogun state’s candidates of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) for the 2027 poll expressed his readiness to dislodge the APC from the Presidential Villa in the next year’s general elections.

The APC, which reacted to Gov. Makinde’s salvo in a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, said that “no amount of warped criticisms and shadow boxing would make Nigerians choose a failed governor to replace a performing man as the nation’s President in 2027.

“The difference between President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde in terms of experience, reputation and results is like that of the distance between heaven and earth. Therefore, we would not submit ourselves to invitation to macabre dance from him (Makinde) even as the whole world knows that he is on a journey to nowhere as far as the 2027 general elections are concerned.

“Gov. Makinde can afford to condemn the bold and courageous steps taken by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 as he is wont to playing to the gallery but all the informed minds and reputable global institutions cannot be wrong in their overwhelming applause to the President who has not only saved Nigeria from imminent collapse and extinction but also working tirelessly to place the country in its rightful place among the comity of nations.

“The Oyo state governor swims in a pool of money as a result of huge financial resources being made available to his state and the 33 local government council in the state by the Tinubu administration but he has little to show for it in terms of provision of improved security, quality infrastructure, job opportunities among other things for the residents of the Pacesetters State. As it stands today, Oyo state is found at the bottom of the table among the 36 states in the areas of growth and development.

“As a matter of fact, Gov. Makinde would have considered selling off Nigeria as the best option if he was the President faced with the quantum of challenges which President Tinubu encountered on assumption of office in 2023. A Makinde who has transferred virtually all the assets of Oyo state to the wrong hands in exchange for cash in seven years would have sold Rivers Niger and Benue as well as the nation’s portion of the Atlantic Ocean if he had the opportunity. To this end, Nigerians will never make the mistake of trusting him with their mandate.” Sadare added.

The Ooni of Ife, , has donated ₦100 million and a Toyota Hilux vehicle to support the operations of the Iru Ekun Security Network, a security outfit established by Yoruba nation activist, .

The donation was announced during a meeting attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the security network, where the monarch reiterated the importance of strengthening community-based security initiatives to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in tackling crime across the South-West.

According to the Ooni, the financial support and operational vehicle are aimed at enhancing the capacity of the security outfit to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to security threats within communities.

He stressed that ensuring the safety of lives and property remains a collective responsibility, urging traditional institutions, security agencies, and residents to work together in promoting peace and stability across the region.

Responding to the gesture, Sunday Igboho expressed gratitude to the Ooni for the support, describing the donation as a significant boost to the activities of the Iru Ekun Security Network. He pledged that the resources would be used responsibly to strengthen the outfit’s operations and enhance the protection of communities.

The development has generated widespread reactions, with many observers describing the intervention as a demonstration of the growing role of traditional institutions in supporting community security and addressing local safety challenges.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has held a high-level strategic meeting with prominent leaders of the party in the South-West as preparations intensify for the August 15 governorship poll.

The meeting brought together Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Osun State Governor and pioneer Interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, alongside other influential party stakeholders from across the South-West region.

The gathering focused on strengthening the APC’s campaign strategy, mobilising grassroots support, and ensuring the party secures victory in the upcoming election. The leaders reportedly reviewed the political landscape in Osun State and discussed coordinated efforts to consolidate the party’s structures across all local government areas.

Speaking after the meeting, party leaders reaffirmed their confidence in Oyebamiji’s candidature, describing him as a capable and experienced administrator with the competence to provide effective leadership for Osun State.

They also urged APC members and supporters to remain united, committed, and peaceful throughout the electioneering period while intensifying mobilisation efforts ahead of the August 15 poll.

Oyebamiji expressed appreciation to the party leaders for their support and guidance, pledging to run an issue-based campaign centred on good governance, economic development, youth empowerment, infrastructure renewal, and improved welfare for the people of Osun State.

The meeting is seen as part of the APC’s broader strategy to present a united front and maximise its electoral chances as the countdown to the governorship election enters its final stages. Political observers believe the involvement of key South-West leaders underscores the significance the ruling party attaches to retaining and expanding its influence in the region.