Author: oduduwanews

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have finally apprehended a long-wanted drug kingpin, Lekan Jimoh, also known as “Kanmo-Kanmo,” twelve years after he allegedly orchestrated the brutal killing of three NDLEA officers in Ogun State.

Jimoh was tracked down and arrested on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Owode town, Ogun State, following credible intelligence and a tactical operation by NDLEA units.

During the operation, officers recovered 69 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, from his hideout. Jimoh had been on the NDLEA’s most-wanted list since June 15, 2014, after he allegedly mobilised armed thugs to resist arrest and killed three officers—including Rabiu Usman Kazaure and two others—who were attempting to detain him at his base.

Despite previous encounters with NDLEA teams—such as an August 2023 raid on his Ado-Odo residence where 1,922 kilograms of skunk were seized and Jimoh escaped—law enforcement maintained the pursuit.

The arrest is being hailed as a major breakthrough for the agency’s commitment to justice and its long-running effort to ensure that no fugitive remains beyond the reach of the law, regardless of how long they evade capture.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi reaffirmed that the agency would sustain its war against drug crime and fugitive kingpins, while also continuing nationwide operations to disrupt illicit drug distribution networks.

Popular Oyo State-based broadcaster and media personality, Oriyomi Hamzat, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 Oyo State governorship election under the platform of the Accord Party.

Hamzat made the declaration in a widely circulated video on social media, where he confirmed his readiness to enter the political arena after years of active engagement in humanitarian work, media advocacy, and grassroots mobilization across the state. His announcement has since generated widespread reactions among residents, political stakeholders, and his large followership.

According to him, the decision to run for governor was driven by a strong desire to reposition Oyo State through people-oriented governance, transparency, and inclusive development. He emphasized that his years of interaction with ordinary citizens through broadcasting have exposed him to the real challenges facing the state, including unemployment, insecurity, poverty, and inadequate social services.

Hamzat stated that he chose the Accord Party because it aligns with his vision of providing an alternative platform outside the dominant political parties. He described the party as one that offers room for fresh ideas, credible leadership, and genuine service to the people, particularly at the grassroots level.

The broadcaster, who is widely known for his influence in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State, assured supporters that his campaign would focus on youth empowerment, improved healthcare, education reform, and economic opportunities for small businesses. He also called on the electorate to actively participate in shaping the future of the state through peaceful and issue-based politics.

With this declaration, Oriyomi Hamzat becomes one of the early entrants into the 2027 Oyo governorship race, a contest expected to attract significant attention as political activities gradually intensify across the state.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved a compensation of ₦5 million each for the families of forest guards recently killed at the Old Oyo National Park. He also announced full scholarships up to the university level for the children of the deceased officers.

The governor made the announcements on Friday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Oloka Village in Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, where the incident occurred. He commiserated with the affected families and residents, assuring them of the state government’s commitment to justice, welfare, and improved security.

Governor Makinde further promised the rehabilitation of the Ikoyi-Ile–Oloka road under the Rural Access and Agricultural Market Project (RAAMP) to ease movement and boost economic activities. He also pledged to improve telecommunication services by facilitating the installation of telecom masts, alongside the provision of boreholes and solar-powered street lights in the community.

The governor said the state would sustain a joint security operation in the area and disclosed plans to write to military authorities in Abuja to request the establishment of a military base in Oloka to further strengthen security.

Describing security as a collective responsibility, Makinde urged residents to support government efforts by providing timely information to security agencies whenever they notice suspicious activities. He also commended service commanders for their dedication and commitment to protecting lives and property.

“I decided to come here personally to assess the environment and understand the challenges facing our security agencies, especially communication,” the governor said. “Whatever is expected of government to ensure your safety, we will do it. We pray such a tragic incident will not happen again, and we ask God to uphold the families left behind.”

There are indications that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, may approach the court to challenge the emergence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated Ladoja as chairman of the council at the House of Chiefs Secretariat in Ibadan, following the passage of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the House of Assembly.

However, the Alaafin was conspicuously absent from the ceremony, a development that has fueled speculation of an impending legal battle.

Speaking at the event, Makinde explained that the chairmanship of the council would be rotational among the Olubadan, the Alaafin and the Soun of Ogbomosoland, with each monarch serving a two-year term.

Sources close to the Alaafin’s palace told newsmen that Oba Owoade deliberately stayed away from the inauguration and may contest the decision in court.

One of the sources said the late Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, had previously gone to court to assert his position as permanent chairman of the council, adding that his stance was never successfully challenged.

Another palace insider explained that attending the inauguration would have been “shameful” for the current Alaafin, noting that legal action remained a strong possibility unless there was an intervention.

A separate source alleged that lingering tensions dating back to the reign of the late Alaafin, particularly over the impeachment of Ladoja during his time as governor, may have contributed to the current disagreement.

The source added that with Oba Lamidi Adeyemi now deceased, Ladoja’s emergence as Olubadan had altered the balance of influence within the traditional institution.

It was further alleged that political interests may be influencing the unfolding dispute, raising the prospect of a legal showdown over the leadership of the council.

The Alaafin’s Palace has refuted claims by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that he consulted with three foremost traditional rulers in the state—the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—before announcing a rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

In a press release dated January 15, 2026, the palace stated that at no time did His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, hold any meeting with Governor Makinde or with the other two traditional rulers on the matter. The palace emphasized that any suggestion of such consultation is inaccurate.

The statement further clarified that the Alaafin neither discussed nor gave any form of endorsement to the idea of a rotational chairmanship among the three monarchs. According to the palace, no categorical statement supporting the arrangement was made by the Alaafin to the governor or to any party.

Reaffirming its stance, the palace noted that the position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs had already been clearly articulated in a formal memo submitted to the governor by the Oyo Council of Elders.

The press release was signed by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, who reiterated the Alaafin’s status as the Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.

…Eyes Oyo Central Senatorial Seat

In a seismic shift in the political atmosphere of Oyo State, the immediate past Director General of the Oyo State Government Liaison Offices in Abuja and Lagos and former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Hon. Wale Ajani, has announced his defection to Accord Party.

Recall that few days ago, Hon Ajani had announced resignation from the membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

In his new political trajectory, Ajani will be joining forces with celebrated broadcaster and activist, Oriyomi Hamzat, under the ‘Òyó N’ Pe O Movement,’ to formally declare for Accord Party tomorrow, January 17, at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.

The much-anticipated event is set to draw over 30,000 supporters from across Oyo State, with more than one million people expected to watch the declaration online.

This epoch declaration marks the beginning of a mass mobilization movement, aimed at returning governance to the people and disrupting the entrenched status quo of self-serving leadership.

Hon. Ajani, who had previously contested for the Oyo Central senatorial seat in 2023, but stepped down following directives from Governor Seyi Makinde, emphasized his deep understanding of the plight of young people in the state, drawing on his experience as a former NYCN President.

He said, “As a former President of the NYCN, I have witnessed firsthand the immense challenges confronting our youths – from soaring unemployment rates to the rising tide of crime and drug abuse. In Oyo State alone, youth unemployment hovers around 37 per cent, contributing to escalating insecurity and social vices. Our young people deserve better – opportunities, empowerment, and hope for a brighter future.”

Recent data reveals that Oyo State continues to grapple with alarming rates of youth unemployment, fueling a surge in crime and drug abuse. Reports indicate that over 120,000 young people in the state are actively seeking jobs, while cases of substance abuse and related crimes have risen by 25 per cent in the past three years.

Hon. Ajani declared, “Accord Party, in alliance with Oriyomi Hamzat and the ‘Òyó N’ Pe Ọ́’ Movement, has come to liberate Oyo indigenes and residents. No more government of the oppressor, for the rich and by the rich. We are committed to restoring hope, creating jobs, and ensuring that governance works for everyone, not just a privileged few.”

The expectant declaration for the Accord Party at Liberty Stadium on January 17 is widely expected to alter the political landscape of Oyo State, as Accord Party rallies support and presents a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

Governor Seyi Makinde has announced the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja as the new Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas during a brief ceremony held at the House of Chiefs, Agodi, Ibadan.

The Governor explained that the council’s chairmanship will rotate every two years among the Olubadan, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomoso land.

Notably, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was absent from the event.

Details later.

The Oyo State Government has refuted claims that it demolished a property belonging to a former deputy governor of the State, Engr Rauf Olaniyan.

The Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo, who refuted the report, on Wednesday, said officials of the Ministry only pulled down the fence of an undeveloped property due to the blockage of service road connecting the community to the expressway.

Speaking with journalists during an on-site assessment to the property located at Temidire Zone 1, Bodija/Ojoo Expressway, Ibadan, the Commissioner noted that the Ministry’s officials served the former deputy governor, Engr Olaniyan, a notice to remove the illegal structure after complaints from the residents of the community.

He added that government would not tolerate any unlawful act that would truncate the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed by the people of the state.

He said: “Some few hours ago, there was an online news being circulated claiming that the Oyo State Government had destroyed the property of a former deputy governor of the state, Engr Remi Olaniyan and that the action is a political vendetta.

“It came as a surprise to me, because I gave the instruction to carry out the removal of some illegal structures inhibiting smooth traffic and passage of vehicles within this neighbourhood.
“When I got that news, I knew quite all right that my officials would never go out of official instruction. But just to reconfirm, I decided to visit the site and see exactly what was carried out. That is why we are here this afternoon.
“Well, it is something we can attest to. It is something even visible to the blind anyway. The property being claimed that belongs to the former deputy governor, there is no structure on it. We only have about two or three tar-boilers there, which are equipment for road construction. So, I don’t know what property was destroyed or had been removed from an undeveloped piece of land. There is no structure on his land.
“The structures removed are just blocking free flow of vehicle for residents of this neighbourhood. However, before I gave approval to it, due diligence was carried out.
“The Federal Government has a road setback, which the Minister of Housing and Urban Development gave to them. I have it in the file here, which I can show to you. There is a survey that shows that there is a road on this layout, which the owners of these properties have already carved together so that they have now made those residents over here not to have access to their land, and we are not going to accept that.
“So, it is only the fence that we removed; no building was pulled down.
“As we all know, physical development is regulated by the state and not by the Federal Government, which is statutory. What the Federal Minister of Housing and Urban Development gave to them is a temporary release of the road setback to their land. And it is actually stated in the letter given to them that no permanent structure should be put on the ground.

“It was equally expressed there that they should make use of it in such a way that will not disturb the peace and tranquillity of this community.
“Apart from the fact that they have no approval, and apart from the fact that from the layout of this neighbourhood, there is an existing road here, which has been there for over 30 years, the owners of these properties are just coming around this time to put up structures to disturb other residents. So, the government had to step in, as it is our responsibility to take care of all the residents of the state.
“So, we are only doing what we always do to ensure peaceful cohabitation among the people of Oyo State.”
While fielding questions from newsmen on whether or not the government gave ample notice before pulling down the fence, the Commissioner said: “Normally, as a government, when we see illegal structure or object inhibiting peaceful co-existence in any community, we serve them notice. We believe that before the expiration of that notice, they would do the needful.

“But in an event that they don’t do the needful as it is in this case, we will enforce it.
“We have served them notice before but we will serve them again and this will be the last warning. And, if they refuse, we will take it up because those living down there shouldn’t go against the vehicle on the highway, in which the passage has already been blocked.
“Truth is, we are not going to be here as a government and somebody will be making life difficult for others. We are not going to accept that.”

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Secretary, Mr Yusuf Bolaji and Alhaji Dikirulahi Tiamiyu said the service road that was blocked by the demolished fence is for the benefits of all the residents in the community and no one has sole ownership to it.

They also emphasised that no property belonging to the former deputy governor of the state was demolished as reported.

Mr Bolaji said: “I came here in 1983 to buy a land. This road has been there for the past 30 years and we have been plying it. Suddenly, the road was blocked by Engr Olaniyan and the motor dealers.
“There was no building here before.”
Similarly, Alhaji Tiamiyu Dhikrullahi, said “We have reported to the Federal Ministry of Lands and went to the Oyo State Ministry of Lands and they all came here.
“We brought out our master-plan and they went through it and they saw everything clearly from there that this place is a service road, which has been existing for many years.
“I have been here since 1967. The other undeveloped land here belongs to the former deputy governor of Oyo State. And you can see that there is nothing that was touched there.
“All we are after is just to open this access road, right from Express here to Bodija. We have made reports several times which proved abortive.”

Residents of Ifesowapo Community in Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, were plunged into mourning on Tuesday after a foreman lost his life during a building demolition exercise.

The deceased, Mr Olu Bamgboye, popularly known as Ologbo, died while supervising the demolition of an old structure along the NTA Road axis of the community. The building was said to have been recently acquired by a property developer, who engaged Bamgboye to clear the site ahead of a new construction project.

Eyewitnesses revealed that Bamgboye, a vulcaniser by profession, had mobilised a group of labourers to carry out the demolition. The operation was reportedly close to completion when a concrete pillar suddenly collapsed.

The falling pillar struck Bamgboye, killing him instantly before any assistance could be rendered. Residents said his body was trapped under the rubble for some time before it was eventually recovered.

Reacting to the incident, a neighbour, Mr Tope Omosebi, described the death as shocking and heartbreaking, noting that the late Bamgboye was a peaceful and hardworking man whose sudden demise has thrown the entire community into deep grief.

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Bunmi Akinnaanu, fondly known as Omije Ojumi after her widely acclaimed song of the same title, has died.

Her death was announced on Tuesday in a statement shared on Instagram by fellow gospel artiste, Ayo Melody, on behalf of the family.

According to the statement, Akinnaanu passed away on January 12, 2026, at a hospital in Lagos. A photograph and short video clip accompanied the announcement.

“With great sadness, we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye (Omije Ojumi), who passed away on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital in Nigeria. May God grant her eternal rest,” the statement read.

The announcement was signed by Olawale Akinnaanu on behalf of the family. The cause of her death was not disclosed. However, the gospel singer had earlier appealed for prayers over a leg-related health challenge.

In October 2025, a video from a service at G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan showed her seated with her leg stretched on a chair while a cleric prayed for her.

During the prayer session, the pastor referenced persistent bleeding in the leg and described the condition as a spiritual attack. There has been no official confirmation linking the ailment to her death.

Akinnaanu began her music journey at a young age and later resigned from a banking career to pursue gospel music full-time.

She rose to national prominence with her hit song Omije Ojumi, which became widely popular in churches and Christian homes across Nigeria. She also released other songs, including O Ti Sure.