Author: oduduwanews

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep condolences to the family of former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, over the passing of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, who died at the age of 101.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun described the demise of Mama Onabanjo as the end of a glorious era, noting that she lived a highly exemplary, fulfilled, and distinguished life devoted to God, family, and humanity.

The Governor said that although the loss of a mother is always painful, regardless of age, Mama Lucia’s transition at 101 is also worthy of celebration, given her impactful life and enduring legacy.

According to him, Mama Onabanjo stood firmly by her husband, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, through his historic struggles for democracy, human rights, and social justice in Nigeria.

He said:

“After a glorious epoch in which she joined her husband, our Papa, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, in the fight for democracy, the delivery of its dividends on a massive scale, and the advancement of human rights and social justice, Mama has now been reunited with Papa in glory.

“Mama was a treasure and a source of joy to all who knew her. She consistently supported us with her prayers and goodwill, spreading joy, comfort, and hope to everyone around her.

“I commiserate with the Onabanjo family, even as I celebrate them for the great gift that Mama was to all of us.

“She stood by her husband through thick and thin and raised children and grandchildren who are today highly distinguished in diverse fields of human endeavour, breaking records and contributing meaningfully to society.

“We bless the Lord for her long and fulfilled life, her legacy of love, strength, deep faith, and commitment to development.

“We will miss her warmth, her wise counsel, her passion for progress, and her prayers. May the Good Lord grant her eternal rest in His bosom.”

Governor Abiodun prayed that God would grant the Onabanjo family, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been denied bail by an Ogun State court following his arraignment on multiple criminal charges, including assault, theft, and resisting arrest.
Portable was on Tuesday arraigned before the Federal High Court sitting in Ota, Ogun State, where the prosecution presented a nine-count charge against the artist. The charges stem from an alleged altercation involving the singer and law enforcement officers, during which he was accused of physically assaulting individuals, obstructing officers in the course of their duties, and engaging in acts of theft.

At the court session, the prosecution argued that the offences were serious and urged the court to remand the defendant in custody pending further proceedings. Portable’s legal counsel applied for bail, assuring the court that the singer would make himself available for trial and would not interfere with investigations.

However, the presiding judge declined the bail application, citing the nature of the charges and the need for the defendant to be properly arraigned and for the court to consider all relevant factors before granting bail. The court subsequently ordered that Portable be remanded in custody.

The judge adjourned the matter until January 19, when the case is expected to come up for further hearing.
Portable, known for his hit songs and frequent controversies, has repeatedly made headlines for clashes with authorities and public outbursts. The latest development adds to a growing list of legal challenges confronting the singer, whose career has often been marked by both musical success and legal troubles.

Says Nigeria Is Worth Fighting For

Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately order the release of the international passport of activist and former presidential candidate, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, describing its continued seizure as an abuse of power and a threat to democratic freedoms.

Hashim made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving Sowore, who paid him a courtesy visit during a meeting with PDP Chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The meeting was also attended by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni, and the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat.

Speaking during the interaction, Hashim recalled their shared pro-democracy struggles dating back to 1989, when Sowore was one of his protégés.

He said the meeting was not a nostalgic exercise, but a reminder of the sacrifices that secured Nigeria’s democratic space.

According to Hashim, Sowore’s courage, consistency, and refusal to bow to intimidation have made him a symbol of principled resistance and a rallying point for young Nigerians demanding a new political order.

“Nigeria is worth fighting for, and meaningful change is possible, no matter how difficult,” Hashim said.

He condemned what he described as the sustained persecution of Sowore for speaking truth to power, noting that the continued seizure of his passport has effectively punished him without conviction and denied him the basic right to family life.

Hashim warned that democracies collapse when dissent is criminalized, stressing that the protection of opposing voices is a non negotiable pillar of democratic governance.

He therefore called on President Tinubu to act decisively by ordering the immediate release of Sowore’s passport in the interest of justice, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for Sowore to reconnect with longtime comrades, as participants reflected on defining moments that shaped their lifelong commitment to democracy, civic courage, and accountable leadership.

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has filed a lawsuit against Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, following the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, citing alleged medical negligence. The case, detailed in a notice dated January 10, 2026, has prompted the Lagos State government to order an official probe into the incident, drawing heightened scrutiny to private healthcare standards in Nigeria.

According to the family, Nkanu died barely a day after being referred to Euracare for diagnostic procedures ahead of a planned medical evacuation to the United States. Adichie and her partner, Dr Ivara Esege, through their solicitors led by Professor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, accused the hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and other medical staff of breaching their duty of care.

The notice alleges that the child was administered intravenous sedation with propofol and suffered severe complications while being transported between clinical areas. The parents claim the transfer occurred without supplemental oxygen, continuous monitoring, or adequate medical accompaniment. Concerns were also raised about cumulative propofol dosing, inadequate airway protection, delayed recognition of complications, and absence of basic resuscitation equipment.

The family has demanded certified copies of all medical records within seven days and instructed the hospital to preserve all relevant evidence, warning that destruction or alteration could attract legal consequences.

Born on March 25, 2024, Nkanu was referred from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital on January 6, 2026, for preparatory investigations including an echocardiogram, brain MRI, PICC line insertion, and lumbar puncture. He reportedly passed away in the early hours of January 7, 2026.

Meanwhile, the child’s aunt, Dr Anthea Esege Nwandu, a dual board-certified Internal Medicine physician, publicly challenged Euracare’s denial of negligence, citing multiple inconsistencies and asserting that internationally accepted standards of care were not followed.

The management of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State, has dismissed allegations that it compelled nurses to carry out cleaning and sanitation duties during the ongoing national strike by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the hospital’s Public Relations Department, the management described the claims as “unsubstantiated, baseless, fake, and a figment of the writer’s imagination.”
The rebuttal followed a statement credited to Abiodun Thomas on behalf of the Elegant Nurses Forum, which alleged that some public hospitals, including OOUTH, were forcing nurses to perform cleaning duties due to the absence of cleaners participating in the month-long JOHESU strike. The forum had condemned the alleged practice as unethical, unlawful, and professionally degrading, calling for an end to intimidation and coercion of nurses into duties outside their professional scope.
Reacting, OOUTH management firmly denied the allegations, insisting that nurses in the hospital have always been treated with dignity and respect. It faulted the publication of the claims by some online platforms without proper verification.

“The management categorically states that the claims as they relate to OOUTH are false, misleading, and entirely baseless. At no time has any member of staff—medical or non-medical—been pressured, instructed, or compelled to perform duties outside the scope of their professional cadre,” the statement said.
The hospital assured the public that its operations continue to be guided by professionalism, ethical standards, and respect for all healthcare workers. It added that staff welfare, teamwork, and adherence to established practices remain top priorities despite the ongoing industrial action.

Also speaking, the Acting Director of Nursing Services, Mrs Folasade Fawole, confirmed that nurses at OOUTH have never been subjected to unconducive working conditions.

“While nurses may take personal initiatives to keep their immediate workspaces tidy, cleaning of wards and clinic areas is not part of nurses’ official duties, and at no time have nurses been compelled to undertake such tasks,” she stated.

The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care, staff welfare, and a conducive working environment, pledging continued engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders to address concerns and ensure smooth service delivery within ethical and professional boundaries.

OSOGBO, January 12, 2026 — Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to rein in the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Gothan, over what he described as unlawful arrests and prolonged detention of individuals in the state.

The governor specifically demanded the immediate and unconditional release of one of his aides, Mr. Abiodun Adegoke Apesin, who has allegedly been detained for several days without charge and repeatedly denied bail over a defamation petition linked to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji.

In a statement issued in Osogbo on Monday, Governor Adeleke condemned the continued detention of Mr. Adegoke, describing it as a violation of his fundamental human rights. He noted that the allegation against his aide is a non-capital offence, which is bailable under Nigerian law.

The governor expressed concern that the police allegedly refused bail on two separate occasions despite full compliance with bail conditions, including the presentation of Level 10 and Level 12 officers. He described the development as “unacceptable partisan conduct” by the Osun State Police Command.

Governor Adeleke further accused the command of eroding professional standards since the assumption of office by the current commissioner, alleging a pattern of detaining suspects without prompt arraignment or bail, often based on verbal petitions from opposition political figures.

“One of my aides, Mr. Adegoke, has been detained for more than five days without being charged to court and has been denied bail twice. This is a clear breach of the Constitution and the rule of law,” the governor said.

He also recalled the earlier arrest of another aide, Mr. Iyiola Monsuru, noting that both aides were arrested without prior formal police invitations.
While urging the IGP to intervene, Governor Adeleke cautioned the police against allowing themselves to be used for political purposes, warning that such actions could undermine peace, security, and public trust in the state.

“The police must not conduct themselves in a manner that portrays them as serving the political interests of the APC or its chieftains. The Nigeria Police Force must remain impartial, professional, and committed to the rule of law,” he added.

The statement was signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni, has formally defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking another major shift in the state’s political landscape. The former governor re-registered as an APC member in his hometown of Ifaki-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area.

Oni, who governed Ekiti State between 2007 and 2010, contested the 2022 governorship election on the platform of the SDP, where he finished second. He described his return to the APC as a “homecoming”, saying the decision was taken in the overall interest of peace, unity and development in the state.

According to him, his defection was influenced by the inclusive leadership style and developmental agenda of the APC-led administration in Ekiti. He pledged to work with Governor Biodun Oyebanji and other party stakeholders to further strengthen governance and political stability in the state.

APC leaders and supporters have hailed Oni’s defection as a major political boost, especially as the party prepares for the 2026 Ekiti governorship election and the 2027 general elections. Political observers believe the move could significantly enhance the APC’s grassroots strength and consolidate its dominance in Ekiti State.

A moment of apparent tension between two foremost Yoruba monarchs, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade I, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja (Arusa I), has stirred conversations across social media following an inter-faith gathering held in Oyo State on Monday.

The incident occurred at the 2026 Inter-Faith Gathering at the Grand Space, near the Oyo State House of Assembly, which drew top government officials, traditional rulers, and religious leaders from across the state.

Eyewitnesses and a video now circulating online showed the Alaafin extending his hand in greeting as the Olubadan approached. However, the gesture was seemingly not reciprocated, creating an awkward moment that quickly caught the attention of attendees.

The Olubadan was seen exchanging greetings with Governor Seyi Makinde and other dignitaries before proceeding directly to his seat without acknowledging the Alaafin.

The development has since generated widespread reactions among netizens, with many debating protocol, respect, and the long-standing hierarchy of traditional institutions in Oyo State. As of press time, neither palace has issued an official statement on the incident.

Fuji music icon, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has formally written to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, over his alleged exclusion from the succession process to the revered Awujale of Ijebuland stool.

In the letter, which was made available to journalists, Ayinde expressed concern over what he described as his omission from considerations linked to the Awujale traditional institution, despite his lineage and longstanding ties to Ijebuland.

The musician reportedly appealed to the governor to intervene in the matter, stressing the need for fairness, due process, and strict adherence to customary laws guiding succession to the prestigious stool. He noted that the Awujale institution is a symbol of unity, culture, and heritage among the Ijebu people and warned that perceived exclusion could generate unnecessary controversy.

Ayinde, an indigene of Ijebuland, is said to have grounded his petition on historical records and family lineage, arguing that he is entitled to be considered whenever issues relating to the stool arise. He urged the state government to ensure transparency in all traditional matters to preserve peace and confidence in the chieftaincy system.

While details of the succession process were not exhaustively outlined in the petition, sources close to the development said the letter was written as a precautionary step, aimed at forestalling actions that could permanently shut out eligible contenders.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ogun State Government had not officially responded to the petition. Efforts to reach government officials for comments were also unsuccessful.

The Awujale of Ijebuland stool remains one of the most prominent traditional institutions in Yorubaland, and any issue surrounding its succession often attracts widespread attention from cultural stakeholders, indigenes, and observers across the country.

The development has continued to generate reactions, particularly among Ijebu sons and daughters, with many calling for calm and urging all parties to allow due process to prevail in the interest of peace and tradition.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has intervened in the protracted Onido of Ido stool crisis by setting up a panel of inquiry to investigate the lingering dispute over the traditional leadership of Ido township in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The crisis, which has lasted for nearly two decades, is marked by rival claims to the Onido stool, with three individuals reportedly laying claim to the traditional title. This development has continued to fuel tension, division, and instability within the community.

Oba Ladoja, while urging all parties involved to maintain peace and order, announced that the panel would be inaugurated at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

The monarch’s decision was conveyed in a statement signed by his media aide, Adeola Oloko. Although the statement did not disclose the names or composition of the panel members, it noted that the committee would commence work immediately after its inauguration.

According to the statement, the panel is mandated to investigate both the remote and immediate causes of the Onido stool crisis, which has defied resolution for about 19 years. The committee is also expected to make far-reaching recommendations that will guide the Olubadan and the Ibadan Traditional Council in bringing the long-standing dispute to a final and peaceful resolution.

The intervention followed renewed concerns raised by stakeholders from Ido town, who, two days earlier, lamented the worsening state of affairs surrounding the traditional institution. They said the town had remained in a “delicate situation” since 1997 due to the emergence of multiple claimants to the Onido stool.

According to the stakeholders, the crisis has been compounded by repeated appointments and counter-appointments, deepening divisions within the community and undermining unity and development.

The three individuals at the centre of the dispute were identified as Oba Benjamin Ademola Ishola Orobiyi, Tajudeen Akinola, and Muritala Babalola, each reportedly claiming legitimacy to the Onido title.

Worried about the implications of the prolonged crisis for peace and grassroots governance, the stakeholders had appealed to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland to urgently intervene and restore order to the traditional institution.

The setting up of the panel by Oba Ladoja is seen as a response to that appeal and an exercise of his authority as the prescribed and consenting authority on all chieftaincy matters within Ibadanland.

The move signals a decisive step towards resolving the Onido stool crisis, which has remained a source of instability in Ido for years.