Author: oduduwanews

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerated development across all zones of the state, with Governor Seyi Makinde pushing forward new multi-billion naira projects despite having only 17 months left in his second term. According to Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the administration remains focused on defying the typical second-term slowdown through renewed energy and strategic investments.

Following the latest Executive Council meeting, the government approved the construction and rehabilitation of the 45.3km Saki–Ogboro–Igboho road at a cost of ₦18.14 billion, along with the Ogboro–Agbonle road to support farmers. Ongoing works were also confirmed on the Igboho–Kishi and Okaka–Igbojaye roads, as well as the Kunle Afolayan Film Village in Komu. The long-abandoned Kishi Fire Station will also be completed at ₦141.86 million.

To boost security in the Oke Ogun zone, Oyelade disclosed that airstrips in Otu and Igbeti have been designated for new state aircraft, while the Mobile Police base has been moved to Ago Are to curb insecurity. Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal welcomed the even distribution of projects, assuring residents that no major initiative under the administration will be abandoned.

The council further approved the dualization of the Ariyo–Amuloko–Odeyale Junction at ₦15.13 billion, positioning it as a major link to Ogun State. Additionally, ₦16.20 billion was allocated for the rehabilitation of roads in Old and New Bodija. A special ₦6.8 billion intervention fund was also set aside for the Iwo Road–Olodo–Lalupon–Iyana Ofa corridor, raising the total project cost to ₦14.53 billion.

In the education and health sectors, the government approved ₦107.7 million for science equipment in 99 public secondary schools and adopted the Oyo State Medical Residency Training Bill 2025. To strengthen project delivery, a Project Facilitation Fund was established under the Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency. Overall, the administration disclosed that it has invested over ₦1 trillion in infrastructure since 2019.

The screening committee of Accord has today cleared Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, to participate in the party’s gubernatorial primary poll held in Osogbo, the state capital.

In a statement, Ibe Thankgod, the screening committee chairman and national organising secretary of the party, said Adeleke has been cleared as the sole aspirant for the election.

He said the governor met all the requirements for the nomination.

A coalition of lawmakers and civil society groups has launched a major campaign demanding the removal of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji. The group accuses him of alleged constitutional breaches, misuse of tax waivers, and mismanagement of revenue-related funds. They claim the alleged violations have weakened transparency and accountability in the nation’s tax administration.

The coalition has prepared a detailed petition outlining its allegations and plans to release it publicly by December 15. According to the organisers, the petition will reveal what they describe as systemic irregularities under Adedeji’s leadership, calling for a forensic audit and immediate government intervention. The move has stirred intense public debate, especially within the financial sector.

However, the removal push has sparked strong backlash. More than 70 civil society organisations have risen in defence of Adedeji, dismissing the allegations as politically-motivated and targeted at derailing ongoing reforms at the FIRS. These groups argue that the campaign is driven by individuals threatened by Adedeji’s efforts to modernise revenue collection and close loopholes that previously enabled corruption.

Rights groups such as the Campaign for Democracy have also condemned the demands for Adedeji’s removal. They describe the coalition behind the petition as “shadowy” and unrepresentative of legitimate civic interests. Others, including the Southwest Unity Forum, have labelled the move a coordinated witch-hunt aimed at undermining national economic stability.

As tensions rise, stakeholders are watching for the government’s next steps whether it will order an investigation, hold parliamentary hearings, or disregard the petition entirely. The outcome is expected to carry significant implications for tax reforms, political accountability, and investor confidence in Nigeria’s revenue administration.

Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has criticised the excessive deployment of security personnel around Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism Awards in Lagos, Soyinka described the heavy security detail as “unjustifiable” and a reflection of “distorted priorities.”

He recounted seeing about 15 heavily armed officers stationed around a hotel in Ikoyi where Seyi was present, questioning why such resources are allocated to protect a private citizen while Nigeria faces widespread insecurity.

Soyinka warned that providing state-level security to individuals based solely on proximity to power undermines equity and national safety.

No formal response has been issued by the Presidency regarding his remarks.

Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and kidnapper, Godspower Cletus, while attempting to withdraw ransom money from a POS operator in Akure, the state capital.

The State Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olayinka Ayanlade, told newsmen that Cletus was caught while trying to access funds from the victim’s account via a POS terminal.

According to Ayanlade, the suspect had invaded the home of Mrs. Farimoyo Endurance in Odudu Community, Akure North Local Government Area, holding her at gunpoint and dispossessing her of valuables, including her phone and other goods.

Cletus allegedly forced Mrs. Endurance to call her husband, demanding a ransom of N5 million for her release. The husband reportedly transferred N1 million into his wife’s account, after which the suspect seized the ATM card and fled.

Luck ran out for the suspect when detectives, who had been tracking him, intercepted him at a POS point as he attempted to withdraw the ransom. He was immediately arrested and, during interrogation, confessed voluntarily to the crime.

Police investigations are ongoing to determine whether Cletus acted alone or is connected to other similar crimes in the state.

State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the swift action of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, noting that the arrest underscores the Command’s improved operational capacity and proactive approach to crime-fighting.

The Command urged residents to remain vigilant, especially during the festive season, and to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

“The Command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all residents, particularly during the festive season and beyond,” the PPRO added.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent national leadership crises within the party. His resignation letter, dated November 4, 2025, signaled his complete withdrawal from PDP after years of political association.

Following his exit, Adeleke has now joined the Accord Party. The move comes after Accord openly courted him, describing the party as stable, free of factions and godfather influence. The party has also begun reorganizing its structures in Osun State in anticipation of Adeleke’s arrival.

Adeleke’s defection is closely linked to the PDP’s internal turmoil and the fact that he lost the party’s 2026 governorship ticket to Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola after withdrawing from the primary. Joining Accord positions Adeleke to seek re-election in the 2026 Osun governorship race under a new platform.

The Royal Group (Egbe Omo Oba Alade Ile Ibadan), on Monday, commenced activities marking its 21st anniversary with a formal press conference in Ibadan, reaffirming its commitment to community development, cultural preservation and social welfare across Ibadanland.

Speaking during the briefing, held as part of the week-long anniversary celebration, the Club President, Prince Kamikun Akewula, said the organisation remains focused on strengthening social bonds and enhancing private participation in sustainable development. He noted that the anniversary theme, “Repositioning Ibadan: Strengthening Community Bonds and Enhancing Strategic Private Participation for Sustainable Development” reflects the vision of the club since its founding in 2004.

Prince Akewula highlighted the group’s achievements over the past two decades, including youth empowerment programmes, cultural promotion, and interventions across health, education and social welfare. He added that the Royal Group is also unveiling the club house project as part of its long-term plan to establish a permanent hub for that also be use as resource center for engaging Ibadan youths.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the 21st Anniversary Planning Committee, Prince Musa Busari-Akere, said the celebration would feature free-medical outreaches, charity visits, games, thanksgiving services and the grand finale celebration slated for Kakanfo Inn. He called for stronger support from public and private institutions, including philanthropists committed to advancing the growth of Ibadanland.

In continuation of the anniversary’s humanitarian activities, members of the club on Tuesday visited the Agodi-Gate Correctional Centre, where they donated food items, toiletries and other welfare materials to the inmates.

During the visitation, the club also paid the fines of two inmates to facilitate their immediate release, a gesture the leadership described as part of its mission to restore hope and support reintegration.

Speaking at the facility, Prince Akewula said the visit was in line with the club’s culture of giving back to society. “Our anniversary is not just a celebration; it is a reminder of our responsibility to uplift our communities and support those in vulnerable conditions,” he said.

Officials of the Correctional Service appreciated the club for its support, noting that such interventions play a vital role in improving inmate welfare.

The Royal Group’s 21st anniversary also continues through the week with free medical outreach at Osengere Community in Egbeda LG on Wednesday, Sports Games at Ibadan House on Thursday, Jumat service at Yusrhullahi Irorun Oluwa at Bashorun on Friday, Grand finale cultural celebration at Kakanfo Inn and thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Yemetu.

A mild drama unfolded at the Ooni of Ife’s 10th coronation anniversary when First Lady Oluremi Tinubu interrupted Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, cautioning him to stop singing and conclude his remarks.

Governor Adeleke, known for blending songs into his speeches, had begun singing during his address when Mrs. Tinubu approached him and firmly stated: “I give you five minutes to finish your speech. The music is enough.” Moments later, she reiterated her warning, saying, “Enough with the music, or I’ll switch off the microphone.”

The exchange, caught on video, quickly spread across social media, sparking mixed reactions. While some viewers defended the First Lady’s insistence on decorum at the formal event, others criticised the public reprimand of a sitting governor.

The incident occurred before top dignitaries, traditional rulers, and political leaders present at the ceremony. Neither Governor Adeleke nor the First Lady has issued an official statement regarding the moment.

The tussle for the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland stool has taken a dramatic turn as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has asked popular fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate, to provide concrete proof of his royal lineage before he can be considered for the throne.

In a statement issued by the chairman of the ruling house, Abdulateef Owoyemi, aspirants are required to submit a detailed seven-generation genealogy tracing their descent from the Fusengbuwa royal line. The directive followed Ayinde’s formal expression of interest in the kingship position, in which he claimed descent from the Oba Jadiara branch of the family.

The ruling house emphasised that only bona fide descendants would be screened and forwarded to the kingmakers, stressing that traditional institutions must adhere strictly to established succession rules. The verification exercise has become necessary due to rising public interest and the sensitive nature of the stool.

Responding to the controversy, Wasiu Ayinde defended his heritage, insisting that his paternal and maternal roots are traceable to Ijebu royalty. He noted that his long-standing cultural commitments and traditional titles conferred on him by the late Awujale further confirm his legitimacy.

The ruling house has set a deadline for all interested candidates to submit the required documents, after which eligible contenders will be screened. The final selection process is expected to proceed to the kingmakers and subsequently to the Ogun State Government for ratification.

The development has stirred widespread debate across Ijebuland, with opinions divided over Ayinde’s eligibility and the future of the revered throne.

Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has raised fresh concerns over the security architecture in the South-West, stating that the Amotekun Corps, despite its strong presence in the region, lacks the sophisticated weapons needed to confront terrorists and heavily armed criminals.

Speaking while assessing Nigeria’s current security challenges, Adams noted that many criminal groups operating across the country wield advanced rifles and military-grade weapons, placing regional security outfits at a disadvantage. He explained that Amotekun operatives remain committed to safeguarding communities but are insufficiently equipped for high-risk confrontations.

Adams argued that the limitations of Amotekun highlight the urgent need for the establishment of state police across Nigeria. According to him, insecurity can be significantly reduced within six months if state police structures—properly armed, trained, and legally empowered—are introduced nationwide.

He aligned with the long-standing position of Southern governors on decentralising the policing system, stressing that state policing is essential for grassroots intelligence gathering and rapid response to local threats. Adams added that concerns over potential political abuse should not overshadow the immediate priority of protecting lives and restoring safety in all regions.

He called on the Federal Government to urgently review the legal framework governing sub-national security outfits, warning that without stronger firepower and adequate support, groups like Amotekun may be overwhelmed by the growing sophistication of criminal networks.