Category: Featured

President , Nobel laureate , and other prominent figures have paid final tributes to renowned literary scholar during burial ceremonies held in Ibadan. Jeyifo, widely known as “BJ,” died on February 11, 2026, at the age of 80, leaving behind a distinguished legacy in African literary criticism, scholarship, and activism.

At the funeral events attended by academics, students, and members of the literary community, speakers described Jeyifo as a towering intellectual whose works shaped the study of African literature and cultural studies. The ceremonies included tributes, a burial service, and reflections on his decades-long contributions to scholarship and public discourse.

In his condolence message, Tinubu described the late professor as an intellectual giant whose writings and advocacy enriched academic thought in Nigeria and beyond. He also highlighted Jeyifo’s leadership role in the , noting that his efforts strengthened the defence of academic freedom and the welfare of university lecturers.

Soyinka also joined members of the to honour the late scholar during the burial rites. Colleagues and admirers remembered Jeyifo as a fearless thinker and mentor whose influence will continue to shape generations of scholars and writers.

Operatives of the in Oyo State have arrested two suspected cultists at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, following a security operation that led to the recovery of a firearm and other incriminating items.

The suspects were apprehended on the campus of after credible intelligence indicated that members of a rival cult group were planning an attack within the institution. Police sources disclosed that the operation was carried out in collaboration with campus security to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

Items recovered from the suspects include a locally fabricated pistol and suspected charms believed to be used for criminal activities. During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to being members of a secret cult group and admitted they were mobilising for a confrontation before they were intercepted by security operatives.

The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to ridding tertiary institutions of cultism and other violent crimes, warning students against involvement in unlawful groups. The command urged members of the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies to enhance safety within campuses and across the state.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of a kidnapped victim in Igbeti area.
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According to a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the abduction of 30-year-old Alhaji Gede Yusuf of Old Oyo National Park, Dauda Village via Igbeti, was reported at the Igbeti Divisional Police Headquarters.
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The Command, in collaboration with other security agencies and non-state actors, launched sustained intelligence-driven bush-combing operations across identified flashpoints.
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‎Police say the intense pressure mounted by the joint security team forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim, who was subsequently rescued unharmed.
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‎The victim was immediately taken to hospital for medical attention and has since been discharged in stable condition.

Controversy erupted on social media on Tuesday after Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, was seen in a cap bearing the logo of the (APC).

Photos and short video clips circulating online showed Igboho wearing the party-branded cap during a recent public appearance, sparking mixed reactions among supporters and political observers. While some described the development as surprising given his history of separatist agitation, others urged caution, noting that the context of the appearance remains unclear.

Igboho rose to prominence as a leading figure in the Yoruba Nation movement, advocating greater autonomy for the South-West region. His activism, particularly during heightened insecurity in parts of the region, made him a polarizing but influential figure in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. His perceived association—symbolic or otherwise—with a major political party has therefore generated significant debate.

Critics argue that the imagery contradicts the long-standing rhetoric of political independence associated with the Yoruba Nation campaign. Some social media commentators questioned whether the development signals a shift in strategy or a possible political realignment ahead of future elections. However, there has been no official statement from Igboho confirming membership of or support for the APC.

Supporters, on the other hand, dismissed the backlash as premature, insisting that wearing a party cap does not automatically translate into political defection or endorsement. They maintained that the activist has the constitutional right to associate freely and that conclusions should not be drawn without clarification from him directly.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Igboho nor representatives of the APC had issued an official statement addressing the controversy. The development continues to generate conversations across political and civic spaces, with many awaiting further explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the appearance.

There was tension at the Moniya Train Station in Ibadan on Wednesday morning following allegations that security personnel attached to the Federal Railway Corporation physically assaulted a lecturer from the University of Ibadan.

According to reports by Oduduwa News, the incident occurred in the early hours of the day when the lecturer, identified as Dr. Abdulsam of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, accompanied his sister to the train station for her scheduled trip to Lagos. He reportedly drove her in his private vehicle to the station but was said to have encountered hostility from security personnel over issues relating to the mode of payment for the passenger.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that what began as a disagreement over payment procedures soon escalated into a heated exchange. Sources alleged that one of the security operatives verbally assaulted the lecturer, hurling insults at him despite his reportedly calm and civil disposition during the conversation.

As efforts were being made to de-escalate the situation, it was further alleged that another security officer, accompanied by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the station, intervened physically. In the process, the lecturer was reportedly kicked to the ground, sustaining bruises to his leg.

Attempts to reach the Train Station Manager for comments were unsuccessful, as calls placed to the official lines were not answered at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has reportedly commenced an investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the altercation and determine appropriate action.

The development has sparked reactions among residents and members of the academic community, with many calling for a thorough probe and accountability where necessary.

President has appointed renowned fiscal policy expert, Taiwo Oyedele, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Finance, in a move widely interpreted as a strategic push to consolidate ongoing tax and revenue reforms. The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Presidency, highlighting Oyedele’s extensive experience in taxation, fiscal policy design, and public finance management.

Oyedele, who previously served as Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, played a central role in drafting key recommendations aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s tax system. Under his leadership, the committee proposed measures to simplify tax administration, expand the tax base, reduce multiple taxation, and improve compliance while protecting low-income earners and small businesses. His elevation to ministerial rank is expected to accelerate the implementation of these reforms.

Before his government role, Oyedele was a leading tax partner at PwC Nigeria and Head of Tax for Africa, where he advised governments and multinational corporations on fiscal strategy, tax structuring, and economic policy. His appointment is seen by analysts as a signal of policy continuity, particularly at a time when Nigeria is navigating revenue constraints, exchange rate adjustments, and subsidy reforms.

In his reaction, Oyedele expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal stability, improve revenue generation, and create a more investment-friendly environment. He emphasized the need for a fair, transparent, and growth-oriented tax system that supports economic expansion while easing the burden on vulnerable citizens.

Economic observers note that the new minister faces immediate challenges, including boosting non-oil revenue, managing public debt sustainability, stabilizing the naira, and supporting economic recovery amid global uncertainties. However, many believe his technocratic background and reform-driven approach could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fiscal governance.

The appointment has been welcomed by industry groups, financial analysts, and development partners, who see it as a strong indication that the administration intends to prioritize structural reforms in public finance management.

Further details regarding his swearing-in and policy roadmap are expected to be released in the coming days.

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The ancient town of Ikire in Ikire has been thrown into mourning following the passing of its revered monarch, the Akire of Ikire, His Royal Majesty Oba Olatunde Falabi.

The announcement of the monarch’s transition was made public today through one of Ikire’s prominent Facebook community platforms, confirming that the respected traditional ruler has “joined his ancestors,” a customary expression signifying the passing of a king in Yoruba tradition.

Oba Olatunde Falabi, who served as the Akire of Ikire, was widely regarded as a custodian of culture, tradition, and unity within the ancient town. During his reign, he played a significant role in fostering peace, community development, and the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Ikire, a historic town in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.

News of his demise has begun to circulate across the community and beyond, with residents, indigenes at home and in the diaspora, and well-wishers expressing shock and sadness over the loss.

As is customary with the passing of a traditional ruler, formal traditional rites and official statements from the palace and Osun State authorities are expected in due course.

Further details surrounding the circumstances of his passing and burial arrangements are yet to be officially released.

The late monarch’s transition marks the end of an era for the people of Ikire, as the community prepares to honor his legacy and begin the traditional processes that will eventually lead to the selection of a new Akire.

A massive joint security operation has been carried out in , targeting the Ikole–Irele axis following rising concerns over bandit activities in the area. The coordinated sweep involved multiple security agencies working together to comb forests and rural corridors believed to serve as hideouts for criminal elements. The operation follows repeated complaints from residents about attacks, kidnappings, and threats to farming communities.

The joint task force comprised personnel from the Police and alongside local forest guards. Security operatives were seen advancing into dense forest areas, dismantling suspected camps, and blocking escape routes allegedly used by bandits operating within the region.

The Ikole–Irele axis, largely rural with expansive forest cover, has recently experienced heightened insecurity, with reports of armed groups disrupting communities and instilling fear among residents. Farmers and traders have been particularly affected, as movement along key routes became risky due to repeated incidents attributed to bandit activity.

Although videos and reports of the operation have circulated widely online, there has yet to be a detailed official statement outlining arrests or recoveries.

However, many residents have welcomed the sweep, expressing hope that the intensified security presence will restore peace and stability across the affected communities.

The Presidency has dismissed viral reports alleging that kitchen staff at the Presidential Villa were arrested for attempting to poison President , describing the claim as false and misleading.

The rumour, which circulated widely on social media, alleged that a member of the kitchen staff at Aso Rock had been detained over an alleged plot involving the president’s food. The claim sparked reactions and concern online.

Responding to the allegation, , Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, refuted the report in a brief post on his X account, stating categorically that no such incident occurred.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the fake report and rely only on verified official sources for information, warning against the spread of unconfirmed stories capable of causing unnecessary panic.