Category: Featured

Panic and outrage have gripped residents of Mushin as hoodlums launched a fresh attack on the Idi-Araba area during the Eid celebrations, destroying several cars and looting properties in broad daylight. The violent incident has sparked renewed fears among locals and calls for urgent intervention from the Nigerian Army.

The attack, which took place on Eid day, has once again exposed the fragile security situation in Mushin, just days after Mushin Local Government Chairman, Bamigboye Emmanuel, issued a press release claiming that peace had been restored in the area.

According to eyewitnesses and community members, the hoodlums stormed Idi-Araba in large numbers, smashing windshields, vandalizing shops, and carting away valuables from terrified residents and traders.

“This is not the first time, and it clearly won’t be the last if nothing is done,” a resident who witnessed the attack told Oduduwa News. “They came in broad daylight during a festive celebration and turned everything into chaos. Where are the police? Where is the government?”

Residents say they feel abandoned by local authorities and accuse Chairman Bamigboye of misleading the public by concealing or downplaying the persistent and worsening insecurity in the area. Many believe the local government has failed in its primary duty to protect lives and property.

“This is exactly why people no longer believe what our leaders say. Just a few days ago, the council chairman said peace had returned. Look at us now still living in fear, still being attacked,” another resident lamented.

The recent wave of violence has also raised questions about the capacity and commitment of the Nigeria Police to tackle the recurring threat of criminal gangs in the area. Many locals have now issued a passionate call for the deployment of military forces to restore order.

“We need the Nigerian Army now. The police have tried but clearly cannot handle this situation. If nothing is done soon, it could escalate into something more deadly,” a community leader warned.

With Mushin residents now living in fear, there is growing pressure on the Lagos State Government and federal security agencies to step in and bring the situation under control before it spirals further.

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has announced his decision to adopt the title Alaafin of Iwo, stating that he will formally notify the Osun State Government of the change.

The recent revelation by Oluwo was made amid the renewed supremacy battle between Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Adeyeye and Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade.

The notable traditional ruler in Oyo State has been in moodswings occasionally adopting the title of Emir after marrying a Fulani wife.

The monarch made this known on Tuesday while receiving the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, who paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Iwo.

Oba Akanbi said he considers the title “Alaafin” to be of the highest prestige within the Yoruba traditional hierarchy and intends to adopt it in line with historical legacy.

“I don’t know any other title in Yorubaland that is superior to the Alaafin. Alaafin will continue to be Alaafin because that is the title that Oramiyan adopted and I will also adopt the saying,” he said.

“Henceforth, I will also want to be called Alaafin of Iwo and we will inform the government about it,” he added.

The Oluwo also expressed confidence in the leadership of Oba Owoade, praising his humility and exposure as qualities that would usher in peace and significant progress for the Oyo Kingdom. He reaffirmed the strong historical ties between Iwo and Oyo, noting that the bond between the two ancient towns would continue to thrive.

Earlier in his remarks, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade, who was accompanied by his wife, Olori Abiwumi, and Oyo chiefs, said the visit was to appreciate the Oluwo for attending his coronation ceremony in April.

“I came to see Oluwo because he was at my coronation ceremony in April. Even when my name was mentioned as Alaafin-elect, Oluwo called to congratulate me. It is also good to come around to pay him a courtesy visit,” he said.

He emphasized the longstanding cordial relationship between Iwo and Oyo and expressed his commitment to sustaining it during his reign.

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has praised the sustained faith of the people of the state in his administration in the face of challenges, promising to reward the sacrifices of Osun people with further good governance deliveries.

Adeleke who was seen today at the Eid praying ground with a monarch, Timi of Ode, Oba Adesola Munirudeen Lawal, Laminisa I.

Governor Adeleke who made a statement through his Spokesperson, Mallam Abdulrasheed Olawale, congratulates Muslims in the state and beyond for the spiritual renewal that the moment offers, urged for a deep reflection of the way that faith in Allah can overcome any challenges and create a path for a lifelong benefits.

The Governor who recognises the value for sacrifices and devotion which Allah conveyed to mankind through Prophet Ibrahim (ASW) and his son, Prophet Ismail (ASW), tasked faithfuls to use this sacred moment to renew their commitment to help those in distress and support efforts that elevates communities.

“When Allah asked Prophet Ibrahim (ASW) to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (ASW), he didn’t look back and push ahead to carry out the instruction. It was unusual, and that total submission to the will of Allah, which Prophet Ibrahim (ASW) demonstrated, didn’t go unrewarded,” the Governor was quoted as saying.

“Eid-Il-Kabir is a celebration of faith and the bountiful rewards that come with sacrifices. It is also a moment to reflect on the lessons of devotion and its power to overcome the pains of the moment and ensure a future that is full of excitement.

“Osun is blessed to have people of firm resolve for progress. Through perseverance, resourcefulness and commitment for growth, Osun people have sided with our genuine efforts at transforming lives and building hopes for a better future.

“As a government, we are taking initiatives that will reward the faith of the people in our administration, alleviating past disappointments with visible and impactful deliverables. I call for sustained support and prayer for our administration in our continued drive to make Osun the envy of other places not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.”

The president of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a big sallah greeting message to the muslims of Nigeria, saying that the eid is a sign that shows the end of ten days full of blessings and opportunities for worship and good works. Again, it’s time to thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us as a nation and as per the Iron Horse TV reported.

President Tinubu has also added that it is necessary to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim A. S and Prophet Muhammad S.A.W taught us. He continues that the Eid celebration reminds us of the burden we have to sacrifice for the development of our country through perseverance and perseverance. “I appreciate the patience and perseverance Nigerians have shown as we face tough changes, we face challenges together, we face a brighter tomorrow”. He said.

According to President Tinubu, the journey is not easy, but with the help of workers and perseverance Nigerians are getting good results, “I assure you that the hard time is over, we are now in a new season to reap the wealth we promised you two years ago.” “Though we are not yet where we wish, but I call on Nigerians not to give up on our hope, very soon we will be tired”. Let me hear it.

President Tinubu also added that his plans are sustainable things that will be reaped in the future. He added to his condolence to the people of Mokwa in Niger State and may God forgive those who lost their lives due to the floods that led to the devastation on May 28, 2025.

He also wishes Nigerians to continue including the security forces of this country in prayers for the best of luck considering the sacrifices they make in security and life of the people. He also added to the call to include leaders at all levels in prayer and seek for wealth and blessings in the country.

Finally, President Tinubu has prayed that God accept the worship and bless Nigeria.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said his administration has completed 16 out of the 22 road projects it has embarked upon in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area since its inception six years ago.

The governor disclosed this in Ijebu-Ode at the commissioning of the Awokoya, Igbeba-Yidi Road.

He said his government took an interest in the roads because of their importance to the socio-economic life of the people and to stop the yearly loss of lives, particularly on the Yidi Road.

He said: “Today, I stand here very proud, standing tall, beating my chest, knowing that since 2019, this administration has awarded 22 roads in Ijebu-Ode alone.

“Out of the 22 roads we awarded in Ijebu-Ode, we’ve completed 16 of those roads, while six other roads are ongoing.

“When I assumed office on the 29th of May, 2019, Ijebu-Ode was one of the first cities that we visited, and the reason was not far-fetched.

“I wanted to have an on-the-spot assessment of the situation of our roads in Ijebu-Ode, and what was brought to my attention were particularly the flooding and erosion issues that Ijebu-Ode was experiencing. I made a promise that my administration would ensure that these issues become history.”

The governor, who reiterated his commitment to the fair and equitable distribution of developmental projects in all sections of the state, noted that as the state helmsman, his job is to ensure all-round development of the state.

He said that with the recent hosting of the National Sports Festival, the state has grown from being the industrial capital, the education capital, and the sports capital to become the cultural capital of Nigeria, attributing this to the ‘can-do’ spirit of the people of the state.

While assuring the people of Ijebuland that this year’s Ojude Oba Festival would be eventful, Governor Abiodun stated that his administration has elevated it to international standards.

Former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga, in her goodwill message, said the road had been in very bad shape over the years, causing motorists to undergo traumatic experiences. She appreciated the governor for coming to their rescue, adding that he has carried out many infrastructural developments in Ijebu-Ode and its environs.

The member representing Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu, and Ijebu North East Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Olufemi Ogunbamwo, noted that six years of Governor Abiodun’s administration have brought tremendous socio-economic development to Ijebu-Ode and Ogun State, saying the road project was an indication that the present administration is people-oriented.

The Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, lauded the governor for the even distribution of projects across the state, which he said was unprecedented, and commended him for being good to the state workers.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya noted that the roads were in a deplorable condition and prone to flooding, stating that with their reconstruction, residents of the area would heave a sigh of relief.

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday denied claims that two students were arrested for protesting the presence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on the campus.

According to report x Wike was delivering the Distinguished Personality Lecture at the university’s Oduduwa Hall on the topic, “Nigeria of Our Dreams.”

It was, however, gathered that the two students, Oladepo Joshua and Ejike Kelechi, raised placards inside the hall calling out the minister to “compensate those that you demolished their houses.”

In a video seen by newsmen, the duo was subsequently whisked out of the hall by security officials while the minister was speaking.

Multiple sources on the campus told Punch that the students were taken to the security base of the institution known as ‘Floor 0’ in the Senate Building of the school.

“They were in Oduduwa Hall for the event Wike came for. We presently don’t know their whereabouts,” a student who gave her name simply as Gift for fear of victimisation, said.

“I’m just getting to Floor 0. They were taken to Floor 0 together with security details attached to Wike. They wanted to take them away. But I learnt security operatives appealed to Wike’s security officials not to take them away,” another source said.

The Education Rights Campaign’s National Mobilisation Officer, Adaramoye Michael, also said “the arrest of these two student activists is condemnable, and it shows the despotism obtainable in tertiaryE institutions today.

The Students’ Union at the university said it had yet to get full details of the incident.

“As of this time, I just heard rumours. At this particular event, I was not in attendance, and I don’t have any detailed report yet,” the union’s spokesperson, Aka Daniel, said in a chat with our correspondent

Thousands of pilgrims, including Nigerians, have defied the heat wave and stormed mount Arafat for prayer and reflection for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia’s minister of Hajj had issued an advisory for pilgrims to stay in their tents between 10am and 4pm today, warning of the heat exhaustion when thousands scale the sacred hill.

On Sunday, the Saudi National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) had issued heatwave warnings for Hajj 2025, urging pilgrims to take precautions amid soaring daytime temperatures between 40°C and 47°C.

The NCM forecasted challenging weather, including high temperatures, potential thunderstorms, and reduced visibility.

However, pilgrims, men and women, have trekked a long distance and ascended the top of Mount Arafat, praying and reflecting.

Speaking to our correspondent, one of the pilgrims from Nigeria, Yusuf Hassan, said he’s aware of the advisory but couldn’t suppress his desire to see and climb the ‘mount of mercy’.

“I promised myself that I will climb Mount Arafat and pray whenever Allah (SWT) gives me the opportunity to come. So, for me, it’s a promise fulfilled,” he said.

Our correspondent also reports that the majority of pilgrims heed to the advisory, and engaged in Quranic recitation and prayers within their tents.

He also reported that Helicopters were seen hovering over the sky, while police and other security operatives were strategically stationed and patrolling streets, guiding pilgrims on how to abide by their country’s law.

“A visit to Mount Arafat is something great that every able Muslim should not miss. It is the best day for Muslims during the year, and the best feeling that anyone can experience,” said Hazaifa Sani, a Nigerian pilgrim.

Also, many pilgrims were seen outside the tent, raising their hands in worship with tears streaming down their faces.

Another pilgrim, Muhammed Sheriff, said he feels honored to be part of the 2025 Hajj and to participate in the Arafat,

“It’s a great feeling for me and the best place for anyone hoping to be here on this day and at this moment,” he said.

Mount Arafat has a great significance in Islam as Prophet Mohammed gave his farewell sermon at the location.

They will also spend the night in Muzdalifah, pick pebbles, and head for Mina for the stoning of the devil after a Subh (dawn) prayer.

At a media briefing held yesterday, the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources declared a firm stance: the era of environmental indiscipline is over.

Effective July 1, the state will begin full enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics, marking a bold step towards a cleaner, safer Lagos. Offenders who flout environmental laws, whether by dumping refuse illegally, littering streets, or defacing public space, will face hefty penalties of up to ₦250,000 or 3 months imprisonment.

Already, over 3,000 environmental offenders have been arrested, as the government intensifies both surveillance and public advocacy.

Existing bans on cart pushing, public defecation, and illegal street trading remain in full force.

The tragic incident occured on Monday when the news broke out that one young guy suddenly fell from the 26th floor of Cocoa House, the tallest building in Oyo State.

It was however gathered that the identity of the victim who was pronounced as brought in dead at the hospital was a fresh graduate of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State (ABUAD), and was undergoing training in cybersecurity at a company based on the eighth floor of the building.

The deceased, known as Feranmi Akin-Akinye, the 22-year-old graduate who fell from the 26th floor of the iconic Cocoa House building in Ibadan, Oyo State, has been finally buried.

A neighbour of the deceased, who pleaded for anonymity, said on Wednesday that Akin-Akinye lived with his mother in the Meridian area of Apata, Ibadan, while his father was reportedly based in the United States.

The source alleged that the young man was instructed by the company he worked for to mount a large wall banner at the top of Cocoa House, a task typically reserved for professionals equipped with the proper tools and machineries.

“I blame the company for his death. He came from a good home, he was very humble and respectful. He had a car his parents gave him, but you’d never know from the way he carried himself.

“They asked him to mount a giant banner meant for professionals, and because of his humility, he complied,” the neighbour said.

The neighbour also claimed that following the incident, the company attempted to downplay the tragedy.

“They said he was taken to the emergency ward even though he had already died. His mother wasn’t even contacted by the company, it was a random person who called her.

“When 32 FM, which operates within Cocoa House, tried to take photos, they were prevented. His body was quickly covered with a cloth. I heard his body was badly mang!3d,”the neighbour added.

Akin-Akinye was buried on Tuesday by his church, Winners Chapel.

It was learnt that his father’s siblings were considering legal action against the company for alleged negligence.

A group of elderly women working as street sweepers under the Oyo State Waste Management Authority (OYWMA) faced a challenging situation as most of them find it difficult to feed themselves due to the 5-month wages owed them.

The group of elderly women have on several occasions registered their displeasure against the continuing delay of their monthly emolument.

In an investigative report by Oduduwa News, the elderly women had worked for several months and are being subjected to untold hardship having been denied of their monthly emolument.

The stipend usually given to these women ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 has not been paid to them, piling up for several months amid the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

One will wonder that the meagre amount of money usually given to these group of women would be disbursed to them as at when due but reverse has always been the case, leaving the women to wallow in suffering and pains despite working all round the clock to tidy up the environment in Ibadan metropolis.

According to an anonymous source, it was gathered that the contractor handling the waste management in Oyo State has been shortchanging these women for a very long period of time while the women have been left to carry their cross without anybody coming to their aide.

Recall, these women had faced similar situation in the past when they were owed several months by a private contractor, West AfricaENRG contracted by Oyo State Government but later dismissed due to issue related to payment delays and record keeping discrepancies.

One would have thought that Oyo State Government would have found a lasting solution to the starvation and hunger facing these elderly women due to unnecessary delay in their monthly emolument.

The affected workers, many of whom are elderly rely on these wages for their livelihood despite the fact that they have been finding it difficult to cope with harsh economic environment.

This continuous delay in payment of contract staff underscores the challenges that can arise when public services are outsourced to private contractors without stringent oversight. It also highlights the importance of transparent record-keeping and the need for the government accountability to protect the rights and welfare of vulnerable workers.