Category: Featured

History has been made today as Oba Abimbola Owoade crowned the 46th Alaafin of Oyo. Owoade succeeds the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who died on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.

The coronation event took place today (Saturday) at Oliveth Baptist High School in Oyo, where Governor Seyi Makinde led a host of dignitaries, including notable Nigerians.

Dignitaries present at the coronation included the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; and Aare Oona Kankanfo of Yoruba, Iba Gani Adams, among others.

Oba Owoade, who was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital, ascends the throne after the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi passed away.

The new monarch completed the compulsory 21-day traditional rites known as Oro Ipebi last Saturday, March 29.

Security arrangements have been significantly enhanced ahead of the ceremony.

Today is the day in history where the stage is set to receive people across the world at the coronation ceremony of the new Alaafin, Oba Akeem Owoade 1.

It is undoubtedly a historic moment because the last time such event took place was over half a century.

Eminent personalities from all walks of life have begun thronging the ancient town of Oyo to witness the grand coronation of the new Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, a momentous occasion that marks the beginning of a new era for the Yoruba people.

The coronation which is filled with glitz and glamour is currently taking place at the Olivet Baptist Secondary School, Oyo Town.

Details of the ongoing event will be updated later.

The wife of a bricklayer identified as Mrs Iyanu Ehuwa Jeje has given birth to a set of triplets in Ondo State.

The woman successfully delivered three healthy baby boys at Aribo Hospital, Ibokoda, near Ilaje High School on Monday, March 31, 2025.

According to sources at the hospital, Iyanu was admitted to Igbokoda Health Centre, where she experienced a prolonged delay due to the unavailability of a doctor.

As her condition worsened, she was rushed to Aribo Hospital, where she safely delivered the triplets.

Currently, well-wishers have gathered at Aribo Hospital to offer assistance to the mother.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that her husband, Bayo Jeje, has not been seen since the birth of the children.

The women in Oyo State under the auspices of Female Leadership Legends have expressed their profound gratitude to the First Lady, His Excellency, Mrs. Olufunke Tamunominini Makinde for her development strides especially in the area of women empowerment and capacity building.

This was contained in a statement made available to Oduduwa News by the Founder who is also the Senior Special Adviser to Gov Makinde on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ramata Agberemi Dabo (RAD).

The initiative was birthed by RAD to enhance women’s leadership skills, strategic thinking, and overall personal and professional development.

Among areas of priorities of the initiative include strategic decision-making, effective communication, high-level problem-solving, women’s empowerment, and holistic personal development.

Through the initiative, several women have gained invaluable insights, expanded their networks, and strengthened their ability to effect meaningful change within their communities.

Beyond personal growth, the programme represents a legacy investment in the future of Oyo State as the beneficiaries are committed to applying the knowledge and skills gained, mentoring other women, and fostering a culture of leadership, unity and excellence.

The initiative reinforces the Oyo State First Lady’s belief that women are key drivers of development and need to be equipped with the necessary tools to excel in leadership positions.

In furtherance of her expository on the initiative, Ramata lauded Mrs. Makinde’s leadership role in enhancing capacity development of women, adding that women remain immensely grateful.

She said the wife of the Executive Governor, Mrs. Makinde Tamunominini has been a pillar of support to the initiative through capacity building among which was the sponsorship of 50 women to Dubai for leadership training.

She affirmed the position of the First Lady that women must continue to break down barriers that limit their progress, challenge stereotypes, and foster an environment of equal opportunity for all.

A Chieftain of Peoples’ Democratic Party PDP in Oyo State, Chief Yekini Adeojo has just been confirmed dead.

The leader of the ruling Party in Oyo State who was also the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) died today early hours of Friday.

As at the time of filing this report, no official statement has been made by the State Government on the death of the party Chieftain.

Details later.

The Alado of Ado-Awaye land,His Royal Majesty, Oba Rev’d Ademola Olugbile Folakanmi, Makuledoye 11, has congratulated the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, on his installation as the new Alaafin of Oyo, the Oyomessi and the entire people of Oyo town home and in diaspora on the installation of the new monarch.

This message is contained in a release signed by His Royal Majesty and made available to Oduduwa News by his Principal Secretary, Prince ‘Niyi Okunade.

The message further advised the new monarch to emulate the good legacy of late Oba Olayiwola as a custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition with a genuine love for his kingdom throughout his reign. Oba Folakanmi admonished further in the message that the new Alaafin should build his new administration all around God.

He equally advised him to extend olive branch to all contenders in the contest to the elusive throne. He therefore prayed that God will elongate his life on the throne of his forebears and that kites and eagles shall continue to peck and Oyo kingdom will witness unprecedented development during his reign.

Kabiesi, Alado of Ado-Awaye in the message, also established that historically, Alado Obakoyi who was a great founder of Ile Ado around 15 AD was a step brother to Alaafin Onigbogi , the 7th Alaafin of Oyo and as a matter of biological relation there had been a cordial relationship between the two monarchs till date. The monarch also made reference to the book of Samuel Johnson, titled “The History of Yoruba” ,pages 189-190, newly revised edition to establish the fact of the history.

Oba Folakanmi concluded in the message by appreciating the Oyo State Government under the amiable leadership of Governor Makinde Fnse, for good leadership roles he had played in resolving the crisis that rocked the emergency of a new Alaafin of Oyo and his enthronement and pleaded with all Oyo indigenes especially the contenders in the race to the throne to embrace peace and support the new Alaafin as he assumes office in the interest of good development of Oyo township. The message also further appreciated Governor Makinde for his determination to end every chieftaincy tussle as it affects kingship stool such as Soun of ogbomoso, Olubadan of Ibadan, Aseyin of Iseyin and Eleruwa of Eruwa among others in the state and concluded by wishing the new Alaafin of Oyo,Iku Baba yeye,Oba Abimbola Akeem,Owoade 1,a successful coronation and staff of office ahead.

The entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of fast-rising Nigerian artiste, Dripping louis.

The young talent was reportedly stabbed to death by his own uncle, identified as Bashiru, over a mere ₦600 bottle of Maltina.

The shocking incident occurred at their family house in Mokola, Ibadan, leaving neighbors and fans in disbelief. According to eyewitnesses, an argument broke out between the two over the soft drink, escalating into a fatal attack that ended the artiste’s life.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has warned of stern state action against traditional rulers of Ifon, Erin Osun and Ilobu communities if they fail to sustain current peace and de-escalation of the crisis in their communities.

The Governor issued the warning against the backdrop of online reports that some faceless groups across the conflict areas are planning another round of attacks.

“In the midst of sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun towns. The security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place.

“The security agencies are also speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains and actors in the conflict. I will remind top leaders of the towns that the peace undertaking they are signing are not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.

“The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas. Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.

“Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order. I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough”, the Governor was quoted as saying in the statement.

President Tinubu has sacked NNPCL GCEO Mele Kyari and appointed Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new GCEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman.

President Tinubu has also sacked all board members who were appointed alongside Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.

Adedapo Segun, who took over the role of chief financial officer from Umaru Isa Ajiya last November, has been named to the new board by President Tinubu.

Six board members, non-executive directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones. They are Bello Rabiu, North West, Yusuf Usman, North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas( NLNG), who represents North Central.

President Tinubu appointed Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige as a Non-executive director from the South West, and Henry Obih as a non-executive director from the South East.

Mrs Lydia Shehu Lafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.