Category: Featured

The ruling was pronounced by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, on Monday. The Oyo State High Court in Ibadan has granted the bail applications filed by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, owner of a prominent indigenous radio station, Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdullahi Fasasi.

The ruling was pronounced by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, on Monday. Oriyomi was granted N10 million bail and required to provide two sureties.

The court also ruled that his organisation must not broadcast the news.

The defendants argued their bail applications before the court last Tuesday but the court later ruled that the defendants should be remanded in prison till today (Monday) for a ruling on their bail application.
Last Tuesday, the defence team made a case for bail, arguing that the accused didn’t pose a flight risk and were willing to cooperate with the investigation.

However, the Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, strongly countered this motion, highlighting the seriousness of the charges and the need to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

Adekunle Shobaloju (SAN), counsel for one of the defendants, Hamzat Oriyomi, said, “Well, what we did was we filed an application that he should be admitted to bail pending arraignment, and the application was argued today.

“The court listened to all the various arguments, and the ruling was reserved till the 13th of January. So principally, we are saying that he ought to be admitted on bail based on certain grounds which I would not want to expatiate on here.”

The defendants were arrested over the ill-fated children’s festive party in December 2024 which claimed the lives of at least 35 children following a stampede at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has insisted that those involved in the stampede must face trial.

He, however, added that he wasn’t against the suspects being granted bail in the case.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to join hands with governments at all levels to build a country where unity and peace would continue to prevail over division and silence the echoes of conflict.

Governor Abiodun made the call during the Special Church Service held to mark the year 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.

The Governor also called on the people to ensure that the legacies of the fallen heroes remain alive, saying that they fought for the territorial integrity of the country.

“Today, let us pledge to honour their memory not only with ceremonies but with actions. Let us build a Nigeria where unity prevails over division, where peace silences the echoes of conflict and where the sacrifices of our heroes inspire us to serve one another selflessly,” he said.

Governor Abiodun added that the welfare of the families of the country’s fallen heroes shouldn’t rest solely on the shoulders of the Nigeria Legion alone, but should be a shared responsibility of the people of the country.

He added that their sacrifices should be enshrined in the heart of the country’s history and the fabric of the collective consciousness of the people.

“We must ensure that the legacies of our armed forces remain alive, enshrined in the heart of our nation’s history and the fabric of our collective consciousness.

“The Legion have continued to ensure that the families of our fallen heroes are well cared for. However, this responsibility should not rest solely on the shoulders of the Nigeria Legion alone.It must be seen as a collective duty, a debt that we all owe in honour of the memory of our departed men and women.

“As a nation, it is our moral duty to support and care for them, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten,” he said.

While noting that the armed forces remembrance day isn’t just a day in the calendar, but a sacred moment to reflect on the sacrifices of the country’s fallen heroes and recommit ourselves to the ideals for which they stood, Governor Abiodun noted that their sacrifices is a testament to ththeir triotism, resilience and courage.

“They stood firm in the face of adversity defending the unity of our nation during times of war and unrest. They faced life threatening situations to ensure that the dreams of millions of Nigerians will not be extinguished.

“Their blood, sweat and tears have down the seed of hope, peace and national pride, let us all take a moment to appreciate the families of this heroes; the unsung heroes who endeared the pain of loss with unyielding grace,” he added.

The Governor promised to continue to implement measures that would help cushion the bumps on the path of the economic renaissance of the country for all of its citizens and residents, adding that his administration will continue to support law enforcement agencies in the state.

In his sermon, the Rt. Rev’d Emmanuel Akinrodoye, the Bishop of Egba Diocese, the African Church, stressed the need for Nigerians to appreciate God despite the nation’s numerous challenges, saying it is only when they acknowledged God’s benevolence that He could heal the land.

He said it is imperative for Nigerians to remain prayerful especially for the families and the nation, be steadfast in faith, be united and extend hands of fellowship by using their gifts and resources to uplift others.

Bishop Akinrodoye called on the government to provide security agencies the needed resources to overcome insurgency that is troubling the nation, calling on Nigerians to show love to security personnel who are working round the clock to protect the nation as well as the families of those who paid the ultimate price for th peace of the nation.

Prayers were offered for the peace of the nation, Ogun State, the governor and families, while Governor Abiodun read from the book of Ephesians chapter 2 verses 1 to 10.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has expressed confidence in Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, as a potential governor for Lagos State. Olawande emphasized that Seyi is both qualified and not too young to lead the state, citing his leadership qualities and contributions to youth development.

In an interview with Seun Okinbaloye, the minister described Seyi as his leader and mentor, praising his ability to inspire and elevate young Nigerians even before his father assumed the presidency. “He is not too young to become a governor, that’s the truth. Everybody has the tendency to become whatever it is you want to become. He is a well-trained young man that has built a lot of young people, massive young people even when his father was not the president,” Olawande remarked.

The minister further highlighted Seyi Tinubu’s dedication to creating opportunities for Nigerian youth, stating that he is actively involved in initiatives to improve their lives. “As the President’s son, he is not away in the United States or somewhere else enjoying himself, but he is there doing the work himself and wants to see how things can go well for the young people of this country,” Olawande added.

This endorsement follows the November 2024 announcement by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), which backed Seyi Tinubu as a successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. However, Olawande clarified that Seyi has no involvement in the campaigns or endorsements advocating for his governorship aspirations. “Seyi is not the one engineering the campaign to become the next governor of Lagos State,” the minister asserted.

The potential candidacy of Seyi Tinubu has sparked conversations among Lagosians and political stakeholders about youth leadership and the future of governance in the state. As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over his qualifications and readiness to lead will likely intensify.

The former Governor of Osun State, Engr. RAUF Aregbesola has said that Yoruba traditional rulers do not have a particular religions and that they must be fathers to all religions.

Aregbesola said this in a statement made available via his X handle as read in part:

“Kings in Yorubaland don’t have a religion. There is no king in Yorubaland that can be a Muslim. Our kings know that. No monarch in Yorubaland can lay claim to one religion. Unless the monarch is not from Yorubaland.

“A Yoruba monarch must participate in all religions. When they are celebrating the Egugun festival, you will participate with them. You don’t have the power to deny them. That is how Almighty God created Yoruba.

“I want to appreciate the monarchs who are present here today. This is how a Yoruba monarch should behave. Whatever they are doing, whether Islam, Christianity or traditional religion, a Yoruba monarch should participate in it.”

Akinola Market, a weekly marketplace in Ipetumodu, Osun State, was engulfed by fire, destroying goods worth millions of naira.

The incident, which occurred late on Friday, caused panic among traders who had all gone home after the day’s activities. Many rushed back to the market in distress after receiving calls about the inferno.

A trader, who preferred to remain anonymous for security reasons, said the cause of the fire had not been determined, adding that the section affected was where tubers of yam were stored.

“I was called late on Friday. I had left the market about four hours earlier. The part affected is the stalls where yam sellers usually keep their produce.

The House of Oduduwa, under the leadership of Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, congratulates the Alaafin-elect, Prince Abimbola Owoade, on his appointment as the new custodian of the timeless heritage of Oyo Kingdom. This monumental decision heralds a new era of prosperity, unity, and cultural preservation for the great people of Oyo.

The Ooni who doubles as Co- Chair, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria(NCTRN) and Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council(SNTRC) commends the patience displayed by the royal family, kingmakers, and the people of Oyo home and in diaspora, both at home and in the diaspora throughout this sacred process which lasted over two years, praising the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State for providing the enabling environment and supporting the smooth transition that has now birthed a new royal era.

Historically, Oyo and Ile-Ife share an unbreakable bond rooted in divine origin and Yoruba Cultural Preservation. Oyo remains a very important crown jewel in Yoruba land. This interconnected lineage emphasizes the significance of the Alaafin’s throne, which remains a vital pillar in the structure of Yoruba traditional governance and heritage. The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade signifies the continuation of this sacred bond and the unwavering strength of the Yoruba cultural legacy.

We are confident that the Alaafin-elect will build upon the enduring legacy of his predecessors particularly the immediate past Alaafin; Late Oba Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi III who had ruled Oyo with enviable and sterling leadership quality. Now that you have emerged victorious, you have become father of all who must really all other contestants for the growth of Oyo kingdom because, you can not do it alone, you must bring everyone on board, Oyomesi must remain united under your watch either those who supported you or those who didn’t support you, you must be magnanimous in victory. Please be ready to toe the path of peace with all the kingmakers without favouritism and partiality so that you can serve your people as a beacon of hope, justice, and development. Your ascension is a testament to the resilience of our traditions and the shared aspiration for progress across the Yoruba race.

The House of Oduduwa calls on the sons and daughters of Oyo, from all walks of life, to rally around their new monarch and work together to uphold the glory of the kingdom. It is through collective support and collaboration that Oyo will continue to thrive and maintain its place as a cornerstone of Yoruba greatness.

As we celebrate this historic moment, the House of Oduduwa reiterates its commitment to fostering unity among Yoruba monarchs, preserving our shared cultural identity, and ensuring the prosperity of all Yoruba people worldwide.

Yoruba Muslims under the aegis of Yoruba Muslims for Freedom (YMF) has condemned Seyi Makinde’s christianisation agenda. In a press release made available to newsmen, the spokesman of YMF, Mr Lateef Akinwale uncovered the agenda of replacing all Muslim Yoruba Monarchs with RCCG Pentecostal Christians.

The spokesman gave a list of 25 monarchs to show the trend. He said the last 25 Muslim monarchs that died on throne were all replaced by RCCG Radical Pentecostal Christians.

“Muslims have been marginalised in Yoruba land for too long. We can no longer remain silent in the face of this shameless oppression, marginalisation and the denial of our rights to freedom of worship. We reject the forceful christianisation of Muslims by denying them jobs, scholarships and political appointments unless they convert “

“Yoruba Muslims make up 70% of the population of the South West but as we speak there is no a single Yoruba Muslim as a Governor. 5 of the 6 deputy governors are Christians. 80% of Ministers are Christians, 92% of State Commissioners are Christians. We cannot accept this arrangement ” he added.

“This agenda to clear Islam is even more paramount in the Muslim Majority state of Oyo and Osun. Governor Seyi Makinde is hell bent on removing even the smallest trace of Islam in Oyo. His recent insistence that Muslims do not have the right to practice their religion (Shari’a) is a violation of the Nigerian constitution “

“Since he came into office he replaced Muslim monarchs with Christian pentecostals. It started with the Muslim-majority Ogbomoso, then Iseyin and finally now to Oyo. We condemn this christianisation agenda in it’s totality”

“Yoruba Muslims must wake up and take back their country. Minority rule is alien to democracy. These monarchs are oppressing Muslims within their domain, sometimes even having the audacity to determine who will be an Imam and who will not be. Islam must be separated from traditional states in Yoruba land”.

“We will mobilise Muslims in 2027 to make sure that Muslims vote for Muslims, and Christians vote for their Christians. No Christian will ever rule the Muslim Majority states of Osun, Oyo, and Lagos. Yoruba Muslims must be free. I assure you not even a christian councillor, chairman, rep or Senate will come out again from Muslim-majority domains. We must do everything to recover our thrones given to Pentecostal Christians. Enough is enough” he added

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the conduct of the 2023 and 2024 promotion exercises for eligible civil/public servants in the state.

A total of 26,764 civil/public servants spanning junior, senior, and management cadres across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the state government are expected to benefit from the exercises, which will involve only oral interviews as the assessment method.

A statement issued by the State’s Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the approved promotion exercises, including upgrading and transfers, cover eligible civil/public servants within the core civil service, teaching and non-teaching staff of government secondary schools, primary school teachers, and personnel of state-owned boards, corporations, and agencies, including the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH).

According to Onasanya, the Governor has also approved the conduct of the December 2024 edition of the combined confirmation/promotion tests and compulsory public service examinations for officers in the senior and junior cadres, usually organized by the Bureau of Establishments and Training, Office of the Head of Service, for the career progression of eligible officers.

He said the state government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritize the welfare of its workers as part of its “Building Our Future Together” agenda, pointing out that approval for the conduct of the promotion exercises by the Governor is yet another demonstration of his commitment to improving the welfare, morale, and professional growth of its teeming workforce.

The Head of Service expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for his numerous laudable and worker-friendly policies that have significantly enhanced the well-being and career growth of workers and called for their total re-dedication to their duties.

Kingmakers in Oyo have described the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin by Governor Seyi Makinde as illegal and unlawful.

Recall that earlier today, the state government announced that Makinde had approved the appointment of a new Alaafin of Oyo, two years after the stool became vacant.

However, five Kingmakers from the town have declared the appointment null and void because they did not recommend such a name to the state government, insisting that the only person they recommended as the next Alaafin is Prince Luqman Gbadegesin.

The Kingmakers, who made this declaration in a letter to the Governor signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, include High Chief Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo; Chíef Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo, and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief stand-in for Alapinní of Oyo.

“You will recall that on 30th September, 2022 at the meeting of the Kingmakers in accordance with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration, 1961, the Kingmakers appointed Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin of Oyo by majority of the lawful votes of the Kingmakers.

“Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin having obtained the majority of votes of the Kingmakers present and voting was deemed appointed and his name was forwarded to your Excellency as the candidate appointed by the Kingmakers as Alaafin of Oyo for your approval which you refused to approved for no disclosed reason at all. The Kingmakers thereafter filed an action to stop your excellency from truncating the process, culminating in the present appeal at the court of appeal,” the letter read.

They noted that they were surprised that in the announcement by the government, it claimed that the selection was made after
wide consultation and divination. “We must emphatically state that the Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but in strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which codifies the native law and custom governing the selection process for the vacant stool of the Alaafin.

“Under the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, it is only the Bashorun of Oyo, the head of the Oyomesi and Kingmakers that can, summon a meeting of the Kingmakers for the purpose of selecting a candidate to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo. In this instance, the Bashorun did not summon any such meeting, nor was there any meeting convened in the Alaafin’s palace, as custom demands where the said Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade was select or appointed as the new Alaafin.

“Any meeting of few kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs held at the Governor’s office on the gth of January,2025 or elsewhere at the instance of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to select the preferred candidate of the Governor as the new Alaafin is not only contrary to the native law and custom and Chieftaincy Declaration of Alafin of Oyo Chieftaincy but unlawful, illegal, invalid, null and void.

“It is not the duty of the Governor to convene the meeting of few kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs to select or appoint a new Alaafin on the 9th of January, 2025 and hurriedly approve the appointment on the 10th of January, 2025,” they added.

A new Alaafin of Oyo has been formally approved by Governor Seyi Makinde.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said that Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by the Governor of Oyo State.

According to the commissioner, a statement to this effect has been issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ademola Ojo, who said that the announcement has put to rest, all the socio and legal bickerings that have ensued since the demise of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.

Hon. Ademola Ojo called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the Government in celebrating this momentus occasion and lend their support to the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The Commissioner prays that his reign will bring peace, prosperity and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom.