Category: Featured

Ibadan, January 20, 2026 — A civic group, the Oyo Heritage Forum, has petitioned the Oyo State House of Assembly, calling for an urgent investigation into the recent selection of the Alaafin of Oyo, citing alleged irregularities, political interference and growing legal disputes surrounding the process.

In a petition addressed to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, the group urged lawmakers to initiate a legislative inquiry into the appointment of Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, warning that the development has plunged the revered Alaafin stool into legal and political uncertainty.

The group alleged that the traditional kingmakers, known as the Oyo Mesi, had earlier reached a consensus in favour of Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, in line with the 1961 Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration. According to the petitioners, the subsequent appointment of Oba Owoade by the state government amounted to a circumvention of traditional procedures, which they described as a dangerous precedent capable of undermining the integrity of traditional institutions.

The petition further referenced an ongoing court case filed by Prince Gbadegesin, noting that the matter has rendered the current monarch’s position legally vulnerable. The group also questioned the reliance on Ifa divination in the selection process, citing a 2022 High Court ruling which, they claimed, held that Ifa consultation is not a legal requirement under the existing chieftaincy declaration. In addition, they raised concerns over the alleged use of emergency warrant chiefs to validate the process.

The petitioners also accused the monarch of political partisanship and insubordination, citing his legal action against the Oyo State Government over the Oyo State Council of Obas (Further Amendments) Law 2025. They argued that such action, coupled with what they described as visible alignment with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), has further heightened tensions between the traditional institution and the state executive.

As part of their demands, the group called on the House of Assembly to convene a public hearing, invite surviving members of the Oyo Mesi to testify, and review the entire selection process to determine whether there was undue political influence. They also urged lawmakers to ensure full compliance with the 2025 law governing the rotational chairmanship of the Council of Obas.

The petition was signed by Otunba Dare Adelekan, Group Chief Executive of Probe Communications Group, who described the petition as a move to protect the sanctity of the Oyo throne and preserve public confidence in traditional institutions.

As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government and the Palace had not issued an official response to the allegations.

In a move of necessity aimed at ensuring a smooth, befitting, and well-coordinated transitional process, bidding the outgoing indigenous national leadership of the Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union (FOSSU National) a commendable and commemorative farewell while ushering in the newly elected leaders of the union, the Senior Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Students’ Affairs, Hon. Victor Olojede Dideoluwa, has officially inaugurated the FOSSU National Inauguration Committee. The inauguration took place yesterday in his office at the Ministry of Education, Oyo State Secretariat Complex, Agodi, Ibadan.

Following this development, the inauguration was occasioned by an official correspondence addressed to the office of the SSA on Students’ Affairs by the incoming leadership of the union under the stewardship of Hon. Comrade Ààre Mufutau Ahmed Ademola, through which names of competent and experienced individuals drawn across the five zones of Oyo State were submitted for the proper constitution of the Inauguration Committee, subject to the approval of the SSA.

Subsequently, the nine-member FOSSU National Inauguration Committee was formally inaugurated by Hon. Victor Olojede Dideoluwa, with Ààre Ogunola Sodiq Olayemi appointed as Chairman, while Comr. Jamiu Lukman Asiri and Comr. Akanni Muhammed serve as Co-Chairmen. Sen. Ààre (Amb.) ISHAK Yusuf Oyetunji (Sagacity), the Oke-Ogun Zone National President, was named Secretary of the committee and Ààre Yusuff Ridwan Folarin, Oyo Zone National President as Public Relations Officer. Other members include:

• Comrade Mufutau Ahmed A., FOSSU National President-Elect
• Ààre Giwa Kamorudeen, Ibadan Zone National President
• Ààre Alaja Joseph Oluwafemi, Ogbomoso Zone National President
• Ààre Abass Adesola Olaniyan, Ibarapa Zone National President

In his address to the committee, the SSA charged members to work efficiently and collaboratively to deliver an outstanding and unprecedented inauguration ceremony, emphasizing that the process should be enriched with structured activities capable of creating a week-long, memorable, and grand inaugural experience that reflects the values and aspirations of indigenous Oyo State students.

To this end, proposed activities for the inauguration include a novelty football match between FOSSU National and the Zones, visitation to orphanage homes, the official inauguration ceremony, and a Dinner and Awards Night, with clear directives that sub-committees be constituted for each activity, comprising assiduous comrades cutting across the five zones of the state.

Ultimately, Hon. Victor Olojede Dideoluwa directed the committee to resume duties with immediate effect, charging its leadership and members to work conjunctively with all sub-committees to diligently oversee activities and ensure timely delivery. The appointed members unanimously expressed their acceptance and commitment, while the committee called on all Oyo State indigenous students to remain expectant as preparations progress towards the fulfillment of constitutionally imposed duties.

Ajísebí Òyó Làárí
Òyó ò sebí baba enì kóòkan

©️ Sen. Ààre (Amb.) ISHAK Yusuf Oyetunji (Sagacity)
Secretary, FOSSU National Inauguration Committee

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area, positioning Ogun State to officially become an oil-producing state. Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, during a courtesy visit in Abeokuta.

The Governor also announced that the long-awaited Olokola Deep Seaport project in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area has been approved for immediate take-off. He revealed that the new seaport will be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, and described the development as a major breakthrough that will help decongest Lagos ports and unlock massive economic opportunities for coastal communities.

Governor Abiodun commended President Tinubu’s strong interest in both projects, disclosed ongoing engagements to fast-track implementation, and praised the Nigerian Navy for upgrading its presence at Tongeji Island to a Forward Operations Base to strengthen border security. Rear Admiral Mustapha, in turn, reaffirmed Ogun State’s strategic importance to national security and pledged deeper collaboration with the state government.

Ogun State Government has for the second time put on hold the process of selecting a candidate for the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland.

The new development was conveyed in a letter dated January 20, 2026 sent to the chairman of Ijebu Ode Local Government.

The letter was signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat. It followed the second petition to the state government by Fuji King, Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1).

The letter from the government instructed the Ijebu Ode Council Chairman to direct the Kingmakers to put all processes on hold and await further instructions.

Following weeks of sustained public criticism over the continued unemployment of recruited teachers in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the release and distribution of appointment letters to successful candidates.

The decision, which comes amid mounting pressure from education stakeholders, labour groups and members of the public, is aimed at addressing staffing shortages in public schools across the state and easing concerns over the delay in absorbing qualified teachers into the system.

Sources within the state government confirmed that the approval would enable the immediate deployment of the affected teachers to various primary and secondary schools, where shortages have reportedly impacted teaching and learning activities.

The development has been welcomed by many residents and education advocates, who described it as a positive step toward strengthening the education sector in Osun State and improving service delivery in public schools.

Billionaire businessman and father of Nigerian music star Davido, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, has dismissed a paternity claim linked to his family, insisting that scientific evidence has clearly disproved the allegation.

According to him, a total of five DNA tests were conducted at different times to verify the paternity claim. He stated that the results of all the tests were consistent and conclusively showed that the claim was unfounded.

Dr. Adeleke explained that the repeated DNA tests were done to eliminate any doubt and ensure transparency, especially in the face of persistent allegations and public speculation. He stressed that science had spoken clearly on the matter and that there was no ambiguity in the results.

He further expressed concern over the continued circulation of the claim despite the DNA outcomes, noting that it has caused unnecessary controversy and reputational harm. He urged the public to respect factual evidence and desist from spreading misleading narratives.

As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the other party involved, while the issue continues to attract reactions across social media and the entertainment space.

Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the North Central Zone have formally declared their support for former presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing him as a unifying force committed to rebuilding the party and strengthening Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

The declaration was made on Wednesday during a meeting of the North Central PDP Chairmen’s Forum held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where the party leaders expressed what they termed “unalloyed support” for Dr. Hashim’s efforts within the party across the zone and the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum, the Chairman of the PDP in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Adamu Bako Ningi (Talban Mada), said the zone stood firmly behind Dr. Hashim, citing his consistent support to party structures in the North Central. According to the chairmen, Dr. Hashim’s interventions have helped PDP State Chaptersin the zone to conduct statutory executive council meetings and strengthen party administration in line with constitutional requirements.

“We stand boldly and united behind this visionary leader, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, who has brought inspiration and immense support to our party structures in the North Central and the Nation at large,” the Forum said in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting.

They further declared that the North Central Zone would stand with him “come rain, come shine” in the quest to build a new Nigeria through democratic governance.

PDP State Chairmen present at the meeting included Alhaji Isa Bawa Adamu (Kwara State), Hon. Aliyu Mohammed Kauran Borgu (Niger State), Chief Raymond Dabo (Plateau State), Hon. Ismaila Mohammed Dogara (Federal Capital Territory), and Rt. Hon. Ezekiel A. Adaji (Benue State).

The meeting reviewed the state of the party and prevailing political developments across the zone.

In a five-point communiqué, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to party unity, cohesion and internal harmony, stressing that a united PDP remains the strongest platform for reclaiming political leadership and delivering good governance to Nigerians.

The chairmen also expressed confidence that the PDP continues to enjoy widespread grassroots support across the North Central, urging members not to lose faith in the party despite current challenges.
They assured current and prospective aspirants contesting under the PDP of a level playing field, encouraging them to remain steadfast and committed to the party’s ideals.

The Forum equally appreciated party leaders, stakeholders and loyal members for their sacrifices and dedication to the growth and sustainability of the PDP in the zone and nationwide.

During the session, zonal leadership of the Forum was elected to coordinate activities across the North Central. The officers elected were Rt. Hon. Ezekiel A. Adaji (Ogaji K’Idoma), Chairman, and Alhaji Adamu Bako Ningi (Talban Mada), Secretary, while Hon. Ismaila Mohammed Dogara emerged as Public Relations Officer (PRO).

The Forum congratulated the newly elected officers and expressed confidence in their capacity to strengthen party structures, deepen inclusiveness and reposition the PDP for electoral success in future elections.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment to work collectively toward the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2027 general elections.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered the sum of ₦1.27 billion from a businessman, Olasijibomi Ogundele, and formally handed the funds over to the Enugu State Government.

The recovery followed Ogundele’s earlier declaration as a wanted person by the anti-graft agency, after which the EFCC obtained a court order to detain him in connection with alleged financial crimes.
According to the commission, the recovered funds are proceeds linked to ongoing investigations and were returned to the Enugu State Government in line with legal and judicial directives.

The EFCC reiterated its commitment to the recovery of public funds and the prosecution of individuals involved in financial crimes, noting that the agency would continue to pursue cases to logical conclusions in accordance with the law.

Officials of the Enugu State Government received the funds, expressing appreciation to the EFCC for its efforts in safeguarding public resources and ensuring accountability.

Families of several men detained in connection with the Akinlalu case in Osun State have staged a peaceful protest at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, expressing deep concern over the continued detention of their loved ones, whom they insist are innocent of the alleged killings.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters appealed to both traditional and government authorities to intervene in what they described as prolonged and unjust detention. They urged that justice be served fairly and without prejudice.

The families lamented that the incarceration has caused untold hardship, emotional distress, and economic strain. Many households have been thrown into uncertainty as breadwinners and caregivers remain behind bars without clear or convincing justification. They emphasized that their relatives were arrested during investigations but have not been directly linked to the violent incident and have consistently proclaimed their innocence.

Speaking on behalf of the Ooni of Ife, the Arode of Ifeland, High Chief Kayode Awofiranye, commended the families for their peaceful conduct and assured them that the palace had heard their concerns. He stated that traditional rulers would engage relevant authorities

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday paid an unannounced visit to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) passport office in Gwagwalada, Abuja, following persistent complaints over delays in passport processing. The surprise inspection was aimed at assessing service delivery and identifying bottlenecks affecting applicants.

During the visit, the minister openly expressed displeasure at the long waiting times faced by Nigerians, describing the situation as unacceptable. He questioned officials on why applicants were made to wait far beyond stipulated timelines, despite ongoing reforms within the passport issuance system.

Tunji-Ojo also issued a stern warning against extortion and unofficial charges, cautioning applicants not to make extra payments to fast-track their applications. He stressed that passport processing fees are fixed and that anyone demanding or paying illegal charges undermines government efforts to sanitise the system.

The minister’s visit drew attention from applicants at the office, many of whom expressed hope that the intervention would lead to improved efficiency and accountability. The inspection is expected to prompt internal reviews within the NIS as the Interior Ministry intensifies efforts to ensure transparent and timely passport services nationwide.