Category: Featured

The Alaafin’s Palace has refuted claims by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that he consulted with three foremost traditional rulers in the state—the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomosoland—before announcing a rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

In a press release dated January 15, 2026, the palace stated that at no time did His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, hold any meeting with Governor Makinde or with the other two traditional rulers on the matter. The palace emphasized that any suggestion of such consultation is inaccurate.

The statement further clarified that the Alaafin neither discussed nor gave any form of endorsement to the idea of a rotational chairmanship among the three monarchs. According to the palace, no categorical statement supporting the arrangement was made by the Alaafin to the governor or to any party.

Reaffirming its stance, the palace noted that the position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs had already been clearly articulated in a formal memo submitted to the governor by the Oyo Council of Elders.

The press release was signed by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, who reiterated the Alaafin’s status as the Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and the Superior Head of Yorubaland.

…Eyes Oyo Central Senatorial Seat

In a seismic shift in the political atmosphere of Oyo State, the immediate past Director General of the Oyo State Government Liaison Offices in Abuja and Lagos and former President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Hon. Wale Ajani, has announced his defection to Accord Party.

Recall that few days ago, Hon Ajani had announced resignation from the membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

In his new political trajectory, Ajani will be joining forces with celebrated broadcaster and activist, Oriyomi Hamzat, under the ‘Òyó N’ Pe O Movement,’ to formally declare for Accord Party tomorrow, January 17, at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.

The much-anticipated event is set to draw over 30,000 supporters from across Oyo State, with more than one million people expected to watch the declaration online.

This epoch declaration marks the beginning of a mass mobilization movement, aimed at returning governance to the people and disrupting the entrenched status quo of self-serving leadership.

Hon. Ajani, who had previously contested for the Oyo Central senatorial seat in 2023, but stepped down following directives from Governor Seyi Makinde, emphasized his deep understanding of the plight of young people in the state, drawing on his experience as a former NYCN President.

He said, “As a former President of the NYCN, I have witnessed firsthand the immense challenges confronting our youths – from soaring unemployment rates to the rising tide of crime and drug abuse. In Oyo State alone, youth unemployment hovers around 37 per cent, contributing to escalating insecurity and social vices. Our young people deserve better – opportunities, empowerment, and hope for a brighter future.”

Recent data reveals that Oyo State continues to grapple with alarming rates of youth unemployment, fueling a surge in crime and drug abuse. Reports indicate that over 120,000 young people in the state are actively seeking jobs, while cases of substance abuse and related crimes have risen by 25 per cent in the past three years.

Hon. Ajani declared, “Accord Party, in alliance with Oriyomi Hamzat and the ‘Òyó N’ Pe Ọ́’ Movement, has come to liberate Oyo indigenes and residents. No more government of the oppressor, for the rich and by the rich. We are committed to restoring hope, creating jobs, and ensuring that governance works for everyone, not just a privileged few.”

The expectant declaration for the Accord Party at Liberty Stadium on January 17 is widely expected to alter the political landscape of Oyo State, as Accord Party rallies support and presents a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

Governor Seyi Makinde has announced the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja as the new Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas during a brief ceremony held at the House of Chiefs, Agodi, Ibadan.

The Governor explained that the council’s chairmanship will rotate every two years among the Olubadan, the Alaafin of Oyo, and the Soun of Ogbomoso land.

Notably, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was absent from the event.

Details later.

The Oyo State Government has refuted claims that it demolished a property belonging to a former deputy governor of the State, Engr Rauf Olaniyan.

The Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo, who refuted the report, on Wednesday, said officials of the Ministry only pulled down the fence of an undeveloped property due to the blockage of service road connecting the community to the expressway.

Speaking with journalists during an on-site assessment to the property located at Temidire Zone 1, Bodija/Ojoo Expressway, Ibadan, the Commissioner noted that the Ministry’s officials served the former deputy governor, Engr Olaniyan, a notice to remove the illegal structure after complaints from the residents of the community.

He added that government would not tolerate any unlawful act that would truncate the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed by the people of the state.

He said: “Some few hours ago, there was an online news being circulated claiming that the Oyo State Government had destroyed the property of a former deputy governor of the state, Engr Remi Olaniyan and that the action is a political vendetta.

“It came as a surprise to me, because I gave the instruction to carry out the removal of some illegal structures inhibiting smooth traffic and passage of vehicles within this neighbourhood.
“When I got that news, I knew quite all right that my officials would never go out of official instruction. But just to reconfirm, I decided to visit the site and see exactly what was carried out. That is why we are here this afternoon.
“Well, it is something we can attest to. It is something even visible to the blind anyway. The property being claimed that belongs to the former deputy governor, there is no structure on it. We only have about two or three tar-boilers there, which are equipment for road construction. So, I don’t know what property was destroyed or had been removed from an undeveloped piece of land. There is no structure on his land.
“The structures removed are just blocking free flow of vehicle for residents of this neighbourhood. However, before I gave approval to it, due diligence was carried out.
“The Federal Government has a road setback, which the Minister of Housing and Urban Development gave to them. I have it in the file here, which I can show to you. There is a survey that shows that there is a road on this layout, which the owners of these properties have already carved together so that they have now made those residents over here not to have access to their land, and we are not going to accept that.
“So, it is only the fence that we removed; no building was pulled down.
“As we all know, physical development is regulated by the state and not by the Federal Government, which is statutory. What the Federal Minister of Housing and Urban Development gave to them is a temporary release of the road setback to their land. And it is actually stated in the letter given to them that no permanent structure should be put on the ground.

“It was equally expressed there that they should make use of it in such a way that will not disturb the peace and tranquillity of this community.
“Apart from the fact that they have no approval, and apart from the fact that from the layout of this neighbourhood, there is an existing road here, which has been there for over 30 years, the owners of these properties are just coming around this time to put up structures to disturb other residents. So, the government had to step in, as it is our responsibility to take care of all the residents of the state.
“So, we are only doing what we always do to ensure peaceful cohabitation among the people of Oyo State.”
While fielding questions from newsmen on whether or not the government gave ample notice before pulling down the fence, the Commissioner said: “Normally, as a government, when we see illegal structure or object inhibiting peaceful co-existence in any community, we serve them notice. We believe that before the expiration of that notice, they would do the needful.

“But in an event that they don’t do the needful as it is in this case, we will enforce it.
“We have served them notice before but we will serve them again and this will be the last warning. And, if they refuse, we will take it up because those living down there shouldn’t go against the vehicle on the highway, in which the passage has already been blocked.
“Truth is, we are not going to be here as a government and somebody will be making life difficult for others. We are not going to accept that.”

Speaking on behalf of the community, the Secretary, Mr Yusuf Bolaji and Alhaji Dikirulahi Tiamiyu said the service road that was blocked by the demolished fence is for the benefits of all the residents in the community and no one has sole ownership to it.

They also emphasised that no property belonging to the former deputy governor of the state was demolished as reported.

Mr Bolaji said: “I came here in 1983 to buy a land. This road has been there for the past 30 years and we have been plying it. Suddenly, the road was blocked by Engr Olaniyan and the motor dealers.
“There was no building here before.”
Similarly, Alhaji Tiamiyu Dhikrullahi, said “We have reported to the Federal Ministry of Lands and went to the Oyo State Ministry of Lands and they all came here.
“We brought out our master-plan and they went through it and they saw everything clearly from there that this place is a service road, which has been existing for many years.
“I have been here since 1967. The other undeveloped land here belongs to the former deputy governor of Oyo State. And you can see that there is nothing that was touched there.
“All we are after is just to open this access road, right from Express here to Bodija. We have made reports several times which proved abortive.”

Residents of Ifesowapo Community in Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, were plunged into mourning on Tuesday after a foreman lost his life during a building demolition exercise.

The deceased, Mr Olu Bamgboye, popularly known as Ologbo, died while supervising the demolition of an old structure along the NTA Road axis of the community. The building was said to have been recently acquired by a property developer, who engaged Bamgboye to clear the site ahead of a new construction project.

Eyewitnesses revealed that Bamgboye, a vulcaniser by profession, had mobilised a group of labourers to carry out the demolition. The operation was reportedly close to completion when a concrete pillar suddenly collapsed.

The falling pillar struck Bamgboye, killing him instantly before any assistance could be rendered. Residents said his body was trapped under the rubble for some time before it was eventually recovered.

Reacting to the incident, a neighbour, Mr Tope Omosebi, described the death as shocking and heartbreaking, noting that the late Bamgboye was a peaceful and hardworking man whose sudden demise has thrown the entire community into deep grief.

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Bunmi Akinnaanu, fondly known as Omije Ojumi after her widely acclaimed song of the same title, has died.

Her death was announced on Tuesday in a statement shared on Instagram by fellow gospel artiste, Ayo Melody, on behalf of the family.

According to the statement, Akinnaanu passed away on January 12, 2026, at a hospital in Lagos. A photograph and short video clip accompanied the announcement.

“With great sadness, we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye (Omije Ojumi), who passed away on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital in Nigeria. May God grant her eternal rest,” the statement read.

The announcement was signed by Olawale Akinnaanu on behalf of the family. The cause of her death was not disclosed. However, the gospel singer had earlier appealed for prayers over a leg-related health challenge.

In October 2025, a video from a service at G.F. David Ministries in Ibadan showed her seated with her leg stretched on a chair while a cleric prayed for her.

During the prayer session, the pastor referenced persistent bleeding in the leg and described the condition as a spiritual attack. There has been no official confirmation linking the ailment to her death.

Akinnaanu began her music journey at a young age and later resigned from a banking career to pursue gospel music full-time.

She rose to national prominence with her hit song Omije Ojumi, which became widely popular in churches and Christian homes across Nigeria. She also released other songs, including O Ti Sure.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep condolences to the family of former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, over the passing of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, who died at the age of 101.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun described the demise of Mama Onabanjo as the end of a glorious era, noting that she lived a highly exemplary, fulfilled, and distinguished life devoted to God, family, and humanity.

The Governor said that although the loss of a mother is always painful, regardless of age, Mama Lucia’s transition at 101 is also worthy of celebration, given her impactful life and enduring legacy.

According to him, Mama Onabanjo stood firmly by her husband, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, through his historic struggles for democracy, human rights, and social justice in Nigeria.

He said:

“After a glorious epoch in which she joined her husband, our Papa, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, in the fight for democracy, the delivery of its dividends on a massive scale, and the advancement of human rights and social justice, Mama has now been reunited with Papa in glory.

“Mama was a treasure and a source of joy to all who knew her. She consistently supported us with her prayers and goodwill, spreading joy, comfort, and hope to everyone around her.

“I commiserate with the Onabanjo family, even as I celebrate them for the great gift that Mama was to all of us.

“She stood by her husband through thick and thin and raised children and grandchildren who are today highly distinguished in diverse fields of human endeavour, breaking records and contributing meaningfully to society.

“We bless the Lord for her long and fulfilled life, her legacy of love, strength, deep faith, and commitment to development.

“We will miss her warmth, her wise counsel, her passion for progress, and her prayers. May the Good Lord grant her eternal rest in His bosom.”

Governor Abiodun prayed that God would grant the Onabanjo family, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been denied bail by an Ogun State court following his arraignment on multiple criminal charges, including assault, theft, and resisting arrest.
Portable was on Tuesday arraigned before the Federal High Court sitting in Ota, Ogun State, where the prosecution presented a nine-count charge against the artist. The charges stem from an alleged altercation involving the singer and law enforcement officers, during which he was accused of physically assaulting individuals, obstructing officers in the course of their duties, and engaging in acts of theft.

At the court session, the prosecution argued that the offences were serious and urged the court to remand the defendant in custody pending further proceedings. Portable’s legal counsel applied for bail, assuring the court that the singer would make himself available for trial and would not interfere with investigations.

However, the presiding judge declined the bail application, citing the nature of the charges and the need for the defendant to be properly arraigned and for the court to consider all relevant factors before granting bail. The court subsequently ordered that Portable be remanded in custody.

The judge adjourned the matter until January 19, when the case is expected to come up for further hearing.
Portable, known for his hit songs and frequent controversies, has repeatedly made headlines for clashes with authorities and public outbursts. The latest development adds to a growing list of legal challenges confronting the singer, whose career has often been marked by both musical success and legal troubles.

Says Nigeria Is Worth Fighting For

Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately order the release of the international passport of activist and former presidential candidate, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, describing its continued seizure as an abuse of power and a threat to democratic freedoms.

Hashim made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving Sowore, who paid him a courtesy visit during a meeting with PDP Chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The meeting was also attended by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni, and the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat.

Speaking during the interaction, Hashim recalled their shared pro-democracy struggles dating back to 1989, when Sowore was one of his protégés.

He said the meeting was not a nostalgic exercise, but a reminder of the sacrifices that secured Nigeria’s democratic space.

According to Hashim, Sowore’s courage, consistency, and refusal to bow to intimidation have made him a symbol of principled resistance and a rallying point for young Nigerians demanding a new political order.

“Nigeria is worth fighting for, and meaningful change is possible, no matter how difficult,” Hashim said.

He condemned what he described as the sustained persecution of Sowore for speaking truth to power, noting that the continued seizure of his passport has effectively punished him without conviction and denied him the basic right to family life.

Hashim warned that democracies collapse when dissent is criminalized, stressing that the protection of opposing voices is a non negotiable pillar of democratic governance.

He therefore called on President Tinubu to act decisively by ordering the immediate release of Sowore’s passport in the interest of justice, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for Sowore to reconnect with longtime comrades, as participants reflected on defining moments that shaped their lifelong commitment to democracy, civic courage, and accountable leadership.

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has filed a lawsuit against Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, following the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, citing alleged medical negligence. The case, detailed in a notice dated January 10, 2026, has prompted the Lagos State government to order an official probe into the incident, drawing heightened scrutiny to private healthcare standards in Nigeria.

According to the family, Nkanu died barely a day after being referred to Euracare for diagnostic procedures ahead of a planned medical evacuation to the United States. Adichie and her partner, Dr Ivara Esege, through their solicitors led by Professor Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, accused the hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and other medical staff of breaching their duty of care.

The notice alleges that the child was administered intravenous sedation with propofol and suffered severe complications while being transported between clinical areas. The parents claim the transfer occurred without supplemental oxygen, continuous monitoring, or adequate medical accompaniment. Concerns were also raised about cumulative propofol dosing, inadequate airway protection, delayed recognition of complications, and absence of basic resuscitation equipment.

The family has demanded certified copies of all medical records within seven days and instructed the hospital to preserve all relevant evidence, warning that destruction or alteration could attract legal consequences.

Born on March 25, 2024, Nkanu was referred from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital on January 6, 2026, for preparatory investigations including an echocardiogram, brain MRI, PICC line insertion, and lumbar puncture. He reportedly passed away in the early hours of January 7, 2026.

Meanwhile, the child’s aunt, Dr Anthea Esege Nwandu, a dual board-certified Internal Medicine physician, publicly challenged Euracare’s denial of negligence, citing multiple inconsistencies and asserting that internationally accepted standards of care were not followed.