A 56-year-old suspected drug dealer, Bode Akinsiku has been killed in Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo Local Government Area of Ondo State by unknown assailants.
Akinsiku, who was murdered at about 6:15 am on Tuesday, at a popular joint in Loro street, Odosida axis of the town was known as a prominent drug dealer in the area.
According to sources, the deceased was shot at close range after he was trailed to a bar by his yet to be identified killers.
One of the sources, who craved anonymity, revealed that Akinsiku arrived at the joint to meet with some people in the early hours of Tuesday.
“He arrived at the bar and met with some people. While he was talking with them, his phone rang and he received a call.
“It was while he was receiving the call that some boys arrived on a motorcycle. One of the boys approached him and asked if he could identify himself.
“They both engaged in a heated shouting match for some seconds before he was shot several times at close range.”
“The gunman, after shooting Bode, crossed to the other side of the road and shot sporadically to scare residents away.
Meanwhile, the death of Akinsiku created panic in the area with shops and businesses horridly closed while the area was deserted over fear of arrest.
Police operatives from Enuowa Divisional Police Station later arrived at the scene and evacuated the lifeless body to the Ondo State Specialist Hospital.
The Police spokesman in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, who confirmed the incident, stated that it was a cult related killing.
Ayanlade, who stressed that cult clashes have been rampant in the area, said efforts are ongoing to apprehend those behind the killing.
He also urged residents to be law-abiding and report any information which could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Foremost lawyer Femi Falana has said that the economic policies of the Tinubu administration only benefit the rich.
He said that while the policies improve life solely for the wealthy, the living standards of the masses have deteriorated.
Falana stated this in an interview with Channels Television on Monday, adding that many Nigerians are struggling to survive.
Some top officials within the All Progressives Congress, APC, celebrated the president’s second anniversary, claiming he has performed exceptionally well.
“For members of the government, and I’m talking of top officials, it’s been very rosy.
One of them was singing a week ago that things are getting better.
“Of course, for the rich, the bourgeoisie, things are getting better. But for the masses of our people, things are getting tougher because they are going through an excruciating economic crisis,” Falana stated.
Some of the policies introduced by the president upon assuming office two years ago include the unification of the forex windows and the removal of fuel subsidy.
The Federal Government has officially canceled the traditional military parade previously scheduled to commemorate Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
According to a statement released by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Democracy Day celebration, this year’s observance will take a new format, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast at 7 a.m., replacing the customary parade.
Instead of the ceremonial display, President Tinubu will participate in a special joint session of the National Assembly by 12 noon. The session will feature a critical discourse on the state of the nation, retrospection on Nigeria’s democratic evolution, and renewed calls for unity and sustained reform efforts.
To round off the day’s events, a Democracy Day public lecture will hold at 4 p.m. at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. The event is expected to draw political leaders, government officials, civil society groups, and stakeholders under the theme: “Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms.”
The Federal Government urged Nigerians to tune in to the national broadcast and actively engage in the broader democratic conversation, emphasizing the importance of strengthening institutions and sustaining reforms for the country’s growth.
Oduduwa News has just gathered that no fewer than four people have been dead in an accident involving three heavy trailers along Oyo-Ibadan Expressway.
According to an eyewitness who narrated the incident to the Correspondent of Oduduwa News, the accident occured at early hours of today. It was gathered that one truck was towing another faulty truck along the expressway and the driver was stopped by some area boys who were hellbent on collecting money before he would be allowed a passage.
Unfortunately, one oversped trailer coming from the third lane of the road and rammed on the four ‘area boys’ while they were negotiating with the driver. The four men died immediately and their lifeless bodies were badly affected beyond recognition.
The security operatives and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps were mobilized to the scene and their corpses were taken away.
As at the time of filing this report, no official statement has been released by the Federal Road Safety Corps on the incident.
Justice Josephine Oyefeso of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ajah, Lagos, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Chukwudi Okonkwo Goodness to 74 years imprisonment for stealing and issuance of dud cheques.
He was arraigned on June 6, 2016 on a 33-count charge bordering on stealing and issuance of dud cheques to the tune of N360,000,000.00 (Three Hundred and Sixty Million Naira) by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Chukwudi Okonkwo Goodness, sometime between the months of June and July, 2015 at Ikeja, within the jurisdiction of the Honorable Court, fraudulently converted and stole the sum of N360, 000. 000.00 (Three Hundred and Sixty Million Naira), property of one Henry Nnadike and committed an offence of stealing by conversion contrary to Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against him, thereby leading to his full trial.
During the trial, prosecution counsel, T.J. Banjo called four witnesses and presented several pieces of evidence to prove his case against the defendant.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Oyefeso found Goodness guilty on 32 of the 33 counts and sentenced him accordingly.
The judge sentenced him to seven years imprisonment on count one of stealing.
He was sentenced to two years imprisonment on each of counts three to thirty-two for the issuance of dud cheques, without an option of fine.
The judge also sentenced him to seven years imprisonment on count 33, without an option of fine.
He was, however, discharged and acquitted on count two of possession of documents containing false pretence.
The sentences are to run concurrently.
The judge ordered him to restitute the sum of N215 million within 30 days of the judgment and further held that he might be considered for a fine thereafter.
The convict bagged his imprisonment when he was arrested for fraudulently converting and stealing the sum of N360m, property of one Henry Nnadike. The court found him guilty and convicted him.
The Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes, and Anti-Corruption Commission (SPFACC) has initiated a thorough investigation into allegations of a job buying scandal involving the Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), the agency announced on Sunday, 8 June 2025.
The probe follows complaints from job seekers and parents of long-unemployed education graduates, who have accused government officials of commodifying public service positions. Reports suggest that candidates allegedly paid sums ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦1,200,000 to secure teaching roles during a recent recruitment exercise. In March 2025, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved the hiring of 1,100 primary school teachers across the state’s 18 local government areas to address critical vacancies in public primary schools, following the completion of a recruitment process by SUBEB and TESCOM.
SPFACC Secretary, Professor Adewole Adeyeye, confirmed the investigation in a statement issued in Akure, the state capital. “The allegations are serious. They reflect not just corruption, but a systemic failure,” he said. “We want victims to help us break this cycle by stepping forward. Their identities will be strictly protected.” The commission has urged those who paid for jobs or faced extortion to come forward with documents, account statements, or any evidence to support the probe, assuring confidentiality. Victims are encouraged to contact SPFACC directly at 08035025879.
The scandal has raised concerns about the integrity of the education system, with observers warning that such practices undermine merit-based recruitment. “When unqualified people pay to become teachers, students suffer. And when qualified people are shut out, the profession loses credibility. This is not just corruption, it’s sabotage,” said Tayo Oloba, Media and Strategy Director of the Coalition for Transparency (CT).
The investigation aims to hold the guilty accountable and drive systemic reforms, including transparent hiring practices, fair treatment of teachers, and timely payment of retirees’ gratuities. Established in March 2023 by the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SPFACC seeks to tackle corruption at the state level, a mission now gaining momentum under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
As the probe widens, the people of Ondo State await answers, hoping for a cleaner, fairer system that prioritises merit and restores trust in public education.
The former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Falode has paid homage to President Bola Tinubu in his residence and used the ocassion to inquire about his stance on Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his support, stating, I support Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term.
“Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State, is doing very very well. All the former Governors in the state are behind him.
And for us, Ekiti is not about the party we belong to; it is our primary constituency. It is by the unity of the state that people can benefit.
I just asked Mr. President expressly where his interest lies because the last time I was here, I asked him about his take on the governor, and he said that’s where his heart is.
I needed to ask him again this time around based on counter rumors about his position on the Ekiti State Governor to run for second term, and he told me that’s where he’s and that I should remain there. And so, I’ll remain with the Governor.”
Death is a universal reality that unites all of humanity, regardless of culture, religion, or social status. It is the final chapter in every human life, yet its certainty often inspires people to reflect on how they live their lives. In the face of death’s inevitability, the meaning of life becomes a pressing question. One profound answer to that question lies in the human capacity to care for one another. Kindness, compassion, and support for others not only give meaning to our lives but also allow us to leave a lasting impact beyond our own existence.
Understanding death encourages humility. It is a reminder that our time is finite, and that every moment we spend angry, bitter, or self-centered is a moment lost. When we acknowledge that we are here for only a limited time, our priorities begin to shift. The pursuit of wealth, power, or status often fades in significance, and what emerges instead is the value of relationships, empathy, and love. We begin to realize that how we treat others is perhaps the most important legacy we leave behind.
Living for others does not mean sacrificing our individuality or suppressing our own needs. Rather, it is about recognizing our interconnectedness. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, sends ripples through the lives of others. A comforting word, a helping hand, or simply listening to someone in pain can transform a moment of despair into one of hope. These gestures create a world in which people feel valued, understood, and not alone.
In many ways, death brings clarity. It teaches us that the pain of loss is often soothed not by grand gestures but by simple acts of support. When someone passes away, it is the presence of friends and family, the shared memories, and the support of the community that help the grieving move forward. This is a reflection of our deepest human need—to be seen, to be heard, and to be loved. We cannot stop death, but we can ease the burden of life by being kind and supportive to those around us.
The idea of living for others is deeply rooted in many religious and philosophical traditions. In Christianity, for example, the commandment to “love thy neighbor as thyself” is a central tenet. Buddhism emphasizes compassion and the alleviation of suffering. In African communal philosophies such as Ubuntu, the belief is that “I am because we are,” highlighting that our humanity is defined by our relationships with others.
From the Islamic perspective, both death and the need to live for others are central themes. The Qur’an states, “Every soul shall taste death” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:185), reminding believers that life is temporary and should be spent in preparation for the eternal hereafter. Islam teaches that the best preparation for death is not only prayer and worship but also living a life of service, kindness, and compassion.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler” (Sahih Bukhari), a reminder of our brief stay on earth. He also said, “Allah is kind and loves kindness in all matters” (Sahih Muslim), and even described a smile as an act of charity. These teachings elevate everyday kindness into acts of spiritual significance.
A particularly powerful concept in Islam is Sadaqah Jariyah—ongoing charity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that when a person dies, their deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them (Sahih Muslim). This highlights that living for others is the highest order of service to humanity.These traditions remind us that true fulfillment does not come from isolation or selfish gain but from our ability to uplift and care for one another.
Furthermore, in the face of death, kindness becomes a form of resistance—a way of asserting that love and goodness still matter. When someone chooses to be kind, especially in a world that can often be harsh and indifferent, it is a powerful statement. It is saying, “Despite everything, I choose to make things better for someone else.” This choice becomes even more meaningful when we understand that we may not have another chance. Every day offers an opportunity to be someone’s source of light in the darkness.
Many people who have faced the loss of a loved one often find purpose in helping others. This is not just a coping mechanism; it is a testament to the idea that love does not end with death. It transforms. Parents who lose a child may start a foundation in their name. Friends who lose someone to illness may raise awareness or funds for research. These acts of kindness carry the memory of the deceased forward, ensuring that their lives continue to make a difference.
Living for others also means being present. In our fast-paced, digitally connected world, it is easy to overlook the people right in front of us. Genuine support often comes not from grand plans but from paying attention, from noticing when someone is struggling and choosing to care. Being present is an act of kindness in itself. It says, “You matter. I see you.” These moments of connection are often what people remember most, especially when time runs out.Support can take many forms—emotional, physical, financial, or simply moral. Sometimes, supporting others means standing up for them, advocating for justice, or creating space for their voices to be heard. Other times, it means sitting silently beside someone who is grieving. The key is empathy—putting ourselves in others’ shoes and responding with humanity. Such support builds stronger families, resilient communities, and a more compassionate world.Moreover, living kindly and supportively for others enhances our own lives. Research shows that people who practice kindness and altruism experience greater happiness, lower stress, and improved mental health. Helping others gives a sense of purpose and fulfillment that material success alone cannot offer. In a paradoxical way, by focusing on others, we enrich ourselves. The more love we give, the more we feel it within us.In facing death, some may feel fear or sadness, but others find motivation to live more deeply and meaningfully. Knowing that life is short pushes us to make every interaction count. We may not have control over how or when we die, but we do have control over how we live and how we treat others. That power is both a responsibility and a gift.
When one understudy the life and death of Chief Elite Jamiu Diekola Onaolapo of the Egbinola Pharmacy, Oranyan Ibadan who returned to his creator on the best Day on earth, Day of Arafat, Thursday 5th June, 2025 it will remain a lesson for others to have a rethink of this ephemeral life and live for others.
In conclusion, death, far from being only an end, is also a teacher. It reminds us of the fragility and beauty of life. It challenges us to ask what kind of mark we want to leave behind. And in answering that question, we are guided to a life of kindness and support. Living for others—through compassion, presence, and care—is not only noble but necessary. It is the truest way to honor the lives we touch and the finite time we are given. Through our actions, we can ensure that even though we all must die, we live on in the love we have shown and the lives we have uplifted.
Baba Chief Elite Jamiu Diekola Onaolapo was the Chairman Board of Trustees, Oluyole Social Elites Club Ibadan and member of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes Board of Trustees.
May Allah accept his return and admit him unconditionally into the best level of Aljannah. Ameen
The ancient city of Ilorin came alive with pomp and grandeur as the 2025 Durbar Festival unfold today, marking a breathtaking fusion of tradition, royalty, and community pride.
The event, held at the newly expanded central parade ground, drew thousands of spectators from across Nigeria and beyond.
The highlight of the festival was the majestic arrival of the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, who was ushered in with traditional fanfare, royal praise singers, and a stunning procession of horsemen clad in regal attire. The Emir’s entrance at exactly 1:00pm signaled the formal commencement of the grand parade, to the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd.
“This is cultural pride in motion. From the traditional drummers to the warriors’ dance, the energy was incredible. It shows that Ilorin is deeply rooted in heritage”.
Other highlights of the day included:
Hawan Daushe where horsemen performed thrilling gallops and salutes to the Emir.
A display of traditional cavalry formations symbolizing the ancient military organization of Ilorin. Cultural troupes performing Yoruba, Fulani, and Nupe dances, reinforcing Ilorin’s unique multicultural heritage.
Security was tight, with combined teams from the Nigerian Police, Civil Defence, and local vigilante groups ensuring a peaceful event. Vendors, artisans, and local fashion designers reported brisk sales, as tourists and locals patronized everything from woven caps to handmade leather sandals.
This year’s Durbar, organized in collaboration with the Kwara State Government and the National Tourism Development Authority, is being hailed as the most successful in recent memory.
As the horses return to their stables and the music fades, one thing remains clear the Ilorin Durbar is not just a festival. It is a proud echo of history, a celebration of unity, and a royal salute to a vibrant cultural identity.
Chairman, Southern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers(SNCTR) and Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,CFR, Ojaja II, has visited the Nigerian President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos on Sunday for the first time since Tinubu was elected in 2023 to lead Nigeria as president.
During the meeting which held privately, Ooni Ogunwusi who is also the Natural Father and Leader of the entire Oduduwa race worldwide and Mr President had important discussions touching on the peace and tranquility in the South West part of Nigeria. The discussions at the meeting also enabled the Ooni to brief Mr President on his recent visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan invited by the country’s president Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev where he had participated as Africa’s Royal Delegate and gave a speech during the Astana International Forum on the necessity for Kazakhstan to form strategic partnerships with Nigeria and Africa at large.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Yera Olafare.
“I just came back from a strategic trip to Kazakhstan on the special invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan where I went to showcase business and economic potentials of Africa, Nigeria in particular. I in my speech, I asked the business community in Kazakhstan come and invest in our country Nigeria and that of the entire Africa.
So, I came here today to brief Mr President on my recent trip to Kazakhstan. The good thing is that Tinubu is opening Nigeria to foreign investors that were hitherto so scared and unwilling to do business with Nigeria and I think we traditional rulers should capitalize on this opportunity by going outside Nigeria to attract foreign direct investments to our country complementing efforts of Mr President who has made lots of audacious progressive economic policies which has now opened our economy to so many developed countries around the world who were hitherto so scared and unwilling to invest in Nigeria. But by virtue of what he has done in terms of policies and reforms, he has opened up Nigeria to many countries to look the way Nigeria for their investments.”
The world is watching us, as a nation and we don’t need to leave everything to the government, we traditional rulers should lead by example by working to complement government to give hope to our youth. Here is another testimony to the youth, so many companies are coming to Nigeria to open businesses which will create massive employment opportunities for the Nigerian youths. Kazakhstan is the largest economy in the Central Asia with very large land for farming, they have huge production for chocolate while Nigeria has cocoa raw materials for chocolate, it is a country between China and Russia and they are very similar to us in the areas of Natural resources, they have Oin and Gas, they manufacture Armoured vehicles and other war artillery equipments needed to combat our insecurity, very large land for farming to train and work with our youths not only in Yorubaland but also across Nigeria. So, I needed to come and brief Mr President because he is also being expected to visit Kazakhstan before September this year. The hope is actually real and I am so proud of our president for these reforms.”
The Ooni, it will be recalled, had sent his own delegation to Kazakhstan in early February 2025 to engage with investors, government officials, and business stakeholders with the goal of attracting investment to Nigeria. The delegation included his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Executive Secretary of Nigeria – Kazakhstan Business Council, chief Kehinde Adeniyi Akepe and the Honourary Consul of Kazakhstan to Nigeria, Mr Bruce Ayonote met with key figures including Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, business leaders, and representatives from various industries such as agriculture, mining, IT, and manufacturing. They explored opportunities for bilateral trade and cooperation, particularly through the Nigeria-Kazakhstan Business Council, which has Ooni Ogunwusi it’s chairman. This visit was part of broader efforts to strengthen economic ties following a meeting between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev earlier in the UAE.
The delegation’s work paved the way for a 30-member delegation from Kazakhstan to Abuja in February this year to attend the Nigeria-Kazakhstan Business Council International Conference held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja and hosted and funded by the Ooni of Ife, also attended by some top Federal Government functionaries such as; Minister for Agriculture and Food Security….. Central Bank of Nigeria…..The summit aimed to strengthen economic collaboration between Nigeria and Kazakhstan, focusing on trade, investment, and food security during which Ooni Ogunwusi praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, highlighting improvements such as the closure of the gap between parallel and official exchange markets, which has created a more investor-friendly environment. During the summit in Abuja, leader of the delegation and Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alibek Kuantyrov, called for the establishment of a Nigerian embassy in Kazakhstan to facilitate trade. The event featured Nigerian government officials and business leaders, and followed a recent Nigerian delegation visit to Kazakhstan to explore investment opportunities. The summit marked a significant step in deepening bilateral economic ties between the two countries.
Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife is an astute international business magnate and strong promoter of Youth Development. He is the Natural Father of all the members of the Oduduwa race worldwide, Permanent Chairman, Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers(SNCTR), Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN), owners of the OJAJA Park and Residences, Akure, Ondo State, OjajaMore shopping outlets in Akure, Ile-Ife, Lagos, Osogbo and other cities in Yorubaland, Inagbe Grand Resorts in Lagos and Ife Grand Resorts and Industrial Hub in Ile-Ife. He is the Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsuka(UNN) and Founder, OJAJA University located in Eyenkorin near Ilorin in Kwara state, Nigeria.
