Category: Featured

Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibarapaland have openly endorsed the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, for the 2027 Governorship race in the State.

This position was made known during a well-attended PDP Ibarapaland Stakeholders’ Zonal Meeting held in Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government Area.

The meeting, convened primarily to deliberate on the planned visit of Governor Seyi Makinde to the zone, quickly evolved into a strategic political gathering where party leaders and grassroots mobilisers assessed the future of the party in the state.

In a strong show of unity, stakeholders passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin commending his leadership style, loyalty to the party, and contributions to legislative stability in Oyo State.

The endorsement went further, as leaders across the three local government areas in Ibarapaland urged the Speaker to formally declare his intention to contest the governorship election in 2027.

Responding to the overwhelming call, the Speaker appreciated the support and honour given to him by the stakeholders and pledged his readiness to join the governorship race.

Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, described the endorsement as more than a political gesture, noting that it represents a clarion call from his people in Ibarapaland and the wider populace of Oyo State.

He stated that the overwhelming support reflects the collective aspiration for inclusive governance and reaffirmed his commitment to aligning with the yearnings of the people as he steps forward in the race.

The meeting drew an influential mix of party leaders, government officials, and grassroots politicians.

Among those present were Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju (popularly known as Ibarapakan), representing Ibarapa Central/North Federal Constituency ; the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo and the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke.

Also in attendance was Alhaji Kamoru Adeyemi, PDP Chairman for Oyo South Senatorial District, alongside the three PDP Local Government Party Chairmen from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, and Ibarapa Central.

The political leadership at the grassroots was fully represented, with the Chairmen of the three local governments, Hon. Kazeem Arogundade (Ibarapa East), Hon. Lateef Akorede (Ibarapa North), and Hon. Olusola Adeleke (Ibarapa Central) all in attendance.

Other notable stakeholders present included Hon. Yemi Taiwo, Hon. Mrs. Funmilayo Orisadeyi, Hon. Moses Ojoawo, Hon. Dimeji Oladapo, Prince Biodun Labiyi, and Barrister Adekanmbi, among others.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, later proceeded to his constituency in Ibarapa East Local Government, where he attended a separate meeting of PDP stakeholders.

At the gathering, party leaders and loyalists reaffirmed their support for his leadership and ongoing consultations, describing his governorship ambition as a reflection of the collective will of the people.

The meeting also served as a platform to strengthen grassroots mobilization and consolidate unity within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A former National President of National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN, and immediate past Director General of the Oyo State Liaison Office in Abuja and Lagos, Hon. Wale Ajani has formally declared his intention to contest for the Oyo Central Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections under the platform of the Accord Party.

In a statement made available to the media, the aspirant said his decision was driven by a long-standing commitment to public service, leadership, and sustainable development across Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

He noted that his experience in public office has adequately prepared him for the task ahead, citing his tenure as Director General of the Oyo State Liaison Office, where he said he delivered impactful service and left a legacy widely regarded as commendable.

The senatorial hopeful also highlighted his leadership role in the National Youth Council of Nigeria, where he earned recognition as “President Emeritus” due to his performance and contributions to youth development nationwide.

Further underscoring his credentials, he referenced his participation in the 2014 National Conference, where he contributed to deliberations on governance, national unity, and the country’s future.

According to him, these experiences have shaped his understanding of governance, public administration, and the pressing need for effective and people-oriented representation at the National Assembly.

He stressed that the people of Oyo Central Senatorial District deserve credible, experienced, and responsive leadership, pledging to deliver purposeful representation if elected.

The aspirant also acknowledged the critical role of the media in strengthening democracy, describing it as an indispensable partner in promoting accountability, informed public discourse, and responsible leadership.

He called on media practitioners to provide fair and objective coverage of his aspiration, assuring that his campaign would focus on issues that directly impact the lives and aspirations of the people.

Reaffirming his commitment to issue-based politics and meaningful engagement, he said his ambition goes beyond contesting elections, emphasizing his desire to offer a new standard of representation that will bring pride and progress to Oyo Central Senatorial District, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole.

The 2026 edition of the transformed into a vibrant hub of culture, attracting dignitaries, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond. The annual celebration, also known as Egbaliganza, showcased the rich traditions and identity of the Egba people through a series of colourful events.

Spanning 13 days, the festival featured traditional displays, fashion exhibitions, music, and historical reenactments that highlighted the deep cultural roots of the Egba heritage. The globally recognized Egbaliganza fashion segment stood out, with designers presenting a blend of ancient and modern Egba attire.

A major highlight of the event was the presence of former President , whose participation added prestige and national significance. His engagement underscored the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and promoting cultural heritage.

Organisers and community leaders used the platform to emphasize unity and youth development, urging younger generations to embrace values of hard work and cultural identity. They stressed that the festival remains a tool for reconnecting youths with their roots amid modern societal changes.

Overall, Lisabi 2026 reinforced its status as one of Nigeria’s leading cultural festivals, celebrating the legacy of the Egba hero Lisabi while promoting tourism, cultural pride, and economic opportunities for the host community.

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has stirred fresh political debate within the (PDP) following his remarks defending support for President Tinubu, despite being a member of the opposition party.

Fayose, known for his outspoken stance on national issues, argued that political decisions should be guided by competence and capacity rather than blind party loyalty. According to him, it is unreasonable to insist that a party member must be supported at all costs, even when such an individual lacks the ability to deliver effective leadership.

“We must not say because it’s our party member that must win when we know our party member has no capacity. Would you compare a Makinde to an Asiwaju?” Fayose stated, in what appears to be a pointed comparison between Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, and President Tinubu.

The former governor maintained that supporting a capable leader across party lines should not be seen as anti-party activity, but rather as a pragmatic approach to governance and national development. He emphasized that Nigeria’s progress should take precedence over partisan interests.

Fayose’s comments come amid ongoing internal divisions within the PDP, with differing opinions on how the party should position itself ahead of future political contests. While some party loyalists have criticized his stance as disloyal, others view it as a candid reflection of the challenges facing the opposition.

Political analysts say the remarks could further deepen conversations around leadership quality, party discipline, and ideological direction within Nigeria’s political landscape. They also note that such statements highlight the growing trend of cross-party endorsements driven by perceived performance and leadership effectiveness.

As reactions continue to trail Fayose’s position, the PDP leadership is yet to issue an official response, leaving room for continued debate among party members and the wider public.

Chief Ramata Agberemi Dabo (RAD), the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, has formally declared her intention to contest for the Lagelu State Constituency seat at the Oyo State House of Assembly, pledging to deliver people-oriented representation and deepen grassroots development.

Speaking during her declaration today, RAD emphasized that her decision to join the race was driven by a strong desire to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of Lagelu Local Government. She assured constituents of inclusive leadership, effective representation, and policies that would directly impact the lives of the people, particularly women, youths, and artisans.

The event drew widespread support from party leaders and stakeholders. The Lagelu PDP Chairman, Chief Femi Falowo, lauded RAD’s commitment, resilience, and long-standing service to the party and the state, expressing confidence in her capacity to emerge victorious. He prayed for her success in the forthcoming party primaries, noting that her candidacy represents hope for sustained development in the constituency.

Also speaking, Elder Adekola urged the people of Lagelu to rally behind RAD, describing her as a tested and trusted leader with a proven track record. He called on party faithful and residents alike to support her emergence as the PDP candidate, stressing that unity within the party would be crucial to securing victory at the polls.

The immediate past Executive Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Gbadamosi, in his remarks, publicly endorsed Hon. Ramata Agberemi ‘RAD’ for the Oyo State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He described Lagelu as politically unique within Ibadanland, citing its rich history and deep ancestral roots. According to him, the people of Lagelu are well-positioned to determine their political direction and will ultimately choose their representatives in alignment with the vision and directive of the governor.

Speaking at the gathering, a prominent PDP chieftain and close ally of Governor Seyi Makinde, Alhaji Babatunde Tijani, popularly known as “Double T,” described Hon. Ramata Agberemi (RAD) as a seasoned administrator whose track record in public service has earned her the trust and confidence of party faithful.

He applauded her exemplary administrative competence in her current role as Senior Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, noting that her unwavering loyalty and consistency within the party structure distinguish her as a credible and dependable leader.

In a similar vein, the Agbaakin of Olounda, Chief Benedict Akika, praised RAD for her courage, resilience, and consistency in the political space over the years. He expressed confidence in her capacity to succeed and assured her of unwavering support toward the realization of her ambition in the forthcoming 2027 elections.

The declaration witnessed a strong turnout of supporters and stakeholders, Lagelu PDP Chairman, Chief Femi Falowo, Ex-Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Kazeem Gbadamosi, a notable PDP Chieftain, Alhaji Abideen Adeaga, including leaders of the Omituntun Benedict Forum led by Agbaakin Akika Benedict, the Lagelu PDP Woman Leader, students, artisans, and party stalwarts from across all wards of the local government among several others.

The atmosphere at the event reflected growing momentum behind RAD’s candidacy, as chants of solidarity and endorsements from various groups underscored her rising acceptance. Political observers note that her grassroots appeal and administrative experience could position her as a formidable contender in the race for Lagelu State Constituency.

Residents of Aramoko in Ekiti State have been thrown into mourning following a tragic incident in which a truck crashed into a residential building, claiming the life of a young university student.

The unfortunate incident which occurred yesterday, involved a truck that reportedly lost control and rammed into a private residence, leaving a scene of devastation. The victim, identified as a 300-level student who had returned home for the holiday, died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Eyewitnesses described the incident as shocking, noting that the truck forcefully embedded into the structure of the building. An elderly woman who was also inside the house at the time narrowly escaped death, as the vehicle reportedly missed her by a small margin while she was seated.

The cause of the crash remains unknown as of the time of filing this report. Authorities are yet to release an official statement, while residents continue to express concerns over road safety and the increasing rate of accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles in residential areas.

The tragic loss has left the community in grief, with sympathies pouring in for the affected family.

As someone who has followed your journey closely, I have come to admire your uncommon passion for people. Through the Dele Bajaj Foundation, you have consistently shown that leadership is about touching lives — empowering the youth, supporting the less privileged, and creating opportunities where none seemed to exist. Your actions speak louder than words, and your legacy continues to grow in the hearts of many.

You are one of those rare individuals whose influence goes beyond politics or public service. You inspire hope, you build dreams, and you give people reasons to believe that better days are possible.

On this special occasion, I celebrate the impact you’ve made and the many more lives you will continue to transform. May God grant you greater strength, wisdom, and long life to keep doing the good work.

Birthday celebration to you, my boss!

An Ogun State High Court has nullified a quit notice issued by the state government against properties belonging to former Governor and serving Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, ruling that the Abiodun administration bypassed mandatory statutory procedures before initiating enforcement action.

The judgment, delivered in a suit arising from a planning compliance dispute in Sagamu, declared the quit notice null and void, and found that the state’s enforcement officials acted outside their legal authority.

The dispute traces to August 2025, when Ogun State planning authorities moved against two properties linked to Daniel and his wife: Asoludero Court, his private residence, and Conference Hotels Limited along with its annex, both located in Sagamu. The state issued notices of contravention, a quit notice, and threatened demolition within days, citing violations of planning regulations and alleged permit deficiencies.

Daniel challenged the action, dismissing it as politically motivated and maintaining that both properties were backed by valid Certificates of Occupancy predating the current planning regime. His legal team swiftly approached the court and secured an ex-parte order restraining the government from any demolition or interference pending determination of the substantive suit.

At the core of the case was a procedural question: did the Ogun State Government follow its own enforcement sequence before issuing a quit notice?

Under Ogun State planning laws, enforcement must proceed in stages: a notice of contravention, an opportunity to remedy, further enforcement steps, and only then a final notice. The claimants argued that the government collapsed this sequence, jumping directly to coercive action and denying them the procedural safeguards enshrined in the law.

The High Court upheld that argument in its entirety. The court held that the enforcement provisions under Ogun State planning laws are mandatory and not discretionary, that government agencies have no latitude to bypass statutory steps, and that the failure to observe due process rendered the quit notice void ab initio. In effect, the court found the Abiodun administration had acted ultra vires.

The state government, for its part, had defended the action as part of a lawful statewide land audit and urban renewal exercise, insisting that no individual is above the law. The court’s verdict effectively turned that argument on its head, establishing that enforcement actions conducted in the name of legality must themselves be lawful.

The ruling carries implications well beyond one property dispute. The speed and intensity of enforcement targeting a former governor who now sits in the Senate had drawn widespread scrutiny, with critics questioning whether planning laws were being selectively deployed as a political instrument.

Legal analysts say the judgment reinforces a foundational governance principle: regulatory powers, however legitimate, cannot be weaponised through procedural shortcuts. The judiciary’s intervention signals that executive convenience does not override statutory procedure, regardless of the office directing it.

For Ogun State, the case raises uncomfortable questions about the integrity of its broader land audit programme and whether other enforcement actions across the state were conducted with the same procedural disregard now condemned by the court.

The Government of Ondo State has announced plans to prosecute traffic offenders through the deployment of mobile courts, in a decisive move aimed at restoring order and discipline on the roads.

The initiative, approved under the leadership of Governor , is designed to ensure the prompt trial of violators, reduce road accidents, and enforce compliance with traffic regulations across the state. Officials say the mobile courts will operate in major urban centres and highways, targeting offences such as reckless driving, illegal parking, one-way driving, and disregard for traffic signals.

According to the state authorities, the introduction of mobile courts will eliminate delays associated with conventional court processes and serve as a deterrent to habitual offenders. The government emphasized that offenders apprehended by traffic enforcement agencies will be arraigned on the spot, with penalties ranging from fines to other legal sanctions as stipulated by law.

The Special Adviser on Transportation noted that the measure is part of a broader strategy to enhance road safety, improve traffic flow, and protect lives and property. Residents and road users have been urged to cooperate with traffic officials and adhere strictly to traffic rules to avoid sanctions.

The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly transportation system, warning that there will be zero tolerance for traffic violations as the mobile courts commence operations.

About 14 days after the Ondo State Government reinforced the night-time ban on motorcycle operations and introduced compulsory registration for riders, motorcyclists today staged a protest, decrying the tedious registration process and its impact on their livelihood.

Recall that the government had earlier restricted motorcycle operations between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. as part of efforts to curb criminal activities, including kidnapping and armed robbery, often linked to the use of motorcycles for quick escape.

They were also given a two-week grace period to register, after which a fee of ₦20,000 would apply.

However, the protesting motorcyclists, who gathered at the Governor’s Office, argued that the registration window is too short and the process overly cumbersome, affecting their daily income.

They appealed to the government to extend the deadline to allow more time for proper compliance.

In response, the Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Special Duties and Strategy, Gani Mohammed, urged the protesters to remain calm and assured them that the government would explore ways to simplify the registration process.

Attached: Photos from the scene showing long queues of motorcyclists waiting to complete their registration.