Category: Featured

The Ogun State Government on Wednesday dismissed as laughable and ridiculous claims that Governor Dapo Abiodun is insisting on unusually strict technical standards for the Paddy Arikawe Oye-Igbimo Road in Sagamu, a constituency project proposed by Senator Gbenga Daniel, who represents Ogun East.

In a statement signed by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media & Strategy, the government clarified that the requirements given to the contractor, Minim and Tonye Nigeria Limited, are the same standards applied to all state road projects and are designed to protect public safety.

It added that any push by Senator Daniel’s associates to lower these standards amounts to a blatant attempt to compromise public safety and is dead on arrival.

The statement further described as a name-dropping pile of garbage, a report allegedly from Daniel’s media team titled “Dapo Abiodun Takes on Tinubu Over Standard of Road Constructed in Ogun” calling it a hastily assembled fabrication driven by desperation and ulterior motives.

The statement challenged the authors to present evidence that President Bola Tinubu is carrying out a 260-metre road project anywhere in Ogun State, expressing surprise that Daniel’s team seemed to assume Nigerians cannot distinguish between road projects approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and those initiated by individual federal lawmakers.

It added that the government discovered the drainage and concrete pavement design failed to meet Federal Ministry of Works (FMW) standards only after the contractor submitted the project drawings.

Following this, it said, it made its observations known to the contractor through a letter dated 22nd September 2025, asking it to make necessary corrections and re-submit for approval accordingly.

The statement added: “It is pertinent to state that whenever Ogun State Government wants to work on any FG road, it is statutory and mandatory that we must get necessary clearance from the Federal Ministry of Works and this had been the practice since the beginning of the previous administration.

“In line with this, the Federal Government also requests for our drawings, specification and any other documents relating to the projects which we have always obliged them before they give us the approval to commence such projects.

“Likewise, whenever the Federal Government wants to work on Ogun State Projects, they follow the normal procedure by informing the Ogun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, attaching the necessary documents related to such roads. They have always followed this process to avoid clashes or duplication of road projects among other reasons, therefore, Paddy Arikawe Oye Igbimo road should not be an exception.

“It should be noted that the Contractor did not inform the Ministry before he commenced work. His action negates the normal due process which ought to be followed before commencing work on the State Government road. He was therefore informed through letter Ref. No. AD. 1198/48, dated 17th September, 2025 to formally inform the Ministry about the concerned project and seek necessary approval.”

The statement added that after going through the documents submitted by the contractor, the government discovered that the Contractor intends to construct 300m out of the entire stretch of 3000m, which represents 10% of the whole road Project, but the Ogun State Ministry of Works had earlier carried out palliative work up to the stone base level on some parts of this project, while the design work for the entire stretch is already at the final stage of execution.

The statement added: “The directive by the Ogun State Ministry of Works is not an “interference” in a federal initiative, as mischievously alleged, but a responsible and necessary step, rooted in his constitutional duty to safeguard the interests of the people of Ogun State.

“The Ogun State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure identified clear technical shortcomings in the contractor’s proposal, and dragging Mr. President into this matter is a needless distraction.

“Pray, what does the Presidency have to do with a contractor’s failure to meet acceptable technical standards? This is simply an old-fashioned ploy by the OGD media team to divert attention from the substance of the issues raised.

“How can anyone describe the Ogun State Government’s insistence on higher grade concrete, stronger stone base layers, reinforced tensile strength, and full compliance with Federal Ministry of Works standards as political if not for sinister motives?

“The Ogun State Government will not compromise on quality, nor will it allow substandard projects to be executed within the State. The people of Ogun deserve roads that stand the test of time, not propaganda-driven distractions.

“The antics of the OGD media team will not succeed. The facts remain clear, and the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun remains committed to transparency, accountability, and lasting development for all.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to maintain a clear distinction between politics and tradition in the discharge of his royal duties.

Obasanjo, who spoke during a courtesy visit to the monarch, emphasized that traditional institutions must remain neutral in order to preserve their dignity and serve as a unifying force for the people. He warned that mixing politics with cultural responsibilities could weaken the respect and influence of the throne.

According to him, traditional rulers play a pivotal role in fostering peace, unity, and development, and must therefore avoid being drawn into political rivalries.

The former president assured the Olubadan of his continuous support and urged him to focus on strengthening Ibadan’s heritage and promoting harmony among indigenes.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has sparked debate after declaring that Ile-Ife is not the origin of the Yoruba people and has no true Yoruba culture.

Speaking at a palace event, the monarch insisted he is the “Arole Olodumare” with the mandate to reveal the authentic history of the Yoruba race.

Oba Akanbi argued that people were living in Ife before Oduduwa’s arrival, adding that the language and traditions of ancient Ife differed from what is known as Yoruba today.

His remarks challenge the widely-held belief that Ile-Ife is the cradle of Yoruba civilization, drawing sharp reactions from cultural enthusiasts and historians.

An advance team from the Presidency has arrived in Ibadan ahead of the coronation of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, scheduled for Friday.

Reports indicate that a presidential flight touched down at the recently upgraded Ibadan Airport on Tuesday morning, marking the arrival of the delegation that will prepare for President Bola Tinubu’s expected attendance.

Security has been heightened across the city, with road diversions and traffic measures announced around Mapo Hall, the venue of the historic event. Dignitaries from across the country, including top political leaders, are expected to join Ibadan indigenes to witness the coronation ceremony.

Content creator, Folorunsho Olayinka, otherwise known as Finest, has revealed that late comedian Adetola Samad (popularly called Sanku) was still owing about ₦13 million on the 2012 Lexus RX 350 SUV in which he lost his life.

In a viral TikTok video monitored by SaharaReporters, Finest explained that he had stood as guarantor for the comedian when he purchased the vehicle for ₦25.4 million on installment from JJ Motors Empire and Services Limited.

According to SaharaReporters, a receipt dated June 5, 2025, and shared by Finest during the livestream, showed that only ₦7 million had been paid upfront, with subsequent instalments bringing the total payment to ₦12.28 million before the accident.

“I was only a guarantor. It was because the car dealer knew me. After paying ₦7 million to acquire the vehicle, he began paying in instalments until he had paid ₦12,280,000. He was still owing about ₦13 million at the time of his death,” Finest said.

Reacting to speculation that he may have been involved in Sanku’s death, the content creator denied the allegations, saying: “So what will be my gain in ordering that the person who owed about ₦13 million, for whom I stood as guarantor, be killed? I don’t even know the driver.”

He added that he still had voice notes of the late comedian appreciating him for standing as guarantor, noting that the only reason he spoke publicly was because some people tried to implicate him in the tragedy.

Finest also alleged that Sanku and his companions were not given immediate medical attention after the crash along Ogbomoso Road in Oyo State.

“The day the accident happened, I sent my siblings and some of the guys on set with me to visit the scene. Even when they arrived at the hospital, they complained that they were not treated immediately. I was the one who sent my people money for their treatment,” he stated.

Recall that Sanku died in the accident earlier this month, with actor Yemi Elesho confirming the news on social media.

The Babaloja General of Oyo State, Asiwaju Yekeen Abass, has directed that all markets in Ibadan will be closed on the day of the coronation of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja.

Abass said the decision, reached in consultation with market leaders across the city, was taken to honour the new monarch and to ensure that traders and residents give full attention to the historic event.

According to him, the closure will affect both major and satellite markets in Ibadan, adding that the market community is united in celebrating the ascension of Oba Ladoja to the revered Olubadan stool.

He urged traders to comply fully with the directive, noting that the coronation marks a significant moment in the history of Ibadanland.

The Executive Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has attributed youths’ involvement in economic and financial crimes to parenting failures and neglect by members of the family unit.

He made the observation in Kaduna on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, while speaking on “Family Neglect and Youth Involvement in Economic Offences.”

Speaking through the Acting Director of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, he stated that “Family neglect impacts dire consequences on the lives of young people, including increased exposure and vulnerability to financial and economic crimes. By addressing the root causes of family neglect and providing support services, education and job opportunities, we will be working towards reducing youth involvement in economic and financial crimes and promoting ethical behaviours in young people”

“The neglect can arise as a result of poverty, ignorance, deliberate abdication of responsibility, drug abuse or addiction and manifests in the failure of members of a family unit in providing adequate emotional, psychological and material support to children or dependants.”

Speaking further, he noted that “The nexus between family dysfunction and youth criminality is one that calls for a multi- dimensional approach in both the diagnosis of the negative outcomes and the adminstration of the required therapies,” adding that “provision of family support systems, youth mentorship and sporting programmes could be handy in providing avenues for talent development and alternative ways of harnessing positive energies of young people.”

While affirming his commitment to reducing youth’s involvement in economic and financial crimes and to the promotion of ethical behaviours in young people, he regretted that some students of tertiary institutions, arrested by the Commission for their involvements in internet fraud often cite inadequate financial support from their families as reason for their actions.

“On numerous occasions, some students of tertiary institutions whom we arrested following credible intelligence that exposed their involvements in internet fraud, would often plead they are indigent students who are self-financing their education and that their involvement in the crime followed the inadequacies of their lean financial strength,” he said.

He praised President Bola Tinubu’s government for intervening in the direction of student’s financial need with the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, NELFund, drawn from EFCC’s proceeds of crime.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is happy and proud that N50 billion seed capital of NELFUND was drawn from the Commission’s recovered proceeds of crime. Our preventive mandate aligns with any lawful action or policy that would take our youths away from the path of economic and financial crimes,” he said.

He highlighted the preventive and reorientation programmes of the Commission, designed to shield young people and the youth demography from financial and economic crimes to include EFCC Integrity Club, which is a ”catch them young ” anti- corruption social engagement for primary and secondary school students; Zero Tolerance Club for tertiary institutions and EFCC/NYSC CDS Group for members of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC and the yearly National Cybercrime Summit of the Commission, which addresses the problem of youths’ involvement in internet fraud.

A viral video showing Mr. Quadri Fatai Abiodun, 57, vi0lentl assault!n his wife, Mrs. Rukayat Quadri, 50, has sparked public outrage and legal action. The swift intervention of concerned citizens prompted the case to be taken up in court.

On Monday, 22nd September 2025, Mr. Quadri was arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Ijebu-Ode on a five-count charge filed by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police. The charges are as follows:

Count I: That on 15th September 2025, at about 6:00 a.m. at No. 11, Bakare Street, Oke-Owa, Ijebu-Ode, within the Ijebu-Ode Magisterial District, the defendant unlawfully assaulted his wife by beating her with a stick and several fist blows, causing bodily injuries, contrary to Section 355 of the Criminal Code, Vol. 1, Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.

Count II: That the defendant unlawfully inflicted domestic violence on his wife, contrary to Section 21(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2017.

Count III: That the defendant unlawfully assaulted and caused injuries to his wife, contrary to Section 4(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2017.

Count IV: That the defendant intentionally intimidated, injured, and threatened his wife’s life over a landed property consisting of 10 self-contained rooms and other flats, contrary to Section 86 of the Criminal Code, Vol. 1, Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.

Count V: That the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of public peace by violently assaulting his wife, contrary to Section 249(1)(d) of the Criminal Code, Vol. 1, Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.

The court ordered that Mr. Quadri Fatai Abiodun be remanded in Custody due to the objection of the Oral application by the prosecution and ordered that a formal bail application be filed. The case was adjourned until 17th October 2025 for further hearing.

The Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Sunday commenced his seven-day seclusion in Ile-Ife, Osun State, as part of the traditional rites preceding the annual Olojo Festival.

The monarch declared that this year’s spiritual holiness would be dedicated to prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and sustainable progress, admonishing relevant stakeholders particularly the traditional rulers across the length and breath of the Oduduwa race worldwide to embrace unity as the only veritable tool for achieving these goals.

The Olojo Festival, meaning “the Day of the First Dawn” is celebrated to mark the day the Almighty created the earth. It is one of the oldest and most respected cultural festivals in Oduduwa land, symbolising creation, renewal, and the spiritual authority of Ile-Ife as the cradle of mankind.

Speaking before going into seclusion, the Ooni prayed for Nigerians across all regions to experience divine blessings healing, and national recovery.

Ooni Ogunwusi particularly urged Nigerians to embrace unity, peace, tolerance, and love for one another, noting that without these values, the country would continue to struggle with division and underdevelopment.

He encouraged the citizens to rise above ethnic and religious differences, stressing that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity.

“I am praying for Nigeria and for Nigerians. I seek God’s mercy upon this land. May we all experience peace, unity, progress, and the blessings of the Almighty. To the sons and daughters of Oduduwa everywhere, I urge you: be peaceful, be united, and let us work together for progress,” the Ooni said.

He further called on political leaders to act responsibly, urging them to govern with fairness, justice, and compassion.

According to him, leadership must always prioritise the welfare of the people, adding that no society thrives when its leaders ignore the cries of the masses.

The seven-day seclusion is a period of spiritual purification during which the Ooni abstains from public appearances and engages in meditation, and prayer. It is seen as a sacred responsibility that connects the monarch with the divine and his ancestors, enabling him to intercede for his subjects and the nation.

Traditionally, the seclusion period also prepares the monarch for the climax of the Olojo Festival, when he will appear wearing the sacred Aare crown, a relic believed to be the original crown of Oduduwa.

During the festival’s climax, the Ooni leads processions, ancestral rites, and prayers at significant historical sites in Ile-Ife. These rituals reaffirm the town’s place as the spiritual heart of the Yoruba people and unite indigenes and visitors in celebration of cultural pride and heritage.

By dedicating this year’s seclusion to the well-being of Nigeria, the Ooni reinforces the role of traditional rulers as moral and spiritual guides. His message of unity, peace, and progress resonates strongly at a time when many Nigerians are yearning for hope, stability, and a renewed sense of purpose.

As the Olojo Festival gathers momentum, anticipation builds among the Yorubas and beyond. For the Ooni, the week-long solitude is not just about preserving tradition, but about invoking blessings on his people, reminding all sons and daughters of Oduduwa to remain united, peaceful, and progressive in the pursuit of a greater Nigeria.

Earlier same day, the Ooni who doubles as permanent Co-chair man, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) and Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council(SNTRC) was at Ibadan on a historic visit to the new Olubadan of Ibadan land and the incumbent chairman of the Oyo state Council of Obas, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Ladoja in a show of love and solidarity with the good people Ibadan land expressing his regrets as he will not be able to attend the forthcoming Olubadan’s coronation slated Friday this week saying it’s coincidental with his Olojo Seclusion rites.

He received at Ibadan by a mammoth crowd of Ibadan indigenes including the Mogajis and other Ibadan monarchs. The hosting Olubadan in his response did not hide his happiness as he commended the visiting the natural head of the Oduduwa race globally for his personal sacrifices to unite the Yoruba and other racial member groups with the larger Oduduwa race worldwide.

Ladoja further urged other Yoruba monarchs to emulate the Ooni urging them to focus on strengthening the cultural values and institutions that unite them, rather than those that divide them.

The Olubadan designate said people look up to traditional rulers not just for leadership but also for inspiration and protection.

“Kabiyesi Oonirisa, If we all come together with our ideas, with yours, we will have our way, and as God will have it, the president of the country is our son, and he has even assured me he will be present at my coronation ceremony.

“The experience of governance is different from the experience used in political intrigues and the business circle. I don’t have the experience Ooni has because ten years on the throne is no joke. By the grace of God, you will be one of my teachers. I have said this to all the obas who have visited me.

The All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo state has come out to condemn Governor Seyi Makinde’s decision to bankroll the international soccer match between the Nigeria’s Under 20 female team and their Rwandan counterparts with a whooping sum of N110million at the expense of many critical responsibilities which required the attention of the state government.

The opposition party specifically came hard on the governor over his alleged lackadaisical attitude to the plight of the staff of the Ladoke Akintola Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso which has resulted in the closure of the medical facility since the beginning of this month of September.

In a statement issued on Monday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC hinted that the health sector in the state would soon be grounded as the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) was set to commence a total industrial action in solidarity with their colleagues in Lautech Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso with October 2, 2025 set as the deadline for Gov. Makinde to act as expected.

“It is a height of insensitivity on the part of a government that cannot value the life of its citizens to prioritize spending on a soccer project which belongs to the federal government. For the avoidance of doubt, the qualifiers match between the Nigerian Under 20 girls and their Rwandan counterparts had been put in the year 2025 budget of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) through its parent body- Nigerian Sports Commission (NSC) and there are no reports that either the NFF or FG asked Gov. Makinde to help them out in hosting the match.

“As a matter of fact, the emergency decision of the Oyo state government to attract the match to the low quality Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan raised a lot of questions which beg for answers. The decision was hurriedly backed up with a budget of N110million which has been removed from the state treasury immediately.

“One might not understand the implications of reckless spending by the current PDP administration in the state until a wider look is taken at most critical sectors which have been abandoned. For instance, among the demands of the striking medical staff of Lautech are the procurement of modern equipment to cater for patients since it has been established that no public hospital in the state has anything like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Machine among others.

“Worse still, X-ray machines and ambulances are luxury in most of these hospitals while qualified personnel quit the service of the state government in droves on daily basis due to negligence and high-handedness on the part of the Makinde administration. Nigerians love football but female under 20 qualifiers cannot be their priority at the moment. Therefore, Gov. Makinde should spend a less amount on the match and use the balance to fix some of the problems in Lautech Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.” Sadare stated.