Category: Featured

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has described the position of the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has snubbed the North in terms of development as false.

Afenifere, in a statement issued by its National Organising Secretary, Otunba Kole Omololu, said the southern part of the country has been sidelined for the North in the past decades.

Kwankwaso, during a stakeholders’ dialogue on the 2025 constitutional amendment in Kano, alleged that the North was being sidelined in terms of resources as well as federal projects.

According to the frontline Yoruba group, Kwankwaso’s alarmist rhetoric is not only unfair but also deeply dangerous, as it stokes regional tension and paints a false picture of deliberate southern favouritism.

While disclosing that development is a gradual process, Afenifere stated that Tinubu has not yet reached the halfway mark of his term.

With Afenifere describing the position of Kwankwaso as misleading and deliberately incendiary, the NNPP stalwart stressed that “less than two years into President Tinubu’s administration, Kwankwaso is crying foul.

“Perhaps he is unaware that critical road projects have been initiated and awarded across the North, including the dualisation of the Kano-Maiduguri Road, the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega Road, and the Abuja-Keffi-Lafia corridor.

“The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano, AKK, gas pipeline, neglected by past regimes, is being fast-tracked. Just weeks ago, President Tinubu approved billions for critical infrastructure in Katsina, Borno, and Niger States.

“We must rise above ethnic saboteurs and sectional agitators masquerading as patriots. Let statesmen, not ethnic lords, shape the conversation.”

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has issued a damning verdict on the future of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), predicting that the once-dominant opposition party will finish fourth in the 2027 general elections. Speaking during a Channels Television interview on Politics Today, Fayose described the PDP as a “political carcass,” citing the departure of key figures, including presidential candidates, governors, and senators. He lamented that many influential leaders had been “eased out” of the party, making it difficult to mount a credible challenge in upcoming elections. According to him, the party’s current state makes associating with it “shameful.”

Fayose offered bold electoral forecasts, projecting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are positioned to win again in 2027. He argued that with the APC’s dominance in the South, Tinubu would only need a fraction of support from the North to secure victory. He placed Labour Party’s Peter Obi in second position, followed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in third, saying if Makinde contests under the platform of PDP in 2027 he would come a distant in fourth. Fayose also maintained that the PDP had compromised its structure and political capital, rendering it irrelevant in the next electoral cycle.

Reflecting on the recent death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Fayose revealed that he initially intended to criticize the late leader but was dissuaded by his wife. Although known for his blunt political commentary, he explained that he chose restraint out of respect. Nonetheless, Fayose remarked that President Tinubu inherited a “terrible economy” and credited him as being more accessible and responsive than Buhari. He added that while many may eulogize Buhari posthumously, Nigeria’s current state reflects the poor economic foundation left behind by his administration.

Despite his longstanding loyalty to the PDP, Fayose emphasized his personal admiration for President Tinubu, revealing that he had supported him even while serving as a PDP governor. He recounted occasions where he resisted pressure to defect and acknowledged his continued alignment with Tinubu’s political ideals. However, Fayose did not rule out joining another party—be it APC, Labour, or ADC—if the PDP fails to recover. His statements are the latest in a series of internal criticisms rocking the PDP as it struggles to reposition itself ahead of 2027.

The Ogun State Government, on Thursday, clarified that the name of Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijagun has not been changed to Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona University of Education, countering recent rumors of such a rebranding.

In response to reports suggesting that the institution was renamed to honour the late monarch and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, the government emphasized that an existing institution, the Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology in Omu, already pays tribute to the late Awujale.

Reflecting on the university’s history, the government stated that the Ogun State College of Education was originally established in 1977, and underwent its first name change to Tai Solarin College of Education, Science and Technology in 1994. In 2005, it was further renamed Tai Solarin University of Education, which led to controversies regarding its authority to award both NCE and degree programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The government explained that, in light of the NUC’s position, the previous administration relocated the Tai Solarin College of Education to Omu, while the Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijagun retained its name.

However, in 2022, under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, the institution was officially designated as the Sikiru Kayode Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology to honor the Awujale.

The statement noted that the governor’s remarks during the 8th day Fidau prayer for the late Awujale highlighted past efforts to commemorate the esteemed monarch, and did not made mention of renaming Tai Solarin University of Education, which has since come under federal government jurisdiction.

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has disclaimed a viral document purportedly outlining a newly approved dress code for students, describing it as unofficial and misleading.

In a special release signed by the Registrar, K. A. Bakare, and dated July 25, 2025, the university clarified that while its Council had indeed approved a dress code policy for students, the version currently circulating online was not the one ratified by the institution’s governing body.

The Registrar emphasized that the university intends to publish the authentic dress code in due course. The forthcoming version, according to the statement, will align with the institution’s core values of promoting academic discipline, social decency, and ethical behavior, consistent with its guiding motto: “For learning and culture.”

The university therefore urged the general public, particularly students and stakeholders, to disregard the unauthorized document and await the official release.

This clarification comes amid widespread debate and confusion generated by the contents of the viral dress code document, which had sparked mixed reactions on social media platforms.

Thousands of culture enthusiasts, scholars, and traditionalists stormed the ancient city of Ile-Ife on Thursday for the 2025 edition of the Ayangalu Drum Festival, as the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, led the celebration with powerful drumming to promote peace, unity, and cultural continuity.

The colourful festival, held at the courtyard of the Palace of Ile Oodua, drew an impressive gathering, including professors from the Departments of Linguistics and Music at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), 250 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students from OAU, and contingents from other institutions across the South-West region.

In a show of support for indigenous creativity, the Ooni gifted a total sum of N4.95 million to winners of the drumming competition and cultural performers. The first-place winner walked away with N1 million, second place received N750,000, and third position got N500,000.

The revered monarch also presented N2 million to performers from the Moremi Ensemble, N500,000 to ace drummer Akande Onilu, while two other drummers received N100,000 each.

Addressing journalists at the event, the Ooni emphasised the sacredness of the drum in Yoruba cosmology.

He said, “We believe the drum holds great significance in our daily lives. In the olden days, drums were used for virtually everything be it good news or times of war, the drum was the medium of communication.

“The drum is deeply symbolic to us, the Yoruba people. Ayangalu, the originator of the drum, is venerated among the 201 deities of Ile-Ife and shares a spiritual link with Orunmila. He began his journey in Atiba here in Ile-Ife, and although some of his descendants later migrated to Oyo and Nupe lands, many still reside in Ife. Every year, we honour his legacy through this festival.

“To us, Ayangalu is synonymous with the drum. I drum today for peace, for joy, and for abundant blessings. Since childhood, I have found fulfilment in promoting and preserving this sacred tradition.”

Also speaking at the event, Olori Ronke Ogunwusi lauded the Ooni for his consistent moral and financial support, not only for the festival but also for cultural renaissance efforts in Ile-Ife and beyond. She praised key stakeholders such as Seamans, university professors, NYSC members, OAU students, traditional chiefs, and guests for gracing the occasion.

“We have gathered here to celebrate our rich cultural heritage. Ayangalu represents excellence in creativity, and I urge every Yoruba person to value their roots and continue learning from one another. As the competition captivates us, let it also remind us to uphold unity and the enduring power of our tradition,” she noted

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former Governor of Kano State and a presidential hopeful in 2023, has called out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing favoritism in his administration.

He argues that while the South is seeing significant development, the North is being left behind.

Kwankwaso insists that this growing disparity is becoming more evident every day, and the people of northern Nigeria are fed up with being overlooked.

“This isn’t the kind of unity we voted for,” he expressed.

This recent backlash is coming few days after the duo of Kwankwaso and Tinubu reportedly met behind closed door in Aso Villa, Abuja.

The chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu has donated ₦25bn to a Lagos State food security initiative.

Elumelu made this public on Wednesday during the launch of the Produce for Lagos Programme, an initiative of the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company.

“We support this initiative with ₦25 billion,” Elumelu said.

“In a few years time, it will help us face the challenge of joblessness of our young ones.

“We believe that joblessness is a great problem of our young people. They shouldn’t be jobless, we have arable lands,” the chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) said in Lagos.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to pay ₦10 million in damages for violating the fundamental rights of peaceful protesters during the 2024 #EndSARS memorial.

Delivering the landmark judgment on Thursday, Justice M. Kakaki ruled that the actions of the police against the applicants during the October 20, 2024 protest were unlawful and a clear breach of constitutional rights.

“The applicants were unjustly harassed and their rights infringed upon,” the judge stated. He emphasized that while security agencies are empowered to enforce the law, such powers must be exercised within the bounds of democratic principles and the rule of law.

Citing Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Justice Kakaki reaffirmed the right of citizens to freely assemble and associate, particularly for peaceful protests.

The applicants in the suit include 22 individuals such as Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Uadiale Kingsley, Ilesanmi Kehinde, Osopale Adeseye, and Aisha Omolara, among others. The court also recognised the roles of three civic organisations: the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), the Take It Back Movement (TIB), and the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).

The ruling has been widely hailed by human rights groups and activists as a major legal victory for civic freedom and accountability. Many see it as a strong message against police impunity and a step forward in protecting democratic rights in Nigeria.

Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has lashed out at British Conservative politician Kemi Badenoch over her claim that she cannot pass Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman.

Badenoch, the former UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade and a leading figure in the Conservative Party, made the controversial remark during an interview with Fareed Zakaria on CNN on Sunday. Speaking about immigration and citizenship laws, she claimed Nigerian legislation does not allow women to confer nationality on their children.

“It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents. I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman,” Badenoch said. “Yet loads of Nigerians come to the UK and stay for a relatively free period of time, acquire British citizenship. We need to stop being naive.”

In a strongly worded response on Monday, Falana described Badenoch’s statement as “a display of utter ignorance” and accused her of misinforming the British public to score political points.

“In her desperate attempt to impress the British electorate, Kemi Badenoch keeps running down Nigeria,” Falana said in a statement issued in Lagos.

He cited Section 25(b) and (c) of the Nigerian Constitution to debunk her claims, stating clearly that a child born outside Nigeria to a Nigerian parent regardless of gender is entitled to citizenship.

“Contrary to her misleading claim, your children are Nigerians because you are a Nigerian,” Falana stated. “Her assertion that she cannot give Nigerian citizenship to her children because she is a woman is not in consonance with Nigerian law.”

He further referenced Section 42(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits discrimination based on gender, birth, or class, saying, “Therefore, her two children are Nigerian citizens. The fact that she may not want them to claim it is irrelevant. For now, they are dual citizens of Britain and Nigeria.”

Falana also challenged Badenoch’s statement that Nigerian citizenship is “virtually impossible” for foreigners to obtain. He pointed out that Sections 26 and 27 of the Constitution allow foreigners to acquire Nigerian nationality through registration or naturalisation, once the legal requirements are met.

However, the senior advocate did acknowledge an area of concern in the law where gender inequality still exists.

“A woman married to a Nigerian man can be registered as a citizen, but the same privilege is not extended to a man married to a Nigerian woman. This reflects the patriarchal nature of the law. It should be urgently amended,” Falana said.

The debate has triggered reactions on both sides of the Atlantic, as Nigerians at home and abroad continue to challenge outdated gender provisions in legal frameworks.