Category: Featured

A foremost traditional ruler in Ogun State, the Olu of Kemta, Oba Adetokunbo Tejuosho, has criticised Fuji star Taye Currency over his performance at the coronation of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Oba Tejuosho described the singer’s lyrics, particularly the line “Were la fi n wo were” (madness is cured with madness), as “disgusting and uncultured,” stressing that a coronation is a sacred and solemn event, not an arena for careless entertainment.

The monarch faulted the choice of artiste for the ceremony, insisting that musicians invited to such historic occasions should project dignity and cultural respect.

The performance has since sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some defending Taye Currency as a “son of the soil,” while others agreed it was inappropriate for the traditional event.

The newly crowned 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to fast-track the creation of Ibadan State before the year 2027.

Oba Ladoja made the call while addressing a large gathering of indigenes and dignitaries shortly after receiving the Staff of Office from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Ibadan on Friday.

The monarch, who described the demand as a long-standing aspiration of the people, said Ibadan’s population, landmass, and historical significance make it deserving of statehood. He urged the President to use his office to ensure the request becomes a reality within his administration’s tenure.

“Ibadan has contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria, and it is time our long dream of having Ibadan State is realized. We ask President Bola Tinubu to make this happen before 2027,” the Olubadan declared.

The call for Ibadan State has been a recurring agitation by traditional leaders, political stakeholders, and socio-cultural groups in Oyo State over the years. Oba Ladoja’s renewed push is expected to rekindle debates on state creation in Nigeria.

Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was agog on Friday as High Chief Rashidi Ladoja was officially crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The historic coronation, held at Mapo Hall, attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria, including top government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, and indigenes of Ibadan both at home and abroad.

The ceremony was marked by cultural displays, royal processions, and traditional rites that affirmed the new monarch’s authority. Residents trooped out in their numbers, shutting down markets and business activities in honour of the revered stool.

In his inaugural speech, the Olubadan pledged to promote peace, unity, and development across Ibadanland and Oyo State at large. He called on sons and daughters of Ibadan to work together to sustain the city’s rich heritage and ensure progress.

Governor Seyi Makinde described the event as a moment of pride for the people of Oyo State, assuring that his administration would continue to support the traditional institution.

The coronation of Olubadan is seen not just as a cultural milestone but also as a unifying moment for the ancient city, which remains one of the largest traditional kingdoms in West Africa.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Presidency of sponsoring fabricated stories to tarnish his image.

This is coming as a clarification for an earlier publication declaring his readiness to “prioritize the Yorubas” if elected president.

Atiku, in a statement issued by his media aide Paul Ibe, dissociated himself from one Kola Johnson, who has allegedly been issuing statements in his name.

The statement stressed that Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), “has never engaged Kola Johnson as a media consultant, aide, or associate.”

“Our findings point directly to the Presidency, which in its desperation to smear opposition leaders, has resorted to hiring faceless mercenaries to fabricate fake stories and circulate unauthorized statements on Atiku,” the statement read.

It described as “particularly offensive” a false claim credited to Johnson that an Atiku administration would be dominated by a single ethnic group, saying it was part of a propaganda project to ridicule him.

Atiku urged Nigerians and media houses to disregard such publications, warning that only statements released through the Atiku Media Office, signed by Paul Ibe or his Special Assistant on Public Communications, should be considered authentic.

He further cautioned editors and journalists to remain vigilant against what he described as “propaganda schemes of the Tinubu administration.”

The Oyo State House of Assembly has formally received and approved the notice of early resumption from leave submitted by the Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

The Governor returned to duty ahead of schedule to personally participate in and oversee the coronation ceremony of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

During its plenary sitting on Thursday, 25th September 2025, the Assembly presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Muhammad Abiodun Fadeyi, on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin read and acknowledged the Governor’s resumption letter.

Governor Makinde, who had initially informed the House of his annual leave from August 29 to September 29, 2025, stated in his letter that due to the historic and culturally significant coronation of the new Olubadan, he deemed it necessary to cut short his vacation and resume duty.

“I shall resume duty tomorrow, 26th September 2025, and hereby assume the full functions of the office of Governor of Oyo State,” the letter read in part.

The Governor also expressed appreciation to the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, for serving as Acting Governor during his absence and announced that the Deputy Governor would now return to his substantive role.

Members of the House welcomed the Governor’s decision and expressed support for his commitment to the cultural heritage of the state.

The plenary unanimously adopted the resumption notice and commended Governor Makinde for showing leadership and honouring a momentous occasion in Ibadanland’s history.

The session also reaffirmed the House’s support for traditional institutions and lauded the proactive steps taken by the Executive to ensure a smooth coronation ceremony.

Tragedy was averted on Wednesday, September 24, when a two-storey building under construction collapsed at 4 Modupeola Street, near Mangoro Bus Stop in the Alimosho area of Lagos State.

Emergency officials confirmed that one person sustained injuries while five others were rescued from the rubble.

Reports indicate that the structure, originally a bungalow, was being converted into a two-storey building when its rear section suddenly gave way.

Authorities have since cordoned off the site to prevent further danger, while investigations into the cause of the collapse are underway.

Oduduwa News will continue to provide updates as officials probe the incident.

One Injured, Five Rescued as Two-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos

Tragedy was averted on Wednesday, September 24, when a two-storey building under construction collapsed at 4 Modupeola Street, near Mangoro Bus Stop in the Alimosho area of Lagos State.

Emergency officials confirmed that one person sustained injuries while five others were rescued from the rubble.

Reports indicate that the structure, originally a bungalow, was being converted into a two-storey building when its rear section suddenly gave way.

Authorities have since cordoned off the site to prevent further danger, while investigations into the cause of the collapse are undergoing.

Vehicular and business activities were paralysed across parts of Lagos on Wednesday after hours of heavy rain caused flash floods.

Flood-prone areas like Maryland, Lekki, Ogba, and Ikorodu were worst hit, with homes, shops, and roads submerged.

Videos on social media showed residents wading through waterlogged streets and motorists struggling to drive through flooded roads.

In Maryland, a canal overflow cut off Olatunji Street from the Mende community, leaving residents stranded.

Chinasa Nnadi, a resident, said flooding had become a yearly problem. “Some people even relocate because it is too much,” she said.

Another resident, Kalu, said his shop was overrun. “Water entered my shop and destroyed my goods,” he lamented.

Church member Christiana said floodwater damaged instruments. “We will spend a lot fixing or replacing them,” she added.

The floods also worsened traffic. Cars broke down on major roads, and commuters spent hours in gridlock.

Environment Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, said Lagos remained vulnerable because it is a coastal city. He blamed illegal structures and poor refuse disposal for worsening the floods.

He assured residents that drainage projects, pumping stations, and enforcement against infractions were ongoing, while urging Lagosians to cooperate by keeping the environment clean.

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.