Category: News

The foremost traditional ruler, Oluwo of Iwo, Abdularasheed Akanbi has condemned the desecration of the reverted traditional stool by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Oluwo in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Alli Ibrahim said he would not stand up if he was in Iseyin.

He was quoted in the statement as read in part:

“I trust myself and my stool. At death, there are certain things my soul will not take let alone when alive, active and kicking. I only blame the monarchs who stood in obeisance to such an ignoble and desecrating of traditional institutions from the old man. Respects should be earned not demanded.

“Traditional Rulers respect their subjects too. There is a way respect is accorded to people of old age and position by monarchs. Kingship is an institution of God. As such, relating with kings requires a high sense of modesty, courtesy and respect.

“The display by the former president of Nigeria, General Obasanjo was an affront, an intentional desecration and sacrilege against revered stools of Yorubaland. An injury to one is an injury to all. Yoruba traditional rulers are not uniform men anyone can command at will. I don’t blame him, those Royal Fathers who stood up to obey such an embarrassing direction are to be blamed.

“I’ve strong assurance that such will never happen in and some few monarchs I will not mention “Iwo kogba igbakugba”

“The show by the former general is condemnable. Yoruba traditional institutions demand an apology for the open desecration to molest and bring down the institution. He needs to prove himself as a core Yoruba man with an apology letter. Kings are not toddlers. We are fathers. He will never dares that against the Northern Emirs.

“This action should be a great challenge to the Yorubas most especially the Royal Fathers. This is the result when monarchs joined Ogboni confraternity and became junior to a road side mechanical engineer or carpenter. As a responsible monarch, you don’t have to join any secret society where you may be controlled by a teacher or even a herbalist.

Nigerian skit maker Adebola Adeyela, popularly known as Lizzy Jay Omo Ibadan, has cried out in a video via her Instagram account claiming that a yet-to-be-identified individual is threatening to leak her private video.

She narrated that she was terribly ill a few months ago and had skin rashes in major parts of her body, haemorrhoids, and bleeding.

Adeyela explained that after explaining these issues to her doctor, who is also her trusted friend, she had to send him screenshots of a video she made rather than having a physical examination.

She, however, revealed, “In the past few days, someone has been commenting on my page talking about having my nudes. He is trying to post the video of my most vulnerable moment.”

She claimed that the person had also threatened to post her nudes on social media, sent her mail with screenshots of the video, and called her via a private number.

She dared him to follow through on his threat, saying that she won’t give him money and she’ll find him with her last kobo.

She further claimed that the man trying to blackmail her hacked into one of her email accounts and used it to gain access to her Snapchat.

Mr Olayemi Cardoso, the former chairman of Citibank Nigeria, is a distinguished leader in the financial and development sectors with over 30 years’ experience in the private, public and not-for-profit organisations. With diverse corporate governance experience, Mr Cardoso has also sat on the boards of Nigerian subsidiaries of Texaco and Chevron and chaired the board of EFInA, a financial sector development organisation supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.

Mr Cardoso served in government as the first Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget for Lagos State, where he championed the financial reform process which led to the state’s development of independent tax revenues.

In his capacity as a consultant and policy expert, Yemi has advised and collaborated with major international development organisations including the World Bank, Ford Foundation, UN Habitat, World Health Organization and the Swedish Development Foundation.

Mr Cardoso started his banking career with Citibank where he eventually rose to the position of Vice President leaving to co-found Citizens International Bank where he was an Executive Director for eight years

He is the recipient of several awards including an honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from Aston University, his alma mater, and the Global Distinguished Alumni award from Citi.

Mr Cardoso obtained a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School where he was a Mason Fellow.

In continuation of the Light Up the Rural Communities initiative of Ogun State government, the State Ministry of Rural Development has installed Solar panel street lights in Ogo-Oluwa community, Surulere, Ileese Awo, Abeokuta and Albert Taiwo Matuluko in Ijebu North-East Local Government area of the State.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Adetayo Adewale, said the initiative was in line with the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration’s agenda in providing lights for rural communities where the National grid could not get to, saying the provision of solar lights would illuminate the communities, as well as bring positive social change to the rural communities.

The Permanent Secretary, represented by the Director of Rural Electrification, Engr. Ismail Balogun, said the project would contribute immensely to the improvement of lives of the dwellers, affirming that the solar panel lights are dependable and sustainable sources of light for the community roads and pathways.

“We have installed solar street lights in over 30 communities, solar home kits in over 10 communities, while Mini Grids, grid extension and repair of low transformers are also being done”, he submitted.

According to him, solar lighting had also been installed in over 12 Primary Healthcare Centres across the Local Government Areas in the State, as he reiterated the commitment of the government to ensuring a better life for rural dwellers.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman Ogo-Oluwa community, Mr. Odumala Okanlawon, appreciated the State government for the gesture, promising that the community would maintain and guide the amenities jealouly.

Speaking on behalf of Albert Taiwo Matuluko community in Ijebu North-East, the Chairman, Mr. Temitope Ekundayo, lauded the government for its quick response to the yearnings of members of the community, adding that they would look forward to more dividends of democracy.

There seems to be progress in ending the face-off between the management and students of the University of Lagos over the hike in their school and hostel fees.

The university management, on Friday, shifted ground and agreed to a downward review of the charges.

The decision comes after a meeting between the management and leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) as well as university faculty presidents.

The student leaders requested a reversal of the hike in school fees and accommodation charges as well as the reinstatement of the student union in the university.

While it agrees to an immediate reduction in school and accommodation fees, the university authorities promised to begin work on the return of the students union in the school.

The former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday, commissioned the 34.85km Oyo-Iseyin road.

The former President, who commissioned the road project during a special event held at Ojongbodu Grammar School Oyo, Iseyin Road, charged residents to make judicious use of the facility.

Further speaking at the programme, Chief Obasanjo
noted that Governor Seyi Makinde had performed wonderfully well in all sectors since he took the mantle of the of leadership.

He also sought for more cooperation for the governor to further move the state forward.

While calling on the state government to look inward and invest in other Agricultural Produces, Chief Obasanjo lauded the state for being the number one producer of cassava in Nigeria.

He said: “I don’t really know where to start from but let me start from somewhere. First, we have to thank God for a day like this and appreciate the Governor for making this happen in the state. I don’t actually know what I have done to deserve this honour from him, having invited me to commission this massive and beautiful project. And that is why I am here today.

“I am sure we all know that it is not all the people we have voted into power are doing what is expected of them. We cannot trust must of them but with the little I have seen in the character of Governor Makinde, I know he is doing extremely well not only as an Engineer but as governor of this state. So, I can tell you that you have given your mandate to the right person.

“We appreciate him on this project and I pray that God will continue to support him to do well God the people of the state.

“Let me, as well, urge the people to continue to support him for creating an enabling environment for you in the state.”

In his address, the state governor Engineer Seyi Makinde who reeled out various road projects his administration had embarked on to link the zones of the state, expressed optimism that the Oyo-Iseyin road that spurs Fashola Farms Estate would boost the economy of the state, adding that the Fashola Farms settlement would be completed in couple of months.

The Governor who charged the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism to synergise with the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, OYSADA to turn Fashola Farms to an Agric hub tourist attraction, gave the assurance that the state government would soon embark on rehabilitation of inner roads in Ibadan, the state capital, and other major cities of the state.

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, represented by Engineer Adedamola Kuti, appreciated Governor Makinde for executing the road project to a federal standard, pledging more cooperation with the Oyo state government.

Governor Makinde later led chief Obasanjo and other dignitaries on a facility tour of Fashola Farms settlement

The event was witnessed by top government functionaries, dignitaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, PDP Stalwarts, among others.

The special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on revenue, Zacch Adelabu Adelabu, has been appointed acting chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), The Nation reports.

Adedeji, who, at 33, was former governor Abiola’s finance commissioner, was asked to fill the void created by the retirement leave of the outgoing chairman of the commission, Mohammed Nami whose tenure ends in December 2023.

The certified accountant who hails from the Iwo-Ate area of Ogo-Oluwa local government of Oyo state, recently bagged his doctorate degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has ordered the former FIRS Boss, Namu Muhammed who assumed duty in 2019 to commence 3-month pre-retirement leave immediately.

The Osun State Police Command said on Thursday that it had arrested some suspects in connection with the bloody cult clashes involving rival cult groups in Ilesa, in the eastern part of the state.

This was a sequel to the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke’s directive on Wednesday urging security agencies in the state to end violent attacks in Ilesa that have led to the deaths of about five residents in less than one week.

Our correspondent reports that about five people were killed between Sunday and Tuesday at Imo, Sabo/Irojo Junction, and Oke Omiru—all within the Ilesa metropolis—by Aye and Eye cult groups battling for supremacy in the town.

Some residents of the community, during an interview, lamented the negative effects of the killings on the socio-economic activities in the town and blamed the development on the supremacy battle between two rival cult groups operating in the town.

Adeleke, in a Wednesday statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, described the killing spree as ‘shocking and reprehensible,’ calling on the police service and other security agencies to act decisively to stop the cult clashes.

He said, “I have been duly briefed on the developments in some parts of Ijeshaland. We will no longer tolerate actions capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state. We will not allow any group or individual to use their internal wars to endanger public peace

The Nigerian Police has vowed to investigate the mystery surrounding the death of Nigerian musician, Ilerioluwa popularly known as MohBad.

The Force PPRO, ASP Olumuyiwa Adejobi made it known today via NPF official Twitter handle as read in part:

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of late Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, known as Mohbad, who tragically passed away recently. We understand the concerns surrounding his untimely demise and the various speculations that have arisen.

“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to a comprehensive investigation into this matter, as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police has been tasked to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death. Rest assured, updates will be provided as investigations unfold.

“We encourage family members or close associates with valuable information to approach the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to assist in this process.

“In the meantime, we kindly request that individuals refrain from making statements or engaging in activities that could jeopardize the ongoing investigation”.

No fewer than four persons were reportedly killed in a bloody fracas between the two rival cult groups in Ilesa of Osun state.

Two were said to have been killed last Sunday while the remaining two were killed on Tuesday.

The victims who were also cult members were said to have been shot dead after a gun duel that lasted about forty minutes between the two warring deadly group members who threw the community onto a battlefield and disrupted both commercial and other activities in the ancient town for hours.

The evil perpetrators who are said to have thrown decorum into the air were said to be armed with guns, cutlasses, broken bottles, knives, daggers, axes and other dangerous weapons they openly displayed and freely used to wreak havoc in the town.

Apart from those reportedly killed, informed sources disclosed that about eight other persons were severely wounded and presently receiving treatment in undisclosed hospitals in the town.

The development has caused panic and fear in the length and breadth of the town as those who witnessed the crisis and managed to escape the blood bath are now in great lamentation as they are now expressing worries about what their fate would be

An eyewitness said on Tuesday that two were found dead after an exchange of gunshots in the Imo area of the town last Sunday evening and that, in a renewed reprisals attack on Tuesday, two more persons were killed while one was in a state of coma.

According to him, in Irojo and Bolunduro areas of the town, continuous gunfire of the cultists rented the air for hours while residents of the area ran helter-skelter to escape being victims of circumstances.

Speaking on the development, the state police command public relations officer, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola confirmed the incident

Meanwhile, one of the residents in the town, Mrs. Babalola Adepoju, said they were in a serious problem in the town and charged the state government and the security operatives to intervene to curb the inhuman activities of cultists in the state.

She expressed disappointment that residents of the state could no longer sleep with their two eyes closed due to the wicked acts of the deadly ones. (Nigerian Tribune)