Oduduwa News

…Say Gbolarumi cannot destabilise party in the state

Two prominent Ibadan Mogajis and chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State have warned a former party member, Diran Odeyemi, to steer clear of the affairs of the party, describing his recent comments on the party’s internal matters as unnecessary and provocative.

The warning was issued by two prominent party stakeholders, Mogaji Abass Oloko and Mogaji Ademola Olasomi Oladosu, who also criticised former deputy governor of the state, , for what they described as actions capable of causing disharmony within the party.

In a statement made available to journalists in on Friday, the Mogajis said it was surprising that , who they claimed was no longer an active member of the PDP in the state, would continue to make comments on issues concerning the party. They said such actions were capable of misleading the public and creating unnecessary tension within the party structure.

The duo maintained that the PDP in Oyo State remains united and firmly under the leadership of Governor , stressing that no individual or group has the capacity to destabilise the party ahead of future political engagements.

They also cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , against interfering in the internal affairs of the party in Oyo State, insisting that the state chapter of the PDP is capable of managing its own issues without external influence.

According to them, attempts by some individuals to align with external political interests in order to create division within the party would not succeed, noting that party leaders and grassroots stakeholders remain committed to protecting the unity and stability of the PDP in the state.

The Mogajis further stated that the alleged political moves by Gbolarumi would not gain traction among party faithful, adding that members across the state remain loyal to the existing leadership and the collective vision that has sustained the PDP’s dominance in Oyo State.

They urged party members and supporters to remain calm and focused, assuring that the leadership of the party would not allow distractions capable of derailing its programmes and preparations for future elections.

The PDP chieftains also reaffirmed their support for Governor Makinde’s administration, describing his leadership style as inclusive and responsible, while urging those with grievances to channel them through appropriate party structures rather than engaging in public confrontations.

They concluded by warning that individuals who are no longer part of the party should refrain from making inflammatory remarks about its internal affairs, stressing that the PDP in Oyo State remains united and committed to strengthening its structures across all local governments.

President has approved the posting of 65 ambassadors-designate to various countries and international missions across the world to represent Nigeria’s diplomatic interests.

The list, which comprises 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career ambassadors, was earlier confirmed by the Senate in December 2025. The postings were announced in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, , on Friday.

Among the non-career ambassadors are former Minister of Aviation , who has been posted to Germany; former presidential aide to Mexico; former Minister of Interior to China; former Lagos State Deputy Governor to Australia; and former Director-General of the Department of State Services to France. Also on the list are former Senate spokesperson to South Africa and former Chief of Naval Staff to the Philippines.

Other prominent appointments include businessman and former senator as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, former Minister of Health to Canada, and security expert to the United States. Former Nigerian Ambassador and diplomat was also listed among the envoys deployed to serve in Nigeria’s foreign missions.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu as High Commissioner-designate, while France has approved the appointment of Ambassador Ayodele Oke. Requests for agrément for the other ambassadors have also been sent to their respective host countries in line with diplomatic protocol.

President Tinubu further directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately commence an induction programme for all ambassadors-designate and high commissioners ahead of their deployment to their respective countries.

Africa’s preeminent peacebuilding organization, the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), has called for a global reassessment of foreign military deployments, urging the United Nations and the broader international community to consider a phased shutdown of foreign military bases worldwide in light of the escalating Middle East crisis.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, PeacePro argued that the current crisis in the Middle East between US-Isreal and Iran, aswell as the Gulf States demonstrate the dangers of forward military positioning and alliance based security architecture.

“Militarization breeds escalation,” Hamzat said.

PeacePro stated that the presence of foreign military bases often transforms regional disputes into international confrontations.

“The continued expansion of foreign military bases across sovereign territories has increased the likelihood of global entanglement in regional conflicts,” Hamzat said. “The Middle East crisis is a reminder that militarized deterrence frequently produces escalation rather than peace.”

PeacePro emphasized that foreign bases can make host nations potential targets during geopolitical disputes, heightening civilian vulnerability and destabilizing entire regions.

PeacePro urged major global powers, including the United States, China, and Russia, to begin negotiations toward a multilateral agreement aimed at reducing permanent foreign troop deployments outside their home territories.

According to Hamzat, a gradual demilitarization framework could include
Phased withdrawal of foreign combat forces,
Conversion of certain military facilities into joint humanitarian or peacekeeping hubs, Strengthening regional security mechanisms independent of great power rivalry and Expanding diplomatic and conflict resolution frameworks.

PeacePro framed the issue as one of sovereignty and global equity.

“No region should become a chessboard for major power competition. True security must be built on cooperation, not encirclement,” Hamzat stated.

Hamzat argued that long term peace depends less on military deterrence and more on economic cooperation, inclusive diplomacy, and respect for sovereign decision making.

While acknowledging that the proposal may face resistance, PeacePro insisted that the current Middle East tensions present a critical opportunity to rethink global security architecture in the 21st century.

PeacePro called on the United Nations and relevant regional blocs to convene a global summit focused specifically on the future of foreign military basing arrangements.

“The world must decide,” PeacePro concluded, “whether security will continue to be built on confrontation, or whether humanity is prepared to move toward cooperative coexistence.”

PeacePro has consistently led advocacy efforts for the demilitarization of Africa and the total shutdown of all foreign military bases across the continent.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday commissioned Phase II of the Imashayi–Igan-Okoto–Ayetoro Road in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to completing the final phase of the project.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Abiodun assured residents that the last phase of the road would be completed to fully connect the corridor to Ayetoro, thereby improving transportation and economic activities in the area.

The governor also directed the Ministry of Housing to immediately inspect the Youth Development Centre in the local government area and commence work to renovate and upgrade the facility for the benefit of youths in the community.

While acknowledging that his administration cannot reconstruct all roads across the state at once, Abiodun emphasized that his government would continue to deliver road infrastructure across the three senatorial districts until the end of his tenure.

Describing Yewa North as one of the food baskets of the state, the governor said it was crucial to link farming communities with major towns to facilitate the movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets.

Abiodun added that his administration remains committed to the infrastructural and economic development of Yewaland and Ogun West, noting that the area, which had long been neglected, is now receiving the attention it deserves.

“Today, we have constructed over 20 road projects in Yewaland and Ogun West. While the number may not appear large, many of these roads are quite extensive and are equivalent to about six or seven roads in other senatorial districts.

“For instance, the Agbara–Atan–Lusada Road is a dual carriageway expressway spanning about 20 kilometres, yet it counts as a single project. The same applies to the Ilaro–Owode Road and several other roads we are currently constructing, as well as those recently awarded and others that will soon be awarded,” he said.

The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to provide purposeful, impactful, and inclusive leadership through the implementation of both micro and macroeconomic policies.
Abiodun also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold and far-reaching policies aimed at repositioning the nation’s economy, noting that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results.

He specifically lauded the President for the ongoing construction of the 1,000-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Highway, saying that when completed, it would significantly reduce travel time between Imeko and Lagos to less than one hour.

“I want to thank Mr. President. If not for you, many states would have become insolvent. We appreciate the stability in fuel supply and the improving exchange rate. Today, Ogun State has become the investors’ destination of choice and the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria,” he said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, explained that Phase II of the 21-kilometre Imashayi–Igan-Okoto–Ayetoro Road includes reinforced concrete structures in flood-prone areas to prevent erosion and flooding. He added that the project was divided into three phases to facilitate efficient construction.

Akinsanya noted that the road serves as a major link between Ayetoro and other towns in the state, adding that its reconstruction has improved the movement of farm produce, enhanced service delivery, strengthened security, and improved the overall quality of life for residents.

The Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Chief (Mrs.) Yemisi Abass, commended Governor Abiodun for fulfilling his promise to complete the second phase of the road, which he made during the commissioning of the first phase. She urged him to also complete the final phase to further boost development in the area.

Similarly, the Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr. Olusola Akinbode, praised the governor for the project, noting that the road would further support farmers in the area. He disclosed that the local government distributed 11,000 cash crop seedlings to farmers last year and plans to distribute about 30,000 cocoa, cashew, and palm seedlings this year.

Also speaking, the member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, commended the governor for fulfilling his promise to improve the lives of residents through infrastructure development.

He described the reconstruction of the road as a major relief for communities along the corridor, noting that the road had been neglected by previous administrations.

The Adokun of Igan-Okoto, Oba Mukaila Akanbi Salako, also expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun for connecting the community to Ayetoro and appealed to him to ensure the completion of the third and final phase of the 21-kilometre Imashayi–Igan-Okoto–Ayetoro Road.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Moniya, Ibadan, has arraigned two staff members of the Nigerian Railway Corporation over the alleged assault of a lecturer from the University of Ibadan.

The two workers were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly beating the lecturer, who teaches at the Department of Islamic and Arabic Studies, during a brief argument at the Obafemi Awolowo Railway Station in Moniya, Ibadan. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over payment.

During the court proceedings, the magistrate granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100,000 each, with two sureties and other conditions attached. The matter was subsequently adjourned until March 30, 2026, for further hearing.

Counsel to the complainant, Andrew Starlight, told journalists after the hearing that the suspects had yet to meet the bail conditions. He added that they would be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre pending when they are able to fulfil the bail requirements.

The Ondo State Police Command has launched an investigation following allegations by a group of pastors who claimed they were extorted of ₦2 million by some police officers, including the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi Lawal, over allegations of staging fake miracles.

The controversy began after the pastors were arrested during a police operation targeting suspected religious fraud in Idanre Local Government Area of the state. According to the police, the operation was based on intelligence reports that some individuals posing as clerics were staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions to defraud members of the public.

However, one of the pastors, identified as Fadahunsi, alleged that after their arrest, they were detained and pressured by officers to pay money in order to secure their release. He claimed that the officers initially demanded as much as ₦6 million but later accepted ₦2 million, allegedly collected through a Point-of-Sale (POS) transaction. The pastors further alleged that they were threatened and warned not to speak publicly about the incident.

Reacting to the allegations, the Ondo State Police Command denied that the Commissioner of Police was involved in any extortion scheme and said the claims were being taken seriously. Police authorities stated that an internal probe had been ordered to determine the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the allegations made by the pastors.

The command maintained that the operation which led to the arrest of the suspects was part of its broader effort to clamp down on fraudulent religious practices and other criminal activities in the state. Officials also assured the public that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary action in line with police regulations.

The case has sparked debate on social media and within religious circles in Ondo State, with many calling for a transparent investigation to establish whether the pastors were victims of extortion or part of a fraudulent miracle scheme targeting unsuspecting residents.

President , Nobel laureate , and other prominent figures have paid final tributes to renowned literary scholar during burial ceremonies held in Ibadan. Jeyifo, widely known as “BJ,” died on February 11, 2026, at the age of 80, leaving behind a distinguished legacy in African literary criticism, scholarship, and activism.

At the funeral events attended by academics, students, and members of the literary community, speakers described Jeyifo as a towering intellectual whose works shaped the study of African literature and cultural studies. The ceremonies included tributes, a burial service, and reflections on his decades-long contributions to scholarship and public discourse.

In his condolence message, Tinubu described the late professor as an intellectual giant whose writings and advocacy enriched academic thought in Nigeria and beyond. He also highlighted Jeyifo’s leadership role in the , noting that his efforts strengthened the defence of academic freedom and the welfare of university lecturers.

Soyinka also joined members of the to honour the late scholar during the burial rites. Colleagues and admirers remembered Jeyifo as a fearless thinker and mentor whose influence will continue to shape generations of scholars and writers.

Operatives of the in Oyo State have arrested two suspected cultists at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, following a security operation that led to the recovery of a firearm and other incriminating items.

The suspects were apprehended on the campus of after credible intelligence indicated that members of a rival cult group were planning an attack within the institution. Police sources disclosed that the operation was carried out in collaboration with campus security to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

Items recovered from the suspects include a locally fabricated pistol and suspected charms believed to be used for criminal activities. During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to being members of a secret cult group and admitted they were mobilising for a confrontation before they were intercepted by security operatives.

The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to ridding tertiary institutions of cultism and other violent crimes, warning students against involvement in unlawful groups. The command urged members of the public to continue providing timely information to security agencies to enhance safety within campuses and across the state.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of a kidnapped victim in Igbeti area.
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According to a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the abduction of 30-year-old Alhaji Gede Yusuf of Old Oyo National Park, Dauda Village via Igbeti, was reported at the Igbeti Divisional Police Headquarters.
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The Command, in collaboration with other security agencies and non-state actors, launched sustained intelligence-driven bush-combing operations across identified flashpoints.
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‎Police say the intense pressure mounted by the joint security team forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim, who was subsequently rescued unharmed.
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‎The victim was immediately taken to hospital for medical attention and has since been discharged in stable condition.

Controversy erupted on social media on Tuesday after Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, was seen in a cap bearing the logo of the (APC).

Photos and short video clips circulating online showed Igboho wearing the party-branded cap during a recent public appearance, sparking mixed reactions among supporters and political observers. While some described the development as surprising given his history of separatist agitation, others urged caution, noting that the context of the appearance remains unclear.

Igboho rose to prominence as a leading figure in the Yoruba Nation movement, advocating greater autonomy for the South-West region. His activism, particularly during heightened insecurity in parts of the region, made him a polarizing but influential figure in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. His perceived association—symbolic or otherwise—with a major political party has therefore generated significant debate.

Critics argue that the imagery contradicts the long-standing rhetoric of political independence associated with the Yoruba Nation campaign. Some social media commentators questioned whether the development signals a shift in strategy or a possible political realignment ahead of future elections. However, there has been no official statement from Igboho confirming membership of or support for the APC.

Supporters, on the other hand, dismissed the backlash as premature, insisting that wearing a party cap does not automatically translate into political defection or endorsement. They maintained that the activist has the constitutional right to associate freely and that conclusions should not be drawn without clarification from him directly.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Igboho nor representatives of the APC had issued an official statement addressing the controversy. The development continues to generate conversations across political and civic spaces, with many awaiting further explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the appearance.