Oduduwa News

Former military head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has confirmed that the late Chief Moshood Abiola won the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Babangida made the revelation in his autobiography, A Journey in Service, launched in Abuja on Thursday. Through the book’s reviewer, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, he acknowledged that Abiola, who contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), secured the majority of votes and the required geographical spread to emerge as president.

Describing the annulment as the most challenging decision of his life, Babangida stated:

“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements.”

He, however, expressed satisfaction that former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honoured Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), a title reserved for presidents.

President Bola Tinubu has given his assent to bills establishing two new federal universities.

The institutions are the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, and the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State.

The announcement was made by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, following the signing of the two legislations at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

The Senate had passed both bills—sponsored by Bamidele in 2023 and 2024—before securing concurrence from the House of Representatives and eventual presidential approval.

In a statement released on Thursday, titled “NASS Secures Presidential Assent to Federal Universities in Ekiti, Osun”, issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Senate Leader, Bamidele emphasised the critical role of the universities in national development.

“These universities will bridge the knowledge gap in science, technology, and innovation, promote environmental sustainability and climate action, and enhance agricultural innovation and food security in Nigeria,” he
stated.

He described the presidential assent as a “defining and significant milestone” in the administration’s efforts to tackle food insecurity and climate change challenges.

Before the presidential approval, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, had strongly recommended the establishment of both universities in a letter to the presidency dated 19 February.

Regarding the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin Ekiti, Alausa highlighted its specialised focus on technology-driven education and research.

“The university will specialise in technology-driven education and research, producing graduates equipped with 21st-century skills in engineering, digital innovation, and applied sciences.

“It will drive Nigeria’s industrialisation by fostering homegrown technological solutions for economic growth and job creation.

“The institution will focus on environmental sciences, offering programmes that address climate change, renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable urban development.

“It will serve as a research hub for developing policies and solutions aligned with Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental sustainability goals,” the statement noted.

For the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji, Alausa outlined its role in advancing agricultural research and innovation, essential to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges.

“The university will serve as a centre for advanced agricultural education, research, and innovation, contributing to the country’s food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

“It will develop improved farming techniques, agro-processing methods, and climate-smart agriculture solutions to boost productivity and resilience.

“The university will integrate agricultural sciences with development studies, training professionals to address socioeconomic challenges in rural areas.

“It will foster entrepreneurship and agribusiness, equipping students with skills for self-employment and wealth creation.

“The university will also stimulate economic activities in Iragbiji and surrounding communities, creating employment and business opportunities.

Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has turned himself in to the police after being declared wanted.

The singer, who was declared wanted on Monday, February, 17, 2025 voluntarily reported to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, Yaba, earlier today. He is currently being transported to Ogun State, where he will be handed over to the police.

It would be recalled that on Tuesday, February, 18, 2025, Portable claimed he was a “madman” undergoing treatment at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, while pleading for leniency from Nigerians and the Ogun State Government.

The police had declared him wanted following allegations that he assaulted three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office.

A 23-year-old man, Solomon Fabiyi, from Ayedun in Kwara State, has been exposed while attempting to use his six-year-old nephew for money rituals.

Fabiyi had taken the young boy to a herbalist in Ekiti State, hoping to perform a ritual in exchange for wealth. However, in a twist of fate, the herbalist refused the request and immediately alerted the police, leading to Fabiyi’s arrest.

This shocking incident comes just days after another disturbing case in which a man identified as Abdulrahman from Ilorin, Kwara State, was allegedly involved in a similar ritual-related crime involving a young girl named Hafsat.

The growing trend of ritual-related crimes has raised concerns among citizens and authorities, prompting calls for stricter measures to curb such activities. Security agencies have reiterated their commitment to tackling ritual killings and other related crimes.

Amid the crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has insinuated that President Bola Tinubu is behind security operatives’ invasion of the assembly.

The state assembly has been enmeshed in an unresolved crisis since the lawmakers impeached former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and replaced him with Mojisola Meranda in January.

On Monday, February 17, 2025, the House of Assembly was thrown into commotion as Department of State Services (DSS) officials and police operatives stormed the assembly premises.

The security operatives sealed off the Speaker’s office, but her colleagues and staff members forced the door open.

Reacting to the drama, Atiku issued a statement via his official X handle condemning the presence of security personnel in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Attributing the crisis to President Tinubu, Atiku asked the president to focus on bringing Nigeria out of its lingering economic crisis rather than “interfering in the state matters.”

“The viral video of armed security operatives invading the Lagos State House of Assembly is utterly reprehensible and stands condemned. It must be subjected to a full and thorough investigation. It is bewildering that the invading operatives reportedly have a mandate to enforce a leadership change in the House.

“It is appalling that it is those who claimed to have fought for democracy that decided to sanction this crass desecration of the state’s foremost legislative body, and by so doing, putting our hard-earned democracy in jeopardy,” Atiku said.

The statement reads further, “This act is an attack on the sanctity of democracy and a landmark of indignity to the Nigerian electorate, especially the people of Lagos. Whatever may have caused the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly is an undercurrent that is not abnormal in a system of democracy.

“The purported invitation of armed security operatives for a conflict resolution in a parliament is an anathema that should be frowned upon and interrogated with all sense of urgency. Tinubu should focus on bringing Nigeria out of the mess he plunged the country into rather than interfering in the state matters.”

Meanwhile, the security operatives have debunked the claim that they invaded the assembly complex, saying they were invited to prevent an alleged move to reinstate Obasa as speaker.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has raised concerns over the devastating fire incident that occurred earlier today at Ashamu Market, Kosobo, in Oyo East Local Government area of the State, calling for immediate intervention and long-term preventive measures inorder to curb such a further occurrence.

Presenting the motion under Matter of Urgent Public Importance, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman, representing Oyo East and West State Contituency informed the House that the inferno, which started in the early hours of the day, destroyed goods and properties worth millions of naira, leaving traders and business owners in distress.

While commending the swift response of the Oyo State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service, which helped contain the fire, Hon. Rahaman emphasized the need for proactive steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

“While the fire posed a significant threat, I wish to commend the Oyo State Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service for their swift and courageous intervention, which helped to contain the fire and prevent further destruction. Their prompt response demonstrates their commitment to protecting lives and property, and we urge them to sustain this high level of service to our communities.” The motion stated

Following deliberations, the House urged the State Emergency Management Agency ( OYSEMA), to assess the extent of damage and provide immediate relief materials and financial assistance to affected traders.

The Lawmakers in addition appealed to the State Government to Prioritize the establishment of well equipped fire stations in major markets across the State, including Ashamu Market, Kosobo to ensure rapid emergency response.

The House however expressed solidarity with the affected traders and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring better safety measures in markets across the State.

The Ogun State Police Command has declared Habeeb Okikiola Olalomi, popularly known as “Portable”, wanted for his alleged involvement in a violent attack on government officials carrying out their lawful duties.

A statement released by the spokesperson of the command, SP Omolola Odutola, says on February 5, 2025, at about 1000hrs, officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office named TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi were conducting an enforcement exercise at Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota, when they encountered an elderly man, later identified as Portable’s father, at Odogwu Bar in the area. Upon identifying themselves and requesting the approved building plan, the father informed them that his son was unavailable.

‘’However, moments later, Portable, armed with a firearm and other dangerous weapons, led a gang of nine thugs in a violent attack on the unarmed officials. The enforcement officers sustained various bodily injuries but managed to escape and reported the incident to the Ota Area Command, which subsequently escalated the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further action.

Nine accomplices were arrested, but Portable fled the scene and has since gone into hiding. Multiple formal invitations were sent to him, requesting his presence at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, which he deliberately ignored without cause or legal representation.

Following his repeated evasion, the Ogun State Police Command has obtained a valid court order declaring him wanted”

Odutola mentioned that members of the public are strongly advised to assist the police by providing any valuable information that can lead to his immediate arrest. Anyone found aiding or harbouring the suspect will face legal consequences.

‘’For any relevant information, kindly report to the nearest police station or contact the Ogun State Police Command through its official communication channels or police public relations department.”

The purportedly reinstated Chairman of Irewole Local Government, Osun State, Mr Remi Abass was reportedly killed by hoodlums working for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, after taking over the council secretariat in Ikire.

It would be recalled that both parties have been laying claim to control of the third tier of government as the APC claimed that the Court of Appeal judgement delivered last week has reinstated the sacked elected council chairmen and councillors while the State Government said the election was nullified by the Federal High Court in Osogbo.

Early hours on Monday, Abass, led other sacked council officials to take over in line with the court’s verdict and reportedly entered the Secretariat when hoodlums allegedly working for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stormed the Secretariat to dislodge them.

It was gathered that there was an exchange of gunshots during which Abass was killed while several others were injured.

Some hoodlums also stormed the highway shooting sporadically into the air, creating tension in the community and forcing motorist to make detour to avoid being caught in the cross fire.

“The thugs came out from the building opposite the Secretariat, wielding gun. They deliberately targeted the council chairman. Many surrounded him and did not allow him to escape from the scene and killed him”, a source revealed.

The Commissioner for Protocol and Government Affairs in the state, Mr Soji Ajeigbe claimed that two PDP members, Ege and Igara, were killed by gun-wielding thugs working for the APC.

“Apart from those killed, six others were killed while they were attempting to take-Over the Secretariat. We have deposited the bodies in the morgue while the injured were receiving treatment at the hospital”, he said.

When contacted, Osun State Police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola said she will investigate the matter and reach back.