Akinola Market, a weekly marketplace in Ipetumodu, Osun State, was engulfed by fire, destroying goods worth millions of naira.
The incident, which occurred late on Friday, caused panic among traders who had all gone home after the day’s activities. Many rushed back to the market in distress after receiving calls about the inferno.
A trader, who preferred to remain anonymous for security reasons, said the cause of the fire had not been determined, adding that the section affected was where tubers of yam were stored.
“I was called late on Friday. I had left the market about four hours earlier. The part affected is the stalls where yam sellers usually keep their produce.
The House of Oduduwa, under the leadership of Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, congratulates the Alaafin-elect, Prince Abimbola Owoade, on his appointment as the new custodian of the timeless heritage of Oyo Kingdom. This monumental decision heralds a new era of prosperity, unity, and cultural preservation for the great people of Oyo.
The Ooni who doubles as Co- Chair, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria(NCTRN) and Permanent Chairman, Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council(SNTRC) commends the patience displayed by the royal family, kingmakers, and the people of Oyo home and in diaspora, both at home and in the diaspora throughout this sacred process which lasted over two years, praising the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State for providing the enabling environment and supporting the smooth transition that has now birthed a new royal era.
Historically, Oyo and Ile-Ife share an unbreakable bond rooted in divine origin and Yoruba Cultural Preservation. Oyo remains a very important crown jewel in Yoruba land. This interconnected lineage emphasizes the significance of the Alaafin’s throne, which remains a vital pillar in the structure of Yoruba traditional governance and heritage. The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade signifies the continuation of this sacred bond and the unwavering strength of the Yoruba cultural legacy.
We are confident that the Alaafin-elect will build upon the enduring legacy of his predecessors particularly the immediate past Alaafin; Late Oba Lamidi Atanda Adeyemi III who had ruled Oyo with enviable and sterling leadership quality. Now that you have emerged victorious, you have become father of all who must really all other contestants for the growth of Oyo kingdom because, you can not do it alone, you must bring everyone on board, Oyomesi must remain united under your watch either those who supported you or those who didn’t support you, you must be magnanimous in victory. Please be ready to toe the path of peace with all the kingmakers without favouritism and partiality so that you can serve your people as a beacon of hope, justice, and development. Your ascension is a testament to the resilience of our traditions and the shared aspiration for progress across the Yoruba race.
The House of Oduduwa calls on the sons and daughters of Oyo, from all walks of life, to rally around their new monarch and work together to uphold the glory of the kingdom. It is through collective support and collaboration that Oyo will continue to thrive and maintain its place as a cornerstone of Yoruba greatness.
As we celebrate this historic moment, the House of Oduduwa reiterates its commitment to fostering unity among Yoruba monarchs, preserving our shared cultural identity, and ensuring the prosperity of all Yoruba people worldwide.
Yoruba Muslims under the aegis of Yoruba Muslims for Freedom (YMF) has condemned Seyi Makinde’s christianisation agenda. In a press release made available to newsmen, the spokesman of YMF, Mr Lateef Akinwale uncovered the agenda of replacing all Muslim Yoruba Monarchs with RCCG Pentecostal Christians.
The spokesman gave a list of 25 monarchs to show the trend. He said the last 25 Muslim monarchs that died on throne were all replaced by RCCG Radical Pentecostal Christians.
“Muslims have been marginalised in Yoruba land for too long. We can no longer remain silent in the face of this shameless oppression, marginalisation and the denial of our rights to freedom of worship. We reject the forceful christianisation of Muslims by denying them jobs, scholarships and political appointments unless they convert “
“Yoruba Muslims make up 70% of the population of the South West but as we speak there is no a single Yoruba Muslim as a Governor. 5 of the 6 deputy governors are Christians. 80% of Ministers are Christians, 92% of State Commissioners are Christians. We cannot accept this arrangement ” he added.
“This agenda to clear Islam is even more paramount in the Muslim Majority state of Oyo and Osun. Governor Seyi Makinde is hell bent on removing even the smallest trace of Islam in Oyo. His recent insistence that Muslims do not have the right to practice their religion (Shari’a) is a violation of the Nigerian constitution “
“Since he came into office he replaced Muslim monarchs with Christian pentecostals. It started with the Muslim-majority Ogbomoso, then Iseyin and finally now to Oyo. We condemn this christianisation agenda in it’s totality”
“Yoruba Muslims must wake up and take back their country. Minority rule is alien to democracy. These monarchs are oppressing Muslims within their domain, sometimes even having the audacity to determine who will be an Imam and who will not be. Islam must be separated from traditional states in Yoruba land”.
“We will mobilise Muslims in 2027 to make sure that Muslims vote for Muslims, and Christians vote for their Christians. No Christian will ever rule the Muslim Majority states of Osun, Oyo, and Lagos. Yoruba Muslims must be free. I assure you not even a christian councillor, chairman, rep or Senate will come out again from Muslim-majority domains. We must do everything to recover our thrones given to Pentecostal Christians. Enough is enough” he added
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the conduct of the 2023 and 2024 promotion exercises for eligible civil/public servants in the state.
A total of 26,764 civil/public servants spanning junior, senior, and management cadres across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the state government are expected to benefit from the exercises, which will involve only oral interviews as the assessment method.
A statement issued by the State’s Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the approved promotion exercises, including upgrading and transfers, cover eligible civil/public servants within the core civil service, teaching and non-teaching staff of government secondary schools, primary school teachers, and personnel of state-owned boards, corporations, and agencies, including the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH).
According to Onasanya, the Governor has also approved the conduct of the December 2024 edition of the combined confirmation/promotion tests and compulsory public service examinations for officers in the senior and junior cadres, usually organized by the Bureau of Establishments and Training, Office of the Head of Service, for the career progression of eligible officers.
He said the state government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritize the welfare of its workers as part of its “Building Our Future Together” agenda, pointing out that approval for the conduct of the promotion exercises by the Governor is yet another demonstration of his commitment to improving the welfare, morale, and professional growth of its teeming workforce.
The Head of Service expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for his numerous laudable and worker-friendly policies that have significantly enhanced the well-being and career growth of workers and called for their total re-dedication to their duties.
Kingmakers in Oyo have described the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin by Governor Seyi Makinde as illegal and unlawful.
Recall that earlier today, the state government announced that Makinde had approved the appointment of a new Alaafin of Oyo, two years after the stool became vacant.
However, five Kingmakers from the town have declared the appointment null and void because they did not recommend such a name to the state government, insisting that the only person they recommended as the next Alaafin is Prince Luqman Gbadegesin.
The Kingmakers, who made this declaration in a letter to the Governor signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju SAN, include High Chief Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo; Chíef Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief stand-in for Asipa of Oyo, and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief stand-in for Alapinní of Oyo.
“You will recall that on 30th September, 2022 at the meeting of the Kingmakers in accordance with the Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration, 1961, the Kingmakers appointed Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alaafin of Oyo by majority of the lawful votes of the Kingmakers.
“Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin having obtained the majority of votes of the Kingmakers present and voting was deemed appointed and his name was forwarded to your Excellency as the candidate appointed by the Kingmakers as Alaafin of Oyo for your approval which you refused to approved for no disclosed reason at all. The Kingmakers thereafter filed an action to stop your excellency from truncating the process, culminating in the present appeal at the court of appeal,” the letter read.
They noted that they were surprised that in the announcement by the government, it claimed that the selection was made after wide consultation and divination. “We must emphatically state that the Alaafin is not chosen by consultation or divination but in strict compliance with the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, which codifies the native law and custom governing the selection process for the vacant stool of the Alaafin.
“Under the Registered Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy Declaration of 1967, it is only the Bashorun of Oyo, the head of the Oyomesi and Kingmakers that can, summon a meeting of the Kingmakers for the purpose of selecting a candidate to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo. In this instance, the Bashorun did not summon any such meeting, nor was there any meeting convened in the Alaafin’s palace, as custom demands where the said Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade was select or appointed as the new Alaafin.
“Any meeting of few kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs held at the Governor’s office on the gth of January,2025 or elsewhere at the instance of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to select the preferred candidate of the Governor as the new Alaafin is not only contrary to the native law and custom and Chieftaincy Declaration of Alafin of Oyo Chieftaincy but unlawful, illegal, invalid, null and void.
“It is not the duty of the Governor to convene the meeting of few kingmakers and emergency warrant chiefs to select or appoint a new Alaafin on the 9th of January, 2025 and hurriedly approve the appointment on the 10th of January, 2025,” they added.
A new Alaafin of Oyo has been formally approved by Governor Seyi Makinde.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said that Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by the Governor of Oyo State.
According to the commissioner, a statement to this effect has been issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ademola Ojo, who said that the announcement has put to rest, all the socio and legal bickerings that have ensued since the demise of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.
Hon. Ademola Ojo called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the Government in celebrating this momentus occasion and lend their support to the new Alaafin of Oyo.
The Commissioner prays that his reign will bring peace, prosperity and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu has signed 2025 budget into law. This is was contained in a statement made available by the Governor via his X handle as read in part:
“Today, I signed the Year 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, marking a pivotal step in our mission to deliver sustainable development across Lagos State.
The ‘Budget of Sustainability’ with a total budget size of ₦3.37 trillion, is a strategic blueprint for solidifying past gains while preparing for the future.
A significant portion is dedicated to capital expenditure, ensuring we continue investing in transformative projects that drive economic growth and improve lives. This reflects our focus on infrastructure, innovation, and sustainable development.
The recurrent expenditure of ₦1.30 trillion is carefully planned to sustain the efficient running of government operations while supporting critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and security. This balance underscores our commitment to fiscal responsibility and service delivery.
The ‘Budget of Sustainability’ is more than numbers; it is a commitment to building a Lagos that works for everyone. From infrastructure and housing to youth empowerment and social interventions, every allocation is tied to our vision for a Greater Lagos that thrives now and in the future.
I thank the Lagos State House of Assembly for their collaboration and Lagosians for their trust. Together, we will implement this budget to deliver a lasting impact.
Stella Nwadigo, a staff of Christ-Mitots School, Isawo Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, has been arrested after she was filmed brutalising Michael Abayomi, her three-year-old pupil.
FIJ gathered that Nwadigo was first arrested by the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSC) on Wednesday after a video of her hitting the toddler in her class went viral.
Nwadigo had hit the child repeatedly during her number-writing lessons.
“It is like this. Write. Write six for me. Write. Six. Six. Like this, six like this. Like this. Now your one. Six. One. Sixty-one. Write,” she said at intervals while also hitting him.
In one of the videos of her arrest which has made it to the internet, a voice behind the camera announced her arrest.
“Under the president of Nigeria and the governor of Lagos State and the Commissioner of Police, you are under arrest,” the voice said to which she responded, “Yes, sir.”
In another video, Nwadigo was seen in a police station. There, a woman identified by social media users as Adetoun confronted her.
“Just leave her for us. Leave her for us,” she said in a mixture of Yoruba and English.
“The child is my child,” Nwadigo responded.
“The child is your child and you caused the whole chaos in the country. I am listening. Do you know what this woman has caused the whole country as a whole?” Nwadigo was asked.
“Please help me,” Nwadigo pleaded.
“Me I will help you? Me? I don’t help people. You and who? You beat up a child and you asked me to help you. I will help you to go to jail,” Adetoun responded.
When FIJ called the LNSC, they said they were yet to confirm Nwadigo’s arrest. However, Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, confirmed that the police had her instead.
“Thank you for the update. She is currently in our custody for further necessary actions,” Hundeyin said on Wednesday.
Tragedy struck at the popular Eleyele Market in Ibadan North Local Government Area on Wednesday as a DAF model truck, loaded with granite, lost control and rammed into the market.
The accident, reportedly caused by brake failure, claimed the lives of two people and left several others injured.
Two people reportedly dead, while several others sustained injuries after a truck loaded with granite rammed into street traders at Eleyele Roundabout in Ibadan.
The incident, which occurred in the morning, primarily affected traders operating along the street. The Oyo State Command of Federal Road Safety Corps FRSC confirmed the incident.
Four people, including a mother, her baby, and a prominent APC leader, Fisayo Oladipo (Fissey Ehin Ogbe), were killed during a violent cult clash in Owo, Ondo State, on Monday, January 6, 2025.
The mother and child were reportedly struck by stray bullets during the gunfire exchange between rival cultists. Eyewitnesses described sporadic gunshots that terrorized parts of the town for hours, leaving the community in shock.
The victims’ bodies have been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, while the Ondo State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident and assured ongoing investigations
