Oduduwa News

The Nigerian presidency has fired back at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for what it described as a “very fatalistic” and destabilising assessment of the Bola Tinubu-led administration’s economic reforms.

In a response delivered on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, accused the IMF of relentless and unfair criticism aimed at undermining Nigeria’s reform efforts.

“This administration under President Tinubu has done some of the deepest reforms that we have seen in a while. We only just got the tax bills signed into law—bills that offer relief to low-income earners and double the tax threshold for small businesses,” Fasua said.

“We haven’t even allowed those measures to settle, yet we’re hearing all sorts of very fatalistic statements from different places, including, unfortunately, the IMF,” he added.

The IMF recently released an article titled “How Nigeria Can Unleash Its Economic Potential,” where it raised the alarm over Nigeria’s skyrocketing inflation and the perceived sluggish impact of the government’s economic reforms.

But Fasua dismissed the report as part of a pattern of “heckling” from the Bretton Woods institution.

He claimed the IMF was bombarding Nigeria with near-weekly statements that were counterproductive and confusing.

“Sometimes one wants to think they go into overdrive, almost every week or every two to three days, there’s a statement on Nigeria. At the end of the day, it leaves everyone in a state of confusion,” he said.

The economic adviser revealed that Nigeria had already repaid $3 billion in loans to the IMF, a COVID-19 facility, while many other countries have not. Yet, according to him, the Fund continues to mount pressure without acknowledging the government’s progress.

“We’re not asking for a pat on the back; we’re just saying, you know what, give us a breather. Let us be able to implement the policies we’ve started. They acknowledge that the reforms are good, yet they keep demanding more, and it’s almost like being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea,” Fasua stated.

He warned that the IMF’s harsh tone could backfire by turning the Nigerian public against the government, given the already difficult economic realities being felt nationwide.

“Give us a break; let us be able to know where we are going before coming at us at every angle and generally throwing us off whack. It’s like a house that is completely dilapidated,” he said.

“And we’re being asked to provide full comfort in two years after removing the roof and working on the foundation. That’s not realistic.”

Four persons, including three students and a commercial motorcyclist, lost their lives in a fatal road accident that occurred on Tuesday along the Abanla-Idi-Ayunre Road in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The accident, which happened in the early hours of the day, involved a truck loaded with granite and a motorcycle, commonly known as okada.

According to eyewitness accounts, the truck driver ran over the okada that was conveying the students to school.

The motorcyclist and two of the students died on the spot, while the third student was rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

The truck driver reportedly fled the scene of the accident and remains at large as the police begin investigations into the incident.

Witnesses said distraught students took to the streets shortly after the tragedy, blocking the road and demanding justice and immediate government intervention.

Emotions ran high as other commercial motorcyclists and residents joined the protest, decrying the recurring threat posed by heavy-duty vehicles along the route.

Reacting to the development, the Executive Chairman of the council, Asiwaju Olatunji, arrived at the scene with police and other security personnel to calm the protesters and reassure the community of swift and long-term measures.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed deep grief over the passing of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, describing the loss as a profound blow not only to Ibadan but to the entire Yoruba nation.

Governor Adeleke extended heartfelt condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Government of Oyo State, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Royal Family, and the people of Ibadan, noting that Oba Olakulehin’s reign though brief was marked by dignity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the progress and unity of the people of Ibadanland.

“Oba Olakulehin was a monarch of profound wisdom and grace. Even within a short reign, he embodied the virtues of Yoruba Royalty’s calm leadership, cultural pride, and unwavering love for his people,” Governor Adeleke said in a condolence message.

He added that the late monarch’s passing at the age of 90 marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the traditional institution of Ibadanland and leaves a legacy of selfless service, courage and peace.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Osun State, I extend sincere condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Government of Oyo State, the Olubadan-in-Council, and the entire people of Ibadan on the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

“Oba Olakulehin, even in his final days, remained a symbol of continuity, cultural wisdom, and Royal honour. His transition is a great loss not only to the throne of Ibadanland but to the Yoruba people whose values he dutifully upheld.

“May God comfort the people of Ibadan and grant the late monarch eternal rest among his forebears.”

Three days of heavy rainfall have caused massive flooding in Owo, Ilaje, and Okitipupa areas of Ondo State, displacing hundreds and destroying seven bridges.

Several communities were submerged, with homes and property damaged.

Local leaders urged urgent intervention from Ondo state government, citing blocked drainage and poor infrastructure as major causes.

Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, over the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

The revered monarch transitioned in the early hours of Monday at the age of 90.

Abiodun, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, described the late Olubadan as very urbane and highly cosmopolitan, with a deep knowledge of Yoruba culture and customs.

He also eulogized the deceased royal father as a man of peace whose reign engendered harmony and unity among his subjects, resulting in development in Ibadan land.

Prince Abiodun, therefore, prayed for the repose of his soul and the necessary strength for his immediate family and all the people of Ibadan land to bear the irreparable loss.

“On behalf of all the governors in the southern part of Nigeria, I sympathize with His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan in council, and all sons and daughters of Ibadan over the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Monday.

“Although his death came at a time when we still need his wealth of experience and fatherly wisdom, we, however, take solace in the fact that his life was very eventful and impactful as a harbinger of the rich tradition and culture of Ibadan and Yoruba in general.

“May God rest the soul of Kabiyesi as he transitioned to join his ancestors in the great beyond,” the statement read.

Ibadan, Nigeria – The South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) will on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 host its 9th Anniversary Lecture and Award Ceremony at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. The event is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM.

As contained in a statement jointly signed by SWEGOP Chairman, Bisi Oladele, and Publicity Secretary, Remi Oladoye, the event is expected to attract media professionals, industry leaders, policymakers, and other distinguished guests from across the country.

Africa’s foremost industrialist and Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, will deliver the Keynote Address, while Professor Adeolu Akande, former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), will serve as the Guest Lecturer.
The anniversary ceremony will celebrate excellence in digital publishing and recognize individuals and institutions for their significant contributions to journalism, governance, and national development.

This year’s awardees include: Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State and Mogaji Wole Arisekola, businessman and media entrepreneur.
The third awardee is Dr. Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Port Command, Lagos.

The annual event remains one of SWEGOP’s most prestigious activities as a professional guild.

“SWEGOP” (with our online media platforms) is still focused on highlighting the evolving role of digital media in advancing transparency, accountability, and democratic engagement in Nigeria,” concluded the statement.

BREAKING: Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Olakulehin, is Dead.few days after his 90yrs birthday

It was gathered that the monarch, who ascended the throne in July 2024, died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, after spending a year on the throne.

The demise of Oba Olakulehin, born July 5, 1935, is coming barely two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.

the late monarch received the staff of office from Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a strong directive to the Nigerian military to intensify its operations against Boko Haram terrorists, armed bandits, separatists, and other criminal elements threatening the nation’s peace and unity.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration held in Kaduna State, Tinubu declared that “the time to crush the criminals is now.”

The President reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the armed forces, pledging continued investment in modern military equipment, intelligence gathering, and the training of personnel to enhance operational effectiveness.

“Our soldiers are not just defenders of territory they are symbols of national unity,” Tinubu stated. “From ending the civil war to flying Nigeria’s flag on peacekeeping missions abroad, the Nigerian Army has consistently stood for peace and principle.”

He also reminded military officers to uphold professionalism, courage, discipline, and honour in line with the constitution and global military standards.

The president paid glowing tribute to the sacrifices of soldiers past and present, stating: “They have fought not for conquest, but for peace. They have stood not for power, but for principle.”

The 2025 Army Day celebration brought together top military brass, including retired generals and dignitaries, with a resounding call for a renewed push to secure Nigeria and preserve its sovereignty.

A United States District Court has sentenced Nigerian pastor, Edward Oluwasanmi, to 27 months in prison for his role in a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.

His co-defendant, Joseph Oloyede, a traditional ruler in Osun State, has forfeited U.S.-based property linked to the crime.

The sentence was handed down on July 2, 2025, by Judge Christopher Boyko of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, following Oluwasanmi’s conviction on Counts 1, 11, and 12 of a 13-count indictment. He was also ordered to forfeit $1.3 million to the U.S. government. His prison terms will run concurrently.

Both men were arrested in April 2024 and later charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and defrauding the U.S. government. Oloyede is known traditionally as the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State.

Prosecutors said that between April 2020 and February 2022, the duo submitted fraudulent Paycheck Protection Programme (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications using falsified tax and payroll records for shell companies under their control.

Oluwasanmi used businesses such as Dayspring Transportation Ltd, Dayspring Holding Inc, and Dayspring Property Inc to secure and divert millions in pandemic relief funds for personal expenses.

In February 2025, both Oluwasanmi and Oloyede entered guilty pleas and signed plea bargain agreements with federal prosecutors.

While Oluwasanmi has now been sentenced, judgment in Oloyede’s case is still pending. However, U.S. authorities have already seized properties tied to him as part of ongoing asset forfeiture proceedings.