An unidentified two-year-old boy was discovered abandoned at a dumpsite in the Iganmu area of Lagos State.
In a post on his X.com account, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, reported that the child was found on Monday night.
As at the time of filing this report, efforts ongoing to investigate the mystery surrounding the incident.
A 20-year-old man, Akeem Sumonu, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly raping and impregnating a 16-year-old girl in the Olodo Community of Odeda Local Government Area.
The arrest was made on Tuesday by police operatives stationed at the community security post. The victim’s mother reported the incident to the police, stating that Sumonu had violently assaulted her daughter in October 2024 and threatened her to keep quiet.
The victim, fearing the suspect, initially concealed the incident. However, her mother noticed unusual changes in her behavior and injuries, prompting the victim to reveal the assault. The medical report confirmed the victim was eight weeks pregnant, suspected to be a result of the rape.
The suspect has confessed to the crime and is currently detained. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
This incident follows a similar case in March 2024 where a pastor, Adeleye Dada, was accused of raping and impregnating the teenage daughter of a church member.
A mother of the former Queen of Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola has appealed to Nigerians to help her after her daughter was remanded in Agodi prison, over the stampede that led to the death of 35 minors in Ibadan, the Oyo state, capital.
In a short video, the mother, in tears, pleaded and declared that her daughter is innocent of the charges against her.
She said, “Help me, have mercy on me, don’t let them destroy my life, my daughter has been doing this programme for over 10 years, it is to help children. Please, the world, help free Naomi, help free my daughter, she is very innocent.”
It would be recalled Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi of the Oyo State Chief Magistrate Court 1 sitting at Iyaganku in Ibadan on Tuesday ordered the remand of an ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi; the owner of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat; and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde, at the Agodi Custodial Centre.
The Court said the remand order was pending the issuance of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Ministry of Justice, Oyo State.
The charges read, “That you Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi F, Alh, Oriyomi Hamzat ‘M’, Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde ‘M’ and others now at large, on the 18th day of December 2024, between 5:00 am and 8:00 am, at Islamic High School, Bashorun area, Ibadan, in the Ibadan Magisterial district did Conspire with one another to commit felony to wit: Acceleration of death and thereby committed an offence Contrary to Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.
Three students of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, lost their lives in a fatal car accident on Friday, December 20, along the Ago-Iwoye–Ilisan road, while two others sustained injuries.
The incident has prompted condolences from the university and an ongoing police investigation.
The Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Prof Ayodeji Agboola, on Saturday, expressed his heartfelt sadness and shock over the demise of three students of the university in a fatal lone accident which occurred on Friday, along the Ilisan-Ago-Iwoye road.
The students who died in the tragic accident included Nifesimi Dada, 300 Level Geology; Opeyemi Joshua, 200 Level Taxation; and Ogooluwa Miracle Daniel, 200 Level Mass Communication.
Two other students of the University, who were among the passengers of the ill-fated vehicle were said to have been immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday by Dr Wale Balogun, Corporate Affairs Division of the institution, the VC said the university is extremely sad over the loss of the students and is already working with relevant authorities to provide support and assistance to the affected families.
The wife of Oyo State Governor, Engineer Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, visited hospitals in the state to welcome newborns and their mothers with gifts on Christmas day.
The gesture was part of her efforts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and Governor Seyi Makinde’s birthday, which also falls on December 25.
During her visit, Mrs. Makinde presented cash gifts and various baby items to the mothers and their newborns.
The hospitals were State Hospital, Owode, Oyo, and Oba Adeyemi Primary Healthcare Centre, Durba, Oyo.
The first Christmas baby, a female, was born at 12:40 am at State Hospital, Owode, Oyo, weighing 2.5 kg. Her mother is Mrs. Suliat Salawudeen.
The second baby, a male, was born at 4:17 am at Oba Adeyemi Primary Healthcare Centre, Durba, Oyo, weighing 2.4 kg. His mother is Mrs. Aisha Tijani.The third baby, also a female, was born at 6:22 am at State Hospital, Owode, Oyo, weighing 2.4 kg. Her mother is Ikimot Enitan.
Mrs. Makinde emphasized the importance of proper parental care and upbringing, stating that it is crucial for building a better and safer society.She also encouraged parents not to let prevailing challenges in the country hinder them from giving their children the best possible care.On the Entourage of the First Lady were Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, Commissioner Budget and Planning, Professor Musibau Babatunde, Chairpersons of Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio and Atiba local government and Pastor Victoria Wale Oke, wife of PFN President.
The lawmaker representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. (Surv) Dele Adeola has felicitated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on the occasion of his 57th birthday.
Adeola said this in a statement personally signed by him and made available today to ODUDUWA NEWS on the commemoration of birthday ceremony of the Governor, which usually holds every 25th of December, adding that his leadership has not only inspired the people of Oyo State but has also set a benchmark for the governance across Nigeria.
Adeola was quoted as saying:
“Your commitment to good governance, equity, and progress has repositioned the state.
“Governor Makinde’s name resonates quality leadership and accountability, should we talk about his litany of achievements in the education, healthcare, human development among other areas? He has proven that he is unequalled among his peers.
“As a leader, you exemplify courage, innovation, and empathy. Your inclusive policies and people-centered projects have given every citizen a sense of belonging. The achievements under your administration have fostered trust and unity, proving that Oyo State is truly in the hands of a capable and compassionate leader.
“On this special day, we pray that Almighty God continue to bless you with wisdom, good health, and the strength to take Oyo State to a greater height. May your days be filled with endless joy, peace, and fulfillment as you steer our beloved state towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
Ajia-born certified civil engineer, Seyi Oyebamiji has joined numerous well-wishers across the globe in celebrating Governor Seyi Makinde’s 57th birthday and recognizing his remarkable contributions to the growth and development of Oyo state.
In a heartfelt message, Oyebamiji praised the Governor’s people-oriented policies and leadership skills, which continue to uplift the lives of the people of the state.
“Your Excellency, your continued success is a testament to your steadfastness, dedication and vision for a prosperous Oyo. Your transformative leadership style and commitment to the actualization of the accelerated roadmap is an inspiration. On this special occasion of your 57th birthday, I wish you endless joy, divine wisdom and continued success as you lead Oyo State to greater heights,” Engr. Oyebamiji stated.
In the spirit of the festive season, Oluseyi Oyebamiji also extended warm Christmas greetings to the good people of Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency. He emphasized the importance of unity, love and community development, urging all constituents to embrace the season’s message of hope and generosity.“May this Christmas season bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to every home in Egbeda/Ona-Ara. Let us continue to work together in building a stronger, more united atmosphere for all. Wishing you all a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” he added.
Engr. Oyebamiji reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Governor Makinde’s vision for a better Oyo State and encouraged all citizens to remain steadfast in their support for good governance and community progress.
The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has inaugurated the 10-man Committee on the Management/Disbursement of Bodija Explosion Relief Fund be led by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal.
Governor Makinde disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen via his official Twitter handle as read in part:
“In my remarks, I charged the members of the committee to ensure transparency and efficiency in carrying out their responsibilities to those who were affected by the Bodija Incident on 16 January 2024.
“I also said that we have awarded the contract to fix the roads in that area and will be building a monument to honour those who lost their lives.
“Other members of the committee are: Chief Iyiola Oladokun, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and Chairman, Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group; Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose, Chairman, Bodija Estate Residents Association; Alhaji Gafar Bello, Executive Assistant on Finance, Budget and Planning; Mrs Ojuolape Busari, Secretary, Oyo State Emergency Management Agency; Mr Ibrahim Lawal, the nominee of the Nigerian Bar Association; Mr Oluseye Ojo, the nominee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists; Engr. Ibrahim Bello; the nominee of the Nigerian Society of Engineers; Mrs Arinola Olanipekun, the nominee of Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group and Mr David Afolayan, the nominee of the Bodija Estate Residents Association”.
The Ogun State House of AsseAssembly on Tuesday passed the year 2025 Appropriation Bill of N1,054,542,020,147 presented to it by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, exactly 20 days ago.
The passed bill has a slight adjustments in the recurrent expenditures of about 21 agencies, just as the capital expenditures of five agencies were also slightly adjusted, alongside the revenue targets of two agencies.
The passage of the Appropriation Bill followed the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation by its Chairman, Hon. Musefiu Lamidi, who thereafter moved the motion for its adoption, seconded by his Deputy, Hon. Wahab Haruna, and supported by the whole House during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The bill was later read and adopted clause by clause before the Committee of the Whole House, after which the motion for the third reading was moved by the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, seconded by the Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye, and supported by all the lawmakers through a unanimous voice vote, while the Clerk/Head of the Legislative Service, Mr. Sakiru Adebakin, read the bill for the third time before the lawmakers.
The Speaker, therefore, directed that the clean copy of the bill be forwarded to the Governor for his assent.
Some of the agencies that had their budget proposals adjusted included the Ministry of Budget and Planning, which had its estimate increased from N1.475 billion to N1.902 billion, giving an increase of N427 million; while that of the Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives was also increased from N1.780 billion to N2.499 billion, giving an increment of N719 million.
Others, like the State Ministry of Health, were increased from N3.806 billion to N4.116 billion, just as the State Teaching Service Commission’s budget proposal moved from N34.412 billion to N35.912 billion, with that of the State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) moving from N1.347 billion to N1.372 billion; while that of the State Hospital, Sokenu Abeokuta, also got an addition from N3.208 billion to N3.348 billion.
Also, Ogun State Security Network (Amotekun) had its budget proposal increased from N765 million to N1.575 billion; while that of the State Environment Protection Agency moved from N252 million to N262 million, just as the State Library Board’s budget proposal, amongst others, was increased from N147 million to N177 million.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of 160 new Supervisory Councilors and Special Assistants across all 33 local government areas in the state.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo disclosed this to newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday, December 24.
The Commissioner, who also disclosed that the list, which comprised of 93 Supervisory Councilors and 67 Special Assistants includes persons living with disabilities (PLWD), marked a significant step towards social inclusion in governance.
Otunba Ojo otherwise called ‘Ijaya’ stated that the 33 Local Government Executive Chairmen have also been directed to immediately swear in the new appointees.
According to the Commissioner, the new appointees were selected based on merit, competence, and their capacity to contribute to the Makinde administration’s agenda of sustainable development especially at the grassroots.
He added that the decision aligns with the governor’s promise to ensure that all segments of society have a voice in decision-making processes under the present administration in the state.
He explained that the appointments aim to strengthen the governance framework at the local government level to ensure effective service delivery to the people of Oyo State.
“This administration is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or background, is represented in governance, and this is so because the present administration believes in the talents and potential of all individuals, including persons living with disabilities.
The Commissioner also emphasized the need for the newly appointed officials to prioritize the welfare of their local communities while urging them to work closely with local stakeholders to address pressing issues and deliver impactful projects.